'A free media is always essential, but we have never depended on it more than we do during this pandemic,' says UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet. coronavirus
ON MEDIA CRACKDOWNS. In this file photo, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet attends the opening of the UN Human Rights Council's main annual session on February 24, 2020 in Geneva. File photo by Fabrice Coffrini/AFP
In addition, nearly 40 journalists have reportedly been arrested or charged around the world for criticising countries' pandemic responses or for simply questioning the accuracy of the official numbers of cases and deaths.The UN rights office also pointed to reports of journalists disappearing after publishing coverage critical of the COVID-19 response, while a number of news outlets have been closed by authorities over their reporting.
"That's a worrying trend, when you're talking about mainstream, serious media organisations under fire," Colville said during a virtual press briefing. "Rather than threatening journalists or stifling criticism, states should encourage healthy debate concerning the pandemic and its consequences," she said.
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