Stephanie Jackter - 6-11-2003 at 09:51 PM
http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MEXICO_OPEN_GOVER...
Jun 11, 10:13 PM EDT
Mexico Starts Freedom of Information Act
By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO
Associated Press Writer
MEXICO (AP) -- The first-ever Mexican freedom of information law takes effect Thursday, designed to expose the government and its once closely guarded
records and secrets to greater public scrutiny.
The new law requires all branches of government to provide copies of public documents - from government employees' salaries to details about public
programs and government contracts - within 20 days of any citizen's request.
It states that each federal branch can withhold requested information for up to 12 years for national security and a few other reasons.
The law also restricts public access to records containing business secrets and information about ongoing judicial proceedings and criminal
investigations.
"This means that all information will be public and that it can only be withheld for a finite amount of time," said Maria Marvan, the president of the
new Federal Institute of Access to Public Information.
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Jun 11, 10:13 PM EDT
Mexico Starts Freedom of Information Act
By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO
Associated Press Writer
MEXICO (AP) -- The first-ever Mexican freedom of information law takes effect Thursday, designed to expose the government and its once closely guarded
records and secrets to greater public scrutiny.
The new law requires all branches of government to provide copies of public documents - from government employees' salaries to details about public
programs and government contracts - within 20 days of any citizen's request.
It states that each federal branch can withhold requested information for up to 12 years for national security and a few other reasons.
The law also restricts public access to records containing business secrets and information about ongoing judicial proceedings and criminal
investigations.
"This means that all information will be public and that it can only be withheld for a finite amount of time," said Maria Marvan, the president of the
new Federal Institute of Access to Public Information.
If government officials deny an information request, Marvan's institute will make a determination. Courts will have oversight.
Government officials who refuse to provide information could lose their jobs or face fines and even criminal charges.
Fox pushed for the new law's passage, arguing that it was an important step in making Mexico's historically corrupt government more honest.
He has released information about his income and investments, and published documents on the Internet detailing his administration's expenditures.
After those same documents revealed that $443 towels and $1,060 sheets were purchased for the president's residence, then never found, Fox said the
revelation was a step toward more responsible governance. Several officials implicated in the scandal later resigned.