CJA condemns latest oppression in Bangladesh as journalists accused of crimes against humanity – “Questioning a political leader is a fundamental part of a journalist’s professional duty”
24/8/26 The CJA has issued this statement in response to the latest legal moves against journalists in Bangladesh: “The Commonwealth Journalists Association strongly condemns the decision of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on Monday, August 24, 2026, to order three senior journalists to continue to be held in jail until their case comes to trial in […]
What next for East African media? Concern for public interest journalism under new owners
Picture shows military guard at the headquarters of Nation Media Group in Kampala, Uganda 17/8/26 By Maurice Oniang’o On June 28, security forces drove up to the headquarters of Nation Media Group-Uganda and blocked the entrance. Uganda’s largest independent daily newspaper, The Daily Monitor, and the broadcaster NTV Uganda were ordered to shut down. Since then, the security […]
Commonwealth journalists ask where is our media heading, in new podcast venture
The CJA has joined with the Commonwealth Correspondents Network to look at the big question facing our media – in the age of disinformation, misinformation and artificial intelligence, where does the truth lie? Speaking in this inaugural podcast are Evans Izakaa in Kenya, Chimaobi Omeye in Nigeria, Shuchita Jha in India and William Horsley in […]
Why don’t we live up to the promises?
3/5/26 World Press Freedom Day on May 3 gave the Commonwealth the opportunity to reflect on how well, or how badly, member states live up to their declarations of a respect for free media, and the recognition of its central role in democratic society. International media monitoring organisations report a negative picture of many Commonwealth […]
End the “politically-motivated charges” against journalists in Bangladesh
28/6/2026 Statement by the Commonwealth Journalists Association on the Continued Detention of Journalists in Bangladesh The CJA expresses its deep concern over the continued detention of senior journalists in Bangladesh, including CJA Vice President Shyamal Dutta, Editor of Bhorer Kagoj, as well as Mozammel Haq Babu, Farzana Rupa, and Shakil Ahmed of Ekattor TV. Dutta […]
Pakistani journalists set out guiding principles for safety and media freedom in rural areas
Picture shows leading journalists from South Punjab at the launch of the Journalists Alliance. The new Journalists Alliance formed in South Punjab, Pakistan, has published its manifesto aimed at providing a unified representative voice, promoting professional excellence and safeguarding press freedom. The new organisation was formed at a meeting organised by the Daily Nawa-i-AhmedpurSharqia and […]
Pakistan shocked by more targeted attacks on journalists
8/6/2026 The media community in Pakistan has been shocked, yet again, by attacks on two journalists going about their work in different parts of the country – one of whom was killed. A crime reporter believed to be investigating drug gangs was attacked in the eastern city of Bahawalpur. Local reports say Mian Zahid Owaisi, […]
Fears mount over fate of detained Bangladeshi journalists
Pictured, speakers at the London solidarity meeting in support of the detained journalists. 25/5/26 Sushama Shashi, daughter of the detained Bangladeshi journalist Shyamal Dutta, has spoken out about her fears for her father’s health, 20 months after he was first arrested. “My father’s health has significantly deteriorated,” she has told the CJA in a message […]
Pakistan uses the courts to step up pressure on media critics living abroad
. 1/3/2026 Pakistan’s government has stepped up the use of in absentia convictions and arrest warrants against Pakistani journalists living overseas, the Committee to Protect Journalists has reported. It says the move highlights an escalating crackdown by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government on critical reporting and commentary that extends beyond domestic borders. In early January, […]
Statement from CJA to Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Commonwealth News Media
March 2, 2026 The Commonwealth Journalists Association welcomes the relatively free elections held in Bangladesh on 12 February and the commitment made by the incoming Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to return Bangladesh to the rule of law. We call on Prime Minister Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party government to immediately free dozens of journalists […]