News

August 15, 2025 - Vietnam -  Vietnamese authorities issued a special arrest warrant for journalist Doan Bao Chau, accusing him of propagandizing against the state. The warrant was issued by the Hanoi municipal police and charged him with making, storing, disseminating, or spreading information aimed at opposing the State of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This development was reported by state media and confirmed by Doan via messaging app to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Doan Bao Chau, a former freelance photographer for international agencies including the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France‑Presse, and a former reporter for...

August 15, 2025 - Palestine - In a powerful episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour released on August 15, 2025, host David Remnick features Palestinian journalist Mohammed R. Mhawish, who recounts his harrowing experience during Israel’s invasion of Gaza following the October 7 attack. Mhawish, reporting for major outlets including Al Jazeera and The Nation, bore witness to the devastating humanitarian impact unfolding before his eyes. His account takes a dramatic turn when his own home is targeted in an Israeli airstrike. Miraculously, he survived the bombing and managed to flee Gaza, continuing his journalistic work from outside. The episode...

August 15, 2025 - Mexico -  The State Attorney General’s Office in Michoacán has confirmed the arrest of the alleged murderer responsible for the killing of journalist Armando Linares López, who was shot dead outside his home in Zitácuaro in March 2022. The suspect, known only as Magdiel “N,” was detained during an operational action in the same municipality where the crime took place. Authorities stated that Magdiel “N” will soon face a judicial proceeding to determine his legal situation. Linares had been the director of the digital news outlet Monitor Michoacán. His murder came only six...

August 15, 2025 - Russia -  Russia’s Ministry of Justice declared Reporters Without Borders (RSF) an “undesirable organization,” a move that effectively outlaws the group’s activities in the country. The decision had been made weeks earlier, on July 23rd, by the Prosecutor General’s Office, but was only made public in mid-August. With this ruling, RSF joins a growing list of more than 250 foreign and international organizations barred from operating in Russia. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Paris, RSF is one of the world’s most recognized press freedom organizations. It campaigns against censorship, defends...

August 14, 2025 - General - On Sunday, Gaza was shaken when an Israeli airstrike killed five Al-Jazeera journalists, sparking urgent condemnation from global journalist organizations. The attack occurred despite these media workers’ efforts to deliver vital on-the-ground reporting, often under extraordinarily perilous conditions. The incident highlights the growing dangers faced by journalists in Gaza and raises critical concerns about the erosion of press freedom. David Walmsley, president of the World Editors Forum, expressed strong condemnation of the killings. He emphasized that even under “insurmountable odds,” journalists strive to tell the world’s stories—and reminded us...

August 14, 2025 - USA -  U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced his support for allowing journalists into Gaza to observe humanitarian efforts directly. Speaking from the Oval Office on August 14, 2025, Trump said he would be “very fine with journalists going” into the region. He acknowledged the significant risks journalists face but expressed a clear preference for independent reporting from inside Gaza. Since the conflict escalated in October 2023, Israel has barred most foreign journalists from entering Gaza. Access has been strictly limited, with reporters required to travel under Israeli military escort and...

August 13, 2025 - China - The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued an urgent appeal to Hong Kong authorities to drop all charges against 77‑year‑old publisher Jimmy Lai and release him immediately and unconditionally as his national security trial enters its final phase. Lai is facing serious charges—sedition and collusion with foreign forces—which, if upheld, could result in a life sentence. His trial, which began in December 2023 and was originally expected to last 30 days, has extended to nearly 150 days due to repeated delays. CPJ highlighted Lai’s deteriorating health after nearly...

August 13, 2025 - Palestine -  On 13 August 2025, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that Anas al‑Sharif, a 28‑year‑old Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza and member of the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), submitted a formal complaint to the PJS three days before his assassination in an Israeli strike. In his heartfelt letter, al‑Sharif highlighted the relentless threats he and his family endured since the war's onset on 7 October 2023. Al‑Sharif described how these threats began early in the conflict, including a targeted strike on his home, which resulted in the death...

