Noting that more than 70 journalists were killed this year for "fulfilling their role in society", &nbsp;United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed that a "free press" is vital for democracy, exposing wrongdoing and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on November 2, Guterres called on the governments and international community to take necessary steps to protect journalists.

"A free press is vital to a functioning democracy, exposing wrongdoing, navigating our complex world and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

"Yet, more than 70 journalists have been killed this year simply for fulfilling this role in society. &nbsp;Most of these crimes go unsolved. &nbsp;Meanwhile, a record number of journalists are incarcerated today, while threats of imprisonment, violence and death keep growing," the UN chief said in a message.

Marking the tenth anniversary of United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, which aims to create a safe and free environment for all media workers, Guterres said, "I call on governments and the international community take the necessary steps to protect our journalists. We must end a common culture of impunity and enable journalists to do their essential work."

He observed that a surge in disinformation, online bullying and hate speech, particularly against women journalists, is contributing to the stifling of media workers around the world.

"On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, let us honour our media workers, and stand up for truth, justice and human rights for all.

"Intimidation through the abuse of legal, financial and other means is undermining efforts to hold the powerful accountable. These trends threaten not only journalists, but society as a whole," Guterres said.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Noting that more than 70 journalists were killed this year for "fulfilling their role in society", United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed that a "free press" is vital for democracy, exposing wrongdoing and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Noting that more than 70 journalists were killed this year for "fulfilling their role in society", United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed that a "free press" is vital for democracy, exposing wrongdoing and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on November 2, Guterres called on the governments and international community to take necessary steps to protect journalists. "A free press is vital to a functioning democracy, exposing wrongdoing, navigating our complex world and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals," he said. "Yet, more than 70 journalists have been killed this year simply for fulfilling this role in society. Most of these crimes go unsolved. Meanwhile, a record number of journalists are incarcerated today, while threats of imprisonment, violence and death keep growing," the UN chief said in a message. Marking the tenth anniversary of United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, which aims to create a safe and free environment for all media workers, Guterres said, "I call on governments and the international community take the necessary steps to protect our journalists. We must end a common culture of impunity and enable journalists to do their essential work." He observed that a surge in disinformation, online bullying and hate speech, particularly against women journalists, is contributing to the stifling of media workers around the world. "On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, let us honour our media workers, and stand up for truth, justice and human rights for all. "Intimidation through the abuse of legal, financial and other means is undermining efforts to hold the powerful accountable. These trends threaten not only journalists, but society as a whole," Guterres said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Free Press vital for a functioning democracy, exposing wrongdoings and advancing SDGs: UN chief

Journalists who have faced China's wrath for defending liberties

Journalist Maria Ressa's libel conviction on Monday has raised fresh concerns about press freedom under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has a history of clashing with the media. 
 
Here are some notable confrontations:

'Shameless' Inquirer 
The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the nation's top publications and brands itself as delivering "balanced news, fearless views". 
 
When Duterte launched his deadly crackdown on narcotics in 2016, the paper covered it extensively and published editorials sharply critical of the killings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/duterte-critic-journalist-maria-ressa-found-guilty-in-philippines-cyber-libel-case-305887" hreflang="en">Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case</a> 
 
Duterte repeatedly attacked the paper in speeches -- at one point branding the Inquirer and the nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN as "shameless... those sons of whore journalists". 
 
Months later the paper's owners ended up in talks to sell to a powerful businessman and Duterte-backer, though the deal would later fall through.

ABS-CBN shutdown 
The nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN was forced off the air in May after years of threats by Duterte to shut down the network. 
 
Early in his term Duterte accused the network of failing to air his 2016 campaign adverts and not returning the payments, and singled it out for ire in his speeches. 
 
"I'm sorry. You're out. I will see to it that you're out," Duterte said in December. 
 
The president's spokesman has said he is "completely neutral" on the legislature granting the network a new licence to operate.

Reporters 'not exempted' from killing 
Duterte sparked outrage when he endorsed the killing of corrupt journalists as president-elect in 2016, saying "You're not exempted from assassination". 
 
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines described the comments as "appalling" in a nation that is one of the most dangerous for reporters. 
 
One of the world's deadliest attacks against journalists took place in the Philippines in 2009, when 32 journalists were among 58 people killed by a warlord clan intent on stopping a rival's election challenge.

Wolf-whistle 
While still president-elect, Duterte wolf-whistled at a woman journalist during a nationally televised press conference, sparking criticism from rights groups and the press. 
 
He interrupted a question from reporter Mariz Umali before whistling and breaking into a short serenade. 
 
While Umali subsequently sought to play down the controversy, her husband, also a journalist, had words for Duterte. 
 
"Catcalling my wife is wrong in so many levels," husband Raffy Tima wrote on Facebook.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Journalist Maria Ressa's libel conviction on Monday has raised fresh concerns about press freedom under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has a history of clashing with the media.

