Asia

  
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press in Biarritz, France, on August 26, 2019, during the annual G7 Summit. (AFP/Ludovic Marin)

UN Secretary General responds to #FreeThePress campaign call to action

In a letter this week to the partners of the 2020 #FreeThePress campaign, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized that freedom of the press and the safety of journalists remains a key priority for him, stressing that, “No democracy can function without press freedom, which is the cornerstone of trust between people and their institutions,…

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Medical staff are seen in Yangon, Myanmar, on May 17, 2020. Myanmar authorities recently sentenced news editor Zaw Ye Htet to prison over his outlet's COVID-19 coverage. (AFP/Sai Aung Main)

Myanmar news editor sentenced to 2 years in jail over COVID-19 report

Bangkok, May 22, 2020 — Myanmar authorities should immediately release jailed news editor Zaw Ye Htet and stop using vague and abusive laws against journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

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A Nepalese police officer maintains distance as he detains a man defying the lockdown imposed by the government amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Kathmandu on March 29, 2020. Several journalists have been detained or obstructed while reporting since the lockdown was imposed. (Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar)

Nepali reporters detained, threatened while reporting on COVID-19 pandemic

Police in districts around Nepal briefly detained at least four journalists in relation to coverage of the coronavirus pandemic since the government introduced containment measures on March 23, 2020, while at least six others reported being threatened or attacked by a range of actors seeking to suppress allegations of wrongdoing over the same period, according…

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Police officers are seen in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on January 22, 2020. Authorities recently charged journalist Sok Oudom with incitement. (AFP/Tang Chhin Sothy)

Cambodian journalist Sok Oudom detained on incitement charges

Bangkok, May 19, 2020 – Cambodian authorities must immediately release journalist Sok Oudom from custody, drop any charges against him, and restore his news outlet’s operating license, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

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Police officers are seen in Wuhan, China, on May 6, 2020. Journalist Zhang Zhan recently went missing in Wuhan, and is now detained in Shanghai. (AFP)

Journalist Zhang Zhan arrested for covering COVID-19 in Wuhan

Taipei, May 18, 2020 — Chinese authorities must immediately release journalist Zhang Zhan, drop any charges against her, and ensure that the media can cover the coronavirus pandemic without fear of arrest, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

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Police officers are seen in Sittwe, Myanmar, on March 3, 2017. Journalist Kyaw Linn was recently attacked and threatened in Sittwe. (Reuters/Soe Zeya Tun)

Myanmar journalist Kyaw Linn attacked, threatened in Rakhine state

Bangkok, May 15, 2020 — Myanmar authorities must conduct a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into the assault of journalist Kyaw Linn and ensure that reporters can work in Rakhine state without fearing for their safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is seen in Gandhinagar, India, on December 26, 2017. Journalist Dhaval Patel was recently arrested and charged over his coverage of Rupani. (Reuters/Amit Dave)

Indian journalist Dhaval Patel arrested, charged with sedition

New Delhi, May 13, 2020 — Authorities in Gujarat must immediately release journalist Dhaval Patel and drop all charges against him, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

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Police officers are seen in Yangon, Myanmar, on April 17, 2020. Editor Khaing Mrat Kyaw is facing terrorism charges and is in hiding. (AP/Thein Zaw)

Myanmar editor in hiding, facing terrorism charges over interview

Bangkok, May 13, 2020 – Myanmar authorities should drop the terrorism charges against editor Khaing Mrat Kyaw and stop threatening journalists covering the Arakan Army insurgent group, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

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Riot police hold back members of the press in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on May 10, 2020. Police attacked and arrested journalists covering that protest. (AFP/Isaac Lawrence)

Hong Kong police attack and detain journalists covering protests

Taipei, May 11, 2020 — Police in Hong Kong must stop attacking and harassing journalists, and should ensure their safety while covering protests in the city, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

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CPJ sends letter calling on Philippine President Duterte to reopen ABS-CBN

CPJ calls on President Duterte to immediately reverse the decision to shut down broadcaster ABS-CBN.

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