CPJ, Southeast Asian lawmakers call on ASEAN to protect journalists, media freedom
The Committee to Protect Journalists and a group of Southeast Asian lawmakers have called for the “active engagement” of the regional bloc ASEAN in protecting press freedom and the formation of an inter-parliamentary alliance to safeguard media rights in the region, which includes some of the worst offenders of press freedom. As governments escalate efforts…
Myanmar journalist Than Htike Myint sentenced to 5 years in prison for terrorism
Bangkok, Thailand, May 2, 2025—Myanmar authorities must immediately release Myaelatt Athan news agency journalist Than Htike Myint, who was sentenced to five years in prison on terrorism charges, which are being misused to harass, threaten, and imprison reporters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On April 3, a Myanaung Township court in southwest Myanmar…
2 Macao journalists detained, risk prosecution after seeking to cover parliament
New York, April 28, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists decries the 11-hour detention and potential prosecution of two journalists for disruption after they were barred from a parliamentary session in China’s special administrative region of Macao. “There has been a systematic erosion of press freedom in Macao, with the denial of entry to journalists and…
Taliban intelligence agents detain journalist Sayed Rashed Kashefi in Kabul
New York, April 18, 2025—Taliban authorities must immediately release independent journalist Sayed Rashed Kashefi, who was detained April 14 by General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) agents in the capital Kabul, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. “Taliban intelligence must release journalist Sayed Rashed Kashefi immediately and unconditionally,” said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Beh Lih…
No justice for slain Philippine journalist Juan Jumalon as suspects acquitted
Bangkok, April 4, 2025—Philippine prosecutors must redouble their efforts to locate, arrest, and convict those responsible for the fatal shooting of journalist Juan Jumalon while live broadcasting from his home-based radio station, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. In a 33-page ruling dated March 18, Regional Trial Court Judge Michael Ajoc acquitted three suspects…
Indian journalist arrested for covering protest on alleged financial irregularities
New Delhi, March 27, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by the arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar for reporting on a protest over alleged financial misconduct at a bank run by northeastern India’s Assam state government. On March 25, Mozumdar, a reporter with the local digital outlet The CrossCurrent, covered a protest outside Assam Co-operative Apex Bank, after…
Pakistani journalist Waheed Murad seized from home in the night
Editor’s Note: On 28 March, an Islamabad court granted Waheed Murad bail and he was released directly from court on a surety bond of 20,000 rupees (US$71), his lawyer Imaan Mazari told CPJ. New York, March 27, 2025—Pakistani authorities must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Waheed Murad, who was taken away by masked men who…
Several journalists attacked while covering anti-military protests in Indonesia
Bangkok, March 27, 2025—Indonesia must identify and bring to account police officers who forced two journalists — one of whom they beat on the head — to delete photos and videos they shot during a protest on March 24, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. About 1,000 demonstrators threw stones and clashed with police,…
China jails Taiwan-based publisher for 3 years on separatism charges
New York, March 26, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns a three-year prison sentence handed to Taiwan-based radio host and publisher Li Yanhe on charges of inciting separatism, and calls on Chinese authorities to allow the media to work freely. Li, who is a Chinese citizen and goes by the name Fucha, was arrested in…
CPJ, partners urge Philippine president to end Frenchie Mae Cumpio’s prolonged detention as trial enters key stage
The Committee to Protect Journalists on Monday joined four press freedom organizations in urging Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and its Department of Justice to end the detention of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who has been behind bars for more than five years. The groups said in a joint statement, led by CPJ, that the 26-year-old…