Committee to Protect Journalists – Defending Journalists Worldwide.

In post-election Venezuela, journalist jailings reach record high

Relatives of Venezuelans who were detained after the July presidential election march to advocate for their release, in Caracas, Venezuela, September 11, 2024. (Photo:Reuters/Maxwell Briceno)

Since the disputed July 28 Venezuelan election, a record number of journalists have been jailed amid a climate of fear in the country, prompting reporters to exercise extreme caution by erasing bylines and even using AI news anchors to deliver stories so the journalists’ real identities are protected.

Several of the detained journalists were arrested while covering anti-government protests and face charges of terrorism, instigating violence, and hate crimes, according to a report by CPJ’s John Otis. If convicted, they could face up to 30 years in prison each, yet they have no access to private lawyers and have instead been assigned public defenders loyal to the regime of President Nicolás Maduro.

In addition, at least 14 journalists have had their passports canceled with no explanation, according to Marianela Balbi, director of the Caracas-based Instituto Prensa y Sociedad.

Belarus’ push to extradite journalist could set dangerous precedent

Belarusian filmmaker Andrey Gnyot is stuck in a legal limbo after a Serbian appeals court announced on September 11 that it had sent his extradition case to the Belgrade Higher Court for a third review. Gnyot, who is currently under house arrest, could face seven years in jail if extradited to Belarus and convicted on tax evasion charges.

The extradition could set a precedent for more transnational repression of journalists by Belarus, and could also undermine Serbia’s efforts to join the EU, according to CPJ’s Gulnoza Said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists promotes press freedom worldwide.

We defend the right of journalists to report the news safely and without fear of reprisal.

Journalists Attacked

Myat Thu Tan

MURDERED

Myat Thu Tan, a contributor to the local news website Western News and correspondent for several independent Myanmar news outlets, was shot and killed on January 31, 2024, while in military custody in Mrauk-U in Myanmar’s western Rakhine State.

He was arrested on September 22, 2022, and held in pre-trial detention under a broad provision of the penal code that criminalizes incitement and the dissemination of false news for critical posts he made on his Facebook page. Myat Thu Tan had not been tried or convicted at the time of his death.

The journalist’s body was found buried in a bomb shelter, with the bodies of six other political detainees, and showed signs of torture.

Myanmar’s military junta has cracked down on journalists and media outlets since seizing power in a February 2021 coup.

Learn more about Myat Thu Tan