Paraguay

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.