Rights Groups Slam New Media Restrictions

Civil rights advocates have condemned a recent government order which prevents private media from seeking information directly from official institutions.



In late May, Prime Minister Mohammad Naji Al-Otari instructed all ministries to communicate with the media and public only through the state-run news agency, SANA.



In a statement issued on June 2, which was published by several local websites, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression complained that the decision was aimed at controlling private media and putting an end to a margin of freedom which it said had been given to journalists covering economic issues.



In its statement, the centre added that the new decree contradicted the premier’s earlier pledges to develop press offices within ministries, as well as his instructions to officials to hold regular meetings with journalists in order to convey accurate information to the media.



It concluded by saying that the decision came about because officials were trying to block the free flow of information because they were afraid of conveying the truth.