UN, US, Britain deplore attacks on media freedom

Posted by admin American Politics, Latest Politics Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

May 4, 2012 by John Alechenu, Abuja Leave a Comment

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon
| credits: File copy

The United Nations, United States and Britain have deplored the growing spate of attacks on media freedom and journalists across the world.

The condemnation was contained in various messages delivered at an event to mark the World Press Freedom Day in Abuja on Thursday.

In a message to the gathering, UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, said the freedom of expression was one of mankind’s most precious rights.

According to him, freedom of expression underpins every other freedom and provides a foundation for human dignity. “Free, pluralistic and independent media is essential for its exercise,” he stressed.

He said, “Media freedom faces severe pressure across the world. Last year, UNESCO condemned the killing of 62 journalists who died as a result of their work.

“Those journalists must not be forgotten and these crimes should not remain unpunished.

“As media moves online, more journalists including bloggers, are being harassed, attacked and killed for their work. They must receive the same protection as traditional media workers.” His message was delivered on his behalf by Louise Setshwaelo.

In his address, the Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, Terence McCulley, said US considered press freedom a constitutionally guaranteed right which must be protected.

He joined others to condemn the recent attack on Thisday Newspaper describing it as a threat to freedom itself.

McCulley said, “Unfortunately in many parts of the world the media still face a great challenge in the discharge of their duty.

“We have seen that graphically illustrated here in Nigeria recently with the despicable attack on Thisday in Abuja and Kaduna.

“This attack against the freedom of Press itself, it is an assault on freedom itself. We are reminded again of the recent death of two journalists covering the crisis in Syria.”

-Punchwp_posts