Kazakh outlet HOLA News reports website blocks after Pandora Papers coverage
Stockholm, October 20, 2021 – The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern today about apparent blocking of Kazakh independent news website HOLA News after reporting on the Pandora Papers offshore leaks. The website was widely inaccessible for 10 days after they published the coverage, and only became functional again after it was removed. A statement…
Jammu and Kashmir authorities detain one journalist; at least two others still in custody
New Delhi, October 20, 2021 — Authorities in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir must immediately release the three journalists detained since October 8, cease harassing and questioning journalists in relation to their work, commit to allowing the media to operate freely and independently, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. At approximately 7:50 p.m. on October…
Venezuelan authorities issue arrest warrant for journalist Roberto Deniz, raid family home
Miami, October 19, 2021 – Venezuelan authorities must drop the criminal investigation into journalist Roberto Deniz, stop harassing him and his family, and allow him to continue his journalism work free of intimidation, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On October 14, a criminal court in the capital of Caracas issued an arrest warrant…
Breitbart reporter Gerry Aranda found dead in Mexico
Mexico City, October 18, 2021 – Mexican authorities must immediately and thoroughly investigate the death of journalist Gerardo Antonio Moreno Aranda, and ensure that the results of that investigation are made public, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On October 4, Aranda’s body was found in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the…
Jammu and Kashmir authorities detain, question 5 journalists; hold Salman Shah, Suhail Dar
New Delhi, October 15, 2021 — Authorities in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir must immediately release journalists Salman Shah and Suhail Dar, cease detaining and questioning journalists in relation to their work, and commit to allowing the media to operate freely and independently, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Since October 8, authorities in Jammu…
Houthis detain journalist Youness Abdelsalam in Yemen since August
New York, October 13, 2021 – The Ansar Allah group, known as the Houthis, must release journalist Youness Abdelsalam immediately and stop abducting and threatening members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Houthi forces detained Abdelsalam in the capital Sanaa in central Yemen on August 4 and have been holding him…
China to ban private investment in the nation’s news industry
Taipei, October 14, 2021 – Chinese authorities must drop plans to ban private funding of the news media, and allow news organizations to operate freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On October 8, the National Development and Reform Commission, a ministerial-level department overseeing China’s economic and social development policies, released its “2021 Negative…
Supporters of Lebanese president storm Al-Sharq office in Beirut
New York, October 13, 2021 — Lebanese authorities must identify the people who stormed the Beirut office of daily newspaper and news website Al-Sharq and hold them to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Yesterday, at least a dozen supporters of Lebanese President Michel Aoun stormed inside the Al-Sharq office and hung pictures…
Pakistani journalist Shahid Zehri killed in targeted car explosion
Washington, D.C., October 12, 2021– Pakistan authorities must thoroughly and swiftly investigate the killing of Shahid Zehri, hold those responsible to account, and do everything in their power to protect the safety of members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On October 10, Zehri, a reporter for the privately owned news…
Russia labels Bellingcat, other independent outlets and journalists as ‘foreign agents’
Vilnius, Lithuania, October 12, 2021 – Russian authorities should stop labeling journalists and media outlets as “foreign agents” and should allow the press to work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On October 8, following the announcement that Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Russian Ministry of…