14.10.2023. ISRAEL/GAZA/LEBANON.  Dramatic increase of journalists killed and injured in one week

Geneva, October 14, 2023 (PEC) - Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is shocked and deeply saddened by the dramatic increase of journalists killed and injured in one week. Since the start of the fighting between Hamas and Israel on October 7^th, at least 7 journalists were killed and ten injured. The killings underscore the need for immediate action to protect journalists working in conflict zones.

On Friday October 13^th, an Israeli shell landed in a gathering of international journalists covering clashes on the border, killing Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah and injuring six other journalists. Reuters said that two of its journalists, Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh, were wounded in the shelling of the border area. According to Al-Jazeera TV, two of its employees, Elie Brakhya and reporter Carmen Joukhadar, also were among the wounded and Agence France-Presse said two of its journalists were injured. The shelling occurred during an exchange of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border between Israeli troops and members of Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group.

PEC calls for a transparent, rapid, complete and impartial investigation so that those responsible are identified and held accountable.

At least six other journalists were killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian media. PEC condemns the killings during military operations between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip and calls for an impartial investigation into their deaths. Other journalists are missing or injured. Israeli retaliatory airstrikes also completely or partially destroyed the headquarters of several media outlets, in violation of international law.

Journalist Saeed al-Taweel, editor-in-chief of Al-Khamsa News website, and two other members of the press were killed on Tuesday as they went to film a building that Israel would soon bomb in Gaza City. “Unfortunately, they have sent a warning notice to the Hiji building just now that it will be bombed,” al-Taweel said in his last words, shortly before being killed, according to a recording obtained by Al Jazeera. “The area has been evacuated entirely. Women, men, the elderly, kids have all completely fled the area.” Al-Taweel, Mohammed Subh and Hisham Alnwajha had been standing at a safe distance, hundreds of metres from the stated target. But the air attack instead hit a different building, much closer to them. The crew was wearing flak jackets and helmets clearly identifying themselves as members of the press.

PEC reminds all belligerents that journalists are civilians protected by the international law and calls on all combatants in this conflict to do their utmost to safeguard media professionals.

PEC is also saddened by the death of one journalist this week in Sudan, Halima Idris Salim, from Sudan Bukra, killed in Omdurman by the army on October 10^th. This brings the number of journalists killed in one week to eight.

28.09.2023. AFGHANISTAN. The Taliban's 13 Directives: Implications for Media Freedom (AFJC)​

The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) announced today, on the occasion of the International Day of Access to Information, that the Taliban has issued a series of at least 13 directives over the past two years, which have resulted in severe restrictions on media work and an unprecedented setback in access to information in Afghanistan.

In recognition of the importance of universal access to information, UNESCO passed a resolution on November 17, 2015, designating September 28 as the International Day of Universal Access to Information. This designation highlights the two crucial aspects of universal access to information, both of which should be carefully considered. Firstly, the right to access information must be clearly established by laws, as without proper legal provisions, access will inevitably be limited. Secondly, it is crucial to ensure practical access to information for people, particularly in today's world where new information and communication technologies have significantly enhanced accessibility.

While Afghanistan has acknowledged the right to access information through the passage of the country's information access law in 2019 during the Republican regime, there is a concerning disregard for this law. Since the downfall of the republic in August 2021, the Taliban has issued at least 13 directives which contradicted former media laws, and further advanced proposed amendments to the laws governing Media Law and Access to Information. While these directives were not issued through the standard legal procedures, they undeniably form the basis of the Taliban government's policy towards the media and journalists.

These directives cover a wide array of matters concerning the media, including, but not limited to, the prohibition of women's employment in national radio and television, the banning of news coverage related to demonstrations and civil protests, the imposition of constraints on news preparation, publication, reporting, and content production, the requirement for the Taliban to be referred to as the government of Afghanistan, the prohibition of music publications, the compulsory veiling of female reporters, the ban on the presence of women in theatrical plays and media entertainment programs, the segregation of women and men in the media, prohibiting women from interviewing men and vice versa.

Furthermore, the media faces restrictions in conducting interviews with opponents and critics of the Taliban, banning the broadcasting of international television programs in Afghanistan, prohibiting the airing of commercial announcements with political, security, and social content without coordination from the responsible authorities, prohibiting criticism of Taliban officials, banning the filming and video interviews and, the publication of women's voices in the media(in Helmand province), and banning collaboration with "Exiled Media".

 The implementation of these extensive and often ambiguous guidelines has had profound implications for both the quantity and quality of media work and content production. The severe restrictions on access to information and the increase in self-censorship have been significant consequences of these directives. Moreover, officials of the Taliban rarely grant interviews to the media, and official spokespersons are often inaccessible to reporters or simply refuse to address substantial and probing questions. While these directives prohibit certain actions by journalists and the media, they do not outline the consequences of non-compliance. However, the Afghanistan Journalists Center’s investigation and analysis reveal that journalists who have disregarded these orders have faced threats or imprisonment, and media organizations have been subject to punitive measures, including temporary or permanent bans.

The findings of AFJC regarding these directives and the seriousness with which the Taliban has implemented them suggest that the proposed amendments to media laws are likely to go beyond the "minor changes" previously announced.

Monsieur le Secrétaire d’Etat,

Depuis quatre ans, un photojournaliste suisse indépendant, établi depuis plus de quarante ans à Hong Kong, Marc Progin (78 ans), subit les foudres des autorités judiciaires de la région administrative spéciale. Il est victime de la terrible aggravation des conditions qui y sont appliquées aux journalistes et aux professionnels des médias, lesquelles visent à restreindre drastiquement la liberté d’opinion et de la presse, sous couvert d’atteintes à la sécurité de l’Etat.

Marc Progin se trouve actuellement dans une situation kafkaïenne : poursuivi pour avoir couvert une manifestation en tant que photographe à Hong Kong en 2019, il a été jugé et acquitté à deux reprises en 2020 et en 2022. En dépit de cette double décision le disculpant de tout acte répréhensible, il s’est récemment vu refuser l’indemnisation de ses frais de justice, lesquels se montent à 500'000.- HK$ (56'500.- CHF). Marc Progin dispose d’un délai de 28 jours pour faire opposition à cette nouvelle décision prise à son encontre ; cela lui coûterait 1 million de HK$ supplémentaires (113'000.- CHF), avec le risque de tout perdre si son recours est rejeté.

Les organisations de journalistes suivantes, à savoir la section suisse de l’Union de la presse francophone, Reporters sans frontières – Suisse et la PressEmblemCampaign (PEC), représentées par leurs dirigeants respectifs, appellent le Département fédéral des affaires étrangères à intervenir en faveur du citoyen suisse Marc Progin auprès des autorités compétentes à Hong Kong, à entreprendre tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour que justice lui soit rendue en vertu du double acquittement dont il a bénéficié, ou à tout le moins à lui accorder la protection diplomatique et juridique qui lui est due.

 Vous trouvez sous les liens suivants des informations complémentaires sur la situation de Marc Progin :

• RSF-Suisse : https://rsf-ch.ch/le-calvaire-judiciaire-du-photojournaliste-suisse-marc-progin-a-hong-kong-se-poursuit/
• Hong Kong Free Press : https://hongkongfp.com/2023/08/25/press-freedom-ngo-denounces-hk500k-legal-bill-for-journalist-cleared-of-disorder-charge/

 En vous remerciant par avance d’intercéder en faveur du photojournaliste suisse, nous vous prison de croire, Monsieur le Conseiller fédéral, Monsieur le Secrétaire d’Etat, à l’expression de nos sentiments les meilleurs.

***********

S.E.M. WANG Shihting,

Monsieur l’Ambassadeur,

Depuis quatre ans, un photojournaliste suisse indépendant, établi depuis plus de quarante ans à Hong Kong, Monsieur Marc Progin (78 ans), subit les foudres des autorités judiciaires de la région administrative spéciale, pour ne pas parler d’acharnement à son égard. Il est victime de l’aggravation des conditions qui y sont appliquées aux journalistes et aux professionnels des médias, lesquelles visent à restreindre drastiquement la liberté d’opinion et de la presse, sous couvert d’atteintes à la sécurité de l’Etat.

 Monsieur Marc Progin se trouve actuellement dans une situation kafkaïenne, intolérable pour lui : poursuivi pour avoir couvert une manifestation en tant que photographe à Hong Kong en 2019, il a été jugé et acquitté à deux reprises en 2020 et en 2022. En dépit de cette double décision le disculpant de tout acte répréhensible, il s’est récemment vu refuser l’indemnisation de ses frais de justice, lesquels se montent à 500'000.- HK$ (56'500.- CHF). Monsieur Marc Progin dispose d’un délai de 28 jours pour faire opposition à cette nouvelle décision prise à son encontre ; cela lui coûterait 1 million de HK$ supplémentaires (113'000.- CHF), avec le risque de tout perdre si son recours est rejeté.

 Les organisations de journalistes suivantes, à savoir la section suisse de l’Union de la presse francophone, Reporters sans frontières – Suisse et la PressEmblemCampaign (PEC), représentées par leurs présidents respectifs, en appellent à votre haute autorité pour intervenir en faveur du citoyen suisse Marc Progin auprès des autorités compétentes à Hong Kong, à entreprendre tout ce qui est en votre pouvoir pour que justice lui soit rendue en vertu du double acquittement dont il a bénéficié.

En vous remerciant par avance d’intercéder en faveur du photojournaliste suisse, sur la base des décisions de justice qui l’ont innocenté de tout acte répréhensible au regard de la loi hongkongaise, nous vous prions de croire, Monsieur l’Ambassadeur, à l’expression de nos sentiments respectueux.

​​​​​​​

03.07.2023. Russia bans independent outlet Novaya Gazeta Europe, adds to undesirable list. 

Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is outraged by the decision of Russian authorities and asks them to reverse this unacceptable measure targeting a newspaper that received the PEC Award last year. PEC condemns this measure which marks a new stage in the persecution of independent journalists also targeting editorial offices located abroad. On Wednesday, June 28, the Russian general prosecutor’s office declared the activity of the outlet’s legal entity, BDR Novaja Gazeta-Europe, “undesirable” . Organizations that receive the undesirable classification are banned from operating in Russia, and anyone who participates in them or works to organize their activities faces up to six years in prison and administrative fines. The designation also makes it a crime to distribute the outlet’s content or donate to it from inside or outside Russia.

Ekaterina Glikman, deputy editor of Novaya Gazeta Europe, who received last year the PEC Award in Geneva, said to the PEC : «In fact, what the Russian authorities are saying is this: we don't want you to exist. But we exist despite their wishes, but because of our own desire to continue our journalistic work, to inform our readers about what is happening in the war, in Russia and in the world. It is for this simple journalistic work that the authorities persecute us. Now there will be more obstacles to our work, but of course we are not going to stop».

«Yes, the risks for journalists are increasing, but they are also increasing for our speakers and our readers. Not only are our readers now unable to read us without a VPN (our website has been blocked since the beginning) and donate to us, but it is now also dangerous for them to repost our articles on their social networks or quote our articles. The only thing you can still do safely while in Russia is to read us. There is no punishment for reading yet. So we keep working», said to the PEC Ekaterina Glikman, who lived in Switzerland.

PEC asks its readers to support the Swiss association Friends of Novaya Gazeta Europe: https://fonge.org

Statement of Novaya Gazeta Europe :

«Russian authorities are waging a war against Ukraine, their own people, and the whole world. Russian independent media outlets have been truthfully documenting and reporting about this war and the Kremlin’s dictatorship for many years. When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Russia adopted war-time censorship laws, which decimated hundreds of outlets in the country. Just like many of our colleagues, we made the difficult choice of leaving our country to have the right to speak. We believe that the Russian public deserves to know the truth about the war and its consequences for the country.

Having failed to completely stamp out every independent voice and outlet in the country or force us to stay silent, the Kremlin has now labelled us as criminals. On 28 June 2023, Russia designated Novaya Gazeta Europe as an “undesirable organisation”. A day earlier, the Russian authorities launched a missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk, killing 11 people, among them children, and injuring 61 more. The Russian authorities are persecuting journalists because they do not want ordinary Russians to know about this crime and many others.

The Prosecutor General’s Office claims that Novaya Gazeta Europe “disseminates tendentious information to Russia’s detriment”. We, in turn, believe that nothing causes more detriment to Russia than this criminal war along with those who unleashed and supports it, including the officials in the Prosecutor General’s Office.

“The main topics of the publications [by Novaya Gazeta Europe] include false information about alleged mass violations of rights and freedoms of citizens in Russia, accusations pressed against Russia of waging an aggressive war in Ukraine, committing war crimes against civilians, and repressions,” the agency continues. Novaya-Europe’s journalists are essentially branded criminals for telling it like it is.

And we will continue to do so.

The atrocities that the Russian authorities are committing in Ukraine are much more horrifying than any “legal status” that they slap on anyone who dares to speak out. Hundreds of fellow Russians are persecuted for standing up for what’s right and for speaking out against the war — we cannot betray them or stay silent about their ordeals.

Cooperation with “unfavourable organisations” can result in fines and even prison sentences for Russians. But this status is practically the last tool that the Kremlin can use against us. This measure is meant to threaten journalists, writers, and readers. Russian officials want us to be gone — along with any smidgeon of truth. But we cannot do them such a favour.

We plead with our audiences in Russia to be careful, remove any links to our articles from their social media accounts, and refrain from quoting us in the future.

But you can and should read what we have to say!

We are calling on our colleagues for solidarity and mutual support. It is clear that the Kremlin will continue to stamp out any dissent in the form of independent media outlets since they failed to achieve this after the Ukraine war began.

Novaya-Europe is not going anywhere».

Since 2021, Russian authorities have labeled dozens of organizations “undesirable,” including independent news website Meduza and investigative outlets iStories, The Insider, Bellingcat, and Proekt. Since Novaya Gazeta was founded in 1993, at least 5 of its journalists have been murdered in connection to their work.

22.03.2023. UNITED NATIONS. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL - 52nd session - PEC statement item 4 general debate: PEC urges the Russian and Iranian authorities to allow media to report unimpeded by government interference.

General Assembly

Human Rights Council 52nd session

General Debate item 4

Mr President,

Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is very worried by the deterioration of freedom of expression in Russia since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. About hundred new laws restricting press freedom have been passed in Russia. There is military censorship, almost all independent media have been banned, blocked, or declared “foreign agents”. And hundreds of journalists left the country.

PEC condemns the systematic campaign of repression and restriction of civic space that has taken place in Russia. The criminalisation of protest, the silencing of the free press, and the massive propagation of disinformation are all factors which enabled the Kremlin to perpetrate his war of aggression in Ukraine.

PEC is also deeply concerned by the worsening of press freedom in Iran. Many journalists have reportedly been detained to prevent them from exposing Iran’s human rights abuses. We call on Iran to release all arbitrarily detained individuals, including all journalists. We condemn the Iranian authorities’ actions to restrict the access to the Internet and disrupt social media platforms.

PEC urges the Russian and Iranian authorities to allow media to report unimpeded by government interference.

Thank you, Mr President

Geneva, 22 March 2023

08.03.2023. UNITED NATIONS. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL - 52nd session - PEC statement item 2 general debate: PEC very worried by the further deterioration in Afghanistan and Myanmar, urges to release all journalists detained 

General Assembly

Human Rights Council 52nd session

General Debate item 2

Mr President,

Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) thanks the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett for his report (A/HRC/52/84) and the High Commissioner for his report on Myanmar (A/HRC/52/21).

These two countries are of deep concern for the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC). We are very worried by the further deterioration of the Afghan media landscape. The recent detention of Franco-Afghan journalist Mortaza Behboudi is one more example of an alarming escalation in the Taliban persecution of journalists. The media, including foreigners, are increasingly subject to surveillance, threats, violence, and arrests, and 60 per cent of Afghan journalists have lost their jobs since August 2021.

In Myanmar, over 140 media employees were arrested by the Myanmar junta since February 2021. No less than 45 journalists are still under the military custody with fake cases imposed on them. Several media outlets have closed their offices inside Myanmar after repeated threats by the militaries. Two journalists were killed in one year.

PEC fully supports the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur and the High Commissioner and asks Members of the Council to devote all the necessary attention to these two country situations to uphold the freedom of the press and the safety of journalists.

Thank you, Mr President

Geneva, 7 March 2023

20.02.2023. UKRAINE. A year after the Russian attack: the safety of journalists, the new media law and the decline of television influence

texte en français ci-dessous

by Andrii Ianitsky, PEC representative in Ukraine

Lviv (Ukraine)/Geneva, 20 February 2023 

1. Working as a journalist in Ukraine has become safer, but more difficult
   
   

43 media workers were killed by Russian occupiers in Ukraine in 2022 according to the Institute of Mass Information (IMI). At least 8 of them died while performing journalistic activities and 35 died as participants in hostilities or became victims of shelling, not while performing journalistic duties.

Despite these terrible figures, the security situation for journalists has improved markedly during the year. This was facilitated by such factors: the localization of hostilities in the south and east of Ukraine, the tightening of the military accreditation system, and the growth of the professionalism of journalists. Finally, humanitarian organizations provided personal protective equipment (body armor and helmets, first aid kits) for the media and train hundreds of journalists in first aid.

The journalistic community is divided into those who regularly cover the war, and those who have returned to the usual peaceful topics: economics, culture, and sports news.

However, the work of journalists on the frontline has become more difficult due to tighter military restrictions. We have noted several cases in which the military has withdrawn military accreditation from journalists under dubious pretexts. The most scandalous case was connected with the liberation of Kherson by Ukrainian troops from Russian invaders – a southern city on the right bank of the Dnipro River. The military revoked the accreditation of all journalists who arrived in Kherson before the official press tour. After a scandal in the professional environment, all journalists had their permissions restored.

2. Controversial media law passed

Ukraine’s new media law was one of seven conditions laid down by Brussels for fast-track EU-candidate status. The Parliament of Ukraine approved it at the end of 2022, despite the protests of journalistic organizations.

Ukrainian journalists and the international media community criticized the law. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) argued that the draft amounted to “forced regulation” by the authorities. Ukraine’s journalists’ union also agreed that the law would limit freedom of speech. 

The real impact of the new law is not yet clear, because it will come into force only in April. The law increases the government's regulatory power over TV, radio, and news websites. However, the law was significantly softened after almost 1,000 revisions before the final vote.

