Post by Particip GmbH

Thursday October 9th, Panama - Ambassador Izabela Matusz emphasized that freedom of expression requires active and constant protection against the risks of disinformation and technological surveillance upon the successful launch of the “Diagnosis Study on Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom in Panama” at an event attended by +100 attendees representing major media outlets, academia, institutions that safeguard freedom of expression and press in the country as part of the EU-funded project “Supporting the Alliance for Democracy Development, in fostering independent and pluralistic media, access to information and the fight against disinformation in Panama, Costa Rica, Dominican Rep. and Ecuador”, implemented by Consortium leader Particip and partner FPU. “During the presentation of the first report on freedom of expression and press freedom in Panama, held on October 9, Izabela Matusz, the EU Ambassador to Panama, reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to defending democratic values, human rights, and informational pluralism… Matusz highlighted that this regional project builds on the International Forum on Democracy and Freedom of Expression, held in 2023 in collaboration with the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and that the long-term goal is to consolidate the country as a “hub for freedom of expression” in Latin America. ‘We hope that the report presented today will serve as a model for similar studies in the other participating countries,’ she stated. She also mentioned that two of the project’s training sessions were conducted in Panama and that several Panamanian journalists have participated in both national and international training activities. The Ambassador shared that she recently had the opportunity to speak with Panamanian communication professionals who have taken part in these training processes. ‘You, the journalists, know better than anyone the challenges you face. I hope this report serves as a tool to foster discussion and concrete actions that strengthen freedom of the media and freedom of expression,’ she said.” To read the report: //https://lnkd.in/eUMk9DcB For more information: https://lnkd.in/e7gN3VpQ You may find additional coverage of the event at the links below: • https://lnkd.in/ekYxNaCA • https://lnkd.in/e7gN3VpQ • https://lnkd.in/e_fPk5kr • https://lnkd.in/eipJdpTs