CPJ writes to EU’s Mogherini to request assistance with the protection of scores of journalists who remain in southern Syria at grave risk. The more than 60 journalists are in danger of arrest and torture because of their work.
CPJ expresses concern that recent events in Pakistan signal that the media is not free to report on the upcoming elections, and urges the government to take necessary measures to guarantee journalists’ ability to work without fear of intimidation or reprisal.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and 20 other organizations call for the release of journalist Jones Abiri, who has been held by Nigeria’s Department of State Security (DSS) for nearly two years, and the DSS to be held accountable for its attacks against journalists in Nigeria.
CPJ calls on newly elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to prioritize the promotion and protection of press freedom, and to immediately take action to repeal the recently enacted “fake news” law and other restrictive legislation.
CPJ calls on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to review military policy on mass protests and the press and to ensure that the shooting of journalists covering demonstrations in the Gaza Strip is quickly and thoroughly investigated. The killing of Palestinian photojournalist and camera operator Yaser Murtaja and other evidence suggest that authorities are trying to suppress media coverage of the protests.
CPJ calls on the presidents of the European Council and European Commission to request the release of Turkish journalists as a matter of priority during a scheduled meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in Varna, Bulgari.
CPJ urges Angola’s President Joao Lourenco to champion the protection of journalists and news outlets, repeal criminal defamation and insult laws, and for the State to drop criminal charges against journalists who were targeted in retaliation for their work.