Articles 16 and 23 of the law establish sanctions, closures, and possible imprisonment for members of the media who publish or broadcast any racists or discriminatory statements, even when made by third parties. Media owners would be liable for any statements made by their employees if they make them while on the job.
The public and the media fear these portions of the law will be used by the government to silence any remaining voices of opposition.
In Santa Cruz, the march ended at the main plaza in front of the cathedral where members of the press gave speeches and the public chanted slogans such as "freedom of expression", "no to the muzzle law", "democracy is dead", "don't muzzle our children's future" and "life is nothing if liberty is lost".
One journalist hung his microphone from a noose. It said PRENSA Q.P.D. which means "The PRESS - R.I.P. (Rest In Peace)".
Numerous members of the media and public wore "muzzles" over their mouths to symbolize their rejection of the two controversial articles of the law.
Members of media organizations, their families, radio and TV, civic organizations, universities, and the general public are taking part in protests, which are ongoing throughout the country.
People wore t-shirts that read "Freedom of Expression" and "NO to the Muzzle Law" as the law is now being called "la ley mordaza", in Spanish.
CNN
