A court in Belarus has sentenced a pair of young television journalists to two years in prison for covering a protest last year.

Katerina Bakhvalova, 27, and Daria Chultsova, 23, however, stood defiant and flashed V for victory signs as they smiled and blew kisses to the courtroom ahead of the verdict.&nbsp;

The two women were detained in November while filming one of the anti-government rallies that swept Belarus after strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an August election that the opposition and many Western countries said was fraudulent.

The women were accused of "attracting people to participate in a mass event" via their broadcast and convicted of leading "group actions that grossly violate public order". They had denied their guilt on the first day of their trial earlier this month.

Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya praised the two journalists for their defiance following the verdict.&nbsp;

The case also sparked widespread condemnation from press advocacy groups and&nbsp;diplomats in Western countries, with the US embassy in Belarus calling the charges "absurd".

After the protests broke out in August, Belarusian authorities unleashed a crackdown that left at least four protesters dead, thousands in jail and hundreds claiming torture in custody. Bakhvalova and Chultsova, who work for the Poland-based television channel Belsat, were then detained filming a rally on November 15 in support of a protester the opposition believes died at the hands of Lukashenko's security services.

The demonstrator, 31-year-old former soldier Roman Bondarenko, died from brain damage in Minsk after police arrested him following a dispute in a city square that was a meeting place for the opposition.

At the time, investigators said a 31-year-old Minsk resident had shown signs of intoxication, but a doctor speaking on condition of anonymity to independent Belarusian news site Tut.by said medical staff had found no alcohol in Bondarenko's system.&nbsp;

The journalist who published the story, Katerina Borisevich, and the doctor, Artyom Sorokin, were detained on November 19 on charges of "divulging medical secrets, which entailed grave consequences". They are set to go on trial Friday.

The prosecutor general's office said in a statement Thursday it had opened a criminal case into Bondarenko's death.

Eleven journalists are currently detained in connection with the protests, according to the independent Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ).

On Wednesday a trial also began in the case of leading opposition member Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested in June ahead of the presidential election after he announced he would run against Lukashenko.

The former banker was one of several opposition figures who were arrested or fled ahead of the election.

Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the election results, while the European Union has imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies. Lukashenko, however, continues to receive the backing of Moscow.

(with inputs from AFP)

A court in Belarus has sentenced a pair of young television journalists to two years in prison for covering a protest last year. Katerina Bakhvalova, 27, and Daria Chultsova, 23, however, stood defiant and flashed V for victory signs as they smiled and blew kisses to the courtroom ahead of the verdict.

A court in Belarus has sentenced a pair of young television journalists to two years in prison for covering a protest last year. Katerina Bakhvalova, 27, and Daria Chultsova, 23, however, stood defiant and flashed V for victory signs as they smiled and blew kisses to the courtroom ahead of the verdict. The two women were detained in November while filming one of the anti-government rallies that swept Belarus after strongman Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory in an August election that the opposition and many Western countries said was fraudulent. The women were accused of "attracting people to participate in a mass event" via their broadcast and convicted of leading "group actions that grossly violate public order". They had denied their guilt on the first day of their trial earlier this month. Exiled opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya praised the two journalists for their defiance following the verdict. The case also sparked widespread condemnation from press advocacy groups and diplomats in Western countries, with the US embassy in Belarus calling the charges "absurd". After the protests broke out in August, Belarusian authorities unleashed a crackdown that left at least four protesters dead, thousands in jail and hundreds claiming torture in custody. Bakhvalova and Chultsova, who work for the Poland-based television channel Belsat, were then detained filming a rally on November 15 in support of a protester the opposition believes died at the hands of Lukashenko's security services. The demonstrator, 31-year-old former soldier Roman Bondarenko, died from brain damage in Minsk after police arrested him following a dispute in a city square that was a meeting place for the opposition. At the time, investigators said a 31-year-old Minsk resident had shown signs of intoxication, but a doctor speaking on condition of anonymity to independent Belarusian news site Tut.by said medical staff had found no alcohol in Bondarenko's system. The journalist who published the story, Katerina Borisevich, and the doctor, Artyom Sorokin, were detained on November 19 on charges of "divulging medical secrets, which entailed grave consequences". They are set to go on trial Friday. The prosecutor general's office said in a statement Thursday it had opened a criminal case into Bondarenko's death. Eleven journalists are currently detained in connection with the protests, according to the independent Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ). On Wednesday a trial also began in the case of leading opposition member Viktor Babaryko, who was arrested in June ahead of the presidential election after he announced he would run against Lukashenko. The former banker was one of several opposition figures who were arrested or fled ahead of the election. Several Western leaders have refused to recognise the election results, while the European Union has imposed sanctions on Lukashenko and his allies. Lukashenko, however, continues to receive the backing of Moscow. (with inputs from AFP)

Belarus jails journalists for two years for covering protests

The UK has expelled three Chinese spies working in the country, while posing as journalists over the past year.

The three were understood to be intelligence officers for Beijing's Ministry of State Security, the Daily Telegraph said Thursday, citing sources.

All three had claimed "to work for three different Chinese media agencies," the source said, adding they had all arrived in the country over the past 12 months.

"Their true identities were uncovered by MI5 and they have since been forced to return to China," it said, referring to Britain's domestic intelligence agency.

UK-China relations have become increasingly strained as Britain has criticised Beijing over its crackdown in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and barred Huawei from its domestic 5G networks over security concerns.

On Thursday, British regulators revoked the licence of Chinese news network CGTN after finding its state-backed ownership structure broke UK law.

In the United States, it is one of seven Chinese media outlets that have been designated as state-sponsored actors rather than as independent media.

The UK has expelled three Chinese spies working in the country, while posing as journalists over the past year. The three were understood to be intelligence officers for Beijing's Ministry of State Security, the Daily Telegraph said Thursday, citing sources.

The UK has expelled three Chinese spies working in the country, while posing as journalists over the past year. The three were understood to be intelligence officers for Beijing's Ministry of State Security, the Daily Telegraph said Thursday, citing sources. All three had claimed "to work for three different Chinese media agencies," the source said, adding they had all arrived in the country over the past 12 months. "Their true identities were uncovered by MI5 and they have since been forced to return to China," it said, referring to Britain's domestic intelligence agency. UK-China relations have become increasingly strained as Britain has criticised Beijing over its crackdown in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, and barred Huawei from its domestic 5G networks over security concerns. On Thursday, British regulators revoked the licence of Chinese news network CGTN after finding its state-backed ownership structure broke UK law. In the United States, it is one of seven Chinese media outlets that have been designated as state-sponsored actors rather than as independent media.

UK dismisses Chinese spies posing as journalists

In the past year the United Kingdom expelled three Chinese spies who were in the country on journalism visas, according to a report by The Telegraph newspaper on Thursday.

The report, which has not been independently verified by Reuters and cites a UK government source, says that three intelligence officers for China's Ministry of State Security purported to work for three different Chinese media agencies.

"Their true identities were uncovered by MI5 and they have since been forced to return to China," said the report, referring to the UK's domestic security services.

Also on Thursday, Britain's media regulator revoked a Chinese TV licence after it concluded that the Chinese Communist Party had ultimate editorial responsibility for the channel.

In the past year the United Kingdom expelled three Chinese spies who were in the country on journalism visas, according to a report by The Telegraph newspaper on Thursday.

In the past year the United Kingdom expelled three Chinese spies who were in the country on journalism visas, according to a report by The Telegraph newspaper on Thursday. The report, which has not been independently verified by Reuters and cites a UK government source, says that three intelligence officers for China's Ministry of State Security purported to work for three different Chinese media agencies. "Their true identities were uncovered by MI5 and they have since been forced to return to China," said the report, referring to the UK's domestic security services. Also on Thursday, Britain's media regulator revoked a Chinese TV licence after it concluded that the Chinese Communist Party had ultimate editorial responsibility for the channel.

UK expelled three Chinese spies posing as journalists - Report

The number of journalists killed as a result of their work more than doubled in 2020, an international media watchdog group said Tuesday, with armed conflict and gang violence making Mexico and Afghanistan among the deadliest countries for reporters globally.

At least 30 journalists were killed worldwide this year, according to the watchdog group, the Committee to Protect Journalists, with 21 of those killings carried out as a direct response to the reporters’ work, compared to 10 in 2019.

“It’s appalling that the murders of journalists have more than doubled in the last year, and this escalation represents a failure of the international community to confront the scourge of impunity,” Joel Simon, the CPJ’s executive director, said in a statement.

While the total number of killings rose in 2020, the number of deaths related to conflict fell to its lowest level since 2000, according to the CPJ, with waning violence in the Middle East and fewer reporters traveling because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Still, while fewer journalists were caught in the crossfire of war in 2020, at least four were killed because of their work in Syria and Afghanistan, according to the CPJ. A fifth killing in Afghanistan on Monday is still being investigated, the group said.

Among those killed in Afghanistan was Malalai Maiwand, a television and radio reporter who was fatally shot while on her way to work this month.

In Iran, authorities executed journalist Ruhollah Zam this month because of his reporting on anti-government protests in 2017.

The Philippines had three targeted killings of journalists in 2020.

Mexico was the deadliest country in the Western Hemisphere, with four journalists assassinated and a fifth gunned down while reporting on a crime scene. The CPJ is still investigating the deaths of four more Mexican reporters.

“We still have the same situation of impunity, of violence, of collusion between authorities and criminal groups, and that makes us very concerned,” said Jan-Albert Hootsen, the CPJ’s Mexico representative.

Conflict between rival drug-trafficking groups has led to violence in almost every sector of Mexican society, with homicides nearly doubling in the past five years. Reporters have often been caught up in the conflict, which has claimed more than 31,000 lives this year alone.

