Journalists’ federation denounces MBC accusations as “violation of press freedom”

Posted on : 2022-10-05 17:21 KST Modified on : 2022-10-05 17:21 KST
The International Federation of Journalists issued a statement regarding legal action by the ruling party over coverage of a gaffe by the president
Screenshot of MBC news.
Screenshot of MBC news.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) issued a statement denouncing the criminal accusation against MBC by South Korea’s People Power Party for the network’s initial reporting on a hot mic gaffe by President Yoon Suk-yeol as a “clear violation of press freedom.”

On Tuesday, the IFJ sent the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK) a statement titled “South Korea: MBC network sued for defamation by ruling party.” In it, the federation wrote, “The ruling People Power Party of the Republic of Korea has launched several intimidatory public and legal attacks against public broadcaster Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, accusing the outlet of misreporting President Yoon Suk-yeol’s remarks during a trip to New York.”

“The International Federation of Journalists joins its affiliate, the Journalists Association of Korea, in condemning the censuring of MBC and other Korean media in a clear violation of press freedom,” it continued.

In another statement, IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said, “Suing the media for defamation is a typical example of intimidation. President Yoon should be held accountable for what he reportedly said and not use journalists as an excuse to cover up for him.”

The IFJ is the world’s largest group of journalists, boasting 600,000 members affiliated with around 180 media outlets in 140 countries.

By Suh Jung-min, staff reporter

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

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