(IPI/IFEX) – IPI is condemning in the strongest possible terms the recent NATO strikes on the media in Serbia. **Updates IFEX alerts of 26 April, 23 April, 22 April and 21 April 1999** While appreciating the fact that state-run Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) is a propaganda tool for President Slobodan Milosevic’s regime, IPI […]
(IPI/IFEX) – IPI is condemning in the strongest possible terms the recent
NATO strikes on the media in Serbia.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 26 April, 23 April, 22 April and 21 April 1999**
While appreciating the fact that state-run Radio and Television of Serbia
(RTS) is a propaganda tool for President Slobodan Milosevic’s regime, IPI
feels that the strikes have the potential to do a lot more harm than good.
By identifying media as a legitimate target in war, NATO has consequently
threatened the safety of all journalists reporting in all conflict zones
around the world. The status of journalists as non-combatants is now cast in
serious jeopardy.
Furthermore, silencing this locally popular Serbian station will not alter
the public’s views on the situation as a whole. Surely it’s more likely that
the public’s opinion will now be galvanised and that they will hold up these
stations in a kind of martyr status and find their material more desirable
and seek it out. If history has one lesson to teach us it is that you cannot
silence opposing voices. If there is a willing audience, an information
channel will be found and the message of an obstructed voice will resonate
all the clearer.
These actions will have other ramifications way beyond the boundaries of the
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. If Western governments can silence a media
outlet when they do not approve of its content, why, governments around the
world will ask, can’t they then silence media outlets in their country that
are countering their views? The term “propaganda” can be highly subjective.
Governments who harass, beat and imprison journalists all over the world can
point to NATO’s actions as a form of legitimate
justification. To then condemn these governments will undoubtedly lead to
accusations of “Western Hypocrisy.”
Recommended Action
Send appeals to NATO’s Secretary General:
Human Rights which states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion
and expression…”. This must include the opinions and views we disagree
with
outlets; to make an unambiguous and unequivocal statement in favour of the
free flow of all information and to ensure journalists can safely perform
their function of informing the public in this time of tragedy and conflict
Appeals To
Mr. Javier Solana
Secretary General
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Brussels, Belgium
Fax: +322 724 3422
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
