(RSF/IFEX) – By a vote of 227 to 183 on 29 June 2006, the House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced the day before in support of the international bank transaction surveillance program implemented by the Bush administration within the scope of its fight against terrorism. This resolution amounts to a condemnation of the media […]
(RSF/IFEX) – By a vote of 227 to 183 on 29 June 2006, the House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced the day before in support of the international bank transaction surveillance program implemented by the Bush administration within the scope of its fight against terrorism. This resolution amounts to a condemnation of the media who revealed the existence of this program, starting with “The New York Times”, which was the target of vehement criticism voiced by the executive branch and the Congressional majority. Some elected Republican members are now calling for accredited journalists to be prohibited from gaining access to Congress. Others go as far as demanding that the journalists be tried for high treason.
Representative Michael Oxley (Republican, Ohio), who wrote the resolution, stated that the recent article in “The New York Times” “cut the legs out from under this program.” On his own initiative, his colleague, J. D. Hayworth (Republican, Arizona), launched a petition, signed by 70 people to date, insisting that “The New York Times” journalists responsible for these revelations be fired.
“We object to the excessive tone and unsubstantiated claims solicited by the proponents of this resolution whose violent language represents an attack on press freedom and the right of citizens to be informed. This resolution constitutes an attempt to control the media, who are being asked to refrain from writing about sensitive subjects. This recent initiative, combined with the threats against source confidentiality, is fuelling fears of increasing restrictions being imposed upon the press. We are very troubled by this gradual deterioration of freedom of the press and freedom of expression in the United States, and urge the American public and political class to react,” RSF said.
