Head of the Press Department Hoang Huu Luong said in a press conference in Hanoi on May 17 that there were no plans to revise the Law on Press in the coming period following a demand from the Ministry of Public Security demanding to know the identity of public sector whistle-blowers.
Reporters interviewing Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh on the sidelines of a National Assembly's meeting
The Ministry of Public Security recently proposed revising Article 7 of the law, requesting journalists to provide information for inspection agencies.
Asked about this, Mr. Luong said it was just a Ministry of Public Security recommendation. The current Law on Press is still valid and no plans for revision were likely.
Under the Law on Press, “The press has the right and duty not to disclose the name of a source if the information is it could endanger the provider unless they are requested by head of Supreme People's Procuracy at a provincial or higher level when inspecting serious criminal cases.
Individuals allowed to provide information to the press
Individuals working for state agencies or other authorities will be allowed to express their personal views to the press for the first time.
However, the individuals are not entitled to do this on behalf of their agency and reveal their agency’s internal affairs. They would also have to take responsibility for the information they provide.
This will offer a chance for individuals to express their opinions without being a official spokesperson.
Also from July 1, official spokespeople will be obliged to provide information to the press within a day at the latest instead of the current two days. While this may be an improvement, very few official spokespeople currently conform with the law.
