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IFEX Communiqué Vol 20, No 36

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Democratic Republic of Congo

IFEX appeals to President to take action against threats to IFEX member Journaliste en danger

IFEX has raised alarm bells to President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo about the safety of staff at its own member group Journaliste en danger (JED). Late last month, Donat M'Baya Tshimanga, president of JED, and secretary-general Tshivis Tshivuadi, received death threats in an email from what looks to be a supporter of the ruling party, warning that they should be ready for the "final battle." The intimidation is a sign of what's to come in the run-up to the presidential elections on 28 November, says IFEX.

Iraq

Al-Mahdi's death big loss for media and activist community; new law fails to protect journalists' rights

Iraqi journalist, filmmaker and playwright Hadi al-Mahdi was well known for his missives to the government, his demands for peace, and more recently, as a leading organiser of Iraq's recent pro-democracy protests. But for his actions he has paid with his life. On 8 September, he was shot dead in his home in Baghdad in an apparently targeted attack to silence him, report Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI).

Brazil / Honduras / Peru

With three new deaths, Latin America is most dangerous region for journalists, say IFEX members

Three journalists have been killed in the space of a week in Brazil, Honduras and Peru, cementing Latin America's status as the most dangerous region for journalists in 2011 so far, report IFEX members.

Afghanistan

NATO admits to shooting dead BBC journalist

NATO has admitted shooting dead a BBC journalist in Afghanistan in July under the mistaken belief that he was a suicide bomber, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

International

Tech giants working with dictatorships need to be punished, says RSF

Perhaps you connect to the Internet using Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), you own a Cisco Systems router, or Netfirms is your web hosting company. According to a new report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), these companies and many other technology heavyweights are collaborating with dictatorships that jail bloggers and censor the Internet - and they deserve to be sanctioned.

Eritrea

Demand freedom for Dawit Isaak

Twenty-third September marks 10 years since the Swedish-Eritrean journalist and writer Dawit Isaak was imprisoned in Eritrea. His crime? He worked for an independent newspaper that reported on demands for democratic reforms. There has never been a trial, a charge or a sentence against him. IFEX members and supporters are asking that you take part in a week of action to demand his freedom.

International / Awards and other opportunities

New Visual Journalism award honours Tim Hetherington

Human Rights Watch and World Press Photo have established an annual visual journalism award focusing on human rights - to honour the life and work of Tim Hetherington, the British photojournalist who was killed this year while covering the conflict in Libya. The deadline for the grant - worth a hefty 20,000 Euros (US$27,500) - is 15 October.