Freedom of speech eroding in Japanese media, warns UN expert
United Nations Special Rapporteur David Kaye says he has found evidence of ‘government exploitation’ in certain branches of the media
Media companies in Japan are under attack from politicians seeking to silence them, United Nations Special Rapporteur David Kaye said.
While Kaye praised Japan’s commitment to freedom of expression and opinion as reflected in the nation’s constitution, he expressed concern about ‘worrying trends’ undermining media independence.
“Independence of the press is facing serious threats,” Kaye said at a press briefing in Tokyo on Tuesday. Kaye, in town after the government invited him to meet with officials, journalists and others, said there was evidence that ‘government exploitation’ of divisions within the media had worsened the outlook for press freedom.
Kaye was originally invited by the state to visit last December. That trip was postponed after Japanese authorities weren’t able to coordinate meetings with relevant officials in time.
“Many journalists who came to me and my team asked for anonymity in our discussions,” said Kaye. “Many claimed to have been sidelined or silenced following indirect pressure from leading politicians.”