Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION | Gotabaya Rajapaksa returns to Sri Lanka from exile

Reuters report revealed how the media is controlled and analysts believed that crackdown could worsen soon. As per the report, Turkiye's opposition media is being targeted by govt bodies.

Reports: How Turkish media is drowning in censorship

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Trending on WION: Astronomers find exoplanet with oceans deeper than earth

Trending on WION: Report claims Europe facing worst drought in 500 years

Trending on WION: Ukrainian refugee in Poland afraid to go back home

Trending on WION| Explained: DOLO-650 controversy and Rs 1000 crore freebie accusation

Trending on WION | Salman Rushdie on ventilator: May lose an eye, unable to speak

Reporters Without Borders, often known by its French acronym RSF said in a report that unregulated online content has helped spread disinformation and propaganda that have in turn led to widening of political divisions and even caused international tension contributing to Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The media watchdog presented its findings in the 2022 edition of its annual World Press Freedom Index

The report said that democratic societies are increasingly being fractured by disinformation spreading social media while mainstream media pursues a "Fox News model". This is a reference to US right-wing television network.

The report noted that autocratic regimes were tightening control on information within their societies. This leverage, is in turn used to wage "propaganda wars" against democracies and fuel divisions within them.

Such polarisation is becoming more "extreme," worldwide, RSF's director of operations and campaigns Rebecca Vincent told a news conference in London.

Vincent pointed to deaths of journalists in Netherlands, Greece and also mentioned case of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange who is facing an extradition and trial in US for publication of millions of secret documents.

The report showed how Russia, where state-run media overwhelmingly dominates and independent outlets are largely stifled, waged a propaganda war before its invasion of Ukraine.

Evgeniya Dillendorf, a correspondent for the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper, said the main reason for lack of media diversity in Russia "is not pressure but lack of independent business which would finance it, and the lack of independent judicial system that would defend it".

Novaya Gazeta has suspended publication for the duration of Moscow's military intervention to avoid being shut down.

"The creation of media weaponry in authoritarian countries eliminates their citizens' right to information but is also linked to the rise in international tension, which can lead to the worst kind of wars," RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire said.

The "Fox News-isation" of Western media also posed a "fatal danger for democracies because it undermines the basis of civil harmony and tolerant public debate", he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Reporters Without Borders, often known by its French acronym RSF said in a report that unregulated online content has helped spread disinformation and propaganda that have in turn led to widening of political divisions and even caused international tension contributing to Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Reporters Without Borders, often known by its French acronym RSF said in a report that unregulated online content has helped spread disinformation and propaganda that have in turn led to widening of political divisions and even caused international tension contributing to Russian invasion of Ukraine. The media watchdog presented its findings in the 2022 edition of its annual World Press Freedom Index The report said that democratic societies are increasingly being fractured by disinformation spreading social media while mainstream media pursues a "Fox News model". This is a reference to US right-wing television network. The report noted that autocratic regimes were tightening control on information within their societies. This leverage, is in turn used to wage "propaganda wars" against democracies and fuel divisions within them. Such polarisation is becoming more "extreme," worldwide, RSF's director of operations and campaigns Rebecca Vincent told a news conference in London. Vincent pointed to deaths of journalists in Netherlands, Greece and also mentioned case of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange who is facing an extradition and trial in US for publication of millions of secret documents. The report showed how Russia, where state-run media overwhelmingly dominates and independent outlets are largely stifled, waged a propaganda war before its invasion of Ukraine. Evgeniya Dillendorf, a correspondent for the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper, said the main reason for lack of media diversity in Russia "is not pressure but lack of independent business which would finance it, and the lack of independent judicial system that would defend it". Novaya Gazeta has suspended publication for the duration of Moscow's military intervention to avoid being shut down. "The creation of media weaponry in authoritarian countries eliminates their citizens' right to information but is also linked to the rise in international tension, which can lead to the worst kind of wars," RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire said. The "Fox News-isation" of Western media also posed a "fatal danger for democracies because it undermines the basis of civil harmony and tolerant public debate", he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Digital media is causing divisions, fuelling global tensions: Reporters Without Borders

With Sri Lanka's economic situation getting worse, two of the country's major newspapers are suspending their print editions due&nbsp;to a lack of paper.

The island is facing its worst economic meltdown since it gained its&nbsp;independence from Britain in 1948.

The country was already in a big economic crisis when the pandemic began, reducing foreign worker remittance and damaging a key source of dollars for Sri Lanka's economy, the tourism sector.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-asks-sri-lanka-to-end-detentions-improve-rights-465086">US asks Sri Lanka to end detentions, improve rights</a>

Upali Newspapers said that their English- language daily, The Island and its Sinhalese version, Divaina will now only be available online&nbsp;"in view of the prevailing newsprint shortage"&nbsp;in the country.

Other main national&nbsp;dailies have also reduced the number of pages in their editions after the costs hiked&nbsp;by over a third in the past five months and having difficulties securing supplies from abroad.

Schools in Sri Lanka have had to postpone tests for three million students as the school authorities failed to source ink and papers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-economic-crisis-in-the-island-nation-6-sri-lankan-nationals-illegally-enter-india-via-boat-464747">Amid economic crisis in the island nation, 6 Sri Lankan nationals illegally enter India via boat</a>

People have to wait for hours in a queue at gasoline pumps. At least four people have died waiting in long queues in the past week.

The government earlier this month allowed the rupee to depreciate and also announced that it is&nbsp;seeking help from&nbsp;IMF to clear its foreign debt.

The country is also seeking loans from India, China and other countries to overcome the current economic crisis.

The South Asian Island nearly needs $7 billion to pay for its external debts. The country’s foreign reserves have hit a low since the current government came in power in November 2019,&nbsp;from $7.5 billion to $2.3 billion.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What caused Sri Lanka's economic crisis?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-caused-sri-lankas-economic-crisis-464997/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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Sri Lanka has witnessed a record inflation of 17.5 per cent in February. This is fueled by the dollar shortage which has sparked energy shortages that are affecting all sectors and has led to skyrocketing prices with inflation reaching its fifth consecutive monthly high.

Officials of the Energy Ministry said that they have managed to raise $42 million has been by Friday. These funds will be used&nbsp;to pay for a cargo of diesel and aviation fuel that has been held up at the Colombo port for nearly two weeks as there were&nbsp;no dollars to pay for it.

(With inputs from agencies)
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With Sri Lanka's economic situation getting worse, two of the country's major newspapers are suspending their print editions due to a lack of paper. The island is facing its worst economic meltdown since it gained its independence from Britain in 1948.

With Sri Lanka's economic situation getting worse, two of the country's major newspapers are suspending their print editions due to a lack of paper. The island is facing its worst economic meltdown since it gained its independence from Britain in 1948. The country was already in a big economic crisis when the pandemic began, reducing foreign worker remittance and damaging a key source of dollars for Sri Lanka's economy, the tourism sector. Also read | US asks Sri Lanka to end detentions, improve rights Upali Newspapers said that their English- language daily, The Island and its Sinhalese version, Divaina will now only be available online "in view of the prevailing newsprint shortage" in the country. Other main national dailies have also reduced the number of pages in their editions after the costs hiked by over a third in the past five months and having difficulties securing supplies from abroad. Schools in Sri Lanka have had to postpone tests for three million students as the school authorities failed to source ink and papers. Also read | Amid economic crisis in the island nation, 6 Sri Lankan nationals illegally enter India via boat People have to wait for hours in a queue at gasoline pumps. At least four people have died waiting in long queues in the past week. The government earlier this month allowed the rupee to depreciate and also announced that it is seeking help from IMF to clear its foreign debt. The country is also seeking loans from India, China and other countries to overcome the current economic crisis. The South Asian Island nearly needs $7 billion to pay for its external debts. The country’s foreign reserves have hit a low since the current government came in power in November 2019, from $7.5 billion to $2.3 billion. Watch | Gravitas: What caused Sri Lanka's economic crisis? Sri Lanka has witnessed a record inflation of 17.5 per cent in February. This is fueled by the dollar shortage which has sparked energy shortages that are affecting all sectors and has led to skyrocketing prices with inflation reaching its fifth consecutive monthly high. Officials of the Energy Ministry said that they have managed to raise $42 million has been by Friday. These funds will be used to pay for a cargo of diesel and aviation fuel that has been held up at the Colombo port for nearly two weeks as there were no dollars to pay for it. (With inputs from agencies)

