Pakistan: Bytes for All rejects government’s plan to ban VPNs
Authorities urged to draw a balance between fundamental freedoms and counter-terrorism measures.
Why Iranian human rights groups remain silent as the Israel–Iran conflict escalates
Amid rising tensions, the silence of Iranian human rights groups raises critical questions about their priorities, independence, and future direction.
MADA renews call for accountability for the killings of Palestinian journalists
As the death toll continues to rise, MADA stresses the urgent need for global action to protect Palestinian media on the ground.
Oman’s new media law undermines freedom of expression
The oppressive law grants authorities unprecedented control over the media, threatening independent journalism and increasing self-censorship.
Tragedy strikes as activist Kianoosh Sanjari takes his life in protest
“No one should be imprisoned for expressing their opinions. Protest is the right of every Iranian citizen,” the activist wrote in his final message.
Riots in Amsterdam: The facts versus the framing
Media and politicians were quick to frame the violence as young Muslims “hunting” Jews, while totally ignoring anti-Palestinian provocation and attacks carried out by Israeli football fans.
Guinea-Bissau urged to adopt measures to enhance press freedom
Media advocacy organisations MFWA, Sinjotec, and the CPJ are encouraging authorities in Guinea-Bissau to address issues such as assaults, arbitrary detentions, and legal harassment of journalists, ahead of the country’s January 2025 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.
Sierra Leone ordered to compensate victims of crackdown
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has authorised the payment of USD15000 each to Hassan Kargbo and Mohamed Fornah, as compensation, for the violation of their right to security during a police crackdown on a July 2022 demonstration.
Venezuela: A new report by RSF and partner organisations condemns the fear, intimidation, and self-censorship surrounding the presidential election
In the face of the growing crackdown on press freedom sparked by Venezuela’s presidential election, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and seven partner organisations (including IFEX-ALC) have joined forces to expose the harrowing obstacles currently facing the Venezuelan press. The report found over 228 violations of press freedom, and notes that at least eight journalists remain arbitrarily imprisoned.
Ukraine: 13 journalists killed at work in first 1,000 days of Russia’s invasion
Some journalists have been killed as a result of Russian shelling, either indiscriminate or targeted, while others were likely killed in extrajudicial executions. Dozens more have been wounded.
Ukraine: 1,000 days of war have seen 329 media outlets forced to close
The most common reasons for closing down were the Russian occupation of territories, which saw 117 media outlets closed, and financial difficulties caused by the war, which resulted in 96 closures.
Philippines: Government data used in doxxing of two local journalists
A fictitious account exposed the personal data of two members of the Cagayan de Oro press club.
RSF presses criminal charges against ‘X’ over disinformation
After ‘X’ failed to address disinformation about RSF on its platform, the press freedom group is now pursuing the matter via the French courts, arguing that ‘X’ is complicit in disseminating false information and identity theft.
The Chinese regime’s fierce repression of journalists hidden behind a day of celebration
RSF identifies five key repressive tactics that highlight the critical dangers to press freedom in China.
Egypt sentences detained journalist to 20 years; accused of threatening second journalist
Yasser Abu Al-Ela is sentenced to 20 years in prison, while Rasha Azab faces threats and harassment, reflecting the escalating dangers for journalists in the country.
Global coalition of NGOs calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon
IFEX members join rights groups pressing for urgent international action to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon and protect civilians and journalists amid escalating violence.