STATEMENTS
On this World Press Freedom Day, Justice for Journalists reaffirms our commitment to protecting media workers worldwide by raising awareness about attacks on civil and professional journalists, teaching media safety and supporting independent investigations.
In April, the Russian Ministry of Justice designated the Justice for Journalists Foundation (JFJ) an “undesirable organisation” within the Russian Federation.
As a UK-based and registered charity, JFJ does not undertake any activities, nor does it deal with legal entities or individuals domiciled in the Russian Federation. At the same time, our Russia-connected readers might be at risk of persecution for “participation in the activities of an undesirable organisation” if they own or quote JFJ’s publications.
REPORTS: ATTACKS ON MEDIA WORKERS IN KAZAKHSTAN IN 2024
In 2024, a total of 347 attacks and threats against media professionals, activists, and media outlets were documented in Kazakhstan. The majority of these incidents (62%) involved judicial or economic pressure, including criminal charges and interrogations. Over half of the perpetrators (55%) were non-state actors, while 42% were linked to government representatives. Additionally, 125 non-physical incidents, such as cyber threats, were recorded, along with four physical attacks, the lowest number since monitoring began in 2017.
EVENTS
- SLAPPs are abusive legal threats and actions brought by powerful and wealthy people against public watchdogs with the aim of silencing them. But how do you know if you’re facing a SLAPP? Sometimes it is difficult to tell. On May 27, the Index on Censorship is launching the “Am I Facing a SLAPP?” tool. The webinar brings together individuals from across Europe and the US who have faced SLAPPs to share their personal experiences and strategies for resistance. The event will feature a guided walkthrough of a new tool.
- On May 6, JFJ will attend the launch of the Worlds of Journalism Study Global Index on Journalists’ Safety in Brussels. The index is compiled on the basis of a worldwide survey with 30,890 journalists in 73 countries conducted in the period 2020-2025 as part of the third wave of the Worlds of Journalism Study and using data from UNESCO’s Observatory of Killings.
CFOM’s Dr. Sara Torsner has been awarded an ESRC grant for a two-year project titled Profiling Impunity for Human Rights Violations Against Journalists. The research will investigate the root causes of impunity, where nearly 80% of journalist murders go unpunished, and the countermeasures used to challenge it. Using an innovative interdisciplinary approach and Participatory Action Research, the project will bring together global civil society, legal, and journalistic actors in a Community of Practice to develop strategies for accountability and journalist protection. The Justice for Journalists Foundation is proud to be a collaborative partner for this project.