"Lawmakers reject legislation affecting the press; Parliament votes 'no' to media-related law"
Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has adopted Bill No12320, titled "Ensuring Compliance with Legal Counsel's Guarantees." This legislation has stirred up debate due to its restrictions on media coverage related to lawyer-client communications.
The bill introduces administrative liability and fines for media outlets that publicly identify a lawyer with their client. Critics argue that this could limit transparency and the public's right to know about legal proceedings. Anastasia Radina, Head of the Anti-Corruption Policy Committee, has expressed her concerns, stating that the law could be used as a new tool to pressure unwanted journalists.
If the bill is signed into law, fines for journalists could range from 3400 to 5100 UAH for stating a lawyer represents a specific client. A repeat offense within a year could result in fines of 10200 to 13600 UAH. Notably, lawyers themselves would initiate these fines under the new law.
Yaroslav Yurchishin, Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Freedom of Speech Committee, has been vocal in his opposition to the bill. He considers it a real attack on freedom of speech and has announced his intention to propose a presidential veto if the bill is enacted. Yurchishin also plans to support a blocking resolution against Bill No12320, which he believes undermines democratic principles by restricting critical oversight and reporting on legal matters.
Yurchishin believes everyone has the right to know who's representing whom and has appealed to international partners for their assessment of the bill. His comments were made during the bill's second reading, and he also expressed his intention to appeal if the bill is passed.
Radina and her colleagues are preparing a blocking resolution to the bill, reflecting growing opposition to the legislation within the parliament. The controversy surrounding Bill No12320 continues, with many questioning its impact on freedom of speech and press in Ukraine.
[1] Information about the law and its criticism comes from the Parliament website and the Facebook posts of Yaroslav Yurchishin, Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Freedom of Speech Committee, and Anastasia Radina.
This legislation, titled "Ensuring Compliance with Legal Counsel's Guarantees," has sparked controversy in Ukraine's politics and policy-and-legislation arena, particularly due to its restrictions on media coverage related to lawyer-client communications. Yaroslav Yurchishin, Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Freedom of Speech Committee, considers the bill a real attack on freedom of speech and has expressed his intention to propose a presidential veto if enacted, and support a blocking resolution against it due to his belief that it undermines democratic principles by restricting critical oversight and reporting on legal matters.
