Dear Minister,

While we understand the government's interest in the media and the need to reinforce  the press Council, we nonetheless think this bill endangers the independence of  journalists by extending the government's prerogatives in this domain. We are also  concerned by the toughening of the penalties to which journalists are exposed,  including for violations of the "code of ethics."

Under the bill, the government would appoint the members of the Press Council, which has the job of controlling media activities. This would raise doubts about the council's impartiality and jeopardise its autonomy. The system of self-regulation with  the Press Council currently manages is, in our view, the best one.