From the International Herald Tribune:
A Chinese draft law that threatens to fine news media for reporting on “sudden incidents” without permission applies to foreign as well as domestic news organizations, an official involved in preparing the legislation said Monday.
The law, now under consideration by the legislature, calls for fines of up to $12,500 if news media produce unauthorized reports on outbreaks of disease, natural disasters, social disturbances or other so-called sudden incidents that officials determine to be false or harmful to China’s social order. [Full text]
See also:
– China Defends Proposed Law to Fine Media by Forbes.
– China says draft law to make media “responsible” from Reuters.
Update (7/4/06):
– China’s media faces fines for reporting disasters by Guardian Unlimited.
– State Council official responds to media concerns about draft emergency management law by China Media Project
– See a New York Times editorial on the proposed law, “No News Allowed.”
– Comments from the Non-Violent Resistance blog here and here.
