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P
a n a m a 1. CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK The freedom of expression is contained in a generic way in
Art. 37 of the Political Constitution of 1972, which acknowledges
all persons have the right to express their thought freely through
the media without prior censorship. Even if there is no specific constitutional provision regarding
the right to information, Art. 41 enables anyone to submit petitions
to public officials for reasons of social or personal interest and
to receive a response within 30 days. Art. 85 of the Constitution provides ?social communication
media are instruments of information, education, recreation and
cultural and scientific dissemination. When they are used for advertising
and propaganda, the latter should not be contrary to health, morals,
education, and the cultural development of society and national
conscience.? Through specific reference in Art. 51 which sets exceptions
for internal disturbances or states of emergency, the rights provided
in Art. 37 on freedom of expression shall be suspended.
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