#United States #Washington, D.C. #National Press Club #Press Freedom #Dong Yuyu

Press Freedom Event to Commemorate Dong Yuyu

On February 24, 2025, the National Press Club will host a significant press briefing to draw attention to the wrongful detention of Chinese journalist Dong Yuyu, who has now been imprisoned for three years. Sponsored by the recently established Press Freedom Center, this event aims to rally support for press freedom internationally and honour the sacrifices made by journalists worldwide.

Event Details

The briefing is scheduled to start at 6 PM in the Zenger Room, located on the 13th floor of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Mike Basalmo, the 118th President of the National Press Club, will kick off the proceedings with welcoming remarks. Additionally, attendees will hear from Bill McCarren, Director of the Press Freedom Center, as well as Yifu, Dong’s son, who will share personal reflections on his father’s ordeal.

Following the formal program, participants are invited to a reception to continue the conversation about press freedom and the future of journalism.

Why This Matters

Dong Yuyu is not just an arbitrary victim of censorship; he represents countless journalists across the globe who face oppressive regimes for merely doing their job. As a former Nieman Fellow at Harvard, Dong has devoted his career to exposing the truth through journalism. His unjust detention highlights the critical state of press freedom, not only in China but also in many parts of the world where journalists risk their lives for their work.

The National Press Club, founded in 1908, serves as a premier gathering place for journalists, advocating for press freedom and providing a platform to bring attention to critical issues affecting the media landscape. The Press Freedom Center, backed by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, aims to uphold and nurture the values that support a free and independent press.

The Role of the Press

In today's society, the media plays an essential role in maintaining democracy and informing the public. The suppression of journalists like Dong Yuyu sends a chilling message to aspiring reporters and could deter future generations from pursuing careers in journalism. This event is a rallying cry for advocates of free press to unite and push back against censorship.

Join us on this pivotal occasion to not only remember Dong's plight but to also support the broader fight for press freedom, essential for the preservation of democracy and public accountability.

For more information on how to support the Press Freedom Center and its initiatives, visit Press Freedom Center Donation.

Together, we can advocate for the rights of journalists everywhere and work towards a world where the freedom to report is universally protected.