BRAZIL

BRAZIL WHEREAS there are 53 bills before Congress that imply an interference in the professional activities of the press, according to a study carried out by the Committee on Legal Affairs and GovernmentaI Relations of the Brazilian Newspaper Association (AN]) at least 45 of these bilIs, if approved, will cause irreparable damage to the free practice of journalism the emotional climate that exists in the relations between Congress and the press is a matter of concern THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE lAPA RESOLVES to express to the Brazilian Congress its concern that passage of a press law couId create obstacles to the free expression of ideas in the forrn of sanctions that intimidate journalists and undermine the finances of media companies.