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April 30, 2025 - Bangladesh -  In a concerning escalation of press repression, Bangladesh's interim government has intensified its crackdown on journalists, particularly those questioning official narratives. Recent reports indicate that three prominent television journalists were dismissed after posing critical questions during a government press conference, leading to the indefinite suspension of their news division. Journalists have faced criminal charges, including fabricated accusations of murder. Additionally, press cards have been revoked, bank accounts frozen, and travel bans imposed, with women journalists being particularly vulnerable. The government's response to these developments has been to establish a...

April 30, 2025 - Philippines -  The killing of veteran Filipino journalist Johnny Dayang in Aklan has sent shockwaves through the media community in the Philippines, reigniting fears over press safety and prompting urgent calls for a thorough investigation. Dayang, aged 75, was gunned down inside his home in Banga, Aklan, on May 7. He died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, while his assistant sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Dayang had a long career in media, having served as a publisher, columnist, and former president of the Publishers Association of...

April 30, 2025 - Sweden/Turkey -  Swedish journalist Joakim Medin has been sentenced by a Turkish court to 15 months in prison, suspended for five years, after being found guilty of “insulting the president,” a charge that has been frequently used against critics of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The ruling has sparked renewed concern over press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey, as well as diplomatic unease between Ankara and Stockholm. Medin, a freelance reporter with extensive experience covering Turkish and Kurdish issues, was charged under Article 299 of Turkey’s penal code. The case...

April 30, 2025 - Bangladesh -  In a stark reminder of the growing threats to media freedom in Bangladesh, at least three journalists have recently been dismissed and another suspended after posing pointed questions at a government press conference regarding the July uprising. The backlash has sparked widespread concern among press freedom advocates and underscored the increasingly hostile climate for critical journalism in the country. The incident occurred during a press briefing in Dhaka, where journalists raised concerns about the government's handling of protests that erupted in July over economic grievances, governance issues, and allegations...

April 30, 2025 - General -  As the world marked World Press Freedom Day 2025, attention turned to the growing number of journalists forced into exile for doing their jobs. Celebrated annually on May 3, this year’s theme—centered on the role of journalism in helping society “see the full picture”—highlighted the essential nature of independent reporting in democratic life, especially as threats against journalists continue to rise globally. Organizations like the Rory Peck Trust and Global Voices spotlighted the struggles of reporters who have had to flee their home countries due to threats, imprisonment, censorship,...

April 30, 2025 - General - A renewed focus on the life and death of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya is emerging nearly two decades after her assassination, driven by a powerful new film and a broader reckoning with the threats faced by journalists worldwide. The film Words of War, set to release in theaters this summer, dramatizes Politkovskaya’s unflinching reporting and the oppressive climate in which she worked, offering both a tribute to her courage and a warning about the current state of global press freedom. Politkovskaya, a renowned war correspondent for Novaya Gazeta, was...

April 29, 2025 - Philippines -  Prominent Filipino journalist and former local official Johnny “Juan” Dayang was fatally shot on April 29, 2025, in his home in Kalibo, Aklan, sending shockwaves through the Philippine media community and drawing renewed attention to the persistent danger journalists face in the country. Dayang, 75, was a well-known figure in the journalism scene. He was the longtime publisher of The Bugalion, a regional publication known for its hard-hitting commentary and political coverage. He also served as the president of the Publishers Association of the Philippines and was a former...

April 29, 2025 - Source: UN -  Freedom of expression in the face of the AI revolution The rapid growth and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing journalism, the media, and press freedom in big ways. While the principles of free, independent, and pluralistic media remain crucial, AI's impact on information gathering, processing, and dissemination is profound, presenting both innovative opportunities and serious challenges. AI can help support freedom of expression by making information easier to access, allowing more people to communicate across the world, and changing how information flows globally. At the same...

April 29, 2025 - Ukaraine - Viktoriia Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist, tragically died in Russian custody after enduring horrific torture. Captured in August 2023 while investigating detention sites in Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia, Roshchyna was held for over a year before her body was returned to Ukraine in February 2025. The 28-year-old journalist, known for her courageous reporting, was tortured in captivity, with forensic examinations revealing numerous signs of electrocution, broken bones, and missing organs. Russian authorities had kept Roshchyna in harsh conditions during her detention, and her body was returned with significant mutilations. The absence of...

