Dear Friend,
THE global consequences of Trump’s attacks on the media are more serious than we imagined. In a recent press release, Reporters Without Borders (RWB) detailed the astonishing impact that Trump’s words have had on media freedom in all corners of the globe. Predators of press freedom around the world have used the term “fake news” in order to silence media outlets that they find unfavorable, even going so far as quoting direct statements from President Trump as a means of justifying their draconian policies.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has openly lauded President Trump’s disdain for the media. He had a spokesperson issue a warning to foreign media outlets that the government would “crush” those that endanger “peace and stability” in Cambodia. He referenced Trump’s treatment of the press as a justification for the warning.
In Ivory Coast, it has become the norm to inflict serious penalties on journalists who write critically of the government. Many journalists have been taken into custody on charges of disseminating “false news.”
Russia has implemented similar legislation; the Russian telecoms regulator isdrafting a decree designed to block all content that contains “false information.” This bill gives the government the power to censor any content they see fit.
In Madagascar, a new communications code has been adopted that refers to the criminal code in its rulings on press offenses. This could lead to the criminalization of the profession itself. It includes serious fines for criticizing and defamation of the government, referring back to the dissemination of “false news.”
The list goes on. President Trump has initiated a war against the media that authoritarians all over the globe can now take full advantage of by creating oppressive policies that restrict the circulation of “fake news.”
The war against truthful reporting must be stopped. Help us at Reporters Without Borders preserve the integrity of journalism and protect reporters from repressive policies around the world that attempt to silence and censor their honest work.
Sincerely,
RSF Team