On June 8, 2023, the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights, delivered a speech at RightsCon 2023, the world’s leading summit on human rights in the digital age, where she shed light on the concerning issue of the digital blockade on freedom of the media in Saudi Arabia.
During the intervention, delivered by Senior Researcher, Duaa Dhainy, ESOHR highlighted the struggles faced by journalists, the emergence of citizen journalism, and the Saudi government's heavy-handed response to those who dare to question the status quo.
The Deteriorating State of Media Freedom:
ESOHR highlighted that media freedom in Saudi Arabia experienced a significant decline in recent years. The government has utilized various repressive measures to silence dissenting voices and maintain a tight grip on power. There is a lack of independent media outlets, with all major media channels affiliated with the government. Journalists and writers who have objected to government policies have faced bans, imprisonment, and even death, as illustrated by the cases of the photojournalist killed during demonstrations and the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The Rise of Citizen Journalism:
In this challenging environment, citizen journalism has emerged as a powerful force for promoting freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia. Ordinary citizens equipped with smartphones and social media accounts have become the new wave of reporters, providing an alternative source of news and information. ESOHR commended the bravery of these citizens who have used their voices to expose arbitrary arrests, forced displacement, and unjust sentences imposed on different segments of society. They have defied opacity and lack of transparency through social media, ensuring their stories reach the world.
Digital Blockade and Suppression of Voices:
However, the Saudi government has responded to citizen journalism with heavy-handed tactics. Authorities have implemented a digital blockade, censoring and monitoring online content to maintain control over the narrative and suppress voices of dissent. Posting on social media has been treated as an accusation, leading to harsh sentences and travel bans for activists like Salma al-Shehab and Noura al-Qahtani. The law against information crimes is widely employed to issue arbitrary punishments, and even official media outlets have openly admitted to arresting individuals based on their tweets.
Technology's Dual Role:
Technology's rapid advancement has had both positive and negative implications for media freedom in Saudi Arabia. On one hand, it has provided a platform for citizen journalists to disseminate information and amplify their voices. On the other hand, the government has exploited technology to enhance its surveillance capabilities, making it easier to track and target those who speak out against injustice. Concerns have been raised about the collaboration between certain platforms and the Saudi government in monitoring journalists, activists, and citizens, underscoring the need for effective mechanisms to prevent censorship.
A Call for Solidarity and Accountability:
In conclusion, ESOHR intervention serves as a wake-up call for international solidarity and action. It is crucial to stand with those who are silenced, demand accountability from the Saudi government, and work towards a future where media freedom is respected and protected.