Spotlight on Iraq

Although the security situation in Iraq has improved over the past few years, the country continues to be one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists. Reporters for Radio Free Iraq face persistent threats of violence and intimidation. More

Iran Continues to Crack Down on Bloggers

The impact and implications of blogging in repressive societies were on full display during Iran’s presidential elections this summer. More

More Articles

Committee to Protect Journalists - "Anatomy of Injustice: The Unsolved Killings of Journalists in Russia"
Secrecy, corruption, lack of accountability, and conflicts of interest routinely thwart justice in the murders of journalists in Russia, says this special report, issued in September 2009.  Killers are convicted in just one in 17 slayings since 2000. Victims include acclaimed reporter Anna Politkovskaya, who was gunned down on October 6, 2004.

Freedom House - Freedom of the Press 2009
A profile of the state of media freedom in 195 countries worldwide.  This year's report states that the financial crisis has had a negative impact on the state of the world's media, giving oppressive governments more reason for control.  The biggest decline has been in the former Soviet Union.

Committee to Protect Journalists - "Getting Away With Murder"
CPJ's Impunity Index 2009, compiled for the second year, lists 14 countries where journalists are killed regularly and governments fail to solve the crimes. Within RFE/RL's broadcast region, the study ranks Iraq first, Afghanistan 7th, and Russia 9th. It concludes that the vast majority of victims are local reporters covering sensitive topics such as crime, corruption, and national security in their home countries.

International Federation of Journalists - Perilous Assignments: Journalists Killed in 2008
Report on the killings of journalists in 2008 with a warning that 2009 could be the deadliest yet for the profession. The IFJ recorded 109 deaths of journalists and media staff in 2008.

This page is for and about RFE/RL journalists who take risks, face threats and make sacrifices every day to get the news. Our aim is to recognize the courage and conviction, and to document the high price that many have paid simply for doing their job. Since 2007, there have been 34 major attacks against RFE/RL journalists who were targeted for seeking and telling the truth.

• Russian Journalist In Hiding After Soviet Critique
• Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Grilled Over Bloggers Case
• Russian Journalist Accused Of Libel In Dam Disaster Attacked

• Amnesty International
• Committee to Protect Journalists
• Center for Journalists in Extreme Situations
• Freedom House
• Human Rights Watch
• International Crisis Group
• International Federation of Journalists
• Reporters Without Borders