Russia extends detention of journalist Alsu Kurmasheva by 2 months
New York, April 1, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned a Russian court’s decision on Monday to extend the pretrial detention of U.S.-Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva until June 5 and called for her immediate release. “Russian authorities have been holding journalist Alsu Kurmasheva for over five months on charges directly connected with her journalistic work. Today’s extension…
Sri Lanka arrests, investigates journalists G.P. Nissanka, Bimal Ruhunage
New York, March 29, 2024—Sri Lankan authorities must immediately drop their investigations into journalists G.P. Nissanka and Bimal Ruhunage and allow them to report without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On the evening of March 5, officers with the Sri Lanka police service’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested G.P. Nissanka, owner…
Russia detained journalist Antonina Favorskaya for 2 months for reporting on late opposition leader Navalny
New York, March 29, 2024—Russian authorities must release journalist Antonina Favorskaya, drop all charges against her, and refrain from persecuting members of the press in retaliation for their reporting on late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On Wednesday, authorities did not release Favorskaya, a journalist with independent news outlet…
After fifth detention extension, CPJ renews call for Russia to release US journalist Evan Gershkovich
New York, March 26, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Russia to immediately release U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich following Tuesday’s court decision to extend his pretrial detention until June 30, 2024. “CPJ strongly condemns the three-month extension of Evan Gershkovich’s detention, just days before the one-year anniversary of his arrest on fabricated charges. Today’s…
CPJ calls for Israel to release journalists detained during Al-Shifa hospital raid
Beirut, March 22, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Israeli authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the journalists arrested at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City this week. On Monday, March 18, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a new offensive on the Al-Shifa hospital complex, arresting scores of Palestinians. An unspecified number of journalists, including…
Armed men take Nigerian journalist Segun Olatunji from Lagos home
Abuja, March 21, 2024—The Nigerian military should swiftly and publicly account for the whereabouts of First News editor Segun Olatunji, who was taken by armed men identifying themselves as officers with the army, disclose any charges against him, and ensure his safety, said the Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday. On March 15, around 15…
CPJ welcomes release of DRC journalist Stanis Bujakera, calls for release of Blaise Mabala
Kinshasa, March 19, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s release of journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, but is alarmed by his six-month prison sentence and fine of 1 million Congolese francs (US$400) and the ongoing detention of journalist Blaise Mabala, who has been in custody since December. After more than…
Russia jails journalist over plane crash coverage, detains another during election
New York, March 19, 2024—Russian authorities must drop all charges against journalist Sergey Kustov, release him, and stop prosecuting the press to stifle their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On Monday, a court sentenced Kustov, chief editor of local broadcaster Bars, to 10 days imprisonment on charges of disobeying a police officer,…
Azerbaijan extends pretrial detention of 2 journalists on currency smuggling charges
Stockholm, March 19, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for the release of Kanal 13 director Aziz Orujov and reporter Shamo Eminov, whose pretrial detention was extended on Tuesday, along with eight others being held on similar charges. “As Azerbaijani courts have once again rubber-stamped the detention of yet more journalists on allegations of illegally…
Witnesses: IDF assaulted, detained Al Jazeera journalist in hospital raid
Editor’s note: Journalist Ismail Al Ghoul was released by Israeli forces on Monday night after being held for almost 12 hours. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Al Ghoul recounted how he and several other journalists were assaulted by IDF soldiers, whom he said destroyed the journalists’ tent and damaged their equipment and press vehicles….