International Press Institute (IPI)

“Unless action is taken to hold those responsible for press freedom violations to account, this repressive trend will only gain steam, jeopardizing the future of independent news and, by extension, democracy across the globe.”

“The key to the Recommendation’s success will lie in effectively following up on its outcomes and holding the member states to account if their implementation is lacking.”

Pakistan journalists have launched a sit-in protest outside the Parliament to oppose a bill that would establish a Pakistan Media Development Authority. Media groups said the expanded regulatory oversight of the government would further undermine press freedom in the country.

“In addition to being exposed to defamation and insults online, women journalists are also attacked and intimidated via their personal phones, which is a consequence of easily accessed information found online.”

Popular broadcaster Dozhd and investigative website IStories labelled ‘foreign agents’ ahead of September’s parliamentary elections.

“Today’s indictment of the man alleged to have effectively orchestrated and funded the assassination is a milestone in the fight against impunity and another important step down the road to full justice for Daphne’s murder” – IPI.

South Korea’s ruling party has introduced an amendment to the Media Arbitration Act that would penalize the spread of disinformation. But critics said the amendment could be used to stifle free speech and undermine media coverage of the coming elections.

“In Hungary, Poland and Turkey, increasing control of ruling parties over state-controlled companies, advertising agencies, media regulators, competition watchdogs and even the courts, has allowed for a steady intensification and diversification of campaigns against critical press.”