Ambassador Rana addressed attendees at the Journalism Awards, expressing support for Prime Minister Fico and the people of Slovakia during a challenging period. "I want to begin by offering my thoughts and prayers to Prime Minister Fico and his family. I also want to offer my sympathy and support to the people of Slovakia during this dark time," said Ambassador Rana.
Highlighting the issue of political violence, Ambassador Rana stated, "Political violence is always unacceptable, and we must condemn it, without reservation." She acknowledged the history of political violence in her own country, noting that four U.S. presidents have been assassinated and a fifth shot.
Emphasizing the importance of press freedom, she remarked on the First Amendment's role in defending democracy against authoritarianism. "For we have always recognized the thin line between democracy and authoritarianism is defended by a free press and an open society," she noted.
Addressing journalists directly, Ambassador Rana called them heroes for their dedication to truth despite facing significant challenges. "In spite of all the challenges you face, I implore you, don’t stop," she urged.
She pointed out how authoritarian regimes often target media freedom as a first step toward consolidating power. "The first thing every authoritarian government does – and we see this unfortunately in Putin’s Russia and other dictatorships – is it shackles the press and intimidates journalists," she said.
Ambassador Rana expressed gratitude for journalists' work in ensuring freedom and praised organizations like the Open Society Foundation for their efforts. She concluded with a commitment from the United States to support democratic principles in Slovakia: "The United States has been proud to support the Journalism Awards...and we will always stand with you in support of democratic principles."