Journalism Organizations Condemn Attacks Against La Estrella de Panamá and Other Media Professionals
Press freedom groups warn that baseless digital complaints undermine the public's access to information of public interest and weaken democracy.
The National Journalism Council (CNP), the Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression and Information, the Panamanian Broadcasting Association (APR), and the Chiriquí Journalists Association (APC) issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning what they described as unfounded complaints targeting publications by La Estrella de Panamá on its official Instagram account, warning that such actions pose a threat to press freedom and the public's right to stay informed.
In the statement, the organizations expressed concern over the use of reporting mechanisms on digital platforms to restrict the circulation of journalistic content covering matters of clear public interest.
A Troubling Precedent
The organizations argued that these actions set a troubling precedent that could undermine the practice of journalism and limit the public's access to verified and contextualized information on issues that are central to the national debate.
They stressed that no digital reporting mechanism should be used to prevent citizens from learning about matters of public importance.
The groups further warned that the misuse of social media reporting tools to suppress journalistic content constitutes an attack on both freedom of expression and society's right to receive information.
Growing Harassment of Journalists
The statement also highlights the increasing digital harassment directed at journalists, a practice that, according to the organizations, is intended to intimidate, discredit, and pressure those carrying out the essential task of informing the public.
They warned that such actions not only affect individual journalists but also undermine the practice of independent and responsible journalism.
The organizations noted that "shooting the messenger" has long been a strategy employed by those seeking to divert attention from reporting on matters of public interest instead of responding through the appropriate institutional channels.
Defending Press Freedom
The organizations expressed their support for La Estrella de Panamá—widely known as La Decana—as well as for all journalists and media outlets that perform their work with professionalism, responsibility, and adherence to the ethical principles of journalism.
They also criticized the misuse of tools designed to promote healthy practices within the digital ecosystem for the purpose of diminishing the presence of credible news organizations on social media platforms.
According to the signatories, using such mechanisms to silence journalistic content constitutes an abuse that neither serves the public interest nor contributes to strengthening democracy.
Disagreements Should Be Addressed Through Legal Channels
Finally, the CNP, the Forum of Journalists for Freedom of Expression and Information, APR, and APC reiterated that, in a democratic society, disagreements over news coverage should be resolved through arguments, evidence, and the legal remedies available—not through harassment campaigns or attempts to censor journalism on social media.
They also emphasized that credibility remains one of the journalism profession's greatest assets and that protecting it is essential to safeguarding the public's right to receive reliable information.
Source: La Estrella de Panamá
Author: Darine Waked
Picture: La Estrella de Panamá