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Articles - Africa

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Ethiopia

Journalist could face death penalty at Friday verdict

A verdict in the trial of Ethiopian journalist Eskinder Nega and other activists accused of inciting terrorism is expected on Friday, 11 May, report PEN American Center and other IFEX members, whom Nega has worked with. If convicted, Nega could face the death penalty.

Nigeria

Boko Haram militants threaten further attacks on media

Less than a week after bomb attacks on media houses killed at least eight in Abuja and Kaduna, the militant Islamic sect Boko Haram has released a video claiming responsibility and threatening further attacks against media groups, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Guinea-Bissau

Media blackout follows coup

The coup against the government of Guinea-Bissau has been followed by "grave" media freedom violations, including threats to journalists, a news blackout and media censorship, say the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Freedom House.

Côte d'Ivoire

President vows to reopen case of missing reporter

Eight years after Franco-Canadian journalist Guy-André Kieffer mysteriously disappeared in Abidjan, his case might get a second wind with Côte d'Ivoire's new President promising a special commission of enquiry, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Sudan

Security services find new way of censoring critics

The Sudanese authorities have resorted to bankrupting the media as a new way of silencing dissent, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI).

Somalia

Seven journalists among those seriously injured in suicide bombing

At least four people were killed and scores were wounded, including seven journalists, when a bomb exploded at Somalia's national theatre at a ceremony to mark the one-year anniversary of Somali National Television, report ARTICLE 19 and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Angola

Police crush anti-government critics

Angola has been gearing up for its 10-year anniversary of peace on 4 April by cracking down on anti-government critics and arresting protesters. This year alone, the authorities have put down five anti-government rallies and arrested at least 46 protesters, says a new report by Human Rights Watch.

Mali

Independent media one of the first casualties in coup

Mutinous soldiers who seized power last week from Mali's President Amadou Toumani Touré also occupied the headquarters of the state radio and TV broadcaster and interrupted other TV and radio shows, say Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Human Rights Watch. Some citizens turned to Twitter to get their news updates, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Malawi

President warns journalists who "insult" him; rights groups at risk

Malawi's President has ramped up his campaign to threaten and discredit any media that don't toe the official line, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Criticism of the government's crusade has resulted in the chair of MISA-Malawi receiving threats himself.

International / Equatorial Guinea

UNESCO supports prize backed by African dictator

After nearly two years of debate, the executive board of UNESCO last week approved a life sciences prize sponsored by Africa's longest-serving dictator, despite intense lobbying by IFEX members and other international and African rights groups, as well as findings from UNESCO itself that the prize violates the organisation's own rules.

Liberia

Journalist who wrote about genital mutilation forced into hiding

A woman journalist who reported on the practice of female genital mutilation in Liberia has gone into hiding after receiving death threats, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Somalia

IFEX members call for UN intervention after another journalist killed

So far this year, a journalist has been killed each month in Somalia. And with one of the worst impunity records worldwide, it is likely the murderers will walk free, say the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other IFEX members, which are calling for urgent UN intervention.

Ethiopia

More journalists get jail time on anti-terrorism charges

In another sign of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's worsening repression, a U.S.-based journalist was sentenced to life in prison on anti-terrorism charges, while two other journalists were given heavy prison sentences, report the Ethiopian Free press Journalists' Association (EFJA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and other IFEX members.

Somalia

Journalist's murder highlights country's notoriety as most dangerous place in Africa for media

The director of the leading private radio and television network in southern Somalia was murdered last week, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other IFEX members. Hassan Osman Abdi, a senior journalist and director of Shabelle Media Network, was shot dead outside his home in Mogadishu on 28 January, after being followed by five men in a sedan, says NUSOJ.

The Gambia

Former minister gets life sentence for seditious T-shirt

A former Gambian information minister has been sentenced to life for conspiring to overthrow the President with T-shirts demanding an end to dictatorship, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and ARTICLE 19.

Nigeria

Journalist killed while covering terrorist bombings

A TV reporter was gunned down in Kano, shortly after covering a series of deadly bombings on 20 January by the militant Islamic sect Boko Haram, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Somalia

Independent journalists arrested in unprecedented numbers

Somalia's breakaway territory Somaliland has shut down a private television station it accuses of airing anti-government propaganda, and arrested 21 journalists who protested the move, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other IFEX members.

Ethiopia / Sweden

Swedish journalists given 11 years on terrorism charges

Ethiopia sentenced two Swedish journalists to 11 years in jail last week on charges of supporting terrorism after the pair illegally entered the country with a Somali rebel group, report IFEX's international members. Photojournalist Johan Persson and reporter Martin Schibbye were arrested by Ethiopian security forces in July during a gunfight between Ethiopian soldiers and rebels in the no-go region of Ogaden, and were put on trial in October.

Somalia

Leading journalist murdered by man in military uniform

A leading journalist who had recently reported receiving death threats was shot and killed on 18 December by an armed man in military uniform, reports the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), along with the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other international IFEX members.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Bought-off media worsen election marred in violence

Just before a brutally violent and hotly contested election, Journaliste en danger (JED) condemned the lack of media standards and inaction by DRC's broadcast regulatory that have contributed to massive divisions in the country.

Zimbabwe

Media monitors' arrests are shocking and unlawful, say IFEX members

Three members of the Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe (MMPZ) are in jail after they showed a film about the media's role in the election process, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), ARTICLE 19 and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Africa / Mexico / Russia

Recent advancements in criminal defamation laws in Africa, Mexico offset by setbacks in Russia

IFEX members have noted some significant advancements in the criminal defamation field these past weeks: the President of Niger has become the first head of state to endorse the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls for repeal of criminal defamation and insult laws in Africa, and Mexico's Senate has unanimously approved to decriminalise slander and libel. But although Russia recently amended its defamation legislation, critics say it did not go far enough.

Uganda / Rwanda

Rwandan journalist shot dead in Kampala, Uganda

Charles Ingabire, the Rwandan exiled editor of the online publication "Inyenyeri", was shot dead by one or more unknown gunmen in a vehicle at a bar in Kampala, Uganda on 30 November, report the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) and other IFEX members. As "Inyeyeri" is highly critical of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, it is believed the early morning shooting - which killed Ingabire instantly - was carried out as a punishment for Ingabire's writings.

Liberia

Journalists caught in the middle of political rivalries at election time

In the wake of run-off elections in Liberia, seven broadcasters were closed down after three people died during fighting between riot police and opposition supporters, reports the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP). The radio and television stations, which are perceived to be pro-opposition, have been accused of "disseminating hate speech."

Nigeria

TV journalist gunned down by notorious Islamic sect

A journalist was gunned down in front of his house by militants from the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram, report Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Mauritius

Journalist sentenced to jail for first time ever in island-state

A news editor fainted in a courthouse after he was sentenced to three months in jail following his coverage of a fraud case, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The detention marks the first time a Mauritian journalist has been sentenced to prison, according to CPJ.

Cameroon

Media repression reported by IFEX members ahead of elections

In the week leading up to Cameroon's national elections, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) conducted a press freedom mission that concluded both the country's media laws and democratic participation require a major overhaul. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), meanwhile, reports on the detention and assault of journalists just one day before the elections.

Equatorial Guinea

UNESCO won't honour Africa's longest-serving dictator with namesake prize

UNESCO has once again announced it will not reinstate a life sciences prize funded by and named after Africa's longest-serving dictator, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, report Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Burundi

Journalists defy media blackout on Gatumba massacre

Journalists are courageously defying a government order not to report on the Gatumba shooting massacre that left more than 35 people dead in Burundi last month, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It appears to be part of a pattern of censorship.

Ethiopia

Reporter named in WikiLeaks flees amid crackdown on dissent

An Ethiopian journalist was forced to flee the country earlier this month after being named in a WikiLeaks cable - the first time a leaked cable has caused direct repercussions for a journalist, says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). His case is part of a broadening crackdown on dissent in Ethiopia, say CPJ and other IFEX members.

Africa / Awards / Liberia / Nigeria

IFEX members hounoured with pan-African award for freedom of information campaigns

IFEX congratulates Edetaen Ojo and Malcolm Joseph, the leaders of IFEX member groups in Nigeria and Liberia, for winning Africa's first awards for activism on access to information. The awards were handed out at the inaugural Pan African Conference on Access to Information, held in Cape Town, South Africa, this week, which was attended by numerous IFEX members involved in campaigning on the issue.

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.

Sudan / South Sudan

Governments not delivering on promises of media freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed President Omar al-Bashir's promise to free all jailed journalists detained in Sudan - but are wondering if he will actually deliver. Meanwhile, two months after independence, the media environment in South Sudan is undeveloped and ill-equipped, says ARTICLE 19.

Somalia / Malaysia

Malaysian journalist killed by AU forces

A Malaysian journalist was killed and another wounded after African Union (AU) forces fired on a Malaysian humanitarian convoy in Mogadishu on 2 September, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Democratic Republic of Congo

Media says no to abuse by politicians

Journalists' organisations and media executives in the Democratic Republic of Congo have imposed a six-month embargo on media coverage of a member of parliament for his violent behaviour against the media. It's just one tactic in their campaign against the "noticeable rise" in attacks against journalists ahead of the November elections, say Journaliste en danger (JED) and other IFEX members.

Angola

Authorities block activists on way to parallel SADC summit

In an apparent restriction on free expression, journalists and activists trying to participate in activities planned around last week's summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Luanda, Angola, were denied entry to the country, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Human Rights Watch. A parallel civil society forum was also cancelled.

Burundi

Government extinguishes criticism with legal harassment

With a judiciary vulnerable to political interference, Burundian authorities have been behind a series of politically motivated arrests and summonses of journalists and lawyers to muffle public criticism, report Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Guinea

Despite democratic rise to power, president represses media freedom

Guinea's first democratically elected President survived an assassination attempt on 19 July after gunmen surrounded his home and pummeled it with heavy artillery. Three people were killed during two separate attacks. But President Alpha Condé immediately clamped down on any media coverage of the attack, a censorship that IFEX members report is emblematic of his contempt for the media, despite promises for positive change. During a May fact-finding mission to Guinea, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) found a thriving media landscape hindered by repressive media laws with journalists targeted by security forces and political interference.

Somalia

Radio station staffer killed by sniper

A Radio Simba staff member was killed by a sniper last week in the midst of fighting between insurgents and the Somali government and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces in Mogadishu, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Malawi

Journalists arrested and attacked, media censored


Severe fuel shortages, rising prices and high unemployment sparked two days of protests in Malawi last week - one of the largest anti-government demonstrations in sub-Saharan Africa in 2011. At least 18 people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes between riot police and demonstrators. Several reporters were beaten and detained by police, while the government banned radio stations from covering the demonstrations, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The Gambia

Critical activists and journalists detained under "bogus charges"


As Gambian President Yahya Jammeh marked the 17th anniversary of his rule on 22 July, seven activists and journalists were charged with treason and sedition for distributing t-shirts with the slogan, "Coalition for Change - The Gambia: End Dictatorship Now." The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), other IFEX members and rights groups are sounding the alarm over the use of undemocratic laws to punish journalists and government critics and the repression of free speech in the country.

Africa / Awards and other opportunities

UNESCO offering scholarships for access to information meeting in Cape Town

UNESCO is offering scholarships to attend the Windhoek +20 Pan-African Summit on Access to Information in Cape Town, South Africa, from 17 to 19 September 2011. A limited number of places are available so apply now - the closing date for scholarship applications is 3 August 2011.

Sudan

Post-split, governments silencing voices

Just a few hours before South Sudan's independence, the popular Arabic daily "Ajras Al-Hurriya" and five English-language newspapers were suspended - a worrying start to the relationship between north and south, report the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and Index on Censorship.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist gunned down amid rising attacks on press

A journalist who had recently reported about the arrest of locals accused of trafficking weapons for criminal activity was found shot to death last week in the eastern town of Kirumba in the Democratic Republic of Congo, report Journaliste en danger (JED) and other IFEX members.

Ethiopia

Anti-terrorism law used to suppress dissent

Ethiopian authorities have held a newspaper columnist incommunicado for at least eight days under what appears to be Ethiopia's anti-terrorist law, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of PEN International. Reeyot Alemu, a regular contributor to the independent weekly "Feteh", was arrested on 21 June. She is the second reporter to be picked up and held without charge in less than a week.

Sierra Leone

Suspects arrested in rare journalist murder

A police officer and two others have been arrested as suspects in the stabbing death of journalist Ibrahim Foday of "The Exclusive" newspaper near Freetown, Sierra Leone, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Swaziland

MISA welcomes long-awaited Media Complaints Commission

Fourteen years after the idea was initially bandied about, a new commission that deals with public complaints about the media has been established in Swaziland, reports the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA). On 7 June, the government finally registered the Media Complaints Commission (MCC), a media self-regulatory framework for the country.

Nigeria

Freedom of information law is a victory for democracy

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a freedom of information law, giving Nigerians the power and resources to unearth facts, battle corruption and hold officials and institutions accountable. Nigerian civil society groups, including IFEX member Media Rights Agenda (MRA), have fought for years to institutionalise transparency and accountability.

Côte d'Ivoire

Reprisals against pro-Gbagbo journalists continue; opposition press re-emerges

After a deadly power struggle in Côte d'Ivoire in which at least 3,000 died, a million were displaced and journalists faced attacks by both sides, Alassane Ouattara was officially sworn in as President on 21 May. But the media is still operating in a climate of fear and atrocities continue. A journalist who openly supported former President Laurent Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) was killed in early May and others have gone into hiding - despite the reappearance of opposition newspapers, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Uganda

Journalists, protesters and politicians under attack amid opposition protests

At least 10 journalists were attacked by soldiers last week in Uganda while covering the return of opposition leader Kizza Besigye to Uganda. Besigye had arrived from Kenya, where he was treated for injuries received when security forces violently dispersed an opposition demonstration in Kampala last month, say Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). It's just the latest example of the government's hostility to the press as walk-to-work protests continue over spiralling fuel and food prices, report Human Rights Network for Journalists - Uganda (HRJ-Uganda), CPJ and RSF.

Ethiopia

Government hijacks World Press Freedom Day event

Officials in Ethiopia celebrated World Press Freedom Day by hijacking a local UNESCO-sponsored 3 May event, putting up pro-government journalists as speakers and cancelling independent journalists who were scheduled to speak, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Uganda

Authorities arrest opposition, battle journalists and protesters

The leader of Uganda's main opposition party has been charged with riotous behaviour and inciting violence while at least eight journalists have reported being injured during a new wave of protests over rising fuel and food prices, say Human Rights Network Uganda (HRJ-Uganda) and news reports.

Côte d'Ivoire

As violence escalates, media caught in crossfire

The media is one of the casualties in Côte d'Ivoire's bloody political standoff, as journalists face attacks and threats from both sides and the fate of the state broadcaster remains up in the air, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). As a result of the chaos in Abidjan, no newspaper has been distributed since 31 March, reports RSF.

Togo

Critical radio stations closed down with red tape excuses

Radio stations and newspapers in the capital of Togo suspended their normal activities for a day in March in protest against three radio stations having been shut down since December, report the Media Foundation for West Africa and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Liberia

Mayor threatens CEMESP with libel suit over free expression report

A mayor who was named and shamed in a free expression report by the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) is threatening to sue the organisation for libel.

Côte d'Ivoire

Political camps exact reprisals on their critics

Attacks on the media have ratcheted up in Côte d'Ivoire with a media employee killed as supporters of both incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and his rival Alassane Ouattara target partisan media outlets and journalists, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The struggle for power threatens to lead to a full blown civil war.

Zimbabwe

Activists arrested for watching video on Middle East unrest

Zimbabwean police have arrested 46 people who attended a meeting to discuss the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia, just days after the government threatened to crack down on any dissent inspired by the North Africa street protests, report Human Rights Watch and the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA). Some of them have been tortured in custody.

Uganda

IFEX members call on President to investigate attacks on journalists ahead of elections

Ugandan journalists preparing to cover presidential elections on 18 February have been threatened and assaulted, while opposition parties have been denied access to the media. Amid the political tensions and security concerns, 34 IFEX members are calling on the Ugandan President to immediately investigate all attacks on journalists and urge media houses to provide equal opportunities to all election candidates.

Côte d'Ivoire

Disputed President clamps down on media

Côte d'Ivoire's President Laurent Gbagbo has tightened control over the council that regulates the print media and ordered a United Nations-sponsored radio network off the air, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The clampdown could put media freedom in Côte d'Ivoire back by 20 years, says RSF.

Middle East and North Africa / Africa

Governments stamp out Egypt solidarity protests

Security forces are violently putting down protests that have flared up across the Arab world inspired by or in solidarity with Egypt's uprising, report Human Rights Watch and IFEX members in the region.

Rwanda

Women journalists get 17, seven years in jail

They weren't the ridiculously long sentences that prosecutors were looking for, but last week two women journalists in Rwanda were sentenced to 17 years and seven years respectively for inciting disobedience, causing divisions and denying the 1994 genocide, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Uganda

Gay rights activist beaten to death after receiving threats

A leading gay rights activist whose photo was printed on the front page of a Ugandan newspaper that called for homosexuals to be hanged was bludgeoned to death at his home near Kampala last week, report Human Rights Watch and ARTICLE 19.

Sudan

Authorities tighten controls on press after anti-government protests, referendum

Although last month's Sudanese referendum was largely seen as a success, the authorities harassed, obstructed and censored local and international news media covering the vote, and are continuing their clampdown on free expression in the face of street protests that are rapidly spreading across the North African region, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Somalia

Armed groups and politicians behind attacks on journalists, says NUSOJ

This week, two journalists for Somalia's leading independent media station Radio Shabelle were beaten by soldiers and officers of Somalia's transitional federal government while covering an innocuous football cup ceremony. The motive may have been a recent Radio Shabelle broadcast that revealed government corruption at the Mogadishu port. Incidents like these seem to be on the rise, says the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) in its year-end report.

Sudan

Activists and journalists arrested ahead of referendum

In the run-up to a January referendum on Southern Sudan's independence, Sudanese human rights defenders and critical journalists are being arbitrarily arrested and disappeared, report the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) and other IFEX members. The regime is particularly hunting down Darfuri activists and journalists.

Zambia

Government regulation of media ethics limits free press

In a recent mission to Zambia, the International Press Institute (IPI) called on the government to refrain from trying to control the press and urged the media to monitor its own ethical breaches. IPI delegates met with journalists from most of Lusaka's major media houses, representatives from journalists' organisations and unions, and representatives from the U.S. embassy and the United Nations.

Côte d'Ivoire

Officials ban news broadcasts in wake of election chaos

The authorities in Côte d'Ivoire have banned some international news broadcasts and blocked the movement of the media amid continuing chaos following the presidential election, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Both the incumbent and an opposition leader have claimed victory.

Zimbabwe

Journalists' arrests raise concerns

A recent spate of journalists' arrests in Zimbabwe has compelled the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and more than 100 journalists to petition Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to stop the harassment of the media.

Cameroon

Editors released conditionally on orders of President

Cameroonian journalists Robert Mintya and Serge Sabouang were released conditionally on 24 November on the order of President Paul Biya, report Journaliste en danger (JED), Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). They had been in prison since March 2010.

Africa

Protection of journalists makes agenda of leading human rights forum

Journalists in Africa are the most persecuted group of human rights defenders in the continent. So it was a big win for IFEX members that free expression and the protection of journalists made the agenda for the first time in the history of the NGO forum, held on 7-10 November in advance of the Africa Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) 48th session in Banjul, Gambia. Their recommendations will feed into - and hopefully influence - the ACHPR, meeting until 24 November.

South Africa

Proposed media laws remind protesters of apartheid days

Thirty-three years after "Black Wednesday", when the apartheid regime banned two newspapers and clamped down on anti-apartheid activists and associations, press freedom advocates in South Africa took to the streets of Johannesburg to protest proposed regulatory media laws that "haven't been seen since the end of apartheid," report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

International / Awards / Eritrea

Detained Eritrean journalist is 2011 Golden Pen of Freedom Laureate

Dawit Isaak, a founder of Eritrea's first independent newspaper who has been detained incommunicado for the past nine years without charge or trial, has won the 2011 Golden Pen of Freedom, the annual prize of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). He turned 46 on 27 October. Sign a petition for his release.

Africa

African newsrooms have long way to go to reach gender equality, media summit finds

A 16-year-old girl from Mozambique who had a failed abortion is identified down to her name, home and school in a local paper. A Ugandan tabloid scans Facebook for purported homosexuals to feature them in a front-page article on the country's "100 top homos". Delegates from 20 countries at the fourth Southern African Gender and Media (GEM) Summit meeting this week in Johannesburg, co-organised by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), used these cases to express their extreme disappointment at the slow rate of change within African newsrooms and their coverage of gender issues.

Uganda

Elections won't be free and fair without journalist safety, say IFEX members

Last month in Uganda, Top Radio reporter Paul Kiggundu was brutally attacked and killed by a mob while working on a story. Three days later, Radio Prime journalist Dickson Ssentongo was beaten to death on his way to work. Unless media violence stops and journalists are allowed to do their work freely, next year's general elections will not be free and fair, warn 28 IFEX members in a joint letter that will be used to lobby the candidates.

Liberia

President shows free expression commitment by signing FOI Act, opening women's radio station

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf signed into law the long-awaited freedom of information act this week, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) is pleased to report. Coupled with her recent launch of an all-women owned radio station, it's just another example of her commitment to shifting the free expression landscape in Liberia.

Eritrea

Oppressive silence surrounds imprisoned journalists

Eritrean journalist Eyob Kessete was arrested this past summer as he attempted to flee Eritrea and cross the border into Ethiopia. His detention on the eve of the ninth anniversary of a vicious political purge of dissident voices in Asmara in September 2001 is part of a continuing pattern of terror, reports Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Angola

First journalist murdered since 2001

Neighbours and friends found Angolan journalist Alberto Graves Chakussanga at his home with a bullet in his back on 5 September. The radio journalist worked for Radio Despertar, a station that has been critical of the ruling MPLA government, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Uganda

Two journalists killed in one week

An angry gang of motorcycle taxi drivers beat to death journalist Paul Kiggundu on 10 September when they discovered he was filming them demolish another driver's house, report the Human Rights Journalist Network - Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In a separate incident on 13 September, a radio journalist on his way to work was snatched off the road and beaten to death, reports HRNJ-Uganda.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Arrests and threats escalate

Thirty-one IFEX members have written to Congolese President Joseph Kabila, calling on him to end the persecution and harassment of journalists. In recent months, there have been "deliberate attacks on journalists and media... that could foreshadow even greater repression in the run-up to next year's elections if preventive measures are not adopted," says the joint action initiated by Journaliste en danger (JED) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

West Africa / Africa

Media Foundation for West Africa releases its state of the media report

Political crises and violent conflicts in West Africa created the conditions for abuse of media rights in 2009, says a new report by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). "West Africa 2009: Annual State of the Media Report" says that in most countries, the perpetrators of press freedom violations were state security personnel or sympathisers of political parties. But there are also some positive stories of resilient journalists and countries that have protected press freedom.

Somalia

Third journalist slain this year

A Somali reporter was viciously stabbed to death in the Galkayo district of Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia, on 31 August, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Uganda

Press freedom victory, sedition law abolished

Five Ugandan judges ruled in favour of press freedom on 25 August by declaring the country's criminal sedition offense unconstitutional, report the Human Rights Network for Journalists - Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). But the government continues to threaten journalists with other legal actions.

Togo

Newspaper suspended for exposing President's brother's crimes

A Togolese court has indefinitely suspended the distribution of a Benin newspaper after crippling it with a defamation charge and heavy fines for publishing an article linking Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé's brother with drug trafficking, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). A newspaper photographer covering the court case was violently detained by gendarmes.

Somalia

Second journalist slain in 2010; censorship and imprisonment in Puntland

Authorities in Puntland, a semi-autonomous area of Somalia, have banned journalists from interviewing rebels who are fighting this regional government. One journalist who broadcast an interview with an Islamist rebel chief has been punished with a six-year prison sentence, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI). In the capital, Mogadishu, clashes continue between the Transitional Federal Government and the Islamist group Al-Shabaab, taking the life of another journalist, report NUSOJ and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Rwanda

President Kagame silences critics surrounding re-election

Rwandan President Paul Kagame won another seven-year term in elections on 9 August, after already being in power for 15 years. He captured 93 percent of the vote by banning opposition parties and eliminating critical domestic news coverage, report Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists and other IFEX members. In the months leading up to election-day, the government systematically shut down news outlets and terrorised critical journalists into fleeing the country.

Burundi

Journalists face legal action and trumped-up charges

A Burundian journalist critical of state security forces faces life in prison if convicted, after being arrested and charged with treason on 17 July, report Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). A month later, another journalist was arrested, imprisoned and charged with defamation after writing an article about government corruption, says Journaliste en danger (JED).

Uganda

Journalists under siege by sedition law

A Ugandan journalist has been accused of sedition after writing two articles that speculated whether the Ugandan government was involved in July bomb attacks in Kampala, report the Human Rights Network of Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The sedition law is routinely used against dissident journalists. More than a dozen Ugandan journalists are currently being prosecuted under the law.

Liberia

Freedom of information law comes to life

Offering a bold example for the possibilities for press freedom, the Liberian government passed a freedom of information law last week, report the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Africa

IFEX members urge African Union leaders to ensure safety of journalists

The 15th African Union (AU) Summit took place last week in Kampala, Uganda, designating 2010 as the "Year of Peace and Security in Africa." The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and 36 other journalists' unions and associations took the opportunity to send a letter to the AU, urging government leaders to make the safety of African journalists a priority. Signatories to the letter include the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA).

Côte d'Ivoire

Three journalists arrested for leaking report on corruption

Three journalists in the Ivory Coast who refused to reveal their sources after publishing details of a government report on corruption in the coffee and cocoa trade were arrested on 13 July, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Cameroon

Pius Njawé, torchbearer for press freedom, dies in car accident

Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawé in a car accident in the US this week, IFEX members worldwide have responded with heartfelt tributes to his life's work as a courageous defender of press freedom.

Guinea

Positive new media laws welcomed

Guinea's military leader, Gen. Sékouba Konaté, has enshrined press freedom in the country's new constitution. He has reformed media laws to protect journalists from jail sentences and ensure the freedom to create independent newspapers, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and ARTICLE 19. Passed on 22 June, the new legislation has come into place at a historic time: the first free presidential elections in 52 years.

Somalia

At least eight journalists wounded in missile attack

When Somali government forces fired missiles at a press conference being held by militants on 29 June, at least eight journalists were injured, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Independent journalists covering clashes in Mogadishu are being increasingly harassed by the state, and media outlets continue to be targeted by Islamist militias.

Rwanda

Editor slain; opposition silenced in run-up to elections

In a climate of political repression weeks before Rwandan presidential elections, a leading independent editor was shot dead on 24 June, report Journaliste en Danger (JED), the Media Institute (MI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members. Authorities had targeted him for months and his newspaper, one of the few critical voices in the country, had recently been banned. His assassination is a brutal episode in a broader crackdown as the state attempts to suppress all dissent prior to the elections in August.

Niger

New media decree gags foreign journalists

Foreign journalists and media outlets must now seek clearance from Niger's communications ministry and pay large, non-refundable fees prior to entering the country to work on films or documentaries, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). This new media law, issued on 3 June, also stipulates that journalists must submit final versions of their work to the ministry.

Equatorial Guinea / International

UNESCO "dictator prize" on hold

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been poised for months to award a life sciences prize named after and funded by President Teodoro Obiang, the abusive ruler of Equatorial Guinea. On 15 June, UNESCO delayed awarding the controversial prize, but rights groups such as Human Rights Watch say that's not enough. Meanwhile, opposition to the prize has grown more vociferous - including statements from journalists worldwide who have been repressed by their own governments.

Rwanda

Independent website blocked prior to elections

Immediately after his newspaper was suspended for criticising President Paul Kagame, a defiant Rwandan editor launched an online news website that was just as critical of the government. In the lead up to presidential elections in August, the site was recently blocked, report the Media Institute, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Democratic Republic of Congo

Prominent human rights defender slain

After exposing abuses by the security forces and government for years, an extremely vocal Congolese rights defender was found dead on 1 June, report Journaliste en Danger (JED) and Human Rights Watch.

Ethiopia

Society silenced by repressive state structure; independent media gagged around elections

Last week's Ethiopian presidential election result was no surprise, with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's governing party winning nearly every seat. Harassment and intimidation of voters and journalists, and the absence of a free, independent media was behind this smooth victory, report Human Rights Watch and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Zimbabwe

Editors overjoyed, independent news is back; but media repression continues

Independent newspapers are making a comeback in Zimbabwe after being silenced for close to seven years. The country's media council announced on 26 May that it will grant licences to several privately owned dailies, permitting them to resume publishing, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). But press freedom violations continue in other ways.

Burundi

Journalists attacked and human rights researcher silenced during election violence

Political violence has intensified in Burundi with members of political groups settling scores just as a series of elections have begun to take place in the country, says Human Rights Watch in its latest report. In a punitive response, days after the report on election violence was released on 14 May, authorities ordered a Human Rights Watch researcher to leave the country by 5 June. Journalists covering election battles have also been attacked.

Equatorial Guinea

Refuse President's donation, press freedom groups tell UNESCO

Thirty IFEX members joined the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) last week in calling for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to refuse US$3 million donated by Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang - one of Africa's worst violators of press freedom - to set up an international prize in life sciences.

