REMARKS: World Press Freedom Day
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
REMARKS: World Press Freedom Day
May 3, 2023
On the 30th annual World Press Freedom Day, the United States extends our deep gratitude to the remarkable journalists and media professionals around the world whose work ensures the flow of information and ideas that form the lifeblood of free and open societies. Today we also reflect on the tremendous sacrifice paid by so many journalists in performing this noble vocation.
Far too many governments use repression to silence free expression, including through reprisals against journalists for simply doing their jobs. We again call on Russian authorities to immediately release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and all other journalists held for exercising freedom of expression.
Imprisonment is not the only threat reporters face. Journalists covering violent conflict and corruption are subjected to intimidation and abduction, often perpetrated with impunity. Elsewhere, journalists face discrimination, censorship, and weaponized justice systems. Governments around the world have used various tools of repression to force media outlets to close.
On this World Press Freedom Day, we rededicate ourselves to protecting press freedom at home and promoting it across the globe.