International Freedom of Expression eXchange: The global network for free expression
Free expression spotlight
1 September 2010
Yemen
A surge in military assault prompts crackdown on journalists
As the Yemeni government escalates its military offensive against militants in the southern part of the country, arbitrary arrests of journalists on security grounds have become commonplace throughout Yemen, report the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and other IFEX members. At least 25 journalists were held by the army as they tried to attend a peace conference in the north around 21 August. Days earlier, security forces detained both a cartoonist who is also a human rights activist as well as a journalist who writes about Al-Qaeda.
From the Communiqué
1 September 2010
Honduras
Ninth journalist slain in 2010
A journalist was found shot to death on a rural road in northern Honduras on 24 August, report the Comité por la Libre Expresión (C-Libre), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and other IFEX members. Journalist Israel Zelaya Díaz is the ninth journalist killed this year since President Porfirio Lobo assumed power in January. The culture of impunity that has arisen under Lobo is silencing critical journalists, says a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Campaigns and Advocacy
2 September 2010
Egypt
ANHRI issues third guide on legal defence for bloggers and journalists
The 48-page booklet, titled "Publication Bans", contains advice for journalists and bloggers on how to avoid being charged with violating a publication ban and information on how to defend themselves against the charges.
2 September 2010
Philippines
Lawyer interviewed as Maguindanao massacre trial resumes
RSF interviewed Prima Jesusa Quinsayas, a lawyer who has been hired by the FFFJ to represent the families of journalists murdered in Maguindanao.
1 September 2010
Joint action - Egypt
Thirty-five IFEX members and other organisations appeal for charges to be dropped against prominent human rights activists and blogger
Gamal Eid, Ahmad Saif al-Islam and Amr Gharbeia are charged with criminal defamation, use of threats and misuse of communications tools.
31 August 2010
Turkey
IPI joins Turkish media organisations in launch of campaign against imprisonment of journalists
According to IPI's Turkey National Committee, over 700 journalists are currently facing lawsuits and the threat of imprisonment.Urgent alerts
MEXICO: "Noreste" newspaper facilities in Sinaloa attacked by armed men The newspaper issued a statement saying that its facilities in Mazatlán were the target of an armed attack hours after having received a threatening telephone call.2 September 2010 COLOMBIA: Journalist escapes unharmed from assassination attempt Marco Tulio Valencia said the assassination attempt could be related to information his newspaper has published information about drug trafficking in Mariquita.
2 September 2010 CAMBODIA: International groups condemn sentencing of local rights staffer Leang Sokchouen was sentenced to two years in prison after having been charged with involvement in the production and distribution of anti-government leaflets.
2 September 2010
Take action!
IRAN: Sign a petition for blogger facing execution
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is urging you to sign a petition to save the life of jailed Iranian blogger and human rights activist Shiva Nazar Ahari. She has been charged with assembly and collusion to commit a crime, propagating against the regime and, the heaviest charge of all, "mohareb", or rebellion against God. She is facing possible execution.
25 August 2010
TUNISIA: Urge authorities to release journalist Fahem Boukaddous, ensure he receives medical care
Boukaddous was jailed the day after he was discharged from the hospital where he was being treated for respiratory problems, and he remains in urgent need of medical treatment.
21 July 2010
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