The Committee to Protect Journalists, Action for Imprisoned Journalists During the COVID-19 Pandemic, April 2020

Take action for imprisoned journalists this week with the Committee to Protect Journalists and their #FreeThePress campaign, which urges global governments to immediately release jailed journalists in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Use the #FreeThePress hashtag on social media to show your support, or share the open letter to world leaders. And sign CPJ’s change.org petition, here. Follow the campaign for video messages from formerly imprisoned persons.

In the petition, CPJ states that: “For journalists jailed in countries affected by the virus, freedom is now a matter of life and death. Imprisoned journalists have no control over their surroundings, cannot choose to isolate, and are often denied necessary medical care.” According to CPJ, there are more than 250 journalist jailed worldwide.

There are at least six jailed journalists behind bars in Vietnam currently (and several more bloggers); these journalists are Le Anh Hung, Pham Chi Dung, Ngo Van Dung, Truong Duy Nhat, Ho Duc Hoa, and Truong Minh Duc.

Image credit: CPJ