Foreign Ministry: Press freedom ranking for Vietnam untrustworthy, unpersuasive
Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Ngo Toan Thang on April 23 said that the 2019 World Press Freedom Index from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that ranks Vietnam in 176th place out of the 180 countries is untrustworthy and unpersuasive.
Hanoi (VNA) - Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Ngo Toan Thang on April 23 said that the 2019 World Press Freedom I🃏ndex from Reporters Without Borders(RSF) tha🍎t ranks Vietnam in 176th place out of the 180 countries isuntrustworthy and unpersuasive.
During the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi,Thang said it is not the first time the RSF has published reports based onuntruthful, groundless, and ill-intentioned information. The rankings are based on its own criteria without understanding the circumstancesand conditions in each country, he stressed. In Vietnam, the right to free speech and a free press are stipulated inthe 2013 Constitution and relevant laws. The Vietnamese media plays animportant role in protecting the interests of the society and freedom of the people,contributing to the State’s policy and law enforcement, the official added. The media has helped uncover and fight corruption and questionable behaviour,promptly covered pressing issues around the country, and most notably ensuredcorrect information regarding COVID-19 reaches the public. The public is able to access media channels to exercise their rights andexpress their opinions regarding the State’s legal policies, he said. Over recent years, press and information freedom in Vietnam has beenclearly reflected via the strong development of the media in various forms. Thecountry is now home to nearly 1,000 print and electronic newspapers, over 90radio stations, about 200 TV stations, and press associations. These alsoactively use modern technology to provide full and timely news to the public. Vietnamese reporters and journalists have also been given support to coverevery aspect of life in the country. They are also protected by law and work inline with the law, making responsible contributions to the common interests ofthe country and society, Thang said./.
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Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
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Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Ngo Toan Thang (Photo: Foreign Ministry) 