Journalists fear that the new law will be used not only to limit Russian propaganda, but also to limit critics of the Ukrainian government. Their fears are based on the fact that in 2022 three pro-Ukrainian TV channels were taken off the air, allegedly due to links with former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, an opponent of Volodymyr Zelensky. These TV channels continue to broadcast via satellite, the Internet, and cable networks, but their audience has declined markedly. Almost all other sociopolitical TV channels have been united by the Ukrainian authorities into a United News Channel, which is de facto controlled by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

3. The interest of Ukrainians in television continues to fall

The interest of Ukrainians in television is steadily declining year by year. In the latest survey by the research company Gradus Research over 60% of Ukrainians get news on social networks and online media, while a little less than half of the country's residents watch the news on TV.

Another USAID-supported survey showed an even higher level of influence of social networks – over 70% of Ukrainians get news from there. It is worrying that of all social networks, Telegram, created by a Russian, occupies the primacy, and the most popular feeds on it are anonymous gossip, rumors and unverified news. 

The reasons for the decline in interest in linear television may be not only technical progress. As we wrote above, the authorities removed part of the TV channels from the air, and the other part was merged into United News. As a result, the choice for TV viewers has been reduced, and TV critics talk about the low quality of United News content. 

4. Problems with access to information, in particular to registries

The work of journalists is complicated by the lack of full access to government datasets that were open before the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. For greater cybersecurity, the Ukrainian authorities have closed or restricted access to government registries, ranging from military procurement data to business enterprise registries. The access of journalists to meetings of local governments and central authorities is still limited. All this increases the risk of corruption.

5. Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine are turning into news deserts

The work of independent journalists in the territories occupied by Russia is impossible. The media receive information from anonymous informants via messengers or from people who managed to leave the occupation. At the same time, Russian propagandists (the so-called war correspondents) work in the occupied territories and report on the successes of the Russian army. Often these messages turn out to be fake.

Immediately after seizing new territories, the Russians begin to persecute independent journalists and seize the editorial offices of independent media. This was the case in Crimea, Donetsk, and Lugansk in 2014, and the same thing happened in 2022. For example, in Kherson, the Russians smashed the office of the public television Suspilne.Kherson. Now, after the liberation of Kherson by Ukrainian troops, the non-governmental organization Lviv Media Forum is collecting donations to restore the work of the local Kherson media. Thus, journalists from the very west of the country, near the border with the European Union, help their colleagues from the south, who find themselves in a difficult situation.*

Andrii Ianitsky is a journalist now based in Lviv and PEC Representative in Ukraine (a.ianitskyi@gmail.com) - His first report was published on 19 March 2022, the second on 28 March 2022, the third on 5 April 2022, fourth on 11 April, fifth on 22 April, sixth on 10 May, seventh on 27 June, eighth on 6 November 

20.02.2023. UKRAINE. Un an après l'attaque russe : la sécurité des journalistes, la nouvelle loi sur les médias et le déclin de l'influence de la télévision


par Andrii Ianitsky, représentant de la PEC en Ukraine


Lviv (Ukraine)/Genève, 20 février 2023.

1.Travailler comme journaliste en Ukraine est devenu plus sûr, mais plus difficile

Selon l'Institut de l'information de masse (IMI), 43 professionnels des médias ont été tués par les occupants russes en Ukraine en 2022. Au moins 8 d'entre eux sont morts dans l'exercice de leurs activités journalistiques (selon le Comité pour la protection des journalistes, on dénombre 14 décès de ce type), et 35 sont morts en participant aux hostilités ou ont été victimes de bombardements, et non dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions journalistiques.

Malgré ces chiffres terribles, la situation de la sécurité des journalistes s'est nettement améliorée au cours de l'année. Cette évolution a été facilitée par des facteurs tels que la localisation des hostilités dans le sud et l'est de l'Ukraine, le renforcement du système d'accréditation militaire et l'accroissement du professionnalisme des journalistes. Enfin, les organisations humanitaires ont fourni des équipements de protection individuelle (gilets pare-balles et casques, trousses de premiers secours) aux médias et formé des centaines de journalistes aux premiers secours.

La communauté journalistique se divise entre ceux qui couvrent régulièrement la guerre et ceux qui sont revenus aux sujets pacifiques habituels : économie, culture et informations sportives.

Cependant, le travail des journalistes sur la ligne de front est devenu plus difficile en raison des restrictions militaires plus strictes. Nous avons relevé plusieurs cas dans lesquels l'armée a retiré l'accréditation militaire à des journalistes sous des prétextes douteux. Le cas le plus scandaleux est lié à la libération de Kherson par les troupes ukrainiennes des envahisseurs russes - une ville du sud située sur la rive droite du fleuve Dnipro. Les militaires ont révoqué l'accréditation de tous les journalistes qui sont arrivés à Kherson avant la tournée de presse officielle. Après un scandale dans le milieu professionnel, tous les journalistes ont vu leurs autorisations rétablies.

2. Adoption d’une loi controversée sur les médias

La nouvelle loi ukrainienne sur les médias était l'une des sept conditions fixées par Bruxelles pour obtenir le statut de candidat accéléré à l'UE. Le Parlement ukrainien l'a approuvée à la fin de l'année 2022, malgré les protestations des organisations journalistiques.

Les journalistes ukrainiens et la communauté internationale des médias ont critiqué la loi. La Fédération européenne des journalistes (FEJ) a fait valoir que le projet équivalait à une "réglementation forcée" par les autorités. Le syndicat des journalistes ukrainiens a également estimé que la loi limiterait la liberté d'expression.

L'impact réel de la nouvelle loi n'est pas encore clair, car elle n'entrera en vigueur qu'en avril. La loi accroît le pouvoir réglementaire du gouvernement sur la télévision, la radio et les sites d'information. Cependant, la loi a été considérablement adoucie après près de 1 000 révisions avant le vote final.

Les journalistes craignent que la nouvelle loi soit utilisée non seulement pour limiter la propagande russe, mais aussi pour limiter les critiques du gouvernement ukrainien. Leurs craintes sont fondées sur le fait qu'en 2022, trois chaînes de télévision pro-ukrainiennes ont été retirées des ondes, prétendument en raison de leurs liens avec l'ancien président ukrainien Petro Porochenko, un opposant de Volodymyr Zelensky. Ces chaînes de télévision continuent à émettre par satellite, sur Internet et sur les réseaux câblés, mais leur audience a nettement diminué. Presque toutes les autres chaînes de télévision sociopolitiques ont été réunies par les autorités ukrainiennes au sein de la chaîne United News Channel, qui est contrôlée de facto par le ministère de la Culture de l'Ukraine.

3. L'intérêt des Ukrainiens pour la télévision continue de baisser

L'intérêt des Ukrainiens pour la télévision ne cesse de diminuer d'année en année. Selon la dernière enquête de la société de recherche Gradus Research, plus de 60 % des Ukrainiens s'informent sur les réseaux sociaux et les médias en ligne, tandis qu'un peu moins de la moitié des habitants du pays regardent les informations à la télévision.

Une autre enquête financée par l'USAID a révélé un niveau d'influence encore plus élevé des réseaux sociaux : plus de 70 % des Ukrainiens s'y informent. Il est inquiétant que de tous les réseaux sociaux, Telegram, créé par un Russe, occupe la primauté, et que les flux les plus populaires sur ce réseau soient des potins anonymes, des rumeurs et des nouvelles non vérifiées.

Les raisons de la baisse d'intérêt pour la télévision linéaire ne sont peut-être pas seulement dues au progrès technique. Comme nous l'avons écrit plus haut, les autorités ont retiré une partie des chaînes de télévision de l'antenne, et l'autre partie a été fusionnée dans United News. En conséquence, le choix des téléspectateurs a été réduit, et les critiques de la télévision parlent de la faible qualité du contenu de United News.

4. Problèmes d'accès à l'information, en particulier aux registres

Le travail des journalistes est compliqué par l'absence d'un accès complet aux registres de données gouvernementales qui étaient ouverts avant l'invasion russe du 24 février 2022. Pour plus de cybersécurité, les autorités ukrainiennes ont fermé ou restreint l'accès aux registres gouvernementaux, allant des données sur les marchés publics militaires aux registres des entreprises commerciales. L'accès des journalistes aux réunions des gouvernements locaux et des autorités centrales est toujours limité. Tout cela augmente le risque de corruption.

5. Les territoires ukrainiens occupés par la Russie se transforment en déserts d'informations

Le travail des journalistes indépendants dans les territoires occupés par la Russie est impossible. Les médias reçoivent des informations d'informateurs anonymes via des messagers ou de personnes qui ont réussi à quitter l'occupation. Dans le même temps, des propagandistes russes (les "correspondants de guerre") travaillent dans les territoires occupés et relatent les succès de l'armée russe. Souvent, ces messages s'avèrent être faux.

Immédiatement après s'être emparés de nouveaux territoires, les Russes ont commencé à persécuter les journalistes indépendants et à saisir les rédactions des médias indépendants. C'était le cas en Crimée, à Donetsk et à Lougansk en 2014, et la même chose s'est produite en 2022. Par exemple, à Kherson, les Russes ont fracassé le bureau de la télévision publique Suspilne.Kherson. Maintenant, après la libération de Kherson par les troupes ukrainiennes, l'organisation non gouvernementale Lviv Media Forum collecte des dons pour restaurer le travail des médias locaux de Kherson. Ainsi, les journalistes de l'extrême ouest du pays, près de la frontière avec l'Union européenne, aident leurs collègues du sud, qui se trouvent dans une situation difficile.


Andrii Ianitsky est un journaliste désormais basé à Lviv et représentant de la Press Emblème Campagne (PEC) en Ukraine (a.ianitskyi@gmail.com).

Son premier rapport a été publié le 19 mars 2022, le deuxième le 28 mars 2022, le troisième le 5 avril 2022, le quatrième le 11 avril, le cinquième le 22 avril, le sixième le 10 mai, le septième le 27 juin et le huitième le 6 novembre 2022.

21.12.2022. BENIN. Presse Emblème Campagne demande la libération immédiate sans condition du journaliste Virgile Ahouansé

PEC Presse Emblème Campagne demande la libération immédiate sans condition du journaliste Virgile Ahouansé convoqué à la Brigade Criminelle le 20 décembre et placé en garde à vue. Le Directeur de l’information de la radio en ligne Cristal-News est accusé d’avoir publié de fausses informations reprises par les réseaux sociaux.

«La PEC est très préoccupée par les manquements à la liberté de la presse au Bénin. Des exécutions sommaires auraient lieu depuis l’avènement au pouvoir de Patrice Talon. Des journalistes ont osé malgré les menaces de représailles mettre à nu des cas d’exécutions avec témoins à l’appui. Ils sont maintenant pourchassés seulement pour avoir fait leur boulot», a dénoncé le représentant de la PEC pour le Sahel Hamidou ElHadji Touré.

Virgile Ahouansé a été interpellé le lundi 19 décembre, quelques jours après la publication d’une enquête où il a évoqué un cas d’exécution sommaire, mettant en cause la police béninoise dans un article intituté : « Panique à Porto-Novo : la Police Républicaine procède à des exécutions sommaires dans une école ». L’enquête a été  publiée le 14 décembre 2022.

Virgile Ahouansè n’est pas le premier à publier des informations sur ces exécutions sommaires de la police républicaine béninoise. La commission béninoise des droits de l’homme notamment les a dénoncées. Les témoins dont il a relayé les propos sont cependant revenus sur leur témoignage. Deux des témoins, notamment le  gardien de l’Epp Dowa où auraient lieu les exécutions et le Chef quartier ont été aussi interpellés quelques jours après la diffusion de l’information. Gardés à vue, ils seraient tous revenus sur leur parole, à en croire l’avocat Barnabé Gbago. Le journaliste risque d’être déféré à la Criet (Cour  de Répression des Infractions Economiques et du Terrorisme).

«Nous demandons la libération immédiate du journaliste qui a fait un travail essentiel d’enquête afin de briser le silence et de mettre fin à des abus inacceptables», a déclaré à Genève le président de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

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14.12.2022. PEC annual report. Ukraine and Mexico most dangerous countries in 2022 for journalists

French and Spanish after English - list of victims on CASUALTIES

Geneva, December 14, 2022 (PEC) Ukraine and Mexico were the most dangerous countries for media work this year, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said in its annual report published in Geneva on Wednesday. Since January, 115 media workers have been killed in 29 countries around the world.

«The number of journalists killed increased by 45% compared to last year (79 victims). It is the highest number of casualties since 2018 with a brutal deterioration in Europe due to the war in Ukraine», said PEC President Blaise Lempen.

By region, Latin America is ahead with 39 journalists killed, followed by Europe with 37 victims, then Asia 30, Africa 7 and North America 2.

Many victims in Ukraine

Europe experienced the worst deterioration in the safety of journalists since the wars in former Yugoslavia from 1992 to 1999. In Ukraine, it is very difficult to establish the exact circumstances of the deaths of journalists in the absence of an independent investigation. PEC counted 34 victims since the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24.

At least 8 journalists were clearly killed in the line of duty, 12 others on Russian shelling attacks or other crimes and at least 14 as fighters in the Ukrainian army (source: Institute of Mass Information, Kyiv). Among the 34 victims, 8 were foreigners (Brent Renaud, Maks Levin, Pierre Zakrzewski, Frédéric Lerclerc-Imhoff, Mantas Kvedaravicius and 3 Russians : Oksana Baulina, Svetlana Babayeva and Oleg Klokov).

After Ukraine, Mexico was the most dangerous country with 17 victims, the highest annual death toll since at least the beginning of the century in this country. They were the target of criminal gangs in a climate of violence and impunity.

At the third place with 8 victims, Haiti has experienced significant deterioration due to growing insecurity.

Six deaths were recorded in Pakistan, 5 in the Philippines, 4 in Colombia and 4 in India.

Three victims were registered in the following countries : Bangladesh, Honduras, Israël/Palestine, and Yemen.

Two deaths were recorded in Brazil, Chad, Ecuador, Myanmar, Somalia, Syria, United States of America. Finally, one victim has been identified in the following countries : Central African Republic, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Paraguay, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, and Vietnam.

PEC strongly condemns these attacks and calls for those responsible for these crimes to be brought to justice as quickly as possible.

As a positive note, there was no casualties among journalists so far in Afghanistan in 2022 instead of 12 in 2021. However, many journalists were obliged to flee the country.

On average more than 2 journalists killed each week

Over the last 5 years, Mexico has recorded the greatest number of victims (69), ahead of Afghanistan (44), then India (37), Ukraine (36), Pakistan (34), Syria (24), the Philippines (21), Yemen (17), Honduras (13), Somalia (13), Brazil (12) and Haiti (11).

In ten years, from 2013 to 2022, 1135 journalists were killed, or 113 per year, 2.2 per week, according to figures from the PEC.

Press Emblem Campaign hopes that the international community will start in 2023 the work for an international convention to enhance the safety of journalists. It would be a great step forward to better fight against impunity.

The PEC lists all killed media workers, whether or not their deaths are related to their professional activity. It is indeed difficult to prove that a crime takes place connected to the work of a journalist without independent and comprehensive investigations which are often lacking.

Rapport annuel de la PEC. L'Ukraine et le Mexique pays les plus dangereux en 2022 pour les journalistes

Genève, 14 décembre 2022 (PEC) L'Ukraine et le Mexique ont été les pays les plus dangereux pour le travail des médias cette année, 
a déclaré la Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) dans son rapport annuel publié mercredi à Genève. Depuis janvier, 115 professionnels 
des médias ont été tués dans 29 pays à travers le monde.

« Le nombre de journalistes tués a augmenté de 45% par rapport à l'année dernière (79 victimes). C'est le plus grand nombre de victimes 
depuis 2018 avec une détérioration brutale en Europe due à la guerre en Ukraine », a déclaré le président de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

Par région, l'Amérique latine arrive en tête avec 39 journalistes tués, devant l'Europe avec 37 victimes, puis l'Asie 30, l'Afrique 7 
et l'Amérique du Nord 2.

Nombreuses victimes en Ukraine

L’Europe a connu la pire dégradation de la sécurité des journalistes depuis les guerres dans l’ex-Yougoslavie entre 1992 et 1999. En Ukraine, 
il est très difficile d'établir les circonstances exactes de la mort des journalistes en l'absence d'enquête indépendante. La PEC a dénombré 
34 victimes depuis le début de l'invasion russe le 24 février.

Au moins 8 journalistes ont été clairement tués dans l'exercice de leurs fonctions, 12 autres dans des bombardements russes et autres attaques 
et au moins 14 en tant que combattants dans l'armée ukrainienne (source : Institute of Mass Information, Kiev). Parmi les 34 victimes, 
8 étaient des étrangers (Brent Renaud, Maks Levin, Pierre Zakrzewski, Frédéric Lerclerc-Imhoff, Mantas Kvedaravicius et 3 Russes : 
Oksana Baulina, Svetlana Babayeva et Oleg Klokov).

Après l'Ukraine, le Mexique a été le pays le plus dangereux avec 17 victimes, le bilan annuel le plus élevé depuis au moins le début 
du siècle dans ce pays. Elles ont été la cible de gangs criminels dans un climat de violence et d'impunité.

À la troisième place avec 8 victimes, Haïti a connu une détérioration importante en raison de l'insécurité croissante.

Six décès ont été enregistrés au Pakistan, 5 aux Philippines, 4 en Colombie et 4 en Inde.

Trois victimes ont été dénombrées dans les pays suivants : Bangladesh, Honduras, Israël/Palestine et Yémen.

Deux décès ont été enregistrés au Brésil, au Tchad, en Équateur, au Myanmar, en Somalie, en Syrie, aux États-Unis d'Amérique. Enfin, 
une victime a été identifiée dans les pays suivants : République centrafricaine, Chili, République démocratique du Congo, Guatemala, 
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Paraguay, Russie, Suède, Turquie et Vietnam.

La PEC condamne fermement ces attaques et demande que les responsables de ces crimes soient traduits en justice aussi rapidement que possible.

Point positif, il n'y a eu jusqu'à présent aucune victime parmi les journalistes en Afghanistan en 2022 au lieu de 12 en 2021. Cependant, 
de nombreux journalistes ont été contraints de fuir le pays.

En moyenne plus de 2 journalistes tués chaque semaine

Au cours des 5 dernières années, le Mexique a enregistré le plus grand nombre de victimes (69), devant l'Afghanistan (44), puis l'Inde (37), 
l'Ukraine (36), le Pakistan (34), la Syrie (24), les Philippines (21 ), le Yémen (17), le Honduras (13), la Somalie (13), le Brésil (12) et Haïti (11).

En dix ans, de 2013 à 2022, 1135 journalistes ont été tués, soit 113 par an, 2,2 par semaine, selon les chiffres de la PEC.

La PEC espère que la communauté internationale entamera en 2023 les travaux pour une convention internationale visant à renforcer la sécurité
 des journalistes. Ce serait un grand pas en avant dans la lutte contre l'impunité.

