"Legislation opposed in Parliament: Bill aimed at restricting press freedom and media operations"
In a move that has sparked controversy and concern among various stakeholders, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has adopted a new law titled "Ensuring the Compliance of Guarantees of Legal Counsel." The legislation, which proposes fines for citizens and officials who publicly identify a lawyer with their client, has been met with criticism from numerous quarters, including the heads of the anti-corruption and freedom of speech committees.
Anastasia Radina, Chair of the Anti-Corruption Policy Committee, has stated that the law has nothing to do with freedom of speech and press. However, Radina and her colleagues are preparing a blocking resolution to the bill, fearing that it could be a new tool to pressure unwanted journalists. Radina also noted that the law could potentially infringe upon the public's right to know who's representing whom.
Yurchishin, another prominent figure in Ukrainian politics, shares these concerns. He believes that everyone has the right to know who's representing whom and plans to support the blocking resolution against the bill. In addition, Yurchishin plans to appeal to international partners to assess the bill and, if the bill is signed into law, to ask the president to veto it.
The fines for a single violation range from 3400 UAH to 5100 UAH, and for repeat violations within a year, they range from 10200 UAH to 13600 UAH. Interestingly, the law stipulates that lawyers themselves would initiate these fines.
The bill also introduces administrative liability and fines for media outlets that publicly identify a lawyer with their client. This provision has raised further concerns about the potential impact on freedom of the press, with many fearing that it could lead to increased self-censorship and a chilling effect on investigative journalism.
Despite the lack of verified recent news reports, official government statements, or expert analyses discussing this specific draft law, the potential impact on freedom of speech and the press is a matter of concern for many. The controversy surrounding the law underscores the ongoing importance of vigilance and scrutiny in protecting these fundamental rights.
Policy-and-legislation regarding the new law "Ensuring the Compliance of Guarantees of Legal Counsel" has sparked concern, particularly among anti-corruption and freedom of speech advocates. Anastasia Radina and Yurchishin, both influential figures in Ukrainian politics, have expressed worries that the law could infringe upon freedom of speech, potentially lead to pressure on journalists, and have a chilling effect on investigative journalism.
