NATIONAL (special envoy) Complaint by “Yamy Nal” to journalist for satire generates debate on censorship and freedom of expression. Lawyer warns of risks to democracy. Political satire is a fundamental right.
The lawyer Rodrigo Yódice, legal representative of ABC Color and the journalist of the same medium Letizia Medina, warned about the negative consequences for freedom of expression in Paraguay due to the attempted censorship of Senator Norma Aquino, known as “Yamy Nal”, for a political parody on video.
Speaking to ABC Cardinal, Yódice highlighted the risk of undermining freedom of expression by attempting to censor political satire, a standard protected by democratic principles. He considered Aquino’s denunciation as an act of direct censorship, since it seeks to silence a satirical expression about a public figure.
Furthermore, the lawyer raised the possibility that the senator’s action constitutes interference in the independence of the powers of the State by filing the complaint under her political role. He asserted that Aquino’s claims, which include the removal of the video and a public apology, are improper and violate the National Constitution.
Yódice warned about the risk of heading towards totalitarianism if censorship of communicators who express points of view on issues of public interest is allowed. He stressed that political satire is fundamental to democracy and must be protected as part of freedom of expression.
Senator Aquino’s complaint has raised concerns in the field of freedom of expression in Paraguay, adding to a series of attempts to censor the press, where some politicians and influential people use the law selectively for their own interests.
Through statements to the program “For the Rule of Law,” lawyer Rodrigo Yódice spoke about the complaint filed by Senator Norma Aquino, known as “Yami Nal,” against journalist Letizia Medina for alleged online violence against women.
The complaint arose from a parody in which the Senator was depicted as a pig in an Instagram post. Yódice, upon verifying the terms of the complaint, questions its legitimacy, highlighting that political satire does not constitute a fact but an expression of opinion and, therefore, should not be subject to censorship.
In his remarks, Yódice noted that public officials like Senator Aquino are subject to public scrutiny and criticism due to the political decisions they make and should tolerate criticism more prudently. She considers that the lawsuit promoted by the legislator seeks to suppress freedom of expression and censor any critical expression towards her person, which violates fundamental democratic principles.
The lawyer also questioned Aquino’s use of parliamentary investiture, suggesting that it could constitute an abuse of power and an affront to the independence of powers. Likewise, he criticized the structure of the complaint because he considers it incoherent and incompatible with the constitutional principles of freedom of expression.
Furthermore, Yódice highlighted the incompatibility of Law 1600/00, to which Law 5777/16 refers, with democratic principles and freedom of expression. He argues that the precautionary measures contemplated in this law could violate freedom of thought and expression by allowing the suppression of publications in a generic and non-specific manner.
In this context, the lawyer refers to a reform of Law 1600/00 to guarantee that protection measures against telematic violence do not collide with constitutional and democratic principles. He suggests the need for a popular initiative process or a bill that modifies such legislation to ensure respect for freedom of expression and the right to criticism of public officials.
📌 “Yami Nal” tries to censor a journalist.
“It is shameful, what is happening is serious. That Law (5777) is a fundamental Law that is governed by a Law that is in 1600,” lawyer @aleperaltamerlo.
🔸Fb Live: https://t.co/xfbx71ouXI… pic.twitter.com/kf4bGlBiDK
— ABC TV Paraguay (@ABCTVpy) February 20, 2024
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