April 29, 2025 - Greece -  Recent developments in Greece have raised significant concerns regarding press freedom, as the country faces mounting pressure from political control, corrupt funding, and increasing threats to journalists. According to reports, the media landscape in Greece is rapidly deteriorating due to the growing influence of political elites on major media outlets. This influence has led to biased reporting and a lack of critical journalism, further undermining the integrity of the press. In addition to political interference, journalists in Greece are facing direct threats, including harassment, surveillance, and violence. The case...

April 29, 2025 - Bolivia -  Bolivian journalists are increasingly facing censorship, self-censorship, and direct threats, raising alarms about the state of press freedom in the country. A study by researcher Virginie Poyetton revealed that over half of Bolivian journalists have experienced censorship or self-censorship during their careers. The primary sources of this suppression include government authorities and private advertisers, with topics such as corruption and government actions being particularly sensitive. Additionally, 85% of journalists reported difficulties accessing official sources, especially the police and armed forces, further hindering their ability to report freely. The National...

April 29, 2025 - Sweden/Turkey -  Swedish journalist Joakim Medin, known for his reporting on Kurdish issues and conflict zones, was arrested in Turkey on March 27, 2025, upon arrival at Istanbul Airport. He was there to cover nationwide protests following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Turkish authorities charged Medin with "insulting the president" and "membership in a terrorist organization," citing his alleged involvement in a 2023 protest in Stockholm where an effigy of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was displayed. Medin denies any participation in the protest, stating he was in Germany at...

April 29, 2025 - Azerbaijan -  Azerbaijan is under mounting international pressure to release journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists detained in a recent crackdown on dissent. Amnesty International and the Council of Europe have both issued urgent appeals, citing politically motivated charges and a deteriorating environment for free expression. According to Amnesty International, the Azerbaijani government has intensified its repression of critical voices, particularly following the announcement that Baku would host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). Since then, over a dozen journalists and activists have been arrested or forced into exile,...

April 29, 2025 - Palestine - Israeli forces have intensified their clampdown on Palestinian journalists in the occupied West Bank, most recently arresting a prominent Palestinian journalist in the city of Nablus and blocking press access during a military operation. On April 10, journalist Mohammad al-Khatib, a well-known reporter in the region, was arrested by Israeli forces during a raid in Nablus. Al-Khatib, who has covered numerous events in the West Bank over the years, was reportedly detained without charge, sparking concern among human rights groups and media watchdogs. His arrest marks yet another incident...

April 29, 2025 - Pakistan/India -  In the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Hindu civilians, India has implemented a series of stringent measures targeting Pakistani media and analysts. These actions are part of a broader strategy to counter what the Indian government describes as a surge in misinformation and provocative content originating from Pakistan. Ban on Pakistani Analysts and Journalists The Indian government has prohibited the appearance of Pakistani analysts and journalists on Indian television channels. Media outlets have been directed...

April 29, 2025 - Nigeria - Nigeria’s National Pension Commission (PenCom) has launched a major enforcement initiative to recover ₦1.3 billion in unpaid pension contributions owed to journalists by various newspaper organisations across the country. This move is in response to persistent non-compliance by media employers with pension remittance obligations, despite statutory requirements under the Pension Reform Act of 2014. According to PenCom, the commission has deployed recovery agents to pursue outstanding remittances from defaulting media houses. These agents are tasked with auditing the records of the defaulting organisations and initiating recovery measures where necessary....

April 29, 2025 - General -  In 2017, journalist Debayan Roy conducted a sting operation to expose vulnerabilities in India's Aadhaar enrollment system. By demonstrating that an individual could obtain multiple Aadhaar numbers using the same biometric data, Roy highlighted significant flaws in the system. However, this act led to criminal charges against him under the Aadhaar Act and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including impersonation and conspiracy. The case has since become a focal point in debates over journalistic freedom and the legal boundaries of investigative reporting. Roy's defense argues that his...

