Repressed journalists and activists: Iran, Vietnam, Mexico and India

Iranian prosecutors have charged the Etemad newspaper with publishing a secret government document. The disclosed instruction calls for deploying thousands of morality guards in public places to enforce the Islamic dress code for women. The Iranian government has distanced itself from the guards, but the published document shows the group’s deep connections with the authorities.

The Vietnamese government is intensifying its repression of climate activists. Over the last two years, several activists of organisations that supported the authorities in securing funds for work on reducing coal consumption have been arrested. One of the people arrested is Ngo Thi To Nhien, director of an energy advisory group. Authorities in Mexico announced the discovery of the body of activist Higinio Trinidad de la Cruz with a gunshot wound. He worked to protect the environment and took part in revealing land expropriations resulting from mining and illegal logging. According to Global Witness, 54 of the 200 environmentalist-related killings recorded worldwide in 2021 occurred in Mexico.

In India, police searched the homes of over 90 journalists of the Newsclick portal and confiscated approximately 250 electronic devices and passports. The local regulations allow searches and seizure of devices, which threatens to limit press freedom. Three kidnapped Mexican journalists have been released after authorities announced a search for them. According to the organisation Reporters Without Borders, Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists.