Latin America & the Caribbean

Suriname

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}
 

Reporters Without Borders Description:

The strategic interests of a country can sometimes clash with freedom of expression, despite it being recognised as a constitutional right. The public channel Surinam Television Foundation (STVS) had this bitter experience, on 10 May 2007, when its programme “Surinam Today” was abruptly pulled from the schedule. The debate and reports due to be aired were to be on the sensitive issue of relations between China and Taiwan since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. China still regards Taiwan as an integral part of its territory. Vice-president Ram Sardjoe demanded that STVS drop the programme in the interests of good relations between Paramaribo and Beijing. Producer and editor of “Surinam Today”, Nita Ramcharan said that one of her journalists had come under pressure and been threatened by Chinese diplomats after doing an interview with the Chinese ambassador. Episodes of this kind are rare in a country where freedom of the press is hardly ever breached and where journalists’ organisations have recorded no cases of serious assault in the past few years.

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