Archives

Welcome to the Archives of JournalismPakistan.com. Here, you can browse through all the stories we published this month, complete with images and headlines. This collection offers a snapshot of the significant events and topics we covered, providing valuable insights and a historical record of the time.

RIUJ presses for payment of salaries to Nawa-i-Waqt and Waqt TV staff

RIUJ presses for payment of salaries to Nawa-i-Waqt and Waqt TV staff

 August 31, 2017: The RIUJ urges immediate payment of salaries to Nawa-i-Waqt and Waqt TV staff ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, calling the delay an injustice.

North Korea sentences South Korean reporters, publishers to death

North Korea sentences South Korean reporters, publishers to death

 August 31, 2017: North Korea sentences two South Korean journalists and their publishers to death over a controversial book review about life in the country.

Sohail Warraich likely to return to Geo

Sohail Warraich likely to return to Geo

 August 31, 2017: Sohail Warraich, former Dunya News editor, is negotiating a return to Geo News following a management disagreement.

Senator seeks action against TV channels

Senator seeks action against TV channels

 August 31, 2017: Senator Hafiz Hamdullah calls for action against TV channels broadcasting dancing models during Eid-ul-Azha, claiming it disrespects the festival.

Ukraine deports Russian journalist, bans her for three years

Ukraine deports Russian journalist, bans her for three years

 August 31, 2017: Russian journalist Anna Kurbatova has been deported from Ukraine for three years over accusations of spreading anti-Ukrainian propaganda.

CPJ calls on Iran to release two detained journalists

CPJ calls on Iran to release two detained journalists

 August 31, 2017: The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Iran to release detained journalists Sasan Aghaei and Yaghma Fashkhami immediately.

PEMRA bars Urdu-1 from airing Indian movie Raees

PEMRA bars Urdu-1 from airing Indian movie Raees

 August 31, 2017: PEMRA has barred Urdu-1 from airing the Indian movie Raees due to concerns over its content and previous restrictions from the film censors.

Shahbaz Sharif hits back at ARY News

Shahbaz Sharif hits back at ARY News

 August 30, 2017: Shahbaz Sharif responds to ARY News allegations of corruption in the Multan Metro Bus Project, demanding evidence and denying misconduct.

PEMRA warns ARY Digital and TV One

PEMRA warns ARY Digital and TV One

 August 30, 2017: PEMRA has warned ARY Digital and TV One for airing indecent content that violates standards of decency and the Electronic Media Code of Conduct.

IBA-CEJ get go-ahead to start Master of Science in Journalism program

IBA-CEJ get go-ahead to start Master of Science in Journalism program

 August 30, 2017: The HEC has approved the IBA-CEJ to launch a Master of Science in Journalism, focusing on practical journalism and research components.

Dunya News reporter dies covering PTI rally

Dunya News reporter dies covering PTI rally

 August 30, 2017: Dunya News reporter Younas Awan died of cardiac arrest while covering a PTI rally in Chakwal, leaving behind a widow and two daughters.

Journalists injured in northern India after mob turns violent

Journalists injured in northern India after mob turns violent

 August 29, 2017: Rioting in Haryana has led to injuries among journalists as local authorities investigate the violence and related attacks on media personnel.

American journalist killed covering conflict in South Sudan

American journalist killed covering conflict in South Sudan

 August 28, 2017: American journalist Christopher Allen was killed in South Sudan while covering the ongoing conflict, sparking international condemnation!

Protest over union rights block in Iran

Protest over union rights block in Iran

 August 26, 2017: The board of the Association of Tehran Journalists resigns en-masse, protesting the refusal of authorities to register their union legal.

Knife-wielding assailants attack crime reporter in Colombia

Knife-wielding assailants attack crime reporter in Colombia

 August 26, 2017: Colombian authorities are urged to investigate an attack on crime reporter Mauricio Cardoso, who was assaulted by armed men in Caquetá.

Esteemed AP Kansas political reporter Lew Ferguson dies

Esteemed AP Kansas political reporter Lew Ferguson dies

 August 26, 2017: Lew Ferguson, a notable Kansas political reporter and AP mentor, passed away at 83 after a distinguished 42-year career in journalism.

