Draft legislation directly related to media freedom, professional journalistic standards and the future of the broadcasting system cannot be considered acceptable if drafted without proper discussion and review.
The Council of Editors believes that the structure and provisions of these draft ordinances indicate a clear risk of increasing state control rather than protecting media freedom.
Furthermore, the initiative to complete the law making process by inviting opinions within such a limited time frame is contrary to participatory and democratic practices.
The Council of Editors believes that legislation of this importance should be made only after the constitution of an elected Parliament and after broad and meaningful consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including journalists, editors, media organizations and civil society representatives.
On the question of ensuring media independence and professional security, haste is not the answer; Rather, a transparent, participatory and responsible process is in the best interest of the country and democracy, the Council of Editors said.