Africa

NGOs call on African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights to address lack of free expression

IFEX members and other civil society organisations from across Africa called attention to the dire free expression situation facing many countries on the continent, at the Forum for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Forum) held ahead of the 47th Session of the African Commission of Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, Gambia. The session runs from 12 to 26 May.

Sudan

Opposition paper closed; journalists arrested

Sudanese authorities stormed the printing press of an opposition newspaper, confiscated copies of its 16 May issue, stopped the printing, and then arrested three of its journalists after raiding the newspaper's offices, report the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Violations against opposition political parties also took place during presidential and parliamentary elections in April, report the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS).

Somalia

First journalist killed in 2010

Somali media took another heartbreaking blow with the murder of a Radio Mogadishu journalist last week, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) and other IFEX members. Just one day after World Press Freedom Day, on 4 May, gunmen abducted and killed the journalist; he had worked for a station managed by the Transitional Federal Government.

Africa

World Press Freedom Day in Africa

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) marked World Press Freedom Day by launching its 2009 report, "So this is democracy? State of media freedom in Southern Africa," pointing to the deterioration in press freedom in the region, especially in Swaziland, Zambia and Botswana. MISA research shows that access to information is blocked throughout the region by excessively secretive governments. The most difficult country to request information from is Zimbabwe. "Information was denied based on what the public official suspected the information was for." In the last year, MISA recorded 165 press freedom violations; the highest number was in Zimbabwe with 33. In Swaziland, the monarchy is the main predator of press freedom and in Botswana, state print and broadcasting media are completely controlled by the President. http://www.misa.org/researchandpublication/democracy/democracy.html

Nigeria

Three journalists slain

Three Nigerian journalists were killed in separate incidents on 24 April, report the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and other IFEX members. One journalist was shot dead in his home, and two others were hacked to death by rioters while trying to cover local unrest.

Cameroon

Journalist dies in detention

Two Cameroonian journalists watched a colleague die in prison on 22 April. All three journalists were incarcerated in March for investigating corruption involving a top presidential aide and a state-run oil company, report Journaliste en Danger (JED), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Rwanda

Newspapers suspended; opposition assaulted and threatened

The six-month suspension of two Rwandan newspapers has ensured they won't be able to report on presidential elections in August, gagging alternative voices, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Also, opposition members and activists critical of government policies are increasingly under attack, says Human Rights Watch.

Somalia

Foreign news programmes and music banned by insurgents

Militants have intensified censorship in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has banned BBC and Voice of America programmes that are re-broadcast through local FM stations in regions under its control, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The militia sees the programming as "Christian propaganda" that violates Islam. And another insurgent group has imposed an edict on radio stations in the capital, Mogadishu, to not air music or songs.

Liberia

CEMESP fosters cooperation between Liberian journalists and security forces

In response to harassment and intimidation of Liberian journalists by security personnel, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), with support from the IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy Programme, convened a symposium on 7 April in Monrovia, bringing together members of the media, academia, civil society, security agencies and government. Security forces were asked to protect journalists so they can do their work and to understand the importance of press freedom, and journalists were asked to respect the role of security personnel.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist slain

A prominent journalist who regularly covered armed conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was shot dead in front of his home in Béni, North Kivu, on 5 April, reports Journaliste en Danger (JED) and other IFEX members.

Africa

Plan for Pan African Media Observatory fails

In a meeting last week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the European Commission (EC) announced that they no longer intend to create a Pan African Media Observatory (PAMO) due to opposition from the media community, and African and international organisations - including a number of IFEX members, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Uganda

Journalists under attack by demonstrators, security forces and media law

Several journalists were beaten and shot at as they faced the fury of authorities and demonstrators in clashes at the site of Ugandan royal tombs destroyed in an arson attack last week, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Three people were killed. Journalists are also under threat from the state as it attempts to muzzle the media and target critical journalists with repressive amendments to the press law, reports the International Press Institute (IPI) and Freedom House.

Nigeria

Journalist almost killed by mourners; other journalists threatened by soldiers

A Nigerian radio journalist covering the mass funeral of victims of a 7 March massacre in villages in central Nigeria was brutally assaulted by mourners, report the Nigeria-based Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Journalists have also been harassed and intimidated by soldiers in the region, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Ethiopia

Four media houses crushed with lethal fines

The Ethiopian government is settling political scores against journalists by slamming four newspaper publishing companies with crippling fines in reprisal for their coverage of the disputed 2005 elections, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The state is threatening to freeze their assets if the fines are not paid.

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.

Côte d'Ivoire

Opposition protestors killed; media barred from reporting

Security forces fired on anti-government protesters in the city of Gagnoa, Ivory Coast, killing five and injuring several others on 19 February, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). French TV news station France 24 was suspended after its coverage of the incident and opposition newspapers have been threatened.

Angola

War on separatists used as cover to imprison rights defenders and harass journalists

The Angolan government is targeting human rights defenders with intimidation, harassment and detention, says Human Rights Watch. The lethal attack on Togolese football players by Angolan separatist rebels in January was also used as an excuse to round up critics of the government. At least eight activists have been arrested since the attack and journalists have been threatened.

Zimbabwe

Free expression abuses pervasive under power-sharing agreement

Zimbabwe's power-sharing agreement recognised the right to freedom of expression last year, but the media remain muzzled and journalists continue to face intimidation and arrest, report IFEX members.

Somalia

Militants imprison radio journalist

A Somali radio journalist was seized on 21 February by Al-Shabaab militants, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members.

Democratic Republic of Congo

New media council lacks transparency

Journaliste en Danger (JED) has praise as well as concerns for a new media law passed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 31 December 2009.

Mauritania

Editor imprisoned for criticising military junta

In a move that surprised press freedom groups, a jailed Mauritanian editor of an online publication critical of the country's rulers was sentenced to a further two years in prison on 4 February, report the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Africa

IFJ report on press violations in Africa says role of journalists misunderstood

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), have released a new report detailing threats to African journalists from politicians, militias and religious extremists.

Africa

MISA and UNDP spearhead journalism training in South Africa

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) coordinated a three-day training session on "Investigating and Reporting Corruption" in Johannesburg, South Africa in early December. The objective was to strengthen the media's ability to undertake investigative reporting on corruption. The training brought together participants from Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania and Angola.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalists self-censor in order to survive

Although there has been a decline in free expression violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has not been matched by an improvement in the quality of news gathering, says Journaliste en danger (JED) in its 2009 annual report.

Somalia

Three journalists killed; bomber strikes at heart of country's future

A suicide bomber dressed as a woman blew himself up at a university graduation ceremony in Mogadishu on 3 December, killing three Somali journalists and at least 25 others, reports the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). This tragedy has spurred twenty-six IFEX members to join NUSOJ in a joint appeal for justice.

Burundi

Critics silenced; network of 146 NGOs banned

Burundian authorities outlawed a network of 146 civil society organisations on 23 November, following weeks of intimidation and threats to civil society activists who were demanding accountability for killings in 2009, report Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) in a joint statement.

Somalia

Kidnapped foreign journalists released after 15 months

Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan have been freed after being abducted by gunmen in Somalia and held captive for 15 months, report Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

Ethiopia

State interference in media content; shift in media law

Despite some positive changes in media law, Ethiopian journalists operating within state media have no editorial independence, says the International Press Institute (IPI) after a recent fact-finding mission to Ethiopia.

Gabon

Opposition press suspended; criticism of state pushed aside

A state-run media-monitoring body suspended six private newspapers and a television program in Gabon on 10 November in an effort to silence criticism of recent elections results and members of government, report IFEX members.

Togo

Media groups protest repressive law

A draft law passed by the Togolese parliament on 30 October gives the state broadcasting council greater powers to impose severe sanctions against the media, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Ahead of elections, this coercive media law will restrict free and pluralistic debate.

South Africa

Legislation undermines free expression

Media professionals in South Africa say a possible new bill is in reality a form of censorship, obstructing journalists from doing their jobs, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). Meanwhile, the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is concerned about another bill already signed into law that has introduced a system of pre-publication censorship.

Guinea

Radio stations self-censor; foreign journalists barred

Private radio stations have cancelled political programmes in Guinea as journalists continue to be harassed by opposition supporters and the military after last month's massacre at an opposition rally, says the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Also, Guinea's military denied entry to several French journalists on 17 October and continues to monitor and threaten local journalists, reports Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Somalia

Deadly edicts issued against press; journalist honoured

Independent media continues to be under threat in southern Somalia as a result of a recent outbreak of internal fighting last week between rival Islamist groups fighting for control of the town of Kismayo and its lucrative port, reports the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

Guinea

On the hunt for journalists; massacre of demonstrators

Journalists were assaulted after they witnessed a massacre of protesters by Guinean soldiers during an opposition demonstration on 28 September in Conakry, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and other IFEX members. Two journalists have gone into hiding after learning that soldiers are on the hunt for them for reporting the killings to the international community.

Nigeria

Editor's children witness his assassination

A Nigerian editor was murdered in his home in Lagos, by a gang of six men who pumped his body full of bullets, report the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and other IFEX members.

Africa

NUSOJ says media environment deteriorating in Somaliland

The quality of journalism in Somaliland is disintegrating from within, suffering from corruption of media outlets, as well as from attacks by the state, says a new report by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

Eritrea

Abysmal ranking as world's worst place for journalists

Eritrea ranks last place on the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) index measuring the level of press freedom in 173 countries. Privately owned press have been banished by the authoritarian President Issaias Afeworki since 2001, and the few journalists who dare to criticise the regime are thrown in prison, says RSF. Four journalists have died in detention and, currently, at least 30 journalists and two media workers are believed to be in prison without trial.

Uganda

Crackdown on radio journalists

A spasm of violence shook Uganda last week in a power struggle between the government and the Buganda kingdom. State-run Uganda Broadcasting Council shut down radio stations on 11 September, ordering a halt to political debate and commentary on clashes in the capital, Kampala, according to the Media Institute (MI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members.

Sudan

Journalist released from detention after being fined for wearing pants

A Sudanese journalist was convicted on 7 September of "sensational dressing" and jailed for wearing trousers, report the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and the International Press Institute (IPI). Protesters in support of Lubna Ahmed Hussein were beaten outside the court and reporters barred from the proceedings.

The Gambia

President pardons six journalists

Six Gambian journalists imprisoned on charges ranging from defamation to "seditious publication" were released on 3 September on a presidential pardon, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and other IFEX members.

Gabon

Media restrictions interfere with coverage of elections

The Gabonese authorities censored and harassed local and foreign journalists during the presidential elections on 30 August, report Journaliste en danger (JED), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Uganda

Ahead of elections, authorities crack down on media

As tensions build in the lead-up to the 2011 general elections in Uganda, so do criminal charges and prosecutions against journalists, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and local rights groups. Four journalists from the "Monitor", Uganda's largest independent paper, are facing criminal prosecutions, while three other independent journalists have been accused of sedition, reports CPJ.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist's murder highlights deteriorating press freedom situation in east

A radio presenter was stabbed to death last weekend in Bukavu, the latest in a string of events that raises serious press freedom concerns in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, report Journaliste en Danger (JED), the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Somalia

Martial law could lead to free expression abuses, says NUSOJ

Somalia's parliament has voted to declare three months of martial law, which could lead to more restrictions on free expression, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) warns.

Sierra Leone

New broadcasting act keeps public media under state control

Parliament passed a bill earlier this month that turns the state-run Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS) into a public service broadcaster, but the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) says the President will still have undue powers.

The Gambia

Six journalists sentenced to two years for sedition

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and other IFEX members have condemned the "politicised" verdict against six Gambian journalists who were sentenced last week to two years in jail and heavy fines for sedition and criminal defamation.

Ethiopia

IFEX members raise alarm over anti-terrorism law

Ethiopia's parliament has just approved sweeping anti-terrorism legislation that could see journalists jailed for carrying out their work, report the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), the Committee to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Watch.

The Gambia

Global protests mark president's 15-year rule

Several protests against Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's extreme freedom of the press abuses were held in Europe and Africa last week, marking the 15-year anniversary of the president's coup d'état and the third day of a sedition and defamation trial against a group of the country's most respected journalists.

Somalia

NUSOJ holds forum on safety and ethics in a war zone

Journalists, media executives and Somali and international free expression advocates gathered this past weekend to encourage each other and strategise amid the ever-present threats of torture, kidnapping, political intimidation and death that fact finders in Somalia face.

Africa

Pan African Media Observatory deeply flawed, say media freedom advocates

Before the 15 July close of the consultation process on a controversial proposal by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the European Commission (EC) to create a Pan African Media Observatory, media freedom organisations mobilised to have their voices heard on the matter.

Somalia

Radio reporter killed in Mogadishu

Another journalist has been killed in violence-ridden Mogadishu, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

The Gambia

Journalists charged with sedition freed on bail

Seven Gambian journalists charged with sedition last week for criticising the President have been freed on bail, while two other detainees were released without charge, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Meanwhile, a journalist covering the sedition trial has been detained without charge.

The Gambia

Authorities arrest seven journalists for criticising President

Seven journalists and press union leaders were arrested this past week for criticising the Gambian President for his comments on the unsolved 2004 murder of a prominent editor, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Sudan

New press law will lead to "more suppression"

Sudan's approval of a new press law "is a severe strike" against press freedom in Sudan and is "paving the way for more suppression," says the Arabic Network of Human Rights Information (ANHRI). Other IFEX members, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), ARTICLE 19, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have also expressed concern about the law.

Somalia

Radio director assassinated in busy market

A radio director was shot in the head five times while strolling through a bustling Mogadishu market with a colleague on 7 June, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Sudan

Journalists protest press law before parliament

Sudan's draft press law will seriously impede journalists' ability to access and disseminate information if passed, say Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). ARTICLE 19 and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have also expressed concern about the repressive provisions of the draft.

Somalia

Journalists die amid renewed violence

A radio producer was gunned down last week in crossfire in Mogadishu, while another journalist died on 26 May from gunshot wounds suffered while covering fighting in central Somalia in April. They are the third and fourth journalists to be killed in Somalia this year, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Zimbabwe

Foreign journalists welcome to do their job, says PM

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai announced last week that foreign journalists are free to report from Zimbabwe, where many have previously been banned and others arrested and harassed, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and news reports.

Kenya

Triumph for journalists as government agrees to amend media law

Following a concerted campaign, the Kenyan government has published amendments to the Communications Act, which will delete a controversial clause that allows the government to raid broadcasting stations, report the Africa Free Media Foundation, the Media Institute and local news reports.

Senegal

President pardons editor convicted of defamation

A Senegalese editor who was serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for defaming leading government officials has been pardoned, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Africa

World Press Freedom Day 2009 events in Africa

For the 15th year in a row, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is unveiling its hefty report, "So this is Democracy", which looks at the state of the media in Southern Africa. MISA recorded 163 alerts in the year 2008, the most serious violations taking place in Tanzania - most notably the acid attack on journalist Saed Kubenea of the "Mwanahalisi". The government later banned the weekly, allegedly for publishing seditious material. A similar distrust of private media has been the basis for media closures in Lesotho and Zimbabwe, says MISA. On 3 May, find out about other noteworthy violations by reading MISA's World Press Freedom Day statement and downloading the report here: http://www.misa.org

Somalia

NUSOJ unveils bulletproof gear for journalists

In recognition of Somalia being the most dangerous country in Africa for journalists, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has got their journalists' backs covered - literally. This month, NUSOJ distributed 20 bulletproof jackets and helmets to independent journalists and targeted news organisations in the most volatile areas of the country.

Madagascar

DES JOURNALISTES SONT PRIS AU MILIEU D'UNE LUTTE POUR LE POUVOIR

Madagascar

PERIODISTAS ATRAPADOS EN MEDIO DE DISPUTA POR EL PODER

Madagascar

JOURNALISTS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF POWER DISPUTE

Five newspapers were forced to stop publishing and several journalists were attacked amid a power struggle that culminated Monday with the resignation of President Marc Ravalomana and the announcement that the ousted mayor of Antananarivo, Andry Rajoelina, will lead Madagascar's transitional government.

Zimbabwe

PERIODISTA LIBERADA; OTRO SIGUE DETENIDO

Zimbabwe

UN JOURNALISTE EST REMIS EN LIBERTÉ, UN AUTRE EST TOUJOURS DÉTENU

Zimbabwe

JOURNALIST RELEASED, ANOTHER STILL IN DETENTION

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and other IFEX members welcomed the release of journalist and human rights activist Jestina Mukoko last week after three months in jail, but urge the Zimbabwean government to free another journalist who is still in detention.

Guinea-Bissau

MILITARES SILENCIAN A MEDIOS TRAS ASESINATOS DE PRESIDENTE Y JEFE DEL EJÉRCITO

Guinea-Bissau

L'ARMÉE RÉDUIT LES MÉDIAS AU SILENCE À LA SUITE DES MEURTRES DU PRÉSIDENT ET DU CHEF DE L'ARMÉE

Guinea-Bissau

MILITARY SILENCES MEDIA FOLLOWING MURDERS OF PRESIDENT AND ARMY HEAD

Privately-owned radio stations in the tiny west African country Guinea-Bissau were ordered to stop broadcasting following the assassination of the President and the army's Chief of Staff, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Sudan

LE GOUVERNEMENT DÉCLENCHE UNE VAGUE DE RÉPRESSION CONTRE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION, DIT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Sudan

GOBIERNO ENCABEZA OFENSIVA CONTRA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN, DICE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Sudan

GOVERNMENT LEADS FREE EXPRESSION CRACKDOWN, SAYS HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

The Sudanese authorities are censoring the media and cracking down on human rights activists and journalists who speak out on human rights and justice, Human Rights Watch says in a new report.

Madagascar

UN REPORTER EST TUÉ PENDANT QU’IL COUVRAIT UNE MANIFESTATION DE PROTESTATION ANTI-GOUVERNEMENTALE

Republic of Congo

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT DANS UN MYSTÉRIEUX INCENDIE

Liberia

L’IMPUNITÉ RÈGNE AU LIBÉRIA, DIT LE CEMESP

Madagascar

REPORTERO ASESINADO MIENTRAS CUBRÍA MANIFESTACIONES ANTIGUBERNAMENTALES

Republic of Congo

PERIODISTA MUERE TRAS INCENDIO MISTERIOSO

Liberia

IMPUNIDAD REINA EN LIBERIA, DICE EL CEMESP

Madagascar

REPORTER KILLED COVERING ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTEST

A reporter was shot dead while covering an anti-government protest in Madagascar, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Republic of Congo

JOURNALIST DIES AFTER MYSTERIOUS FIRE

A reporter known for criticising the government and alleging high-level corruption has died of wounds sustained in a mysterious fire at his home in the Republic of Congo, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Liberia

IMPUNITY REIGNS IN LIBERIA, SAYS CEMESP

Impunity for crimes against journalists reigned supreme in Liberia last year - in part because the authorities are behind most of the attacks, says a new report by the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP).

Somalia

LE DIRECTEUR DE « HORNAFRIK » EST ABATTU

Kenya

UN JOURNALISTE CRITIQUE EST TROUVÉ DÉCAPITÉ

Somalia

BALEAN A DIRECTOR DE HORNAFRIK

Kenya

ENCUENTRAN CUERPO DECAPITADO DE PERIODISTA CRÍTICO

Somalia

DIRECTOR OF HORNAFRIK GUNNED DOWN

The director of the prominent radio station HornAfrik has been assassinated, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Kenya

CRITICAL JOURNALIST FOUND BEHEADED

A reporter who went missing last month following stories he wrote exposing police corruption was found decapitated in southwestern Kenya, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members.

Cameroon

UN AUTRE JOURNALISTE DERRIÈRE LES BARREAUX POUR DIFFAMATION PÉNALE

Cameroon

CAMERÚN OTRO PERIODISTA TRAS LAS REJAS DEBIDO A LEYES PENALES DE DIFAMACIÓN

Cameroon

ANOTHER JOURNALIST BEHIND BARS FOR CRIMINAL DEFAMATION

A newspaper editor in Cameroon has been given jail time for "spreading false news" about President Paul Biya, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members. He's the fourth newspaper editor jailed in Cameroon for his work since September 2007, making the country the second worst jailer of journalists in Africa, says CPJ.

Botswana

LE GOUVERNEMENT ADOPTE UNE LOI RÉPRESSIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Somalia

UN JOURNALISTE SOMALIEN EST LIBÉRÉ, DEUX REPORTERS ÉTRANGERS SONT TOUJOURS RETENUS

Botswana

GOBIERNO APRUEBA LEY DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN REPRESIVA

Somalia

LIBERAN A PERIODISTA SOMALÍ, DOS REPORTEROS EXTRANJEROS SIGUEN DETENIDOS

Botswana

GOVERNMENT PASSES REPRESSIVE MEDIA LAW

Botswana has hurriedly passed a controversial media law that journalists fear will restrict their work, say the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and news reports.

Somalia

SOMALI JOURNALIST FREED, TWO FOREIGN REPORTERS STILL BEING HELD

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other IFEX members welcomed the release of a Somali journalist after 146 days in captivity, and call for the safe release of two foreign journalists who were kidnapped with him.

Zimbabwe

PERIODISTA Y ACTIVISTA SECUESTRADOS Y TORTURADOS

Zimbabwe

UN JOURNALISTE ET UNE ACTIVISTE SONT ENLEVÉS ET TORTURÉS

Zimbabwe

KIDNAPPED AND TORTURED JOURNALIST, ACTIVIST REMANDED IN CUSTODY

Zimbabwean authorities have accused freelance photographer Anderson Shadreck Manyere and former journalist Jestina Mukoko of a terrorist plot to overthrow President Robert Mugabe, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and other IFEX members. They were abducted in December and are now being held in high-security prisons - and face possible death sentences.

Somalia

SOLDADO ABATE A PERIODISTA; INFORME DE NUSOJ DESCRIBE LA VIOLENCIA

Kenya

PRESIDENTE APRUEBA POLÉMICO PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS

Somalia

UN SOLDAT ABAT UN JOURNALISTE; UN RAPPORT DU NUSOJ DONNE DES PRÉCISIONS SUR LA VIOLENCE

Kenya

LE PRÉSIDENT RATIFIE UN PROJET DE LOI CONTROVERSÉ SUR LES MÉDIAS

Somalia

SOLDIER GUNS DOWN JOURNALIST; NUSOJ REPORT DETAILS VIOLENCE

A radio reporter from Somalia is the first journalist in 2009 to be killed in the line of duty, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other IFEX members.

Kenya

PRESIDENT SIGNS CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA BILL

Despite a concerted national and international campaign, including a letter signed by 28 IFEX members, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has signed into law a controversial media bill that imposes new restrictions on the press, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other IFEX members.

Kenya

LES AUTORITÉS ARRÊTENT DES JOURNALISTES QUI PROTESTAIENT CONTRE UN NOUVEAU PROJET DE LOI SUR LES COMMUNICATIONS

Kenya

AUTORIDADES ARRESTAN A PERIODISTAS QUE PROTESTAN POR NUEVO PROYECTO DE LEY DE COMUNICACIONES

Kenya

AUTHORITIES ARREST JOURNALISTS PROTESTING NEW COMMUNICATIONS BILL

Several journalists and civil society activists in Kenya were arrested last week while protesting the passage of a new communications bill that would give the authorities sweeping powers, reports the Media Institute (MI).

Burkina Faso

BURKINA FASO: FIRME PETICIÓN A FAVOR DE PERIODISTA ASESINADO NORBERT ZONGO

Burkina Faso

BURKINA FASO : SIGNEZ LA PÉTITION EN FAVEUR DU JOURNALISTE ASSASSINÉ NORBERT ZONGO

Burkina Faso

BURKINA FASO: SIGN PETITION FOR ASSASSINATED JOURNALIST NORBERT ZONGO

Ten years ago on 13 December 1998, Norbert Zongo, a journalist from Burkina Faso, was assassinated.

Democratic Republic of Congo

SEGUNDO PERIODISTA DE LA ONU ASESINADO EN BUKAVU

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN DEUXIÈME JOURNALISTE DES NATIONS UNIES EST TUÉ À BUKAVU

Democratic Republic of Congo

SECOND UN JOURNALIST KILLED IN BUKAVU

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo should thoroughly and transparently investigate the killing of a journalist from a UN-backed radio station in Bukavu, eastern DRC, the second journalist killed from the station in 17 months, say Journalist in Danger (JED) and other IFEX members.

Sudan

DES JOURNALISTES SONT ARRÊTÉS LORS D'UN RASSEMBLEMENT CONTRE LA CENSURE

Sudan

PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS EN OPERACIÓN DE CENSURA

Sudan

JOURNALISTS ARRESTED AT CENSORSHIP RALLY

Police in Sudan arrested more than 60 journalists during a protest against media censorship, report the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and news sources. Riot police armed with canes and shields rounded up the journalists outside parliament on 17 November and took them to a police station. Those detained were subsequently released.

Democratic Republic of Congo

LES JOURNALISTES SONT CIBLÉS DANS DE RÉCENTS AFFRONTEMENTS

Democratic Republic of Congo

PERIODISTAS ATACADOS EN ENFRENTAMIENTOS RECIENTES

Democratic Republic of Congo

JOURNALISTS TARGETED IN RECENT CLASHES

Journalists and other civilians are deliberately being targeted by rebel forces and government-backed militias in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, report Journalist in Danger (JED), Human Rights Watch and other IFEX members.

Tanzania

MEDIOS MARCHAN POR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Tanzania

MARCHE DES MÉDIAS EN FAVEUR DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Tanzania

MEDIA MARCH FOR PRESS FREEDOM

Tanzania's journalists took to the streets of Dar es Salaam last week to protest against the three-month banning of a newspaper that exposed official corruption. According to the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), it was the first time in Tanzania's history that journalists marched against the government, accusing it of trying to stifle media freedom in the country.

Mauritania

EX MINISTRO DETENIDO POR HABLAR EN CONTRA DE EJÉRCITO

Mauritania

UN ANCIEN MINISTRE EST DÉTENU POUR AVOIR DÉNONCÉ L'ARMÉE

Mauritania

FORMER MINISTER DETAINED FOR SPEAKING OUT AGAINST MILITARY

An independent researcher and former minister is being detained for criticising Mauritania's military and faces up to seven years in prison, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and news reports.

Nigeria

PERIODISTA RADIOFÓNICO ASESINADO EN EMBOSCADA

Nigeria

UN RADIOJOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ DANS UNE EMBUSCADE

Nigeria

RADIO JOURNALIST KILLED IN AMBUSH

A Nigerian radio journalist was killed in an ambush last week near his home in Lafia, central Nigeria, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Cameroon

CAMEROUN : UN CHANTEUR DISSIDENT EST CONDAMNÉ À TROIS ANS DE PRISON

Cameroon

CAMERÚN: CORRESPONSAL DISIDENTE SENTENCIADO A TRES AÑOS DE CÁRCEL

Côte d'Ivoire

¡ACTÚE! PIDA LA LIBERACIÓN DE PERIODISTA INOCENTE ENCARCELADO EN COSTA DE MARFIL

Cameroon

CAMEROON: DISSIDENT SINGER SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN JAIL

This April, Cameroon adopted an amendment to its constitution that eliminated term limits for the President, as well as granted him immunity for any acts committed while in office. No one was smiling more prettily than President Paul Biya, who at 75 has been in office for 26 years and is seeking re-election in 2011.

Côte d'Ivoire

TAKE ACTION! CALL FOR RELEASE OF INNOCENT JOURNALIST IN JAIL IN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Jean-Paul Ney, an independent investigative journalist and war reporter from France, has been detained for nine months at the infamous MACA prison in Côte d'Ivoire. He is charged with endangering the security of the state - charges, his friends say, for the work that "investigative reporters typically do, and that Ney has been doing for over 10 years."

Niger

LIBERAN A PERIODISTA MOUSSA KAKA

Niger

LE JOURNALISTE MOUSSA KAKA EST LIBÉRÉ

Niger

JOURNALIST MOUSSA KAKA FREED

IFEX members hailed the provisional release of Moussa Kaka, a local reporter for Radio France International (RFI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), who has been freed after spending more than a year in jail on charges of collaborating with rebels in northern Niger.

Sierra Leone

GOBIERNOS SE VUELVEN CONTRA LOS MEDIOS; UN NIGERIANO MUERTO

Sierra Leone

LES GOUVERNEMENTS SE RETOURNENT CONTRE LES MÉDIAS; UN NIGÉRIAN EST ASSASSINÉ

Sierra Leone

GOVERNMENTS TURN AGAINST MEDIA, NIGERIAN KILLED

NIGERIA: Police Involvement Suspected in Killing of Journalist

West Africa

MFWA LAWYER FEMI FALANA WINS BERNARD SIMONS AWARD

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) announced that Femi Falana, a founding member of its Lawyers Network for the Defence of Media and Journalist in West Africa, won the 2008 Bernard Simons Memorial Award for his contributions to human rights in his home country, Nigeria, and West Africa.

Mauritania

PERIODISTA ARRESTADO AL CUBRIR MANIFESTACIÓN ANTIGOLPISTA

Mauritania

UN JOURNALISTE EST ARRÊTÉ PENDANT QU'IL COUVRAIT UNE MANIFESTATION DE PROTESTATION CONTRE LE COUP D'ÉTAT

Mauritania

JOURNALIST ARRESTED COVERING ANTI-COUP DEMONSTRATION

Reporter Ahmed Ould Neda of the Nouakchott-based independent news agency "Akbar Info" was arrested on 7 August 2008 while covering a demonstration against Mauritania's new military regime. Police confiscated Neda's camera with pictures of a police assault, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) reported.

