Journalists face threats and attacks in May 2023: FN Threat Data Analysis

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 11 June 2023

The Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network documented 24 attacks against journalists in May 2023. Various types of incidents, including assaults and legal actions, indicate escalating risks faced by media professionals.

Summary

ISLAMABAD—In May 2023, a total of 24 cases of threats and attacks against journalists were documented by the Pakistan Press Club Safety Hubs Network program, managed by Freedom Network.

The incidents included threats to harm, assaults, legal action, detentions, an abduction, and an attack on state property. The program, in partnership with press clubs and journalist associations, has aimed to assist journalists at risk in various categories since February 2016.

Threat to Harm:

• A digital journalist, Abdul Sattar, received threats after producing a video report on blasphemy. The comments section was turned off to minimize harm.

Assault without Injury:

• Eight journalists were shoved and tortured by police while covering a protest against a murder. They were later released after an intervention.

Assault Resulting in Injury:

• Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers attacked journalists in Peshawar during a protest, causing injuries and damaging equipment and vehicles.

Legal Action:

• A Sindhi journalist was detained under the Maintenance of Public Order for allegedly inciting disruptions.

Detention:

• Two journalists were detained by police and subjected to inhuman treatment after covering post-arrest disturbances.

Abducted:

• A BOL News anchorperson went missing and was forcibly taken by unidentified men. He later returned home, but his health was unstable.

State Media Building Damaged:

• PTI miscreants attacked and burned down the building of Radio Pakistan in Peshawar, causing significant damage.

Internet Service Suspended:

• Internet services were partially or completely suspended nationwide for several days to counter mob violence following the arrest of Imran Khan.

Threats, Attacks, and Harassment against Media:

• Fourteen TV, seven print journalists, and one digital media professional faced threats and attacks, while a state media building was damaged, and internet services were suspended.

Threat Actors:

• Nineteen state actors, two political parties, and three unknown threat actors were believed to be responsible for the incidents.