U.S. Embassy in Tanzania
Press Release
January 11, 2008
The United States condemns the blatant attacks on the journalists of Mwana Halisi and their assailants' failed attempt to silence the free press in Tanzania.
Statement by U.S. Ambassador Mark Green
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has said, "There is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press." The U.S. Government firmly believes that a free press, acting as a conduit among a country’s leaders and its citizens, forms the backbone of an open society. The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the United States and in many places around the world, including Tanzania, the press fosters active debate, investigative reporting, and a forum to express views, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalized in society.
It is an unfortunate reality that the press is often a target of retaliation by those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency in democratic processes. Journalists are often the first to uncover corruption, to report from the front lines, and to highlight missteps by governments. This work places many journalists in danger, and it is the duty of governments and citizens worldwide to speak out for their protection and for their vital role in open societies. We applaud the Tanzanian government’s swift reaction to condemn the attack and President Kikwete for his personal attention to this case. We look forward to the Tanzanian judicial system bringing the assailants to book for their attack on these gentlemen who were going about their duties educating and informing the Tanzanian public. According to media NGOs, a record number of journalists and media workers worldwide were killed or imprisoned last year. Various reports highlight the significant dangers journalists and media workers face throughout the world as well as the need to improve respect for freedom of the press and the safety of journalists. The U.S. speaks out when press freedoms are under siege and stands with courageous individuals who boldly have sought to report the truth, often under difficult circumstances. The U.S. reports on violations and speaks out by reporting on the state of press freedom in its Department of State annual Country Reports on Human Rights. Our reports help governments, NGOs and citizens to call attention to the threats facing a free press.
The United States has a strong track record in promoting and protecting press freedom, and will continue this work. The U.S. Government supports a free press through programs and exchanges. We strongly support NGOs that promote a free press abroad, including training for journalists, editors and media managers worldwide. A component of our 11.5 million dollar Millennium Challenge Account Threshold program is to train 70 journalists in investigative journalism. We also support professional exchanges—including last year’s visit of VOA senior journalist Shaka Ssali--and civic education programs such as the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Program for enterprising foreign journalists. Last year, we sent Morris Mwavizo of the Citizen, Kizito Makoye of the Express, Samwel Nyalla of Sahara Communications, and Barack Islam of This Day on exchanges in support of journalism in Tanzania. The U.S. also provides assistance for the production of radio and television programs that are independent of state-controlled media and next month will host a team from Star Television in the U.S. Our support for a free and independent press comes directly from the American people. It is not only as a token of our deep friendship, but also as a sign of our commitment to strengthening journalism in this country. The United States will continue to promote a free and active press, in partnership with other governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs and individuals around the world. We will also continue to work closely with the Ministry of Information, press clubs, and all media houses, so that we may bring our two nations closer together, and further strengthen the bond between the United States of America and the United Republic of Tanzania.
We pray for the journalists’ speedy recovery and encourage the entire media community to continue acting as a voice for the voiceless and others marginalized in society.
Press Release
January 11, 2008
The United States condemns the blatant attacks on the journalists of Mwana Halisi and their assailants' failed attempt to silence the free press in Tanzania.
Statement by U.S. Ambassador Mark Green
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice has said, "There is no more important pillar of democracy than a free and active press." The U.S. Government firmly believes that a free press, acting as a conduit among a country’s leaders and its citizens, forms the backbone of an open society. The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the United States and in many places around the world, including Tanzania, the press fosters active debate, investigative reporting, and a forum to express views, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalized in society.
It is an unfortunate reality that the press is often a target of retaliation by those who feel threatened by freedom of expression and transparency in democratic processes. Journalists are often the first to uncover corruption, to report from the front lines, and to highlight missteps by governments. This work places many journalists in danger, and it is the duty of governments and citizens worldwide to speak out for their protection and for their vital role in open societies. We applaud the Tanzanian government’s swift reaction to condemn the attack and President Kikwete for his personal attention to this case. We look forward to the Tanzanian judicial system bringing the assailants to book for their attack on these gentlemen who were going about their duties educating and informing the Tanzanian public. According to media NGOs, a record number of journalists and media workers worldwide were killed or imprisoned last year. Various reports highlight the significant dangers journalists and media workers face throughout the world as well as the need to improve respect for freedom of the press and the safety of journalists. The U.S. speaks out when press freedoms are under siege and stands with courageous individuals who boldly have sought to report the truth, often under difficult circumstances. The U.S. reports on violations and speaks out by reporting on the state of press freedom in its Department of State annual Country Reports on Human Rights. Our reports help governments, NGOs and citizens to call attention to the threats facing a free press.
The United States has a strong track record in promoting and protecting press freedom, and will continue this work. The U.S. Government supports a free press through programs and exchanges. We strongly support NGOs that promote a free press abroad, including training for journalists, editors and media managers worldwide. A component of our 11.5 million dollar Millennium Challenge Account Threshold program is to train 70 journalists in investigative journalism. We also support professional exchanges—including last year’s visit of VOA senior journalist Shaka Ssali--and civic education programs such as the Edward R. Murrow Journalism Program for enterprising foreign journalists. Last year, we sent Morris Mwavizo of the Citizen, Kizito Makoye of the Express, Samwel Nyalla of Sahara Communications, and Barack Islam of This Day on exchanges in support of journalism in Tanzania. The U.S. also provides assistance for the production of radio and television programs that are independent of state-controlled media and next month will host a team from Star Television in the U.S. Our support for a free and independent press comes directly from the American people. It is not only as a token of our deep friendship, but also as a sign of our commitment to strengthening journalism in this country. The United States will continue to promote a free and active press, in partnership with other governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs and individuals around the world. We will also continue to work closely with the Ministry of Information, press clubs, and all media houses, so that we may bring our two nations closer together, and further strengthen the bond between the United States of America and the United Republic of Tanzania.
We pray for the journalists’ speedy recovery and encourage the entire media community to continue acting as a voice for the voiceless and others marginalized in society.
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