Two major Sri Lankan newspapers suspend print editions as economic crisis surges

It's a fact as to how some issues garner more attention than others. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been one such issue. From revolving around all Covid-related stories for the past two years to now focussing on every small development in Ukraine - this is how media attention shifted in a span of two weeks. &nbsp;

Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of February 24, leading to one of the worst conflicts in Europe. As the world was busy focussing on the atrocities in Ukraine, World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the pandemic is 'far from over,' as global Covid deaths crossed the 6 million mark.&nbsp;

The first outbreak in Pacific islands&nbsp; 
Two years on, several Pacific islands are experiencing their first outbreak. Earlier this week, Niue became the second island in the Pacific to lose its Covid-zero status after reporting its first case of Covid. As per the government, the case arrived from New Zealand. Chatham islands also reported its first case over the weekend.

As per WHO, there are just eight countries that are Covid-free. These include Tuvalu, Tokelau, Saint Helena, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and the Federated states of Micronesia. The disease has ripped nations all across the globe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-hong-kong-leader-says-city-is-not-yet-past-covid-peak-461568">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Hong Kong leader says city is not yet past Covid peak&nbsp;</a>

Situation in China seems to get worse&nbsp; 
As Russia continued to bomb Ukraine, killing hundreds of people, many were losing lives due to this one disease which has severely impacted the nation.&nbsp;

The situation in China seems to be deteriorating again, this time even worse than the Wuhan outbreak in 2020. The nation has reported 1,524 Covid cases, its highest daily figure since 2020. Meanwhile, a lockdown has been imposed in the northeastern Chinese city of nine million people Changchun as Covid cases continue to surge. Changchun is the capital of Jilin province and an important industrial base. It has ordered the residents to work from home.&nbsp;As per the new rules, only one person will be allowed out every two days to buy "daily necessities."

The health commission said that China will be introducing rapid antigen tests for the first time as Covid outbreaks spread.&nbsp;

Several Chinese cities have been recording a surge in cases. Recently, Shanghai ordered its schools to close and shift to online instruction. The asymptomatic infections caused by the Omicron variant have driven Beijing's daily count to an all-time high.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-even-after-two-years-covid-19-still-torments-the-entire-world-461393">Also read |&nbsp;Pics: Even after two years, COVID-19 still torments the entire world</a>

Temporary bridge in Hong Kong&nbsp; 
Hong Kong, the densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge. As the situation worsens, a temporary bridge has been built in Hong Kong to help bring in material from the mainland for the Covid makeshift hospital.&nbsp;Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that China aims to ensure that Hong Kong has enough food and other supplies during the outbreak.&nbsp;

To battle the surge in cases, doctors and nurses from the mainland have also been allowed to work in the city. Beijing, on the other hand, has provided 29 million&nbsp;rapid antigen tests and 54 million&nbsp;masks as of Tuesday.

Earlier, Lam had said that all Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus testing. "The coming one to three months are crucial in fighting the pandemic," Lam told a press briefing.

France sees an upward trend&nbsp;

France, also, is experiencing a surge in cases as it prepares to lift most Covid restrictions. After weeks of steady decline, Covid infections are going up again, according to the public health body, Santé Publique France.&nbsp; 
On Friday, France recorded 73,000 fresh cases.&nbsp;

Guillaume Rozier, founder of the government-sponsored website CovidTracker, while speaking to AFP said, "The rise in cases is most apparent in northern France and along the Mediterranean coast, roughly corresponding to the areas where children returned to school earliest (on February 21)."

Cases in the UK rising again&nbsp; 
While several European nations have eased restrictions, the situation in the United Kingdom seems to be getting a little out of control. Experts have warned that there can be a resurgence of the virus as cases among older people are increasing. The warning came after nearly 100,000 swabs were collected from people all across England.&nbsp;

Latest estimates from the Office for national statistics (ONS) have revealed that Covid infections are increasing across the UK as every one person in 25 is infected. Sub-variant of Omicron, called BA.2, is believed to be the most common strain in most of the UK.

WHO voiced its frustration 
While countries are trying to move on from the pandemic, WHO recently voiced its frustration at people marking the second anniversary. It insisted that the real alarm came six weeks earlier. However, few people just bothered to sit up and take notice.

WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern, meaning the highest level of alarm in the global health regulations on January 30, 2020. This was done when outside of China, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported.

WHO chief Tedros, however, described the worsening situation as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The WHO is not marking the anniversary and is still frustrated at the fact that governments did not heed the original alert.

"The world was possessed with the word pandemic," said WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan.

"The warning in January was way more important than the announcement in March. Do you want the warning to say you've just drowned, or would you like the warning to say the flood is coming?"

Slowly but surely governments have come around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and have asked people to live with it. WHO, however, is warning against such a conclusion.

It's a fact as to how some issues garner more attention than others. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been one such issue. From revolving around all Covid-related stories for the past two years to now focussing on every small development in Ukraine - this is how media attention shifted in a span of two weeks.

