Media Tracker lists the challenges and achievements of the journalists and media organisations worldwide. Here’s a list of journalism at risk stories in the recent month. We would like to thank international media protection organisation and news outlets for their content.
- Taiwanese Defence minister Feng Shih-kuan made a public announcement to ban a reporter from his press conferences.
During an appearance before legislators on 9 November about a fighter jet that went missing during an exercise over the sea, Feng publicly insulted a Radio Free Asia reporter and boasted of having asked his staff not to invite him to future press conferences.
In a question at a press conference the day before, the RFA journalist had suggested that the missing pilot may have betrayed his country and defected to China – a suggestion deemed to have been disrespectful to the pilot and his family.
(RSF)
- Earlier this month New York, Venezuela’s constituent assembly unanimously passed an Anti-Hate Law for Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence that mandates punishment including a prison sentence of up to 20 years for anyone who instigates hate or violence on the radio, television or via social media. The language of the law is vague and can lead to persecution of the journalists and media organisations. International media watch organisations fear that this kind of censorship will discourage Venezuelan media and citizens from reporting and commenting freely on political events.
Any breach of the Law, which had come about during a Venezuelan anti-government earlier this year, can result in government to revoke licenses or block web pages of any outlet. Social media users and administrators could be fined for failing to take down “hate” messages within six hours.
(CPJ)
- Shamshad TV station came under attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a suicide bomber blasted explosives at the gate of the network’s compound in the morning of November 7, 2017 and entered the building. Two people, including an employee of the TV station, had been killed and 24 people wounded, including four firefighters. According to Shamshad News Director Abed Ehsas, at least 200 personnel were working in the building at the time.
The terrorist group ISIL, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, claimed responsibility for the attack, which lasted about three hours.
This is the second deadly attack on media organizations in Afghanistan in 2017. On May 17, six people, including four employees of the RTA state broadcaster, were killed in an ISIS raid on the station in eastern Jalal Abad city.
(IFEX)
- The Committee to Protect Journalists announced this years International Press Freedom Awards.
- Ahmed Abba, Cameroon.
This Radio France Internationale’s Hausa service correspondent has been jailed since 2015. He was convicted in 2017 on terrorism-related charges in connection with his reporting.
- Patricia Mayorga, Mexico.
The reporter for the Mexican newsmagazine Proceso, had to leave Chihuahua state after receiving threats in relation to her reporting. She is known for her work for human rights among other issues.
- Pravit Rojanaphruk, Thailand.
Pravit is one of the most respected and popular journalists advocating freedom of media and journalism. His reportage has continued to be critical the military despite the tough air for media freedom in the land.
- Afrah Nasser, Yemen.
Exiled in Sweden, Afrah continues writing her blogs, highlighting the human rights violations, women’s issues, and press freedom in Yemen.
(CPJ)
