In an interview on Thursday, Torres, Ind.-Saipan, said he had yet to read House Bill 17-191 introduced by Rep. Teresita A. Santos but he will support the proposal if it subjects “cyber-rats comments” to libel complaints.
Santos, Ind.-Rota, defines libel as “malicious defamation, expressed either by writing, printing or by signs or pictures, or by electronic means on the internet, electronic bulletin board, chat room, message board or other place or the like to impeach the honesty, integrity, virtue or reputation or publish the natural or alleged defects of one who is alive, and thereby to expose him to public hatred, contempt or ridicule.”
The bill imposes up to a $5,000 fine or up to six months imprisonment for any person found guilty of libel.
Torres said like him, Santos must also have her own bad experiences with Variety online commentators.
He said he never discussed his concerns with Santos but when she introduced H.B. 17-191 during last week’s session, he found it to be a good idea.
Torres said he acknowledges freedom of the press provided that the report is factual.
“I never give anything to the media that is not factual,” he added.
He said as soon as he sees Santos, he will ask her to make specific preference to online commentators.
He said he will also suggest a provision that will require this newspaper to reveal their real names.
