Svetlana Prokopyeva, Russia
CPJ is honored to present its 2020 International Press Freedom Award to Russian journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva. Prokopyeva is a regional correspondent for the U.S. Congress-funded broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Russia, known as Radio Svoboda. She has contributed to many local newspapers and has also worked as a BBC correspondent. In early 2019, armed…
Amid coronavirus pandemic, Iran covers up crucial information and threatens journalists
In recent months, the stability of the Iranian government has been threatened by widespread protests in late 2019 and the shooting down of a Ukrainian civilian aircraft in January 2020 amid heightened tensions with the U.S. The latest threat is the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit Iran harder than any country except China or Italy.…
Two journalists and a driver arrested, held without charge in Ethiopia
Nairobi, March 18, 2020 — Authorities in Ethiopia should immediately and unconditionally release journalists Dessu Dulla and Wako Nole and media worker Ismael Abdulrzaq, and let them work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
China expels at least 13 US journalists in retaliatory move
Taipei, March 18, 2020 — Chinese authorities should immediately suspend efforts to expel American journalists, cease retaliatory measures against U.S. media operations, and resolve differences with the United States through negotiations rather than attacks on the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Liberian journalists harassed, arrested by security forces
Since February 13, 2020, Liberian security forces have harassed, assaulted, or detained at least four journalists during the course of their work, according to the journalists, who spoke with CPJ, and a petition from the Press Union of Liberia, an independent media workers’ advocacy group.
Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli released from prison in Azerbaijan
New York, March 17, 2020 — The Committee to Protect Journalists today expressed relief that Azerbaijani investigative reporter Afgan Mukhtarli was released from prison, and called for Azerbaijan authorities to release all other journalists held for their work.
Unknown gunmen abduct Iraqi journalist Tawfiq al-Tamimi in Baghdad
New York, March 17, 2020–The Committee to Protect Journalists today condemned the abduction of Iraqi journalist Tawfiq al-Tamimi and urged Iraqi authorities to ensure his safety and to immediately open a transparent investigation and hold those responsible to account.
Chechen blogger and government critic Tumso Abdurakhmanov: ‘I am constantly at risk’
Tumso Abdurakhmanov, a prominent blogger critical of the Chechen authorities, survived a violent assault in his home in Swedish town of Gävle on February 26, 2020. Two Russian nationals have been arrested in connection with the attack, according to a report by Agence France-Presse. CPJ documented the incident and spoke to the blogger after his…