Lebanese journalist: silencing journalists breaches international norms

Lebanese journalist Caroline Bazzi spoke to ANHA agency about the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s kidnapping of journalist Suleiman Ahmed on October 25, 2023, during his return from Rojava to Southern Kurdistan, where he works as editor of the Arabic language section at Roj News Agency.

Caroline Bazzi said: “Journalists around the world, especially in third world countries, have long been subjected to repression and silencing their voice, whether through assassinations or arrests. Although there are international laws, agreements and treaties that oblige countries to protect journalists who are originally civilians, we still hear about the assassination or arrest of male and female journalists in various countries, and this is what journalist Suleiman Ahmed, whose fate is unknown, faces today after his arrest by the Kurdistan Democratic Party during his return from Syria after participating in his father’s funeral more than eighty days ago.”

Journalists are without immunity

The Lebanese journalist adds, "Although the press card represents immunity for the journalist and protects him from arrest due to his profession, through which he tries to convey the truth, raise the voice of the oppressed, and freedom to express his opinion, he has become without immunity, knowing that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its 19th article guarantees freedom of opinion and expression." In addition to many international reports and agreements, including those that affirmed that freedom of expression includes access to information held by the state, which is what was mentioned in the United Nations special report on freedom of opinion and expression in 1993.

Caroline Bazzi pointed out that the ruling authorities arrest or threaten anyone who criticizes their policies "in order to legitimize their steps and at the same time send a warning and threatening message to other journalists, in the context of gagging their mouths."

She continued, "Some countries, organizations, and parties are also working to make journalists mouthpieces that speak in their name. Otherwise, they will face threats, arrest, or assassination, which hinders the journalist's work and undermines the freedom of the press and media."

Statements of denunciation and condemnation are insufficient

The Lebanese journalist considered that confronting the ruling authorities’ attacks on journalists by issuing administration statements is a step that is “insufficient because it has no legal justification.” She stressed the necessity of “activating the laws that protect journalists and obligating countries to adhere to and implement them.” She urged journalists and the information ministries in their countries to introduce a law. A new media protects them.

Caroline Bazzi: A Lebanese journalist who studied political and administrative sciences at the Lebanese University and a diploma in international relations and diplomacy at the Islamic University. She began her professional career on Sawt Al Shaab Radio. She also works in a number of print media. She ran in the parliamentary elections in 2018.

T/ Satt.

ANHA