Le PEC répertorie tous les travailleurs des médias tués, que leur décès soit lié ou non à leur activité professionnelle. Il est en effet difficile 
de prouver qu'un crime est commis en rapport avec le travail d'un journaliste sans enquête indépendante et complète qui fait souvent défaut.

Informe anual de la PEC. Ucrania y México, los países más peligrosos para los periodistas en 2022 

Ginebra, 14 de diciembre de 2022 (PEC).- Ucrania y México fueron los países más peligrosos para el trabajo de los medios de comunicación
 este año, dijo la Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC, por sus siglas en inglés) en su informe anual publicado en Ginebra este miércoles. 
Desde enero, 115 trabajadores de los medios han sido asesinados en 29 países de todo el mundo.

“El número de periodistas asesinados aumentó en un 45 % con respecto al año pasado (79 víctimas). Este es el número más alto de bajas 
desde 2018 con un deterioro brutal en Europa debido a la guerra en Ucrania”, dijo el presidente de la PEC, Blaise Lempen. 

Por regiones, América Latina está a la cabeza con 39 periodistas asesinados, seguida de Europa con 37 víctimas, luego Asia 30, África 7 y 
América del Norte 2. 

Muchas víctimas en Ucrania 

Europa experimentó el peor deterioro de la seguridad de los periodistas desde las guerras en la ex Yugoslavia de 1992 a 1999. En Ucrania 
es muy difícil establecer las circunstancias exactas de las muertes de los periodistas en ausencia de una investigación independiente. La PEC 
contabilizó 34 víctimas desde el comienzo de la invasión rusa, el 24 de febrero pasado. 

Al menos 8 periodistas murieron claramente en el cumplimiento de su deber, otros 12 en ataques de bombardeos rusos y otros delitos y 
al menos 14 como combatientes en el ejército ucraniano (fuente: Institute of Mass Information, Kyiv). Entre las 34 víctimas, 8 eran extranjeros
 (Brent Renaud, Maks Levin, Pierre Zakrzewski, Frédéric Lerclerc-Imhoff, Mantas Kvedaravicius y 3 rusos: Oksana Baulina, Svetlana 
Babayeva y Oleg Klokov). 

Después de Ucrania, México fue el país más peligroso con 17 víctimas, la mayor cifra anual de muertos desde al menos principios de siglo 
en este país. Eran blanco de bandas criminales en un clima de violencia e impunidad. 

En el tercer lugar, con 8 víctimas, Haití ha experimentado un deterioro significativo debido a la creciente inseguridad. 

Se registraron seis muertes en Pakistán, 5 en Filipinas, 4 en Colombia y 4 en India. Se registraron tres víctimas en los siguientes países: 
Bangladesh, Honduras, Israel/Palestina y Yemen. 

Se registraron dos muertes en Brasil, Chad, Ecuador, Myanmar, Siria, Somalia, Estados Unidos de América. Finalmente, se ha identificado 
una víctima en los siguientes países: República Centroafricana, Chile, República Democrática del Congo, Guatemala, Kazajstán, Kenia, 
Paraguay, Rusia, Suecia, Turquía y Vietnam. 

La PEC condena enérgicamente estos ataques y pide que los responsables de estos crímenes sean llevados ante la justicia lo mas rápido posible.

Como nota positiva, hasta ahora no ha habido víctimas entre los periodistas en Afganistán en 2022, país que tuvo el lugar de 12 en el 2021. 
Sin embargo, muchos periodistas se vieron obligados a huir del país. 

En promedio más de 2 periodistas asesinados cada semana 

En los últimos 5 años, México ha registrado el mayor número de víctimas (69), por delante de Afganistán (44), luego India (37), Ucrania (36), 
Pakistán (34), Siria (24), Filipinas (21 ), Yemen (17), Honduras (13), Somalia (13), Brasil (12) y Haití (11). 

En diez años, de 2013 a 2022, 1,135 periodistas fueron asesinados, es decir, 113 por año, 2,2 por semana, según cifras de la PEC. 

La Campaña Emblema de Prensa espera que la comunidad internacional comience en 2023 el trabajo para lograr una convención internacional 
con el fin de mejorar la seguridad de los periodistas. Sería un gran paso adelante para luchar de una manera más eficaz en contra de la impunidad. 

La PEC enumera a todos los trabajadores de los medios asesinados, estén o no relacionados con su actividad profesional. De hecho, es difícil
probar que se comete un delito relacionado con el trabajo de un periodista sin investigaciones independientes y exhaustivas que a menudo faltan. 

01.11.2022. International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists : more needs to be done

en français après l'anglais

Geneva, November 1rst (PEC) More needs to be done to fight impunity on the ground, said the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) to mark the 2022 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on 2 November. Slow progress are made, but still very insufficient. PEC appeals to launch the work for an international convention.

Recently, five years after the killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017 in Malta, two brothers were sentenced to 40 years in prison on 14 October, Justice is very slow but better than nothing.

In Mexico, three persons were condemned on 28 October for the murder of journalist Lourdes Maldonado killed on 23 January 2021.

Despite these rare examples, impunity is prevailing in most crimes. The masterminds of the crime are not prosecuted. According to a recent UNESCO report, 86% of the crimes against journalists remained unpunished. In 10 years the drop is only 9%.

UNESCO reported an upward trend of resolved cases worldwide from 11% in 2018 to 14% in 2022.

2022 will be a particularly deadly year for journalists with already 107 media workers killed (see our list of casualties : https://pressemblem.ch/casualties.shtml )

It is an increase of 57% in 10 months compared to last year. Ukraine, Mexico, Pakistan, Haiti are so far the most dangerous countries for journalists this year.

It iy very important that the killings in Ukraine don’t go unpunished and that the circumstances of those crimes are investigated independently.

PEC is calling again on governments to support the adoption of a UN Convention on the safety of journalists and other media professionals. Despite 13 resolutions on the safety of journalists adopted at the United Nations and the adoption of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of journalists and impunity which commemorates its 10th anniversary, journalists continue to be attacked for doing their job. It is urgent to adopt a binding instrument that would force governments to address impunity for violence targeting journalists and media personnel, investigate and prosecute those responsible.

In this regard, PEC welcomes the global campaign for the adoption of an International Convention dedicated to the protection of journalists and media professionals, formally launched by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) at the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 30 September 2022.

The Convention highlights existing weaknesses and loopholes in international humanitarian and human rights law and the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms. Over 60 journalists and media unions, associations, media representative bodies, media organisations and NGOs across the world have already backed the convention.

PEC calls upon the European Union to take the lead in the process of the adoption of the Convention. EU must show its commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression not just with words but with deeds.

28.10.2022. IRAN. Iranian authorities must immediately release all journalists arrested because of their coverage of Mahsa Amini’s death and the protests that have followed. Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) demands the immediate release of these journalists and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on Iranians’ right to be informed.

Report by Iran Human Rights Monitor

The Islamic Republic of Iran is carrying out a dark criminal project by detaining journalists and cutting off the internet. The summons and detentions of journalists in Iran started from the beginning of the nationwide protests on September 16, 2022, in protest to the murder of Mahsa Amini and has continued. Based on the received news and news collected from other news and personal accounts of lawyers and families, at least 20 journalists and media outlets have been summoned or arrested. Some of these people were first summoned under the pretext of asking a few questions, but then they were taken to prison. Some are in prison now, and some are missing.

Among the arrested journalists, we can mention Nilofar Hamidi, reporter of Sharq newspaper. She is the one who appeared in Kasri Hospital in Tehran for the first time and published the picture of Mahsa Amini in coma. The news that became a spark for the start of nationwide protests in Iran. She was subsequently detained and has been arrested for 37days.

Also, Yalda Meiri is the same photographer who showed the image of a girl in the middle of smoke and fire during the protests of 2016, an image that became one of the symbols of the protests of December 2016, and later the president of the United States, Donald Trump, tweeted about it in Persian. Elaheh Mohammadi, the reporter of HamMihan newspaper, was arrested by intelligence agents on September 29, 2022. Elaha Mohammadi is a journalist who went to Saqqez city and gave coverage to Mahsa Amini's funeral, which was published in Ham Mihan newspaper.

Also, after the arrest of Ahwazi journalist Mehrnoosh Tafian, there is no news about his whereabouts.

Names and details of journalists summoned or arrested during the nationwide uprising in Iran

1- Nilofar Hamedi, journalist of Sharq newspaper, place of arrest: Tehran, date of arrest: 22 September

2- Yalda Moiri, journalist, place of arrest: Hijab Street, Tehran, date of arrest: 20 September - she was then transferred to Qarchak Varamin prison.

3- Marzieh Talai, journalist and media activist at Mokarian News Agency, place of arrest: Saqqez, date of arrest: 20 September (arrested along with Ali Khatib while walking in one of the streets of Saqqez after seizing their mobile phone)

4- Ali Khatibzadeh, journalist and media activist at Mokrian News Agency, place of arrest: Saqqez, date of arrest: 20 September - arrested along with Marzieh Talai.

5- Khosro Kordpour, senior manager of the Mokrian news website, place of arrest: Saqez, date of arrest: 20 September

6- Masoud Kordpour, senior manager of the Mokarian news website, place of arrest: Saqez, date of arrest: 21 September Twitter: @IranHrm - Website: https://iran-hrm.com

7- Batool Blaai, journalist, place of arrest: Sirjan, date of arrest: 21 September (arrested together with Samira Alinejad. These two journalists were summoned by the police forces in one of the protest gatherings in Sirjan for some explanations. Upon arrival to one of police centers in Sirjan, they were arrested and transferred to the prison of this city

8- Samira Alinejad, place of arrest: Sirjan, date of arrest: 21 September (together with Batool Balai)

9- Fatemeh Rajabi, journalist and women's rights activist, place of arrest: Tehran, date of arrest: 23 September

10- Elahe Mohammadi, the reporter of Ham Mihan newspaper, her lawyer announced in a tweet that this journalist, who had prepared a report on Mehsa Amini, was arrested in Tehran on September 29, after being summoned by phone

11- Mojtaba Rahimi, journalist, place of arrest: at his home in Qazvin, date of arrest: 22 September, he had informed about the presence of protesters in the streets

12- Alireza Khoshbat, journalist, place of arrest: Tehran, date of arrest: 22 September

13- Rohollah Nakhai, media activist and journalist, place of arrest: Tehran, date of arrest: 22 September

14- Vida Rabbani, journalist, place of arrest: Piranshahr, date of arrest: October 1, 2022

15- Elnaz Mohammadi, a journalist, was arrested along with Elaha Mohammadi

16- Hamid Shafiei, date of arrest: 23 September 2022

17- Ahmad Halabi Saz, photographer and journalist, place of arrest: Tehran, date of arrest: 22 September, he was then transferred to Evin 18- Mehrnoosh Tafian - journalist and civil activist, place of arrest: Ahvaz, date of arrest: 27 September

19- Farshid Gurbanpour, literary journalist and manager of Soren Book virtual bookstore, place of arrest: Tehran, date of arrest: 25 September

20- Alireza Jabari Darestani, journalist and activist, place of arrest: Tehran, date of arrest: 23 September 2022

25.10.2022. PAKISTAN/KENYA. PEC demands probe into murder of Pak journalist in Nairobi

With Nava Thakuria PEC South Asia Representative

Geneva, Switzerland: Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), the global media safety and rights body, condemned the murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif (50) in Nairobi, who becomes the 102nd media victims so far in 2022 and urged the Kenya government to fairly probe into the incident that led to his demise. The broadcast journalist in exile, who was critical to the Pak military agencies, was shot dead by armed personnel on Sunday night, stated his wife Javeria Siddique.

A former reporter with ARY TV Arshad fled to Kenya in August following troubles in his country. A Karachi-born Arshad started his journalistic career three decades back and emerged as a popular media personality with his investigative reports. A master’s degree holder in media studies, Arshad also worked with Aaj News, Dunya TV, Dawn News, etc. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists along with a large number of media workers condoled his untimely demise.

“We demand a transparent judicial investigation into Arshad’s killing and urge Kenyan President William Ruto to punish the culprits, involved with his murder, under the relevant laws,” said Blaise Lempen, president of PEC, adding that the brave journalist had to leave Pakistan following sedition charges were framed against him following an interview with an opposition politician.

Pakistan earlier lost journalists Muhammad Younis, Iftikhar Ahmed, Hasnain Shah, Murtaza Shar and Athar Mateen to assailants this year, said PEC’s south Asia representative Nava Thakuria adding that India witnessed the murder of journalists Rohit Kumar Biswal, Sudhir Saini, Juned Khan Pathan and Subhash Kumar Mahato since 1 January. Journalists namely Hashibur Rahaman Rubel, Mohiuddin Sarker Nayeem and Abdul Bari were killed in Bangladesh and Myanmar witnessed the death of photojournalist Aye Kyaw and journalist Pu Tui Dim in military atrocities.

07.10.2022. UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL.  PEC welcomes the nomination by the Human Rights Council of a special rapporteur on Russia

Geneva, 7 October (PEC) Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes the nomination by the Human Rights Council of a Special rapporteur on Russia. The resolution presented by the European Union has been adopted today in Geneva by 17 votes in favour, 6 against (Russia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Venezuela) and 24 abstentions at the end of the 51rst session.

«This international support, despite the large number of abstentions among African and Latin American countries, shows that Russia cannot escape the scrutiny of the international community. An independent monitoring of the situation in Russia is imperative due to the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the country. It will be important for the civil society in Russia to have a focal point at the United Nations», said PEC President Blaise Lempen.

«Permanent Members of the Security Council of the United Nations are not above the law. The veto power in the Council in New York does not allow them to arbitrarily arrest opponents, close down independent media and commit war crimes», he added.

The resolution adopted expresses in particular its concern «at the mass forced shutdowns of civil society organizations, including the International Human Rights Centre “Memorial” and the Centre for Support of Indigenous Peoples of the North, and independent media outlets, including radio channels, television channels, online media and newspapers, including Novaya Gazeta, Echo of Moscow and the television channel Dozhd, the bans of foreign media and the targeted revocation of registration of foreign organizations by the Russian authorities, and also at the limited access of Russian civil society to information and communications infrastructure and the increase in censorship and disinformation».

Russia’s latest crackdown on independent journalists is another step to silence dissenting voices on the war in Ukraine. According to various sources, at least 27 journalists were arrested since President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial mobilization” of military reservists on Wednesday, September 21.

New resolution on the safety of journalists and UN Convention

PEC also welcomes a new resolution on the safety of journalists adopted by consensus at the HRC. This resolution is the 13th of the United Nations on the safety of journalists and the 6th at the HRC since 2012. “It is an important testimony of the awareness of the problem at the diplomatic level the last ten years", said PEC President. "The new one is very comprehensive and contains a detailed catalogue of measures which, if implemented, would improve the situation of media workers. We can only urge States to implement them", he added.

Words are not enough, actions are needed. To better fight impunity, there is a need of an international binding instrument. In this respect, PEC supports the new campaign for an international Convention dedicated to the safety of journalists launched at a side event at the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 30 September by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Read more on : https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/un-ifj-leads-call-for-action-to-fight-impunity.html

A record number of journalists have been killed this year, 97 until the end of September (79 for the whole year of 2021) see our list of casualties on: https://pressemblem.ch/casualties.shtml

The PEC hopes that the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of action in November 2022 will be an opportunity to strengthen the fight against ever-growing threats to freedom of expression, at at time where many of ou colleagues are taking risks to cover the war between Russia and Ukraine.

- Protecting media to protect democracy, high-level conference, Vienna, 3-4 November : 10tth anniversary of the UN Plan of Action on the safety of journalists

- Annual PEC award for the Protection of Journalists. Geneva, mid-November

- PEC Annual report on Journalists killed in 2022, Geneva, mid-December

La PEC salue la nomination par le Conseil des droits de l'homme d'un rapporteur spécial sur la Russie

Genève, 7 octobre (PEC) Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) se félicite de la nomination par le Conseil des droits de l'homme d'un

rapporteur spécial sur la Russie. La résolution présentée par l'Union européenne a été adoptée vendredi à Genève par 17 voix

pour, 6 contre (Russie, Chine, Cuba, Erythrée, Kazakhstan, Venezuela) et 24 abstentions à l'issue de la 51ème session.

"Ce soutien international, malgré le grand nombre d'abstentions parmi les pays d'Afrique et d'Amérique latine, montre que la

Russie ne peut échapper à l’examen de la communauté internationale. Un suivi indépendant de la situation en Russie est impératif

en raison de la détérioration rapide de la situation des droits de l'homme dans le pays. Il sera important pour la société civile russe

d'avoir un point de contact aux Nations Unies", a déclaré Blaise Lempen, président de la PEC.

"Les membres permanents du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies ne sont pas au-dessus des lois. Le droit de veto au Conseil à

New York ne leur permet pas d'arrêter arbitrairement des opposants, de fermer des médias indépendants et de commettre des

crimes de guerre", a-t-il ajouté.

La résolution adoptée exprime notamment sa préoccupation "face aux fermetures massives et forcées d'organisations de la

société civile, dont le Centre international des droits de l'homme "Memorial" et le Centre de soutien aux peuples indigènes du

Nord, et de médias indépendants, dont des chaînes de radio, des chaînes de télévision, des médias en ligne et des journaux,

notamment Novaya Gazeta, Echo of Moscow et la chaîne de télévision Dozhd, les interdictions de médias étrangers et la

révocation ciblée de l'enregistrement d'organisations étrangères par les autorités russes, ainsi que l'accès limité de la société civile

russe aux infrastructures d'information et de communication et l'augmentation de la censure et de la désinformation".

Les dernières mesures de répression prises par la Russie à l'encontre des journalistes indépendants constituent une nouvelle

étape pour faire taire les voix dissidentes sur la guerre en Ukraine. Selon diverses sources, au moins 27 journalistes ont été

arrêtés depuis que le président Vladimir Poutine a annoncé une "mobilisation partielle" des réservistes militaires le mercredi 21

septembre.

Nouvelle résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes et Convention de l'ONU

La PEC salue également une nouvelle résolution sur la sécurité des journalistes adoptée par consensus au Conseil des droits de

l’Homme (CDH). Cette résolution est la 13ème des Nations Unies sur la sécurité des journalistes et la 6ème au CDH depuis 2012.

"C'est un témoignage important de la prise de conscience du problème au niveau diplomatique ces dix dernières années", a

déclaré le président de la PEC. "La nouvelle résolution est très complète et contient un catalogue détaillé de mesures qui, si elles

étaient appliquées, amélioreraient la situation des travailleurs des médias. Nous ne pouvons qu'exhorter les États à les mettre en

œuvre", a-t-il ajouté.

