PM Gusmão urges responsible journalism and fact-checking on National Press Freedom Day
DÍLI, 16 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão has called on journalists to prioritise accuracy, credibility and professional ethics amid growing concerns about disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking at the country’s fourth National Press Freedom Day celebrations at the Dili Convention Centre on October 16, Gusmão reaffirmed the IX Constitutional Government’s commitment to freedom of the press and expression, while stressing that media freedom must go hand in hand with professional responsibility.
“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,” the prime minister said.
He highlighted the media’s role in keeping citizens informed, holding public institutions accountable and strengthening democratic life. He also stressed that journalists must verify information before publication, particularly as digital platforms accelerate the spread of news and information.
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “Mídia Livre, Demokrasia Metin” (Free Press, Strong Democracy), with activities organised in collaboration with the Secretariat of State for Social Communication, the Press Council and journalists’ associations.
Xanana said digital technologies, social media and artificial intelligence had transformed how information was collected, analysed and distributed. While these tools offer new opportunities for research and data analysis, they also increase the risk of fake news, manipulated videos and AI-generated material intended to mislead the public.
“Therefore, journalists should not prioritise speed alone but give precedence to credibility and responsibility,” he said.
The prime minister said AI could support journalistic work but could not replace fact-checking or professional judgement. He called for closer cooperation among the Government, media organisations, the Press Council, journalists’ associations, educational institutions and civil society to address disinformation.
He also stressed that public institutions had a responsibility to provide accurate official information promptly and clearly, enabling journalists and the public to assess government decisions and actions.
“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 said.
The remarks underscored the need to address false information without undermining freedom of expression or restricting legitimate scrutiny of government policies and decisions.
Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes also highlighted the relationship between media freedom and professional responsibility. He called on journalists to use new technologies ethically and responsibly.
The two-day commemorative programme began on October 15 with the opening of the Freedom Fair, which displayed photographs and documents highlighting the work and contributions of former journalists and media professionals during Timor-Leste’s national liberation struggle.
Activities on October 16 included panel discussions on journalist safety and the challenges posed by AI, 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 Timor-Leste’s National Parliament in 2022 and is observed annually on October 16. The date commemorates the deaths of five journalists — Greg Shackleton, Tony Stewart, Gary Cunningham, Brian Peters and Malcolm Rennie — who were killed in Balibo on October 16, 1975.
This year’s observance marked the fourth National Press Freedom Day and the 51st anniversary of the deaths of the five Balibo journalists.
TATOLI
