Journalism is not a crime—it is fundamental to a free society. Today marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, and the occasion has prompted President Joe Biden to renew his pledge to hold accountable all those who seek to silence journalists, reporters, and media workers that are essential to transparent and trustworthy governance.
The First Amendment of the US Constitution enshrines the freedom of speech and of the press, which is crucial to democracy. It allows the government and society to be self-critical and self-correcting, and serves as a guardian of truth. Unfortunately, many journalists around the world face risks, and some have lost their lives and livelihoods in pursuit of the truth.
President Biden highlighted the cases of Evan Gershkovich and Austin Tice, who remain missing and are presumed to have been detained or abducted in their line of work. He acknowledged the pain their families have endured and stated that no family should have to go through that.
The President pointed out that autocrats and their enablers continue to repress a free and independent media in many parts of the world. They employ various tactics such as censorship, retribution, threats, lawsuits, harassment, disinformation, detention, and physical attacks.
However, President Biden emphasized that courageous journalists around the world have shown time and again that they will not be silenced or intimidated. The United States stands with them and is committed to providing more resources than ever to support digital and physical security training for journalists, so they can do their jobs without fear for their safety.
Additionally, the US is working with partners worldwide to establish a new fund dedicated to providing defense counsel to journalists. Moreover, funding will be provided to the Promoting Information Integrity and Resilience Initiative, which aims to help journalists do their jobs as safely as possible and strengthen global information integrity.
President Biden called on everyone to stand with journalists around the world, speak out against those who wish to silence them, and support a free press that is essential to democracy and democracies worldwide.