Zimbabwe

FIP E IPI PIDEN INVESTIGACIÓN DE MUERTE DE PERIODISTA

Zimbabwe

LA FIJ ET L'IIP DEMANDENT LA TENUE D'UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LA MORT D'UN JOURNALISTE

Zimbabwe

IFJ AND IPI CALL FOR INQUIRY INTO JOURNALIST'S DEATH

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI) are calling for an inquiry into the death of London "Times" photojournalist Richard Mills of Northern Ireland, found dead in his hotel room in Harare on 14 July and declared by the police to be the victim of asphyxiation by hanging.

Democratic Republic of Congo

LE PERSONNEL DE JED EST MENACÉ DE MORT

Democratic Republic of Congo

AMENAZAN DE MUERTE A PERSONAL DE JED

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED STAFF THREATENED WITH DEATH

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is using the occasion of President Joseph Kabila's state visit to France to draw attention to threats made against its partner organisation - and IFEX member - in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Journalist in Danger (JED).

Ethiopia

NUEVAS LEYES AMENAZAN LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Zimbabwe

¡ACTÚE! MANIFIÉSTESE A FAVOR DEL PUEBLO DE ZIMBABWE EL 12 DE JULIO

Ethiopia

DE NOUVELLES LOIS MENACENT LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Zimbabwe

AGISSEZ ! LE 12 JUILLET, TENEZ-VOUS DEBOUT POUR LE PEUPLE DU ZIMBABWE

Ethiopia

NEW LAWS THREATEN FREE EXPRESSION

Ethiopia has passed a new media law that bans censorship of private media and the detention of journalists, but which critics say maintains other threats to free expression.

Zimbabwe

TAKE ACTION! STAND UP FOR THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE ON 12 JULY

Last month Robert Mugabe was sworn in as President of Zimbabwe again after one of the bloodiest and most controversial elections in African history. "It is the responsibility of all Africans to urgently put a stop to Mr Mugabe's anti-democratic activities," says CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Amnesty International and the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP), who are calling for a pan-African campaign of solidarity for Zimbabwe this Saturday, 12 July.

Zimbabwe

"EL PEOR TIEMPO PARA LOS PERIODISTAS EN LA HISTORIA DEL PAÍS"

Zimbabwe

« PIRE PÉRIODE DE L'HISTOIRE DU PAYS POUR LES JOURNALISTES »

Zimbabwe

"WORST TIME FOR JOURNALISTS IN COUNTRY'S HISTORY"

Journalists trying to report on Zimbabwe's violent presidential runoff election have faced the harshest press crackdown in memory, veteran reporters told the Committee to Protect Journalists in "Bad to Worse in Zimbabwe," a report released on 23 June 2008.

Somalia

ASESINAN A LÍDER DE NUSOJ

The Gambia

AUTORIDADES DEBERÍAN ACATAR FALLO Y LIBERAR A PERIODISTA, DICEN MIEMBROS DE IFEX

Somalia

UN DIRIGEANT DU NUSOJ EST ASSASSINÉ

The Gambia

LES AUTORITÉS DOIVENT RESPECTER UN JUGEMENT ET LIBÉRER UN JOURNALISTE, DISENT LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX

Somalia

NUSOJ LEADER ASSASSINATED

The vice-president of IFEX member the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was gunned down last week, days after the group had appealed to the UN Security Council to protect journalists in the conflict-ridden country.

The Gambia

AUTHORITIES SHOULD ABIDE BY RULING AND FREE JOURNALIST, SAY IFEX MEMBERS

In a landmark decision, an African regional court has ordered the Gambian authorities to immediately release a journalist who has been held incommunicado for nearly two years, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Kenya

UN PHOTOJOURNALISTE ÉTRANGER EST RETROUVÉ ASSASSINÉ

Kenya

ENCUENTRAN MUERTO A REPORTERO GRÁFICO EXTRANJERO

Kenya

FOREIGN PHOTOJOURNALIST FOUND MURDERED

A New Zealand-born photojournalist was found murdered in Nairobi, Kenya last week, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Democratic Republic of Congo

APELACIÓN EN CASO DE ASESINATO ARRUINADA POR VIOLACIONES A DERECHOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN APPEL DANS UNE AFFAIRE DE MEURTRE EST ENTACHÉ PAR DES VIOLATIONS DES DROITS

Democratic Republic of Congo

MURDER APPEAL MARRED BY RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

A military appeals court has sentenced to death three people for the killing of a UN journalist in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a trial riddled with "irregularities", say Journalist in Danger (JED), other IFEX members, rights groups and the UN.

Burundi

ATACAN A EMPLEADOS DE DIFUSORA PÚBLICA

Burundi

DES EMPLOYÉS DU RADIODIFFUSEUR PUBLIC SONT ATTAQUÉS

Burundi

PUBLIC BROADCASTER EMPLOYEES ATTACKED

IFEX members Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are calling on the Burundi government to investigate two separate attacks last week that killed one employee of the country's public broadcaster and left another staff member wounded.

Ethiopia

LES MUSICIENS COURENT DES RISQUES S'ILS PARLENT

Ethiopia

MÚSICOS EN RIESGO POR EXPRESARSE

Cameroon

MUSICIANS AT RISK FOR SPEAKING OUT

Musicians are the latest target in Cameroon's quest to silence critics of the recent constitutional amendments that eliminate term limits for the President, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organizations (NAFEO). Elsewhere in Africa, Ethiopian police have detained an editor and seized a magazine over the cover story of a pop icon, say the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Zimbabwe

PERIODISTAS EN RIESGO COMO RESULTADO DE ELECCIONES SI RESOLVER

Liberia

PERIODISTAS HACEN CAMPAÑA PARA REFORMAR LAS LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Zimbabwe

LES JOURNALISTES COURENT DES DANGERS DANS LE SILLAGE D'ÉLECTIONS SANS RÉSULTATS

Liberia

DES JOURNALISTES FONT CAMPAGNE POUR FAIRE MODIFIER LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Zimbabwe

JOURNALISTS AT RISK IN WAKE OF UNDECIDED ELECTIONS

Journalists in Zimbabwe continue to be subject to attacks and arbitrary arrests since Zimbabweans went to the polls more than three weeks ago, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International PEN and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Liberia

JOURNALISTS CAMPAIGN TO REFORM MEDIA LAWS

Nearly four years in the making, three draft bills to improve the media landscape in Liberia were presented to the National Assembly last week amid public fanfare, report the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Somalia

NUSOJ RECIBE PREMIO AL VALOR POR LA DEMOCRACIA

Somalia

LE NUSOJ REÇOIT LE PRIX COURAGE ET DÉMOCRATIE

Somalia

NUSOJ RECEIVES DEMOCRACY COURAGE AWARD

Kudos to IFEX member the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), which has won the World Movement for Democracy's (WMD) Democracy Courage Award on behalf of Somali journalists.

Zimbabwe

MUGABE, ACUCIADO POR PROBLEMAS, RECURRE A LA VIOLENCIA Y LA INTIMIDACIÓN

Zimbabwe

UN MUGABE BATAILLEUR RECOURT À LA VIOLENCE ET À L'INTIMIDATION

Zimbabwe

EMBATTLED MUGABE RESORTS TO VIOLENCE, INTIMIDATION

Foreign journalists and rights activists were detained last week and offices of Zimbabwe's main opposition party were ransacked, ominous signs that President Robert Mugabe will engage in a post-election crackdown in trying to avert threats to his 28-year rule, say the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and other IFEX members.

Zimbabwe

LAS ELECCIONES NO SON LIBRE Y JUSTAS SIN LIBERTAD DE MEDIOS

Zimbabwe

DES ÉLECTIONS NON LIBRES ET INIQUES SANS LIBERTÉ DES MÉDIAS

Zimbabwe

ELECTIONS NOT FREE AND FAIR WITHOUT MEDIA FREEDOM

With Zimbabwe's presidential and parliamentary election results slowly trickling in, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Human Rights Watch and other IFEX members say that the prevailing media and free expression environment has made free and fair elections impossible.

Kenya

MISIÓN ENCUENTRA QUE MEDIOS INFORMARON TÍMIDAMENTE DE CRISIS POLÍTICA

Kenya

LES MÉDIAS COUVRENT LA CRISE POLITIQUE AVEC TIMIDITÉ, CONSTATE UNE MISSION

Kenya

MEDIA TIMIDLY REPORTED POLITICAL CRISIS, MISSION FINDS

The Kenyan media failed in its job to report fully on the political crisis and violence that followed December's presidential election because it was too busy trying to keep the peace, says a joint fact-finding mission by ARTICLE 19, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and International Media Support (IMS), an organisation helping local media in conflict-affected areas.

Cameroon

GOBIERNO OBLIGA A TRES DIFUSORAS A SALIR DEL AIRE

Cameroon

LE GOUVERNEMENT FORCE TROIS RADIODIFFUSEURS À QUITTER LES ONDES

Cameroon

GOVERNMENT FORCES THREE BROADCASTERS OFF AIR

A third broadcaster has been forced off the air in Cameroon for covering violent demonstrations against a rise in prices and a government proposal to eliminate term limits for the President, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Uganda

PRESENTADORA DE RADIO COMUNITARIA MUERTA

Somalia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX EXIGEN PROTECCIÓN PARA PERIODISTAS

Uganda

UNE PRÉSENTATRICE DE RADIO COMMUNAUTAIRE EST TUÉE

Somalia

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXIGENT LA PROTECTION DES JOURNALISTES

Uganda

COMMUNITY RADIO PRESENTER KILLED

A radio producer in Uganda was raped and killed by unidentified assailants, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA).

Somalia

IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND PROTECTION FOR JOURNALISTS

Amid a backdrop of daily shootouts between Islamist insurgents, warlords and Ethiopian-backed Somali government forces, 27 IFEX members are demanding that the Somali government protect its journalists and end its own repression of the media.

Côte d'Ivoire

GOBIERNO PROSCRIBE ESTACIÓN DE RADIO

Côte d'Ivoire

LE GOUVERNEMENT SUSPEND UNE STATION DE RADIO

Côte d'Ivoire

GOVERNMENT BANS RADIO STATION

The government of Côte d'Ivoire has indefinitely suspended a France-based radio station, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Kenya

LE GOUVERNEMENT LÈVE L'INTERDIT ET MET LES MÉDIAS EN GARDE

Kenya

GOBIERNO LEVANTA PROHIBICIÓN Y ADVIERTE A MEDIOS

Kenya

GOVERNMENT LIFTS BAN, CAUTIONS MEDIA

The Kenya government unconditionally lifted the month-long ban on live broadcasting yesterday, reports the Media Institute.

Kenya

MEDIOS ESTÁN SIENDO SILENCIADOS MIENTRAS CRISIS POLÍTICA SE INTENSIFICA

Somalia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN ESTALLIDO DE MINA TERRESTRE

Liberia

DOS TRABAJADORES DE LOS MEDIOS ATACADOS POR MES EN LIBERIA, ENCUENTRA INFORME DE CEMESP

Kenya

LES MÉDIAS RÉDUITS AU SILENCE TANDIS QUE LA CRISE POLITIQUE PREND DE L'AMPLEUR

Somalia

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ PAR L'EXPLOSION D'UNE MINE TERRESTRE

Liberia

DEUX TRAVAILLEURS DES MÉDIAS SONT AGRESSÉS CHAQUE MOIS AU LIBÉRIA, CONCLUT UN RAPPORT DU CEMESP

Kenya

MEDIA BEING SILENCED AS POLITICAL CRISIS INTENSIFIES

A continuing ban on live broadcasts and new death threats to journalists in Kenya are silencing media reports on the country's escalating political crisis, says IFEX member the Media Institute.

Somalia

JOURNALIST KILLED IN LANDMINE BLAST

A journalist on his way to a press conference was killed by a roadside bomb in southern Somalia, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other IFEX members.

Liberia

TWO MEDIA WORKERS ATTACKED PER MONTH IN LIBERIA, CEMESP REPORT FINDS

At least one journalist or media worker has been attacked every two weeks since April 2006 in Liberia, says a new report by IFEX member the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP). And while the government is behind most of the attacks, a surprising number came from civil society activists, says CEMESP.

Kenya

LE GOUVERNEMENT IMPOSE LE BLACKOUT DE L'INFORMATION

Kenya

GOBIERNO IMPONE APAGÓN INFORMATIVO

Kenya

GOVERNMENT IMPOSES NEWS BLACKOUT

The Media Institute in Kenya and 22 other IFEX members have condemned the Kenyan government's decision to ban live TV and radio broadcasts in response to post-election violence.

Democratic Republic of Congo

L'INTERDIT DES MÉDIAS EXPLIQUE LE NOMBRE RECORD DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

The Gambia

21 GROUPES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXIGENT UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LE MEURTRE D'UN RÉDACTEUR

Ethiopia

AGISSEZ ! RAMENEZ LES MILITANTS ÉTHIOPIENS CHEZ EUX POUR LES FÊTES

Sudan

UN AVOCAT SOUDANAIS REMPORTE UN PRIX DU PARLEMENT EUROPÉEN POUR LES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

Democratic Republic of Congo

PROSCRIPCIÓN EN MEDIOS EXPLICA CIFRA RÉCORD DE ATAQUES A MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

The Gambia

VEINTIÚN MIEMBROS DE IFEX DEMANDAN INVESTIGACIÓN SOBRE ASESINATO DE EDITOR

Ethiopia

¡ACTÚE! RETORNEN A ACTIVISTAS ETÍOPES A CASA PARA LAS NAVIDADES

Sudan

ABOGADO SUDANÉS GANA PREMIO DE DERECHOS HUMANOS DEL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO

Democratic Republic of Congo

MEDIA BAN EXPLAINS RECORD NUMBER OF ATTACKS ON MEDIA

Nearly 40 Kinshasa-based radio and television stations have been banned in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since October, in what the government says is an effort to "clean up the profession." The ban largely accounts for the record number of violations against journalists and the media in the country in 2007, says Journalist in Danger (Journaliste en danger, JED), which marked International Human Rights Day on 10 December by denouncing the "programmed death" of the opposition media.

The Gambia

21 IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND INVESTIGATION INTO EDITOR'S MURDER

16 December 2007 is the third anniversary of the brutal killing of Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara. While family members and colleagues marked the occasion by marching from his home to his grave, 21 IFEX members, in a joint action led by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), demanded that the Gambian authorities "enforce justice" and set up an independent investigation into his murder.

Ethiopia

TAKE ACTION! BRING ETHIOPIAN ACTIVISTS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie, human rights lawyers and coordinators of the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) in Ethiopia, have been in detention for more than two years for treason-related charges. If found guilty, they could face life in jail or the death sentence.

Sudan

SUDANESE LAWYER WINS EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT'S HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD

The European Parliament's top human rights award, the Sakharov Prize, has been given to a Sudanese lawyer working to defend human rights in Darfur.

The Gambia

CAMPAÑA REGIONAL ATACA ABUSOS CONTRA DERECHOS

The Gambia

CAMPAGNE RÉGIONALE CONTRE LES VIOLATIONS DES DROITS

The Gambia

REGIONAL CAMPAIGN TARGETS RIGHTS ABUSES

Early next year, the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) Community Court is expected to rule in a case brought against the Gambian government on behalf of journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Manneh was arrested in July 2006 and has been held incommunicado ever since.

Somalia

LE GOUVERNEMENT FERME TROIS STATIONS EN DEUX JOURS

Somalia

GOBIERNO CIERRA TRES ESTACIONES EN DOS DÍAS

Somalia

GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN THREE STATIONS IN TWO DAYS

Somalia's government has forced three prominent radio stations off the air in the space of two days over their coverage of the bloody conflict in Mogadishu, report the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and local human rights groups.

Somalia

PROPIETARIO DE MEDIOS ASESINADO; PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS

Somalia

UN PROPRIÉTAIRE DE MÉDIAS EST ASSASSINÉ, DES JOURNALISTES SONT ARRÊTÉS

Somalia

MEDIA OWNER MURDERED, JOURNALISTS ARRESTED

After the eighth slaying of a journalist in Somalia this year, on 19 October 2007, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) issued an urgent appeal for international measures towards the Somali government. Bashir Nur Gedi, acting head of Shabelle Media Network - the second biggest in the Horn of Africa - was the third media owner murdered by unidentified gunmen in the capital.

Niger

¡ACTÚE! PETICIÓN POR LIBERTAD DE MOUSSA KAKA DE NÍGER

Niger

AGISSEZ ! PÉTITION POUR FAIRE LIBÉRER MOUSSA KAKA DU NIGER

Ethiopia

RELATOS DEL CUERNO DE ÁFRICA: 'UNA VIDA SE SALVÓ, LA OTRA SE PERDIÓ'

Eritrea

HISTOIRES EN PROVENANCE DE LA CORNE DE L'AFRIQUE : « UNE VIE SAUVÉE, L'AUTRE PERDUE »

Eritrea

HORN OF AFRICA STORIES: 'ONE LIFE SAVED, THE OTHER LOST'

Two newsmen, Befekadu Moreda from Ethiopia and Paulos Kidane from Eritrea, both tried to flee the region to escape government oppression. But "one life (was) saved and the other lost." In a special report, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) recounts their stories and provides a glimpse into the adversity facing journalists in the volatile Horn of Africa.

Nigeria

AGISSEZ ! UNE COALITION NIGÉRIANE LANCE UNE CAMPAGNE DE SIGNATURES EN FAVEUR DU PROJET DE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ D'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Nigeria

¡ACTÚE! COALICIÓN NIGERIANA INICIA CAMPAÑA DE FIRMAS SOBRE PROYECTO DE LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

TAKE ACTION! NIGERIAN COALITION LAUNCHES SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL

Hurry! The Nigerian Freedom of Information Coalition, led by Media Rights Agenda (MRA), is looking for one million signatures by 28 September to compel the Nigerian federal legislature to finally pass the Freedom of Information Bill into law.

Somalia

SOLDADOS ABREN FUEGO CONTRA EMPRESA DE MEDIOS

Somalia

LA TROUPE OUVRE LE FEU SUR UNE ENTREPRISE DE MÉDIAS

Somalia

TROOPS OPEN FIRE ON MEDIA HOUSE

Somalia's independent Shabelle media house said government troops surrounded its Mogadishu office today (18 September) and opened fire, wounding a security guard, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and news reports. The incident occurred days after security forces arrested 19 staff at Shabelle on 15 September.

Guinea-Bissau

AUTORIDADES ACOSAN DEBIDO A INFORMES ACERCA DE COMERCIO DE DROGAS

Guinea-Bissau

LES AUTORITÉS HARCÈLENT LA PRESSE À CAUSE DE REPORTAGES SUR LE TRAFIC DE DROGUE

Guinea-Bissau

AUTHORITIES HARASS PRESS OVER REPORTS ON DRUG TRADE

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Amnesty International have called on Guinea-Bissau President Joao Bernardo Vieira to stop official harassment of journalists reporting on drug trafficking in the West African country.

Uganda

DEBATE POR HOMOSEXUALIDAD DETONA OFENSIVA CONTRA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED INDIGNADO POR "ABSURDO" FALLO JUDICIAL EN JUICIO POR ASESINATO DE REPORTERO DE ONU

Uganda

UN DÉBAT SUR L'HOMOSEXUALITÉ DÉCLENCHE LA RÉPRESSION CONTRE LA PRESSE

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED SE DIT SECOUÉ DEVANT L'« ABSURDE » VERDICT QUI A CONCLU LE PROCÈS POUR LE MEURTRE D'UN REPORTER DES NATIONS UNIES

Uganda

HOMOSEXUALITY DEBATE IGNITES CRACKDOWN ON FREE EXPRESSION

The Uganda Broadcasting Council (UBC) has suspended a popular Capital FM radio presenter for hosting gay activists who used "foul language" on air, effectively silencing a renewed debate on gay and lesbian rights, reports Kenya-based IFEX member the Media Institute.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED SHOCKED AT "ABSURD" VERDICT IN UN JOURNALIST MURDER TRIAL

Journalist in Danger (Journaliste en danger, JED) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) accused Congolese authorities of conducting a farcical investigation and trial that led to four people being hastily sentenced to death for killing a UN journalist.

Somalia

JOVEN REPORTERO BALEADO

Kenya

PRESIDENTE RECHAZA POLÉMICO PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS

Somalia

UN JEUNE REPORTER EST ABATTU

Kenya

LE PRÉSIDENT REJETTE UN PROJET DE LOI CONTROVERSÉ SUR LES MÉDIAS

Somalia

YOUNG REPORTER GUNNED DOWN

A young reporter on his way home from a journalism training workshop in Mogadishu was killed in an ambush on 24 August, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and affiliate organisation the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) report. He is the third journalist to be killed in two weeks in Somalia.

Kenya

PRESIDENT REJECTS CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA BILL

Press freedom groups welcomed Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki's refusal to sign into law a media bill that would compel reporters to reveal their sources in court.One of IFEX's members in Kenya, the Media Institute, had been campaigning vigorously against the bill.

Ethiopia

INDULTAN A CUATRO PERIODISTAS

Ethiopia

QUATRE JOURNALISTES REÇOIVENT UN PARDON

Ethiopia

FOUR JOURNALISTS PARDONED

Four jailed journalists were released on conditional pardon on Saturday along with 27 opposition activists, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Somalia

DEUX JOURNALISTES DE LA RADIO TUÉS DANS UNE VAGUE D'ATTENTATS

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN PHOTOGRAPHE DE NOUVELLES EST ABATTU

Kenya

LE PRÉSIDENT EST PRIÉ DE REJETER UNE LOI QUI FORCE LES JOURNALISTES À DIVULGUER LEURS SOURCES

Somalia

DOS PERIODISTAS RADIOFÓNICOS MUERTOS EN OLA DE ATAQUES VIOLENTOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

BALEAN Y MATAN A REPORTERO GRÁFICO

Kenya

INSTAN A PRESIDENTE A RECHAZAR LEY QUE EXIGE A PERIODISTAS REVELAR FUENTES

Kenya

INSTAN A PRESIDENTE A RECHAZAR LEY QUE EXIGE A PERIODISTAS REVELAR FUENTES

Somalia

TWO RADIO JOURNALISTS KILLED IN WAVE OF VIOLENT ATTACKS

Press freedom groups worldwide expressed horror at the "savage" killings of two prominent Somali journalists on 11 August 2007, saying they demonstrate the perilous conditions reporters work in and threaten an independent media for the war-torn country.

Democratic Republic of Congo

NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER SHOT DEAD

Journaliste en danger (JED) and other free expression groups voiced dismay at the killing of freelance photographer Patrick Kikuku Wilungula on 9 August 2007.

Kenya

PRESIDENT URGED TO REJECT LAW REQUIRING JOURNALISTS TO REVEAL SOURCES

Kenyan media were "thunderstruck" by the surprise passage of a media law that would require journalists to disclose their sources in court, according to the Nairobi-based Media Institute.

Zimbabwe

PRESIDENTE FIRMA LEY DE ESPIONAJE

Zimbabwe

LE PRÉSIDENT RATIFIE UNE LOI SUR L'ESPIONNAGE

Zimbabwe

PRESIDENT SIGNS SPYING BILL INTO LAW

A "spying" bill that would allow the Zimbabwean government to intercept mail, phone calls and emails without having to get court approval was signed into law on 3 August by President Robert Mugabe, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).

The Gambia

UN JOURNALISTE « DISPARU » APERÇU DANS UN HÔPITAL LOCAL

The Gambia

PERIODISTA "DESAPARECIDO" VISTO EN HOSPITAL LOCAL

The Gambia

"DISAPPEARED" JOURNALIST SPOTTED AT LOCAL HOSPITAL

A journalist who has been missing for more than a year was spotted at Gambia's main hospital, reports Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), who has focused a campaign on the case.

Ethiopia

INDULTAN A MANIFESTANTES, PERO DOS PERIODISTAS SIGUEN ENCARCELADOS

Ethiopia

DES PROTESTATAIRES REÇOIVENT UN PARDON, MAIS DEUX JOURNALISTES SONT TOUJOURS INCARCÉRÉS

Ethiopia

PROTESTERS PARDONED, BUT TWO JOURNALISTS STILL JAILED

Ethiopia has pardoned and freed 34 opposition members and four journalists who had been convicted last week for their links to deadly 2005 protests against alleged poll-rigging, say Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and news reports. But two Ethiopian journalists initially sentenced to life remain in jail.

Ethiopia

QUATRE JOURNALISTES CONDAMNÉS À LA PRISON À VIE

Ethiopia

CUATRO PERIODISTAS SENTENCIADOS A CADENA PERPETUA

Ethiopia

FOUR JOURNALISTS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN JAIL

An Ethiopian court sentenced 35 opposition leaders, including four journalists, to life in prison yesterday, rebuffing a prosecution request that they be executed for trying to overthrow the government, inciting violence and treason.

Eritrea

PERIODISTA MUERE AL HUIR DE OFENSIVA CONTRA MEDIOS PÚBLICOS

Eritrea

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT ENTENTANT DE FUIR LA RÉPRESSION QUI S'ABAT SUR LES MÉDIAS PUBLICS

South Africa

UN CARICATURISTE SUD-AFRICAIN REÇOIT LA RÉCOMPENSE DU CRNI

Eritrea

JOURNALIST DIES FLEEING CRACKDOWN ON PUBLIC MEDIA

One of nine journalists arrested in a November 2006 crackdown on Eritrean public media has died while attempting to flee the country in June, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Two others of the nine have been re-arrested.

South Africa

SOUTH AFRICAN CARTOONIST RECEIVES CRNI AWARD

The annual Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award of the Cartoonists Rights Network, International (CRNI) was given to South African Jonathan Shapiro on 6 July 2007 at a dinner in Washington, D.C.

Mauritania

LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN MAURITANIA LIMITADA POR ELEVADOS PRECIOS Y PERIODISTAS CON CAPACITACIÓN DEFICIENTE, ENCUENTRA ARTICLE 19

Mauritania

EN MAURITANIE, LA LIBRE EXPRESSION EST LIMITÉE PAR LES PRIX ÉLEVÉS ET LA FORMATION DÉFICIENTE DES JOURNALISTES, CONSTATE ARTICLE 19

Mauritania

FREE EXPRESSION IN MAURITANIA LIMITED BY HIGH PRICES AND POORLY TRAINED JOURNALISTS, ARTICLE 19 FINDS

Free expression in Mauritania suffers from high newspaper prices, poor distribution, and insufficient training of journalists and lawyers on media rights, an ARTICLE 19 report has found.

Mali

DES JOURNALISTES ET UN ENSEIGNANT SONT CONDAMNÉS À CAUSE D'UNE DISSERTATION À L'ÉCOLE

Lesotho

UN ANIMATEUR DE LA RADIO EST INCULPÉ POUR AVOIR LU EN ONDES UNE LETTRE SUBVERSIVE

Mali

PERIODISTAS Y ESCRITOR SENTENCIADO POR ENSAYO ACADÉMICO

Lesotho

LOCUTOR DE RADIO ACUSADO POR LEER CARTA SUBVERSIVA CUANDO ESTABA AL AIRE

Mali

JOURNALISTS, TEACHER SENTENCED FOR SCHOOL ESSAY

Five journalists and a 10th grade teacher have been jailed in Mali for "offending the head of state" over a story on a high school essay assignment about an imaginary presidential sex scandal, report the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO), an initiative of IFEX members, and other free expression groups.

Lesotho

RADIO HOST CHARGED FOR READING SUBVERSIVE LETTER ON AIR

A freelance journalist and the chair of IFEX member organisation Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) in Lesotho could face at least five years in jail after reading a letter on air accusing the Prime Minister of corruption, report MISA, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Democratic Republic of Congo

EDITOR QUE TEMÍA POR SU VIDA FUE ASESINADO

Zimbabwe

PARLAMENTO APRUEBA LEY DE "ESPIONAJE"

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN REPORTER QUI CRAIGNAIT POUR SA VIE EST ASSASSINÉ

Zimbabwe

LE PARLEMENT PROMULGUE UNE LOI SUR L'«ESPIONNAGE »

Democratic Republic of Congo

EDITOR WHO FEARED FOR HIS LIFE MURDERED

A journalist who feared for his life and had asked the authorities for protection was shot while getting into his vehicle in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, report Journalist in Danger (Journaliste en danger, JED), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members. He later died in hospital.

Zimbabwe

PARLIAMENT PASSES "SPYING" LAW

A draft "spying" law that would allow the government to intercept mail, phone calls and emails without having to get court approval was passed last week by the Zimbabwean House of Assembly, report the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Ethiopia

DOS EDITORES PODRÍAN ENFRENTARSE A LA PENA DE MUERTE DESPUÉS DE CONDENAS DE LA SUPREMA CORTE

Ethiopia

DEUX RÉDACTEURS RISQUENT LA PEINE DE MORT APRÈS AVOIR ÉTÉ RECONNUS COUPABLES DEVANT LA HAUTE COUR

Ethiopia

TWO EDITORS COULD FACE DEATH AFTER HIGH COURT CONVICTIONS

Four editors and three publishing houses in Ethiopia were found guilty on 11 June of links to deadly 2005 protests against alleged poll-rigging, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Sentencing is next month and two of the editors could face the death penalty. The exiled Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) is calling for urgent action from the international community to save their lives.

