JournalismPakistan.com | Published May 19, 2015
Join our WhatsApp channel
NEW YORK: Grave dangers confront those who draw satirical and political cartoons, but threats against cartoonists are a global phenomenon and are as diverse as the content of the cartoons themselves, according to a report released today by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
In one case examined in the report, political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque (pictured), known as "Zunar," faces more than 40 years in prison if found guilty of sedition during a trial that is due to begin in Malaysia on May 20.
"Attacks and threats from Islamic extremists have brought the risks for cartoonists into high relief, but the threats also come from governments," said Joel Simon, CPJ Executive Director. "Editorial cartoons have the ability to convey complex themes in a simple yet profound manner that easily crosses borders and languages. What makes these cartoons so powerful is also what makes cartoonists so vulnerable."
The risks stem largely from criticism of authority figures, commentary on current affairs, and portraying religious symbols. Thanks to social media, cartoons are reaching more people than ever before, but that reach means enemies of the press are able to more easily monitor and respond to content they deem objectionable.
Political cartoonists in Iran, South Africa, and Venezuela are among those who have faced lawsuits, fines, harassment, and imprisonment over their satirical take on leaders and government policy. In Ecuador, the cartoonist Xavier Bonilla may face criminal charges over a montage jabbing at the fumbling speech of a politician in President Rafael Correa's ruling party. His newspaper, El Universo, was ordered to run an apology for seven days after publishing the cartoon.
Fear of retaliation and death threats from radical Islamists have forced some cartoonists into exile or, in the case of American Molly Norris, into hiding. One cartoonist simply disappeared. Prageeth Eknelygoda, a Sri Lankan whose critical drawings of the Rajapaksa government were widely disseminated, went missing in 2010.
A growth in measures against "offensive" speech and greater surveillance of media under the guise of combatting terrorism are also documented in the report, which was written by Shawn W. Crispin. Crispin, a Thailand-based journalist, is CPJ's senior Southeast Asia representative. CPJ Asia Research Associate Sumit Galhotra contributed reporting from New Delhi, India.
CPJ's report looks at cases in Malaysia, India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Venezuela, the United States, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Syria, and Iran.
April 30, 2025: Freedom of expression in Pakistan is under threat, as the 2025 Freedom Network report reveals increased arrests, censorship, and legal restrictions following amendments to PECA, posing serious risks to journalists and democratic values.
April 30, 2025: Dawn has criticized the Indian media's calls for war and condemned the banning of 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, urging a rational response after the Pahalgam attack that left 26 dead.
April 28, 2025: India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major news outlets and individual journalists, following the deadly Pahalgam attack. Tensions escalate as Islamabad demands a neutral probe.
April 23, 2025: Pakistani journalists respond in unison to a post hinting at a possible Indian military strike. Citing the 2019 ‘Swift Retort,’ they warn of a stronger response if provoked again.
April 21, 2025: After being expelled from PTI, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat launches personal attacks on journalists and Aleema Khan, sparking outrage on social media over his offensive remarks.
April 21, 2025: Journalist Sanaullah Khan reveals that the FIA has launched a financial crackdown on YouTubers by freezing the bank accounts of journalists and their family members—raising serious concerns over freedom of expression and legal process.
April 20, 2025: Dr. Nauman Niaz launched his fifteenth book, In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple and Triple Centuries 1876–2025, at an elegant Islamabad event, reflecting on cricket’s rarest feats and his journey as a scholar of the game.
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 23, 2025 Discover Dr. Nauman Niaz’s In A Different Realm: Story of Quadruple & Triple Centuries 1876–2025, a profound exploration of cricket's most monumental innings, blending historical analysis with poetic narrative.
April 22, 2025 Once a beacon of hope for Pakistan's cricket revival, the Pakistan Super League now grapples with stagnation and moral compromises. Can this cultural symbol reclaim its lost soul?
April 21, 2025 An Italian newspaper, Il Foglio, successfully published a month-long AI-written insert and praised its irony and analytical abilities, while affirming that AI will complement—not replace—quality journalism.
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.