Crispin Perez
An unidentified attacker stabbed and fatally shot Perez in San Jose, province of Mindoro Occidental, according to local and international news reports. The attack took place after Perez’s morning show on local DWDO Radio, according to the reports. The perpetrator pretended to seek advice from the journalist, killed him during their conversation, then fled on a motorcycle, according to…
Indonesian journalist killed in suspected arson attack
New York, July 5, 2024—Indonesian authorities must conduct an independent and credible investigation into the house fire that killed journalist Sempurna Pasaribu, determine if the blaze was sparked in retaliation for his news reporting, and bring any perpetrators to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Friday. Pasaribu, a contributor to the local Tribrata…
Myanmar journalist Htet Aung sentenced to 5 years in prison under counterterrorism law
New York, July 2, 2024—Myanmar authorities should release journalist Htet Aung, and allow members of the press to do their jobs without fear of legal reprisal or imprisonment, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On June 28, a court in Sittwe, capital of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, sentenced Htet Aung, a reporter with the Development…
Prominent journalist Truong Huy San not heard from since arrest
Bangkok, June 6, 2024—Vietnamese authorities must reveal the whereabouts of independent journalist Truong Huy San, release him, and drop any pending charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. San, a well-known political commentator and author also known by his pen names Huy Duc and Osin, was apprehended by the police on June…
Proposed broadcast law amendments threaten press freedom in Indonesia
Bangkok, May 29, 2024—Proposed amendments to Indonesia’s broadcasting law represent a clear and present danger to press freedom and should be scrapped immediately to uphold and protect democracy, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. According to multiple press reports citing a leaked draft of the broadcast bill, electronic and television broadcasts of “exclusive investigative journalism” would be restricted…
Myanmar adds terrorism charge against detained Rakhine State reporter Htet Aung
Bangkok, May 16, 2024—Myanmar must drop all pending charges against detained Rakhine State reporter Htet Aung and stop using false allegations of terrorism to intimidate and jail reporters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. Military authorities filed a terrorism charge against Htet Aung in January, in addition to an existing defamation charge, but his…
Shooter of Philippine journalist Percival Mabasa given up to 16 years jail
Bangkok, May 8, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists commends the conviction and sentencing of Joel Escorial, who confessed to shooting dead Philippine journalist Percival Mabasa in 2022. On Monday, May 6, Harold Cesar Huliganga, presiding judge at the Regional Trial Court Branch 254 in the city of Las Piñas, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south…
Malaysia’s prime minister calls for ‘action’ over Bloomberg casino report
Bangkok, April 29, 2024 – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should retract his call on local private companies to take action against Bloomberg news agency for a report on alleged plans to build a casino complex in a troubled real estate development, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On Friday, April 26, Anwar referred…
Armed men harass, threaten to shoot two reporters covering land dispute in Philippines
Bangkok, March 13, 2024—Philippine authorities must swiftly identify and prosecute those behind the shooting threats and harassment against Rappler reporter Joann Manabat and K5 News FM Olongapo reporter Rowena Quejada, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On March 12, armed men dressed in red and white shirts with Clarkhills Properties Corporation verbally barred Manabat…
Vietnam arrests high-profile bloggers Nguyen Chi Tuyen and Nguyen Vu Binh
Bangkok, March 7, 2024—Vietnam should immediately release independent bloggers Nguyen Chi Tuyen and Nguyen Vu Binh, drop any charges pending against them, and cease harassing the free press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday. On February 29, Tuyen, one of Vietnam’s best-known civil society activists and YouTubers, and Binh, a two-time recipient of…