Jordan PM says Arab Spring forced governments to widen press freedoms
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Jordan's prime minister says the Arab Spring has forced governments in the region to allow more freedom of expression and of the press.
Abdullah Ensour said at a meeting of the Geneva-based International Press Institute on Monday that Jordan has "come a long way" in improving both legislation governing press freedoms and the standards of a national media still reeling under long years of state censorship.
"Obviously, we're not yet where we want to be, but we are determined to continue," he added.
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Jordanian participants at the conference had complained of a controversial press and publications law blamed for significantly restricting press freedoms by placing harsh penalties on violators, ultimately forcing journalists to practice self-censorship.
The IPI began its two-day annual World Congress meeting in Jordan on Monday.