<p>In Southern Mexico, four journalists were shot and wounded on Tuesday. This is the latest in a series of attacks which lend the nation its status as one of the most dangerous for reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>According to an AFP news agency report citing officials, attackers on a motorcycle opened fire on three of the journalists around noon. The incident happened in Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero state. The journalists, as reported by the local prosecutor's office, were there to cover a murder.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-journalists-freed-after-being-kidnapped-in-southern-mexico-663031">Three journalists freed after being kidnapped in southern Mexico</a></strong></p>

<p>In a separate attack in the city of Apatzingan in the neighbouring state of Michoacán, the fourth journalist, as per local police reports, was wounded by gunfire.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Have the journalists been identified?</strong></h2>

<p>Yes, the victims of the latest attacks on journalists have been identified. As per AFP, the three media personnel injured in Chilpancingo are Jesus Antonio de la Cruz, Oscar Guerrero and Victor Mateo Francisco.</p>

<p>According to prosecutors, they have sustained injuries to the back, arm and neck. Quoting the media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), AFP reports that the trio were in stable condition.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-another-journalist-killed-in-tourist-town-of-acapulco-616147">Mexican journalist killed in tourist town of Acapulco</a></strong></p>

<p>The journalists cover political and crime stories for different local media, said the group.</p>

<p>Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Reporters Without Borders called on the authorities "to act quickly to ensure their protection &amp; that of their families."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Los hechos ocurrieron frente a la zona militar en la Ciudad de Chilpancingo, cuando los periodistas regresaban de cubrir información. Pedimos a las autoridades de Guerrero investigar los hechos y brindar la seguridad necesaria a ellos y sus familias.<a href="https://t.co/OTe1mXjGBN">https://t.co/OTe1mXjGBN</a></p>
— RSF en español (@RSF_esp) <a href="https://twitter.com/RSF_esp/status/1729582864193200382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Maynor Ramon Ramirez has been identified as the fourth victim — attacked in a separate incident in Apatzingan. He works with ABC, a local news portal ABC. Previously, in 2016, Ramirez reportedly had survived another attack.</p>

<h2><strong>Mexico and safety of journalist</strong></h2>

<p>According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Just last week, three reporters were kidnapped and later released in Guerrero's city of Taxco.</p>

<p>Before that, photojournalist Ismael Villagomez was shot and killed in the northern border city of Ciudad Juarez.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In Southern Mexico, four journalists were shot and wounded on Tuesday. This is the latest in a series of attacks which lend the nation its status as one of the most dangerous for reporters.

In Southern Mexico, four journalists were shot and wounded on Tuesday. This is the latest in a series of attacks which lend the nation its status as one of the most dangerous for reporters. What happened? According to an AFP news agency report citing officials, attackers on a motorcycle opened fire on three of the journalists around noon. The incident happened in Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero state. The journalists, as reported by the local prosecutor's office, were there to cover a murder. Also read | Three journalists freed after being kidnapped in southern Mexico In a separate attack in the city of Apatzingan in the neighbouring state of Michoacán, the fourth journalist, as per local police reports, was wounded by gunfire. Have the journalists been identified? Yes, the victims of the latest attacks on journalists have been identified. As per AFP, the three media personnel injured in Chilpancingo are Jesus Antonio de la Cruz, Oscar Guerrero and Victor Mateo Francisco. According to prosecutors, they have sustained injuries to the back, arm and neck. Quoting the media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF), AFP reports that the trio were in stable condition. Also read | Mexican journalist killed in tourist town of Acapulco The journalists cover political and crime stories for different local media, said the group. Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Reporters Without Borders called on the authorities "to act quickly to ensure their protection & that of their families." Los hechos ocurrieron frente a la zona militar en la Ciudad de Chilpancingo, cuando los periodistas regresaban de cubrir información. Pedimos a las autoridades de Guerrero investigar los hechos y brindar la seguridad necesaria a ellos y sus familias.https://t.co/OTe1mXjGBN — RSF en español (@RSF_esp) November 28, 2023 × Maynor Ramon Ramirez has been identified as the fourth victim — attacked in a separate incident in Apatzingan. He works with ABC, a local news portal ABC. Previously, in 2016, Ramirez reportedly had survived another attack. Mexico and safety of journalist According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Just last week, three reporters were kidnapped and later released in Guerrero's city of Taxco. Before that, photojournalist Ismael Villagomez was shot and killed in the northern border city of Ciudad Juarez. (With inputs from agencies)

'World's most dangerous country for journalists': 4 Mexican journalists injured in two separate attacks

According to local sources, two female journalists were sentenced to up to seven years in prison by an Iranian court for, among other things, "collaborating" with the US administration. Both have been behind bars since September 2022, when they reported on Mahsa Amini's death in police custody.

Iran journalists who covered Amini death get jail sentences

<p>Two Iranian female journalists, Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi, who were detained for their reporting on the death of Masha Amini, have been handed lengthy prison sentences, according to a statement from the judiciary on Sunday (Oct 22), media reports said.</p>

<p>This comes days after&nbsp;Iran jailed lawyer&nbsp;representing Amini's family, Saleh Nikbakht. He was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of "propaganda activities against the system."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini died while in custody on September 16, 2022 after she was arrested by Tehran's morality police for an alleged violation of Iran's strict dress code for women.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-discovers-more-evidence-which-proves-russias-war-crimes-in-ukraine-649910">UN discovers more evidence which proves Russia's 'war crimes' in Ukraine</a></p>

<p>The event shocked the nation and ignited widespread protests throughout the world as many women called for an uprising against the hardline Iranian regime.&nbsp;Women in Tehran and other cities openly defied the headscarf rule only to meet with an even more intensified crackdown by the Iranian authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Charges include collaboration with US&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Both journalists have been found guilty of multiple charges, including collaborating with the United States, conspiring against state security, and leading propaganda against the Islamic republic, AFP reported quoting the judiciary's Mizan Online website.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old Elaheh Mohammadi received a six-year prison sentence for her alleged collaboration with the United States. The 31-year-old Niloufar Hamedi was handed a seven-year term for the same offense.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentines-head-to-polls-in-search-of-economic-recovery-649895">Argentines head to polls in search of economic recovery</a></p>

<p>In addition to the collaboration charges, both journalists were sentenced to five years for the conspiracy charges and one year each for propaganda, with all sentences to be served concurrently, as stated on the Mizan website.</p>

<p>Elaheh Mohammadi is a reporter for the Ham Mihan newspaper, while Niloufar Hamedi works as a photographer for the Shargh newspaper.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-overcrowding-living-spaces-no-more-hygiene-products-in-gaza-649911">Israel-Palestine war | Overcrowding living spaces, no more hygiene products in gaza</a></strong></p>

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<p>They have been detained at Tehran's Evin prison since September 2022. Their trials commenced in May.</p>

<p>It is important to note that the verdicts are subject to appeal, according to Mizan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Two Iranian female journalists, Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi, who were detained for their reporting on the death of Masha Amini, have been handed lengthy prison sentences, according to a statement from the judiciary on Sunday (Oct 22), media reports said.

Two Iranian female journalists, Elaheh Mohammadi and Niloufar Hamedi, who were detained for their reporting on the death of Masha Amini, have been handed lengthy prison sentences, according to a statement from the judiciary on Sunday (Oct 22), media reports said. This comes days after Iran jailed lawyer representing Amini's family, Saleh Nikbakht. He was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of "propaganda activities against the system." The 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini died while in custody on September 16, 2022 after she was arrested by Tehran's morality police for an alleged violation of Iran's strict dress code for women. Also Read | UN discovers more evidence which proves Russia's 'war crimes' in Ukraine The event shocked the nation and ignited widespread protests throughout the world as many women called for an uprising against the hardline Iranian regime. Women in Tehran and other cities openly defied the headscarf rule only to meet with an even more intensified crackdown by the Iranian authorities. Charges include collaboration with US Both journalists have been found guilty of multiple charges, including collaborating with the United States, conspiring against state security, and leading propaganda against the Islamic republic, AFP reported quoting the judiciary's Mizan Online website. The 36-year-old Elaheh Mohammadi received a six-year prison sentence for her alleged collaboration with the United States. The 31-year-old Niloufar Hamedi was handed a seven-year term for the same offense. Also Read | Argentines head to polls in search of economic recovery In addition to the collaboration charges, both journalists were sentenced to five years for the conspiracy charges and one year each for propaganda, with all sentences to be served concurrently, as stated on the Mizan website. Elaheh Mohammadi is a reporter for the Ham Mihan newspaper, while Niloufar Hamedi works as a photographer for the Shargh newspaper. Watch | Israel-Palestine war | Overcrowding living spaces, no more hygiene products in gaza × They have been detained at Tehran's Evin prison since September 2022. Their trials commenced in May. It is important to note that the verdicts are subject to appeal, according to Mizan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Two women Iranian journalists sentenced to jail for reporting on Mahsa Amini's death

An editor from the American-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has been jailed in Russia, the broadcaster reported, since she neglected to register as a foreign agent while she was there for a family emergency.

Moscow detains journalist with dual US-Russian citizenship

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<p>After 15 years of court trial, a Delhi court on Wednesday convicted five men for the murder of TV journalist Soumya Vishwanathan.</p>

<p>The Delhi court held Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik and Ajay Kumar guilty of murder while convicting Ajay Sethi of stealing property under the sections of MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) 1999.</p>

<p>Soumya's mother, Madhavi Vishwanath, told Hindustan Times, "We have been fighting for 15 years. It's a relief, but we have lost our daughter." She said," We are not in favour of the death penalty. We want them to suffer like we are suffering."</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about the Soumya Vishwanathan murder case before the court announces the quantum of sentence for the convicted men.</p>

<h2><strong>What's the Soumya Vishwanathan Murder Case?</strong></h2>

<p>On 30 September 2008, Soumya Vishwanathan, a 25-year-old correspondent working with India Today, was found dead in her car on Nelson Mandela Marg in South Delhi. She was reportedly returning home from work at 03:30 am.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initially, the cops struggled to find her killers. But during a 2009 investigation into the murder of BPO employee Jigisha Ghosh, one of the accused confessed to being involved in Soumya's murder.</p>

<p>In April 2009, the Delhi police charged the accused under the MCOCA in the Soumya Vishwanathan murder case. They filed a chargesheet against five men, Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik, Ajay Kumar and Ajay Sethi in June 2009.</p>

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<p>The authorities charged them with murder, robbery, and other offences in 2010.</p>

<p>In August 2016, a trial court sentenced Ravi Kapoor and Amit Shukla to death in the 2009 Jigisha Ghosh murder case while sentencing Baljeet Malik to life imprisonment. However, in January 2018, the Delhi High Court upheld Malik's sentence while commuting Kapoor and Shukla's death sentences to life imprisonment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On 27 February 2019, Malik filed a plea in the Delhi High Court to speed up the trial.</p>

<p>Finally, in May 2023, after 15 years of her murder, final arguments commenced after the court concluded the recording of evidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On 13 October 2023, Additional Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Pandey reserved the judgment in the case after the completion of arguments by the defence and prosecution. Five days later, on 18 October 2023, the Delhi court convicted Kapoor, Shukla, Kumar and Malik for Soumya Vishwanath's murder and Sethi for receiving stolen property under the MCOCA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court has set the date for sentencing on 26 October 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After 15 years of court trial, a Delhi court on Wednesday convicted five men for the murder of TV journalist Soumya Vishwanathan. The Delhi court held Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik and Ajay Kumar guilty of murder while convicting Ajay Sethi of stealing property under the sections of MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) 1999.

After 15 years of court trial, a Delhi court on Wednesday convicted five men for the murder of TV journalist Soumya Vishwanathan. The Delhi court held Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik and Ajay Kumar guilty of murder while convicting Ajay Sethi of stealing property under the sections of MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) 1999. Soumya's mother, Madhavi Vishwanath, told Hindustan Times, "We have been fighting for 15 years. It's a relief, but we have lost our daughter." She said," We are not in favour of the death penalty. We want them to suffer like we are suffering." Here's everything you need to know about the Soumya Vishwanathan murder case before the court announces the quantum of sentence for the convicted men. What's the Soumya Vishwanathan Murder Case? On 30 September 2008, Soumya Vishwanathan, a 25-year-old correspondent working with India Today, was found dead in her car on Nelson Mandela Marg in South Delhi. She was reportedly returning home from work at 03:30 am. Initially, the cops struggled to find her killers. But during a 2009 investigation into the murder of BPO employee Jigisha Ghosh, one of the accused confessed to being involved in Soumya's murder. In April 2009, the Delhi police charged the accused under the MCOCA in the Soumya Vishwanathan murder case. They filed a chargesheet against five men, Ravi Kapoor, Amit Shukla, Baljeet Malik, Ajay Kumar and Ajay Sethi in June 2009. ALSO READ | Same-sex marriage: Former SC judge Indu Malhotra explains why legislation is essential in India The authorities charged them with murder, robbery, and other offences in 2010. In August 2016, a trial court sentenced Ravi Kapoor and Amit Shukla to death in the 2009 Jigisha Ghosh murder case while sentencing Baljeet Malik to life imprisonment. However, in January 2018, the Delhi High Court upheld Malik's sentence while commuting Kapoor and Shukla's death sentences to life imprisonment. On 27 February 2019, Malik filed a plea in the Delhi High Court to speed up the trial. Finally, in May 2023, after 15 years of her murder, final arguments commenced after the court concluded the recording of evidence. On 13 October 2023, Additional Sessions Judge Ravindra Kumar Pandey reserved the judgment in the case after the completion of arguments by the defence and prosecution. Five days later, on 18 October 2023, the Delhi court convicted Kapoor, Shukla, Kumar and Malik for Soumya Vishwanath's murder and Sethi for receiving stolen property under the MCOCA. The court has set the date for sentencing on 26 October 2023. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Soumya Vishwanathan Case: Murder of TV journalist that shocked Delhi 15 years ago; Here's all you need to know

Issam Abdallah, a videographer with Reuters, tragically succumbed to the consequences of the artillery strike.

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli army probes killing of journalist

<p>Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who was detained by China for more than three years on national security charges, reached home on Wednesday (Oct 11) after getting released, said Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.&nbsp;</p>

<p>48-year-old Cheng worked as a business television anchor for Chinese state television when the officials detained her in August 2020 on charges of allegedly providing state secrets to another country.</p>

<p>Cheng, who was secretly tried in March 2022, reached Melbourne where she reunited with her family and two children, said Albanese, while speaking at a press conference.</p>

<p>"(The) government has been seeking this for a long period of time and her return will be warmly welcomed not just by her family and friends but by all Australians," he stated. He added that the journalist was released after the completion of legal processes in China.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-face-a-moral-choice-vote-on-referendum-on-indigenous-rights-644499">Facing a moral choice: Australia votes on referendum on indigenous rights</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, China's State Security Ministry stated that Cheng pleaded guilty to charges of sending state secrets related to her work illegally abroad for a state media outlet. It added that she was deported after she served her prison sentence of two years and 11 months.</p>

<h2><strong>Cheng's&nbsp;release a breakthrough in Australia-China ties?</strong></h2>

<p>Australian diplomats were not allowed to enter her trial and Cheng never made any public comment on her case.</p>

<p>Repeated concerns were raised by Australia regarding her detention which came as China increased blocks on Australian exports amid an escalating diplomatic dispute between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She is a very strong and resilient person," stated Albanese, who had spoken to Cheng and welcomed the journalist home on behalf of the country.</p>

<p>Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also met Cheng&nbsp;when she arrived at the airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter to the Australian government which was publicly released in August, Cheng spoke about how she is missing her children, aged 11 and 14, who have been residing in Melbourne with their grandmother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year," she said in a letter, which she called a "love letter to 25 million people". The letter was the journalist's first public statement since her arrest.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;From floods to fires: Australia's growing climate crisis</strong></p>

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<p>Previously, the Australian prime minister had stated that he would raise the case of Cheng with Chinese President Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>Analysts stated that the journalist's release can be seen as a breakthrough in ties between the two countries, however, differences remained.</p>

<p>"This is one of the more concrete signs that Australia is no longer being punished by China for comments and policy measures that Beijing had objected to," stated Ryan Neelam, an analyst at the Lowy Institute think tank, while speaking to Reuters</p>

<p>"So this does seem to suggest there is real progress in moving forward the relationship ... But it doesn't completely change the overall structural difficulties that have been present," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who was detained by China for more than three years on national security charges, reached home on Wednesday (Oct 11) after getting released, said Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who was detained by China for more than three years on national security charges, reached home on Wednesday (Oct 11) after getting released, said Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 48-year-old Cheng worked as a business television anchor for Chinese state television when the officials detained her in August 2020 on charges of allegedly providing state secrets to another country. Cheng, who was secretly tried in March 2022, reached Melbourne where she reunited with her family and two children, said Albanese, while speaking at a press conference. "(The) government has been seeking this for a long period of time and her return will be warmly welcomed not just by her family and friends but by all Australians," he stated. He added that the journalist was released after the completion of legal processes in China. ALSO READ | Facing a moral choice: Australia votes on referendum on indigenous rights Meanwhile, China's State Security Ministry stated that Cheng pleaded guilty to charges of sending state secrets related to her work illegally abroad for a state media outlet. It added that she was deported after she served her prison sentence of two years and 11 months. Cheng's release a breakthrough in Australia-China ties? Australian diplomats were not allowed to enter her trial and Cheng never made any public comment on her case. Repeated concerns were raised by Australia regarding her detention which came as China increased blocks on Australian exports amid an escalating diplomatic dispute between the two countries. "She is a very strong and resilient person," stated Albanese, who had spoken to Cheng and welcomed the journalist home on behalf of the country. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also met Cheng when she arrived at the airport. In a letter to the Australian government which was publicly released in August, Cheng spoke about how she is missing her children, aged 11 and 14, who have been residing in Melbourne with their grandmother. "In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year," she said in a letter, which she called a "love letter to 25 million people". The letter was the journalist's first public statement since her arrest. WATCH | From floods to fires: Australia's growing climate crisis Previously, the Australian prime minister had stated that he would raise the case of Cheng with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Analysts stated that the journalist's release can be seen as a breakthrough in ties between the two countries, however, differences remained. "This is one of the more concrete signs that Australia is no longer being punished by China for comments and policy measures that Beijing had objected to," stated Ryan Neelam, an analyst at the Lowy Institute think tank, while speaking to Reuters "So this does seem to suggest there is real progress in moving forward the relationship ... But it doesn't completely change the overall structural difficulties that have been present," he added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australian journalist Cheng Lei returns home after getting released by China

<p>Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent Pakistani journalist, anchor, and YouTuber, who had been missing for nearly five months, was finally "recovered" and reunited with his family on Monday (September 25), media reports said citing Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Hassan Iqbal. The journalist's ordeal began on May 11 when he was taken into custody at Sialkot Airport under the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) after nationwide protests on May 9 in response to the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court. Imran Riaz Khan was subsequently released from the district jail on May 12.</p>

<p>In a significant development, the Lahore High Court gave the Punjab police chief a deadline of September 26 to locate Imran Riaz Khan after he had been missing for an extended period.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">اللہ کا بہت کرم ہوااور<br />
الحمدللّہ عمران ریاض خان بھائی بخیروعافیت اپنے گھر پہنچ گئے ہیں.<br />
اللہ تعالیٰ سے دعا ہے کہ باقی وہ ہزاروں پی ٹی آئی کے لوگ جن میں عورتیں بچے و مرد شامل ہیں ناجائز جیلوں میں قید کیے ہوئے ہیں اور جو اغواء نما گرفتار کیے ہوے ہیں وہ بھی جلد اپنے پیاروں کے پاس… <a href="https://t.co/r75DpjGhUk">pic.twitter.com/r75DpjGhUk</a></p>
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<p>The news of Imran Riaz Khan's safe recovery was shared by Sialkot police on X social media platform, where they stated, "Journalist/anchorperson Mr. Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. Right now, he is with his family.”</p>

<h2><strong>Lawyer's statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Imran Riaz Khan's attorney also expressed his relief, saying, "By God's special blessing, grace, and mercy, I have brought back my prince," adding, "It took a long time due to the pile of difficulties, the last frontier of understanding, a weak judiciary, the current ineffective public constitution, and legal helplessness."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-40-population-slips-below-poverty-line-world-bank-sounds-alarm-bell-639087">Pakistan: 40% population slips below poverty line, World Bank sounds alarm bell</a></p>

<p>The lawyer wrote, "Despite the unspeakable circumstances, Allah Almighty showed us this best day. There is only limitless gratitude right now."</p>

<h2><strong>Imran Riaz Khan's condition&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dawn&nbsp;quoted journalist Wajahat S Khan, who had spoken to Imran Riaz Khan's family, as saying that the anchor is currently weak and not in the best of health, but he has returned safely.</p>

<p>PTI also reacted to the journalist's return and called for the release of political prisoners.&nbsp;PTI leader Hammad Azhar expressed the nation's joy over Imran Riaz Khan's return. Meanwhile, PTI called for the release of all political prisoners under "illegal incarceration" and spoke of the need for law and justice to prevail.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-potentially-faces-death-sentence-charged-under-criminal-conspiracy-over-may-9-violence-638361">Pakistan: PTI party urges Chief Justice to schedule early hearings of Imran Khan's cases</a></p>

<p>Imran Riaz Khan's disappearance prompted his father, Muhammad Riaz, to file a first information report (FIR) for his alleged abduction with the Sialkot Civil Lines police on May 16.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/day-3-nepal-pms-china-visit-prachanda-meets-chinas-zhao-leji-world-news-wion-639354">Day 3: Nepal PM's China visit | Prachanda meets China's Zhao Leji | World News | WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>The FIR named "unidentified persons" and police officials for the alleged kidnapping under Section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to kidnapping or abducting with intent to confine a person secretly and wrongfully.</p>

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Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent Pakistani journalist, anchor, and YouTuber, who had been missing for nearly five months, was finally "recovered" and reunited with his family on Monday (September 25), media reports said citing Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Hassan Iqbal.

Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent Pakistani journalist, anchor, and YouTuber, who had been missing for nearly five months, was finally "recovered" and reunited with his family on Monday (September 25), media reports said citing Sialkot District Police Officer (DPO) Hassan Iqbal. The journalist's ordeal began on May 11 when he was taken into custody at Sialkot Airport under the Maintenance of Public Order (3MPO) after nationwide protests on May 9 in response to the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court. Imran Riaz Khan was subsequently released from the district jail on May 12. In a significant development, the Lahore High Court gave the Punjab police chief a deadline of September 26 to locate Imran Riaz Khan after he had been missing for an extended period. اللہ کا بہت کرم ہوااور الحمدللّہ عمران ریاض خان بھائی بخیروعافیت اپنے گھر پہنچ گئے ہیں. اللہ تعالیٰ سے دعا ہے کہ باقی وہ ہزاروں پی ٹی آئی کے لوگ جن میں عورتیں بچے و مرد شامل ہیں ناجائز جیلوں میں قید کیے ہوئے ہیں اور جو اغواء نما گرفتار کیے ہوے ہیں وہ بھی جلد اپنے پیاروں کے پاس… pic.twitter.com/r75DpjGhUk — Qasim Khan Suri (@QasimKhanSuri) September 25, 2023 × The news of Imran Riaz Khan's safe recovery was shared by Sialkot police on X social media platform, where they stated, "Journalist/anchorperson Mr. Imran Riaz Khan has been safely recovered. Right now, he is with his family.” Lawyer's statement Imran Riaz Khan's attorney also expressed his relief, saying, "By God's special blessing, grace, and mercy, I have brought back my prince," adding, "It took a long time due to the pile of difficulties, the last frontier of understanding, a weak judiciary, the current ineffective public constitution, and legal helplessness." Also Read | Pakistan: 40% population slips below poverty line, World Bank sounds alarm bell The lawyer wrote, "Despite the unspeakable circumstances, Allah Almighty showed us this best day. There is only limitless gratitude right now." Imran Riaz Khan's condition Dawn quoted journalist Wajahat S Khan, who had spoken to Imran Riaz Khan's family, as saying that the anchor is currently weak and not in the best of health, but he has returned safely. PTI also reacted to the journalist's return and called for the release of political prisoners. PTI leader Hammad Azhar expressed the nation's joy over Imran Riaz Khan's return. Meanwhile, PTI called for the release of all political prisoners under "illegal incarceration" and spoke of the need for law and justice to prevail. Also Read | Pakistan: PTI party urges Chief Justice to schedule early hearings of Imran Khan's cases Imran Riaz Khan's disappearance prompted his father, Muhammad Riaz, to file a first information report (FIR) for his alleged abduction with the Sialkot Civil Lines police on May 16. Watch | Day 3: Nepal PM's China visit | Prachanda meets China's Zhao Leji | World News | WION × The FIR named "unidentified persons" and police officials for the alleged kidnapping under Section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to kidnapping or abducting with intent to confine a person secretly and wrongfully. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pak journalist Imran Riaz Khan reunites with family after going missing for 5 months

Imran Riaz Khan, a renowned Pakistani journalist and political commentator who had been missing for more than four months has been found.

Missing for 4 months, Pakistani TV anchor Riaz Khan returns home

Missing Pakistan journalist Imran Riaz Khan returns home

<p>The trial of two prominent Chinese rights activists who have been in detention since 2021 are due to begin and they are reportedly expected to appear before a judge in a closed-door hearing, on Friday (September 22). The case has attracted widespread attention to Beijing’s effort to dismantle and repress what remains of the country’s civil society.</p>

<p>The trial is being held for independent journalist and rights activist Huang Xueqin who covered China’s #MeToo movement and labour rights activist Wang Jianbing. Both were&nbsp;detained by Chinese authorities in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou in September 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The detention also came shortly before Huang was due to move to the United Kingdom to study.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What has the duo been accused of?</strong></h2>

<p>A month after their detention, they were charged with “inciting subversion of state power” which typically carries a sentence of up to five years but can be raised if the case is deemed severe. Huang and Wang, according to their supporters will be tried at the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court, reported CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The roads around the courthouses appeared to be closed to public access on Friday morning, said a report by the Guardian, citing their supporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Huang who also covered the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong in 2019 as a journalist was later detained in Guangzhou and prevented from attending the postgraduate programme at the University of Hong Kong.</p>

<p>Huang was released in 2020 and awarded the Chevening scholarship by the British Foreign Office in 2021, and was set to attend the University of Sussex for her master’s degree in autumn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK-based university said that they remain “deeply concerned” about her “safety and her wellbeing” and “consistently raised her case in meetings with the UK government and in correspondence with the British embassy in China.”</p>

<h2>A ‘complete sham’</h2>

<p>Huang and Wang reportedly organised weekly meetings at the latter’s apartment for like-minded progressives, to discuss issues such as feminism, LGBTQ+ rights and labour issues, but also to watch films and play board games.</p>

<p>According to the United States-based, Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), nearly 70 of their acquaintances have been interrogated by the police, several of them even reportedly forced to leave Guangzhou.</p>

<p>“They were trying to rebuild a network, to bring together every isolated individual,” said a report by the Guardian citing a friend, who regularly attended what was described as casual meetings. “We never thought that this was dangerous, or even offensive to the government,” they added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The pair has also held largely incommunicado while advocates have claimed that they have been subjected to secret interrogations, torture and ill-treatment. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“We don’t know for sure what the substance of the Chinese government’s case against Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing is, but we can be certain that the process will be a complete sham,” said William Nee, a research and advocacy coordinator at CHRD, as quoted by CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Huang has not seen a lawyer of her choice in two years of detention. They were both reportedly subjected to prolonged interrogations and police frequently would wake Huang up in the middle of the night and start interrogations.”</p>

<p>On Thursday, dozens of civil society groups, including Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), released a joint statement calling for the duo’s “immediate and unconditional” release.<br />
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The trial of two prominent Chinese rights activists who have been in detention since 2021 are due to begin and they are reportedly expected to appear before a judge in a closed-door hearing, on Friday (September 22).

The trial of two prominent Chinese rights activists who have been in detention since 2021 are due to begin and they are reportedly expected to appear before a judge in a closed-door hearing, on Friday (September 22). The case has attracted widespread attention to Beijing’s effort to dismantle and repress what remains of the country’s civil society. The trial is being held for independent journalist and rights activist Huang Xueqin who covered China’s #MeToo movement and labour rights activist Wang Jianbing. Both were detained by Chinese authorities in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou in September 2021. The detention also came shortly before Huang was due to move to the United Kingdom to study. What has the duo been accused of? A month after their detention, they were charged with “inciting subversion of state power” which typically carries a sentence of up to five years but can be raised if the case is deemed severe. Huang and Wang, according to their supporters will be tried at the Guangzhou Intermediate People’s Court, reported CNN. The roads around the courthouses appeared to be closed to public access on Friday morning, said a report by the Guardian, citing their supporters. Huang who also covered the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong in 2019 as a journalist was later detained in Guangzhou and prevented from attending the postgraduate programme at the University of Hong Kong. Huang was released in 2020 and awarded the Chevening scholarship by the British Foreign Office in 2021, and was set to attend the University of Sussex for her master’s degree in autumn. The UK-based university said that they remain “deeply concerned” about her “safety and her wellbeing” and “consistently raised her case in meetings with the UK government and in correspondence with the British embassy in China.” A ‘complete sham’ Huang and Wang reportedly organised weekly meetings at the latter’s apartment for like-minded progressives, to discuss issues such as feminism, LGBTQ+ rights and labour issues, but also to watch films and play board games. According to the United States-based, Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD), nearly 70 of their acquaintances have been interrogated by the police, several of them even reportedly forced to leave Guangzhou. “They were trying to rebuild a network, to bring together every isolated individual,” said a report by the Guardian citing a friend, who regularly attended what was described as casual meetings. “We never thought that this was dangerous, or even offensive to the government,” they added. The pair has also held largely incommunicado while advocates have claimed that they have been subjected to secret interrogations, torture and ill-treatment. “We don’t know for sure what the substance of the Chinese government’s case against Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing is, but we can be certain that the process will be a complete sham,” said William Nee, a research and advocacy coordinator at CHRD, as quoted by CNN. He added, “Huang has not seen a lawyer of her choice in two years of detention. They were both reportedly subjected to prolonged interrogations and police frequently would wake Huang up in the middle of the night and start interrogations.” On Thursday, dozens of civil society groups, including Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), released a joint statement calling for the duo’s “immediate and unconditional” release. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China: Secret trials of #MeToo journalist and labour rights activist begin in Guangzhou

After the World Cup kiss scandal, hundreds of Spanish women have shared their stories of sexual abuse.

Does Spain have a culture of sexual abuse?

