Äripäev Joins Protest Against Proposed Law in Estonia

On March 18, the front pages of the largest Estonian morning paper Postimees, the largest tabloid Ohtuleht and the largest business daily Äripäev, as well as one inner page in three other major national papers, were all published blank as a sign of protest.

Estonian journalists and newspapers are protesting against a step taken by the Estonian government, which sent to parliament a draft bill which in effect seeks to silence free press in the country.

"Estonia currently holds a high position in world press freedom rankings," says Meelis Mandel, Editor in Chief for Äripäev. "Passing this law would throw Estonia shamefully backwards. "

The law - if passed - would allow the arrest of investigative journalists and force them to disclose the names of their sources. The law would also make it possible for the courts to impose fines on publishers based on the sole suspicion that newspapers have the intent to publish potentially harmful information before investigative articles even appear.  The Estonian parliament opened discussions on the draft law this week.

The law was originally initiated by the ruling Reform Party and Minister of Justice Rein Lang.