Vietnam's Press Freedom Under Siege: New Laws Tighten Grip on Journalists

Vietnam's parliament has enacted new media and state secrets laws that further restrict journalists' freedoms. The reforms require journalists to disclose sources and broaden the definition of state secrets, increasing legal risks for reporting. Press freedom advocates warn these laws intensify government control over media in Vietnam.

Vietnam's parliament has passed controversial reforms to its media and state secrets laws, sparking criticism from press freedom advocates. These changes have been condemned for adding constraints on journalists, notably making it increasingly difficult to protect their sources and increasing their legal risks while reporting.

Aleksandra Bielakowska from Reporters Without Borders expressed grave concern about the amendments, warning that Vietnam's media environment might become 'an almost impossible place for journalists to report freely.' Vietnam is currently ranked 173rd out of 180 countries on the world press freedom index.

Key reforms include the requirement of journalists to reveal sources upon authorities' requests during investigations, a shift from only divulging information in serious crime probes. Additionally, the public security ministry and local police can now demand source disclosures, a power formerly reserved for judges.