Number of jailed journalists spikes to new global record
The number of journalists jailed around the world set yet another record in 2022. In a year marked by conflict and repression, authoritarian leaders doubled down on their criminalization of independent reporting, deploying increasing cruelty to stifle dissenting voices and undermine press freedom. Published December 14, 2022 By Arlene Getz/CPJ Editorial Director Worst Offenders |…
CPJ joins call for Somali authorities to drop all charges against journalist Abdalle Ahmed Mumin
The Committee to Protect Journalists joined six other press freedom and human rights groups in a letter Monday calling on Somali authorities to drop the criminal charges filed against Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, a press freedom advocate and freelance journalist. Authorities arrested Abdalle, secretary-general of the Somali Journalists Syndicate press freedom group, on October 11, after…
Burkina Faso suspends French broadcaster RFI
New York, December 5, 2022 – In response to Burkina Faso authorities’ suspension of programming by French broadcaster Radio France Internationale (RFI), the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement Monday condemning the decision: “Burkina Faso authorities should reverse their suspension of RFI programming and ensure that journalists can work without fear of being…
Two DRC radio stations suspended, transmitters seized over broadcasts criticizing politicians
On October 25, 2022, Bono Emakitshi, administrator of the Lodji territory in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s central Sankuru province, issued a directive suspending the operations of privately owned broadcasters Radio Losanganya and Radio Grand Tam-tam. Bono also ordered the outlets’ transmitters to be seized until further notice. Bono alleged that the outlets broadcast…
DRC journalist Olivier Makambu jailed over broadcast following defamation complaint
Kinshasa, November 23, 2022 – Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should immediately release journalist Olivier Makambu, drop all legal proceedings against him, and reform the country’s laws to ensure journalism is not criminalized, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On Wednesday, November 16, two police officers arrested Makambu, program director of…
Muvi TV journalists arrested, fined after filming Zambian police raid on politician’s home
Lusaka, November 18, 2022 — Zambian authorities should immediately investigate the arbitrary detention of Muvi TV journalist Innocent Phiri and camera operator Obvious Kapunda, nullify their fine and admission of guilt as it was made under duress, and ensure that police do not harass journalists who are covering the news, the Committee to Protect Journalists said…
Mozambican journalist Arlindo Chissale faces lesser charge after terrorism accusation
At 4 a.m. on October 29, Arlindo Chissale, editor of privately owned outlet Pinnacle News, which specializes in reporting on the insurgency in Cabo Delgado province, was detained by police in Balama, west of the provincial capital of Pemba, and held in police cells for six days, according to media reports, a statement by the Mozambican chapter…
Authorities charge Senegalese journalist Pape Alé Niang with harming national defense over report on leaked document
Dakar, November 14, 2022 — Senegalese authorities should drop all charges against journalist Pape Alé Niang, release him, and reform the country’s laws to ensure journalism is not criminalized, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Monday. On November 6, police arrested Niang, director of the privately owned website Dakarmatin, in the capital, Dakar. On November…
French journalist Sonia Rolley expelled from DRC, denied accreditation
Kinshasa, November 9, 2022–Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo must reverse their decision to expel journalist Sonia Rolley and cease all efforts to intimidate the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On the morning of Tuesday, November 8, the DRC’s immigration authorities, the Direction Générale des Migrations (DGM), summoned and expelled…