<p>In a significant blow to press freedom in Myanmar, a court has sentenced photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike to 20 years in prison with hard labour, after just one day of trial. This harsh verdict comes in the wake of his coverage of the devastating aftermath of a cyclone, as reported by the independent online news service Myanmar Now, the organisation he worked for. This sentence marks the most severe punishment for any journalist since the military seized power and overthrew the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.</p>

<h2><strong>The unprecedented verdict</strong></h2>

<p>Sai Zaw Thaike, a photographer known for his work with Myanmar Now, faced a trial by a military tribunal that culminated in his conviction and sentencing. This event unfolded during the first court hearing held since his initial detention in the western state of Rakhine. His indictment included a range of charges, notably a statute loosely associated with treason, often referred to as sedition. Among the charges were incitement, spreading false information, and agitating against government employees or the military, carrying a maximum prison term of three years. Additionally, he faced charges of online defamation, punishable by up to three years' imprisonment, and violating a natural disaster management law, which could result in a prison term of up to one year.</p>

<h2><strong>Trial in secrecy and Isolation</strong></h2>

<p>The entire legal process occurred within Insein prison, located in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, where Sai Zaw Thaike had been incarcerated since his arrest. The news agency revealed that he was deprived of family visits and legal representation throughout his detention, raising concerns about the fairness of his trial.</p>

<p>Myanmar Now's editor-in-chief, Swe Win, expressed deep concern over Sai Zaw Thaike's sentencing, emphasising that it underscores the complete suppression of press freedom under the military junta's rule. It also highlights the high price that independent journalists in Myanmar pay for their professional work.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Myanmar: Election Commission yet to announce new election dates</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Myanmar's dismal ranking in&nbsp;press freedom </strong></h2>

<p>Myanmar's deteriorating press freedom situation has drawn international attention. Reporters Without Borders ranked Myanmar as the world's second-largest jailer of journalists, trailing only China. The country's standing in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index plummeted, placing 176th out of 180 countries.</p>

<p>Sai Zaw Thaike's ordeal began when he was arrested on May 23 in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, while documenting the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. This cyclone was the most destructive storm in Myanmar in over a decade, causing widespread flash floods and power outages. Tragically, it claimed the lives of at least 148 people in Rakhine state, many of whom belonged to the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority residing in internal displacement camps. Moreover, it caused substantial damage to more than 186,000 buildings.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-junta-troubled-by-unfit-for-operation-pakistan-made-jf-17-fighter-jets-631692">Myanmar junta troubled by 'unfit for operation' Pakistan-made JF-17 fighter jets</a></p>

<p>Details regarding the specific charges for which Sai Zaw Thaike was convicted remain undisclosed, as political trials in Myanmar are typically shrouded in secrecy. Independent verification of Myanmar Now's report is challenging.</p>

<p>This conviction represents the latest assault on press freedom and journalists by Myanmar's military-installed government, which has vigorously cracked down on independent media. At least 13 media outlets, including Myanmar Now, have had their licenses revoked, while approximately 156 journalists were arrested, with around 50 still in detention. Shockingly, nearly half of those detained have been convicted and sentenced. Tragically, four media workers lost their lives, and others suffered torture while in detention.</p>

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In a significant blow to press freedom in Myanmar, a court has sentenced photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike to 20 years in prison with hard labour, after just one day of trial.

In a significant blow to press freedom in Myanmar, a court has sentenced photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike to 20 years in prison with hard labour, after just one day of trial. This harsh verdict comes in the wake of his coverage of the devastating aftermath of a cyclone, as reported by the independent online news service Myanmar Now, the organisation he worked for. This sentence marks the most severe punishment for any journalist since the military seized power and overthrew the elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. The unprecedented verdict Sai Zaw Thaike, a photographer known for his work with Myanmar Now, faced a trial by a military tribunal that culminated in his conviction and sentencing. This event unfolded during the first court hearing held since his initial detention in the western state of Rakhine. His indictment included a range of charges, notably a statute loosely associated with treason, often referred to as sedition. Among the charges were incitement, spreading false information, and agitating against government employees or the military, carrying a maximum prison term of three years. Additionally, he faced charges of online defamation, punishable by up to three years' imprisonment, and violating a natural disaster management law, which could result in a prison term of up to one year. Trial in secrecy and Isolation The entire legal process occurred within Insein prison, located in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, where Sai Zaw Thaike had been incarcerated since his arrest. The news agency revealed that he was deprived of family visits and legal representation throughout his detention, raising concerns about the fairness of his trial. Myanmar Now's editor-in-chief, Swe Win, expressed deep concern over Sai Zaw Thaike's sentencing, emphasising that it underscores the complete suppression of press freedom under the military junta's rule. It also highlights the high price that independent journalists in Myanmar pay for their professional work. Also watch | Myanmar: Election Commission yet to announce new election dates Myanmar's dismal ranking in press freedom Myanmar's deteriorating press freedom situation has drawn international attention. Reporters Without Borders ranked Myanmar as the world's second-largest jailer of journalists, trailing only China. The country's standing in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index plummeted, placing 176th out of 180 countries. Sai Zaw Thaike's ordeal began when he was arrested on May 23 in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine state, while documenting the aftermath of Cyclone Mocha. This cyclone was the most destructive storm in Myanmar in over a decade, causing widespread flash floods and power outages. Tragically, it claimed the lives of at least 148 people in Rakhine state, many of whom belonged to the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority residing in internal displacement camps. Moreover, it caused substantial damage to more than 186,000 buildings. Also read | Myanmar junta troubled by 'unfit for operation' Pakistan-made JF-17 fighter jets Details regarding the specific charges for which Sai Zaw Thaike was convicted remain undisclosed, as political trials in Myanmar are typically shrouded in secrecy. Independent verification of Myanmar Now's report is challenging. This conviction represents the latest assault on press freedom and journalists by Myanmar's military-installed government, which has vigorously cracked down on independent media. At least 13 media outlets, including Myanmar Now, have had their licenses revoked, while approximately 156 journalists were arrested, with around 50 still in detention. Shockingly, nearly half of those detained have been convicted and sentenced. Tragically, four media workers lost their lives, and others suffered torture while in detention. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Myanmar photojournalist receives 20-year jail term for cyclone coverage after one-day trial

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich has appealed a Moscow court’s decision to extend his pretrial detention in Russia until the end of November, according to documents on the court’s website.

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich appeals extension of pretrial detention in Russia

<p>UK-based news presenter Patrick Christys apparently congratulated India on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, followed by some cheap mockery inspired by colonial hangover. His subsequent comments on India didn’t go down well with netizens: he demanded India return the £2.3 billion of foreign aid that was provided by Britain.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/with-tesla-push-india-mulls-import-tax-cut-if-ev-makers-build-locally-629131">With Tesla push, India mulls import tax cut if EV makers build locally</a></p>

<p>He said, “I would like to congratulate India for landing on the dark side of the Moon. I would also like to now invite India to return the £2.3 billion of foreign aid money that we sent them between 2016 and 2021. We are also set to give them £57 million pounds next year and I think the British taxpayer should keep hold of that, don’t you?”</p>

<p>"We should not be giving money to countries with a space programme. As a rule, if you can afford to fire a rocket to the dark side of the Moon, you shouldn’t be coming to us with your hand out."</p>

<h2><strong>Netizens slam British&nbsp;journalist</strong>&nbsp;for his ill-informed remarks</h2>

<p>As soon as the clip of his remarks went viral, netizens slammed him, with some demanding that Britain return&nbsp;the Kohinoor which was taken from India during British rule. The clip also had comments from netizens commenting how during the British rule in India, millions of pounds were looted by the British rulers.</p>

<p>Here are some reactions:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh the jealous racist rant!😂<br />
You stole more than $45 trillion from India, left the country broken and dirt poor, yet India overcame and has overtaken your economy today. What did Britain do with the $45 trillion + that they stole from India alone? NHS is in doldrums, almost…</p>
— Anu Iyengar 🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@Anu_Iyengar_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anu_Iyengar_/status/1694441482596307191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The video, since being shared on August 24, has accumulated nearly a million&nbsp;views.</p>

<p>The journalist’s insensitive remarks has triggered an uproar online.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spread misinformation and then whine when people call you out.<br />
<br />
FCDO spokesperson: “Since 2015 the UK has given no financial aid to the government of India. Most of our funding now is focused on business investments which help create new markets and jobs for the UK.”</p>
— malika (@malikakas) <a href="https://twitter.com/malikakas/status/1694450375355736104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">‘Britain, give us back our $44.997 TRILLION!’<br />
<br />
Hi <a href="https://twitter.com/PatrickChristys?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PatrickChristys</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GBNEWS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GBNEWS</a><br />
<br />
Thank you for reminding about the grant. Now ‘as a rule, salute us &amp; return $45 TRILLION you’ve looted from us’<br />
<br />
Britain gave, as you say,<br />
£2.3 BILLION i.e. $2.5 BILLION.<br />
<br />
Deduct it &amp; return the… <a href="https://t.co/9lSfwpvoWn">pic.twitter.com/9lSfwpvoWn</a></p>
— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) <a href="https://twitter.com/shashank_ssj/status/1694446546803380261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“We understand your pain. Even after looting India’s 45T£, you are not able to achieve what India did,” posted an individual.</p>

<p>“So when was the last time the UK landed anything on the moon? Brexit Man is jealous!” ridiculed a third.</p>

<p>Indian entrepreneur and Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra also gave a befitting reply to the British journalist in the most subtle way possible.</p>

<p>He wrote on X, “Yet the most valuable possession we were robbed of was not the Kohinoor Diamond but our pride &amp; belief in our own capabilities.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/flashback-friday-the-rise-and-fall-of-pre-colonial-indias-richest-family-the-jagat-seths-629125">Flashback Friday: The rise and fall of pre-colonial India’s richest family – the Jagat Seths&nbsp;</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really?? The truth is that, in large part, our poverty was a result of decades of colonial rule which systematically plundered the wealth of an entire subcontinent. Yet the most valuable possession we were robbed of was not the Kohinoor Diamond but our pride &amp; belief in our own… <a href="https://t.co/KQP40cklQZ">https://t.co/KQP40cklQZ</a></p>
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1694535318480073020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface at 6.04 p.m. on August 23, propelling India to an exclusive club of four countries with successful moon missions, and the first to do so on the moon's south pole.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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UK-based news presenter Patrick Christys apparently congratulated India on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, followed by some cheap mockery inspired by colonial hangover.

