In era of reform, Ethiopia still reverts to old tactics to censor press
On June 22, Ethiopia was plunged into an internet blackout following what the government described as a failed attempted coup in the Amhara region. In the aftermath at least two journalists were detained under the country’s repressive anti-terror law, part of an uptick in arrests that CPJ has noted in the country since May.
Indian investigative agency questions Greater Kashmir editor Fayaz Kaloo for 6 days
New Delhi, July 9, 2019–Indian authorities should stop harassing journalists and employees of the Greater Kashmir newspaper, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Fayaz Kaloo, the editor-in-chief of the privately owned newspaper–one of the leading dailies in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir state–was questioned for nearly a week by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), according…
Report by Turkish pro-government think tank criticizes foreign outlets, journalists
On July 5, 2019, Turkey’s Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research, an Ankara-based think tank, released a report that described some foreign media outlets operating in Turkey and their correspondents as “anti-government” and “pro-terrorism.”
UK should not deny media access based on propaganda label
CPJ writes to U.K. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt to express concern at his government’s decision to deny accreditation to Russian media outlets RT and Sputnik based on a determination that the outlets are a form of propaganda. The move empowers autocratic governments around the world who use a similar rationale to justify the repression of critical journalism.
New pledges not credible without action, say press freedom groups
London, July 9, 2019–On 9 July, 33 press freedom and media development organisations met in London in advance of the Global Media Freedom Conference to call on all participating States to ensure the protection and safety of all journalists and media workers in compliance with their existing obligations and international standards.
Two Ghanaian journalists arrested and interrogated, one allegedly tortured in custody
New York, July 9, 2019 — Ghana’s Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice should immediately launch an independent investigation into the arrests of Modern Ghana editor Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri and reporter Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum and security forces’ alleged torture of Abugri, and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Venezuelan journalist Braulio Jatar conditionally released, barred from leaving country
Miami, July 8, 2019–Venezuelan online and radio journalist Braulio Jatar was formally released from house arrest today after receiving official notification from a criminal court in his home state of Nueva Esparta, according to local media and a statement Jatar gave to media outlets, which was posted on the Twitter account of his sister. As…
CPJ Insider: July edition
CPJ summit spotlights journalist murders, press freedom climate in Mexico CPJ held a summit on press freedom in Mexico on June 18 with an array of local partners that engaged more than 400 journalists, activists, and government officials in frank conversations about how to tackle an epidemic of journalist murders and improve the media climate…