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US journalists hand in Pentagon ID cards in protest

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Pentagon Press Corps Protests Restrictions with ID ​Card Returns

WASHINGTON ‍- In a ‌coordinated demonstration of dissent, journalists⁤ representing over 100 news organizations surrendered their ‌Pentagon​ identification ​cards⁤ on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, protesting escalating restrictions on⁤ access ‍to data about U.S. military operations. Teh action signals a⁤ deepening rift between the Pentagon and the‍ press corps, ⁤raising concerns about openness and accountability within the Department ‍of Defense.

The protest follows recent changes to access‌ protocols that journalists say impede their ability to independently report on the military. The Pentagon Press Association, representing‌ outlets including Reuters, characterized Wednesday as “a black‌ day for press freedom,” voicing fears about a diminishing commitment to open government, Pentagon ⁢accountability, and ‌freedom of expression. The move by journalists underscores⁣ the vital role of a free press ⁣in scrutinizing‌ military actions and informing the public, a principle enshrined in ‍the first Amendment.

Despite the limitations, ‌the journalists‍ collectively affirmed ⁢their ⁣commitment to continued intensive coverage of the U.S.military, even if reporting must occur ‌from ⁣a⁤ more remote posture. The press association’s statement indicated ⁢a resolve to maintain scrutiny, regardless ⁤of logistical challenges.

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Charlie Kirk Memorial & Free Speech Debate | US Politics

by Emma Walker – News Editor
written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Charlie kirk Memorial Draws Thousands Amidst Free Speech Debate

WASHINGTON D.C. – Thousands gathered to mourn the passing of Charlie Kirk, as a contentious debate over free speech in the united States intensified following recent events involving late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and former President Donald Trump. The outpouring of support for Kirk has coincided with vocal defenses of Kimmel after facing backlash that led to a cancellation, and renewed assertions from Trump regarding his views on critical media coverage.

The convergence of these events has ignited a national conversation about the boundaries of acceptable discourse,the potential for censorship,and the role of powerful figures in shaping public opinion.Concerns are mounting among Kimmel’s supporters that a chilling effect on free expression could emerge,while Trump’s statements raise questions about the limits of presidential critique and the protections afforded by the First Amendment. This situation underscores a growing polarization regarding media freedom and the responsibilities of both public figures and the press.

late-night television hosts have publicly rallied behind Kimmel, expressing solidarity and warning against what they perceive as attempts to stifle comedic and political commentary. Simultaneously occurring,former President Trump reiterated his long-held belief that negative reporting about him constitutes an illegal act,a claim widely disputed by legal experts and media organizations.

The events unfolded on September 21, 2025, adding fuel to an already heated atmosphere surrounding freedom of speech in the digital age. The debate is expected to continue as legal scholars, policymakers, and the public grapple with the implications of these developments for the future of American democracy.

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World

Al Jazeera Journalists Killed in Gaza: Global Outrage and Condemnation

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor
written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Al Jazeera Journalist Anas al-Sharif Killed in Gaza, Sparking International Condemnation

Gaza City, Palestine – Al jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif was killed in Gaza today, with the Israeli military acknowledging responsibility for targeting him, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).The death has ignited a fresh wave of condemnation from press freedom organizations and civil rights groups,who are calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for what they describe as a pattern of targeting journalists in the region.

This latest incident adds to a mounting death toll of media professionals covering the ongoing conflict, raising serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the freedom of the press in Gaza.

Details of the Incident & condemnation

RSF stated that al-sharif was a well-known journalist from Gaza, considered a vital voice documenting the impact of the conflict on Palestinians. The institution drew parallels to the 2023 killing of Al Jazeera reporter Ismail al-Ghoul, who was also labeled a “terrorist” by Israeli authorities. RSF warned that without decisive action from the international community, notably the UN Security Council, further extrajudicial killings of media professionals are likely.

Mike Balsamo, president of the US-based National Press Club, echoed these concerns, stating that the loss of journalists is felt globally and demanding a “thorough and obvious” investigation. Balsamo emphasized the fundamental principle that journalists must be able to work without fear of being deliberately targeted, and that all parties involved in the conflict are obligated under international law to protect reporters.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a strong condemnation,labeling Israel’s killing of five Al Jazeera journalists as a “war crime.” CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad asserted that the killings are not accidental but part of a intentional policy to silence Palestinian media and conceal the realities of the conflict in Gaza, which CAIR characterizes as a genocide. CAIR called on US and international media workers to demonstrate solidarity with their Palestinian colleagues.

The Escalating Toll on journalists in Gaza

The conflict in Gaza has become the deadliest on record for journalists,with at least 269 reporters killed since October 2023,according to data compiled by Al Jazeera (as of March 25,2025 – date referenced from the provided image).This figure significantly surpasses previous conflicts in terms of journalist fatalities.