It's a fact as to how some issues garner more attention than others. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been one such issue. From revolving around all Covid-related stories for the past two years to now focussing on every small development in Ukraine - this is how media attention shifted in a span of two weeks. Russia invaded Ukraine in the early hours of February 24, leading to one of the worst conflicts in Europe. As the world was busy focussing on the atrocities in Ukraine, World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the pandemic is 'far from over,' as global Covid deaths crossed the 6 million mark. The first outbreak in Pacific islands Two years on, several Pacific islands are experiencing their first outbreak. Earlier this week, Niue became the second island in the Pacific to lose its Covid-zero status after reporting its first case of Covid. As per the government, the case arrived from New Zealand. Chatham islands also reported its first case over the weekend. As per WHO, there are just eight countries that are Covid-free. These include Tuvalu, Tokelau, Saint Helena, Pitcairn Islands, Nauru, and the Federated states of Micronesia. The disease has ripped nations all across the globe. Also read | COVID-19: Hong Kong leader says city is not yet past Covid peak Situation in China seems to get worse As Russia continued to bomb Ukraine, killing hundreds of people, many were losing lives due to this one disease which has severely impacted the nation. The situation in China seems to be deteriorating again, this time even worse than the Wuhan outbreak in 2020. The nation has reported 1,524 Covid cases, its highest daily figure since 2020. Meanwhile, a lockdown has been imposed in the northeastern Chinese city of nine million people Changchun as Covid cases continue to surge. Changchun is the capital of Jilin province and an important industrial base. It has ordered the residents to work from home. As per the new rules, only one person will be allowed out every two days to buy "daily necessities." The health commission said that China will be introducing rapid antigen tests for the first time as Covid outbreaks spread. Several Chinese cities have been recording a surge in cases. Recently, Shanghai ordered its schools to close and shift to online instruction. The asymptomatic infections caused by the Omicron variant have driven Beijing's daily count to an all-time high. Also read | Pics: Even after two years, COVID-19 still torments the entire world Temporary bridge in Hong Kong Hong Kong, the densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge. As the situation worsens, a temporary bridge has been built in Hong Kong to help bring in material from the mainland for the Covid makeshift hospital. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that China aims to ensure that Hong Kong has enough food and other supplies during the outbreak. To battle the surge in cases, doctors and nurses from the mainland have also been allowed to work in the city. Beijing, on the other hand, has provided 29 million rapid antigen tests and 54 million masks as of Tuesday. Earlier, Lam had said that all Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus testing. "The coming one to three months are crucial in fighting the pandemic," Lam told a press briefing. France sees an upward trend France, also, is experiencing a surge in cases as it prepares to lift most Covid restrictions. After weeks of steady decline, Covid infections are going up again, according to the public health body, Santé Publique France. On Friday, France recorded 73,000 fresh cases. Guillaume Rozier, founder of the government-sponsored website CovidTracker, while speaking to AFP said, "The rise in cases is most apparent in northern France and along the Mediterranean coast, roughly corresponding to the areas where children returned to school earliest (on February 21)." Cases in the UK rising again While several European nations have eased restrictions, the situation in the United Kingdom seems to be getting a little out of control. Experts have warned that there can be a resurgence of the virus as cases among older people are increasing. The warning came after nearly 100,000 swabs were collected from people all across England. Latest estimates from the Office for national statistics (ONS) have revealed that Covid infections are increasing across the UK as every one person in 25 is infected. Sub-variant of Omicron, called BA.2, is believed to be the most common strain in most of the UK. WHO voiced its frustration While countries are trying to move on from the pandemic, WHO recently voiced its frustration at people marking the second anniversary. It insisted that the real alarm came six weeks earlier. However, few people just bothered to sit up and take notice. WHO declared a public health emergency of international concern, meaning the highest level of alarm in the global health regulations on January 30, 2020. This was done when outside of China, fewer than 100 cases and no deaths had been reported. WHO chief Tedros, however, described the worsening situation as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The WHO is not marking the anniversary and is still frustrated at the fact that governments did not heed the original alert. "The world was possessed with the word pandemic," said WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan. "The warning in January was way more important than the announcement in March. Do you want the warning to say you've just drowned, or would you like the warning to say the flood is coming?" Slowly but surely governments have come around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and have asked people to live with it. WHO, however, is warning against such a conclusion.

Media focus shifted from Covid to Ukraine in just two weeks. But virus is not done yet

After&nbsp;10&nbsp;years&nbsp;in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;for "insulting Islam,"&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;blogger&nbsp;and human rights activist&nbsp;Raif&nbsp;Badawi, who has become a symbol of freedom of expression around the world, was&nbsp;released&nbsp;on Friday.

"Raif&nbsp;called me. He is free," his wife Ensaf Haidar, who lives in Canada with their three children and had been fiercely advocating for his release, told AFP.&nbsp;

Badawi's release was also confirmed by a&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;security official, who said on condition of anonymity that "he was&nbsp;released&nbsp;today."

"I jumped when I found out. I couldn't believe it. I can't wait to see my dad, I'm so excited," one of his daughters, Nawja&nbsp;Badawi, 18, told AFP.

The winner of the Reporters Without Borders prize for press freedom was arrested and detained in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia in 2012 on charges of "insulting Islam."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/el-salvador-orders-arrest-of-former-president-over-killing-of-six-jesuits-in-civil-war-461506">El Salvador orders arrest of former president over killing of six Jesuits in civil war</a>

At the end of 2014,&nbsp;Badawi, now 38, was sentenced to&nbsp;10&nbsp;years&nbsp;in&nbsp;prison&nbsp;and 50 lashes a week for twenty weeks.

His first flogging in Jeddah square in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia shocked the world and was described by the United Nations as "cruel and inhuman."&nbsp;After&nbsp;the outcry, he was not lashed again.

"Raif&nbsp;Badawi, human rights defender in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, has finally been&nbsp;released!" Amnesty International tweeted.

"Thousands of you have mobilized alongside us in the defense of&nbsp;Raif&nbsp;Badawi&nbsp;for&nbsp;10&nbsp;years. A big thank you to all of you for your tireless support."

Colette Lelievre, a Montreal-based campaign organizer with Amnesty who has worked on&nbsp;Badawi's case, said his release was "a great relief."

"Ensaf was at a loss for words," Lelievre said Friday. "She worked so hard to free her husband that emotions overwhelmed her."

&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;travel ban

Every Friday for almost seven&nbsp;years, Haidar -- who fled to Canada&nbsp;after&nbsp;Badawi's arrest and has since become a Canadian citizen -- held a public vigil for him.

She told AFP in late February at the 374th vigil in Sherbrooke, Quebec where she lives that she'd been able to maintain contact with her husband, speaking with him "up to three times a week" by telephone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ill-be-a-president-for-all-chileans-gabriel-boric-461483">'I'll be a president for all Chileans', says Gabriel Boric</a>

Canada's Quebec province has paved the way for&nbsp;Badawi&nbsp;to come to the country if he chooses by placing him on a priority list of potential immigrants for humanitarian reasons.

"Finally!" Quebec Premier Francois Legault tweeted Friday about his release, adding: "I keep thinking about the children who will finally see their father!"

No details of&nbsp;Badawi's release conditions were immediately available.

But Amnesty noted that the&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;blogger&nbsp;could still face a&nbsp;10-year ban on all travel outside&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, as this had been part of his original sentence.

The NGO added in an email to AFP that it would "actively work to have any conditions lifted."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that he was "relieved that&nbsp;Raif&nbsp;Badawi&nbsp;has finally been&nbsp;released."&nbsp;

"Our officials are now working to seek clarity on the conditions of his release," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-owner-defends-policy-on-calls-for-violence-that-angered-russia-461496">Meta defends policy on calls for violence that angered Russia</a>

Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian justice minister and&nbsp;Badawi's international legal counsel, said in a statement he hoped that "Saudi&nbsp;authorities will compassionately allow for his reunification with his wife and young children in Canada."

International non-governmental groups and the United Nations continue to denounce the repression of dissenting voices and the imprisonment of activists in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, despite the kingdom's efforts to improve its image by undertaking certain reforms.

Raif&nbsp;Badawi's sister, Samar&nbsp;Badawi, as well as activist Nassima al-Sadah,&nbsp;released&nbsp;in 2021, remain stranded in the kingdom.

A Sunni Muslim like most Saudis,&nbsp;Raif&nbsp;Badawi&nbsp;studied economics and ran an institute for learning English and computer skills, according to his wife.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Saudi Arabia, UAE ignore phone calls from Biden

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saudi-arabia-uae-ignore-phone-calls-from-biden-460694/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Known for his writings in support of freedom of expression, the&nbsp;blogger&nbsp;won the 2014 Reporters Without Borders prize in the net-citizen category.

He was also awarded the Sakharov&nbsp;Prize&nbsp;for Freedom by the European Parliament in 2015, and in 2015 and 2016, he was among the nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize.

After 10 years in prison for "insulting Islam," Saudi blogger and human rights activist Raif Badawi, who has become a symbol of freedom of expression around the world, was released on Friday.

