International Freedom of Expression eXchange: The global network for free expression
Free expression spotlight
17 March 2010
Palestine
Journalists assaulted and censored
Palestinian journalists are under attack from Israeli forces and are also subjected to raids and arrests as a result of political rivalry between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, report the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedom (MADA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Meanwhile, Israel continues to target and detain scores of Palestinians involved in protests against the separation barrier in the West Bank with freedom of movement and expression violations, reports Human Rights Watch.
From the Communiqué
17 March 2010
Mexico
Eight journalists abducted, two killed
In Mexico, information can be fatal. Eight journalists were abducted in separate episodes between 18 February and 3 March, report the Center for Journalism and Public Ethics (CEPET), Inter American Press Association (IAPA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Three journalists were later released; one of them died as a result of being tortured. Mexican journalists in newsrooms remain silent about the kidnappings for fear of reprisals from drug traffickers. And in another part of the country also caught in the terror of drug cartels, another journalist was slain on 12 March.
Campaigns and Advocacy
16 March 2010
International
Nigerian and Indonesian activists challenge repressive measures in "Defamation of Religions" debate
On 10 March 2010, Freedom House held a panel discussion to look at options for combating religious discrimination without restricting free speech.
16 March 2010
France/Eritrea
Radio Erena: an independent news source for Eritrea
Based in Paris and run by exiled Eritrean journalists, Radio Erena has been operating for the past nine months.
15 March 2010
Sri Lanka
Attorney general offers assurance to exiled journalists
In a meeting with CPJ, the attorney general promised the government would guarantee the safety of journalists returning from exile.
12 March 2010
Uzbekistan
UN review should highlight atrocious record
Human Rights Watch calls for the release of imprisoned activists and an end to rights abuses.
12 March 2010
International
RSF releases new list of "Internet enemies" on World Day Against Cyber Censorship
Russia and Turkey are the latest countries to be added to the organisation's "under surveillance" list.
Urgent alerts
PHILIPPINES: Radio blocktimer killed in General Santos City CMFR is looking into whether the death of Chito Abuzo is work-related.17 March 2010 HONDURAS: Another journalist killed in Honduras Nahúm Palacios Artiaga is the third journalist to be killed in two weeks.
16 March 2010 SOMALIA: Al Shabab detains three journalists from Markabley Radio station IPI calls for an end to Al Shabab suppression of the media.
17 March 2010
Take action!
IRAN: Help free imprisoned journalists
Leading press freedom and free expression groups are asking for your support to help free imprisoned journalists, writers and bloggers in Iran. Since the disputed June elections, there has been a brutal crackdown on dissent. In response, a coalition of free expression organisations has launched a petition drive calling for the release of those imprisoned. More dissidents are in prison in Iran than in any other country in the world: out of at least 60 political prisoners, 47 of them are journalists. Generally, prisoners are held incommunicado and some are tortured.
3 March 2010
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: Help restore RFI's radio signal
Journaliste en Danger (JED) launched a campaign on 23 February 2010 to restore the FM signal of French public radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo: "Release the info, reopen RFI." JED is asking you to sign a petition, which will be sent to President Joseph Kabila.
3 March 2010
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