Journalist Maria Ressa's libel conviction on Monday has raised fresh concerns about press freedom under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has a history of clashing with the media. Here are some notable confrontations: 'Shameless' Inquirer The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the nation's top publications and brands itself as delivering "balanced news, fearless views". When Duterte launched his deadly crackdown on narcotics in 2016, the paper covered it extensively and published editorials sharply critical of the killings. Also read: Duterte-critic journalist Maria Ressa found guilty in Philippines cyber libel case Duterte repeatedly attacked the paper in speeches -- at one point branding the Inquirer and the nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN as "shameless... those sons of whore journalists". Months later the paper's owners ended up in talks to sell to a powerful businessman and Duterte-backer, though the deal would later fall through. ABS-CBN shutdown The nation's top broadcaster ABS-CBN was forced off the air in May after years of threats by Duterte to shut down the network. Early in his term Duterte accused the network of failing to air his 2016 campaign adverts and not returning the payments, and singled it out for ire in his speeches. "I'm sorry. You're out. I will see to it that you're out," Duterte said in December. The president's spokesman has said he is "completely neutral" on the legislature granting the network a new licence to operate. Reporters 'not exempted' from killing Duterte sparked outrage when he endorsed the killing of corrupt journalists as president-elect in 2016, saying "You're not exempted from assassination". The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines described the comments as "appalling" in a nation that is one of the most dangerous for reporters. One of the world's deadliest attacks against journalists took place in the Philippines in 2009, when 32 journalists were among 58 people killed by a warlord clan intent on stopping a rival's election challenge. Wolf-whistle While still president-elect, Duterte wolf-whistled at a woman journalist during a nationally televised press conference, sparking criticism from rights groups and the press. He interrupted a question from reporter Mariz Umali before whistling and breaking into a short serenade. While Umali subsequently sought to play down the controversy, her husband, also a journalist, had words for Duterte. "Catcalling my wife is wrong in so many levels," husband Raffy Tima wrote on Facebook.

Duterte's history of clashes with Philippine media

The CBI today sought to clarify its decision on carrying out raids against NDTV bosses saying the agency respects freedom of press and the action was taken as per the due process of law.

The statement comes in the wake of various media organisations, including the much-powerful Editors Guild of India, expressing deep concern over the raids conducted by the CBI on the offices of NDTV and its promoters.

&quot;Entry of police and other agencies into the media offices is a serious matter,&quot; the Editors Guild statement had said after the raids yesterday.

In an unusually lengthy statement, the agency said it has not conducted any search on the registered office of NDTV, media studio, news room or premises connected with media operations.

&quot;CBI fully respects the freedom of press and is committed to the free functioning of news operations,&quot; it said and clarified that the allegations under investigation are not regarding the default in loan repayment.

The allegations &quot;relate to the wrongful gain of Rs 48 crore to the promoters--Prannoy Roy, Radhika Roy, RRPR Holdings Pvt Ltd and a corresponding wrongful loss to the ICICI bank arising from their collusion and criminal conspiracy,&quot; the CBI said.

NDTV in its statement yesterday had termed the action of the CBI to register FIR and carry out searches at Roys&#39; as an attempt to muzzle the media.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://NDTV chief Prannoy Roy under CBI lens, channel calls it 'witch-hunt'" target="_blank">NDTV chief Prannoy Roy under CBI lens, channel calls it &#39;witch-hunt&#39;</a>

&nbsp;

The ruling party politicians could not &quot;stomach&quot; the &quot;independence and fearlessness&quot; of NDTV&#39;s team and the CBI raid is merely another attempt at silencing the media,&quot; it had said.

The CBI, while advising restraint, said denigrating the allegations at this stage of probe and wrongly accusing the agency of acting under pressure is uncalled for and an attempt to malign the image of the agency.

&quot;The investigation is being conducted as per the due process of law and under the jurisdiction of the court of law. The result of investigation will be filed before the competent court of law based on the evidence adduced during investigation,&quot; it said.

The agency said it has registered the case based on the complaint of a share holder of ICICI bank and NDTV after carrying out due diligence.

Referring to the statement of NDTV about never having defaulted on any loan, the CBI alleged that the probe would revolve around why ICICI bank took the entire shareholding of the promoters in NDTV (nearly 61 per cent) as collateral and reduced the interest rates from 19 per cent to 9.5 per cent.

Contesting NDTV&#39;s questions raised over the jurisdiction of the CBI when ICICI was a private bank, the CBI referred to an order of the Supreme Court in the case of Ramesh Gelli versus CBI of 2016 where the apex court has held that the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 are applicable to the officials of private banks.

