Redwan Ahmed is a freelance journalist and fixer/local producer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He reports on human rights, the readymade garments industry, and climate change issues. He also covers any breaking news.

Bangladeshi journalists hopeful of press freedom as Hasina era ends

09 Aug 2024  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Censorship

Bangladeshi journalists express cautious optimism for press freedom following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose 15-year rule was marked by media suppression. The interim government faces calls to repeal restrictive laws like the Digital Security Act, which has been used to stifle dissent. Journalists like Zafar Sobhan and Muktadir Rashid highlight the challenges and opportunities in this transition period, while organizations such as Amnesty International advocate for greater freedom of expression. The article underscores the critical role of journalists in shaping a freer society amid ongoing political changes.

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Reporters Without Borders Awami League Amnesty International Centre for Governance Studies Committee to Protect Journalists

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Journalist, reporter working for radio, TV, digital media and print magazines. 
Between France, the UK and Africa.
Writer and podcast producer.

Currently with RFI English.

Since 2006, I've worked with France24, AFP, BBC World Service, Deutsche Welle, Reuters, Think Africa Press, TV5, Le ...

Gaza, a year later...

24 Sept 2024  |  melissa.substack.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

The article reflects on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza a year after the conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the catastrophic impact on civilians and infrastructure. It criticizes the inefficacy of international bodies like the UN Security Council and the US's defense of Israel, while emphasizing the need for political solutions over military actions. Various voices, including humanitarian organizations and Palestinian activists, are featured, underscoring the ongoing suffering and the call for peace and reform. The text also addresses the challenges faced by journalists in the region and the broader implications of the conflict on international law and human rights.

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Reporters Without Borders United Nations International Criminal Court Committee to Protect Journalists Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention

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Kris Cheng is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom, freelancing for Voice of America. I previously covered politics, Greater China and diplomacy from Hong Kong, mostly with the Hong Kong Free Press.

See my Muck Rack profile: ****

Court bans the song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’; cartoonist gets courage award on World Press Freedom Day

09 May 2024  |  The Hong Konger  |  English  |  Censorship

The Hong Kong government has successfully sought a court order to ban the protest song 'Glory to Hong Kong', marking a significant censorship move since the 1997 handover. On World Press Freedom Day, cartoonist Zunzi received an international award for courage, highlighting ongoing press freedom challenges in Hong Kong. The article also covers various political and social developments, including the US Congress's symbolic gesture to honor jailed publisher Jimmy Lai, data breaches in Hong Kong government agencies, and the shifting media landscape as The Wall Street Journal plans to reduce its Hong Kong presence. Additionally, the text discusses international responses to Hong Kong's political situation, including a US think tank's recommendations for policy adjustments.

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Reporters Without Borders Court of Appeal Chinese Communist Party Liberal Democrats Centre for Strategic and International Studies US Department of State

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Magdalena Chodownik is an award-winning journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.

Belarusians will be able to watch independent TV channels via 'Reporters Without Borders' satellite

22 Mar 2024  |  ru.euronews.com  |  Russian  |  Independent Journalism

Belarusians worldwide will celebrate Freedom Day on March 25 with renewed hope for their country's liberation. Independent Belarusian media, primarily operating from abroad, now have more ways to deliver truthful information to those remaining in the country. 'Reporters Without Borders' launched the 'Freedom' satellite package, enabling Belarusians and Russians to access independent media programs for free. This initiative aims to counteract the suppression of free press in authoritarian states like Belarus and Russia. Key figures like Pavel Sverdlov and Stanislav Prushinsky emphasize the critical role of independent media in promoting democratic change and combating dictatorship. The project also seeks to increase the percentage of the Russian population with access to independent information.

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Reporters Without Borders Euroradio Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

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Isabella Cota is a freelance journalist based in Ciudad de México, Mexico. As a former Bloomberg Correspondent she has covered Latin America's most exciting business, financial, political and social stories. She was previously with Reuters and has collaborated with The Guardian, BBC Mundo, NPR and ...

Election repression compounded press freedom fears in Venezuela

01 Nov 2024  |  www.icij.org  |  English  |  Human Rights Violations

Following the disputed re-election of President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, journalists, including those from Armando.Info, faced increased repression and censorship. The government employed tactics such as passport cancellations and arrests to suppress dissent, leading to a challenging environment for press freedom. Many journalists have left the country, and those remaining face significant obstacles, including state-orchestrated censorship and disinformation campaigns. The situation has been exacerbated by social unrest and human rights violations, as reported by various organizations. Despite these challenges, Armando.Info continues its investigative work, albeit with increased security measures and a hybrid newsroom model.

