Guterres: Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists Threatens Democracy
In a message delivered on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the escalating risks faced by journalists and media workers worldwide. These risks, as highlighted by Guterres, include verbal abuse, legal threats, physical assaults, imprisonment, torture, and, tragically, murder, all stemming from their pursuit of truth.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
Guterres emphasized the urgent need for justice. He noted that globally, approximately nine out of ten killings of journalists remain unresolved. Guterres specifically mentioned Gaza, noting it as the most dangerous place for journalists in any conflict, and renewed his call for independent and impartial investigations. The Secretary-General believes that impunity not only inflicts injustice on victims and their families but also constitutes an assault on press freedom, incites further violence, and poses a direct threat to democracy itself.
He urged all governments to investigate every case, prosecute every perpetrator, and ensure that journalists can perform their duties freely. Guterres also addressed the alarming rise in online attacks targeting female journalists, which often go unpunished and lead to real-world harm. He stressed the importance of secure digital spaces for those who gather and disseminate news.
The Importance of Protecting Journalists
“When journalists are silenced, we all lose our voice,” Guterres stated. He called for a collective effort to defend press freedom, demand accountability, and guarantee that those who speak truth to power can do so without fear. The Secretary-General’s message serves as a stark reminder of the critical role journalists play in upholding democratic values and the urgent need to protect them from violence and impunity.
Source: Annahar
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