At least 7 Congolese journalists stoned, slapped or beaten in election-related incidents
Kinshasa, August 3, 2023—Politicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo and their supporters must respect journalists’ rights to report freely and safely in the lead-up to national elections on December 20, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. At least seven journalists reporting on political candidates were assaulted in three separate incidents last week, according…
Taliban shuts down Afghan broadcaster Hamisha Bahar over mixed-gender journalism training
New York, August 3, 2023—Taliban authorities must stop their relentless crackdown on the media in Afghanistan and allow private broadcaster Hamisha Bahar Radio and TV to continue its work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On Sunday, July 30, about 20 members of the Taliban provincial police raided the office of Hamisha Bahar Radio…
Covering Ukraine: When a Russian missile brought death to a popular pizza restaurant
It is around 7:30 p.m. on June 27 in the Ria Lounge, one of the few restaurants still open in Kramatorsk, a frontline city in eastern Ukraine. Known by regulars as “Ria Pizza” for its signature dish, the restaurant is packed on this summer Tuesday. Locals, aid workers, off-duty soldiers, and journalists have flocked here…
Russia’s Supreme Court upholds 22-year prison sentence for journalist Ivan Safronov
New York, August 2, 2023 — In response to the Russian Supreme Court decision on Wednesday to uphold the 22-year prison sentence of journalist Ivan Safronov, who was convicted of treason last year, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement of condemnation: “The Russian Supreme Court’s refusal to overturn Ivan Safronov’s 22-year prison…
Zimbabwean reporter Columbus Mavhunga faces jail over drone reporting
Lusaka, August 2, 2023—Zimbabwean authorities should immediately drop illegal drone-flying charges against reporter Columbus Mavhunga and ensure that journalists can freely carry out their work without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On July 23, police arrested Mavhunga, a correspondent for the U.S. Congress-funded broadcaster Voice of America (VOA), after a…
CPJ Insider: August 2023 edition
Ecuador on edge: A Q&A with CPJ Program Director Carlos Martínez de la Serna CPJ traveled to Quito, Ecuador, twice this year amid ongoing conversations with government officials to improve the conditions journalists are facing throughout the country. The past few years have seen increased violence against members of the press, including several journalists receiving…
At least 7 Ugandan journalists assaulted, robbed at news conferences
Nairobi, July 31, 2023—Ugandan authorities should investigate and prosecute those responsible for assaulting, robbing, and harassing seven journalists at two separate news conferences, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On July 20, unidentified men punched and kicked at least six journalists at the headquarters of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in the…
Situational awareness: A guide for journalists
When talking about journalist safety, security measures such as filling out a risk assessment, completing hostile environment awareness training (HEFAT), or using personal protective equipment (PPE) are often the first things to come to mind. However, one of the most important security measures in a journalist’s toolbox is the ability to maintain situational awareness and…
Haitian broadcaster Radio Antarctique burned down in gang attack
New York, July 28, 2023—Haitian law enforcement must thoroughly investigate the July 23 arson attack on independent local station Radio Antarctique and ensure that journalists can work without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. Around 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 23, about 50 heavily armed men with assault-style rifles attacked the…
Azerbaijani journalist Vugar Mammadov sentenced to 30 days in jail over interview
Stockholm, July 28, 2023 – Azerbaijani authorities should release journalist Vugar Mammadov and stop retaliating against journalists for reporting on issues in the public interest, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On Monday, July 24, the Narimanov District Court in the capital, Baku, sentenced Mammadov, chief editor of independent news outlet Hurriyyet, to 30…