CPJ calls on Egypt to release imprisoned journalist
New York, November 19–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Egypt to release Abdelrahman Abu Ouf, deputy editor-in-chief of Al Mesryoon, who was arrested Saturday, according to reports. The ongoing crackdown on press also included the brief detention of a journalist for the German news agency DPA, and a presenter on a state-run channel who…
CPJ calls on Egypt to release investigative journalist Hossam Bahgat
New York, November 8, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately release investigative journalist Hossam Bahgat. Bahgat, who writes for Mada Masr, a progressive website that publishes news and opinion in English and Arabic, faces charges of publishing false news and is being held overnight by military prosecutors, according to Mada…
Burundian journalist arrested in Democratic Republic of Congo
New York, October 19, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the detention of Egide Mwemero, a Burundian journalist who, according to the managing director of his radio station and local reports, was arrested in Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on October 13.
Privatizing censorship in fight against extremism is risk to press freedom
“We’re stepping up our efforts to discredit ISIL’s propaganda, especially online,” President Barack Obama told delegates at the Leaders’ Summit on Countering Violent Extremism last month. The social media counter-offensive comes amid U.N. reports of a 70 percent increase in what it terms “foreign terrorist fighters”–citizens of U.N. member states who have left to join…
In Thailand, cartoonist detained and warned he could be prosecuted
Bangkok, October 5, 2015–Authorities in Thailand briefly detained Sakda Sae Iao, a prominent editorial cartoonist with the local language Thai Rath newspaper, on Sunday and warned he could be prosecuted for his future work, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the harassment and calls on Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to end…
Don’t Forget Rasool: In international reporting, local journalists often suffer
When two journalists from VICE, Jake Hanrahan and Philip Pendlebury, were arrested with Iraqi journalist Mohammed Ismael Rasool on August 28, a familiar scenario unfolded. A week later, Hanrahan and Pendlebury were released following a media flurry and worldwide attention. Still behind bars is Rasool, an experienced journalist and translator who had worked extensively in…
In Azerbaijan, Meydan TV reporters harassed, jailed
New York, September 18, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the harassment of independent news outlet Meydan TV by Azerbaijani authorities. This week Shirin Abbasov, a reporter for the outlet, was imprisoned, authorities searched the home of another of its reporters, and questioned two journalists who work for the outlet.
In Hungary, police beat journalists covering refugee crisis at border
New York, September 17, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the actions of Hungarian police who, according to reports, attacked journalists covering the arrival of refugees at the Serbian-Hungarian border. At least seven international journalists were beaten by riot police yesterday, and a video journalist from The Associated Press was ordered to delete footage on…
Prominent Thai reporter held by military government
New York, September 14, 2015– The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the detention of Pravit Rojanaphruk, a prominent Thai journalist at the English-language daily The Nation, who is being held in military detention at an undisclosed location, according to reports.
In Taiwan, three journalists arrested at student protest
Three journalists were arrested in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, on July 23, 2015 while covering a student protest, according to reports. Liao Chen-hui, a photographer for Liberty Times, Sung Hsiao-hai, a reporter for Coolloud Collective, and freelance reporter Lin Yu-yu were released without charge the following day, according to reports.