Iceland aims to become a legal safe haven for journalists
Posted in: Government & Policy at 12/07/2010 21:04
Umbrellas don't work in Iceland. When rain sweeps the small, volcanic island, which lies just beneath the Arctic Circle, the water assaults you from all directions. Icelanders equip themselves with hoods and waterproof clothing, shunning the accessories that keep people dry in tamer climates.
But when it comes to the media, the concept of an umbrella is becoming increasingly Icelandic. After some terrible blows to Iceland's image - its most famous recent exports being financial turmoil and volcanic ash - the country has turned its creative energy towards creating a catch-all freedom of expression law, which would protect journalists from all manner of legal threats.
Over the past couple of years a group of journalists, freedom of information campaigners and political activists living in Iceland have been working on turning this idea into reality. A resolution proposing the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative (IMMI), has already been unanimously passed by the country's parliament.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jul/12/iceland-legal-haven-journalists-immi
