Freedom of Press
In many European countries freedom of Press is at stake. The Berlin newspaper Taz made a dossier on the theme that was published on World Press Freedom Day, May 3. In collaboration with Drawing the Times, a number of illustrators and cartoonists were asked to create images that suit the theme. These illustrators are: Yorgos Konatantinou (Greece), Dace Sietina (Latvia/Netherlands), Lucia Žatkuliaková (Slovakia),Yana Adamovic (Serbia), Claudio Marinaccio (Italy) and Bas van der Schot (Netherlands).
Here you can read the dossier in German.
Here you can read the introduction of the Panter Stifting.
In Greece, the conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis has ensured that the media serves its interests – through financial support and privileged access to exclusive news and sources as well as through good connections with media owners. Press freedom ranking: 88th place.
Dace Sietina.
This illustration represents the constant struggle for truth and independence in Latvia. The red thread represents the insidious nature of propaganda messages that try to infiltrate Latvian society. A menacing Russian soldier aims a bullet, symbolizing an attempt to silence the truth. The massive rock looming above the image represents Russia, a powerful neighbor that poses a constant threat. https://www.instagram.com/dacesatre/reels/
Lucia Žatkuliaková.
In Slovakia, Robert Fico’s government is taking similar steps to Viktor Orbán’s in Hungary. Fico is trying to gain control over the public media. Members of his coalition prefer conspiratorial and pro-Russian media for interviews. Press freedom ranking: 29th place.
Yana Adamovic.
In Serbia, freedom of the press and freedom of speech are threatened by various institutions and narratives, including nationalist positions of Aleksandar Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the Orthodox Church of Serbia, as well as Russian influence. Press freedom ranking: 98th place.
Comic about press freedom in Italy: “What a paradox: demonstrating for human rights and denying the demonstrators these very rights. Afterwards, some newspapers blame those who take to the streets! No press freedom without truth.” Press freedom ranking: 46th place
Bas van der Schot.
In the Netherlands, Geert Wilders has little influence on public broadcasting. Instead, he follows Donald Trump’s style of speaking negatively about committed journalists. The image is based on a quote from Wilders about “woken journalist scum”. Press freedom ranking: 4th place.
