Media Law

LAW

Media Law

REFERENCE Legislative Decree 108/2011
DATE OF PROMULGATION Promulgated by President Bashar Al-Assad on August 28, 2011
RELEVANT PROVISIONS
  • Covers all forms of media including radio, television and the internet.
  • Lays down rules concerning the publication of material.
  • Journalists usually do not have to reveal their sources.
  • Permits the establishment of a number of media businesses for the purposes of print works, audiovisual broadcasts, internet publications, news agencies and media services companies.
  • Establishes the National Media Council to regulate this industry.
RELATED LEGISLATION
  • Replaces the previous Media Law contained in Legislative Decree 50/2001.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
  • Enacted as part of the government’s proposed package of legislative reforms in response to the growing unrest in the country that started in 2011.