Solidarity with Ukrainian journalists; Democracy under fire in Hong Kong; the right to protest in Hong Kong and Taiwan

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** SPOTLIGHT
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Photo credit: Alonafoto/Shutterstock

1000 days of Russia's invasion: Solidarity with Ukrainian journalists

This week marked 1000 days of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Ukraine.

As we mark this grim milestone, we stand in solidarity with the many journalists who continue to risk their lives to bring us critical news and information about events on the ground.

We also mourn those who have lost their lives.

Since 24 February 2022, 13 journalists have been killed in Ukraine. Arman Soldin ([link removed]) and Oksana Baulina ([link removed]) were killed by Russian shelling. Maks Levin ([link removed]) and Mantas Kvedaravičius ([link removed]) are reported to have been killed in an extrajudicial execution. Victoria Roshchyna ([link removed]) died in unclear circumstances in Russian custody.

Dozens of others have been injured. At least 13 Ukrainian journalists are currently held in Russian captivity.

Editorial offices, TV towers and other media infrastructure have been destroyed.

While we reaffirm steadfast support for Ukrainians in their fight for freedom, it is vital that the government of Ukraine increases its efforts to protect freedom of expression and independent journalism. Although not comparable to the devastating attacks of Russia’s military, Ukrainian authorities at times use the war as a pretext to censor reporting that doesn’t agree with government messages.

In addition, independent news outlet Ukrainska Pravda (UP) said it has faced ‘ongoing and systematic pressure’ ([link removed]) from President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s main television channels have also been accused of broadcasting biased reports that toe the government line. There are also reports that Ukrainian officials intimidated investigative journalist Yuriy Nikolov and launched a surveillance operation against investigative outlet Bihus.info ([link removed]) .

Despite mounting challenges, over the last 1000 days, Ukraine’s journalists have shown incredible resilience, and they continue to do so.

ARTICLE 19 is committed to supporting Ukrainian journalists and independent media in their work, for as long as it takes.

Read our statement ([link removed])

ALSO IN THE NEWS
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Democracy under fire in Hong Kong

On Wednesday, pro-democracy champion Jimmy Lai ([link removed]) testified before a court in Hong Kong. Charged under the Beijing-imposed National Security Law, he is accused of ‘colluding with foreign forces’. His trial came a day after 47 others were handed down long sentences under the same law, with academic and activist Benny Tai given the longest sentence: 10 years.


Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily newspaper, has been in jail ([link removed]) since 2020. He’s already serving prison sentences for his role in pro-democracy protests in 2019. If found guilty, he could face life in prison.

Giving evidence, Jimmy Lai told the court: ‘The core values of Apple Daily are actually the core values of the people of Hong Kong’. Those values, he said, include the ‘rule of law, freedom, pursuit of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly’.

Supporters gathered outside the court and packed the public gallery as the trial got underway – a reminder that, despite growing repression, the movement for democracy and resistance to Beijing’s encroaching authoritarianism continues in Hong Kong.

We will continue to follow Jimmy Lai’s case, and to call for his freedom, and for the freedom of others jailed for standing up for democracy.


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From Seed to Storm webinar

In From Seed to Storm ([link removed]) , part of our #FreeToProtest ([link removed]) campaign, ARTICLE 19’s Michael Caster invites panellists Wu Rwei-ren, Chen Fang Yu, Anna Kwok, and Alex Chow to discuss the legacy and impact of protest in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Ten years on from the powerful Umbrella and Sunflower movements, what threats do activists face, and what benefits can they gain from shared experiences and solidarity?

Watch now ([link removed])
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Equally Safe: Towards a Feminist Approach to Journalist Safety

Ahead of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence ([link removed]) campaign that begins on 25 November, explore how our Equally Safe project is driving change to protect women journalists worldwide.

From global research to practical guidelines, discover tools and insights to tackle gendered risks and build safer spaces for women in media.

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2024 ARTICLE 19
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