TJC Bulletin March 2026
April 6, 2026
SHINING A LIGHT ON IMPUNITY
RECENT CASES & UPDATES
Al Jazeera Journalist Mohammed Wishah Killed in Israeli Strike in Gaza
On April 08, 2026, Palestinian journalist Mohammed Wishah, who is a correspondent for Al Jazeera, was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Gaza on his car; his car was hit and engulfed in flames on al-Rashid Street while he was traveling. A clear, planned, and targeted attack. He leaves behind his wife and children.
American Journalist Kidnapped in Baghdad as Fears Grow Over Militia Targeting of Media
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31 by unidentified gunmen. Iraqi authorities confirmed the abduction and arrested one suspect, but she remains missing. U.S. officials suspect Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah involvement. The case has raised concerns about journalist safety amid escalating tensions and militia activity in Iraq.
AWARDS
KRIS 6 Journalists Honored at Texas Broadcast News Awards for Excellence in Reporting
KRIS 6 News journalists were recognised at the Texas Broadcast News Awards in Austin for excellence in specialty reporting and multimedia journalism. Bryan and Michelle Hofmann won for beat reporting, while Adam Beam was honoured for multimedia work. The awards highlight the station’s strong investigative and community-focused journalism across South Texas.
Gaza: The Most Dangerous City for Journalists
Mounting Toll on Journalists in Israel’s Expanding War with Iran
Sudan’s RSF detained several relatives of journalist Zamzam Khater during a raid in Kutum, North Darfur, reportedly involving violence and a wider security sweep. The detainees, including family members and displaced persons, were taken to an unknown location. The incident has raised concerns over escalating intimidation and risks to journalists.
Protest in Qamishlo Demands Release of Abducted Journalists as Fate Remains Unknown
Activists in Qamishlo protested for the release of journalists Eva Maria Michelmann and Ahmed Polad, abducted in Raqqa on January 18, 2026, while reporting. They demand accountability from Syrian authorities. The case highlights enforced disappearances and ongoing risks for journalists in conflict zones.
Citizenship Revoked After Detention: Ahmed Shihab-Eldin Case Raises Alarm Over Gulf Press Freedoms
Kuwaiti-American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin was detained in Kuwait in March 2026 over social media posts, later acquitted after 52 days in custody. Shortly after his release, authorities reportedly revoked his citizenship. Rights groups condemned the actions as part of a broader pattern restricting press freedom and criminalizing dissent in the Gulf.
KEY STATISTICS | 2026
HIGHLIGHTS
Myanmar Junta Denies Critical Medical Care to Imprisoned Journalist as Concerns Mount Over Prison Abuse
Myanmar authorities have denied photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike, imprisoned since 2023 for reporting on Cyclone Mocha, access to urgent medical treatment. Rights groups warn his health is deteriorating, calling it part of a broader pattern of abuse against jailed journalists under military rule.
Morning Walk Turned Fatal: ABN Journalist Killed in Chittoor Sparks Press Freedom Concerns
A journalist with ABN Andhra Jyothy, V. Jaganmohan Reddy, was killed in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, on April 28, 2026, while on a morning walk. He was attacked by unidentified assailants and died on the spot. Another journalist was injured. Police are investigating motives, while journalist groups have condemned the attack and called for stronger protections.
TOTAL JOURNALISTS KILLED WORLDWIDE (2020 – PRESENT)
728 TOTAL JOURNALISTS KILLED (2020 – PRESENT)
