‘Impunity biggest cause
of violence vs journalists’

EACH UNRESOLVED CASE of violence against journalists is an open invitation for even more violence.

This was the message – and the reminder – of United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression Frank La Rue to the Philippines on the 4th anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, where 58 people including 32 mediamen were murdered in November 2009.

La Rue was interviewed during the Asia Regional Consultation on Freedom of Expression and Civil Liberties in Bangkok last week.

La Rue also expressed his solidarity with Filipino journalists in the fight to end the culture of impunity in the country.

La Rue–who was in Manila for the first anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre–pointed out the importance of remembering the grisly incident on November 23, four years ago, as a stark example of how impunity threatens the very fabric of democratic ideals.

“I have always been shocked that this is the biggest massacre of journalists–the biggest collective death of journalists in the world–in the history of journalism,” he said.

“I think it is very important to remember this incident to make this a message of eradication of impunity,” La Rue added.

Below is the full transcription of La Rue’s special message:

My name is Frank La Rue and I’m the UN special rapporteur for the freedom of expression around the world. (And) I want to take this opportunity to send a very special message to the people of the Philippines.

First of all, because of the typhoon that affected the Philippines my solidarity and my prayers are with the people of the Philippines at this moment to overcome this huge tragedy, who moved us all in the world.

And secondly, because this is the anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, I was in Manila for the first anniversary and as special rapporteur on freedom of expression, I have always been shocked that this is the biggest massacre of journalists–the biggest collective death of journalists in the world–in the history of journalism.

(And) I think it is very important to remember this incident to make this a message of eradication of impunity. Every time that an act of violence against a journalist remains without investigation, without justice, is the invitation–not for one other act but–for many more to occur.

For me, analyzing violence against journalism, the biggest cause of violence in the world against journalists is impunity. We have to eradicate impunity and I hope Philippines becomes an example of this.

The best for you all.