PARAGUAY
Despite united opposition from the press, the
country's new constitution, which went into effect in
June, includes enabling legislation that could severely restrict
press freedom. In addition, there is an attempt to
revive a bill that would put a tight rein on the press.
Despite all this uncertainty, however, the Paraguayan
press has been able to operate without government coostraint,
and has played a key part in disclosing corruption among both civilians and the military which could shake Paraguays new-found democracy - or even end it - if the govemment fails to step in.
The constitution, which was expected to guarantee press freedom, in fact stops short of that. It contains numerous
ambiguous and undear provisions, which could be used to thwart free speech. It guarantees that there shall be no new laws curtailing press freedom, but contains provisions involving a "right of reply, n regulation of advertising, legal protection of privacy and of what is called "the image of a person."
The constitution also recognizes the concept of the journalist-columnist. Without defining who such people are, it gives them the right to publish whatever they wish - allowing their editorial superiors only to express any contrary opinion.
Another potentially dangerous clause, article 27, states
that "the use of the media is in the public interest" and
therefore cannot be "shut down or suspended." This could
be used to stop a newspaper from ceasing publication,
even if that is what its owners want to do because of financial
difficulties brought about by mismanagement or labor disputes. It would need to be established who would henceforth publish the paper.
Another article states that citizens "have the right to
receive accurate, responsible and falr information," but it
does say how this would be determined.
The constitution also prohibits the owners or shareholders of
news media from running for president, vicepresident,
senator or congressman.
The Chamber of Deputies' news media sub-committee
earlier voted down a press law bill sponsored by Colorado
congressman Julio Cesar Vasconsellos, and it is expected
that the bill, introduced a second time under the
new constitution, will again be rejected.