August 12, 2025 – Palestine - In a powerful editorial titled “Israel Is Wiping Out the Witnesses”, The Guardian delivers a stark indictment of Israel’s ongoing targeting of journalists in Gaza, warning that these killings are systematically erasing independent voices from one of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones. The piece frames the assassination of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, alongside his colleagues, as part of a deliberate effort to silence those documenting the realities of the war. According to the editorial, over 180 Palestinian media professionals have been killed in nearly two years of conflict,...

August 12, 2025 – Sri Lanka - Tamil Members of Parliament have sharply condemned Sri Lanka’s Counter-Terrorism and Investigation Division (CTID) after it summoned veteran journalist and human rights advocate Kanapathipillai Kumanan for questioning. The summons, issued in Mullaitivu for an alleged inquiry into his social media posts purportedly “promoting” the LTTE, was denounced as a clear attempt to intimidate and silence independent reporting. Shanakiyan Rasamanickam MP expressed dismay on social media, calling Kumanan “a respected and courageous journalist" and asserting that using terrorism investigations to muzzle press freedom is unacceptable. Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam MP similarly...

August 12, 2025 – Palestine -  An Israeli airstrike near al‑Shifa Hospital in Gaza City killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas al‑Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa, prompting a surge of international outrage and calls for accountability. Condemnations were swift and widespread, spearheaded by a diverse coalition of global institutions, governments, and media watchdogs. Major Organisations & Countries Condemning the Attack: Al Jazeera Media Network called it a “targeted assassination” aimed at silencing the truth. The United Nations (Secretary‑General António Guterres and UN Human Rights Office) condemned the killings and demanded an...

August 12, 2025 – Germany/Palestine -  Mass protests erupted in Berlin following the Israeli drone strike that killed five Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, including Anas al-Sharif. Demonstrators gathered in the city center, carrying portraits of the slain reporters and chanting slogans condemning what they called the deliberate targeting of media workers. The protests, organised by Palestinian solidarity groups and press freedom advocates, drew hundreds of participants, reflecting the international outrage over the incident. Footage from the demonstrations showed protesters holding banners demanding justice and accountability, as well as calling for an end to attacks...

August 12, 2025 – Nigeria -  Chief James Aiyepeku, father of 26-year-old photojournalist Ayobami Aiyepeku, tragically passed away on August 12, just weeks after his son was brutally killed in Lokoja, Kogi State. The loss compounds a family's grief and highlights the profound human cost of violence against journalists. Ayobami was allegedly lured and murdered by a serving officer of Nigeria’s Correctional Service, Adebayo Pelumi, on July 24. The suspect reportedly fled with Ayobami’s body but was later found dead in a hotel, apparently by suicide. Ayobami's remains were retrieved from the outskirts of the...

August 12, 2025 – Bangladesh -  The family of slain Gazipur journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin has issued a seven-point demand aimed at ensuring justice, accountability, and safety for his loved ones and fellow media workers. Tuhin, a staff reporter for Dainik Protidiner Kagoj, was brutally killed while filming armed men in Chandana Chowrasta, an event that has drawn national outrage and calls for reforms. At a press conference held at the Gazipur Press Club, Tuhin’s widow, Mukta Begum, demanded the immediate arrest of all individuals involved, along with their financiers. She urged that a charge sheet...

August 11, 2025 - Palestine -  An article by Index on Censorship powerfully frames Israel’s campaign in Gaza as a targeted effort to silence journalists, calling it not just a war on Palestinian media, but on press freedom everywhere. Journalist Youmna El Sayed emphasises that Anas al‑Sharif and his colleagues were killed “because they refused to be silenced,” documenting atrocities like starvation and bombardment that threatened powerful narratives. Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have claimed the lives of more than 260 Palestinian journalists and media workers, individuals armed with little more...

August 11, 2025 - AJMN Al Jazeera journalists and staff gathered at the network’s Doha headquarters for a solemn moment of silence to honour five colleagues killed in an Israeli airstrike outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The strike, which occurred near a designated press tent, claimed the lives of correspondent Anas al-Sharif, cameraman Mohammed Qreiqeh, sound technician Ibrahim Zaher, and crew members Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa. The airstrike reportedly targeted the area as the journalists were on assignment. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) later alleged that al-Sharif had ties to Hamas, claims that...

