All articles tagged with #pressfreedom
The Trump-era DOJ pulled back subpoenas seeking grand-jury testimony from New York Times reporters in a national-security leak probe, after the Times sought to quash the orders and argued the move would chill journalism; the government said the investigation continues and may hinge on journalist-privilege questions and potential leaks of classified information, with a federal judge scrutinizing both sides.
Guardian reporter Mohamed Bulbul and two colleagues were detained and beaten by Mogadishu’s counter-terrorism police after reporting on torture allegations in prison; they were released early Saturday. Media groups described the arrests as unlawful and politically motivated amid a broader crackdown on journalists as protests loom and the presidential term nears its end.
A federal judge ruled the Defense Department violated a court order by imposing strict reporting limits and by issuing a new press policy at the Pentagon; the policy was struck down, the judge ordered the reinstatement of New York Times reporters' press passes, and directed a sworn compliance declaration by April 16, with some escort-based access restrictions remaining and the Pentagon planning to appeal.
Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were arrested while documenting a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, drawing condemnation from journalism groups and officials who say the First Amendment and press freedom are under threat, with additional arrests and ongoing questions about charges.
Former President Donald Trump has urged Republican lawmakers to oppose and effectively "kill" a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting press freedom. The legislation, which has garnered support from both parties, seeks to safeguard journalists from government interference and ensure their ability to report freely. Trump's opposition highlights ongoing tensions between his political stance and media-related legislative efforts.
Algerian journalist Ihsane El Kadi, who owns an independent media group critical of the government, has been sentenced to five years, three of which he must serve in jail, and his media company has been shuttered and heavily fined. He was accused of "foreign financing of his business" and has been detained since December 24 under a state security law. His arrest has been condemned by human rights organisations and journalists' rights groups.