The Torch is a weekly newsletter from the Committee to Protect Journalists that brings you the latest press freedom and journalist safety news from around the world. Subscribe here.
Polish journalists paint a bleak picture, as they share with CPJ the increasing pressure they face from the government, and comparing ongoing protests to buck that pressure to “trench warfare.” Journalists said the government is purposely worsening the business environment in which Poland’s still-vibrant private media operates as a tactic to consolidate power ahead of 2023 parliamentary elections.
Surveillance of journalists poses a tangible threat to journalists worldwide, argues CPJ Africa Senior Researcher Jonathan Rozen in the most recent Washington Post press freedom newsletter. Research by CPJ and others shows how sophisticated spyware is used by governments to target journalists and those close to them. Learn more by catching up on our recent conversation on the lived impact of surveillance on journalists.
Global press freedom updates
- Jordan issues ban on media coverage of royal family dispute
- CPJ joins call for Morocco to release journalist Omar Radi, ensure fair trial
- In the U.S., CPJ calls on Energy Transfer to drop subpoenas to Unicorn Riot, journalist Niko Georgiades
- At least three journalists briefly detained in Russia while covering imprisonment of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny
- Uzbek Interior Ministry statement threatens journalist Agnieszka Pikulicka with prosecution over LGBTQ reporting
- CPJ sends letter calling on Myanmar government to release all journalists
- Indian journalist Sandhya Ravishankar describes “conflict zone for female journalists” ahead of Tamil Nadu elections
- Bolivian radio journalist Franklin Guzmán Zambrana assaulted, robbed while covering protest
- Venezuelan authorities detain NTN24 reporting team covering conflict near Colombia border
- Peruvian journalist receives death threat after reporting on corruption
- Colombian Supreme Court confirms defamation conviction of journalist Vicky Dávila, RCN
- Congolese security forces threaten two radio stations over reports on military abuse
- Nigerian governor threatens to “deal with” journalists who covered 2018 corruption case
- Radio Capital FM journalists face criminal defamation investigation in Guinea-Bissau
Spotlight
“Surrounded by soldiers…” These were the last words heard from courageous Mozambican journalist Ibraimo Abú Mbaruco before he went missing in Cabo Delgado, a year ago this week. As the situation in Mozambique continues to deteriorate, we continue to ask: #WhereIsIbraimo?
Upcoming events
There’s still time to RSVP and join us tonight at 9 p.m. EDT for a lecture at the City College of San Francisco by CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon on “Global Threats to Journalists: Impact and Challenge.”
On April 15, CPJ Advocacy Director Courtney Radsch will give a talk on global press freedom at the International Affairs Forum, hosted by Northwestern Michigan College and World Affairs Council of America. RSVP here.
On April 21, at 9:30 a.m. EDT, Reuters and CPJ will launch the Reuters Photojournalism Gallery at CPJ’s New York headquarters, showcasing powerful images from around the world. The virtual event will include an engaging panel of experts discussing the importance of photojournalism globally. RSVP here and learn more about the challenges photojournalists face through our #SafetyInFocus campaign.
What we are reading
- Gagging free speech by Computer Misuse Act, Films and Stage Plays Act – Part 1 — Mugambi Kiai, Gakii Winfred, and Sigi W. Mwanza, The Star
- Getting the story in Somalia can be a deadly affair for journalists — Abdalle Ahmed Mumim, Mail & Guardian
- Safeguarding democracy: preventing internet shutdowns from disrupting elections — Melody Patry, Access Now
- Throttling of Twitter in Russia — Diwen Xue, Reethika Ramesh, ValdikSS, Leonid Evdokimov, Andrey Viktorov, Arham Jain, Eric Wustrow, Simone Basso, and Roya Ensafi, Censored Planet at the University of Michigan
- The Story Behind Her: Journalist Jenni Monet Wants to De-Colonize Your News Feed — IWMF, Ms.
- Digital Rights in Closing Civic Space: Lessons from Ten African Countries — Institute of Development Studies
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