Harassment of the media

Harassment of the press

Nature

Methods of harassment of the press include confiscation of articles, closure of press offices, censorship, injunctions and damages, imprisonment, trial, threats to journalistic immunity, police brutality, the compilation of political dossiers, general intimidation and in the case of foreign correspondents, deportation or banning entry. It constitutes a restriction on the freedom of information and expression, which may lead to ignorance, apathy, alienation and indoctrination, encourage subversive activities, or strengthen dictatorship and government control.

Background

Harassment of the media emerged as a recognized global concern in the late 20th century, as international watchdogs began documenting escalating threats, censorship, and violence against journalists. Landmark cases, such as the targeting of reporters during political upheavals and conflicts, drew attention to the systematic nature of such abuses. The proliferation of digital media in the 21st century further exposed the widespread and evolving tactics used to intimidate and silence media professionals worldwide.

Incidence

Caught in a crossfire of deceit, red tape, ambition, censorship and logistics, truth is an early casualty anywhere news is actually taking place. A 1983 survey shows that a minority of the globe respects free speech. The rest of the world is 'gagged'. Most of the eastern European countries continue to imprison outspoken journalists, as do most countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.

In 1992, news outlets were officially censored or closed, or editions confiscated, at least 189 times, a slight increase on 1991 (162 times). The distribution of incidents by country was as follows:

[Africa]

Angola (1), Cameroon (31), Cape Verde (1), Gambia (1), Ivory Coast (5), Kenya (5), Malawi (1), Nigeria (1), Rwanda (1), Sierra Leone (1), Sudan (2), Uganda (1), Zaire (4)

[America]

Dominican Republic (2), Peru (6), USA (1), Venezuela (8)

[Asia]

Bangladesh (2), China (2), India (21), Indonesia (5), Japan (1), Malaysia (4), Sri Lanka (2), Thailand (2), Macau (1)

[Pacific]

Solomon Islands (1)

[Europe]

Albania (1), Ireland (1), Turkmenistan (1), Turkey (12)

Claim

Harassment of the media is a grave threat to democracy and freedom of expression. When journalists are intimidated, silenced, or attacked, the public loses access to vital information and accountability suffers. This problem undermines trust, emboldens corruption, and erodes the very foundation of a free society. We must urgently condemn and combat all forms of media harassment to protect truth, transparency, and the rights of every citizen. This issue cannot be ignored.

Counter-claim

The so-called "harassment of the media" is grossly exaggerated and hardly a pressing issue. Journalists are not above criticism or scrutiny, and facing tough questions or public backlash is part of their job. In a world with far more urgent problems—poverty, violence, and inequality—media complaints about harassment seem trivial and self-serving. The media should focus less on playing the victim and more on responsible, unbiased reporting.