Panama

PANAMA WHEREAS • legislation restricting freedom of the press and the right to seek and disseminate information remains in effect • the exercise of journalism is reserved exclusively to those the law considers suitable • certain legal actions against Editora Panama America, S.A. and others that involve Impresora Ideal and the newspapers Ya and El Siglo are yet to be resolved • the political changes in Panama make possible the creation of a juridical regime that consecrates and guarantees the free dissemination of information, opinions and ideas, without prior restrictions THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE IAPA RESOLVES • to urge the competent Panamanian authorities to bring about a prompt, just and effective solution of the legal issues affecting Editora Panama America, S.A., and lmpresora Ideal and the newspapers Ya and El Siglo • to ask the Panamanian government for the repeal of all legislation that restricts freedom of the press and the right to seek and disseminate information, including the elimination of any requirement of membership in a colegio, union or profession as a prerequisite for the practice of journalism • to call on the government of Panama to completely revise existing criminal law concerning the offenses of libel and defamation and replace it with legislation consistent with internationally recognized human rights.