August 11, 2025 – Palestine - A Haaretz analysis has drawn attention to Israel’s calculated restrictions on foreign journalists in Gaza, warning that once international media are allowed in, the targeted killing of journalists will become far more difficult. The piece argues that the ongoing ban is not solely about operational security, but a deliberate strategy to maintain a shield of impunity over military actions against the press. According to the article, local Palestinian journalists have borne the brunt of Israel’s lethal media crackdown during the Gaza conflict, with hundreds killed since the start of...

August 11, 2025 - Palestine - This is what our beloved Anas requested to be published upon his martyrdom. This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was...

August 11, 2025 - Palestine -  Al Jazeera Media Network condemns in the strongest terms the targeted assassination of its correspondents Anas Al Sharif and Mohammed Qraiqea, along with photographers Ibrahim Al Thaher and Mohamed Nofal, by the Israeli occupation forces in yet another blatant and premeditated attack on press freedom. In a statement by the Israeli occupation force, admitting to their crimes, the journalists were targeted by a directed assault towards the tent where they were stationed opposite Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza. In which they were martyred. This attack comes amid the catastrophic...

August 11, 2025 - Palestine -  A targeted Israeli drone strike hit a clearly marked media tent outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, killing five Al Jazeera journalists and two other individuals. Those killed were veteran correspondent Anas al-Sharif, fellow correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, cameramen Ibrahim Zaher and Moamen Aliwa, and assistant Mohammed Noufal. The journalists were reportedly meeting in the tent to coordinate coverage when the strike occurred. The Israeli military justified the attack by claiming al-Sharif was a Hamas cell leader involved in orchestrating rocket attacks. However, Al Jazeera, the Committee to Protect Journalists...

August 11, 2025 – Palestine – In a devastating turn of events, Anas al-Sharif, a 28-year-old Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a tent housing journalists outside al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Four others, including correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and camera operators Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, and Moamen Aliwa, also died in the strike. Seven people in total were killed during the attack. The Israeli military acknowledged launching the strike, asserting that al-Sharif was the head of a Hamas cell responsible for rocket attacks on Israeli targets. However, both Al Jazeera...

August 9, 2025 – Pakistan/USA – Pakistani journalist Asad Ali Toor was prevented from travelling to the United States to participate in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) after being stopped at Islamabad International Airport. Immigration officials informed him that his name was on Pakistan’s Exit Control List (ECL), barring him from leaving the country. No official explanation was provided for his inclusion on the list. Toor denounced the move as an attack on press freedom, saying, “In Pakistan, journalism and speaking truth to power have been turned into crimes… Yes, I...

August 8, 2025 – United Kingdom - During ongoing anti-immigration demonstrations across the UK, GB News reporter Sophie Reaper and her camera operator were confronted with physical aggression from a protester in Whitehall, London. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions as protestors targeted the media presence, some chanting "GB News, off our streets" upon recognizing the broadcaster’s team. Video footage shows a man slapping the hand of the GB News camera operator, raising serious concerns about journalist safety while covering these volatile events Greater Manchester and other regions have similarly seen volatile anti-migrant protests as...

August 8, 2025 – European Union – The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), a landmark EU regulation designed to protect press freedom and media pluralism, has come fully into force across all member states. The law, first adopted in April 2024, aims to safeguard journalists from political interference, promote transparency in media ownership, and limit government surveillance of media workers. Under the EMFA, editorial independence is legally protected, with strict rules ensuring that public service media outlets are free from political pressure and receive sustainable, adequate funding. The law requires media companies to disclose ownership...

August 8, 2025 - Afghanistan - Afghanistan’s media landscape continues to deteriorate under Taliban rule, with increasing censorship, arbitrary detentions, and systematic repression of journalists, particularly those working independently or in exile. According to 8 Am. Media, censorship has all but eliminated freedom of expression. Female journalists face the dual burden of general restrictions plus gender-based constraints. Several have been detained in provinces like Takhar and Ghazni over critical social media posts or collaboration with foreign media, their whereabouts largely unknown. Journalists also report that official sources now only supply information serving Taliban interests, suppressing...