[JOIN] The Russian gov. is jailing journalists — here’s what we can do about it

Join us at tomorrow’s webinar: Journalism Under Threat. [View in Browser]( [JOIN US FOR WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY »]( Dear {NAME}, I grew up in Soviet Azerbaijan, where information flow was tightly controlled by authorities. Even though I knew it wouldn’t be an easy path, I decided to become a journalist — because I firmly believe that a free press is core to the fight for human rights. After the censorship regime finally crumbled in 1998, I could finally see the impact of independent journalism: documenting wrongdoings and fighting for accountability. Today, I’m a journalist in Washington, D.C. focused on Eurasia — I was on the ground in Ukraine this February on an assignment, right before Russian forces invaded. I also volunteer with Amnesty as a Country Specialist. I’m excited to join Amnesty on a webinar tomorrow evening called "Journalism Under Threat" to mark World Press Freedom Day. We’ll hear from four journalists covering human rights issues in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Turkey, Morocco, and Central America as they discuss the state of press freedom. [RSVP here to attend on Monday 5/2 at 8pm ET | 5pm PT.]( (If you can’t make it, register and we’ll send you the recording!) [RSVP here]( It’s true that World Press Freedom Day isn’t marked on most calendars. But I hope it’s a reminder for us all that in our global fight for human rights, we need to have a free press. There’s no starker example than Russia, where shortly after launching the war on Ukraine, the government cracked down on journalism, banning the word "war" and forcing hundreds of reporters and news organizations to flee or shut down operations1. Authorities are detaining journalists and editors, alongside bloggers, artists, and others who dare to share evidence about what’s going on2. It’s a blatant attempt to mold public opinion by preventing any conversations about the true nature of the invasion — and to cover up the evidence of possible war crimes. When journalists are attacked, jailed, and silenced for just doing their job, the rest of the world is left under-informed about issues like corruption, kleptocracy, human rights abuses, and of course, ongoing conflicts. [Join us on our webinar tomorrow evening to talk with five journalists covering human rights issues.]( Of course, Russia is not the only place where journalism and journalists are suffering. In Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities have forced many media outlets to close and arrested 50 journalists, while many more have fled the country.3 Amnesty is fighting for press freedom in [Hong Kong]( [Algeria]( [Morocco]( [China]( and the [United States]( among many other countries. We can stop the degradation of press freedom — indeed, we must. The fight for human rights depends on it. I trust Amnesty because this organization has a long and proud history of supporting journalism by documenting and exposing human rights violations — and because Amnesty has always fought to free wrongly-imprisoned journalists. Back when I was just starting this work, I remember having a candid conversation with my dad. He said, "if you speak up and become a journalist, you will have a tough life. But if you don’t speak up, you will still have a tough life." It’s up to us — and that’s why I won’t give up this fight. [I hope to see you at tomorrow’s webinar]( and I thank you for being at my side in this struggle for press freedom. [Alex Raufoglu, jounalist] Alex Raufoglu Journalist Volunteer Country Specialist Amnesty International USA [1] [( [2] [( [3] [( [DONATE NOW]( © 2022 Amnesty International USA 311 W 43rd Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10036 | 1-800-AMNESTY Please don't reply to this email. You can send questions to aimember@aiusa.org. We’re so happy you’re here to hear about the most important updates on human rights! If necessary, you can [opt to receive fewer emails]( or [unsubscribe here](. [supporter]