World Press Freedom Day 2017: UNESCO calls for better protection of press

Summary

A protest in Jakarta during World Press Freedom Day demanded the release of Al Jazeera journalist Mahmud Hussein, who has been detained in Egypt without trial for over four months. The protest also highlighted censorship and restrictions on press freedom, particularly in Indonesia's Papua region, where journalists face intimidation and violence. Despite hosting World Press Freedom Day, Indonesia restricts media coverage in Papua, raising concerns about a media blackout. The Indonesian journalist association reports a rise in violent incidents, while global efforts push for stronger protections and international law to safeguard journalists.

Takeaways

• 📰 A protest occurred at a Jakarta conference on World Press Freedom Day, demanding the release of Al Jazeera journalist Mahmud Hussein, who has been detained in Egypt for over four months without trial.
• 📹 An undercover journalist from Ghana hides his identity due to the threats faced by investigative journalists.
• ✍️ Al Jazeera, along with other media organizations, has written an international declaration for the protection of journalists and hopes to present it to the United Nations for formal recognition.
• 🌍 The goal is for the declaration to be ratified by governments and codified into international law.
• 🚫 Just days before World Press Freedom Day, a journalist in Papua was beaten and detained while covering a story, highlighting the region's restrictions on press freedom.
• ⚠️ Despite Indonesia hosting World Press Freedom Day, the issue of press freedom in Papua remains off-limits, with protesters demanding full access for journalists in the region.
• 🤐 The lack of media access in Papua has led to suspicions that the Indonesian government is hiding controversial actions in the area.
• 👮 Journalists in Papua often face intimidation, with undercover police forcing journalists to delete evidence of police brutality during protests.
• 📈 Incidents of violence against journalists in Indonesia have doubled over the past two years, according to the Indonesian Journalist Association.
• 💡 The Jakarta event emphasized that good journalism is essential for combating censorship and fake news in the industry.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the protest in Jakarta?

The protest in Jakarta, held on World Press Freedom Day, focused on demanding the release of Al Jazeera journalist Mahmud Hussein, who had been detained in Egypt for more than four months without trial.

Why does the investigative journalist from Ghana hide his identity?

The investigative journalist from Ghana hides his identity because of his undercover work and the increasing threats against journalists, making it dangerous for him to reveal his identity.

What is the international Declaration mentioned in the script?

The international Declaration mentioned in the script is a document written by Al Jazeera and other media organizations that aims to protect journalists. They hope to bring it to the United Nations General Assembly to formalize it into international law.

What happened to a journalist in Papua just before World Press Freedom Day?

Two days before World Press Freedom Day, a journalist in the Indonesian region of Papua was beaten and detained while covering a story, highlighting the risks journalists face in that region.

Why is press freedom in Papua a sensitive topic?

Press freedom in Papua is a sensitive topic because the Indonesian government restricts media access to the region, leading to what protesters describe as a 'media blackout.' Many believe this is done to hide negative activities in Papua.

What did undercover police do to a journalist covering protests in December 2015?

In December 2015, undercover police forced a journalist to delete a video showing a colleague being beaten by police during protests in Papua.

How has press freedom in Indonesia changed in recent years?

While journalists in Indonesia enjoy more freedom than some colleagues elsewhere in Asia, the Indonesian Journalist Association reports that violent incidents against journalists have doubled in the past two years, and media access to Papua remains limited.

What is the stance of the Indonesian government regarding media access to Papua?

The Indonesian government has limited media access to Papua, but they claim that if journalists are looking for facts, they can coordinate with the Home Affairs Ministry, which can provide escorts for journalists.

What threats do journalists in Indonesia face apart from violence?

In addition to violence, journalists in Indonesia face threats of censorship and the growing challenge of combating fake news on social media.

What was one of the key messages highlighted at the World Press Freedom Day event in Jakarta?

One of the key messages highlighted at the event was that good journalism can help save the industry, even in the face of censorship, violence, and the rise of fake news.