#freedomofthepresses

[biglisbonnews]

India's top court has said the state is using national security as ruse to deny free speech The Supreme Court of India today came down heavily on the government’s use of national security as a ruse to deny citizens basic rights, including free speech.Read more... https://qz.com/indias-top-court-defends-free-speech-in-mediaone-case-1850302092

[its-suanneschafer-author]

ICYMI BOOK REVIEW: #IWillNeverSeeThisWorldAgain by #AhmetAtlan. The memoir of a Turkish writer unjustly imprisoned written in stark, lovely prose.

[renovatio06]

The #MortalSin: Is #JulianAssange a Traitor, sexually harrassing Narcissist or Activist? My Personal Musings on his Plea Deal and its Outcomes

Julian Assange arrives at court, image credit: Reuters Original Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68282613 Hardly a topic these days that doesn’t have people up in arms and pitched against each other as if their lives depended upon it! Homo sapiens and particularly the male specimen of the species tends to display territorial behaviour quickly, i.e. defending their turf, when…

[kilowogcore]

Lying Press

Julian Assange is free. He copped a plea deal, pleaded guilty ta' one felony with a sentence a' time served in the UK, an' will return ta' Australia. He won't be extradited ta' the US.

Barrin' some kinda doublecross by the government, this brings a really long saga ta' a close.

At first, Julian Assange seemed like a saint a' free media. Now we know he's not a great guy. He may be guilty a' SA. He has views that have aligned with extremist right-wing forces. He ain't actually been involved with WikiLeaks fer years. I don't think I can praise a man with the allegations against him, nor do I want to.

But Assange weren't on trial fer that. Assange wuz on trial fer acceptin' documents that were freely given' ta' his organization, vettin' those documents, an' publishin' 'em as an institution a' the press. They wanted ta' nail him fer supposed conspiracy with Chelsea Manning, a conspiracy that never took place.

It's staggerin' ta' look back on where freedom a' the press in the US an' worldwide has gone since Chelsea Manning heroically acted as a whistleblower ta' expose US war crimes.

Edward Snowden an' Reality Winner were victims a' the US government's assault on whistleblowers an' accountability. Snowden a' course is now livin' in Russia, presumably never ta' return. Reality Winner an' Chelsea Manning were both abused in prison, but are now out, Reality on good behavior an' Chelsea on commutation a' sentence.

Wikileaks published the infamous Russian e-mail hack of the DNC in 2016, exposin' the ugliness a' mainstream Democrat politics, their support of Trump as an ideal opponent, an' their deliberate sabotage of the democratic primary process. The US press focused on how shocking it wuz that Russia hacked the Democrats. They attacked WikiLeaks fer publishin' so close ta' an election. Maybe they had a point, but the e-mails were authentic. Debbie Wasserman Schultz was fired from the DNC because a' what those e-mails revealed about her role, only ta' immediately be rehired by Clinton.

She's currently a Congressional representative from Florida, an' co-chair of the House Democrat steerin' committee, meanin' she decides what Democrats sit on what committees. She ensures that no one who don't tow the fascist party line gets anywhere near importance.

When Trump won the presidency protests broke out everywhere, with more an' more frequency. Under Trump, cop forces showed an alarming an' mostly unprecedented hostility toward press agents, often ignorin' their neutrality and attackin' them indiscriminately. He resurrected ol' nazi charges against the lugenpresse with his "fake news" cries, an' he used the supposed crimes of Wikileaks an' Julian Assange ta' bolster his assault on the press an' justify the attacks on journalists.

Lest ya' think that wuz just a Donald Trump thing, when the George Floyd protests heated up cops in blue cities did the same thing. Bein' press, or a medic, or a legal observer no longer meant anythin' if you were coverin' a protest.

Durin' this time panel after panel a' bloviatin' politicos were discussin' Julian Assange, how he was breaking down under the pressure of house arrest at the Ecuadoran embassy, how he wuz arrested, how he would be extradited. They almost universally treated him like an enemy agent. Some called for his execution.

Not because of his SA. Not because of anything he had personally done. Just because his press company vetted and published accurate information they were given by a whistleblower.

Today Julian Assange is free, but not without pleadin' guilty to a felony he never committed.

We ain't got nothin' but the tattered scraps of a free press left in the USA. If it ain't owned by corporations who dictate their lies, well, then they get crushed.

It won't get better until capitalism is gone.

