May 2020 - Page 3 of 10 - Committee to Protect Journalists

A man casts his ballot in Giheta, central Burundi, on May 20, 2020. Authorities disrupted access to social media networks during the election. (AFP)

Burundi blocks social media access during presidential elections

May 20, 2020 2:20 PM EDT

Nairobi, May 20, 2020 — In response to Burundian authorities’ blocking of social media networks during today’s presidential elections, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement:

Tehran, Iran, is seen on April 3, 2020. Journalist Nejat Bahrami recently began a one-year jail term in Tehran for his work. (West Asia News Agency/Ali Khara via Reuters)

Iranian journalist Nejat Bahrami begins 1-year jail term

May 20, 2020 1:40 PM EDT

Washington, D.C., May 20, 2020 — Iranian authorities should immediately release journalist Nejat Bahrami from prison and cease arbitrarily jailing members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

A police car is seen in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 26, 2020. CPJ recently joined a statement calling on the region's police and politicians to thoroughly investigate threats made against journalists. (Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

CPJ joins call condemning threats against journalists in Northern Ireland

May 20, 2020 1:25 PM EDT

The Committee to Protect Journalists today joined 20 free expression groups, activist organizations, and journalists in a joint statement condemning recent threats against journalists working for the Sunday Life and Sunday World newspapers in Northern Ireland.

The European Commission headquarters is seen in Brussels, Belgium, on April 23, 2020. CPJ recently joined a joint letter to the EU calling for reform of the group's defamation law. (Reuters/Johanna Geron)

CPJ joins call for reform of EU defamation law

May 20, 2020 1:20 PM EDT

The Committee to Protect Journalists joined 25 other press freedom organizations today in sending a joint letter to the European Commission calling for reforms to European Union law on defamation.

Police officers wearing face masks stand guard during an anti-government protest, following the coronavirus outbreak, in Algiers, Algeria on March 6, 2020. News websites covering both the unrest and the impact of the disease have recently been blocked in the country. (Reuters/Ramzi Boudina)

Algerian media websites newly censored after “false news” ban

May 20, 2020 10:30 AM EDT

Three additional local news websites have been blocked on Algerian networks since April 22, 2020, bringing the number of outlets affected in April and May to at least six, according to online statements by the websites affected. The intervention came in the wake of a new law against “false news.”

Police tape is seen near Bavispe, Sonora state, Mexico, on January 11, 2020. Journalist Jorge Miguel Armenta Ávalos was recently killed in Sonora state. (AP/Christian Chavez)

Mexican newspaper owner Jorge Armenta shot and killed in Sonora

May 19, 2020 4:21 PM EDT

Mexico City, May 19, 2020 — Mexican authorities should conduct a swift and credible investigation into the killing of journalist Jorge Miguel Armenta Ávalos and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

A police officer is seen in Cotonou, Benin, on March 9, 2018. A court recently shortened journalist Ignace Sossou’s jail term, but did not free him. (AFP/Yanick Folly)

Benin appeals court shortens journalist Ignace Sossou’s jail term

May 19, 2020 1:45 PM EDT

New York, May 19, 2020 — In response to today’s decision by a Beninese appeals court to shorten journalist Ignace Sossou’s sentence to six months’ imprisonment and a six-month suspended sentence, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement:

Supporters of the ruling party are seen in Bugendana, Burundi, on April 27, 2020. CPJ recently joined a letter calling on Burundi to maintain internet access during the elections. (AP/Berthier Mugiraneza)

CPJ joins call urging Burundi to maintain internet access during elections

May 19, 2020 12:10 PM EDT

The Committee to Protect Journalists yesterday joined 30 other rights organizations in a joint letter urging the government of Burundi to ensure that the internet remains accessible before, during, and after the presidential elections scheduled for tomorrow.

Iraqi security forces stand guard outside the offices of the MBC 1 TV channel in Baghdad, Iraq, on May, 18, 2020. The office was attacked by protesters on May 18.

Protesters storm Baghdad office of Saudi broadcaster MBC

May 19, 2020 11:00 AM EDT

New York, May 19, 2020 — Iraq authorities should conduct a transparent and speedy investigation into the ransacking of the Baghdad office of the Saudi broadcaster MBC and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Security officers are seen in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 11, 2020. Department of State Services agents recently detained and interrogated journalist Saint Mienpamo Onitsha. (Reuters/Afolabi Sotunde)

Nigerian journalist detained by security forces, interrogated over sources

May 19, 2020 10:35 AM EDT

Abuja, May 19, 2020 — Nigerian authorities should cease their intimidation of journalist Saint Mienpamo Onitsha and ensure that security forces permit the press to work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.