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Reporters Without Borders Armando.Info ICIJ Venezuela's National Electoral Council U.N.-backed Human Rights Council Committee to Protect Journalists Foro Penal Human Rights Watch

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Italian journalist focused on international politics, disinformation, human rights, social justice.
ITA, ENG & RU. Lived and worked in Russia, United States, Germany and Finland. 

Double Master's graduated in "Global Communication and International Journalism" at Saint Petersburg State ...

Italian public broadcaster Rai's journalists strike over censorship row

06 May 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Labor Strike

Italian public broadcaster Rai's journalists, represented by the union USIGRai, declared a 24-hour strike to protest editorial interference and working conditions, accusing the right-wing coalition government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of threatening press freedom. Rai management countered, claiming the strike was ideologically driven and harmful to the company's image. The strike follows a series of protests and a downgrade in Italy's press freedom ranking by Reporters Without Borders. The article highlights tensions within Rai, including the cancellation of a critical writer's appearance and criticism of Meloni's policies.

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Reporters Without Borders Rai USIGRai Unirai Fratelli d'Italia National Federation of the Italian Press AGI ENI

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Sophie Douce is a journalist based in Paris, France. TV and print journalism.

In Senegal, the media under pressure from the new government

07 Sept 2024  |  www.la-croix.com  |  French  |  Government Pressure

The Senegalese media is facing significant pressure from the new government led by Ousmane Sonko, with financial and legal challenges threatening their survival. The government demands the payment of tax arrears, reversing the previous administration's promise to forgive media debts. This has led to the closure of several media outlets and a 'day without press' protest. The media landscape, once a model of democratic pluralism, is now under threat, with Senegal dropping in the global press freedom rankings. Reporters Without Borders and other stakeholders express concern over the deteriorating conditions for journalists, amid accusations of government hostility towards the press.

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Reporters Without Borders Pastef Senegalese Government

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Tim Gosling is a journalist, editor and analyst based in the Czech Republic. He covers politics, business, current affairs and football across Central & Eastern Europe. Regular bylines for Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Times. He provides political and economic analysis ...

Battle Over Czech Public Service Broadcaster: Another Rerun

26 Feb 2025  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Political Influence

The article discusses the ongoing political battle over the independence and funding of Czechia's public service broadcasters, CT and CRo. The proposed legislation to increase license fees and index them to inflation faces opposition from the populist ANO and far-right SPD parties, raising concerns about the broadcasters' financial stability and independence. The article highlights the political motivations behind the opposition, particularly from ANO's leader Andrej Babis, who seeks to merge the broadcasters and fund them directly by the state, potentially compromising their editorial independence. The situation is compared to similar developments in Slovakia and Hungary, where state control over public media has increased. The article underscores the importance of maintaining media independence in the face of political pressures and the potential consequences of failing to do so.

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Reporters Without Borders CT CRo ANO SPD European Broadcasting Union International Press Institute Czech Syndicate of Journalists

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Erin Hale is a journalist based in Taipei.

Hong Kong prepares for Stand News verdict in latest media freedom test

28 Aug 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  National Security

Two Hong Kong journalists, Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam, await the verdict of their sedition trial, which could significantly impact journalism in the city. They face charges under colonial-era sedition laws revived by Beijing's national security laws. The trial, closely watched for its implications on media freedom, has seen the defense argue the lack of evidence for national security threats. The crackdown on Stand News and other independent media has drawn international criticism, highlighting the deteriorating press freedom in Hong Kong. The government continues to tighten sedition laws, raising concerns about further suppression of independent voices.

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Reporters Without Borders Stand News Hong Kong Government Chinese Communist Party US Government Hong Kong Journalists Association Amnesty International

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I have been reporting from Turkey for 25 years for TV, radio and print. I can compile radio and TV packages ready for broadcast. I am experienced at live reporting for radio and to camera. I work for a variety outlets including BBC Sky News, Deutsche Welle, CBC and VOA.

