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letters
The World Press Freedom Committee (“WPFC”) is sending this letter to every
member of the 110th Congress of the United States as you return to Washington,
DC to ask that you join the recently-formed Congressional Caucus for Freedom of
the Press and show your support for this basic fundamental right around the
world. The United States Congress, as the model for every legislative body on
the planet, has the power to lead by example in promoting the creation of a
truly free press that is integral to a thriving democracy.
As an international umbrella organization that includes 45 journalistic groups -- print and broadcast, labor and management, journalists, editors, publishers and owners on six continents -- united in the defense and promotion of press freedom, the WPFC is the only press freedom group with a primary focus on the global movement against restrictions on news and freedom of the press.
As reporting continues to become an international phenomenon and the Internet erases physical borders that strictly apply domestic law to local publications, the importance of promoting the strongest protections possible for the press increases. The WPFC has been in existence for over thirty years; in that time we have seen the ability of unscrupulous governors to use repressive criminal penalties to control information, mold public opinion, stifle dissent and retain power. For that reason, our primary goals in working with the Caucus will be:
- Working to obtain repeal of harsh criminal penalties for defamation and “insult” or “desacato” that prevail in nations other than the United States.
- Supporting the expansion and funding of US government efforts to encourage the growth of free and independent media and liberalized media laws in developing countries by, among other things, training journalists, media lawyers and judges.
- Framing an international treaty governing news on the Internet, such that no journalist or news organization would be subject to liability for an article appearing on the Internet, except in the state with the closest connection to the publication.
- Promoting the involvement of international financial aid donors or lenders to condition developing countries’ receipt of financial assistance on their significant and measurable improvement in insuring press freedoms.
These ideals are not partisan in nature. They are democratic in nature. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are not important human rights. They are fundamental human rights. The United States Congress should not simply support these rights around the world. It should practice them at home and promote them around the world. Under the guidance of Rep. Adam Schiff, the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press will achieve that end. We ask that you join our fight for freedom of the press by joining the Caucus and promoting its activities in the 110th Congress.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Winfield
Chairman
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