International Press Institute (IPI)

The International Press Institute has joined with seven print and online media outlets in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan to launch an ad campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the need to protect press freedom.

According to IPI’s October press freedom violations factsheet the majority of attacks on journalists were perpetrated in Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Somalia.

Türfent was convicted on terrorism-related charge, but his trial was marred by egregious violations of due process. He was denied the right to appear personally in court, and there were allegations that witness statements were extracted under torture.

“The Irrawaddy” called the ban the first public acknowledgment of the military regime’s efforts to suppress its reporting.

IPI Deputy Director Scott Griffen condemned the raids and equipment seizures as disproportionate.

The U.N. Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists was launched in 2012 to better protect the press and address impunity. Ten years later, it is obvious that not enough has been done. Journalists continue to be killed and impunity remains rampant.

While the recent conviction of two hitmen is welcome, we lament the lack of implementation of the recommendations made by the Public Inquiry into Caruana Galizia’s assassination, and the exclusion of structured public consultation on proposed legal amendments relating to the safety of journalists and SLAPPs.

The law – passed by parliament on 13 October – introduces prison sentences of up to 3 years in prison for ‘disseminating misleading information’. It has been widely condemned as an attempt to silence public criticism and debate ahead of the 2023 elections.