2019
Pakistani news program cancelled amid defamation suits from prime minister
On August 6, 2019, Pakistani broadcaster Channel 24 HD cancelled the “Najam Sethi Show,” a news and political commentary program, after the broadcaster’s management received a phone call from an unidentified individual demanding the show be dropped, according to Najam Sethi, the show’s host, who spoke with CPJ on the phone.
Iranian photojournalist Forough Alaei detained for 5 days over soccer stadium coverage
On August 12, 2019, intelligence agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps arrested freelance photojournalist Forough Alaei and five women’s rights activists, accusing them of attempting to illegally enter Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, according to a report by the BBC’s Persian service. The six were released on bail on August 17, according to Iranian press freedom…
Ethiopian authorities arrest journalist Mesganaw Getachew after he films outside court
Nairobi, August 20, 2019–Authorities in Ethiopia should unconditionally release journalist Mesganaw Getachew, who was arrested on August 9 after recording an interview outside a court in Addis Ababa, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
At least 2 journalists detained amid tensions in Jammu and Kashmir
New Delhi, August 16, 2019—The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on the Indian government to immediately stop its harassment of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir and to allow them to work freely. Authorities have detained at least two journalists in the past week amid tensions and the communications blackout in the region.
Basra police raids home, seeks arrest of Iraqi reporter Hassan Sabah
New York, August 16, 2019—The Committee to Protect Journalists today condemned the issuing of an arrest warrant and a raid on the home of Hassan Sabah, a reporter for the Iraqi news broadcaster INEWS, in Basra, and called on Iraqi authorities to allow journalists to work freely and without fear of retaliation for their reporting.
CPJ calls on SADC heads of state to prioritize press freedom and the safety of journalists
CPJ writes to the executive secretary and heads of state of the Southern African Development Community ahead of the 39th Ordinary Summit, urging them to prioritize press freedom and the safety of journalists in SADC.
CPJ, partner organizations call on Sacramento Police Department to fulfill commitment to respect the rights of journalists covering protests
The Committee to Protect Journalists along with partner organizations write to Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn to urge the Sacramento Police Department to fulfill its commitment to respect the rights of journalists covering protests in the city.
Chile accused of spying on investigative journalist Mauricio Weibel
Miami, August 15, 2019—The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern today over reports that Chile’s army allegedly ordered a surveillance operation against the investigative journalist Mauricio Weibel Barahona in 2016, when he was researching claims of misconduct in the armed forces.