PRESS FREEDOM DAY: U.S. SLAMS TENDENCIES TO CURB FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

WASHINGTON: On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on Monday, the United States has condemned the use of government-imposed internet shutdowns around the world to prevent the exercise of freedom of expression online and urged governments to investigate and seek accountability for crimes against journalists.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said, “Tomorrow, the United States joins the international community in celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Information and knowledge are powerful tools, and a free and independent press is the core institution connecting publics to the information they need to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and hold governmental officials accountable.”

Stressing that the US advocates for press freedom online and offline and for the safety of journalists and media workers worldwide, Blinken also mentioned the implementation of the “Khashoggi ban” - in the wake of the murder of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi - to help deter threatening behaviour against the media.

Citing a Committee to Protect Journalists report in 2020, the top US diplomat said Mexico and Afghanistan had seen the largest number of journalists killed in retaliation for their reporting, while China, Turkey and Egypt imprisoned the most reporters last year.

“We call on all governments to ensure media safety and protect journalists’ ability to do their jobs without fear of violence, threats, or unjust detention,” he said.