The Association of Graphic News of Navarra (NAGE) has requested the repeal of the Citizen Security Act, the Moorish Law, for violating the right to information.
In a hearing in the Foral Parliament, the president of the association, José Luis Larrion, has considered that this legislation is "a cause of concern" because "it is an opportunity for administrative punishment".
This law covers a total of EUR 400 million of fines, of which EUR 7.7 million corresponds to penalties imposed by graphic journalists for the misuse of police images.
Larrion cited as an example the case of a Navarro reporter who was fined EUR 6,000 "for photographing a protest from his parents in a college in Sarriguren, where police officers appeared", which was finally dismissed.
During the time that the law lasted, he asked that "the agents know that together with them there is a professional who faces this criminal act with judgment and professionalism".
Larrion has also highlighted the administrative situation in Navarre, where 70% of the partners are self-employed, and has warned of a lack of direction in the speed of information.
The rate of publication of the media encourages "the dissemination of topics of doubtful quality or without information characteristics" and calls for "a high degree of prevention" because "manipulation through social networks is very simple".
He also considers the presence of graphic journalists, according to criteria of quality and truthfulness, "essential at a time of plurality of opinions" important.
They have also warned that "the misuse of photos and videos by institutions and individuals is not a source of public access, nor of free use, without the consent of the authors".
Nine years ago, pending the adoption of the Mordaza Law, the Council of Europe itself said that the law was going to be “disproportionate” and its “great concern”. “This law is a reactionary and conservative absurdity to criminalize street protest and criticism,”... [+]