Statements
2018
Two journalists, driver killed after being kidnapped in northern Ecuador
New York, April 13, 2018 –The Committee to Protect Journalists today condemned the killing of three members of an Ecuadoran reporting team who were kidnapped on March 26 in northern Ecuador near the Colombian border and called for the perpetrators to face justice. President Lenín Moreno confirmed today that reporter Javier Ortega, photojournalist Paúl Rivas,…
Dominican Republic convicts man over 2011 murder of journalist
New York, April 11, 2018–A Dominican Republic court yesterday sentenced Matías Avelino Castro to 20 years in prison for his role in the 2011 murder of journalist José Agustín Silvestre, according to reports. The court convicted Avelino Castro, whom police had identified as the alleged mastermind of the killing, of being an accomplice to murder,…
CPJ calls on Niger to stop persecuting journalist Baba Alpha
New York, April 5, 2018–Nigerien authorities should reverse the expulsion of journalist Baba Alpha and ensure his safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. After jailing him for a year, authorities on April 3 released Baba Alpha, a journalist with the privately owned radio and television news agency Bonferey, and drove him to Labbezanga,…
Prosecutor in Ukraine flouts court, refuses to return journalist’s passport
New York, April 4, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Ukrainian prosecutors to return the passport of Fikret Huseynli, a Dutch national of Azerbaijani origin, and to respect a district court’s April 2 ruling that the journalist should not be extradited to Azerbaijan or have his movements restricted.
Dominican journalist threatened over reports on murder of fellow journalist
New York, April 4, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on authorities in the Dominican Republic to investigate threats made against Alicia Ortega, an investigative reporter with the national news channel Noticias SIN, and to take all necessary steps to ensure the journalist’s safety.
CPJ calls for full access to Geo TV to be restored
Washington, D.C., April, 3, 2018–CPJ today expressed concern over reports that the privately owned Pakistani television channel Geo TV is not accessible throughout parts of the country including Karachi, Lahore, and Multan, despite government assertions that authorities have taken no steps to block it.
Turkey issues new arrest warrant for Can Dündar, asks Interpol to do same
New York, April 2, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Turkish authorities to drop the politically motivated case against the exiled independent journalist Can Dündar, and allow him to do his work without fear of reprisal.
Two journalists, driver kidnapped in Ecuador near Colombia border
New York, March 27, 2018 — The Committee to Protect Journalists today called for the immediate release of three members of a reporting team from the daily El Comercio newspaper, who were kidnapped yesterday morning in northern Ecuador near the Colombian border.
Ethiopia arrests at least five journalists during state of emergency
Nairobi, March 26, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Ethiopian authorities to release five journalists. Security forces yesterday arrested Eskinder Nega, Temesghen Desalegn, Zone 9 bloggers Befekadu Hailu and Mahlet Fantahun, and Zelalem Workagegnehu, who were gathered at Temesghen’s house in Addis Ababa, according to reports and a statement by the Swiss-based Association…
Malaysian Parliament to vote on ‘fake news’ bill
New York, March 26, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on the Malaysian Parliament to withdraw a draft bill on fake news. Under the proposed Anti-Fake News 2018 bill, anyone convicted of creating, circulating or publishing fake news online or on social media could face a 10-year jail term and fine of up to…