PEMRA says channels misreported Lahore High Court order

PEMRA says channels misreported Lahore High Court order

 August 26, 2017: PEMRA criticized major news channels for misreporting a Lahore High Court order related to anti-judiciary speeches, calling it irresponsible.

Sheikh Waqas Akram quits BOL News program Ab Pata Chala

Sheikh Waqas Akram quits BOL News program Ab Pata Chala

 August 26, 2017: Sheikh Waqas Akram, PML-N member, has quit BOL News program Ab Pata Chala, citing challenges in defending his party on a mostly anti-PML-N channel.

Film and broadcasting policy to be announced soon: minister

Film and broadcasting policy to be announced soon: minister

 August 26, 2017: Pakistan's minister announces a national film and broadcasting policy to enhance the country's soft image, with a film festival planned next month.

Danish inventor denies killing reporter, mutilating body

Danish inventor denies killing reporter, mutilating body

 August 26, 2017: Danish inventor Peter Madsen denies involvement in the murder and mutilation of journalist Kim Wall, claiming her death was an accident.

Mexico probes threats against slain journalist

Mexico probes threats against slain journalist

 August 25, 2017: Mexican prosecutors are investigating threats made against slain journalist Candido Rios, amid ongoing violence against the press in Veracruz.

Block anti-judiciary speeches, LHC tells PEMRA

Block anti-judiciary speeches, LHC tells PEMRA

 August 25, 2017: The Lahore High Court has instructed PEMRA to halt broadcasting anti-judiciary speeches by Nawaz Sharif and other PML-N members until further notice.

Geo TV gets notice for compulsory strike-off in UK

Geo TV gets notice for compulsory strike-off in UK

 August 25, 2017: Geo TV faces potential dissolution in the UK after receiving a notice for compulsory strike-off from the Companies House, issued on August 22, 2017.

Journalist for Syrian Media Organization killed in roadside bombing

Journalist for Syrian Media Organization killed in roadside bombing

 August 24, 2017: Osama Nasr al-Zoabi, a journalist for a Syrian media outlet, was killed in a roadside bombing in Daraa, highlighting the dangers faced by reporters in Syria.

In violent Mexico, it is a deadly job to be a journalist

In violent Mexico, it is a deadly job to be a journalist

 August 24, 2017: Mexico remains one of the deadliest countries for journalists, with over 100 murders since 2006, deterring many from pursuing the profession.

10th journalist murdered in Mexico in 2017

10th journalist murdered in Mexico in 2017

 August 24, 2017: A journalist under government protection was shot dead in Veracruz, marking the 10th journalist killed in Mexico this year amidst rising violence.

Defamation charges dropped against BBC journalist in Thailand

Defamation charges dropped against BBC journalist in Thailand

 August 24, 2017: Defamation charges against BBC journalist Jonathan Head in Thailand have been dropped, but his co-defendant's trial continues amidst ongoing legal challenges.

 IFJ and partners saddened by Swedish journalist's death in Copenhagen

IFJ and partners saddened by Swedish journalist's death in Copenhagen

 August 23, 2017: The IFJ and EFJ express deep sadness over the confirmation of Swedish journalist Kim Wall's death in Copenhagen, highlighting a tragic loss in journalism.

Egyptian journalist arrested months after acquittal on terrorism charges

Egyptian journalist arrested months after acquittal on terrorism charges

 August 22, 2017: Hany Salah el-Deen, an Egyptian journalist, was arrested just months after his acquittal on terrorism charges, prompting calls for his immediate release.

Unrelenting crackdown on critical voices in China

Unrelenting crackdown on critical voices in China

 August 22, 2017: Chinese authorities exert pressure leading to the deletion of over 300 articles from a Cambridge University publication, raising concerns over censorship.

Nasir Baig Chughtai returning to Geo-Jang Group

Nasir Baig Chughtai returning to Geo-Jang Group

 August 20, 2017: Nasir Baig Chughtai is set to return to Geo-Jang Group after a six-month hiatus, assuming a prominent leadership role in the media organization.

Top daily starts another history project: '70 years of Pakistan and Dawn'

Top daily starts another history project: '70 years of Pakistan and Dawn'

 August 19, 2017: Dawn launches a major history project, '70 years of Pakistan and Dawn', showcasing pivotal moments from Pakistan's founding to the present.

