PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – Political and media groups have criticised a decision by the National Council of Telecommunications (CONATEL) that it may take drastic actions against some media establishments “broadcasting systematically false information likely to disturb public order”.

In a statement, CONATEL said it was reminding media houses that the government has the monopoly on telecommunication services and that Article 6 of the official Decree outlines the penalties for any establishment contravening the measures.

But Haitian press freedom watchdog, SOS Journalists, has called on President Michel Martelly and Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe to immediately intervene in the matter given that the administration has consistently indicated that it respects and upholds freedom of the press.