International Freedom of Expression Exchange: The global network for free expression
Free Expression Spotlight
1 February 2012
International
Twitter policy that restricts tweets sparks outrage
Twitter announced last week that it would begin restricting tweets in specific countries if they violated local laws, setting off claims of censorship by IFEX members Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) and the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR).
From the Communiqué
1 February 2012
International
Copyright agreement will restrict online free expression, say French MEP and IFEX members
A French member of the European parliament (MEP) who was in charge of negotiating an international copyright agreement quit his role, calling the agreement's passage a "masquerade" on the same day that it was signed by members of the European Union, reports ARTICLE 19. The agreement would restrict online free expression, say ARTICLE 19 and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Campaigns and Advocacy
31 January 2012
Philippines
CMFR hails UNHRC recommendations
The United Nations Human Rights Committee declared that the provisions of the country’s Revised Penal Code (RPC) penalizing libel as a criminal offense is “incompatible with Article 19, paragraph three of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)” to which the Philippines is a signatory.
31 January 2012
Bahrain
BCHR concerned about Bahrain's election to UNESCO education bureau
BCHR demands that Bahrain's membership in the UNESCO IBE be frozen, and contingent on the authorities taking steps to put an end to the targeting of members of the education sector.
30 January 2012
Bahrain
Freedom House opposes US arms sale
Because the new arms sale is being broken up into multiple small pieces, it does not fall under Congressional notification requirements and details do not have to be made public.
27 January 2012
Joint action - Tunisia
IFEX-TMG delegation meets members of the Constituent Assembly
The delegation reaffirmed the necessity to enshrine the right to freedom of expression in the future constitution, to guarantee press freedom and the independence of public service media.
26 January 2012
France / International
RSF releases press freedom index for 2011/2012
The Arab world was the motor of history in 2011 but the Arab uprisings have had contrasting political outcomes so far, with Tunisia and Bahrain at opposite ends of the scale.See all IFEX member campaigns
Urgent alerts
IRAN: Ahead of elections, crackdown on press continues Authorities arrested journalist Saeed Razavi Faghih, who wrote for reformist publications, as he arrived at Tehran airport from Paris.3 February 2012 IRAN: Journalists’ families targeted in campaign against the media Iranian authorities have been particularly sensitive to the role of BBC Persian television, which launched operations in January 2009, because of its extensive coverage of the disputed 2009 presidential election.
3 February 2012 SYRIA: Human Rights Watch report documents security forces' use of torture on child detainees According to a new Human Rights Watch report, "Syrian security forces have killed, arrested, and tortured children in their homes, their schools, or on the streets. In many cases, security forces have targeted children just as they have targeted adults."
3 February 2012
Take action!
TURKEY: Add your signature to IPI petition to free journalist Nedim Sener
Turkish journalist Nedim Sener has spent nearly 300 days in jail for being part of the "Ergenekon" plot, in which an alleged ultra-nationalist organisation with ties to security forces is said to have planned to use terrorism to overthrow the government. Join more than 3,000 people in an International Press Institute (IPI) petition calling for a fair trial or his immediate release.
11 January 2012
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