Belarus: Press Repression Escalates, Volha Radzivonava Sentenced Ahead of Presidential Election
December 10, 2024 - Belarus, Minsk
Volha Radzivonava sentenced to 4 years in prison for “insulting the president” and “discrediting Belarus.” Arrested in March 2024, Volha, a freelancer for KYKY.org and other outlets, has been detained in harsh conditions, including undergoing a forced psychiatric evaluation.
This absurd sentence is part of the ongoing crackdown on dissent in Belarus since the 2020 protests against Lukashenko, which is intensifying ahead of next months' presidential election.
Women Press Freedom condemns the continued persecution of journalists and demands Volha’s immediate release. We denounce the repression of press in Belarus and urge the international community to apply pressure of Belarusian government that continues to harass, abuse and sentence dissenters of any kind.
On December 9, 2024, Espreso TV journalist Maria Ivanovska was threatened by an armed man in Kremenchuk while investigating alleged sales of banned Russian oil products.
We call on the Philippine authorities to end these chilling tactics and respect the rights of journalists.
Israeli airstrike kills Palestinian journalist Eman El Shanti, along with her husband and three sons.
Volha Radzivonava sentenced to 4 years in prison for “insulting the president” and “discrediting Belarus.”
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the brutal murder of journalist Hanan Adam and her brother by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
On December 9, 2024, Espreso TV journalist Maria Ivanovska was threatened by an armed man in Kremenchuk while investigating alleged sales of banned Russian oil products.
Multiple journalists from independent outlet Meydan TV including Khayala Agayeva, Aynur Elgunesh, Aysel Umudova and others, detained by Azerbaijani authorities.
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the violent assault on TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze, who was attacked live on air by multiple masked men reportedly tied to the Georgian government.
We reiterate our call to drop all charges against her and join the #FreeNarges to call again for her full release.
Supreme Court upholds the death sentence of Kurdish journalist Pakhshan Azizi, reinforcing the regime's brutal crackdown on dissent.
Aktualitysk journalist Laura Kellö Kalinská was subjected to an online attack by Daniel Bombic, also known as Danny Kollár, a far-right conspiracist residing in London and facing criminal charges.
The journalist is being accused of the “appropriation and disclosure of a national defense secret.” She faces a potential 5-year prison sentence and a €75k fine if convicted.
On December 4, 2024, police raided the homes of journalists Mónica Rodríguez & Steve Magaña, known for their human rights work.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze insulted Formula TV journalist Eliso Jariashvili during a press conference, calling her "miserable" and accusing her of taking "dirty money."
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marine's family and loved ones and urge authorities to conduct a full and transparent inquiry into her untimely passing.
A man, who appeared uninvited and became verbally aggressive, forced the group to abandon the interview
Channel Nine reporter Airlie Walsh has filed a sex discrimination lawsuit against her employer, Channel Nine, while on maternity leave.
Court partially upheld sports journalist Ana Inés Martínez’s claims against Channel 10.
Court issues a detention order for exiled journalist Ayşe Kara during her retrial on charges of "membership in a terrorist organization."
WPF stands in solidarity with Rachel Yonkunas, an Emmy-winning investigative reporter, who is suing News12 Long Island for gender-based discrimination after being unfairly sidelined and fired.
Journalist’s truck was riddled with bullets, leaving her wounded after she was attacked by unknown assailants on December 1, 2024.
Sports reporter Ashley Wenskoski called out Miami's mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, for inappropriate behavior toward her while covering a college football game in Syracuse, New York.
Women Press Freedom demands immediate accountability from Georgian authorities. These assaults on the press are assaults on democracy itself. The world must stand with Georgian journalists now—before it’s too late.
Rachel Gilmore was publicly harassed for her reporting when an individual demanded she reveal her sources. The interaction was filmed and shared online, escalating the harassment.
Yohali Reséndiz received chilling death threats and sexual violence via WhatsApp, including a video of a corpse and calls threatening to rape and dismember her
Jelena Mirković and cameraman Aleksandar Cvrkotić attacked while they were covering a protest in Belgrade. Shoved, struck, and harassed, Mirković called it the worst attack in her decade-long career.
We urge the U.S. judicial system to ensure Williams receives the justice she deserves and to hold these media companies accountable for any breaches of law and ethics.
We demand Pakistani authorities investigate the incidents and hold those responsible to account.
We demand Chinese authorities release Zhang Zhan immediately and end the persecution of journalists.
Court issues an arrest warrant for France 24 journalist Catherine Norris Trent, accusing her of “illegally entering” Kursk while reporting on Ukraine’s summer incursion.