Les mots ne suffisent pas, des actions sont nécessaires. Pour mieux combattre l'impunité, il est nécessaire de disposer d'un

instrument international contraignant. A cet égard, la PEC soutient la nouvelle campagne pour une Convention internationale

dédiée à la sécurité des journalistes, lancée lors d'un événement parallèle à la 51ème session du Conseil des droits de l'homme

de l'ONU à Genève le 30 septembre par la Fédération internationale des journalistes (FIJ). Plus d'informations sur :

https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/un-ifj-leads-call-for-action-to-fight-impunity.html

Un nombre record de journalistes ont été tués cette année, 97 jusqu'à la fin du mois de septembre (79 pour l'ensemble de l'année

2021) ; voir notre liste de victimes sur : https://pressemblem.ch/casualties.shtml.

La PEC espère que le 10ème anniversaire du Plan d'action de l'ONU en novembre 2022 sera l'occasion de renforcer la lutte

contre les menaces croissantes pour la liberté d'expression, à l'heure où beaucoup de nos collègues prennent des risques pour

couvrir la guerre entre la Russie et l'Ukraine.

Prochainement à notre agenda :

- Journée internationale de la fin de l'impunité pour les crimes contre les journalistes, le 2 novembre.

- Protéger les médias pour protéger la démocratie, conférence de haut niveau, Vienne, 3-4 novembre : 10e anniversaire du plan d'action des Nations unies pour la sécurité des journalistes.

- Prix annuel PEC pour la protection des journalistes, Genève, mi-novembre

- Rapport annuel de la PEC sur les journalistes tués en 2022, Genève, mi-décembre.

Lviv (Ukraine), 06 October 2022. 

1. The safety of the work of journalists in Ukraine has increased

Despite the fact that the war in Ukraine continues, the number of deaths of journalists has changed little over the past three months. If in the first four months after the full-scale invasion in Ukraine, 33 media figures died, then over the past three months, The Institute of Mass Information recorded 7 deaths (that is, a total of 40 deaths in March-September 2022).

The death rate of journalists has declined due to a number of factors. 

First, active hostilities have been localized in the east and south of Ukraine, where the Ukrainian army can restrict the access of journalists. 

Secondly, the Ukrainian military closes access to the front line completely during the most intense battles. 

Thirdly, the Ukrainian army worked out the accreditation scheme and the process of escorting journalists in the combat zone. 

An important factor is a fact that interest in the events in Ukraine in the world has subsided, and in general, there are far fewer journalists working in Ukraine today than in the first months of the war.

Finally, humanitarian organizations were able to provide all journalists with personal protective equipment (body armor and helmets, first aid kits) and train hundreds of journalists in first aid.

2. Ukraine Debates New Media Law

Ukraine’s new media law has been years in the making and should see the light by late autumn. The new law is one of seven conditions laid down by Brussels for fast-track EU-candidate status. 

The legislation has encountered stiff criticism from Ukrainian journalists and the international media community. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) argued that the draft amounted to “forced regulation” in the hands of a regulator “controlled by the authorities”. Ukraine’s journalists’ union agreed that the law would limit freedom of speech. 

On August 30, Ukrainian deputies adopted the media law in the first reading. There are still debates and amendments to the law ahead, which can make it more compromising and acceptable to the media community.

3. Large Ukrainian media holding ceased to exist
   
   

In July, Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s wealthiest businessman, announced he had relinquished the control of his Media Group Ukraine (MGU), leading to the dismissal of around 4,000 people.

Thousands of media employees will find themselves without a job in a market that is already suffering due to war and lack of funds. The advertising market of Ukraine decreased by 70 per cent after the escalation of the war in February, according to the official figures.

Akhmetov has not yet waived content property rights and copyrights, which could allow MGU to return, although in some other format.

4. Investigative journalists record war crimes of Russians in Ukraine

Ukrainian and international investigative journalists are documenting more and more Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Such investigative groups as Slidstvo.info, Bihus.info, Schemes, investigation department of the Ukrainian Pravda do a great job of identifying war criminals and individuals or companies that evade sanctions.

Special mention should be made of Bellingcat's investigations into Ukraine, as well as the NYT and Washington Post teams that closely monitor events in Ukraine.

Special mention should be made of Bellingcat's investigations into Ukraine, as well as the NYT and Washington Post teams that closely monitor events in Ukraine.

As well as an Ukraine Justice Report project by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (disclosure: the author of the report also collaborates with this Institute, but works on a different project) and a war crimes tracker by the Associated Press and PBS' Frontline.

The work of journalists is of great importance for documenting war crimes and for the subsequent punishment of the perpetrators.

(Andrii Ianitsky is journalist now based in Lviv and PEC Representative in Ukraine (a.ianitskyi@gmail.com).

27.09.2022. RUSSIA. UN Human Rights Council 51rst session. Joint Civil Society Letter to the HRC on Russia.

To Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council

Excellency,

Russian Federation: The Human Rights Council should take urgent action to address the dire human rights situation in Russia

We are writing to call on your delegation to stand with Russian human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organizations by supporting the resolution at the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC51) on the establishment of a Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Russia.

Over the last several years, the Russian authorities have engaged in a systematic campaign of repression of human rights and restriction of civic space including by shutting down independent media, intimidating and harassing human rights defenders and activists, banning peaceful protest, and imposing impermissible restrictions on the operations of independent civil society organizations in the country, including those that seek justice and effective remedies for human rights violations.

Human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organizations targeted by the Russian authorities include those campaigning for free and fair elections, women’s human rights, and the rights of religious, ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities, as well as those fighting against politically motivated persecution and against corruption and environmental degradation. During the last months, the intimidation, harassment, and attacks have risen to a new level. Indeed, it has never been more difficult or dangerous for human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organisations to operate in the post-Soviet Russian Federation. Today, we stand in solidarity with a growing chorus of Russian human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organizations calling for the establishment of a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia.

Since the adoption of the March 2022 censorship legislation criminalizing the spreading of supposed “fake news” and independent media reporting on Russia’s armed conflict with Ukraine, authorities blocked access to dozens of independent media and opened scores of criminal cases against human rights defenders, grass roots activists, prominent independent bloggers, journalists and opposition politicians, including Vladimir Kara-Murza, and over 1250 administrative cases throughout Russia. Bogus criminal cases against anti-war protesters are also being opened on various other charges, including criminal hooliganism. Over 15,000 anti-war protesters have been detained. The authorities have instrumentalized counter-extremism and counter-terrorism legislation to fabricate criminal cases against the dissenters. Scores of people, including political opposition figure Alexei Navalny, remain behind bars on politically motivated grounds.

The Russian Federation’s growing repressive policies, combined with the country’s exclusion from the Council of Europe – victims of new human rights violations committed by the Russian Federation from 17 September lost protection under the European Convention on Human Rights– and its diplomatic isolation from those States which have been supportive of human rights and civil society in Russia, make it increasingly difficult for Russian human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organizations to engage with the international community and there is no end in sight. Without robust and genuine international support, and a monitoring mechanism, independent Russian civil society organizations will continue to be left isolated and dangerously exposed.

Given the escalating repression, restrictions on the operations of independent civil society organizations and suppression of civic space, a rigorous monitoring of the human rights situation in Russia is imperative. A dedicated Special Rapporteur mandate would independently collect information and analyse the human rights situation in Russia, allowing Human Rights Council Members to be informed by in-depth and authoritative reports and to make recommendations on how to improve the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the country. A Special Rapporteur could also serve as a point of contact for Russian human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organizations, within the UN human rights infrastructure at a time when such a role is critical. A Special Rapporteur would provide an important independent voice to speak up against deepening restrictions to human rights in Russia and on behalf of those facing intimidation, harassment, and reprisal for their activism or their human rights work.

While it is important that existing thematic Special Procedures continue to address the situation of the Russian Federation within the scope of their respective mandates, it is critical that there be a single expert that can tie the various strands together and address the situation in a holistic manner and who can more fully engage with Russian authorities, as well as with human rights defenders, activists, and civil society organizations.

We count on your delegation to show solidarity with Russian human rights defenders, activists, and independent civil society organizations by supporting a resolution establishing a Special Rapporteur mandate on the human rights situation in Russia.

19.09.2022. MALI. La PEC préoccupée par la détérioration de la liberté de la presse au Mali

Avec Hamidou El Hadji Touré, représentant de la PEC pour le Sahel

Genève, 19 septembre 2022 (PEC) La Presse Emblème Campagne (Press Emblem Campaign www.pressemblem.ch) est très préoccupée par la détérioration de la liberté de la presse au Mali. L’ONG basée à Genève demande que le sort des journalistes disparus soit éclairci et que le Conseil des droits de l’homme de l’ONU, lors de son débat sur les disparitions forcées, exhorte les autorités à respecter leurs engagements en matière de droits humains et à garantir la sécurité des journalistes.

La liberté d’expression est compromise par des menaces anonymes et des emprisonnements sans procès. «Soit on se tait, soit on fait la propagande des militaires et on s’aligne, soit on quitte le pays», résume un observateur ayant requis l’anonymat. Depuis le coup d’État ayant balayé le président légalement élu Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta le 18 août 2020, la liberté de la presse n’a cessé de se dégrader.

Multiples enlèvements

Les responsables des organisations de journalistes sont plus qu’inquiets et multiplient les appels. Ils ont vivement dénoncé les enlèvements de journalistes au centre et au nord du pays, notamment Olivier Dubois, Amadou Dicko et Hamadou Nialibouly. Le dossier n’avance toujours pas sur le cas de Birama Touré, disparu à Bamako le 29 janvier 2016. Selon une enquête de RSF, il est très probablement mort sous la torture dans les locaux des services de renseignement en 2016.

Le journaliste français Olivier Dubois a été enlevé à Gao le 8 avril 2021 et est l’otage du Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (GSIM). Né en 1974 à Paris, correspondant pour Le Point et Libération, c’est un spécialiste du Sahel qui vit au Mali depuis 2015.

Hamadoun Nialibouly, journaliste malien travaillant pour la radio Dande Douentza (la Voix de Douentza) a été descendu d’un car le 27 septembre 2020 à Mandjo, dans la région de Mopti, alors qu’il rentrait de Bamako après y avoir suivi un atelier de formation de journalistes dans le cadre du projet Mali Media. Ses ravisseurs ne seraient pas des djihadistes mais une milice de chasseurs traditionnels. Il est retenu depuis près de deux ans et l’on reste sans aucune nouvelle de son sort. Les enquêtes de police n’ont pas permis de retrouver les ravisseurs.

Moussa M’Bana Dicko, journaliste malien chef des programmes de la radio Dande Haire (La Voix de Hairé) a été enlevé chez lui à Boni (secteur de Douentza) le 18 avril 2021 par des présumés djihadistes. Ils ont expliqué à sa famille qu’il aurait tenu des propos critiques à leur encontre. Deouis son enlèvement seul un ex-codétenu a donné de ses nouvelles il y a plus de trois mois.

Recrudescence de la violence

Selon l’Expert indépendant sur le Mali, Alioune Tine, le pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest subit une grave recrudescence de la violence, perpétrée à la fois par les soldats djihadistes affiliés à Al-Qaïda et à l'État Islamique (EI), ainsi que les groupes communautaires et les forces maliennes. Les populations civiles sont les premières touchées, avec de nombreuses disparitions forcées et des allégations de torture. Un rapport de la mission de l'ONU au Mali (MINUSMA) avait déjà confirmé l'assassinat de 584 civils en 2021, un chiffre qui pourrait augmenter en 2022. « Le grand problème aujourd’hui, c’est l’impunité », affirme l’expert indépendant, qui soulignait, le 29 mars devant le Conseil des droits de l’homme, le manque d’enquêtes, la lenteur des procédures judiciaires et l’absence de juges d’instruction.

Le Mali, comme tout le Sahel, est devenu un pays encore plus dangereux après le départ des derniers soldats français de l’opération Barkhane le 15 août dernier. Deux reporters de RFI Ghislaine Dupont et Claude Verlon y ont été assassinés en 2013. Les journalistes espagnols Roberto Fraile et David Beriain, ont été tués lors d'une attaque au Burkina Faso le 26 avril 2021.

Les autorités maliennes se sont depuis tournées vers la Russie pour le soutien militaire, avec des instructeurs que Paris et Washington accusent d’être des mercenaires du groupe Wagner. Le président de la Maison de la presse au Mali place néanmoins toute sa confiance en la justice malienne et invite les autorités à œuvrer pour retrouver et libérer les journalistes détenus.

25.08.2022. AFGHANISTAN. AFJC Records 245 Cases of Media Violation During the First Year of Taliban Rule in Afghanistan

(Kabul) - Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) issued its report about the state of media freedom in Afghanistan during the first year of Taliban rule, which has noticed a significant increase in cases of violation of media freedom and the closure of almost half of media outlets in the country.

The report finds a deterioration in press freedom over the past year, marked by censorship, detentions, assaults, and restrictions on media outlets, journalists, and in particular women journalists.

The report which covers one year of Taliban’s rule (August 15, 2021, to August 15, 2022), underlines that a total of 245 cases of violations against media freedom in Afghanistan, including 130 cases of short-term detention of journalists, which lasted from one hour to several hours and even some months that often included physical violence, insults and even torture of journalists. Additionally, during this period, at least 80 cases of threats, 28 cases of physical harassment mostly by the Taliban security forces, and five cases of injuries by the Taliban were documented.

Meanwhile, AFJC recorded two cases of killings, including the death of Alireza Ahmadi a reporter for Raha News Agency, and Najma Sadeqi a former presenter of Jahan-e-Sehat TV channel in the deadly explosion at Kabul Airport, who were trying to flee the country following fall of Kabul in mid-August 2021.

The report indicates that over half of 600 media outlets, including radio and television, print and online, have ceased operations and over 60% of journalists and media employees have not been able to work after the Taliban took power. The findings suggest that over 30% of the remaining media outlets are on the verge of collapse for certain reasons which include a significant decrease in the media funds, absence of media professionals, lack of rights and business advertisements, and the increasing restrictions imposed on media. The restrictive directives have opened the way to censorship and persecution, and largely deprive journalists of their independence. Female journalists are largely banned from state-run media outlets, and those in the private sector can appear on TV only if their faces are covered.

Media outlets require to seek permission before publishing. With media no longer able to broadcast music and entertainment programs, sources of advertising revenue have shrunk and many outlets ceased work.

There are fears that the current environment of apprehension could be used to harass female journalists, many of whom have already fled the country in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover last year.

AFJC calls for press freedom to be respected in Afghanistan, as well as an end to all forms of violation of press freedoms. It calls on the Taliban to implement the Afghan media laws including mass media and access to information laws to ensure press freedom and to reinstate the joint media and government committee which was established in 2016 to address the security concerns and press freedom violations.

The AFJC calls on the international community to stand in solidarity with Afghan journalists and help ensure their safety and media freedom, given the role they play in a peaceful and democratic transition during and after the peace negotiations. AFJC also urges the international community to increase its support for Afghanistan’s media, which will help press freedom and freedom of expression to be maintained.

30.06.2022. PEC press release (French and Spanish after English) - The number of journalists killed has doubled

Geneva, June 30, 2022 (PEC) Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is appalled by the large number of journalists killed in the first six months of 2022. The year-on-year increase is 100% with 72 victims in 18 countries since January compared to 36 deaths in the same period last year.

"The war in Ukraine and the rampant criminality in Mexico are the main reasons of this alarming deterioration", said PEC President Blaise Lempen.

In Ukraine, the conflict triggered by Russia has claimed in 4 months 30 victims among media workers, 16 in the line of duty and 14 journalists killed in fightings as soldiers or volunteers in the army. The circumstances of each death must be independently clarified and those responsible must be brought to justice. Russian and Ukrainian authorities must ensure that journalists are not targeted while covering the ongoing fighting and that they can work freely.

In six months, Mexico with 12 victims exceeded the figure for the whole of last year (10 killed).

With 4 killed, India comes after Ukraine and Mexico. Haiti, Pakistan and Yemen followed with 3 killed in each country.

PEC also recorded 2 victims in Bangladesh, Brazil, Honduras, Israel/Palestine, and Philippines, and 1 victim in each of the following countries: Chad, Chile, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Turkey and the United States.

There must be no impunity. All these crimes must be fully investigated without exception.

In light of this very worrying deterioration, PEC has renewed its call to the United Nations for the adoption of an international convention strengthening the protection of journalists with investigation and prosecution mechanisms. By 2021, 79 media workers had been killed and 92 by 2020 for the whole year.

List of victims on our page Casualties. For journalists killed in Ukraine, read below the report of the PEC correspondent

Le nombre des journalistes tués a doublé

Genève, 30 juin 2022 (PEC) La PEC (Presse Emblème Campagne) est consternée par le grand nombre de journalistes tués au cours des six premiers mois de 2022. La hausse d’une année sur l’autre atteint 100% avec 72 victimes dans 18 pays depuis janvier contre 36 morts pour la même période de l’an dernier.

«La guerre en Ukraine et la criminalité galopante au Mexique sont les principaux responsables de cette détérioration alarmante», a déclaré le président de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

En Ukraine, le conflit déclenché par la Russie a fait 30 victimes parmi les travailleurs des médias, dont 16 dans l’exercice de leurs fonctions et 14 comme soldats ou volontaires dans l’armée.

Les circonstances de chaque mort devront être élucidées de manière indépendante et leurs responsables jugés. Les autorités russes et ukrainiennes doivent s’assurer que les journalistes ne sont pas visés en couvrant les combats en cours et qu’ils peuvent travailler librement.

En six mois, le Mexique avec 12 victimes a dépassé le bilan de l’ensemble de l’année dernière (10 tués). L’inde vient après l’Ukraine et le Mexique avec quatre tués.

Haiti, le Pakistan et le Yémen déplorent trois tués dans chaque pays. La PEC a aussi recensé deux victimes au Bangladesh, Brésil, Honduras, Israel/Palestine, et aux Philippines, ainsi qu’une victime dans chacun de ces pays: Chili, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Tchad, Turquie et États-Unis.

Il ne doit pas y avoir d’impunité. Tous ces crimes doivent faire l’objet d’enquêtes complètes sans exception. Compte tenu de cette détérioration très préoccupante, la PEC a réitéré son appel à l’ONU pour l’adoption d’une convention internationale renforçant la protection des journalistes avec des mécanismes d’enquête et de poursuite. En 2021, 79 travailleurs des médias avaient été tués et 92 en 2020 sur l’ensemble de l’année.

