Press Freedom Status for Women Journalists: June 2024

June 2024 has been a challenging month for journalists around the world, marked by a series of threats, arrests, and physical assaults.

In Iran, Saba Azarpeik’s tragic miscarriage while imprisoned is a stark reminder of the severe conditions journalists endure. The imprisonment of journalists like Alena Timashchuk in Belarus, Hiba Abu Taha in Jordan, and Sophia Huang Xueqin in China highlights the ongoing global crackdown on press freedom.

In Georgia, the introduction of the controversial foreign agent law has sparked widespread protests, with journalists at the forefront of the coverage facing significant backlash. The law, seen as a tool to suppress independent media and civil society, has led to increased arbitrary denial of access and threats against journalists. The protests have been marked by a heavy-handed response from authorities, further endangering journalists reporting on the ground.

Arrests such as the detention of a Blast reporter in France and the persecution of Tatyana Lazareva in Russia show the widespread and arbitrary nature of state repression. Detentions in Macau, Israel, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Ukraine further illustrate the global threats faced by journalists.

Despite these challenges, there are moments of accountability and justice, such as the Fair Work Commission’s ruling in favor of Antoinette Lattouf in Australia and Elif Akgül’s acquittal in Turkey.

Each incident in this report represents a journalist’s struggle and dedication to the truth. It is a call to action to protect and support journalists, who play a crucial role in safeguarding our right to know.

Read the report: