American nonprofit defending press freedom worldwide
Lebanese authorities have released Fadel Shaker on bail after questions over allegations including army involvement, funding militias, and money laundering related to the Sidon clashes in 2013. Shaker, once a famed singer, has a long history linked to the Al-Assir faction and subsequent legal proceedings.
Independent bookstores in Hong Kong have faced a third round of arrests under the 2024 national security law, with two shops raided and five people arrested for suspected displaying and selling seditious materials. Authorities say the operation targets materials that incite hatred toward the government, judiciary and police. The decoupled sales of such titles have intensified amid ongoing questions about freedom of expression in the city.
The Department of Homeland Security has replaced the duration of status system with fixed periods for foreign journalists and students, aiming to improve vetting. Journalists face a maximum stay of 240 days (and 90 days for Chinese reporters), with extensions possible. The policy takes effect 60 days after publication, drawing criticism from press groups who warn of restricted reporting.
The White House Correspondents’ Association re-stages a scaled dinner after a chaotic April event. Trump has attacked the press during the event, amid broader tensions over media access and First Amendment rights. Organisers and critics debate whether the gala can uphold press freedoms while the president remains adversarial.
Pakistan’s Foreign Media Facilitation Guidelines 2026 have been issued, requiring accreditation and travel clearance for reporting outside Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Rights groups call the move a restriction on press freedom; the government says it provides a transparent framework for registration and reporting.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Lebanons Legal Agenda have released investigations finding that Israeli strikes on 22 April in al-Tiri have targeted journalists Amal Khalil and Zeinab Faraj, described the attacks as war crimes and said Israeli forces impeded rescue efforts. Israel has denied deliberately targeting journalists and said it struck Hezbollah-linked targets.
Independent Ethiopian outlets face escalating government pressure. Journalists detained or harassed, offices raided, and licenses revoked as authorities push for tighter control over reporting on unrest and elections. CPJ urges due process and the protection of press freedom.
Rights groups report a sustained crackdown on civil society in Tunisia, with arrests, financially targeting NGOs, and suspensions widening under President Saied. The move is described as a strategic clampdown on dissent amid protests and deteriorating living conditions.
NAZA, an 80‑minute documentary by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has premiered at the Venice Film Festival, won a special jury prize and prompted sustained criticism from Israeli officials. The film presents anonymous testimony from 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel alleging AI‑assisted targeting and frequent civilian deaths in Gaza; Israel’s defence establishment has rejected the claims and ordered inquiries.
Israeli forces have identified 170 Gazan journalists as members of armed groups, a claim the IDF says explains discrepancies with prior reporting. The list includes journalists who were killed during the war, some of whom had worked for international outlets. Palestinian groups say the move erases professional identity and raises questions about evidence.