Russia: Moscow court extends detention of journalist Evan Gershkovich by three months

On 26 March, a Moscow court extended US Moscow-based Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich’s detention for an additional three months, until 30 June 2024. On the eve of Gershkovich’s first anniversary in jail, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls on the Russian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release journalist and US citizen Evan Gershkovich and drop all charges against him.

IFJ > News Russia: Moscow court extends detention of journalist Evan Gershkovich by three months

UK: Potentially granting Assange’s appeal gives British courts a last chance to safeguard public interest journalism

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has welcomed the possibility that Julian Assange is given leave to appeal his extradition to the United States, handed down at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on 26 March by Judges Victor Johnson and Dame Victoria Sharp. Their decision is contingent on fresh assurances from the US and the UK, who have been given further time for submissions.

IFJ > News UK: Potentially granting Assange’s appeal gives British courts a last chance to safeguard public interest journalism

Palestine: IFJ and 38 others urge Media Freedom Coalition member states to act on Gaza

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined other 38 other media freedom organisations in calling out the “collective official silence” of the Media Freedom Coalition member states regarding the killings of journalists in Gaza and further warned that this silence seriously diminishes their ability to stand up for media freedom globally.

IFJ > News Palestine: IFJ and 38 others urge Media Freedom Coalition member states to act on Gaza

UN: International support growing to stop the killing of journalists in Gaza

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) together with its affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS) and the League of Arab States organised a parallel event at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on 25 March to call for the protection of Palestinian journalists.

IFJ > News UN: International support growing to stop the killing of journalists in Gaza

Serbia: Urgent action needed to address threats against journalists

In a letter to Serbian authorities, the International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) joins partners of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) in urging them to address death threats faced by journalists Ana Lalić Hegediš and Dinko Gruhonjić, in Serbia. We are deeply concerned that no decisive action has been taken to conduct a thorough investigation, arrest the perpetrators and provide the journalists with adequate protection.

IFJ > News Serbia: Urgent action needed to address threats against journalists

Italy: Solidarity with striking journalists at Giornale Radio Rai

The journalists of the Giornale Radio Rai are on a 24-hour strike today, 25 March, against the cuts announced by the national public service media (PSM) Rai company. The broadcaster intends to merge the sports editorial team with Rai Sport and Giornale Rai Parliament with Rai Parliament. The International and the European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) together with its affiliate, the Federazione Nazionale della Stampa Italiana (FNSI), stand in solidarity with journalists at Giornale Radio Rai and urge Rai’s management to consider all alternative options to avoid lay-offs and downgrading broadcast output.

IFJ > News Italy: Solidarity with striking journalists at Giornale Radio Rai

Somalia: Unlawful appointment of Media Council threatens press freedom

On 14 March, the Council of Ministers appointed members of the new Somali Media Council, without involving consultation with media organisations and including a former senator. This has never happened before and contravenes the media law. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), in condemning the unlawful appointments of the Somali Media Council, which undermine press freedom and disrespect rule of law in the country.

IFJ > News Somalia: Unlawful appointment of Media Council threatens press freedom

Malawi: Death of JUMA's General Secretary Charles Mkula

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) had learned with great sadness of the unexpected death of the Secretary General of the Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA), Charles Mkula, 57, who died on 10 March at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi.

IFJ > News Malawi: Death of JUMA's General Secretary Charles Mkula

Haití: FIP y FEPALC se solidarizan con sus colegas y se mantienen en alerta ante esta nueva crisis

En los últimos días, la crisis en el país antillano se profundizó luego de que las pandillas que controlan la capital lograran la dimisión del primer ministro interino Ariel Henry. En estos momentos, la labor de lxs periodistas es fundamental pero carecen de garantías para realizar su trabajo de forma segura y se encuentran permanentemente expuestxs a la violencia. La Federación Internacional de Periodistas junto a la Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe expresan su preocupación y se solidarizan con lxs colegas de la Asociación de Periodistas Haitianos (AJH por sus siglas en francés).

IFJ > News Haití: FIP y FEPALC se solidarizan con sus colegas y se mantienen en alerta ante esta nueva crisis

IFJ in the news

Every week the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is compiling a list of the top news articles from across the world in which it is mentioned. Check all the international media coverage of IFJ, divided by language, in the period from 9 March to 15 March 2024.

IFJ > News IFJ in the news

Poland: IFJ demands humane treatment of Spanish journalist Pablo González while he remains in pre-trial custody

Spanish freelance reporter Pablo González, accused of spying for Russia, has been held in pre-trial detention in Poland for more than two years, since he was arrested on 28 February 2022. Following parliamentary elections in October 2023, the president of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Dominique Pradalié sent a letter to the new Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk on 15 March to demand the rights of González to be respected in prison.

IFJ > News Poland: IFJ demands humane treatment of Spanish journalist Pablo González while he remains in pre-trial custody

Poland: Persistent obstruction of Ukrainian journalists’ work

Since the beginning of 2024, Ukrainian journalists investigating Poland’s economic ties with Russia and Belarus have faced deliberate obstruction of their activities by Polish law enforcement officers. From vehicle searches to confiscation of equipment, leading to arrests and deportations, the work of the Ukrainian journalists from online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda and Rayon.in.ua have been seriously unhindered. The International and the European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) urge the Polish authorities to conduct an independent and thorough investigation into these serious attacks on journalists and to reconsider their deportation from the territory.