But increasingly, Mexican journalists have also found themselves targeted by organized crime or corrupt politicians because of their work, while the killers go unpunished more often than not.

“The outlook is bleak,” said Leopoldo Maldonado, regional director for Mexico and Central America at Article 19, a British press freedom organization.

“There is a specific intention to censor through violence,” Maldonado said, “and the subsequent impunity guarantees that these attacks are not punished.”

While killings of journalists have rarely resulted in guilty verdicts in Mexico, two high-profile cases did bring convictions this year, including a 50-year prison sentence for the killer of investigative journalist Miroslava Breach Velducea in 2017, according to the CPJ.

But in both cases, it was the hired guns who were convicted while those suspected of orchestrating the killings remain unpunished.

“We haven’t advanced even a centimeter in creating a safer environment for journalism,” said Témoris Grecko, a Mexican reporter and author of “Killing the Story: Journalists Risking Their Lives to Uncover the Truth in Mexico.” He added, “Killing a journalist comes free of charge.”

Adding fuel to the fire, advocates said, is the steady disparagement of the press from those in power.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico, who campaigned on a vow to tackle violence and corruption in Mexico, has insisted that his government would “never, ever limit freedom of expression.”

But the Mexican leader has frequently criticized negative coverage of his administration.

In September, López Obrador presented an analysis of opinion pieces published in the Mexican news media showing that two-thirds had taken a negative view of the government.

Not in more than 100 years, López Obrador said, “has a president been attacked so much.”

The Mexican leader has also called out the international news media, including The New York Times, saying in October that the news organization “doesn’t have professionalism and they lack ethics above all.”

Such comments from the nation’s highest office are only contributing to the problem, according to free-press advocates.

“It has a ripple effect,” Maldonado, of Article 19, said. “It goes beyond just the discourse, which in itself has an inhibiting impact on the press.”

The number of journalists killed as a result of their work more than doubled in 2020, an international media watchdog group said Tuesday, with armed conflict and gang violence making Mexico and Afghanistan among the deadliest countries for reporters globally.

The number of journalists killed as a result of their work more than doubled in 2020, an international media watchdog group said Tuesday, with armed conflict and gang violence making Mexico and Afghanistan among the deadliest countries for reporters globally. At least 30 journalists were killed worldwide this year, according to the watchdog group, the Committee to Protect Journalists, with 21 of those killings carried out as a direct response to the reporters’ work, compared to 10 in 2019. “It’s appalling that the murders of journalists have more than doubled in the last year, and this escalation represents a failure of the international community to confront the scourge of impunity,” Joel Simon, the CPJ’s executive director, said in a statement. While the total number of killings rose in 2020, the number of deaths related to conflict fell to its lowest level since 2000, according to the CPJ, with waning violence in the Middle East and fewer reporters traveling because of the coronavirus pandemic. Still, while fewer journalists were caught in the crossfire of war in 2020, at least four were killed because of their work in Syria and Afghanistan, according to the CPJ. A fifth killing in Afghanistan on Monday is still being investigated, the group said. Among those killed in Afghanistan was Malalai Maiwand, a television and radio reporter who was fatally shot while on her way to work this month. In Iran, authorities executed journalist Ruhollah Zam this month because of his reporting on anti-government protests in 2017. The Philippines had three targeted killings of journalists in 2020. Mexico was the deadliest country in the Western Hemisphere, with four journalists assassinated and a fifth gunned down while reporting on a crime scene. The CPJ is still investigating the deaths of four more Mexican reporters. “We still have the same situation of impunity, of violence, of collusion between authorities and criminal groups, and that makes us very concerned,” said Jan-Albert Hootsen, the CPJ’s Mexico representative. Conflict between rival drug-trafficking groups has led to violence in almost every sector of Mexican society, with homicides nearly doubling in the past five years. Reporters have often been caught up in the conflict, which has claimed more than 31,000 lives this year alone. But increasingly, Mexican journalists have also found themselves targeted by organized crime or corrupt politicians because of their work, while the killers go unpunished more often than not. “The outlook is bleak,” said Leopoldo Maldonado, regional director for Mexico and Central America at Article 19, a British press freedom organization. “There is a specific intention to censor through violence,” Maldonado said, “and the subsequent impunity guarantees that these attacks are not punished.” While killings of journalists have rarely resulted in guilty verdicts in Mexico, two high-profile cases did bring convictions this year, including a 50-year prison sentence for the killer of investigative journalist Miroslava Breach Velducea in 2017, according to the CPJ. But in both cases, it was the hired guns who were convicted while those suspected of orchestrating the killings remain unpunished. “We haven’t advanced even a centimeter in creating a safer environment for journalism,” said Témoris Grecko, a Mexican reporter and author of “Killing the Story: Journalists Risking Their Lives to Uncover the Truth in Mexico.” He added, “Killing a journalist comes free of charge.” Adding fuel to the fire, advocates said, is the steady disparagement of the press from those in power. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico, who campaigned on a vow to tackle violence and corruption in Mexico, has insisted that his government would “never, ever limit freedom of expression.” But the Mexican leader has frequently criticized negative coverage of his administration. In September, López Obrador presented an analysis of opinion pieces published in the Mexican news media showing that two-thirds had taken a negative view of the government. Not in more than 100 years, López Obrador said, “has a president been attacked so much.” The Mexican leader has also called out the international news media, including The New York Times, saying in October that the news organization “doesn’t have professionalism and they lack ethics above all.” Such comments from the nation’s highest office are only contributing to the problem, according to free-press advocates. “It has a ripple effect,” Maldonado, of Article 19, said. “It goes beyond just the discourse, which in itself has an inhibiting impact on the press.”

Number of journalists killed for their reporting doubled in 2020

A US-based watchdog revealed that a record number of journalists were jailed in 2020.

On Tuesday, the annual report by the Committee to Protect Journalists was released as the watchdog accused governments around the world of suppressing the media, and fuelling misinformation amid the ongoing pandemic.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-decries-attacks-on-journalists-activists-in-pakistan-urges-to-ensure-protection-326150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the report, 274 journalists were put behind bars in 2020 - the highest number since the organisation started conducting surveys in the 1990s.

Additionally, the report found that 26 journalists and media employees were killed in 2020. Mexico has become the world’s most dangerous place for journalists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/facebook-and-elected-officials-biggest-sources-of-coronavirus-disinformation-journalists-claim-335220" hreflang="en">Facebook and elected officials biggest sources of coronavirus disinformation, journalists claim</a>

The annual report by the Committee to Protect Journalists found that 274 journalists were imprisoned in 2020 -- the highest number since the non-profit organisation began its survey in the 1990s.

"It's shocking and appalling," CPJ’s Executive Director Joel Simon said in a statement.

"This wave of repression is a form of censorship that is disrupting the flow of information and fueling the infodemic," Simon added.

Globally, China remained the worst offender for the second consecutive year, as per the survey. In the country, 47 journalists were imprisoned. Just last week, a Bloomberg employee was detained on suspicion of endangering national security.

Others on top of the list were Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Ethiopia. In the last two countries, protests and conflict has led to an increase in the number of detained journalists.

According to the report, no reporters in the US were in jail during the time of the release, but an “unprecedented” 110 were arrested or detained in 2020. According to the CPJ, the Trump administration can be partially blamed for the deteriorating state of global press freedom.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-accuses-china-of-threatening-and-harassing-foreign-journalists-325905" hreflang="en">US accuses China of 'threatening' and 'harassing' foreign journalists</a>

Donald Trump has refused to press foreign countries in matters of human rights, and has also gotten into a direct confrontations with media, and has referred to majority of US media houses as “fake news”.

Simon added that the Biden administration must work on improving the ratings globally.

"The incoming Biden administration must work as part of a global coalition to bring the number down," CPJ CEO Simon added.

(With inputs from AFP)

A US-based watchdog revealed that a record number of journalists were jailed in 2020. On Tuesday, the annual report by the Committee to Protect Journalists was released as the watchdog accused governments around the world of suppressing the media, and fuelling misinformation amid the ongoing pandemic.

A US-based watchdog revealed that a record number of journalists were jailed in 2020. On Tuesday, the annual report by the Committee to Protect Journalists was released as the watchdog accused governments around the world of suppressing the media, and fuelling misinformation amid the ongoing pandemic. According to the report, 274 journalists were put behind bars in 2020 - the highest number since the organisation started conducting surveys in the 1990s. Additionally, the report found that 26 journalists and media employees were killed in 2020. Mexico has become the world’s most dangerous place for journalists. Also read: Facebook and elected officials biggest sources of coronavirus disinformation, journalists claim The annual report by the Committee to Protect Journalists found that 274 journalists were imprisoned in 2020 -- the highest number since the non-profit organisation began its survey in the 1990s. "It's shocking and appalling," CPJ’s Executive Director Joel Simon said in a statement. "This wave of repression is a form of censorship that is disrupting the flow of information and fueling the infodemic," Simon added. Globally, China remained the worst offender for the second consecutive year, as per the survey. In the country, 47 journalists were imprisoned. Just last week, a Bloomberg employee was detained on suspicion of endangering national security. Others on top of the list were Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, Ethiopia. In the last two countries, protests and conflict has led to an increase in the number of detained journalists. According to the report, no reporters in the US were in jail during the time of the release, but an “unprecedented” 110 were arrested or detained in 2020. According to the CPJ, the Trump administration can be partially blamed for the deteriorating state of global press freedom. Also read: US accuses China of 'threatening' and 'harassing' foreign journalists Donald Trump has refused to press foreign countries in matters of human rights, and has also gotten into a direct confrontations with media, and has referred to majority of US media houses as “fake news”. Simon added that the Biden administration must work on improving the ratings globally. "The incoming Biden administration must work as part of a global coalition to bring the number down," CPJ CEO Simon added. (With inputs from AFP)

Record number of journalists jailed in 2020, China leads list of offenders: Report

French Parliament has now passed a controversial "Global Security" bill that would make it a crime to film & circulate an image of Police officer's face despite protests from rights activists and journalists.

