Editorial: Cases show importance of free press

Andy Coulson has brought shame on the profession and will probably be punished with jail time, writes Andrew Austin. Photo / Thinkstock

The right of journalists to do their work without harassment or threats is obviously something I hold dear.

However, I also believe that journalists should not break the law or do anything illegal to get a story. This newspaper believes strongly in both those principles. They are pretty straightforward parameters to operate in and if journalists are able to operate freely and also accept their ethical responsibilities, then the public's right and desire to know what is happening can be fulfilled.

Thankfully, journalists in New Zealand, as far as I am aware, do respect the law and we are also allowed to do our job without being harassed by the state. Unfortunately, it is not the case in some parts of the world.

This week has seen both ends of the spectrum in the spotlight.

In Egypt we have had the appalling court case where three journalists from the respected Al Jazeera television network have been jailed for what most right-thinking people believe was them just doing their jobs.

Peter Greste (an Australian) and Mohamed Fahmy were jailed this week for seven years while Baher Mohamed was given 10 years. All three denied the charge of working with the now banned Muslim Brotherhood. The case has shocked the world and the United States called the sentences "chilling".

Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum, we have had former News of the World editor Andy Coulson found guilty in the Old Bailey in London of conspiring to hack phones. Coulson has brought shame on the profession and will probably be punished with jail time. Two examples that strongly emphasise why a free and independent press is so important.