Indian media mourns killing of investigative journalist
Media rights organisations in India have expressed outrage over the killing of Mukesh Chandrakar, pictured, a prominent journalist known for his anti-corruption investigations. The body of MrChandrakar was found by police hidden in a septic tank in the compound of a construction contractor in the state state of Chhattisgarh, a few days after his family […]
Taking your first steps into a journalism career?
The Commonwealth Journalists Association is opening applications for its 2025 mentorship scheme, now in its third year. We offer individual guidance from established journalists in fields including broadcasting, print and online. “I got useful advice from a professional which I’ll carry forward in establishing my career.” – Mentee The scheme is particularly suited to those […]
Grief and anger in Pakistan, another journalist is killed
The mounting violence against journalists in Palkistan has claimed yet another victim. Local reporter Malik Zafar Iqbal Naich, pictured, was shot dead while distributing newspapers in Rahim Yar Khan, in southern Punjab. He is the eighth journalist killed in the country since January 2024. The killing prompted a wave of condemnation from Pakistani media organisations. […]
We say Drop these trumped-up charges
The CJA has issued this statement in defence of all journalists working in Bangladesh. The Commonwealth Journalists Association is deeply shocked that Shyamal Dutta, Editor of Bangladesh’s Bhorer Kagoj newspaper and a vice president of the CJA was kidnapped along with two colleagues by unknown militants on 15 September. The three journalists were robbed by […]
India blocks another foreign correspondent
Another French journalist has been forced to leave India after the authorities refused to renew his work permit, the second such case this year. Based in India since 2011, Sébastien Farcis, pictured, reported for the French daily newspaper Libération and the French public radio broadcasters RFI and Radio France. The Ministry of Home Affairs refused to renew his work permit in […]
Grief and anger in Pakistan as yet another journalist is killed
The mounting violence against journalists in Palkistan has claimed yet another victim. Local reporter Malik Zafar Iqbal Naich, pictured, was shot dead while distributing newspapers in Rahim Yar Khan, in southern Punjab. He is the eighth journalist killed in the country since January 2024. The killing prompted a wave of condemnation from Pakistani media organisations. […]
Freedom of Expression a key issue at CHOGM
As Heads of Government prepare to approve the Commonwealth Principles on Freedom of Expression at their summit in Samoa, a side event is exploring practical ways in which the organisation can strengthen this most fundamental of rights into the future. The session, hosted by several organisations including the CJA and the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, […]
Why this CHOGM is crucial for our cause
Commonwealth leaders must use this gathering to take action on Media Freedom, writes CJA Executive Committee member WILLIAM HORSLEY. Journalists across the Commonwealth have their eyes turned to the coming Heads of Government meeting in October for signs that those leaders realise the gravity of the dramatic erosion of press freedom that’s taking place – […]
Samoan journalists decry ‘ridiculous’ restrictions
Restrictions on journalists covering the upcoming summit of Commonwealth nations in Samoa are “ridiculous” and at odds with a government that purportedly values democracy, the Pacific island country’s media association has declared. The Samoa Observer newspaper in an editorial condemned the government of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, pictured, for attempting to limit coverage of the Commonwealth […]
Journalists’ friend, Sonny Ramphal
By CJA Executive Committee member Richard Bourne The death of the former Commonwealth secretary-general, Sir Shridath Ramphal, better known as Sonny, his boyhood nickname from Guyana, has been greeted by an outpouring of memories, affection and admiration from all who knew him, and many who only knew of him. He led the Commonwealth from 1975 […]