President Donald Trump's criticisms of the press earned a rebuke Wednesday from Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, the United Nations' high commissioner for human rights.
Freedom of the press is "under attack from the president," Hussein said Wednesday at a Geneva press conference, according to The Washington Post.
"To call these news organizations 'fake' does tremendous damage and to refer to individual journalists in this way, I have to ask the question: Is this not an incitement for others to attack journalists?" Hussein asked, according to The Post.
"At the time I expressed my feeling that this was grossly irresponsible, because it has consequences, it emboldens those who may think similarly to sharpen their assaults on these communities," Hussein said in Geneva.
"You don't have to stretch the imagination to see, then, what could happen to journalists," Hussein said at the press conference, according to CBS News.
Hussein also questioned the president's pardon of ex-Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio. "Does the president support racial profiling, of Latinos in particular, does he support abuse of prisoners?" Hussein said, according to The Post.
"I almost feel that the president is driving the bus of humanity and we're careening down a mountain path. And in taking these measures, at least from a human rights perspective, it seems to be reckless driving," Hussein added.
Trump has frequently criticized the press. On Aug. 7, he sent a tweet that called multiple media outlets "fake news."
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.