Nicosia, Cyprus. The government reaffirmed its respect for the institutional role of journalists, media independence and citizens’ right to be informed, spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on World Press Freedom Day.
Press freedom and the role of journalism
Letymbiotis said that in an era of speed, misinformation, technological change and intense public debate, free and responsible journalism is increasingly important. He said democracy needs control, criticism, research, revelation and opposing viewpoints.
Working conditions and institutional protections
He said democracy needs journalists who can work without fear, pressure, threats or institutional obstacles. He added that the Republic of Cyprus, governed by the rule of law, protects and strengthens the environment in which journalism can carry out its mission.
Transparency, access to information and public debate
Letymbiotis said this includes transparency, access to information, respect for criticism, protection of press officers and continuous strengthening of institutional guarantees that serve freedom of expression. He said the government views criticism as an integral part of democratic functioning, and that disagreement supported by evidence and responsibility strengthens public debate and contributes to a more informed citizenry and a more mature democracy.
Shared responsibility against misinformation
He said these principles are accompanied by a common responsibility to protect truth from distortion, information from manipulation, public discourse from toxicity and society from misinformation. He said the response to these challenges is more transparency, more accountability and more institutional maturity.
World Press Freedom Day message
Letymbiotis said the day honors those who serve information with professionalism, consistency and responsibility, as well as journalism that scrutinizes power, gives citizens a voice, highlights injustices and sheds light on unseen aspects of public life. He said freedom of the press is a foundation of democracy and that for the Republic of Cyprus its protection is an institutional obligation, a political position, a European principle and a democratic duty.
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