Ambassador Speeches

In Search of Truth:  Recognizing World Press Freedom Day

Op-ed by Ambassador William Cabaniss

Many towns in Western Bohemia this month will celebrate the anniversary of their liberation from Nazi rule at the end of World War II.  The message of liberation has many facets, and to me, it demonstrates not only the enduring relationship between U.S. and Czech citizens, but it also marks the triumph of truth over Communist-era propaganda in telling the real story of World War II.  During my past several years here, I have seen the interest in the annual WWII celebrations continue to grow as many communities honor the memory of the U.S. and other Allied veterans who did so much to bring freedom and liberty to Europe.  Unfortunately, during the Communist era, memorials were often destroyed and celebrations recognizing the role of the U.S. and other Allies were banned, because the true story did not match the “official” government version of history.  Yet today, 61 years later, the rejection of this false version of history is complete.  The Czech people never forgot the truth and now they are free to celebrate that truth in a way which was not possible before 1989.

At the same time that Czech liberation festivities take place this week, we will mark another aspect of humankind’s triumph of truth  --   World Press Freedom Day on May 3.   This commemoration in support of journalists seeking to tell the real story of what is happening in many countries around the world is as vital today as it was during World War II and the Communist era.  It is a reminder to the world of the importance of protecting the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, which are the basis for democratic government, rule of law and human development around the world.

Sadly, there are still many regimes which continue to oppress the press in an effort to create their own version of history.  Today, being a reporter or other media professional has never been more dangerous.  In 2005, some 150 journalists and media staff were killed in the line of duty; this is the largest number ever in recorded history.  Some of these tragic deaths were the result of working in a war zone, while others, perhaps even more tragically, occurred because reporters were targeted in their homes and offices merely for seeking to report the truth.  Already this year, 16 journalists have been killed in countries including Russia, Ecuador, India, Philippines, Guyana and Iraq.  At this time, more than 500 media professionals have been detained or imprisoned, many of them in places such as Cuba, where Castro refuses to allow any voice but his own to be heard.

This week as we salute the courageous acts of the soldiers in World War II, we should also remember the many unsung heroes of the press who put their profession on the line,  brave equally great hardships and dangers, and ultimately serve the same cause of liberty by uncovering the truth hidden behind despots and dictators.  The job is dangerous, but for many who cannot speak for themselves, these journalists are the only light of freedom in dark places.  As a Pakistani journalist Razia Bhatti once stated, “Journalists must seek and speak the truth, for we are the voice of voiceless millions.” It is my hope that on World Press Freedom Day on May 3, we will all take a moment to hear those voices and remember those whose liberation day is yet to come.