Sierra Leone security forces attack, charge journalist covering COVID-19
Abuja, April 28, 2020 — Authorities in Sierra Leone should immediately drop all charges against journalist Fayia Amara Fayia and ensure those responsible for the attacks against him are held accountable, the Committee to Protect Journalist said today.
Journalists detained, assaulted in India during COVID-19 lockdown
On April 11, 2020, police in the Bandipora district of Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir state arrested Mushtaq Ganaie, a reporter with the English-language privately held daily Kashmir Observer, on allegations of obstructing police, violating the COVID-19 lockdown, and spreading the virus, according to Ganaie, who spoke to CPJ via phone, and a report by his…
Iran arrests 2 journalists for allegedly sharing cartoon mocking government’s COVID-19 response
Washington, D.C., April 27, 2020 — Iranian authorities should immediately drop their investigations into journalists Masoud Heydari and Hamid Haghjoo, and let them work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Chinese police detain 2 volunteers who collect and share censored news, 1 more missing
Taipei, April 27, 2020 — Chinese authorities should immediately release and drop all charges against the two media workers arrested for sharing censored news articles, and disclose if a third is in government custody, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Nigerian police arrest, detain 2 journalists in Ebonyi state
[Editors’ Note: This article has been changed in its headline and fifth paragraph to reflect the Ebonyi governor’s more recent statements.] Abuja, April 24, 2020 — Authorities in Nigeria should stop harassing journalists Peter Okutu and Chijioke Agwu, and must cease using COVID-19-related laws to stifle the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Philippine journalist Frenchiemae Cumpio detained since February on firearms charges
Philippine journalist Frenchiemae Cumpio has been held in detention since February 7, 2020, on “illegal firearms possession” charges, according to news reports and a statement by the National Union of the Journalists of the Philippines, a local press freedom group.
Hong Kong police arrest Next Digital founder Jimmy Lai
Taipei, April 18, 2020–The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Hong Kong authorities to drop all charges against Jimmy Lai, founder and chair of Next Digital, following his arrest this afternoon alongside other pro-democracy advocates on suspicion of participating in an illegal assembly. Lai’s media properties, including the Apple Daily, have actively and sympathetically covered…
Venezuelan journalist Eduardo Galindo and family members detained over reporting
Miami, April 17, 2020 — Venezuelan authorities should immediately release journalist Eduardo Galindo and his family, and ensure that members of the media can work without fear of retribution, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
