USA: Protect freedom of media in wake of political violence

ARTICLE 19 strongly condemns the dangerous rhetoric from some Republican politicians who are falsely blaming the media and President Biden for the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. This irresponsible rhetoric poses a serious threat to democracy, media freedom, and freedom of expression.We call on all politicians to unequivocally condemn political violence, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and defend freedom and independence of the media. The role of the media in scrutinising political leaders, and to comment, report, and engage in public debate must be fully protected, especially at this time.

ARTICLE 19 unequivocally condemns the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, 13 July. We also express sympathy with the loved ones of the rally attendee who lost his life, with those who were injured during the attack, and acknowledge that the man who carried out the attack, Thomas Matthew Crooks, also lost his life. Such loss is a direct result of abhorrent violence that must not be tolerated.

At the same time, we are gravely concerned that in the wake of this shocking event, some prominent Republican politicians have rushedto blame the media and President Bidenfor inciting the violence by voicing criticism and political opposition to President Trump and the Republic party. For instance, Senators JD Vance (since announced as Trump's vice presidential nominee) and Rick Scotthave claimed that the 'rhetoric' of the media and President Biden directly incited the violence, despite no credible evidence to support these accusations.

The media has a duty to report on and scrutinize political figures, which is a core tenet of a freedom of media in a democracy. Accusations that media scrutiny and criticism of President Trump amounts to incitement to violence are not only baseless and misplaced but also go against the US and international freedom of expression and media freedom standards. These standards protect the right of the media to publicly criticise the government and political figures, and to shed light on contentious issues in society. Moreover, we recall that under these standards, those in positions of political power must tolerate more criticism than ordinary citizens.

At this critical juncture, the media's role in providing accurate information, facilitating public discourse, and holding leaders accountable is more important than ever. Any attempts to scapegoat and undermine the media also pose a grave threat to the ability of the media to carry out their crucial watchdog function.

Additionally, we are concerned that by falsely blaming the media, the Democratic Party representatives and President Biden, the Republican leaders are attempting to deflect attention away from the real issues at hand - the rise of political violence and extremism, growing polarisation and intense partisan rivalry and gridlock in the United States. Rather than addressing systemic problems, they are cynically exploiting the situation for political gain. This undermines efforts to find real solutions and heal the divisions in the country.

Finally, we also warn that the inflammatory rhetoric from the prominent Republican politicians risks inciting further violence from Trump's most ardent supporters. By casting the media and Biden as the "enemies" responsible for the attack, they are essentially calling on their base to retaliate. This is a deeply irresponsible and undemocratic approach.

Our concerns about possible retaliation and further escalation of violence are not merely hypothetical. As documented, for instance, by the Center for Strategic and International Studies,right-wing domestic terrorism is prevalent in the USA, particularly when compared with other forms of terrorisms and has been for several years. It has been also documented that in recent cases, conspiracy theories have promptedviolence, including the 6 January insurrection on the Capitol.

ARTICLE 19 warns that political violence has no place in democratic societies and all political and government representatives must continue robustly challenge such behaviour. It must be universally condemned, not wielded as a weapon against the political opponents. If the political leaders continue down the path of some Republican representatives, it could further escalate tensions and put more lives at risk.

ARTICLE 19 calls on all political leaders in the United States to unequivocally condemn political violence, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, highlight the importance of freedom of the media and bring the country together to address the root causes of extremism in the United States. Anything less undermines the foundations of American democracy and freedom of expression.

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