Women Press Freedom and Partners Achieve Alsu Kurmasheva’s Release Through Coordinated Advocacy

Threats Documented in August 2024

Click on dropdown menu to see the top violators (country) by violation type

Note from the Editor :

This August, we witnessed a significant victory for press freedom with the release of Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist who had been wrongfully detained by Russian authorities. Her release was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through combined efforts and solidarity. Women Press Freedom, in collaboration with several international advocacy groups, human rights organizations, and media outlets, relentlessly campaigned for her freedom. Together, we elevated Alsu’s case, shining a spotlight on her unjust imprisonment and building global pressure on the Russian government.

Alsu’s release on August 1, 2024, was part of a broader high-profile prisoner exchange involving the U.S. and Germany. It was the culmination of months of coordinated advocacy work — strategic statements, diplomatic negotiations, and media outreach — that underscored the importance of protecting press freedom. The efforts of Women Press Freedom, alongside other organizations, were instrumental in keeping her case in the public eye, demonstrating the power of collective action in securing justice for journalists who are targeted and silenced.

Despite this success, August’s report on press freedom for women journalists reminds us how much more work remains. With 66 violations, including the tragic killings of four journalists and numerous assaults, arrests, and acts of harassment, women in journalism continue to face serious threats. However, moments like Alsu’s release provide hope and reinforce our commitment to defending those who risk their lives for the truth.

Inge Snip

Senior Editor, Women Press Freedom

4 journalists killed

📍Gaza

On August 28, 2024, an Israeli airstrike on Nuseirat Camp killed freelance journalist Sumaya Abed Rabou and her brother, journalist Mohamed Abd Rabbo of Al-Manara Media.

📍Iraq / Kurdistan, Sulaymaniyah

On 23 August 2024, a Turkish drone struck a van in Gondeh Resh, a village in the Sayd Sadegh region near Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan. The vehicle hit was transporting journalists affiliated with Chatr Media Company.  

The drone strike, part of the Turkish army’s ongoing military operations in the region, resulted in the deaths of two women journalists Gulîstan Tara and Hero Bahadin, and injuries to several others.

Gulistan Tara was a 40 year old journalist from Batman in Turkiye, Bakur, while Hêro Bahadîn was a 27 year old video editor.

📍Bangladesh, Dhaka

On August 28, 2024, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sarah Rahanuma, a 32-year-old newsroom editor at Gazi TV, was tragically found dead in Hatirjheel Lake with the exact cause of her death is under investigation.

If you would like to request more insight into our findings, or would like to suggest an addition to our work reach out to us at info@womeninjournalism.org. For media inquiries reach out to us at press@womeninjournalism.org.

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.