The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has reported that 135 journalists faced attacks in 2024. This was disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, where the organization provided updates on its Press Attack Tracker platform.
The event, titled Newsrooms Engagement on Navigating Legal Challenges, Laws that Criminalize Journalism, and Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), brought together journalists and civil society members to discuss challenges facing the media.
While presenting the report, Adebayo Aare, a Project Associate with CJID’s Media Freedom Project, emphasized that the tracker is designed to document violations against press freedom. He explained that this data is crucial for advocacy efforts aimed at driving policy reforms and ensuring accountability.
A panel session, moderated by Busola Ajibola, the Deputy Director of Journalism Programs at CJID, featured media executives who shared insights on handling SLAPP and other forms of media suppression.
During the discussion, the President of the International Press Institute (IPI), Musikilu Mojeed, and the Acting Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust, Hamza Idris, highlighted the severe effects of SLAPP on journalists. They pointed out how these legal actions contribute to self-censorship, financial burdens, and emotional distress within the profession.
Additionally, the panelists identified several barriers to effective public interest journalism. These include limited capacity among journalists, a lack of collaboration within the media industry, and concerns about ethical standards.
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