The Gambia

DES GROUPES AFRICAINS INAUGURENT DES CAMPAGNES EN FAVEUR DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

The Gambia

AFRICAN UMBRELLA GROUPS LAUNCH CAMPAIGNS FOR FREE EXPRESSION

"Chief" Ebrima Manneh has been missing since last July. A week after the Gambian newspaper reporter allegedly passed on "damaging" information at an African Union summit, he was arrested without charge and detained by the National Intelligence Agency. But the security force denies even arresting him. Manneh's release is a key demand in a new campaign launched last week by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organizations (NAFEO) to end impunity and the violent attacks on free expression in the country.

Somalia

DOS REPORTEROS MUERTOS EN EMBOSCADA CONTRA DELEGACIÓN GUBERNAMENTAL

Somalia

DEUX REPORTERS SONT TUÉS DANS UNE EMBUSCADE CONTRE UNE DÉLÉGATION DU GOUVERNEMENT

Somalia

TWO REPORTERS KILLED IN AMBUSH ON GOVERNMENT DELEGATION

Two journalists travelling in convoy with a Somali government delegation were shot dead by unidentified gunmen north of Mogadishu, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontieres, RSF) and their local partner, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

Somalia

UN REPORTER DE LA RADIO PERD LA VIE DANS UN ÉCHANGE DE TIRS

Somalia

REPORTERO DE RADIO BALEADO EN FUEGO CRUZADO

Somalia

RADIO REPORTER KILLED IN CROSSFIRE

A radio reporter was killed in the crossfire on 5 May while covering an army raid on an illegal gun market in the Puntland region, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT NE TIENT AUCUN COMPTE DU PROJET DE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE L'INFORMATION LORS D'ÉLECTIONS « CHARADES »

Sudan

PAS JUSTE UN « PAYS DE MASSACRES », CONSTATE RSF

Burkina Faso

NORBERT ZONGO HONORÉ AU FESTIVAL DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Nigeria

PRESIDENTE HACE CASO OMISO DE PROYECTO DE LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN EN MEDIO DE "FARSA ELECTORAL"

Sudan

NO SÓLO UNA "TIERRA DE MASACRES", ENCUENTRA RSF

Burkina Faso

HOMENAJEAN A NORBERT ZONGO EN FESTIVAL DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Nigeria

PRESIDENT IGNORES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL AMID "CHARADE" ELECTIONS

In the aftermath of what observers called "seriously flawed" presidential elections in Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo failed to sign into law a bill that would have strengthened his battle against corruption, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Sudan

NOT JUST A "LAND OF MASSACRES", RSF FINDS

The image of Sudan as home to the 21st century's first genocide and closed off to the world is misleading, a Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) fact-finding mission found.

Burkina Faso

NORBERT ZONGO HONOURED AT FREE EXPRESSION FESTIVAL

A procession to the tomb of assassinated editor Norbert Zongo wrapped up the second International Festival of Freedom of Expression (Festival international de la liberté d'expression et de la presse, FILEP) in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.

Eritrea

TREINTA Y OCHO MIEMBROS DE IFEX EXIGEN JUSTICIA PARA PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS Y ASESINADOS

Ethiopia

OCHO PERIODISTAS ABSUELTOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

JUICIO INJUSTO PARA ASESINOS DE EDITOR

Eritrea

TRENTE-HUIT GROUPES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX DEMANDENT JUSTICE POUR LES JOURNALISTES EMPRISONNÉS ET CEUX QUI SONT ASSASSINÉS

Ethiopia

HUIT JOURNALISTES SONT ACQUITTÉS

Democratic Republic of Congo

PROCÈS INIQUE POUR LES ASSASSINS D'UN RÉDACTEUR EN CHEF

Eritrea

THIRTY-EIGHT IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND JUSTICE FOR JAILED AND MURDERED JOURNALISTS

Thirty-eight IFEX member organisations, led by PEN Canada and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), have called on the Eritrean government to publicly account for the death of four journalists in custody and to unconditionally release all journalists remaining behind bars.

Ethiopia

EIGHT JOURNALISTS ACQUITTED

Eight journalists accused of treason and attempted genocide were set free after 17 months in jail, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Their release followed the acquittal of the exiled president of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA) just four days earlier.

Democratic Republic of Congo

UNFAIR TRIAL FOR EDITOR'S ASSASSINS

Journalist in Danger (Journaliste en danger, JED) has expressed its disappointment over the "incomplete" trial held last week for the alleged assassins of a journalist and his wife, which resulted in two defendants being sentenced to death.

Zimbabwe

UN CAMÉRAMAN EST ASSASSINÉ PARCE QUE DES PHOTOS DE TSVANGIRAI QUI ONT COULÉ DANS LES JOURNAUX

Zimbabwe

CAMARÓGRAFO ASESINADO POR IMÁGENES DE TSVANGIRAI FILTRADAS

Zimbabwe

CAMERAMAN SLAIN OVER LEAKED TSVANGIRAI PICTURES

In the recent terror campaign targeting government critics, a local journalist suspected of having links to Zimbabwe's opposition was found murdered on 31 March, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI).

The Gambia

LE HARCÈLEMENT DES MÉDIAS PREND DE L'AMPLEUR

The Gambia

ACOSO A MEDIOS AL ALZA

The Gambia

MEDIA HARASSMENT ON THE RISE

A year after the government illegally shut down the bi-weekly paper "The Independent", the paper still hasn't been allowed to resume publication - a sign of the increase in rights violations in the country, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Zimbabwe

GRUPOS DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN CONDENAN REPRESIÓN POLICIAL EN MANIFESTACIÓN EN HARARE

Zimbabwe

DES GROUPES DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION CONDAMNENT LA BRUTALITÉ POLICIÈRE PENDANT UNE MANIFESTATION À HARARE

Zimbabwe

FREE EXPRESSION GROUPS CONDEMN POLICE BRUTALITY AT HARARE PROTEST

Free expression groups have deplored the use of brute force in stifling free expression and protest, seen in the beating and torture of the country's main opposition leader and others at a recent Harare protest.

Eritrea

INSTAN A EXILIADOS A AYUDAR A PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS

Eritrea

LA DIASPORA EST PRIÉE DE VENIR EN AIDE AUX JOURNALISTES EMPRISONNÉS

Eritrea

DIASPORA URGED TO AID IMPRISONED JOURNALISTS

On the 2,000th day since Eritrea's "Black Tuesday" crackdown on media in 2001, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) urged Eritreans abroad to demand explanations for the imprisonment of at least 14 journalists, four of whom are feared dead.

South Africa

LE FXI INTERVIENT DANS UNE AFFAIRE DE BIJOU PORTÉ SUR LE NEZ

South Africa

FXI INTERVENES IN NOSE STUD CASE

Does a school ban on wearing nose studs constitute a violation of freedom of expression? In South Africa, the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is arguing that it does. It has submitted a "friend of the court" (amicus curiae) brief in a case now being heard by the country's top court.

Guinea

LEY MARCIAL IMPONE APAGÓN INFORMATIVO

Eritrea

SE INFORMA DE MUERTE DE PROMINENTE PERIODISTA

Eritrea

UN JOURNALISTE ÉMINENT SERAIT MORT

Guinea

MARTIAL LAW IMPOSES INFORMATION BLACKOUT

The West African country of Guinea has been in the midst of an information blackout since 12 February 2007, after President Lansana Conté declared martial law in response to widespread protests calling for his resignation.

Eritrea

PROMINENT JOURNALIST REPORTEDLY DEAD

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) have received reports from Eritrean sources that Fessehaye "Joshua" Yohannes, the detained editor of a popular weekly newspaper, has died.

Senegal

SÉNÉGAL : ARTICLE 19 FAIT PART DE SA PRÉOCCUPATION POUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Senegal

ARTICLE 19 EXPRESA INQUIETUDES POR LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Mozambique

German Foundation Launches Media Law Guides for Mozambique, DRC

30 January 2007

Senegal

ARTICLE 19 VOICES FREE EXPRESSION CONCERNS

As Senegal prepares to hold presidential elections in February 2007, ARTICLE 19 has issued a report expressing concern about the state of freedom of expression in the West African country. "We are concerned by the resistance of the Senegalese government to adopt legislation that conforms with international standards on freedom of expression," the organisation said.

West Africa

PRESS FREEDOM VIOLATIONS ON THE RISE

Attacks on journalists and media outlets in West Africa increased in 2006 compared to the previous year, according to a new report by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Burundi

TRIBUNAL ANULA CARGOS CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Burundi

LE TRIBUNAL ANNULE LES CHEFS D'ACCUSATION PORTÉS CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES

Nigeria

VETERANO PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Burundi

COURT QUASHES CHARGES AGAINST JOURNALISTS

A court in Burundi has thrown out charges against three journalists accused by the government of threatening national security, a move hailed by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Nigeria

UN JOURNALISTE CHEVRONNÉ EST TUÉ

Nigeria

VETERAN JOURNALIST KILLED

Police in Nigeria are investigating the murder of veteran journalist Godwin Agbroko, who was shot dead in the city of Lagos on 22 December 2006, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Burundi

LE GOUVERNEMENT CIBLE LES MILITANTS DE LA SOCIÉTÉ CIVILE ET LES JOURNALISTES

Burundi

GOBIERNO SE CONCENTRA EN ACTIVISTAS DE LA SOCIEDAD CIVIL Y PERIODISTAS

Burundi

GOVERNMENT TARGETS CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISTS, JOURNALISTS

The human rights situation in Burundi appears to be deteriorating, with a growing number of civil society activists and independent journalists arrested and harassed in recent months, report Human Rights Watch, Journaliste en danger (JED), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Liberia

GRUPO LIBERIANO TRABAJA PARA ELEVAR NORMAS PERIODÍSTICAS

Nigeria

INSTAN A PRESIDENTE A FIRMAR PROYECTO DE LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Angola

NUEVA LEY DE MEDIOS NO PROTEGE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Liberia

UN GROUPE LIBÉRIEN S'EFFORCE DE REHAUSSER LES NORMES DU JOURNALISME

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT EST PRIÉ DE RATIFIER LA LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Angola

LA NOUVELLE LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS NE PROTÈGE PAS LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Liberia

LIBERIAN GROUP WORKS TO IMPROVE JOURNALISM STANDARDS

As Liberia emerges from a brutal long-running civil war, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) is helping to re-build democracy in the country by coordinating media training courses aimed at improving professional standards and strengthening press freedom.

Nigeria

PRESIDENT URGED TO SIGN ACCESS TO INFORMATION BILL

Nigeria's Senate has unanimously passed a bill that, if signed into law, will guarantee every citizen in the country the right to access government-held information, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Angola

NEW MEDIA LAW FAILS TO PROTECT PRESS FREEDOM

Media coverage of the 2007 elections in Angola will be compromised unless the government brings its press law up to international free expression standards, warns Human Rights Watch.

Chad

L'ÉTAT D'URGENCE JETTE UN FROID SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Eritrea

DES ARRESTATIONS SÈMENT LA CRAINTE D'UNE NOUVELLE VAGUE DE RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS

Chad

ESTADO DE EMERGENCIA EMPAÑA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Eritrea

AUMENTO DE ARRESTOS SUSCITA TEMORES DE NUEVA OFENSIVA CONTRA MEDIOS

Eritrea

ARRESTS RAISE FEARS OF NEW CRACKDOWN ON MEDIA

Eritrea is one of the leading jailers of journalists in Africa, with 13 currently behind bars. Since a government crackdown on the press in 2001, all independent media outlets have been closed.

Zimbabwe

TORTURAN PARA SILENCIAR A MANIFESTANTES DE SOCIEDAD CIVIL

Zimbabwe

LA TORTURE POUR FAIRE TAIRE LES PROTESTATAIRES DE LA SOCIÉTÉ CIVILE

Zimbabwe

TORTURE USED TO SILENCE CIVIL SOCIETY PROTESTERS

The Zimbabwean government is using repressive tactics, including torture, to quash peaceful dissent in a bid to quell a recent wave of protests against deteriorating social and economic conditions in the country, a new report by Human Rights Watch reveals.

Burkina Faso

¡ACTÚE! BURKINA FASO: ASESINO DE PERIODISTA SIGUE LIBRE

Burkina Faso

TAKE ACTION! BURKINA FASO: JOURNALIST'S KILLER STILL AT LARGE

2 October 2006

Eritrea

TRECE PERIODISTAS SIGUEN ENCARCELADOS EN QUINTO ANIVERSARIO DE OFENSIVA

South Africa

UN RAPPORT DU FXI DÉNONCE L'INTERDICTION DES MANIFESTATIONS DE PROTESTATION

Eritrea

TREIZE JOURNALISTES TOUJOURS INCARCÉRÉS, CINQ ANS APRÈS LA RÉPRESSION

Sudan

OFENSIVA CONTRA PRENSA MIENTRAS AUMENTA CRÍTICA EN DARFUR

South Africa

FXI REPORT SLAMS PROTEST BANS

In South Africa, the right to protest and express one's opinions is guaranteed by the Constitution. However, local municipalities and police routinely violate this right by banning demonstrations held by anti-poverty activists, a new report by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has found.

Eritrea

13 JOURNALISTS STILL IN JAIL ON FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF CRACKDOWN

Five years after Eritrean authorities launched a massive crackdown on independent journalists and media outlets, 13 journalists continue to be held in secret jails, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Sudan

LA PRESSE EST LA CIBLE DE RÉPRESSION TANDIS QUE LES CRITIQUES DE LA SITUATION AU DARFOUR PRENNENT DE L'AMPLEUR

Sudan

CRACKDOWN ON PRESS AS DARFUR CRITICISM MOUNTS

Freedom of the press in Sudan has been heavily curtailed in the past month amidst renewed international criticism of the Sudanese government over the human rights crisis in Darfur. A journalist has been murdered, two foreign reporters charged with espionage and several local journalists harassed and beaten by police, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

The Gambia

CON REPRESIÓN DE MEDIOS LAS ELECCIONES NO SERÁN JUSTAS

The Gambia

LA RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS SIGNIFIE QUE LES ÉLECTIONS NE SERONT PAS ÉQUITABLES

The Gambia

MEDIA REPRESSION MEANS ELECTIONS WON'T BE FAIR

A free and fair election in the Gambia will be impossible as long as the Gambian government continues to attack journalists and independent newspapers that criticise authorities, warns Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

South Africa

LE FXI OUVRE UN BUREAU D'AIDE JURIDIQUE POUR DÉFENDRE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

South Africa

FXI OPENS LEGAL AID CLINIC TO DEFEND FREE EXPRESSION

Victims of censorship in South Africa, especially the poor, will now have better access to legal justice, thanks to a new legal aid clinic opened by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI).

South Africa

LE FXI ET LE MISA DÉNONCENT UN PROJET DE LOI

South Africa

FXI, MISA PROTEST DRAFT BILL

The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) and the South African chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) have expressed alarm at a proposed bill they say could impose direct censorship on news media.

Angola

DOS PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS

Angola

DEUX JOURNALISTES SONT ASSASSINÉS

Angola

TWO JOURNALISTS MURDERED

Two Angolan journalists have been killed in the space of eight days, according to Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). "These murders are a reminder of how Angola was an especially dangerous country for the press in the 1990s," says RSF.

Guinea

FUERZAS DE SEGURIDAD DISPARAN CONTRA MANIFESTANTES

Democratic Republic of Congo

PERIODISTA ASESINADO MIENTRAS ELECCIONES SE ACERCAN

Guinea

FORCES DE SÉCURITÉ TIRENT SUR DES MANIFESTANTS

Republic of Congo

À L'APPROCHE DES ÉLECTIONS, UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ

Guinea

SECURITY FORCES GUN DOWN PROTESTERS

Human Rights Watch reports that security forces in the West African country of Guinea killed, raped and assaulted demonstrators who protested fuel and rice price hikes last month, actions that violate international treaties on freedom of expression and other human rights that Guinea has signed.

Republic of Congo

JOURNALIST KILLED AS ELECTION NEARS

Journaliste en danger (JED), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have expressed concern about the safety of journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the country prepares for its first elections in more than 40 years.

Liberia

COMISIÓN INVESTIGARÁ AGRESIONES CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Liberia

UN COMITÉ FERA ENQUÊTE SUR DES ATTAQUES COMMISES CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES

Liberia

COMMITTEE TO PROBE ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has appointed a committee to investigate a recent spate of attacks on journalists who have been probing the country's security services, reports the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP).

The Gambia

ANFITRIÓN DE CUMBRE DE UA PROHÍBE FORO SOBRE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Somalia

A REPORTERO GRÁFICO SUECO

The Gambia

LE PAYS HÔTE DU SOMMET DE L’UNION AFRICAINE INTERDIT UN FORUM SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Somalia

UN PHOTOJOURNALISTE SUÉDOIS EST ASSASSINÉ

The Gambia

AU SUMMIT HOST BANS FORUM ON FREE EXPRESSION

The Gambian government has refused to allow a group of civil society organisations to hold a forum on freedom of expression at the African Union Summit in Banjul, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Somalia

SWEDISH PHOTOJOURNALIST MURDERED

One day after militia leaders signed a peace accord with the transitional federal government in Somalia, Swedish photojournalist Martin Adler was shot and killed by an unidentified assailant in the capital, Mogadishu on 23 June 2006, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Democratic Republic of Congo

PERIODISTAS AGREDIDOS EN PERÍODO PREVIO A ELECCIONES

Democratic Republic of Congo

DES JOURNALISTES SONT ATTAQUÉS PENDANT LE DERNIER DROIT AVANT LES ÉLECTIONS

Democratic Republic of Congo

JOURNALISTS, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ATTACKED IN RUN-UP TO ELECTIONS

As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepares to hold its first elections in more than 40 years on 30 July 2006, Journaliste en danger (JED), Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are warning that a spate of attacks against journalists and human rights activists in recent weeks could foster a climate of self-censorship in the media and deprive voters of important information.

Swaziland

REVISARÁN LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN; LANZAN ORGANISMO DE VIGILANCIA DE LOS MEDIOS

Swaziland

LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS SERONT RÉVISÉES; LANCEMENT D'UN CHIEN DE GARDE DES MÉDIAS

Kenya

PERSONAL DE ESTACIÓN DE RADIO MUERTO EN ALLANAMIENTO

Zimbabwe

PROYECTO DE LEY SUSCITA TEMORES DE VIGILANCIA DE CORREO ELECTRÓNICO

Kenya

DES EMPLOYÉS D'UNE STATION DE RADIO SONT TUÉS DANS UN RAID

Zimbabwe

UNE PROPOSITION DE PROJET DE LOI SUSCITE LA PEUR DE LA SURVEILLANCE DES COURRIELS

Swaziland

MEDIA LAWS TO BE REVIEWED; MEDIA WATCHDOG LAUNCHED

The government of Swaziland has agreed to hire a legal expert from the Commonwealth secretariat to begin a review of its controversial media laws, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).

Kenya

RADIO STATION STAFF KILLED IN RAID

An attack on a Christian radio station in Nairobi, Kenya, has left a security guard dead and two staff injured, following the airing of a programme entitled "Yesu Ndiye Njia" ("Jesus is the Way"), says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Zimbabwe

DRAFT LAW RAISES FEARS OF E-MAIL MONITORING

The Zimbabwean government has introduced a bill in parliament that aims to give authorities a free hand to wiretap peoples' phone calls and intercept e-mails and letters without any safeguards from the courts, report the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

The Gambia

DEUX JOURNALISTES SONT LIBÉRÉS, UN JOURNAL EST AUTORITÉ À PARAÎTRE

The Gambia

DOS PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS; PERMITEN PUBLICAR A PERIÓDICOS

The Gambia

TWO JOURNALISTS RELEASED, NEWSPAPER ALLOWED TO PUBLISH

On 20 April 2006, Gambian journalists Musa Saidykhan and Madi Ceesay were released from detention after having being held without explanation for close to a month, reported the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The Gambia

PERIODISTA DETENIDO TRAS SUPUESTO GOLPE DE ESTADO

Niger

CENSURAN A EQUIPO DE BBC POR INFORMAR ACERCA DE HAMBRE

The Gambia

DES JOURNALISTES SONT DÉTENUS À LA SUITE D'UN COMPLOT PRÉSUMÉ DE COUP D'ÉTAT

Niger

UNE ÉQUIPE DE LA BBC EST CENSURÉE À CAUSE D'UN REPORTAGE SUR LA FAIM

West Africa

WAJA WORKSHOP TO FOCUS ON ELECTION REPORTING IN WEST AFRICA

The West African Journalists Association (WAJA) will be holding a three-day workshop in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on 3-5 May 2006, aimed at equipping journalists in the country and in the region with the tools to report more effectively on elections.

The Gambia

JOURNALISTS DETAINED IN WAKE OF ALLEGED COUP PLOT

IFEX members have raised concerns over a government crackdown on a privately owned newspaper in The Gambia, following reports of an alleged coup plot against President Yahya Jammeh.

Niger

BBC CREW CENSORED FOR REPORTING HUNGER

The government of Niger is trying to censor media coverage of hunger and malnutrition in parts of the country reportedly hit by a food shortage, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says. Officials have been ordered not to speak to the media about the possibility of famine after authorities withdrew accreditation from a BBC television crew who reported last week on hunger in the central region of Maradi.

Togo

UN RAPPORT ÉVALUE LES BESOINS DES MÉDIAS DU TOGO

Togo

INFORME EVALÚA NECESIDADES DE MEDIOS EN TOGO

Togo

REPORT ASSESSES MEDIA NEEDS IN TOGO

Journalists in Togo face serious challenges in reporting the news, including intimidation and harassment from authorities, and a lack of expertise and resources in skills training, a report by four media support groups has found.

Ethiopia

ALARMANTE DETERIORO DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Ethiopia

DÉTÉRIORATION ALARMANTE DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Kenya

LE GOUVERNEMENT EFFECTUE DES RAIDS CONTRE LES MÉDIAS ALORS QU'IL EST ÉCLABOUSSÉ PAR DES SCANDALES DE CORRUPTION

Ethiopia

ALARMING DETERIORATION IN PRESS FREEDOM

Nearly four months after Ethiopian authorities launched a crackdown on the country's press following post-electoral street protests, there has been an alarming deterioration in press freedom conditions, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Self-censorship is rife, critical newspapers are shrinking in number and 14 journalists face charges that could bring the death penalty.

Kenya

GOBIERNO ALLANA EMPRESAS DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN EN MEDIO DE ESCÁNDALOS POR CORRUPCIÓN

Kenya

GOVERNMENT RAIDS MEDIA OUTLETS AMID CORRUPTION SCANDALS

Kenyan authorities are under fire from press freedom groups for ordering what has been called the biggest crackdown on the country's press since independence, amidst a series of corruption scandals that have put the government on the defensive.

Democratic Republic of Congo

UNE ENQUÊTE DE JED SUSCITE DES MENACES DE MORT

Democratic Republic of Congo

INVESTIGACIÓN DE JED SUSCITA AMENAZAS DE MUERTE

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED INVESTIGATION PROMPTS DEATH THREATS

Staff members of Journaliste en danger (JED) have received death threats following the publication of an article in a Kinshasa newspaper about JED's investigations into the unsolved murder of a journalist in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) last November.

Zimbabwe

INFORME CONDENATORIO DE UNIÓN AFRICANA OBLIGA A REVISAR LEY DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN REPRESIVA

Nigeria

MRA CELEBRARÁ TALLERES SOBRE TRANSPARENCIA Y CAPACITACIÓN EN PERIODISMO

Zimbabwe

UN RAPPORT ACCABLANT DE L'UA FORCE LE RÉEXAMEN D'UNE LOI RÉPRESSIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

LE GROUPE MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA (MRA) ORGANISE DES ATELIERS SUR LA TRANSPARENCE ET DE FORMATION EN JOURNALISME

Zimbabwe

DAMNING AU REPORT FORCES REVIEW OF REPRESSIVE MEDIA LAW

The Zimbabwean government is reportedly conducting a review of the controversial Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), following a hard-hitting report by the African Union's human rights watchdog that criticised the law for suppressing freedom of expression, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).

Eritrea

CERTAINS MEMBRES DE L'IFEX JETTENT LA LUMIÈRE SUR LA CENSURE EN RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO ET EN ÉRYTHRÉE

Eritrea

MIEMBROS DE IFEX DESTACAN CENSURA EN REPÚBLICA DEMOCRÁTICA DE CONGO Y ERITREA

Eritrea

IFEX MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT CENSORSHIP IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, ERITREA

On International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2005, IFEX members in Africa used the occasion to focus attention on free expression abuses in Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Nigeria

MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REACTIVA CAMPAÑAS EN PRO DE LA LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

LE GROUPE MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REPREND SA CAMPAGNE POUR OBTENIR UNE LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Nigeria

MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REVIVES CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION LAW

In Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) is ramping up its campaign to convince lawmakers to pass a draft Freedom of Information (FOI) bill guaranteeing every citizen the right to access government-held information. The bill is at a critical stage and needs only the approval of the Senate and the President before it becomes law.

Ethiopia

COALICIÓN AFRICANA INSTA A PONER FIN A OFENSIVA CONTRA PRENSA

Ethiopia

UNE COALITION AFRICAINE DEMANDE INSTAMMENT LA FIN DE LA RÉPRESSION DE LA PRESSE

Ethiopia

AFRICAN COALITION URGES END TO PRESS CRACKDOWN

A coalition of 19 free expression groups, including 10 IFEX members, have called on Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to end a post-election crackdown on media outlets in the country, saying journalists and their families are reportedly being arrested and held hostage.

Zambia

NIEGAN A CIUDADANOS DERECHO A ACCEDER A INFORMACIÓN

Ethiopia

GOBIERNO HACE REDADA DE PERIODISTAS Y DIRIGENTES DE LA OPOSICIÓN

Zambia

DES CITOYENS SE VOIENT NIER LEUR DROIT D'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Ethiopia

RAFLE DU GOUVERNEMENT CHEZ LES JOURNALISTES ET DIRIGEANTS DE L'OPPOSITION

Zambia

CITIZENS DENIED RIGHT TO ACCESS INFORMATION

The Zambian government has rejected a proposal to guarantee citizens the right to access public information as part of a new constitution being drafted for the country, report the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and ARTICLE 19.

Ethiopia

GOVERNMENT ROUNDS UP JOURNALISTS, OPPOSITION LEADERS

Ethiopian authorities are hunting down journalists, civil society activists and opposition leaders in a bid to clamp down on government critics following public protests that left more than 40 dead at the hands of security forces, report the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Nigeria

CENTROS PEN RINDEN HOMENAJE A LA MEMORIA DE KEN SARO-WIWA

Democratic Republic of Congo

PISTOLEROS ASESINAN A COLUMNISTA Y SU ESPOSA

Nigeria

DES CENTRES DU PEN HONORENT LA MÉMOIRE DE KEN SARO-WIWA

Democratic Republic of Congo

DES INDIVIDUS ARMÉS ABATTENT UN CHRONIQUEUR ET SA FEMME

South Africa

Une campagne en Afrique du Sud établit un lien entre liberté des médias et démocratie

Mauritania

LE LEADER MILITAIRE PROMET DES RÉFORMES DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Nigeria

PEN CENTRES HONOUR MEMORY OF KEN SARO-WIWA

On 10 November 2005, PEN Centres in 28 countries joined free expression advocates around the world to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the death of Ogoni leader and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Democratic Republic of Congo

GUNMEN KILL COLUMNIST AND HIS WIFE

Journaliste en danger (JED), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have called on authorities in the Democratic of Congo (DRC) to thoroughly investigate the murder of a newspaper columnist and his wife who were gunned down in Kinshasa on 3 November 2005.

Mauritania

LÍDER MILITAR PROMETE REFORMAS A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Mauritania

MILITARY LEADER PROMISES PRESS FREEDOM REFORMS

Mauritania's new military leader, Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, has pledged to reform the country's draconian press law and allow Radio France Internationale (RFI) to resume its broadcasts, following a meeting with a visiting Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) delegation.

Nigeria

DES JOURNALISTES EXERCENT DES PRESSIONS POUR OBTENIR DES RÉFORMES JURIDIQUES AFIN DE PRÉSERVER LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Zimbabwe

DES JOURNALISTES EXILÉS LUTTENT POUR PRÉSERVER LEUR CARRIÈRE

Nigeria

PERIODISTAS PIDEN REFORMA JURÍDICA PARA PROTEGER LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Zimbabwe

PERIODISTAS EXILIADOS LUCHAN POR MANTENER VIVAS SUS CARRERAS

Nigeria

JOURNALISTS PUSH FOR LEGAL REFORMS TO SAFEGUARD FREE EXPRESSION

Journalists, editors and other media professionals from Nigeria have called on their government to pass a long-delayed access to information bill and revoke repressive laws that inhibit press freedom and freedom of expression.

Zimbabwe

EXILED JOURNALISTS STRUGGLE TO KEEP CAREERS ALIVE

The Zimbabwean government is well known for its repressive treatment of critics and independent journalists. A crackdown on the press over the past five years has left the country with no independent daily newspapers, no private radio news coverage, and only two prominent independent weeklies.

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 ANIMERA AU SOUDAN DES TABLES RONDES SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 ENCABEZA MESA REDONDA SOBRE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN SUDÁN

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 LEADS SUDAN ROUNDTABLES ON FREE EXPRESSION

ARTICLE 19 will be facilitating two roundtable meetings in Northern Sudan in December 2005 to help media professionals and civil society organisations produce policy positions on freedom of expression and set priorities for media development.

