Iraqi Kurdistan university official attacks journalists covering student protest
On February 19, 2023, an official at the girls’ dormitories of Iraqi Kurdistan’s Erbil Polytechnic University attacked several journalists covering student protests and broke some of their equipment, according to news reports, videos posted on social media, and phone interviews with some of the journalists. The students were protesting the lack of water, fuel, electricity,…
Ahead of elections, Nigerian journalist Jonathan Ugbal attacked, others denied access
Abuja, February 24, 2023–Nigerian authorities should hold accountable those responsible for beating journalist Jonathan Ugbal, publicly advise political supporters to not attack the press, and not unduly hinder access to election-related sites, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On Wednesday, February 22, about 20 supporters of Nigeria’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hit and kicked…
CPJ calls on authorities to arrest organizers of attacks on independent journalists in Kazakhstan
Stockholm, February 23, 2023 – Kazakh authorities must thoroughly investigate a fresh wave of attacks on independent journalists and ensure that all involved are held to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. In at least four incidents since February 5, journalists and their family members in various cities across Kazakhstan have faced attacks…
‘No other option to survive’: After one year of war, Ukrainian journalists are equipped for the long haul
In January, Ukrainian photojournalist Anton Skyba rushed to the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine to report on a town near the front line, Chasiv Yar. He came prepared. In a phone call with CPJ, he ticked off the items in his suitcase: personal protective equipment, including a helmet and an individual first aid kit with a chest patch “for…
Journalist Alexander Álvarez shot and killed in Paraguay
Bogotá, February 16, 2023—Paraguayan authorities must thoroughly investigate the killing of journalist Alexander Álvarez, determine if he was targeted for his work, and bring those responsible to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On Tuesday, February 14, an unidentified attacker on a motorcycle shot Álvarez while he was in his car at a…
Albanian TV crew threatened at gunpoint, camera operator assaulted
Berlin, February 16, 2023 — Albanian authorities should swiftly and thoroughly investigate the recent attack on a TV crew for the privately owned broadcaster Top Channel, hold the perpetrators to account, and ensure that reporters covering illegal mining and other environmental issues can work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On February 8,…
CPJ launches safety videos to support journalists covering unrest globally
Journalist assistance requests rose 24% in 2022 New York, February 16, 2023—The Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday launched three new safety videos providing practical guidance to journalists covering unrest worldwide. Drawing on the organization’s expertise in emergency protection and safety, the videos will help journalists mitigate risk when covering protests and demonstrations. Reporting on…
Taliban raids office of Tamadon TV, assaults staff in Afghanistan
New York, February 15, 2022 – The Taliban must allow Tamadon TV to operate freely and independently and end its campaign of harassment and violence against journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On Tuesday, February 14, about 10 armed Taliban members raided the headquarters of the privately owned broadcaster in Kabul, beat several…
‘I am challenged at the court for simply doing my job’: Journalists covering climate issues in Europe face growing threats
Skyrocketing temperatures and catastrophic flooding have hammered home the realities of climate change in Europe, making environmental coverage one of the continent’s most important beats. It’s also an increasingly dangerous one as journalists face legal and physical harassment for reporting on polluters, amid other concerns. Of course, Europe isn’t the only place where journalists find…
‘Like going to the war front’: Nigerian journalists offer tips for covering 2023 elections
In the early hours of February 1, unknown gunmen set fire to an office of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission and a police station in the country’s southeastern Anambra state. Days earlier, gunmen had attacked and killed soldiers and policemen at checkpoints along a road that connects nearby Enugu and Ebonyi states. The incidents underscored…