CPJ welcomes pardon for jailed Georgian journalist Nika Gvaramia
New York, June 22, 2023—The Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday welcomed news that journalist Nika Gvaramia was pardoned by Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili. Gvaramia, founder and director of independent broadcaster Mtavari Arkhi, had been serving a 3.5-year prison sentence since May 2022 for alleged abuse of office during his previous role as director of…
CPJ welcomes release of French journalist Olivier Dubois after nearly 2 years of captivity in Mali
Nairobi, March 20, 2023—In response to news reports that French journalist Olivier Dubois has been freed nearly two years after he was abducted by a militant group in Mali, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “We are elated that journalist Olivier Dubois is finally free and able to return home to his…
Nigerian publisher Haruna Mohammed Salisu released on bail
Accra, March 2, 2023—In response to Nigerian authorities’ release of WikkiTimes publisher Haruna Mohammed Salisu on bail Thursday, following his arrest while covering national elections on February 25, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement calling for all charges against him to be dropped: “The release of Nigerian journalist Haruna Mohammed Salisu on…
CPJ: Nicaragua political prisoner release brings ‘sense of relief’
Los Angeles, February 9, 2023 — In response to news reports that Nicaraguan authorities freed and deported 222 political prisoners to the United States on Thursday, including at least one journalist, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “The deportation of political prisoners from Nicaragua, including at least one journalist, brings a sense…
Authorities in Tigray release 3 journalists, 2 others remain in detention
Nairobi, January 17, 2023—In response to news reports that authorities in the northern Ethiopian state of Tigray recently released three employees of the broadcaster Tigrai TV but continue to hold two more in custody, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement calling for the remaining staffers’ release: “While it is a great relief…
Taliban releases American journalist Ivor Shearer; CPJ calls for more releases
New York, December 21, 2022 – In response to news reports that the Taliban released two Americans, including journalist and filmmaker Ivor Shearer, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement on Wednesday calling for the release of other Afghan journalists who remain behind bars: “The release of journalist Ivor Shearer is a small…
Zimbabwean authorities charge journalist Hope Chizuzu under cybercrime law
Lusaka, October 6, 2022—Zimbabwean authorities should immediately drop charges against sports freelancer journalist Hope Chizuzu, return his electronic devices, and allow him to carry out his work freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. Around midmorning on September 29, police detectives went to Chizuzu’s office in the central business district of the capital Harare,…
Rwandan court acquits, releases 3 Iwacu TV journalists
Nairobi, October 5, 2022—In response to the acquittal and release on Wednesday of three journalists for YouTube-based Iwacu TV who have been detained in Rwanda since October 2018, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement expressing relief: “We are greatly relieved that the court has recognized the charges against Damascene Mutuyimana, Shadrack Niyonsenga,…
Russian forces release Ukrainian journalist Oleksandr Gunko
Paris, April 7, 2022 – In response to Russian forces’ release of Ukrainian journalist Oleksandr Gunko, the Committee to Protect Journalists on Thursday issued the following statement calling on Russian authorities to stop detaining members of the press. “Oleksandr Gunko is at least the fifth journalist to be taken captive by the Russian military. This…
CPJ welcomes release of Ethiopian journalist Temerat Negara after 4 months in prison
Nairobi, April 6, 2022 – The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomed the release of Ethiopian journalist Temerat Negara on bail on Wednesday, April 6, and called for any remaining investigation into his work to be dropped immediately. “It is great news that Ethiopian journalist Temerat Negara is out of prison, but it is a grave…