[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 199 (Wednesday, December 21, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S9761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     
     
                                    RANA AYYUB
     
       Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, we should all be alarmed by the 
     increasing attacks against freedom of the press by governments around 
     the world. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in this 
     year alone, at least 38 journalists have been killed, 294 have been 
     imprisoned, and 64 are missing for simply doing their job, not to 
     mention the countless others who faced intimidation, harassment, legal 
     persecution, and threats. Today, I want to mention one.
       Rana Ayyub is an award-winning Indian journalist who has courageously 
     reported on religious violence, extrajudicial killings, and other 
     matters of public interest in India. Her important work is driven by a 
     sense of purpose and a love for her country and the ideals for which it 
     stands. Yet she faces online harassment and trolling, death threats, 
     and baseless government retaliation for her reporting. Despite the 
     immense pressure to silence her by government officials who should be 
     protecting her, she continues to expose the abuses of those in power.
       Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy. Without it, 
     the fundamental differences between a democratic state and an 
     authoritarian regime disappear. Throughout my 48 years in the Senate, I 
     have often been reminded that we each have a responsibility to defend 
     press freedom and amplify the work of journalists who shine a light on 
     corruption, injustice, discrimination, and impunity. We must stand up 
     for freedom of expression and the rights of journalists, so Rana Ayyub 
     and her brave colleagues around the world can do their essential work 
     without fear of retribution.
     
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