KATHMANDU: The European Union (EU) said that it is committed to promote and protect freedom of opinion and expression worldwide, not only offline but also in relation to the cyberspace and other information communication technologies, as highlighted by the adoption in 2014 of the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline.

Issuing a press release on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day today, the EU condemned the increasing level of intimidation and violence that journalists, Human Rights Defenders, media actors and other individuals face in many countries across the world when exercising the right to freedom of opinion and expression online and offline.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini said that the EU is  determined to fight against laws and practices that impose censorship, encourage self-censorship or provide legal penalties, including criminal, financial and administrative sanctions, as well as against the misuse of market powers and poor economic conditions.