UK Foreign Secretary marks World Press day

To mark World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2012,  the British Foreign Secretary William Hague said that marking this occasion "gives us an opportunity to honour the work of all those who strive to defend one of our fundamental human rights, the freedom of expression." 19 journalists have been killed so far this year doing their work while many more have suffered imprisonment. He asked that they all should be remembered including Sunday Times Journalist Marie Colvin and French photographer Remi Ochlik, "who died bringing us the truth about what is happening to the people of Homs." “As more media appears online, more online journalists, including bloggers, are also being harassed, attacked and killed for their work. We remember them also, and call for the release of those who have been arbitrarily detained." William Hague indicated that events in the Middle East and North Africa over the past year "have shown the power of the internet" add ing that  this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme ‘New Voices; Media Freedom is  helping to Transform Societies’  "recognises that power." "We must ensure that both online and offline innovation and the free flow of ideas, information and expression are protected. These are cornerstones of a stable and prosperous society" the Foreign Secretary concluded.