Asia Media Watch

 Published 9 hours ago:  An analysis of how Indian media coverage of Pakistan in 2025 blurred the lines between journalism and nationalism, shaping conflict narratives in politics, security, and sports across South Asia.

 Published yesterday:  Journalists in Dhaka protested after arson and vandalism at Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices, warning that impunity for attacks on the media threatens press freedom.

 Published yesterday:  Reporters Without Borders warns of online harassment campaigns targeting journalists, accusing OpIndia of fueling coordinated attacks that threaten press freedom and reporter safety.

 Published yesterday:  Leading Bangladeshi newspapers face backlash during unrest, highlighting risks to press freedom, journalist safety, and independent reporting amid rising political polarization.

 Published yesterday:  A Hong Kong court is hearing a wrongful dismissal case by former Wall Street Journal reporter Selina Cheng, raising concerns over labor rights, union activity, and press freedom.

 Published yesterday:  India has rejected Bangladeshi media reports on a protest outside its High Commission, calling them misleading and underscoring how diplomatic tensions are increasingly playing out through media narratives.

 Published 2 days ago:  Bangladesh journalists continue to face threats, attacks, and legal pressure beyond protests, raising concerns over newsroom safety, self-censorship, and the future of independent reporting.

 Published 2 days ago:  Global media and diplomatic bodies condemn attacks on journalists in Bangladesh, urging protection for media workers and accountability as concerns grow over press safety and shrinking civic space.

 Published 3 days ago:  Thailand hosts a global initiative in Bangkok to combat online scams, bringing together governments and tech platforms, including Meta and TikTok, to enhance cross-border cooperation and public protection efforts.

 Published 4 days ago:  Bangladesh protests continued Friday after attacks on major Dhaka newsrooms, forcing media shutdowns and evacuations, raising press freedom concerns ahead of the 2026 elections.

 Published 4 days ago:  Protests in Dhaka saw mobs storm and torch Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices, trapping journalists inside and raising fresh concerns over press safety ahead of elections.

 Published 6 days ago:  Myanmar freelance reporter Sut Ring Pan sentenced to 13 years for reporting on the military ahead of elections, highlighting press freedom challenges and journalist detentions

 Published last week:  RSF condemns the Lai verdict as a sham trial and highlights Hong Kong’s fall to 140th in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, warning of rising risks for journalists.

 Published last week:  Bangladesh press bodies condemn the arrest of journalist Anis Alamgir under the Anti-Terrorism Act, warning of repression and calling for due process and withdrawal of baseless charges.

 Published last week:  India’s Supreme Court has granted interim bail to journalist Mahesh Langa but imposed reporting restrictions, raising fresh concerns about legal pressures on press freedom.

 Published last week:  International rights groups mark the anniversary of Pham Doan Trang’s sentence, renewing calls for her release and highlighting ongoing risks to press freedom and independent reporting in Vietnam.

 Published last week:  Press freedom groups condemn December crackdowns across Asia, warning governments against using security and regulatory laws to curb journalism and urging stronger legal protections.

 Published last week:  Bangladesh police detained a senior journalist in Dhaka for questioning after critical reporting, prompting renewed concerns from press groups over media freedom and legal intimidation.

 Published last week:  Hong Kong’s High Court convicts media tycoon Jimmy Lai of sedition and collusion under the national security law, intensifying concerns over press freedom and judicial independence in the city.

 Published last week:  Japan plans fast-track anti-espionage and secrecy laws, prompting warnings from legal experts and press advocates that broad rules could chill journalism and weaken source protection.

 Published last week:  China has formally charged veteran journalist and documentary maker Du Bin with picking quarrels and provoking trouble, a public order offense critics say is used to silence media.

 Published last week:  RT India deletes a viral video showing Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif allegedly waiting for Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a misrepresentation of events.

 Published last week:  Myanmar photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike remains imprisoned with a 20-year sentence for cyclone reporting, prompting Amnesty International and advocates to demand his immediate release.

 Published last week:  India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has warned VPN providers and intermediaries to block access to websites leaking citizens’ personal data under IT Act rules to protect privacy and safety.

 Published last week:  India’s government has restated obligations under the Information Technology Rules for publishers and intermediaries, stressing compliance with content ethics, age safeguards, and grievance mechanisms to curb misleading online content.

 Published last week:  Hong Kong’s High Court is preparing to deliver a verdict in Jimmy Lai’s national security trial, a case highlighting deepening legal risks for media owners and press freedom in the region.

 Published last week:  Civic freedoms are shrinking globally, with Asia-Pacific repressed or closed spaces impacting journalists and reporting, raising serious risks for media freedom and independent coverage.

 Published last week:  Vietnam’s parliament has expanded state secrecy laws, allowing police to compel journalists to reveal sources and broadening secrecy rules, raising serious press freedom concerns.