Liste des victimes sur notre page Casualties. Pour le détail des journalistes tués en Ukraine, lire le rapport de notre correspondant ci-dessous

SE DUPLICA EL NÚMERO DE PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS

Ginebra, 30 de junio de 2022 (PEC).- La Campaña Emblema de Prensa (PEC, por sus siglas en inglés) está consternada por la gran cantidad de periodistas asesinados en los primeros seis meses de 2022. El aumento interanual es del 100% con 72 víctimas en 18 países desde enero, en comparación con 36 muertes en el mismo período del año pasado.

“La guerra en Ucrania y la criminalidad desenfrenada en México son las principales razones de este alarmante deterioro”, dijo el presidente de la PEC, Blaise Lempen.

En Ucrania, el conflicto desencadenado por Rusia se ha cobrado, en 4 meses, 30 víctimas entre los trabajadores de los medios (16 en el cumplimiento de su deber y 14 periodistas muertos en combates como soldados o voluntarios del ejército).

Las circunstancias de cada muerte deben esclarecerse de forma independiente y los responsables deben comparecer ante la justicia. Las autoridades rusas y ucranianas deben garantizar que los periodistas no sean atacados mientras cubren los combates en curso y que puedan trabajar libremente.

En seis meses, México, con 12 víctimas, superó la cifra de todo el año pasado (10 muertos).

Con 4 muertos, India viene detrás de Ucrania y México.

Le siguen Haití, Pakistán y Yemen con 3 muertos en cada país; la PEC también registró 2 víctimas en Bangladesh, Brasil, Honduras, Israel/Palestina y Filipinas, y 1 víctima en cada uno de los siguientes países: Chad, Chile, Guatemala, Kazajstán, Myanmar, Turquía y Estados Unidos.

No debe haber impunidad. Todos estos crímenes deben ser investigados a fondo sin excepción. Ante este preocupante deterioro, la PEC ha renovado su llamado a las Naciones Unidas para la adopción de una convención internacional que fortalezca la protección de los periodistas con mecanismos de investigación y enjuiciamiento.

Para 2021, 79 trabajadores de los medios habían sido asesinados y 92 para 2020 durante todo el año.

22.06.2022. INTERVIEW PARUE DANS EDITO, le magazine suisse des médias

« Lutter contre l’impunité est essentiel»

Début avril, l’ONG Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) s’alarmait, de Genève, du grand nombre de

journalistes tués au cours des trois premiers mois de l’année. La hausse atteignait plus de 150% avec 38

victimes dans 15 pays par rapport à la même période de l’an dernier. Entretien avec le président de la PEC

(www.pressemblem.ch), Blaise Lempen.

PAR JEAN-LUC WENGER, rédacteur en chef d'EDITO

Journaliste et écrivain, Blaise Lempen nous reçoit chez lui, à Féchy, un village tranquille plus connu pour ses étiquettes de chasselas (et le contenu de ses bouteilles) que pour la géopolitique mondiale. Pas loin d’Aubonne, donc de Morges, entretien dans son paisible jardin.

EDITO : Nous venons de vivre deux crises mondiales affectant la sécurité des journalistes, la pandémie du Covid et la guerre en Ukraine. Qu’est-ce qui a changé pour les journalistes avec l’apparition du Covid ?

Blaise Lempen : Depuis le début de la crise sanitaire, les journalistes ont été particulièrement exposés. De par leur profession, certains d’entre eux ont dû rester au contact des gens, témoigner sur le terrain. Ils ne pouvaient évidemment pas pratiquer le télétravail ! Ils ont été au contact de personnes porteuses du virus et ont dû se rendre dans les hôpitaux. Or, ils manquaient souvent de protection dans plusieurs pays. Nous avons plaidé pour une vaccination prioritaire avec le soutien d’associations locales.

Où ces problèmes étaient-ils les plus aigus ?

En Amérique latine en général, au Brésil en particulier. Là, les difficultés ont été énormes, faute de politique de santé publique correcte. En 2 ans de pandémie, au moins 2000 journalistes ont succombé au virus dans le monde. Les pays avec la plus forte mortalité ont été le Brésil, l’Inde, le Pérou, le Mexique, la Colombie puis les Etats-Unis.

Comment jugez-vous la situation des journalistes aujourd’hui en Ukraine ?

L’Ukraine vit une situation dramatique. J’ai l’impression d’assister à une répétition de la situation en Syrie entre 2011 et 2019, avec ses nombreux journalistes tués. Dans les deux cas, les violations des Conventions de Genève qui protègent les travailleurs des médias en tant que civils se sont multipliées. Il suffit de penser à Boutcha ou à Irpin, au nord de Kyiv. Ailleurs aussi, des journalistes, des fixeurs, ont été attaqués et assassinés alors qu’ils affichaient clairement le badge « presse ».

Rappelez-nous ce qu’il s’est passé à Irpin.

Dans le cas d’Irpin, il s’agissait d’un professionnel expérimenté qui travaillait pour le New York Times et qui avait sur lui un matériel adéquat. Photographe et réalisateur indépendant, Brent Renaud restera comme le premier journaliste étranger tué depuis l’invasion russe de l’Ukraine le 24 février. Maks Levin, Pierre Zakrzewski et le journaliste français Frédéric Leclerc-Imhoff, correspondant de BFMTV, ont également payé de leur vie leur passion d’informer aux côtés de courageux journalistes ukrainiens.

Comment recueillez-vous les informations sur le terrain ?

Nous répertorions les victimes au jour le jour, grâce à nos correspondants sur place, aux réseaux sociaux, aux médias locaux. En Ukraine, nous collaborons par exemple avec un journaliste Andrii Ianitskyi qui publie une synthèse chaque semaine. C’est une forme de soutien. Aujourd’hui, à la différence d’il y a 20 ans, les sources d’informations sont multiples, grâce aux réseaux sociaux qui nous apportent directement des témoignages. Les images satellites (prises sans risques) sont également précieuses, tout comme celles prises avec des drones. Les photographes, qui sont souvent les plus visés, sont moins exposés grâce à l’utilisation d’images filmées avec des drones. Néanmoins, il faut aller sur le terrain. Le journaliste indépendant genevois Guillaume Briguet peut en témoigner. Attaqué par des soldats russes, il a été blessé et son matériel volé. Oui, les freelances prennent le plus de risques pour rentabiliser leur voyage.

Qu’en est-il de la possibilité d’informer en temps de guerre ?

Cette liberté est limitée, parce que des combattants ne respectent pas les Conventions de Genève. Outre les tués, il y a les blessés, par exemple victimes d’éclats d’obus. Dans les parties qu’elle occupe, la Russie a un total contrôle de l’information. Les journalistes sont embarqués, et leurs informations censurées. Certains professionnels russes indépendants doivent travailler depuis la Pologne. Le plus important est de lutter contre l’impunité. C’est la raison pour laquelle il faut faire connaître ces crimes. Leurs responsables doivent être identifiés et jugés.

Comment est organisée la PEC ?

J’en suis le cofondateur avec une Égyptienne Hedayat Abdel Nabi, malheureusement décédée en mars dernier au Caire. La PEC est née en 2004, en réaction à la guerre menée par les Américains en Irak, à l’initiative de journalistes de plusieurs nationalités accrédités à l’ONU à Genève. Nous militons pour une Convention internationale, renforçant la protection des journalistes, mais nous sommes confrontés aux résistances des États autoritaires. Même les Etats-Unis et la France, qui ont des troupes un peu partout dans le monde, ne se sont pas ralliés à cette idée jusqu’ici. Nous le regrettons. La Fédération internationale des journalistes (FIJ) défend le projet de Convention, les syndicats français aussi. A chaque conflit, la question se repose de manière aigue. Que cela soit au Yémen ou en Ukraine. Les témoignages de crimes de guerre ne suffisent pas comme preuves pour la Cour pénale internationale, il faut des enquêtes indépendantes. Mais nous restons confiants : la justice se mettra en marche.

Quel est le levier politique de la PEC ?

Nous avons soutenu à l’ONU une dizaine de résolutions sur la sécurité des journalistes, deux sont parvenues jusqu’au Conseil de sécurité. Grâce à ce travail d’information, avec d’autres ONG, comme la FIJ, RSF, le CPJ, l’IPI, le problème a gagné en visibilité. Il y a des avancées, au Mexique, où la criminalité est galopante, les autorités ont par exemple pris des mesures de protection, hélas insuffisantes.

Le 2 novembre a été déclaré « Journée internationale de la fin de l’impunité pour les crimes commis contre des journalistes ». Un petit pas. Il ne faut pas oublier l’Irak, la Syrie, le Yémen, l’Afghanistan, les territoires palestiniens occupés, où une journaliste très connue d’Al-Jazeera Shireen Abu Akleh vient d’être tuée d’une balle dans la tête…

Parlez-nous d’un livre qui décrirait votre engagement.

J’ai écrit « Massacres sans témoins » en 2007. Le livre relate la mort d’un cameraman sur le balcon de l’Hôtel Palestine à Bagdad en 2003. J’évrivais déjà alors : «Le journaliste a une mission essentielle dans l’exercice des droits démocratiques : il doit informer, quels que soient les pressions, les menaces ou les risques ».

Encadré :

Pour une convention internationale

La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) est une organisation non gouvernementale avec statut consultatif spécial à l’ONU. La PEC a été fondée en juin 2004 par un groupe de journalistes de plusieurs pays. Basée à Genève, l’organisation non gouvernementale est indépendante et à but non lucratif. Son objectif est de renforcer la protection et la sécurité des journalistes dans les zones de conflits. La PEC est en faveur de l’adoption d’une nouvelle convention internationale pour améliorer la protection des travailleurs des médias. Elle est soutenue par près de 60 ONG et associations de journalistes dans le monde. En 2021, 79 travailleurs des médias avaient été tués et 92 en 2020. Ils sont déjà près de 60 jusqu’au 31 mai de cette année.

Bio express

Blaise Lempen est né en 1950 à Berne. Il a grandi au gré des affectations de son père diplomate : Belgrade, Paris, Rome. Il est diplômé du Centre universitaire d’enseignement du journalisme à Strasbourg et docteur en sciences politiques de l’Université de Lausanne. Entre 1975 et 1990, il est journaliste de politique étrangère à La Tribune de Lausanne-Le Matin. Il travaille ensuite

quatre ans à La Suisse, puis est correspondant auprès des Nations unies à Genève pour l’Agence télégraphique suisse (ATS) entre 1994 et 2015. Son dernier ouvrage : « La dictature numérique en marche, société de l’hypersurveillance : un appel à la vigilance » est paru en 2021 aux Editions L’Harmattan. Il est par ailleurs l’auteur de quatorze autres essais.

Exergue :

« Il ne faut pas oublier l’Irak, la Syrie, l’Afghanistan, le Yémen, la Palestine… »

10.05.2022. UKRAINE. 6th report on the State of Media in Ukraine during the War (April 22 - May 10) – Pulitzer special citation for Ukrainian journalists amid rising death toll

by Andrii Ianitsky, PEC representative in Ukraine

Lviv (Ukraine), 10 May 2022. 

Key Ukrainian topics: fear of nuclear war, fuel shortage and life in Russian-occupied territories

We have identified three main topics in the Ukrainian media space, which caused the most attention during the observation period, empirically.

Fear of nuclear war. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the topic of nuclear war has been in the news. A few days after the invasion, when Vladimir Putin realized his failure, he put nuclear missiles on alert. Later, this topic was discussed by many experts and politicians, and recently the head of the Russian state-owned rocket company Roscosmos wrote on his Twitter that "in a nuclear war, we will destroy NATO in half an hour, but we must not allow it." The media began to write instructions on what to do during a nuclear explosion, which only heightened the concerns.

Economic problems during the war, in particular fuel shortages. After two months of active hostilities, Ukrainians in the rear began to feel the consequences. With rising prices and unemployment, the people of Ukraine have already reconciled. The exchange rate of the national currency hryvnia is fixed. But until recently, automobile fuel was in abundance. Russian bombing of oil storage facilities and oil refineries, coupled with an attempt by the authorities to regulate prices, led to fuel shortages. 

In 2014, Russian troops occupied 4 out of 27 administrative centers of Ukraine: Sevastopol, Simferopol, Donetsk, Luhansk. In 2022, the Russians captured the 5th administrative center, Kherson, and several other cities. Ukrainian media are closely following the life of the occupied regions, but this is not easy. The first thing Russians do in the territories they occupied is to turn off Ukrainian media, harass journalists, and often cut off communications and monitor Internet traffic.

More and more journalists die in the war in Ukraine

Already 26 journalists and media persons were killed (local and international both), dozens wounded. 

The list of killed journalists in the line of duty:

1. Yevhen Sakun, cameraman of LIVE TV channel (died on March 1 during the Russian rocket attack on the TV tower in Kyiv);

2. Brent Renaud, a former correspondent for The New York Times (shot dead by Russians on March 13 in Irpen at a checkpoint);

3. Pierre Zakrzewski, cameraman for Fox News, an Irish citizen (killed on March 14 during an artillery shelling by Russian troops in the village of Gorenka, Kyiv region).

4. Oleksandra Kuvshynova, Ukrainian producer, journalist (killed on March 14 together with Pierre Zakrzewski during an artillery shelling by Russian troops in the village of Gorenka, Kyiv region).

5. Oksana Baulina, a journalist for Russia's The Insider and Oleksiy Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (killed on March 23 during an Russian shelling in Kyiv while performing an editorial assignment).

6. Dilerbek Shakirov, a civilian journalist of the information weekly "Around You" (was shot dead by Russians at a blockpost in the suburbs of Kherson on February 26)

7. Viktor Diedov, cameraman of Sigma TV from Mariupol (died on March 11 as a result of shelling of his house)

8. Maks Levin, famous Ukrainian photojournalist, has not been heard from since 13 March, when he was reporting in the Vyshgorod district, north of Kyiv. On April 2 he was found dead in the Kyiv region in places of massacre of civilians.

9. Eugene Bal, 78 yo journalism veteran, died near Mariupol on April 2. He was kidnapped and tortured by the Russian military for three days in late March. After his release, his health deteriorated and he died.

10. Olexander Lytkin, journalist dtp.kiev.ua. The circumstances of his death are unknown. His name among the dead was published by the office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine without details. 

11. Roman Nezhyborets, video technician was killed in the Ukrainian village of Yahidne. His body was found by Ukrainian volunteers on 6 April after Russian troops withdrew from the area. Nezhyborets’ body had gunshot wounds in the knees and his hands were tied. 

12. Zoreslav Zamoysky, local residents in Bucha found his body on a street in the city in early April, according to statements by the Ukrainian National Union of Journalists (NUJU) and the Irpin city council. Those sources did not state the exact date his body was found. 

13. Oksana Gaydar, Ukrainian journalist and blogger died because of shelling on 11-12 April near Brovary city in Kyiv region, according to NUJU.

14. Vira Gyrych, journalist and produser of Radio Liberty local branch, was killed as result of Russian missile hitting building in Kyiv on April 29. 

Journalists who were killed not in the line of duty (as soldiers or volunteers).

15. Victor Dudar, who was a military journalist and served as a part of the Armed forces, was killed in battle on March 6, near Mykolaiv.

16. Oleg Yakunin, the editor of the Zaporizhia site Misto.zp.ua, was killed in battle on March 25 on military service. 

17. Yuriy Oliynyk, the operator of the 24th channel was killed in battle on March 23 in the Luhansk oblast, near Popasna. Yuriy was a volunteer in the 24 separate mechanized brigade named after King Danylo.

18. Pasha Lee, Ukrainian actor and TV host, has been killed by shelling in the city of Irpin.

19. Serhyi Pushenko, graphic artist and painter who worked with media, killed by Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in Kyiv region on 2 March.

20. Sergey Zaikovsky, publicist and translator who worked with media, killed in Kyiv region on 24 March. 

21. Denis Kotenko, one of press-officers of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, killed in Kyiv region on 24 March.

22. Maxim Medinskiy, a local online journalist from Odesa region, died on May 6 in a fight.

23. Evgen Starinets, mediamanager of Cherkasy branch of the Ukrainian public Suspilne TV, died in the eastern front on Aplril 30.

24. Oleksandr Makhov, Ukrainian TV journalist from ‘Ukraine’ and ‘Ukraine24’ channels was killed by Russian shelling on May 4. 

Killed media persons (people who are connected with the media, but were not directly journalists):

25. Mantas Kvedaravičius, Lithuanian documentary filmmaker and director of the Mariupol film about the war in Donbass, died on April 3 in Mariupol.

26. Lilia Gumyanova, a journalism teacher was killed by Russian shelling in Mariupol on March 19.

The Pulitzer Board awards a special citation to the journalists of Ukraine

On May 10 the Pulitzer Board awarded a special citation to the journalists of Ukraine. They were awarded for their "courage, endurance, and commitment to truthful reporting during Vladimir Putin’s ruthless invasion of their country and his propaganda war in Russia". Journalists in Ukraine, especially in the war zone and in the zones of Russian occupation, are forced to work in conditions of constant risk to their lives and health.

Local media in Ukraine are in dire need of resources

In a recent study of the state of local media in Ukraine, the Media Development Foundation NGO writes that the hostilities exacerbated and highlighted all the problems that remained unresolved in Ukrainian regional newsrooms before the February 24 invasion.

Many teams have vague job descriptions and responsibilities, 29% of respondents said that each member of the team performs the duties of several specialists at the same time. 

38.4% of respondents indicated that one of the problems in their work is the inability to plan ahead. The vast majority of newsrooms now plan their work only a week in advance - 35.84%. These problems are compounded by a lack of resources: 69.12% of respondents noted a lack of funds to continue the normal functioning of newsrooms. 

The data was collected through surveys and in-depth interviews. 39 media organizations took part in the research.

Restrictions on freedom of speech in Ukraine remain

As we wrote in previous reports Ukrainian authorities have tightened control over the media during wartime. Three national news channels tied to former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko have been taken off the digital air. They continue to broadcast on satellite, cable networks, and online but have lost, according to our sources in management, from 20 to 40 percent of their audience.

(Disclosure: the report's author also works for a TV channel that has been taken offline from digital broadcasting)

Other national news channels (both private and public) work together and create the United News marathon. 

The reasons for the restrictions are still unclear, and their legality is questionable. However, the TV channels affected by the restriction have so far refrained from harsh statements and litigation due to the military situation.

Andrii Ianitsky is journalist now based in Lviv and PEC Representative in Ukraine (a.ianitskyi@gmail.com)

His first report was published on 19 March 2022, the second on 28 March 2022, the third on 5 April 2022, fourth on 11 April, fifth on 22 April (read below)

02.05.2022. Press Freedom Day 2022 - PEC press release: Brutal deterioration

(French and Spanish after English)

Geneva, 2 May 2022 (PEC) Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is alarmed at the sharp deterioration of press freedom caused by the war in Ukraine. Since the beginning of the year, 52 media workers have paid with their lives for doing their job. In Russia, the Kremlin's controls have created a regression in media space unprecedented since the communist era.

