The Editors’ Council has raised concerns regarding recent cases of journalists and media organizations facing intimidation and harassment. They emphasized that such actions represent a significant threat to press freedom and the democratic process in the lead-up to the national elections.
Highlighting the incident where the military entered the premises of a registered digital media outlet on February 7, the council described it as a troubling example. They emphasized that any alleged news dissemination irregularities should have been addressed through proper legal channels rather than through arbitrary interventions.
In a statement released recently, the council pointed out that despite the government, military leadership, and heads of public institutions voicing efforts to enhance the reputation of law enforcement agencies over the past 18 months, such incidents send a negative signal to voters and media practitioners ahead of the election.
The Editors’ Council also issued a warning about the repercussions of irresponsible reporting and the proliferation of false information on the credibility of election reporting. Stressing the importance of accountability, the council called on the government, security agencies, and all involved parties to prioritize the safety of journalists and fulfill their duty in upholding democracy.
