Portuguese media uproar over ‘censorship’ law proposal

Portuguese media are up in arms over a proposed law which would force them submit their election coverage plans for approval by a committee or face a fine. It comes at an awkward time as Saturday marks the 41st anniversary of the country’s revolution which overthrew the regime which regularly censored the press. According to Portuguese newspaper Publico, social media outlets have threatened to boycott covering this autumn’s elections in retaliation. The text was believed to be the work of MPs from both the ruling right-wing government and the opposition socialists. Their leader Antonio Costa acted to distance himself from the text saying he disapproved of the proposal. The Socialist party is seen as the favorite to win the parliamentary elections this autumn, but has been hit by scandal of late with former Socialist Prime Minister Jose Socrates who has been detained on allegations of corruption.