2015
CPJ calls for investigation into journalist’s burning death; police accused
New York, June 10, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for an independent investigation into the death of Jagendra Singh, an Indian freelance journalist who died from burn injuries in a hospital in Lucknow on Monday, the Press Trust of India reported. Before he died, Singh alleged that police set him on fire, according to…
Jailed Vietnamese blogger Ta Phong Tan on hunger strike over mistreatment
Incarcerated blogger Ta Phong Tan has been on hunger strike since May 13 to protest the mistreatment of political prisoners at the prison where she is being held in Vietnam’s central Thanh Hoa province, according to news reports. It is believed to be the third time Tan has fasted in protest at poor prison conditions…
In Indonesia, promising steps on Papua access but more work needed
Last month Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, announced his intention to allow international journalists access to restive regions including Papua and West Papua–an issue the Committee to Protect Journalists has long advocated for.
News from the Committee to Protect Journalists, May 2015
US cites CPJ in remarks on World Press Freedom Day Each year, World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity for press freedom organizations to put anti-press violations on the map. This year, CPJ did just that. In U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement commemorating World Press Freedom Day, he cited CPJ research: “This is…
At least four journalists attacked in Nigeria in one week
Abuja, Nigeria, June 5, 2015–At least four journalists have been attacked in Nigeria, and one forced to flee his state, in the past week, according to news reports and one of the journalists. The attacks occurred in the same week that the Committee to Protect Journalists wrote an open letter to new President Muhammadu Buhari,…
Colombia releases suspect in attack on journalist Jineth Bedoya
Bogotá, June 4, 2015–The Colombian attorney general’s office announced Monday that charges have been dropped against Alejandro Cárdenas Orozco, a paramilitary fighter who confessed to taking part in the 2000 kidnapping of Colombian journalist Jineth Bedoya, who was also raped in the attack, according to news reports. Cárdenas later retracted his confession, according to reports.
India denies public exhibition of film on life of Tamil journalist Shoba
India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which regulates the public exhibition of films in the country, declined to certify the film Porkalathil Oru Poo on May 27, 2015, citing the possibility that it could harm “friendly relations with foreign States,” the English-language daily The Hindu reported.
CPJ urges Nigerian president to prioritize press freedom
President Buhari: The Committee to Protect Journalists is writing to congratulate you on your recent victory in Nigeria’s presidential election. As Nigeria prepares to enter a new chapter in its history, we urge you and your administration to take steps to ensure that journalists are able to work freely and openly in the country without fear of reprisal of any form.
CPJ condemns attack on investigative journalist in Croatia
New York, June 2, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the attack on investigative reporter Zeljko Peratovic who, according to news reports, was beaten in his home in Luka Pokupska, near the city of Karlovac, and calls on Croatian authorities to investigate if journalism was the motive.