- Dozens of journalists and the media have shown their solidarity and support for the journalist Pablo González, his family and friends. “We believe that the prison is unfair and therefore we call for its immediate release,” they stated in the manifesto that they have made public this Tuesday.
Ahotsa.info, Hala Bedi irratia, Aiaraldea, Zuzeu hedabideak, to name a few, or journalists from the working group of ARGIA, Mediabask, Ale Álava, Radio France, Euskal Irratiak, Euskalerria... are dozens of Basque journalists and popular media who have joined the manifesto in favor. At the end of the story, the reader has the full list at his disposal.
They have put on the table the importance of the work of journalists and information professionals in war situations so that the citizens receive first-hand what is happening in the territories in conflict. “However, as in all wars, journalists also become military targets. They seem to want no awkward witnesses and attack the press, violating freedom of information. In this respect, the authoritarian drift of the European Union that has censored the RT and Sputnik media in Europe, and the new laws that the Russian Government has imposed to restrict press freedom, are worrying.”
The manifesto also states that in Euskal Herria there have been violations of the freedom of the press and the right to expression and information. They have also pointed out that the media have been shut down here, journalists have been imprisoned and attacked, adding that today in the Spanish State, for example, the Moorish Law is still in force, and that many of the journalists who have signed the manifesto are fined and persecuted.
“For all these reasons, we know that the situation that Paul and his family are suffering is very harsh and very bad. That is why we ask the Basque, state and European institutions and the people who can do something for Paul’s freedom to get to work to bring Paul home as soon as possible.”
They concluded by saying that it has often been shown that diplomatic pressure can be very effective and that they are sure that if Pablo González had been arrested in Russia, diplomatic pressure would be higher. “We must therefore remember once again that freedom of the press and information is the basis of democracy, which we must all protect, here and everywhere.”
Media signatories to the manifesto:
Ahotsa.info, Eguzki Irratia, ZuZeu, 97 irratia, Zintzilik irratia, Esan Erran irratia, Hala Bedi irratia, Aiaraldea Komunikazio, Txapa irratia, Antxeta irratia, Antxeta irratia
Journalists signing the manifesto:
Amaia Lekunberri (ARGIA), Axier Lopez (ARGIA), Lander Arbelaitz (ARGIA), Jon Torner (ARGIA) Mediabitza Radio, Xabier Letona (ARGIA)