Freedom of Information Bill faces opposition over limitations and vague clauses
via The Reporter Ethiopia2 min read
A new Freedom of Information Proclamation, recently tabled in Parliament, has drawn criticism from Members of Parliament due to its limitations and vague clauses. If ratified, the law would restrict public and media access to information concerning government activities against insurgents and enemies of the state. The draft prohibits access to cabinet documents, internal operations of public bodies, commercial activities, economic and financial information, defense and security data, international relations data, and information tied to third parties. Public offices would have the right to decline requests related to activities monitoring and controlling enemies or insurgents, including details on armaments, information collection methods, confidential informants, and intelligence. Desalegn Chane, an MP from the National Movement of Amhara NAMA, specifically criticized Article 18, which deals with enemies, insurgents, national defense, and security information, for its lack of clear definitions. He argued that without precise definitions, these terms could be misused to conceal misconduct within defense, intelligence, police, and security institutions. The bill proposes that public and private organizations designate information officers to handle requests, with these officers having the authority to classify information for 15 years or more. The draft has been referred to the Democratic Affairs Standing Committee for further review.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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