After 10 years in prison for "insulting Islam," Saudi blogger and human rights activist Raif Badawi, who has become a symbol of freedom of expression around the world, was released on Friday. "Raif called me. He is free," his wife Ensaf Haidar, who lives in Canada with their three children and had been fiercely advocating for his release, told AFP. Badawi's release was also confirmed by a Saudi security official, who said on condition of anonymity that "he was released today." "I jumped when I found out. I couldn't believe it. I can't wait to see my dad, I'm so excited," one of his daughters, Nawja Badawi, 18, told AFP. The winner of the Reporters Without Borders prize for press freedom was arrested and detained in Saudi Arabia in 2012 on charges of "insulting Islam." Also read | El Salvador orders arrest of former president over killing of six Jesuits in civil war At the end of 2014, Badawi, now 38, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 50 lashes a week for twenty weeks. His first flogging in Jeddah square in Saudi Arabia shocked the world and was described by the United Nations as "cruel and inhuman." After the outcry, he was not lashed again. "Raif Badawi, human rights defender in Saudi Arabia, has finally been released!" Amnesty International tweeted. "Thousands of you have mobilized alongside us in the defense of Raif Badawi for 10 years. A big thank you to all of you for your tireless support." Colette Lelievre, a Montreal-based campaign organizer with Amnesty who has worked on Badawi's case, said his release was "a great relief." "Ensaf was at a loss for words," Lelievre said Friday. "She worked so hard to free her husband that emotions overwhelmed her." Saudi travel ban Every Friday for almost seven years, Haidar -- who fled to Canada after Badawi's arrest and has since become a Canadian citizen -- held a public vigil for him. She told AFP in late February at the 374th vigil in Sherbrooke, Quebec where she lives that she'd been able to maintain contact with her husband, speaking with him "up to three times a week" by telephone. Also read | 'I'll be a president for all Chileans', says Gabriel Boric Canada's Quebec province has paved the way for Badawi to come to the country if he chooses by placing him on a priority list of potential immigrants for humanitarian reasons. "Finally!" Quebec Premier Francois Legault tweeted Friday about his release, adding: "I keep thinking about the children who will finally see their father!" No details of Badawi's release conditions were immediately available. But Amnesty noted that the Saudi blogger could still face a 10-year ban on all travel outside Saudi Arabia, as this had been part of his original sentence. The NGO added in an email to AFP that it would "actively work to have any conditions lifted." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that he was "relieved that Raif Badawi has finally been released." "Our officials are now working to seek clarity on the conditions of his release," he added. Also read | Meta defends policy on calls for violence that angered Russia Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian justice minister and Badawi's international legal counsel, said in a statement he hoped that "Saudi authorities will compassionately allow for his reunification with his wife and young children in Canada." International non-governmental groups and the United Nations continue to denounce the repression of dissenting voices and the imprisonment of activists in Saudi Arabia, despite the kingdom's efforts to improve its image by undertaking certain reforms. Raif Badawi's sister, Samar Badawi, as well as activist Nassima al-Sadah, released in 2021, remain stranded in the kingdom. A Sunni Muslim like most Saudis, Raif Badawi studied economics and ran an institute for learning English and computer skills, according to his wife. Watch | Gravitas: Saudi Arabia, UAE ignore phone calls from Biden Known for his writings in support of freedom of expression, the blogger won the 2014 Reporters Without Borders prize in the net-citizen category. He was also awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom by the European Parliament in 2015, and in 2015 and 2016, he was among the nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Saudi blogger Raif Badawi released after 10 years in prison

If media reports from the US are to be believed, the Biden administration allegedly paid nearly the entire corporate media a total of around $1 billion as part of a huge campaign to push only positive coverage about Covid vaccines. &nbsp;

Even “conservative” media outlets were also engaged, The Desert Review claimed in a report. &nbsp;

It said documents gathered through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by Blaze Media showed that the government purchased advertising on TV, radio, in print, and on social media to build “vaccine confidence.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-condemns-airstrike-at-childrens-hospital-in-ukraine-zelensky-describes-it-as-war-crime-460757">US slams strike at kids' hospital in Ukraine; Zelensky calls it 'war crime'</a>

Media networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, CNN, Newsmax, MSNBC, New York Post, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, BuzzFeed News and hundreds of local newspapers and TV stations were collectively responsible for publishing countless articles and video segments promoting the COVID shots as effective and safe.&nbsp;

The report alleged that the government used taxpayer money to censor any kind of negative information. &nbsp;

In fiscal year 2021, US Congress sanctioned $1 billion for the secretary of health to be spent on activities to “strengthen vaccine confidence in the United States.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/laughable-us-denies-russian-accusations-of-biowarfare-labs-in-ukraine-460758" hreflang="en">'Laughable': US denies Russian accusations of biowarfare labs in Ukraine</a>

The federal government paid hundreds of news organisations to advertise the shots as part of a comprehensive media campaign by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The 'COVID-19 Public Education Campaign’, a “national initiative to increase public confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines,” was created with the goal of having “trusted messengers and influencers” speak to news organisations to “provide factual, timely information and steps people can take to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If media reports from the US are to be believed, the Biden administration allegedly paid nearly the entire corporate media a total of around $1 billion as part of a huge campaign to push only positive coverage about Covid vaccines.

If media reports from the US are to be believed, the Biden administration allegedly paid nearly the entire corporate media a total of around $1 billion as part of a huge campaign to push only positive coverage about Covid vaccines. Even “conservative” media outlets were also engaged, The Desert Review claimed in a report. It said documents gathered through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by Blaze Media showed that the government purchased advertising on TV, radio, in print, and on social media to build “vaccine confidence.” Also Read: US slams strike at kids' hospital in Ukraine; Zelensky calls it 'war crime' Media networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News, CNN, Newsmax, MSNBC, New York Post, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, BuzzFeed News and hundreds of local newspapers and TV stations were collectively responsible for publishing countless articles and video segments promoting the COVID shots as effective and safe. The report alleged that the government used taxpayer money to censor any kind of negative information. In fiscal year 2021, US Congress sanctioned $1 billion for the secretary of health to be spent on activities to “strengthen vaccine confidence in the United States.” Also Read | 'Laughable': US denies Russian accusations of biowarfare labs in Ukraine The federal government paid hundreds of news organisations to advertise the shots as part of a comprehensive media campaign by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The 'COVID-19 Public Education Campaign’, a “national initiative to increase public confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines,” was created with the goal of having “trusted messengers and influencers” speak to news organisations to “provide factual, timely information and steps people can take to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.” (With inputs from agencies)

To promote Covid shot propaganda, Biden administration paid $1 billion to media, says report

A British television crew was ambushed outside Kyiv earlier this week, leaving one journalist wounded, their employer Sky News said.

Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, was hit by a bullet in the lower back on Monday as they drove towards the Ukrainian capital.

Sky News showed footage of the attack late Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putins-strategy-in-ukraine-invasion-has-stumped-us-defence-experts-459291">Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts</a>

Two bullets hit a camera operator's body armour. The five-person crew escaped their car and waslater rescued by Ukranian police.

A Russian saboteur reconnaissance squad is suspected of carrying out the attack, Sky News said.

"Bullets cascaded through the whole of the car, tracers, bullet flashes, windscreen glass, plastic seats, the steering wheel, and dashboard had disintegrated," Ramsay said in a written account.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-parents-of-indian-student-reveal-that-missiles-are-falling-near-hostels-459279">&nbsp;Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels</a>

The news crew is now safe and back in the UK, while their Ukrainian producer is with his family in Ukraine.

"The point is we were very lucky," Ramsay said.

"But thousands of Ukrainians are dying, and families are being targeted by Russian hit squads just as we were, driving along in a family saloon and attacked."

A British television crew was ambushed outside Kyiv earlier this week, leaving one journalist wounded, their employer Sky News said. Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, was hit by a bullet in the lower back on Monday as they drove towards the Ukrainian capital.

A British television crew was ambushed outside Kyiv earlier this week, leaving one journalist wounded, their employer Sky News said. Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, was hit by a bullet in the lower back on Monday as they drove towards the Ukrainian capital. Sky News showed footage of the attack late Friday. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts Two bullets hit a camera operator's body armour. The five-person crew escaped their car and waslater rescued by Ukranian police. A Russian saboteur reconnaissance squad is suspected of carrying out the attack, Sky News said. "Bullets cascaded through the whole of the car, tracers, bullet flashes, windscreen glass, plastic seats, the steering wheel, and dashboard had disintegrated," Ramsay said in a written account. Also read | Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels The news crew is now safe and back in the UK, while their Ukrainian producer is with his family in Ukraine. "The point is we were very lucky," Ramsay said. "But thousands of Ukrainians are dying, and families are being targeted by Russian hit squads just as we were, driving along in a family saloon and attacked."