Taylor Swift goes blank on social media, sending fans into frenzy

Taylor Swift goes blank on social media, sending fans into frenzy

 August 19, 2017: Taylor Swift's social media accounts went dark on Friday, sparking speculation about a possible album launch or a personal reinvention.

Egypt should stop blocking access to rights organizations' websites: CPJ

Egypt should stop blocking access to rights organizations' websites: CPJ

 August 19, 2017: The Committee to Protect Journalists demands Egypt cease blocking access to rights organizations' websites and uphold freedom of information.

Journalist Syed Mehdi Shah passes away

Journalist Syed Mehdi Shah passes away

 August 19, 2017: Syed Mehdi Shah, a prominent journalist and editor of Daily K-2, has passed away after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy in journalism.

Prove crime before handing punishment, Chinese authorities urged

Prove crime before handing punishment, Chinese authorities urged

 August 18, 2017: The IFJ demands credible evidence from Chinese authorities before punishing websites for alleged violations of laws related to harmful content.

PEMRA tells MNA Murad Saeed PTV outside its purview

PEMRA tells MNA Murad Saeed PTV outside its purview

 August 18, 2017: PEMRA clarifies that Pakistan Television is not regulated under its authority, citing specific legal provisions of the PEMRA Ordinance.

Turkey places nine more journalists under arrest

Turkey places nine more journalists under arrest

 August 18, 2017: An Istanbul court has arrested nine journalists suspected of links to the 2016 coup's mastermind, sparking Western alarm over Turkish media freedom.

PEMRA tells critics why it issued warnings to three channels

PEMRA tells critics why it issued warnings to three channels

 August 17, 2017: PEMRA clarifies warnings issued to three TV channels for airing content deemed 'indecent' and responds to public criticism regarding its actions.

Senior investigative journalist Asad Kharal joins BOL News

Senior investigative journalist Asad Kharal joins BOL News

 August 17, 2017: Senior investigative journalist Asad Kharal joins BOL News as chief analyst and anchor, bringing years of expertise in current affairs.

Dr. Maleeha Lodhi says no plans to return to newspaper

Dr. Maleeha Lodhi says no plans to return to newspaper

 August 17, 2017: Dr. Maleeha Lodhi states she has no plans to return to journalism, reflecting on her career in diplomacy and the challenges faced as a female leader.

20 PML-N supporters booked for attacking journalists

20 PML-N supporters booked for attacking journalists

 August 17, 2017: Islamabad Police have booked 20 PML-N supporters for assaulting journalists at Nawaz Sharif's rally, marking a serious incident of media attack.

Wali Khan Babar murder case: SHC overturns death sentence of Faisal Mota, orders retrial

Wali Khan Babar murder case: SHC overturns death sentence of Faisal Mota, orders retrial

 August 16, 2017: The Sindh High Court has overturned the death sentence of Faisal Mota, the main accused in the Wali Khan Babar murder case, and ordered a retrial.

PEMRA's stern warning to TV One

PEMRA's stern warning to TV One

 August 16, 2017: PEMRA has warned TV One for violating regulations against airing black magic content in their drama, emphasizing compliance with media laws.

Journalists assaulted and harassed during Kenya election

Journalists assaulted and harassed during Kenya election

 August 16, 2017: The International Federation of Journalists condemns the violent treatment of journalists during Kenya's elections, highlighting assaults and harassment.

Indecent content: PEMRA warns three channels

Indecent content: PEMRA warns three channels

 August 16, 2017: PEMRA has warned three TV channels for airing indecent content, violating the Electronic Media Code of Conduct and cultural norms.

Iran bars BBC staff and contributors from selling property

Iran bars BBC staff and contributors from selling property

 August 16, 2017: Iranian authorities ban 152 BBC Persian service journalists from buying or selling assets, sparking international condemnation for press freedom violations.

Mubarak Zeb Khan elected RIUJ president

Mubarak Zeb Khan elected RIUJ president

 August 16, 2017: Mubarak Zeb Khan has been elected unopposed as the president of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists, focusing on key journalist issues.

Sohail Warraich leaves Dunya News

Sohail Warraich leaves Dunya News

 August 15, 2017: Sohail Warraich has resigned from Dunya News following a conflict over his appearance on a competing channel after only seven months.