Context & Background: The Risks Faced by Journalists in Conflict Zones

The targeting of journalists in conflict zones is a serious violation of international humanitarian law. Under the Geneva Conventions, journalists are considered civilians and are afforded the same protections as such. Deliberately targeting journalists is considered a war crime.Though, in practice, journalists frequently enough face immense risks, including:

Direct targeting: As evidenced by the cases of Anas al-Sharif and Ismail al-Ghoul, journalists can be directly targeted by military forces.
 Collateral Damage: Journalists can be caught in the crossfire during military operations.
Restrictions on Access: authorities may restrict journalists’ access to conflict zones, hindering their ability to report freely.
 Threats and Intimidation: Journalists may face threats and intimidation from various actors, including governments, armed groups, and individuals.
Digital Security Risks: Journalists increasingly face online harassment, hacking, and surveillance, which can compromise their safety and sources.

further Investigation Needed:

Specifics of the targeting of anas al-Sharif: details regarding the circumstances of his death, including the type of weapon used and the stated justification for the targeting, require further investigation.
Independent Inquiry: Calls for an independent international inquiry into the deaths of journalists in Gaza are growing. Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable for targeting journalists is crucial to deter future attacks.
The role of technology: Examining the use of surveillance technology and artificial intelligence in identifying and tracking journalists in conflict zones.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more data becomes available.

Key additions/focus areas compared to the original article:

Breaking News Lead: The article now begins with a clear,concise breaking news lead.
Evergreen Context: The inclusion of a section detailing the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones provides valuable context that will remain relevant beyond the immediate news cycle. Specific Numbers & Dates: The article explicitly states the number of journalists killed (269) and the timeframe (since October 2023), referencing the date from the provided image.
Legal Framework: The article highlights the legal protections afforded to journalists under international law.
 Expanded Risks: The article details a broader range of risks faced by journalists, including digital security threats.
* Call for Further Investigation:

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Russian newspaper that published Navalny’s photo announces closure – 2024-09-21 14:39:16

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
Russian newspaper Sobesednik was the only one to publish a photo of opposition leader Alexei Navalny after his death.

The newspaper ‘Interlocutor’the only one that opened on its cover with an image of the opposition leader, Alexei Navalnyshortly after his sudden death in prison, announced on Tuesday its closure after being declared a foreign agent.

«We are the weekly Sobesednik, the first colour newspaper in the Soviet Union, which went on sale on 23 February 1984, and the last independent print media outlet still in existence in Russia»said the journalist Yelena Milchanóvskaya on the SOTAvision Telegram channel.

The journalist said that both the weekly and other publications of the publishing group will stop being published on newsstands “for at least 2-3 months.”

He said the editorial staff would appeal the inclusion of the newspaper in the register of foreign agents by the Russian Ministry of Justice.

«On the last page of Sobesednik we always wrote: ‘Thank you for reading us, see you in a week’. Now we say: ‘Thank you for reading us, see you next time’»he noted.

Russian newspaper that published Navalny’s photo announces closure – 2024-09-21 14:39:16
Russian President Vladimir Putin. EFE/EPA/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN

On February 21, five days after the opposition leader’s death, the weekly published a large photo of Navalny smiling and waving on its front page.

On the inside pages of the newspaper, information was published about the death and the accusations of the widow, Yulia Navalnayaagainst the Russian president, Vladimir Putinwhom she held responsible for her husband’s death.

Hours later, the authorities removed almost all copies of Sobesednik from newsstands in the Russian capital.

“This is all very serious and even a little scary for us. Why did they seize it? We don’t know. We haven’t broken any laws.”Milchanovskaya commented then.

The state-controlled Russian press and television completely ignored Navalny’s death, with the exception of the business daily RBC.

At the time, the director of ‘New Gazeta’, Dmitri MuratovNobel Peace Prize winner in 2021, denounced the “genocide” of independent media in Russia, where several hundred newspapers have been closed since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. EFE (I)

#Russian #newspaper #published #Navalnys #photo #announces #closure

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National and international actors highlight the relevance of the Santiago +30 Declaration – 2024-05-05 18:45:03
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National and international actors highlight the relevance of the Santiago +30 Declaration – 2024-05-05 18:45:03

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Within the framework of the signing of the Santiago +30 Declaration, representatives of global journalism and academic authorities highlighted the relevance of this initiative that reaffirms the commitment to press freedom as a pillar of democracy.

In a ceremony held at the Central House of the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, the rector Ignacio Sánchez gave a few words of welcome to the International Media Meeting, in which he supported the work and role of journalism.

“It is thanks to the work of the press, its courage and perseverance, rigor and critical sense that societies become informed, and make decisions that ultimately impact their democratic future. Within the framework of World Press Freedom Day that is celebrated in our country, it is necessary to highlight the role of the press in a free society, in a democratic society,” he stated.

Fernando de Yarza, president of the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), warned that the threat and totalitarian temptation extends to the entire world, and in that sense he called to defend the role of traditional media, which, as the + 30 Declaration says, is the cornerstone of democracy.

