[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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