Damascus, Dec. 16 (SANA) Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa revealed that the Syrian government is working on a professional code of conduct for journalists following renewed debate over the enforcement of the country’s cybercrime law and its impact on freedom of expression.
Al-Mustafa said discussions online about countering incitement content revealed shortcomings in the 2022 cybercrime law, citing ethical and procedural obstacles that complicate its fair application.
Writing in the state-run al-Thawra newspaper, al-Mustafa said the Ministry of Information has opted for a participatory approach to develop a new code of conduct, involving journalists, unions and media institutions in its drafting.
A committee of ten experts—mostly independents—was formed and held 16 workshops across Syria over five months, engaging hundreds of journalists and media managers. The process resulted in a draft exceeding 90 pages, including guidelines for digital content creators.
The proposed code draws on European media models and is intended to balance freedom of expression with the public interest, the minister said. Approval of the code will be required for media licensing and press accreditation, with gradual implementation focused on correction rather than punishment.
Al-Mustafa said the initiative aims to resolve media disputes internally before reaching the courts and could serve as a long-term professional framework for Syria’s media sector.
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