UN assesses the Communications Act as harmful

Rafael Correa’s controversial Communication Act

While waiting for the ruling of the regime leader Rafael Correa, that would take the Communications Act into full force, the Special Rapporteur of the United Nations for the Promotion and Protection of Freedom of Expression expected it’s approval of the controversial law with eager concern.

According to the rapporteur Frank La Rue, the law has “elements that seriously affect the freedom of the press and freedom of expression, such as the creation of the concept of ‘media lynching’ which, of course, does not exist and is intended to ironically limit the expressions of the media criticism to public policy or state officials.”

La Rue said the Communications Act has violations of Article XIX of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article XIII of the American Convention on Human Rights. The rapporteur believes that the essence of this law contradicts the recommendations made by the international community agencies to the State.

Government supporters insisted that the law brings benefits; Correa referred to this yesterday at the journalism summit that his regime organizes. “What we sought is a better press,” said the executive, who believes that this regulation “will empower citizens to defend themselves from so much abuse.”

One of the final and controversial phrases Correa said was “what is at issue is not the freedom of expression, but the contradiction of private companies for profit by providing a public service.”