And you've heard from the Minister of Home Affairs about the new amendment to the Criminal Code which will see the criminalization of the unauthorized publication, dissemination or disclosure of statements, documents, video footage, photographs, or other materials that form part of an ongoing criminal investigation.
It could act as a fetter on freedom of the press, and Minister Francis Fonseca said it was an issue he brought up in Cabinet. However he added that the media will have the chance to voice their concerns.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"I think, you know, it came obviously from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The minister, I think, is obviously best placed to respond to that question, but I know we had a discussion about it in Cabinet."
"I raised the issue of the press, freedom of the press, and what impact it would have on the press, and the minister assured me that, you know, that he felt comfortable, that it would not, and that certainly that there would be an opportunity if any issues arose in terms of concerns from the press that he would make an effort to address those issues."
"So, you know, I'm comfortable with that at this point. But I think it's legitimate for the press to be concerned about that issue. I think it's justified, because your job is to ensure that there is accountability, transparency."
"You want as much information as possible. And that's good for democracy. So I support that, but at the same time, as I said, I think the minister means well. The ministry means well. And I think if there are any legitimate concerns that you have, the minister will address them in good faith."
And the UDP is rejecting the amendment to the Criminal Code. In a press release today they called it, quote, "the latest attempt by the insecure, immature and thin skinned PUP government to infringe upon Belizeans' right to freedom of speech." End quote.
They continue by saying that with citizen security at an all-time low, Belizeans have a right and a need to be aware of crime trends, and that the surveillance footage of robberies and shootings heighten the awareness of residents.
The press release says, quote, Criminalizing such publications serves only to satisfy a failed government's desire to pretend bullets are not flying and businesses are not being robbed on a daily basis all across the country. Burying their heads in the sand and pretending crime is under control is a luxury only the Cabinet can enjoy. The United Democratic Party is disappointed but not surprised by this attempt by the PUP to silence the media and suppress the publication of public activities." End quote.
