Press Freedom

World Watch

FILE PHOTO: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko takes part in the celebrations of Independence Day in Minsk, Belarus July…
Press Freedom
Lukashenko’s Biggest Election Opponent: the Internet
Belarus jails journalists and bloggers, but authorities find it impossible to completely turn off the internet
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By Anna Plotnikova
Fri, 08/07/2020 - 23:36
The New York Times Beijing based correspondent Steven Lee Myers, left, chats with other foreign journalists after a daily briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office in Beijing, March 18, 2020.
VOA News on China
China Threatens Retaliation for US Denial of Journalist Visas
US has not renewed visas for some 40 Chinese journalists, whose 90-day work permits expired Thursday
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By Joyce Huang
Fri, 08/07/2020 - 11:59
Hopewell Chin'ono
Africa
Zimbabwe Accused of Stifling Press Freedom as Journalist Denied Bail Again
Rights groups denounce High Court for denying bail to journalist Hopewell Chin'ono, who is facing charges of stoking violence ahead of planned anti-government protests
Columbus Mavhunga
By Columbus Mavhunga
Fri, 08/07/2020 - 09:40
Members of the Union of Journalists and Technicians of the Guinea-Bissau Media, wearing COVID masks, hold a vigil outside Radio Capital FM in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Aug. 6, 2020.
Press Freedom
Most Guinea-Bissau radio stations suspend broadcasts
Most stations across West African country suspend broadcasts to show solidarity with Radio Capital FM, crippled in armed raid
Ansumane So
By Ansumane So
Fri, 08/07/2020 - 09:27
Map of Belarus
Press Freedom
Journalist Group Calls on Belarus to Release Blogger, Other Reporters Before Elections
Evgeniy Vasilkov and five other journalists were arrested July 31 covering opposition rallies
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By VOA News
Fri, 08/07/2020 - 03:50
Sudanese journalists protest against a proposed new press law they say would tighten restrictions on media freedom, at the headquarters of the National Council for Press and Publications, in Sudan's capital Khartoum, Nov. 15, 2017.
Press Freedom
Sudan Army’s Plan Is to Return to 'Dark Days,' Journalists Say
Cybercrime law amendments and Sudanese army’s plans to take legal action against journalists are troubling signs for press freedom, reporters and rights group say
Nabeel Biajo
By Nabeel Biajo
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 19:40
BulgariaAssaultClean
00:01:58
Press Freedom
RFE/RL Journalists Assaulted at Ruling Party Rally in Bulgaria
RFE/RL has called for an investigation and for Bulgarian authorities to condemn the incident.
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By RFE/RL
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 15:40
Photo by: John Nacion/STAR MAX/IPx 2020 5/13/20 A view of Twitter logo as seen in from its Chelsea office during the…
Press Freedom
Twitter Announces Labels for State-Controlled Media
New designation will apply exclusively to ‘outlets where the state exercises control over editorial content through financial resources, direct or indirect political pressures’
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By VOA News
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 15:39
Pakistani journalists hold a demonstration to condemn the kidnaping of their colleague Matiullah Jan, in Islamabad, Pakistan,…
Press Freedom
Pakistan's Media Crackdown Expands to Cyberspace
Country’s independent media has been gagged in recent years by bans, shutdowns, and the sacking of prominent reporters; now social media have become a target
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By RFE/RL
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 15:23
North Korea Modernizes Its Propaganda
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East Asia Pacific
Facing Overseas Competition, North Korea Modernizes its Propaganda
North Korean state TV gets a makeover, but the content is the same
William Gallo
By William Gallo
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 20:38
Narges Mohammadi
VOA News on Iran
Jailed Iranian Journalist Mohammadi Out of Danger from Coronavirus, Husband Says
Narges Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, says the dangerous phase of his wife’s coronavirus symptoms that began a month ago has passed
Michael Lipin
By Michael Lipin
Thu, 08/06/2020 - 04:58
People carry signs as they mark the "Day of Exploitation in Kashmir" one year after the Indian government split the state of…
Press Freedom
Kashmir’s Media Cut Off From Internet – and From Readers
One year after India blocked internet access in Kashmir, the region’s journalists adapt to repressive media policies, communication blocks, and more 
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By Bilal Hussain
Wed, 08/05/2020 - 15:19
A protester raises his fists in front of the Serbian parliament during an anti-government rally, as deputies attend the first…
Europe
Serbia Turns the Tables, Investigates the Investigative Journalists
A government money-laundering probe targets reporters who work to uncover high-level corruption  
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By Milan Nesic
Wed, 08/05/2020 - 13:58
People attend a commemoration in Kosice, Slovakia, Friday Feb. 21, 2020, to mark the second anniversary of the slayings of an…
Europe
Verdicts in Slovak Journalist's Murder Trial Delayed to September
Anger over the killings and demands to end corruption have remained a strong theme in civic life since mass protests two years ago that were sparked by the killings at Kuciak's home in February 2018
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By Reuters
Wed, 08/05/2020 - 07:30
FILE PHOTO: Al Jazeera senior producer Drew Ambrose leaves Bukit Man police headquarters after being questioned by the Malaysian police over a documentary on the country’s arrests of undocumented migrants, in Kuala Lumpur
Press Freedom
Rights Groups Decry Malaysia Probe of Al Jazeera
Rights activists say arrest of news outlet’s source is latest blow to press freedom in Malaysia
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By Zsombor Peter
Wed, 08/05/2020 - 03:40
Thumbnail image for COVID-19: The Hit on Press Freedom
Press Freedom
COVID-19: The Hit on Press Freedom
As countries move to control information about the pandemic, independent media and journalists face censorship and threats.

About this page

Voice of America is committed to press freedom around the world. Many VOA journalists work in countries that restrain free speech and independent journalism. In those countries, local journalists and news media often face threats or other repercussions yet succeed in delivering news and vital information. This page strives to tell their stories. 

 

Jailed journalists around the world (CPJ)