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The government in Pakistan is considering introducing a law aimed at curbing freedom of press in an indirect but effective manner. The draft of the proposed law, dubbed the Press and Publications Regulatory Authority (PAPRA), has been sent to provincial governments for their comments and suggestions. In my view, the approaching elections are making some members of the government jittery. And press freedom seems to be the biggest casualty of this development.

Below is the official statement of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance network of media organizations around the region, in support of the class civil suit vs. Presidential spouse Jose Miguel Arroyo.

Filipino journalists and media organizations are filing a class civil suit against Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo, the husband of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, for "abuse of rights and violating freedom of expression." If they win, the journalists vow to use the money to put up a trust fund that would advance the cause of Philippine journalism. The following report has been made by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.