Russia: 83 IPI members send letter to imprisoned reporter Evan Gershkovich

On March 29, 2023, Russian authorities detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. Soon after, he was transferred to Moscow’s Lefortovo prison and charged with espionage, an accusation which he and his colleagues have strongly rejected and for which Russian authorities have produced no evidence. Today, one year after these events, 83 IPI members from […] The post Russia: 83 IPI members send letter to imprisoned reporter Evan Gershkovich appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Russia: 83 IPI members send letter to imprisoned reporter Evan Gershkovich

IPI Nigeria calls on authorities to produce abducted FirstNews editor Segun Olatunji

The International Press Institute (IPI) joins its Nigerian National Committee in expressing urgent concern about the safety and security of FirstNews editor Segun Olatunji, who was taken from his home on March 15 by men in military-style uniforms. The IPI global network is closely following this case, and we join the call on Nigeria’s military […] The post IPI Nigeria calls on authorities to produce abducted FirstNews editor Segun Olatunji appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES IPI Nigeria calls on authorities to produce abducted FirstNews editor Segun Olatunji

Joint statement on the European Commission’s 2024 rule of law report

The publication of the European Commission’s annual rule of law report serves as a crucial mechanism for assessing the state of press freedom, democracy, and human rights within EU Member States. In an era marked by escalating challenges to press freedom across Europe, our coalition stresses the need for concrete dialogue and robust measures for […] The post Joint statement on the European Commission’s 2024 rule of law report appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Joint statement on the European Commission’s 2024 rule of law report

DRC: IPI welcomes release of journalist Stanis Bujakera but condemns ‘false news’ conviction

The IPI global network welcomes the release of DRC journalist Stanis Bujakera after six months of detention on various charges including forgery and publishing falsehoods. Bujakera was convicted and given a suspended sentence of six months. While welcoming his release on March 19, IPI nevertheless condemns his arrest and conviction. Bujakera works for the online […] The post DRC: IPI welcomes release of journalist Stanis Bujakera but condemns ‘false news’ conviction appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES DRC: IPI welcomes release of journalist Stanis Bujakera but condemns ‘false news’ conviction

The Outlook: Find out what your audience wants from your journalism with user interviews

This text comes from IPI’s newsletter The Outlook.Click here to sign up to receive future editions direct to your inbox. This is The Outlook, IPI’s media innovation newsletter, where we take a look at tools and strategies for innovation, and learn from newsrooms that are implementing them. In this newsletter we write about developing audience-first […] The post The Outlook: Find out what your audience wants from your journalism with user interviews appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES The Outlook: Find out what your audience wants from your journalism with user interviews

Assange case: UK court blocks immediate extradition

The UK High Court has postponed a decision on whether to allow WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to further appeal his pending extradition to the United States, requesting U.S. authorities to first provide additional guarantees about his treatment. The decision effectively means Assange cannot be immediately extradited. The court indicated it would grant further appeal unless […] The post Assange case: UK court blocks immediate extradition appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Assange case: UK court blocks immediate extradition

IPI joins 38 other rights groups calling on Media Freedom Coalition states to take concrete action for the safety of journalists in Gaza

The IPI global network today joined 38 other civil society groups from around the world calling on the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) member states to take meaningful action to protect the safety of journalists and access to information in Gaza. The MFC is a group of 50 states that commit to protect the safety of […] The post IPI joins 38 other rights groups calling on Media Freedom Coalition states to take concrete action for the safety of journalists in Gaza appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES IPI joins 38 other rights groups calling on Media Freedom Coalition states to take concrete action for the safety of journalists in Gaza

Poland: Regulator fine against TVN appears to punish independent journalism

The undersigned partner organizations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) today condemn the 550.000 PLN (approximately 127.000 EUR) fine issued by Poland’s National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) to TVN, one of Poland’s largest broadcasters. The fine is yet another reminder of the urgent need to reform Poland’s politicized regulator. KRRiT issued the fine on March […] The post Poland: Regulator fine against TVN appears to punish independent journalism appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Poland: Regulator fine against TVN appears to punish independent journalism

Serbia: Escalating threats and attacks against journalists in Novi Sad

The escalation of threats and violence suffered by journalists in Novi Sad, northern Serbia, has reached an unprecedented level in the past fortnight. IPI and the other undersigned organisations urge the Serbian authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the persistent attacks on journalists and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted accordingly. In just […] The post Serbia: Escalating threats and attacks against journalists in Novi Sad appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Serbia: Escalating threats and attacks against journalists in Novi Sad

Azerbaijan: IPI demands the immediate release of arrested Toplum TV journalists

The IPI global network today strongly condemns the raid on the independent TV channel Toplum TV and the imprisonment of its journalists. We call on authorities in Azerbaijan for their immediate release. On March 6, police raided the office of Toplum TV, a major independent internet TV channel, detaining up to 18 of its staff […] The post Azerbaijan: IPI demands the immediate release of arrested Toplum TV journalists appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Azerbaijan: IPI demands the immediate release of arrested Toplum TV journalists

