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IFEX Communiqué Vol 20, No 41

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International

Media control and intimidation a reality for 5.5 billion, says WAN-IFRA

This year, 44 journalists have already been murdered, says the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), which launched a review of press freedom around the world during World Newspaper Week, held from 10 to 15 October in Vienna, Austria. During the events, which included its Congress and World Editors Forum, WAN-IFRA presented the Golden PEN of Freedom to Dawit Isaak, jailed in Eritrea since 2001.

Egypt

"Bloody Sunday" as security forces fire on protesters; journalist and blogger slain

The repercussions are still being felt after what has been called "Egypt's Bloody Sunday", when army forces and mobs in Cairo that were rallied by government TV stations killed at least 25 protesters, including one journalist and one blogger, report IFEX members. The members point to larger frustrations about insecurity in Egypt, with civil society calling for the transitional government to restore the rule of law and hand over power as the country heads to elections on 28 November.

United States

Journalists covering Occupy Wall Street detained, beaten and pepper sprayed

With the New York Police Department (NYPD) having the right to decide who does and who does not qualify as a journalist, at least three reporters have been arrested and two others assaulted while covering the Occupy Wall Street protests, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Tajikistan

Reporters freed after highly unjust convictions

Two journalists have been freed in Tajikstan after separate trials, but their convictions are symbolic of the government's tightening control over the media, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). They had been facing up to 16 years in jail. One of them is banned from reporting for three years.

Indonesia

New law can be used to spy on and criminalise journalists, dissidents

In addition to giving Indonesian security officials sweeping powers to spy on civilians, new legislation could also give authorities the right to imprison journalists for muckraking reporting, warns the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), a founding member of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA).

North Korea

RSF surveys increasing clandestine news networks and info-sharing tactics

An ever-porous information border around North Korea has allowed Reporters Without Borders (RSF) to put together a comprehensive report on the media situation in the world's most repressive dictatorship.

International / Awards

IAPA director Ricardo Trotti wins Fight for Freedom of Expression Award

Inter American Press Association (IAPA) press freedom director and journalist Ricardo Trotti has been awarded the Fight for Freedom of Expression Award, which was jointly given by nine press freedom organisations. The award ceremony coincided with IAPA's annual general assembly from 14 to 18 October, which brought together approximately 500 journalists and press freedom advocates in Lima, Peru.

International

IFEX launches International Day to End Impunity poster contest

Reminder! IFEX is still looking for entries for the International Day to End Impunity poster contest. We've received entries from all over the world and want you to be a part of our contest too! Illustrate impunity for your chance to win cash prizes. Hurry, the deadline for entries is 4 November.