Polish riot police attack journalists covering demonstrations
Berlin, November 16, 2020 — Polish authorities should swiftly and thoroughly investigate police attacks on journalists covering recent protests, hold those responsible to account, and ensure that reporters can cover events of public interest without fear of injury, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On November 11, during clashes between riot police and protesters…
Demonstrators attack RFE/RL office in Armenia, assault 2 journalists
New York, November 11, 2020 – Armenian authorities should thoroughly investigate the attack on the office of the Azatutyun broadcaster and two of its journalists, and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. At about 4 a.m. yesterday, a group of approximately 40 people attempted to break into the Yerevan…
Los Angeles police arrest, charge 2 reporters documenting social justice protest
Washington, D.C., November 5, 2020—The Los Angeles Police Department should drop all charges against reporters Vishal Singh and Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, and refrain from arresting members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Yesterday, around 7:30 p.m., the LAPD announced a dispersal order in response to Black Lives Matter protests near the intersection…
Italian TV crew covering anti-lockdown demonstration attacked and chased in Naples
In the evening of October 23, 2020, a group of protesters attacked and chased Paolo Fratter, a reporter for Italian news channel Sky TG 24, and his camera operator, Fabio Giulianelli, while they were covering a demonstration against the COVID-19 lockdown in Naples, according to a report by their employer and Fratter, who communicated with…
Angolan police detain, harass, and beat journalists covering protests
New York, October 27, 2020 — Angolan police should stop arresting and assaulting journalists and allow them to do their jobs freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. At least six journalists and one media worker were arrested – with four held for more than two days – and another was harassed while covering…
CPJ calls for journalists’ safety to be protected amid Nigeria protests
New York, October 21, 2020–Nigerian authorities should ensure that journalists are able to do their jobs freely and safely while covering protests against police brutality in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. In recent days, local media have reported violence against protesters and journalists during the demonstrations in Nigeria, which began as…
Journalist Sergey Plotnikov abducted, beaten, then released in Russia’s far east
New York, October 20, 2020 – Russian authorities should immediately and transparently investigate the kidnapping of journalist Sergey Plotnikov, and ensure that the press in Russia can work safely and freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On October 15, at about 8 p.m., seven unidentified masked men abducted Plotnikov on the street near…
Foreign reporters describe safety concerns covering US elections and protests
Covering elections as a foreign correspondent in the United States has traditionally meant press conferences, long days at political rallies, and road trips through rural America. This year, however, amid the spread of COVID-19, curtailed campaigns, civil unrest, visa issues, and an unpredictable political environment, the elections beat has been particularly challenging for foreign reporters….
Thailand issues emergency decree, nationwide restrictions on press
Bangkok, October 15, 2020 — The Thai government should immediately drop its emergency decree restricting the ability of the press to cover protests, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. At 4 a.m. today, the Thai government issued a decree limiting public assembly and instituting a nationwide ban on publishing and broadcasting news that could…
Journalists and media offices threatened, attacked in Kyrgyzstan as post-election unrest continues
New York, October 15, 2020 – Kyrgyz authorities should immediately arrest and prosecute those responsible for threatening and attacking journalists covering post-election unrest in the country, and implement measures to protect members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. In Kyrgyzstan, a number of attacks on journalists and threats to media outlets…