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IFEX Communiqué Vol 19, No 7

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International

CPJ launches survey of Attacks on the Press at events worldwide

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released its worldwide survey on press freedom violations, "Attacks on the Press," in six countries in different regions on 16 February. Drawing on CPJ's own investigations as well as information gathered by other IFEX members, the 360-page book details the struggles and threats journalists face and how these press freedom violations corrupt the flow of information, undermining democracy. The survey provides a factual, systematic analysis of the media environment in more than 100 countries, with information on journalists killed, imprisoned, and the repercussions of forcing journalists into exile.

Iran

IFEX members spearhead campaign to release imprisoned Iranian journalists

A coalition of IFEX members launched a campaign last week on the 31st anniversary of the Iranian revolution, to pressure the government of Iran to release journalists and activists imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression. The "Our Society Will Be a Free Society" campaign is named for a pledge that Ayatollah Khomenei made during the 1979 Iranian Revolution to protect freedom of expression and the press.

Yemen

Journalist slain

A Yemeni journalist, who wrote for several news media, including an opposition newspaper, was shot dead in his home on 13 February, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Press freedom violations have escalated in 2009 but this is the first time a journalist has been murdered in violence against independent media since North and South Yemen merged in 1990, says RSF.

Turkey

Security law used to punish editor with 21-year prison sentence

A Kurdish editor was sentenced to over 21 years in prison on 9 February by a Turkish court for publishing reports and pictures of the banned Turkey Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), report the Istanbul-based IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET), the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Brazil

Radio studio destroyed in arson attack

A Brazilian radio station critical of local authorities had its studio burned down by two armed men on 8 February, report the Brazilian Association of Investigative Journalism (ABRAJI) and ARTICLE 19.

Democratic Republic of Congo

New media council lacks transparency

Journaliste en Danger (JED) has praise as well as concerns for a new media law passed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 31 December 2009.

International

Music Freedom Day takes place worldwide on 3 March

Music Freedom Day is an annual event to advocate freedom of expression for musicians worldwide, launched by Freemuse four years ago. It takes place on 3 March. Musicians and activists in Mumbai, Cairo, Kabul, Amman, The Hague, Paris and New York are among those planning to organise Music Freedom Day events, along with the release of the Freemuse CD "Listen to the banned". In many countries, national broadcasters will produce and present programmes on music censorship and freedom of expression.

Awards and other opportunities

IWMF is calling for candidates for awards and fellowship

The International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) is seeking nominations for its annual Courage in Journalism Awards, the only international awards that recognise the bravery of women journalists. "Nominees risk political persecution, physical injury and death in their efforts to expose corruption and champion human rights." Candidates can be full-time, part-time or freelance women journalists working in print, broadcast or online media in any country, and must be nominated by colleagues, employers, journalists or others.