The Deadliest Year for Women in Journalism Amid Global Conflicts

Threats across the years: 2021 - 2023

The Journalists We Lost in 2023

Transnational Repression

Authoritarian Regimes' Expanding Reach Against Exiled Journalists

Transnational repression, the act of authoritarian regimes targeting journalists beyond their borders, is a growing concern in 2023. Our latest data highlights instances of this phenomenon impacting women journalists worldwide, revealing the hurdles faced by those critical of authoritarian regimes. Russia stands out as the primary perpetrator of cross-border attacks against women journalists, followed by Iran and China. These governments exhibit a blatant disregard for press freedom, exerting severe pressure on independent journalism in their own countries. The increasing frequency of cross-border attacks underscores that their suppression of media no longer remains confined within their borders; instead, they actively seek to silence dissenting voices globally.

Russia's Repressive Tactics Extend Beyond Borders:

Among the targeted exiles, instances include an assassination attempt, alarming threats against two journalists in Czechia, multiple cases of legal persecution resulting in sentencing in absentia, and the inclusion of exiled Russians in terror lists. These tactics underscore the Russian government's concerted efforts to silence dissent, control information, and extend its influence.

The transnational repression extends beyond Russian citizens, encompassing two Ukrainian journalists targeted by the Kremlin. This shows the reach of Russia's repressive measures against those critical of its policies, regardless of nationality. Our data also reveals three cases involving British journalists who have been added to Russia's blacklists, barring them from entering the country due to their critical reporting. This arbitrary denial of access underscores the broader strategy employed by the Russian government to restrict the movement of journalists who challenge its narrative.

Iranian and Chinese Regimes Target Journalists Abroad:

In February, Iran International TV relocated from London to Washington DC due to serious death threats. Later in the year ITV News revealed that Iran International journalists Sima Sabet and Fardad Farahzad were the targets of a failed assassination attempt in 2022 orchestrated by Iranian spies. In May, Shima Shahrabi, an Iranwire journalist in the US, experienced secondary targeting by Iranian authorities, resulting in the arrest of her brother and the raiding of her parent's home. This incident starkly illustrates the authoritarian tactic of targeting the families of journalists abroad to silence them.

March saw exiled Chinese journalist Su Yutong facing escalated threats and blackmail while covering a Hong Kong protest in Germany. Yutong, who fled China in 2010, now lives in exile in Germany. Despite her new location, she has become a target of abuse, facing stalking, blackmail, threats, and attempted hacking of her social media and bank accounts. Transnational repression is also evident in the targeted harassment of Marije Vlaskamp, a De Volkskrant reporter and former China correspondent. Vlaskamp, who left China in 2019 and currently resides in the Netherlands, faced threats originating from China. Bomb threats were made in her name to Chinese embassies in The Hague and Oslo. Prior to this, she had been pressured online to retract a critical article about China.

The cases of transnational repression perpetrated against women journalists depict a multifaceted and alarming trend. The diverse array of tactics employed, from assassination attempts to threats and inclusion in terror lists, demonstrates the severity of the measures taken to stifle dissent. Exile, traditionally seen as a safe haven for journalists escaping persecution, becomes compromised when authoritarian governments extend their repressive tactics beyond borders. Western democracies, key destinations for exiled journalists, share the responsibility of defending those who speak truth to power. Governments hosting exiled journalists must swiftly and concretely act to protect those facing transnational repression within their borders. Cases involving threats, harassment, or surveillance require prompt investigation, with law enforcement adequately informed and equipped to address the growing complexity of dangerous acts from foreign regimes.

Allowing autocrats to silence journalists without consequences jeopardizes democracies worldwide.

Voice of a journalist injured on the job, then faced years of discrimination due to injury. Almost a decade later, she sued the employer to raise her voice.

Liberty or Liability? The Alarming Legal Assault on Journalism in the United States

Recent developments in the United States concerning arrests, raids, and court orders against journalists highlight an alarming trend of increasing press freedom violations. The escalating conflict between press freedom and court orders in the United States has emerged as a significant concern, especially highlighted by recent rulings that have compelled journalists to reveal confidential information and sources. 