“This Declaration gives a framework to all stakeholders in the sector, the media, governments, states, platforms, of where we have to go. For me it is an honor to sign this Declaration, because it is extremely important for liberal democracies, for freedom. This document will be the light that guides us into the future regarding what we have to do,” said Fernando de Yarza.

Roberto Rock, president of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA), also highlighted the importance of signing this Declaration. “Today we are taking a substantive step to walk together, arm in arm, in unity, without false prominence hindering us. Without regard to ideological orientations, geographical or other issues. We know that above all there is the greater interest of ensuring good journalism and the sustainability of the journalism industry. The challenges we face are the same, and the adversaries of freedoms take refuge in identical toxic practices and narratives,” said the top representative of the IAPA.

For his part, Eduardo Sepúlveda, president of the National Press Association (ANP), highlighted the priority role of the press, in the context of the signing of the Declaration. “It’s not that press freedom is important for democracy. Freedom of the press is democracy. And let me add one more thing: between civilization and barbarism there is also a fine line of ink, with which the newspapers that have helped sustain our democracies have been printed. And just as in many parts of the world there has been an attempt to discredit, dismantle or refound the police, the same thing happens with the press. Many powerful people would like the press to not exist. Or at least not an untamed and unsubmissive press, as we believe we should be,” he concluded.

Roberto Rock, president of the Inter-American Press Association, signing the declaration. (PHOTO: UC).

#National #international #actors #highlight #relevance #Santiago #Declaration

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Julian Assange Extradition to the United States: The Fight for Freedom and Justice
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Julian Assange Extradition to the United States: The Fight for Freedom and Justice

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com
written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Julian Assangethe founder of WikiLeaks, is in danger. His extradition to the United States is one step away from being completed, after remaining in the hands of the British authorities since 2019, and after being found asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London since 2012.

After two days of deliberations, on February 20 and 21, Assange’s future has been left in the hands of two judges of the United Kingdom High Court, those who will decide on extradition. If it becomes effective in this instance, the challenges in the courts of this country will have been exhausted.

The Judicial Branch of The United States has filed 18 criminal charges against Assange for the dissemination of classified material and diplomatic cables, in 2010 and 2011, through its WikiLeaks site. He thus faces a sentence of up to 175 years for espionage.

The founder of WikiLeaks is considered a dangerous person for the United States due to the thousands of secret documents, from the Pentagon and the State Departmentlaid bare.

Assange revealed the crimes committed by American soldiers in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the security apparatus does not forgive its lies and concealments being exposed. Thus, a relentless persecution began against Assange, which forced him to seek political asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

The government of the then president of Ecuador, Rafael Correain June 2012, challenged the North American government and granted protection to Assange, in its embassy in London. Did convinced that asylum was appropriate because he was politically persecuted by the United States. There were even indications that the capture of Assange put his life in danger, as was shown at the time by the terrorist accusations with which political leaders of the United States stigmatized him.

Sarah Palinformer Republican candidate for vice president of the United States, said in November 2010: “Assange is an anti-American operator with blood on his hands. Why was he not persecuted with the same urgency that we persecute the leaders of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban?”

Newt Gingrich, former presidential candidate in the Republican primaries, said in December 2010: “Julian Assange is involved in terrorism. He is to be treated as an enemy combatant. WikiLeaks should be permanently and decisively shut down.”

Unfortunately, after seven years of his stay in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, the president who succeeded Correa, Lenin Morenoacceded to pressure from the United States and decided to hand over Julián Assange to the London police, thus violating the right to diplomatic asylum.

Assange has been in Belmarsh prison for four years, high security prison, south east London. And he faces an extradition request from the United States, arguing that the Wikileaks founder has violated provisions of that country’s espionage law.

However, the US authorities are wrong. Assange is not a spy since he does not provide information to a specific country, but to public opinionas any investigative journalist does.

Consequently, The persecution and imprisonment of Assange has become an attack on the independent press and is also a violation of the right to asylum. This has been highlighted in a recent editorial in the English newspaper The Guardian when he points out: “Sending Assange to stand trial in the United States would be an unacceptable act against the founder of WikiLeaks and against journalism.”

It is necessary to add that The founder of WikiLeaks has also suffered a serious attack on his human rights. Indeed, Assange has been locked up in prison for four years, with 23 hours a day of solitude and barely 45 minutes to exercise. And, before, in the small embassy of Ecuador, He had to remain cloistered for seven years. These confinements have meant a manifest physical and mental deterioration, which has been highlighted by the United Nations Working Group Against Arbitrary Detention and also for him Special Rapporteur against Torture.

The independent press and democrats around the world have the obligation to defend the freedom of Julián Assange and prevent him from being extradited to the United States, where his life is in danger..

2024-02-25 20:52:38
#Julián #Assange #press #freedom #danger

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