Your Story: France approves controversial "Global Security" bill

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months.

Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found&nbsp;decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported.

Mexico is now being called world's most dangerous country for journalists. The&nbsp;media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed that this was the fifth journalist to be murdered in cold-blood this year in Mexico.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-mexicos-corruption-scandal-that-involves-three-former-presidents-322000">Also read:&nbsp;Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents</a>

"In coordination with the state attorney general's office we will exhaust all resources to find those responsible," said Hugo Gutierrez, security minister and head of the police in eastern Veracruz state.

The 41-year-old journalist's dead body was found by the local police on a train track in a mountainous area of the municipality of Tezonapa.

Valdivia was known to cover difficult situations, such as a confrontation between the local police and few suspected criminals a day before his death.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-nabs-el-marro-fuel-theft-king-blamed-for-surge-in-drug-violence-317702">Also read:&nbsp;Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence</a>

He "worked in a complicated area where there are criminal groups," said Ana Laura Perez of the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, a government body.

"It must be investigated if he had reported something that bothered these criminal groups."

Mexico has been posted alongside war-struck countries such as Syria and Afghanistan when it comes to being unsafe for journalists. Since 2000, more than 100 journalists have been murdered.&nbsp;"All lines of inquiry must be exhausted, mainly those that have to do with his journalism because he worked in an area marked by violence," said Balbina Flores, RSF's representative in Mexico.

Before Valdivia,&nbsp;Maria Elena Ferral was shot dead by two assailants on motorbikes when getting into her car in Veracruz in March this year.

The Mexico police has claimed that investigations have started into the murder of&nbsp;Valdivia.

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months. Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported.

Another journalist has been found dead in Mexico, making it the fifth death of a journalist in the country within the last eight months. Julio Valdivia of the newspaper El Mundo de Veracruz was found decapitated in eastern Mexico on Wednesday, the local police reported. Mexico is now being called world's most dangerous country for journalists. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) confirmed that this was the fifth journalist to be murdered in cold-blood this year in Mexico. Also read: Decoding Mexico's corruption scandal that involves three former presidents "In coordination with the state attorney general's office we will exhaust all resources to find those responsible," said Hugo Gutierrez, security minister and head of the police in eastern Veracruz state. The 41-year-old journalist's dead body was found by the local police on a train track in a mountainous area of the municipality of Tezonapa. Valdivia was known to cover difficult situations, such as a confrontation between the local police and few suspected criminals a day before his death. Also read: Mexico nabs 'El Marro', fuel theft king blamed for surge in drug violence He "worked in a complicated area where there are criminal groups," said Ana Laura Perez of the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, a government body. "It must be investigated if he had reported something that bothered these criminal groups." Mexico has been posted alongside war-struck countries such as Syria and Afghanistan when it comes to being unsafe for journalists. Since 2000, more than 100 journalists have been murdered. "All lines of inquiry must be exhausted, mainly those that have to do with his journalism because he worked in an area marked by violence," said Balbina Flores, RSF's representative in Mexico. Before Valdivia, Maria Elena Ferral was shot dead by two assailants on motorbikes when getting into her car in Veracruz in March this year. The Mexico police has claimed that investigations have started into the murder of Valdivia.

Fifth journalist found dead in violence-filled Mexico

The Chinese foreign ministry has not yet divulged any details surrounding the disappearance of a foreign journalist, Cheng Lei.

A Chinese-born Australian journalist, Lei used to work for the Chinese state media, but has been missing for&nbsp;two weeks. Her videos and stories have mysteriously been deleted from the website of her employer.

Not too long ago, Cheng Lei&nbsp;was a high-profile anchor at CGTN, China's largest state media broadcaster. “I felt my skills could be better used in China”, she had once said.

Australian media says Cheng has been detained by Chinese authorities.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-has-china-detained-this-australian-journalist-324602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"No specifics"

“I don't have any specifics to offer you. You all know China is a country governed by law and it will handle matters according to the law. If you are really concerned and want to know more details, I recommend you ask this to the responsible department. I don't have the information you want”, said Hua Chunying, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.

The Chinese regime is feigning ignorance about this Australian journalist's disappearance. The focus has shifted to her withering Facebook posts about the Chinese Communist Party.

On March 8, when coronavirus was still spreading rapidly in China, Cheng Lei had written, “In China, the belief 'do as I say, not as I do' runs deep in public office. ‘Serve the people' goes the slogan, reality is the opposite." Cheng's family and colleagues have been unable to contact her for weeks.

The Australian government has now stepped in and is fighting for her release.

“We're working through details in terms of the consular assistance that we can provide, and we will give all assistance that we can. Obviously this is a concerning time for her family, and that's why we will continue to provide every bit of assistance that we can, within the usual consular terms”,&nbsp; said Simon Birmingham, Australian trade minister.

China is furious with Australia for demanding a probe into the origins of the coronavirus. In the last few months, Beijing has become increasingly hostile towards Canberra.

It has imposed new restrictions on Australian businesses, and has threatened consumer boycott of Australian products.

The Chinese foreign ministry has not yet divulged any details surrounding the disappearance of a foreign journalist, Cheng Lei. A Chinese-born Australian journalist, Lei used to work for the Chinese state media, but has been missing for two weeks.

The Chinese foreign ministry has not yet divulged any details surrounding the disappearance of a foreign journalist, Cheng Lei. A Chinese-born Australian journalist, Lei used to work for the Chinese state media, but has been missing for two weeks. Her videos and stories have mysteriously been deleted from the website of her employer. Not too long ago, Cheng Lei was a high-profile anchor at CGTN, China's largest state media broadcaster. “I felt my skills could be better used in China”, she had once said. Australian media says Cheng has been detained by Chinese authorities. "No specifics" “I don't have any specifics to offer you. You all know China is a country governed by law and it will handle matters according to the law. If you are really concerned and want to know more details, I recommend you ask this to the responsible department. I don't have the information you want”, said Hua Chunying, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. The Chinese regime is feigning ignorance about this Australian journalist's disappearance. The focus has shifted to her withering Facebook posts about the Chinese Communist Party. On March 8, when coronavirus was still spreading rapidly in China, Cheng Lei had written, “In China, the belief 'do as I say, not as I do' runs deep in public office. ‘Serve the people' goes the slogan, reality is the opposite." Cheng's family and colleagues have been unable to contact her for weeks. The Australian government has now stepped in and is fighting for her release. “We're working through details in terms of the consular assistance that we can provide, and we will give all assistance that we can. Obviously this is a concerning time for her family, and that's why we will continue to provide every bit of assistance that we can, within the usual consular terms”, said Simon Birmingham, Australian trade minister. China is furious with Australia for demanding a probe into the origins of the coronavirus. In the last few months, Beijing has become increasingly hostile towards Canberra. It has imposed new restrictions on Australian businesses, and has threatened consumer boycott of Australian products.

China's silence on the disappearance of Australian journalist Cheng Lei speaks volumes

French government condemned an "arbitrary" crackdown against the media in Belarus on Sunday after the accreditation of several journalists working for foreign media was withdrawn in the wake of disputed presidential elections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-investigates-senior-military-officer-over-security-breach-324110" hreflang="en">French government investigates senior military officer over 'security breach'</a>

"The arbitrary measures taken by the Belarusian authorities against journalists violate press freedom," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement.

"I call on the Belarusian authorities to reverse these measures without delay," he added, saying that the crisis in Belarus requires "the establishment of an inclusive national dialogue".

"Repressive measures against journalists cannot help," he said.

On Saturday, Belarusian authorities withdrew the accreditation of journalists working for several foreign media, including AFP, ahead of a major demonstration Sunday challenging the results of the presidential election. 
&nbsp; 
According to Anatoly Glaz, spokesman of the Belarus government, the decision to revoke the media accreditations was taken on the recommendation of the country's counter-terrorism unit.

He did not specify how many journalists were affected by the measure, but foreign media including the BBC, Reuters and Radio Liberty reported the withdrawal of accreditation of several of their journalists.

(Inputs from AFP)

French government condemned an "arbitrary" crackdown against the media in Belarus on Sunday after the accreditation of several journalists working for foreign media was withdrawn in the wake of disputed presidential elections.

French government condemned an "arbitrary" crackdown against the media in Belarus on Sunday after the accreditation of several journalists working for foreign media was withdrawn in the wake of disputed presidential elections. Also read: French government investigates senior military officer over 'security breach' "The arbitrary measures taken by the Belarusian authorities against journalists violate press freedom," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement. "I call on the Belarusian authorities to reverse these measures without delay," he added, saying that the crisis in Belarus requires "the establishment of an inclusive national dialogue". "Repressive measures against journalists cannot help," he said. On Saturday, Belarusian authorities withdrew the accreditation of journalists working for several foreign media, including AFP, ahead of a major demonstration Sunday challenging the results of the presidential election. According to Anatoly Glaz, spokesman of the Belarus government, the decision to revoke the media accreditations was taken on the recommendation of the country's counter-terrorism unit. He did not specify how many journalists were affected by the measure, but foreign media including the BBC, Reuters and Radio Liberty reported the withdrawal of accreditation of several of their journalists. (Inputs from AFP)

France slams 'arbitrary' crackdown on media in Belarus

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera. 
 
