May 27 2009 |
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Saudi Arabia aims to pass law controlling electronic media
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Gulf News
Riyadh: The Saudi Ministry of Information and other government bodies are studying the possibility of issuing special regulations to control electronic newspapers.
The move came in the wake of a protest staged by a number of Saudi female journalists against a report published in an electronic newspaper allegedly defaming Saudi women.
According to informed sources, the new regulations will include several controls including that all Saudi electronic newspapers and websites must obtain official permits from the Ministry of Information , and that owners of the newspapers and the chief editors must put their names on the front pages.
Within the context of greater openness, the Saudi authorities last February lifted the ban on the London-based daily electronic Elaph newspaper, which lasted for two years. The decision was taken one week after a cabinet reshuffle which brought in Dr Khoja as Minister of Information.
In a meeting held in Riyadh headed by Turki Al Sudairy, editor-in-chief of Al Riyadh newspaper, the board of directors of the Saudi Journalists Association expressed its support for those who were accused in the report.
In a press release issued after the meeting, the board emphasised "its commitment to protecting the professional staff of the Saudi press," and urged the electronic newspapers to adhere to the rules of publications and ethics.
It also held them responsible for any defamation under the regulations against libel and defamation.
The press release stressed the board would support the prosecution of the owners of the offending sites, and would take legal action against those involved.
The board affirmed it would approach the relevant authorities to set comprehensive regulations to control electronic media to be under the existing publication and printing regulations.
© Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
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