Articles by International Press Institute (IPI)

Slovak journalist Lukáš Milan sentenced to three years in prison for defamation
Lukáš Milan was handed a three year suspended prison sentence and banned from practising journalism for an article on alleged corruption.

Media freedom deteriorates in Belarus
Despite signs in 2016 that Belarus might be easing up on harassing journalists, 2017 saw a worsening of the media freedom climate.

On heels of Slovakia and Malta murders, European Commission urged to take the lead to protect journalists
In a joint open letter to Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, organisations urge EC officials to ensure that police investigations are full, thorough and independent in Slovakia and Malta.

Slovak journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée murdered
The young investigative journalist was known for his stories on tax fraud and shady real estate deals involving several Slovak businessmen with close connections to the ruling party.

State of free expression deteriorated in Spain in 2017
Spain’s ‘gag law’ was used to fine journalists while rappers and Twitter users were prosecuted.

Malta journalists face SLAPP threat even as criminal libel repeal proceeds
The misuse of defamation law to silence journalists remains a problem in Malta, even as the Maltese government is currently discussing a new bill to repeal the country’s criminal libel law.

Climate for press freedom worsens in Missouri, surrounding states
An already adverse environment for journalists in the Midwestern United States has worsened in the year since President Trump’s inauguration, an international group of media watchdogs concluded after traveling to the state of Missouri. The group also met with journalists from Illinois and Wisconsin.

Mexico most deadly country for journalists in 2017
Mexico was the deadliest country for journalists in 2017 with at least 14 killed, edging out Iraq and Syria, even as the total number who died around the world in connection with their work dropped to its lowest level in a nearly a decade, the International Press Institute (IPI) said.