"We have asked the Australian embassy in Washington, DC to investigate this incident," Marise Payne said after the journalists were slammed with a riot shield, punched and hit with a baton while broadcasting from the protest.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrified-by-george-floyds-death-says-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-302598" hreflang="en">'Horrified' by George Floyd's death, says New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern</a> 
 
"I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia's strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington," she said, indicating a formal complaint would follow.&nbsp; 
 
Footage showed 7NEWS reporter Amelia Brace being clubbed with a truncheon and cameraman Tim Myers being hit with a riot shield and punched in the face by police clearing Washington's Lafayette Square of protesters on Monday. 
 
The journalists said they were later shot with rubber bullets and tear-gassed, which Brace said left the pair "a bit sore". 
 
The incident was widely broadcast in Australia, causing consternation in a country that has been a close US ally. 
 
US police -- with support from military personnel -- had forcibly cleared the square of peaceful protesters to allow President Donald Trump to leave the White House for a photo opportunity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-police-officers-shot-in-violent-protests-after-trump-vows-to-bring-in-us-military-302581" hreflang="en">Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military</a> 
 
Trump has faced fierce criticism for his handling of week-long protests over the death in custody of an unarmed African-American man in Minneapolis. 
 
George Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. 
 
In several cities, the demonstrations have spiralled into rioting, violent confrontations with police and looting, prompting National Guard deployments to around two dozen US states and strictly enforced curfews. 
 
Payne steered clear of criticising Trump directly,&nbsp;highlighting the delicate balancing act US allies face when registering unease with his administration. 
 
"This is obviously a very troubling period in the United States and a very tough period at so many levels," she told ABC radio. 
 
"We are always supportive of people's right to peaceful protest and we encourage all involved on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence." &nbsp;

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera.

Australia is investigating a US police attack on two Australian television journalists outside the White House, the foreign minister said Tuesday, expressing "strong concerns" about the assault caught live on camera. "We have asked the Australian embassy in Washington, DC to investigate this incident," Marise Payne said after the journalists were slammed with a riot shield, punched and hit with a baton while broadcasting from the protest. Also read: 'Horrified' by George Floyd's death, says New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern "I want to get further advice on how we would go about registering Australia's strong concerns with the responsible local authorities in Washington," she said, indicating a formal complaint would follow. Footage showed 7NEWS reporter Amelia Brace being clubbed with a truncheon and cameraman Tim Myers being hit with a riot shield and punched in the face by police clearing Washington's Lafayette Square of protesters on Monday. The journalists said they were later shot with rubber bullets and tear-gassed, which Brace said left the pair "a bit sore". The incident was widely broadcast in Australia, causing consternation in a country that has been a close US ally. US police -- with support from military personnel -- had forcibly cleared the square of peaceful protesters to allow President Donald Trump to leave the White House for a photo opportunity. Also read: Four police officers shot in violent protests after Trump vows to bring in US military Trump has faced fierce criticism for his handling of week-long protests over the death in custody of an unarmed African-American man in Minneapolis. George Floyd died after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. In several cities, the demonstrations have spiralled into rioting, violent confrontations with police and looting, prompting National Guard deployments to around two dozen US states and strictly enforced curfews. Payne steered clear of criticising Trump directly, highlighting the delicate balancing act US allies face when registering unease with his administration. "This is obviously a very troubling period in the United States and a very tough period at so many levels," she told ABC radio. "We are always supportive of people's right to peaceful protest and we encourage all involved on both sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence."

Australia probes US police assault on its journalists

Last week, USA changed visa regulations for Chinese journalists. The reporters will only have&nbsp;90 days allowed for visa, which can be extended by the respective journalists.

However, the decision has not gone well with the Chinese government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-lengthy-rebuttal-china-refutes-24-us-lies-over-coronavirus-297805">Also read:&nbsp;In a lengthy rebuttal, China refutes 24 US' lies over coronavirus</a>

Earlier, these visas used to be open-ended that did not need extension,&nbsp;unless the employee moves to a different company or medium.

The new guidelines that have been issued by the USA now limits the accessibility of Chinese reporters in the US now. Now, China has responded by warning the American government that China will have to take countermeasures if the US does not correct its mistake.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian&nbsp;called this move an escalation of suppression against Chinese media. China claims that this will directly lead to oppression of Chinese journalists and will limit their ability to report in the US.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-releases-five-notable-labour-rights-activists-after-year-long-imprisonment-297713">Also read:&nbsp;China releases five notable labour rights activists after year-long imprisonment</a>

Zhao stated the Chinese government feels that the US is using these visas&nbsp;to "take discriminatory limitations"

In a media briefing, Zhao said, "We are resolutely opposed and strongly dissatisfied with this. We require the U.S. to immediately correct its mistake, or China will have no choice but to take countermeasures."

This is not the first time in this year that US and China have locked horns with respect to journalism.&nbsp;In March, China expelled American journalists from three U.S. newspapers, a month after the United States said it would begin to treat five Chinese state-run media entities with U.S. operations as foreign embassies. 
Earlier, China expelled three Wall Street Journal reporters - two Americans and an Australian - after the paper published an opinion column calling China the "real sick man of Asia".

(With inputs from Reuters)

Last week, USA changed visa regulations for Chinese journalists. The reporters will only have 90 days allowed for visa, which can be extended by the respective journalists.

Last week, USA changed visa regulations for Chinese journalists. The reporters will only have 90 days allowed for visa, which can be extended by the respective journalists. However, the decision has not gone well with the Chinese government. Also read: In a lengthy rebuttal, China refutes 24 US' lies over coronavirus Earlier, these visas used to be open-ended that did not need extension, unless the employee moves to a different company or medium. The new guidelines that have been issued by the USA now limits the accessibility of Chinese reporters in the US now. Now, China has responded by warning the American government that China will have to take countermeasures if the US does not correct its mistake. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian called this move an escalation of suppression against Chinese media. China claims that this will directly lead to oppression of Chinese journalists and will limit their ability to report in the US. Also read: China releases five notable labour rights activists after year-long imprisonment Zhao stated the Chinese government feels that the US is using these visas to "take discriminatory limitations" In a media briefing, Zhao said, "We are resolutely opposed and strongly dissatisfied with this. We require the U.S. to immediately correct its mistake, or China will have no choice but to take countermeasures." This is not the first time in this year that US and China have locked horns with respect to journalism. In March, China expelled American journalists from three U.S. newspapers, a month after the United States said it would begin to treat five Chinese state-run media entities with U.S. operations as foreign embassies. Earlier, China expelled three Wall Street Journal reporters - two Americans and an Australian - after the paper published an opinion column calling China the "real sick man of Asia". (With inputs from Reuters)

US limits visa of Chinese journalists; China warns countermeasures

China cancels press credentials of 3 Wall Street Journal's Journalists. This comes after newspaper refused to apologise for its article that titled 'China is the real sick man of Asia'.

China revokes 3 American Journalists  of Wall Street Journal

A judge in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-killed-as-earthquake-strikes-southern-philippines-268381">Philippines</a> prepared to deliver a verdict on Thursday on the&nbsp;massacre&nbsp;a decade ago of 58 people, among them 32 journalists, in one of the country's most high-profile cases and its worst single instance of election violence.

Three generations of a&nbsp;political&nbsp;clan accused of masterminding the&nbsp;2009&nbsp;killings are among 101 defendants awaiting judgement, in a case seen as a crucial test of impunity in country where provincial power is often decided by corruption, intimidation and violence.

Seven members of the influential Ampatuan family are accused of conspiring to ambush the convoy of a rival clan as it travelled to register its candidate for a gubernatorial election in the southern province of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-explosions-rock-southern-philippines-ahead-of-election-218374">Maguindanao</a>, an attack that spiralled into a bloodbath.

Among the casualties were the wife and relatives of the rival candidate, lawyers and 32 media workers, who were executed beside a rural road in a volley of gunfire, before being buried with their vehicles in a huge pit dug by an excavator.

It was one of the world's single, biggest attacks on journalists. The defendants deny charges of multiple counts of murder and face up to 30 years in jail for each one.

There were 357 witnesses and 197 suspects, 80 of those still at large, including 12 Ampatuans. The family patriarch, Andal Ampatuan, died in prison of a heart attack in 2015.

Five other Ampatuan family members and 54 police are also on trial and lawyers for the families said a guilty verdict would be crucial for&nbsp;Philippine&nbsp;democracy.

"We are rooting for a conviction no more, no less," Nena Santos, a private prosecutor in the case, told reporters.

"This is very important because if no conviction here it would mean the impunity continues, press freedom is dead and the democratic process is at stake."

The judge and lawyers were in discussions about how much of the verdict to read out from its more than 700 pages.

The attack, known as the "Maguindanao&nbsp;Massacre", was chilling even by&nbsp;Philippine&nbsp;standards, where&nbsp;political&nbsp;assassinations are commonplace in elections for mayors, governors and even congress. Several witnesses in the case have been killed.

Muslim-dominated parts of the southern&nbsp;Philippines are notoriously violent, prone to lawlessness, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-troops-pound-islamists-as-death-toll-passes-300-16944">separatist unrest</a> and the&nbsp;rule&nbsp;of warlords aided by an abundance of arms.

Human Rights Watch said that regardless of the verdict, suspects on the run must be caught.

"The families of Maguindanao victims and witnesses will be at risk so long as suspects remain free," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy Asia director.

A judge in the Philippines prepared to deliver a verdict on Thursday on the massacre a decade ago of 58 people, among them 32 journalists, in one of the country's most high-profile cases and its worst single instance of election violence.

