attack on journalist
Friday 19.3.2021 Malawi - Latest Developments -
Several protests held against COVID-19 restrictions, journalist assaulted by police
Taxi operators, sex workers, pupils hold separate protests related to COVID-19 restrictions, journalist assaulted by police for asking to feature them in a COVID-19 report Read more
Thursday 18.3.2021 Bulgaria - Latest Developments -
Sustained anti-government protests continue in Bulgaria
Anti-government protests which began in July 2020 continued in the months that followed, over one hundred were arrested in early September Read more
Wednesday 10.3.2021 Senegal - Latest Developments -
Protests and clashes after arrest opposition leader: several killed, arrested, TV stations suspended
Tension has been on the rise in Senegal since the leader of political opposition party PASTEF (Patriotes du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité) and member of parliament Ousmane Sonko was accused of sexual assault and death threats. Sonko denies the accusations and accuses authorities of a 'political complot'. Protests and clashes erupted and security forces, killing eight people, journalists have been subjected to threats and political supporters and activists have been arrested.
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Tuesday 9.3.2021 Myanmar - Latest Developments -
Deadly violence against protesters by security forces as crackdown escalates in Myanmar
Over the last month, protesters demanding an end to the military's rule were met with live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon by security forces as they attempted to disperse protests. Laws have been amended by the military to restrict civic space and there have been ongoing arrests of political leaders, government officials, civil servants, activists, student leaders and doctors, as well as anti-coup protesters. Read more
Wednesday 3.3.2021 Netherlands - Latest Developments -
Journalists come under attack during violent protests over COVID-19 curfew
In response to the reinstated curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19, the Netherlands saw a new wave of protests against the government's handling of the health crisis. Protests have taken place throughout the country, with some of these turning violent. Protests in Eindhoven and Amsterdam were forcefully broken up by riot-police with water cannon and tear gas. Police say around 300 people were detained for rioting so far and 5,700 were fined for breaking the COVID-19 curfew. In a concerning development, journalists covering protests faced physical attacks. Read more
Monday 1.3.2021 Chad - Latest Developments -
Increasing civic space restrictions months ahead of presidential poll
On 4th February 2021, authorities issued a ban on protests across the country, citing fears of public disorder. The ban followed a call by a coalition of opposition parties, human rights organisations and civil society organisations to mobilise on 6th February 2021 to protest against president Idriss Déby running for a sixth term in the upcoming April 2021 elections. On 6th February 2021, more than 100 people were arrested throughout the country. Read more | Read in French
Thursday 25.2.2021 Canada - Latest Developments -
Violations of COVID-19 protocols lead to fines and detentions for protesters in Canada
During January and February 2021, organisers and attendees of events to protest COVID-19 restrictions were detained or fined in multiple cities. In Hamilton, two people were charged for organising two “Hugs not Masks” events that reportedly drew about 100 people combined, despite local restrictions that limit gatherings to a maximum of 10 people outdoors. Read more
Wednesday 24.2.2021 Ghana - Latest Developments -
December 2020 general elections: journalists attacked, threatened
Several incidents of attacks against journalists have taken place in the aftermath of the 7th December general elections. In addition, several journalists have been subjected to threats, including death threats: Read more
Tuesday 23.2.2021 Albania - Latest Developments -
Police brutality and killing in response to COVID-19 curfew breach sparks protests
During this reporting period, there were days of protests staged by hundreds of Albanians in response to the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Klodian Rasha by a police officer for breaching a coronavirus-related curfew on 8th December 2020. The protesters gathered at various locations, but police condemned the actions, which flouted government COVID-19 guidelines on public gatherings and they used tear gas to disperse the protests. It was reported that nine police officers, a protester and a journalist were injured. According to a preliminary report by the ombudsman, 124 people have been detained, of whom 57 were minors, some under the age of 14. In addition journalists covering protests also faced assaults and detention.
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Monday 22.2.2021 Egypt - Latest Developments -
Restrictions in response to the exercise of fundamental freedoms continue
Restricted civic space and the worsening situation for human rights defenders continue in Egypt. While the three EIPR staff members, namely Gasser Abdel-Razek, Karim Ennarah and Mohamed Bashee were released, 7th February 2020 marks one year since the arrest of EIPR researcher and Bologna University student Patrick George Zaki. Graduate student Ahmed Samir Santawy was arrested on 1st February 2021, in relation to his research on women’s rights. In addition, the crackdown on freedom of expression continues. According to Reporters Without Borders, the number of journalists and bloggers detained in Egypt now stands at 33. In one case documented, freelance journalist Solafa Magdy was physically and sexually assaulted in police custody. Solafa and her husband were first arrested on 26th November 2019. Read more
