Al-Rawi sends warning to cyber criminals

In a statement yesterday, the association said it is “deeply concerned” about the bill’s reintroduction.

“MATT remains deeply troubled that the Cybercrime Bill has retained its potential to criminalise professional journalists working in the public interest.

“MATT anticipates injury to journalism, media houses and independent journalists.” At minimum, the association urged that the media and whistleblowers must be exempted from the bill.

The association said it met Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi in June and December 2016, but since then its letter of February 2017 had simply earned an acknowledgement of receipt.

“We therefore find it worrisome that at yesterday’s (Thursday’s) post Cabinet press conference Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi signalled his intention to bring the bill before a joint select committee of the Parliament today.” The association said while a re-draft of clause 8 of the bill says layers of proof (such as “intentionality” and “justification”) must be satisfied to prove an offence, these “protections” are low bars that only take effect once the matter reaches court.

“We also see the potential for self-censorship by journalists and media houses in order to avoid expensive, protracted and worrisome legal procedures and in order to protect their sources.” MATT says it fears Clause 8 could have fatal effects on independent practitioners by miring them in legal action that could result in their professional demise.

“This is a strategy already used against the press; we see provisions as drafted in this bill encouraging that practice against the press.” The association said the bill’s invocation of “national security” is too wide and could be used to suppress information.

Urging the bill exempt journalists and whistleblowers, MATT said, “Without such exemptions, the bill threatens to violate constitutional rights to press freedom and freedom of expression.” MATT said it remains available to the AG’s office and the joint select committee on the bill to work towards a thoughtful, creative solution on a troubling intrusion on the freedom of journalists to serve the public’s right to know.