Nigeria

UNE ANTHOLOGIE DE LA POÉSIE CÉLÈBRE LA VIE D'UN ÉCRIVAIN NIGÉRIAN

Niger

LES MÉDIAS SUBISSENT DES PRESSIONS À PROPOS DE LA CRISE ALIMENTAIRE

Eritrea

15 JOURNALISTES TOUJOURS DERRIÈRE LES BARREAUX

Nigeria

ANTOLOGÍA DE POESÍA CELEBRA LA VIDA DE ESCRITOR NIGERIANO

Niger

PRESIONAN A MEDIOS POR CRISIS DE ALIMENTOS

Eritrea

QUINCE PERIODISTAS SIGUEN TRAS LAS REJAS

Niger

MEDIA PRESSURED OVER FOOD CRISIS

In Niger, where the U.N. has stepped in to provide food aid in response to a serious food crisis, authorities have been pressuring journalists to toe the government line and penalizing those who report critically on the situation, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Eritrea

15 JOURNALISTS STILL BEHIND BARS

Four years after Eritrean authorities launched a sweeping crackdown on independent media, Africa's youngest nation has become the continent's leading jailer of journalists and the only sub-Saharan country without any private media, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Guinea

LE GOUVERNEMENT DÉMOCRATISE LES ONDES

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED OBTIENE ASISTENCIA JURÍDICA PARA PERIODISTAS

Guinea

GOBIERNO DEMOCRATIZA ESPECTRO RADIAL

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED OBTIENT DE L'AIDE JURIDIQUE POUR LES JOURNALISTES

Angola

INSTAN A ANGOLA A REFORMAN LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN Y PRENSA

Angola

L'ANGOLA EST INVITÉE À RÉFORMER SES LOIS SUR LA PRESSE ET SUR LA DIFFAMATION

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED SECURES LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR JOURNALISTS

In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), journalists who face legal harassment because of their reporting will now have the support of legal advocates, thanks to the efforts of Journaliste en danger (JED).

Guinea

GOVERNMENT DEMOCRATISES AIRWAVES

The small West African republic of Guinea took an important step toward guaranteeing press freedom last month, following the signing of a presidential decree that opens up the airwaves to private broadcasters, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Angola

ANGOLA URGED TO REFORM PRESS, DEFAMATION LAWS

International legal rights groups have called on Angola to reform its press and defamation laws and comply with a recent UN Human Rights Committee ruling that found the government violated an international human rights treaty when it jailed a journalist for criticising the president.

Chad

CRECIENTE OFENSIVA CONTRA PERIODISTAS INDEPENDIENTES

Chad

RÉPRESSION CROISSANTE DES JOURNALISTES INDÉPENDANTS

Chad

GROWING CRACKDOWN ON INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS

Private newspapers in Chad staged a news blackout last week to draw international attention to what they call a growing crackdown on the independent press and the "creeping dictatorship" of President Idriss Déby, following the jailing of four reporters in the past two months.

Uganda

FERMETURE D'UNE STATION DE RADIO INDÉPENDANTE; DES ACCUSATIONS SONT PORTÉES CONTRE UN JOURNALISTE

Uganda

CIERRAN ESTACIÓN DE RADIO INDEPENDIENTE Y ACUSAN A PERIODISTA

Uganda

INDEPENDENT RADIO STATION CLOSED, JOURNALIST CHARGED

Ugandan authorities have closed a local private radio station, K-FM, and charged a talk show host with sedition after he alleged that the recent death of former Sudanese Vice President John Garang was caused by the "incompetence" of the Ugandan government, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Mozambique

DES JOURNALISTES SALUENT LE PROJET DE LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Tanzania

LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE AVANCE À PAS DE TORTUE À ZANZIBAR

Mozambique

PERIODISTAS SALUDAN PROYECTO DE LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Tanzania

AVANCE LENTO PARA LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EN ZANZIBAR

Somalia

ARTICLE 19 CONTRIBUE À L'ÉLABORATION D'UN CODE D'ÉTHIQUE DES MÉDIAS EN PRÉVISION DES ÉLECTIONS AU SOMALILAND

Chad

TCHAD : DES JOURNALISTES SONT EMPRISONNÉS

Sierra Leone

DES VOIX SE FONT ENTENDRE POUR EXIGER UNE ENQUÊTE À LA SUITE DU DÉCÈS D'UN RÉDACTEUR

Somalia

ARTICLE 19 AYUDA A REDACTAR CÓDIGO DE MEDIOS PARA ELECCIONES EN SOMALILANDIA

Chad

CHAD: PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS

Sierra Leone

MUERTE DE EDITOR INICIA EXIGENCIAS DE INVESTIGACIÓN

Côte d'Ivoire

MILICIAS PROGUBERNAMENTALES SIEMBRAN TEMOR ENTRE MEDIOS

Mozambique

JOURNALISTS WELCOME ACCESS TO INFORMATION BILL

ARTICLE 19 and the Media Institute of Southern Africa-Mozambique (MISA) have welcomed a draft bill that gives citizens in the country the right to obtain information held by public authorities. After five years of consultations, the government has introduced the draft Law of Mozambique on Access to Official Sources of Information that press freedom advocates hope will pave the way towards greater transparency and government accountability.

Tanzania

SLOW PACE FOR PRESS FREEDOM IN ZANZIBAR

While Tanzanian journalists enjoy a relatively vibrant and free press, those who live in Zanzibar - a semi-autonomous island off the mainland coast - are not so fortunate, reports RAP21 (the African Press Network for the 21st Century). Most newspapers are state-owned and steer clear of criticising the government. Those that do, pay a high price.

Côte d'Ivoire

LES MILICES PROGOUVERNEMENTALES SÈMENT LA PEUR DANS LES MÉDIAS

Somalia

ARTICLE 19 HELPS DRAFT MEDIA CODE FOR SOMALILAND ELECTIONS

Newspaper and broadcasting editors in Somaliland - the breakaway territory bordering Somalia - have developed a code of conduct for media coverage of the upcoming elections, following a workshop held by ARTICLE 19 on 4-7 July 2005.

Sierra Leone

EDITOR'S DEATH SPARKS CALLS FOR PROBE

International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI) are calling on Sierra Leonean authorities to investigate the death of Harry Yansaneh, a journalist who died last week of kidney

Côte d'Ivoire

PRO-GOVERNMENT MILITIAS SPREAD FEAR THROUGH MEDIA

As Côte d'Ivoire prepares for presidential elections in October, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Human Rights Watch report that pro-government militia are using the threat of violence to intimidate journalists and media outlets.

Cameroon

LEVANTAN PROHIBICIÓN CONTRA RADIO PRIVADA

Cameroon

LEVÉE DE LA SUSPENSION D’UNE STATION DE RADIO PRIVÉE

Cameroon

BAN ON PRIVATE RADIO LIFTED

Cameroon's Communications Minister Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo has lifted a ban that the government imposed on Freedom FM, a private radio station founded by independent journalist Pius Njawé in 2003, reports Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontiéres, RSF).

Sudan

UN DESTELLO DE ESPERANZA PARA LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Sudan

LUEUR D'ESPOIR POUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Sudan

A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR PRESS FREEDOM

Sudan's President, Omar Hassan Al Bashir, has lifted a state of emergency following the signing of a new constitution, a move greeted with cautious optimism by journalists in the country, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontiers, RSF).

Ethiopia

LES AUTORITÉS ÉTOUFFENT LA COUVERTURE DE L'AGITATION POST-ÉLECTORALE

Ethiopia

AUTORIDADES AMORDAZAN COBERTURA DE INQUIETUD POSTELECTORAL

Ethiopia

AUTHORITIES STIFLE COVERAGE OF POST-ELECTORAL UNREST

In the wake of a violent crackdown on protesters following the 15 May 2005 parliamentary elections in Ethiopia, an alarming number of journalists are being arrested and charged for reporting on the situation, report IFEX members.

Ethiopia

LA RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS AU COEUR DE LA CONTROVERSE ÉLECTORALE

Ethiopia

OFENSIVA CONTRA MEDIOS EN MEDIO DE CONTROVERSIA ELECTORAL

Ethiopia

CRACKDOWN ON MEDIA AMID ELECTION CONTROVERSY

The Ethiopian government is cracking down on the media amid violent post-election clashes between government forces and opposition supporters, report the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA), the International Press Institute (IPI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Senegal

LES LOIS DU SÉNÉGAL SUR LES MÉDIAS ENTRAVENT LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE, SELON UN RAPPORT DU CPJ

Somalia

UNE JOURNALISTE EST ABATTUE

Senegal

LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN DE SENEGAL IMPIDEN LIBERTAD DE PRENSA: INFORME DE CPJ

Somalia

BALEAN Y MATAN A REPORTERA

Senegal

SENEGAL'S MEDIA LAWS IMPEDE PRESS FREEDOM: CPJ

Compared to most of its neighbours in West Africa, Senegal is a model of stability, boasting a sturdy functioning democracy and one of the region's strongest independent presses. In May 2005, it won UNESCO's endorsement when it hosted the UN agency's World Press Freedom Day celebrations.

Somalia

REPORTER SHOT DEAD

In Somalia, a country which has had no effective central government since the fall of dictator Siad Barre in 1991, journalists face violence and lawlessness. On 5 June 2005, radio journalist Duniya Muhyadin Nur was shot and killed while covering a protest in Afgoye, 30 km from the capital, Mogadishu, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). She was the second journalist killed in Somalia this year.

Togo

¡ACTÚE! TOGO: PROTESTE POR ATAQUES CONTRA MEDIOS

Sierra Leone

USAN LEY "DRACONIANA" PARA SILENCIAR A CRÍTICOS

Sierra Leone

UNE LOI « DRACONIENNE » POUR MUSELER LES CRITIQUES

Sierra Leone

"DRACONIAN" LAW USED TO MUZZLE CRITICS

In Sierra Leone, where journalists can be jailed for libeling public officials, the Public Order Act has become a convenient tool for silencing critics. Just ask Paul Kamara, Sydney Pratt and Dennis Jones. All three journalists have been imprisoned on charges of "seditious libel" after writing articles about alleged government corruption.

The Gambia

LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX DEMANDENT JUSTICE À LA SUITE DE L'ASSASSINAT D'UN JOURNALISTE

The Gambia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX EXIGEN JUSTICIA POR ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

The Gambia

IFEX MEMBERS URGE JUSTICE IN JOURNALIST'S MURDER

More than 50 press freedom organisations, including nine IFEX members, are calling on the Gambian government to launch an independent, transparent investigation into the murder of journalist Deyda Hydara, saying five months after the killing, authorities have failed to identify the perpetrators.

Eritrea

¡ACTÚE! ERITREA: FIRME UNA PETICIÓN PARA APOYAR A PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED LANZA CAMPAÑA DE TRANSPARENCIA

Eritrea

AGISSEZ ! ÉRYTHRÉE : SIGNEZ LA PÉTITION D'APPUI AUX JOURNALISTES EMPRISONNÉS

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED LANCE UNE CAMPAGNE EN FAVEUR DE LA TRANSPARENCE

Eritrea

TAKE ACTION! ERITREA: SIGN A PETITION TO SUPPORT JAILED JOURNALISTS

10 May 2005

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED LAUNCHES TRANSPARENCY CAMPAIGN

As citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepare to vote in the 30 June 2005 elections, Journaliste en danger (JED) has launched a campaign to promote government transparency and raise awareness of the media's role in countering corruption.

Zimbabwe

UNE STATION DE RADIO DU ZIMBABWE EST DÉSIGNÉE PIONNIÈRE DE LA LIBERTÉ DES MÉDIAS

Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWEAN RADIO STATION NAMED FREE MEDIA PIONEER

SW Radio Africa, a London-based radio station, has won the International Press Institute's (IPI) 2005 Free Media Pioneer Award in recognition of its efforts to give a voice to the voiceless in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe

NOMBRAN A ESTACIÓN DE RADIO DE ZIMBABWE PIONERO DE LOS MEDIOS LIBRES

Botswana

LE MISA DÉNONCE UNE LOI « DRACONIENNE » SUR LA SÉCURITÉ

Botswana

MISA CRITICA LEY DE SEGURIDAD DRACONIANA

Botswana

MISA SLAMS "DRACONIAN" SECURITY LAW

Citing the "global fight against terrorism," Botswana's ruling party has rejected calls to abolish little-used national security legislation which the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) says is "draconian" and hinders access to information and press freedom.

The Gambia

UNE DÉLÉGATION DU CPJ S'INQUIÈTE POUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 FAIT LA PROMOTION DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION DANS LE PROCESSUS DE PAIX

The Gambia

DELEGACIÓN DEL CPJ PREOCUPADA POR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 PROMUEVE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN PROCESO DE PAZ

The Gambia

CPJ DELEGATION CONCERNED FOR PRESS FREEDOM

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is urging Gambia's president, Yahya Jammeh, to affirm his commitment to freedom of the press in the wake of recent attacks and threats against journalists, and the passage of new laws that have created deep mistrust between the government and the country's small independent press.

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 PROMOTES FREE EXPRESSION IN PEACE PROCESS

As Sudan moves slowly toward peace after 21 years of war, ARTICLE 19 is playing an active role in placing freedom of expression on the redevelopment agenda. The IFEX member has drafted a media policy that will feed into discussions between the Sudanese government and the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM), which are taking place as part of a peace agreement signed in January 2005.

Zimbabwe

LES GROUPES DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE INTERJETTENT APPEL AUPRÈS DE LA COMMISSION AFRICAINE DES DROITS DE L'HOMME

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN GROUPE MEMBRE DE L'IFEX REÇOIT DES MENACES

Zimbabwe

GRUPOS DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA HACEN LLAMADO A COMISIÓN AFRICANA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

MIEMBRO DE IFEX RECIBE AMENAZAS DE MUERTE

Zimbabwe

PRESS FREEDOM GROUPS APPEAL TO AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) has agreed to hear a legal case against the Zimbabwean government, following an appeal filed by press freedom and human rights groups.

Democratic Republic of Congo

IFEX MEMBER RECEIVES DEATH THREATS

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) has expressed serious concern over the safety of senior members of Journaliste en danger (JED) following death threats directed against the press freedom organisation.

Cameroon

Camerún: 100,000 apoyan estación de radio proscrita

Cameroon

Cameroon: 100,000 Support Banned Radio Station

29 March 2005

Zimbabwe

COBERTURA DE MEDIOS FAVORECE A PARTIDO DE MUGABE

Zimbabwe

MEDIA COVERAGE FAVOURS MUGABE'S PARTY

As Zimbabwe's citizens prepare to vote in parliamentary elections on 31 March 2005, IFEX members are sounding the alarm at government moves to snuff out criticism in the media, warning that elections will take place in a climate of intimidation and censorship.

Zimbabwe

Un nouveau journal zimbabwéen comble un vide dans les informations

Togo

LE MUSÈLEMENT DES RADIODIFFUSEURS PRIVÉS SUSCITENT LA CRAINTE

Zimbabwe

Nuevo periódico de Zimbabwe llena brecha de información

Togo

SE SUSCITAN TEMORES POR SILENCIAMIENTO DE EMISORAS PRIVADAS

Zimbabwe

New Zimbabwean Newspaper Fills Information Gap

22 February 2005

Togo

FEARS RAISED OVER MUZZLING OF PRIVATE BROADCASTERS

The Media Foundation for West Africa, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are voicing concern over press freedom conditions in Togo, where at least ten privately-owned radio and television stations were closed by authorities for a week following the death of former President Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

Somalia

UNE JOURNALISTE DE LA BBC EST ABATTUE

Somalia

PERIODISTA DE BBC BALEADA

Somalia

BBC JOURNALIST GUNNED DOWN

In Somalia, a country just emerging from 14 years of violent conflict and lawlessness, journalists still work under the protection of bodyguards. For BBC journalist Kate Peyton, however, that protection was not enough. On 10 February 2005, unidentified gunmen shot and killed her outside a hotel in the capital, Mogadishu, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Sudan

LES MÉDIAS VONT JOUER UN RÔLE ESSENTIEL DANS LE PROCESSUS DE PAIX

Sudan

MEDIOS JUGARÁN PAPEL CRUCIAL EN PROCESO DE PAZ

Sudan

MEDIA TO PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN PEACE PROCESS

Media in Sudan will have a crucial choice to make following the signing of a January 2005 peace accord between the Sudanese government and southern rebels, says ARTICLE 19. The IFEX member says media can help to inform the public about the peace agreement and facilitate public participation and reconciliation. Or they can pander to elements within the main opposing camps by fueling tensions and deepening existing divisions.

The Gambia

GAMBIA: FIRME PETICIÓN QUE EXHORTA A INVESTIGAR ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

The Gambia

GAMBIE : SIGNEZ LA PÉTITION QUI EXIGE UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LE MEURTRE D'UN JOURNALISTE

The Gambia

TAKE ACTION! THE GAMBIA: SIGN PETITION URGING INQUIRY INTO JOURNALIST'S MURDER

11 January 2005

The Gambia

UN ÉMINENT JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ; LE PARLEMENT ADOPTE UNE LOI RÉPRESSIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

The Gambia

IMPORTANTE PERIODISTA ASESINADO; PARLAMENTO APRUEBA LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN REPRESIVAS

The Gambia

LEADING JOURNALIST MURDERED, PARLIAMENT PASSES REPRESSIVE MEDIA LAWS

IFEX members are expressing alarm at the state of press freedom in The Gambia, where a leading journalist was recently murdered and two bills that impose harsh penalties on the media were passed in parliament.

Kenya

LE KENYA ACCUEILLERA LE CONGRÈS DE L'IIP EN 2005

Zimbabwe

DE NOUVELLES LOIS MENACENT ENCORE PLUS LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Kenya

KENIA SERÁ ANFITRIÓN DE CONFERENCIA 2005 DE IPI

Zimbabwe

NUEVAS LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN SIGUEN AMENAZANDO LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Kenya

KENYA TO HOST IPI'S 2005 CONFERENCE

The International Press Institute (IPI) will hold its 2005 World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, in May, where it will focus attention on what it calls "the great strides" the country is making, including press freedom and freedom of expression.

Zimbabwe

TAKE ACTION! ZIMBABWE: PROTEST DRAFT LAW

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) invites free expression supporters to write to the Zimbabwean government to express concern over a proposed law under which journalists and others can be jailed for up to 20 years for publishing "false" information.

Zimbabwe

NEW LAWS FURTHER THREATEN FREE EXPRESSION

In Zimbabwe, where the government has a stranglehold on the media, criticising President Robert Mugabe and his policies could carry even direr consequences if a proposed bill becomes law. Parliament is considering a new bill under which journalists and others can be jailed for up to 20 years and heavily fined for publishing "false" information deemed prejudicial to the state.

Central African Republic

LE PARLEMENT DÉPÉNALISE LES DÉLITS DE PRESSE

Central African Republic

PARLAMENTO DESPENALIZA DELITOS DE PRENSA

Central African Republic

PARLIAMENT DECRIMINALISES PRESS OFFENCES

Journalists in the Central African Republic (CAR) can no longer be jailed for press offences, following the passing of a new law that decriminalises defamation and the publication of "false news," says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Sudan

UN JOURNALISTE REMPORTE LA PLUME D'OR DE LA LIBERTÉ

Sudan

PERIODISTA GANA PREMIO PLUMA DORADA DE LA LIBERTAD

Sudan

JOURNALIST WINS GOLDEN PEN OF FREEDOM AWARD

The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has awarded its 2005 Golden Pen of Freedom to Sudanese journalist Mahjoub Mohamed Salah, calling him a "pioneer and hero for the independent press." The announcement comes amidst a news blackout that is preventing the world from seeing the true story about human rights atrocities in Sudan.

Ghana

LA MFWA PUBLIE UN OUVRAGE À PROPOS DES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS AU GHANA

Zimbabwe

LE GOUVERNEMENT DURCIT LA LOI RÉPRESSIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Ghana

MFWA PUBLICA LIBRO SOBRE LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN EN GHANA

Zimbabwe

GOBIERNO ENDURECE LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN REPRESIVAS

Ghana

MFWA PUBLISHES BOOK ON GHANA MEDIA LAWS

Researching Ghana's laws pertaining to media and freedom of expression should now be easier thanks to a new reference guide published by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The IFEX member has just launched "Legislation on Media, Speech and Expression in Ghana: A Source Book."

Zimbabwe

GOVERNMENT TOUGHENS REPRESSIVE MEDIA LAW

With national elections in Zimbabwe slated for March 2005, the embattled administration of President Robert Mugabe is making it clear that critical media coverage will not be tolerated. Parliament has passed amendments to the already repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) that lengthen jail terms and increase fines for journalists caught working without government accreditation.

Côte d'Ivoire

ATAQUES A MEDIOS EN COLAPSO DE ALTO AL FUEGO

Côte d'Ivoire

LE CESSEZ-LE-FEU AVORTE, LES MÉDIAS SONT VISÉS

Côte d'Ivoire

MEDIA TARGETED AS CEASEFIRE COLLAPSES

In Côte d'Ivoire, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement between government and rebel forces, gangs of youth militias reportedly linked to the ruling Ivoirian Popular Front (FPI) party have declared open season on opposition media.

Togo

PERIODISTAS DE TOGO PIDEN QUE UE VIGILE REFORMA DE MEDIOS

Liberia

INSTAN A GOBIERNO LIBERIANO A REFORMAR LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Togo

DES JOURNALISTES TOGOLAIS APPELLENT À LA VIGILANCE DE L'UE À L'ÉGARD DES RÉFORMES DES MÉDIAS

South Africa

LE FXI MET EN GARDE CONTRE LES MENACES À LA LIBRE EXPRESSION EN AFRIQUE DU SUD

Liberia

LE GOUVERNEMENT LIBÉRIEN PRIÉ DE RÉFORMER LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Togo

TOGOLESE JOURNALISTS URGE EU VIGILANCE ON MEDIA REFORMS

If the past actions of Togo's president, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, are anything to go by, recent democratic reforms aimed at renewing aid ties with the European Union (EU) ought to be viewed with skepticism. That's the position of many independent journalists, who say the EU must play a vigilant watchdog role if press freedom conditions are to improve in the country, according to a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

South Africa

FXI WARNS OF THREATS TO FREE EXPRESSION IN SOUTH AFRICA

State violence against peaceful demonstrators and legal threats by corporations to shut down critical websites are on the rise in South Africa, says the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) in its latest report.

Liberia

LIBERIAN GOVERNMENT URGED TO REFORM MEDIA LAWS

An internationally-supported conference attended by dozens of journalists, lawyers and human rights advocates in Monrovia, Liberia, has called on authorities to bring all laws affecting the media and free expression into line with international standards within six months.

Sierra Leone

AGISSEZ ! SIERRA LEONE : UN RÉDACTEUR EN CHEF EST CONDAMNÉ À QUATRE ANS DE PRISON

Sierra Leone

¡ACTÚE! SIERRA LEONA: EDITOR SENTENCIADO A CUATRO AÑOS DE CÁRCEL

Liberia

LA CONFÉRENCE DU LIBÉRIA S'ATTAQUERA À LA RÉFORME DE LA LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Ethiopia

DES GROUPES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXERCENT DES PRESSIONS SUR LE GOUVERNEMENT À PROPOS D'UNE LOI CONTROVERSÉE SUR LA PRESSE

Liberia

CONFERENCIA EN LIBERIA EMPRENDERÁ REFORMA DE LEY DE MEDIOS

Ethiopia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX CABILDEAN A GOBIERNO SOBRE POLÉMICA LEY DE PRENSA

Liberia

LIBERIA CONFERENCE TO TACKLE MEDIA LAW REFORM

IFEX members will play prominent roles at a conference in Monrovia, Liberia, this month aimed at producing a blueprint for bringing the war-torn country's media laws and policies in line with international free expression standards.

Ethiopia

IFEX MEMBERS LOBBY GOVERNMENT ON CONTROVERSIAL PRESS LAW

The Ethiopian government has pledged to review controversial sections of a proposed press law, following a meeting with four international free expression watchdogs, reports the International Press Institute (IPI).

South Africa

LE FXI MET EN GARDE CONTRE L'ACCROISSEMENT DE LA CENSURE

South Africa

FXI WARNS OF GROWING CENSORSHIP

The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) will present a report this week in Brussels aimed at alerting the European Union to a new "state of emergency" in South Africa in which censorship is on the rise.

Eritrea

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX FONT PRESSION POUR OBTENIR LA LIBÉRATION DE JOURNALISTES EMPRISONNÉS

Eritrea

MIEMBROS DE IFEX PIDEN LIBERACIÓN DE PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS

Eritrea

IFEX MEMBERS URGE RELEASE OF JAILED JOURNALISTS

Three years after the government of Eritrea launched a crackdown on the country's independent media, 17 journalists remain jailed without charges. Nine IFEX members have joined Amnesty International in calling attention to the journalists' plight by urging President Isaias Afewerki to release them and lift a ban on private newspapers.

Botswana

UN ÉDITEUR DU BOTSWANA REMPORTE LE PRIX DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE DU MISA

Democratic Republic of Congo

NOUVEAUX RECULS POUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Botswana

EDITOR DE BOTSWANA GANA PREMIO MISA A LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Democratic Republic of Congo

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA SUFRE REVÉS

Nigeria

AUTORIDADES CIERRAN PUBLICACIONES INDEPENDIENTES

Nigeria

LES AUTORITÉS FERMENT DES PUBLICATIONS INDÉPENDANTES

West Africa

JOURNALISTS AGREE TO FORM SUB-REGIONAL NETWORK

Media associations from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia have agreed to form a network to provide support for journalists in the Mano River sub-region of West Africa. The agreement came at the end of a three-day seminar in August 2004 sponsored by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Democratic Republic of Congo

PRESS FREEDOM SUFFERS SETBACKS

Press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has suffered major setbacks in the past year, stymied by a climate of violence and insecurity, ongoing government censorship and the use of outdated laws to imprison critical journalists, says a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Nigeria

AUTHORITIES SHUT DOWN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATIONS

In a blow to freedom of expression in Nigeria, state security agents have raided the offices of two independent publications in the past week, confiscating equipment and arresting editorial staff. The move has prompted IFEX members to raise serious concerns over democracy in the country.

West Africa

MFWA TO HOLD STRATEGY MEETING FOR LAWYERS AND JOURNALISTS

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is holding a two-day strategy meeting in Accra, Ghana, in November to strengthen legal assistance programmes for journalists in the region.

Togo

DES RÉFORMES JURIDIQUES DÉPÉNALISENT LA DIFFAMATION

Zimbabwe

UN AVANT-PROJET DE LOI SUR LES ONG FERA TAIRE LA CRITIQUE, PRÉVIENT ARTICLE 19

Togo

REFORMAS LEGALES DESPENALIZAN LA DIFAMACIÓN

Zimbabwe

PROPUESTA DE LEY DE ONG SILENCIARÁ A CRÍTICOS, ADVIERTE ARTICLE 19

Togo

LEGAL REFORMS DECRIMINALISE DEFAMATION

Journalists in Togo can no longer be sent to prison for defaming or insulting officials, following a decision by the government to reform a controversial press law, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontierès, RSF).

Zimbabwe

PROPOSED NGO LAW WILL SILENCE CRITICS, WARNS ARTICLE 19

In Zimbabwe, the space for airing alternative viewpoints or opinions critical of the government continues to shrink. A new bill has been proposed to regulate non-governmental organisations and if enacted, will further silence critics and deprive the public of its right to access information, warns ARTICLE 19.

The Gambia

DES INCENDIES CRIMINELS VISENT LES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS

Benin

LE CPJ SE DIT TROUBLÉ PAR L'EMPRISONNEMENT DES JOURNALISTES

The Gambia

INCENDIARIOS ATACAN MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

Benin

CPJ PREOCUPADO POR ENCARCELAMIENTO DE PERIODISTA

The Gambia

ARSON ATTACKS TARGET INDEPENDENT MEDIA

A series of arson attacks against independent media in The Gambia has prompted three IFEX members to raise concerns over press freedom conditions in the West African country. In the latest attack, a BBC correspondent's house was set ablaze while he was sleeping.

Benin

CPJ TROUBLED BY JAILING OF JOURNALISTS

In Benin, a country with one of the better press freedom records in West Africa, two reporters have been imprisoned this year, becoming the first journalists since 1996 to be jailed for their work, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Liberia

LE MRA ET LA MFWA TIENNENT UN SÉMINAIRE SUR LA RADIODIFFUSION AU LIBÉRIA

Zimbabwe

LE MISA CONSTATE QUE LES JOURNALISTES TRAVAILLENT DANS DES CONDITIONS HOSTILES ET CHAOTIQUES

Liberia

MRA Y MFWA PARTICIPAN EN SEMINARIO DE DIFUSIÓN EN LIBERIA

Zimbabwe

MISA ENCUENTRA CAÓTICAS Y HOSTILES CONDICIONES PARA PERIODISTAS

Liberia

MRA, MFWA ENGAGE IN LIBERIA BROADCASTING SEMINAR

In Liberia, where years of brutal civil conflict have left the country's media in a fragile state, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) are working with journalists' associations and media development groups in Liberia to rebuild the infrastructure.

Zimbabwe

MISA FINDS CHAOTIC, HOSTILE CONDITIONS FOR JOURNALISTS

Zimbabwe's elections in March 2005 are unlikely to be free and fair as long as the government keeps a tight rein on the media, a fact-finding mission by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has concluded.

