Georgian parliament passes ‘foreign agent’ law despite widespread opposition
Stockholm, May 14, 2024 — The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply troubled that as thousands of protesters waited for the results amid a heavy police presence equipped with water cannons and riot gear, the Georgian parliament voted Tuesday to adopt the controversial Russian-style “foreign agents” law that would target foreign-funded media. Georgian President Salome…
Indian journalist shot dead on bike, another assaulted at BJP election rally
New Delhi, May 13, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned Monday’s killing of journalist Ashutosh Srivastava and Sunday’s assault on journalist Raghav Trivedi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and called on authorities to thoroughly investigate the incidents and bring those responsible to justice. At about 9:30 a.m. on May 13, Srivastava, a correspondent…
Turkish journalists shot at, banned from observing vote count in local elections
Istanbul, April 2, 2024—Turkish authorities must not disregard the news media’s legally protected right to observe the election process and must investigate the armed attack on a group of journalists in Diyarbakır, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On Sunday’s election day, the High Board of Elections (YSK) banned reporters from observing the votes…
Russia jails journalist over plane crash coverage, detains another during election
New York, March 19, 2024—Russian authorities must drop all charges against journalist Sergey Kustov, release him, and stop prosecuting the press to stifle their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On Monday, a court sentenced Kustov, chief editor of local broadcaster Bars, to 10 days imprisonment on charges of disobeying a police officer,…
CPJ joins call for Russia to keep the internet on during presidential elections
The Committee to Protect Journalists joined #KeepItOn Coalition partners on Thursday in calling on Russian authorities and telecommunications providers to maintain free, open, and secure internet access before, during, and after presidential elections scheduled for March 15 to 17. The letter highlights Russia’s history of internet shutdowns, including the blocking of tech companies that refused…
CPJ, 21 other groups, call on social media firms to resist censorship ahead of Turkey elections
The Committee to Protect Journalists joined 21 rights groups and journalists’ organizations on Monday in a joint statement calling on social media platforms to prioritize the free flow of information and ideas, and to resist government censorship ahead of the March 31 municipal elections in Turkey. “As important country-wide local elections loom, the Turkish authorities…
CPJ joins mission documenting human rights situation ahead of presidential elections in El Salvador
Ahead of the February 4 presidential elections in El Salvador, CPJ joined a coalition of press freedom organizations in a mission to document the rights situation of journalists to ensure they could carry out their work without fear. The coalition, which included Article 19 Mexico and Central America, Protection International Mesoamerica, Reporters Without Borders (RSF),…
CPJ condemns phone and internet disruptions, barring of journalists during Pakistan election
New York, February 8, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the cell phone service suspension and widespread internet disruptions as Pakistan went to the polls on Thursday, with reports of journalists prevented from coverage in some areas. “Cutting off mobile communication services on an election day and preventing journalists from reporting from polling stations severely…
Pakistan restricts internet in Balochistan ahead of polls, blocks news website
New York, February 6, 2024—Pakistani authorities must allow journalists to work freely and safely in the run-up to elections on February 8, allow nationwide access to the internet, and unblock the investigative news website FactFocus, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. Internet services will be temporarily restricted in “sensitive” polling booths across Pakistan’s southwestern…
Senegal delays election, authorities cut mobile internet, revoke Walf TV’s license, harass journalists
Dakar, February 5, 2024—Senegalese authorities must restore mobile internet access in the country and the broadcasting license of Walf TV, investigate and hold accountable those responsible for briefly detaining or harassing at least four journalists, and allow the press to report freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Monday. On Saturday, Senegalese President Macky…