Journalists barred from covering Zimbabwe’s first lady
Lusaka, May 2, 2023—Zimbabwe’s office of the presidency must ensure that all journalists can freely report on First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s public engagements, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On April 24, Mnangagwa’s security aides barred five journalists from covering her visit to the Museum of African Liberation in Harare, according to media reports, a statement by the Zimbabwean chapter of the regional press freedom group Media…
Burundian appeals court upholds 10-year prison term for journalist Floriane Irangabiye
Nairobi, May 2, 2023—In response to media reports that a Burundian appeals court on Tuesday upheld the conviction of journalist Floriane Irangabiye, who is serving a 10-year prison term, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “Coming on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, a Burundi court’s decision to uphold Floriane Irangabiye’s…
CPJ, 14 organizations call on Kenyan authorities to expedite investigations into killing of journalist Arshad Sharif
CPJ and 14 human rights organizations and press associations issued a joint statement on Tuesday, May 2, calling on Kenyan authorities to expedite investigations into the killing of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif and to ensure accountability in a transparent judicial process. In October 2022, Kenyan police said an officer fatally shot Sharif in Kajiado County…
CPJ, 47 rights organizations call on Ethiopia to end internet shutdowns
The Committee to Protect Journalists joined 47 human rights organizations in an April 27 letter calling on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to ensure unfettered internet and digital communications access. The letter expressed alarm at the weaponization of internet shutdowns in the country, highlighting several recent disruptions, including on April 3 when authorities blocked access…
Nigerian justice minister misrepresents CPJ research on attacks on journalists
New York, April 28, 2023—Nigerian authorities should revise recent statements falsely characterizing CPJ’s research on the press freedom situation in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On Thursday, April 27, the state-run News Agency of Nigeria reported that Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami described CPJ’s research in a meeting…
Guinea-Bissau’s Radio Capital FM silenced by authorities over licensing dispute
New York, April 27, 2023–Authorities in Guinea-Bissau should immediately allow the privately owned Radio Capital FM back on air and not use the late payment of license fees as a pretext to silence a critical media outlet, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. In a January 9 letter, the Ministry of Media ordered Radio…
‘I am dying every day:’ Wife of killed Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif calls for justice
Justice remains elusive six months after the killing of prominent Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya on October 23, 2022. Kenyan authorities claimed Sharif was shot dead by Kenyan police in an incident that shocked Pakistan’s media community and raised questions about whether his death was connected to his work. “This was a targeted killing,”…
Nigerian police officer attacks journalist Benedict Uwalaka over protest coverage
New York, April 18, 2023—Nigerian authorities should investigate the recent harassment of journalist Benedict Uwalaka by a police officer and ensure members of the press can work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On the morning of Monday, April 17, an unidentified police officer attacked Uwalaka, a freelance photojournalist working with the privately…
Zambian ruling party supporters attack 3 journalists
New York, April 18, 2023—Zambian authorities should thoroughly investigate the recent assaults of three journalists and one radio station employee in separate incidents involving ruling party supporters and ensure that those responsible are held to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. Around noon on April 8, in the eastern district of Petauke, six…
Nigerian journalists Gidado Yushau and Alfred Olufemi convicted of conspiracy, defamation
Abuja, April 14, 2023–The conviction of Nigerian journalists Gidado Yushau and Alfred Olufemi on conspiracy and defamation charges sends a chilling message to the Nigerian press and highlights the urgent need for authorities to reform the country’s laws and ensure journalism is not criminalized, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On February 7, a…