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE ET LE MRA INAUGURENT UNE FORMATION EN DROITS DE LA PERSONNE POUR LES JOURNALISTES NIGÉRIANS

Ethiopia

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX ÉMETTENT DES RÉSERVES AU SUJET DE LA LOI SUR LA PRESSE

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE Y MRA INICIAN CAPACITACIÓN EN DERECHOS HUMANOS PARA PERIODISTAS NIGERIANOS

Ethiopia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX PLANTEAN INQUIETUD POR LEY DE PRENSA

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE, MRA LAUNCH HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING FOR NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS

Freedom House is teaming up with Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in Nigeria to train journalists in improving coverage of human rights. The IFEX members will work together on an 18-month project to equip participants from the states of Lagos, Plateau and Rivers with tools to better inform the public and the government on key issues.

Ethiopia

IFEX MEMBERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER PRESS LAW

Nineteen IFEX members have written to the Ethiopian government raising concerns over the latest draft of a proposed press law they say contains serious restrictions on freedom of expression.

Ethiopia

L'IIP ET ARTICLE 19 PUBLIENT DES RAPPORTS SUR L'ÉTHIOPIE

Ethiopia

IPI Y ARTICLE 19 PUBLICAN INFORMES SOBRE ETIOPÍA

Ethiopia

IPI, ARTICLE 19 RELEASE REPORTS ON ETHIOPIA

The latest reports on press freedom in Ethiopia are now available online, courtesy of the International Press Institute (IPI) and ARTICLE 19.

Angola

DOSSIER DE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION EN ANGOLA

Senegal

AGISSEZ ! UN RÉDACTEUR EST EMPRISONNÉ

Burundi

UNE STATION DE RADIO ŒUVRE À LA RÉCONCILIATION

Angola

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH DESTACA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN ANGOLA

Burundi

ESTACIÓN DE RADIO TRABAJA POR RECONCILIACIÓN

Angola

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH SPOTLIGHTS FREE EXPRESSION IN ANGOLA

In 2006, Angola plans to hold its first elections in nearly 15 years. The country is enjoying peace after decades of a brutal civil war in which hundreds of thousands were killed. According to a new report by Human Rights Watch, however, freedom of expression will not fully return as long as the government keeps a firm grip on the media.

Burundi

RADIO STATION WORKS FOR RECONCILIATION

In Burundi, where ethnic conflict in the 1990s led to the killing of at least 300,000 civilians, reconciliation is a long slow process. A few brave radio stations are working to overcome that legacy of violence, including Radio Publique Africaine (RPA), reports Dangerous Assignments, the magazine of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Democratic Republic of Congo

ON AVERTIT LES MÉDIAS ET ON EMPRISONNE LES JOURNALISTES

Democratic Republic of Congo

GOVERNMENT WARNS MEDIA, IMPRISONS JOURNALISTS

The Ministry of Press and Information of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) issued a directive on 12 June 2004 warning news outlets to "respect editorial guidelines to the letter during this period of crisis," reports Journaliste en danger (Journalist in Danger, JED).

Zimbabwe

ON DEMANDE AUX FOURNISSEURS DE SERVICES INTERNET DE

Democratic Republic of Congo

LES REBELLES CIBLENT LES JOURNALISTES

Zimbabwe

PIDEN A ISP VIGILAR TRÁFICO DE CORREO ELECTRÓNICO

Democratic Republic of Congo

REBELDES ATACAN A PERIODISTAS

Zimbabwe

ISPs ASKED TO MONITOR E-MAIL TRAFFIC

The Zimbabwean government is demanding that the country's Internet service providers (ISP) monitor the content of their customers' e-mail, a move that signals further attempts to clamp down on free expression, according to Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Democratic Republic of Congo

REBELS TARGET JOURNALISTS

In the eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where rebel forces have captured the town of Bukavu, journalists and radio stations have come under fire, report Journaliste en danger and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Ethiopia

IPI MANTIENE VIGILANCIA SOBRE "LIBERTAD DE MEDIOS EN PROCESO DE DETERIORO"

Côte d'Ivoire

COSTA DE MARFIL: PERIODISTA CANADIENSE DESAPARECIDO

Ethiopia

L'IIP CONTINUE DE SURVEILLER LA « DÉTÉRIORATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DES MÉDIAS »

Ethiopia

IPI KEEPS WATCH OVER "DETERIORATING MEDIA FREEDOM"

Citing "grave concerns about deteriorating media freedom," the International Press Institute (IPI) has added Ethiopia to its Watch List of countries that deserve close monitoring.

Cameroon

AGISSEZ ! Cameroun: Signez une pétition d'appui à une station de radio

South Africa

LES LOIS DE L'ÉPOQUE DE L'APARTHEID ENTRAVENT LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

South Africa

APARTHEID LAWS HAMPER FREE EXPRESSION

Compared to many African countries, South Africa enjoys a relatively free and healthy media. However, apartheid-era laws that restrict press freedom remain on the statutes, says the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI). The organisation says reforming these laws will be a key focus of its upcoming campaigning activities.

The Gambia

ATTAQUE CONTRE UN JOURNAL INDÉPENDANT

The Gambia

ATACAN A PERIÓDICO INDEPENDIENTE

Sudan

APAGÓN INFORMATIVO OCULTA LAS ATROCIDADES DE DARFUR

Sudan

L'EMBARGO SUR LES NOUVELLES MASQUE LES ATROCITÉS COMMISES AU DARFOUR

The Gambia

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ATTACKED

Unknown assailants set fire last week to the printing press of a fiercely independent newspaper in Banjul, The Gambia, prompting four IFEX members to raise concerns over press freedom in the west African country. The attack against "The Independent" was the second in six months.

Sudan

NEWS BLACKOUT HIDING DARFUR ATROCITIES

In Sudan, where one of the world's worst human rights crises is unfolding, no news has become bad news. While government-supported Arab militias wage what the United Nations calls a "scorched earth" campaign against an estimated 870,000 people, most of them civilians, Sudanese authorities have imposed a news blackout, report Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Côte d'Ivoire

LES FORCES DE SÉCURITÉ ATTAQUENT LES JOURNALISTES

Benin

¡ACTÚE! BENIN: PERIODISTA SENTENCIADO A CÁRCEL POR DIFAMACIÓN PENAL

Côte d'Ivoire

FUERZAS DE SEGURIDAD ATACAN A PERIODISTA

Côte d'Ivoire

SECURITY FORCES ATTACK JOURNALISTS

In Côte d'Ivoire, where UN soldiers are enforcing a fragile peace agreement, journalists are getting caught in violent clashes between pro-government supporters and the political opposition, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Central African Republic

UN AVANT-PROJET DE LOI ABOLIT LA DIFFAMATION PÉNALE

Central African Republic

PROYECTO DE LEY PROPONE ABOLICIÓN DE DIFAMACIÓN PENAL

Central African Republic

DRAFT LAW SCRAPS CRIMINAL DEFAMATION

Authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) have drafted a law that removes criminal defamation provisions from the country's penal code, following calls by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) urging President François Bozizé to uphold his commitment to press freedom.

South Africa

LE PROJET DE LOI ANTITERRORISTE EST ÉCARTÉ

South Africa

ANTI-TERRORISM BILL SHELVED

South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, has temporarily shelved a controversial anti-terrorism bill that critics say seriously compromises fundamental rights and freedoms in the country, reports the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI).

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE SE ASOCIA CON GRUPO NIGERIANO PARA CAPACITAR PERIODISTAS

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE S'ASSOCIE AVEC UN GROUPE DU NIGÉRIA POUR DONNER DE LA FORMATION À DES JOURNALISTES

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE PARTNERS WITH NIGERIAN GROUP TO TRAIN JOURNALISTS

Journalists in Nigeria are expected to gain valuable skills in covering corruption, conflict and political reform next month, thanks to a training initiative organised by Freedom House.

Uganda

LA COUR SUPRÊME INVALIDE LA LOI RELATIVE AUX FAUSSES NOUVELLES

Uganda

SUPREMA CORTE DEROGA ESTIPULACIÓN DE NOTICIAS FALSAS

Uganda

SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN FALSE NEWS PROVISION

In a case that could have important implications for free expression in other countries, Uganda's Supreme Court has ruled that journalists in the country can no longer be charged with the offence of publishing false news, report ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Zimbabwe

UNE DÉCISION DE LA COUR SUPRÊME PORTE UN COUP À LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Zimbabwe

FALLO DE SUPREMA CORTE ASESTA GOLPE A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Zimbabwe

SUPREME COURT RULING DEALS BLOW TO PRESS FREEDOM

Press freedom in Zimbabwe was dealt a major blow this week after the country's highest court struck down a constitutional challenge against the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Ethiopia

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX APPUIENT L'EFJA CONTRE LE HARCÈLEMENT DU GOUVERNEMENT

Ethiopia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX APOYAN A EFJA CONTRA ACOSO GUBERNAMENTAL

Ethiopia

IFEX MEMBERS SUPPORT EFJA AGAINST GOVERNMENT HARASSMENT

Fourteen IFEX members have signed a joint letter in defence of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), condemning the Ethiopian government for its campaign to silence the press-freedom organisation.

Côte d'Ivoire

Relator de ONU visita Costa de Marfil

Côte d'Ivoire

ASESINO DE PERIODISTA SENTENCIADO A PRISIÓN

Zimbabwe

DIARIO INDEPENDIENTE VUELVE A PUESTOS DE PERIÓDICOS

Côte d'Ivoire

LE RAPPORTEUR DES NATIONS UNIES EN VISITE EN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Côte d'Ivoire

L'ASSASSIN D'UN JOURNALISTE EST CONDAMNÉ À LA PRISON

Zimbabwe

LE « DAILY NEWS » DE RETOUR DANS LES KIOSQUES À JOURNAUX

Côte d'Ivoire

UN RAPPORTEUR VISITS CÔTE D'IVOIRE

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Ambeyi Ligabo, is visiting Côte d'Ivoire this week to investigate free-expression violations in the war-torn country.

Côte d'Ivoire

JOURNALIST'S KILLER SENTENCED TO PRISON

A military court in Côte d'Ivoire has sentenced a local police officer to 17 years in jail for the October 2003 murder of Radio France Internationale correspondent Jean Hélène, report the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Zimbabwe

INDEPENDENT DAILY BACK ON NEWSSTANDS

The "Daily News", Zimbabwe's embattled independent newspaper, is back on the newsstands after a High Court ordered police to end their month-long siege of the paper's offices and allow it to resume publishing, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED DIRIGE DES SÉMINAIRES SUR L'ÉTHIQUE DANS LES MÉDIAS ET LA RESPONSABILITÉ

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED ENCABEZA SEMINARIOS SOBRE ÉTICA Y RESPONSABILIDAD DE MEDIOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED LEADS SEMINARS ON MEDIA ETHICS AND RESPONSIBILITY

Journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are getting valuable training in media ethics and responsibility, thanks to IFEX member Journaliste en danger (JED).

Gabon

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT DANS DES CIRCONSTANCES SUSPECTES

Gabon

PERIODISTA MUERE EN CIRCUNSTANCIAS SOSPECHOSAS

Gabon

JOURNALIST DIES IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) are calling for an independent investigation into the death of Marco Boukoukou Boussaga in Libreville, Gabon.

Democratic Republic of Congo

LA SITUATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE S'AMÉLIORE, DIT UN RAPPORT DE JED

Democratic Republic of Congo

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA MEJORA, DICE INFORME DE JED

Democratic Republic of Congo

PRESS FREEDOM IMPROVING, SAYS JED REPORT

Press-freedom conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) improved in 2003, with fewer journalists detained and none imprisoned by year's end, concludes a new report released by Journaliste en danger (JED).

Rwanda

LE PROCÈS DES « MÉDIAS DE LA HAINE » SE TERMINE PAR DES CONDAMNATIONS

Rwanda

JUICIO DE "MEDIOS DEL ODIO" TERMINA EN CONDENAS

Rwanda

"HATE MEDIA" TRIAL ENDS IN CONVICTIONS

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has sentenced three journalists to jail terms of between 35 years and life imprisonment for inciting genocide in 1994, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) writes.

Nigeria

L'IPC LANCE UN LIVRE SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE L'INFORMATION AU NIGÉRIA

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH TIRE LA SONNETTE D'ALARME AU SUJET DES VIOLATIONS DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Botswana

UNE DÉLÉGATION DE L'IFEX PRIE LE BOTSWANA D'ABROGER LES LOIS PÉRIMÉES

Nigeria

IPC PRESENTA LIBRO SOBRE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN EN NIGERIA

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH DA VOZ DE ALARMA ACERCA DE VIOLACIONES A LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Nigeria

IPC LAUNCHES BOOK ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN NIGERIA

As Nigeria's parliament considers passing a proposed freedom-of-information act, grassroots activists are coming together to support the measure, and they now have a manual with which to strengthen their case.

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH RAISES ALARM ON FREE-EXPRESSION VIOLATIONS

Commonwealth leaders meeting in Nigeria this week should raise concerns about freedom of expression in the country, where brutal measures, including killings and torture, are being used to repress journalists and citizens, says Human Rights Watch in a new report.

Botswana

IFEX DELEGATION URGES BOTSWANA TO REPEAL OUTDATED LAWS

A delegation of IFEX members met the President of Botswana last week and urged him to set an example for other African countries and the world by scrapping the country's insult and criminal defamation laws.

Nigeria

L'AMARC EXERCE DES PRESSIONS POUR FAIRE ADOPTER UNE CHARTE AFRICAINE DE LA RADIODIFFUSION

Nigeria

AMARC INSTA A ADOPCIÓN DE ESTATUTO AFRICANO SOBRE DIFUSIÓN

Nigeria

AMARC URGES ADOPTION OF AFRICAN BROADCASTING CHARTER

The African chapter of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC Africa) has joined the Panos Institute of West Africa and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) in calling on the Nigerian government to adopt the African Charter on Broadcasting.

Somalia

Des journalistes somaliens lancent un nouveau site web

Ethiopia

ÉTHIOPIE : LE GOUVERNEMENT SUSPEND UN MEMBRE DE L'IFEX

Somalia

Periodista somalí presenta nuevo sitio Web

Ethiopia

GOBIERNO SUSPENDE A MIEMBRO DE IFEX

Somalia

Somali Journalists Launch New Website

Breaking news about press freedom in Somalia will now be more accessible to the international community, thanks to efforts by the Somali Journalists Network (SJN).

Ethiopia

GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS IFEX MEMBER

The future of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA) is at risk following the Ethiopian government's move to suspend the press freedom group, says EFJA President Kifle Mulat.

Mauritania

RSF CUESTIONA A CANDIDATOS PRESIDENCIALES ACERCA DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Zimbabwe

MIEMBROS DE IFEX SE UNEN A CAMPAÑA DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Mauritania

RSF LANCE UN DÉFI AUX CANDIDATS À LA PRÉSIDENCE SUR LA QUESTION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Zimbabwe

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX SE JOIGNENT À UNE CAMPAGNE EN FAVEUR DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Mauritania

RSF CHALLENGES PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ON PRESS FREEDOM

As Mauritanians prepare to vote in presidential elections on 7 November, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) has issued a challenge to all candidates, calling on them to pledge their support for greater press freedom.

Zimbabwe

IFEX MEMBERS JOIN FREE-EXPRESSION CAMPAIGN

IFEX members in Africa are teaming up with colleagues in Zimbabwe and overseas to coordinate a campaign aimed at alerting the world to the Zimbabwean government's human rights abuses and to its relentless attacks on the media, reports the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA).

Ethiopia

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX ASSISTENT À UNE CONFÉRENCE SUR LA RÉFORME DU DROIT DES MÉDIAS

Côte d'Ivoire

UN CORRESPONDANT FRANÇAIS EST ABATTU

Ethiopia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX ASISTEN A CONFERENCIA DE REFORMA A LEY DE MEDIOS

Côte d'Ivoire

CORRESPONSAL FRANCÉS MUERTO

South Africa

LA CENSURE EST BIEN ANCRÉE, DIT UN RAPPORT DU FXI

Côte d'Ivoire

FRENCH CORRESPONDENT KILLED

Jean Hélène, a long-time correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI), was shot dead by a policeman in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on 21 October while awaiting the release of jailed opposition party activists.

South Africa

CENSORSHIP ENTRENCHED, SAYS FXI REPORT

Censorship in South Africa is now firmly entrenched, with four trends emerging in the last six months, according to a new report by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI).

Kenya

UN MEMBRE DE L'IFEX EST ARRÊTÉ ET ACCUSÉ DE LA FUITE D'UN DOSSIER

Kenya

MIEMBROS DE IFEX ARRESTADO Y ACUSADO POR FUGA DE NOTICIA

Kenya

IFEX MEMBER ARRESTED & CHARGED FOR STORY LEAK

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are calling on press-freedom advocates to write letters to the Kenyan government protesting the arrest of three senior newspaper editors in Kenya.

Zimbabwe

DES ACCUSATIONS SONT PORTÉES CONTRE NEUF JOURNALISTES DU « DAILY NEWS »

Zimbabwe

NUEVE PERIODISTAS DEL "DAILY NEWS" ACUSADOS

Zimbabwe

NINE "DAILY NEWS" JOURNALISTS CHARGED

Nine journalists from Zimbabwe's only independent daily newspaper, the "Daily News," have been charged for violating the country's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Central African Republic

CPJ SEÑALA CONDICIONES DE LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE CIERRAN PERIÓDICO INDEPENDIENTE POR TIEMPO INDEFINIDO

Central African Republic

LE CPJ ATTIRE L'ATTENTION SUR LA SITUATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Zimbabwe

UN JOURNAL INDÉPENDANT EST FERMÉ INDÉFINIMENT

Central African Republic

CPJ CALLS ATTENTION TO PRESS FREEDOM CONDITIONS

As the government of the Central African Republic engages in a "National Dialogue" on reconciliation following years of civil war and ethnic division, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised concerns over press freedom conditions in the country.

Zimbabwe

ZIMBABWE: INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER CLOSED INDEFINITELY

Authorities in Zimbabwe have raided the offices of the country's only independent daily newspaper, the "Daily News," prompting a storm of protest this week from IFEX members. Twenty armed police officers entered the newspaper's offices on 12 September and ordered everyone out of the building, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The Gambia

ARTICLE 19 MÈNE LA PROTESTATION CONTRE LA LOI « DRACONIENNE » SUR LES MÉDIAS

The Gambia

ARTICLE 19 ENCABEZA MANIFESTACIONES CONTRA LEY DE MEDIOS "DRACONIANA"

The Gambia

ARTICLE 19 LEADS PROTEST AGAINST "DRACONIAN" MEDIA LAW

ARTICLE 19 and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) are joining forces to support the Gambia Press Union (GPU) against a new law they say is one of the most "draconian pieces of media legislation" in Africa.

Liberia

Au Libéria, une école de journalisme est pillée et crie à l'aide

Nigeria

LES MÉDIAS SONT RESTREINTS PENDANT QUE L'ANARCHIE GRANDIT

Liberia

Vandalismo en escuela de periodismo liberiana; solicita auxilio

Nigeria

MEDIOS RESTRINGIDOS EN MEDIO DE "ILEGALIDAD CRECIENTE"

Nigeria

MEDIA CURBED AMIDST "GROWING LAWLESSNESS"

The Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are calling attention to recent attacks on press freedom in Nigeria amid what RSF calls a "growing climate of lawlessness."

Zimbabwe

FUNCIONARIOS GUBERNAMENTALES DE ALTO NIVEL AGREDEN VERBALMENTE A MISA

Eritrea

15 PERIODISTAS SIGUEN ENCARCELADOS

Zimbabwe

DE HAUTS RESPONSABLES DES GOUVERNEMENTS S'EN PRENNENT VERBALEMENT AU MISA

Eritrea

QUINZE JOURNALISTES SONT TOUJOURS EMPRISONNÉS

Zimbabwe

TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS VERBALLY ATTACK MISA

High-ranking government officials in both Namibia and Zimbabwe have lashed out recently against the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).

Eritrea

15 JOURNALISTS STILL IMPRISONED

Fifteen journalists are still languishing in Eritrean prisons nearly two years after a crackdown on the independent media, according to Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Association of Eritrean Journalists in Exile (AEJE). The two organisations criticise the "arbitrary" way in which the authorities carry out arrests as well as the secrecy surrounding journalists arrested in Eritrea.

Rwanda

Des rapports de l'IMS evaluent la situation des medias en Angola et au Rwanda

Zimbabwe

LE MAGAZINE DU MISA CONSACRÉ AU ZIMBABWE

South Africa

UN NOUVEAU RÉSEAU COMBAT LE PARTI PRIS ANTIFÉMININ DANS LES MÉDIAS

Rwanda

Informes de IMS evalúan situación de los medios de comunicación en Angola y Rwanda

Zimbabwe

REVISTA DE MISA SE CENTRA EN ZIMBABWE

Angola

IMS Reports Assess Media Situation in Angola, Rwanda

19 August 2003

Zimbabwe

MISA MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHTS ZIMBABWE

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has devoted the latest issue of its monthly magazine "freepress" to freedom of expression in Zimbabwe, where it says the government of Robert Mugabe "has shown unparalleled brutality towards the media."

South Africa

NEW NETWORK FIGHTS GENDER BIAS IN THE MEDIA

In South Africa, where black women make up 45 per cent of the population yet account for only five per cent of news sources, a coalition of organisations has launched a national network aimed at rolling back discrimination against women in the press, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).

Togo

ARTICLE 19 DEMANDE L'ABROGATION DES LOIS « DRACONIENNES »

Swaziland

LA LOI SUR LE SECRET ALARME LE MISA ET L'IIP

Togo

ARTICLE 19 INSTA A LA DEROGACIÓN DE LEYES "DRACONIANAS"

Swaziland

MISA E IPI ALARMADOS POR LEY DE SECRETO

Togo

ARTICLE 19 URGES SCRAPPING OF "DRACONIAN" LAWS

ARTICLE 19 has released a new report calling on the Togolese government to repeal laws introduced in 2002 that have been actively used to silence government criticism. The report says the laws ? which prohibit false news, criminalise defamation and require the licensing of journalists ? violate international standards on freedom of expression and should be scrapped immediately.

Swaziland

MISA, IPI ALARMED BY SECRECY ACT

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the International Press Institute (IPI) have expressed concern over the Swaziland government's move to impose a new law critics say is an effort to muzzle investigative reporting.

Democratic Republic of Congo

AUMENTAN VIOLACIONES

Sudan

MIEMBROS DE IFEX DENUNCIAN OFENSIVA CONTRA LA PRENSA

Democratic Republic of Congo

LES VIOLATIONS SE MULTIPLIENT

Sudan

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX S'EN PRENNENT À LA RÉPRESSION DE LA PRESSE

Democratic Republic of Congo

VIOLATIONS INCREASING

Despite the signing of a recent peace accord in the war-ravaged Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), intimidation of human rights defenders and other activists has been on the increase, concludes a new report by Human Rights Watch. The report provides details of more than 20 cases in which human rights defenders, independent journalists and other citizens have been arrested or harassed in the past three months.

Sudan

IFEX MEMBERS ASSAIL CRACKDOWN ON THE PRESS

A growing number of IFEX members are calling attention to press-freedom violations in Sudan, where a renewed government crackdown on independent newspapers is having what Human Rights Watch calls a "chilling effect on the country's entire news business."

South Africa

LE FXI INAUGURE DES ARCHIVES EN LIGNE DE LA RADIODIFFUSION PUBLIQUE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD

Democratic Republic of Congo

À L'OCCASION DE LA JOURNÉE NATIONALE DE LA PRESSE, JED SOULIGNE L'IMPORTANCE DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED DESTACA IMPORTANCIA DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN DÍA NACIONAL DE PRENSA

South Africa

FXI LAUNCHES ONLINE ARCHIVE OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING IN SOUTH AFRICA

The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has launched an online archive of the history of public broadcasting in post-apartheid South Africa, giving governments, journalists and activists around the world instant access to information on transforming a state-run broadcaster into a diverse, independent and publicly owned media outlet.

West Africa

CONFERENCE MULLS REGIONAL PLAN FOR MEDIA AND PEACE-BUILDING

Journalists and press-freedom groups from six West African countries have joined international organisations in recognising the need for more collaboration in media and peace-building projects, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF FREE EXPRESSION ON NATIONAL PRESS DAY

On the occasion of national press day today in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Journaliste en danger (JED) urged the new transitional government to give top priority to freedom of expression and appealed to international donors to provide post-conflict support to DRC media. "Freedom of the press is one of the fundamental human rights without which democracy cannot function. The time has come for the rule of rights and democracy to prevail over the rule of force," said JED in a report released on 22 July.

Sudan

L'IMS PUBLIE UNE ÉTUDE PRÉLIMINAIRE SUR LES MÉDIAS AU SOUDAN

Sudan

IMS RELEASES BASELINE STUDY ON SUDANESE MEDIA

International Media Support (IMS) has recently published the first comprehensive assessment of Sudan's media and its role in the war-torn country's peace process. Written by a team of international media consultants, who worked closely with local media experts from Northern and Southern Sudan, the 87-page report provides base-line information on all types of media in Sudan and on the conditions under which media work. It also contains strategic and detailed suggestions for immediate media development work relevant to peace building in Sudan.

Liberia

ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS MOUNTING

As civil conflicts continue to rage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia, IFEX members are reporting increased attacks on journalists in recent weeks. In Liberia's capital, Monrovia, journalists and human rights activists in Monrovia have suffered the worst reprisals in what appear to be targeted and systematic attacks on residents caught up in the conflict, report the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Tanzania

MEDIA COUNCIL OF TANZANIA WINS 2003 FREE MEDIA PIONEER AWARD

The International Press Institute (IPI) has awarded its 2003 Free Media Pioneer prize to the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) in recognition of its efforts to promote media self-regulation and press freedom.

Liberia

MEDIA UNDER FIRE

With thousands of civilians fleeing the Liberian capital of Monrovia amid intense fighting between rebels and government troops, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) are calling attention to the persistent attacks and threats against journalists and independent media in the country.

Somalia

Somali Journalists Create Press Freedom Monitoring Network

June 2003

South Africa

FXI SPOTLIGHTS FREE EXPRESSION AND PUBLIC BROADCASTING IN SOUTH AFRICA

Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has published two new books examining public protests in South Africa and what it calls the "crisis of accountability" confronting the country's public broadcaster.

Nigeria

Nigeria: Musicians Under Threat, Says Freemuse

In Nigeria, once considered Africa's musical leader, the story of growing musical censorship is a mirror to the country's widening political faultlines, according to a new report by FreeMuse, the

Zimbabwe

COURT RULES AGAINST REPRESSIVE MEDIA LAW

In what is being called a victory for freedom of expression,

South Africa

RICH-POOR GAP SPURS MORE CENSORSHIP, SAYS FXI

In South Africa, a widening gap between rich and poor is contributing to a rise in censorship as social movements increasingly turn to public demonstrations to voice their opinions, a new Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) report says. Surveying the activities of FXI's year-old Anti-Censorship Programme, the report finds that very few cases in the past year involved traditional forms of censorship, such as jailing journalists or muzzling media outlets.

Côte d'Ivoire

ON TROUVE LE CADAVRE D?UN JOURNALISTE

Côte d'Ivoire

ENCUENTRAN CUERPO DE PERIODISTA

Côte d'Ivoire

JOURNALIST'S BODY FOUND

In Côte d'Ivoire, where civil war continues to place journalists in danger, the body of journalist Kloueu Gonzreu was found last week in the western region of Toulépleu, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Nigeria

FONT CAMPAGNE EN FAVEUR D?UNE MEILLEURE COUVERTURE DES ÉLECTIONS PAR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

GRUPOS HACEN CAMPAÑA EN FAVOR DE MEJOR COBERTURA ELECTORAL DE LOS MEDIOS

Nigeria

GROUPS CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER ELECTION MEDIA COVERAGE

As Nigeria prepares for April elections, a coalition of press-freedom groups, including the Independent Journalism Center (IJC), has joined together to launch a campaign aimed at ensuring broadcast media report impartially and give political parties equal access to the airwaves.

Burundi

PROHÍBEN A ESTACIONES DE RADIO TRANSMITIR DECLARACIONES DE REBELDES

South Africa

LA DATE DU CONGRÈS DES ÉDITEURS AFRICAINS EST FIXÉE

Burundi

DES STATIONS DE RADIO EMPÊCHÉES DE DIFFUSER LES DÉCLARATIONS DE CHEFS REBELLES

South Africa

DATE SET FOR AFRICAN EDITORS' CONFERENCE

The South African National Editor's Forum (SANEF) has fixed new dates for an All Africa Editors' Conference in Johannesburg, bringing together dozens of editors from print and electronic media to discuss the strengthening of press freedom in Africa.

Burundi

RADIO STATIONS BARRED FROM AIRING REBEL STATEMENTS

In Burundi, where radio is the country's main source of news, President Pierre Buyoya has ordered all private radio stations to stop airing statements or interviews with two rebel groups still at war with the government, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Nigeria

LE SÉNAT ABROGE DES LOIS « RÉPUGNANTES » SUR LA PRESSE

Nigeria

SENADO REVOCA LEYES DE PRENSA "REPUGNANTES"

Nigeria

SENATE REPEALS "REPUGNANT" PRESS LAWS

Nigeria has repealed three laws that critics say are repugnant to press freedom and in violation of the country's constitution, report the Independent Journalism Center (IJC) and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS).

South Africa

LE PROJET DE LOI ANTITERRORISTE SUSCITE LA PEUR

Ethiopia

LES MEMBRES DE L?IFEX CRITIQUENT LA LOI SUR LA PRESSE

Ethiopia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX CRITICAN LEY DE PRENSA

South Africa

ANTI-TERRORISM BILL RAISES FEARS

A coalition of South African civil society groups, including the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), has joined forces to campaign against a proposed anti-terrorism law they say represents a "serious infraction of fundamental rights and freedoms."

Ethiopia

IFEX MEMBERS CRITICISE PRESS LAW

A proposed press law and journalists' code of ethics drafted by the Ethiopian government is drawing increasing criticism from the free-expression community and has prompted several IFEX members to demand its revision.

Uganda

REVISTA BUSCA COLABORACIONES PARA EDICIONES SOBRE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Uganda

À LA RECHERCHE DE COLLABORATIONS EN VUE D?UN NUMÉRO SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Uganda

MAGAZINE SEEKS SUBMISSIONS FOR FREE-EXPRESSION ISSUE

The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, a Ugandan non-governmental organisation, is seeking submissions for an upcoming issue of its human rights journal "The Defender," focusing on freedom of expression and human rights.

Sudan

L?IMS DÉPÊCHERA UNE MISSION D?ÉVALUATION DES MÉDIAS

Eritrea

LE CPJ DEMANDE LA REMISE EN LIBERTÉ DES REPORTERS EMPRISONNÉS

Sudan

IMS ENVIARÁ COMISIÓN DE EVALUACIÓN DE MEDIOS

Eritrea

CPJ PIDE LIBERACIÓN DE REPORTEROS ENCARCELADOS

Sudan

IMS TO SEND MEDIA ASSESSMENT MISSION

International Media Support (IMS), the Danish organisation that provides rapid assistance to media in conflict-ridden countries, is seeking feedback on Sudan's media situation before it embarks on a mission to the war-torn country next month.

Eritrea

CPJ CALLS FOR RELEASE OF JAILED REPORTERS

Calling Eritrea the number one jailer of journalists in Africa, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) delivered more than 600 petitions last week to the Eritrean government urging authorities to release journalist Fesshaye Yohannes and 17 other colleagues being secretly held across the country.

Mozambique

LES SUSPECTS SONT CONDAMNÉS EN RAPPORT AVEC LE MEURTRE D?UN JOURNALISTE

Côte d'Ivoire

REGAIN DE VIOLENCE CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES, MALGRÉ L?ACCORD DE PAIX

Mozambique

SOSPECHOSOS SENTENCIADOS POR ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

Côte d'Ivoire

RENOVADA VIOLENCIA CONTRA PERIODISTAS A PESAR DE TRATADO DE PAZ

Mozambique

SUSPECTS SENTENCED FOR JOURNALIST'S MURDER

More than a year after investigative journalist Carlos Cardoso was gunned down in Mozambique, six men accused of the murder have been sentenced to jail terms of at least 23 years each, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Côte d'Ivoire

RENEWED VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS DESPITE PEACE TREATY

The war-torn country of Côte D'Ivoire may have a new peace treaty committing its leaders to respect press-freedom and human rights, but that hasn't prevented journalists from coming under more attacks, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Ethiopia

UN PROJET DE LOI « MENACE LA PRESSE LIBRE », DIT L?EFJA

Ethiopia

PROYECTO DE LEY "AMENAZA PRENSA LIBRE", DICE EFJA

Ethiopia

DRAFT LAW "THREATENS FREE PRESS," SAYS EFJA

The Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA) says the government of Ethiopia has drafted a press law that "threatens the very existence of Ethiopia's free press," prompting other IFEX members to issue calls of concern in support of the group.

Somalia

DESCENTE CONTRE UN RADIODIFFUSEUR INDÉPENDANT

Somalia

ALLANAN EMISORA INDEPENDIENTE

Somalia

INDEPENDENT BROADCASTER RAIDED

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is drawing attention to press freedom in Somalia this week following news that armed militia acting on the orders of a businessman raided HornAfrik, one of the country's only independent broadcasters, after it aired a news report about a book linking Somali businessmen with terrorism.

Zimbabwe

POUR LE MISA, 2002 EST UNE ANNÉE D?ARRESTATIONS

Zimbabwe

2002 UN AÑO DE ARRESTOS: MISA

Zimbabwe

2002 A YEAR OF ARRESTS: MISA

The year 2002 saw an unprecedented number of journalists arrested in Zimbabwe as the government of Robert Mugabe sought to shut down criticism of its policies through the enactment of a repressive new privacy law, concludes an annual review recently released by the Media Institute of Southern Africa's (MISA) Zimbabwe chapter.

Sudan

LA PRESSE INDÉPENDANTE SUBIT DES PRESSIONS CONSTANTES

Sudan

PRENSA INDEPENDIENTE BAJO PRESIÓN CONSTANTE

Sudan

INDEPENDENT PRESS UNDER CONSTANT PRESSURE

For independent newspapers in Sudan, a year without censorship would be a good year indeed. This is a country where authorities censored the independent press more than a dozen times in 2002, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). The most recent case occurred on December 20 when three newspapers were seized after reporting on a rumour about contaminated food.

Mozambique

LE SITE DU CPJ SUIT LE CAS CARDOSO

Liberia

UN JOURNALISTE EST REMIS EN LIBERTÉ

Mozambique

SITIO DE CPJ VIGILA CASO DE CARDOSO

Liberia

PERIODISTA LIBERADO DE CÁRCEL

Mozambique

CPJ SITE MONITORS CARDOSO CASE

The ongoing court proceedings concerning the murder of Mozambiquean journalist Carlos Cardoso can now be easily viewed with the click of a mouse, thanks to a new feature on the Committee to Protect Journalists' website.

Liberia

JOURNALIST RELEASED FROM DETENTION

Liberian journalist Hassan Bility has been released from custody without charge after more than five months of detention, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Equatorial Guinea

MISSION D?UN RAPPORTEUR DES NATIONS UNIES

Equatorial Guinea

RELATOR DE ONU LLEVA A CABO MISIÓN

Equatorial Guinea

UN RAPPORTEUR CONDUCTS MISSION

The United Nations' (UN) new Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Ambeyi Ligabo, is in Equatorial Guinea this week to investigate free-expression violations in the West African country, reports IRIN News. The mission is one of the first for Ligabo, a Kenyan, since being appointed Special Rapporteur on 26 August.

Nigeria

JOURNAL EST VISÉ EN RAISON DE LA CONTROVERSE ENTOURANT LE CONCOURS « MISS MONDE

Nigeria

EMITEN FATWA; PERIÓDICO ATACADO POR NOTICIA DE "MISS MUNDO"

Nigeria

FATWA ISSUED, NEWSPAPER TARGETED OVER "MISS WORLD" STORY

Press-freedom groups have raised concerns over conditions in Nigeria after a death sentence was issued against a journalist whose article about a Miss World beauty contest sparked violent protests and the destruction of a newspaper's offices.

West Africa

CONFERENCE TO STRATEGISE CONFLICT-REPORTING NETWORKS

The Panos Institute of West Africa (PIWA) and the African Institute of Political Geography (AFRIPOG) will be hosting a conference next week to launch a two-year initiative aimed at improving understanding of the media's role in fostering peace and stability in West Africa.

Liberia

UN JOURNALISTE EMPRISONNÉ POURRAIT ÊTRE LIBÉRÉ

Namibia

DE MUGABE S?ÉTEND, LES JOURNALISTES CRAIGNENT LA PERTE DES LIBERTÉS DES MÉDIAS

Liberia

POSIBLE LIBERACIÓN DE PERIODISTA ENCARCELADO

Namibia

SOMBRAS DE MUGABE MIENTRAS PERIODISTAS TEMEN PÉRDIDA DE LIBERTADES DE MEDIOS

Liberia

IMPRISONED JOURNALIST MAY BE RELEASED

Liberia's President, Charles Taylor, has given the first indication that journalist Hassan Bility, secretly detained since June on suspicion of collaborating with rebels, may soon be released, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Namibia

SHADES OF MUGABE AS JOURNALISTS FEAR LOSS OF MEDIA FREEDOMS

It seems Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe may be setting an example for his counterpart in Namibia. As Mugabe has clamped down on the media to muzzle public criticism of his policies, so has Namibian President Sam Nujoma increasingly made moves to rein in dissent from the country's mostly free press. And it has many journalists in Namibia worried.

South Africa

LE FXI ACCUEILLE FAVORABLEMENT LA MODIFICATION DE LA LOI SUR LA RADIODIFFUSION

Zimbabwe

LES JOURNALISTES INDÉPENDANTS S?UNISSENT CONTRE LA LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Côte d'Ivoire

UN RAPPORT DE RSF SOULIGNE DE «GRAVES VIOLATIONS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE»

Côte d'Ivoire

INFORME DE RSF DESTACA

Zimbabwe

PERIODISTAS INDEPENDIENTES SE UNEN CONTRA LEY DE MEDIOS

South Africa

FXI WELCOMES AMENDED BROADCASTING LAW

Calling it a major victory for freedom of expression and editorial independence, the Free Expression Institute (FXI) has welcomed recent changes to a proposed broadcasting law that have calmed critics' fears of increased government interference in South Africa's public broadcaster.

Zimbabwe

INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS UNITE AGAINST MEDIA LAW

Free-expression groups and independent journalists' associations in Zimbabwe, including the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), have agreed to set up a Media and Freedom of Expression Support Fund to assist journalists who have been denied accreditation as a result of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Uganda

INDÉPENDANT TANDIS QU?ÉCLATENT DES AFFRONTEMENTS ENTRE GOUVERNEMENT ET REBELLES

Uganda

INDEPENDIENTE ALLANADO EN MEDIO DE ENFRENTAMIENTOS ENTRE GOBIERNO Y REBELDES

Uganda

INDEPENDENT DAILY RAIDED AMID GOVERNMENT-REBEL CLASHES

In what Human Rights Watch (HRW) calls a "blatant attack on freedom of the press," Ugandan police raided the offices of one of the country's leading independent newspapers last week, disconnecting its telephone lines and temporarily suspending the newspaper's publication.

Zimbabwe

INTERNATIONAL PEN TO LAUNCH FREE-EXPRESSION CAMPAIGN ON ZIMBABWE

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) is launching a campaign on Zimbabwe at the end of October aimed at focusing pressure on the government of Robert Mugabe to free imprisoned journalists and repeal recently enacted laws curbing free expression.

Somalia

HUELGA DE PERIODISTAS POR LEY DE MEDIOS "DRACONIANA"

Somalia

DES JOURNALISTES FONT GRÈVE AU SUJET D'UNE LOI « DRACONIENNE » SUR LES MÉDIAS

Somalia

JOURNALISTS STRIKE OVER "DRACONIAN" MEDIA LAW

The president of Somalia's transitional government, Abdiqassim Salad Hassan, has refused to sign a controversial media law following a strike by the country's journalists that has left all but one media outlet closed, reports IRIN News.

Côte d'Ivoire

AU SUJET DES CONDITIONS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE DANS LE PAYS EN CRISE

Côte d'Ivoire

PREOCUPACIÓN POR CONDICIONES DE LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EN MEDIO DE CRISIS

Sudan

POUR AVOIR CRITIQUÉ LE RETRAIT DU GOUVERNEMENT DES POURPARLERS DE PAIX

Eritrea

AUCUN SIGNE D?ALLÈGEMENT DE LA RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS PRIVÉS, EN COURS DEPUIS UN

Sudan

MEDIOS ATACADOS DESPUÉS DE CRITICAR RETIRO DE GOBIERNO DE CONVERSACIONES DE PAZ

Sudan

MEDIA TARGETED AFTER CRITICISING GOVERNMENT WITHDRAWAL FROM PEACE TALKS

Three newspapers and one journalist in Sudan incurred the wrath of the Sudanese government after they publicly chastised it for withdrawing from peace talks in Kenya with rebel forces, report Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and Human Rights Watch (HRW).

South Africa

LE FXI ET LA FIJ CRAIGNENT L'INGÉRENCE POLITIQUE DANS LA RADIODIFFUSION PUBLIQUE

Togo

D?UN PROJET DE LOI PRÉVOIT DES PEINES PLUS LOURDES POUR LES JOURNALISTES

Togo

PROYECTO DE LEY IMPONE SENTENCIAS MÁS SEVERAS A PERIODISTAS

Togo

DRAFT BILL IMPOSES HEAVIER SENTENCES ON JOURNALISTS

The government of Togo has come under fire for proposing a new bill that would impose heavier fines and prison sentences for defaming or insulting the president and other state institutions.

South Africa

FXI, IFJ FEAR POLITICAL MEDDLING IN PUBLIC BROADCASTER

The Free Expression Institute (FXI) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have expressed concern that the South African government's proposal to amend the Broadcasting Act could make the country's public broadcaster more vulnerable to political influence.

Sudan

L?IMS ENTREPREND DE SOUTENIR DES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS

Sierra Leone

LE CPJ ÉVALUE LA SITUATION DES MÉDIAS

Sudan

IMS INICIA APOYO A MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

Sierra Leone

ARTICLE 19 EVALÚA ESTADO DE LOS MEDIOS

Sudan

IMS INITIATES SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT MEDIA

International Media Support (IMS), a Danish organisation that provides rapid assistance to journalist groups in conflict areas, has recently issued a report recommending several initiatives to support freedom of expression in Sudan. Coming on the heels of a 2-11 June mission to the country, the report notes four areas where IMS will undertake initiatives.

Sierra Leone

CPJ ASSESSES STATE OF THE MEDIA

For a country only recently emerging from years of brutal civil war, Sierra Leone's media have come a long way? and still have a long way to go, according to a special report released last week by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The organisation visited the country in May 2002 to assess the state of relations between government and the media, and how the press covered the recent elections.

Malawi

PERIODISTA INDEPENDIENTE ASESINADO

Malawi

UN JOURNALISTE PIGISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Malawi

FREELANCE JOURNALIST KILLED

Following recent attacks against journalists by Malawi's ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) party, authorities are being urged to investigate the death of a journalist in a bar last week to determine whether it was linked to his professional activities.

Nigeria

L?OUVRAGE DE CHRIS ANYANWU FAIT REVIVRE LA TERREUR DE LA DICTATURE D?ABACHA

Nigeria

LIBRO DE CHRIS ANYANWU NARRA TERROR DE DICTADURA DE ABACHA

Nigeria

CHRIS ANYANWU'S BOOK RECOUNTS TERROR OF ABACHA DICTATORSHIP

During her more than three years of incarceration in Nigeria, journalist Chris Anyanwu managed to document her ordeal by smuggling notes and letters out of prison. These became the basis for her new book, "The Days of Terror," published earlier this year. Anyanwu was one of many journalists, politicians and others jailed in the 1990s under the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, described in the book as Nigeria's "worst tyrant."

The Gambia

APRUEBAN PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS REPRESIVO

The Gambia

PROMULGATION D?UNE LOI RÉPRESSIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

The Gambia

REPRESSIVE MEDIA BILL PASSED

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is preparing to challenge the constitutionality of a media bill passed last week that gives the government powers to summon journalists, force them to reveal their sources and hand out stiffer penalties, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). On 25 July, the Gambian parliament passed a bill that provides for the establishment of a government-appointed media commission. It will become law once President Yahya Jammeh signs it.

Zimbabwe

TRECE PERIODISTAS ACUSADOS DESDE MARZO SEGÚN LEYES REPRESIVAS

Liberia

SE TEME QUE IMPORTANTE PERIODISTA ESTÉ MUERTO EN MEDIO DE OFENSIVA CONTRA MEDIOS

Zimbabwe

RÉPRESSIVES ONT PERMIS DE PORTER DES ACCUSATIONS CONTRE TREIZE JOURNALISTES

Liberia

SERAIT MORT DANS LA VAGUE DE RÉPRESSION QUI S?EST ABATTUE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Zimbabwe

13 JOURNALISTS CHARGED SINCE MARCH UNDER REPRESSIVE LAWS

Independent journalists in Zimbabwe are facing a "spiralling pattern of arrests and legal charges," says ARTICLE 19 in a new briefing note on media repression in the country. Since March, 36 journalists have been arrested and 13 charged - 8 for allegedly publishing "false news." Several have reportedly been beaten in custody. ARTICLE 19 adds that, as of 1 July, all journalists must apply for registration with a government-controlled Media Commission and may be refused if they do not meet criteria to be set by Information Minister Jonathan Moyo.

Liberia

LEADING JOURNALIST FEARED DEAD AMID CRACKDOWN ON MEDIA

Freedom-of-expression organisations have raised concerns over the fate of Hassan Bility, a prominent Liberian newspaper editor. The journalist is missing and feared dead, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), while Human Rights Watch (HRW) is concerned that he may be at risk of torture and ill-treatment.

Mozambique

LE CPJ PRESSE LES AUTORITÉS D?ACCÉLÉRER L?ENQUÊTE D?UN MEURTRE

Mozambique

CPJ PRESIONA A LAS AUTORIDADES PARA EXTENDER INVESTIGACIÓN DE HOMICIDIO

Mozambique

CPJ PRESSES AUTHORITIES TO STEP UP MURDER PROBE

Mozambique's journalists will continue to live in fear as long as the murder of investigative reporter Carlos Cardoso remains unsolved. That's the conclusion of a Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) special report last week based on interviews and research conducted during a visit to the country last July. Written by Yves Sokorobi, the report urges the government to step up its inquiry into Cardoso's November 2000 murder and requests an official response from authorities.

Liberia

LE GOUVERNEMENT INTERDIT UN DÉFILÉ

Liberia

GOBIERNO PROHÍBE DESFILE

Liberia

GOVERNMENT BANS PARADE

The Government of Liberia has come under sharp criticism for banning a World Press Freedom Day parade organised for 3 May by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) says the parade was banned because it apparently violated the government's recent order forbidding public gatherings. This is not the first time PUL has been banned from staging a World Press Freedom Day parade.

Eritrea

DIX JOURNALISTES EMPRISONNÉS ENTAMENT UNE GRÈVE DE LA FAIM

Eritrea

DIEZ PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS COMIENZAN HUELGA DE HAMBRE

Eritrea

10 IMPRISONED JOURNALISTS BEGIN HUNGER STRIKE

The Eritrean government is facing harsh criticism from free-expression groups over its treatment of the independent press, following news that 10 jailed journalists began a hunger strike on 31 March to protest their 6 ½ month detention. In a letter smuggled out of Police Station One in the capital Asmara, the 10 journalists say they are refusing food until they are either released or charged and given a fair trial, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says.

Democratic Republic of Congo

ACUSAN A JED DE APOYAR A REBELDES

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED EST ACCUSÉ DE SOUTENIR LES REBELLES

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED ACCUSED OF SUPPORTING REBELS

In a case reminiscent of one last year that forced members of Journalist in Danger (Journaliste en danger, JED) to go into hiding, a government minister in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is accusing the group of supporting armed rebel movements and of working for

Uganda

UNE LOI ANTITERRORISTE MENACE LES JOURNALISTES

Ethiopia

NEUF DIRECTEURS DE PUBLICATIONS SONT TRAÎNÉS DEVANT LES TRIBUNAUX

Uganda

LEY ANTITERRORISMO AMENAZA A PERIODISTAS

Ethiopia

LLEVAN A NUEVE EDITORES A TRIBUNALES

Uganda

ANTI-TERRORISM LAW THREATENS JOURNALISTS

A new anti-terrorism law in Uganda, under which journalists can be put to death for "promoting terrorism," should be amended to ensure freedom of expression is guaranteed, warn the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Passed by the Ugandan parliament on 20 March, the Anti-Terrorism Bill contains a provision stating that "any person who disseminates material that promotes, trains or mobilises any institution for the purposes of terrorism" can be convicted of terrorism, notes IPI. Those convicted of terrorism are subject to the death penalty.

Ethiopia

9 EDITORS TAKEN TO COURT

In Ethiopia, at least nine newspaper editors have been taken to court in recent weeks for various offences, many of them for alleged defamation of government officials, says the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA). The press freedom group has issued a report documenting the cases of "Tobbia" editors Ato Kebebew Gebyehu Filate and Arega Wolde Kirkos Ayele; "Ith'op" editor-in-chief Wondwossen Gebre Kidan; former "Ethio-Time" editor Shimelis Asfaw; "Madona" publisher and editor Abinet Tamrat; Gezaw Taye Wordofa of "Lamrot"; and "Tinkish" editor Tigist Behailu. Five of the editors are being charged with either defaming various public officials or "disseminating fabricated information that could affect public opinion." All of them except Wordofa were arrested on these charges and have had to secure bail ranging from 1,000 -3,000 birr (approx. US$120-$360) for their release.

Zimbabwe

MUGABE ENTÉRINE UNE NOUVELLE LOI RESTRICTIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Rwanda

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Zimbabwe

MUGABE FIRMA LEY DE MEDIOS RESTRICTIVA

Rwanda

REPORTERO ASESINADO

Zimbabwe

MUGABE SIGNS RESTRICTIVE MEDIA LAW

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, fresh from an electoral victory many international observers have condemned as unfair, has signed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act into law. The new law requires all journalists in Zimbabwe to be licenced by a new Media and Information Commission granted "enormous powers" that can be subject to abuse, says the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). The law imposes "severe limits" on foreign journalists in the country, remarks the International Federation of Journalists; they can only be accredited for an unspecified "limited" period while citizens and permanent residents will be entitled to permanent accreditation.

Rwanda

REPORTER MURDERED

In Rwanda, Jean-Marie Hategekimana, a reporter for the government weekly "Imvaho," was murdered on the night of 11 to 12 March in a bar in Kigali, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Hategekimana had been talking with three individuals including an official from the Ibuka group of genocide survivors' associations when two men burst into the bar and attempted to rob them. They shot all four individuals, who were declared dead on arrival at hospital, says RSF. Hategekimana was buried on 14 March. There is no indication as to whether he was killed because of his work as a journalist.

Ethiopia

LIBERAN AL ÚLTIMO PERIODISTA ENCARCELADO

Zimbabwe

MIENTRAS SE CUENTAN RESULTADOS ELECTORALES

Ethiopia

LE DERNIER JOURNALISTE EMPRISONNÉ EST RELÂCHÉ

Zimbabwe

POUR LES JOURNALISTES ALORS QU?ON S?APPRÊTE À FAIRE LE DÉCOMPTE DES VOIX

Ethiopia

LAST IMPRISONED JOURNALIST RELEASED

Tamrat Zuma, the last remaining imprisoned journalist in Ethiopia, has been released from jail. Authorities freed him on 4 March after international and local organisations secured the 16,000 Birrs (approximately US $1,915) bail required for his release, a sum the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association called "shockingly large."

Zimbabwe

JOURNALISTS IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS AS ELECTION RESULTS COUNTED

As Zimbabwe tallies its election results, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) -Zimbabwe warns that the volatile political environment continues to make it dangerous for journalists to report freely on the situation. In a recently released report on journalists' working conditions during the presidential election, the group says it did not receive any serious reports of incidents in which journalists were assaulted or arrested. However, MISA-Zimbabwe emphasizes that the "stringent" limitations on accreditation has meant that journalists were not free to report on the actual election and the period preceding it.

Madagascar

MEDIOS AGREDIDOS EN VIOLENCIA POSTELECTORAL

Madagascar

LES MÉDIAS SONT VISÉS DANS LES VIOLENCES POSTÉLECTORALES

Madagascar

MEDIA TARGETED IN POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE

Four radio stations have been attacked in Madagascar following an eruption of violence over disputed presidential election results and the imposition of a state of emergency, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). IFJ, RSF and CJFE are expressing concern that the state of emergency, declared on 22 February by President Didier Ratsiraka, will have a negative impact on press freedom because it gives the president total control over news broadcasts.

Niger

RADIO DE ENERGÍA SOLAR PROMUEVE LA PAZ

Nigeria

16 ESTACIONES DE RADIO PRIVADAS OBTIENEN LICENCIAS

Niger

UNE RADIO ALIMENTÉE À L?ÉNERGIE SOLAIRE DÉFEND LA PAIX

Nigeria

SEIZE STATIONS DE RADIO PRIVÉES OBTIENNENT UN PERMIS

Niger

SOLAR-POWERED RADIO PROMOTES PEACE

Can solar-powered wind-up radios help bring peace to a war-torn country? An innovative project by the Freeplay Foundation in Niger is certainly giving the idea a chance, reports Internews. In co-operation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the government of Niger, the South Africa-based organisation has set up a program to donate solar-powered wind-up radios to rural communities as part of a wider effort to secure peace and identify local development priorities.

Nigeria

16 PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS SECURE LICENCES

Sixteen private broadcasters in Nigeria have secured licences from the government to operate radio stations across the country, reports the Independent Journalist Center (IJC-Nigeria). The broadcasters were among 400 who have applied for radio licences since 1992. Twelve of the sixteen broadcasters will operate commercial FM stations. IJC notes that at a press conference announcing the granting of licenses, Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission Danladi Bako said the government intends to grant more licences to deserving applicants.

Liberia

DES JOURNALISTES SONT ARRÊTÉS À LA SUITE DE LA PROCLAMATION DE L?ÉTAT D?URGENCE

Liberia

PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS EN MEDIO DE ESTADO DE EMERGENCIA

Liberia

JOURNALISTS ARRESTED AMID STATE OF EMERGENCY

In the wake of a state of emergency declared 11 days ago by Liberian President Charles Taylor, authorities have arrested at least four journalists from the newspaper "Analyst" and ordered the publication shut down, report Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). The journalists were arrested on 13 February in the capital, Monrovia, and are being held in the police station.

Zimbabwe

APRUEBA LEY DE MEDIOS POLÉMICA

Zimbabwe

CONTROVERSIAL MEDIA LAW PASSED

The Zimbabwean government successfully passed the controversial Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill on 31 January, despite widespread concern from press freedom groups, including the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), ARTICLE 19, Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), World Association of Newspapers (WAN), Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). However, due to local and international pressure, significant sections of the original draft bill were watered down.

Democratic Republic of Congo

KABILA DECEPCIONA EN REVISIÓN DE FIN DE AÑO

Democratic Republic of Congo

KABILA, DES ESPOIRS DÉÇUS, CONCLUT UNE REVUE DE FIN D'ANNÉE

Democratic Republic of Congo

KABILA DISAPPOINTS IN YEAR-END REVIEW

One year after the ascent to power of the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, journalists remain "very threatened and exposed to possible reprisals" from the government and the country's many security forces, declares a joint report issued by Journaliste en danger (JED) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Issued on 26 January, the first anniversary of Kabila's appointment, the report says that, despite the new president's pledge to support human rights and democracy, the DRC still has one of the highest numbers of arrested journalists in Africa. "The president has not respected his commitments and has sent journalists to prison. He remains one of the world's press freedom predators," the report says.

Zimbabwe

DIFIEREN "PROYECTO DRACONIANO" POR PROTESTAS DE PERIODISTAS

Uganda

ESTUDIANTE DE PERIODISMO MUERTO MIENTRAS CUBRÍA MANIFESTACIÓN

Zimbabwe

DRACONIEN? EST RETARDÉ PENDANT QUE LES JOURNALISTES ORGANISENT DES PROTESTATIONS

Uganda

UN ÉTUDIANT EN JOURNALISME PERD LA VIE DURANT UNE MANIFESTATION

Zimbabwe

"DRACONIAN BILL" DEFERRED AS JOURNALISTS ORGANISE PROTESTS

Zimbabwe's Parliament has deferred debate on the controversial Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill until this week, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Originally, the bill was to have been considered for debate on 16 January. Minister of Information and Publicity Jonathan Moyo is considering proposed changes to the bill which CPJ says is aimed at stifling dissent in the run-up to the March elections. The proposed changes would allow foreign journalists to cover "specific events" and remove a requirement that they register with the government. However, journalists would still have to comply with a vaguely defined accreditation system, says CPJ.

Uganda

JOURNALISM STUDENT KILLED COVERING DEMONSTRATION

Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and Amnesty International are urging authorities in Kampala, Uganda, to conduct an in-depth and impartial investigation into the death of a journalism student who was killed while covering a political demonstration. Jimmy Higenyi, a student at the United Media Consultants and Trainers (UMCAT) Institute, died on 12 January after being shot in the back by police during a demonstration held by the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) in Kampala, reports RSF. It was Higenyi's first student project as a journalism trainee. The demonstration was considered illegal, since Article 269 of the Ugandan Constitution forbids any kind of political party activity. RSF notes that three police officers have been arrested in connection with Higenyi's death, but says those who authorised the officers to fire at the demonstrators should also be arrested.

Zimbabwe

LES GROUPES DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE CONDAMNENT LE RÉGIME MUGABE

Zimbabwe

GRUPOS DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA CONDENAN AL RÉGIMEN DE MUGABE

Zimbabwe

PRESS FREEDOM GROUPS CONDEMN MUGABE REGIME

Press freedom groups around the world have unanimously condemned the government of Robert Mugabe following the introduction of new laws which would impose massive restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedoms. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are urging the government to repeal the recently approved Public Order and Security Act and reconsider the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Bill (Information Bill).

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED PUBLICA INFORME ANUAL

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED PUBLIE SON RAPPORT ANNUEL

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT

Press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) appears to have improved since Joseph Kabila took over the country's reins from his father this year, reports Journaliste en danger (JED).

The Gambia

DE MEDIOS MIENTRAS GOBIERNO INTENSIFICA ACOSO

The Gambia

DES MÉDIAS ALORS QUE LE GOUVERNEMENT ACCROÎT SES MESURES DE HARCÈLEMENT

The Gambia

COMMONWEALTH URGES MEDIA COMMISSION AS GOVERNMENT STEPS UP HARASSMENT

Press freedom groups have expressed concerns that the government of Gambian President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh is exacting harsher measures against journalists.

