CPJ calls for Kenyan authorities to ensure journalists can cover protests safely
Nairobi, March 31, 2023 – In response to journalists being harassed, attacked, and arrested while covering mass anti-government protests in Kenya since March 20, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement calling for authorities to take action to protect members of the press: “Journalists covering the ongoing protests in Kenya are carrying out…
Burkina Faso indefinitely suspends France 24 over Al-Qaeda interview
New York, March 28, 2023 – Authorities in Burkina Faso on Monday indefinitely suspended French public broadcaster France 24 over an interview with the head of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, according to news reports and the suspension announcement, which accused the outlet of acting as a communication agency for terrorism and legitimizing hate speech. …
Congolese journalist John Ngongo Lomango arrested over conflict reporting
Kinshasa, March 28, 2023—Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should release journalist John Ngongo Lomango immediately and ensure that media can report freely on the conflict in the country’s east, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On the afternoon of Monday, March 27, three officers with the National Intelligence Agency arrested Ngongo,…
Nigerian journalist Agba Jalingo detained on cybercrime charges
Abuja, March 27, 2023 – A federal court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on Monday ordered the detention of CrossRiverWatch publisher Agba Jalingo for allegedly publishing false news that caused “annoyance, ill will and insult,” in violation of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, according to a report by the outlet and CrossRiverWatch editor Jonathan Ugbal, who spoke to…
Ethiopian authorities detain Gurage Media Network founder Beyene Wolde
Nairobi, March 22, 2023—Ethiopian authorities should immediately release journalist Beyene Wolde and ensure that members of the press are not imprisoned for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On the afternoon of March 2, police arrested Beyene from his office in the capital city of Addis Ababa, according to news reports and…
At least 28 journalists harassed, beaten, denied access while covering Nigerian state elections
Abuja, March 21, 2023 – Nigerian authorities should thoroughly investigate incidents involving at least 28 journalists and media workers being harassed and attacked while covering state elections and hold the perpetrators to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. At least 28 members of the press were obstructed, harassed, or attacked while covering gubernatorial…
CPJ welcomes release of French journalist Olivier Dubois after nearly 2 years of captivity in Mali
Nairobi, March 20, 2023—In response to news reports that French journalist Olivier Dubois has been freed nearly two years after he was abducted by a militant group in Mali, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “We are elated that journalist Olivier Dubois is finally free and able to return home to his…
Angolan outlet Camunda News suspends operations indefinitely after police harassment
New York, March 17, 2023—Angolan authorities should stop harassing the privately owned Camunda News website and ensure that members of the press can work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On Wednesday, March 15, the outlet suspended its operations indefinitely, according to media reports and the outlet’s owner, David Boio, who spoke to…
Zimbabwe journalist Garikai Mafirakureva charged with publishing false information
On January 18, 2023, police in the southeastern Zimbabwe city of Masvingo arrested journalist Garikai Mafirakureva, according to media reports, a statement by the Zimbabwean chapter of the regional press freedom group Media Institute of Southern Africa, and Mafirakureva, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app. Authorities charged Mafirakureva, editor of the Masvingo Mirror newspaper,…
Togolese journalists Ferdinand Ayité and Isidore Kouwonou sentenced to 3 years in prison
New York, March 17, 2023 — In response to news reports that a Togolese court on Wednesday sentenced journalists Ferdinand Ayité and Isidore Kouwonou to three years in prison for insulting authorities, the Committee to Protect Journalists released the following statement of condemnation: “Togolese authorities should not contest the appeals of L’Alternative publisher Ferdinand Ayité…