Lawyers: Decision in Mkini case may curtail other news sites, social media
Modified22 Feb 2021, 10:18 am
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Lawyers and media groups have expressed concern over the Federal Court s decision to cite news organisation
Malaysiakini for contempt and fine it RM500,000 over five reader comments.
They are worried about its impact on press freedom, other news organisations and the public s ability to participate in online critical discourse.
They also questioned if social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will now need to closely police Malaysian users or risk being cited for contempt.
Calling the fine amount excessive , lawyer Azira Aziz remarked that the decision placed an unfair burden on newsrooms.