Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

By signing the ten undertakings and calling on colleagues to join them, the eight prosecutors are proclaiming their determination to preserve the independence and impartiality of their investigations, to protect journalists and to cooperate with their international counterparts.

“Qatar is clearly seeking to discourage, if not prevent, the foreign media from talking about anything other than football.” – Christophe Deloire, RSF secretary-general.

The petition calls on Hong Kong authorities to #FreeJimmyLai, a 74 year-old press freedom defender who has been detained already for two years on national security-related charges and faces a possible life sentence.

Journalist Steve Wembi was allegedly picked up by members of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s intelligence and his whereabouts remain unknown.

“The world’s biggest fortunes used to buy media outlets, but today’s billionaires want to take over social media. Why do they want to own these platforms? Their takeover plans raise many questions. Are we going to let a new generation of billionaires plant their flag on the Internet without reacting?” – RSF

In addition to being subjected to a wave of arrests, physical attacks and threats, journalists in the Central African Republic face the prospect of legislation being introduced that would criminalise press offences again.

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.

“We welcome the sentencing of Alfred and George Degiorgio, which marks a long overdue step towards justice for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Nearly 5 years on, it’s more important than ever to ensure that full criminal justice is delivered for all those involved in this heinous crime” – RSF