Change to Mexican law leaves critical journalists at risk of steep fines
Sergio Aguayo, one of Mexico’s most prominent political commentators, said he was taken by surprise when he heard he was being sued for “moral damages.” The plaintiff, Humberto Moreira, is a former governor who faced allegations that he severely mishandled the state’s finances, was involved in graft and corruption, and had ties to organized crime.…
Freelance journalist Lindsey Snell detained in Turkey after leaving Syria
New York, September 1, 2016–The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Turkish authorities today to release Lindsey Snell, an American freelance journalist who has been detained since August 7 after traveling to Turkey from Syria, where she said she had been filming.
CPJ Newsletter: We fight back against defamation, highlight impunity in India, and host an exhibit on Shawkan’s works
September edition IOC creates mechanism for journalist complaints after CPJ consultation In early August, we welcomed the creation of a press freedom complaints mechanism by the International Olympic Committee. The move followed years of advocacy with the IOC by CPJ and other rights groups to do more to hold governments that host the Olympic Games…
International journalists denied entry to Venezuela before September 1 protest
New York, August 31, 2016–Authorities in Venezuela denied entry to at least six journalists, including CPJ Andes correspondent John Otis, who were traveling to the country to cover a protest tomorrow demanding a recall referendum on President Nicolás Maduro. Authorities said the journalists did not have the proper documentation to enter the country to work,…
Newspaper offices shot at and vandalized in Venezuela
New York, August 31, 2016–Authorities should investigate incidents of vandalism of Venezuelan newspaper offices and do everything in their power to ensure that journalists can work without fear of reprisal, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Honduran reporter convicted of criminal defamation
Bogotá, Colombia, August 25, 2016 – Honduran prosecutors should cease pursuing criminal defamation charges against journalists, and lawmakers should swiftly repeal laws allowing for such prosecutions, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. If his recent conviction on defamation charges is upheld on appeal, TV reporter Ariel Armando D’Vicente faces three years in prison and…
Mexican reporter wounded in Veracruz shooting
Mexico City, August 22, 2016 – Authorities in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz should credibly investigate a shooting attack against freelance journalist Lucia López Castillo and bring those responsible to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. López Castillo was shot last night in front of her home in Poza Rica, north of…
Projectile hits bus carrying journalists in Rio de Janeiro
A bus transporting journalists and volunteers between Olympic venues in Rio de Janeiro was hit by a projectile on August 9, 2016. Two of the bus windows were smashed, and at least two people on board were injured by flying glass, organizers said in a statement.
Ecuador reprimands journalist, TV station for investigative reports
New York, August 9, 2016 – The Ecuadoran communications regulator should rescind all measures against the broadcaster Teleamazonas and journalist Janet Hinostroza, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Regulators yesterday sanctioned the station and the journalist for “media lynching” in relation to investigative reports into the government’s purchase of medical supplies.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines draft law would allow prison for defamation online
New York, August 8, 2016–Lawmakers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines should amend or scrap a draft cybercrime law that would allow for prison sentences of up to two years for defamation, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Legislators are expected to consider the draft on Thursday, an opposition politician told CPJ.