CPJ joined more than 30 groups to urge Iran to free jailed journalists, activists, and restore internet access
On January 14, the Committee to Protect Journalists, along with more than 30 press freedom and human rights organizations, called for urgent protections for journalists, human rights defenders, and others jailed for their writing, expression of opinion, or peaceful assembly amid nationwide protests and internet shutdown. The signatory organizations called on Iranian authorities to immediately…
Report: Georgia violated journalist Mzia Amaglobeli’s right to a fair trial
New York, January 16, 2026—A report released Friday by TrialWatch found that Georgian authorities violated the fair trial rights of jailed journalist and Sakharov Prize laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, citing a series of violations that indicate that Georgian authorities sought to make an example of a leading journalist amid a wider press freedom and rights crackdown in Georgia. The Committee to…
CPJ to release 2025 prison census
New York, January 16, 2026 — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) will release its annual report of journalists imprisoned globally on January 21, 2026. CPJ’s 2025 prison census includes analysis from CPJ experts about the leading countries that imprisoned journalists last year, as well as insights into the dire conditions many journalists face in…
CPJ submits report to UN ahead of Lebanon’s human rights review
The Committee to Protect Journalists has submitted a 10-page report to the United Nations Human Rights Council detailing the alarming decline of press freedom in Lebanon, ahead of the country’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session this month. The UPR, a UN mechanism that reviews each member state’s human rights record every 4 ½ years, assesses…
Burundi: Sandra Muhoza sentenced to 4 years in prison in 2nd trial
Nairobi, January 15, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Burundian authorities to end the persecution of jailed journalist Sandra Muhoza who has been given a four-year sentence for comments she made on WhatsApp, after almost two years in detention. Muhoza, who was informed of the court’s decision on January 14, was also fined 200,000…
CPJ, partners call on Philippines’ Marcos to free Frenchie Mae Cumpio ahead of firearms verdict
The Committee to Protect Journalists and a coalition of press freedom organizations are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to immediately and unconditionally release journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, a week before a Philippine court is set to rule in the first of two cases that could see her jailed for up to 40 years. Cumpio, who…
CPJ calls for immediate release of 3 imprisoned Venezuelan journalists
The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Venezuelan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release journalists Rory Branker, Nakary Mena Ramos, and Gianni González, drop all charges against them, and ensure that journalists in Venezuela can work freely and without fear of retaliation. “Pervasive attempts to silence critical voices under Venezuela’s Chavez and Maduro regimes must…
Philippines tells CPJ it will uphold due process ahead of Frenchie Mae Cumpio verdict
New York, January 7, 2026—The Philippines’ presidential office has told the Committee to Protect Journalists that it will uphold due process and protect the rights of journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, weeks before key judgments in a long-running case that could see her jailed for up to 40 years. On December 8, ahead of International Human…
Nigerian journalist Matthew Ojoduma cleared, released after 9+ month detention in Benin
Editor’s note: The case against Matthew Ojoduma was dropped, and he was released on November 25, 2025, after evidence did not support the allegations against him, according to court documents reviewed by CPJ. The headline of this alert has been updated to reflect his release. Abuja, November 12, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on…
The law powering Tunisia’s crackdown on the press
New York City, December 19, 2025 – Since President Kais Saied’s consolidation of power in 2021, Tunisia’s press freedom landscape has narrowed sharply. A single piece of legislation—Decree-Law No. 2022-54 on combating “crimes related to information and communication systems”—has become the legal hammer used to silence critics, criminalize routine reporting, and imprison at least five…