‘Fear and anxiety’ rules among local journalists, Hong Kong Journalists Association finds
The Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) found that authorities use the national security law to silence journalists, systematically limit the media’s ability to access to public databases, and force public and private broadcasters to minimize their political content and, in the case of at least one public broadcaster, spread government propaganda in its annual report,…
‘Obviously very chilling’: Peter R. de Vries killing shows the danger of Dutch crime reporting
The brutal slaying of crime reporter Peter R. de Vries has shocked the Netherlands. Although still one of the least violent countries for journalists in the world, reporters, parliament, and local press freedom groups warn that threats, intimidation, and violence against outlets and individual journalists reporting on organized crime are on the rise. More than 80 percent of Dutch journalists experienced…
Russian authorities ban investigative outlet Proekt as ‘undesirable,’ classify staff as foreign agents
Stockholm, July 20, 2021 – Russian authorities should allow the independent investigative news outlet Proekt and its staff to operate freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On July 15, the Office of the Prosecutor-General of Russia classified the outlet’s parent company as “undesirable,” thereby banning its operations in the country, and the Justice…
CPJ, U.S. media organizations urge U.S. to provide visas to Afghans who worked with press
The Committee to Protect Journalists joined a coalition of U.S. news and press freedom organizations in joint letters to President Joseph Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Congressional leadership asking the U.S. government to provide humanitarian assistance and emergency visas to Afghans who have worked with U.S. media outlets. In 2020, at least five journalists…
CPJ to release report and host media briefing on press freedom in Myanmar
New York, July 20, 2021–Since the February military coup in Myanmar, the junta has cracked down harshly on the press, attacking reporters and photographers and jailing dozens of journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists will publish a mid-year census on journalists imprisoned in Myanmar, with analysis and recommendations. WHAT: Virtual press launch of mid-year report…
Journalists harassed, obstructed while covering home demolitions in India
Washington, D.C., July 19, 2021 — Indian authorities should cease harassing and obstructing members of the press covering protests and demolitions in Khori Gaon, in Haryana state, and ensure that they can report freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On June 30, and then repeatedly in mid-July, police have threatened, harassed, and obstructed…
Egyptian authorities detain journalist Abdel Naser Salama on terrorism and false news charges
New York, July 19, 2021 – Egyptian authorities must immediately release journalist Abdel Nasser Salama and drop all charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Yesterday, state security officers in Alexandria arrested Salama, a columnist at the state-run newspaper Al-Ahram and its former editor-in-chief, from his home, according to news reports. Prosecutors…
Brazilian journalist Jackson Silva survives shooting
Rio de Janeiro, July 19, 2021 – Brazilian authorities should promptly and thoroughly investigate the shooting of journalist Jackson Silva, ensure his safety, and guarantee that reporters can work without fear, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. At about 9 p.m. on July 9, in the city of Moju in the northern state of…
CPJ welcomes new US rules protecting journalists’ records
Washington, D.C., July 19, 2021 — In response to news reports today that U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland issued new rules limiting federal prosecutors’ ability to obtain journalists’ phone and email records in government leak investigations, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “This is a welcome first step in lessening the chilling…
Moroccan journalist Omar Radi sentenced to 6 years in prison; Imad Stitou convicted of complicity
New York, July 19, 2021 – In response to a Casablanca court’s decision today to sentence Moroccan investigative journalist Omar Radi to six years in prison and journalist Imad Stitou to six months, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “We strongly condemn the sentencing today in Morocco of journalists Imad Stitou and…