Skopje, 17 February 2023 (MIA) - In a statement on Friday, the Ombudsman expressed support for the protest staged by media workers, journalists, reporters, camera operators and photojournalists, noting that there is no alternative to accurate and timely information. 

"Journalists, also referred to as the seventh force, must be provided with all the necessary conditions for work/safe work, because they are the most important element in the distribution of information to citizens who have the right to be informed about all important developments. in the country. The journalist profession must be respected, and the institutions must be as transparent and open to cooperation as possible, regardless of the type of news being distributed," reads the statement. 

Respect for the freedom of speech, the statement adds, contributes to building a truly democratic society and therefore no one, nowhere and on no reason must prevent them from reporting accurately and in a timely manner, and the state must guarantee them safe working conditions.