In this section you will find essays, editorials and interviews on the theme of "press under surveillance."
Newspapers can freely publish the texts, with credit to WAN.
Publication embargo: These materials should not be published before 3 May, World Press Freedom Day.
“Since 9/11, the choices have been complicated by the fact that the enemy is a murkier entity, the battle lines are not clear cut, and much of the war takes place behind a shroud of secrecy -- on all sides.”
“The use of speech crimes against speakers whose views may be repugnant to many, but pose no imminent danger, is harmful to both public discourse and public safety.”
“History is replete with examples of government efforts to suppress human rights and speech on the grounds that to do so is necessary for society’s survival. In retrospect, these efforts almost always appear panicky, disingenuous or dangerous.”
“The authorities counted on mass media and journalists and their understanding and support of the governmental antiterrorist position from the very beginning of the present conflict in Chechnya. In the opinion of authorities, the war on terrorism is more of an ideological, social, and moral phenomenon than a military one.”
“People suggested that I leave the country, but I still choose to take a pen in hand to write about the news in China. I take my principles in hand and stare down the barrel of the gun of the dictatorship, and I believe that I made the right choice.”
“The power to seize documents must not be abused and care must be taken to ensure that the right to search is exercised only where there are grounds for suspicion.”
“With so much secrecy and excessive powers involved does anyone know how many victims there are of the use – and abuse – of these laws? And as one of the objects of terrorism is to generate fear and paranoia among people our democratic governments are speeding its achievement.”