A judge in the Philippines prepared to deliver a verdict on Thursday on the massacre a decade ago of 58 people, among them 32 journalists, in one of the country's most high-profile cases and its worst single instance of election violence. Three generations of a political clan accused of masterminding the 2009 killings are among 101 defendants awaiting judgement, in a case seen as a crucial test of impunity in country where provincial power is often decided by corruption, intimidation and violence. Seven members of the influential Ampatuan family are accused of conspiring to ambush the convoy of a rival clan as it travelled to register its candidate for a gubernatorial election in the southern province of Maguindanao, an attack that spiralled into a bloodbath. Among the casualties were the wife and relatives of the rival candidate, lawyers and 32 media workers, who were executed beside a rural road in a volley of gunfire, before being buried with their vehicles in a huge pit dug by an excavator. It was one of the world's single, biggest attacks on journalists. The defendants deny charges of multiple counts of murder and face up to 30 years in jail for each one. There were 357 witnesses and 197 suspects, 80 of those still at large, including 12 Ampatuans. The family patriarch, Andal Ampatuan, died in prison of a heart attack in 2015. Five other Ampatuan family members and 54 police are also on trial and lawyers for the families said a guilty verdict would be crucial for Philippine democracy. "We are rooting for a conviction no more, no less," Nena Santos, a private prosecutor in the case, told reporters. "This is very important because if no conviction here it would mean the impunity continues, press freedom is dead and the democratic process is at stake." The judge and lawyers were in discussions about how much of the verdict to read out from its more than 700 pages. The attack, known as the "Maguindanao Massacre", was chilling even by Philippine standards, where political assassinations are commonplace in elections for mayors, governors and even congress. Several witnesses in the case have been killed. Muslim-dominated parts of the southern Philippines are notoriously violent, prone to lawlessness, separatist unrest and the rule of warlords aided by an abundance of arms. Human Rights Watch said that regardless of the verdict, suspects on the run must be caught. "The families of Maguindanao victims and witnesses will be at risk so long as suspects remain free," said Phil Robertson, the group's deputy Asia director.

Philippine court to rule on 2009 political massacre

Chinese foreign ministry today claimed that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-biggest-jailer-of-journalists-turkey-second-worst-report-267594">report highlighting China</a> as having jailed the most journalists in 2019 lacked ''credibility''.

The report was released by a United States-based non-profit organisation. 
 
According to the report, China imprisoned at least 48 journalists this year, more than any other country, effectively dethroning Turkey.&nbsp;

The report was published by the Committee to Protect Journalists yesterday.&nbsp;The report, which is published annually, said that at least 250 journalists were imprisoned worldwide this year.

Hua Chunying, the spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said that she knew nothing about the imprisoned journalists. She rebuffed the claim by saying, "you need to think about what illegal things these 40-some people have done."

Turkey was ranked second in the report, as it had imprisoned 47 journalists in 2019, down from 68 last year. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, both with 26; Eritrea with 16; Vietnam, with 12; and Iran with 11 were the next-most oppressive countries for journalists, the report said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Chinese foreign ministry today claimed that the report highlighting China as having jailed the most journalists in 2019 lacked ''credibility''. The report was released by a United States-based non-profit organisation.

Chinese foreign ministry today claimed that the report highlighting China as having jailed the most journalists in 2019 lacked ''credibility''. The report was released by a United States-based non-profit organisation. According to the report, China imprisoned at least 48 journalists this year, more than any other country, effectively dethroning Turkey. The report was published by the Committee to Protect Journalists yesterday. The report, which is published annually, said that at least 250 journalists were imprisoned worldwide this year. Hua Chunying, the spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said that she knew nothing about the imprisoned journalists. She rebuffed the claim by saying, "you need to think about what illegal things these 40-some people have done." Turkey was ranked second in the report, as it had imprisoned 47 journalists in 2019, down from 68 last year. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, both with 26; Eritrea with 16; Vietnam, with 12; and Iran with 11 were the next-most oppressive countries for journalists, the report said. (With inputs from Reuters)

No 'credibility' to report highlighting detention of journalists: Chinese foreign ministry

Hong Kong Police Fires At Protesters, Targets Journalists While China Refuses To Take Questions.

Gravitas: The Battle Ground That Is  Hong Kong

An Indonesian palm oil executive has been arrested for allegedly ordering the killing two activist journalists who were mediating a land dispute between his company and local residents, police said Saturday.

Maraden Sianipar's body was found last week in a ditch near a palm plantation in Labuhan Batu in North Sumatra province.

Police found the remains of his colleague, Maratua Siregar, in the same area a day later. Both had been stabbed multiple times.

On Saturday, North Sumatra authorities said they had arrested businessman Wibharry Padmoasmolo for allegedly masterminding the plot by paying nearing $3,000 to four men to commit the killings.

Padmoasmolo owns a firm that produces palm oil,&nbsp;a widely used vegetable oil found in everything from soap to chocolate,&nbsp;which was in a dispute with locals that the two victims were advocating for, police said.

The killings were aimed at stopping the pair's involvement, according to authorities, who added that Padmoasmolo has denied owning the firm under questioning.

In all, five people have been arrested in connection with the murder plot and police said they're still searching for several more suspects still at large.

"We are looking for the three, while the five other suspects have been detained for further questioning," said North Sumatra police chief Agus Andrianto.

Victims Sianipar and Maratua worked together for a local online news portal before going freelance in 2017.

A friend of Siregar said they had recently become known for their activism in land disputes,&nbsp;a common source of conflict across the resource-rich Southeast Asian archipelago.

The friend said Siregar was active in an organisation that advocated for residents in the dispute.

Many cases of violence against journalists in Indonesia go unsolved, according to the Independent Journalists Alliance, which has reported at least two dozen cases this year alone.

Indonesia is ranked 124th out of 180 countries on the 2019 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.

An Indonesian palm oil executive has been arrested for allegedly ordering the killing two activist journalists who were mediating a land dispute between his company and local residents, police said Saturday.

An Indonesian palm oil executive has been arrested for allegedly ordering the killing two activist journalists who were mediating a land dispute between his company and local residents, police said Saturday. Maraden Sianipar's body was found last week in a ditch near a palm plantation in Labuhan Batu in North Sumatra province. Police found the remains of his colleague, Maratua Siregar, in the same area a day later. Both had been stabbed multiple times. On Saturday, North Sumatra authorities said they had arrested businessman Wibharry Padmoasmolo for allegedly masterminding the plot by paying nearing $3,000 to four men to commit the killings. Padmoasmolo owns a firm that produces palm oil, a widely used vegetable oil found in everything from soap to chocolate, which was in a dispute with locals that the two victims were advocating for, police said. The killings were aimed at stopping the pair's involvement, according to authorities, who added that Padmoasmolo has denied owning the firm under questioning. In all, five people have been arrested in connection with the murder plot and police said they're still searching for several more suspects still at large. "We are looking for the three, while the five other suspects have been detained for further questioning," said North Sumatra police chief Agus Andrianto. Victims Sianipar and Maratua worked together for a local online news portal before going freelance in 2017. A friend of Siregar said they had recently become known for their activism in land disputes, a common source of conflict across the resource-rich Southeast Asian archipelago. The friend said Siregar was active in an organisation that advocated for residents in the dispute. Many cases of violence against journalists in Indonesia go unsolved, according to the Independent Journalists Alliance, which has reported at least two dozen cases this year alone. Indonesia is ranked 124th out of 180 countries on the 2019 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders.

Indonesian palm oil executive arrested over journalist killings

Privacy of 121 Indians breached, Journalists and Activists were targeted by Pegasus spyware

WION tracks WhatsApp Snoopgate: Privacy of 121 Indians breached

Application WhatsApp was used to hack smartphones. The journalists, activists, Diplomats are among the victims. NSO Group was accused of using WhatsApp to hack phones. Indian Government sends notice to WhatsApp.

Your Story: Indian Government sends notice to WhatsApp

Application WhatsApp was used to hack smartphones. The journalists, activists, Diplomats are among the victims. NSO Group was accused of using WhatsApp to hack phones. IT Ministry seeks WhatsApp's response on Spyware issue

Breaking News: IT Ministry seeks WhatsApp's response on Spyware issue

Application WhatsApp was used to hack smartphones. The journalists, activists, Diplomats are among the victims. NSO Group was accused of using WhatsApp to hack phones.

WhatsApp used to hack smartphones; WION correspondent also targeted

Pakistani journalists on Wednesday held a country-wide protest against police brutality on a local reporter in Lahore. 
 
The protest took place after police officials hit Pakistani journalist Usman Ahmed Bhatti for covering the appearance of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N)&nbsp;leader Hamza Shahba in court, Geo News reported. 
 
The report said the policemen not only beat-up the reporter but also hit two camerapersons for covering the appearance of Hamza Shahbaz in court. 
 
It also said that other journalists were also roughed-up to make way for the convoy of the PML(N) leader. 
 
Punjab police did not make any comment over allegations of brutality levelled by protesting journalists. 
 
Journalists had earlier come together and protested in front of the court demanding justice against the police action.

Pakistani journalists on Wednesday held a country-wide protest against police brutality on a local reporter in Lahore. The protest took place after police officials hit Pakistani journalist Usman Ahmed Bhatti for covering the appearance of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N) leader Hamza Shahba in court, Geo News reported.

