Romanian media organization has given the Press Freedom award to Julian Assange

[Better Believe It]

Romanian online media organization cotidianul.ro has given the Press Freedom award to Julian Assange for service to freedom of expression and democratic values.

Criticizing Europe for today handing over the EU presidency to Hungary, which just implemented a widely condemned new media law severely curtailing freedom of expression in that country, the organization warns against trying to conceal dangerous and questionable decisions in countries vulnerable to economic and financial crisis. Besides a vote of solidarity with Julian Assange, the award is meant as a call to all fellow free citizens to "Defend freedom of expression!"

http://wlcentral.org/?page=1



Luni, 03 ianuarie 2011

English version: For Julian Assange, the honour prize "Dacia Libera"

Cotidianul.ro is honouring Julian Assange for his struggle to defend the freedom of the press and democratic values.

By declaring our solidarity with Julian Assange, we want to draw attention to threats to our profession which have reached alarming levels. We make an appeal to professional community and lovers of freedom that the very countries that have fought for or support these values_ which have become vulnerable due to the economic and financial crisis_ are trying to cover up the dangerous situation the press is in by passing questionable laws that restrict freedom of expression.

Those of us who have lived behind the Iron Curtain know what it means to silence the press! The press is at risk of becoming an illusion of what it is supposed to be, a ghost of a watchdog in our societies! We also know that those who have difficulty understanding democracy, dream of silencing the media.

These people want a mute world where only their voices are heard. The "Free Dacia" diploma of honour for Julian Assange also carries our solidarity for the man Julian Assange. But it is also an appeal to all brothers and fellow free citizens: "Defend freedom of expression!".

Read the full statement at:

http://www.cotidianul.ro/133615-English-version-For-Julian-Assange-the-honour-prize--Dacia-Libera