On the occasion of Press Freedom Day on 3 May, the PEC is making an urgent appeal for a halt to hostilities in Ukraine and for the independence of the media in Russia to be respected.

"The year-on-year increase in the number of journalists affected by violence is 116%, a very worrying development," said PEC President Blaise Lempen. At least 21 media workers have been killed in the fighting in just over two months of war in Ukraine, many others were wounded, kidnapped, are missing, were threatened, hacked, forced to cease their work.

Access to the war zones in Ukraine is increasingly difficult and dangerous due to the volatile nature of the fighting. Some military units do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. PEC strongly condemns indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians.

"The war in Ukraine, as it was the case in Syria from 2011 to 2019, shows once again the difficulties of testifying for media representatives, in the absence of respect for humanitarian law," denounced Blaise Lempen. The PEC hopes that the investigations carried out by several bodies will shed light on these crimes and that the justice system will be able to do its work impartially.

Russian journalists have also been injured in the fighting, but they have no freedom to report on the situation in the Russian-controlled territories. The measures taken by the authorities in Moscow against independent reporting are a big step backwards. Russian authorities should stop persecuting members of the press for allegedly spreading false information on the war in Ukraine. It is necessary to help Russian journalists who have been able to redeploy abroad.

Support for local Ukrainian media is essential. Many of them do not have the necessary equipment and financial means to continue working in the war zone. They have lost employees who were recruited by the army or who left their home regions for security reasons.

Journée de la liberté de la presse 2022 -  Brutale détérioration

Genève, 2 mai 2022 (PEC) Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) s’alarme de la brutale détérioration de la liberté de la presse provoquée par la guerre en Ukraine. Depuis le début de l’année, 52 travailleurs des médias ont payé de leur vie l’exercice de leur métier. En Russie, les contrôles mis en place par le Kremlin ont créé une régression de l’espace médiatique sans précédent depuis l’ère communiste.

A l’occasion de la Journée de la liberté de la presse le 3 mai, la PEC lance un appel pressant à l’arrêt des hostilités en Ukraine et au respect de l’indépendance des médias en Russie.

«La hausse du nombre des journalistes victimes de violences d’une année sur l’autre est de 116 %, une évolution très inquiétante», a déclaré le président de la PEC Blaise Lempen. Au moins 21 travailleurs des médias ont été tués dans les combats en un peu plus de deux mois de guerre en Ukraine, beaucoup d’autres ont été blessés, kidnappés, sont portés disparus, ont été menacés, piratés, forcés à abandonner leur travail.

L’accès aux zones de guerre en Ukraine est de plus en plus difficile et dangereux, en raison de la nature volatile des affrontements. Certaines unités militaires ne font pas la différence entre civils et combattants. La PEC condamne fermement les attaques indiscriminées visant des civils.

«La guerre en Ukraine, comme ce fut le cas en Syrie de 2011 à 2019, montre encore une fois les difficultés de témoigner pour les représentants des médias, en l’absence de respect du droit humanitaire», a dénoncé Blaise Lempen. La PEC espère que les enquêtes diligentées par plusieurs organes feront toute la lumière sur ces crimes et que la justice pourra faire son travail de manière impartiale.

Des journalistes russes ont aussi été blessés dans les combats, toutefois ils n’ont aucune liberté de manœuvre pour décrire la situation dans les territoires sous contrôle russe. Les mesures prises par les autorités de Moscou à l’encontre de toute information indépendante sont un grand pas en arrière. Les autorités russes doivent mettre un terme à leurs persécutions des membres de la presse pour répandre prétendument de fausses informations sur la guerre en Ukraine. Il est nécessaire d’aider les journalistes russes qui ont pu se redéployer à l’étranger.

Le soutien aux médias locaux ukrainiens est indispensable. Beaucoup d’entre eux n’ont pas les équipements nécessaires et les moyens financiers pour continuer à travailler en zone de guerre. Ils ont perdu des employés recrutés par l’armée ou ayant quitté leur région d’origine pour des raisons de sécurité.

Ginebra, 2 de mayo de 2022 (PEC).- La Campaña del Emblema de Prensa (PEC, por sus siglas en inglés) está alarmada por el fuerte deterioro de la libertad de prensa causado por la guerra en Ucrania. Desde principios de año, 52 trabajadores de los medios de comunicación han pagado con su vida por hacer su trabajo. En Rusia, los controles del Kremlin han creado una regresión en el espacio mediático sin precedentes desde la época comunista.

Con motivo del Día de la Libertad de Prensa, que se celebra el 3 de mayo, la PEC hace un llamamiento urgente para que cesen las hostilidades en Ucrania y se respete la independencia de los medios de comunicación en Rusia.

"El aumento interanual del número de periodistas afectados por la violencia es del 116%, un hecho muy preocupante", ha declarado el presidente de la PEC, Blaise Lempen. Al menos 21 trabajadores de los medios de comunicación han muerto en los combates en poco más de dos meses de guerra en Ucrania, muchos más resultaron heridos, fueron secuestrados, han desaparecido, fueron amenazados, hackeados, obligados a abandonar sus trabajos.

El acceso a las zonas de guerra en Ucrania es cada vez más difícil y peligroso debido a la naturaleza volátil de los combates. Algunas unidades militares no distinguen entre civiles y combatientes. La PEC condena enérgicamente los ataques indiscriminados contra civiles.

"La guerra en Ucrania, al igual que ocurrió en Siria entre 2011 y 2019, muestra una vez más las dificultades de testificar para los representantes de los medios de comunicación, en ausencia de respeto al derecho humanitario", denunció Blaise Lempen. La PEC espera que las investigaciones llevadas a cabo por varios organismos arrojen luz sobre estos delitos y que la justicia pueda hacer su trabajo de forma imparcial.

Los periodistas rusos también han resultado heridos en los combates, pero no tienen libertad para informar sobre la situación en los territorios controlados por Rusia. Las medidas adoptadas por las autoridades de Moscú contra la información independiente son un gran paso atrás. Las autoridades rusas deben poner fin a la persecución de miembros de la prensa por la supuesta difusión de información falsa sobre la guerra en Ucrania. Es necesario ayudar a los periodistas rusos que han podido recolocarse en el extranjero.

El apoyo a los medios de comunicación locales ucranianos es esencial. Muchos de ellos no tienen el equipo ni los medios económicos necesarios para seguir trabajando en la zona de guerra. Han perdido empleados que fueron reclutados por el ejército o que abandonaron sus regiones de origen por razones de seguridad.

23.04.2022. UKRAINE. 5th report on the State of Media in Ukraine during the War (April 12-22) – The besieged and destroyed Ukrainian Mariupol in the spotlight

by Andrii Ianitsky, PEC representative in Ukraine

Lviv (Ukraine), 22 April 2022. 

Key Ukrainian topics in the media: Russian warship and Mariupol

The first big news story for both Ukrainian and world media was the death of the flagship of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea “Moskva" (literally "Moscow"), allegedly from Ukrainian missiles. Until now, neither the exact number of dead Russian sailors, nor the exact circumstances of the sinking of the warship are known. But the fact of the destruction of the craft is recognized by both sides of the war. 

The second dramatic line concerns the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol in the south of the country. Russian troops control almost the entire territory of the city, except for the industrial zone of the Azovstal metallurgical plant. According to the mayor of the city, Vadym Boychenko, there are still over 1,000 civilians and several hundred Ukrainian soldiers in the basements of the plant.

Both stories, as well as the lack of information about what is happening in the Russian-occupied territories in southern Ukraine, raise the difficult issue of access to truthful information during the war. Journalists often have to blindly rely on the words of their sources, since it is impossible to verify information under conditions of war or occupation. This makes journalists and their audiences vulnerable to propaganda.

Investigative journalists are the best at this challenge, thanks to their skills in analyzing social networks, satellite images, documents, databases, and previously verified sources. 

The death toll of media persons in the war is on the rise

Already 21 journalists and media persons were killed (local and international both), dozens wounded. 

The list of killed journalists in the line of duty:

1. Yevhen Sakun, cameraman of LIVE TV channel (died on March 1 during the Russian rocket attack on the TV tower in Kyiv);

2. Brent Renaud, a former correspondent for The New York Times (shot dead by Russians on March 13 in Irpen at a checkpoint);

3. Pierre Zakrzewski, cameraman for Fox News, an Irish citizen (killed on March 14 during an artillery shelling by Russian troops in the village of Gorenka, Kyiv region).

4. Oleksandra Kuvshynova, Ukrainian producer, journalist (killed on March 14 together with Pierre Zakrzewski during an artillery shelling by Russian troops in the village of Gorenka, Kyiv region).

5. Oksana Baulina, a journalist for Russia's The Insider and Oleksiy Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (killed on March 23 during an Russian shelling in Kyiv while performing an editorial assignment).

6. Dilerbek Shakirov, a civilian journalist of the information weekly "Around You" (was shot dead by Russians at a blockpost in the suburbs of Kherson on February 26)

7. Viktor Diedov, cameraman of Sigma TV from Mariupol (died on March 11 as a result of shelling of his house)

8. Maks Levin, famous Ukrainian photojournalist, has not been heard from since 13 March, when he was reporting in the Vyshgorod district, north of Kyiv. On April 2 he was found dead in the Kyiv region in places of massacre of civilians.

9. Eugene Bal, 78 yo journalism veteran, died near Mariupol on April 2. He was kidnapped and tortured by the Russian military for three days in late March. After his release, his health deteriorated and he died.

10. Olexander Lytkin, journalist dtp.kiev.ua. The circumstances of his death are unknown. His name among the dead was published by the office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine without details. 

11. Roman Nezhyborets, video technician was killed in the Ukrainian village of Yahidne. His body was found by Ukrainian volunteers on 6 April after Russian troops withdrew from the area. Nezhyborets’ body had gunshot wounds in the knees and his hands were tied. 

12. Zoreslav Zamoysky, local residents in Bucha found his body on a street in the city in early April, according to statements by the Ukrainian National Union of Journalists (NUJU) and the Irpin city council. Those sources did not state the exact date his body was found. 

Journalists who were killed not in the line of duty (as soldiers or volunteers).

13. Victor Dudar, who was a military journalist and served as a part of the Armed forces, was killed in battle on March 6, near Mykolaiv.

14. Oleg Yakunin, the editor of the Zaporizhia site Misto.zp.ua, was killed in battle on March 25 on military service. 

15. Yuriy Oliynyk,  the operator of the 24th channel was killed in battle on March 23 in the Luhansk oblast, near Popasna. Yuriy was a volunteer in the 24 separate mechanized brigade named after King Danylo.

16. Pasha Lee, Ukrainian actor and TV host, has been killed by shelling in the city of Irpin.

17. Serhyi Pushenko, graphic artist and painter who worked with media, killed by Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in Kyiv region on 2 March.

18. Sergey Zaikovsky, publicist and translator who worked with media, killed in Kyiv region on 24 March. 

19. Denis Kotenko, one of press-officers of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, killed in Kyiv region on 24 March.

Killed media persons (people who are connected with the media, but were not directly journalists):

20. Mantas Kvedaravičius, Lithuanian documentary filmmaker and director of the Mariupol film about the war in Donbass, died on April 3 in Mariupol.

21. Lilia Gumyanova, a journalism teacher was killed by Russian shelling in Mariupol on March 19.

Freedom of speech in Ukraine

In our last reports, we wrote how Ukrainian authorities have tightened control over the media in Ukraine during a war time.

Unfortunately, the situation remains the same. Three national news channels with varying ties to former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko have been taken off the digital air. They continue to broadcast on satellite, cable networks and online, but have lost, according to various estimates, from 20 to 40 percent of their audience.

(Disclosure: the report's author also works for a TV channel that has been taken offline from digital broadcasting)

Other national news channels (both private and public) work together and create the United News. These news are broadcast on the frequencies of at least six TV channels and at least one radio station, as well as on the public services digital platform Diia.

Thus, the Ukrainian authorities may be trying to reduce the intensity of criticism after possible truce agreements with Russia. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky limits the media influence of his political rival, former President Poroshenko.

Another problem is the crisis of local media in Ukraine. Because of the war, many local newsrooms from the east and south of the country were forced to leave for safer western regions. Some of the journalists went to defend their homeland in the army, the other part changed their profession or temporarily stopped working and solves everyday problems associated with relocation. 

According to Eugene Zaslavsky, executive director of the Media Development Foundation, a non-governmental organization, today local media need not only material support and help with relocation. Such editorial offices are losing contact with the communities that they wrote about earlier, they are losing access to sources and their qualified personnel. And new employees of such editorial offices often need intensive training.

It is especially difficult for publications from the territories occupied by Russia to work. But even after the liberation of such territories, the material and technical base of such media is destroyed, and their work is complicated for various reasons. For example, because of the mined lands in previously peaceful cities.

Andrii Ianitsky is journalist now based in Lviv and PEC Representative in Ukraine (a.ianitskyi@gmail.com)

His first report was published on 19 March 2022, the second on 28 March 2022, the third on 5 April 2022, fourth on 11 April (read below)

12.04.2022. UKRAINE. 4th report on the State of Media in Ukraine during the War (April 5-11) – Preparations for the upshot the Russian-Ukrainian war in the Donbass

by Andrii Ianitsky, PEC representative in Ukraine

Lviv (Ukraine), 12 April 2022. After Russian troops failed to capture Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, Russia is preparing to strike a second powerful blow against the neighboring country: an attack in the east in the Donbass region. Moscow has been controlling part of this region through a proxy since 2014, and now the Russians will try to expand the zone under their control as much as the Ukrainian army and the international community will allow them to. The battle for Donbass may be the final chord of this war, depending on its outcome.

Military experts expect large-scale battles in this region in the coming days. And, of course, foreign journalists will try to record this battle for history. If you are not a professional military reporter, do not know how to provide first aid, do not have a bulletproof vest and a helmet, then do not try to go to Donbass in the coming days. This is extremely dangerous.

It is dangerous to work not only in the east (Donetsk and Luhansk regions), but also in southern Ukraine (Kherson region, southern Zaporozhye region, eastern Mykolaiv region), where Russia controls large areas.

The most dangerous place today is Mariupol, a port city with a pre-war population of about 450,000 on the shores of the Sea of Azov, which Russian troops wiped off the map with artillery shelling. Active fighting is still going on in the city. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, tens of thousands of civilians have died in Mariupol. We cannot verify this claim, but people who managed to get out of Mariupol speak of numerous deaths of civilians there.

The death toll of journalists in the war is on the rise

47 days after the Russian invasion, 13 journalists (three into military service) were killed (local and international both), dozens wounded. One journalism teacher and one documentary filmmaker also were killed.

The list of killed journalists in the line of duty:

1. Yevhen Sakun, cameraman of LIVE TV channel (died on March 1 during the Russian rocket attack on the TV tower in Kyiv);

2. Brent Renaud, a former correspondent for The New York Times (shot dead by Russians on March 13 in Irpen at a checkpoint);

3. Pierre Zakrzewski, cameraman for Fox News, an Irish citizen (killed on March 14 during an artillery shelling by Russian troops in the village of Gorenka, Kyiv region).

4. Oleksandra Kuvshynova, Ukrainian producer, journalist (killed on March 14 together with Pierre Zakrzewski during an artillery shelling by Russian troops in the village of Gorenka, Kyiv region).

5. Oksana Baulina, a journalist for Russia's The Insider and Oleksiy Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (killed on March 23 during an Russian shelling in Kyiv while performing an editorial assignment).

6. Dilerbek Shakirov, a civilian journalist of the information weekly "Around You" (was shot dead by Russians at a blockpost in the suburbs of Kherson on February 26)

7. Viktor Diedov, cameraman of Sigma TV from Mariupol (died on March 11 as a result of shelling of his house)

8. Maks Levin, famous Ukrainian photojournalist, has not been heard from since 13 March, when he was reporting in the Vyshgorod district, north of Kyiv. On April 2 he was found dead in the Kyiv region in places of massacre of civilians.

9. Eugene Bal, 78 yo journalism veteran, died near Mariupol on April 2. He was kidnapped and tortured by the Russian military for three days in late March. After his release, his health deteriorated and he died.

Journalists who were killed not in the line of duty (as soldiers or volunteers).

10. Victor Dudar, who was a military journalist and served as a part of the Armed forces, was killed in battle on March 6, near Mykolaiv.

11. Oleg Yakunin, the editor of the Zaporizhia site Misto.zp.ua, was killed in battle on March 25 on military service. 

12. Yuriy Oliynyk,  the operator of the 24th channel was killed in battle on March 23 in the Luhansk oblast, near Popasna. Yuriy was a volunteer in the 24 separate mechanized brigade named after King Danylo.

Other killed people who are connected with the media, but were not directly journalists:

• Mantas Kvedaravičius, Lithuanian documentary filmmaker and director of the Mariupol film about the war in Donbass, died on April 3 in Mariupol.

• Lilia Gumyanova, a journalism teacher was killed by Russian shelling in Mariupol on March 19.

PEC monitors the situation with freedom of speech in Ukraine

In our last reports dated March 28 and April 5, we wrote that the Ukrainian authorities have tightened control over the work of the media in Ukraine. In particular, they tried to unite all socio-political and news TV channels into one channel, United News. At the same time, the authorities did not grant such a privilege to several TV channels that are fully or partially associated with former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

These TV channels continued to broadcast via satellite, online and on cable networks. However, the authorities turned off their retransmission through amplifiers, which reduced their audience by 10-20% (data from the Espreso TV channel).

The attack on freedom of speech, even during the war, caused discontent among Ukrainian society. Representatives of the scientific and cultural spheres issued an open letter to the Ukrainian authorities with a demand to resume the rebroadcasting of Espreso, Pryamiy and Channel 5 TV channels. The Media Movement initiative and the local Commission on Journalistic Ethics also made a statement. Human rights activists and reformers made other appeals in defense of the TV channels.

The affected TV channels are planning to sue the State Concern for Radio and Television, which turned off the rebroadcasting of the TV signal.

Media for Ukrainian migrants appear in the European Union

The German TV channel RTL Television has launched news releases in Ukrainian, and many European newspapers have previously come out with publications in Ukrainian. Ukrainian TV channels are negotiating retransmission in the networks of cable operators in Europe, and the public Ukrainian radio has agreed on retransmission in Lithuania.

