Fethullah Gulen’s statement on World Press Freedom Day

Fethullah Gulen

World Press Freedom Day is an occasion that shines a light on the importance of free speech and a free press. One truly cannot be considered a human being without freedom. Protection of essential freedoms, including the freedom of thought and expression are as important as the protection of life, freedom of religion, bodily and mental health, family and property. Free speech and an independent media are critical components of a peaceful and free society.

As we celebrate this meaningful day, we remember that in too many countries, these rights are suppressed by the state or through political and societal pressures. The subjugation of independent voices of intellectuals, journalists or media outlets leaves people in the dark about the status of their fellow citizens and the direction of their country, as my homeland of Turkey is now experiencing. It is no surprise that the countries that facilitate freedom of thought and expression thrive while those who stifle them suffer deep polarization and potentially violent conflicts. Only through hearing genuine voices of others can we as a society develop empathy, which is so critical to civilization.

I hope that on this day people around the world, including those whose words carry weight with an audience, will rededicate themselves to these principles so we may foster freedom of expression where it is not yet achieved and protect it where it has been achieved, however imperfect it might be.

Published on AfSV.org, 3 May 2017, Wednesday