Standing for truth on ‘World Press Freedom Day’

By Anthony Joseph

In a stirring and solemn gathering in Toronto, the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) hosted its annual World Press Freedom Day event, spotlighting the escalating threats facing journalists around the globe and honouring those who continue to defend the profession’s vital role in democracy.

The evening began with a sobering reflection: “To be a journalist is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.” The speaker cited the latest Freedom Index covering 180 countries and revealed chilling statistics. In 2024 alone, 122 journalists have been killed—one of the deadliest years on record. “There were 124 murders this year,” emphasized NEPMCC President Tom Saras. “The previous year, it was 113. We are witnessing a rising tide of violence against truth-tellers.”

Countries listed among the most dangerous for media professionals include Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, China, Russia, and India. Even more alarming are the imprisonment statistics. As of this year, 361 journalists remain behind bars, with regimes in Myanmar, Belarus, China, Israel, and Russia leading in media repression. “And 95 journalists are missing,” the speaker added, “their whereabouts unknown.”

Saras, recovering from illness but resolute in tone, pointed to the erosion of press freedom even in countries considered democratic. “Today, I read that a Trump administration official said the government can now confiscate journalists’ phones,” he warned. “If America is using these tactics, what freedom of the press do we really have?”

The event was not only about grim statistics. It was also a celebration of resilience and excellence. A series of awards were presented to individuals whose work upholds press freedom and serves the public good. Among the honourees were Al Pace, CEO of Pace Law; Hoang Thanh Tam Tran; journalist and Netflix documentarian Jeremy Grimaldi; and Paul Nguyen, recognized for his advocacy and recent foray into provincial politics.

Special tributes were paid to behind-the-scenes champions such as Dr. Mohamed Tajdoladi and Spiro Bruce. The Hon. Joe Volpe and guests from Montreal, including Dimitris, were acknowledged for their continued support.

In a moving call to action, attendees were urged to write to their Members of Parliament, MPPs, and the United Nations. “Don’t slough it off,” one speaker said. “Think about what you can do. Journalists are being jailed, killed, and disappeared. And yet, we stand.”

As the evening concluded with a group photo and reception, Saras left the audience with a stark reminder: “Without freedom of the press, there is no democracy. And without democracy, there are only Black states.”

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