The New York Times - The SDG Crisis Committee Threatens to Silence the Free Press

By Ana Paula Contreras Frias

The Situation

In 2053, the economy of Saudi Arabia that used to rely on oil, is decreasing, making their consumers reach to new technology, by this means generating a state of crisis. Meanwhile, Russia pursues expansionism. Already having taken over much of Eastern Europe, Russia has now their new objective is the Middle East. With the U.S declining as the superpower of the world and concluding all global scientific and economic collaboration and a considerable number of countries closing their borders. The transpiration of this events resulted in the EU gaining more power, and as consequence resulting in the disband of the UN. A collection of officials, business leaders, faction leaders, and advisors have been appointed to deal with this emergency by developing a crisis committee gathered by the ruling king of Saudi Arabia.

With Russia aspiring to challenge the US for global supremacy, Saudi Arabia reacted by attempting to murder Russian leader Vladimir Putin with 20 troops. As consequence several members of the committee were slaughter or captured. This failed attempt of assassination made Russia declare war with Saudi Arabia, leaving Saudi Arabia with no allies, as other states are concerned about their own security if they join this confrontation. The possibilities for Saudi Arabia to win this war are relatively low, as Russia will not cooperate on a peaceful negotiation after a murder attempt from the Saudi Arabians. This lead to casualties for the both parties with Saudi Arabia losing 400 aircrafts, 300,000 armed forces, 300 tank, 500 armored vehicles and 10 submarines. Meanwhile Russia lost 100 aircraft, 1,300 tanks, 600,000 armed forces, and 120 naval ships; not nearly as close as Saudi Arabia.

Silence Attempt

While the free press was reporting on this issue, several delegates appear to be upset with the presence and access of the press during this committee. The Crisis Committee, afraid of the leaking of information would jeopardize their entire operation made several proposes on how to deal with the free press. The Leader of the Movement of Islamic Reform suggested removing the press from the conference. While the Ministry of Justice suggested chopping the hands of the journalists to take away their right of communicating a free message, and afterwards threaten to murder The Globe and Mail. Subsequently, the The Minister of Health propose to abduct the present journalists. Other motions included temporary encarcelaron, removing all devices that were used to report, and removing the information gathered. Finally, the free press was removed from the conference.

It is imperative for the free press to be informed on international issues, as well as reporting on them. Silencing the free press will result in sanctions from the states of nationality of the journalists. Not only making worst their image towards other states, but denying the right of exercising freedom of speech in Saudi countries. As for the New York Times, a threatening or punishing a journalist for exercising their right of freedom of speech, and free press will result in possible sanctions of the U.S. After the Saudi public express their discontent with the disrespect toward the media, the journalists were invited back to the Crisis Committee to discuss ideas for them to report. Some of the suggestions included censoring the media, and as final resolution consisted on reducing the press exposure on classified information discussed within the committee.