Proposed media code draws heavy criticism

The international press freedom watchdog Reporters sans frontieres (RSF) has protested against a proposed code that would expose media professionals in Togo to heavy penalties for defaming the head of state, other government officials and top civil servants. In a letter to Togolese Prime Minister Koffi Sama, RSF said the proposed code would stifle the independent press and showed the government's willingness to clamp down on the media. The Paris-based organisation said it was disappointed by the government's decision which, it said, was a "sudden turnaround" in a media reform policy the Togolese authorities began in 1998 when they started decriminalising press offenses, RSF said on Wednesday. According to RSF, the proposed bill was presented by the ministry of communication. If it is passed, journalists would face up to five years in jail and a monetary fine of up to five million CFA (about US $7,500) for defaming the president. Under the existing code, the maximum penalty was six months. For offences against parliamentarians, the prime minister and other senior state officials, the penalties would range between three months and two years in jail. If the aggrieved parties are judges or members of the armed and security forces, the prison term would be three years, RSF said. The code would also allow the interior ministry to seize copies of any publication whose content is considered a threat to public order and security, according to RSF.