Pakistani journalists on Wednesday held a country-wide protest against police brutality on a local reporter in Lahore. The protest took place after police officials hit Pakistani journalist Usman Ahmed Bhatti for covering the appearance of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz PML(N) leader Hamza Shahba in court, Geo News reported. The report said the policemen not only beat-up the reporter but also hit two camerapersons for covering the appearance of Hamza Shahbaz in court. It also said that other journalists were also roughed-up to make way for the convoy of the PML(N) leader. Punjab police did not make any comment over allegations of brutality levelled by protesting journalists. Journalists had earlier come together and protested in front of the court demanding justice against the police action.

Journalists hold protests against police brutality in Pakistan

A group of foreign reporters on a trip to Syria organised by the Russian Defense Ministry were on Wednesday shown an elaborate network of caves in the strategic northwestern Idlib province said to have been used as a major rebel base.

Journalists see caves formerly used by rebels

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace.

Basheer (35) was killed after a speeding car driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman rammed into his bike in Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Saturday.

"There is an insurance scheme for journalists. We will expand and restructure it in order to ensure that the family is safe enough to cope with complex situations. The government will take urgent measures to address these issues," Vijayan said in a Facebook post hours after Basheer's death.

Vijayan also said the state government is dealing with all matters related to the accident in a serious manner.

Basheer, Vijayan said, was a regular face at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, adding that the journalist's death caused much grief.

"When I saw his face for the last time, I felt like a family member has left us," he said in his post.

"No compromise of any kind will be allowed and we will do everything possible to bring to justice to those responsible for Basheer's death," Vijayan said.

The IAS officer has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the accident.

The police have registered a case under Section 279 (for reckless driving) and 304 (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

The IAS officer was returning after a party and was accompanied by a friend when the accident took place. He was reportedly in an inebriated state while driving the car.

Basheer was the Chief of Trivandrum Bureau of Malayalam daily Siraj and was rushed to a government hospital, but could not be saved.&nbsp;

Sriram, who also sustained injuries in the accident, was also taken to a nearby hospital.

In a statement recorded of Sriram after the accident, the officer had claimed that at the time of the accident, the car was driven by his friend.

However, the journalist fraternity had alleged that there were lapses from the police during the probe. The fraternity also claimed that the police did not conduct Sriram's blood test.

&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the death of journalist KM Basheer in a road accident and stated that his government will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in the workplace. Basheer (35) was killed after a speeding car driven by IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman rammed into his bike in Thiruvananthapuram in the wee hours of Saturday. "There is an insurance scheme for journalists. We will expand and restructure it in order to ensure that the family is safe enough to cope with complex situations. The government will take urgent measures to address these issues," Vijayan said in a Facebook post hours after Basheer's death. Vijayan also said the state government is dealing with all matters related to the accident in a serious manner. Basheer, Vijayan said, was a regular face at Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, adding that the journalist's death caused much grief. "When I saw his face for the last time, I felt like a family member has left us," he said in his post. "No compromise of any kind will be allowed and we will do everything possible to bring to justice to those responsible for Basheer's death," Vijayan said. The IAS officer has been sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with the accident. The police have registered a case under Section 279 (for reckless driving) and 304 (for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Indian Penal Code. The IAS officer was returning after a party and was accompanied by a friend when the accident took place. He was reportedly in an inebriated state while driving the car. Basheer was the Chief of Trivandrum Bureau of Malayalam daily Siraj and was rushed to a government hospital, but could not be saved. Sriram, who also sustained injuries in the accident, was also taken to a nearby hospital. In a statement recorded of Sriram after the accident, the officer had claimed that at the time of the accident, the car was driven by his friend. However, the journalist fraternity had alleged that there were lapses from the police during the probe. The fraternity also claimed that the police did not conduct Sriram's blood test.

Will consider measures to ensure greater risk protection of journalists in workplace: Kerala CM Vijayan

Reporters investigating Russian military intelligence have been targeted by highly sophisticated cyberattacks through their encrypted email accounts, with evidence suggesting Moscow was responsible, the email service provider ProtonMail and journalists said Saturday.

The phishing attack, which sought to dupe users into sharing their ProtonMail passwords, was aimed at journalists from the award-winning website Bellingcat, which helped identify the agents who poisoned former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain.

Geneva-based ProtonMail said in a statement that "the evidence (along with independent third-party assessments) seems to suggest an attack of Russian origin."&nbsp;

The company's chief executive Andy Yen told AFP that the operation "was one of the best-run phishing attacks we have ever seen."

Bellingcat journalist Christo Grozev, who led the site's work on the Skripal case, said he had no doubt Russia's GRU military intelligence unit was responsible and that it marked "a quantum leap" in terms of their technical sophistication.

"It was very convincing," he told AFP, noting that no Bellingcat reporters gave up their passwords.

End-to-end encryption&nbsp;

ProtonMail, which describes itself as the world's most secure email provider, has become increasingly popular with journalists and others who handle sensitive information because user communications are protected by end-to-end encryption.

The Harvard-educated Yen, who worked at Europe's nuclear research lab CERN for five years before founding ProtonMail, told AFP that the company could not read users' emails even if it wanted to -- in clear contrast with Google's Gmail.

The phishing attacks against Bellingcat reporters occurred this week, with "emails sent to the targeted users claiming to be from the ProtonMail team, asking the targets to enter their... login credentials," the company said.&nbsp;

Grozev said that despite his technical savvy and awareness that he was a target, he "would have been fooled" if not for a prior warning from a contact who had received a similar phishing email earlier this month.

While the assault on Bellingcat journalists was concentrated over the past few days, Grozen claimed that multiple investigators and researchers from other organisations that work on Russia have received phishing emails in their ProtonMail accounts since April.

Yen told AFP that "putting a precise start date as to when other Russia journalists began to be targeted is a bit more complex and not something that we can confirm with full confidence right now."

'Has to be investigated'&nbsp;

Yen said that ProtonMail has alerted the Swiss Federal Police and the government's computer system security office, MELANI, about the events this week.

The company has not yet received any indication that an investigation will be launched, Yen said, noting that he was not optimistic the perpetrators would face justice, in part because Moscow was likely to protect them.

ProtonMail, however, is conducting its own investigation.

But Grozen said the Swiss had a duty to act, given that its .ch domain was used to carry out the phishing operation.

"It is essentially a crime within the digital territory of Switzerland," he said, stressing that the entities who registered the malicious websites are "traceable for (Swiss) authorities".

Swiss Federal Police and MELANI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bellingcat, a highly regarded Britain-based investigative website, has used open-source technology to break a series of stories, notably concerning Russia, including major revelations in the downing of MH17 flight over eastern Ukraine, which has also been linked to Russia's GRU intelligence service.

Reporters investigating Russian military intelligence have been targeted by highly sophisticated cyberattacks through their encrypted email accounts, with evidence suggesting Moscow was responsible, the email service provider ProtonMail and journalists said Saturday.

Reporters investigating Russian military intelligence have been targeted by highly sophisticated cyberattacks through their encrypted email accounts, with evidence suggesting Moscow was responsible, the email service provider ProtonMail and journalists said Saturday. The phishing attack, which sought to dupe users into sharing their ProtonMail passwords, was aimed at journalists from the award-winning website Bellingcat, which helped identify the agents who poisoned former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain. Geneva-based ProtonMail said in a statement that "the evidence (along with independent third-party assessments) seems to suggest an attack of Russian origin." The company's chief executive Andy Yen told AFP that the operation "was one of the best-run phishing attacks we have ever seen." Bellingcat journalist Christo Grozev, who led the site's work on the Skripal case, said he had no doubt Russia's GRU military intelligence unit was responsible and that it marked "a quantum leap" in terms of their technical sophistication. "It was very convincing," he told AFP, noting that no Bellingcat reporters gave up their passwords. End-to-end encryption ProtonMail, which describes itself as the world's most secure email provider, has become increasingly popular with journalists and others who handle sensitive information because user communications are protected by end-to-end encryption. The Harvard-educated Yen, who worked at Europe's nuclear research lab CERN for five years before founding ProtonMail, told AFP that the company could not read users' emails even if it wanted to -- in clear contrast with Google's Gmail. The phishing attacks against Bellingcat reporters occurred this week, with "emails sent to the targeted users claiming to be from the ProtonMail team, asking the targets to enter their... login credentials," the company said. Grozev said that despite his technical savvy and awareness that he was a target, he "would have been fooled" if not for a prior warning from a contact who had received a similar phishing email earlier this month. While the assault on Bellingcat journalists was concentrated over the past few days, Grozen claimed that multiple investigators and researchers from other organisations that work on Russia have received phishing emails in their ProtonMail accounts since April. Yen told AFP that "putting a precise start date as to when other Russia journalists began to be targeted is a bit more complex and not something that we can confirm with full confidence right now." 'Has to be investigated' Yen said that ProtonMail has alerted the Swiss Federal Police and the government's computer system security office, MELANI, about the events this week. The company has not yet received any indication that an investigation will be launched, Yen said, noting that he was not optimistic the perpetrators would face justice, in part because Moscow was likely to protect them. ProtonMail, however, is conducting its own investigation. But Grozen said the Swiss had a duty to act, given that its .ch domain was used to carry out the phishing operation. "It is essentially a crime within the digital territory of Switzerland," he said, stressing that the entities who registered the malicious websites are "traceable for (Swiss) authorities". Swiss Federal Police and MELANI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bellingcat, a highly regarded Britain-based investigative website, has used open-source technology to break a series of stories, notably concerning Russia, including major revelations in the downing of MH17 flight over eastern Ukraine, which has also been linked to Russia's GRU intelligence service.

Journalists investigating Russia targeted by cyberattacks: Report

Seven Hong Kong media associations held a silent march in Hong Kong on Sunday (July 14) against alleged police violence. Several hundred reporters marched from a park in Admiralty near the Central Government Offices to the police headquarters, where they held up signs reading "Stop police violence, defend press freedom" and "Protect our fourth estate".

