Africa Freedom of Information Centre’s Post

In the past two years, journalists in Ethiopia have faced significant challenges and threats, severely impacting press freedom and causing many to remain silent. The conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has intensified, leading to a media crackdown that has seen journalists arrested, harassed, and even imprisoned without formal charges. The Ethiopian government has been one of the worst offenders in sub-Saharan Africa for jailing journalists, often accusing them of anti-state activities or spreading false news oai_citation:1,Ethiopia Archives - Committee to Protect Journalists oai_citation:2,Journalists face growing hostility as Ethiopia’s civil war persists - Committee to Protect Journalists.Reports indicate that at least eight journalists were detained in 2023 alone for their coverage of conflicts in the Amhara region. Many journalists are held on charges such as spreading fear or terrorism, which are often used to suppress critical reporting oai_citation:3,For Journalists in Africa, War and Social Media Posts Can Bring Legal Threats. Additionally, the Ethiopian government has utilized internet shutdowns to control the flow of information and prevent journalists from reporting on protests and other significant events oai_citation:4,For Journalists in Africa, War and Social Media Posts Can Bring Legal Threats.The lack of solidarity among media houses has further exacerbated the situation, leaving individual journalists more vulnerable to these threats. Initiatives supported by organizations like UNESCO aim to monitor and report incidents of violence and harassment against journalists to raise awareness and advocate for better protections oai_citation:5,Safety of Journalists’ (SoJ) Ethiopia - Portal to monitor incidents of violence, digital attacks, harassments, and gender-based violence against journalists in Ethiopia..Overall, the hostile environment for journalists in Ethiopia has stifled free expression and independent journalism, making it a dangerous profession in the current political climate.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported that since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, the group has detained at least 256 journalists. In a report titled "Media Freedom in Afghanistan," released on Tuesday (November 26), UNAMA highlighted the increasing challenges faced by media outlets, journalists, and media staff under Taliban rule. The report reveals that female journalists and media staff are facing severe and "discriminatory" restrictions. It indicates that over the past three years, the Taliban has committed 336 acts of violence against journalists and media staff, including 256 cases of arbitrary detention (249 men and 7 women), 130 cases of torture (122 men and 8 women), and 75 cases of threats or intimidation. Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative and head of UNAMA, emphasized in the report: "We call on the Taliban to ensure the safety of all journalists and media workers while performing their duties and to fully recognize the importance of women in the media sector." Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over the findings and urged the Taliban to align their actions with Afghanistan's international legal obligations. He emphasized: "Journalists and media workers perform vital functions in informing the public on events affecting their daily lives and wider communities, including on essential humanitarian and protection issues." In response to the report, Human Rights Watch described the media situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule as "critical," stating that the Taliban has "devastated the media landscape and created an atmosphere of fear," making it impossible for journalists to investigate or report on any topic freely. Human Rights Watch further added that the Taliban has severely restricted local media outlets, directly intervening in newsrooms to "suppress any critical content." The organization also noted that Afghan media outlets have been forced to obtain Taliban approval before publishing reports, which has led to various forms of censorship. UNAMA has stressed the importance of providing technical and financial support to the media sector in Afghanistan for the country's development, highlighting that reduced international support has made the media sector more vulnerable. On the other hand, the Taliban has rejected the report, claiming that those detained had committed "crimes." Since their return to power, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on journalists and media outlets. Currently, several journalists remain imprisoned in Taliban-run jails.

