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Communiqué Vol 18, No 45

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Asia and Pacific

Chinese dissidents barred from meeting with President Obama; calls for Aung San Suu Kyi's release

During U.S. President Barack Obama's first visit to Asia as president this month, Human Rights Watch urged him to call on the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to resolve issues of impunity and major restraints on freedom of expression throughout the region. As well, IFEX members called on the President to press for the release of imprisoned Chinese journalists and writers on his first official visit to the People's Republic of China.

Azerbaijan

Democratic ideas forbidden; bloggers punished

An Azeri court sentenced two bloggers to prison on 11 November in a politically motivated decision aimed at censoring young activists critical of the government, report the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members. This conviction sends a clear message about the cost of democratic debate in Azerbaijan.

Gabon

Opposition press suspended; criticism of state pushed aside

A state-run media-monitoring body suspended six private newspapers and a television program in Gabon on 10 November in an effort to silence criticism of recent elections results and members of government, report IFEX members.

International

IAPA surveys corrosion of free speech

Violence against journalists, restrictive laws, arbitrary judicial decisions and a culture of impunity are major trends in the deterioration of free speech throughout the Americas, reports the Inter American Press Association (IAPA). It has released its findings in a series of country reports after its general assembly on 6 to 10 November in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

International / Awards and other opportunities

Call for nominations for Martin Ennals Award

The Martin Ennals Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2010 award for human rights defenders. The deadline is 9 December 2009.

International

Lawyers join forces to defend media worldwide

The Media Legal Defence Initiative (MLDI) is a non-governmental charity that exists to defend journalists and media outlets worldwide. MLDI offers support by paying legal fees, assisting in accessing free legal advice or taking on cases in international courts. It also aims to strengthen the capacity of lawyers to defend the rights of media by enhancing education, networking and information exchange in media law and litigation.

International

WAN-IFRA seeks Deputy Director of Press Freedom and Media Development

The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) is looking for a Deputy Director of Press Freedom and Media Development.