CPJ calls for immediate release of jailed journalists in Iran amid escalating conflict
New York, March 3, 2026 –The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is gravely concerned about the safety of all journalists imprisoned in Iran amid the ongoing regional escalation and reiterates its calls on Iranian authorities to release them immediately and unconditionally. A near-total internet blackout and severe communication disruptions have effectively cut off detainees from…
Council of Europe journalist platform warns of increasingly hostile European environment
The Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and the Safety of Journalists published its annual report, “On the tipping point: Press freedom 2025,” today. Legal threats, physical attacks, intimidation, attempts at media capture, and transnational repression are among the main concerns raised in the report, which analyzes key legal, policy, and practical developments affecting media freedom and…
Independent photographer among 30 more arrested, charged in connection with Minnesota ICE protest following Lemon and Fort cases
Washington, D.C., March 2, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls on the Department of Justice to drop all charges against independent photographer Shane Ryan Bollman, known professionally as Junn Bollmann, who was arrested and released by federal law enforcement in Los Angeles on February 27 in connection with his coverage of a January 18…
CPJ, partners call to end Egyptian cartoonist Ashraf Omar’s judicial harassment
The Committee to Protect Journalists joined four other organizations in calling on Egyptian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Al-Manassa cartoonist Ashraf Omar, who has been in prison for almost 20 months. Following his arrest on July 22, 2024, Omar was charged with “joining a terrorist group,” “spreading false news,” and “misusing social media.” On…
CPJ calls on Swiss authorities to protect Azerbaijani journalist Emin Huseynov
New York, February 27, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Swiss authorities to ensure exiled journalist and human rights defender Emin Huseynov’s safety after Huseynov said he was followed on multiple occasions, including by at least one man he said was carrying a gun. “Claims that Emin Huseynov is being surveilled and followed by armed men are deeply…
Gunmen open fire on the home of Pakistani journalist Ihsan Khattak
New York, February 27, 2026—Pakistani authorities should swiftly investigate a shooting attack on the residence of journalist Ihsan Khattak and ensure the safety of all reporters working in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. On February 12, at about 9.45 p.m., unidentified gunmen fired multiple shots at the main…
Israel designates 5 Palestinian news sites ‘terrorist’ groups
Amman, February 26, 2026 –– The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Israeli authorities to lift their recent ban on five Palestinian news outlets, which Israel has designated “terrorist organizations,” placing them under security restrictions typically reserved for armed groups. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz signed an order on Sunday banning several privately-owned platforms —…
Malaysian anti-corruption chief sues Bloomberg in $25 million defamation suit
Jakarta, February 26, 2026—Malaysian anti-corruption chief Azam Baki should immediately withdraw his lawsuit against Bloomberg news agency for a report about his alleged shareholdings, and allow journalists to report on matters of public interest without the fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. “Azam Baki should drop his legal action against Bloomberg…
Kenya court due to rule on cybercrimes law as another journalist faces jail
Nairobi, February 26, 2026—Journalist Peter Maseke Mwita has a keener interest than most in Friday’s upcoming ruling on the constitutionality of Kenya’s cybercrime law — legislation that could see him jailed for up to 10 years over a mistaken WhatsApp message. On February 27, a three-judge court of appeal bench is due to rule in…
Iranian authorities arrest Japanese journalist Shinnosuke Kawashima
New York, February 26, 2026 — The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Iranian authorities to immediately release Shinnosuke Kawashima, Tehran bureau chief of Japanese public broadcaster NHK, and all other journalists detained for their work, return all confiscated property, and end the harassment of NHK’s staff. Shinnosuke was arrested on January 20 by the…