International FOI news

India - Call for a Global Relay Fast to Protest the RTI Act Amendments
"This is a call to all Indians world-wide, who wish to see a strong, empowered, democratic India, free from the shackles of corruption, to come out and voice their protest against the recently proposed amendments to the Right to Information Act by sitting in a fast in solidarity with our partners in India who have decided to go on a hunger-strike until their demand to not tamper with the Act is met by the government."

USA - First Amendment Center - N.Y. strengthens its freedom of information law
"A new state law should make it faster and cheaper for New Yorkers to gain access to government records and Gov. George Pataki is considering another bill that could strengthen the Freedom of Information Law."

Bulgaria - Sofia News Agency - 15 Y in Jail for Meddling with Secret Services Files in Bulgaria
"A jail sentence of 5 to 15 years and a fine from BGN 15 000 to 30 000 hangs over those who hides, forges, destroys and releases documents that prove contribution to the Communist-era state security services, a draft law says."

Vanuatu-
News - MAV supports the principle idea of an FOI bill but cautious of it being jeopardized
"The Media Association blong Vanuatu (MAV) wishes to clarify its position on the Freedom of Information bill that has emerged during the recent media workshop in Port Vila organized by Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) and conducted by Professor David Robie of New Zealand’s Auckland University of Technology."