Hong Kong reporters march against alleged police violence

They travelled the road less taken, chose to endure all hardships to break the stigma and re-write the norms. Some of them left their families at a young age, some of them lost their colleagues to violence, yet they persist and pursue their calling. The latest hurdle that they want to cross is that of the language barrier and that’s what had brought them to India.

24 Afghani women journalists are in Chennai to attend an eight-week training program that aims to impart English communication skills. The initiative comes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and aims to take forward the existing diplomatic and strategic relationship and improve people-to-people contact.&nbsp;

The women journalists, aged between 26 and 33, have a wide-ranging experience under various roles in the print and broadcast media as presenters, writers, editors, technical directors. They are being trained by the faculty at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTR).&nbsp;

As Afghanistan had stints of democracy interspersed with Taliban rule, women journalists face challenges not only in their society at large but also from their very own families.

Speaking to WION, Wida Saghary, an Afghan journalist with over 12 years of experience said, “In the initial years, when we wanted to interview people in the bazaar, they hurled things at us and would gossip about women journalists. It was difficult for families to send daughters to join the media.”

She added that while there were quite a lot of journalist training centres in the capital city Kabul and the nearby provinces, few journalism aspirants even travelled to India, Turkey, Russia, America and Europe for their academic pursuits.

Diba Selgai, a social media officer said that many women aspire to appear on the screen, but they face&nbsp;the risk of being spoken ill about and being perceived in a negative manner. She added that when women journalists defy the status quo, it has a serious democratic effect on society. Rather than having democracy imposed from outside, working women can show the way and bring in democracy from within the society, she said.

The women also spoke about their employer which had over 50 per cent women workers in main positions as compared to the industry average of about 20 per cent women. A journalist recollected her roots in Laghman province, a Taliban stronghold, and how her uncle warned her father about God not accepting his prayer due to his daughter’s education and career choice.&nbsp;

There were also instances of women being attacked by their kith and kin for the path they chose, the most recent being the case of a Pashtun journalist who was killed by her husband, recalled the media professionals.

However, the journalists expressed optimism about how their country is evolving. They said nowadays, it is comfortable to work outside and that they have the support of their families who are supporting the girls and not hesitating to send them abroad for studies.

Accepting the responsibility of the media in transforming the image of the country, they said that it is important to break free from the stereotypes of Burkha, war and Taliban.&nbsp;

Speaking of their time in Chennai, the women said that it was refreshing and empowering to see women working late in the night, going shopping, working as vendors. They wished for a similar transformation in their society, where it is generally considered unsafe for women to venture out in the nights.&nbsp;

Outlining the initiative of the Indian government to support developing nations and their citizens, Dr Sudhindra Nath Panda, Director of NITTTR said, “The ITEC programme was started in 1964 and cover over 150 countries. Our missions abroad have been taking care of the VISA formalities of the students/professionals and the travel, course, accommodation expenses are funded by the Indian government.” He added that so far 95 Afghan citizens have attended the programme, of which over 40 were women.&nbsp;

They travelled the road less taken, chose to endure all hardships to break the stigma and re-write the norms. Some of them left their families at a young age, some of them lost their colleagues to violence, yet they persist and pursue their calling.

They travelled the road less taken, chose to endure all hardships to break the stigma and re-write the norms. Some of them left their families at a young age, some of them lost their colleagues to violence, yet they persist and pursue their calling. The latest hurdle that they want to cross is that of the language barrier and that’s what had brought them to India. 24 Afghani women journalists are in Chennai to attend an eight-week training program that aims to impart English communication skills. The initiative comes under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and aims to take forward the existing diplomatic and strategic relationship and improve people-to-people contact. The women journalists, aged between 26 and 33, have a wide-ranging experience under various roles in the print and broadcast media as presenters, writers, editors, technical directors. They are being trained by the faculty at the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTR). As Afghanistan had stints of democracy interspersed with Taliban rule, women journalists face challenges not only in their society at large but also from their very own families. Speaking to WION, Wida Saghary, an Afghan journalist with over 12 years of experience said, “In the initial years, when we wanted to interview people in the bazaar, they hurled things at us and would gossip about women journalists. It was difficult for families to send daughters to join the media.” She added that while there were quite a lot of journalist training centres in the capital city Kabul and the nearby provinces, few journalism aspirants even travelled to India, Turkey, Russia, America and Europe for their academic pursuits. Diba Selgai, a social media officer said that many women aspire to appear on the screen, but they face the risk of being spoken ill about and being perceived in a negative manner. She added that when women journalists defy the status quo, it has a serious democratic effect on society. Rather than having democracy imposed from outside, working women can show the way and bring in democracy from within the society, she said. The women also spoke about their employer which had over 50 per cent women workers in main positions as compared to the industry average of about 20 per cent women. A journalist recollected her roots in Laghman province, a Taliban stronghold, and how her uncle warned her father about God not accepting his prayer due to his daughter’s education and career choice. There were also instances of women being attacked by their kith and kin for the path they chose, the most recent being the case of a Pashtun journalist who was killed by her husband, recalled the media professionals. However, the journalists expressed optimism about how their country is evolving. They said nowadays, it is comfortable to work outside and that they have the support of their families who are supporting the girls and not hesitating to send them abroad for studies. Accepting the responsibility of the media in transforming the image of the country, they said that it is important to break free from the stereotypes of Burkha, war and Taliban. Speaking of their time in Chennai, the women said that it was refreshing and empowering to see women working late in the night, going shopping, working as vendors. They wished for a similar transformation in their society, where it is generally considered unsafe for women to venture out in the nights. Outlining the initiative of the Indian government to support developing nations and their citizens, Dr Sudhindra Nath Panda, Director of NITTTR said, “The ITEC programme was started in 1964 and cover over 150 countries. Our missions abroad have been taking care of the VISA formalities of the students/professionals and the travel, course, accommodation expenses are funded by the Indian government.” He added that so far 95 Afghan citizens have attended the programme, of which over 40 were women.

Quest for English communication skills leads Afghan women journalists to India 

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital.

"They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed.

The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue.

"They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology).&nbsp; 
The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity.

"This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed.

"We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge.&nbsp;

This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North".

The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists.

The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics.

"The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states.

The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million.

The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party.

The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time.

Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law.

Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict.

Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code.

The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12&nbsp; 
months, double that of 2017.

"Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated.

The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation.

"The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger. The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital. "They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed. The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue. "They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology). The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity. "This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed. "We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge. This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North". The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists. The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics. "The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states. The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million. The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party. The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time. Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law. Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict. Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code. The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12 months, double that of 2017. "Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated. The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation. "The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists under probe for reporting news about Dalai Lama in Nepal

The lawyer defending Australia's biggest news organisations against contempt charges for their reporting of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-vatican-treasurer-pell-jailed-for-six-years-for-sexually-abusing-choir-boys-202976">Cardinal George Pell's sex crimes</a> conviction denounced on Monday what he called an unprecedented attack on press freedom in the country.

Twenty-three journalists and 13 media companies face fines and prison terms for allegedly breaching a gag order not to report on last year's trial of Pell for child sex abuse.&nbsp;

Pell, 77, the most senior Catholic cleric convicted of sex crimes, was found guilty in December of abusing two choirboys and is serving a six-year prison term. He has appealed the conviction.&nbsp;

The court had banned all reporting of the case pending a second trial scheduled for this month, but the gag order was lifted in February when that trial was cancelled.

Some foreign media, including The New York Times and the Washington Post, reported Pell's conviction in December, while local media ran cryptic articles complaining that they were being prevented from reporting a story of major public interest.

The Australian media and reporters were accused of abetting contempt of court by the foreign press and of "scandalising the court" by breaching the suppression order, despite none of them reporting on the charges involved or mentioning Pell by name.

If convicted, journalists face prison terms of up to five years and the news organisations fines of up to $360,000.

Matthew Collins, representing the accused media at the first hearing on the matter on Monday, said such wide-ranging contempt charges had "no precedent" in Australian legal history.

"There are simply no cases of which we are aware in Australia where media organisations, editors or journalists have been charged, much less found guilty, of contempt in circumstances such as these," he was quoted by local media as telling the court in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Collins added that a guilty verdict on any of the charges would have a "chilling effect" on open justice in Australia.

He added that the contempt allegations lacked specific examples of how any of the accused news companies or journalists actually breached the gag order when they never mentioned Pell or the crimes for which he was convicted.

The accused include Australia's two biggest newspaper companies, Rupert Murdoch's Nationwide News and the former Fairfax group now owned by broadcaster Nine, as well as leading newspaper editors and reporters.&nbsp;

Judge John Dixon agreed that prosecutors had not provided sufficient detail of the charges against each news organisation and journalist, asking "does this involve one trial or 36 trials, or something in between?".

He ordered prosecutors to provide detailed statements of claim to the accused and set a new hearing for June 26.

The lawyer defending Australia's biggest news organisations against contempt charges for their reporting of Cardinal George Pell's sex crimes conviction denounced on Monday what he called an unprecedented attack on press freedom in the country.

