Strictly handle press agencies if there are violations in reporting on serious crimes.

Today, August 19, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan officially sent a dispatch requesting press agencies to comply with press laws when reporting on serious crimes.

The document stated: Recently, press agencies have promptly reported on serious crimes, contributing to orienting public opinion, condemning criminal acts, warning and deterring those who intend to commit crimes, and encouraging strict and lawful handling by authorities.

The Ministry of Information and Communications requires press agencies to clearly demonstrate social responsibility and professional ethics of journalists when publishing news and articles about serious crimes. (Photo of press conference on serious crimes in Binh Phuoc)

However, some press agencies have exploited and published many consecutive news articles about the same incident, deployed information collection and published reports according to the time and developments of the incident, including information describing the crime in detail with gruesome acts or exploiting sensational information surrounding the case; infringing on citizens' privacy; publishing and broadcasting statements that are not in accordance with their functions, causing public confusion and hindering the investigation process, causing negative effects on society.

The Ministry of Information and Communications requires press agencies to further promote their strengths in propaganda work, clearly demonstrate social responsibility and professional ethics of journalists, and strictly comply with legal regulations in press activities.

The Ministry of Information and Communications will strictly handle press agencies that violate legal regulations in press activities, and handle press agency leaders if violations occur in the future.

According to Infonet