Demands protection of journalists on World Press Freedom Day

CAIRO - 03 May 2017: Media workers suffer character assassination, sexual assault, detention, injuries and even death, which requires everyone to stand up for the public’s right to truth, Secretary-General of United Nations (UN) António Guterres said on visualized message Wednesday to mark World Press Freedom Day.

“Journalists go to the most dangerous places to give voice to the voiceless,” Guterres began his message, calling on leaders to defend a free media.

“On World Press Freedom Day, I call for an end to all crackdowns against journalists - because a free press advances peace and justice for all. When we protect journalists, their words and pictures can change our world,” the Secretary-General added.

Egypt ranked 161 in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders among black-listed countries.

The U.S., which ranked 43rd, said it is committed to promoting the fundamental principles of a free press around the world.

“We honor those men and women who work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to tell the stories we would not otherwise hear. They are the guardians of democratic values and ideals,” the U.S. Department of State said in official statement released Wednesday to mark World Press Freedom Day.

The statement Added that ethical and transparent media “promotes accountability and sparks public debate.”