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IFEX Communiqué Vol 20, No 18

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International / World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day 2011: 21st Century Media - New Frontiers, New Barriers

On World Press Freedom Day this year, IFEX members remind us that the technology that brought us the stories of popular unrest across the Arab world has been matched by tools just as powerful that are used to suppress information.

Vietnam

Award-winning publisher arrested

Vietnamese underground publisher Bui Chat was in Buenos Aires last week to pick up an International Press Association (IPA) award for his "courage in upholding the freedom to publish." When he returned home, the Vietnamese authorities celebrated his prize by confiscating it, searching his home and arresting him, report IPA and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Thailand

Officials close down 13 radio stations ahead of elections

Authorities in Thailand shut down 13 radio stations in and around Bangkok for allegedly airing a speech that was considered defamatory to the royal family, report the Southeast Asia Press Alliance (SEAPA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Iran

Authorities responsible for Siamak Pourzand's death

The Iranian authorities are responsible for Iranian journalist Siamak Pourzand's suicide, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Detained and under house arrest for the past 10 years, banned from leaving the country and separated from his family, Pourzand, 80, committed suicide on 29 April in Tehran, report RSF and PEN American Center.

Bulgaria

Amendments to penal code threaten free expression, says IPI

Bulgaria's Parliament has adopted changes to the penal code that have introduced jail time for journalists and writers who instigate hatred, discrimination or violence - and could be used to impose controls on the media, says the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI).

Awards and other opportunities / International

Rory Peck Awards for freelance camera operators open for entries

Freelance camera operators from around the world are invited to submit entries for the 2011 Rory Peck Awards, which honour the best freelance footage in news and current affairs, especially in regions where it is difficult to gather news. The closing date for entries is 6 June 2011 - an earlier date this year.

Awards and other opportunities / International / World Press Freedom Day

Lorenzo Natali Journalism Prize launched on World Press Freedom Day

On 3 May, the 2011 edition of the Lorenzo Natali Journalism Prize opened for entries. Organised by the European Commission in partnership with Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the prize recognises the outstanding contribution of journalists reporting on development, human rights and democracy. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2011.