Statements

  

In Eskinder case, politicized verdict undermines Ethiopia

New York, May 2, 2013—In response to today’s ruling by Ethiopia’s Supreme Court to uphold an 18-year prison sentence imposed on award-winning journalist Eskinder Nega and reject his appeal, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement:  “This ruling trivializes the serious crime of terrorism, upholds a politically motivated travesty of justice, and lessens…

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CPJ welcomes reversal of Thai documentary ban

Bangkok, April 26, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the decision by Thailand’s Ministry of Culture to reverse its earlier imposed ban on the locally produced documentary Fah Tam Pan Din Soon (Boundary). “The ministry’s reversal of its censorship order against director Nontawat Numbchapol’s documentary is a step in the right direction,” said Shawn Crispin, CPJ’s senior…

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CPJ commends new Mexican legislation

New York, April 25, 2013-The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the approval today of legislation that will implement a constitutional amendment that gives federal authorities in Mexico broader jurisdiction to prosecute crimes against freedom of expression. “This is a legislative milestone and a step forward in the fight against the impunity that persists in crimes against…

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CPJ alarmed by threats against Article 19 in Mexico

New York, April 22, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by a death threat sent to the Mexico office of the international freedom of expression organization Article 19. “Mexican authorities must launch an exhaustive investigation into this threat and bring those responsible to justice,” said CPJ Senior Americas Program Coordinator Carlos Lauría. “The authorities…

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CPJ cautiously welcomes Morsi’s step to drop complaints

New York, April 10, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s announcement that he will withdraw legal complaints against journalists who “spread wrong information.” The announcement was posted on the presidency’s Twitter account and confirmed by Presidential spokesman Ehab Fahmy.

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CPJ welcomes release of Cuban journalist

New York, April 10, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Cuban journalist Calixto Ramón Martínez Arias, a reporter with the independent news agency Centro de Información Hablemos Press, who had been imprisoned since September while reporting on an international medical donation to Cuba.

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Azerbaijan must release independent editor on appeal

New York, March 12, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns today’s nine-year prison sentence handed to Avaz Zeynally, chief editor of the independent Azerbaijani daily Khural, and calls for justice in the case. 

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Venezuelan authorities must ensure safety of press

New York, March 6, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns Tuesday’s attack on Carmen Andrea Rengifo, a correspondent for the Colombian TV station RCN, by crowds who had gathered in Caracas to mourn the death of President Hugo Chávez. CPJ calls on authorities to investigate the assault immediately.

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CPJ welcomes release of journalist in Syria

New York, March 5, 2013–The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of freelance journalist Billy Six, held by Syrian authorities for two and a half months. Syrian authorities handed Six over to Russian diplomats today who helped him leave the country. “We are relieved that Billy Six has been released safely and can return…

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Authorities must explain conviction of Cuban writer

New York, February 28, 2013–Cuban writer and blogger Ángel Santiesteban Prats is expected to begin serving a five-year jail sentence today on assault and trespassing charges brought by his former wife, accusations he has insisted have been fabricated. 

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