Prime Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom and Emphasises Responsibility and Rigour in the Digital Age
On October 16th, 2026, at the Dili Convention Centre, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão took part in celebrations marking the 4th National Press Freedom Day, reaffirming the 9th Constitutional Government’s commitment to press and expression freedoms while highlighting responsibility, professional ethics, and fact-checking as core principles of journalism.
This year’s celebrations, held under the theme “Mídia Livre, Demokrasia Metin” (Free Press, Strong Democracy), were organised with the participation of the Secretariat of State for Social Communication, the Press Council, and journalists’ associations. They featured exhibitions, debates, the Freedom March, and the presentation of the National Journalism Awards.
In his remarks, the Head of Government emphasised the media's role in informing citizens, monitoring public institutions, and contributing to democratic life.
“The Government must accept questions and fact-based criticism. Constructive criticism can help the Government improve its work and respond to the population’s needs. At the same time, journalists must verify information, uphold professional ethics, and report the news with rigour,” stated the Prime Minister.
Xanana Gusmão also addressed the transformations brought by digital technologies, social media, and Artificial Intelligence in how information is gathered and shared. While these technologies create new opportunities for research and data analysis, they also heighten the risk of fake news, manipulated videos, and AI-generated content designed to mislead the public.
“Therefore, journalists should not prioritise speed alone but give precedence to credibility and responsibility,” he said.
The Prime Minister argued that while Artificial Intelligence can support journalism, it cannot replace fact-checking or professional judgement. He further emphasised the need for cooperation among the Government, the Secretariat of State for Social Communication, the Press Council, media outlets, journalists’ organisations, educational institutions, and civil society to combat disinformation.
In this regard, he emphasised public institutions' responsibility to provide official information clearly and promptly, ensuring that efforts to combat disinformation do not restrict freedom of expression or criticism of government action.
“Public institutions must ensure clear and prompt access to official information. However, combating fake news does not mean silencing people or limiting criticism of the Government,” he stated.
During the event, the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, also highlighted the relationship between freedom and responsibility in journalism, advocating the ethical and responsible use of new technologies by media professionals.
The commemorative programme began on October 15th with the opening of the Freedom Fair, which showcased photographs and documentation of the work and contributions of former journalists and media professionals during the national liberation struggle. On October 16th, activities included panel discussions on journalist safety and the challenges of Artificial Intelligence, a Mass at Motael Church, a tribute to deceased journalists, the Freedom March, and the presentation of the National Journalism Awards.
National Press Freedom Day was established by the National Parliament in 2022 and is observed annually on October 16th, commemorating the five journalists (Greg Shackleton, Tony Stewart, Gary Cunningham, Brian Peters, and Malcolm Rennie) killed in Balibo on October 16th, 1975.
This year’s commemorations thus marked the 4th National Press Freedom Day and the 51st anniversary of the deaths of the five Balibo journalists.