Hungary’s Átlátszó accused of foreign influence

IPI is deeply troubled by the growing chilling effect of Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Act after award-winning investigative media outlet Átlátszó was accused of using foreign funds to “hunt down” Hungarian politicians. IPI stands with Átlátszó and urges Hungarian authorities to put an end to attacks on press freedom in the country. The Civil Solidarity Foundation […] The post Hungary’s Átlátszó accused of foreign influence appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Hungary’s Átlátszó accused of foreign influence

Appeal: protect exiled Russian journalists in the Czech Republic

In a letter to Czech and European authorities, IPI joins partners of the Safety of Journalists Platform in urging them to address security threats faced by exiled Russian journalists in the Czech Republic. IPI and other signatories are deeply concerned for the safety of Irina Dolinina and Alesya Marakhovskaya of I-Stories, whose safety is threatened […] The post Appeal: protect exiled Russian journalists in the Czech Republic appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Appeal: protect exiled Russian journalists in the Czech Republic

Poland: IPI, partners ask MFA to reconsider drastic budget cuts at Belsat TV

Today, IPI and partner organizations address Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging it to reconsider massive budget cuts Belsat TV, a flagship independent broadcaster for Belarus which is part of Poland’s public television service (TVP). The undersigned organizations warn that the cuts could have a devastating impact on Belsat’s ability to deliver news to Belarusians, […] The post Poland: IPI, partners ask MFA to reconsider drastic budget cuts at Belsat TV appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Poland: IPI, partners ask MFA to reconsider drastic budget cuts at Belsat TV

Call for withdrawal of Slovakia’s repressive broadcast law

Journalists and media freedom groups call for the urgent withdrawal of a proposed legislation allowing political control over public-service media in Slovakia. The bill threatens independent information, especially before the June European Parliament elections, contradicting the recently voted EU’s Media Freedom Act. On March 11, the Slovak government announced a plan to dissolve Radio and […] The post Call for withdrawal of Slovakia’s repressive broadcast law appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Call for withdrawal of Slovakia’s repressive broadcast law

Press freedom organisations call for urgent EU action to prevent political take-over of Slovak public media

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen European council President, Charles Michel European Parliament President Roberta Metsola Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union Dear Presidents, We, the undersigned international journalists’ and media freedom organisations, are deeply concerned by plans of the Slovak government to dissolve the country’s public-service media, Radio and Television […] The post Press freedom organisations call for urgent EU action to prevent political take-over of Slovak public media appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Press freedom organisations call for urgent EU action to prevent political take-over of Slovak public media

New IPI report examines spyware surveillance and the battle for accountability in European journalism

The International Press Institute (IPI) explores the threat that spyware poses to media freedom in Europe in its new report “Watching the Watchdogs.” Highlighting the use of Predator and Pegasus tools in Greece and Hungary, the report exposes how spyware was used to target journalists and the failure to hold those responsible to account.   […] The post New IPI report examines spyware surveillance and the battle for accountability in European journalism appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES New IPI report examines spyware surveillance and the battle for accountability in European journalism

Coalition calls for effective implementation as the Parliament adopts the European Media Freedom Act

The European Parliament today adopted with an overwhelming majority (464 in favour, 92 against, 65 abstentions) the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA). Media freedom and pluralism along with the rule of law have been in decline in the EU (and beyond) for many years. Where the rule of law is undermined, independent journalism is often […] The post Coalition calls for effective implementation as the Parliament adopts the European Media Freedom Act appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Coalition calls for effective implementation as the Parliament adopts the European Media Freedom Act

The Outlook: Building partnerships as a news organization

This text comes from IPI’s newsletter The Outlook.Click here to sign up to receive future editions direct to your inbox. This is The Outlook, IPI’s media innovation newsletter, where we take a look at tools and strategies for innovation, and learn from newsrooms that are implementing them. This week we are looking at how to […] The post The Outlook: Building partnerships as a news organization appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES The Outlook: Building partnerships as a news organization

Georgia: MFRR partners denounce smear campaign against journalist by speaker of the Parliament

The partner organisations of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) today express concern at the discrediting of a prominent Georgian journalist by Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament. The comments come amid a broader wave of smear campaigns against independent media in Georgia by Papuashvili and others. On 20 February 2024, Georgian media reported […] The post Georgia: MFRR partners denounce smear campaign against journalist by speaker of the Parliament appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Georgia: MFRR partners denounce smear campaign against journalist by speaker of the Parliament

India: Kashmir journalist rearrested just days after release

The International Press Institute (IPI) today expressed concern over the re-arrest of Kashmir journalist Aasif Sultan just two days after he was released from prison where he had been held for five years. Sultan, who previously worked as an assistant editor at the now-defunct Kashmir Narrator, was re-arrested under India’s anti-terror law. The latest detention […] The post India: Kashmir journalist rearrested just days after release appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES India: Kashmir journalist rearrested just days after release

Africa Media Monitoring February 2024: Threats to press freedom in Senegal, Nigeria and Kenya

