Global Media: Global petition against media tribunal grows

The global advocacy group has received almost 30,000 signatures for an online petition against the ANC's proposed Media Appeals Tribunal, The Times newspaper reported on Wednesday. Avaaz spokesman Alice Jay said 29,347 people had signed up by Tuesday afternoon.

Avaaz started the petition last week when the African National Congress held its national general council in Durban.

Delegates decided that the ANC would instruct Parliament to investigate self-regulation, transformation and ownership in the print media.

The Avaaz petition was also against the Protection of Information Bill, which had been criticised for posing a threat to media freedom.

"South Africa's democracy is at risk," said Avaaz executive director Ricken Patel in a statement on its website.

"These draconian proposals threaten press freedom, hamper crucial public scrutiny of government and security agencies, and block the media from exposing corruption and abuse of power."

Avaaz said on its website that it had also mobilised protests against a gag media law in Italy and in Brazil, where an anti-corruption bill was passed.

-September 29, 2010 by Sapa

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Source: www.timeslive.co.za/local/article681270.ece/Global-petition-against-media-tribunal-grows  (accessed on 29.09.2010)