The organization issued its statement Friday, restating its dedication to bringing crucial information and diverse viewpoints to the public after a reported action by the Canadian government blocked the social media sites of the Australian news organization known as Australia Today.
It began earlier this week after a joint press conference between Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. In some sharp remarks in the conference, EAM Jaishankar put the onus of giving political space to Khalistani extremists on Canada in the current India-Canada face-off.
The comments quickly became a point of ignition, as India reacted sharply to the situation and questioned the commitment of Canada toward free speech. After this, the Canadian government blocked social media presence of Australia Today, due to the nature of the broadcast. In its statement, Australia Today expressed gratitude for the support it had garnered all around the world, particularly from those advocating for press freedom.
Despite the obstacles brought by the Canadian government, we continue with our determination to share crucial stories and voices to the public, without being intimidated by these challenges," the news outlet said in a post. The statement then acknowledged the Canadian step against its team and supporters, pointing out that it's now at the time to save journalistic independence as censorship in media prevails.
"The Canadian government's recent actions have not been easy for our team, and for those who believe in free and open journalism," Australia Today said and added, "However, the tremendous support we have received is a strong reminder of the significance of a #freepress." Managing Editor Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj commented on the incident, commending the solidarity of the outlet's global audience. Despite these curbs, Bharadwaj said that "your stanch support has been the source of strength for us."
"Whether it was sharing our coverage elsewhere, voicing concerns about the erosion of press freedom, or just giving us encouragement, every action made a difference," he said. He also conveyed very deep gratitude to the continued advocacy for increased press freedom and transparency and said that would not be deterred by pressures from outside. We appreciate the community's solidarity and commitment to freedom of information and audiences' right to access diverse perspectives," he said in a statement.
"It is clear that the banning decision has not in any way dampened our spirits," said Bharadwaj. "We will continue to advocate for an open and inclusive media landscape," he concluded. Australia Today remains committed to the principles of openness, accuracy, and journalism, regardless of how high the hurdles may rise. The incident only brings out into sharp relief the deepening tension between Canada and India, with Khalistani separatism as the main battleground.
However, it also raises broader questions concerning free speech. Critics believe that the Canadian move was only a disguised way to try and silence an important international conversation. Recently, Canada and India each expelled their top diplomats following the fallout from allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that Indian intelligence may have been involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Canada. India had labeled Nijjar a Khalistani terrorist-somehow criminalizing him even though he was not facing any criminal charges in Canada but still ended up on a no-fly list, and his bank accounts were frozen.
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