JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 29, 2018
Join our WhatsApp channel
Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda has been released, three years after he was abducted in Syria.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliates the Japan Federation of Newspaper Workers' Unions, Shimbunroren and Nipporo (Labor Union of Japan Public Broadcasting Company) in welcoming the release of Mr. Yasuda and calling on the Japanese people to welcome him home safely.
Jumpei Yasuda was abducted in June 2015 after traveling from Turkey to Syria to report on the country’s civil war. According to BBC, Yasuda was held by the al-Qaeda-linked group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which was once known as al-Nusra Front. He was released on Wednesday, October 24 and arrived back in Tokyo on Thursday. He returned to Japan to celebrations from his family but was also widely criticized online for his reckless behavior.
Yasuda’s release comes four months after a video surfaced online asking for immediate help for his release.
Minami Akira, President of the Japan Federation of Newspaper Workers' Unions, Shimbunroren said: “When Japanese abductees are released, they are often met with criticism in their home country. Japan Federation of Newspaper Workers' Unions calls for society receive back journalists who were taken hostage with warm welcome and express happiness for his safe return instead of demanding apology or blaming the victims for a lack of responsibility.”
Mr. Yoshi Okuda, IFJ Tokyo representative said: “We, Japan freelance union members are glad for Mr. Yasuda’s emancipation.”
Masatoshi Nakamura, President of Nipporo (Labor Union of Japan Public Broadcasting Company) said: “It is pleasing that he was released. It is necessary to consider whether the method of securing safety during the reporting is enough, and the security system in case of emergency is enough. We have to make a stronger framework for security when reporting.”
The IFJ said: “We welcome and celebrate the release of Jumpei Yasuda after more than three years detained in Syria. The ongoing abduction of journalists and media workers in areas of conflict must end. Journalists should be free to do their jobs without fear of abduction across the world.” – IFJ media release/Photo: AFP
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.