What Does Japan’s State Secrecy Act Mean for Free Expression?
TND Guest Contributor: Nevin Thompson |
Japan’s controversial State Secrecy Act became law on Wednesday, December 10. The State Secrecy Act increases criminal penalties for leakers of “state secrets”.
Under the new law, government workers who divulge information that has been classified as state secrets can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, abetters up to five. Critics fear the policy will threaten journalists and watchdog organizations, carrying a chilling effect that could deter them from doing their jobs. In Tokyo last year, mass demonstrations erupted with civic society organizations and journalist groups expressing broad opposition to the law.
In an interview with SNA Japan, Professor Lawrence Repeta of Japan’s Meiji University explains some of the human rights implications of the new legislation:
The new law imposes stiff penalties against government officials and anyone who leaks information that has been designated a secret, says Repeta in the interview with SNA Japan. He predicts this will “obviously [have] an effect on any government official when deciding what information can be talked about when discussing government actions or policy.”
Repeta also explains that the law does not make an exception for whistleblowers. In other words, if an official exposes improper activities or an abuse of power by government actors with the goal of protecting the public interest, she will be afforded no special protection.
A noted legal scholar who has written extensively on the Japanese legal system in the context of access to information, state secrets, and freedom of speech, Lawrence Repeta’s analysis of Japan’s 2013 State Secrecy Act can be read in English here.
# # # #
This article was published by Global Voices and is licensed under Creative Commons 3.0.
Source: http://thenewsdoctors.com/what-does-japans-state-secrecy-act-mean-for-free-expression/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,706,868,230 |
| Stories: | 8,446,671 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
