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U
r u g u a y 9. OTHER RESTRICTIONS ON THE CONTENT
OF INFORMATION In the Child Code there is provision in Article 102 for efforts
to be made to ensure that newspapers and magazines that get into
the hands of children respect morality and good habits, eschewing
inappropriate covers and content. The National Institute for Minors, under terms of Article 103,
shall bring pressure to bear on those concerned in newspapers and
magazines not to publish in police reports coverage of crime, vice
and bad habits in such a way that it be injurious to children and
young people. In particular, it shall seek to prevent the publication
of photographs of crimes and homicides. If these pleas are not met,
the Institute shall give written warning to the party concerned
that in the event of recurrence, legal proceedings will be initiated. Article 1 of Law 6,019 of 1989 establishing guidelines on political
propaganda, says: ?Carrying out acts of proselytizing propaganda
on public streets or that can be seen or heard from them, or that
are held in public places or those open to the public and in print
or broadcast media must unfailingly cease 48 hours before polling
day. ?This provision includes the carrying out and publication by
the media of opinion polls or surveys and any kind of statements
or declarations designed to influence voters.? The new Code of Criminal Procedure that went into effect in
July 1998 calls on the media, under Articles 99 and 100, to preserve
the good name and identity of victims, witnesses and defendants
under pain of responsibility for any damage and injury they may
cause. It also upholds the provision in the Child Code with regards
to prohibiting identifying child victims or perpetrators of crimes. The Code of Criminal Procedure also establishes a right of
free publication on the part of defendants or those convicted of
crimes to publish details of their acquittal or dismissal of the
case against them with the same prominence as the original report.
This right is set out in Article 100.1. Finally, worth mentioning is the possibility for judges to
issue a reporting ban in criminal cases when they feel it appropriate,
based on the discretionary powers provided for in the Code?s Article
125.
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