Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

“Authorities should drop all charges against Merkis, release him immediately alongside all other imprisoned journalists, and stop retaliating against members of the press for their reporting” – CPJ

The court convicted Herrero on charges of defaming a police colonel in a story about him being removed from his position as police intelligence chief of the southern Macrozona Sur region, allegedly due to involvement in illegal logging.

The two journalists had previously been accredited to cover the event and were told that the decision was based on a demand by Chinese authorities.

“Authorities must ensure that all those who target journalists are held accountable so the press can work safely.”

On 3 May, Pratasevich was convicted of several criminal offences including organising mass protests, publicly calling for the seizure of state power and acts of terrorism. He was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Nicaraguan authorities never should have detained journalist Victor Ticay in the first place. By accusing him of crimes that carry harsh prison sentences, authorities are showing how little regard they have for press freedom.

We call on authorities to respect and protect freedom of expression and freedom of the press as necessary conditions to guarantee democracy and the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Pereira, 25, founded the local news outlet ‘Notiorense; on Facebook this year. He published stories on crime and public security in Ciénaga de Oro, including articles about the recent killing of a woman that named her alleged killer.