The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) is advocating for the strengthening of freedom of expression and press freedom throughout the Pacific region. This comes against the backdrop of a defamation lawsuit filed by Surangel Whipps Jr.’s father, Surangel Whipps Snr., against the national newspaper, Island Times Palau. Whipps Snr.’s company initiated the legal action against the newspaper’s editor, Leilani Reklai, on October 29.
In a news briefing the following day, President Whipps Jr. criticized Island Times, claiming it spreads “political propaganda” that lacks accuracy, as reported by BenarNews.
PINA has declared its support for Reklai and intends to seek both regional and international backing. PINA’s president, Kalafi Moala, emphasized the media’s critical role in supporting democracy, stating, “We are calling for immediate freedom, not just in Palau, but throughout the Pacific.” He voiced concerns that some nations are witnessing a decline in freedom of speech and press, citing intimidation by authorities as a significant issue, particularly in Palau at this moment.
PINA has formally expressed its concerns in a letter addressed to the office of the Palau President. Moala remarked, “Freedom of speech and democracy are things that go hand-in-hand. Our advocacy for freedom is an advocacy for democracy,” highlighting the importance of these principles as Palau citizens participated in elections.
In summary, the PINA’s stance underscores the importance of media freedom and its integral role in upholding democratic values, especially during pivotal moments such as elections. This situation reflects a broader struggle for press freedom in various Pacific nations, but the ongoing advocacy demonstrates a collective commitment to protect these essential rights.
This issue reminds us how vital press freedom is for a thriving democracy and encourages hope for a future where these rights are universally acknowledged and protected.
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