RISJA beats PSB on coin toss after rain plays spoilsport

RISJA beats PSB on coin toss after rain plays spoilsport

 August 15, 2017: RISJA won against PSB on a coin toss after rain interrupted a friendly cricket match at Jinnah Stadium, marking Independence Day celebrations.

Dissent criminalized yet again in Thailand

Dissent criminalized yet again in Thailand

 August 15, 2017: Thailand's sedition laws are being used to silence journalists, raising serious concerns over press freedom and dissent in the country.

Six years on, journalist Munir Shakir's killers untraced

Six years on, journalist Munir Shakir's killers untraced

 August 14, 2017: Six years after journalist Munir Shakir's murder, his family still seeks justice as his killers remain untraced in Khuzdar, Balochistan.

Rana Mubashir returns to Aaj News

Rana Mubashir returns to Aaj News

 August 13, 2017: Senior anchor Rana Mubashir returns to Aaj News after nine months, set to relaunch his program on August 21.

Media ban on Nawaz Sharif soon, claims BOL journalist Faysal Aziz Khan

Media ban on Nawaz Sharif soon, claims BOL journalist Faysal Aziz Khan

 August 13, 2017: Faysal Aziz Khan claims a media ban is imminent for Nawaz Sharif due to his provocative speeches and actions against judiciary and institutions.

PML-N supporters attack and damage ARY van

PML-N supporters attack and damage ARY van

 August 12, 2017: Supporters of the PML-N attacked an ARY News van during Nawaz Sharif's rally in Gujranwala, damaging the vehicle and threatening the crew.

Disastrous blockade of media in China's quake zone

Disastrous blockade of media in China's quake zone

 August 11, 2017: The IFJ voices strong concerns over media restrictions in China's Sichuan province following a deadly earthquake, urging the government to allow comprehensive.

M. Ziauddin's advice to journalism rookies: 'never ever compromise your integrity and credibility'

M. Ziauddin's advice to journalism rookies: 'never ever compromise your integrity and credibility'

 August 11, 2017: M. Ziauddin advises journalism newcomers to uphold integrity and credibility while working diligently to build their careers over time.

Samaa warned for airing suicide scenes

Samaa warned for airing suicide scenes

 August 10, 2017: PEMRA warns Samaa TV for airing suicide scenes in its program, citing violations of regulations and content standards.

PEMRA warns Dharti TV for showing advert on black magic

PEMRA warns Dharti TV for showing advert on black magic

 August 10, 2017: PEMRA has issued a warning to Dharti TV for airing an advert promoting black magic, calling it offensive and against religious beliefs.

ARY Digital escapes with only a warning for airing banned commercial

ARY Digital escapes with only a warning for airing banned commercial

 August 10, 2017: PEMRA has issued a warning to ARY Digital for airing a banned commercial, emphasizing compliance to avoid legal actions in the future.

IFJ, others call on Spain to release Swedish-Turkish journalist Hamza Yalcin

IFJ, others call on Spain to release Swedish-Turkish journalist Hamza Yalcin

 August 09, 2017: The IFJ and EFJ condemn the arrest of journalist Hamza Yalçin in Spain and urge against his extradition to Turkey amid safety concerns.

RIUJ and National Press Club condemn violence, harassment of colleagues

RIUJ and National Press Club condemn violence, harassment of colleagues

 August 09, 2017: RIUJ and the National Press Club condemn violence against journalists during a political rally in Islamabad, calling for accountability from party leaders.

PEMRA tells cable operators not to violate laws

PEMRA tells cable operators not to violate laws

 August 09, 2017: PEMRA has warned cable TV operators in Pakistan to adhere to broadcasting laws or face strict legal action for violations.

TV crews threatened, harassed and beaten up by PML-N supporters

TV crews threatened, harassed and beaten up by PML-N supporters

 August 09, 2017: PML-N supporters attacked TV crews from ARY and BOL, threatening and beating journalists covering Nawaz Sharif's rally, raising press freedom concerns.

Egypt censors Al-Mesryoon newspaper, harasses editors

Egypt censors Al-Mesryoon newspaper, harasses editors

 August 09, 2017: Egyptian authorities are censoring Al-Mesryoon newspaper and harassing its editors, raising concerns over press freedom in the country.

