Free Expression Is a Fundamental Right: A Statement of Solidarity Against Violations of Press and Expression Freedoms

In light of the growing global concern over increasing restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression, there is a renewed need to affirm that free speech is not a crime and that independent journalism is not a threat  but rather a fundamental pillar of any society striving for reform, stability, and the rule of law. Respect for the right to expression, guaranteed under international human rights instruments including the United Nations framework and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights represents a true measure of a state’s commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability.

Based on this principle, the Forum’s statement comes to express a clear position regarding the measures taken against the journalist concerned, which touch the core of media freedom and raise serious questions about the guarantees protecting journalists in the performance of their professional duties. Solidarity with freedom of opinion and expression is not a personal or temporary stance, but a principled commitment to defending society’s right to know and the journalist’s right to carry out their mission without intimidation or restriction.

The International Forum for Journalism and Media has issued an official statement on this matter, as follows:

Statement of Solidarity and Condemnation for the Violation of Freedom of Opinion and Expression

The International Forum for Journalism and Media is closely monitoring with deep concern and strong condemnation the situation of Mauritanian journalist Mr. Mohamed Al-Hafiz Abdullah, Head of the Visual Production Department at Mauritania Radio, who has been subjected to repeated security summonses, prolonged interrogations, and explicit threats of imprisonment following the exercise of his professional right to express his opinion and publish an article addressing public affairs issues.

What has occurred according to available information including his summons to units affiliated with the gendarmerie, subjecting him to hours-long investigations, demanding that he apologize for the content of a journalistic article, and issuing direct threats to deprive him of his liberty, constitutes a clear violation of freedom of opinion and expression and a serious breach of constitutional guarantees and relevant international obligations.

The Forum emphasizes that freedom of opinion and expression is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article (19) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, one of the most important binding international instruments concerning the protection of fundamental freedoms particularly press freedom and the right to criticize public performance without fear or intimidation.

Any security pressure exercised to force a journalist to apologize for a professional opinion expressed within the framework of public discourse represents a serious infringement on political and civil life, undermines confidence in the environment of freedoms, and weakens the principle of the rule of law.

Accordingly, the International Forum for Journalism and Media:

• Declares its full and unconditional solidarity with Mr. Mohamed Al-Hafiz Abdullah.
• Condemns in the strongest terms any practices aimed at restricting press freedom or intimidating journalists because of their opinions.
• Calls for the immediate cessation of all forms of pressure or threats and guarantees his professional and personal safety.
• Urges respect for international commitments related to civil and political rights and the preservation of the dignity of journalistic work.

The Forum further affirms that if these measures are not terminated in a manner that ensures full respect for freedom of opinion and expression, it will proceed with escalation measures by addressing the relevant international bodies including human rights institutions within the United Nations system to place the matter before their legal and moral responsibility.

Press freedom is not a privilege granted it is an inherent right that must be protected. Defending it is defending society as a whole and its right to knowledge, accountability, and transparency.

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