Since the massive Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, more than 4.5 million Ukrainians have left the country, according to the UN. In total, according to various estimates, from 37 to 42 million people lived in Ukraine before the war (a population census has not been conducted in the country since 2001).

Official Russian media denies the existence of the Ukrainian nation

A great resonance in Ukraine was caused by the publication on the state Russian website RIA Novosti an article "What Russia should do with Ukraine" from April, 3. In this text, the author writes that "denazification will inevitably also be de-Ukrainization" and that "the name Ukraine cannot be preserved," and new republics must appear in the place of present-day Ukraine.

Such an article on the mainstream Russian state resource leaves no room for doubt that the ultimate goal of the Russian military campaign is the destruction of Ukraine as a country and Ukrainians as a nation.

The article came out on the same day that the world learned about the Russian atrocities in Bucha near Kyiv.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called this article "one of the evidence at the future tribunal against Russian war criminals."

Andrii Ianitsky is journalist now based in Lviv and PEC Representative in Ukraine (a.ianitskyi@gmail.com)

His first report was published on 19 March 2022, the second on 28 March 2022, the third on 5 April 2022 (read below)

05.04.2022. UKRAINE. 3^rd PEC report on the State of Media in Ukraine during the War (March 28 - April 4) – Collection of evidence on the massacre in Bucha

by Andrii Ianitsky, PEC representative in Ukraine

Lviv (Ukraine), 5 April 2022. After the Russian military left the Kyiv region, Ukrainian troops discovered mass graves there. Massacre in Bucha city attracted a lot of attention from journalists. On April 3 and 4, hundreds of foreign journalists arrived in Kyiv to record these crimes for the world community. On April 4, President Volodymyr Zelenski met with journalists.

Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) stresses that journalists are key players, they are witnesses. They can contribute to the collection of evidence, which may be used in court at a later stage. Documentation of the crimes on the ground can help the justice efforts under way to identify the perpetrators. To do their job independently they need protection.

Foreign journalists should be careful while working in areas that have recently been liberated from Russian occupiers. All the forests and roadsides there are mined, the sappers and deminers must first do their job.

It is also unsafe to work in the east of Ukraine in the Lugansk and Donetsk regions. Russian troops are starting a new offensive in this area and the front can move very quickly to where there are still no Russians today. As we already wrote, many Ukrainian journalists ended up in Russian-occupied territories. The usual practice in such cases for Russians is to ban all Ukrainian media. However, journalists continue to write about the situation in the occupation on an anonymous basis for independent Ukrainian and international media.

PEC condemns the killing of Maks Levin

40 days after the Russian invasion, 9 journalists (one into military service) were killed (local and international both), dozens wounded, two were kidnapped by the occupiers. One journalism teacher and one documentary filmmaker also were killed.

Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns the killing of Ukrainian photojournalist, documentary photographer Maks Levin (40) found dead near the village of Huta Mezhyhirska in Kyiv region on Friday. He left four minor sons, a wife, and elderly parents.

According to the preliminary information released by the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office, unarmed Levin was killed with two shots from small arms by servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces. The case over violation of laws and customs of war (Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) was opened. The pre-trial investigation is underway, measures are being taken to establish all the circumstances of the crime.

Maks Levin also contributed for Reuters, BBC, TRT World, Associated Press, Hromadske. His photos were published by the Wall Street Journal, TIME, Breaking news Poland, EU AGENDA, World news, The Moscow Time, Korrespondent.net, ELLE, TV-24, Radio Bulgaria, Ukraine Crisis Media center, Vatican news, RFE/RL. In addition to journalism, Levin created dozens of photo and video projects for humanitarian organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UN, UNICEF, OSCE, UN Women.

Ukrainian authorities continue pressure on uncontrolled media

In our last report dated March 28, we wrote that the Ukrainian authorities have tightened control over the work of journalists in Ukraine. In particular, they imposed restrictions on filming the results of missile strikes, infrastructure facilities and military installations. They also tried to unite all socio-political and news TV channels into one channel, United News.

However, such actions of the Ukrainian authorities caused rejection on the part of journalists and specialized organizations that protect the media. 

On March 30, a closed meeting of journalists and representatives of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine was held in Kyiv. Following this discussion, both ministries issued a joint statement in support of journalists. And although there is little specificity in the statement itself, journalists note an improvement in communication with the military last week.

On April 4, the authorities cut off digital air broadcasting from Espreso, Pryamiy and Channel 5, which had been critical of President Volodymyr Zelensky before the war. The channels continue to broadcast on cable networks and vis satellite, as well as on the Internet.

Ukraine expelled a Dutch journalist

On April 3, the Security Service of Ukraine forcibly expelled Dutch journalist Robert Dulmers from Ukraine. The journalist was deprived of his accreditation and expelled for violating the requirements for publishing photos and videos of the results of the rocket attack on Odessa. Robert Dulmers posted videos and photos of the shelling on his Twitter account immediately after the missile strikes.

His publications contained information that makes it possible to identify the exact location of the missile strikes. This allows the Russian artillery to adjust their sights and strike again or report a successful hit.

Earlier the Security Service of Ukraine urged journalists not to take photos and videos of the explosions, not to disseminate information about the places of shelling and where enemy missiles are flying until the official sources said it.

Andrii Ianitsky is journalist now based in Lviv and PEC Representative in Ukraine (a.ianitskyi@gmail.com)

His first report was published on 19 March 2022, his second on 28 March 2022 (read below)

04.04.2022. Sharp rise in journalists killed in three months

(French and Spanish after English) (List of victims on Casualties)

Geneva, April 4, 2022 (PEC) Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is alarmed by the large number of journalists killed in the first three months of 2022. The year-on-year increase is 153% with 38 victims in 15 countries since January (3 per week) compared to 15 deaths in the same period last year.

"This dramatic rise is very worrying, while the number of journalists killed had decreased in previous years. The war in Ukraine and the rampant criminality in Mexico are the main reasons of this appalling deterioration", said PEC President Blaise Lempen.

In Ukraine, the conflict triggered by Russia has already claimed 9 victims among media workers, and nearly 20 journalists have been injured. In addition at least 10 others were detained. "We urge the belligerents to put an immediate end to the war, to avoid a Syrian-style scenario with dozens of casualties in a protracted conflict," said PEC president. 

Russian and Ukrainian authorities must ensure that journalists are not targeted while covering the ongoing fighting and that they can work freely. The circumstances of each death must be independently clarified and those responsible must be brought to justice.

In three months, Mexico with 9 victims has almost reached its toll for the whole of last year (10 killed). "The authorities must fight much harder against impunity and search more actively for those responsible for these murders and their sponsors", stressed Blaise Lempen.

Haiti has seen an increase in violence with 3 journalists killed. India and Pakistan followed with 3 victims in each country. Two media workers were killed in Yemen.

PEC also recorded one victim in each of the following countries: Brazil, Chad, Guatemala, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Philippines, Turkey and the United States.

In light of this very worrying deterioration, PEC has renewed its call to the United Nations for the adoption of an international convention strengthening the protection of journalists with investigation and prosecution mechanisms. By 2021, 79 media workers had been killed and 92 by 2020.

Forte hausse des journalistes tués en trois mois

Genève, 4 avril 2022 (PEC) La PEC (Presse Emblème Campagne) est alarmée par le grand nombre de journalistes tués au cours des trois premiers mois de 2022. La hausse atteint 153% d’une année sur l’autre avec 38 victimes dans 15 pays depuis janvier (3 par semaine) contre 15 morts pour la même période de l’an dernier.

«Cette augmentation dramatique est très préoccupante, alors que le nombre de journalistes tués avait diminué les années précédentes. La guerre en Ukraine et la criminalité galopante au Mexique sont les principaux responsables de cette détérioration consternante», a déclaré le président de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

En Ukraine, le conflit déclenché par la Russie a déjà fait 9 victimes parmi les travailleurs des médias, et près de 20 journalistes ont été blessés. En outre, au moins dix autres ont été détenus. «Nous exhortons les belligérants à mettre un terme immédiatement à la guerre, pour éviter un scénario à la syrienne avec des dizaines de victimes dans un conflit prolongé», a affirmé le président de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

Les autorités russes et ukrainiennes doivent s’assurer que les journalistes ne sont pas visés en couvrant les combats en cours et qu’ils peuvent travailler librement. Les circonstances de chaque mort devront être élucidées de manière indépendante et leurs responsables jugés.

En trois mois, le Mexique avec 9 victimes a presque atteint le bilan de l’ensemble de l’année dernière (10 tués). «Les autorités doivent lutter avec beaucoup plus de fermeté contre l’impunité et rechercher plus activement les responsables de ces meurtres et leurs commanditaires», a affirmé Blaise Lempen.

Haïti a connu une augmentation de la violence avec 3 morts parmi les journalistes. L’Inde et le Pakistan suivent avec 3 victimes dans chaque pays. Deux travailleurs des médias ont été tués au Yémen.

La PEC a aussi recensé une victime dans chacun de ces pays : Brésil, États-Unis, Guatemala, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Philippines, Tchad, Turquie.

Compte tenu de cette détérioration très préoccupante, la PEC a lancé à l’ONU un nouvel appel à l’adoption d’une convention internationale renforçant la protection des journalistes avec des mécanismes d’enquête et de poursuite. En 2021, 79 travailleurs des médias avaient été tués et 92 en 2020.

Fuerte aumento de periodistas asesinados en tres meses

Ginebra, 4 de abril de 2022 (PEC).- La PEC (Press Emblem Campaign) está alarmada por la gran cantidad de periodistas asesinados en los tres primeros meses de 2022. La subida alcanza el 153% interanual con 38 víctimas en 15 países desde enero (tres a la semana), frente a 15 muertos por el mismo período del año anterior.

“Este aumento dramático es muy preocupante, ya que el número de periodistas asesinados había disminuido en años anteriores. La guerra en Ucrania y el crimen rampante en México son los principales culpables de este espantoso deterioro”, declaró el presidente de la PEC Blaise Lempen.

En Ucrania, el conflicto desatado por Rusia ya se ha cobrado 9 víctimas, y cerca de 20 periodistas han resultado heridos. Además, al menos otras diez han sido detenidas.“Instamos a los beligerantes a poner fin de inmediato a la guerra, para evitar un escenario al estilo sirio con decenas de víctimas en un conflicto prolongado”, pidió el presidente de la PEC.

Las autoridades rusas y ucranianas deben garantizar que los periodistas no sean atacados al cubrir los combates en curso y que puedan trabajar libremente. Hay que aclarar las circunstancias de cada muerte independientemente y llevar a los responsables ante la justicia.

En tres meses, México, con 9 víctimas casi llega al balance de todo el año pasado (10 muertos). "Las autoridades deben luchar con mucha más firmeza contra la impunidad y buscar más activamente a los responsables de estos asesinatos y a sus patrocinadores", dijo Lempen.

Haití ha visto un aumento de la violencia con 3 periodistas asesinados. Le siguen India y Pakistán con 3 víctimas en cada país. Dos trabajadores de los medios han sido asesinados en Yemen.

La PEC también identificó una víctima en cada uno de estos países : Brasil, Chad, Estados Unidos, Filipinas, Guatemala, Honduras, Kazajstán, Myanmar, Turquía.

Ante este preocupante deterioro, la PEC ha lanzado un nuevo llamado a la ONU para la adopción de una convención internacional que refuerce la protección de los periodistas con mecanismos de investigación y enjuiciamiento. En 2021, 79 trabajadores de los medios fueron asesinados y 92 en 2020.

01.04.2022. PEC condemns the continuing violence targeting the media in Yemen

French and Arabic after English

By Suzanne Halal, PEC Representative for the Middle East

Geneva, April 1, 2022 (PEC) Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) condemns the continuing violence targeting the media in Yemen. In Yemen, journalists face the dangers of war and air strikes, they are also targeted by the ruling parties and suffer attacks from the Houthis, Al Qaeda, and the government. Since 2014, between 38 and 45 journalists have been killed (identified and including war photographers, media professionals and journalists), according to PEC research. At least 16 journalists are currently in detention/kidnapped.

According to the Human Rights Office of the High Commissionner, the number of abuses and human rights violations against journalists reaches 357, including 45 physical assaults and 184 arbitrary arrests.

Recently, the conflict in Yemen has again appeared in the press, with the Houthi attack Friday, March 25 in Saudi Arabia on several oil locations of Saudi Aramco, and the response of the Kingdom with an air strike in southern Yemen, on Ras Eissa, also on the Hodiedah province, and on military sites in the capital Sana'a, according to Al-Masirah TV, a channel run by the Houthis.

And yet, we rarely hear what is happening in Yemen, the Forgotten War. We dare to ask ourselves why such an oversight? This war, heavy with consequences, human dramas, civil war since 2011 following the Arab Spring revolutions, has become a regional conflict involving Yemen, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Qatar and some international powers including the United States.

Where are the journalists reporting on Yemen ?

All this would lend itself to media coverage of a humanitarian and diplomatic crisis. Where are the journalists who are reporting on this? This war is one of a systematic aggression against journalists, most of whom have left their jobs. Both the Houthis and the government are using methods of aggression against the media on the ground.

PEC is particularly worried about the situation of four journalists detained since 2015 for spying and false reporting: Abdul Khaleq Amran, Tawfiq Al-Mansouri, Harith Hamid and Akram Al- Walidi.

Deprived of care, visits, tortured, without the right to express their position behind bars and very weakened psychologically and physically, these four journalists saw last Sunday their accusation in court and their possible sentence of execution modified thanks to the fact that they did not carry weapons on them and were not affiliated to a political movement. Their sentence was therefore sent to a different court with an exchange of prisoners, without details on their exact fate after this transfer. Recently, the family of journalist Tawfiq Al-Mansoori had appealed to international organizations to press for his immediate release and to save his life after signs of kidney failure in addition to his asthma, shortness of breath, rheumatism and diabetes.

Most recently, on March 23, 2022, local residents found the body of photojournalist Fawaz Al- Wafi. Al-Wafi had worked as a journalist in local institutions and as a photojournalist in Taiz governorate during the years of war. He was stabbed to death by unknown assailants, in "Wadi Al-Qadi" neighborhood of Taiz city, in southern Yemen.

Sixteen journalists have been kidnapped since 2015 in the country, ten of them "on the absurd grounds that they could potentially provide information that could be used by the Arab coalition for its aerial bombardments." Charged with "collaboration with the enemy," they were tried by the Houthi Special Criminal Court, a body not recognized by the international community.

Others are being held without charge or trial in provinces controlled by the so-called "legitimate" government, such as Muhammad Ali Al-Moqri or in separatist-controlled areas, such as Saleh Musawa (now released).

Online access to media sites has been blocked by the Houthis who have taken control of the Ministry of Telecommunications. Throughout the country, journalists are monitored and can be arrested for posting on social networks.

The situation has worsened

According to two Yemeni journalists in the country and a foreign journalist who visits regularly, who remain anonymous for security reasons, the situation has worsened as the danger is not only from acts of war, but from harassment, arrests, enforced disappearances, killings, physical attacks, psychological attacks, restrictions on livelihoods, exclusions from work, bans on visits by imprisoned journalists, and conflicting authorities that create difficulties in practicing the profession. This includes the difficulty for the press to receive protective tools.

Some foreign journalists continue to visit and cover the conflict, often through press trips organized particularly with the Sana'a Center. The New York Times, BBC and AFP have made separate trips. However, their presence is rare and short-lived, and foreign media delegations rarely reach Houthi-controlled areas, as entry permits come from the coalition and pass through the Houthi-controlled city of Aden. However, there are delegations of journalists belonging to Saudi and Emirati media that arrive in the governorates of Aden, Marib, Hadramout, because the coalition is the one that grants them the permits. There is also the problem of affiliation of many journalists to local militias. The information relayed in the newspapers is therefore very unreliable.

According to the three journalists interviewed by PEC, there is an apparent lack of training in covering hostile events and a discussion with the authorities to press for the protection of journalists and to promote their consideration as members of the community rather than enemies. There is also a need for physical and psychological protection of journalists, which is even more necessary since the suspension of the Yemeni Journalists' Union and the division of the Ministry of Information and its institutions.

Camera, pen and smartphones more dangerous than weapons

«The camera and the pen have become more dangerous than weapons for all sides. The conflict in Yemen has pushed dozens of journalists, and I know many of them, into other occupations such as selling qat, collecting plastic bottles in the streets, carrying stones, farming and other occupations that make their living. Some of them have suffered heart attacks because of their financial situation and lack of access to food», said one journalist interviewed by PEC.

The whole of Yemen, from one end to the other, is dangerous for journalists. When you travel from one governorate to another, the checkpoints search the phones of travelers, including journalists, and they have programs that restore everything that has been deleted, and many have been arrested because of this. Smartphones are the first enemy of the journalist through it, they rank you among all the parties to the conflict you are affiliated with, imprisoned or executed under the charge of treason, even if you joined an anti-WhatsApp group, you don't even know who joined it... and no one will believe that you didn't know about it, he added.

Smartphones have involved reporters, and many have resorted to old non-smartphones, deleted many apps because friend inquiry messages are an unintentional trap, while some resort to deleting any direct conversation after talking to their friend about any topic.

Some of their Yemeni colleagues abroad also report psychological pressure and threats from outside Yemen.

Employees of the Yemen Digital Media agency, which provides media services to television stations, were surprised by security guards and representatives of the Sana'a Specialized Criminal Court of First Instance who arrived at the company's building with a judicial seizure notice that was undated and not marked with a name or seal.

According to Media Landscapes, a joint venture between the Centre for European Journalism and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, increased shortages of gasoline, electricity, and printing paper have made it more difficult to publish and distribute newspapers. Some websites have had to close down. Journalists' salaries are very low and this reduces the possibility of journalists being able to make a living from their work. Some news bureaus have had to move (after facing direct attacks), or close permanently, especially independent media.

Some names of journalists killed: Awab al-Zubiry; Mubarak al-Abadi from Nabaa media Foundation; freelance Mohammed Ghalib al-Majidi; Ahmed al-Shaibani from Yemen News; Hashim al-Hamran from al-Masirah TV; freelance Almigdad Mojalli; Bilal Sharaf al-Deen from al Masirah TV; Abdullah Qabil from Yemen Youth TV; Youssef al-Ayzari from Suhai TV; Mohamed Shamsan from Yemen Today; Khaled al-Washli from al-Masirah TV; freelance Luke Somers (the only American listed); Hassan al-Wadhaf from Arabic Media Agency; Jamal al- Sharabi from Al-Masdar; Muhammad al-Rabou'e from Al-Qahira.

