In Kenya, press curbed as government seeks to fight terrorism
The Kenyan press is being caught in the crossfire as authorities seek to strengthen defenses against terrorists. On December 19, Kenya’s president signed into law a security bill that has the power to stop the press covering terror attacks. The government has also recently criticized the media over allegations that special units are carrying out…
In China, mainstream media as well as dissidents under increasing pressure
In 2014, a record number of journalists imprisoned in China was documented by the Committee to Protect Journalists. The 44 in prison this year is an increase from 32 in 2013, and is the largest figure for China since CPJ began tracking imprisoned journalists in 1990. In recent years, the generally rising numbers for China…
Mission Journal: As South Sudan conflict continues press still suffers
On December 15 last year, fighting that broke out between supporters of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar–who had been vice president until Kiir fired the entire Cabinet–escalated into a civil war that has increased pressure on an already fragile independent press.
Turkish authorities target media in nationwide crackdown
New York, December 14, 2014–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns today’s raids on media outlets in which police detained journalists and media workers on politicized anti-state charges. Among those detained today were Ekrem Dumanlı, editor-in-chief of Zaman, one of Turkey’s largest dailies, and Hidayet Karaca, chairman of the Samanyolu Broadcast Group, reports said.
Mission Journal: Window of opportunity to advance press freedom in Indonesia
A sense of optimism seems to be filling the streets of Jakarta after the election of President Joko Widodo, who took office a few weeks ago. Against this backdrop of hope, the Committee to Protect Journalists joined other press freedom and freedom of expression groups for a series of meetings in Indonesia’s capital and Bali…
Bangladesh court convicts British journalist on contempt charges
On December 2, 2014, a special war crimes court convicted Dhaka-based British journalist David Bergman of contempt in connection with his reporting, according to news reports. The court ruled that Bergman’s writing “portraying derogatory criticism” had “hurt the feelings of the nation,” and ordered him to pay a 5,000 taka (US$65) fine or serve seven…
Belarusian journalist held by the KGB on espionage charges
New York, December 8, 2014–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called for the immediate release of journalist Aleksandr Alesin, who according to news reports is being held by the Belarusian national security service, known as the KGB.
Blogger detained in Vietnam amid clampdown on dissent
Bangkok, December 8, 2014–Nguyen Quang Lap was detained on Saturday by police in Ho Chi Minh City, the second blogger to be arrested in as many weeks in Vietnam, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the mounting crackdown on dissent and calls for the immediate release of all journalists held behind…
Press in Ukraine still suffering one year after attacks on journalists
A year ago today, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported on the first mass assaults on press freedom in Ukraine, after police were ordered to disperse protesters in the capital, Kiev, and other cities. At least 51 journalists–including local and international reporters–were attacked by police and protesters while covering the early days of the standoff…
Authorities order radio stations to be closed in the DRC
Nairobi, November 24, 2014–The Committee to Protect Journalists today calls on authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to stop meddling with radio station broadcasts in the country. The Congolese Information Minister Lambert Mende has called for the shutdown of several radio stations in recent weeks, and a few have gone off the air.