Dear Friend,
PRESS freedom is under threat here in the United States, and the situation may be more dire than we realize. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has reported that at least 20 journalists have been arrested in the U.S. since August 2014.
Just last week on February 1st, journalist Jenni Monet was arrested for covering protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Though she has been released on bail, she is facing charges of trespassing and engaging in a riot. You can read more about her arrest here.
These kinds of incidents are unfortunately not unique – especially in North Dakota. Amy Goodman, host of Democracy Now! was arrested in September 2016 while covering protests in Morton County. Award-winning documentary filmmaker Deia Schlosberg faced up to 45 years in prison in Pembina County for filming an act of civil disobedience before her charges were dropped.
The charges against Jenni Monet are a violation of press freedom, pose a threat to the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and create an unsafe and treacherous environment for journalists everywhere. The jailing and silencing of journalists in the U.S. could set a dangerous precedent in this country and encourage a similar trend for journalists in other countries.
Reporters carry the responsibility of providing news to the public. This is a fundamental right in any democratic society.
Help Reporters Without Borders defend this right. Your contribution directly helps us in our efforts to support journalists at home and abroad.
Courtesy: Reporters Without Borders