IFJ > News Poland: Persistent obstruction of Ukrainian journalists’ work

Somalia: Journalist shot and killed by security guard in the newsroom

Journalist Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan, a reporter for the Somali National Television (SNTV) was killed on 13 March in the Abudwak district of the Galguduud region in central Somalia, when an armed security guard shot and fatally wounded him at the workplace The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), in mourning the killing and calls upon the Somali authorities to launch an investigation that brings the perpetrator of this heinous crime to justice.

IFJ > News Somalia: Journalist shot and killed by security guard in the newsroom

Portugal: Portuguese Union of Journalists calls for nation-wide strike on 14 March

For the first time in over 40 years, the Portuguese Union of Journalists (SinJor) will be calling a 24-hour strike, joined by other journalists’ unions and associations, on 14 March to demand better working conditions. The International and European Federation of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) stand in solidarity with the striking journalists and media workers.

IFJ > News Portugal: Portuguese Union of Journalists calls for nation-wide strike on 14 March

Egypt: woman journalist detained and released on bail

Egyptian journalist Rana Mamdouh working for news outlet Mada Masr was detained on 10 March at the Alamein police station while on her way to Ras al-Hikma on assignment. Afterwards her whereabouts remained unknown for over ten hours, until she was released on a 100 euro bail. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) together with the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate (EJS) stand in solidarity with the journalist and demand an end to the ongoing crackdown on the media.

IFJ > News Egypt: woman journalist detained and released on bail

Senegal: African Journalists' Congress Sets New Vision for Journalism, Elects New Leadership

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the African Regional Organisation of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), successfully held its 5th Congress on Wednesday, 6 March, 2024 with the theme "Engage and make our voices heard: New vision, new mission," receiving comprehensive support from IFJ's top leadership, symbolizing a unified commitment to elevate the journalism profession, enhance solidarity and ensure the protection and freedom of journalists in Africa.

IFJ > News Senegal: African Journalists' Congress Sets New Vision for Journalism, Elects New Leadership

IFJ in the news

Every week the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is compiling a list of the top news articles from across the world in which it is mentioned. Check all the international media coverage of IFJ, divided by language, in the period from 2 March to 8 March 2024.

IFJ > News IFJ in the news

Mujeres periodistas en América Latina y el Caribe: entre el pluriempleo y la violencia

Una encuesta realizada por la Federación Internacional de Periodistas en América Latina y el Caribe evidenció la situación en la que se encuentran las trabajadoras de prensa en la región: el 66% debe recurrir a trabajos por fuera del ámbito de la comunicación para complementar ingresos, y más de la mitad aseguró tener compañeros varones que perciben mayores salarios por la misma tarea. Además, el informe revela que casi el 60% de las encuestadas sufrió situaciones de violencia motivada por el género por parte de colegas y/o jefes varones y un número similar afirmó que en sus lugares de trabajo no existen herramientas para abordar este tipo de situaciones. Este trabajo fue real..

IFJ > News Mujeres periodistas en América Latina y el Caribe: entre el pluriempleo y la violencia

8 March: IFJ stands with women journalists in Gaza

Since the start of the war in Gaza, Palestine, on 7 October, journalists and media workers have been specifically targeted. Women journalists have paid a particularly heavy price as women, reporters and mothers. On International Women’s Day, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Gender Council and all IFJ affiliates pay tribute to the courage of women journalists in Gaza and demand safety and the end of the war atrocities, including any form of gender-based violence against women.

IFJ > News 8 March: IFJ stands with women journalists in Gaza

Colombia: First global unions-led workshop to support LGBTQI+ workers under C190

Around sixty trade union representatives from different sectors and LGBTQI+ activists came together on 28 and 29 February in Bogotá, Colombia, to advance the rights of LGBTQI+ workers. Based on a comprehensive toolkit launched by global unions, the workshop provided a safe space to learn, discuss and address violences against LGBTQI+ people and seize ILO Convention 190 as a framework for creating more equal and inclusive working places.

IFJ > News Colombia: First global unions-led workshop to support LGBTQI+ workers under C190

Pakistan: Pakistani authorities arrest tv anchor Imran Riaz Khan again

Imran Riaz Khan, a well-known Pakistani YouTuber and tv anchor, was arrested and placed on judicial remand by the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore. Prior to this, an anti-corruption court had granted him bail in a contract corruption case. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Pakistan affiliate, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), urge the government to drop the charges against the journalist and immediately allow him to resume his activities.

IFJ > News Pakistan: Pakistani authorities arrest tv anchor Imran Riaz Khan again

Malaysia: Government reduces media card validity for digital journalists

Concerns have been raised by Malaysia’s media community at a government review of the country’s media accreditation cards, with card validity periods reduced solely for journalists from online news agencies. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) supports its affiliate, the National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM), in calling for an equitable system of accreditation and reiterates calls for the swift formation of the independent Malaysian Media Council.

IFJ > News Malaysia: Government reduces media card validity for digital journalists

Safety of Journalists report: serious concern about the use of spyware, abusive lawsuits and journalists in exile

The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) and the other partner organisations have expressed deep concerns about threats to press freedom to the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists in their 2024 annual report. Issues include the unlawful deployment of spyware against journalists, the use of abusive lawsuits against journalists to hamper their investigative work (SLAPPs) and the precarious situation of many journalists in exile, notably from Russia and Belarus.

IFJ > News Safety of Journalists report: serious concern about the use of spyware, abusive lawsuits and journalists in exile

Palestine: At least ninety-eight journalists and media workers killed in Gaza

[UPDATED 06.03.2024] At least ninety-eight Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed, several have been injured and others are missing during the war in Gaza. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) condemn the killings and continued attacks on journalists. The IFJ calls for an immediate investigation into their deaths.

IFJ > News Palestine: At least ninety-eight journalists and media workers killed in Gaza