The Hindu : Front Page : IFJ condemns imposition of emergency

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 05, 2007
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IFJ condemns imposition of emergency

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Sunday condemned the imposition of emergency rule in Pakistan, warning that the move, accompanied by the armed occupation of public television and closure of private media, would only make the situation in the troubled country worse.

“The elimination of free expression and imposition of censorship will increase levels of fear, ignorance and rumour,” said Aidan White, IFJ general secretary. “Pakistan will only find peace and stability through respect for the rule of law and the people’s right to know. By putting troops in the newsrooms, the government seems to have abandoned both.”

The IFJ warning came after reports that government soldiers had been sent into state-run television and radio stations, while private media had been forced off the air.

The Federation says that said attempts to control media might be part of official attempts to deflect attention from a Supreme Court judgment on the legality of General Musharraf’s re-election victory in October, and which some fear is likely to go against the President.

“We shall follow this situation closely and discuss with our colleagues in Pakistan how to protect journalists, who are being prevented from doing their normal work,” said Mr. White.

“The most important objective is to oppose actions that force media to act as instruments of propaganda,” he said.

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