South Africa’s parliament has voted in favor of a fiercely contested secrecy bill which critics say will muzzle the media and provide cover for government corruption. The Protection of State Information Bill, which would replace apartheid-era legislation on classified information and espionage, passed with 189 votes in favor to 74 against, with one abstention. … The Bill has met fierce opposition from the media, rights groups and the opposition, which fear it will be used to persecute whistleblowers and stifle press freedom in country where the media regularly uncover government corruption and wasteful spending. …