International Press Institute (IPI) condemns Swazi government's decision to draft new Secrecy Act

Based on information provided to IPI, the Justice Ministry is proposing to enact a Secrecy Act, which imposes a fine of US $3,385 if journalists refuse to reveal sources, carries prison sentences of up to five years, and prohibits journalists from publishing information the Swazi government believes to be secret.

Commenting on the Secrecy Act, IPI Director, Johann P. Fritz, said, "The decision to enact such an act smacks of a government prepared to go to extreme lengths to smother independent reporting."

"Given the fact that both the government and the King of Swaziland have been embarrassed by media reports in the past, this appears to be nothing short of retribution for the media doing its job - namely to watch over government and, in the case of Swaziland, to examine closely the actions of the monarchy."

"The Swazi government needs to be clearly reminded that the independent media have a legitimate right to report on events, a right which is supported by international law and upheld in democratic countries all over the world."

"Journalists should not be silenced or imprisoned or forced to reveal their sources merely because certain individuals in power find their reports embarrassing. I very much hope that the government will reconsider its position and abandon attempts to introduce this law."