South African journalist faces death threats after anti-migrant activist publishes his number
New York, October 9, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on South African authorities to ensure the safety of News24 investigative journalist Khaya Koko, who received numerous threats after the leader of the anti-immigration group March and March published his phone number on Facebook. “Doxxing a journalist simply for seeking legitimate comment is an attack on press…
Ukrainian journalists detained in Austria; authorities must urgently explain why
Berlin, October 9, 2026—Austrian authorities must urgently explain why Ukrainian investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach and his colleague Yaroslav Bondarenko were violently detained in Vienna on Thursday and held for more than 12 hours on suspicion of espionage, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Friday. Both men work for the independent news website Ukrainska Pravda….
Thai court to hear criminal defamation charges against investigative reporter Tom Wright
Bangkok, October 8, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Thai politician and financier Vorapak Tanyawong to drop his criminal defamation suit against investigative reporter Tom Wright, following a Thai court’s decision to hear two separate complaints. Wright, the Singapore-based co-founder of the corruption-focused Whale Hunting newsletter, told CPJ that the two charges focus on…
Tunisia sentences blogger Hajer Awadi to 26 months over social media post
New York, October 8, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Tunisian authorities to immediately release blogger Hajer Awadi and overturn her 26-month prison sentence over a social media post concerning a security operation. On September 30, the misdemeanor chamber of the Tunis Court of First Instance sentenced Awadi to eight months for “praising and…
Guatemalan journalist Evelio López shot dead after denouncing threats
Mexico City, October 6, 2026—Guatemalan authorities must swiftly and credibly investigate the killing of Maya journalist Evelio Lisandro López Sánchez and determine whether he was targeted for his work, said the Committee to Protect Journalists on Tuesday. López, the founder and administrator of the local digital news outlet Huehue es Noticias, was shot dead October…
Journalist Derya Okatan arrested in Turkey for allegedly possessing classified material
Istanbul, October 6, 2026—Turkish authorities must immediately release journalist Derya Okatan and stop an escalating press crackdown that in this case involves imprisoning a veteran reporter based on flimsy evidence, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. Okatan, who most recently worked for independent broadcaster TELE1 before it was taken over by the government, was…
Egypt detains entire newsroom of Matsadaash media platform
Washington, D.C., October 2, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately release the six detained journalists working for investigative media platform Matsadaash, “Don’t Believe It”, reveal their whereabouts, ensure they have prompt access to lawyers and families, and drop any charges stemming solely from their legitimate journalistic work. The crackdown began…
Cuban journalist forced to flee island to Brazil following threats by state agents
Miami, October 1, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the forced exile of Cuban journalist Austin Llerandi, director of the community newsletter Amanecer Habanero, who fled the island on Tuesday and is currently in Brazil. Llerandi left the island with his pregnant wife after Cuban State Security agents threatened him with prison time if he did…
Hong Kong journalist Tang Ho-wing arrested in latest sedition case
Editor’s note: Tang Ho-wing was released on bail on October 2, after being held for almost two days. The last paragraph has been updated to add a response from the Hong Kong police, received on October 6. New York, September 30, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the Hong Kong government to release independent…
Taliban shut down 3rd Shiite-centered media outlet in 4 months in Afghanistan
New York, September 30, 2026—Taliban authorities should immediately permit the independent Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) to reopen its Kabul office, release reporter Zamin Ali Chavoshi and five other detained media workers, and halt their escalating campaign against news organizations serving Afghanistan’s persecuted Shiite Hazara community, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On September 24,…