Indonesia
New guidelines to protect journalistsPosted Jul 1 2008
The Indonesian Press Council released new guidelines April 28 to protect journalists from violent attacks, censorship and other obstructions to publication.
In order to be protected, journalists must follow the press code of ethics, The Jakarta Post reports. The guidelines say journalists cannot be forced to write stories that violate the code of ethics. They also prohibit others from intimidating, torturing or killing journalists. Journalists must also carry assignment letters, proof of insurance and proper safety equipment.
The Indonesian government says it protects press freedom, but has drafted legislation that allows journalists to be brought to court for libel and inciting hatred of the government. Human rights organizations have criticized the proposed law, arguing it is harsher than the existing criminal code.