An Azerbaijani court has sentenced a group of independent journalists and NGO workers to prison on charges of 'smuggling.' Press freedom advocates have condemned the case as politically motivated, aimed at suppressing their activities.

A senior official from the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has defended recent media crackdowns and criticized global press freedom advocates.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Napolcom are investigating police officers for alleged harassment of two photojournalists covering a rally. Press freedom advocates condemn the incident as a clear violation of media rights.

Prominent Tunisian journalist Zied Heni has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Tunisian court. The conviction has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates.