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Communiqué Vol 18, No 41

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International

RSF index highlights drop of Europe and Israel in rankings; Eritrea, North Korea and Turkmenistan worst places for journalists

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released its latest press freedom index on 20 October, showing how European countries, Israel and Iran have all slid in the rankings. The index ranks the degree of press freedom throughout the world as well as efforts made by governments to protect journalists' rights.

Iran

Journalist freed on bail; repression continues

Journalist Maziar Bahari was freed on bail on 17 October after spending 120 days in Tehran's Evin prison, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE).

Guinea

Radio stations self-censor; foreign journalists barred

Private radio stations have cancelled political programmes in Guinea as journalists continue to be harassed by opposition supporters and the military after last month's massacre at an opposition rally, says the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Also, Guinea's military denied entry to several French journalists on 17 October and continues to monitor and threaten local journalists, reports Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Argentina

Controversial new broadcast law

A new broadcast law passed on 10 October in Argentina has given the government wide discretionary powers to control the press, reports the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA). But the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) applauds the new legislation as a guarantee of diversity and pluralism.

Belarus

Greater reform needed, says mission

A delegation of press freedom organisations, including seven IFEX members, met with media groups and authorities in Minsk, on 20 to 24 September 2009, to determine the current environment of press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Czech Republic

Journalists condemn new law on police wiretaps

In a new report published this month on the press freedom climate in the Czech Republic, the International Press Institute (IPI) says many Czech editors voiced strong concern about a recent law which makes it illegal to publish any information acquired from police wiretaps.

International

Call for nominations for Hellman/Hammett grants

Human Rights Watch administers the Hellman/Hammett grant program for writers of fiction, non-fiction and poetry who have been victims of political persecution and need financial support. Grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 are available to recognise their commitment to freedom of expression.