Mozambican journalist Leonardo Gimo investigated for criminal defamation over report on alleged police corruption
On June 5, 2023, Mozambique authorities called Leonardo Gimo, a reporter for the privately owned broadcaster TV Sucesso, and asked him to appear before investigators on June 8, according to a statement by the Mozambican chapter of the regional press freedom group Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the journalist, who spoke to CPJ…
Senegalese authorities release 2 journalists, reporter Maty Sarr Niang remains in detention
New York, June 22, 2023—Senegalese authorities should release journalist Ndèye Maty Niang, also known as Maty Sarr Niang, halt the prosecutions against Pape Ndiaye and Serigne Saliou Gueye, and drop the restrictions placed on the two journalists following their release, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. Authorities arrested Gueye, publication director of the privately…
Kenyan government minister Moses Kuria insults, threatens Nation Media Group
Nairobi, June 21, 2023—In response to Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Trade and Industry Moses Kuria’s derogatory remarks and threats of economic sanctions against the privately owned Nation Media Group, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “The vile insults and threats that Kenya’s trade minister Moses Kuria hurled at the Nation Media Group…
Governor of DRC’s Equateur province defies court order allowing Radio Télévision Sarah to reopen
Kinshasa, June 13, 2023—Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo must comply with the court decision authorizing Radio Télévision Sarah to reopen and ensure the broadcaster’s equipment is returned, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On June 6, a local court of appeal in Mbandaka, the capital of the northwestern Equateur province, declared the…
Liberia’s FrontPageAfrica summoned to defend bribery report or face contempt of court
Abuja, June 12, 2023—Liberian authorities should ensure that journalists are able to cover court cases without fear that they will be forced to expose their sources, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. In a summons dated May 31, which CPJ reviewed, Judge Blamo Dixon of Criminal Court C in the Liberian capital Monrovia ordered…
South African court prohibits former president’s private prosecution of journalist Karyn Maughan
New York, June 8, 2023—In response to the Wednesday, June 7, ruling by the Pietermaritzburg High Court prohibiting former South African President Jacob Zuma from continuing the private prosecution of journalist Karyn Maughan, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement urging the former president to accept the ruling: “The unanimous ruling of three…
South African court’s gag on amaBhungane raises fears for investigative journalism, sources
New York, June 7, 2023—The Committee to Protect Journalists on Wednesday expressed concern that a South African high court judge’s temporary injunction, if made final, against the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, a nonprofit investigative outlet, could imperil the country’s investigative journalism, journalists’ confidential sources, and whistleblowers. In April, amaBhungane published a series of articles…
Congolese journalist Geonne Djokwa attacked with machete while covering protest
Kinshasa, May 26, 2023—Congolese authorities must investigate the recent attack on journalist Geonne Djokwa and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On Saturday, May 20, a group of protesters at a rally organized by opposition presidential candidates in Kinshasa, the capital, attacked Djokwa while she covered demonstrators clashing with…
Malawi journalist Francis Mzindiko assaulted while covering political event
Lusaka, May 24, 2023—Malawi authorities should thoroughly and speedily investigate the recent assault of journalist Francis Mzindiko and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On the morning of May 17, political activists attacked Mzindiko, a photographer with the privately owned Times Group newspaper, while he covered a fight between supporters…
DRC enacts press law and digital code that criminalize journalism
New York, May 23, 2023—DRC authorities should swiftly reform the country’s new press law and digital code to ensure journalism is not criminalized and the media can work without undue restrictions or fear of prosecution, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. In April, Congolese authorities enacted new laws governing the press and online activity,…