“Free speech clampdown”: New Australian law sees journalists facing 10yrs in prison

“Free speech clampdown”: New Australian law sees journalists facing 10yrs in prison

Australia’s lower house of parliament has passed the first in a series of counter-terrorism amendments toughening the country’s national security law. The new legislation could see journalists jailed for reporting on related matters.

National Security Amendments Bill (No. 1), passed by Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday, says a person who discloses information relating to a special intelligence operation may face from five to 10 years behind bars.