CFWIJ has documented courts compelling journalists like Ishani Desai and Catherine Herridge to reveal confidential information and sources. In New Hampshire, Lauren Chooljian's compelled surrender of unpublished materials in a libel case adds to the growing concern about the use of libel lawsuits as a tool to intimidate journalists and stifle public debate. These rulings not only challenge the protections afforded under the First Amendment and respective state shield laws but also set dangerous precedents for future press freedom. The case of Priscilla Grim in Atlanta, facing disproportionate RICO and terror charges for her role in a protest, further underscores the misuse of legal frameworks to stifle the free press.

These cases collectively signal a worrying shift in the legal landscape, undermining the essential role of a free and independent press in a democratic society.

Arrests and raids on journalists, as seen in the cases in Kansas with Magistrate Laura Viar, Alisa Reznick in Arizona, and the Atmore News team in Alabama, paint a grim picture of the current state of press freedom. These incidents not only represent individual struggles but also reflect a broader assault on press freedom.

In Kansas, court dismisses a misconduct complaint against Magistrate Laura Viar. The complaint was related to a controversial search warrant issued against the Marion County Record, in violation of federal laws protecting journalists from such raids.

It emphasizes the urgent need for legal safeguards, like the enactment of a federal shield law, to protect journalists against such intrusive demands.

Behind Bars for Reporting on the Truth: 116 Women Journalists in 2023

As 2023 drew to a close, the chilling number of 116 women journalists incarcerated globally stands as a sobering testament to the perils faced by those in pursuit of truth. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) and Women Press Freedom's data presents a grim picture: a marginal decrease in detentions but a precipitous drop in releases, underscoring the increasing risks for female journalists, particularly in countries like Iran, Belarus, and Turkiye.

The year saw 36 new detentions, a slight decrease from previous years, but alarmingly, only 6 journalists were released. This represents a 17% release rate, a stark contrast to the 83% who remain imprisoned.

Iran: A Hotbed of Repression

Iran's landscape for journalists is fraught with intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrests. The regime's heavy-handed approach stifles press freedom, creating a climate of fear and self-censorship.

Notable cases include Nasim Sultan Beygi, arrested at Tehran's airport and later sentenced to over four years in prison for charges including "propaganda against the system." Similarly, Saeedeh Shafiei faced charges resulting in the same sentence length. Their ordeals reflect Iran's broader crackdown on media personnel, often accused of spreading state propaganda or threatening national security.

Nazila Maroofian, a Kurdish journalist, exemplifies the regime's relentless pursuit of dissenting voices. Following her coverage of Mahsa Amini's death, Maroofian faced multiple arrests and detentions, culminating in a sentence for "propaganda against the system" and "spreading false news."

Belarus: An Unchanging Landscape of Suppression

In Belarus, the situation for journalists remains grim and static. The government's fear of a free press is evident in the harsh sentencing of Maryna Zolatava and Lyudmila Chekina to 12 years in prison, a stark indicator of President Lukashenko's authoritarian regime. This crackdown extends to other journalists, like Yulia Dauletava and Liudmila Andzenka of Ranak TV, arrested under charges of "assistance to extremist activity.

Turkiye: A Shift in the Narrative

While Turkiye saw a 60% reduction in detentions of women journalists in 2023, the release rate plummeted dramatically, with only one journalist freed. This shift indicates a growing reluctance to release detained journalists, signifying a troubling trend in the country's approach to press freedom.

During the presidential elections held in May of 2023, authorities in Turkiye seemingly eased their crackdown on the free press in an attempt to garner support from the public. However, it is deeply concerning that the systematic targeting of Kurdish women journalists for simply carrying out their professional duties continues unabated. Shockingly, statistics reveal that since 2020, approximately 70% of women journalists imprisoned in Turkiye are of Kurdish descent. This alarming trend highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Kurdish women journalists in the country.

Turkiye Remains Top Country for Violations Despite Decline

CFWIJ data indicates a significant drop in violations against women journalists in Turkiye during 2023 compared to previous years. In 2023, the total number of violations stands at 84, marking a noteworthy decrease from 151 violations in 2022 and 238 violations in 2021. This decrease, while a positive development, does not diminish the severity of the remaining challenges faced by women journalists in Turkiye.

