The Information Council of Catalonia (CIC), an entity that articulates the public will through the College of Journalists of Catalonia (CPC) and monitors adherence to the Catalan Code of Professional Ethics, expressed concern regarding statements made by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta. He had questioned the information and work of journalists from El Periódico, part of Prensa Ibérica, and referenced complaints from subcontractors involved in Camp Nou renovations.
Laporta characterizes irregularities at Camp Nou as mere incidents
In the wake of his remark that “killing the messenger is a practice as old as it is ineffective, one that only fuels misinformation,” the CIC outlined four critical assessments following Laporta’s claim that El Periòdico published this information because of an ideological bias rather than evidence.
According to the CIC, when Mr. Laporta denied information about alleged labor irregularities tied to the Camp Nou renovation, asserting that the issues were driven solely by ideological priors and lacking proof, he also accused journalists of unethical conduct. The CIC described that as a serious charge.
The statement emphasized that having verified and accurate information is a right recognized by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The CIC noted that the responsibility to protect this right rests primarily with journalists, while those in public or representative roles who communicate through media also bear a duty to uphold ethical standards.
It was also stated that in an era where every dispute can be amplified across social networks, creating isolated factions in ongoing conflict, unwarranted disqualification of journalists’ work can intensify tensions and even foster hostility. The CIC urged citizens to recognize that stoking such rhetoric does not contribute to easing a climate of anxiety in a society already under strain.
Finally, the CIC offered to review and help resolve conflicts of this kind. It did, however, reject disqualifications that lack nuanced reasoning or a solid evidentiary basis.