Independent investigative journalist Okke Ornstein has been arrested and faces a lengthy prison sentence in Panama for committing acts of JOURNALISM. His charge? Reporting on the business practices of a Canadian man, Monte Freisner, doing business in Panama, now being labeled as "criminal libel."
Orenstein, far from committing criminal libel, was exposing corruption and fraud. On top of that, Monte Freisner has already been implicated and charged in a number of scams.
Independent critical journalism is the requirement of any functional democracy. When journalists start being imprisoned for exposing corrupt practices the society no longer is upholding its democratic commitments.
Sign today to free Okke Orenstein. By signing today you are showing your support for freedom of the press in Panama and beyond.
To President Juan Carlos Varela,
As a person who believes strongly in freedom of the press I am deeply concerned by the criminal charges against, and arrest of, Okke Orenstein.
Mr Orenstein is an independent journalist who was reporting on a business scandal and has done nothing wrong.
Freedom of the press is an essential cornerstone to any functioning democracy. Arresting Mr Orenstein goes against a strong democracy.
The press must not be inhibited from reporting on corruption and scandal when it appears. Mr Orenstein has done nothing wrong and must be set free.
[Your Comment Here]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
