Shillong May 2: “No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information. It is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truth to power.” – António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference.

Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.

It is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press freedom throughout the world; defend the media from attacks on their independence; and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

This year’s theme is ‘Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation’ and the Shillong Press Club expressed its solidarity with all colleagues and comrades from the region, the country and the world as a whole who have been victims to suppression of free speech.

A statement issued by Shillong Press Club president, David Laitphlang and general secretary, Powell Sohkhlet condemned repeated attacks and concerted attempts to muzzle the freedom of speech in various parts of the country in general and the north east region in particular by various forces inimical to a peaceful and vibrant democracy that this great nation has been founded in.

While extending best wishes to all members and fellow journalists of the state, region, nation and the world, Shillong Press Club ardently hoped that freedom of speech and expression will return to where it was, so that the aspirations and desires of all people is achieved through positive and fearless journalism which will always remain the hallmark of the fourth pillar of democracy.