25 November 2009
Communiqué Vol 18, No 46
Philippines
At least 21 journalists were killed in a massacre of more than 52 people after being abducted by armed men in the Philippines this week, reports the Manila-based Centre for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR). This is the largest group of journalists killed in a single incident in the world. Many of the victims were beheaded and mutilated; some of the women were raped.
International
The massacre and rape of at least four women journalists in the Philippines this week is emblematic of the additional risks women journalists face. That is why 40 IFEX members are marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women today, 25 November, with a joint call for action.
Somalia
Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan have been freed after being abducted by gunmen in Somalia and held captive for 15 months, report Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).
Iran
A UN human rights committee accused the Iranian government on 20 November of ramping up its use of torture, flogging and amputation of dissidents, reports Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The government has also launched a new Web Crime Unit, policing one of the last spaces for free expression in Iran as it attempts to tighten its control over information, ideas and opinions, reports ARTICLE 19.
Ethiopia
Despite some positive changes in media law, Ethiopian journalists operating within state media have no editorial independence, says the International Press Institute (IPI) after a recent fact-finding mission to Ethiopia.
Honduras
In a new report, the Comité por la Libre Expresión (C-Libre) has recorded 127 cases of violations against freedom of expression since the Honduran de facto government seized power in June.
International
This month, several PEN centres have honoured journalists and writers who have paid dearly for being outspoken - by being beaten, detained or forced into exile as a result of their work.
International / Awards
This year's Rory Peck Award for features was given to two Burmese cameramen on 19 November for a film about the lives of orphaned child survivors of Cyclone Nargis: "Orphans of Burma's Cyclone". To tell this story, "T" and "Z" risked an instant 30-year sentence if caught.
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