US condemns use of Internet shutdowns to prevent freedom of expression online
Washington, DC US (PANA) - The United States has condemned the use of partial or complete government-imposed Internet shutdowns, among other tactics, to prevent the exercise of freedom of expression online and restrict the ability of independent journalists to serve the public.
In s statement to mark World Press Freedom Day, which falls on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that in the increasingly digital world, press freedom and the free flow of information require "Internet freedom".
He said the US is concerned by governments’ increased efforts to deprive the public of information and knowledge by controlling Internet access and censoring content, including through the widespread use of network restrictions – some as long as 18 months – that make it impossible for journalists to conduct independent reporting.
"Governments must not shut down, block, throttle, censor, or filter services, as these actions undermine and unduly restrict the rights of peaceful assembly and freedoms of association and expression, disrupt access to essential services, and negatively impact the economy." Mr Blinken said.
He stressed that 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.
Mr Blinken said the United States advocates for press freedom online and offline, and for the safety of journalists and media workers worldwide.
"Freedom of expression and access to factual and accurate information provided by independent media are foundational to prosperous and secure democratic societies."
He said the outlook for the rights of journalists today is "harrowing" adding that that is one reason the US announced, in response to the brutal murder of Saudi jouenalist Jamal Khashoggi in the embassy in Turkey, the “Khashoggi Ban” — to help deter threatening behavior against the media.
According the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) the number of journalists jailed for their reporting in 2020 reached the highest level since the organization began keeping track, with the People’s Republic of China, Turkey, and Egypt imprisoning the most reporters last year.
In Russia, the authorities continue to restrict independent reporting, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Mt Blinken noted that unfortunately, the pandemic has provided a pretext for repressive governments to intensify pressure on independent media.
"It is exactly in that kind of hostile environment that the exercise of freedom of expression, especially by members of the press, becomes even more crucial in alerting the public to abuses and corruption and in countering dangerous misinformation and disinformation. 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."
The US also e urged governments to investigate and seek accountability for all crimes against journalists and media workers.
-0- PANA MA 3May2021
