Park Yong-sang for the Chosun Ilbo told the court the two press laws are a government attempt to institutionalize interference with the press from a progressive ideological perspective. “The Newspaper Law and Press Arbitration Law contain a variety of articles regulating the management, editing and sales of newspapers and thus violate the freedom of the press and publishing as well as economic freedom, the right to a fair trial, equality and pursuit of happiness - all protected in the Constitution,” the lawyer said. “The petition was filed to prevent public opinion from being controlled by those in power or a certain ideological group and to defend the freedom of newspapers to speak freely and reflect various opinions for the sake of the public.” The Chosun Ilbo petition filed in June last year singles out 48 provisions in the press laws for violating constitutionally guaranteed rights.

Lee Young-mo for the Dong-A Ilbo argued the two laws are not only unconstitutional but also aimed specifically at gagging the country’s leading conservative newspapers including the Chosun and Dong-A Ilbo.

In response, Yang Sam-seung for the Culture and Tourism Ministry said the press as monitor and critic should embrace the restrictions the laws impose together with the protection and benefits they offer. “The laws are reasonable and contain minimum restrictions for the public good,” he said.

The Constitutional Court decided to deliberate on altogether five cases involving the laws together, including the petitions by the two dailies. Following a second hearing on April 25, it plans to conclude the matter within the first half of the year, before the retirement in August or September of five justices of the court including President Yun Young-chul.

(englishnews@chosun.com )