Press Freedom

World Watch

Laborers transport sand from boats to the shore after excavating the same from the bed of the River Yamuna in Allahabad, India,…
Press Freedom
Illegal Sand Mining a Deadly Beat for India’s Journalists
An Uttar Pradesh reporter said he feared for his life after reporting on sand mafias and illegal construction; days later, he was shot dead
Eric Neugeboren
By Eric Neugeboren
Thu, 06/25/2020 - 18:54
Journalists practice social distancing during a news conference with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the Jacob Javits Center that will house a temporary hospital in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Tuesday, March 24, 2020, in New York. Gov. Cuomo sounded his most dire warning yet about the coronavirus pandemic, saying the infection rate in New York is accelerating and the state could be as close as two weeks away from a crisis that projects 40,000 people in intensive care. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
COVID-19 Pandemic
Study: Female Reporters More Credible on COVID-19
Lauded for handling the pandemic, women still carry the heaviest burden in this time of crisis, expert says
Keida Kostreci
By Keida Kostreci
Wed, 06/24/2020 - 18:47
A woman leaves the U.S. State Department building in Washington June 5, 2009
USA
US Designates Four Chinese Outlets as Foreign Missions
State Department says it hopes to ‘increase transparency’ of Chinese media activities 
Nike Ching
By Nike Ching
Mon, 06/22/2020 - 19:29
Police use pepper spray against protesters in Portland, Oregon, May 31, 2020, in this still image taken from video obtained by Reuters.
Race in America
Journalists 'Should Not Be Targeted' by Police During Protests
The mayor and police chief of Portland, Oregon, say they will review police tactics after hearing accounts of officers threatening and roughing up journalists covering demonstrations
AP logo
By Associated Press
Mon, 06/22/2020 - 16:20
A nurse in a personal protective equipment (PPE) gestures at the photographer outside a makeshift testing site, after a new…
Press Freedom
Beijing Pressures Critics as Pandemic Returns 
Amid virus outbreak, Beijing orders company to fire employee over his mother’s reporting and warns others not to speak with foreign media 
Default Author Profile
By Shen Hua
Fri, 06/19/2020 - 15:22
Trump vs. Twitter: The Debate Over Free Speech and Censorship in Social Media
00:03:15
Silicon Valley & Technology
Trump vs. Twitter: The Debate Over Free Speech, Censorship in Social Media
In the online war of words, disputes persist over content moderation
Tina Trinh
By Tina Trinh
Sun, 06/21/2020 - 00:41
A journalists' convoy is seen at the entrance of Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, Syria, Aug. 24, 2019.
Press Freedom
‘Journalism is Still my World’ Says Syrian Who Found Refuge in Spain
One year after fleeing Syria for Spain, a group of journalists are finding security and a renewed commitment
Eric Neugeboren
By Eric Neugeboren
Fri, 06/19/2020 - 13:29
The Voice of America's entrance hall, leading to VOA offices and studios. (Photo: Diaa Bekheet)
Press Freedom
Democratic Lawmakers ‘Outraged’ at New USAGM Chief’s Dismissals
Michael Pack says he is ‘fully committed’ to honoring Voice of America’s congressionally approved charter mandating independent journalism
VOA logo
By VOA News
Fri, 06/19/2020 - 02:30
TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY MATTHEW COLLINEditors of Rustavi-2, one of the Georgia leading private television channels, work in…
Press Freedom
Georgia Foils Plot to Assassinate Journalist
Chechen leader denies claims that he ordered a Russian citizen arrested in Tbilsi to murder a TV journalist over Putin comments
VOA logo
By VOA News
Thu, 06/18/2020 - 21:50
FILE - A man uses a smartphone as he walks past a poster warning against the spread of 'fake news' on the coronavirus, in Hanoi, Vietnam April 14, 2020.
Press Freedom
Arrests, Suspension of Vietnam Media Signal Crackdown
The jailing of Independent Journalists Association members and suspension of a news website suggest authorities are suppressing criticism in lead-up to party congress
Default Author Profile
By An Hai
Thu, 06/18/2020 - 12:06
The Voice of America building, Monday, June 15, 2020, in Washington.
USA
New US Broadcast Chief Fires Agency Heads
Michael Pack says he is ‘fully committed’ to honoring Voice of America’s congressionally approved charter mandating independent journalism
VOA logo
By VOA News
Thu, 06/18/2020 - 00:09
A picture taken on August 24, 2017 in the West Bank city of Ramallah shows the remains of a burnt flyer depicting US President…
Press Freedom
Cartoonists Face Rise in Death Threats, Harassment
Cartoonists pressured to remove work amid online harassment, threats and legal action, rights group says
Eric Neugeboren
By Eric Neugeboren
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 13:01
Belarusian opposition figure Nikolai Statkevich speaks during a rally in support of opposition politicians who collect signatures for nomination as candidates in the upcoming presidential election, amid the coronavirus outbreak in Minsk, May 24, 2020.
Press Freedom
Belarus Jails Opposition Figures, Bloggers in Widening Clampdown Ahead of Election
Opposition rallies and gatherings in support of would-be candidates have attracted thousands of people across Belarus in recent weeks ahead of August presidential election in which authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka is seeking a sixth term
Default Author Profile
By RFE/RL Belarus Service
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 17:17
FILE - Journalists carry a symbolic coffin representing what they say "journalism freedom," at the Journalists' Syndicate in Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 23, 2016.
Press Freedom
Egyptian Journalist Jailed on Charges of Fake News, Terrorism
Arrest is latest in a series of crackdowns on the press
VOA logo
By VOA News
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 13:49
FILE - Journalists gather outside a hospital morgue in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Aug. 14, 2019.
Press Freedom
Malaysia's New Government Cracks Down on Critics
Rights groups say the country has seen a spike in criminal charges and police probes targeting government critics since an unelected coalition took power in March
Default Author Profile
By Zsombor Peter
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 11:17
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)