Russia-Ukraine crisis: British journalist shot and wounded in Ukraine

Russian lawmakers moved Friday to impose harsh&nbsp;jail&nbsp;terms for publishing "fake&nbsp;news" about the&nbsp;army, which a senior lawmaker said will apply to foreigners too, as Moscow moves to muffle dissent over its&nbsp;invasion of Ukraine.

The new legislation sets out&nbsp;jail&nbsp;terms of varying lengths and fines against people who publish "knowingly false information" about the military.

"If the fakes led to serious consequences, (the legislation) threatens imprisonment of up to 15 years," the lower house of parliament said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-stage-public-executions-in-ukraine-crackdowns-and-detaining-opponents-also-a-part-of-plan-458907">Russia to stage public executions in Ukraine; crackdowns and detaining opponents also a part of plan</a>

Speaking at the session, the head of the head of the parliament's information committee Alexander Khinshtein said the law "concerns all citizens, not only Russian ones, because we are talking about actions against&nbsp;Russia."

Amendments were also passed to fine or&nbsp;jail&nbsp;&nbsp;people calling for sanctions against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;with&nbsp;jail&nbsp;terms.

The past year has seen an unprecedented crackdown on independent and critical voices in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;that has intensified since the invasion.

The chairman of parliament Vyacheslav Volodin railed against foreign social&nbsp;media&nbsp;after Facebook was briefly inaccessible in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on Friday.

"All these IT companies beginning with Instagram, and ending with the others, are based in the United States of America. It is clear they are used as weapons. They carry hatred and lies. We need to oppose this," he said.&nbsp;

Russia's&nbsp;media&nbsp;watchdog said Friday it had&nbsp;restricted access to the BBC and other independent&nbsp;media&nbsp;websites, further tightening controls over the internet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-sell-nfts-to-fund-attack-against-russia-says-deputy-pm-mykhailo-fedorov-458903">Ukraine to sell NFTs to fund attack against Russia, says Deputy PM Mykhailo Fedorov</a>

Foreign&nbsp;media&nbsp;restricted

The independent&nbsp;news&nbsp;website Meduza, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and the Russian-language website of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Svoboda, were "limited," said Roskomnadzor, following a request from prosecutors.

Roskomnadzor said in each case, the request was filed on February 24, the day Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his attack on Ukraine.

Valery Fadeyev, the head of the Kremlin's human rights council accused Western&nbsp;media&nbsp;of being behind "a huge flow of false information that comes from Ukraine" and said&nbsp;the council had set up a project to stop it.

In another attack on critical voices, Russian police on Friday were carrying out searches at the office of the country's most prominent rights group, Memorial, which was ordered to close late last year, sparking international outcry.

Russia's invasion has already claimed hundreds of lives, displaced more than a million people and spurred allegations of war crimes.

Western-led sanctions levelled against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in retaliation have sent the ruble into free-fall forcing the central bank to impose a 30-percent tax on sales of hard currency after a run on lenders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisishungary-pm-orban-calls-sanctions-double-edged-weapon-458898">Russia-Ukraine Crisis:Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon'</a>

State-media&nbsp;narratives

Moscow has few economic tools with which to respond but the Duma, or lower house, on Friday adopted a bill that would freeze any assets inside&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of foreigners "violating rights of Russians".

Russian&nbsp;media&nbsp;have been instructed to publish only information provided by official sources, which describe the invasion as a military operation.&nbsp;

State-controlled broadcasters have meanwhile reinforced government narratives about nationalism in Ukraine and Moscow's claim that Ukrainian soldiers are using civilians as human shields.

For the moment, it appears the invasion has marked the beginning of the end for what remains of&nbsp;Russia's independent&nbsp;media.

Ekho Mosvky -- a liberal-leaning radio station majority-owned by&nbsp;Russia's energy giant Gazprom -- said Thursday it would shut down after being taken off air over its Ukraine war coverage.

Authorities had on Monday blocked the Ekho website and took the station off air as punishment for spreading "deliberately false information" about the conflict.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why Asia is not interested in Russia-Ukraine war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-asia-is-not-interested-in-russia-ukraine-war-458716/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Another independent outlet, Znak, said Friday it was ceasing work "due to the large number of restrictions that have recently appeared for the work of the&nbsp;media&nbsp;in&nbsp;Russia".

The BBC said this week that the audience of its Russian language&nbsp;news&nbsp;website had "more than tripled...with a record reach of 10.7 million people in the last week".

In a Friday response to the blocking, a BBC spokesperson said the company will "continue our efforts to make BBC&nbsp;News&nbsp;available in&nbsp;Russia, and across the rest of the world" despite the restrictions.&nbsp;

Russian lawmakers moved Friday to impose harsh jail terms for publishing "fake news" about the army, which a senior lawmaker said will apply to foreigners too, as Moscow moves to muffle dissent over its invasion of Ukraine.

Russian lawmakers moved Friday to impose harsh jail terms for publishing "fake news" about the army, which a senior lawmaker said will apply to foreigners too, as Moscow moves to muffle dissent over its invasion of Ukraine. The new legislation sets out jail terms of varying lengths and fines against people who publish "knowingly false information" about the military. "If the fakes led to serious consequences, (the legislation) threatens imprisonment of up to 15 years," the lower house of parliament said in a statement. Also read | Russia to stage public executions in Ukraine; crackdowns and detaining opponents also a part of plan Speaking at the session, the head of the head of the parliament's information committee Alexander Khinshtein said the law "concerns all citizens, not only Russian ones, because we are talking about actions against Russia." Amendments were also passed to fine or jail people calling for sanctions against Russia with jail terms. The past year has seen an unprecedented crackdown on independent and critical voices in Russia that has intensified since the invasion. The chairman of parliament Vyacheslav Volodin railed against foreign social media after Facebook was briefly inaccessible in Russia on Friday. "All these IT companies beginning with Instagram, and ending with the others, are based in the United States of America. It is clear they are used as weapons. They carry hatred and lies. We need to oppose this," he said. Russia's media watchdog said Friday it had restricted access to the BBC and other independent media websites, further tightening controls over the internet. Also read | Ukraine to sell NFTs to fund attack against Russia, says Deputy PM Mykhailo Fedorov Foreign media restricted The independent news website Meduza, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and the Russian-language website of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Svoboda, were "limited," said Roskomnadzor, following a request from prosecutors. Roskomnadzor said in each case, the request was filed on February 24, the day Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his attack on Ukraine. Valery Fadeyev, the head of the Kremlin's human rights council accused Western media of being behind "a huge flow of false information that comes from Ukraine" and said the council had set up a project to stop it. In another attack on critical voices, Russian police on Friday were carrying out searches at the office of the country's most prominent rights group, Memorial, which was ordered to close late last year, sparking international outcry. Russia's invasion has already claimed hundreds of lives, displaced more than a million people and spurred allegations of war crimes. Western-led sanctions levelled against Russia in retaliation have sent the ruble into free-fall forcing the central bank to impose a 30-percent tax on sales of hard currency after a run on lenders. Also read | Russia-Ukraine Crisis:Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon' State-media narratives Moscow has few economic tools with which to respond but the Duma, or lower house, on Friday adopted a bill that would freeze any assets inside Russia of foreigners "violating rights of Russians". Russian media have been instructed to publish only information provided by official sources, which describe the invasion as a military operation. State-controlled broadcasters have meanwhile reinforced government narratives about nationalism in Ukraine and Moscow's claim that Ukrainian soldiers are using civilians as human shields. For the moment, it appears the invasion has marked the beginning of the end for what remains of Russia's independent media. Ekho Mosvky -- a liberal-leaning radio station majority-owned by Russia's energy giant Gazprom -- said Thursday it would shut down after being taken off air over its Ukraine war coverage. Authorities had on Monday blocked the Ekho website and took the station off air as punishment for spreading "deliberately false information" about the conflict. Watch | Gravitas: Why Asia is not interested in Russia-Ukraine war Another independent outlet, Znak, said Friday it was ceasing work "due to the large number of restrictions that have recently appeared for the work of the media in Russia". The BBC said this week that the audience of its Russian language news website had "more than tripled...with a record reach of 10.7 million people in the last week". In a Friday response to the blocking, a BBC spokesperson said the company will "continue our efforts to make BBC News available in Russia, and across the rest of the world" despite the restrictions.

