VIENNA, Oct 30, 2014 \u2013 Criminal defamation laws, the imprisonment of journalists, violent attacks on journalists, endemic impunity for such crimes and a spate of emerging restrictions on digital journalism are the five greatest challenges to press freedom around the world, the International Press Institute (IPI) said today as it launched its new campaign #WEWANTCHANGE.<\/p>\n
The campaign will feature the stories of five journalists from four continents, sharing the details of their struggle to carry out their work despite tremendous obstacles created by the illegitimate use of laws and administrative restrictions, or by authorities\u2019 failure to provide journalists with a safe working environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was arrested once, and convicted for defaming the president,\u201d Angolan journalist and human rights activist Rafael Marques recounted in an interview with IPI that is featured in the campaign. \u201cI was not allowed to present any evidence in court. And that is how I was convicted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marques goes on to describe how criminal defamation laws impede journalistic work by inflicting disproportionate punishments and creating the infamous \u201cchilling effect\u201d on media, which stifles debate and fosters self-censorship.<\/p>\n
IPI Press Freedom Manager Barbara Trionfi explained that \u201c#WEWANTCHANGE draws on the powerful voices of journalists who have accompanied IPI for many years in its fight for press freedom and freedom of expression worldwide\u201d.<\/p>\n
She continued: \u201cTheir stories \u2013 the courage they have shown in the face of threats to their freedom and personal safety, supported by their passionate dedication to a journalism that pursues an important public function \u2013 show compelling evidence of how these obstacles to press freedom greatly hinder democratic practices.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trionfi also said that the campaign utilises IPI\u2019s strength as a global organisation. \u201cThe collective voice of our members and friends around the world is the strongest tool IPI has to bring about better conditions for press freedom,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
#WEWANTCHANGE launches today with the first two stories of the five to be featured: Angolan journalist and human rights activist Rafael Marques talks about his ongoing prosecution on criminal defamation charges and Al Jazeera reporter Abdullah Elshamy shares the story of his recent imprisonment in Egypt.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe regime has shown, through these detentions and killing, that if you speak up against what happens, you either get detained for an endless time or you get killed,\u201d Elshamy recounts in his interview. \u201cBut definitely [international] pressure works.\u201d<\/p>\n
Join IPI as we demand a safer world for journalism at campaigns.freemedia.at and www.freemedia.at. Share the information on the campaign website and raise your voice in support of media freedom worldwide.<\/p>\n
For more information on #WEWANTCHANGE, contact IPI\u2019s Silvia Morales at smorales[at]freemedia.at.<\/p>\n
You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for campaign updates!<\/p>\n
CONTACT: Silvia Morales
\nTelephone: +43 (1) 512 9011
\nMobile: +43 676 963 8315
\nEmail: smorales[at]freemedia.at<\/p>\n