SOS for Journalist

Authorities in the Brazilian town of Maricá, in Rio de Janeiro state, must thoroughly investigate the killing of journalist Romário Barros and determine whether the attack was tied to his journalism, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) warned that the indictment could be the opening salvo in a broader attack on First Amendment journalistic protections. The 18th charge against Assange–of violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)–has garnered far less attention.

The founder, editor, and other members of the The Intercept Brasil staff said they have received threats on email and social media following their publication of politically sensitive stories this month.

Colombian authorities should conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation into the killing of radio journalist Libardo Montenegro and ensure those responsible are brought to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Haitian authorities should conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation into the killing of journalist Pétion Rospide and ensure those responsible are brought to justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Mexican authorities must immediately and transparently investigate the killing of reporter Norma Sarabia and do everything in their power to ensure the safe recovery of journalist Marcos Miranda Cogco, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

“If the government of Daniel Ortega truly wants to show it has moved away from repressive censorship tactics, authorities must immediately return all confiscated equipment to 100% Noticias and allow the channel to resume broadcasting without interference.”

“The exorbitant damages imposed on La Patilla is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to bankrupt and shut down a critical outlet,” said CPJ South and Central America Program Coordinator Natalie Southwick in New York. “This troubling ruling is the latest example of how the Venezuelan judicial system is being used to retaliate against critical media.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists strongly condemns the Australian Federal Police raid on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation headquarters in Sydney today and called on authorities to immediately return any documents or other property seized.

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro must make every effort to find and prosecute those responsible for the killing of journalist Robson Giorno, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.