Russian authorities move to shutter journalist union JMWU over Ukraine war content
Paris, July 11, 2022 — In response to news reports that the Moscow prosecutor’s office has requested the closure of the independent Russian Journalists’ and Media Workers’ Union (JMWU) trade group, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement calling for authorities to cease harassing the union and to let it work freely: “Russian…
Physical Safety: Mines and unexploded ordnance
For journalists on the ground, mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) pose a deadly threat, especially when they don’t know what to look for. Given an increased concern about the widespread use of these weapons in Ukraine, CPJ Emergencies has created this video and safety note to explain how to work safely in an environment where…
Zimbabwean journalist Anyway Yotamu charged after assault by police
Lusaka, July 8, 2022 – Zimbabwean authorities should drop all charges against freelance journalist Anyway Yotamu, investigate his assault by police, and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. At about 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, police officers assaulted Yotamu while he was filming an altercation between taxi drivers…
Hold the Line Coalition demands immediate decriminalisation of libel in the Philippines as Maria Ressa faces extended jail sentence
The Hold The Line Coalition condemns the Philippine Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold the conviction of Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa and former Rappler researcher Rey Santos Jr on trumped-up charges of cyber libel. Alarmingly, the court’s rejection of their appeal brings Ressa and Santos Jr a step closer to possible imprisonment. The appeal judges…
CPJ calls for US to pursue accountability in Shireen Abu Akleh killing
On July 4, the U.S. State Department released a statement concerning the shooting death of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. It said that while Israeli forces were “likely responsible” for shooting and killing Abu Akleh, there was “no reason to believe that this was intentional.” On Twitter, Abu Akleh’s family condemned that statement, reiterating…
Pakistani journalist Imran Riaz Khan arrested
New York, July 7, 2022 – Pakistan authorities must immediately release journalist Imran Riaz Khan and ensure that members of the press can work freely and without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On the evening of Tuesday, July 5, police in the outskirts of Islamabad, the capital, arrested Khan, an…
Resources for protecting against online abuse
For most journalists, working online is an essential part of the job. But too often, journalists are at risk of being harassed in an attempt by hostile actors or groups to intimidate or force them into silence. Online abuse often includes attacks on a journalist‘s credibility and smear campaigns, identity-based attacks, and even threats of violence…
Editors’ checklist: Protecting staff and freelancers against online abuse
Updated March 20, 2023 The following checklist allows editors and commissioners to understand how well-prepared journalists are when it comes to protecting themselves against online abuse. For additional safety information, please see CPJ’s safety guidance on protecting against online harassment, removing your personal data from the internet, and protecting against targeted online attacks. Editors and…
Ethiopian journalist Abebe Bayu detained 1 day after colleague Yayesew Shimelis arrested
Nairobi, July 6, 2022 – Ethiopian authorities should unconditionally release journalist Abebe Bayu and all other members of the press held for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. At about 10 p.m. on June 29, men in civilian clothes who identified themselves as security personnel arrested Abebe at his home in Addis…
CPJ Insider: July 2022 edition
CPJ opens the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Press Freedom Center in New York In early June, CPJ held its grand opening of The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Press Freedom Center, the site of our global headquarters in New York. The new space will serve as a convening hub for…