Europe & Central Asia

  

As world leaders take to UNGA stage, CPJ highlights countries of concern

Press freedom records of Egypt, Russia, Iran, China, Nigeria, Mexico, Ecuador New York, September 25, 2015–Each year, the world’s leaders are invited to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where they are given a platform to speak freely and openly. But while the leaders of many countries enjoy this privilege, their journalists back…

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Turkey jails reporter, charges him with anti-state activities

Istanbul, September 23, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the arrest and subversion charges filed against Gültekin Avcı, a columnist for the independent daily Bugün, and calls on Turkish authorities to drop the charges and release him immediately.

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Don’t Forget Rasool: In international reporting, local journalists often suffer

When two journalists from VICE, Jake Hanrahan and Philip Pendlebury, were arrested with Iraqi journalist Mohammed Ismael Rasool on August 28, a familiar scenario unfolded. A week later, Hanrahan and Pendlebury were released following a media flurry and worldwide attention. Still behind bars is Rasool, an experienced journalist and translator who had worked extensively in…

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In Azerbaijan, Meydan TV reporters harassed, jailed

New York, September 18, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the harassment of independent news outlet Meydan TV by Azerbaijani authorities. This week Shirin Abbasov, a reporter for the outlet, was imprisoned, authorities searched the home of another of its reporters, and questioned two journalists who work for the outlet.

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In Hungary, police beat journalists covering refugee crisis at border

New York, September 17, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the actions of Hungarian police who, according to reports, attacked journalists covering the arrival of refugees at the Serbian-Hungarian border. At least seven international journalists were beaten by riot police yesterday, and a video journalist from The Associated Press was ordered to delete footage on…

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All journalists should be removed from Ukraine’s list of banned individuals

New York, September 17, 2015–Ukrainian authorities today removed six international journalists from a list of at least 41 journalists and bloggers who have been banned from visiting the country for one year, according to news reports. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed the decree on Wednesday which banned a total of 388 individuals who it said…

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Ukraine bans 41 international journalists and bloggers

New York, September 16, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists deplores a decree signed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko today which, according to a copy viewed by CPJ, bans at least 41 international journalists and bloggers from Ukraine for one year. The journalists and bloggers were among 388 people named as representing an “actual or potential…

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Russia charges three suspects over 2010 attack on reporter Oleg Kashin

New York, September 9, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the announcement that authorities have detained three suspects in the November 2010 attack that severely injured Russian reporter Oleg Kashin. CPJ urges Russian investigators to further investigate the case and bring all those responsible to justice.

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Turkey deports Dutch reporter Frederike Geerdink

New York, September 9, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists deplores today’s decision by the Turkish authorities to deport freelance journalist Frederike Geerdink, who had been held in state custody since September 6, 2015 in Yüksekova, southeastern Turkey, according to reports. Geerdink’s lawyer, Davut Uzunköprü, told CPJ he would be appealing the decision.

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In Turkey, VICE News journalist behind bars, freelance journalist detained

New York, September 8, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned by the ongoing detention of a VICE News journalist and the detention on Sunday of a Dutch freelance reporter.

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