[JURIST] UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye [official profile] on Tuesday urged countries to take steps to ensure security of journalists [statement] and to be sure that security complies with international human rights. International law protects the digital and physical security of journalists. Kaye stated:

States have a positive obligation to ensure the security of journalists. All too often, however, governments express support for journalist security while taking measures that chip away at protection and thus at the information brought to light by secure reporting. … I urge all States to take steps to reverse this situation and make accountability—n law, policy and practice—a fundamental aspect of their support for journalism and the public’s access to information.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists [advocacy website], 52 journalists have been killed in 2016.

Earlier this week officials in Turkey detained [JURIST report] and searched the homes of 13 reporters alleging that, during the failed coup attempt in Turkey, they published stories seeking to “legitimize” those participating in the coup. In September journalist and lawyer Braulio Jatar was charged [JURIST report] with money laundering after he reported on the Caracas protest in Venezuela. In August Human Rights Watch said [JURIST report] that Palestinian authorities are violating free speech rights by arresting and abusing dissenting activists and journalists. In June an Egyptian court began the trial [JURIST report]of a journalist union leader as well as two board members who were charged with spreading false news and harboring wanted reporters.