Media Bias and Democratic Freedoms: Protecting Religious Minorities

Universal Peace Federation – UK
International Media Association for Peace (IMAP)

‘Media Bias and Democratic Freedoms: Protecting Religious Minorities’

43 Lancaster Gate, London, W2 3NA
Tuesday, 30 September 2025 | 6:00 pm

6 pm Refreshments and Registration

6:30 pm Programme Starts

Speakers Include:

Peter Zoehrer: IMAP Europe and the Middle East Coordinator

Hera Kruja: IMAP UK Chair, TV Presenter, Journalist, and Producer

Ian Pelham Turner: Broadcaster and Commentator, former BBC Royal Correspondent

Dear Friend,

Freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a cornerstone of democracy. Yet press freedom must be balanced with responsibility. When media outlets stigmatize religious minorities, they distort reality, undermine trust, and endanger the freedoms democracy claims to protect.

Across Europe and beyond, terms such as “sect” or “cult”—without legal or academic basis—have been used to delegitimize entire communities. This language fuels prejudice, exclusion, and even violence. From Hare Krishna devotees attacked in Germany, to Jehovah’s Witnesses banned in Russia, to Christians under-reported in Nigeria, the consequences are severe.

In Japan, media-fuelled hysteria following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe triggered a government move to dissolve the Japanese Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU - formerly the Unification Church), condemned globally as a violation of democratic and human rights.

A very troubling example comes from South Korea, where 82-year-old Dr Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Universal Peace Federation and FFWPU, has been held in pre-trial detention despite very recent heart surgery. Her case follows hostile media stories that cast suspicion on her faith community rather than report facts fairly.

These patterns show how media bias accelerates persecution: through silence, distortion, or smear campaigns, irresponsible reporting emboldens hate, legitimizes repression, and erodes democratic freedoms. The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) invites you to join us for this timely discussion on the role of media in protecting democratic values and safeguarding minority rights.

We look forward to welcoming you.

With best regards,

Robin Marsh
Secretary General, Universal Peace Federation – UK

(+44) 07956 210768
www.uk.upf.org @ukUPF pa@uk.upf.org
Registered Charity No. 1185412
UPF is an NGO in General Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC

Speakers Bios:

Peter Zoehrer: International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) Coordinator for Europe and the Middle East

Peter Zoehrer is a Vienna-based journalist, media analyst, and committed defender of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). He co-founded the Forum for Religious Freedom Europe (FOREF) and has served as its Executive Director since its formal establishment in 2005. FOREF originated in 1998 as a media response to Austria’s restrictive laws on minority religions. Under Zoehrer’s leadership, it developed into one of Europe’s most active independent watchdogs for FoRB, monitoring violations by both state and non-state actors. Zoehrer has participated in numerous international conferences, fact-finding missions, and advocacy campaigns. In recognition of his contributions to press freedom and civil society, he was awarded the Silver Pin by the Austrian Journalists Club (ÖJC) and is a member of Reporters Without Borders.

Hera Kruja is the International Media Association for Peace (IMAP) UK Chair. She is a TV presenter, journalist, and producer at ALB UK TV and FAB UK TV, known for creating engaging content across fashion, lifestyle, and culture. She has covered major events like Miss England and London Fashion Week, interviewed top designers and celebrities, and co-produces the lifestyle show *Elegance Jete*. Hera also explores hidden gems of the city in her series *The London Magic*. She holds a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Westminster and has reported on a wide range of topics as a multimedia journalist and freelancer. With a strong background in video production and storytelling, Hera combines creativity and leadership to craft content that informs and inspires.

Ian Pelham Turner is an international TV broadcaster with a history of over 3000 shows with major TV networks specialising in Royal Family / politics and promoting Great Britain. Sky 585 and USA Global Tv and radio, Fox media and NBC Telemundo. He is a television broadcaster and journalist with 58 years in news reporting. In recent years he specialises on commentating on the Royal Family, Politics and community affairs. He is also a political commentator for Sky 585, on a show called Talking Politics which has a billion plus audience across the world. As a Royal commentator he advises broadcasters across the world on the Royal Family activities.