South African editors plan rolling protest action

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) is planning to hold public protests to try to prevent the government passing its controversial Film and Publications Amendment Bill. "The organisation will embark on a programme of rolling protest action and high-level engagement to ensure the bill is amended to protect media freedom," said Sanef chairperson Ferial Haffajee yesterday. The bill has been condemned by virtually every newspaper in South Africa because it brings the press within the ambit of a censorship law and allows for "prior restraint". (Via IOL South Africa)