The top violations for 2023 encompass a range of alarming categories, with detentions leading at 34.5% of the total, followed by legal harassment (23.8%) and physical assaults (14.3%). Women journalists in Turkiye, particularly those of Kurdish descent, continue to be harassed, detained, imprisoned and persecuted at a concerning rate.

Kurdish Journalists Persistently Targeted:

Media outlets and journalists serving the Kurdish population in Turkiye grapple with historical restrictions and discrimination, facing relentless persecution and limitations. In 2023, this targeting persisted, with Kurdish women journalists unjustly charged with terrorism offenses, enduring detentions, and even imprisonment. State authorities systematically target Kurdish journalists, baselessly linking them to designated terrorist organization PKK, particularly when reporting on their community or using the Kurdish language.

Renowned journalist Dicle Müftüoğlu, affiliated with a Kurdish outlet, was arrested on Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2023, and remains in detention. As the co-chair of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association, a local media advocacy group, Müftüoğlu is a dedicated journalist who has actively advocated for imprisoned journalists in Turkey, especially those of Kurdish descent. She has faced repeated legal harassment and detentions in the course of her work.

In April, 17 Kurdish journalists were charged with membership in a terrorist organization, with most released on bail pending trial. In November, Dilşah Kocakaya began a 15-month prison sentence for her 2016 work with a now-shuttered Kurdish site. The blatant targeting of the Kurdish press is often justified as an anti-terrorism measure by the state. However, the reality is that these outlets and journalists are being penalized for their commitment to working with Kurdish language media that addresses issues relevant to their communities.

Detentions Used to Punish and Intimidate:

Detentions are a significant concern, constituting 34.5% (29 cases) of total violations in Turkiye. Many incidents occurred during protests, while others targeted journalists for their published work and social media posts. Prior to April elections, 7 women journalists covering a protest in Istanbul were violently detained by the police. In October, following a bombing in Ankara, at least six women journalists were detained in nationwide police raids, primarily targeting leftist and Kurdish news outlets under the guise of anti-terrorism operations. In July, journalists Sibel Yükler, Evrim Deniz, and Evrim Kepenek were detained for allegedly retweeting news about a prosecutor's reassignment. The fear of detention and legal persecution has a chilling effect, leading to self-censorship among journalists, impacting their ability to investigate, report on, or express opinions about sensitive topics. These detentions not only violate those detained but also contribute to a wider atmosphere of media self-censorship.

Violence Against Journalists from the Public and Police:

In 2023, CFWIJ documented 12 cases of physical assaults against women journalists in Turkey. Many incidents, particularly after February's earthquakes, were carried out by members of the public. Journalist Arzu Efeoğlu and her team faced citizen aggression in Gaziantep, where people attempted to attack them and demanded their ID cards. Fox TV reporters Sevgi Şahin and camera operator Ömür Dikme were attacked by locals during a live broadcast. In Malatya, a group tried to assault ArtıGerçek reporter Yağmur Kaya. The hostile environment for journalists reporting on the ground is exacerbated by anti-press rhetoric and the demonization of journalists by Turkish politicians. Additionally, several assaults involved aggression from the police, including reporter Eylem Nazlier's hospitalization due to injuries sustained in April. Journalists covering the Saturday Mothers protests in Istanbul in July were also physically assaulted and mistreated by police officers.

Legal Instruments Wielded as Weapons Against Press:

Legal harassment, encompassing 20 cases, reveals a well-known assumption among Turkish journalists; if they dare to report, they will end up in court. The state, its institutions, and employees in Turkiye are persistently targeting critical journalists with nuisance lawsuits. In 2023, CFWIJ documented cases of journalists being sued for reporting on rape, child abuse in care homes and even for sharing or retweeting social media posts. This tactic is employed to drain targeted journalists of time and energy and deter others from reporting critically. The misuse of legal mechanisms to curtail journalistic freedom, whether through baseless lawsuits or prolonged legal battles, signifies a targeted effort to discourage women journalists from pursuing their work.

