The Capitol Building is seen from Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., in December 2017. Senate authorities have proposed rules on covering impeachment proceedings that would add security and limit reporters’ movement while covering the event. (Reuters/Aaron P. Bernstein)
The Capitol Building is seen from Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., in December 2017. Senate authorities have proposed rules on covering impeachment proceedings that would add security and limit reporters’ movement while covering the event. (Reuters/Aaron P. Bernstein)
The Torch

Proposed impeachment press restrictions | Two Iraqi journalists killed in protest

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.

CPJ on Wednesday urged Senate authorities to reconsider proposed restrictions on journalists covering President Trump’s impeachment trial and to consider feedback from the Standing Committee of Correspondents. CPJ argued that increased restrictions would make it more difficult for journalists to cover a major news event and limit the public’s insight into the impeachment proceedings.

In Iraq, unknown gunmen opened fire on a car carrying TV reporter Ahmed Abdul Samad and camera operator Safaa Ghali, the journalists were covering protests in Basra, according to news reports and their employer. Both journalists died from their wounds. At least two other Iraqi journalists have been killed since protests began in Iraq in October. CPJ Emergencies’ latest safety advisory provides advice for journalists reporting in Iraq.

In Mexico, CPJ is investigating the killing of a radio anchor to determine if journalism was the motive. Fidel Ávila Góme of La Ke Buena radio broadcaster in Huétamo, in Michoacán state, was found dead near the borders of Michoacán and Guerrero. He went missing on November 29. Mexico was the deadliest country in the Western Hemisphere for journalists in 2019, when at least five reporters were murdered in retaliation for their work. CPJ is investigating another six killings to determine whether journalism was the motive.

Global press freedom updates:

  • Police raid Cairo offices of Turkish Anadolu News Agency, arrest at least 4
  • CPJ called on India to restore internet in Kashmir as court orders shutdown review
  • Colombian magazine Semana alleges military spied on its journalists
  • In the UK, ‘Megxit’ and Downing Street briefing change put focus on press access
  • Ugandan police harass and detain journalists covering opposition politician Bobi Wine
  • Investigative journalist Bolot Temirov assaulted in Kyrgyzstan
  • Police beat and detain journalists covering protests in São Paulo
  • Serbian journalist denied entry to United Arab Emirates
  • Journalists threatened and assaulted while covering local politician in Sierra Leone
  • Malawi detains and charges 3 journalists seeking to cover EU delegation’s return
  • Freelance journalist Santosh Yadav acquitted of charges after a four-year-long legal battle, which included threats and attacks by Indian police
  • In Montenegro, reporters Živković and Raičević were charged with criminal incitement
  • Sudan suspends four news outlets over alleged links to Bashir regime
  • Journalist assaulted while covering protest in Malawi
  • CPJ welcomes the EU Parliament’s resolution calling for the release of the IWACU journalists in Burundi

Spotlight:

Artwork: Jack Forbes
Artwork: Jack Forbes

CPJ Emergencies provides comprehensive, life-saving support to journalists and media support staff working around the world through up-to-date safety and security information and rapid response assistance to journalists at risk.

Journalists looking for advice can explore our resources on our website, which includes a comprehensive safety kit. The kit includes safety notes to help journalists prepare for assignments, first aid videos, a Journalist Security Guide, and detailed safety notes. You can also sign up for our regular safety advisories here.

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