South Africans protest against media control

Johannesburg, 18 Sept-(ANA)-Hundreds of demonstrators have marched in Johannesburg, South Africa, against new measures they fear will muzzle the country's media.

They criticised plans to introduce a "protection of information" bill and a new media tribunal, to punish journalists who step out of line.

Helen Zille, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, said the proposals are worse than apartheid-era measures.

The protest came days before the ruling ANC holds its national conference.

Demonstrators carrying placards condemning press censorship marched to the Constitutional Court to voice their anger against the two proposals. (ANA)

FA/ANA/18 September 2010-------