Yesterday was World Press Freedom Day, set aside to honor the difficulties journalists encounter while trying to bring the world the truth about what’s actually going on while the rest of us sit in relative comfort. Murdered as was Anna Politkovskaya in her home or on the street as was Shireen Abu Alkeh, threatened by repressive governments, they confront the lies that tyranny tries to tell.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) notes that 97 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza alone since October 7, some during ground assaults, others in cold blood, 92 of whom were Palestinian. And 25 journalists have been arrested.
Gaza and Russia are not the only places where journalists have been murdered or face threats. In China more than 107 are in prison, some for “Inciting separatism,” as the Uyghur writer Gulnisa Imin, others from Hong Kong for “provoking trouble.” Although press freedom is enshrined as in our Constitution, we must remain vigilant.
Prayer for the Day
Recognizing the courage that reporters often have, O God,
We realize the high cost they and their families suffer;
Acknowledging that without them, we would be ignorant,
We ask that they be protected as they search for truth.
Grant, O Lord, that we do not forget those who have died,
As we take for granted our own freedoms.
In the name of the One who calls us to truth,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We are gravely concerned that the Texas Department of Public Safety has persisted in pressing charges against FOX 7 Austin photojournalist Carlos Sanchez in retaliation for his reporting on pro-Palestinian campus protests. All charges against him must be dropped immediately.
Committee to Protect Journalist statement
As you know, the occupation, in time of its war on Gaza, now wants the journalistic and media voice to be absent.
Alaa al-Rimawi, journalist with J-Media, now banned on “security grounds”
Hear a just cause, O Lord, attend to my cry;
Give ear t my prayer from lips free of deceit.
From you let my vindication come; let your eyes see the right.
If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, you will find no wickedness in me.
Psalm 17: 1-3