Turkish radio ban is latest attack on press freedom, warn activists

17 Nov 2024  |  Modern Ghana  |  English  |  Political Repression

The closure of Istanbul-based Acik Radio by Turkey's media regulator RTUK has sparked protests and international condemnation, seen as part of a broader government effort to suppress media pluralism and dissenting voices. Acik Radio, known for bridging cultural divides and supporting minority voices, has resumed broadcasting online under a new name, APACIK Radio, with backing from opposition parties. Activists and listeners express concern over increasing media repression in Turkey, highlighting the station's role as a cultural and political hub.

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Reporters Without Borders RTUK Acik Radio APACIK Radio

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ROBERT KIBET is an award winning freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. His has appeared at DW, The Guardian UK, IPS, Equal Times, Thomson Reuters Foundation, News Deeply, Barzawire, Zenger News, IDN, Ubuntu Times, Climate Tracker and The New Humanitarian.

Kenyan Journalists in the Crossfire of Protests

27 Aug 2024  |  ipsnoticias.net  |  Spanish  |  Government Crackdown

In Kenya, journalists are increasingly caught in the crossfire of protests against the government, facing violence, arbitrary arrests, and equipment destruction. Despite press credentials, journalists are targeted by police, with incidents like the shooting of Catherine Kariuki highlighting the deliberate nature of these attacks. The Kenya Union of Journalists and international organizations condemn these actions, calling for accountability. The government's interference with media, including threats to shut down the Kenya Television Network, exacerbates the erosion of press freedom. The situation reflects broader regional challenges, with journalists in neighboring countries facing similar threats. The international community watches closely as Kenya's democratic values are tested.

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Reporters Without Borders The Standard Group Kenya Union of Journalists Kenya Television Network International Federation of Journalists Amnesty International Committee to Protect Journalists United Nations

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Maya Misikir is a freelance journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has experience working for print as well as broadcast, radio and TV. She mostly covers current affairs for VOA but also writes in-depth analysis for other publications.

Parliamentarians vs Ministers

18 Nov 2024  |  sifter.substack.com  |  English  |  Malaria Outbreak in Ethiopia

The newsletter covers several pressing issues in Ethiopia, including the challenges faced by Ethiopian migrant workers in Lebanon, with the Ministry of Skills and Labour criticized for not meeting targets. The Ministry of Mines is under scrutiny for corruption and poor oversight, while press freedom in Ethiopia has significantly declined, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists. The ongoing conflict in the Amhara region involves the Fano militia, with significant civilian impact. Additionally, a malaria outbreak is straining Ethiopia's healthcare system, highlighting systemic issues in health infrastructure and supply chains.

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Reporters Without Borders Ministry of Skills and Labour Ministry of Mines Ministry of Foreign Affairs Committee to Protect Journalists UN’s Human Rights Council Fano ENDF Amhara regional forces Ministry of Health

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Julia Montfort is a journalist based in Paris, France.

Female Reporter in Afghanistan: Clandestine Information

13 May 2024  |  guitinews.fr  |  French  |  Taliban Regime

Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, Afghanistan has become one of the most repressive countries for women, with increasing violations of their rights. Zahra, a 25-year-old journalist, defies the Taliban by reporting on the plight of Afghan women, despite severe restrictions and threats to her safety. The Taliban's oppressive measures have led to a drastic decline in press freedom, with Afghanistan ranking near the bottom globally. Zahra works clandestinely, using pseudonyms and taking precautions to avoid detection. Her main employer, Rukhshana Media, is a female-led resistance media outlet. Zahra's reporting highlights issues like forced marriages and clandestine schools, despite the risks of harassment and violence. Her family fears for her safety, but she remains committed to informing the world about the ongoing crisis for Afghan women.

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Reporters Without Borders Rukhshana Media Taliban Gahwara

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Mary Mwendwa is a journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the co founder of Association of Freelance Journalists Kenya( AFJ) . She currently edits an online publication owned by AFJ _ www.talkafrica.co.ke.
Her stories have been published by various outlets including, Aljazeera, newsdeeply, the ...

Kenyan journalists denounce police brutality during protests against the government

22 Aug 2024  |  El País México  |  Spanish  |  Freedom of Press

Kenyan journalists have reported increased police brutality during protests against the government, with numerous incidents of aggression and intimidation documented. The protests, initially sparked by tax hikes, have seen significant violence against media personnel, raising concerns about press freedom in Kenya. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned these actions, while local journalists recount personal experiences of violence and intimidation. The situation has led to calls for accountability and protection of journalists' rights in the country.