UK-based news presenter Patrick Christys apparently congratulated India on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3, followed by some cheap mockery inspired by colonial hangover. His subsequent comments on India didn’t go down well with netizens: he demanded India return the £2.3 billion of foreign aid that was provided by Britain. Also Read | With Tesla push, India mulls import tax cut if EV makers build locally He said, “I would like to congratulate India for landing on the dark side of the Moon. I would also like to now invite India to return the £2.3 billion of foreign aid money that we sent them between 2016 and 2021. We are also set to give them £57 million pounds next year and I think the British taxpayer should keep hold of that, don’t you?” "We should not be giving money to countries with a space programme. As a rule, if you can afford to fire a rocket to the dark side of the Moon, you shouldn’t be coming to us with your hand out." Netizens slam British journalist for his ill-informed remarks As soon as the clip of his remarks went viral, netizens slammed him, with some demanding that Britain return the Kohinoor which was taken from India during British rule. The clip also had comments from netizens commenting how during the British rule in India, millions of pounds were looted by the British rulers. Here are some reactions: Oh the jealous racist rant!😂 You stole more than $45 trillion from India, left the country broken and dirt poor, yet India overcame and has overtaken your economy today. What did Britain do with the $45 trillion + that they stole from India alone? NHS is in doldrums, almost… — Anu Iyengar 🇮🇳🇺🇸 (@Anu_Iyengar_) August 23, 2023 × The video, since being shared on August 24, has accumulated nearly a million views. The journalist’s insensitive remarks has triggered an uproar online. Spread misinformation and then whine when people call you out. FCDO spokesperson: “Since 2015 the UK has given no financial aid to the government of India. Most of our funding now is focused on business investments which help create new markets and jobs for the UK.” — malika (@malikakas) August 23, 2023 × ‘Britain, give us back our $44.997 TRILLION!’ Hi @PatrickChristys, @GBNEWS Thank you for reminding about the grant. Now ‘as a rule, salute us & return $45 TRILLION you’ve looted from us’ Britain gave, as you say, £2.3 BILLION i.e. $2.5 BILLION. Deduct it & return the… pic.twitter.com/9lSfwpvoWn — Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) August 23, 2023 × “We understand your pain. Even after looting India’s 45T£, you are not able to achieve what India did,” posted an individual. “So when was the last time the UK landed anything on the moon? Brexit Man is jealous!” ridiculed a third. Indian entrepreneur and Chairman of the Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra also gave a befitting reply to the British journalist in the most subtle way possible. He wrote on X, “Yet the most valuable possession we were robbed of was not the Kohinoor Diamond but our pride & belief in our own capabilities.” Also Read | Flashback Friday: The rise and fall of pre-colonial India’s richest family – the Jagat Seths Really?? The truth is that, in large part, our poverty was a result of decades of colonial rule which systematically plundered the wealth of an entire subcontinent. Yet the most valuable possession we were robbed of was not the Kohinoor Diamond but our pride & belief in our own… https://t.co/KQP40cklQZ — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 24, 2023 × The Chandrayaan-3 lander touched down on the lunar surface at 6.04 p.m. on August 23, propelling India to an exclusive club of four countries with successful moon missions, and the first to do so on the moon's south pole. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK journalist faces backlash for 'don't come for foreign aid' jibe on Chandrayaan-3 success

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on China on Saturday (August 12) to release Australian journalist Cheng Lei. Albanese said he was worried about Lei's condition. She has been behind bars for three years.</p>

<p>In a note dictated to Australian officials from her cell, Cheng Lei has described her bleak prison conditions. She said she misses trees and sunlight but "most of all I miss my children".</p>

<p>Cheng's partner Nick Coyle on Thursday shared the message with Australian news outlets and on the social media platform X.</p>

<p>PM Albanese said he was concerned about Cheng's welfare.</p>

<p>"I certainly am, and Cheng should be released. This is three years too long," he said.</p>

<p>"Cheng Lei is an Australian citizen. She is someone who does not deserve this treatment," he told reporters during a visit to Queensland.</p>

<p>The PM added that Australia had taken up the matter at the "highest levels" and would continue to do so "whenever Australia meets with &nbsp;China".</p>

<p>"It is important that her human rights as an Australian citizen be respected," the prime minister said. Albanese has been invited to visit China though no date has been set.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Albanese told journalists on Friday that &nbsp;Cheng's release would not be made a condition for his trip to go ahead, saying such visits "should not be transactional".</p>

<p>Cheng is a former anchor for Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. She has been detained since August 2020. She has been formally arrested in February 2021.</p>

<p>She was formally charged with "supplying state secrets overseas" but no further details have been given.</p>

<p>Her detention came at a time of difficult relations between Australia and China, raising speculation it was politically motivated.</p>

<p>China claimed on Friday that Cheng Lei's case was being handled "in strict accordance with the law", and that Cheng's legal rights were being fully protected.</p>

<p>"It is hoped that the Australian side will respect China's judicial sovereignty and refrain from any type of interference in the lawful handling of the case by Chinese judicial organs," a spokesperson told AFP in a written statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cheng was tried last March behind closed doors, with even Australia's ambassador to China blocked from entering the court to observe proceedings.</p>

<p>The court deferred the verdict and Cheng's sentence, which could extend to life in prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on China on Saturday (August 12) to release Australian journalist Cheng Lei. Albanese said he was worried about Lei's condition.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on China on Saturday (August 12) to release Australian journalist Cheng Lei. Albanese said he was worried about Lei's condition. She has been behind bars for three years. In a note dictated to Australian officials from her cell, Cheng Lei has described her bleak prison conditions. She said she misses trees and sunlight but "most of all I miss my children". Cheng's partner Nick Coyle on Thursday shared the message with Australian news outlets and on the social media platform X. PM Albanese said he was concerned about Cheng's welfare. "I certainly am, and Cheng should be released. This is three years too long," he said. "Cheng Lei is an Australian citizen. She is someone who does not deserve this treatment," he told reporters during a visit to Queensland. The PM added that Australia had taken up the matter at the "highest levels" and would continue to do so "whenever Australia meets with China". "It is important that her human rights as an Australian citizen be respected," the prime minister said. Albanese has been invited to visit China though no date has been set. Albanese told journalists on Friday that Cheng's release would not be made a condition for his trip to go ahead, saying such visits "should not be transactional". Cheng is a former anchor for Chinese state broadcaster CGTN. She has been detained since August 2020. She has been formally arrested in February 2021. She was formally charged with "supplying state secrets overseas" but no further details have been given. Her detention came at a time of difficult relations between Australia and China, raising speculation it was politically motivated. China claimed on Friday that Cheng Lei's case was being handled "in strict accordance with the law", and that Cheng's legal rights were being fully protected. "It is hoped that the Australian side will respect China's judicial sovereignty and refrain from any type of interference in the lawful handling of the case by Chinese judicial organs," a spokesperson told AFP in a written statement. Cheng was tried last March behind closed doors, with even Australia's ambassador to China blocked from entering the court to observe proceedings. The court deferred the verdict and Cheng's sentence, which could extend to life in prison. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australia urges China to release jailed journalist

Cheng Lei has marked her third year being detained in China. She has written about her condition in what she calls a 'love letter' to her home country. What are the contents of the 'love letter'? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: China imprisons an Australian journalist

<p>Australian-Chinese TV anchor Cheng Lei, who has been in prison in China and will be now spending three years more in detention, in a rare message said that she has been missing her family and life in Australia.<br />
<br />
“I miss the sun. In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year,” she stated in a message which was released by her partner Nick Coyle on Thursday (August 10) on an account named “ FreeChengLei” on platform X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<h2><strong>Love letter to Australia</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to CNN, Coyle said that the message was dictated to diplomatic officers and was shared with him. “I can’t believe I used to avoid the sun when I was living back in Australia,” said Cheng’s message. It was described as a “love letter” to Australia by Cheng, who said, “I haven’t seen a tree in 3 years.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-claims-to-expose-cia-espionage-case-after-arrest-of-alleged-agent-624441">China claims to have exposed CIA espionage plot after arrest of alleged agent</a><br />
<br />
Cheng, a former business anchor for China’s state broadcaster CGTN and mother of two, is accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas, a charge that carries a possible sentence of five years to life in prison.<br />
<br />
She had been on her way to work on the morning of August 13, 2020, when she “was taken by China’s Ministry of State Security,” Coyle said in a letter published in The Australian newspaper in May.</p>

<p>The details of the allegations against Cheng have not been revealed by the Chinese authorities. The court in China delayed in giving a verdict several times, which left Cheng in custody and gave no clarification to her loved ones regarding her fate. In the letter released, Cheng fondly spoke about her life in Australia, saying, “I miss the Australian people.”<br />
<br />
“I remember camping for the first time with my family. I miss the sweet encounters of wildlife in Australia, the sea salt whirling in my ear. I relive every bushwalk, river, lake, beach with swims and picnics and psychedelic sunsets, sky that is lit up with stars, and the silent and secret symphony of the bush,” she writes.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China's trade slumps, threatening recovery prospects</strong></p>

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<p>“I secretly mouth the names of places I've visited and driven through,” Cheng said. “It is the Chinese in me that has probably gone beyond the legal limit of sentimentality. Most of all, I miss my children,” she added. Coyle further informed CNN that he is able to hear from Cheng only after she is visited by her consular once every month.</p>

<h2><strong>Australian minister confirms support for Cheng</strong></h2>

<p>Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a statement, said that Cheng and her family will be supported and her interests and well-being will be taken care of.<br />
<br />
“Cheng's message to the public makes clear her deep love for our country,” said Wong in a statement. “All Australians want to see her reunited with her children,” he added.<br />
<br />
Wong said that the government has been advocating for Cheng and asked that "basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment be met to Cheng, in accordance with international norms.”</p>

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Australian-Chinese TV anchor Cheng Lei, who has been in prison in China and will be now spending three years more in detention, in a rare message said that she has been missing her family and life in Australia.

