Feature - Alliance for Journalists' Freedom

HK: Jimmy Lai cleared of intimidation charges

Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong media tycoon and owner of Apple Daily (a popular pro-democracy publisher), has been cleared of criminal intimidation charges, which offers a glimmer of hope that Hong Kong's judicial system is still operating independently. He still, however, faces charges for suspicion of colluding with foreign forces in the wake of the new national security law. Read more...

AJF In Advocacy & Action, Feature, News

Aus journo Cheng Lei detained in China

Cheng Lei, Australian journalist and TV anchor for the Chinese Government's English news channel, CGTN, has been detained for more than two weeks without explanation. Lei is being held in a form of detention where she can be held for six months and be questioned without access to a lawyer. Most recently, the Chinese government made its first official acknowledgement...

AJF In Advocacy & Action, Feature, Media Releases, News

AJF calls for release of Cheng Lei

The Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom calls for Chinese authorities to provide due process to Australian TV journalist Cheng Lei, and release her immediately pending any judicial proceedings, in line with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (which China has signed). It also calls on the authorities in China to ensure that any judicial proceedings follow due process. On...

AJF In Feature, Media Releases, News

PJCIS report announced: analysis

The long-awaited report for the Parliamentary Joint Committee for Intelligence and Security's inquiry into the impact of the exercise of law enforcement and security powers on the freedom of the press was released yesterday afternoon, 26th August. The Alliance for Journalists' Freedom (AJF) has been working closely with the committee throughout the submission and hearing period. We welcome the report's...

AJF In Feature, News

Covid-19 being used to crack down on journalism

Nieman Lab's Jenna Hand reports that the rise of misinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted various governments around the world to introduce emergency measures that, whilst often described as being for the purposes of national security and to ensure public safety during the crisis, also significantly stifle journalists' ability to do their job. Julie Posetti, Director of Research at...

AJF In Advocacy & Action, Feature, News

Senate press freedom inquiry hearing – AJF summary

Environment and Communications References Committee press freedom inquiry hearing – 12th August 2020 AJF evidence summary + key points AJF noted that since our last hearing, a lot has happened to freedom of media both in Australia and across our region. This reaffirms our original proposition—the urgent need for a comprehensive Media Freedom Act (MFA). Regarding the MFA, we...

Peter Greste In Advocacy & Action, Feature, News

Have we learnt nothing from Bjelke-Petersen era?

If there is a time in a democracy when freedom of the press matters most, it’s during an election. That’s when we really think about the character and integrity of the people seeking our support in their campaign for public office. It’s not always pretty or dignified, but it is an essential part of how our democracy works. It’s also...

AJF In Feature, News

NY Times opinion: press freedom loses again

Jimmy Lai, owner of pro-democracy publisher Apple Daily, and six other senior executives have been arrested by Hong Kong police. This marks the most aggressive crackdown on press freedom yet under the new national security law which can charge people for sedition. The NY Times Editorial Board discuss the implications of this here. Photo credit: Getty

AJF In Feature, News

Hong Kong media raids and arrests result of new security law

Jimmy Lai, owner of pro-democracy publisher Apple Daily, and six other senior executives have been arrested by Hong Kong police in an extraordinary crack down on press freedom. These arrests come as a result of the introduction of the new national security law in Hong Kong. The Guardian discusses this in detail here. Photo credit: AP via The Guardian

AJF In Advocacy & Action, Feature, Media Releases, News

Malay Govt investigation into Al Jazeera misguided

The Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom (AJF) urges the Malaysian Government to desist its current investigation of Al Jazeera English (AJE), as the current methods of investigation are an attack on free, independent journalism. If the Malaysian Government takes issue with Al Jazeera’s work – or any reporting – there are appropriate complaint mechanisms within a democracy to pursue this. The...