Google's firing of memo writer strikes nerve in Silicon Valley

Google's firing of memo writer strikes nerve in Silicon Valley

 August 09, 2017: Google's firing of engineer James Damore over his controversial memo highlights the cultural divide in Silicon Valley regarding gender and politics.

Journalist survives brutal attack in India

Journalist survives brutal attack in India

 August 09, 2017: The brutal attack on journalist Ramesh Rath in Odisha has sparked condemnation from media organizations and calls for protection measures.

Social media activist arrested in Hunza

Social media activist arrested in Hunza

 August 09, 2017: Hasnain Ramal, a social media activist, was arrested in Hunza under anti-terrorism and cyber crime laws, sparking human rights concerns.

Mubashar Lucman says he will send legal notice to Ayesha Gulalai

Mubashar Lucman says he will send legal notice to Ayesha Gulalai

 August 09, 2017: Mubashar Lucman announces he will send a legal notice to Ayesha Gulalai for making false allegations against him during a recent program.

Virulent trolling of Indian editor after tweet

Virulent trolling of Indian editor after tweet

 August 08, 2017: The IFJ condemns the online harassment of Indian editor Dhanya Rajendran following her tweet criticizing a film, demanding action from authorities.

Thai columnist Pravit Rojanaphruk charged with two cases of sedition

Thai columnist Pravit Rojanaphruk charged with two cases of sedition

 August 08, 2017: Thai authorities charge journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk with sedition and misinformation, prompting calls for dropped charges from CPJ.

PEMRA serves notice on ARY after Geo trio submits complaint

PEMRA serves notice on ARY after Geo trio submits complaint

 August 08, 2017: PEMRA issued a show-cause notice to ARY News after a complaint by Geo TV journalists regarding misleading coverage of a press conference.

Complainant accuses 92 News of making false allegations

Complainant accuses 92 News of making false allegations

 August 08, 2017: Kashif Ahmer files a complaint with PEMRA against 92 News for airing false allegations against Dr. Masood Hameed, a respected academic.

MQM Pakistan files complaint against Dr. Shahid Masood

MQM Pakistan files complaint against Dr. Shahid Masood

 August 08, 2017: MQM Pakistan files a complaint against Dr. Shahid Masood for allegedly making false comments about Dr. Farooq Sattar and Mayor Waseem Akhtar.

ARY gets one-week extension to respond to journalist's complaint

ARY gets one-week extension to respond to journalist's complaint

 August 08, 2017: PEMRA grants ARY TV a one-week extension to respond to a journalist's complaint regarding misleading reporting and potential defamation.

Reporter shot and killed in the Philippines

Reporter shot and killed in the Philippines

 August 07, 2017: A Filipino journalist, Leonardo Diaz, was shot and killed in Mindanao, highlighting ongoing violence against the press in the Philippines.

RISJA constitutes committee to finalize voters' list

RISJA constitutes committee to finalize voters' list

 August 07, 2017: The Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association has formed a committee to finalize the voters' list and address other important issues.

IFJ condemns Israel's announcement to shut down Al Jazeera

IFJ condemns Israel's announcement to shut down Al Jazeera

 August 07, 2017: The IFJ condemns Israel's decision to close Al Jazeera's offices in Jerusalem, citing severe impact on press freedom and journalists' rights.

Journalist threatened over report on corruption in Nepal

Journalist threatened over report on corruption in Nepal

 August 07, 2017: The IFJ and local journalists condemn threats to journalist Dilip Paudel over corruption reporting in Nepal, demanding official accountability.

PEMRA issues notice to ARY following complaint by Neo News reporter

PEMRA issues notice to ARY following complaint by Neo News reporter

 August 07, 2017: PEMRA issues a notice to ARY News following a complaint by Neo News reporter over alleged character assassination and misrepresentation.

Neo News reporter files complaint with PEMRA, seeks action against ARY

Neo News reporter files complaint with PEMRA, seeks action against ARY

 August 04, 2017: Neo News reporter Shakir Abbasi filed a complaint with PEMRA against ARY News for airing false claims about him related to Ayesha Gulalai.

Dr. Shahid Masood assumes charge as president Airwaves Media Group

Dr. Shahid Masood assumes charge as president Airwaves Media Group

 August 04, 2017: Dr. Shahid Masood has taken over as president of Airwaves Media Group, overseeing several prominent media outlets including NewsOne and TVOne.