Australian-Chinese TV anchor Cheng Lei, who has been in prison in China and will be now spending three years more in detention, in a rare message said that she has been missing her family and life in Australia. “I miss the sun. In my cell, the sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year,” she stated in a message which was released by her partner Nick Coyle on Thursday (August 10) on an account named “ FreeChengLei” on platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Love letter to Australia Speaking to CNN, Coyle said that the message was dictated to diplomatic officers and was shared with him. “I can’t believe I used to avoid the sun when I was living back in Australia,” said Cheng’s message. It was described as a “love letter” to Australia by Cheng, who said, “I haven’t seen a tree in 3 years.” ALSO READ | China claims to have exposed CIA espionage plot after arrest of alleged agent Cheng, a former business anchor for China’s state broadcaster CGTN and mother of two, is accused of illegally supplying state secrets overseas, a charge that carries a possible sentence of five years to life in prison. She had been on her way to work on the morning of August 13, 2020, when she “was taken by China’s Ministry of State Security,” Coyle said in a letter published in The Australian newspaper in May. The details of the allegations against Cheng have not been revealed by the Chinese authorities. The court in China delayed in giving a verdict several times, which left Cheng in custody and gave no clarification to her loved ones regarding her fate. In the letter released, Cheng fondly spoke about her life in Australia, saying, “I miss the Australian people.” “I remember camping for the first time with my family. I miss the sweet encounters of wildlife in Australia, the sea salt whirling in my ear. I relive every bushwalk, river, lake, beach with swims and picnics and psychedelic sunsets, sky that is lit up with stars, and the silent and secret symphony of the bush,” she writes. WATCH | China's trade slumps, threatening recovery prospects “I secretly mouth the names of places I've visited and driven through,” Cheng said. “It is the Chinese in me that has probably gone beyond the legal limit of sentimentality. Most of all, I miss my children,” she added. Coyle further informed CNN that he is able to hear from Cheng only after she is visited by her consular once every month. Australian minister confirms support for Cheng Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, in a statement, said that Cheng and her family will be supported and her interests and well-being will be taken care of. “Cheng's message to the public makes clear her deep love for our country,” said Wong in a statement. “All Australians want to see her reunited with her children,” he added. Wong said that the government has been advocating for Cheng and asked that "basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment be met to Cheng, in accordance with international norms.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Haven’t seen a tree in three years,’ says jailed journalist in China in rare message

Google is testing out an AI tool to help journalists. The tool is currently being called 'Genesis'. How credible is it? Can it replace actual journalists? Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: All about Google's AI tool to help journalists

<p>A Mexican journalist was shot dead by assailants on Saturday in a store parking lot in the southern tourist town of Acapulco, stated the regional authorities. This is the second killing of a journalist that has taken place in the country within a week.<br />
<br />
Prosecutors stated that an investigation has been initiated over homicide with a firearm in the killing of Nelson Matus. The incident took place days after another journalist was killed in a country, which is considered among the most dangerous places for members of the press in the world.<br />
<br />
Director of news outlet Lo Real de Guerrero Matus was shot when he was getting inside his car which was parked in a thrift shop parking lot.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-dead-in-suspected-arson-attack-in-mexican-market-614228">Nine dead in suspected arson attack in Mexican market</a></p>

<p>In a statement, the Guerrero state prosecutor's office said that it "reiterates its commitment to exhaust every line of investigation" into his death.<br />
<br />
Matus had been working as a journalist for 15 years, and had specialised in covering violence, said Mexico delegate for press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders Balbina Flores, while speaking to AFP.<br />
<br />
Since the year 2000, more than 150 journalists have been murdered in Mexico, according to the group. This week, the officials stated that they found the body of fellow journalist Luis Martin Sanchez "with signs of violence," after he had been reported missing.<br />
<br />
The dead body of journalist Luis Martin Sanchez, who worked as a correspondent for La Jornada newspaper, was discovered this week "with signs of violence," officials said after it was reported that he is missing.</p>

<h2><strong>Mexico - a dangerous country for journalists</strong></h2>

<p>A leftist newspaper founded in Mexico City in 1985, La Jornada, has already lost two of its most famous correspondents. Miroslava Breach was murdered in Chihuahua in March 2017, and Javier Valdez, who also worked as a contributor for AFP, was killed in Sinaloa in May of the same year.<br />
<br />
Sanchez was among the three active or former journalists who were abducted in the western state of Nayarit, stated the prosecutor's office in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Mexico's remittances at all-time high</strong></p>

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<p>His dead body was discovered in a village near the state capital Tepic. Two cardboard messages were found pinned to his chest, stated the officials, without clearly stating what the messages said.<br />
<br />
Earlier this month, another journalist Osiris Maldonado de la Paz was abducted from his home in the town of Xalisco, while a third journalist who was kidnapped, was later found alive.<br />
<br />
As per the government, the killings of 13 journalists were reported in 2022 in Mexico. The exact circumstances of most of those killings remain unsolved.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Mexican journalist was shot dead by assailants on Saturday in a store parking lot in the southern tourist town of Acapulco, stated the regional authorities. This is the second killing of a journalist that has taken place in the country within a week.

A Mexican journalist was shot dead by assailants on Saturday in a store parking lot in the southern tourist town of Acapulco, stated the regional authorities. This is the second killing of a journalist that has taken place in the country within a week. Prosecutors stated that an investigation has been initiated over homicide with a firearm in the killing of Nelson Matus. The incident took place days after another journalist was killed in a country, which is considered among the most dangerous places for members of the press in the world. Director of news outlet Lo Real de Guerrero Matus was shot when he was getting inside his car which was parked in a thrift shop parking lot. ALSO READ | Nine dead in suspected arson attack in Mexican market In a statement, the Guerrero state prosecutor's office said that it "reiterates its commitment to exhaust every line of investigation" into his death. Matus had been working as a journalist for 15 years, and had specialised in covering violence, said Mexico delegate for press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders Balbina Flores, while speaking to AFP. Since the year 2000, more than 150 journalists have been murdered in Mexico, according to the group. This week, the officials stated that they found the body of fellow journalist Luis Martin Sanchez "with signs of violence," after he had been reported missing. The dead body of journalist Luis Martin Sanchez, who worked as a correspondent for La Jornada newspaper, was discovered this week "with signs of violence," officials said after it was reported that he is missing. Mexico - a dangerous country for journalists A leftist newspaper founded in Mexico City in 1985, La Jornada, has already lost two of its most famous correspondents. Miroslava Breach was murdered in Chihuahua in March 2017, and Javier Valdez, who also worked as a contributor for AFP, was killed in Sinaloa in May of the same year. Sanchez was among the three active or former journalists who were abducted in the western state of Nayarit, stated the prosecutor's office in a statement. WATCH | Mexico's remittances at all-time high His dead body was discovered in a village near the state capital Tepic. Two cardboard messages were found pinned to his chest, stated the officials, without clearly stating what the messages said. Earlier this month, another journalist Osiris Maldonado de la Paz was abducted from his home in the town of Xalisco, while a third journalist who was kidnapped, was later found alive. As per the government, the killings of 13 journalists were reported in 2022 in Mexico. The exact circumstances of most of those killings remain unsolved. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mexican journalist killed in tourist town of Acapulco

Recently, Indian two-wheeler maker, TVS, invited us to participate in their Young Media Racer Programme or YMRP. Now in its 7th edition, YMRP is the brand’s effort in motorsport to give India’s young automotive journalists a chance to put their passion and knowledge of motorcycles, and riding skills to the ultimate test – by going racing on the country's premier racetracks. In this first of a two-part series, we race at the Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore aboard a race-modified TVS Apache RTR 200, competing for the silverware against 15 other riders.

2023 TVS Young Media Racer Program: We race an Apache RTR 200

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<p>A Japanese journalist was denied entry into Hong Kong earlier this week and sent back to Tokyo, without any reason. Freelance journalist Yoshiaki Ogawa arrived in the city by plane on Thursday evening but was soon taken to a separate room by the officials after he showed his passport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, Ogawa was made to wait for a while before the officers came and interviewed him at length for nearly an hour. They made him sign a document acknowledging that he could not enter the city before being deported back to Japan. Upon asking officials why he was being sent back, they only told him that he could not be granted permission to stay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>54-year-old Ogawa is a freelance journalist renowned for his coverage of Hong Kong. After Thursday's event, he said Hong Kong had definitely changed, due to the increased Chinese influence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’ve worked to convey things about Hong Kong to Japan, but it was not like I was going to do any (suspicious) activities in the city,” Ogawa said shortly after arriving at Narita Airport near Tokyo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“(This incident) has truly made me feel how Hong Kong has changed....this would have been unthinkable before," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ogawa said he wasn't planning to write anything when he landed in Hong Kong. However, the 'misstep' by the authorities led to more conversation on social media and media organisations, highlighting the situation in the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pro-democracy-radio-shuts-shop-in-hong-kong-610745"><strong>WATCH|&nbsp;Pro-democracy radio shuts shop in Hong Kong</strong></a></p>

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<p>“He wasn’t even part of a big news organisation, he was just a freelance journalist. I personally think this is a sign that the situation in Hong Kong is becoming more severe,” Sam Yip, spokesperson for the Japan-Hong Kong Democracy Alliance was quoted as saying in The Japan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China's authoritarian stamp</strong></h2>

<p>Ever since Beijing-imposed national security law was implemented across the city in 2020, Asia's financial capital has become yet another authoritarian playground where press freedom and democratic rights are non-existent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, earlier this week, prominent Chinese financial journalist Wu Xiaobo, with over 4,7 million followers on Weibo was banned from social media platforms for his critical views of the Xi Jinping government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/prominent-chinese-financial-journalist-banned-from-social-media-for-speaking-about-economic-woes-unemployment-609275" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Prominent Chinese financial journalist banned from social media for THIS reason</strong></a></p>

<p>According to media reports, all media content posted on Wu's Weibo page since April 2022 appears to have been scrubbed out. The platform's content moderators said they had blocked three verified users for "spreading smears against the development of the securities market" and "hyping up the unemployment rate".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A Japanese journalist was denied entry into Hong Kong earlier this week and sent back to Tokyo, without any reason. Freelance journalist Yoshiaki Ogawa arrived in the city by plane on Thursday evening but was soon taken to a separate room by the officials after he showed his passport.

