Removal of clauses

We applaud the removal of the two clauses in the previous draft of the emergency response law that may lead to constrains on the press.

According to article 57 of that draft, proposed for first reading at the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress last June, the media are not supposed to release information about the handling of emergencies and development of the situation on their own "in violation of related rules", or publish false information. If the circumstances or consequences are considered "serious", the violator may face a fine of 50,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan ($6,250-$12,500).

Article 45, while obligating the media to publish timely information in emergencies, ruled that government offices must "regulate" the reports.