4 hours agoSays Borrell: Media freedom still under threat
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)At a time when reporting by independent and free media is more important than ever, media freedom is still threatened, European Union for Foreign Policy and Security High Representative Josep Borrell has said on the case of World Press Freedom Day May 3rd. “Gasers continue [...]
“Gasers continue to face difficult working conditions with added financial and political pressure, surveillance, arbitrary prison or violence to do their job,”, according to a statement posted on the European Foreign Action Service website (EEAS).
According to U's Observatory data NESTO, 76 journalists have been killed worldwide since 2020, while many have been arrested, harassed or threatened.
The particularly disturbing “is gender-based violence against journalists,” Borrell said in a statement.
Media freedom and journalists' security are the main priorities of the new Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy, as well as the European Democracy Action Plan.
The EU has taken an important move to support journalists, independent media and the fight against mismanagement in the context of a pandemic in many regions, the statement said.
“Freedom of information and free speech must be promoted and protected everywhere. It's in everyone's interest. The EU will continue to speak against any restrictions on freedom of expression and censorship, whether online or offline, violating international law,” said Borrell.
“Freedom of the media and the press is a cornerstone of democratic societies that can flourish only if citizens have access to reliable information and can make informed elections. Media freedom means security for all,” concluded Borrell.
Otherwise, tomorrow marks May 3rd World Press Freedom Day, which serves to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to freedom of the press and is also a day of reflection among media professionals on press freedom and professional ethics.
According to the organisation “Reporters Without Borders” on the state of media freedom for 2020, Kosovo ranks 70th in the world and stands best compared to some countries in the region.
On the occasion of marking this day, the Association of Kosovo Journalists (AGK) will hold a press conference and a discussion table.
The World Press Freedom Day theme this year is “Blaced May”, which serves as a reminder of what a day without the media would look like.
May 3rd is also the day of commemoration of those journalists who have lost their lives in pursuit of truth and professional reporting.
