Freedom of Expression dialogue coming up
In the face of mounting criticism about freedom of expression in Panama President, Ricardo Martinelli on Saturday, May 14 announced a national dialogue to discuss the issue.
While the government has been running attack ads against Panamanian journalists, and Panama has been downgraded for its lack of press freedom, José Domingo Ulloa Panama’s Catholic archbishop called for conciliation.
The Ministry of Communication said the President welcomed the call made by Ulloa, on 24 January, he called for a dialogue to strengthen the commitment to freedom of expression and he has asked the archbishop to act as mediator.
In addition to the various issues that may arise in the dialogue, the Government is important to discuss the following questions: what are the possibilities and what are the limits of the exercise of freedom of expression?
What threatens this right. The establishment of legal regulations or abuse in the exercise of it? Is the realization of this right being threatened now? How can we all help protect and defend this and other rights
Martinelli has urged the National Association of Journalists, the Union of Journalists and the National Journalism Council to appoint a representatives.
He also asked the civil society organizations to participate.