Bill No. 11321 does not restrict media, but rather strengthens protection of honest media - Yurchyshyn
Bill No. 11321 does not restrict freedom of speech, but protects honest media.
He said this on Telegram, Censor.NET reports.
"We are strengthening the protection of honest media, not restricting either media or users. No one will oblige the media to remove comments critical of anyone. As well as any comments without legal grounds," the MP said.
According to Yurchyshyn, the information disseminated by the media that draft law No. 11321 allegedly restricts freedom of speech and introduces penalties for the media if they do not remove "negative comments from readers about officials under the news" is a lie.
Before the bill was passed
"According to the Law on Media, media outlets can apply to the National Council or sue for disseminating false information if an account leaves a comment under their material with the appropriate content. A court case is a lot of time and expense, as well as a threat to the image of the media," he said.
After the adoption of the bill
"If a court proceeding is initiated and a reasoned decision is received from the court regarding material that violates the Law on Media, the media outlet can decide what to do with the commentary to which the decision relates. The media can either delete such a comment within three days after receiving information from the court and not be held liable for it, or, sharing the position of the commentator, leave the comment and defend its position in court," the MP added.
The MP noted that the draft law exempts the media from liability for paraphrasing officials' statements, but not for quoting them directly.
"Now the media can really suffer from lawsuits if they do not quote a person directly, but pass on the words. Although the essence does not change. Instead, we propose that the media make it easier to convey information so that they can indirectly convey the essence of a public figure's statement. And to be protected from lawsuits in this case," explained Yurchyshyn.
"Who needs to spread this lie about draft law No. 11321? Obviously, those who consistently file lawsuits to protect their "honor and dignity". You know the name of one of these former officials well. It is much easier for him to work with the courts than with the National Council. Therefore, I will not be surprised if Portnov's name is somehow involved in the channels of distribution of this manipulation.
Let me remind you that during the development of the draft law, we consulted with key organizations involved in media protection. The full list is available in the post. And it was they who supported additional media protection, which the tailors are trying to present in a way that is favorable to them," he summarized.
As reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada passed a bill that would penalize the media for negative comments about officials if they are not removed within 3 days.