&quot;Therefore, CBI has jurisdiction to take up investigation of the cases of private banks,&quot; it said and assured the agency was committed to carry out the investigation expeditiously and in accordance with the due process of law.

In the meantime, a statement of Editors Guild said NDTV, in various statements, has denied any wrong doing and termed the raids as &quot;stepping up the concerted harassment&quot; of the news channel and an attempt to &quot;undermine democracy and free speech&quot; and &quot;silence the media.&quot;

&quot;While the Editors Guild maintains that no individuals or institution is above the law, the Guild condemns any attempt to muzzle the media and calls upon the CBI to follow the due process of law and ensure there is no interference in the free functioning of news operations,&quot; the statement said.

Press Club of India and All India Newspaper Editor&#39;s Conference also condemned the CBI raids on the NDTV.

A group of intellectuals under the banner of SAHMAT have condemned as &quot;totally unwarranted&quot; the CBI raid calling it &quot;an intimidatory tactic&quot;.

The group maintained that all due procedures should be followed in cases of private complaints. It said it is of opinion that searches even without a preliminary enquiry, as stated by NDTV, is nothing but an intimidatory tactic.

&quot;By attacking the media, the present government is undermining freedom of the press, so essential for a democratic polity,&quot; it said.

(PTI)

The statement comes amid media houses expressing deep concern over the raids conducted by the CBI on the offices of NDTV and its promoters

The CBI today sought to clarify its decision on carrying out raids against NDTV bosses saying the agency respects freedom of press and the action was taken as per the due process of law. The statement comes in the wake of various media organisations, including the much-powerful Editors Guild of India, expressing deep concern over the raids conducted by the CBI on the offices of NDTV and its promoters. "Entry of police and other agencies into the media offices is a serious matter," the Editors Guild statement had said after the raids yesterday. In an unusually lengthy statement, the agency said it has not conducted any search on the registered office of NDTV, media studio, news room or premises connected with media operations. "CBI fully respects the freedom of press and is committed to the free functioning of news operations," it said and clarified that the allegations under investigation are not regarding the default in loan repayment. The allegations "relate to the wrongful gain of Rs 48 crore to the promoters--Prannoy Roy, Radhika Roy, RRPR Holdings Pvt Ltd and a corresponding wrongful loss to the ICICI bank arising from their collusion and criminal conspiracy," the CBI said. NDTV in its statement yesterday had termed the action of the CBI to register FIR and carry out searches at Roys' as an attempt to muzzle the media. Also read: NDTV chief Prannoy Roy under CBI lens, channel calls it 'witch-hunt' The ruling party politicians could not "stomach" the "independence and fearlessness" of NDTV's team and the CBI raid is merely another attempt at silencing the media," it had said. The CBI, while advising restraint, said denigrating the allegations at this stage of probe and wrongly accusing the agency of acting under pressure is uncalled for and an attempt to malign the image of the agency. "The investigation is being conducted as per the due process of law and under the jurisdiction of the court of law. The result of investigation will be filed before the competent court of law based on the evidence adduced during investigation," it said. The agency said it has registered the case based on the complaint of a share holder of ICICI bank and NDTV after carrying out due diligence. Referring to the statement of NDTV about never having defaulted on any loan, the CBI alleged that the probe would revolve around why ICICI bank took the entire shareholding of the promoters in NDTV (nearly 61 per cent) as collateral and reduced the interest rates from 19 per cent to 9.5 per cent. Contesting NDTV's questions raised over the jurisdiction of the CBI when ICICI was a private bank, the CBI referred to an order of the Supreme Court in the case of Ramesh Gelli versus CBI of 2016 where the apex court has held that the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 are applicable to the officials of private banks. "Therefore, CBI has jurisdiction to take up investigation of the cases of private banks," it said and assured the agency was committed to carry out the investigation expeditiously and in accordance with the due process of law. In the meantime, a statement of Editors Guild said NDTV, in various statements, has denied any wrong doing and termed the raids as "stepping up the concerted harassment" of the news channel and an attempt to "undermine democracy and free speech" and "silence the media." "While the Editors Guild maintains that no individuals or institution is above the law, the Guild condemns any attempt to muzzle the media and calls upon the CBI to follow the due process of law and ensure there is no interference in the free functioning of news operations," the statement said. Press Club of India and All India Newspaper Editor's Conference also condemned the CBI raids on the NDTV. A group of intellectuals under the banner of SAHMAT have condemned as "totally unwarranted" the CBI raid calling it "an intimidatory tactic". The group maintained that all due procedures should be followed in cases of private complaints. It said it is of opinion that searches even without a preliminary enquiry, as stated by NDTV, is nothing but an intimidatory tactic. "By attacking the media, the present government is undermining freedom of the press, so essential for a democratic polity," it said. (PTI)

Action against NDTV taken as per due process of law, CBI claims

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