In Gaza, BBC correspondent still missing after a week
New York, March 19, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston who was abducted in the Gaza Strip one week ago. “We’re deeply concerned that Alan Johnston has been missing for a week now, and we appeal to those holding our colleague to release him…
Taliban release Italian reporter, fate of translator unknown
New York, March 19, 2007— The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes news that Italian daily La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo has been released today by Taliban kidnappers after two weeks in captivity. CPJ is alarmed by Taliban claims that Mastrogiacomo’s Afghan translator Ajmal Naskhbandi was not released, despite earlier reports that he was also freed.…
On 4th anniversary of Iraq conflict, press marks deadliest toll
New York, March 15, 2007—Four years after the U.S.-led invasion to topple Saddam Hussein, Iraq remains the deadliest country in the world for the press as local journalists continue to suffer disproportionately from the violence, research by the Committee to Protect Journalists shows. A total of 97 journalists and 37 media support staffers have been…
In Afghanistan, journalist pleads for Italian authorities to meet his kidnappers’ demands
New York, March 15, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the immediate release of abducted La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo, as his recorded appeals to authorities to meet the kidnappers’ demands were released today. The Pajhwok Afghan News agency in Kabul, the country’s largest independent wire service, received an audio tape of Mastrogiacomo saying…
CPJ urges Sri Lankan official to ensure paper supplies are delivered to Jaffna without interference
Dear Minister Yapa: The Committee to Protect Journalists is distressed by the shortage of newsprint in the northern peninsula of Jaffna, which seriously threatens the ability of major Tamil-language newspapers to continue publishing. The Sri Lankan government has a duty to safeguard the right of Jaffna residents to receive and impart news and information, and should ensure that vital paper supplies are delivered without interference.
CPJ renews calls for release of BBC correspondent in Gaza
New York, March 13, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of abducted BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston amid reports that the Hamas-led Palestinian government had identified his abductors and expected him to be freed soon. During a meeting in Gaza City, Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniya told BBC representatives…
CPJ: The world calls for the release of Daniele Mastrogiacomo
New York, March 13, 2007—Amid a growing public outcry more than a week after the abduction of La Repubblica journalist Daniele Mastrogiacomo and two Afghan assistants, the Committee to Protect Journalists again adds its voice to the global call for their release. Mastrogiacomo, a journalist with 27 years of experience who was on assignment for…
Pakistani journalist’s family massacred in apparent retribution for his work
New York, April 3, 2007—Foreign militants killed the brother, father, uncle, and cousin of Urdu-language Inkishaf reporter Din Muhammed at his home in South Waziristan in apparent retribution for his work, colleagues told the Committee to Protect Journalists. Three other family members were also abducted. It is not clear whether Muhammed was among them. “We…
CPJ calls for release of Italian journalist in Afghanistan
New York, March 9, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists joins colleagues in Afghanistan and around the world in calling for the release of La Repubblica correspondent Daniele Mastrogiacomo, missing since Sunday when he was abducted in southern Afghanistan. Mastrogiacomo appears to be held by a Taliban military group, which has told media organizations they are…
Iraqi editor reported missing in Baghdad
New York, February 26, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about the safety of an Iraqi newspaper editor who disappeared in central Baghdad on Saturday. Jamal al-Zubaidi, 56, an economics editor for the Baghdad-based dailies As-Saffir and Al-Dustour, was last seen leaving As-Saffir’s offices in the central Karada neighborhood around 1 p.m. on…