Warning Against Illegal "Journalist Cards"
The Independent Commission for the Issuance of the National Professional Journalist Card warned on Wednesday against the issuance of "illegal cards" bearing the name "journalist card" and displaying the Republic's seal to suggest their legitimacy.
In a statement, the Commission denounced initiatives from "certain parties" to issue non-compliant cards, giving them the appearance of public authority. It called on the authorities and all official bodies to be vigilant and take necessary measures, emphasizing that such actions are punishable by law.
Recalling that it is the only legally authorized body to issue the professional journalist card, in accordance with Article 8 of Decree-Law No. 115 of 2011 relating to press freedom, the Commission stated that it will take legal action against any falsification operation.
It also invoked Article 11 of Government Decree No. 229 of 2021, which authorizes it to prosecute anyone involved in presenting falsified documents to obtain the card, as well as anyone who has knowingly falsified, used, or distributed such a card.
