2021
Russian journalist Timur Mazayev receives death threats over news outlet’s Instagram post
New York, April 28, 2021 — Authorities in the Russian republic of North Ossetia should conduct a swift investigation into the death threats made to journalist Timur Mazayev, his colleagues, and his family, and ensure their safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On April 14, a man identifying himself as Zelimkhan Bitarov, the…
Council of Europe journalist safety platform warns of backsliding press freedom
The Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and the Safety of Journalists today published its annual report, “Wanted! Real Action for Media Freedom in Europe.” The report calls on the Council of Europe and its member states to show political will to address deteriorating press freedom in the region, based on an…
Police summon Daily Nigerian publisher Jaafar Jaafar following governor’s threat
On April 15, 2021, five armed police officers arrived at the office of the privately owned Daily Nigerian news website in the Wuye district of Abuja, the capital, in search of publisher Jaafar Jaafar, according to a report by the outlet and its associate editor, Ibrahim Ramalan, who spoke with CPJ via messaging app. Jafaar…
Mexican state authorities order website to remove articles critical of political candidate
Mexico City, April 27, 2021 – Authorities in the Mexican states of Baja California and Sonora should immediately rescind letters ordering the news website Yo Rechazo la Corrupción y la Impunidad to take down articles covering alleged corruption by a political candidate, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On March 23, Dianeth Pérez Arreola,…
Journalists harassed, arrested throughout Somalia
Between February 19 and April 9, federal and regional authorities in Somalia arrested at least two reporters and harassed at least four others, according to journalists who spoke to CPJ and a statement by the Somali Journalists Syndicate, a local press rights group. Most of the journalists were targeted for their political reporting, amid tensions…
CPJ joins letter urging NSO to act on commitments to curb spyware abuse
The Committee to Protect Journalists and eight other civil society groups today co-signed an open letter asking the Israel-based NSO Group company to deliver on its commitments to improve transparency about sales of its advanced spyware, and due diligence to protect human rights. Research by CPJ and other organizations indicates that the company’s Pegasus product…
Unidentified man attacks Italian TV crew with metal chain, injuring 3
Berlin, April 27, 2021 — Italian authorities must conduct a swift and thorough investigation into the attack on Rete 4 TV reporter Carmen La Gatta and her crew, and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On April 11, an unidentified man attacked La Gatta and two Rete 4 support…
Spanish journalists David Beriain and Roberto Fraile killed in Burkina Faso
David Beriain and Roberto Fraile are killed after being abducted from a wildlife reserve in eastern Burkina Faso, where they were working on a documentary film, the Spanish government confirms. CPJ calls on the authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation. (Photo: AP/Sophie Garcia)
Iraqi Kurdish security forces arrest reporter Rebaz Hassan
New York, April 26, 2021 — The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Kurdish authorities in the northeastern city of Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan, to immediately release Rebaz Hassan, a reporter for the pro-Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Firat News Agency. Yesterday evening, Asayish security forces affiliated with the opposition Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) arrested…
April 2021: The ‘voice of the people’: Anastasia Mejía vows to keep reporting after Guatemala arrest
On August 24, 2020, Anastasia Mejía prepared herself for yet another day of reporting in Joyabaj in central Guatemala. At 49 years old, she had spent the previous 11 years covering the city’s Indigenous Maya K’iche’ community, to which she belongs. Her subject that day was a protest of mostly Maya K’iche’ merchants who wanted…