JournalismPakistan.com | Published August 15, 2017
Join our WhatsApp channel
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Journalists, Thailand (NUJT) have expressed deep concern over the misuse of sedition laws to silence journalists.
The IFJ called on the Royal Thai Police to drop any case against journalist Pravit Rojanaphruk.
The prominent reporter and columnist at the news website Khaosod English (Fresh news) was officially informed on August 8 by the Royal Thai Police's Technology Crime Suppression Division that he faces charges of sedition, under article 116 of Thailand's Criminal Code, and “disseminating false information online”, under the Computer Crimes Act.
Pravit, a vocal critic of the military regime that came to power in Thailand in 2014 after a coup that overthrew an elected government, has been targeted for his critical writings and campaigns for press freedom. From physical intimidation, illegal detention and travel sanctions to threats to freeze his bank accounts, there have been several attempts to intimidate and silence the journalist.
The first charges of sedition against Pravit were filed following his Facebook posts in February 2015 criticizing the Constitution drafted by the military. Sedition charges were again slapped following his critical social media posts about the trial of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose government was toppled by the military coup.
The take-over by the military in Thailand has been accompanied by a sharp decline in media freedom in the country. Measures to control the media include orders that prohibit reporting that could "create confusion, instigate unrest, or deepen divisions among people" or could be interpreted as "malicious" or "misleading."
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has passed an order that allows the state broadcasting commission to close down media outlets on grounds of “national security”, without the right of appeal.
Amidst the growing restrictions and atmosphere of fear, the NUJT expressed serious concern over the charges of sedition against Pravit. It also expressed concern over the August 9 charge against Nattaporn Veeranant, a reporter with the Isranews Agency, for “entering private property without permission”. Nattaporn was carrying out his journalistic duty of gathering information about an apartment in Bangkok that allegedly belongs to the family of a senior police officer currently under investigation for corruption.
The IFJ said: “The charges against Pravit Rojanaphruk and Nattaporn Veeranant must be dropped forthwith. The regime in Thailand must desist from misusing legislation to muzzle freedom of expression in the country. It is only when dissent and open debate is not penalized that the steady deterioration in media freedom can stop.” – IFJ media release/Image courtesy: operationworld.org
April 11, 2025: Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.
April 10, 2025: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.
April 08, 2025: Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.
April 07, 2025: The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.
April 07, 2025: Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.
April 03, 2025: Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.
April 02, 2025: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.
March 30, 2025: Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?
April 03, 2025 The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) invite nominations for the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer Awards. Recognizing courageous journalists and innovative media, the awards will be presented at IPI’s 75th-anniversary World Congress in Vienna. Submit your nominations by April 30, 2025.
April 01, 2025 Photojournalist Suresh Rajak was burned alive while covering a violent protest in Kathmandu. The IFJ and its affiliates condemn the attack and call for an urgent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
April 01, 2025 Assam Police arrested digital journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder for covering a protest against alleged corruption at Assam Co-Operative Bank. Media organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on press freedom.
March 29, 2025 A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle Voice of America (VOA), ruling that the move likely violated legal procedures. The decision protects over 1,200 journalists and media staff.
March 28, 2025 Turkey deports BBC journalist Mark Lowen over 'public order' threat and fines opposition TV channels covering Istanbul Mayor's arrest. Critics condemn crackdown on press freedom amid rising political tensions.