Spain

SPAIN WHEREAS proposed amendments to the Penal Code that would make libel a crime and grant the right of reply could be considered limitations on press freedom members of the Spanish press at all levels consider these changes in the Penal Code a step backward and a threat to the full and free exercise of journalistic activity these concerns have been placed before the IAPA General Assembly by the editors of the Spanish newspapers THE 48th GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE IAPA DECLARES that it shares the concern of the members of Spanish press at the potential threat to press freedom implied in the amendments being proposed to the Penal Code that it publicly expresses the IAPA's concern at the possibility of the passage of any legislation that would in any way limit free speech, the fundamental pillar of democracy, and could thus negatively impact our countries.