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Reporters Without Borders Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Kenya Media Council Committee to Protect Journalists

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British journalist, editor, and researcher. Work published in the Guardian, POLITICO Europe, New Statesman, Vice, The Moscow Times, and New Eastern Europe. 

Now primarily in London/Baltics but open to Russia-based commissions with the appropriate arrangements.

Journalist who captured last video of Alexei Navalny faces extremism charges

29 Mar 2024  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Russia-Ukraine War

Favorskaya, a journalist who filmed the last footage of Alexei Navalny, faces extremism charges in Russia. The court hearing was held behind closed doors, and Favorskaya criticized the process. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of journalist detentions in Russia, with six journalists detained this month. The article also references the anti-corruption protests of 2017 and the symbolic use of rubber ducks.

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Reporters Without Borders FBK RusNews Mediazona

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Shadrack omuka is a journalist based in Nakuru, Kenya.His work has appeared in many publications including Equal times,News deeply, Earth Island Journal and many more. Omuka posses Higher National  Diploma(HND) in print Journalism.

Kenyan police target journalists covering anti-government protests

24 Jul 2024  |  newint.org  |  English  |  Anti-Government Protests

Kenyan journalist Catherine Wanjeri was shot by police while covering anti-government protests in Nakuru, sparking outrage and protests among journalists demanding justice and press freedom. The incident highlights a pattern of police violence against journalists in Kenya, with the Media Council of Kenya and other organizations condemning the actions. The protests, initially against a proposed tax hike, have evolved into nationwide demonstrations for government accountability. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is investigating the case, while press freedom in Kenya continues to deteriorate, as evidenced by its fall in the Reporters Without Borders global index.

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Reporters Without Borders Kenyan Police Media Council of Kenya Committee to Protect Journalists Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Nakuru Journalists’ Association Independent Policing Oversight Authority

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If you are looking for a reporter, my name is Phetsiam Promngoy is a journalist based in Bangkok, Thailand. I can help you in this matter follow up on assigned news stories, contact  interviews, Write news, Video, Canva and Adobe

Foreign journalists at ASEAN find Lao restrictions frustrating

15 Oct 2024  |  Radio Free Asia  |  English  |  Press Freedom

The ASEAN summit in Vientiane faced criticism from international media due to stringent local reporting restrictions, limiting journalists to official venues and preventing street interviews. The Lao government's control over media access and delayed briefings were highlighted, contrasting with prompt updates from other ASEAN member officials. The summit's discussions included regional issues like the South China Sea disputes, with notable input from visiting leaders such as Antony Blinken and Anwar Ibrahim. Laos' low ranking in the World Press Freedom Index underscores the challenges faced by journalists covering the event.

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Reporters Without Borders ASEAN Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asian Development Bank

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Anna Romandash is an award-winning journalist from Ukraine. She has collaborated with Open Government Partnership, Freedom House, and Deutsche Welle. She works as a reporter and a digital policy expert focusing on sustainable media development, human rights, and access to information. She has ...

Why Ukraine’s Elections Can Wait

28 May 2024  |  Journal of Democracy  |  English  |  Democracy

Ukraine has postponed elections due to the ongoing war with Russia, prioritizing national defense over electoral processes. Despite the absence of elections, Ukraine maintains a pluralistic society with active opposition parties and a free press. The decision to delay elections is supported by public opinion and local NGOs, citing security, financial, and logistical challenges. President Zelensky remains popular, though his approval ratings have slightly declined. The government and international allies are encouraged to prepare for future elections to ensure democratic continuity. The article highlights the resilience of Ukrainian democracy amidst martial law and external threats.

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Reporters Without Borders Ukrainian Government Russian State Media MOBILISE Kyiv International Institute of Sociology Servant of the People Party

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Julian Ryall is a journalist based in Tokyo, Japan.

Japan’s compliant, ‘elite’ media blamed for poor press freedom ranking: ‘they don’t want to rock the boat’

07 May 2024  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Politics

Japan ranks the lowest among G7 nations in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, positioned at 70th globally. The report attributes this to traditional and business interests, political pressure, and gender inequalities that hinder journalists. Since the rise of the nationalist right in 2012, Japanese journalists have faced a climate of distrust and hostility. Norway tops the rankings, while the United States is 55th. Eritrea is last, with North Korea and China also ranking poorly.

