According to a new law, information outlets can use only official news dispatches to report national emergencies. Severe penalties are stipulated for transgressors. More sanctions and more controls are in the pipeline for those who publicly challenge the government.
Beijing (AsiaNews/SCMP) The National People's Congress Standing Committee has decided that media agencies breaking news "on emergencies in the country" without authorization will face fines ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 yuan [from 5,000 to 10,000 euros]. The decision is part of a draft law being reviewed by the executive body.
The new law stipulates that punishment may also be meted out to those who "report on the handling and developments of such emergencies without authorization", and to media which "publish false reports about disasters". The text also says public officials in charge of managing emergencies should release information to the public and "manage" the media at the time. However, they are not required to give any information if they do not think it necessary to do so.
Emergencies listed by the law include: natural disasters, accidents, public health crises and "social security crises", such as protests and clashes between farmers and local officials, which are on the rise.
Journalism Professor, Zhan Jiang , of the China Youth University for Political Sciences, said he was "shocked" at the idea that a law should tackle the matter like this. "I don't know whose idea it was," he said. "I hope the deputies of the National People's Congress will say something about this."
Chinese journalists say they have often been "invited" by the Communist Party's Propaganda Department to use only the official dispatches of Xinhua for their news; further, independent reporting is not allowed.
The law also upholds the responsibility of citizens to denounce any incident to the authorities, to help in rescue efforts and to maintain public order. Those who fail to obey these directives will face criminal charges.
Law professor, Teng Biao, said these clauses would make it easier for the government to penalise protesters in cases of land seizures or clashes with police. "Before, they were using excuses such as 'disturbing social order' and even subversion to detain citizens fighting for their rights. But now the charge can be more direct, saying they are not obeying decisions by local governments handling emergencies."