The National Press Club

Freedom of the Press

1. NPC Urges Release of Ethiopian Journalist

   The National Press Club voiced its strong concern May 10 over the expected imminent sentencing of imprisoned Ethiopian journalist Eskinder Nega, who is accused of violating the country’s draconian anti-terrorism law as a result of his high-profile advocacy of press freedom. Sentencing of Nega could come as soon as Friday. There is the chance he could be sentenced to death or ordered to spend 15 to 20 years behind bars under Ethiopia’s 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation.

2. NPC and Overseas Press Club spotlight 'war on leaks'

   A May 1 panel at the club, the first collaboration of its kind with the Overseas Press Club of America, spotlighted the Obama administration’s war on leaks. The war is being waged, panelists said, on multiple fronts: a record number of prosecutions of government officials for disclosing information; alleged eavesdropping on journalists’ communications; and suing a New York Times reporter to force him to reveal a source.

3. Jailed Ethiopian journalist garners press freedom award, after Club elevates his plight

   A jailed Ethiopian journalist will be recognized on May 1 for his fight to advance press freedom in his country – an effort that was elevated by the National Press Club. The PEN American Center, a literary and human rights organization, will present its top prize, the 2012 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award, to Eskinder Nega at a gala at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. “The key to him winning that award was the National Press Club helping him,” said Jason McLure, Nega’s friend and colleague. “It shed light on this case.”

4. NPC, Freedom House plan annual survey release on World Press Freedom Day

   Freedom House and the National Press Club plan to join forces on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, for the launch of Freedom House's annual survey of press freedom around the globe. The event will take place in the Press Club's Holeman Lounge on Thursday, May 3 at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free. A continental breakfast will be available. Freedom House will release the findings of its annual survey, "Freedom of the Press 2012: Breakthroughs and Pushback in the Middle East," and panelists from Egypt, Mexico and Hungary will discuss the changes underway in their countries.

5. Journalists, author to explore Obama administration's 'war on leaks,' 6:30 pm May 1

   A panel of noted journalists and writers, plus a former spokesman for the Justice Department, will discuss the Obama administration's crusade against leaks of government secrets -- and against some of the journalists who report them-- at 6:30 p.m. on May 1 at the National Press Club. The discussion is co-sponsored by the Overseas Press Club of America and the National Press Club.

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