Tonga Media legislation passed [1]
Friday, October 24, 2003 - 16:32. Updated on Sunday, May 11, 2014 - 10:53.
The amendment to Clause 7 'Freedom of Speech' of the Tongan Constitution, was passed by the Tongan Legislative Assembly with a vote16-11 on October 16, along with a new Newspaper Act 2003, which was passed 14-8.
The passing of these two media legislations together with the Media Operators Act that was passed by the House in July, completed the passage of three controversial media legislations pushed by government.
Once the King signs these media legislations, the Tongan government will have the absolute authority to control and to regulate freedom of speech and the press in Tonga.
The implementation of these new media laws was depends on the successful amendment of the Constitution, which now only has to be signed by the King.