Russia: Europe’s Top Violator, Attacking Journalists at Home and Abroad

Impunity for those who beat journalists, absurd sentences for “discrediting” the army, and sinister attacks on exiled reporters — in 2023, Russia showed the world its contempt for independent journalism and its continued resolve to crack down on those who dare to challenge it, both at home and abroad.

CFWIJ’s 2023 data exposes a surge in press freedom violations in Russia, from 35 cases in 2022 to 52 in 2023. Urgent attention and action are warranted to address the Russian government's severe encroachments on press freedom.

Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists:

The Russian state's continued leniency towards those violently assaulting journalists underscores its disdain for press freedom. President Putin's pardon of Sergei Khadzhikurbanov, implicated in the 2006 assassination of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, exemplifies this disregard. Violent attacks in the North Caucasus on Novaya Gazeta’s Elena Milashina and journalists Lilian Rubtsova and Alena Sadovskaya, with no charges brought against the assailants, further highlight the grim situation. The pattern of impunity for attacks on journalists continues.

Targeting Journalists With Military Censorship Laws

Legal harassment emerges as a prevalent violation, with documented cases doubling in 2023, affecting 10 women journalists. Russia is using military censorship laws, enacted after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, to intimidate and imprison journalists. The Kremlin's targeted efforts to harass exiled journalists critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine are evident through inclusion in extremist lists and charging in absentia. These tactics not only limit journalists' ability to connect with their families but also aim to curtail their freedom abroad. 

Targeting Journalists in Conflict Zones:

Russia's armed forces continue to harm journalists reporting from the frontlines in Ukraine. Russian shelling of Pizza RIA in Kramatorsk resulted in the death of Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, as well as injuries to journalists Anastasia Taylor-Lind and Catalina Gómez. The illegal detention of Iryna Levchenko and the alarming disappearance of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna in occupied territories in eastern Ukraine raise deep concerns about the safety of journalists reporting on Russia's invasion.

Restricting and Intimidating Foreign Press: 

In 2023, Russia showed the world that its tactics of repression were not just employed to silence its own citizens but that it was more than happy to weaponize legal instruments to detain and obstruct foreign correspondents too. Eight months after the Kremlin detained Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich, revered RFE/RL editor and U.S. citizen, Alsu Kurmasheva was detained. The journalist is still behind bars and continues to face escalating charges that threaten to keep her in prison for over a decade. Fear of detention, inclusion on Russia’s blacklist and the denial of visa renewals for foreign journalists hinder international reporting in Russia, granting the Kremlin tighter control over the media narrative

Alsu Kurmasheva, a distinguished Russian-American journalist and editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, has been unfairly detained by Russian authorities since October 18, 2023. Residing in the Czech Republic, Kurmasheva was visiting Kazan, Russia for a family emergency when she was targeted by authorities. Holding both U.S. and Russian citizenship, she faces serious charges, risking over a decade in prison.

Known for her commitment to reporting on cultural and human rights issues, especially concerning ethnic minorities in Russia, Kurmasheva's arrest is a targeted assault on journalistic freedom. As an American, Kurmasheva deserves the full support of the U.S. government and the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. 

Prison Mistreatment of Journalists:

The mistreatment of imprisoned journalists, exemplified by the case of Maria Ponomarenko, reveals a troubling trend. Ponomarenko's solitary confinement for health-related issues and the subsequent investigation launched against her for allegedly attacking prison staff highlight the punitive measures faced by unjustly imprisoned journalists. Similarly, the deteriorating health conditions of Crimean journalist Iryna Danilovych, deported to a Russian prison colony this year and repeatedly denied medical care, underscore the harsh realities faced by women in custody in Russia, violating both human rights and journalistic freedom.

Voice of a veteran journalist who has seen the decline of press freedom and protections available to women journalists for decades in her country.

Growing Crisis for Women Journalists in Modi's India

Nearly a decade into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, the world's largest democracy stands at a crossroads, with press freedom under siege and the voices of dissent being systematically stifled. Since May 2014, under the BJP's regime, India has witnessed a disturbing rise in attacks against journalists daring to question the governance. Narendra Modi, in his almost ten-year rule, has notably avoided direct interactions with the Indian press, a silence that speaks volumes in a country priding itself on democratic values.

