International Freedom of Expression eXchange: The global network for free expression
Free expression spotlight
28 July 2010
Kosovo
A nascent state is crippling its own press, and its future
More than two years after declaring independence, Kosovo urgently needs a free press to expose "the ills that are undermining" the country, says a new report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "Kosovo: Still not too late for press freedom" says journalists in the new country are under threat from nationalist militants and financial pressures, and barred from accessing information, with every sphere of government attempting to control editorial decisions. RSF met with journalists and new bloggers trying to work within an ethical framework, despite the numerous political and criminal elements working against them.
From the Communiqué
28 July 2010
Nepal
Chairman of community radio broadcaster slain
A community radio owner was gunned down as he rode his motorcycle in a district west of Kathmandu on 22 July, report the Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies (CEHURDES), Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ, Freedom Forum and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC). He is the third media owner to be killed in six months.
Campaigns and Advocacy
30 July 2010
Joint action - Egypt
IFEX members ANHRI, CIHRS and other groups protest possible imprisonment of activist colleagues
Human rights groups say the only crime their colleagues are being tried for is the poor state of human rights in Egypt.
28 July 2010
Ghana/The Gambia
Ghanaians protest against President Jammeh of The Gambia
The protest was part of activities organised to mark the 16th anniversary of President Yahya Jammeh's Coup d'État on 22 July 1994.
27 July 2010
Turkey/Awards
BIANET awarded national press freedom prize
BIANET Freedom of Expression editor Erol Onderoglu accepted the award, but warned that press freedom violations in Turkey continue unabated.
27 July 2010
The Gambia
IFJ joins "Freedom Day" call for action on human rights violations
There is no freedom in The Gambia, where journalists in particular are routinely subjected to unfair trials, arrests and targeting by security agencies, says IFJ.
27 July 2010
Somalia
NUSOJ welcomes Amnesty International report on attacks against Somali journalists
The Amnesty International publication, entitled "Hard news: Journalists' lives in danger in Somalia", focuses on journalists' working conditions.Urgent alerts
GUATEMALA: Villagers hold four journalists hostage during blockade The journalists said they were concerned for their safety because protestors threatened to beat and lynch them and held them overnight.30 July 2010 UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Wave of arrests of BlackBerry Messenger users The users of BlackBerry Messenger allegedly tried to organise a protest against an increase in the price of gasoline.
29 July 2010 AFGHANISTAN: IFJ questions closure of broadcaster Emroaz TV was closed following claims by the government that "the television channel was fuelling religious tensions and harming national unity".
29 July 2010
Take action!
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 CANADA: CJFE collecting information from journalists who covered the G20 summit CJFE is asking journalists who believe their freedom of expression was compromised by police/security personnel to complete a survey.
8 July 2010
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