‘A disturbing sign for press freedom’: A record 293 journalists imprisoned worldwide, the worst in 30 years
There are a record 293 journalists jailed worldwide for doing their job, according to CPJ’s 2021 prison census, the worst number CPJ has recorded since we began keeping track in 1992. Meanwhile, killings of journalists also continue to persist, with 24 documented by CPJ so far this year. The reasons for the relentless climb in…
In Benin, growing fears over law that can jail journalists for posting news online
Posting on Facebook from Benin’s Central Office for Repression of Cybercrime on November 18, journalist Patrice Gbaguidi wrote that authorities had summoned him for a second time in two weeks over a defamation complaint about one of his articles. That day, he and Hervé Alladé, the owner of Le Soleil Bénin Infos newspaper where Gbaguidi…
Journalist at risk in Afghanistan after 100+ days of Taliban rule
The Taliban has repeatedly failed to uphold its stated commitment to press freedom in Afghanistan since taking power more than 100 days ago, as violent attacks against journalists continue unabated. Last month in Kabul, two unidentified men beat and attempted to shoot journalist Ahmad Baseer Ahmadi, breaking his jaw and teeth. Ahmadi is one of…
What we’re grateful for at CPJ
Most weeks, this newsletter highlights cases of journalists under threat globally. Today, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, and as we approach the end of 2021, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on events we are grateful for: Afghan journalists make it to safety When the Taliban swept into Kabul…
Polish authorities detain, harass journalists covering refugee crossings from Belarus
Berlin, November 23, 2021 — Polish authorities should allow journalists to cover refugee movements and other events of public interest without interference, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Since November 14, Polish police, border guards, and soldiers have detained and obstructed at least seven journalists covering refugee movements near the country’s border with Belarus,…
Syrian journalist Ibrahim Awad arrested, held in refugee camp in Jordan
New York, November 22, 2021 — Jordanian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Syrian freelance journalist Ibrahim Awad and allow journalists to do their job freely and without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On November 15, four Jordanian police and intelligence officers raided Awad’s home in the Tla al-Ali neighborhood…
Italian police increase protection of journalist Sigfrido Ranucci after assassination plot revealed
In August 2021, Italian police placed Sigfrido Ranucci, host and deputy director of the Rome-based TV program “Report” on Italian public broadcaster RAI3, under 24-hour protection due to an alleged assassination plot by the ´Ndrangheta organized crime group, according to his employer and Ranucci, who communicated with CPJ via email. Police learned about the plot by…
Streaming today: The 31st annual International Press Freedom Awards #IPFA
In a small town in central Guatemala, authorities have repeatedly harassed radio journalist Anastasia Mejía in connection to her protest coverage. Mejía’s outlet Xolabaj Radio, which she co-founded, provides a platform for Indigenous women. In Mozambique, Matías Guente and his newspaper, Canal de Moçambique, have faced official harassment and intimidation in recent years, including a…
Nigerian journalist Luka Binniyat detained over complaint by Kaduna state official
Abuja, Nigeria, November 15, 2021 – Nigerian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release journalist Luka Binniyat and drop all charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On November 4, police officers in Barnawa, a town in the northern state of Kaduna, arrested Binniyat, a freelance journalist who contributes to the U.S.-based news…