Brussels, 03/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on Tuesday 3 May, the European Union institutions paid tribute to all those journalists throughout the world who are threatened, persecuted, imprisoned or assassinated simply for doing their job. The European Commission chose as a symbol of this the France 3 journalists, Stéphane Taponier and Hervé Ghesquière, who have been held in captivity in Afghanistan since December 2009 by a Taliban group. Commission President José Manuel Barroso said the media play a crucial role in ensuring that citizens have access to ideas and information. He added that this freedom must be safeguarded and strengthened whenever it comes under threat. Barroso stressed that journalists face unacceptable threats. He solemnly called once more for the journalists held captive to be released. “Those held prisoner or hostage today must be released as soon as possible”, he insisted.
In a statement, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton pointed out that “freedom of opinion and expression is a fundamental right of every human being and an inherent part of human dignity. It is also a cornerstone of democracy and crucial for the free flow of information to which everyone is entitled”. Given current events, Catherine Ashton paid particular tribute to the “invaluable work” of the many journalists and media professionals working in Arab countries, and deplored the fact that journalists are “targeted by those who dislike the nature of the information they reveal”. She called on all governments to “abide by international norms for the protection of freedom of the press and media and to release without delay all journalists or bloggers unlawfully detained”.
On the occasion of this special day for freedom of the press, the human rights subcommittee at the European Parliament also discussed ways likely to improve the protection of journalists. Heidi Hautala (Greens/EFA, Finland), in the chair, above all called for greater attention to be paid to the “repressive laws that are adopted by authoritarian regimes in the name of combating terrorism”. Véronique De Keyser (S&D, Belgium) spoke of the exceptional work done by journalists and local observers and asked what could be done by EP offices to protect them better.
Reporters without Borders deplored the fact that, although international rules do already exist, they are not always applied. It states the EU could do more by providing greater diplomatic support for journalists in the event of detention, as well as specific training prior to departure to a conflict zone, and also psychological help upon return.
The European Commission announced, moreover, that a high level international conference would be held on 6 May to promote the vital importance of freedom of expression and of the media in the Western Balkans and Turkey. It will be attended by the commissioner in charge of enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, Stefan Füle. Within the framework of its enlargement strategy, the Commission has already expressed concern about restrictions placed on freedom of expression and the media in these countries, where journalists are still receiving threats and being imprisoned. Known as “Speak Up!”, the event will attract more than 400 participants, providing them with an opportunity to speak out on this subject.
Finally, still on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, the Commission has launched the Lorenzo Natali 2011 prize for journalism. The prize rewards journalists of the written press, radio and television for excellence on the theme of development, democracy and human rights throughout the world. Applications for entering the competition must be in by 31 August 2011. (I.L./transl.jl)