ANC may consider public interest defence to info bill

According to IOL, Motlanthe said the argument was put to him by the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) that it would be up to the courts in every case to decide whether the defence held.

"If that is the understanding it creates the basis for a meeting point," Motlanthe is reported to have told reporters from Parliament's Press Gallery Association. Thus far, the ANC has steadfastly rejected all calls to include a clause that would enable people charged with disclosing classified information to argue that they had done so in the public interest. State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele has gone as far as saying allowing a public interest defence would amount to shredding the bill before it became law.

For more:

• IOL:
  ANC may consider amendments to bill