Russia Ukraine Crisis: Russia backs jail time for 'fake' army news, restricts media

Russian-British media tycoon Evgeny Lebedev has pleaded with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop" the "war" through his prominent media publication. Lebedev is the son of Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB spy. Through his newspaper, Lebedev has called on Putin to use path of peace negotiations to stop Ukraine conflict and resolve differences.

"As Europe stands on the brink of another world war, and the world on the brink of a possible nuclear disaster, I plead with you to use today’s negotiations to bring this terrible conflict in Ukraine to an end," Lebedev wrote.

"As a Russian citizen I plead with you to stop Russians killing their Ukrainian brothers and sisters. As a British citizen I ask you to save Europe from war."

Lebedev was made a lifelong member of Britain's upper house of parliament in July 2020 with the title Baron Lebedev of Hampton in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and of Siberia in the Russian Federation

He also owns the Independent daily online British newspaper.

Lebedev's father once worked as a spy at the Soviet embassy in London but then built a fortune by trading securities in the chaos that followed the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian-British media tycoon Evgeny Lebedev has pleaded with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop" the "war" through his prominent media publication. Lebedev is the son of Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB spy.

Russian-British media tycoon Evgeny Lebedev has pleaded with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "stop" the "war" through his prominent media publication. Lebedev is the son of Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB spy. Through his newspaper, Lebedev has called on Putin to use path of peace negotiations to stop Ukraine conflict and resolve differences. "As Europe stands on the brink of another world war, and the world on the brink of a possible nuclear disaster, I plead with you to use today’s negotiations to bring this terrible conflict in Ukraine to an end," Lebedev wrote. "As a Russian citizen I plead with you to stop Russians killing their Ukrainian brothers and sisters. As a British citizen I ask you to save Europe from war." Lebedev was made a lifelong member of Britain's upper house of parliament in July 2020 with the title Baron Lebedev of Hampton in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and of Siberia in the Russian Federation He also owns the Independent daily online British newspaper. Lebedev's father once worked as a spy at the Soviet embassy in London but then built a fortune by trading securities in the chaos that followed the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Russian-British media boss requests Putin to 'stop' the 'war'

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has made headlines again. This time for the wrong reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After looking to bring amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act&nbsp;(PECA), 2016 and the Election Act, 2017 recently, his government has attracted criticism from various corners of the country. &nbsp;

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz hit out at the government on Sunday over the attempt by saying that they are meant to silence the media and the Opposition. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trade-with-india-need-of-the-hour-will-benefit-both-nations-says-pak-pms-adviser-on-commerce-454966">Trade with India need of the hour, will benefit both nations: Pak PM’s adviser</a>

In Urdu, Nawaz said on Twitter that the laws, which the PTI-led government is passing, will be used against the PM and company in future. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"However, these laws will ultimately be used against Imran and company. Don't say that you hadn't been warned," she said. &nbsp;

Not just this, Pakistan media bodies have also rejected the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). It has said that it is a move to undermine the freedom of the press, speech and defiant voices in the country, reported local media. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-to-visit-russia-on-february-23-24-454905" hreflang="en">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Russia on February 23-24</a>

The media Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has rejected the draconian amendments to the PECA, reported News International. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"All media bodies would take any and all legal actions to challenge the attempt to curb media's independence and its right to raise voice against any steps to curb freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Constitution," the newspaper reported quoting JAC statement, which was issued on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has made headlines again. This time for the wrong reasons. After looking to bring amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 and the Election Act, 2017 recently, his government has attracted criticism from various corners of the country.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has made headlines again. This time for the wrong reasons. After looking to bring amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 and the Election Act, 2017 recently, his government has attracted criticism from various corners of the country. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz hit out at the government on Sunday over the attempt by saying that they are meant to silence the media and the Opposition. Also Read: Trade with India need of the hour, will benefit both nations: Pak PM’s adviser In Urdu, Nawaz said on Twitter that the laws, which the PTI-led government is passing, will be used against the PM and company in future. "However, these laws will ultimately be used against Imran and company. Don't say that you hadn't been warned," she said. Not just this, Pakistan media bodies have also rejected the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). It has said that it is a move to undermine the freedom of the press, speech and defiant voices in the country, reported local media. Also Read: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Russia on February 23-24 The media Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has rejected the draconian amendments to the PECA, reported News International. "All media bodies would take any and all legal actions to challenge the attempt to curb media's independence and its right to raise voice against any steps to curb freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Constitution," the newspaper reported quoting JAC statement, which was issued on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces flak over new laws 'to silence media, Opposition'

Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's car was targeted by gunfire overnight, local media reported, without specifying whether he had been inside.

The reports were not confirmed by officials.

The prime minister's social media feeds had published nothing on the subject, and spokesman Mohamed Hamouda did not respond to several attempts by AFP to contact him.

A police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that security services had received "no indication of gunfire in Tripoli".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultimatums-threats-from-west-on-ukraine-wont-work-against-russia-says-foreign-minister-452104">Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister</a>

The news came as the wartorn country's parliament, based in eastern Libya hundreds of miles (kilometres) from the capital, prepared to vote on a replacement for Dbeibah.

The premier, who had a mandate to lead the country to elections set for December last year but which were ultimately abandoned, has said he will only cede power to an elected government.

Hours before the reported shooting, Dbeibah had met dozens of supporters who had gathered at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli to protest against the parliament's attempts to remove him.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-jewish-hate-incidents-hit-new-record-high-in-uk-report-452103">Anti-jewish hate incidents hit new record high in UK: Report</a>

Libya has been torn apart by regional, tribal and ideological divisions since the 2011 revolt that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi.&nbsp;

A landmark ceasefire in late 2020 had cleared the way for&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations-led efforts to bring an end to a decade of violence.

Dbeibah's unity government took office in early 2021 but when December 24 elections were cancelled amid deep divisions over their legal basis and several controversial candidates, his rivals charged that his mandate had ended.

The push to remove him has triggered fears of a return to east-west divisions and parallel governments.&nbsp;

Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's car was targeted by gunfire overnight, local media reported, without specifying whether he had been inside. The reports were not confirmed by officials.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah's car was targeted by gunfire overnight, local media reported, without specifying whether he had been inside. The reports were not confirmed by officials. The prime minister's social media feeds had published nothing on the subject, and spokesman Mohamed Hamouda did not respond to several attempts by AFP to contact him. A police official told AFP on condition of anonymity that security services had received "no indication of gunfire in Tripoli". Also read | Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister The news came as the wartorn country's parliament, based in eastern Libya hundreds of miles (kilometres) from the capital, prepared to vote on a replacement for Dbeibah. The premier, who had a mandate to lead the country to elections set for December last year but which were ultimately abandoned, has said he will only cede power to an elected government. Hours before the reported shooting, Dbeibah had met dozens of supporters who had gathered at Martyrs' Square in Tripoli to protest against the parliament's attempts to remove him. Also read | Anti-jewish hate incidents hit new record high in UK: Report Libya has been torn apart by regional, tribal and ideological divisions since the 2011 revolt that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi. A landmark ceasefire in late 2020 had cleared the way for United Nations-led efforts to bring an end to a decade of violence. Dbeibah's unity government took office in early 2021 but when December 24 elections were cancelled amid deep divisions over their legal basis and several controversial candidates, his rivals charged that his mandate had ended. The push to remove him has triggered fears of a return to east-west divisions and parallel governments.

