[Editorial] Press Freedom Has to Prevail

It is frustrating to face the charges of the National Tax Service against the six press firms and the three owners. It is especially shameful that the Donga Ilbo is not also free from the charges.

The Donga Ilbo has repeatedly pointed out that the intention of the tax probe is questionable, considering the timing, the scale and the duration of the investigation, and the amount of the additional penalty collections. The suspicion continues on. It is the unprecedented instance for the government to subjugate the press firms with the illegal internal transaction investigation by the Korea Fair Trade Commission and the revival of the fair trade standards of the press simultaneously in addition to the tax investigation.

However, no matter under what circumstances the investigation has been carried out, it is shameful to the press firms, which have to be transparent before the public, to be charged with the taxation violation and was ordered to pay for the additional penalty tax. It is very regretful for the Donga Ilbo to create anxieties for the readers and the people.

The whole press sector including the Donga will reflect on the misconducts and will correct the wrong customs. It is certain that the press cannot expect any privilege to retreat into the sacred precinct.

And the Donga urges the Public Prosecution for a fair investigation free from any political intention. The Public Prosecution has to pay attention whether [the announcement of the National Tax Service] was exaggerated by the different opinions on the tax accounting or to artificially exasperate the results, or whether the NTS had ignored the special circumstances of the press firms.

The Donga is concerned about the behavior of the ruling New Millennium Democratic Party, which has accused the particular newspapers as an infamously corrupted sector by the party`s newspaper from the time long before the NTS lodged complaints with the Prosecution. The MDP seems to follow its scenario for all-out attack against the specific targets.

It is regretful that the press, who takes pride in its contribution to the democratization and the social development of the nation, has sudden been denounced. Particularly, the principle of equity has been ignored by the release of the allegations of the selected press companies, excluding the charges of certain press firms and broadcasting companies.

The government has to accept that the current investigation can be illustrated as an intentional suppression against the press and the government must ensure the freedom of the press. The government should thoroughly investigate the press management, if any, that is not transparent. However, the government`s investigation must not be used to interfere the press and to daunt the just and critical spirit of the press.

The Donga Ilbo will face the legal procedures with a resolute attitude and dignity as the final rampart for the freedom of press. The Donga definitely promises the readers to preserve and to develop continuously the tradition of the proud history of past 81 years.