An announcement was issued by the Cyprus Writers' Union regarding the resignation of Andreas Paraschos from the position of Director of “Kathimerini Kyprou”. In the announcement, among other things, the PSC expresses its strong dissatisfaction and concern about the sad ending that had an article incident with the former Editor-in-Chief of “Kathimerini” Cyprus, fellow journalist, member of the PSC, Andrea Paraschos.
The PSC announcement in detail:
The Board of the Cyprus Writers' Union expresses his strong dissatisfaction and concern about the sad ending that had an article incident with the former Editor-in-Chief of “Kathimerini” Cyprus, fellow journalist, member of the PSC, Andreas Paraschos. This is clearly a case of downsizing the press and forcing a journalist to resign.
The publishers-employers of A. Paraschos made, as they should not, an apology by letter, on his behalf and in his absence. The only choice left until yesterday until the Director of “K” was to resign. As he did, preserving his professional dignity, prestige and competence.
The whole incident particularly hurts the freedom of expression and the freedom of the press in our country. It leaves an indelible negative mark on the journalism of our country, on the pluralism of opinions and on the ethics of public speech.
The whole incident is sad, disturbing and dangerous. It leaves exposed not only the publishers-employers of “K” but also the holders and specifically the presidential environment. Excessive zeal is always a bad advisor for everyone.
The role of the journalist is not to silence the authorities, but to control them, to lie to them, to judge and criticize them on behalf of the public. When the public opinion roars about the issues of corruption that plague our country, when the international media strongly criticizes the situation on the whole issue in our country, the Cypriot journalists cannot remain silent. Because journalists are also judged, they are not in the dark.
As a Board of Directors of the PSC we call on the publishers of “K” to think twice. Finally, we call on the President of the Republic, Nikos Anastasiadis, to separate his position from the final depressing outcome of the whole event. Colleague Andreas Paraschos has our full support and encouragement, the full support and backing of the entire journalistic family.
