'Fake news' corrupts democratic process

True democracy cannot function properly without a pluralistic and free press, but "fake news", "spin" and campaigns focused narrowly on trendy issues confuse and corrupt the democratic process, Alfred de Zayas, United Nations independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, said in a statement marking International Day of Democracy on September 15.

“While freedom of opinion and expression are indispensable to a democratic society, such freedoms must serve -- not manipulate -- democracy. What is needed is free access to pluralistic information and opinion -- rather than homologated news services that echo each other and try to impose a 'politically correct' version of reality. 

The media has a responsibility to disseminate information, without selectively suppressing pertinent facts, or forcing the facts into a single possible interpretation. Democracy needs alternative news services and a general democratization of the media.

True democracy requires education, access to multiple, reliable sources of information and opinion, consultation in good faith with all those affected by decisions, and open debate free of intimidation, ostracism and the constraints of 'political correctness'."