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Reporters Without Borders

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Liam Scott is an independent journalist based in Washington, D.C. He focuses on human rights and mass atrocities, China, press freedom, and disinformation.

Trump’s Media Crackdown Endangers Reporters Worldwide

15 Apr 2025  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Journalist Safety

The article discusses the Trump administration's executive order to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which threatens the safety and employment of journalists working for outlets like Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The move endangers journalists, particularly those on visas, who risk deportation and imprisonment if forced to return to their home countries. Legal battles are ongoing to prevent the termination of these outlets, which have historically provided independent news to censored regions. The article criticizes the Trump administration for undermining press freedom and democracy, highlighting the potential global implications of these actions.

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Reporters Without Borders U.S. Agency for Global Media Voice of America Radio Free Asia Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Trump Administration U.S. State Department Committee to Protect Journalists

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Mitch Shin is a journalist based in Seoul, South Korea.

Yoon’s Martial Law Declaration Was Bad. What He Did Next May Have Been Worse.

01 Mar 2025  |  thediplomat.com  |  English  |  Political Extremism

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached following his controversial declaration of martial law, which was widely condemned as an attempt to undermine democracy. His actions have led to increased political polarization and the rise of far-right extremism in South Korea. Yoon's supporters, including the People Power Party, have portrayed him as a victim of false treason charges, while his critics emphasize the importance of upholding democratic values. The situation has been exacerbated by disinformation and violence from far-right extremists, with calls for the media to take a stronger stance against false narratives. The Constitutional Court's impending decision on Yoon's impeachment is seen as a critical moment for South Korea's democracy.

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Reporters Without Borders National Assembly People Power Party Democratic Party Constitutional Court National Election Commission Presidential Security Service

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Tommy Walker is a journalist based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hong Kong Journalists Sentenced For Sedition

27 Sept 2024  |  international.thenewslens.com  |  English  |  Hong Kong Politics

Two former journalists from the now-defunct Stand News in Hong Kong were sentenced for sedition, marking a significant case in the city's press freedom landscape. Chung Pui-Kuen and Patrick Lam were found guilty of publishing seditious articles, with Chung receiving a 21-month sentence and Lam released on medical grounds. The case highlights the ongoing decline of press freedom in Hong Kong, with organizations like the Hong Kong Journalist Association and Reporters Without Borders expressing concerns over the risks faced by media workers. The sentencing underscores the broader political crackdown following the 2019 pro-democracy protests and the imposition of the National Security Law by Beijing.

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Reporters Without Borders Stand News Hong Kong Journalist Association Beijing

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Hanan Zaffar is a journalist based in New Delhi, India.

Fears of censorship grow as Modi begins third term

04 Jun 2024  |  Index on Censorship  |  English  |  Modi's Third Term

As Narendra Modi begins his third term as Prime Minister of India, concerns about censorship and press freedom intensify. Critics argue that Modi's administration has increasingly suppressed dissenting voices, with journalists and activists facing harassment and legal action. The BJP-led NDA secured a majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, raising fears of further restrictions on free speech. The Press Freedom Index ranks India 159th out of 180 nations, highlighting the crisis in press freedom under Modi's rule. Activists and journalists express apprehension about the government's heavy-handed tactics to silence dissent, with reports of free speech violations and political detentions on the rise.

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Reporters Without Borders BJP National Democratic Alliance Free Speech Collective All India Revolutionary Students Organisation

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I am a journalist with 23 years of experience in different areas of communications and in humanitarian short films production.

I work as a freelancer on assignments such as filming, scripts, production, video editing, professional photography, news writing, news video and as a fixer when needed.
...

El Salvador Media Come Under Attack in Election Year

22 Mar 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Media Harassment

Journalists in El Salvador face increasing harassment and attacks, with a 40% rise in such incidents in 2023, according to the Journalists Association of El Salvador (APES). APES President Angelica Carcamo reported over 223 cases in 2023, including threats, blocking from events, and online harassment, particularly against female journalists. Freelance reporter Marvin Diaz experienced intimidation while covering a vote count. President Nayib Bukele, speaking at a U.S. conference, claimed El Salvador has press freedom but emphasized journalists' responsibility. El Salvador is ranked 115th on the World Press Freedom Index, and Reporters Without Borders notes violence against reporters and government harassment.

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Reporters Without Borders Journalists Association of El Salvador Nuevas Ideas party

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