Journalists say what freedom means to them on World Press Freedom Day

By Abimbola Mohammed

It is no longer news that many journalists around the globe have suffered some sort of intimidation, abuse, bullying, jail sentences and even got killed while carrying out their constitutional duties.

It is exactly to counter these critical situations and threats, that press freedom, safety of journalists and access to information take centre stage at the World Press Freedom Day 2023, with the theme: ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.’

The right to freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a prerequisite and a driver to the enjoyment of all other human rights. This year’s Special 30th anniversary celebration of World Press Freedom Day is, therefore, a call to recentre press freedom, as well as independent, pluralistic and diverse media, as key to the enjoyment of all other human rights.

According to a tweet on the United Nations (UN) official page expressing what press freedom means, “A free press is essential for exposing threats such as human rights, abuses, corruption, misinformation, and much more. If everything is alright in the news, then something is wrong with journalism.”

Roberta Metsola, President European Parliament, said in a short video clip on twitter: “Journalist must never be a target, their fight for the truth should never be conditional. Their voice should never be silenced. We will always stand by the side of truth-seekers, on the side of justice, and on the side of independent journalism. Because we know that the freedom of journalists to be able to do their jobs cannot be uncoupled from the protection of our democracy. We are talking about the two sides of the same coin. Protecting journalists, protecting the truth means protecting our way of life. And especially in these dangerous and uncertain times, supporting the free media means supporting democracy itself.”

Lucia Newman, Latin America Editor, Al Jazeera, while expressing what press freedom means to her, she said: “I have been reporting on civil strife and abuse of power in Latin America for over 30 years. She noted challenging those who’d rather we keep quiet doesn’t get any easier. That is why freedom of the press matters.”

On his part, Baher Ghorab, Senior planning producer, Al Jazeera said: “As a person who spent 438 days in jail just for doing my job and just reporting the truth. I think and I believe press freedom is a basic right for every single person.”

Heidi Zhou-Castro, Correspondent, Washington DC, Al Jazeera, said: “Press freedom is a fundamental right, without ability to freely report on events and issues of public interest, the public is left in the dark and unable to make informed decisions.”

“Press freedom means we are able to do our job freely and independently, that we are able to ask tough questions, tell important stories, and hold the powerful to account. All without fear of censorship or intimidation.” This was the submission of Mohammed Jamjoom, Senior correspondent, Al Jazeera.

Jan Ajwang, Media Focus on Africa, who in a video share on twitter had a gag in her mouth to explain what it means when journalist are restricted when trying to carry out their duties: “I know, I couldn’t speak, because my mouth was closed, and this what happen when journalist or journalism faces restriction. So where there is no freedom of the press, it’s very unlikely that journalists are able to do their work. Journalists have a critical role to play in society to hold power to account, to raise platforms for debate, to educate and entertain people. If this critical part of the society is missing or held back then how else power is held accountable.”