Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat greeted U.S. President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin with billboards criticizing their treatment of the press, ahead of their meeting on Monday.
Senior Editor-in-Chief Kaius Niemi explained the intention behind the billboards on Sunday.
“This is a statement on behalf of critical and high quality journalism. As we welcome the presidents to the summit in Finland, we want to remind them of the importance of free press. The media shouldn’t be the lap dog of any president or regime.” Mr. Niemi said in a statement.
As we welcome the presidents to the summit in Helsinki, we @hsfi want to remind them of the importance of free press. 300 billboards on the routes from the airport to the summit are filled with news headlines regarding presidents’ attitude towards the pressfreedom. #HELSINKI2018 pic.twitter.com/KmYJtLyeNE
— Kaius Niemi (@KaiusNiemi) July 15, 2018
We are here: pic.twitter.com/CSJ8LkvDaL
— Kaius Niemi (@KaiusNiemi) July 15, 2018
Mr. Niemi’s statement explained that Russia is near the bottom on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.
“In Russia, the freedom of the press has become almost nonexistent during the reign of Putin,” Mr. Niemi wrote.
Some journalists have needed to flee the country, and one even faked his death because of threats to their safety.
Mr. Trump is heavily criticized for framing the media as an enemy and undermining established outlets as “fake news.”
During a press conference with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday, the president accused both CNN and MSNBC of being dishonest and fake news in front of international press.
On Sunday, the president predicted the media would negatively cover the Helsinki summit no matter what.
“Much of our news media is indeed the enemy of the people,” he tweeted.
Heading to Helsinki, Finland – looking forward to meeting with President Putin tomorrow. Unfortunately, no matter how well I do at the Summit, if I was given the great city of Moscow as retribution for all of the sins and evils committed by Russia…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2018
…over the years, I would return to criticism that it wasn’t good enough – that I should have gotten Saint Petersburg in addition! Much of our news media is indeed the enemy of the people and all the Dems…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2018
…know how to do is resist and obstruct! This is why there is such hatred and dissension in our country – but at some point, it will heal!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2018
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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