Asia

New Delhi, January 20, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on authorities in the Indian state of West Bengal to swiftly investigate those responsible for assaulting at least four journalists covering recent protests and ensure the safety of all reporters, especially as the state heads into elections in the next few months. On January 16,…

Pakistan’s government has stepped up the use of in absentia convictions and arrest warrants against Pakistani journalists living overseas since late 2025, highlighting an escalating crackdown by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government on critical reporting and commentary that extends beyond domestic borders. In early January, four foreign-based Pakistani journalists and commentators were convicted on the…

Bangkok, January 16, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges authorities in Vietnam to roll back a crackdown on independent media and release imprisoned journalists ahead of next week’s Communist Party congress. On December 31, Hanoi’s People’s Court convicted Le Trung Khoa, editor and founder of the Germany-based news site Toibao.de, in absentia and sentenced him…

The Committee to Protect Journalists and a coalition of press freedom organizations are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately and unconditionally release journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a week before a Philippine court is set to rule in the first of two cases that could see her jailed for up to 40 years. Cumpio, who…

New York, January 7, 2026—The Philippines’ presidential office has told the Committee to Protect Journalists that it will uphold due process and protect the rights of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, weeks before key judgments in a long-running case that could see her jailed for up to 40 years. On December 8, ahead of International Human…

The Committee to Protect Journalists joined six civil society organizations in calling for swift, independent, and transparent investigations into violent attacks on news outlets in Bangladesh, warning of escalating threats to freedom of expression and the press ahead of the 2026 national election. The statement issued Monday follows attacks on December 18 against the offices…

Update: Following the DHS’s decision to drop its proposal to deport the journalist to Uganda, CPJ calls on the agency to ensure that the journalist can stay in the U.S. while continuing the process of applying for asylum. Washington, D.C., December 18, 2025—The Trump administration’s plan to deport a Chinese citizen journalist — who fled…

December 17, New Delhi—Bangladeshi authorities must immediately drop terrorism charges against veteran journalist Anis Alamgir, release him unconditionally, and stop targeting the press with national security offenses, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On December 15, police opened an investigation against Alamgir and three other individuals under Bangladesh’s Anti-Terrorism Act, accusing the suspects of…

The Committee to Protect Journalists has joined 32 organizations in calling on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to use a planned visit to China next year to push for the release of Jimmy Lai, who was convicted in Hong Kong on Monday of national security offenses. Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen and founder of the…

Bangkok, December 16, 2025—Myanmar authorities must immediately and unconditionally release freelance journalist Sut Ring Pan, who is serving a combined 13-year prison sentence on incitement and terrorism charges, and stop using vague and overbroad laws to imprison journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On December 2, Yangon’s Western District Court convicted and sentenced…