Uruguay

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URUGUAY Legal action against the media has increased considerably in Uruguay. There has been one charge alleging a "communication crime," two lawsuits concerning published materials, and three lawsuits seeking right of reply, which is granted under the law to supposed victims "inaccurate or offensive" information. President LaCalle filed charges against the weekly police magazine Al Rojo Vivo after it published a story saying he and his family were involved in a multi-million dollar fraud. At the hearing, the editor issued a retraction acknowledging that the story was false. The judge sentenced the editor for disrespect, but did not impose a prison term. The fact the president resorted to the courts rather than using other channels was considered a positive step. At the end of June, a presidential communications adviser proposed that the media, the government and journalists reach some sort of agreement about specific regulations and guidelines for press activity. He also made some veiled criticisms about press coverage, particularly police reporting. Most newspapers attacked the notion in editorials. The idea was put on hold. Other members of the government have also criticized the media. Import duties and value added tax on supplies for newspapers remain in effect, with varying rates for different media. The media have called for abolition of the taxes.

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