The lawyer defending Australia's biggest news organisations against contempt charges for their reporting of Cardinal George Pell's sex crimes conviction denounced on Monday what he called an unprecedented attack on press freedom in the country. Twenty-three journalists and 13 media companies face fines and prison terms for allegedly breaching a gag order not to report on last year's trial of Pell for child sex abuse. Pell, 77, the most senior Catholic cleric convicted of sex crimes, was found guilty in December of abusing two choirboys and is serving a six-year prison term. He has appealed the conviction. The court had banned all reporting of the case pending a second trial scheduled for this month, but the gag order was lifted in February when that trial was cancelled. Some foreign media, including The New York Times and the Washington Post, reported Pell's conviction in December, while local media ran cryptic articles complaining that they were being prevented from reporting a story of major public interest. The Australian media and reporters were accused of abetting contempt of court by the foreign press and of "scandalising the court" by breaching the suppression order, despite none of them reporting on the charges involved or mentioning Pell by name. If convicted, journalists face prison terms of up to five years and the news organisations fines of up to $360,000. Matthew Collins, representing the accused media at the first hearing on the matter on Monday, said such wide-ranging contempt charges had "no precedent" in Australian legal history. "There are simply no cases of which we are aware in Australia where media organisations, editors or journalists have been charged, much less found guilty, of contempt in circumstances such as these," he was quoted by local media as telling the court in Melbourne. Collins added that a guilty verdict on any of the charges would have a "chilling effect" on open justice in Australia. He added that the contempt allegations lacked specific examples of how any of the accused news companies or journalists actually breached the gag order when they never mentioned Pell or the crimes for which he was convicted. The accused include Australia's two biggest newspaper companies, Rupert Murdoch's Nationwide News and the former Fairfax group now owned by broadcaster Nine, as well as leading newspaper editors and reporters. Judge John Dixon agreed that prosecutors had not provided sufficient detail of the charges against each news organisation and journalist, asking "does this involve one trial or 36 trials, or something in between?". He ordered prosecutors to provide detailed statements of claim to the accused and set a new hearing for June 26.

Australian media challenge 'unprecedented' contempt charges over Cardinal Pell reporting

Tens of thousands of Algerian students protested in the capital and other cities for a fifth day running on Tuesday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule by seeking a fifth term, witnesses said.

It was the fifth day of demonstrations but the first covered by state media after its journalists called on their employers to allow them to cover the protests.

Students were demanding that Bouteflika, 81, drop his intention to seek re-election in the April 18 presidential vote.

Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013, has been seen in public only a few times since and has given no known speeches in years.

Despite the rare outpouring of public dissent, Bouteflika's campaign manager said the president would file formal papers for re-election on March 3, 15 days before the vote.

"Nobody can decide to erase what we have in the constitution," Abdelmalek Sellal told a crowd of Bouteflika supporters in televised remarks. "It is his right to be a candidate."

The student protesters, who chanted "peaceful, peaceful" and "no to a fifth term", were also asking for government steps to provide jobs. More than a quarter of Algerians under 30 are unemployed.

"Many young people got their university degree but they are still unemployed," said a student who gave his name as Djahid.

Hundreds marched in central Algiers while other students held rallies inside faculties as police sought to prevent them leaving the university to link up with counterparts in the streets.

Rallies drawing up to thousands of people were also held in towns including Bejaia, Tizi Ouzou, Blida and Bouira, residents there told Reuters by telephone.

The state news agency APS said the protesters were demanding "change and reform". State television showed for the first time in its main evening news footage of demonstrations.

Bouteflika has not directly addressed the protests. The authorities said he would be travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks, although there was no official confirmation he had left.

TABOO ON OPEN DISSENT BROKEN?

Many Algerians for years avoided politics in public, fearing trouble from the omnipresent security services, or having simply stopped caring as the country has been run by the same group of veterans since the 1954-1962 independence war with France.

Bouteflika himself has ruled since 1999 and stamped out a decade-long Islamist insurgency early in his rule. Many Algerians have long tolerated a political system with little space for dissent as a price to pay for peace and stability.

But the new protest waves appear to have broken the long taboo on public discussion of politics.

According to Bouteflika's opponents, there is no evidence he is in fit enough health to lead the country and that it is being ruled in his name by advisers. Authorities say he retains a firm grip on public affairs despite the rarity of his appearances.

A weak and divided opposition faces high hurdles in mounting an electoral challenge. Since the long-ruling FLN party again picked Bouteflika as its presidential candidate, several parties, trade unions and business groups have endorsed him.

Lower oil prices in recent years have damaged Algeria's economy, rekindling discontent.

Tens of thousands of Algerian students protested in the capital and other cities for a fifth day running on Tuesday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule by seeking a fifth term, witnesses said.

Tens of thousands of Algerian students protested in the capital and other cities for a fifth day running on Tuesday against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule by seeking a fifth term, witnesses said. It was the fifth day of demonstrations but the first covered by state media after its journalists called on their employers to allow them to cover the protests. Students were demanding that Bouteflika, 81, drop his intention to seek re-election in the April 18 presidential vote. Bouteflika suffered a stroke in 2013, has been seen in public only a few times since and has given no known speeches in years. Despite the rare outpouring of public dissent, Bouteflika's campaign manager said the president would file formal papers for re-election on March 3, 15 days before the vote. "Nobody can decide to erase what we have in the constitution," Abdelmalek Sellal told a crowd of Bouteflika supporters in televised remarks. "It is his right to be a candidate." The student protesters, who chanted "peaceful, peaceful" and "no to a fifth term", were also asking for government steps to provide jobs. More than a quarter of Algerians under 30 are unemployed. "Many young people got their university degree but they are still unemployed," said a student who gave his name as Djahid. Hundreds marched in central Algiers while other students held rallies inside faculties as police sought to prevent them leaving the university to link up with counterparts in the streets. Rallies drawing up to thousands of people were also held in towns including Bejaia, Tizi Ouzou, Blida and Bouira, residents there told Reuters by telephone. The state news agency APS said the protesters were demanding "change and reform". State television showed for the first time in its main evening news footage of demonstrations. Bouteflika has not directly addressed the protests. The authorities said he would be travel to Geneva for unspecified medical checks, although there was no official confirmation he had left. TABOO ON OPEN DISSENT BROKEN? Many Algerians for years avoided politics in public, fearing trouble from the omnipresent security services, or having simply stopped caring as the country has been run by the same group of veterans since the 1954-1962 independence war with France. Bouteflika himself has ruled since 1999 and stamped out a decade-long Islamist insurgency early in his rule. Many Algerians have long tolerated a political system with little space for dissent as a price to pay for peace and stability. But the new protest waves appear to have broken the long taboo on public discussion of politics. According to Bouteflika's opponents, there is no evidence he is in fit enough health to lead the country and that it is being ruled in his name by advisers. Authorities say he retains a firm grip on public affairs despite the rarity of his appearances. A weak and divided opposition faces high hurdles in mounting an electoral challenge. Since the long-ruling FLN party again picked Bouteflika as its presidential candidate, several parties, trade unions and business groups have endorsed him. Lower oil prices in recent years have damaged Algeria's economy, rekindling discontent.

Algeria: Tens of thousands of students extend protests against President Bouteflika

The Maharashtra government Saturday gave administrative approval to a pension scheme for senior journalists in the state, which has been a long-pending demand of the media fraternity.

Last year, the government had made a budgetary provision of Rs 15 crore towards implementation of such a scheme in view of rising demands from various quarters.

As per a Government Order (GO) issued Saturday, the "Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar Sanman Yojana" will be implemented by the board of trustees of the 'Shankarrao Chavan Suvarna Mahotsavi Patrakar Kalyan Nidhi'.

The pension amount is not yet finalised.

Under the scheme, working journalists, photographers, editors of newspapers and other news broadcast media as well as freelancers who have attained 60 years of age and above and have completed 30 years in profession, will be eligible.

The senior journalists have to be accredited for minimum ten years, and journalism should be their only source of income.

Except the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), the applicant should not be getting any pension from any other source, the GO said.

Interestingly, one of the eligibility criteria makes it mandatory that the applicant should not be a Income Tax payee.

The pension will be given only during the beneficiary's lifetime and not to his/her kin after death, it said.

To avail of the scheme, senior journalists nearing their retirement will have to submit requisite documents to district information office. The documents will be scrutinised by a committee of Directorate of Information and Public Relations.

It will be committee's discretion to decide about granting pension to non-accredited journalists who fulfill the eligibility conditions.

The Maharashtra government Saturday gave administrative approval to a pension scheme for senior journalists in the state, which has been a long-pending demand of the media fraternity.

The Maharashtra government Saturday gave administrative approval to a pension scheme for senior journalists in the state, which has been a long-pending demand of the media fraternity. Last year, the government had made a budgetary provision of Rs 15 crore towards implementation of such a scheme in view of rising demands from various quarters. As per a Government Order (GO) issued Saturday, the "Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar Sanman Yojana" will be implemented by the board of trustees of the 'Shankarrao Chavan Suvarna Mahotsavi Patrakar Kalyan Nidhi'. The pension amount is not yet finalised. Under the scheme, working journalists, photographers, editors of newspapers and other news broadcast media as well as freelancers who have attained 60 years of age and above and have completed 30 years in profession, will be eligible. The senior journalists have to be accredited for minimum ten years, and journalism should be their only source of income. Except the Employee Provident Fund (EPF), the applicant should not be getting any pension from any other source, the GO said. Interestingly, one of the eligibility criteria makes it mandatory that the applicant should not be a Income Tax payee. The pension will be given only during the beneficiary's lifetime and not to his/her kin after death, it said. To avail of the scheme, senior journalists nearing their retirement will have to submit requisite documents to district information office. The documents will be scrutinised by a committee of Directorate of Information and Public Relations. It will be committee's discretion to decide about granting pension to non-accredited journalists who fulfill the eligibility conditions.

Maharashta approves pension scheme for senior journalists

journalists

Journalists, News on Journalists, stories on Journalists, articles on Journalists, Journalists stories at Wion, Journalists news, Journalists latest news