Journalists in Timor-Leste take a stroll on Freedom of the Press Avenue and distribute free bumper stickers, flyers and newspapers to mark World Press Freedom Day.
There’s a street in Dili called Freedom of the Press Avenue and today about 75 journalists in Timor-Leste kicked off World Press Freedom Day with a walk along the avenue. Journalists used the occasion to remind merchants and motorists that the street was renamed Freedom of the Press Avenue nine years ago tomorrow, May 3rd. Journalists distributed bumper stickers, flyers and newspapers as they walked along both sides of the street – which is several kilometers long. Banners were also hung above the street.
Some journalists carried handwritten posters with slogans such as “We Are the Voice of the Voiceless” and “Media Freedom Is Your Freedom.”
Some merchants have continued to call the street by its old name and journalist Otelio Ote, one of the organizers, thought World Press Freedom Day weekend would be a good time to launch the awareness campaign.
ICFJ assisted the five journalism associations in organizing the event – helping with printing, logistics and providing refreshments along the route.
Journalists were not able to walk the entire length of the street because two local police officers stopped everyone about 200 meters short of the end of the street – insisting that journalists needed a permit to walk as a group.
Tomorrow, May 3rd, journalists will hold another event at a local hotel – and have invited diplomats, donors and government officials to take part. The activities will conclude with refreshments and a live band concert.
