The pen is a dangerous tool
I write this editorial on November 2, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. In our efforts to bring the news, the truth and understanding of issues and events to readers a price is paid and it is one that most people never know about. One journalist started a campaign to expose the atrocities against people in Syria. He was sent two photos that included one of his colleagues with no head.
In 2015, 115 journalists were killed trying to do their job. In the last 10 years over 800 have been killed. Less than one death in 10 has resulted in a conviction.
According to Courtney Radsch, Advocacy Director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, “Murder is the ultimate form of censorship and it is enabled by a lack of justice.”
Catherine Boura, the Greek Ambassador to the United Nations, had a sobering reminder for the occasion. “Let’s not forget that every case of a journalist or media worker harassed, injured, arbitrarily detained or killed is an assault to freedom of expression and a threat to the foundations of open and democratic society,” she said.
At the confrontation in Standing Rock, renowned journalist Amy Goodman was charged with participating in a riot while reporting on the situation there though the charges were later dropped. In defending the charges, North Dakota prosecutors said they did not consider her a journalist – despite her many years of international recognition of her work – because they didn’t think she told both the sides of the issue. Allowing a government body to determine what is news strikes at the very heart of freedom of speech. A perceived bias does not mean it is not valid.
During the Harper years, Canadian journalists were shut down and denied even basic information by his Conservative government. Press conferences were photo ops only. Harper recognized the pen is a dangerous tool for those who would circumvent democracy. Sadly, Justin Trudeau has continued these practices as prime minister.
In Quebec, a growing scandal over police surveillance of journalists has shocked the provincial media. Montreal police used hundreds of court orders to spy on a La Presse conference. Then the Surêté du Québec confirmed that the provincial police force spied on six journalists in 2013 as part of a police investigation. Three Radio-Canada journalists said they found out November 2, via unnamed sources, that the SQ was tracking their portable phones.
In Canada and elsewhere the intimidation and actions against journalists show the concerns of the UN are not something to be ignored. It seems the pen is dangerous no matter if it is in your hands or not.