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CGPJ Says Spain’s Draft Press-Secrecy Law Weakens Protections

The nonbinding review heightens pressure for revisions to meet EU standards with full constitutional safeguards.

Overview

  • The CGPJ plenary meets Wednesday to debate a cross‑bloc report by Lucía Avilés and Isabel Revuelta, a pairing that signals likely approval.
  • The draft opinion finds Articles 5 and 6 would lower protection for journalistic secrecy compared with Spain’s criminal‑procedure rules and the EU regulation.
  • The report warns the bill creates an unpredictable framework that fails legal‑clarity benchmarks, leaving journalists unsure which aims justify restricting secrecy.
  • Provisions on intrusive surveillance software are criticized for mirroring EU language in a way that reduces safeguards relative to article 588 of the Ley de Enjuiciamiento Criminal.
  • The CGPJ notes a missed opportunity to ensure journalists can take part in proceedings that limit their secrecy when they are not under investigation, citing the Cursach case.