CJFE

El-Heni now faces charges under laws used to restrict online expression, raising concerns about press freedom and due process. His daughter has publicly denounced his detention and the conditions of his case. CJFE is closely following developments. #journalismisnotacrime

A court ruling in the case of Tunisian journalist Zied El-Heni is expected this Thursday, May 7. El-Heni was detained on April 24, after criticizing a court ruling sentencing fellow journalist Ghassen Ben Khelifa in a social media post.

Today is World Press Freedom Day, a reminder that a free press is essential to democracy and the public’s right to know, to access information, question power, and participate in an informed society.

The report points to rising censorship, surveillance, political hostility, violence against journalists, and the growing criminalisation of journalism worldwide. Canada ranked 21st this year, while the United States dropped seven places to 64th.

The latest 2026 Reporters Without Borders @rsfinternational paints a troubling global picture. For the first time in the Index’s history, more than half of the world’s countries now fall into the “difficult” or “very serious” categories for press freedom.

CJFE and CAJ are reviewing options to challenge the legality of the Ontario government’s actions. Read the full statement below: cjfe.org/ford-governmen…

New joint statement from Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and Canadian Association of Journalists on the recent changes to Ontario’s freedom of information laws. Access to information is essential for accountability, transparency, and the public’s right to know.

As the international community looks to celebrate #WorldPressFreedomDay this coming Sunday, May 3, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reports that it has its World Press Freedom Index has hit a “25-year low,” with more than half of the world’s countries currently falling into the “difficult” or “very serious” categories. Read more on our analysis of the report. twp.ai/4hpeWW

Today, the Ford government’s amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act that prevents the disclosure of records “held by ministers, parliamentary assistants and their offices” came into force. And the first casualty is....? 1/2

This case became a measure of how far power can go to challenge the press, and how firmly it can be resisted. It’s a reminder that attempts to silence the press don’t just target one newsroom, they test the strength of democracy itself. #journalismisnotacrime #pressfreedom

What started in 2018 as a shutdown order has ended in a decisive victory, not just for Rappler and its co-founder and CEO Maria Ressa, but for press freedom in the Philippines. rappler.com/philippines/su…

After nearly a decade of legal battles, the Philippine Supreme Court has officially closed the case against Rappler, an independent digital newsroom known for its investigative reporting and for holding power to account.

Lebanon’s president called it a “blatant crime” and the government plans to take the case to the U.N. Security Council. Their deaths highlight the dangers faced by those reporting from the frontlines. #PressFreedom #Journalism #Lebanon #journalismisnotacrime

The Israeli military said it targeted Shoeib, alleging ties to Hezbollah without providing evidence. Lebanese officials and rights groups have condemned the strike, raising concerns about the targeting of journalists. cbc.ca/news/world/isr…

Three journalists were killed over the weekend in southern Lebanon while covering the war. Ali Shoeib, Fatima Ftouni and cameraman Mohammad Ftouni, from the media outlets Al-Manar and Al-Mayadeen. They were traveling together near Jezzine when their car was struck.

Threatening, surveilling, or harassing journalists for reporting in the public interest is an attack on press freedom, on democracy, and on the public’s right to know. CJFE stands in solidarity with Gilmore and calls on authorities to act. 2/2 #protectjournalists #cdnmedia

CJFE condemns the public intimidation of journalist Rachel Gilmore following her reporting on white nationalist activity in a Montreal gym. 1/2

Can American Media Survive Trump and Billionaire Owners? 3 frontline journalists look at the dangers & what lies ahead. Join free webinar March 19 7pm - 8:30pm EST Co-sponsored by CAJ, @CJFE, PEN Canada shorturl.at/Sop07 #MediaOrganizations, #news producers, #journalists

CJFE is proud to co-sponsor the panel “Can American Media Survive Trump and Billionaire Owners?”, organized by the Centre for Free Expression at TMU. Join the conversation on March 19, 2026 at 7 pm EST cfe.torontomu.ca/events/can-ame…

📣 On February 25, 2026, CPJ will release its annual report on journalists and media workers killed worldwide in 2025. CPJ’s 2025 Killed Report will include global data and in-depth analysis revealing which countries are the deadliest for journalists amid escalating conflicts that have caused a surge in press killings worldwide. Learn more: cpj.org/2026/02/cpj-to… 📷: Yuri Cortez/ AFP