Russia prosecutes Italian journalists covering war in Kursk region
Berlin, August 19, 2024 – The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns a decision by Russian authorities to open a criminal case against Italian journalists Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini for alleged illegal border crossing from Ukraine into Russia. “Trying to put Italian journalists Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini on trial seems to be a desperate…
Tajikistan journalist Ahmad Ibrohim arrested on bribery charges
New York, August 19, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Tajikistan’s authorities to drop bribery charges against Ahmad Ibrohim, chief editor of the independent weekly newspaper Payk, who was arrested August 12. “Following the wave of lengthy convictions against journalists in Tajikistan since 2022, the arrest of Ahmad Ibrohim is yet another reminder of…
Burundian journalist Floriane Irangabiye released after two years in prison
Kampala, August 16, 2024— The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Burundian online journalist Florianne Irangabiye, who has served two years of a 10-year prison sentence, following a presidential pardon. “Floriane Irangabiye’s imprisonment was deeply unjust, and it is a great relief that she has finally been freed after two years behind bars,” said CPJ…
CPJ urges transparency as India broadcast bill raises censorship fears
New Delhi, August 15, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the Indian government to ensure proper consultation with media publishers before enacting a broadcast regulation bill that journalists fear will give authorities sweeping powers to control online content. “India’s planned broadcast bill could have a chilling effect on press freedom,” CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator…
Vietnam sentences blogger Nguyen Chi Tuyen to 5 years in prison
Bangkok, August 15, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the sentencing of Nguyen Chi Tuyen, one of Vietnam’s best-known civil society activists and YouTubers, to five years in prison for his news reporting and calls for his immediate and unconditional release. A court in the capital Hanoi ruled that Nguyen, who has been in detention…
Arrests, bans, shutdowns: No end in sight to Taliban media crackdown 3 years on
New York, August 14, 2024—As the Taliban mark the third anniversary of their return to power, the Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the group to halt their unprecedented destruction of Afghanistan’s media and brutal repression of journalists. “Grave injustices are the hallmark of the Taliban’s rule,” CPJ’s Asia Program Coordinator Beh Lih Yi said…
CPJ urges Mongolia not to contest investigative journalist’s appeal against conviction
Taipei, August 13, 2024—Mongolian authorities should not contest the appeal filed by Zarig news site founder and editor-in-chief Unurtsetseg Naran challenging her conviction on multiple charges, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Tuesday. “The Mongolian government must halt its escalating use of lawfare against journalists and protect their rights to report,” said CPJ’s Asia…
CPJ concerned about safety of Al Jazeera Gaza reporter Anas al-Sharif after IDF comments
The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about the safety of Al Jazeera Arabic northern Gaza correspondent Anas al-Sharif after an Israel Defense Forces’ spokesperson accused him of “presenting a lie” in his coverage of Israel’s August 10 airstrike that killed dozens of Gazans in a school building housing Palestinians displaced by the war. …
Philippine court overturns Rappler shutdown order
Chiang Mai, August 9, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes a Philippine court decision reversing a 2018 regulator’s order to shut down the independent news site Rappler, which was co-founded in 2012 by Nobel laureate Maria Ressa and reported critically on former President Rodrigo Duterte. “The Court of Appeal’s decision to void a 2018 government agency shutdown…
South Sudan police detain journalist Sisto Germano Ohide without charge
Editor’s note: Ohide told CPJ that he was released on bail on August 9. As of August 12, prosecutors had yet to decide whether to charge him, Ohide said. Kampala, August 8, 2024— South Sudan authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Singaita FM journalist Sisto Germano Ohide, who is ill and undergoing malaria treatment, the Committee…