No reason for journalists to fear cyber law: Law Minister

The minister said these things in reply to journalists' questions after the closing ceremony of the second batch and the opening ceremony of the third batch of an internship program organized jointly by the Attorney General's Office and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Tuesday (October 13).

The law minister said public opinion is being collected from people of various classes and professions regarding the cyber law. There is consensus among stakeholders on the need for a law to protect ordinary people from harassment on social media and misuse of artificial intelligence. However, various opinions have come regarding the language and structure of the law. Decisions will be made after reviewing them. The law is still at the preliminary draft stage.

Regarding journalists' concerns, he said the government is seriously considering the interests of journalists performing professional duties and the past misuse of deterrent laws. The work of enacting the law will be taken forward taking everyone's opinions.

Regarding the formation of a separate secretariat for the judiciary, the minister said the matter is being reviewed. Since it is related to the constitution, the Constitution Reform Committee is also working on it. The matter will be taken forward through the process of constitutional amendment.

The law minister also mentioned plans to set up special courts to ensure legal assistance for expatriate workers. He said the government is thinking of establishing a system to provide various types of services from one place so that expatriates can get legal remedies without hassle after returning home.