Civil society groups urge government action against crimes targeting journalists

A coalition of civil society, media, and labor organizations is calling for independent and transparent investigations into crimes and rights violations against journalists. The groups warned that persistent impunity continues to threaten press freedom and undermines public trust in justice systems.

In Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has demanded stronger legal protections and accountability for those responsible for attacks on media practitioners. The association noted that violence against journalists has expanded to include arbitrary detention, online harassment, and legal pressures. SLAJ cited UNESCO data indicating that 189 journalists were killed globally during 2024 and 2025, with a high percentage of such cases remaining unresolved.

In Cambodia, the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA) documented 29 cases of human rights violations targeting media organizations between January and September 2026. These included legal safety violations such as summonses and imprisonment. The coalition expressed concern that authorities are allegedly the primary perpetrators of these violations, noting that several journalists remain imprisoned on charges including incitement and supplying information prejudicial to national defense.