Chinese press body to take steps to protect journalists’ rights

NEW DELHI - In a statement, China’s General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) has emphasized the protection of reporters’ rights in newsgathering, following a string of suspected attacks against journalists who exposed scandals.

“Media organizations have the right to know, interview, publish, criticize and supervise issues related to national and public interests,” the in a statement on its website over the weekend.

“Normal and legal newsgathering activities by media organizations and their reporters and editors are protected by law,” the China Daily quoted the GAPP, as saying.

The administration said it will conduct special inspections across the country in the second half of this year and will require local press and publication departments to better protect the legal rights of local media organizations.

The inspections will check the implementation of two regulations issued by the administration last year - the management of local bureaus of newspapers and periodicals, and the management of press cards.

In 2007 and 2008, the administration issued two circulars to urge related government authorities to offer help and necessary protection to legal newsgathering activities. (ANI)