The Association of Journalists of Macedonia observed this year's World Press Freedom Day under the motto "FIVE + MINUTES OF THUNDERING SILENCE!"

Statement from the Association of Journalists of Macedonia


The Association of Journalists of Macedonia called all its members, journalists and media staff to warn the authorities, employers and wider public of the frequent violation of human, labor and professional rights of journalists and media staff in Macedonia with Five + minutes of thundering silence from 11.55 to 12.00h and in the main newscast in the electronic media.on May 3 - World Press Freedom Day.
In Macedonia the journalists are often intimidated, and exposed to threats, blackmails and torture. The journalists are still prevented in doing their professional assignments - reporting. We have been witnesses of attacks on journalists while they were performing their professional duty. Macedonian public should not be silent to these developments. Therefore this year, Macedonia marked the World Press Freedom Day under the motto Five plus minutes of thundering silence, because Macedonia can say much about freedom of media and journalists and five minutes are not enough. This struggle should be continuous.
All media joined the initiative of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, even the private broadcasting media from the towns throughout Macedonia. TV and radio stations halted the broadcasting for five minutes and read the announcement of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia. The dailies published appropriate articles. We must emphasize that the Macedonian Radio Television followed the AJM guidelines consistently. The national television halted the program for five minutes and AJM announcement was broadcast. This initiative was the top story in all newscasts. The largest private TV stations A1 and Channel 5 also observed the day, by halting the program from 11.55 to 12.00h and also in the main newscast, when the TV screens went black.
Secretary General of Association of Journalists of Macedonia made statement to numerous TV and radio station in that respect.
All media announced in their main newscasts that the International News Safety Institute (INSI) was promoted on May 2 at the International Press Center in Brussels.
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia will continue to remind that freedom of press is indisputable right, pursuant to the first Article of the Code of Journalists of Macedonia.

Viktorio Jakovleski
Association of Journalists of Macedonia