Libya media report shooting targeting PM's car

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Turkish media of action if content damaging Turkey's core values was disseminated. This is being viewed as a prelude to media censorship.

In a notice published in the Official Gazette, he said measures were needed to protect Turkey's "national culture" and prevent its children's development "from being adversely affected as a result of exposure to harmful content on all written, verbal and visual media."

Erdogan did not specify what such content was, but said legal action would be taken against "overt or covert activities through the media aimed at undermining our national and moral values ​​and disrupting our family and social structure."

Erdogan, in power for 20 years, has often lashed out at media content that is deemed to be out of step with conservative Islamic values espoused by his AK Party.

Turkey has in recent years also moved to increase media oversight, with around 90% of major media now owned by the state or close to the government.

Its western allies and critics have said Erdogan has been using a 2016 failed coup attempt to muzzle dissent and erode social rights and tolerance.

The government has denied this, saying the measures are necessary due to the gravity of the threats Turkey faces and that freedom of religious expression has been restored in a once strongly secular republic.

The RTUK radio and television watchdog has sweeping oversight over all online content, which it also has the power to remove.

It has fined TV stations over footage it says violates Turkish values, such as music videos it has labelled "erotic", LGBTQ references or content it deems to have insulted the president.

Tens of thousands have been prosecuted under the latter law including Sedef Kabas, a well-known journalist jailed last week pending trial after posting a proverb about Erdogan's palace on her Twitter account and repeating it on opposition television channel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Turkish media of action if content damaging Turkey's core values was disseminated. This is being viewed as a prelude to media censorship.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Turkish media of action if content damaging Turkey's core values was disseminated. This is being viewed as a prelude to media censorship. In a notice published in the Official Gazette, he said measures were needed to protect Turkey's "national culture" and prevent its children's development "from being adversely affected as a result of exposure to harmful content on all written, verbal and visual media." Erdogan did not specify what such content was, but said legal action would be taken against "overt or covert activities through the media aimed at undermining our national and moral values and disrupting our family and social structure." Erdogan, in power for 20 years, has often lashed out at media content that is deemed to be out of step with conservative Islamic values espoused by his AK Party. Turkey has in recent years also moved to increase media oversight, with around 90% of major media now owned by the state or close to the government. Its western allies and critics have said Erdogan has been using a 2016 failed coup attempt to muzzle dissent and erode social rights and tolerance. The government has denied this, saying the measures are necessary due to the gravity of the threats Turkey faces and that freedom of religious expression has been restored in a once strongly secular republic. The RTUK radio and television watchdog has sweeping oversight over all online content, which it also has the power to remove. It has fined TV stations over footage it says violates Turkish values, such as music videos it has labelled "erotic", LGBTQ references or content it deems to have insulted the president. Tens of thousands have been prosecuted under the latter law including Sedef Kabas, a well-known journalist jailed last week pending trial after posting a proverb about Erdogan's palace on her Twitter account and repeating it on opposition television channel. (With inputs from agencies)

Erdogan warns media of action over 'harmful' content

After the head of Instagram was grilled for compromising children safety on social media, Instagram plans an updated version of the app that shows users chronological feed instead of an algorithm-based one.

New version of the Instagram app to show users chronological feed instead of an Algorithm-based one

After more than three weeks of no internet, authorities in Sudan have said that they will restore internet services gradually, reports state media. "Internet services are gradually returning through all telecommunication companies," the official news agency SUNA quoted officials as saying.

Internet services in the region have been blocked since October 25. The poverty-stricken African nation has been facing extreme chaos after the collapse of the country's government.

Earlier, a two-day civil disobedience protest was interrupted due to problematic internet services. There was less turnout in the number of participants for the protest.

Sudan is already going through a deep economic crisis with record inflation and shortages of basics. The abrupt collapse of the country's transition to democracy sparked an international outcry as US President Joe Biden called the military coup in Sudan a ''grave setback'' for the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-to-military-rule-sudans-security-forces-fire-tear-gas-during-anti-coup-campaign-by-teachers-427426">Also read |&nbsp;'No to military rule': Sudan's security forces fire tear gas during anti-coup campaign by teachers</a>

Meanwhile, various reports claim that 15 people were shot dead after the Sudanese Army opened fire at thousands of Sudanese who took to the streets to protest against the military’s October 25 takeover.

The protesters demanded a full handover to civilian authorities and for the leaders of the coup to be put on trial.

According to reports, security forces fired live rounds and tear gas to prevent gatherings in all three cities, and mobile phone communications were cut, witnesses said.

State television said there were injuries among protesters and police.

After more than three weeks of no internet, authorities in Sudan have said that they will restore internet services gradually, reports state media. "Internet services are gradually returning through all telecommunication companies," the official news agency SUNA quoted officials as saying.

After more than three weeks of no internet, authorities in Sudan have said that they will restore internet services gradually, reports state media. "Internet services are gradually returning through all telecommunication companies," the official news agency SUNA quoted officials as saying. Internet services in the region have been blocked since October 25. The poverty-stricken African nation has been facing extreme chaos after the collapse of the country's government. Earlier, a two-day civil disobedience protest was interrupted due to problematic internet services. There was less turnout in the number of participants for the protest. Sudan is already going through a deep economic crisis with record inflation and shortages of basics. The abrupt collapse of the country's transition to democracy sparked an international outcry as US President Joe Biden called the military coup in Sudan a ''grave setback'' for the country. Also read | 'No to military rule': Sudan's security forces fire tear gas during anti-coup campaign by teachers Meanwhile, various reports claim that 15 people were shot dead after the Sudanese Army opened fire at thousands of Sudanese who took to the streets to protest against the military’s October 25 takeover. The protesters demanded a full handover to civilian authorities and for the leaders of the coup to be put on trial. According to reports, security forces fired live rounds and tear gas to prevent gatherings in all three cities, and mobile phone communications were cut, witnesses said. State television said there were injuries among protesters and police.

Amid chaos, internet services will soon be restored in Sudan: State media

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday.

Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country.

He is currently on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military, which carries a maximum three-year jail sentence.

During the latest hearing at Insein prison in Yangon on Monday, he was hit with another charge of unlawful association, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung said.

Conviction under the colonial-era law also carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail.

It has previously been used to target journalists contacting Myanmar's myriad ethnic armed groups fighting the state for increased autonomy and control over natural resources.

Fenster's second trial is expected to start on October 15, Than Zaw Aung said.

His client was "in good health, but he lost weight a little bit", he added.

Fenster, 37, had been working for Frontier for around a year and was heading home to see his family when he was detained on May 24.

He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government.

The press has been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets.

More than 100 journalists have been arrested since the putsch, according to Reporting ASEAN, a monitoring group. &nbsp;

It says 48 are still in detention.

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country.

