CPJ Insider: Crisis in Afghanistan
Since Afghanistan fell under the control of the Taliban, CPJ has been deeply concerned for the safety of hundreds of local journalists and media workers. We have devoted our resources to helping and supporting them, even as some are already being targeted by the Taliban. We continue to urge the United States to ensure the…
Algerian journalist Rabah Karèche sentenced to 1 year in prison on false news and anti-state charges
New York, August 12, 2021 – In response to today’s sentencing of journalist Rabah Karèche to one year in prison, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “Algerian journalist Rabah Karèche’s only crime was doing his job as a reporter; authorities should not force him to spend even one day in prison for…
US must expedite visas for Afghan journalists
As journalists, media workers, and their families face increased risk in Afghanistan following the U.S. pullout, CPJ welcomes the priority inclusion of Afghans who are or were employed in Afghanistan with U.S.-based media outlets in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, and calls on the Biden administration to ensure the program is inclusive and accelerated. “Given…
Bangladesh authorities harass, threaten two Rohingya journalists
Washington, D.C., August 5, 2021– Bangladesh authorities should immediately cease harassing brothers and colleagues Sayful Arkane, a reporter, and Mohammad Aziz Arkane, a camera operator, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On August 2, the brothers, who cover Rohingya refugees for the YouTube channel of Rohingya news website The Arakan Times, participated in a…
Zambian radio station transmitter damaged in arson attack
In the early hours of June 24, 2021, an unknown group of people tried to set fire to the Kalungwishi Radio Station in the Chienge district of Zambia’s northern Luapula Province, damaging transmission cables, a mixer, and air conditioning equipment, according to a news report quoting the local chapter of the regional press freedom group…
Zambian opposition supporters assault reporter from state media
Lusaka, Zambia, July 30, 2021 — Zambian authorities must thoroughly and quickly investigate the brutal attack by supporters of opposition party United Party for National Development (UPND) on Victor Mwila, a reporter with the state-owned Zambia News and Information Services, and ensure that those responsible are held to full account, the Committee to Protect Journalists…
Bitter reversal: Myanmar military coup wipes out press freedom gains
Myanmar’s junta has effectively criminalized independent journalism, arresting and charging journalists, closing news outlets, restricting access for international reporters, and driving journalists underground or into exile. Within a few months of the February military coup, the country has become one of the world’s worst jailers of journalists. A CPJ special report by Shawn W. Crispin…
Bangladesh authorities detain journalist Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman under Digital Security Act
On July 18, police in the northern district of Bogura arrested Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman, a district correspondent who covers business news for the Dhaka-based Bangla daily newspaper Banijjo Pratidin, and opened an investigation into the journalist under the Digital Security Act, according to news reports. Authorities allege that Akhtaruzzaman published two Facebook posts under a pseudonym…
Camila Acosta speaks from house arrest about covering Cuba’s historic protests
“I am not free, but at least I am out of the dungeons,” Camila Acosta told CPJ via messaging app after her release to house arrest on July 16 following a four-day detention for covering the recent protests in Cuba. Acosta, who is based in Havana, covered protests on July 11 for the Cuban independent…
International journalists face intense harassment, threats of violence while covering flooding in China
Taipei, July 26, 2021—Chinese authorities should ensure that all journalists can report without fear of violence and harassment, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On July 24, a crowd of angry bystanders in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, surrounded and confronted journalists from the Los Angeles Times and the German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle while…