A Japanese journalist was denied entry into Hong Kong earlier this week and sent back to Tokyo, without any reason. Freelance journalist Yoshiaki Ogawa arrived in the city by plane on Thursday evening but was soon taken to a separate room by the officials after he showed his passport. Afterwards, Ogawa was made to wait for a while before the officers came and interviewed him at length for nearly an hour. They made him sign a document acknowledging that he could not enter the city before being deported back to Japan. Upon asking officials why he was being sent back, they only told him that he could not be granted permission to stay. 54-year-old Ogawa is a freelance journalist renowned for his coverage of Hong Kong. After Thursday's event, he said Hong Kong had definitely changed, due to the increased Chinese influence. “I’ve worked to convey things about Hong Kong to Japan, but it was not like I was going to do any (suspicious) activities in the city,” Ogawa said shortly after arriving at Narita Airport near Tokyo. “(This incident) has truly made me feel how Hong Kong has changed....this would have been unthinkable before," he added. Ogawa said he wasn't planning to write anything when he landed in Hong Kong. However, the 'misstep' by the authorities led to more conversation on social media and media organisations, highlighting the situation in the city. WATCH| Pro-democracy radio shuts shop in Hong Kong × “He wasn’t even part of a big news organisation, he was just a freelance journalist. I personally think this is a sign that the situation in Hong Kong is becoming more severe,” Sam Yip, spokesperson for the Japan-Hong Kong Democracy Alliance was quoted as saying in The Japan Times. China's authoritarian stamp Ever since Beijing-imposed national security law was implemented across the city in 2020, Asia's financial capital has become yet another authoritarian playground where press freedom and democratic rights are non-existent. Notably, earlier this week, prominent Chinese financial journalist Wu Xiaobo, with over 4,7 million followers on Weibo was banned from social media platforms for his critical views of the Xi Jinping government. Also read | Prominent Chinese financial journalist banned from social media for THIS reason According to media reports, all media content posted on Wu's Weibo page since April 2022 appears to have been scrubbed out. The platform's content moderators said they had blocked three verified users for "spreading smears against the development of the securities market" and "hyping up the unemployment rate". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japanese journalist barred from entering Hong Kong, deported from airport

A report by Reuters Institute shows that 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds are turning to social media for news. Instead of media outlets or experienced journalists, they are getting news from celebrities, influencers and even ordinary creators. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Would you trust an influencer over a journalist?

Russia has formally charged detained Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich with espionage, according to Russian news agencies. State-run TASS news agency reported on Friday that the US journalist denied the charge.

Russia charges WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich with spying: Report

U.S. President joe biden has called for the release of the arrested Wall Street Journal reporter. Evan Gershkovich was taken into custody by Moscow on the charges of espionage. In the most serious move carried out by kremlin against any foreign national involved since the start of the Ukraine war, Gershkovich could face imprisonment up to twenty years, if espionage charges against him are proven right. The wall street journal has released a statement saying the detention of Gershkovich was based on false allegations.

Biden asks Russia to let Evan Gershkovich go

A US journalist working for the Wall Street Journal has been formally arrested in Russia and accused of spying. Evan Gershkovich, an experienced Russia reporter, was working in Yekaterinburg at the time of his detention.

Russia arrests US journalist Evan Gershkovich on spying charge

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<p>A journalist from a leading newspaper in Bangladesh was charged on Wednesday (March 29) for producing false news after a story on high food prices went viral. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams has been charged under the draconian Digital Security Act. Shams's newspaper Prothom Alo said that he was picked up from his residence in Savar town at around 4:00 am (2200 GMT) by the police.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing a copy of the case file, AFP reported that Shams was charged with smearing the image of the government with false news, and for raising questions about the achievements of Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan confirmed that Shams was questioned by the police for a false story published during the weekend. Khan said a case has been filed against him, adding he would be released from custody but could be arrested again over the charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The story in Prothom Alo was published last Sunday (March 26) and included quotes from ordinary people talking about their lives on the occasion of Bangladesh's Independence Day.</p>

<p>"What is the use of this freedom if we can't afford rice," one labourer was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP reported on Wednesday that food prices have soared in Bangladesh since the middle of 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The currency taka has fallen sharply against the US dollar.</p>

<h2><strong>280 journalists charged under Digital Security Act: Think tank</strong></h2>

<p>A local think tank said that nearly 3,000 people, including 280 journalists, have been charged under the Digital Security Act since it was enacted in 2018. This data has stoked concerns under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is becoming increasingly authoritarian, the news agency further reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reporters Without Borders in its 2022 World Press Freedom Index, ranked Bangladesh 162 among 180 countries. In recent months, the dwindling number of independent journalists in Bangladesh has come under increasing attacks by the government. In February, authorities shut down the lone opposition mouthpiece by saying it violated the country's press laws.</p>

<p>At least 10 journalists were beaten up by police while covering a disputed election of Supreme Court lawyers in Dhaka.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A journalist from a leading newspaper in Bangladesh was charged on Wednesday (March 29) for producing false news after a story on high food prices went viral. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams has been charged under the draconian Digital Security Act.

A journalist from a leading newspaper in Bangladesh was charged on Wednesday (March 29) for producing false news after a story on high food prices went viral. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams has been charged under the draconian Digital Security Act. Shams's newspaper Prothom Alo said that he was picked up from his residence in Savar town at around 4:00 am (2200 GMT) by the police. Citing a copy of the case file, AFP reported that Shams was charged with smearing the image of the government with false news, and for raising questions about the achievements of Bangladesh. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan confirmed that Shams was questioned by the police for a false story published during the weekend. Khan said a case has been filed against him, adding he would be released from custody but could be arrested again over the charges. The story in Prothom Alo was published last Sunday (March 26) and included quotes from ordinary people talking about their lives on the occasion of Bangladesh's Independence Day. "What is the use of this freedom if we can't afford rice," one labourer was quoted as saying. AFP reported on Wednesday that food prices have soared in Bangladesh since the middle of 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The currency taka has fallen sharply against the US dollar. 280 journalists charged under Digital Security Act: Think tank A local think tank said that nearly 3,000 people, including 280 journalists, have been charged under the Digital Security Act since it was enacted in 2018. This data has stoked concerns under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is becoming increasingly authoritarian, the news agency further reported. Reporters Without Borders in its 2022 World Press Freedom Index, ranked Bangladesh 162 among 180 countries. In recent months, the dwindling number of independent journalists in Bangladesh has come under increasing attacks by the government. In February, authorities shut down the lone opposition mouthpiece by saying it violated the country's press laws. At least 10 journalists were beaten up by police while covering a disputed election of Supreme Court lawyers in Dhaka. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bangladesh: Journalist charged under draconian law for story on high food prices

A senior Indian journalist was reportedly assaulted by Khalistani protesters during a demonstration in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, on Saturday. The journalist was covering the demonstration.

Senior journalist Lalit K. Jha assaulted by protesters

<p>France's leading TV news channel has suspended one of its most senior journalists who is accused of planting multiple stories on his show at the behest of an Israeli disinformation unit.&nbsp;Rachid M’Barki, an anchor at BFMTV since its launch in 2005, was suspended last month even as an internal inquiry into multiple stories broadcast on his show, Le journal de la nuit, is underway.</p>

<p>Though he was suspended in January, no reason was given at that time. The reason came to the fore following an investigation by Le Monde newspaper in association with the campaigning organisation called Forbidden Stories.</p>

<p>It was revealed that a member of Israeli disinformation unit “Team Jorge” suggested to undercover reporters that the group was secretly behind a BFMTV news report about the Monaco yachting industry.</p>

<p>The report covered that the sanctions imposed against Russian oligarchs were damaging the yachting industry in the Mediterranean principality.</p>

<p>Not only that, M'Barki is said to have ran reports on various subjects on a Sudanese opposition leader, allegations of corruption in Qatar. It was later revealed that these were planted by the Israel-based outfit specialising in 'news for hire'.</p>

<p>M'Barki has denied being paid to plant the stories, but he admitted to bypassing BFM's editorial checks.</p>

<p>He claimed that he was offered the reports by an intermediary and exercised his own professional judgment in selecting to use them, reports BBC.</p>

<p>According to Le Monde and Forbidden Stories, “Team Jorge” is one of the leading players of disinformation mercenaries, who for a price will use the internet to damage an enemy's reputation or influence an election.</p>

<p>To know more about Team Jorge, three journalists from the Forbidden Stories consortium presented themselves as potential clients seeking to shape opinion in French-speaking Africa on behalf of a major multinational.</p>

<p>After a lengthy negotiation, they finally arranged a face-to-face meeting and got what amounted to a sales pitch.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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France's leading TV news channel has suspended one of its most senior journalists who is accused of planting multiple stories on his show at the behest of an Israeli disinformation unit.

France's leading TV news channel has suspended one of its most senior journalists who is accused of planting multiple stories on his show at the behest of an Israeli disinformation unit. Rachid M’Barki, an anchor at BFMTV since its launch in 2005, was suspended last month even as an internal inquiry into multiple stories broadcast on his show, Le journal de la nuit, is underway. Though he was suspended in January, no reason was given at that time. The reason came to the fore following an investigation by Le Monde newspaper in association with the campaigning organisation called Forbidden Stories. It was revealed that a member of Israeli disinformation unit “Team Jorge” suggested to undercover reporters that the group was secretly behind a BFMTV news report about the Monaco yachting industry. The report covered that the sanctions imposed against Russian oligarchs were damaging the yachting industry in the Mediterranean principality. Not only that, M'Barki is said to have ran reports on various subjects on a Sudanese opposition leader, allegations of corruption in Qatar. It was later revealed that these were planted by the Israel-based outfit specialising in 'news for hire'. M'Barki has denied being paid to plant the stories, but he admitted to bypassing BFM's editorial checks. He claimed that he was offered the reports by an intermediary and exercised his own professional judgment in selecting to use them, reports BBC. According to Le Monde and Forbidden Stories, “Team Jorge” is one of the leading players of disinformation mercenaries, who for a price will use the internet to damage an enemy's reputation or influence an election. To know more about Team Jorge, three journalists from the Forbidden Stories consortium presented themselves as potential clients seeking to shape opinion in French-speaking Africa on behalf of a major multinational. After a lengthy negotiation, they finally arranged a face-to-face meeting and got what amounted to a sales pitch. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

French news channel suspends anchor for running planted stories at behest of Israeli disinformation unit

<p>Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, a long-time Kremlin critic, on Friday said he had been "banned" from attending the upcoming BAFTA awards in London, where a documentary about dissident Alexei Navalny is nominated.&nbsp;Grozev, who is credited with having helped reveal the plot to kill Navalny, appears in the documentary. But on Friday, he tweeted that he had been "surprised to discover that my whole family and I have all been banned by British police from attending this weekend's BAFTA awards". Police had deemed them a "public security risk", he added.<br />
<br />
A statement from the Metropolitan Police said the force could not comment on individual cases, but that "the fact that some journalists face the hostile intentions of foreign states whilst in the UK is a reality that we are absolutely concerned with".</p>

<p>It could not ban individuals from attending private events, but had advised organisers of the showpiece British film awards, the Met added. "We recognise that our advice can mean organisers have difficult choices to make when deciding how best to mitigate any risks to the security of their event, and we are grateful for the ongoing engagement of BAFTA."<br />
<br />
"BAFTA said the safety of its guests and staff was a priority, adding that it has "robust and appropriate security arrangements in place every year". Grozev, who is the lead Russia investigator for the award-winning investigative website Bellingcat, tweeted that "moments like this show the growing dangers to independent journalists around the world".<br />
<br />
"These dangers don't stem just from murderous dictators, but also from having journalists' voices hushed – instead of amplified – by the civilised world they are trying to serve," he added.<br />
<br />
Navalny, the most prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been held for the past two years at a maximum-security prison outside Moscow after an embezzlement conviction. Before that, however, he was poisoned with the Soviet-made nerve agent Novichok on a trip to Siberia in 2020 and has accused Putin of being behind the attack.<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, a long-time Kremlin critic, on Friday said he had been "banned" from attending the upcoming BAFTA awards in London, where a documentary about dissident Alexei Navalny is nominated.

Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, a long-time Kremlin critic, on Friday said he had been "banned" from attending the upcoming BAFTA awards in London, where a documentary about dissident Alexei Navalny is nominated. Grozev, who is credited with having helped reveal the plot to kill Navalny, appears in the documentary. But on Friday, he tweeted that he had been "surprised to discover that my whole family and I have all been banned by British police from attending this weekend's BAFTA awards". Police had deemed them a "public security risk", he added. A statement from the Metropolitan Police said the force could not comment on individual cases, but that "the fact that some journalists face the hostile intentions of foreign states whilst in the UK is a reality that we are absolutely concerned with". It could not ban individuals from attending private events, but had advised organisers of the showpiece British film awards, the Met added. "We recognise that our advice can mean organisers have difficult choices to make when deciding how best to mitigate any risks to the security of their event, and we are grateful for the ongoing engagement of BAFTA." "BAFTA said the safety of its guests and staff was a priority, adding that it has "robust and appropriate security arrangements in place every year". Grozev, who is the lead Russia investigator for the award-winning investigative website Bellingcat, tweeted that "moments like this show the growing dangers to independent journalists around the world". "These dangers don't stem just from murderous dictators, but also from having journalists' voices hushed – instead of amplified – by the civilised world they are trying to serve," he added. Navalny, the most prominent opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been held for the past two years at a maximum-security prison outside Moscow after an embezzlement conviction. Before that, however, he was poisoned with the Soviet-made nerve agent Novichok on a trip to Siberia in 2020 and has accused Putin of being behind the attack. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bulgarian journalist, a Kremlin critic, banned from BAFTA awards in London over safety fears

<p>Her own bruises are still tender and fresh, but the girl worries about her ailing brother in the central Indian state of Jharkhand. This is the story of a domestic help, reportedly a minor, in the northern city of Gurgaon.<br />
She was brutally assaulted, allegedly by her employers and the cruelty has shocked the country and gained widespread media attention.</p>

<p>An FIR (first information report) has been lodged against Manish Khattar and his wife Kamaljeet Kaur who employed her. They are currently in judicial custody.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION spoke with documentary filmmaker Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, who received information about the minor's abuse and sprung into action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I can only thank god I became the reason for her rescue. They would have probably killed her," Deepika told WION, taking a deep sigh.</p>

<p>Once she was tipped off by someone whose identity remains undisclosed, she dialled a few numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The person who deserves the biggest applause here is who tipped me off and requested to help and intervene in this. And the next person is Pinky Malik, heading the one-stop Sakhi centre in Gurgaon. She has done a tremendous job," Deepika said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has called for strict action. "I feel happy that the Chief Minister has also taken cognizance of this," Deepika said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"I have personally been against media trials but in cases like these... there should be no mercy, " said Deepika, who is also an independent journalist.</p>

<p>"I don't think anyone would want to listen to any other side because there is no other side to this."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She recalled with pain what the accused, Manish Khattar, told her when the minor was rescued from his Gurgaon home. " (He) told me 'Maam maine blade se nahi kata hai.. but ha jalaya tha... flow flow me ho gaya... gussa aa raha tha..' (Maam, I did not cut with a blade... but yes I burnt her... it just happened in anger.)"</p>

<p>"I don't know how someone human can become to be someone like that."</p>

<p>"I was there at that time and he was like 'maaf kar do hume... drama kar rahe the waha pe baith ke...' (Please forgive us.. they were making a scene there)"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They were just scared that they have been caught. I did not see any remorse in their eyes, neither Kamaljeet kaur nor Manish Khattar. They were constantly saying 'humari bhi ek beti hai.. humari choti si beti hai...' (We also have a kid .. she is very young.)"</p>

<p>Notably, the couple has a three-year-old daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The victim calls Deepika 'didi' (elder sister). &nbsp;"She told me this couple has CCTV in their house. Somebody will think that CCTV was to check for their own 3.5 years old daughter. But she told me the couple was using it to check on her whether she has stolen something to eat so that they could beat her in the evening."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deepika visits the girl daily in the hospital. "I spoke to her... She came here because of her younger brother, who is very ill and his medical bills are causing a financial strain."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is why she came here along with her sister to earn something. Her parents are very poor."</p>

<p>"She often says... 'mujhe toh apne ghar he jana hai' (I want to go back to my home.)"&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are reports that the girl's sister is missing. On this, Deepika said, "I think the girl's elder sister is a major but I think she is barely 18 or something. Now that the parents are here they will try to find out if there is any development on this."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl has two sisters and two brothers. "I told her that we can get you into a boarding school but she just wants to help her brother with his illness."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Life badi mushkil hai (Life is difficult)...I would not say the girl is really well given what she has gone through. I think it will take her months to recover but she is in a much better state. From the day I was tipped off about her, a lot has changed."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The injuries or the brutality done to her are unimaginable. For two days, I have just been thinking about how educated people can do something like this. It is a horror that is unspeakable."</p>

<p>This is not an isolated incident, as Deepika said, "Today another 11-year-old girl has been rescued from another location in Gurgaon. I am very happy that we have been able to help not just this girl but probably many many more who are undergoing such kind of torture. There are people who are now calling and informing authorities about such incidents."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple hired the girl reportedly from a placement agency. WION asked Deepika how can these agencies be targeted. "The authorities need to proactively work against it in coordination with Resident Welfare Associations to ensure that no minors are employed."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NGO Shakti Vahini has come forward to help the girl and assistance has been provided to them. The Jharkhand police have also arrived in Delhi along with the parents of the minor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am hoping and I am certain that this kid will definitely be helped. There are thousands and thousands of cases like this," Deepika said.</p>


Her own bruises are still tender and fresh, but the girl worries about her ailing brother in the central Indian state of Jharkhand. This is the story of a domestic help, reportedly a minor, in the northern city of Gurgaon.

Her own bruises are still tender and fresh, but the girl worries about her ailing brother in the central Indian state of Jharkhand. This is the story of a domestic help, reportedly a minor, in the northern city of Gurgaon. She was brutally assaulted, allegedly by her employers and the cruelty has shocked the country and gained widespread media attention. An FIR (first information report) has been lodged against Manish Khattar and his wife Kamaljeet Kaur who employed her. They are currently in judicial custody. WION spoke with documentary filmmaker Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj, who received information about the minor's abuse and sprung into action. "I can only thank god I became the reason for her rescue. They would have probably killed her," Deepika told WION, taking a deep sigh. Once she was tipped off by someone whose identity remains undisclosed, she dialled a few numbers. "The person who deserves the biggest applause here is who tipped me off and requested to help and intervene in this. And the next person is Pinky Malik, heading the one-stop Sakhi centre in Gurgaon. She has done a tremendous job," Deepika said. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has called for strict action. "I feel happy that the Chief Minister has also taken cognizance of this," Deepika said. "I have personally been against media trials but in cases like these... there should be no mercy, " said Deepika, who is also an independent journalist. "I don't think anyone would want to listen to any other side because there is no other side to this." She recalled with pain what the accused, Manish Khattar, told her when the minor was rescued from his Gurgaon home. " (He) told me 'Maam maine blade se nahi kata hai.. but ha jalaya tha... flow flow me ho gaya... gussa aa raha tha..' (Maam, I did not cut with a blade... but yes I burnt her... it just happened in anger.)" "I don't know how someone human can become to be someone like that." "I was there at that time and he was like 'maaf kar do hume... drama kar rahe the waha pe baith ke...' (Please forgive us.. they were making a scene there)" "They were just scared that they have been caught. I did not see any remorse in their eyes, neither Kamaljeet kaur nor Manish Khattar. They were constantly saying 'humari bhi ek beti hai.. humari choti si beti hai...' (We also have a kid .. she is very young.)" Notably, the couple has a three-year-old daughter. The victim calls Deepika 'didi' (elder sister). "She told me this couple has CCTV in their house. Somebody will think that CCTV was to check for their own 3.5 years old daughter. But she told me the couple was using it to check on her whether she has stolen something to eat so that they could beat her in the evening." Deepika visits the girl daily in the hospital. "I spoke to her... She came here because of her younger brother, who is very ill and his medical bills are causing a financial strain." "This is why she came here along with her sister to earn something. Her parents are very poor." "She often says... 'mujhe toh apne ghar he jana hai' (I want to go back to my home.)" There are reports that the girl's sister is missing. On this, Deepika said, "I think the girl's elder sister is a major but I think she is barely 18 or something. Now that the parents are here they will try to find out if there is any development on this." The girl has two sisters and two brothers. "I told her that we can get you into a boarding school but she just wants to help her brother with his illness." "Life badi mushkil hai (Life is difficult)...I would not say the girl is really well given what she has gone through. I think it will take her months to recover but she is in a much better state. From the day I was tipped off about her, a lot has changed." "The injuries or the brutality done to her are unimaginable. For two days, I have just been thinking about how educated people can do something like this. It is a horror that is unspeakable." This is not an isolated incident, as Deepika said, "Today another 11-year-old girl has been rescued from another location in Gurgaon. I am very happy that we have been able to help not just this girl but probably many many more who are undergoing such kind of torture. There are people who are now calling and informing authorities about such incidents." The couple hired the girl reportedly from a placement agency. WION asked Deepika how can these agencies be targeted. "The authorities need to proactively work against it in coordination with Resident Welfare Associations to ensure that no minors are employed." The NGO Shakti Vahini has come forward to help the girl and assistance has been provided to them. The Jharkhand police have also arrived in Delhi along with the parents of the minor. "I am hoping and I am certain that this kid will definitely be helped. There are thousands and thousands of cases like this," Deepika said.

Exclusive: Journalist who rescued minor domestic help in India's Gurgaon relives horror of abuse

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