A photographer takes pictures of a protest against the murder and disappearances of journalists in Mexico, in Mexico City on August 21, 2019. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
A photographer takes pictures of a protest against the murder and disappearances of journalists in Mexico, in Mexico City on August 21, 2019. (AP/Rebecca Blackwell)
The Torch

National Geographic reporter shot in Chihuahua while conducting an interview

The Torch is a weekly newsletter from the Committee to Protect Journalists that brings you the latest press freedom and journalist safety news from around the world. Subscribe here.

A National Geographic reporter was wounded in a shootout in Mexico’s Ciudad Juárez last Friday. The attack occurred while a camera crew was conducting an interview with an alleged member of a criminal gang. Mexico is the deadliest country for journalists in 2019, with at least five killed in relation to their work so far; all have been singled out for murder in retaliation for their reporting.

In Baghdad, unidentified armed assailants wearing masks and black uniforms broke into and ransacked the offices of four broadcasters, stealing equipment and assaulting employees. The attacks took place amid protests over unemployment, a lack of basic services, and government corruption. Soon after the protests started, Iraqi police detained journalists, obstructed coverage, confiscated equipment, and attacked reporters with batons. Several major network operators blocked Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, among other apps, and restricted internet access across much of Iraq.

Global press freedom updates

  • Turkey bans critical reports on military operation in Syria, detains 2 journalists
  • CPJ calls on Hong Kong chief executive to establish body to probe police violence against journalists
  • Ecuador police attack journalists covering demonstrations; protesters also target the media
  • A blogger in Uzbekistan is forced into psychiatric clinic
  • Indian authorities arrest Telugu journalist after he refuses to remove online interviews
  • CPJ joins statement of concern over safety of Colombian journalist Daniel Coronell
  • Nigerian police beat two Inspiration FM journalists covering protest in Uyo
  • Russian authorities harass journalists reporting on Svetlana Prokopyeva terrorism case
  • Hamas forces in Gaza detain Palestinian journalist Hani al-Agha
  • In Honduras, attacker holds gun to the head of Radio Progreso anchor Sandra Maribel Sánchez
  • Kyrgyzstan reopens investigation into 2007 killing of journalist Alisher Saipov
  • Cambodian court delays verdict and orders new investigation of ex-Radio Free Asia reporters

Spotlight

CPJ staff and friends at the James W. Foley run in New York City in 2018. (CPJ)
CPJ staff and friends at the James W. Foley run in New York City in 2018. (CPJ)

CPJ will participate in the fifth annual James W. Foley Freedom Run to raise money for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation and honor the memory of journalist James Foley on Sunday, October 20, at 10 a.m. in Washington, D.C., and New York City. Foley, a freelance reporter, was kidnapped in Syria in 2012, and in August 2014, the Islamic State posted a graphic video online of his murder. Those who wish to support the foundation can join the virtual worldwide run or donate online.

CPJ will join vigils in London and Brussels on October 16 to mark the second anniversary of the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. CPJ recently interviewed the journalist’s son, Matthew Caruana Galizia, on the fight for accountability and continued impunity in this case.

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