Shamah libel case breaks law – Journalism Council
Panama’s National Journalism Council (CNP) Has responded with a broadsie to an “honor” complaint by the Tourism administrator against a La Prensa journalist.
In a statement issued Friday, March 2 the council said that there was increasingly more evidence,that journalists have become witnesses and made things uncomfortable for those who act with impunity to the detriment of transparency and a better country" .
The statement says that the complaint against Monica Palm was filed not only with ignorance of the Constitution but the provisions of the Judicial Code, which state that there are no offenses against honor for criticism of officials, and the reporting of facts that cannot be considered as crimes.
The lawsuit was filed on January 12, based on a column published in La Prensa in which Palm wrote that Shamah and President of the, Ricardo Martinelli, had suggested to then Panama Mayor Bosco Vallarino to remove his advisor Jose Isabel Blandon and, in turn, they would help with a ruling that coming up against him in the Supreme Court.
The CNP statement reminds public servants, especially those of higher rank, that it is is an inescapable duty to know the legal rules of journalism. Neither slander or libel constitute an offense if they occur in the context of discussions, reviews and opinions concerning acts or omissions of public officials officers, concerning the exercise of their functions, among other situations.
"While the practice of justice persists in ignoring these rules, as confirmed by the action of Eighth Circuit Attorny, Adela Cedeno, who admitted and ordered the opening of criminal proceedings against the negative effect on freedom of expression continue to hang over the nation," said the press release.
It wound up : “The National Journalism Council reiterates its call for ethical commitment and the understanding that ignorance of the law does not justify the crime. And it is an offense to violate the Constitution and the Penal Code, as in this case,"
