India: Kolkata Journalist Sangita Ghorai Reveals Harrowing Sexual Harassment Ordeal by Communist Party Leader During Interview
Politician has reportedly been suspended, but a mere suspension is insufficient. We call for stricter action against him.
Iran: Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Admitted to Hospital Following Nearly Nine Weeks of Medical Care Denial
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.
Bulgaria: Several Journalists Covering the Parliamentary Elections Faced Harassment and Intimidation
Damiana Veleva was obstructed by men at a polling station in Dolno Osenovo, facing threats to seize her phone. Diyana Zhelyazkova was threatened by Mayor Ismail Ibryam while reporting on voting violations in Vulnari. Zdravka Maslyankova encountered threats from a candidate's son in Veliko Tarnovo after probing into vote trading.
Lebanon: Israeli Targeted Airstrike Hits Compound Housing 18 Journalists, Including Yumna Fawaz, Killing Three
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.
Gaza: Women Press Freedom Condemns Targeted Killings of Journalists in Gaza, Including Nadia Al-Sayed and Haneen Baroud
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.
United Kingdom: Home Office Must Expedite British Citizenship Process for Syrian Journalist Zaina Erhaim
Erhaim’s case exemplifies #transnationalrepression, with concerns of potential Syrian interference.
Afghanistan: Distressed Afghan Women Journalists Need Urgent Help as Life Under Taliban Becomes Increasingly Difficult
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.
Philippines: Radio Presenter Maria Vilma Rodriguez’ Shocking Murder Sparks Fear Over Journalists’ Safety
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.
Tunisia: Sonia Dahmani Sentenced to Additional Two Years as State’s Repression of Dissent Intensifies
Political commentator Sonia Dahmani sentenced to an additional 2 years in prison for "spreading false news" regarding remarks she made about racism against sub-Saharan Africans.
Sudan: Women Press Freedom Condemns Illegal Detention of Clarissa Ward and Her Team by Rival Militia
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.
Venezuela: Deisy Peña Facing "Terrorism" Charges for Covering Protests Against Electoral Fraud
WPF firmly condemns the state's continued persecution of photo journalist Deisy Peña. She & her colleague Paúl León are being prosecuted on bogus charges of "terrorism" & "criminal association" just for doing their jobs—covering protests against electoral fraud in July.
United States: LA Times Owner Prevents Editorial Board from Endorsing Kamala Harris, Leading to Editorial Editor Maria Garza's Resignation
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent actions of Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the Los Angeles Times, who blocked the editorial board's plans to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for president, leading to the resignation of editorial editor Maria Garza. This interference is a serious breach of journalistic integrity and undermines the crucial principle of editorial independence within a respected news organization.
United States: IRCG Senior Official Charged by American Authorities for Plotting to Kill Iranian Journalist Masih Alinejad
We commend the US justice system for acknowledging the grave risks faced by women journalists like Masih and reaffirm the urgent need to protect human rights and hold oppressive regimes accountable.
Turkiye: WPF Calls on X to Unblock Amberin Zaman’s Account and Resist Censorship
Despite the innocuous nature of her tweet, Turkish authorities interpreted it as politically sensitive, leading to the court's decision to block Zaman’s account.
Nepal: Attack on Anita Ghimire, Colleagues During Protest Coverage Raises Concerns for Safety of Journalists
We are deeply concerned about the lack of safety for journalists, who often work without adequate protection.
Iran: Jina Modares-Gorji Ordered to Prison Amid Continued Legal Harassment by Iranian Regime
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the continued harassment and unjust treatment of journalist and women’s rights activist Jina Modares-Gorji. The recent order for her to report to Sanandaj Prison, following a notice from the Sanandaj Criminal Enforcement Court, is a blatant violation of her rights and a troubling example of the ongoing suppression of freedom of expression and dissent.
Russia: European Court Ruling Against the Kremlin Shows "Foreign Agent" Laws Won’t Go Unchallenged
European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruling in Kobaliya and Others v. Russia confirms what we've long known: Russia's "foreign agent" law is arbitrary and a tool for silencing dissent.
Turkiye: Aysın Komitgan Investigated for "Terrorist Propaganda" Over On-Air Slip-Up
WPF firmly denounces this aggressive action. It is unacceptable for her to lose her job and face terrorism charges due to a slip of the tongue while reacting to breaking news live on TV. We demand the case be dropped and that Komitgan be freed.
Iran: Women Press Freedom Denounces Additional 6-Month Sentences for Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi and Pakhshan Azizi
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the recent imposition of additional six-month prison sentences on Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi and Pakhshan Azizi for their courageous protest against the execution of Reza Rasaei in August. This punitive action exemplifies the Iranian regime's relentless crackdown on dissent and its systematic efforts to suppress free expression.
United States: Women Press Freedom Denounces Violent Assault on Photojournalist Susan Stava by Lancaster City Police Officer
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent actions taken by a Lancaster City Police officer against photojournalist Susan Stava during her coverage of a Donald Trump town hall event. Stava, a seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience, was pushed to the ground while documenting a public protest, a clear violation of press freedom and the rights of journalists to report safely and without interference.