Probably, but they are playing with peoples lives (as reporters do in every country) and they should take some basic precautions, say mailing them an encrypted mSD with a silence.im APK onboard so they can establish a vaguely secure communications channel.

Most attackers (low level, local politicians) will be unable to break this most of the time, which would make for a safer situation for all involved. I think that this should be standard procedure in every country, subbing in Signal Private Messenger where it isn't blocked.