European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)

Press groups welcome the start of the trial of those accused in connection with the murder of Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírova; they call on the authorities to introduce effective measures to prevent violence against journalists in the future.

Businessman Yorgen Fenech was arrested on 20 November while he was apparently trying to leave Malta on a yacht; he was later released on bail. After the arrest, protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

Ahead of the 42nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), IFEX members call on member and observer states to speak out against the ongoing crackdown on free expression in Turkey, where at least 138 journalists are currently in jail.

Arrested in May 2018 and charged with high treason, the RIA Novosti journalist had his pre-trial detention extended several times. He still faces trial for treason.

As well as facing arrest, journalists have been brutally assaulted by police and have suffered broken noses, hand injuries and beatings inside police vans.

Jones, a high profile media figure and activist, was assaulted in London by a group of men whom he believes are members of the far right.

Sentenced to seven and a half years in jail on trumped up charges, Ismayilova was released on probation after international protests; it is a condition of her probation that she is forbidden to travel or work.

The attack was carried out by two unidentified persons in the early hours of 13 July.