On this World Press Freedom Day, we, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, pay tribute to journalists and media workers all over the world and the work they do in informing the public, exposing wrongdoing, revealing untold stories, and holding the powerful to account.
After consulting with Canada’s Ambassador to Sudan, the decision has been made to temporarily suspend our operations in Sudan. Canadian diplomats will temporarily work from a safe location outside of the country. They will continue working with the Government of Sudan, neighbouring countries, as well as with like-minded governments and the international community to coordinate the response to this crisis, and to support Canadians still in country.
We are actively monitoring the situation in Sudan and working with neighbouring countries, as well as with like-minded governments and the international community to coordinate the response to this crisis.
On January 8, 2020, the Islamic Republic of Iran callously shot down Flight PS752 over Tehran. This week, Iran announced the verdicts in the criminal trials against the alleged perpetrators.
Canada deplores the guilty verdict handed down to Russian political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has been sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment in Russia for making legitimate political comments. This court ruling is yet another gross violation of Russia’s international human rights commitments.
Canada strongly condemns North Korea’s launch yesterday of an intercontinental ballistic missile. These continued advancements in their missile program and reckless provocations violate United Nations Security Council resolutions, undermine the region’s peace and security and are putting civilian lives at risk.
The Executive Group of the Media Freedom Coalition strongly condemns the Russian Federation's detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The detention of journalists under the guise of espionage charges is troubling and undermines the basic principles of democracy and rule of law. Mr. Gershkovich is a widely respected journalist who has spent years reporting on events in Russia with insight and integrity.
Canada condemns the Myanmar regime’s dissolution of 40 political parties, including the National League for Democracy and Shan Nationalities League for Democracy. These clear attempts to undermine Myanmar’s democratic institutions and to silence opposition voices will only serve to deepen the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and delay the return to a fully democratic and inclusive Myanmar.