Journalist Ahmed al-Bitawi arrested while covering pro-Gaza march in the West Bank
New York, April 5, 2024—Palestinian authorities in the West Bank must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Ahmed al-Bitawi, who has been in detention since March 30, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On March 29, Palestinian General Intelligence Service agents arrested al-Bitawi, a reporter for Sanad News Agency, in the Palestinian West Bank city…
CPJ, 27 others urge Bahraini leaders to release journalist Abduljalil Alsingace
On April 3, the Committee to Protect Journalists joined 27 press freedom and human rights organizations in urging Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the king of Bahrain, and Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the crown prince and prime minister, to immediately release journalist Abduljalil Alsingace and ensure he receives urgent medical care. The statement was…
Tunisian authorities arrest, charge journalist Mohamed Boughalleb
New York, April 3, 2024—Tunisian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release journalist Mohamed Boughalleb and drop all charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Boughalleb, a reporter with local independent channel Carthage Plus and local independent radio station Cap FM, was arrested by Tunisian police on March 22 and charged with “defaming…
Togo journalist Apollinaire Mewenemesse detained for defamation
Dakar, April 1, 2024—Togolese authorities must release journalist Apollinaire Mewenemesse, drop all legal proceedings against him, and reform the country’s laws to prevent journalists from being arrested for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. An investigating judge charged Mewenemesse, publishing director of the privately owned weekly newspaper La Dépêche, with numerous defamation,…
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…