International Press Institute (IPI)

Of the 11 journalists on trial on charges of “calling for mass riots”, two were handed long prison sentences, two were handed three years of probation, and the rest were found not guilty.

Khashoggi’s murder has become emblematic of a global pattern of impunity for crimes against journalists and the alarming rise of transnational repression.

The risk of increased attacks that the media face is exacerbated by the lack of investigations and prosecution of perpetrators involved in the killing of journalists.

Judges recently emphasised the link between the coordinated defamation campaign targeting the journalist and her public-interest journalism regarding plagiarism committed by high-ranking officials.

The court’s decision to acknowledge the failure of the earlier investigation represents a crucial victory for independent journalism in Romania.

Mumay’s case is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment and censorship targeting Turkey’s independent media. It highlights the urgent need for international attention to protect press freedom and the public’s right to information.

“Their release – which we rightfully celebrate today – does not erase the deep injustice these journalists have faced for doing their jobs” – IPI

The proposed amendment, which criminalises “fake news” and carries penalties of up to five years in prison, risks stifling independent journalism and encouraging self-censorship.