CPJ calls for release of Afghan translator Ajmal Naskhbandi
New York, March 20, 2007— The Committee to Protect Journalists is greatly concerned about Afghan freelance journalist Ajmal Naskhbandi, who was kidnapped over two weeks ago while acting as La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo’s translator. “We call on the Afghan government to do everything in its power to secure the release of our colleague Ajmal…
In China, writer sentenced to six years in prison for critical articles
New York, March 20, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is appalled that freelance writer and former Web site editor Zhang Jianhong was sentenced Monday to six years in prison by a court in Ningbo, in the eastern province of Zhejiang. Zhang was arrested in September 2006 and charged the following month with “incitement to subvert…
Thailand’s military government censors satellite TV station
New York, March 20, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the censorship of a new satellite television station by Thai authorities, part of an ongoing ban against the broadcaster since the military seized power in a coup last September. Over the weekend, government agencies blocked news programs carried by PTV, or People’s Television, which was…
Taliban release Italian reporter, fate of translator unknown
New York, March 19, 2007— The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes news that Italian daily La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo has been released today by Taliban kidnappers after two weeks in captivity. CPJ is alarmed by Taliban claims that Mastrogiacomo’s Afghan translator Ajmal Naskhbandi was not released, despite earlier reports that he was also freed.…
In Afghanistan, new demands for abducted journalist after driver was killed
NEW YORK, March 16, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by a report that kidnappers of La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo have killed his Afghan driver and made additional demands for his release. According to the Pajhwok Afghan News agency, the country’s largest independent wire service, Mastrogiacomo’s driver Sayed Agha was killed for “spying…
Exiled Burmese journalist arrives in United States
New York, March 16, 2007—Fleeing death threats, Burmese journalist Maung Maung Kyaw Win, 58, and his family arrived this week in the United States with assistance from the Committee to Protect Journalists and other colleagues. “Even though I am really happy to be here, the media is still being held hostage and the military junta…
Pakistani police raid Geo TV; president later apologizes
New York, March 16, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the Pakistani government to appoint an independent judicial commission to investigate and report on today’s outrageous assault by uniformed police on the offices of Geo TV and the Daily Jang in Islamabad. Riot police used tear gas and batons as they swept through the…
In Afghanistan, journalist pleads for Italian authorities to meet his kidnappers’ demands
New York, March 15, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate release of abducted La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo, as his recorded appeals to authorities to meet the kidnappers’ demands were released today. The Pajhwok Afghan News agency in Kabul, the country’s largest independent wire service, received an audio tape of Mastrogiacomo saying…
CPJ urges Sri Lankan official to ensure paper supplies are delivered to Jaffna without interference
Dear Minister Yapa: The Committee to Protect Journalists is distressed by the shortage of newsprint in the northern peninsula of Jaffna, which seriously threatens the ability of major Tamil-language newspapers to continue publishing. The Sri Lankan government has a duty to safeguard the right of Jaffna residents to receive and impart news and information, and should ensure that vital paper supplies are delivered without interference.
CPJ: The world calls for the release of Daniele Mastrogiacomo
New York, March 13, 2007—Amid a growing public outcry more than a week after the abduction of La Repubblica journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo and two Afghan assistants, the Committee to Protect Journalists again adds its voice to the global call for their release. Mastrogiacomo, a journalist with 27 years of experience who was on assignment for…