In 2023, CFWIJ documented 17 major cases in India, marking an alarming escalation in attacks on press freedom and journalistic independence. 

Following an accusation made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey during a parliamentary session, broadcasted on television, against NewsClick for allegedly receiving financial support from China to undermine India's reputation, journalist Swati Chaturvedi faced severe harassment and threats. Dubey implicated Chaturvedi in the purported scheme. Subsequently, her personal contact information was disseminated across public WhatsApp groups, leading to her and her parents receiving numerous rape and death threats through calls and messages. The harassment escalated to a tangible threat when a dead cat was left at her doorstep, indicating the severity of the threats had moved from the digital to the physical realm.

One month later,  in October 2023, seven women journalists were targeted during a raid by the Delhi police on an independent outlet NewsClick in October 2023. The raid followed a New York Times exposé implying the newsroom had ties to China-aligned philanthropist Neville Roy Singham. Amidst an increased tightened grip on critical media, authorities exploited the findings as a guise for an anti-terrorism investigation into the outlet and its journalists.

Meanwhile, during the Manipur riots in September, police filed charges against Editors Guild of India members — which also included women journalists — over allegations of inciting unrest amidst ethnic violence. In August, Muslim journalist Khushboo Akhtar's family home in New Delhi was set on fire, leading to extensive damage, as the reporter said the attack was a deliberate attempt to silence her as someone who remains vocal about receiving threats for her work.

The reach of the BJP's influence extends beyond India's borders. American-Canadian TIME magazine journalist Astha Rajvanshi received incessant backlash followed by threats online after she interviewed Sikh leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, an open critic of the Modi government based in the US. Rajvanshi received threats from not only the supporters of BJP but also a defense analyst with ties to the government. When Wall Street Journal correspondent Sabrina Siddiqui broached the topic of religious discrimination in India, she faced a torrent of abuse and threats, highlighting the perils of challenging the status quo.

In previous years, journalists like Gauri Lankesh paid with their lives, leaving a legacy of unanswered justice. The spectrum of threats encompasses intimidation, legal harassment, sexual harassment, and targeted troll campaigns. Journalists like Rana Ayyub, who have delved into sensitive subjects like the Gujarat riots under Modi's past rule, continue to endure relentless abuse and threats.

In Kashmir, journalists are trapped in a web of occupation and repression. Instances like the barring of Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Sanna Irshad Mattoo from international travel, and the detention of Fahad Shah under draconian laws, underscore the severity of the situation.

Journalists have told CFWIJ about self-censorship, while media outlets have cut down their reporting budgets for crucial stories that remain untold in the midst of a stifled and suppressed atmosphere. While smaller, independent outlets have pushed back against the suppression, they remain lacking when it comes to the reach and influence of larger media groups operating in the country, which in comparison, often willfully or forcefully toe the government’s line. This situation instigates broader challenges to free speech and dissent in the country.

For over five years now, the Coalition for Women in Journalism has documented the atrocities against women journalists in India, focusing on a myriad of threats and attacks that they have endured for doing their work. Most of these journalists were only shedding light on the atrocities they saw unfolding around them, which were found to either be linked with highlighting the Modi government’s shortfalls or interlinked with the right-wing ideals that have penetrated India at dangerous levels, leaving most of the country’s religious and ethnic minorities threatened and exposed to violence and disrespect.

The country, despite its tall claims of being a secular, democratic country, has remained a stifling chamber for journalists who are only trying to do their jobs of delivering honest and factual journalism. However, the threats multiply when directed at women journalists in India, as they are subjected to discriminatory violence and attacks based on their gender, which adds a layer of vulnerability to their already threatened existence.

 Voice of a journalist who endured years long media propaganda, smear campaigns and international repression. She uses her voice to call for an end to smear campaigns.

Triumphs of Justice: The Vindication of Women Journalists in 2023

In 2023, the world of journalism witnessed a series of remarkable legal victories for women journalists, demonstrating their resilience and commitment to press freedom. These victories, while varied in geography and context, share thematic connections that highlight the universal challenges and triumphs in journalism.  The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom has been at the forefront of these battles, advocating for justice and accountability.

