International Journalists Day highlights press freedom and safety

September 8 marks International Journalists Day, a date established to honor the work of those who investigate and verify public interest facts. The commemoration is linked to the legacy of Czech journalist Julius Fučík, who was executed by the Nazis in 1943 after writing clandestine testimonies during his imprisonment.

In Mexico, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) emphasizes that the date serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and the public's right to information. The CNDH notes that while September 8 has international significance, Mexico also recognizes the profession nationally on January 4 in memory of Manuel Caballero.

In Spain, professional and union organizations have issued a manifesto defending the journalistic profession. The document condemns the harassment, threats, and physical aggression directed at media professionals during public interest events. The signatories reject the normalization of political figures labeling journalists as adversaries or using terms like ‘terrorist’ to describe their work, arguing that such rhetoric creates a climate conducive to violence.