CPJ

Surprise among countries jailing the most journalists per capita

The Committee to Protect Journalists of the CJR is most concerned with the murder of journalists in Russia and Syria and the long-term incarceration of reporters. The number of nations hostile to free speech and press includes the usual suspects: China, Ethiopia, Iran, Vietnam, and Sudan. But it is surprising that Israel ranks second in the number of journalists in prison although aspiring to be a modern democracy. -db From an analysis for the Columbia

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United Nations calls for action to protect journalists

The United Nations human rights chief said it is now so dangerous for journalists worldwide that the UN needs to develop a strategy to protect them. Forty-four journalist died in 2010 with 35 dead so far this year. -db From The Guardian, October 14, by Roy Greenslade. Full story

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Sexual attack used as weapon to silence women reporters

A report released this week reveals that women reporters, tired of enduring sexual threats and no longer afraid of losing their jobs for complaining, are now speaking out. The change occurred after CBS News correspondent Lara Logan candidly spoke about her assault by a mob in Cairo’s Tahrir Square while covering the Egyptian uprising. News organizations are beginning to provide help for women in difficult assignments. NBC is starting a course for journalists reporting in

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Lara Logan story points to need for greater protections for women on assignment

In an opinion piece in Mother Jones, Mac McClelland writes that the dangers women face covering volatile events in distant lands have for various reasons been neglected. The Lara Logan sexual assault in Egypt is but the latest of a number of frightening incidents. McClelland supports current efforts to include a section on sexual harassment and assault in the Committee to Protect Journalist’s “Journalist Safety Guide.” -db From Mother Jones, February 15, 2011, by Mac

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Iraq war: Federal transparency lacking without muscle behind Freedom of Information Act

Frank Smyth, the Journalism Security Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, argues that Obama’s promises for greater transparency are proving empty with the military failing to provide access to information about the killing of civilians and journalists in Iraq. -db Committee to Protect Journalists Commentary April 26, 2010 By Frank Smyth WASHINGTON, D.C. – The White House says it wants to improve transparency. Greater access to information could prevent deaths of journalists in the

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