These victories, while distinct in their legal and cultural contexts, collectively represent a broader movement for justice and press freedom. They not only signify personal triumphs for the women involved but also symbolize the collective struggle of journalists worldwide against forces of oppression and censorship.

• The acquittals of Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa in the Philippines and Karyn Maughan’s victory in South Africa epitomize the struggle against political harassment and the suppression of press freedom. Ressa’s battle against charges perceived as politically motivated under Duterte’s administration and Maughan’s fight against former president Jacob Zuma's private prosecution underscores the journalists' unwavering commitment to democratic principles and free speech.

• In Colombia, Claudia Julieta Duque’s case marked a significant moment in addressing gender-based violence, with the torture she faced being classified as a crime against humanity. Similarly, the arrest of a police officer in Kenya related to the assault of Angela Muiruri highlights the ongoing battle against abuse of power, emphasizing the need for legal redress in such instances.

• The efforts of Louise Milligan in Australia and the acquittals of several Turkish journalists, including Canan Kaya, Semra Çelebi, and Pinar Gayip, reflect the challenges faced in protecting journalistic integrity and combating defamation. These cases illustrate the pressures journalists face from entities seeking to discredit their work and silence critical reporting.

• The victories of Bao Choy in Hong Kong and Charlotte Grieve in Australia serve as powerful examples of the journalistic right to access and report information. Choy’s success in her appeal against a conviction for accessing vehicle registration records and Grieve’s protection of her confidential sources are pivotal in ensuring that journalists can continue to investigate and report without undue restrictions.

• Josie Huang’s settlement with Los Angeles County and Agata Grzybowska’s acquittal in Poland highlights the importance of resilience against legal intimidation and the need to ensure journalists' safety. These cases emphasize the necessity for proper training and protocols to prevent wrongful arrests and mistreatment of journalists, especially during coverage of sensitive or volatile events.

• Pamela Huerta Bustamante’s victory in Peru and Paola Ugaz’s exoneration highlight the fight against institutional reluctance and the promotion of transparency. Their cases underscore the importance of journalists' ability to access information and combat legal harassment in their pursuit of truth.

As we celebrate these legal victories, we must also recognize that the path to justice is ongoing. These cases are powerful reminders of the importance of standing up for the truth, the significance of relentless advocacy, and the necessity of legal and societal support in safeguarding the freedom of the press. They inspire hope and determination, showing that despite challenges, the pursuit of justice and the protection of press freedom are indeed achievable and essential for the betterment of journalism and democracy.

The groundbreaking lawsuit by Brittany Hailer against Allegheny County Jail's gag order policy is a critical development in this context. It challenges the increasing prevalence of gag orders, which have become a significant barrier to journalistic transparency and accountability, especially in public agencies.

Threats Ahead: Deepfakes

The latter end of 2023 brought into focus the escalating threat posed by AI deepfake technology to women journalists. The use of deepfake videos, incorporating manipulated audio and visuals, has become a tool for orchestrating disinformation campaigns against women journalists. As AI software becomes more accessible to the masses and technology improves, journalists are becoming more vulnerable to AI-manipulated content using their likeness to target their credibility and trustworthiness.

Since October 2023, CFWIJ has documented several cases of deepfakes targeting journalists in South Africa, the United States, Slovakia and Peru. There has been a global surge in deepfake videos targeting television anchors, with some aiming to promote crypto scams and others posing more malicious threats. Particularly troubling was the case of Monika Todova, a journalist from Slovakia. An audio manipulation of her voice claiming to be an interview between her and a politician was shared online, strategically timed during a voting moratorium prior to an election, when it was spread unchecked.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom calls for online platforms to strengthen content moderation policies, enhance AI detection tools, and foster collaboration between journalists and tech companies as essential steps in safeguarding press freedom and preserving the integrity of journalism in the AI age. Failure to act may result in irreparable damage to the reputation and trustworthiness of women journalists, perpetuating a culture of misinformation that undermines the foundations of a free and informed society.