A recent one-day workshop on media and the law in East Timor brought together 34 journalists and legal specialists to discuss the country's current legal framework and consider ways to improve it. At the end of the workshop, the participants created a special working group to draft a new media law to present to Parliament. Members of the working group include journalists from East Timor's print and broadcast media and legal advisors.

Current media law is based on Indonesian law, and journalists have highlighted areas that should be revised to better suit the East Timor context. The Indonesian law's libel fines, in particular, have come under criticism after a controversial decision last year by the Dili District Court to impose a potentially bankrupting fine of $50,000 on one of the country's two daily newspapers after finding it guilty of defaming an Indonesian businessman. Members of the new working group also agreed to evaluate regulations and best practices from other countries.

Journalists have also raised concerns about portions of the Indonesian law that allows journalists to be jailed for critical reporting of government officials and other forms of dissent. Likely recommendations for new legislation include decriminalizing defamation and establishing in detail the right to free expression.

The recent workshop, organized by Internews, followed a high-level conference last year organized by Internews and The Asia Foundation that featured a panel of experts from three countries and opened by President Xanana Gusmao. Internews continues to support media law development by organizing meetings and providing international advisors and information on best practices from around the world.

Internews is one of USAID's implementing partners in East Timor. USAID supports its efforts to enhance the skills of journalists, improve the sustainability of media outlets, and encourage public debate on key issues related to legislation and justice.