Par Suzanne Halal, représentante de la PEC pour le Moyen-Orient

Genève, 1^er avril 2022 (PEC) La PEC condamne la poursuite des violences visant les médias au Yémen. Les journalistes font face aux dangers de la guerre et des frappes aériennes, ils sont également la cible des partis en place et subissent des attaques des Houthis, d’Al Qaeda, et du gouvernement. Depuis 2014, entre 38 et 45 journalistes ont été tués (identifiés and incluant les photographes de guerre, les professionnels de la presse et les journalistes). Au moins 16 sont actuellement en détention ou kidnappés.

Selon le Haut Commissariat aux droits de l’homme, 357 abus et violations des droits humains à l’encontre des journalistes ont été recensés, dont 45 agressions physiques et 184 arrestations arbitraires.

Ces derniers jours, le conflit au Yémen est de nouveau apparu dans la presse, avec l’attaque Houthi Vendredi 25 Mars en Arabie Saoudite sur plusieurs emplacements pétroliers de Saudi Aramco, et la réponse du royaume avec une frappe aérienne au Sud du Yémen, sur Ras Eissa, également sur la province Hodiedah, et sur des sites militaires de la capitale Sanaa, d’après Al-Masirah TV, chaîne dirigée par les Houthis.

Et pourtant, on n’entend que trop rarement ce qui se passe au sein du Yémen, la guerre oubliée. Pourquoi un tel oubli? Cette guerre, lourde de conséquences, drames humains, guerre civile depuis 2011 à l’issue des révolutions du printemps arabe, est devenue un conflit régional avec comme acteurs: le Yémen, l’Iran, l’Arabie, les Émirats, le Qatar et certaines puissances internationales dont les États-Unis. Tout cela prêterait donc bien à la couverture médiatique d’une crise humanitaire et diplomatique.

Où sont les journalistes ?

Cette guerre est celle de l’agression systématique des journalistes, qui, pour la plupart, ont quitté leur fonction. Les Houthis comme le gouvernement emploient des méthodes d’agression sur les médias sur place.

La PEC est particulièrement préoccupée par le sort de quatre journalistes détenus depuis 2015 pour espionnages et fausses informations: Abdul Khaleq Amran, Tawfiq Al-Mansouri, Harith Hamid et Akram Al-Walidi. Privés de soins, de visites, torturés, sans le droit à exprimer leur position derrière les barreaux et très affaiblis psychologiquement et physiquement, ces quatre journalistes ont vu dimanche dernier leur accusation au tribunal et leur possible sentence d’exécution modifiées grâce au fait qu’ils ne portaient pas d’armes sur eux et n’étaient pas affiliés à un mouvement politique. Leur jugement a donc été expédié à un tribunal différent avec un échange de prisonniers, sans détail sur leur sort exact après ce transfert.

Récemment, la famille du journaliste Tawfiq Al-Mansoori a lancé un appel aux organisations internationales pour qu'elles fassent pression pour sa libération immédiate et pour lui sauver la vie après des signes d'insuffisance rénale en plus de son asthme, de son essoufflement, de ses rhumatismes et de son diabète.

Tout dernièrement, le 23 mars 2022, des résidents locaux ont retrouvé le corps du photojournaliste Fawaz Al-Wafi. Al-Wafi avait travaillé comme journaliste dans des institutions locales et comme photojournaliste dans le gouvernorat de Taïz pendant les années de guerre. Il a été poignardé à mort par des assaillants inconnus, dans le quartier "Wadi Al-Qadi" de la ville de Taïz, au sud du Yémen.

Quinze journalistes ont été enlevés, depuis 2015 dans le pays, dix d’entre eux “au motif absurde qu’ils pouvaient potentiellement fournir des informations qui pourraient servir à la coalition arabe pour ses bombardements aériens”. Accusés de “collaboration avec l’ennemi”, ils ont été jugés par le Tribunal Pénal Spécial houthi, une instance non reconnue par la communauté internationale.

D’autres sont détenus sans charge ni jugement dans des provinces contrôlées par le gouvernement dit “légitime”, comme Muhammad Ali Al-Moqri, ou dans les zones contrôlées par les séparatistes, comme Saleh Musawa (aujourd’hui libéré).

L’accès en ligne des sites de media ont été bloqués par les Houthis qui ont pris contrôle du ministère des télécommunications. Partout dans le pays, les journalistes sont surveillés et peuvent être arrêtés pour une publication sur les réseaux sociaux.

La situation s’est encore détériorée

D’après deux journalistes Yéménites dans le pays et un journaliste étranger qui se rend sur place régulièrement, ayant demandé l’anonymat pour des raisons de sécurité, la situation a empiré, car le danger n’est pas seulement celui des actes de guerre, mais le harcèlement, les arrestations, disparitions forcées, assassinats, agressions physiques, agressions psychologiques, restrictions des moyens de subsistance, exclusions du travail, interdiction de visites des journalistes emprisonnés et des autorités conflictuelles qui créent des difficultés pour exercer la profession. Cela inclue la difficulté pour la presse de recevoir des moyens de protection.

Quelqes journalistes étrangers continuent de couvrir le conflit, souvent à travers des voyages de presse organisés particulièrement avec le Centre Sanaa. Le New York Times, la BBC et l’AFP ont effectué des déplacements séparément. Toutefois, leur présence est rare et de courte durée, et les délégations des médias étrangers atteignent rarement les zones sous le contrôle des Houthis, car les permis d'entrée proviennent de la coalition et traversent la ville d'Aden, qui est sous le contrôle des Houthis.

Cependant, il y a des délégations de journalistes appartenant à des médias saoudiens et émiratis qui arrivent dans les gouvernorats d'Aden, Marib, Hadramout, car la coalition est celle qui leur accorde les autorisations. Il y a aussi le problème d’affiliation de beaucoup de journalistes aux milices locales. L’information relayée dans les journaux est donc très peu fiable.

D'après les trois journalistes interrogés, il y a un manque apparent de formation pour la couverture des évènements hostiles et des difficultés dans la discussion avec les autorités pour faire pression sur la protection des journalistes et les considérer comme membres de la communauté et non comme ennemis. Il faudrait également une protection physique et psychologique des journalistes, plus nécessaire encore depuis la suspension du Syndicat des journalistes du Yémen et de la division du ministère de l'Information et de ses institutions.

Appareil photo, stylo et smartphones plus dangereux que les armes

“L'appareil photo et le stylo sont devenus plus dangereux que les armes pour toutes les parties. Le conflit au Yémen a poussé des dizaines de journalistes, et j'en connais beaucoup, à exercer d'autres métiers comme vendre du qat, ramasser des bouteilles en plastique dans les rues, transporter des pierres, cultiver leur champ et autres occupations qui leur font gagner leur vie. Certains d'entre eux ont subi des crises cardiaques en raison de leur situation financière et du manque d'accès à la nourriture”, a déclaré un des journalistes interrogés par la PEC.

“Tout le Yémen, d'un bout à l'autre, est dangereux pour les journalistes. Lorsque vous voyagez d'un gouvernorat à l'autre, les points de contrôle fouillent les téléphones des voyageurs, notamment des journalistes, et ils ont des programmes qui restaurent tout ce qui a été supprimé, et beaucoup ont été arrêtés à cause de cela. Les smartphones sont le premier ennemi du journaliste : à travers lui, ils vous classent parmi les parties au conflit auxquelles vous êtes affilié, vous emprisonnent ou exécutent sous l'inculpation de trahison. Même si vous avez rejoint un groupe anti-WhatsApp, vous ne savez même pas qui l'a rejoint... et personne ne croira que vous n'en saviez rien », a-t-il ajouté.

Beaucoup ont recours à de vieux téléphones non intelligents, ont supprimé de nombreuses applications parce que les messages d'amis sont un piège involontaire, tandis que certains ont recours à la suppression de toute conversation directe après avoir parlé à leur ami de n'importe quel sujet.

Certains de leurs collègues Yéménites à l’étranger leur rapportent également subir des pressions psychologiques et menaces depuis l’extérieur du Yémen.

Des employés de l’agence Yémen Digital Media, qui fournit des services médiatiques aux chaînes de télévision, ont été surpris par des agents de sécurité et des représentants du tribunal pénal spécialisé de première instance de Sanaa qui sont arrivés dans le bâtiment de l'entreprise avec un avis de saisie judiciaire non daté et non marqué d'un nom ou d'un sceau.

D’après Media Landscapes, née d’une association entre le Centre de Journalisme Européen et le Ministère néerlandais de l’éducation, de la Culture et de la Science, un manque accru d’essence, d’électricité et de papier pour impression ont rendu la publication et la distribution des journaux plus difficiles. Certains sites web ont dû fermer. Les salaires des journalistes sont très réduits et cela réduit la possibilité des journalistes à pouvoir vivre de leur métier. Certains bureaux de presse ont dû changer d’endroits (après avoir fait face à des attaques directes), ou fermer de manière permanente, notamment les médias indépendants.

Des noms de journalistes tués: Awab al-Zubiry; Mubarak al-Abadi from Nabaa media Foundation; freelance Mohammed Ghalib al-Majidi; Ahmed al-Shaibani from Yemen News; Hashim al-Hamran from al-Masirah TV; freelance Almigdad Mojalli; Bilal Sharaf al-Deen from al Masirah TV; Abdullah Qabil from Yemen Youth TV; Youssef al-Ayzari from Suhai TV; Mohamed Shamsan from Yemen Today; Khaled al-Washli from al-Masirah TV; freelance Luke Somers (the only American listed); Hassan al-Wadhaf from Arabic Media Agency; Jamal al-Sharabi from Al-Masdar; Muhammad al-Rabou’e from Al-Qahira.

حملة الشارة لحماية الصحفيين تدين استمرار الانتهاكات التي تستهدف وسائل الإعلام في اليمن

تحرير: سوازان حلال، ممثلة حملة الشارة لحماية الصحفيين لمنطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال افريقيا.

جنيف، 1 ابريل 2022(PEC)

أدانت حملة الشارة لحماية الصحفيين استمرار الانتهاكات التي تستهدف وسائل الإعلام في اليمن. إذ يواجه الصحفيون في اليمن مخاطر الحرب وعمليات القصف الجوي، كما يتعرضون لاستهداف من قبل الأطراف المتصارعة: الحوثيين والقاعدة والحكومة اليمنية. فقد قتل ما بين 38 و45 صحفيا منذ عام 2014، ممن تم التعرف عليهم بما في ذلك مصورين مختصين في الحروب، ومهنيين عاملين في وسائل الإعلام وصحفيين. ويوجد حاليا حوالي 16 معتقلا او مختطفا.

وتشير المفوضية السامية لحقوق الإنسان الى أنه قد تم إحصاء 357 حالة انتهاك لحقوق الإنسان في حق صحفيين من بينها 45 حالة اعتداء جسدي و184 حالة اعتقال تعسفي.

وقد عاد الصراع في اليمن للظهور في الآونة الأخيرة من جديد في وسائل الإعلام بعد الهجوم الحوثي يوم الجمعة 25 مارس على عدة مواقع بترولية لشركة آرامكو في العربية السعودية، وبعد الهجمات الجوية التي ردت بها السعودية والتي استهدفت، جنوب اليمن، ورأس عيسى ومحافظة الحديدية والمواقع العسكرية في العاصمة صنعاء، وفقا لما أوردته قناة المسيرة التلفزيونية التي يديرها الحوثيون.

ومع ذلك نلاحظ أننا لا نسمع إلا القليل عما يحدث في داخل اليمن في هذه الحرب المنسية. لماذا هذا التجاهل؟ إن هذه الحرب التي خلفت الكثير من الدمار والمآسي الإنسانية، هذه الحرب الأهلية التي اشتعلت نارها بعد ثورات الربيع العربي تحولت اليوم الى حرب إقليمية يشارك فيها كل من اليمن وإيران والعربية السعودية والإمارات العربية المتحدة وقطر وبعض القوى الدولية من بينها الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

أين هم الصحفيون؟

كل هذه العوامل التي أشرنا إليها سابقا، من المفروض أن تشجع على حدوث تغطية إعلامية لأزمة إنسانية ودبلوماسية. لكم أين هم الصحفيون؟

إن هذه الحرب هي بمثابة اعتداء منهجي يستهدف الصحفيين بالخصوص، والذين اضطرت غالبيتهم الى التخلي عن مزاولة هذه المهنة. فالحوثيون وكذلك الحكومة يستخدم كل منهما أساليب اعتداء ضد وسائل الإعلام.

وقد أعربت حملة الشارة لحماية الصحفيين عن قلقها بالخصوص فيما يتعلق بمصير أربعة صحفيين معتقلين منذ عام 2015 بتهمة التجسس وترويج معلومات خاطئة: عبد الخالق عمران، توفيق المنصوري، حارث حميد وأكرم الوليدي.

فهؤلاء الصحفيين الأربعة تم حرمانهم من تلقي العلاج وتم تعريضهم للتعذيب، ولم يسمح لهم بعرض وجهة نظرهم أمام المحكمة، وهم يوجدون في وضعية صحية ونفسية متدهورة. وقد تعرفوا يوم الأحد الماضي على محتوى التهم الموجهة لهم وعلى إمكانية تغيير حكم الإعدام المحتمل في حقهم وهذا بسبب كونهم لم يكونوا يحملون أسلحة ولم يكونوا ينتمون الى أي حركة سياسية. وقد تم تحويل محاكمتهم الى محكمة أخرى ضمن عملية تبادل للأسرى بدون تقديم أية تفاصيل عن مصيرهم بعد هذا التحويل.

وكانت عائلة توفيق المنصوري قد وجهت في الآونة الأخيرة نداء للمنظمات الدولية لممارسة بعض الضغوط من أجل الإفراج الفوري عنه ومن أجل انقاذ حياته بعد معاناته من نقص كلوي إضافة الى معاناته من مرض الربو وضيق التنفس ومرض المفاصل ومرض السكري.

وقد عثر مواطنون مؤخرا في 23 مارس 2022 على جثة الصحفي فواز الوافي. وكان الوافي يشتغل كصحفي في مؤسسات إعلامية محلية وكمصور صحفي في محافظة تعز خلال سنوات الحرب. وقد تعرض للطعن حتى الموت من قبل مهاجمين مجهولي الهوية في حي "وادي القاضي" في مدينة تعز بجنوب اليمن.

و قد تم اختطاف 15 صحفي في كامل البلاد منذ 2015، عشرة من بينهم بتهمة سخيفة وهي أنه بإمكانهم تقديم معلومات قد يستفيد منها التحالف العربي في عمليات القصف الجوي التي يقوم بها. وبعد اتهامهم بتهمة "التعاون مع العدو" تمت محاكمتهم من قبل محكمة خاصة تابعة للحوثيين وهي محكمة غير معترف بها من قبل المجموعة الدولية.

وهناك صحفيون آخرون معتقلون بدون محاكمة في المحافظات التي تقع تحت سيطرة الحكومة المسماة ب "الحكومة الشرعية"، مثل محمد علي المقري، او في المناطق الواقعة تحت سيطرة الانفصاليين مثل صالح موسوى (الذي تم الإفراج عنه).

وقد قام الحوثيون بعد استيلائهم على وزارة الاتصالات بقطع إمكانية متابعة وسائل الإعلام عبر شبكة الإنترنت. ويتعرض الصحفيون في كامل أنحاء البلاد للمراقبة وقد يتعرضون للاعتقال بسبب نشر خبر على صفحات وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي.

مزيد من التدهور في الأوضاع

لقد عرفت الأوضاع مزيدا من التدهور، وفقا لشهادة اثنين من الصحفيين اليمنيين في الداخل وصحفي يتردد من حين لآخر على اليمن فضل عدم الإفصاح عن هويته لأسباب امنية، وهذا ليس فقط بسبب مخاطر الحرب بل بسبب المضايقات والاعتقال والاختفاء القسري والقتل والاعتداء الجسدي والاعتداء النفسي والتضييق في مجال الحصول على وسائل العيش ومنع زيارة الصحفيين المعتقلين والطرد من العمل وبسبب السلطات المتصارعة فيما بينها الأمر الذي يعقد إمكانية مزاولة مهنة الصحافة بما في إمكانية الحصول على وسائل الحماية.

هناك بعض الصحفيين الأجانب الذين يواصلون تغطية الصراع في اليمن غالبا من خلال زيارات صحفية يتم تنظيمها بالخصوص مع مركز صنعاء. وقد قامت صحيفة نيويورك تايمز وإذاعة بي بي سي ووكالة الصحافة الفرنسية ببعض الزيارات المتفرقة. ولكن تواجدها في البلد أصبح قليلا ولفترات قصيرة جدا. كما أن بعثات وسائل الإعلام الأجنبية لا تستطيع الوصول الى المناطق التي تقع تحت سيطرة الحوثيين لأن تراخيص الدخول تقدمها قوات التحالف ويجب المرور عبر مدينة عدن التي تقع تحت سيطرة الحوثيين.

ولكن مع ذلك نجد ان بعثات صحفية تابعة لوسائل إعلام سعودية وإماراتية وصلت الى محافظات عدن ومأرب وحضرموت لأن سلطات التحالف هي التي تقدم لها التراخيص. وهناك أيضا مشكلة انتماء العديد من الصحفيين الى الميليشيات المحلية، وهو ما يجعل الأخبار المنقولة عبر الجرائد ليست ذات مصداقية كبيرة.

ووفقا لأقوال الصحفيين الثلاثة الذين استجوتهم حملة شارة حماية الصحفيين، هناك نقص كبير في التكوين في مجال تغطية الصراعات المسلحة وصعوبة النقاش مع السلطات من أجل تقديم حماية للصحفيين واعتبارهم جزءا من المجتمع وليس النظر لهم على أنهم أعداء. وهناك حاجة ماسة الى تقديم حماية جسدية ونفسية للصحفيين أصبحت أكثر إلحاحا منذ حل نقابة الصحفيين في اليمن ومنذ تقسيم وزارة الإعلام ومؤسساتها (بين طرفي النزاع).

آلة التصوير، والقلم، والهاتف النقال أكثر خطورة من الأسلحة

يقول أحد الصحفيين الذين استجوبتهم حملة شارة حماية الصحفيين  " إن آلة التصوير والقلم أصبحا أكثر خطورة من الأسلحة بالنسبة لكل أطراف النزاع. فقد أدى الصراع في اليمن بعشرات الصحفيين، واعرف الكثير منهم، الى تغيير مهنتهم الى بائعي القات او جمع القوارير البلاستيكية في الشوارع أو حمل الأحجار أو زراعة حقولهم او مزاولة اية نشاطات تسمح لهم بـتأمين معيشتهم. وهناك البعض منهم ممن تعرض لسكتة قلبية بسبب أوضاعهم المالية وتعذر الحصول على الغداء".