Russian draft legislation threatens to further silence independent media
Paris, June 23, 2022 – Russian legislators should not enact newly proposed legislation that threatens to further restrict the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On June 14, the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s legislature, passed a bill amending the country’s criminal code to impose prison terms for vague actions against…
Bosnian journalist Nataša Miljanović-Zubac’s car destroyed, authorities investigate on suspicion of arson
Berlin, June 23, 2022 — Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina should swiftly and thoroughly investigate the alleged arson attack on journalist Nataša Miljanović-Zubac’s car, hold those responsible to account, and ensure her safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. In the early hours of June 15, Miljanović-Zubac’s car was destroyed in a fire while…
Taliban members beat journalist at Kabul checkpoint, detain 2 others
Washington, D.C., June 22, 2022 – Taliban authorities must investigate the beating of journalist Mohammad Ikram Esmati and immediately and unconditionally release journalist Abdul Hannan Mohammadi and broadcasting manager Khan Mohammad Sial, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. “The Taliban must take immediate measures to halt repeated arbitrary detentions and abuse of journalists in…
CPJ joins letter calling on Kenya to ensure internet access is maintained throughout election
In a joint letter addressed to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, June 21, the Committee to Protect Journalists joined 51 other organizations calling on authorities to ensure free and secure internet access during the country’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for August 9. The organizations, all members of the #KeepItOn Coalition against internet shutdowns, note…
Two journalists detained, 1 beaten at Uzbekistan soccer stadium
Stockholm, June 22, 2022 – Uzbekistan authorities should thoroughly and transparently investigate the recent harassment and detention of two journalists with the independent broadcaster Sevimli TV’s news program Zamon at a soccer match and ensure that any law enforcement officers who obstruct or attack the press are held to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists…
Chinese reporter Zhang Weihan recounts police harassment, detention in Tangshan
Taipei, June 21, 2022 – Chinese authorities should thoroughly investigate the alleged police attack on journalist Zhang Weihan and ensure that the press can work freely and without fear of harassment, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. Zhang said in a video that on June 12, police in the northeastern city of Tangshan detained…
Bulgarian TV crew attacked with stones while investigating pollution at Serbian mine
Berlin, June 21, 2022 – Serbian authorities should swiftly and thoroughly investigate the recent attack on a TV crew for the Bulgarian public broadcaster BNT, and ensure that reporters covering environmental issues can work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Tuesday. On June 14, a group of six or seven men in the Serbian…
Commonwealth Secretariat denies entry to at least 2 journalists seeking to cover summit in Rwanda; others left in limbo
Durban, June 17, 2022 — The Commonwealth Secretariat should ensure that all journalists can freely cover the upcoming summit in Rwanda, and should not allow the press accreditation process to be used as a political tool, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which brings together the leaders of…
Russian journalist Insa Lander stranded at Georgia border after fleeing house arrest
Stockholm, June 17, 2022 – Georgian authorities should allow Russian journalist Insa Lander to enter the country and work safely and freely, and should accept the asylum applications of journalists seeking refuge, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. Lander, whose legal name is Insa Oguz, had been held under house arrest in the Russian…
British Home Secretary approves Assange extradition to the United States
New York, June 17, 2022–In response to British Home Secretary Priti Patel’s decision on Friday to approve a U.S. request to extradite Wikileaks founder Julian Assange to the United States, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “The extradition of Julian Assange to the United States to face trial on charges under the…