China - BBC journalist and crew attacked and harassed

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published November 18, 2016

The International Federation of Journalists has condemned an attack on a BBC journalist and crew in Beijing, and demanded an immediate investigation.

On November 17, John Sudworth, a BBC journalist and his crew, were trying to interview an independent candidate for the upcoming elections in Beijing. When the crew arrived at the candidate's house, they were immediately confronted by six men, who blocked the crew's access to the house. Sudworth was eventually able to access the house and knocked on the front door. However, when the candidate answered the door, the men pushed the door shut and stopped the candidate from speaking, or let the crew inside. The candidate then opened a window and tried to talk to Sudworth and the crew, however the men immediately blocked the window and forced it shut.

During the altercation, other people arrived, some wearing masks. They started manhandling Sudworth and the crew, blocking the camera and pushing them. Sudworth told the IFJ that he and his team has received a few bumps and knocks, which were maybe a bit heavier than usual but sadly not unprecedented.

John Sudworth said that this was not the first time he has experienced attacks like this, referring to a similar incident in another area when they tried to interview another independent candidate for the Beijing elections. On that occasion, the group were blocked by a police officer, who was waiting for them when they arrived for the interview.

China is beginning to organize the elections for the next five-year terms. During the elections more than 900 million voters will cast their ballots to elect their local delegates. Anyone can run for election if they are able to collect enough nominees for support, however it is extremely difficult. In previous elections, independent candidates have been detained or forced into exile.

The IFJ Asia Pacific Office said: “Journalists should never be attacked or threatened for doing their job. The attempts by these people and local authorities to block the media exercising their duties are a press freedom violation.”

We urge the United Nation to note down those incidents and demanded the Chinese delegate to explain. - IFJ media release

Image: John Sudworth/@TheJohnSudworth

Even a win can't hide Pakistan's structural collapse in cricket

 June 11, 2025:  Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.

Journalists stage walkout at post-budget briefing over government's dismissive attitude

 June 11, 2025:  Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.

Legal storm brews as Dr. Nauman Niaz serves defamation notice on Shoaib Akhtar

 May 31, 2025:  Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.

HRCP urges complete repeal of PECA, citing threats to free speech and civil liberties

 May 30, 2025:  The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.

PFUJ condemns murder of journalist Syed Mohammad Shah, urges immediate justice

 May 30, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.

State within a state? Police block reinstated Jang employees from resuming duties

 May 26, 2025:  In Rawalpindi, police allegedly side with Jang Group to block 66 reinstated employees from resuming work despite court orders, drawing sharp criticism from unions and press freedom advocates.

PFUJ slams Jang Group's 'economic massacre' after mass firing of over 80 workers

 May 25, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the Jang Group's decision to dismiss over 80 employees in Rawalpindi, calling it an 'economic massacre.' The union warns of nationwide protests if workers are not reinstated.

Labor rights trampled: Daily Jang defies court, terminates over 80 employees

 May 25, 2025:  Daily Jang Rawalpindi has terminated over 80 employees, including female staff, despite multiple court rulings in their favor—raising concerns over labor rights violations and misuse of authority in Pakistani media.