GJA President Urges Global Commitment to Safeguard Journalists and Combat Impunity Photo Source: CITINEWS Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), is calling on world governments to urgently prioritize the protection and security of journalists, emphasizing the need for a united response to growing threats faced by media professionals. Speaking at an international panel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mr. Dwumfour highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on journalists worldwide, including fatal incidents, and urged governments to enforce accountability by prosecuting those responsible for these crimes. Mr. Dwumfour’s call to action was part of a two-day observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The event, co-organized by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), focused on the theme: “Ensuring the Safety and Protection of Journalists by Addressing Impunity: A Responsibility for the World.” The 2023 commemoration was also supported by UNESCO and the African Union (AU) under the theme “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.” GJA General Secretary Kofi Yeboah joined Mr. Dwumfour at the event, which included the powerful unveiling of the “Virtual Scroll,” a projection listing 1,653 journalists killed in their line of work from 1993 to 2023. The memorial highlighted the case of Ghanaian investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, who was murdered in 2019—a crime that remains unsolved with no arrests to date, underscoring the ongoing challenges in securing justice for journalists. Expressing his concern, Mr. Dwumfour described the high number of journalist fatalities as deeply troubling, advocating for stronger international measures. “Globally, we need to push for severe repercussions for governments complicit in attacks on journalists,” he stated. “Leaders involved in such actions must be held personally accountable.” In addition to legal measures, Mr. Dwumfour underscored the importance of public awareness, calling for broader education on the crucial role of journalists in societal development. Such education, he noted, would foster public appreciation for journalists and create a protective environment for their safety. By urging the public to actively support journalists, Mr. Dwumfour hopes to build a safer, more supportive landscape for press freedom. His appeal for global solidarity and stricter accountability arrives as journalists worldwide face escalating threats, highlighting an urgent need for international collaboration in protecting those who risk their lives to inform the public. Source: CITINEWS  Recommended Articles  Bawumia Declares Free Kidney Dialysis for All NHIS Patients Starting December 1 Supreme Court to Deliver Verdict on Vacant Parliamentary Seats Ghana Records Over 34,000 New HIV Cases in Nine Months Join NWN.com WhatsApp channel for daily updates

The US does not respect its own standards and norms when it comes to defend journalism freedom and safety, as well as the right to report independently in Gaza, writes the author of this OpEd in the New York Times. Other Western democracies are passive and silent too. This attitude undermines dangerously press freedom everywhere as the West is seen as partial, biased and unprincipled. Western countries should trust their own news organizations (AFP, AP, Reuters, The New York Times, etc.) when assessing the case of killings of Palestinian journalists. None of these prominent and highly professional outlets can be accused of being soft on terrorism or antisemitism. This is the same for international press freedom associations like The Committee to Protect Journalists or Reporters without borders which have been reporting scrupulously and rigorously on the conflict. As they do in other parts of the world where journalists are under threat. Consistency in denouncing attacks on the press determines the legitimacy and efficiency of human rights diplomacy https://lnkd.in/ebfYYesU MARIA LORENTE ESTRADA Aidan White Thibaut Bruttin Jodie Ginsberg

The Indicators on the Level of Media Freedom and Journalists′ Safety Index 2023 report for North Macedonia was recently published and I was interested how women journalists in North Macedonia faced significant safety challenges, particularly related to gender-based threats and harassment. Some of the key findings on this topic from this year's report include: ❗ There is still no comprehensive research data on the frequency of gender-based attacks against women journalists. However, personal testimonies reveal that many encounter sexist remarks, pressure and insults tied to their gender rather than their professional work, often focused on personal life or appearance. ❗ The Association of Journalists of Macedonia registered two notable cases in 2023. The first involved a physical attack on two ALSAT female journalists , resulting in a court conviction. The second was an explicit online threat against one female journalist, which is still under prosecution. ❗ Although the Law on Prevention and Protection from Violence against Women and Domestic Violence was established in 2021 to provide protection against gender-based violence, there is still no specific mechanism to support women journalists in particular. The existing general legal aid is underfunded and rarely accessible for victims of gender-based violence. ❗ In 2023, North Macedonia developed an Integrated Data Collection Model to consolidate gender-based violence cases. However, data will not be categorized by profession, necessitating a separate registry for tracking gender-based violence against journalists. ✔ The amendments to the Criminal Code in 2023 increased penalties for crimes such as murder, coercion, and threats against journalists, aiming to deter violence and enhance protection. All in all, despite some institutional efforts, challenges remain, with persistent impunity for attacks on journalists. The low prosecution rate once again underscores a need for stronger protective measures for women journalists in North Macedonia. #genderbasedviolence #womenjournalists #safejounalists #genderequality #NorthMacedonia

