June 21, 2002

The dangers of second-hand journalism

Re.: Martin Plaut (BBC)

M. Filli A.

The egregious claim “Eritreans boycott war dead ceremonies
June 19, 2002 (BBC)”, by Martin Plaut is not only a blatant lie but also an impudent attempt to politicize and undermine the significance and meaning of Eritrean Martyrs Day for it was refuted, beyond any shadow of doubt on the same day he was disseminating his baseless “report”, by his own fellow, Alex Last , who reported from Asmara, Eritrea: “Hundreds of thousands marched down the main avenue in the capital, Asmara, on the eve of Martyr's Day, listening to songs, poems and speeches - and many tears were shed.”[ June 21, 2002 (BBC-MS)]. How about that, Mr. Plaut? Where is the boycott you are blabbering about? Who is lying, here? While that is an eyewitness report, yours is based on hearsay and politically manipulated inputs: Second-hand information, so to speak. And that is not only professionally dangerous but also exposes the ugly face of the kind of journalism one practices: Misinformation, because there is no other plausible explanation for the humiliating discrepancy between what you claim and the eyewitness report of A. Last. Mr. Plaut, you also claimed “Many Eritreans will boycott official ceremonies organised by their embassies around the world”. Now, how do you know that? Hearsay? Scientific survey? Eritrean embassies?

You know what, Mr. Plaut? I honestly refuse to believe that you posted your egregious claim with any malicious intent but you were certainly manipulated into it. And, in light of the above cited eyewitness report, it is not too late to redress it.

Allow me to explain, Mr. Plaut. Eritreans commemorate their fallen heroes not because they are forced to, told to, or to please their government but because it is very personal for we have all lost at least one family member. Thus, there is neither and can never be a predetermined or prescribed way and manner as to how, when, where, and with whom one commemorates the fallen heroes nor is there any measure for it. We can commemorate our loved ones individually, in a small/large groups, in communities, embassy organized gatherings, churches, and mosques under all circumstances. Politically divided or not, Boycott of the commemoration of our martyrs Day is, therefore, not at all an issue because it is about our own loved ones: Sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, close friends and family members. The heading that Mr. Plaut chose for his “report” is therefore utterly absurd, for it didn’t happen, and sabotage since it shamelessly attempts to divert the public attention away from our martyrs, to whom that special day was exclusively dedicated.

Dear Mr. Plaut, please don’t get me wrong. I, as well as many, many other Eritreans, have utmost respect and appreciation for your legally conclusive reporting of the Haigue Verdict. But, truth be told, you are wrong, dead wrong on this one, as your own fellow, A. Last, has, knowingly or unknowingly, refuted your claim unequivocally and within hours.

Although the damage has already been done, it is not too late to rectify the situation and to preserve your journalistic credibility.

Fellow Eritreans, Please send this article to the following e-mail of the BBC. Just copy and paste in the body of your e-mail window, thanks.

Eritrea will prevail

Sincerely,

Dr. M. Filli A.

New Jersey, USA

mfilli@estart.com

CC.: newsonline@bbc.co.uk