On November 2, 2017, “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists,” the State Department lauded the work of journalists around the world who “shine a light on abuses and corruption, expose threats posed by transnational criminal organizations, and counter disinformation and propaganda that spread false narratives.” State added, “These efforts play an indispensable role in the healthy functioning of our own democracy and also underpin democratic values around the world.”
After citing examples of nations – Russia, Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Turkey, etc. – where “journalists are often under threat from those who wish to silence them. In too many parts of the world, crimes against journalists go unpunished” the State Department concluded:
On International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the United States renews its dedication to promoting a free, professional, and independent press abroad, and to advocating for accountability for those who would undermine a free press with threats, intimidation, and violence.
The following day, I wrote a piece where I claimed that apparently the State Department remembered that November 2 was International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, but “forgot to tell Trump about it” and gave this explanation:
While in the United States we have not (yet) seen crimes of such a scale as “torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detention,” it can be argued that part of the State Department’s rhetoric “promoting a free, professional and independent press” and criticizing “disinformation and propaganda that spread false narratives,” sounds hollow and hypocritical considering the Trump administration’s recent attacks on our own free press, media, journalists and on the First Amendment.
It was followed by several examples of such (Trump) attacks on our free press.
Today, May 3, is the 25th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, a day that “celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom.” During the past few months, the Trump administration’s attacks on a free press have continued unrelentingly.
A few weeks ago, the top editor at the New York Times, Dean Baquet, said that Trump’s attacks on journalism are “out of control.”
So, once again it strikes one as the height of hypocrisy to read the following hollow statement by our State Department:
On the 25th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, we renew our commitment to promoting and protecting a free press, which is an essential pillar of democracy.
The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. By fostering a free press, citizens are more informed, active and engaged in political decision-making, and can better hold their governments accountable.
Today, we honor the many journalists and media actors who have dedicated their lives, often at great risk, to promote transparency and accountability throughout the world.
Yeah, tell that to Trump.
Lead image, credit World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers
