International Press Institute (IPI)

“Criminals and authoritarian forces are silencing independent journalism with violence, and face very little consequences for doing so. Impunity encourages and accelerates further attacks, undermining the future of critical reporting and ultimately democracy.”

Recent pardons for those convicted of lèse-majesté is a welcome step in acknowledging that laws criminalizing heads of state and others in power have no place in a democratic country, said IPI Executive Director Barbara Trionfi.

The proposed amendments to Article 191 of the Civil Code would introduce fines and jail sentences for journalists found guilty of publishing “false news”.

“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.