Colombian legislature passes anti-corruption bill that threatens press freedom

Reports said the Colombian Chamber of Representatives passed Bill 369, the "Anti-Corruption Bill," which contains an article that could stifle the press. 

According to article 221A of the bill​,​ judges can suspend or cancel the legal status of any organization whose members defame or slander any active or former government official.

The Colombian constitution gives Duque 20 days to approve or veto the bill.

Defamation and slander are already criminalized in Colombia's penal code, but article 221A gives authorities the authority to suspend or cancel the legal status of organizations where the alleged victims are current or former public officials.

"Defending press freedom is an unquestionable duty," Duque tweeted yesterday, and any threat to that principle should be objected to.