article_snippet: The prosecution of journalists is the hallmark of ‘oppressive regimes’ such as Russia and Egypt, which try to crush free speech and a free Press, the Old Bailey heard yesterday.
article_snippet: The prosecution of journalists is the hallmark of ‘oppressive regimes’ such as Russia and Egypt, which try to crush free speech and a free Press, the Old Bailey (pictured) heard yesterday .
article_snippet: His articles revealed bullying, crime and sexual assault within the military, the jury was told.
article_snippet: His QC said: ‘Please recognise how disturbing a development it is that journalists that only report the news accurately, honestly and fearlessly now face being prosecuted in our criminal courts.
article_snippet: Mr Burke told jurors jurors would be ‘all too familiar with journalists being silenced by courts’ and spoke of oppressive regimes such as Russia and Egypt that sought to crush a free Press and free speech.
article_snippet: You might be aware of events in Moscow over the weekend, where a free Press has long ceased to exist,’ Mr Burke said.
article_snippet: – people demanding a fraction of the rights we enjoy here, which include but are not restricted to a free Press.
article_snippet: It is the very basic function of a journalist in a free society to report the news without fear or favour,’ Mr Burke said.
article_snippet: ‘To expose hypocrisy and to reveal the truth.
article_snippet: Mr Burke Mr Burke told the jury how Press Press had exposed child sex abuse in Rotherham as well as the MPs’ expenses scandal.
article_snippet: ‘fundamental duty to hold the powerful to account and to speak for those who have no voice’.