Tanzania: Authorities Detain Journalists Covering Banned Opposition Protest Amid Growing Crackdown on Press Freedom
September 23, 2024 - Tanzania, Dar es Salaam
Police briefly detained reporter Mariam Shaban from East Africa TV, along with Nipashe journalist Jenifer Gilla, while they covered a banned protest organized by the opposition Chadema party in Dar es Salaam.
These unjust detentions are part of a series of repressive actions by the state against journalists in the country. On October 2, 2024, the TCRA issued a 30-day suspension on Mwananchi Communications Limited’s (MCL) online publications, including prominent newspapers The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti. The suspension followed the release of a video deemed critical of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, depicting a woman resembling the president watching news reports on abductions and killings in the country. The ban reflects the authorities' intolerance toward content perceived as damaging to the government’s image.
Despite initial promises to improve press conditions and lift bans, President Samia’s administration continues to exploit restrictive laws, such as the 2020 online content regulations, to stifle dissent and limit press freedom.
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned by the government’s actions toward critical press. Tanzanian authorities must stop the arbitrary detentions and harassment of journalists. The TCRA should lift the suspension on Mwananchi Communications Limited’s publications and refrain from using regulatory powers to censor media content.
We also call on the government to repeal restrictive laws and regulations, such as the 2020 online content regulations, that are used to suppress press freedom and intimidate the media.
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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.
Journalist Ana Raičković was violently assaulted outside a restaurant in Podgorica by businessman Zoran Bećirović, his son, and a bodyguard. Raičković, a well-known reporter for Pobjedacg, was punched, threatened with being “burned alive” if she didn’t stop her work, and had her head slammed against her car door.
Zahra Abu Sakheil, a Palestinian journalist, was killed alongside her brother and father in an Israeli airstrike while seeking refuge in a school shelter in Gaza City.
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.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent threats made against journalist Venelina Popova by Mayor Nikolay Tonev of Galabovo.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent upholding of the 5-year prison sentence of unjustly imprisoned editor-in-chief Unurtsetseg Naran of the news site Zarig by the Mongolian appeals court.
We demand a transparent explanation from the Bangladeshi interim government for this repressive measure, which silences critical voices and infringes on basic rights.
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the arbitrary denial of credentials to several journalists, including political correspondent Tara Palmeri, at former President Donald Trump's election night event in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the alarming escalation of police violence against women journalists in Turkiye. We are particularly appalled by the recent brutal attack on respected journalist Pelşin Çetinkaya, who was detained and tortured while covering public protests against trustee appointments in Batman.
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the egregious violation of human rights faced by imprisoned journalist and Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi.
Women Press Freedom condemns the unacceptable violation of press rights experienced by RTÉ journalist Yvonne Murray during her live broadcast from Georgia ahead of the U.S. elections.
Women Press Freedom condemns the recent court ruling against former Meduza journalist Margarita Liutova, who was fined 5,000 rubles ($50) for participating in the activities of an “undesirable organization.”
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by Albanian journalists at the Kapshtice border crossing while attempting to cover Prime Minister Edi Rama's rally in Thessaloniki, Greece. The unjust three-hour detention of journalists from Klann and CNN affiliate A2, along with the arbitrary requirement for a special permit for live transmission equipment, represents a troubling infringement on the freedom of the press.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent violation of press rights experienced by RTL Lëtzebuerg journalist Annick Goerens while covering the U.S. elections. Goerens' application for press credentials to attend a Republican event hosted by JD Vance was denied without explanation, forcing her to secure a general admission pass instead.
Women Press Freedom condemns the violation that led to the temporary suspension of journalist Cristina Fallarás' Instagram account.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Markíza journalist Kristína Kövešová in Trnava while she was investigating violent crimes for her program Reflex.
Politician has reportedly been suspended, but a mere suspension is insufficient. We call for stricter action against him.
Women Press Freedom welcomes the essential hospitalization of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi following nearly nine weeks of denied medical care. This critical step highlights the power of collective action and the unwavering commitment of advocates fighting for justice and human rights.
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Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the targeted attack by Israeli forces on a compound housing 18 journalists, including Yumna Fawaz, in the early morning hours. Fawaz, in a direct statement to Women Press Freedom, noted that the compound had been designated as a safe zone for journalists; however, three journalists were killed in this attack.
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.
WPF welcomes the arrest of a man suspected to be Rodriguez's killer, but we demand that the authorities in the Philippines ensure swift justice for the slain journalist and safety of those working to report the truth. A fair probe and accountability in this case is inevitable.
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Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns the illegal 48-hour detention and intimidation of CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward and her team while covering the urgent humanitarian crisis in North Darfur by rival militia. They endured threats and lengthy interrogations, with their driver taken away in chains. Held under armed guard, they faced limited access to food, water, and privacy. This distressing incident underscores the escalating dangers journalists encounter in conflict zones and the pressing need to safeguard press freedom.
