Geneva, May 1 (IANS) Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, called on the Taliban authorities to “immediately and unconditionally” release all detained journalists while ensuring that media workers in the country can carry out their duties without fear of reprisal, harassment, or arrest.The appeal from the UN expert came ahead of World Press Freedom Day to be observed on May 3.Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, Bennett warned that th…
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Washington, April 27 (IANS) The White House Correspondents’ Association praised law enforcement after a shooting at its annual dinner venue, saying swift action ensured the safety of the President, senior officials and thousands of attendees.“Last night’s shooting at the Washington Hilton was a harrowing moment for everyone in attendance,” WHCA President Weijia Jiang said in a statement, describing the incident as a serious disruption at one of Washington’s most closely watched events….
Washington, April 27 (IANS) US President Donald Trump on said that he “wasn’t worried” as gunfire erupted during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, even as federal investigators probed the motive of a 31-year-old suspect who allegedly targeted members of his administration.The incident unfolded late Saturday at a Washington hotel where more than 2,500 guests, including the president, first lady, vice president and senior officials, had gathered. The gunman breached the security peri…
Dhaka, April 23 (IANS) Bangladesh’s newspapers must rediscover their voice — not as reflections of authority, but as instruments of accountability. During a national crisis, the press acts not just as an observer — it becomes the conscience of people, a report has highlighted. Writing for Bangladeshi daily ‘The Asian Age’ earlier this week, Anwar A Khan, a 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War freedom fighter and columnist, stated that since August 5, 2024, serious allegations of human rights v…
Chennai, March 31 (IANS) BJP Tamil Nadu state president, Nainar Nagenthran, on Tuesday said he would contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Sattur, after ceding the Tirunelveli constituency to the NDA’s ally, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, as part of seat-sharing arrangements within the NDA. Addressing reporters in Tirunelveli, the BJP state president clarified that the decision was taken at the AIADMK’s request and reflected the coalition’s commitment to mainta…
Islamabad, March 25 (IANS) The Pakistani government’s tightening control through media regulations and the selective weaponisation of information has pushed the country’s independent press to the precipice of extinction, a report has stated emphasising that the state’s information war has shifted from subtle manipulation to an overt, systematic campaign to sanitise the public narrative. “The current crackdown is not merely an administrative nuisance. It represents a fundamental existential t…
New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) The office of the United News of India (UNI) located in central Delhi witnessed commotion on Friday evening as police officials, accompanied by lawyers and women personnel, moved to enforce a Delhi High Court order restricting the use of the premises ahead of its proposed sealing over alleged violations, an eyewitness said.Visuals circulating on social media showed police personnel escorting UNI staff out of the premises, even as some employees sought clarification.The…
Bengaluru, March 9 (IANS) The Karnataka government on Monday stated that it has not imposed any restrictions on the media in Vidhana Soudha. The government also defended its earlier order in this regard, which asked the media to take bytes and reactions only at the West Gate of Vidhana Soudha.A statement in this regard was issued by K.G. Jagadeesha, Secretary to Government, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), in response to a letter written by Leader of the Opposition in t…
Dhaka, Feb 27 (IANS) Bangladesh’s Awami League expressed grave concern over a sharp rise in criminal cases, arrests, intimidation and physical attacks against journalists across the country since the political transition on August 5, 2024, citing reports by domestic and international watchdogs.The party highlighted warnings from media groups that the trend risks eroding press freedom at a critical political juncture in Bangladesh.“When Bangladesh underwent political transition on 5 August 20…
Dhaka, Feb 10 (IANS) Expressing concern over recent incidents of intimidation and harassment of journalists and media institutions across Bangladesh, the country’s Editors’ Council warned that such actions pose a serious risk to press freedom and the democratic process ahead of the February 12 national elections, local media reported.Citing the February 7 entry of army personnel into the office of a registered digital media outlet, the council called it a “concerning example”.It added that if an…