Friday, July 21, 2017, 12:30 - 13:30
Freedom of Information and the Situation in Japan
Language: The Speech and Q&A will be in English
Press freedom is under unprecedented attack across the globe. Empowered by SNS, pugnacious U.S. President Donald Trump has been attacking and threatening the media whenever he thought it was misreporting him. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has jailed journalists who have opposed him since the coup last year. In Russia, independent journalism has been cracked down under the rule of President Vladimir Putin.
While in Japan, the situation of press freedom has also been undermined and has suffered setbacks, according to Reporters Without Borders, or Reporters Sans Frontieres (RFS), an international non-governmental organization that advocates press freedom.
The watchdog, which has recently opened a bureau in Taipei focusing on East Asia, said Japan ranked 72 out of 180 countries the organization surveyed in terms of press freedom, saying that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe continues to threaten media freedom. It said the “kisha club” (reporter’s club) system is detrimental to press freedom and many journalists, both local and foreign are “harassed by government officials,” while criticizing the Japanese government for the special secrecy law, which the United Nations also said infringes media freedom.
The club welcomes Christophe Deloire, RFS secretary-general, Shirin Ebadi, 2003 Nobel Peace Laureate, as well as We’er Kaixi, RFS emeritus member, to discuss press freedom in Japan as well as how journalists as well as citizens can be united to better the situation for press freedom.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.
Professional Activities Committee
Christphe Deloire Shirin Ebadi Wu'er Kaixi