In an effort to bring attention to crimes against journalists and end crimes against journalists, the U.S. State Department is marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists to reaffirm its commitment to a free and independent press.
A State Department press release said, "A free and independent press holds leaders accountable, protects the rights of citizens, and ensures our communities are well informed. In too many countries, journalists face the threat of violence or imprisonment for their reporting."
The press release noted an increasing number of threats against journalists are coming from beyond their borders, including through misuse of digital surveillance tools that track journalists’ communications and whereabouts.
President Biden recently commened the Nobel Committee for honoring journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia.
The State Department noted Biden's and other world leaders' efforts to protect journalists, saying, "We echo President Biden’s statement applauding the Nobel Committee for honoring journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia. Our need for accurate, fact-based reporting, open public conversation, and accountability has never been greater. Now, more than ever, we must stand against the increasing use of physical attacks, online harassment, intimidation lawsuits and regulatory pressures being used to silence media around the world."
The press release also honored the memory of journalists and other media professionals killed in the line of duty.
