Freedom of the press is essential to hold governments accountable and encourage public debate, but this right was not protected in the case of Pakistani journalist Syed Fawad Ali Shah. While living in exile in Malaysia, Fawad wrote critically about Pakistan and was subsequently arrested by Pakistani authorities, with unclear involvement from Malaysian authorities. Fawad's torture and lack of protection illustrated that press freedom was not fully respected. His experience could create a "chilling effect" where other journalists self-censor out of fear. Both the Pakistani and Malaysian governments interfered in press freedom through Fawad's arrest and deportation.
Freedom of the press is essential to hold governments accountable and encourage public debate, but this right was not protected in the case of Pakistani journalist Syed Fawad Ali Shah. While living in exile in Malaysia, Fawad wrote critically about Pakistan and was subsequently arrested by Pakistani authorities, with unclear involvement from Malaysian authorities. Fawad's torture and lack of protection illustrated that press freedom was not fully respected. His experience could create a "chilling effect" where other journalists self-censor out of fear. Both the Pakistani and Malaysian governments interfered in press freedom through Fawad's arrest and deportation.
Freedom of the press is essential to hold governments accountable and encourage public debate, but this right was not protected in the case of Pakistani journalist Syed Fawad Ali Shah. While living in exile in Malaysia, Fawad wrote critically about Pakistan and was subsequently arrested by Pakistani authorities, with unclear involvement from Malaysian authorities. Fawad's torture and lack of protection illustrated that press freedom was not fully respected. His experience could create a "chilling effect" where other journalists self-censor out of fear. Both the Pakistani and Malaysian governments interfered in press freedom through Fawad's arrest and deportation.
Freedom of the press is essential to hold governments accountable and encourage public debate, but this right was not protected in the case of Pakistani journalist Syed Fawad Ali Shah. While living in exile in Malaysia, Fawad wrote critically about Pakistan and was subsequently arrested by Pakistani authorities, with unclear involvement from Malaysian authorities. Fawad's torture and lack of protection illustrated that press freedom was not fully respected. His experience could create a "chilling effect" where other journalists self-censor out of fear. Both the Pakistani and Malaysian governments interfered in press freedom through Fawad's arrest and deportation.
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Freedom of speech is the freedom to say whatever we want without breaching any norms or
restrictions that endanger society or provoke public unrest or rioting whereas the freedom of press refers to the freedom to report news and express opinions without fear of government restrictions where the journalist should also be protected in doing so. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in many incidents as journalists are always at risk for reporting news that may be considered seditious or anything that opposes the government as proof, Pakistani journalist Syed Fawad Ali Shah’s case is a perfect illustration of the situation. There are several components affecting the freedom of press, as for the purpose of this case, it centers around the freedom of expression, journalist’s safety and government interference. As this case involves another country, the components discussed are both the general freedom of press and in the Malaysian constitution.
First and foremost, freedom of press is considered to be critical for keeping governments responsible, exposing corruption, encouraging public debate, and protecting other fundamental rights. It empowers citizens by giving accurate and reliable information that allows them to make informed decisions. Although under the Malaysian Constitution, it is regulated by legal frameworks such as Printing Presses and Publications Act (PPPA) 1984, Malaysian communications and multimedia commissions Act (MCMCA) 1998. As for Fawad’s situation, as he was living in exile in Kuala Lumpur, he used it as an opportunity to write about Pakistan critically which resulted in him being arrested and allegedly being tortured as well by the Pakistan authorities. The involvement of Malaysian authorities are unclear but there is no denying that they had played a role as without them, the Pakistani authorities would not have been able to detain Fawad. Here it is evident that the freedom of press is not granted as it should have.
In correlation to the above, protection of journalists is essential as press freedom requires
protection of journalists' safety and security. As for Fawad, that is exactly what he needed and what he did not get. There was no one protecting him and as the result got assaulted and possibly mentally scarred from the description by his lawyer in the article. This situation could result in the chilling effect which is defined as a situation in which individuals or groups refrain from expressing themselves for fear of violating a law or regulation. Due to the law of freedom of press being unclear, as Fawad’s criticism about Pakistan has not even been established as a wrongful act, other journalists might fear that this might happen to them and refrain from speaking out.
Finally, government’s interference can also be seen in many instances in the article. The Malaysian authorities claimed they were unaware of his whereabouts and then revealed he was deported as he was wanted for disciplinary issues. As for the Pakistani government in a way orchestrated the whole situation. Having the government intervene in press freedom by arresting them is restricting freedom of press.