European Parliament Think Tank (EPTT)--Briefing Protection of journalists in the European Union [11 November 2024] https://lnkd.in/g7NCNzuW or https://lnkd.in/g2CF4G5d Media freedom and pluralism are among the rights enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 11) and the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 10), together with freedom of expression and information. The EU is actively engaged in protecting the independence and safety of journalists, as a crucial component in the proper democratic functioning of its institutions and Member States. Nevertheless, in recent years an increasing number of attacks and threats against journalists have been documented and reported in Europe. Physical attacks against journalists as well as online threats and harassment in reprisal for journalists' work are on the rise in several EU Member States. Around the world, the number of dead and wounded journalists is still too high, as is the number of journalists who are detained, imprisoned and mistreated. The most recent Council of Europe assessment of press freedom in Europe reports that war remains a threat to press freedom and the safety of media workers. In total 18 journalists have been killed in Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Reporters without Borders confirms that the situation is particularly dangerous for journalists, who are sometimes deliberately targeted by military fire despite displaying 'Press' identification. Correspondents for foreign outlets are also targeted and some of them become victims of 'hostage diplomacy', as was the case of the Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich. Over the years, the European Parliament has called consistently for action to ensure the safety of journalists, both inside and outside armed conflict zones; it has stressed the crucial mission of journalists in gathering and disseminating reliable information about armed conflicts; and it has underlined the importance of ensuring journalists' safe access to areas in which conflicts or human rights abuses are taking place. This briefing updates and builds on an 'At a glance' note published in October 2022.

Declaration of the federation of Afghan journalists in exile. The leadership of the federation of Afghan Journalists congratulates all the members of the media including televisions, radios, newspapers, magazines, websites and news agencies on the occasion of international press freedom day and hopes that the media leaders and workers of journalism Do your duties within the framework of the duties and regulations and inform the people living in the country. This year we are celebrating International Press Freedom Day on 3rd May while the country's school leaders face many challenges. Restrictions on media activities by Taliban regime, undermining freedom of speech, restriction on work of female journalists, pre-release censorship, threatening, arrest and torture of journalists have become a norm in the country. Hundreds of journalists and media workers who have been forced to leave the country are living in the third country and spending the bitter days of immigration. Everyone knows that the media industry is at a very critical time in its history, freedom of speech is being trampled in Afghanistan and journalists are having a lot of problems getting information from sources. Also, releasing of reports on targeted reality by journalists leads to them being arrested, tortured, threatened and imprisoned after the news was published, thus a small response called a quick response. Based on this we ask international organizations and media industry support foundations outside of Afghanistan to try to protect freedom of speech and by putting pressure on Taliban to force them to follow the principles of freedom of speech. You have to respect yourself. And don't limit the press space of the country. Because the current tendency towards press in the country has weakened this profession, because of this many media workers will flee the country. Based on this, the Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile wants to expand its activities within the country by observing the principles of freedom of speech on the occasion of Press Freedom Day. Because the representatives of this Federation are actually active in Germany, USA, Belgium, Canada, France, Netherlands, Turkey, India, Iran and Pakistan and are considering to protect freedom of speech and the rights of journalists based on the rules and regulations of journalists. Defence. With the intention of opening its own office in Kabul province as soon as possible. Hoping for a day when the journalists of the country can breathe a sigh of peace and media activities return to normal. With respect. Federation of Afghan journalists in exile.

