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{
    "id": 215234,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/215234/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 165,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mr. Ochilo-Ayacko",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 347,
        "legal_name": "Ochilo George Mbogo Ayacko",
        "slug": "ochilo-ayacko"
    },
    "content": "Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, if the Press must be regulated in any way, that regulation must be done by the Press itself or by the standards it sets. It also must be done by the readers who are free to decline to read, listen to or watch anything that they regard as offensive. I know that a free Press is also capable of injuring people. In the Penal Code, there are certain provisions that you can invoke if you go to court, against libelous publication. If you are libelled, it can be criminal and you are afforded an avenue through which you can seek redress, both in criminal and civil proceedings. That would balance the injury or redress what an individual is seeking, as against the right to know by the entire nation, in respect of public matters. If we have such legislation in place, and knowing very well that the Press is one of the pillars that we have in terms of our support for democracy, then, it would be very important for hon. Members of Parliament who believe in freedom, to make sure that this kind of Bill does not have the sanctions that are contained in it. I am sure that the Press is well-aware that the public is complaining against certain injuries that it has visited on people. The Press is also aware that through the support it gets from the public by way of advertisement, readership, listenership and so on, it should be as professional as possible. It should also be able to regulate itself and be part and parcel of the development of this country. Mr. Temporary Deputy Speaker, Sir, in conclusion, I want to say that I am extremely reluctant to support any attempt to regulate the Press and freedom of expression. If individual injuries are suffered, I believe that the courts are available to redress such. If the failure is in the court, that can be addressed or redressed without legislating. Thank you, very much."
}