The World Association of Newspapers has launched a website dedicated to its annual campaign for the World Press Freedom Day. This year the theme is “Press Under Surveillance”.  The movement seeks to inform the public on the implications of governmental measures against terrorism and other security regulations that can affect the ability of the press to inform.

According to the “3 May Manifesto”, even in democracies the work of journalists is sometimes difficult. Anti-terrorism and official secrets laws, criminal prosecution of journalists that disclosed classified information, surveillance of communications without judicial authorization, restrictions on access to government data, all together put press freedom at stake.

“The objective of these measures is laudable and compelling – the protection of citizens against threats to life and property.  There is, however, a legitimate and growing concern that in too many instances such measures, whether old or newly introduced, are being used to stifle debate and the free flow of information about political decisions, or that they are being implemented with too little concern for the overriding necessity to protect individual liberties and, notably, freedom of the press.” 

To promote the need for balance between security and freedom, a collection of AFP photos, cartoons, essays and print advertisements on the issue can be freely published and distributed. The package is available in English, French, Spanish, German and Russian.

On the website it is also available a summary of the Committee to Protect Journalists census on imprisoned journalists, categorized by country. According to CPJ analysis, a total of 134 journalists were imprisoned last year, 67 of which were print reporters, editors and photographers, followed by Internet journalists. China, Cuba, Eritrea, and Ethiopia seem to be the countries where most of the journalists were captured. Under “Infographics” it is possible to find and download maps featuring the countries where journalists were killed or imprisoned in 2006, and to find the detailed accounts of their disappearances.

In the spotlight of this year campaign is the case of Chinese journalist Shi Tao, who is serving a 10-year jail sentence for “leaking state secrets”. He had written an e-mail describing how the Chinese government restricted media coverage of the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square events. In order to mobilize young people to take part in press freedom issues, WAN website allows to send a postcard to Chinese authorities asking the release of Shi Tao and other protest letters.

E. Delaini

Published: May 4, 2007