Editors’ checklist: Preparing for COVID-19 assignments in 2020
This checklist was devised by HP Risk Management. HP Risk Management has been working closely with journalists to keep them safe as they cover the Covid-19 story. They also work closely with the Committee to Protect Journalists as part of CPJ Emergencies.
Somali journalist Abdiaziz Ahmed Gurbiye arrested over COVID-19 Facebook posts
Nairobi, April 16, 2020 — Somali authorities should immediately and unconditionally release journalist Abdiaziz Ahmed Gurbiye and guarantee that the media can cover and comment on the COVID-19 pandemic without facing jail time, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Trump’s attacks on credibility of the press are dangerously effective
Amid public health crisis, truth is a casualty, Downie finds in report for CPJ New York, April 16, 2020 —Of the many ways in which the Trump administration has attacked the press, its most effective and dangerous ploy has been to try to destroy the media’s credibility, undermining truth and consensus even as a pandemic…
CPJ calls on Trump to improve press freedom in US
CPJ writes the White House about actions by the Trump administration that threaten news media and impede the free flow of information on issues of great public interest. We cite specifically regular statements that delegitimize the role of the press; retaliation against journalists for critical coverage; prosecutions that equate leaking classified documents to the press with espionage; the harassment of journalists at U.S. borders; and limitations on access to information.
Gunman attacks Brazilian radio journalist Vamberto Teixeira’s home in Sete Lagoas
Rio de Janeiro, April 15, 2020 — Brazilian authorities must swiftly and thoroughly investigate a shooting attack on radio journalist Vamberto Teixeira’s house and hold the perpetrators to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Journalists in Liberia attacked, harassed for reporting on COVID-19
Since March 19, 2020, Liberian security forces have attacked or intimidated at least four journalists covering the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the journalists, who spoke with CPJ in phone calls and via messaging apps, and a report posted on Facebook by the Press Union of Liberia, a local trade group.
Russian authorities bring new charges against jailed journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev
Vilnius, Lithuania, April 14, 2020 — Authorities in the Russian republic of Dagestan should immediately release journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev and drop all the charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.