Open Media Endeavor (OME) endorses calls by independent journalists in the Pacific islands for their governments to guarantee access to all media outlets to cover this week’s marathon tour of the region by China’s foreign minister Wang Yi.
Reporters in the Solomon Islands say they are barred from attending press events related to Yi’s visit. And even the handful of journalists granted credentials note that local and Chinese authorities constrain their ability to ask questions.
“The Chinese delegation’s visit is an important and historic one for our country, and our members play an important role in ensuring it provides the right information and awareness on the importance of the visit to our people,” according to the MASI President, Georgina Kekea.
OME joins the Media Association of Solomon Islands, call for media outlets granted accreditation to boycott the limited access press conference with Yi scheduled for Thursday in solidarity with colleagues who have been shut out.
To stop these repressive extraterritorial efforts, it will take continued actions like this MASI boycott. We will continue our solidarity efforts with our network of partners and friends to ensure press freedom– and access worldwide.
