Assaults on news media leave a huge gap, too easily filled by social media disinformation. Chaos in information plays out well for autocrats, who are happy to demonize those challenging false narratives, writes Annie Game, director of free expression group IFEX.
Increasingly used as a laser-focused tactic, a weapon to intimidate, instil fear, and paralyse the work of journalists, illegal surveillance puts sources at risk and impedes journalists from providing us with information to expose crime and corruption, and to speak the truth about power.
Human rights groups’ message has been clear: We don’t just need to defend rights in spite of the ongoing public health crisis. In fact, these rights are essential to people’s efforts to tackle and survive the pandemic, writes Annie Game.
The culture of impunity surrounding attacks on journalists represents one of the single greatest threats to freedom of expression worldwide. We must use our freedom of expression to defend it, and to call out crimes against journalists.
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