Draft Press Law also leaves open the possibility of threatening journalists in cyberspace
Although the draft Press Law (amended) stipulates 14 groups of prohibited acts, it has not mentioned acts of threatening, attacking, and terrorist acts against journalists in cyberspace.
On the afternoon of November 24, the National Assembly discussed in the hall the draft Press Law (amended).
Commenting on this draft law, National Assembly delegate Nguyen Huu Thong (Lam Dong National Assembly delegation) said that the new draft only lists traditional tasks of journalism, while the reality in recent years shows that the press has increasingly participated in social supervision and criticism activities.
To ensure a full legal basis, I propose to add regulations on the task of journalism in participating in monitoring and social criticism, thereby strengthening the role of journalism in the lives of our country - delegate Nguyen Huu Thong said.
Regarding prohibited acts, delegate Nguyen Huu Thong said that Article 9 of the draft stipulates 14 groups of prohibited acts, but did not mention acts of threatening, attacking, or terroristry against journalists in cyberspace.
I see this as an increasingly common situation and a huge impact on the professional safety of journalists. Therefore, I propose to add this behavior to Article 9 to protect the press" - delegate Nguyen Huu Thong emphasized.
At point c, clause 1, it is stipulated: "Cous causing psychological warfare", the delegate said that this is a term with a wide range of content, there is no basis to determine what is the behavior of "causing psychological warfare", the level, method and consequences.
The lack of definition can lead to confusion in the application of the law. Therefore, to ensure transparency, this delegate suggested clarifying or defining "ps psychological warfare" in the explanation of the law's words.
Regarding the same issue, delegate Le Thu Ha (Lao Cai National Assembly Delegation) also proposed to supplement regulations on occupational safety for journalists. In particular, establishing a clear coordination mechanism between press agencies, local authorities and functional forces.
This delegate said that journalists are people who seek the truth and need to be protected by the law accordingly. "When journalists are protected, the press will be strong, the press will be strong, the democracy will be strong" - delegate Le Thu Ha emphasized.
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