In February 2024, IPI documented 45 threats to press freedom in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Physical and verbal attacks, arrests, detentions, and internet and or mobile network disruptions were the most frequently identified incidents. Senegal recorded the highest number of cases, with at least 18 incidents documented. State actors remain the main perpetrators, responsible […] The post Africa Media Monitoring February 2024: Threats to press freedom in Senegal, Nigeria and Kenya appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Africa Media Monitoring February 2024: Threats to press freedom in Senegal, Nigeria and Kenya

Analysis: Russia ramps up pressure on media and journalists in exile

In the first two months of 2024, the Russian parliament has approved new laws ramping up pressure on journalists and public figures critical of the war on Ukraine. The provisions, which allow for the confiscation of property for those convicted of “fake news” and ban commercial advertising on media and other websites designated as “foreign […] The post Analysis: Russia ramps up pressure on media and journalists in exile appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Analysis: Russia ramps up pressure on media and journalists in exile

IPI, CPJ, and MFWA submit petition to Nigerian authorities on 2020 journalist killing

On February 28, 2024, the International Press Institute (IPI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) submitted a petition to the authorities in Nigeria demanding redress for the killing of student journalist Onifade Emmanuel Pelumi. The petition was individually delivered to the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of […] The post IPI, CPJ, and MFWA submit petition to Nigerian authorities on 2020 journalist killing appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES IPI, CPJ, and MFWA submit petition to Nigerian authorities on 2020 journalist killing

Safeguarding women journalists in the digital age

To mark International Women’s Day, the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) presents an analysis of the troubling attacks against women journalists, in European Union member states and candidate countries. In 2023, female journalists faced a disproportionate number of verbal attacks, especially online. The MFRR partners call for collaborative efforts to protect their rights and foster […] The post Safeguarding women journalists in the digital age appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Safeguarding women journalists in the digital age

Honoring women leaders in media: IPI celebrates International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, IPI is proud to celebrate some of the remarkable women media leaders and women-led newsrooms across our global network. Throughout the month of March, IPI will spotlight the inspiring and groundbreaking work of 20 individuals and organizations around the world. Among the resilient leaders we recognize are […] The post Honoring women leaders in media: IPI celebrates International Women’s Day appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Honoring women leaders in media: IPI celebrates International Women’s Day

Italia: i partner MFRR condannano fermamente le indagini sui giornalisti del quotidiano “Domani”

Le organizzazioni firmatarie, partner del consorzio Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) condannano fermamente l’indagine a carico di tre giornalisti del quotidiano Domani accusati di aver ricevuto documenti riservati da un pubblico ufficiale e di averne violato il segreto attraverso la pubblicazione delle informazioni contenute in tali documenti. Le accuse sono legate ad un’inchiesta del Domani […] The post Italia: i partner MFRR condannano fermamente le indagini sui giornalisti del quotidiano “Domani” appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Italia: i partner MFRR condannano fermamente le indagini sui giornalisti del quotidiano “Domani”

Italy: MFRR partners strongly condemn investigation into Domani journalists

The undersigned media freedom and civil society organisations strongly condemn the investigation of three Domani journalists for allegedly receiving confidential documents from a public official and for alleged breaching of secrets through the publication of information contained in those documents. The charges are connected to their reporting on a conflict of interest involving the current […] The post Italy: MFRR partners strongly condemn investigation into Domani journalists appeared first on https://ipi.media.

NEWS & FEATURES Italy: MFRR partners strongly condemn investigation into Domani journalists

Egypt: Mada Masr editor faces ‘false news’ charges over story on Gaza refugees

The IPI global network calls on Egyptian authorities to immediately drop charges against Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of independent news outlet Mada Masr, a past recipient of the IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer award. Additionally, Egypt’s Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) to stop censoring the critical press. Attalah was questioned by prosecutors for nearly two hours on […] The post Egypt: Mada Masr editor faces ‘false news’ charges over story on Gaza refugees appeared first on International Press Institute.

NEWS & FEATURES Egypt: Mada Masr editor faces ‘false news’ charges over story on Gaza refugees

Journalists at risk: insights from the Council of Europe’s Safety Platform

The International Press Institute (IPI) today reiterates the call by the partners of the Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Platform. The partners demand that the states take urgent action to counter digital security threats, ensure the well-being of the increasing number of exiled media workers, and address the impact of conflicts like Russia’s war […] The post Journalists at risk: insights from the Council of Europe’s Safety Platform appeared first on International Press Institute.

NEWS & FEATURES Journalists at risk: insights from the Council of Europe’s Safety Platform

Azerbaijan: IPI condemns prison sentence handed to Avaz Zeynalli

The IPI global network today condemns the 9-year prison sentence handed to Azerbaijani journalist Avaz Zeynalli, who had been in pre-trial detention since September 2022. On February 27, a court in Baku found Zeynalli guilty of trumped-up extortion charges, which were earlier formulated against him and against lawyer Elchin Sadygov. Prosecutors accused the two of […] The post Azerbaijan: IPI condemns prison sentence handed to Avaz Zeynalli appeared first on International Press Institute.

NEWS & FEATURES Azerbaijan: IPI condemns prison sentence handed to Avaz Zeynalli