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IFEX Communiqué Vol 20, No 47

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International

IFEX members highlight risks faced by female journalists on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, IFEX members remembered murdered female journalists from around the world, took stock of tactics used to intimidate female advocates, writers and reporters, and suggested ways various stakeholders could better support female journalists in the field.

Egypt

Massive violence against protesters and journalists mars lead up to elections

A culture of fear and chaos permeated Egypt ahead of the elections, with street protests erupting in terrifying military violence, including the deaths of around 40 protesters and injuries of thousands of unarmed civilians, report the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and other IFEX members.

Bahrain

International mission calls for freedom of human rights defenders

All human rights defenders and activists should be freed in Bahrain, said an international mission supported by IFEX, which visited the country this past week to investigate the current state of freedom of expression. The call comes in the wake of a much-anticipated report from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) presented on 23 November, as well as a human rights report issued by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) and other local groups.

United Arab Emirates

Online activists known as "UAE 5" freed

The "UAE 5" online activists have finally been released and are recovering from a two week-long hunger strike after protesting the mass due process violations in their imprisonment and trial, report a coalition of seven IFEX members and human rights organisations.

Azerbaijan

IFEX members outraged by death of prominent journalist in hospital

IFEX members are demanding answers from the Azerbaijani government after outspoken journalist and writer Rafiq Tagi died in hospital on 23 November following a stabbing attack. The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan (IPGA) issued a joint statement condemning his murder and calling for an end to the impunity that threatens Azerbaijani journalists.

Turkey

Delegation of free expression organisations witnesses political trial

As the trial began for 10 journalists accused of an anti-government conspiracy, free expression organisations visited Turkey to witness the case and investigate the deteriorating state of press freedom, which has led to a total of 64 imprisoned journalists, say IFEX members.

Thailand

Facebook users can get charged 15 years for posting content that insults monarchy

Facebook users could be charged for commenting on, sharing or clicking "like" on content deemed insulting to the Thai royal family, authorities announced on 24 November. The announcement came just a day after a 61-year-old man accused of sending insulting text messages was sentenced to 20 years in jail - the heaviest sentence ever handed down for a "lèse majesté" case, report the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) and ARTICLE 19.

International

Journalists from Mexico to MENA honoured with CPJ and CJFE awards

Ten courageous journalists around the globe were recognised in award ceremonies held separately by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) in Toronto and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in New York last week.

International

Philippines adopts 23 November as National Day to End Impunity

A march in Manila organised by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility on the International Day to End Impunity left behind a trail of impunity in the form of outlines of bodies chalked on the streets to depict the incessant killings. Actions like this led the Philippine Senate to adopt a resolution declaring 23 November as a National Day to End Impunity. See what other IFEX members got up to on the day at daytoendimpunity.org.