Three Estonian newspapers today publish empty front pages in protest against a draft law sent to the Estonian parlament today, according to Meelis Mandel, the editor in chief of Business Newspaper Äripëav. Postimees, Ohtuleht and Äripäev where the three papers taking action.
The empty front pages of the three important daily newspapers want to draw attention to a draft law that according to numerous sources would weaken the protection for sources of journalists. In its current form it is considered a severe threat against freedom of expression. Journalists and media people have tried to raise awareness about the law for months.
“The law – if passed – will allow the arrest of investigative journalists and force them to disclose the names of their sources,” Meelis Mandel explains. It would also make it possible for the courts to impose fines on publishers based on the sole suspicion that newspapers have the intention to publish potentially harmful information, before investigative articles even appear.
The law was initiated by government and has now been referred to the Estonian parliament, according to several media sources.
“Estonia currently holds a high position in world press freedom rankings. Passing this law would throw Estonia shamefully backwards,” says Meelis Mandel.
Recently Dirk Voorhoof, a European expert on media law and freedom of expression and media law professor at the University of Gent, visited Estonia and analysed the draft. In its present form, the draft law does not meet the aim of source protection, contrary to what its name says, Voorhoof said to Estonian newspaper Eesti Paevaleht. “The draft law provides extensive exceptions which allow to ignore the principle of source protection and force journalists to disclose their sources. These exceptions do not in any way meet the aim stipulated in the name of the law which is to protect the sources,” Voorhoof noted.
Update 20th March 2010: See also article in Baltic Business News and on Euronews.
Update 21st of March 2010: See also article in German TAZ.
#1 by Kazimierz on March 18, 2010 - 6:33 pm
“press freedom”
———-
What does EUobserver do with its press freedom?
And who is free? The owner? The editor? The Journalists? And free from whom?
#2 by Christian on May 5, 2011 - 1:57 am
Do you have a link to a current list of the world press freedom rankings?
-C
#3 by Fly Fishing Art on May 13, 2011 - 5:46 pm
Well, one thing that I can can to this article on blank front pages. And that is, you have all the rights to say something since it is free to comment. Keep on posting.
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#5 by siding ct on May 20, 2011 - 5:08 pm
I enjoyed reading this thought about blank front pages. It is very natural to say something that is really taken from someone’s opinion. May we continue to be strong whatever may happens.
#6 by Paul on May 24, 2011 - 9:24 pm
I don’t understand why anyone would propose a law like. This goes totally in the face of journalism and how it’s meant to be done.
#7 by Connecticut Roofing Contractor on June 1, 2011 - 8:34 am
I love this article is presented. It does talk more about blank front pages. Now, I have learned the real meaning of blank front pages.
#8 by Ray Adams on June 9, 2011 - 4:31 pm
Well, if the law shall pass from the higher parliament, I think their would be great danger to the side of the journalist and media people. Why? because no one can protect them and their life would be at risk as well as the life of thier sources. Aside from that they are taking their rights — the right to be inform in any kind of medium. I think people at Estonia must think hundreds of times about the draft law before they reach into a decision.
#9 by kevin on September 2, 2011 - 5:51 pm
I don’t understand. Estonia is a member of the EU and has been for some years. Does not the European Convention on Human Rights say “This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers”. Surely the proposed legislation is an infringement of this?
#10 by Bredbånd on September 13, 2011 - 2:02 am
If only the newspapers would take similar drastic steps against other injustices in the world.
All too often, the important news are hidden amongst celebrity stories and other totally unimportant things.
#11 by Peter Edgerton on September 30, 2011 - 5:12 pm
I love this form of press protest!
#12 by West Palm Beach criminal attorney on November 20, 2011 - 3:30 pm
What a cool form of protest in Estonia! It might be the case that newspapers won’t ever be silenced to tell the truth that protection of sources of journalists should always be at all times maintained.
#13 by Rita Brooks on January 3, 2012 - 12:46 pm
I agree, this was a great way to protest. Creates a lot of impact.
#14 by Bobby Patten on January 9, 2012 - 4:38 am
Good way to protest but i think as long as the journalists don’t over step the privacy mark then their fine.