The Cyprus Union of Journalists (ESK) has stated that politicians should not label journalists, nor should they undermine or threaten them with excommunication. The union’s announcement came in response to government criticism of a recent report published by Haravgi newspaper.
“Politicians should not label journalists or target them with inflammatory language,” the ESK said, adding that the reaction from government representatives to journalist Konstantinos Zachariou’s 11 August report demonstrated “excessive zeal”.
The union emphasised that politicians and journalists have distinct roles to play. “Journalists have a professional duty to monitor and criticise political power on behalf of the public,” the statement read. “Likewise, politicians have every right to respond to journalistic criticism.”
However, the ESK underlined that this does not include the right “to label, excommunicate or intimidate journalists”, nor to threaten them with administrative or punitive measures. Such behaviour, the union stressed, “poses serious dangers to freedom of the press and freedom of expression”.
Referring specifically to the Haravgi article, the ESK stated that the term “fake news” is far too serious to be used lightly. It also described the government’s response as disproportionate and counterproductive to healthy public debate.
The union called on government officials and all political figures “to show restraint when speaking about journalists”. It concluded: “Criticism is the oxygen of democracy. Tolerance of criticism is a clear sign of democratic maturity.”
Source: CNA
Feature photo source: The Irish Independent
Also read: Video – Wildfire fronts burn across Greece amid strong winds
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
