Media News - Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Italy’s bloggers to protest over ‘fascist’ right to reply bill

Italian bloggers are to demonstrate in Rome on Thursday against what one opposition leader called a "fascist measure" that would make them liable for fines of up to EUR 12,000. The proposed clampdown was slipped into a bill to curb the right of the media in Italy to publish wiretap transcripts gathered during criminal investigations. Critics argue it was drafted by Silvio Berlusconi's government to protect the prime minister from embarrassment. Earlier this month, the media gave extensive coverage to a report by prosecutors investigating a businessman alleged to have supplied prostitutes for parties at Berlusconi's various homes. The report included transcripts in which the prime minister discussed the quantity and qualities of the women, and boasted he had sex with eight in a single night. The bill, due to begin its journey through parliament next week, includes a clause that puts blogs on the same footing as news websites. It stipulates that anyone who believes they have been defamed or misrepresented in a blog has a right of reply. The blogger would get 48 hours in which to accede to the demand. In the event of a refusal, he or she would become liable for the fine. (The Guardian)

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