The war with Iran is creating a crisis for press freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented arrests, censorship, and intimidation of journalists reporting on the conflict across the Middle East. Reporters have been detained, newsrooms pressured, and internet shutdowns used to restrict the flow of information. Press freedom is essential during conflict. When journalists are silenced, independent reporting disappears - making it harder to verify events, document abuses, and hold governments accountable.

Labor is facing opposition from pretty much everyone on its freedom of information (FOI) bill. Crikey understands the crossbench, including the Greens, intends to oppose it. Members of that bloc held a press conference this morning to spell out the reasons why. In a press release, a group of 10 MPs that included independent MPs Allegra Spender, Helen Haines, Dai Le, and Zali Steggall, and Senators David Pocock, David Shoebridge and Jacqui Lambie said the government’s bill should be abandoned.‍