World Press Freedom Day 2024
On World Press Freedom Day we focus on local journalists facing myriad challenges in the tireless pursuit of truth and their enduring efforts to bring meaningful change.
IN THIS ISSUE
Russian Commander to be Tried for Torture and Extortion
A colonel kept Ukrainian captives in a narrow pit, ordered their abuse and extorted money from relatives.
Tuesday, 10 October ‘23
This week’s overview of key events and links to essential reading.
Ukraine Justice: “Reporting the Story is Just the Start”
Journalists need training and support to properly cover war crimes trials.
Nagorny Karabakh: “My Children Don’t Know What Peace Is”
Some 100,000 civilians have fled the disputed region, facing an uncertain future and an unclear legal status.
Belarusians Abroad Face Document Limbo
A new decree requires citizens to renew passports in-country, putting exiled government critics at risk.
Russian Soldier Sentenced for Brutal Treatment of Civilians and Looting
Officer shot and wounded two Ukrainian men and ordered various premises robbed.
Nagorny Karabakh: The Consequences of International Inaction
The absence of progress in outside mediation has been crucial in spurring Azerbaijan’s military option.
Tuesday, 3 October ‘23
This week’s overview of key events and links to essential reading.
Nagorny Karabakh’s Uncertain Future
Despite Baku’s messages of reassurance, many locals fear campaign of ethnic cleansing.
Highlights from IWPR’s Consortium to Support Independent Journalism in Latin America (CAPIR).
An investigation by ContraCorriente, one of the investigative units IWPR supports in Honduras, revealed abuses including robbery, torture and kidnappings allegedly inflicted on citizens by police officers. The investigation also addressed how the state of emergency, in place since 2022, has allowed these abuses to occur with impunity. The authorities deny responsibility, claiming that organised criminal groups are using replica uniforms to pose as police officers.
A transnational publication by the investigative units of Plaza Pública and Criterio media revealed the huge extent of Asian cigarette smuggling in northern Central America. In addition to the health problems and millions of dollars lost to tax evasion, this also finances organised crime trafficking of drugs, weapons and humans. The investigation highlighted the failure of institutional efforts to stop this problem, aggravated by the complicity of officials who help falsify documents.
A story by the IWPR beneficiaries Guardiana and La Nube media outlets revealed the unauthorised sale of "medical preparations" to treat mental illnesses such as depression in a market in Cochabamba, one of Bolivia's largest cities. The story showed how products were marketed without information about their ingredients, including unlicensed natural remedies from Peru and Brazil. In response, the Cochabamba department of health announced it would increase the number of police operatives in the market where these products are sold.
Georgia: Special Peace Prize Winner Announced
Winning article follows the struggles of an ethnically-mixed village.
Georgia: Hackathon for Hi-Tech Solutions
Specialists develop innovative tools for eco-friendly journalism.
IWPR Launches CABAR.asia Media School
Website brings together educational resources with up-to-date video trainings.
Tajik Media Losing Relevance
Independent print outlets at risk of disappearing altogether.
IWPR Surveys Media and Civil Society in Central Asia
Experts emphasise need for closer contact and more cooperation.
IWPR Brings Female Syrian Activists to the Netherlands
Women seize opportunity to debunk myths surrounding the conflict.
IWPR Summer School Wraps Up in Bishkek
Twenty specialists took part in classes run by regional and international trainers.
Central Asia's New School of Analytic Journalism
Ten-day course equips young journalists with specialist tools.
Can Central Asia Revive its Workforce?
Nepotism and ethnic bias are hampering innovation.
Ukraine Justice Report
Countering Disinformation in Moldova
Ukraine War Diary by Anthony Borden
Democratic accountability comes from journalists investigating their own societies – IWPR provides a much needed platform and support for those reporting from some of the most dangerous and difficult places in the world.
Disinformation is a major global threat , especially in conflict and post-conflict areas. IWPR performs a vital mission, building up local voices as a bulwark against this challenge.
IWPR fills a critical gap by helping local journalists to focus on human rights and justice issues. In the process, it contributes to democratic transitions, and demonstrates that the best war reporting is not about military conflict, but human consequences.