CPJ condemns killing of Jordanian commentator

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published September 25, 2016

WASHINGTON - The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned Sunday's assassination of controversial Jordanian writer Nahed Hattar outside an Amman court, where he was facing charges of "insulting religion" in connection with a cartoon he shared on Facebook, according to news reports. Relatives at the scene apprehended his killer, the reports said.

Jordanian officials last month told CPJ that they had detained the journalist -- who was taken into custody August 13 after he shared a cartoon. Following Hattar's arrest, a public prosecutor issued a gag order on reporting on the case. Hattar was released on bail in early September, but afforded no protection by the government, despite threats to his life, news reports said.

"Nahed Hattar's killing is a direct result of lack of commitment to freedom of expression by Jordanian authorities," said Sherif Mansour, CPJ's program coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa. "We call on the government to bring the killer to justice and to change its approach to freedom of the press to foster openness and protection for critical voices."

While the gunman has not been identified, some social media accounts of conservatives in Jordan and elsewhere celebrated Hattar's death and said he deserved it for blasphemy, Al-Jazeera reported.

On a mission to Jordan in August, CPJ found overt censorship by Jordanian authorities as well as self-censorship by journalists fearing reprisal for their work. Officials defended the role of the government as an arbitrator of public debate at a time when the country is facing challenges, including the fight against terrorism and a flood of refugees arriving from neighboring countries. - Committee to Protect Journalists

 

CPJ calls on Pakistani authorities to end harassment, deportation of Afghan journalists

 January 23, 2025:  CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety

Cyber martial law: Authoritarian PECA legislation threatens digital expression in Pakistan

 January 23, 2025:  Pakistan's PECA Amendment exposes a dangerous assault on press freedom, creating a repressive social media regulatory framework that threatens digital expression and criminalizes journalism. #MediaFreedom #PakistanLaw #DigitalRights #Censorship #JournalismUnderThreat

When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

 January 23, 2025:  An in-depth look at the recent scuffle on a Pakistani talk show, its implications for media ethics, and the urgent need for TV channels to uphold decorum during debates.

Over 300 PTV pensioners rally for dues, PFUJ slams management inaction

 January 22, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the neglect of PTV pensioners who protested in Islamabad for unpaid dues and benefits. Union urges authorities to resolve issues without delay.

PFUJ condemns PECA amendments as a betrayal by information minister

 January 22, 2025:  The PFUJ has condemned the new amendments to PECA 2016, describing them as unconstitutional and threatening press freedom. It warns of nationwide protests if the government doesn’t withdraw the bill.

Crackdown on AI-generated content: FIA targets 10 more suspects

 January 22, 2025:  The FIA has registered 18 cases, including against 10 more suspects, for sharing AI-generated images of Maryam Nawaz and the UAE President. The crackdown also targets those who liked or commented on the images.

Pakistan's digital hypocrisy: PM Shehbaz Sharif tweets Trump while citizens face X ban

 January 21, 2025:  Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Trump on X despite the year-long platform ban, sparking outrage over government double standards and digital censorship concerns.

Leaked justice: Journalists tweet Imran Khan's 14-year sentence before judge's verdict

 January 17, 2025:  In an unprecedented breach of judicial protocol, Pakistani journalists accurately revealed Imran Khan's 14-year sentence in the Al-Qadir case on social media 24 hours before the official verdict, raising serious questions about court independence