An American journalist imprisoned by Myanmar's junta since May has been hit with a second criminal charge, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. Danny Fenster, managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, was detained at Yangon International Airport as he attempted to leave the country. He is currently on trial for allegedly encouraging dissent against the military, which carries a maximum three-year jail sentence. During the latest hearing at Insein prison in Yangon on Monday, he was hit with another charge of unlawful association, his lawyer Than Zaw Aung said. Conviction under the colonial-era law also carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail. It has previously been used to target journalists contacting Myanmar's myriad ethnic armed groups fighting the state for increased autonomy and control over natural resources. Fenster's second trial is expected to start on October 15, Than Zaw Aung said. His client was "in good health, but he lost weight a little bit", he added. Fenster, 37, had been working for Frontier for around a year and was heading home to see his family when he was detained on May 24. He is believed to have contracted Covid-19 during his detention, family members said during a conference call with American journalists in August. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in a February 1 coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. The press has been squeezed as the junta tries to tighten control over the flow of information, throttling internet access and revoking the licences of local media outlets. More than 100 journalists have been arrested since the putsch, according to Reporting ASEAN, a monitoring group. It says 48 are still in detention.

US journalist held in Myanmar hit with second charge: lawyer

The Taliban promised that media would be "free and independent," after taking control of Kabul. However, now the group has laid out the limits of that freedom.

Taliban's Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, while meeting several Afghan media outlets in September, announced a publishing/broadcasting guide containing 11 directives. Few rules were similar to laws and editorial policies under Afghanistan's elected government.&nbsp;

There were rules that gave the Taliban wide control over the content. These include directives saying that media should coordinate with the GMIC when preparing content and report "carefully" on events not confirmed by an official.

As per watchdogs and locals journalists, these directives are a sign that the Taliban plan to censor content inside the country. 
Sadaqat Ghorzang, a TOLOnews reporter for the eastern provinces, was quoted by VOA as saying, "The new rules plainly mean censorship."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-uses-social-media-as-a-key-tool-in-their-new-form-of-governance-here-is-all-you-need-to-know-412192">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban uses social media as a key tool in their new form of governance, here is all you need to know</a>

"It does not only create problems for journalists to do their job, which is providing information to the people, but also violates freedom of expression."

A copy of the guide, which was circulated online and discussed by media watchdogs, contained 11 rules. As per rules 1-3, media and journalists are forbidden from publishing or broadcasting anything against Islam, insulting national figures, or violating privacy. Rules 4-6 instruct journalists to follow the principles of journalism and balanced news reports and to not distort content. Rules 7-8 say that matters that have not been confirmed by officials or could have a negative impact on the public's attitude should be treated with care.

As per rule 9, media outlets have to be impartial and truthful in their coverage.

Rule 10 and 11 advise journalists to coordinate with the GMIC when working on "detailed report(s) on an issue."

RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire described the guidelines as "spine chilling." They can be used coercively and "bode ill for the future of journalistic independence and pluralism in Afghanistan," he said in a statement.

The Taliban promised that media would be "free and independent," after taking control of Kabul. However, now the group has laid out the limits of that freedom. Taliban's Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, while meeting several Afghan media outlets in September, announced a publishing/broadcasting guide containing 11 directives.

The Taliban promised that media would be "free and independent," after taking control of Kabul. However, now the group has laid out the limits of that freedom. Taliban's Government Media and Information Center (GMIC), Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi, while meeting several Afghan media outlets in September, announced a publishing/broadcasting guide containing 11 directives. Few rules were similar to laws and editorial policies under Afghanistan's elected government. There were rules that gave the Taliban wide control over the content. These include directives saying that media should coordinate with the GMIC when preparing content and report "carefully" on events not confirmed by an official. As per watchdogs and locals journalists, these directives are a sign that the Taliban plan to censor content inside the country. Sadaqat Ghorzang, a TOLOnews reporter for the eastern provinces, was quoted by VOA as saying, "The new rules plainly mean censorship." Also read | Taliban uses social media as a key tool in their new form of governance, here is all you need to know "It does not only create problems for journalists to do their job, which is providing information to the people, but also violates freedom of expression." A copy of the guide, which was circulated online and discussed by media watchdogs, contained 11 rules. As per rules 1-3, media and journalists are forbidden from publishing or broadcasting anything against Islam, insulting national figures, or violating privacy. Rules 4-6 instruct journalists to follow the principles of journalism and balanced news reports and to not distort content. Rules 7-8 say that matters that have not been confirmed by officials or could have a negative impact on the public's attitude should be treated with care. As per rule 9, media outlets have to be impartial and truthful in their coverage. Rule 10 and 11 advise journalists to coordinate with the GMIC when working on "detailed report(s) on an issue." RSF Secretary-General Christophe Deloire described the guidelines as "spine chilling." They can be used coercively and "bode ill for the future of journalistic independence and pluralism in Afghanistan," he said in a statement.

Taliban issues new publishing and broadcasting directives

American digital media platform Ozy will shut down after accusations its leaders had deceived investors and the public about the size of its audience, local news outlets reported Friday.

Launched in 2013 by former cable news anchor Carlos Watson,&nbsp;the brand secured millions of dollars in investor funding and a number of high-profile partnerships, including the production of an Emmy Award-winning talk show hosted by the Oprah Winfrey Network.

But a New York Times investigation on Sunday claimed that company executives had intentionally inflated traffic figures and views on other sites including YouTube.

The report also said cofounder Samir Rao had impersonated a YouTube executive to praise his own platform while in a phone meeting with representatives of Goldman Sachs, who were weighing a $40 million investment in Ozy.&nbsp;

Watson apologised to the bank after the ruse was quickly discovered and the video sharing platform launched a security probe, the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-surpasses-700000-covid-deaths-as-california-schools-make-vaccines-compulsory-417519">Also read |&nbsp;US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory</a>

The investigation also found that Watson had falsely claimed a partnership with Amazon Prime for his eponymous talk show, launched last year, and that he had secured a broadcasting deal for the program with American cable channel A&amp;E.

Amazon Prime complained to Ozy about use of its branding in billboards promoting the show last week, prompting another apology from Watson, the report said.&nbsp;

The discrepancy between the platform's claimed audience size and its real-world profile prompted ridicule from some publications reporting on the controversy.

"Ozy Media shuts down just one week after most of us found out it exists," read a headline on the platform's closure by tech news outlet The Verge.

Ozy and Watson did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

American digital media platform Ozy will shut down after accusations its leaders had deceived investors and the public about the size of its audience, local news outlets reported Friday.

American digital media platform Ozy will shut down after accusations its leaders had deceived investors and the public about the size of its audience, local news outlets reported Friday. Launched in 2013 by former cable news anchor Carlos Watson, the brand secured millions of dollars in investor funding and a number of high-profile partnerships, including the production of an Emmy Award-winning talk show hosted by the Oprah Winfrey Network. But a New York Times investigation on Sunday claimed that company executives had intentionally inflated traffic figures and views on other sites including YouTube. The report also said cofounder Samir Rao had impersonated a YouTube executive to praise his own platform while in a phone meeting with representatives of Goldman Sachs, who were weighing a $40 million investment in Ozy. Watson apologised to the bank after the ruse was quickly discovered and the video sharing platform launched a security probe, the report said. Also read | US surpasses 700,000 Covid deaths as California schools make vaccines compulsory The investigation also found that Watson had falsely claimed a partnership with Amazon Prime for his eponymous talk show, launched last year, and that he had secured a broadcasting deal for the program with American cable channel A&E. Amazon Prime complained to Ozy about use of its branding in billboards promoting the show last week, prompting another apology from Watson, the report said. The discrepancy between the platform's claimed audience size and its real-world profile prompted ridicule from some publications reporting on the controversy. "Ozy Media shuts down just one week after most of us found out it exists," read a headline on the platform's closure by tech news outlet The Verge. Ozy and Watson did not immediately respond to AFP requests for comment.

US media platform Ozy to close after accusations of deceptive conduct

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