April 29, 2025 - Pakistan/India -  Pakistan has strongly condemned India's recent decision to block several Pakistani media YouTube channels and ban the appearance of Pakistani journalists and analysts on Indian television. The action was taken following the fallout from coverage related to the Pahalgam attack in India, which Pakistan claims was inaccurately portrayed and misrepresented in Indian media. According to Pakistani authorities, at least 16 YouTube channels and several media outlets were blocked by India for what it claimed was the spread of misinformation. However, Pakistani officials, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, argue that...

April 29, 2025 - Afghanistan -  In a significant recognition of journalistic courage and excellence, five Afghan journalists have been jointly awarded the 2025 "Journalist of the Year" title by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC). This accolade acknowledges their unwavering commitment to press freedom and their impactful reporting under challenging circumstances. Award Recipients: Sadaf Haidari: A freelance journalist known for her in-depth investigative pieces highlighting social issues affecting Afghan communities. Arifullah Wahidi: A reporter for Amu TV, Wahidi has been instrumental in covering political developments and providing nuanced analyses of Afghanistan's evolving landscape. Mohammad Yousuf...

April 29, 2025 - Kenya -  A recent violent attack on seasoned photojournalist Chris Omollo has ignited widespread condemnation from media professionals, sports bodies, and rights advocates across Kenya. Omollo, who works with Nation Media Group, was allegedly assaulted by a police officer at Dandora Stadium on April 27, 2025. He was covering a Football Kenya Federation Premier League match between Gor Mahia and Mara Sugar when he was struck on the back of the head while attempting to access the venue, causing him to collapse and later require hospitalization. The incident has brought renewed...

April 29, 2025 - Kenya -  The release of the BBC Africa Eye documentary Blood Parliament has ignited a national debate in Kenya, exposing alleged police and military involvement in the fatal shootings of unarmed protesters during the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. The 35-minute film, which aired on April 27, 2025, presents detailed evidence, including footage and eyewitness accounts, implicating security forces in the deaths of at least three young demonstrators outside Parliament. The documentary's revelations have been met with a divided response. The Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) praised the BBC for...

April 29, 2025 - Palestine -  The recent arrest of veteran Palestinian journalist Ali al-Samoudi by Israeli forces has intensified concerns over press freedom in the occupied territories. Al-Samoudi, known for his extensive reporting on Israeli military operations in the West Bank, was detained during a pre-dawn raid on his home in Jenin on April 29, 2025. The Israeli military alleges his affiliation with the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and involvement in fund transfers, though no evidence has been publicly presented. His family and colleagues vehemently deny these claims, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to journalism. This...

April 29, 2025 - Albania - In a significant victory for press freedom, the Constitutional Court of Albania ruled unanimously on April 22, 2025, in favor of investigative journalist Elton Qyno, overturning previous court decisions that had authorized the seizure of his electronic equipment and data. The Court found that the actions taken by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) violated constitutional protections of freedom of expression and the confidentiality of journalistic sources. The case began in December 2023 when SPAK seized Qyno's personal and professional devices following his publication of articles...

April 29, 2025 - General -  In April 2025, Forbidden Stories, a non-profit organization dedicated to continuing the work of journalists silenced by threats or assassination, launched a groundbreaking campaign in collaboration with creative agency VML. The initiative centers around a minimalist yet powerful tool: a QR code designed to mobilize public support for press freedom. The campaign's core message, "Killing the messenger will not kill the message," underscores Forbidden Stories' mission to ensure that the investigations of murdered journalists are not buried with them. By scanning the QR code featured on stark, black-and-white visuals,...

April 29, 2025 - Russia -  A heating crisis at a key Russian military base and renewed calls for global press freedom have drawn attention to accountability and transparency issues in the Arctic and beyond. In early 2025, a heating system breakdown at the Sputnik naval infantry base in the Murmansk region left families of Russia’s 61st Naval Infantry Brigade enduring near-freezing indoor temperatures during the harsh Arctic winter. The former head of the military’s utility contractor PromVoenStroy, Armen Arshakyan, was found responsible for the crisis and fined a mere 5,000 rubles (about €54), sparking...