South Africa: ‘Dark day’ for free speech as secrecy bill is passed

Headline Title: South Africa passes secrecy bill 22 November 2011 The South African parliament’s approval of a draconian secrecy bill which could see journalists and whistleblowers in prison for investigating state wrongdoing is a worrying development for the country, Amnesty International said today.The bill, which could see journalists facing up to 25 years in prison for publishing information which state officials want to keep secret, was overwhelmingly approved in parliament, with 229 votes to 107.Black-clad activists across the country have staged protests condemning the bill.…

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