[phonemantra-blog]

After a legal saga spanning over five years, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has secured his freedom through a plea deal with the U.S. government. This development marks a significant turning point in a case that has sparked heated debate about press freedom and national security. Let's delve deeper into the details of the plea deal, Assange's release from prison, and the potential implications of this outcome. WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange A Long Road to Freedom: Assange's Legal Battle Explained Julian Assange, the Australian-born founder of WikiLeaks, found himself embroiled in a complex legal battle centered on the publication of classified U.S. documents by WikiLeaks in 2010. The documents, leaked by U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, exposed details of U.S. military activities in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.S. government charged Assange with 17 counts of espionage and one count of computer misuse, accusing him of aiding in the theft of classified information. This move sparked a global debate: Was Assange a journalist protected by freedom of the press, or a criminal collaborator aiding in a national security breach? Assange sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2012, fearing extradition to the U.S. He remained there for seven years before being arrested by British authorities in 2019. His extradition case went through a series of legal challenges, with Assange's supporters and legal team arguing that extradition would be a violation of his free speech rights. In May 2024, Assange was granted an appeal against extradition. The U.S. government failed to guarantee Assange wouldn't face harsh treatment in U.S. prisons, including potentially being denied First Amendment protections. This paved the way for negotiations between Assange's legal team and the U.S. Department of Justice. A Deal Struck: The Details of Assange's Plea Agreement The specifics of the plea deal haven't been fully disclosed by WikiLeaks or U.S. authorities. However, based on the information available, we can gather the following: Plea Bargain: Assange has agreed to plead guilty to a single, unspecified criminal charge in exchange for his freedom. The nature of this charge remains unknown, but it likely falls short of the original 18 charges laid against him by the U.S. Time Served: Assange will not serve additional prison time. The five years he spent incarcerated in the U.K. are considered time served, allowing him to return to his native Australia. Reuniting with Family: With his release, Assange will be reunited with his wife, Stella Assange, and their children. A Fight for Freedom of the Press? Reactions to Assange's Release Assange's release has been met with mixed reactions: Supporters Celebrate: WikiLeaks and Assange's supporters celebrate his freedom, viewing it as a victory for freedom of the press. They argue that Assange was targeted for exposing U.S. government wrongdoing and that his actions were journalistic in nature. Concerns Remain: Critics argue that Assange's actions jeopardized national security and endangered lives. They question whether a plea deal sets a precedent for other whistleblowers who leak classified information. Future Implications: The long-term impact of Assange's case on press freedom and government prosecution of whistleblowers remains to be seen. WikiLeaks: A Legacy of Controversy WikiLeaks' publication of classified documents in 2010 sparked a global conversation about transparency and government accountability. However, the organization has also been criticized for its methods and for potentially endangering individuals named in the leaked documents. As Assange seeks to rebuild his life, the debate surrounding WikiLeaks and freedom of the press is likely to continue.

[thxnews]

UK Highlights Media Freedom's Role

Ambassador Neil Holland addressed the OSCE Permanent Council, emphasising the essential role of media freedom in maintaining security within the OSCE region. He called on Russia and Belarus to adhere to their OSCE commitments, highlighting ongoing issues and the need for international cooperation.  

The Importance of Media Freedom

Media freedom is more than a democratic ideal; it is a cornerstone of security and stability. Since the Helsinki Accords of 1975, OSCE participating States have pledged to uphold the right to seek, receive, and impart information freely. Ambassador Neil Holland reiterated the UK's unwavering support for these principles, underscoring that without media freedom, true security is unattainable.  

Current Challenges

Threats to Journalists Journalists face increasing dangers, including torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and harassment. According to UNESCO, fourteen journalists have been killed in the line of duty since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need to protect media workers and uphold their rights across the OSCE region.   Russia and Belarus In Russia, the crackdown on media freedom is severe. The September 2022 Moscow Mechanism report demonstrated a clear link between Russia’s internal repression and its external aggression. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has systematically silenced free media, and this suppression continues unabated. The ongoing imprisonment and harassment of journalists further exemplify this trend. Belarus presents a similarly grim picture. The 2022 Moscow Mechanism report revealed that freedom of expression in Belarus has been severely undermined. Legislation targets any independent voice, especially those critical of the government or Russia's actions in Ukraine. Social media administrators and communication channel operators face severe charges, including terrorism.  

