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IFEX Communiqué Vol 19, No 10

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International

International Women's Day honours the struggles of women journalists and rights defenders

IFEX members highlighted International Women's Day on 8 March by honouring women journalists, writers and activists for their courage and tenacity in combating corrupt regimes, abuses of power and human rights violations. Many have faced arrest, beatings, imprisonment, and some have been murdered, for speaking out.

Iraq

Election violence harrowing; scores of journalists assaulted

As Iraqis went to the polls on 7 March to select 325 members of parliament, Human Rights Watch urged all political groups to make freedom of expression central to their platform to be sure the next government respects press freedom and minority rights. Meanwhile, countless journalists in Iraq Kurdistan faced brutal attacks leading up to and on election-day, because of political rivalry, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Uganda

New bill protects whistleblowers, but press freedom still undermined

The Ugandan parliament has passed a bill that protects individuals who disclose information on corruption or law-breaking in government or private bodies, reports ARTICLE 19. But Ugandan journalists are fighting for the right to do their jobs as press freedom violations escalated in the country in 2009 with countless radio stations shut down, say local rights groups.

Liberia

Assaults on journalists and legal threats curb press freedom

Police brutality and legal action are the two greatest sources of attacks on journalists in Liberia, says the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) in its 2009 report. Journalists and media workers also face death threats, detention and censorship.

Burma

Undercover reporters face multiple risks to bring stories to the world

Correspondents living in Burma detail the dangers of undercover reporting and the layers of censorship to which approved news gathering is subjected in first-hand reports published by Mizzima News.

Cambodia

Independent media under attack

Threats, intimidation and legal action from the Cambodian government have "whittled down" independent media in the country, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in a new report. And free expression restrictions in the new criminal code will severely reduce journalists' ability to report on corruption within the ruling elite and private sector abuses.

Mongolia

Globe issues report on defamation and censorship in Mongolia

Public figures in Mongolia routinely use defamation legislation against the media and journalists, says a new report by Globe International. Journalists often self-censor in order to survive.