‘Part of the CPJ family’: Journalist, former hostage Terry Anderson dies at 76

Terry Anderson (left) at a 2011 panel discussion and in Germany with his sister in 1991, one day after being freed by his abductors in Lebanon, where he was held captive for almost seven years. (Photos (left to right): Getty Images via AFP/Frederick M. Brown, AP/Thomas Kienzle)

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is deeply saddened by the death of Terry Anderson, journalist and CPJ’s former vice chair and honorary chairman.

Anderson, a former Associated Press journalist who was kidnapped and held hostage in Lebanon for six years, knew firsthand the threats that faced journalists seeking to report freely, and was an outspoken and dedicated advocate for press freedom.

“Terry was part of the CPJ family for over 25 years,” said Jacob Weisberg, CPJ chair. “He took that responsibility seriously – joining CPJ to advocate on behalf of journalists at risk around the world at the highest levels. Our thoughts are with his family and especially with his daughter Sulome, herself a journalist.”

Watch Terry Anderson in this documentary about CPJ and read his remarks when he accepted an Emmy in 2006 on behalf of CPJ for its work in defense of press freedom.

Journalists brace for attacks during India election

Supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend an election campaign rally in Meerut, India, on March 31, 2024. (Photo: Reuters/Anushree Fadnavis)

As the world’s biggest democracy goes to the polls from April 19 until June 1, CPJ spoke to reporters and editors across India about their plans for covering the vote in a media environment that has seen critical websites censored, prominent editors quit, and independent outlets bought by politically-connected conglomerates, while divisive content has grown in popularity.

Chief among journalists’ concerns is political violence. More than a dozen journalists were harassed or injured during the 2020 Delhi riots, in which more than 50 people died.

Read CPJ’s safety guide for journalists covering the India election Read more of CPJ’s India coverage

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Journalists Attacked

Evan Gershkovich

IMPRISONED

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has been imprisoned in Russia since March 29, 2023. Gershkovich has been charged with espionage and is the first American journalist to face such accusations by Russia since the end of the Cold War. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Gershkovich, The Wall Street Journal, and the U.S. government have all denied the espionage allegations. On April 11, 2023, the U.S. State Department designated Gershkovich as “wrongfully detained,” which unlocked a broad government effort to free him.

CPJ, media organizations, and the U.S. government have repeatedly called for his immediate release.

Learn more about Gershkovich