Italian journalists oppose privacy law


'The gagging law denies citizens the right to be informed’ says the above front page from an Italian newspaper -- which is rubbish. It prevents willy-nilly bugging of people, that is all

Having "exclusive" sources is the Holy Grail for journalists and too bad if it needs an invasion of privacy to achieve that

"There will be no news in Italy today; or, at least, hardly any. That is not a prediction, but fact: none of the main newspapers are appearing because their reporters and editors are on a 24-hour strike. Today they are due to be joined by radio, TV and some internet journalists.

The action is over a parliamentary bill proposing a law that Silvio Berlusconi’s government claims safeguards privacy. Most of Italy’s editors, judges and prosecutors say it is intended to shield politicians, and particularly the prime minister, whose career has been ridden with financial and sexual scandals.

The so-called ‘gagging law’ would curb the ability of police and prosecutors to record phone conversations and plant listening devices. It would also stop journalists publishing the resulting transcripts.

Investigators seeking to listen in on a suspect would need permission from three judges. Regardless of circumstances, eavesdropping warrants would expire after 75 days, after which they must be renewed every three days.”

Source