Slovakia: Kristina Ciroková and Karolína Kiripolská Questioned For Reporting on Controversial Sect
October 10, 2024 - Czechia, Prague and Slovakia, Žilina
Czech journalist Kristina Ciroková is under investigation by Slovak authorities for reporting on the religious sect AllatRa, which has been accused of promoting extremist ideologies.
Prosecutor Lucia Pavlaninová arrived in Prague on September 25 to interrogate Ciroková, although she was not overseeing the case. The journalist’s employer revealed details of the investigation on October 10, 2024.
Slovakian journalist Karolína Kiripolská - who also reported on the sect - was questioned by the prosecution as a witness.
This case raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest, as the Slovakian prosecutor, who traveled to Czechia to personally interrogate Ciroková, is linked to the sect.
Women Press Freedom urges Slovak authorities to immediately drop the investigation and ensure that legal means are not weaponized to retaliate against journalists for their reporting.
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Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Cumpio and demands her immediate release, along with the dismissal of all charges against her.
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We stand in solidarity with Rana Ayyub and call for swift action to hold those responsible accountable, ensuring that this heinous targeting is met with justice.
We call for transparent investigations into the journalist’s cases and ask for her safety to be ensured, so she can continue to report the truth without any fear of retribution.
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We demand a transparent explanation from the Bangladeshi interim government for this repressive measure, which silences critical voices and infringes on basic rights.
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Politician has reportedly been suspended, but a mere suspension is insufficient. We call for stricter action against him.
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Women Press Freedom, unequivocally condemns the killing of women journalists Nadia Al Sayed and Haneen Baroud, as well as their colleagues Saed Radwan, Abdulrahman Al-Tanani, and Hamza Abu Salmiya, due to Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.
We urge the international community to prioritize the safety of these women journalists, advocate for press freedom in Afghanistan and offer urgent support to protect their lives.
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