UK's Position and Efforts

Commitment to Media Freedom The UK remains a staunch advocate for media freedom. Ambassador Holland thanked the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, for her unwavering dedication. He also expressed gratitude for the collaboration on the UK’s approach to online safety and journalist protection. The UK continues to support initiatives that ensure journalists can work without fear of retribution.   International Collaboration Securing media freedom is not an isolated effort but requires global cooperation. The UK's partnership with the OSCE and other international bodies reflects this commitment. By working together, nations can create a safer environment for journalists and uphold the fundamental right to free expression.   Calls to Action Ambassador Holland called on Russia and Belarus to honour their OSCE commitments and international law obligations. He stressed the importance of allowing media to operate freely without interference, threats, or intimidation. Upholding these principles is crucial for maintaining peace and security in the OSCE region.   The Takeaway In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Holland reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to media freedom and its role in ensuring security. He thanked Teresa Ribeiro and her team for their efforts and pledged continued support. The UK remains vigilant in advocating for the rights of journalists and the essential freedoms that underpin a secure and democratic society.   Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & Neil Holland. Read the full article

[usnewsper-politics]

Israeli Forces Attack Journalists in Gaza: Threat to Press Freedom #freedomofthepress #GazaStrip #Israeliforces #journalistsattacked #pressfreedom

[usnewsper-business]

Police Raid Shakes Up Local Newspaper: Freedom of the Press Under Threat #freedomofthepress #Policeraid

[meteorologistaustenlonek]

"“We’re having to recreate legals, classifieds — all of our normal things that we have readily available on our server is gone,” office manager Cheri Bentz said.

“But,” she added, “there will be a paper.”"

Kansas Public Radio: “SEIZED… but not silenced,” its headline read.

[kritphoto]

🔴 NB: Black and white photography is not simply an aesthetic choice, but rather a symbolic protest against the obstruction of journalists in fulfilling their duty to provide information to citizens and the world. At Bardo, Tunis, Tunisia, during the inaugural session of the first parliament under the new 2022 constitution, private and foreign media journalists were barred from entering, citing 'procedural' reasons. * #Journalism * #PressFreedom * #FreePress * #FreedomOfThePress * #MediaFreedom * #JournalistRights * #TruthMatters * #ReportersWithoutBorders * #FirstAmendment * #FreeSpeech * #OpenDemocracy * #Transparency * #Accountability * #FactChecking (at مجلس نوّاب الشّعب Assemblée des Représentants du Peuple) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpvXmEmoJBg/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lamiasaabdesign]

Thank you everyone for your contribution & support!

🎆 HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎆

[its-suanneschafer-author]

BOOK REVIEW: #IWillNeverSeeThisWorldAgain by #AhmetAtlan. The memoir of a Turkish writer unjustly imprisoned written in stark, lovely prose.

[drawdownbooks]

Freedom of the Presses: ⁣ Artists' Books in the Twenty-First Century⁣ Available at www.draw-down.com⁣ ⁣ A major contribution to the field of artists' books, #political publishing, socially engaged and community-focused printing. A textbook and a #toolbox for using artists' books and #creative publications to further community engagement and social justice projects. The book aims to expand and enhance scholarship about creative book-making relevant to the diverse global community of librarians, publishers, and readers. #FreedomofthePresses features commentary and images from contemporary artists and scholars. With essays by Kurt Allerslev, Tia Blassingame, Stephen Dupont, Karen Eliot, Bridget Elmer, Fly, Ganzeer, Sarah Kirk Hanley, Richard Lee, Florencia San Martin, Mobile Print Power, Janelle Rebel, Aaron Sinift, Suzy Taraba, Deborah Ultan, Marshall Weber, Anton Wurth, and Xu Bing. Designed by #WillBrady (at Washington, District of Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxrvgZEnOPD/?igshid=1nvupubpcg89e

[carlosmorenophotoblog]

Local journalists gather to protest the killing of three Mexican journalists this week; eleven dead this year alone, Luís Enrique Ramírez Ramos from the state of Sinaloa and Veracruz reporter Yesenia Molinedo Falconi and camerawoman Sheila Johanna García Olivera on Monday, May 9, 2022 in Tijuana, Baja California. Photos for @sandiegouniontribune ••• #NiSilencioNiOlvido #NoSeMataLaVerdad #SinMasPeriodistasEnSusListas #PeriodismoEnRiesgo — #freedomofthepress #tijuana #tijuanamexico #mexico #photojournalism #fotoperiodismo #documentaryphotography #everydaysocialjustice #everydayeverywhere #everydaylatinamerica #everydaymexico #everydaylafrontera #reportagespotlight #onassignment (at Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/CdYdLjqLFbS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[gregorychatman]

They ‘almost’ succeeded in keeping their 2016 overthrow. #fightfortruth #votingrights #civilrights #americanhorrorstory #freepress #freespeech #fightforjustice #freedomofchoice #freedomofthepress #righttovote #womenshistorymonth #womensrights #womenwriters #writingcommunity #writingworks https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbmg5eQLtSC/?utm_medium=tumblr