A World Without Journalism Is A World Without Truth
Commemorating the World Press Freedom Day, the SAP Executive Editor Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey talked to Asia Coordinator of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Beh Lih Yi.
Mushfique:
Why is journalism essential for the functioning of a society, and what are the consequences of a world without journalism?
Lih Yi:
Journalists have a vital role in any functioning democracy. Not only do journalists keep us informed about what’s going on in societies, they also hold public officials accountable by, for example, tracking how governments are spending taxpayers’ monies. This is especially crucial at a time when we are grappling with so much disinformation. A world without journalism is a world without truth.
Mushfique:
CPJ has been actively advocating for journalists’ safety during elections. Considering the threats faced by journalists in India, how do you perceive the working conditions for journalists in the country, particularly amidst the intensity of the current environment?
Lih Yi:
India is holding the world’s largest election and it is absolutely crucial journalists can report freely and safely without any fear of reprisal. Journalists in India are reporting in an environment which has seen critical websites censored and journalists targeted under security laws in recent years.
So far in this poll, we have seen a journalist assaulted in an election rally and another told her election accreditation would not come through. Ahead of the election, journalists in India told us they feared political unrest, harassment and censorship during this crucial period.
At CPJ we have been working to ensure journalists can report safely during elections – be it in Bangladesh, India or the United States – because independent reporting helps voters make informed choices.
Mushfique:
Turning our attention to other countries in South Asia, how do you assess the state of press freedom in Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Lih Yi:
The state of press freedom in Bangladesh and Afghanistan remains extremely challenging. It is particularly dire for journalists in Afghanistan, who have faced arbitrary detentions, assaults and worsening censorship since the Taliban takeover in August 2021. Female Afghan journalists face widespread restrictions on doing their jobs.
BBeh Lih Yi, Asia Program Coordinator
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
In Bangladesh, journalists face physical and digital threats for doing their jobs. What is particularly concerning is the growing trend of transnational repression. We have seen family members of exiled Bangladeshi journalists being harassed and targeted back home. This must stop.
Mushfique:
What gives you the most optimism regarding the future of press freedom?
Lih Yi:
I’m optimistic because I firmly believe in the indispensable role of journalism in our society. Even in the most difficult environment, in conflict zones or disasters, I see journalists remain so committed to telling the world what is going on and continuing to hold truth to power. That gives me hope.
Mushfique:
In Bangladesh, what specific challenges do journalists encounter in exercising their freedom of the press, and what steps can be taken to address these challenges?
Lih Yi:
There is rising criminal- ization of journalism in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi journalists have faced arbitrary detention, legal harassment, censorship and the digital security law being weaponized against them simply be-cause of their reporting. At this year’s national election in January, at least 18 journalists were assaulted or harassed while covering alleged election irregularities and violence.
In many cases, the perpe-trators who are involved in attacking journalists have not faced justice. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must end this appalling record of impunity when it comes to violence against journalists in Bangladesh.
In many cases, the perpetrators who are involved in attacking journalists have not faced justice. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina must end this appalling record of impunity when it comes to violence against journalists in Bangladesh.
Mushfique:
What are your views on the Data Protection Act in Bangladesh? Additionally, what are your thoughts on the IT regulations in India and the Online Safety Bill in Sri Lanka, both of which are being utilized to restrict free speech?
Lih Yi:
The draft data protection law in Bangladesh grants the government unfettered access to personal data in cases of “national security” or “prevention of offenses,” which could compromise the privacy of journalists. It is important to view this draft law within the context of the growing criminalization of journalism in the country.
The I.T. regulations in India and Online Safety Act in Sri Lanka both provide sweeping powers to censor journalistic content online. In the run-up to the elections in India, the I.T. regulations were used to block prominent Hindi language news channels Bolta Hindustan and National Dastak.
CPJ is closely monitoring the potential use of the newly enacted Online Safety Act against the media in Sri Lanka, a country characterized by widespread surveillance of journalists, particularly those of the Tamil ethnic minority, as well as long-standing impunity for crimes against journalists during the country’s 26-year civil war.
Mushfique:
Thank you for your great works and we look forward to meeting soon.
Lih Yi:
Same here! Thank you!
“Washington’s Deck with Mushfique” is an insightful interview series hosted by SAP Executive Editor Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey. This segment features prominent experts and journalists from Asia, specially from South Asia; offering a deep dive into the experiences of journalists, foreign policy narratives, and critical issues affecting South Asia. Audio and video recordings of these interviews are available on SAP’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.