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Communiqué Vol 18, No 43

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Middle East and North Africa

Blogging flourishes; governments block and monitor content

Thousands of writers, journalists, activists, lawyers and others are expressing their dissent and reporting on social issues by blogging throughout the Middle East and North Africa, says a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Bloggers are free to write about issues that are not covered by traditional media due to intimidation and interference by the state.

Mexico

Committee to protect press freedom dissolved; journalist slain

A special government committee designed to combat crimes against Mexican journalists and news media has been disbanded, reports the Inter American Press Association (IAPA). Underscoring the urgent need for such a panel is the murder of yet another journalist in Mexico on 2 November, report the Centre for Journalism and Public Ethics (CEPET) and other IFEX members.

Sri Lanka

Journalists live in fear; culture of impunity entrenched

Two Sri Lankan editors received death threats on 22 October identical to the one received by journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge weeks before he was murdered in January, report IFEX members. The end of the war has not ensured the safety of the country's journalists

South Africa

Legislation undermines free expression

Media professionals in South Africa say a possible new bill is in reality a form of censorship, obstructing journalists from doing their jobs, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). Meanwhile, the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is concerned about another bill already signed into law that has introduced a system of pre-publication censorship.

Lebanon

Political actors control media

Many of Lebanon's media outlets are influenced by powerful political figures to whom they are financially and politically in debt, the International Press Institute (IPI) reports after completing a four-day press mission in October. Also, the Maharat Foundation recently released a report that scrutinises the relationship between Lebanese politics and media.

Bulgaria / Awards

Bulgarian journalist given new WAZ-IFJ award for her courage

The WAZ Media Group and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is honouring Bulgarian journalist Lidiya Pavlova with the "WAZ-IFJ Prize for Courage in Journalism". The award emphasises the role of independent media in "scrutinising" abuses of power.

International

CPJ offers database on killed journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has created a layered database of information about 760 journalists killed since 1992.

Singapore

Dissident faces repeated imprisonment

Amnesty International is asking for your support to help prominent Singaporean opposition critic and human rights defender Dr. Chee Soon Juan who is facing a prison term or heavy fine. In recent years, Dr. Chee has lost his university post, served seven prison terms and has been banned from contesting parliamentary elections.