Asia Media Watch

 Published 18 hours ago:  Afghanistan Journalists Center reports at least 205 media freedom violations in 2025, highlighting arrests, violence, threats, and censorship facing journalists under the current regime.

 Published yesterday:  Bangladeshi politicians allege state inaction over attacks on media houses, prompting press groups to demand accountability and stronger protections for journalists.

 Published 3 days ago:  Journalists in Bangladesh face rising online threats after mob attacks on media offices, amplifying fear for press freedom and safety in a tense political climate ahead of elections.

 Published 5 days ago:  Indian media organizations are debating ethical rules for artificial intelligence as newsrooms adopt AI tools, raising concerns over accuracy, accountability, and the future role of journalists.

 Published 5 days ago:  Kashmiri journalist Irfan Meraj has spent over 1,000 days in detention by Indian authorities in Kashmir, renewing concerns over press freedom and legal pressure on independent media.

 Published 5 days ago:  South Korea’s parliament passed a law imposing tougher penalties on the media for false information, raising concerns from journalists over press freedom and investigative reporting.

 Published 5 days ago:  Press freedom groups led by CPJ call for swift, transparent investigations into attacks on Bangladesh media, warning that violence against news outlets threatens free expression ahead of elections.

 Published 5 days ago:  China has introduced new rules banning the sharing of obscene content on private messaging platforms, raising concerns among media analysts over censorship, privacy, and digital news circulation.

 Published 6 days ago:  Indonesian journalists urge the government to adopt fair, non-discriminatory policies to support journalism as newsrooms face layoffs, digital disruption, and pressure from social media platforms.

 Published 6 days 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 last week:  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 last week:  Reporters Without Borders warns of online harassment campaigns targeting journalists, accusing OpIndia of fueling coordinated attacks that threaten press freedom and reporter safety.

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

 Published last week:  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 last week:  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 last week:  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 last week:  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 last week:  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 last week:  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 last week:  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 last week:  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 2 weeks ago:  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 2 weeks ago:  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 2 weeks ago:  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 2 weeks ago:  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.