Luanda The approach on the press freedom should follow the Constitution, which gives the judiciary power, the control of abuses that may arise from it, said Friday the minister of Justice and Human Rights, Rui Mangueira.
The minister said so when delivering a lecture entitled “Press Freedom and the national interest”, under the World Press Freedom day, marked on May 3.
According to Rui Mangueira, when there is a conflict of interest involving the press with its journalist information freedom, on the one hand, and citizens with their civil and constitutional rights, on the other hand, it is up to the judiciary to tackle the conflict.
“The conflict between freedom of information and protection of privacy, the privacy to the honour and image of persons is very frequent among us,” he stressed.
The minister also underlined that the principle of freedom of speech, as well as other principles that make up the system of fundamental rights, does not have absolute immunity, rather, it limits in other rights, which may lead to a collision of the principles.
He emphasized that the collision of the right to freedom of speech and the press with the right to the reputation occurs when information is disclosed to the public indiscriminately.
“In any situation requiring the intervention of justice, is not a responsible act to anticipate the conclusion of a process, it is important not to hurt the honour and image of citizens alleging that have simply been denounced or filed a complaint.
The event was attended by Media minister, Jos Lus de Matos and secretary of State for Media, Manuel da Conceio.
Members of board of directors of the State-owned Media organs, press attach and journalists from public and private media outlets also attended the lecture.
The world marks this year 20th anniversary of institution by UN of the press freedom.
Originally posted here:
Angola: Freedom of Information Must Be Based On Constitution – Minister
