Chinese journalist held for reporting on Wuhan COVID outbreak wishes he’d done more
When reports of a novel respiratory virus spreading through Wuhan began to surface in early 2020, a few independent video journalists rushed to the city. Among them was Li Zehua, a former journalist for state broadcaster CCTV, who goes by the name Kcriss Li. Giving the slip to officials chasing down reporters who challenged the…
CPJ condemns Mexican military surveillance of activist’s communications with journalists
Mexico City, March 7, 2023 – In response to multiple reports published Tuesday stating that Mexican authorities surveilled human rights activist Raymundo Ramos’ conversations with journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement of condemnation: “The revelations that Mexican authorities have continued to spy on activists, including their communications with reporters, is a…
US court convicts 2 men of 2012 kidnapping of journalist Michael Scott Moore in Somalia
Nairobi, March 7, 2023—In response to a U.S. federal court’s conviction of two men, Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed and Abdi Yusu Hassan, in the 2012 hostage-taking of German American journalist Michael Scott Moore, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement welcoming the conviction: “The conviction of Mohamed Tahlil Mohamed and Abdi Yusuf Hassan in…
Belarusian authorities label newspaper, journalists’ association as ‘extremist’
Paris, March 7, 2023 — In response to multiple news reports that the Belarusian security service recently labeled the exiled Belarusian Association of Journalists and independent newspaper Brestskaya Gazeta as “extremist,” the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement calling for authorities to stop harassing the organizations and let them work freely: “By labeling…
Council of Europe journalist safety platform publishes annual report on press freedom
On March 7, 2023, the Council of Europe’s platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists published “War in Europe and the fight for the right to report,” an annual report providing a snapshot of the situation regarding media freedom and journalist safety in Europe, including recommendations for action. The report was…
Pakistan bans broadcasting of ex-PM Imran Khan’s speeches, suspends ARY News channel
New York, March 6, 2023 – Pakistan authorities must immediately rescind the ban on satellite television channels airing live and recorded speeches by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and restore the license of the privately owned television broadcaster ARY News, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On the evening of Sunday, March 5, the…
Belarusian prosecutor requests 10 years in prison for journalist Valeryia Kastsiuhova
Paris, March 6, 2023–In response to media reports reports that a Belarusian prosecutor on Monday requested that journalist Valeryia Kastsiuhova be sentenced to 10 years in prison, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement of condemnation: “A Belarusian prosecutor’s request that journalist Valeryia Kastsiuhova spend a decade behind bars is yet another illustration…
Trial to start Tuesday for 3 Mada Masr journalists in Egypt
New York, March 6, 2023–In response to reports that three journalists from the Egyptian independent news website Mada Masr are scheduled to face trial on Tuesday, March 7, on charges of misusing social media and offending members of parliament, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement calling for the charges against them to…
Togo journalists Ferdinand Ayité and Isidore Kouwonou summoned over insult, false news allegations
Accra, March 6, 2023–Togolese authorities should drop all legal proceedings against journalists Ferdinand Ayité and Isidore Kouwonou and allow them to work free from harassment or threat of arrest, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. Both journalists have been summoned to the country’s High Court in the capital city of Lomé for a trial…