(FPJQ/IFEX) – The following is a 9 March 2001 FPJQ press release: The FPJQ will monitor press freedom during the Summit of the Americas Montreal, Canada – The Professional Federation of Quebec Journalists (FPJQ) is concerned about the climate of expected insurrection that surrounds the Summit of the Americas, and its impact on press freedom. […]
(FPJQ/IFEX) – The following is a 9 March 2001 FPJQ press release:
The FPJQ will monitor press freedom during the Summit of the Americas
Montreal, Canada – The Professional Federation of Quebec Journalists (FPJQ) is concerned about the climate of expected insurrection that surrounds the Summit of the Americas, and its impact on press freedom. The Summit will be held in Quebec City, the capital city of the province of Quebec, from April 20th to 22nd.
To date, no constraints on press freedom, or any other related incidents, have been cited. The FPJQ will continue to monitor the situation so that every journalist at the Summit can work in a normal context, without constraint.
In the light of events over the past year, we believe vigilance is required. On May 1st, 2000, journalists covering a demonstration in Montreal were arrested by police and detained overnight. On October 23, 2000, mounted police forced journalists covering demonstrations outside of a meeting of the G-20 in Montreal to leave the site, and in some cases, intimidated them.
The vast security measures being put in place for the Summit have been the subject of controversy for some months, and have created a besieged atmosphere. The area of the city where the summit will be held will be barricaded like a fortress. A four-kilometer long concrete and steel fence will protect a large security zone. Residents and merchants who live and work within the protected area will be given passes. The ten thousand civil servants who work for the government of Quebec will be obliged to take holidays during this period.
These measures give a general idea of the logistical nightmare surrounding the summit plans. More than 3,000 police will be assigned the job of assuring security at the Summit. The three-day event is expected to bring together 3,000 journalists, 34 heads of state, 4,000 delegates, and 10,000 demonstrators.
The FPJQ will closely monitor the evolution of this situation so as to ensure that press freedom is fully respected.
