In light of the unprecedented attacks on Wikileaks, Reporters Without Borders speaks out. The organization defines its purpose as defending journalists who bear witness on global events and providing aid and support.
In some countries a journalist can be thrown in prison for years for a single offending word or photo. Jailing or killing a journalist removes a vital witness to events and threatens the right of us all to be informed. Reporters Without Borders has fought for press freedom on a daily basis since it was founded in 1985.
Investigate, expose and support
Reporters Without Borders:
– defends journalists and media assistants imprisoned or persecuted for doing their job and exposes the mistreatment and torture of them in many countries.
– fights against censorship and laws that undermine press freedom.
– gives financial aid each year to 100 or so journalists or media outlets in difficulty (to pay for lawyers, medical care and equipment) as well to the families of imprisoned journalists.
– works to improve the safety of journalists, especially those reporting in war zones.
The whistleblower has endured multiple assaults including a questionable arrest warrant for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.
This is the first time we have seen an attempt at the international community level to censor a website dedicated to the principle of transparency. We are shocked to find countries such as France and the United States suddenly bringing their policies on freedom of expression into line with those of China. We point out that in France and the United States, it is up to the courts, not politicians, to decide whether or not a website should be closed.
Sweden’s sloppy legal handling of the Assange case has brought embarrassment to the Swedish prosecutor. Assange’s UK lawyer explains their efforts to cooperate with Sweden and the peculiarities of their handling. Nevertheless, the main goal may be “…for him to be extradited to another country (from there).”
The strongest way to support Wikileaks, in addition to money, is to inundate all media outlets, newspapers, blogs, radio and television with any information of wrongdoing anywhere. Everyone holding a secret should have a fit of conscience and unleash a ‘bit torrent’ of dirt.