Rising Dangers for Journalists in Balochistan By Dauran Baloch Balochistan, Pakistan’s mineral-rich yet perilous province, captivates with its stark landscapes, yet its harsh terrain is marked by persistent challenges and threats to life. Amidst these mountains, both ordinary citizens and journalists face an ongoing battle for safety. Over recent years, incidents of violence against journalists have surged alarmingly in Balochistan, casting a shadow over the profession and dealing an irreparable blow to press freedom. Journalism, often described as the fourth pillar of democracy, is itself waging a battle for survival in Balochistan. Reports indicate that over the last 16 years, 41 journalists have lost their lives in the province. These figures are not mere numbers; they reveal the daily risks faced by journalists. The dangers in Balochistan are not limited to a single faction—journalists are caught amid threats from various groups and mafias who view the free press as a threat to their interests. The greatest challenge for journalists here is ensuring their own safety. Journalists committed to bringing local issues and facts to light frequently face intimidation, harassment, and even lethal threats. Reasons for these attacks range from reporting on corruption and tribal conflicts to terrorism and government policies. Most murder cases remain unsolved, with justice seemingly out of reach. Senior journalist and President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Shahzada Zulfiqar, aptly sums up the situation, stating, “Reporting in Balochistan is no less than stepping into a war zone. Journalists risk their lives to deliver facts to the public, yet state protection is woefully inadequate. Safeguarding journalists must be a priority for both the government and the state; otherwise, press freedom remains under threat.” Freedom Network, a Pakistani organization dedicated to press freedom, has similarly expressed concern, describing the situation in Balochistan as critical. Freedom Network Director Iqbal Khattak commented, “The murders and attacks on journalists in Balochistan are an alarming wake-up call for any democratic society. We need immediate measures to create a safe environment so journalists can fulfill their professional duties without fear.” On the global front, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has also voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating situation for journalists in Balochistan. In its latest report, RSF has labeled Balochistan as a high-risk area for journalists and has urged the Pakistani government to take swift and effective steps to protect them. An RSF spokesperson stated, “Incidents of violence against journalists in Balochistan demand impartial investigations, and those responsible must be brought to justice. Press freedom and journalist safety are fundamental to the survival of democracy.”

Journalists Against Police Brutality in Kenya Kenya, a nation often lauded for its vibrant democracy, has grappled with a persistent and disturbing issue: police brutality against journalists. This narrative delves into the courageous actions of Kenyan journalists who have stood up against this oppression, using demonstrations as a powerful tool to demand accountability and change. A Culture of Impunity For years, Kenyan journalists have operated in a climate of fear and intimidation. The constitution guarantees freedom of the press, yet this fundamental right is frequently violated. Cases of arbitrary arrests, intimidation and even harming of journalists have become alarming. The culture of impunity enjoyed by the police has emboldened them to act with reckless disregard for the law and the rights of journalists. Journalists as Watchdogs Journalists serve as the public's watchdogs, exposing corruption, abuse of power, and social injustices. Their role is crucial in holding government and other institutions accountable. However, when journalists are targeted for doing their jobs, the public's right to information is compromised. Police brutality against journalists is not merely an attack on individuals; it is an attack on the democratic fabric of society. Demonstrations as a Catalyst for Change Through peaceful demonstrations, journalists have collectively raised their voices against police brutality. These protests serve multiple purposes: Visibility: Demonstrations bring public attention to the issue, creating a sense of urgency and demanding action. Unity: Journalists from different media houses come together, demonstrating solidarity and strength in numbers. Pressure: Protests exert pressure on the government to address the problem and hold perpetrators accountable. Inspiration: The courage of journalists who take to the streets inspires others to join the fight for press freedom. Key Demands The demonstrations have centered on specific demands, including: End to impunity: Calling for the prosecution of police officers involved in brutality against journalists. Safe working environment: Ensuring journalists can operate without fear of harassment or violence. Investigations: Establishing mechanisms for impartial inquiries into cases of police misconduct. Compensation for victims: Providing support to journalists injured or affected by police brutality. Conclusion The struggle against police brutality in Kenya is far from over. It requires sustained efforts from journalists, civil society, and the public. By documenting cases of abuse, advocating for legal reforms, and building public support, it is possible to create a Kenya where journalists can work freely and safely. The demonstrations by Kenyan journalists are a testament to their commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and accountability. Their courage inspires hope for a future where press freedom is truly protected. #wearenotcriminals #digital Video- Mustafa Kassim