The problem in Qatar is one of "chilling effects". An environment that prevents journalistic investigation
There are many examples, but here's one that springs to mind. Every journo in Doha believes truth is not an absolute defence against defamation in this country. You can't name a convicted murderer, because he would be able to sue you and win. Now, for anyone from outside the region, that's just plain stupid.
I'm not a lawyer, but this is what every journalist in the country believes.
There's a related problem with the punishment system. A local hospital can prosecute a journalist for defamation, and if they have a case, the journalist will go to jail. In most other countries, you'd at least need the backing of some public prosecutor to bring a criminal case against a journalist, and in many countries the hospital would need to prove malicious intent.
Simply put, the Press and Publication Law is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to archaic laws preventing press freedom.
The problem in Qatar is one of "chilling effects". An environment that prevents journalistic investigation
There are many examples, but here's one that springs to mind. Every journo in Doha believes truth is not an absolute defence against defamation in this country. You can't name a convicted murderer, because he would be able to sue you and win. Now, for anyone from outside the region, that's just plain stupid.
I'm not a lawyer, but this is what every journalist in the country believes.
There's a related problem with the punishment system. A local hospital can prosecute a journalist for defamation, and if they have a case, the journalist will go to jail. In most other countries, you'd at least need the backing of some public prosecutor to bring a criminal case against a journalist, and in many countries the hospital would need to prove malicious intent.
Simply put, the Press and Publication Law is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to archaic laws preventing press freedom.