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…
DRC authorities detain 2 journalists, threaten another with arrest
Kinshasa, April 14, 2023–Congolese authorities should immediately release journalists Gustave Bakuka and Diègo Kayiba, ensure the safety of journalist Sylvain Kabongo, and drop all legal proceedings and investigations against them connected to their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. Around 9 a.m. on Friday, April 14, three Congolese National Intelligence Agency (ANR) agents…
At least 8 journalists detained amid renewed unrest in Ethiopia
Nairobi, April 14, 2023–Ethiopian authorities should cease arbitrarily detaining journalists during times of political tension and investigate allegations that security officers attacked members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. Between April 3 and April 13, security personnel in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, arrested at least six journalists and allegedly assaulted two…
Sierra Leone journalist Alie Melvin Tokowa beaten while filming political dispute
Abuja, April 10, 2023—Sierra Leone authorities should thoroughly investigate the recent attack on journalist Alie Melvin Tokowa and hold the perpetrators to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On March 28, a group of about seven people kicked, choked, and beat Tokowa, manager of radio broadcaster FOP 89.7FM Moyamba, as he attempted to…
Congolese journalist Mills Tshibangu detained overnight in defamation case
Kinshasa, April 7, 2023—Congolese authorities should drop their criminal defamation investigation into journalist Mills Tshibangu and ensure he can work without fear of arrest or prosecution, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On April 2, a group of about 12 police officers arrested Tshibangu, director of the privately owned online broadcaster Chat Television, while…
South African journalists attacked, threatened, harassed in separate incidents
In March 2023, journalists in multiple towns in South Africa were attacked, harassed, or threatened in connection with their reporting. On March 2, in the city of Newcastle, Mayor Xolani Dube and his deputy Musa “Sugar” Thwala accused Estella Naicker, a reporter with privately owned newspaper Northern Natal News, of being paid by political rivals…
CPJ calls on Kenyan authorities to ensure accountability in attacks on press covering protests
Nairobi, April 5, 2023—Kenyan authorities should thoroughly and credibly investigate recent attacks on journalists covering protests and ensure that the perpetrators are held to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Protests took place in parts of Kenya on three different days between March 20 and 30, led by the opposition Azimio la Umoja…
Burkina Faso expels journalists Sophie Douce and Agnès Faivre
New York, April 3, 2023 – Authorities in Burkina Faso on Saturday, April 1, expelled Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce, correspondents for the French privately owned Liberation and Le Monde newspapers respectively, according to statements published by both outlets condemning the decisions and other media reports. The previous day, state security officials had summoned the…
Ethiopian authorities detain journalists Getenet Ashagre and Aragaw Sisay
Nairobi, April 3, 2023—Ethiopian authorities should immediately release journalists Getenet Ahagre and Aragaw Sisay, and stop detaining members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On the morning of March 26, federal police officers in Addis Ababa arrested Aragaw, founder and chief editor of the privately owned YouTube-based news outlet Roha News,…