International Press Institute (IPI)

Proposed new amendments to Ethiopia’s media law are set to dilute the power of the Ethiopia Media Authority and pose a significant threat to independent journalism.

IFEX joins numerous other signatories in urging the Georgian authorities to release Mzia immediately, drop the disproportionate charges against her, and conduct an independent investigation into the allegations of mistreatment against her.

“Azerbaijani authorities must immediately release journalists in prison and end this wave of oppression against independent media” – IPI

IFEX and other signatories urge the Turkish authorities to uphold the principles of justice, release the journalists subjected to arbitrary arrests and detentions, and safeguard the vital role of journalism in fostering debate on matters of public interest and democracy.

In recent weeks, laws on “foreign agents”, “fake news” and “discrediting” the Russian army were made substantially harsher.

25 civil society groups, including IFEX, wrote a letter urging the recently elected Sri Lankan president to uphold and protect press freedom.

State actors – particularly the police and security forces – were responsible for just over two thirds of documented violations on the African continent.

IFEX and other signatories have expressed profound concern over the draft legislation, as it represents a significant threat to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and association, press freedom, and the public’s right to information.