CPJ urges swift probe into Polish police over forcible removal of journalist from protest
Berlin, July 21, 2023 — Polish authorities should investigate the forcible removal by police of freelance photojournalist Maciej Piasecki from a recent climate protest, and allow journalists to work without interference, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. During a climate protest in Warsaw on Friday, July 14, as police attempted to subdue and detain…
CPJ to hold press conference on José Rubén Zamora and Guatemala’s criminalization of journalists
Washington, D.C., July 21, 2023—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, July 26, to mark the one-year anniversary of Guatemalan journalist José Rubén Zamora’s imprisonment. Speakers will include Zamora’s son and a Guatemalan journalist in exile. Zamora, founder of the independent investigative newspaper elPeriódico, was arrested on July 29,…
Imprisoned journalist Sherwan Sherwani given additional 4-year sentence in Iraqi Kurdistan
Beirut, July 20, 2023—Iraqi Kurdish authorities should release journalist Sherwan Sherwani at once, drop all charges against him, and allow members of the press to work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On Thursday, July 20, the Erbil criminal court sentenced Sherwani to an additional four years in prison over a complaint by…
CPJ calls for swift and credible investigation into burglary of Ethiopia Insider office
Nairobi, July 20, 2023—In response to the recent burglary of the privately owned news outlet Ethiopia Insider, including the stealing of video production equipment, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “The burglary of Ethiopia Insider, an outlet with a reputation for critical and independent journalism, could have a devastating impact on its…
Mexican journalist Nelson Matus Peña killed in Acapulco
Mexico City, July 20, 2023—Mexican authorities must investigate the killing of journalist Nelson Matus Peña, determine whether he was targeted for his work, and bring his killers to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On July 15, several unidentified attackers shot and killed Matus, founder and editor of Lo Real de Guerrero, in…
Belarus detains journalist Ihar Karnei on undisclosed charges, bans Polish journalist Justyna Prus
New York, July 20, 2023—Belarusian authorities should immediately disclose the reason for the recent detention of journalist Ihar Karnei, reverse their decision to ban Polish journalist Justyna Prus, and let the media work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On Monday, July 17, authorities in Minsk searched the home of Karnei, a former…
Uganda’s anti-homosexuality law poses free speech fears for journalists
Kuchu Times was founded eight years ago to give voice to Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community. Now, a new anti-homosexuality law is threatening this mission at a time when LGBTQ+ Ugandans are facing beatings and evictions. “People will tell us their stories and ask us not to put them out there, not until it is safer,” Kuchu…
Tajikistan bans Pamir Daily News as ‘extremist organization’
Stockholm, July 20, 2023 – In response to the July 19 announcement that the Supreme Court of Tajikistan banned the independent news website Pamir Daily News and classified it as an “extremist organization,” the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement of condemnation: “Tajik authorities’ move to ban Pamir Daily News and smear it…
Cambodia blocks websites, social media accounts of 3 outlets ahead of Sunday election
Bangkok, July 20, 2023—Cambodia’s government should lift its censorship orders against three news organizations and allow the media to report freely on the July 23 general elections without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. In a July 12 letter, the Telecommunications Regulator of Cambodia ordered local internet service providers (ISPs) to…
M23 rebels ban radio show by displaced Congolese journalists
Kinshasa, July 19, 2023 – Leaders of the M23 rebel movement occupying Rutshuru in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, should immediately reverse the latest ban on “Sauti ya Wahami,” a radio show produced by displaced journalists, and on Top Congo FM’s programming, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Wednesday. In a July…