New Maldives criminal defamation law threatens press freedom
New York, August 10, 2016–Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom should veto a criminal defamation law the parliament passed yesterday, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The legislation threatens to stifle criticism and investigative reporting.
Burundi journalist Jean Bigirimana missing for two weeks
New York, August 5, 2016–The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about the welfare of Burundian journalist Jean Bigirimana. The journalist’s news outlet says he has not been seen or heard from since July 22. Bigirimana, a reporter with the independent weekly newspaper Iwacu, formerly with the pro-government radio station Rema FM, left his…
In South Sudan, editor arrested as harassment of press increases
Nairobi, July 26, 2016–South Sudan should immediately release Michael Christopher, a journalist who was arrested in the capital, Juba, on July 23, and take action to stop the harassment of the media, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Journalist Pavel Sheremet killed in Ukraine car bombing
New York, July 20, 2016 — Ukrainian authorities must credibly investigate the murder of award-winning journalist Pavel Sheremet and ensure all those responsible are swiftly brought to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Sherement, 44, was killed in Kiev today after an explosive device detonated under the car he was driving.
Journalist Missing in Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia, May 23, 2016 – Salud Hernández-Mora, a Colombian-Spanish journalist who was reporting on human rights violations and the illegal drug trade in northern Colombia, has been missing since Saturday and may have been abducted, according to her employer and the Spanish and the Colombian governments.
Tanzania cuts live parliamentary coverage, ending vital news source for citizens
On April 19, the live coverage of proceedings in the Tanzanian parliament ended as a government decision to halt the service went into effect. The move, announced by Information Minister Nape Nnauye in January, has led to protests from the opposition party and journalists’ groups, who said they view the decision to stop live broadcasts…
CPJ highlights challenges to female journalists, reporter released from prison, CPJ hosts book talk
CPJ Newsletter: May edition CPJ publishes annual edition of Attacks on the Press On April 27, CPJ launched its annual publication of Attacks on the Press. This edition, which focuses on gender and media freedom worldwide, highlights the challenges faced by female journalists who fight to report the news against all odds. The book–and the…
Kidnapping for profit or propaganda: How hostage risk for journalists is on the rise
From Central America to North Africa, kidnappings are on the rise and journalists are among the groups at risk of being abducted. Adding to the challenges of dealing with a hostage situation is a lack of solid information about kidnappings worldwide, or a united international response in dealing with the demands of kidnap groups.