Newsweek ceases publishing Serbian edition

Newsweek ceases publishing Serbian edition

 August 04, 2017: Adria Media Group announced the cessation of Newsweek's Serbian edition, citing political control and frozen accounts by the government.

PEMRA directs KTN Entertainment to air apology for airing indecent content

PEMRA directs KTN Entertainment to air apology for airing indecent content

 August 04, 2017: PEMRA has ordered KTN Entertainment to air an apology for indecent content in drama serials Maari and Dou Moum Batian, aired last month.

Hamid Mir claims seeing messages sent to Ayesha Gulalai allegedly by Imran

Hamid Mir claims seeing messages sent to Ayesha Gulalai allegedly by Imran

 August 04, 2017: Hamid Mir claims to have seen messages allegedly sent to Ayesha Gulalai by Imran Khan, raising inquiry calls after her harassment allegations.

Imran says 'Media Godfather' had a hand in Ayesha Gulalai attack against him

Imran says 'Media Godfather' had a hand in Ayesha Gulalai attack against him

 August 03, 2017: Imran Khan accuses Media Godfather Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman of orchestrating Ayesha Gulalai's attack against him, alleging a political conspiracy.

Panama Papers firm shrinks internationally

Panama Papers firm shrinks internationally

 August 03, 2017: Mossack Fonseca has significantly reduced its international presence, closing most offices amidst a decline in business post-Panama Papers scandal.

APML boycotts Geo-Jang Group

APML boycotts Geo-Jang Group

 August 03, 2017: The APML has announced a boycott of the Geo-Jang Group, accusing it of promoting anti-state narratives and distorting facts.

Anchor claims ARY the people's choice 'despite Maryam Safdar's best efforts'

Anchor claims ARY the people's choice 'despite Maryam Safdar's best efforts'

 August 03, 2017: Anchor Sami Abraham asserts ARY News remains the people's favorite despite alleged efforts from Maryam Safdar to undermine it.

Imran to Sharifs and Mir Shakil: 'Do your worst: stoop as low as you can'

Imran to Sharifs and Mir Shakil: 'Do your worst: stoop as low as you can'

 August 02, 2017: Imran Khan challenges the Sharifs and Mir Shakil to continue their attacks, asserting that his party will grow stronger amidst controversy.

Sri Lankan minister attempts to obstruct journalist at work

Sri Lankan minister attempts to obstruct journalist at work

 August 02, 2017: Sri Lankan Minister Palani Digambaram attempts to silence a journalist during a government event, raising concerns over media freedom and safety.

New website to track press freedom violations in the United States

New website to track press freedom violations in the United States

 August 02, 2017: The U.S. Press Freedom Tracker launches to document press freedom abuses as journalists face increasing hostility and legal challenges.

BOL Entertainment launch likely on August 14

BOL Entertainment launch likely on August 14

 August 02, 2017: BOL News Network is poised to launch its entertainment channel, BOL Entertainment, on August 14, with a possible alternative date of December 25.

Bangladeshi journalist arrested for reporting death of goat

Bangladeshi journalist arrested for reporting death of goat

 August 02, 2017: Bangladeshi journalist Abdul Latif Morol was arrested for defamation after reporting a goat's death, prompting calls for legal reforms.

Myanmar journalist arrested at airport ahead of criminal defamation trial

Myanmar journalist arrested at airport ahead of criminal defamation trial

 August 01, 2017: Myanmar journalist Swe Win was arrested at the airport on defamation charges as his trial approaches next month, prompting calls for his release.

BBC international news services mark 70 years of Partition

BBC international news services mark 70 years of Partition

 August 01, 2017: The BBC celebrates 70 years since the Partition of India and Pakistan with special features highlighting shared histories and personal stories.

Israeli soldiers raid Palestinian media company's office

Israeli soldiers raid Palestinian media company's office

 August 01, 2017: The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Israeli raid on PalMedia's offices in Ramallah, where military forces seized equipment and documents.

Dubai suspends magazine for one month

Dubai suspends magazine for one month

 August 01, 2017: Dubai has suspended the magazine Arabian Business for one month over an article on troubled real-estate projects, prompting calls for press freedom!