Somalia

FUERZAS ESTADOUNIDENSES CIERRAN INTERNET

Sudan

TREINTA PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS

Zimbabwe

DE WAN MIENTRAS AUMENTAN LAS AMENAZAS A LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Somalia

LES ÉTATS UNIS FORCENT LA FERMETURE DE L'INTERNET

Sudan

TRENTE JOURNALISTES ARRÊTÉS

Zimbabwe

ALORS QUE SE POURSUIT L?ESCALADE DES MENACES À LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Somalia

US FORCES SHUTDOWN OF INTERNET

Internet access in Somalia has virtually grinded to a halt, following the closure of the country's only internet company because of US government suspicions that it has links to terrorists, reports the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Somalia Internet Company (SIC), named by the Bush administration as one of 62 organisations that have financial links with Osama bin Laden, has been forced to close operations, denying Internet access to all Somalis and blocking off vital money transfer services.

Sudan

THIRTY JOURNALISTS ARRESTED

Thirty journalists and other employees of the independent Sudanese newspaper "Al Watan" were detained by authorities last week, following a protest against the government's censoring of a story on corruption, report the Network for the Defence of Independent Media in Africa (NDIMA) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). The journalists were arrested on 22 November after they marched to the offices of the Information Ministry where they protested the government's ban. They were released later that evening, according to RSF sources.

Zimbabwe

EDITOR WINS WAN 2002 GOLDEN PEN OF FREEDOM AWARD AS THREATS TO FREE EXPRESSION ESCALATE

Geoffrey Nyarota, editor-in-chief of the independent Zimbabwe-based "Daily News", has been awarded the World Association of Newspaper's (WAN) 2002 Golden Pen of Freedom award.

Ethiopia

"NUEVA OLA DE ACOSO CONTRA PERIODISTAS", DICE EFJA

Ethiopia

?UNE NOUVELLE VAGUE DE HARCÈLEMENT CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES?, DIT L?EFJA

Ethiopia

"NEW WAVE OF HARASSMENT AGAINST JOURNALISTS," SAYS EFJA

Eleven journalists in Ethiopia have been ordered to appear before the courts to answer charges laid against them, a development that could signal a "new wave of harassment" against the press, say the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). One of the journalists is EFJA president and "Ethio Time" editor-in-chief Kifle Mulat, who has been summoned to appear before a federal high court on 5 December. It is not known what charge was laid against him.

Liberia

SINDICATO DE PRENSA REVIVE REVISTA MENSUAL

Rwanda

NUEVA LEY DE PRENSA PROVOCA INQUIETUD

Liberia

LE SYNDICAT DES JOURNALISTES DU LIBÉRIA (PUL) RESSUSCITE UN MAGAZINE MENSUEL

Rwanda

UNE NOUVELLE LOI SUR LA PRESSE RAVIVE L?INQUIÉTUDE

Liberia

PRESS UNION REVIVES MONTHLY MAGAZINE

"Media Line", the monthly publication of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), has returned to newsstands after a three-year absence. With the release of its November issue, the publication resumes its task of "keeping watch on the watchdogs" and "promoting the welfare of journalists in terms of better salaries and working conditions."

Rwanda

NEW PRESS LAW RAISES CONCERNS

The legacy of the Rwandan media's role in fueling hatred during the 1994 genocide "should not be used as an excuse to reduce opposition voices to silence," concludes Reporters sans frontières (RSF) in a report released last week. RSF recently returned from a visit to Rwanda in which it examined the country's press freedom conditions.

Malawi

DES JOURNALISTES INSCRITS SUR UNE LISTE DE PERSONNES À AGRESSER

Guinea-Bissau

FERME DES JOURNAUX TANDIS QUE LES NATIONS UNIES EXPRIMENT LEUR INQUIÉTUDE

Malawi

PERIODISTAS EN LISTA DE ATAQUES

Guinea-Bissau

GOBIERNO CIERRA PERIÓDICOS MIENTRAS ONU EXPRESA PREOCUPACIÓN

Malawi

JOURNALISTS PLACED ON ASSAULT LIST

Malawi's ruling party, the United Democratic Front (UDF), has reportedly drafted a list of journalists to be assaulted "for allegedly discrediting" its image, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). Citing an article in the "Daily Times", MISA says the UDF plans to employ members of the Young Democrats group to seek out and assault "Daily Times" reporters Mabvuto Banda and Penelope Paliani, "Nation" reporter Pilirani Semu and BBC correspondent Raphael Tenthani. The group is reportedly led by presidential youth advisor Henry Moyo and Humphrey Mvula, Chief Executive of Shire Buslines, though Mvula has dissociated himself from the group, according to MISA.

Guinea-Bissau

GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN NEWSPAPERS AS UN VOICES CONCERN

Amidst concerns expressed by the United Nations Security Council over the political situation in Guinea-Bissau, the government has ordered two independent newspapers to shut down operations, report the West African Journalist's Association (WAJA) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). In a public statement released on 29 October, WAJA condemned the decision to close down "Diario de Bissau" and "Gazeta de Noticias" and urged the government to "work towards defusing the destructive atmosphere that predominates in the country." WAJA added that the government may also close down two independent radio stations – "Radio Pindjiguiti" and "Bombolom".

Togo

GOBIERNO LIBERA A PERIODISTA PROMINENTE

Togo

LE GOUVERNEMENT RELÂCHE UN JOURNALISTE CONNU

Togo

GOVERNMENT RELEASES PROMINENT JOURNALIST

Prominent Togolese journalist Lucien Messan has been released today after receiving a presidential pardon, reports the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Messan, the editorial director of "Le Combat du Peuple" and an outspoken critic of President Gnassingbé' Eyadéma's government, was originally sentenced in June to 18 months in prison. According to Reporters sans frontères (RSF), he was accused of "falsehood and the use of falsehood" by a government minister and charged with having added his signature to a press release issued by the Togolese Private Press Publishers Association (ATEPP). The press release had called attention to alleged extra-judicial killings in Togo in June 1998, according to WAN.

Uganda

PROYECTO DE LEY AMENAZA GRUPOS DE LA SOCIEDAD CIVIL, DICE HRW

Swaziland

EDITOR DE PERIÓDICO ASESINADO

Uganda

UN AVANT PROJET DE LOI MENACE LES GROUPES DE LA SOCIÉTÉ CIVILE, DIT HRW

Swaziland

LE RÉDACTEUR EN CHEF D?UN JOURNAL EST ASSASSINÉ

Uganda

DRAFT LAW THREATENS CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS, SAYS HRW

A proposed law, which allows for the suspension of non-governmental organizations (NGO) in Uganda that do not conform to any government policy or plan, "threatens the legitimate activities of civil society," warns Human Rights Watch (HRW). The organization has released a briefing report (see www.hrw.org/backgrounder/africa/uganda/), recommending that the Non-Governmental Organizations Amendment Bill be rejected in favour of a new law that would "aim at building a constructive relationships between the state and civil society." ">http://www.hrw.org/backgrounder/africa/uganda/">www.hrw.org/backgrounder/africa/uganda/), recommending that the Non-Governmental Organizations Amendment Bill be rejected in favour of a new law that would "aim at building a constructive relationships between the state and civil society."

Swaziland

NEWSPAPER EDITOR KILLED

In the early hours of 1 October 2001, Sandile Ntshakala, editor of "The Swazi Observer," was shot and killed in the township of Mbuleni, near Manzini, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). Ntshakala was riding in a car with a colleague, Bongani Mtshali, when two unidentified men standing in the road opened fire on the vehicle. MISA notes that it is not known what the motive behind the killing is.

Sierra Leone

DES MÉDIAS; SEPT JOURNALISTES FIGURENT SUR UNE LISTE DE PERSONNALITÉS À ABATTRE

Sierra Leone

ACERCA DE PROYECTO DE RECONSTRUCCIÓN DE MEDIOS; SIETE PERIODISTAS EN LISTA

Sierra Leone

CJFE REPORTS ON MEDIA REBUILDING PROJECT; SEVEN JOURNALISTS ON HIT LIST

"The pay is low, the hours are long, but they keep at it. They have little advertising. They write about huge national stories. They criticize government. They struggle."

Eritrea

LA RÉPRESSION S?ACCENTUE CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES

Eritrea

TODOS LOS PERIÓDICOS INDEPENDIENTES CERRADOS AL INTENSIFICARSE OFENSIVA CONTRA M

Eritrea

ALL INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS CLOSED AS CRACKDOWN ON MEDIA ESCALATES

The Eritrean government has intensified a major crackdown on its opponents in recent days, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Eritrean authorities suspended all the country's privately owned and independent newspapers until further notice. Newspapers affected by the suspension order include "Meqaleh", "Setit", "Tiganay", "Zemen", "Wintana", and "Admas", reports CPJ.

Democratic Republic of Congo

PERIODISTA LIBERADO; OTRO SIGUE ENCARCELADO

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN JOURNALISTE EST REMIS EN LIBERTÉ; UN AUTRE EST TOUJOURS INCARCÉRÉ

Democratic Republic of Congo

JOURNALIST RELEASED; ANOTHER STILL IN JAIL

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Journaliste en danger (JED) reports that Innocent Prospère Mbumba, director of the weekly "L'Eveil" in the city of Kananga, was released on 30 August 2001 by National Information Agency (ANR) officials. That same day, Mbumba had been arrested and detained in an underground jail cell after receiving a summons from ANR to report to the agency's offices.

Swaziland

JUEZ CANCELA PROHIBICIÓN A PERIÓDICO

Tanzania

DOCE PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS POR CUBRIR CONFLICTO ÉTNICO

Swaziland

UN JUGE ANNULE L?INTERDICTION D?UN JOURNAL

Tanzania

DOUZE JOURNALISTES SONT ARRÊTÉS POUR AVOIR COUVERT UN CONFLIT ETHNIQUE

Tanzania

TWELVE JOURNALISTS ARRESTED FOR COVERING ETHNIC CONFLICT

Police in the Tarime District of Mara recently arrested twelve journalists in the space of eight days for attempting to report on conflicts between two ethnic clans, according to the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).

Swaziland

JUDGE STRIKES DOWN BAN ON NEWSPAPER

A high court judge has struck down a government ban on “The Guardian of Swaziland,” allowing the weekly newspaper to resume publishing after a four-month period of inactivity, reports the Media Institute of Southern African (MISA) and Reporters sans frontièrès (RSF). On 31 August, High Court Judge J Annandale declared invalid the 4 May ban by the Minister for Public Service and Information, Mntonzima Dlamini.

Zimbabwe

PERIODISTAS EN SUPUESTA LISTA DE BLANCOS DEL GOBIERNO

Zimbabwe

IL Y AURAIT UNE LISTE DES JOURNALISTES VISÉS PAR LE GOUVERNEMENT

Zimbabwe

JOURNALISTS ON ALLEGED GOVERNMENT DEATH LIST

Several independent journalists are said to be named on a "hit list" compiled by Zimbabwe's Central Intelligence Organisation. They have suffered detention, interrogation, threats of criminal prosecution and other intimidation tactics in the past few weeks, amidst police pressure prior to next year's presidential elections. The Media Institute for South Africa (MISA), the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the situation and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called it a "ruthless political vendetta" against journalists.

Zambia

LE GOUVERNEMENT MET LA PRESSE AU PAS À LA VEILLE DES ÉLECTIONS

Zimbabwe

EST L?INDICE DE LA DÉGRADATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE L?INFORMATION

Zimbabwe

DETENCIÓN DE PERIODISTAS SEÑALA DETERIORO ADICIONAL DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Zambia

GOBIERNO INICIA OFENSIVA CONTRA PRENSA EN PERIODO PREVIO A ELECCIONES

Zambia

GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON PRESS AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

A recent string of press freedom violations suggest that the Zambian government is cracking down on the independent media in advance of elections later this year, according to reports from the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI). These incidents include the arrest of the editor-in-chief of the country's only independent newspaper and the closing of a private radio station.

Zimbabwe

JOURNALISTS' DETENTIONS MARK FURTHER DETERIORATION OF PRESS FREEDOM

Six journalists from the "Daily News" were detained in two separate incidents last week in the latest round of government attacks on Zimbabwe's independent media, according to reports from the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF).

South Africa

PROJET DE LOI ENVAHISSANT SUR L'INTERCEPTION ET LA SURVEILLANCE SÈME L'INQUIÉTUD

South Africa

CONCERN OVER INVASIVE INTERCEPTION & MONITORING BILL

Anti-censorship organisations and journalists in South Africa are concerned about the proposed Interception and Monitoring Bill, report the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The bill would "allow blocking and snooping on the Internet, all in the interest of 'state security'," reports MISA. CPJ notes that the bill would empower the police, the National Defence Force, the Intelligence Agency and the Secret Service to "establish, equip, operate and maintain monitoring centres." If adopted, the legislation would allow the government to monitor electronic and cellular communication, in some cases without warrants, under the pretext of curbing organized crime, says CPJ.

Swaziland

SOUS LA PRESSION INTERNATIONALE, LE ROI ABOLIT UN DÉCRET

Democratic Republic of Congo

LES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS SE POURSUIVENT

Tanzania

DES PUBLICATIONS SONT INTERDITES POUR CAUSE DE PORNOGRAPHIE ET DÉSARTICULATION DES CAMPAGNES CONTRE LE VIH/SIDA

Swaziland

POR PRESIONES INTERNACIONALES REY REVOCA DECRETO

Democratic Republic of Congo

CONTINÚAN LAS AGRESIONES CONTRA LOS MEDIOS

Tanzania

PROHÍBEN PUBLICACIONES POR PORNOGRAFÍA Y FRUSTRAR CAMPAÑAS ANTI-VIH/SIDS

Swaziland

KING REPEALS DECREE UNDER INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

King Mswati III has repealed a controversial decree that threatened the press, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). The decree's withdrawal was prompted by outcries from international organisations over the Swazi government's disregard for human rights and the rule of law, according to MISA's Swaziland office. The United States government had threatened to exclude the kingdom from the list of countries entitled to trade benefits under the Africa Growth Opportunity Act, unless the decree was repealed.

Democratic Republic of Congo

ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA CONTINUE

Attacks against the media continue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has one of the worst press freedom records in Africa and in the world, according to Journaliste en danger (JED). The organisation made the remarks in a press release marking National Press Day in the DRC on 22 July.

Tanzania

PUBLICATIONS BANNED FOR PORNOGRAPHY, THWARTING ANTI-HIV/AIDS CAMPAIGNS

The Tanzanian government has banned eight magazines and suspended three tabloid newspapers for allegedly publishing indecent photographs that run counter to anti-HIV-AIDS campaigns, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF).

Mozambique

MIEDO Y AUTOCENSURA DESPUÉS DE ASESINATO DE CARDOSO

Mozambique

EFFETS DU MEURTRE DE CARDOSO : PEUR ET AUTOCENSURE

Mozambique

FEAR AND SELF-CENSORSHIP IN WAKE OF CARDOSO MURDER

Eight months after the murder of investigative journalist Carlos Cardoso, Mozambican journalists are afraid to cover sensitive stories, particularly those involving corruption, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The organisation reached this conclusion after a recent four-day visit to the Mozambican capital, Maputo, during which CPJ representatives met with dozens of journalists from both state-owned and private media as well as high-ranking government officials.

Rwanda

PROPONEN PENA DE MUERTE PARA PERIODISTAS QUE INCITAN AL ODIO

Angola

CONDICIONES DE PRENSA SE DETERIORAN

Rwanda

QUI INCITENT À LA HAINE

Angola

LA SITUATION DE LA PRESSE SE DÉTÉRIORE

Rwanda

DEATH PENALTY PROPOSED FOR JOURNALISTS WHO INCITE HATRED

Rwanda is considering introducing the death penalty for local journalists who incite racial hatred, according to the United Nations Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN). The country's parliament is currently debating a media bill that would impose a minimum jail term of 20 years or even death for any local journalist found guilty of using the mass media to incite genocide. Any foreign journalist who incites the public to commit genocide would be banned from entering or staying in Rwanda. The bill also proposes that journalists be compelled to reveal their sources.

Angola

PROVINCIAL OFFICIAL KILLS JOURNALIST; PRESS CONDITIONS DETERIORATE

Alegria Gustavo, a journalist for the local branch of Rádio Nacional de Angola (RNA) in the province of Huambo, was murdered on 8 July, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). The four organisations report that Gustavo was shot dead by provincial vice-administrator Matias Kassoma after leaving a party. The journalist's friends reportedly attacked Kassoma after witnessing the murder and left him in critical condition. RSF, CPJ and CJFE have called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder. MISA notes that the Angolan government has not been able to explain past killings of journalists including Ricardo de Mello, Feliciano Zau Bunga, Antonio Casimiro and Simão Roberto.

Nigeria

A PRESIDENTE; PROMETEN LIBERALIZACIÓN DE LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT; ON PROMET DE LIBÉRALISER LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

EDITOR JAILED FOR DEFAMING PRESIDENT; LIBERALISATION OF MEDIA LAWS PROMISED

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has brought charges of criminal defamation against journalist Nnamdi Onyenua, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Onyenua, editor of the weekly, Lagos-based magazine "Glamour Trends", was arrested on 8 June. The charges resulted from an article entitled "Secrets Behind Obasanjo's Trips" that appeared in the magazine's 6 June edition. According to CPJ, the article alleged that the president receives US$1 million in allowances for each overseas trip and that he had amassed US$58 million in allowances over two years. Onyenua was detained for more than eleven days without formal charges, in violation of Nigerian law, notes CPJ. He was not arraigned until 19 June, when he was charged with publishing false information and defaming the president. On or about 21 June, he was released on bail.

Malawi

INDEMNIZAN A PERIODISTAS POR DETENCIÓN

Malawi

DES JOURNALISTES SONT DÉDOMMAGÉS DE LEUR INTERNEMENT ILLÉGAL

Malawi

JOURNALISTS COMPENSATED FOR UNLAWFUL DETENTION

Two Malawian journalists will receive compensation for being unlawfully detained two years ago, according to the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA). On 28 June, Ombudsman Enock Chibwana awarded "Daily Times" acting chief reporter Mabvuto Banda and the late "Malawi News" editor Horace Somanje 30,000 Malawi Kwacha (approximately US$395). Banda and Somanje were arrested on 21 June 1999, following the publication of a "Malawi News" article that quoted opposition supporters encouraging the army to take over the government. The opposition supporters, who had gathered outside the High Court in Blantyre to contest election results following alleged vote-rigging, said they could not endure five more years under President Bakili Muluzi and the ruling United Democratic Front.

Ghana

EN VUE D?ÉLIMINER LES DISPOSITIONS CONCERNANT LA DIFFAMATION PÉNALE

Ghana

PROCESS TO ELIMINATE CRIMINAL LIBEL BEGINS

Ghana has begun the process to remove criminal libel from its statute books, report the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) and ARTICLE 19. The bill that would repeal the law on seditious libel was published in the official gazette on 8 June, according to WAJA. The bill must still go through three readings in parliament before becoming law. Repeal of the criminal libel law was a campaign promise of the new government, elected in December 2000. The former government used the law on several occasions to harass journalists, notes WAJA.

Ghana

COMIENZA PROCESO PARA ELIMINAR DIFAMACIÓN PENAL

Mali

RETIRAN CARGO DE DIFAMACIÓN CONTRA DIRECTOR DE TV PÚBLICA

Togo

PROTESTA "SIN PRENSA" CONTRA SENTENCIA DE CÁRCEL A PERIODISTA

Mali

DIFFAMATION PORTÉE CONTRE UN DIRECTEUR DE LA TÉLÉVISION PUBLIQUE EST REJETÉE

Togo

UNE SEMAINE POUR PROTESTER CONTRE LA PEINE DE PRISON INFLIGÉE À UN JOURNALISTE

Mali

DEFAMATION CHARGE AGAINST PUBLIC TV DIRECTOR DROPPED

The defamation complaint against Sidiki Konaté, director-general of the Office of Radio and Television in Mali (ORTM), has been withdrawn according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF). On 16 May, Konaté was convicted of criminal defamation following a television broadcast in which the mayor of Bamako accused Malian magistrates of being corrupt and inefficient. RSF reports that a few days after Konaté was sentenced to one month in prison, the National Union of the Magistracy withdrew its complaint against him. The case is now closed.

Togo

"PRESSLESS" PROTEST AGAINST JOURNALIST'S PRISON SENTENCE

The arrest of Lucien Messan, one of Togo's most senior journalists, has led to protests from the country's private press as well as the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Cameroon

GOBIERNO INDEMNIZA A PERIODISTA OBJETO DE ABUSO

Cameroon

LE GOUVERNEMENT ACCORDE UN DÉDOMMAGEMENT À UN JOURNALISTE VIOLENTÉ

Cameroon

GOVERNMENT COMPENSATES ABUSED JOURNALIST

Albert Mukong, a Cameroonian journalist and human rights activist who took his case to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, has received US$137,000 from the Cameroon government in compensation for the abuses he suffered, reports ARTICLE 19. In 1994, the Human Rights Committee found that his rights to liberty and security of person and freedom of expression had been violated and recommended compensation. ARTICLE 19, which acted as Mukong's counsel, congratulates the the government for compensating the journalist and for "reaffirming "the principle that governments are responsible for past human rights violations committed by the state."

Mali

DIRECTOR DE DIFUSIÓN PÚBLICA ENCARCELADO POR DIFAMACIÓN

Ethiopia

ENTRE ACONTECIMIENTOS ENCONTRADOS DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Mali

LE DIRECTEUR DE LA TÉLÉVISION PUBLIQUE EMPRISONNÉ POUR DIFFAMATION

Ethiopia

BRUITS CONTRADICTOIRES SUR LA SITUATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRES

Mali

PUBLIC BROADCASTING HEAD JAILED FOR DEFAMATION

The head of Mali's public broadcasting service has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for a criminal defamation charge brought by a union of judges, report the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). On 16 May, a court convicted Sidiki Konaté, head of the Office of Radio and Television in Mali (ORTM), of criminal defamation. The Autonomous Union of the Magistracy filed charges against both ORTM and the mayor of Bamako, Ibrahima N'Diaye, after a 26 March television programme in which the mayor accused Malian magistrates of being corrupt and inefficient, according to WAJA, CPJ and RSF. Sidiki was also sentenced to pay a fine of US$1,350. The mayor received a 30-day jail sentence and a US$4,000 fine, note WAJA and CPJ. Under Malian press law, the ORTM is punishable for having broadcast the mayor's remarks, while the mayor is considered an accomplice, says RSF.

Ethiopia

FAMINE & CENSORSHIP REPORT RELEASED AMID CONFLICTING PRESS FREEDOM DEVELOPMENTS

A new ARTICLE 19 report evaluates progress on issues related to censorship and famine in Ethiopia over the past decade. The publication, entitled "Ethiopia: Still Starving in Silence?," revisits concerns first raised by the organisation in a 1991 report. The release occurs at a time when both advances and setbacks for freedom of expression have been taking place in Ethiopia.

Democratic Republic of Congo

HASTA AHORA, DE TAL PALO TAL ASTILLA

Democratic Republic of Congo

TEL PÈRE, TEL FILS

Democratic Republic of Congo

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON SO FAR

Reports from Journaliste en danger (JED) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) suggest that there has been little improvement for journalists under new President Joseph Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabila took power following the 16 January assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, whose regime was marked by severe human rights and press freedom violations. The persistence of this pattern of abuse prompted CPJ to write to Kabila on 10 April, expressing deep concern over the "continued deterioration of press freedom conditions."

Liberia

QUATRE JOURNALISTES SONT RELÂCHÉS À LA SUITE DE PRESSIONS INTERNATIONALES

Liberia

CUATRO PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS DEBIDO A PRESIÓN INTERNACIONAL

Liberia

FOUR JOURNALISTS RELEASED AFTER INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

Four Liberian journalists were released on 30 March after more than a month in prison, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the US-based press freedom organisation Freedom Forum (FF). The journalists' release follows protests on their behalf by the Press Union of Liberia and international media advocacy organisations, including CPJ, which accused the Liberian government in March of bringing "trumped-up charges of espionage" against the journalists.

Zimbabwe

LE CPJ DEMANDE AU GOUVERNEMENT D?AMÉLIORER LE CLIMAT DE LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Zimbabwe

CPJ PIDE AL GOBIERNO MEJORAR EL CLIMA DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Zimbabwe

CPJ CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE PRESS FREEDOM CLIMATE

A delegation from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern over serious threats to press freedom in Zimbabwe during a 20 March meeting with the country's ambassador to the United States, Simbi Mubako. CPJ says press freedom conditions have deteriorated dramatically since the January 1999 arrest and torture of Mark Chavunduka and Ray Choto of the Harare weekly "The Standard". Choto, who was part of the CPJ delegation, says "journalism in Zimbabwe at the moment is in a crisis." The organisation points to the significant increase in violence against journalists; the harsh anti-independent press rhetoric of the ruling ZANU-PF party; government efforts to regulate the accreditation of journalists; and efforts to block independent broadcasting.

Burundi

GOBIERNO TERMINA RELATIVA APERTURA A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Burundi

LE GOUVERNEMENT MET FIN À UNE RELATIVE OUVERTURE À LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Burundi

GOVERNMENT ENDS RELATIVE OPENNESS TO PRESS FREEDOM

Recent arrests and attacks on journalists reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), and the Network for the Defence of Independent Media in Africa (NDIMA) suggest that the government of war-torn Burundi has started a new crackdown on press freedom.

Burkina Faso

JOURNAUX AFRICAINS PARTICIPENT AUX ACTIONS DU RÉSEAU "PRESSE ET DÉMOCRATIE"

Burkina Faso

SE UNEN A PRIMERA ACCIÓN DE PRENSA Y DEMOCRACIA

Burkina Faso

35 AFRICAN PAPERS JOIN FIRST PRESS & DEMOCRACY ACTION

In the first campaign of the Press and Democracy network, thirty-five African newspapers are appealing for an end to impunity in the murder of Burkinabe journalist Norbert Zongo, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Press and Democracy, Africa's first electronic network for the defence of press freedom, includes newspapers and organisations from nineteen francophone African countries. Its initial campaign involves the simultaneous publication of a full-page insert about the trial of Zongo's assassins. Participating newspapers include "Le Jour" in Côte d'Ivoire, "Les Echos du Jour" in Benin, "Le Pays" in Burkina Faso, "Le Messager" in Cameroon, "L'Observateur" in Mali, "Alternative" in Niger, "Le Populaire" in Senegal, "La Référence Plus" in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and "Crocodile" in Togo. The insert was also published in the 25-26 February issue of the French daily "Le Monde". The Press and Democracy network was launched with support from RSF and the Francophonie's Intergovernmental Agency.

Uganda

ACOSO A MEDIOS EN PERIODO PREVIO A ELECCIONES

Uganda

LES MÉDIAS SONT HARCELÉS À L?APPROCHE DES ÉLECTIONS

Uganda

MEDIA HARASSED IN ELECTION LEAD-UP

Serious human rights concerns, including the harassment of journalists, lead Human Rights (HRW) to doubt whether Uganda's presidential elections on 12 March will be free and fair. HRW has documented extensive government efforts to manipulate the elections, along with some abuses by the opposition, in a report entitled "Uganda: Not a Level Playing Field". Opinion polls suggest that President Yoweri Museveni is facing his most significant electoral challenge since coming to power in 1986.

Nigeria

PROPONEN REFORMAS A MEDIOS, PERO NO HACEN PÚBLICO INFORME

Nigeria

ON PROPOSE DES RÉFORMES POUR LES MÉDIAS, MAIS ON NE PUBLIE PAS LE RAPPORT

Nigeria

MEDIA REFORMS PROPOSED, BUT REPORT NOT MADE PUBLIC

A Nigerian government committee that has been reviewing the country's repressive media and publishing laws has submitted its report to Information Minister Jerry Gana, after a one-year public consultation process, reports the International Journalists' Network (IJN). The Minister accepted the report, but did not make it public. However, IJN says that Taiwo Alimi, the committee chairman and chief executive of the Voice of Nigeria, confirmed that the report made significant recommendations regarding the country's restrictive regulations governing the registration of newspapers, journals and magazines.

Zimbabwe

PARA "DAILY NEWS", GOBIERNO PROHIBIRÁ INVERSIÓN EXTRANJERA EN MEDIOS

Zimbabwe

LE GOUVERNEMENT S?APPRÊTE À INTERDIRE INVESTISSEMENT ÉTRANGER DANS LES MÉDIAS

Zimbabwe

MISA SEEKS AID FOR "DAILY NEWS", GOVERNMENT TO BAN FOREIGN MEDIA INVESTMENT

The Zimbabwe chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is appealing for financial assistance to repair the printing press of the Harare-based "Daily News." The newspaper's premises were the target of a bomb attack on 28 January, which caused extensive damage. Speculation that the state was involved in the attack has been fuelled by the discovery that an anti-tank landmine was used in the bombing. For more information, contact Sarah Chiumbu, MISA-Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 757, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe; Telephone / Fax: +263 4 735 441 / 735 442; E-mail: misa@icon.co.zw.">mailto:misa@icon.co.zw">misa@icon.co.zw.

Zimbabwe

ATAQUE CON BOMBAS SIGUE A DECLARACIÓN DE

Zimbabwe

À LA BOMBE FAIT SUITE À UNE DÉCLARATION DE "GUERRE" CONTRE UN JOURNAL

Zimbabwe

BOMBING FOLLOWS DECLARATION OF "WAR" ON NEWSPAPER

Nigeria

COMBATE DE LOS MEDIOS PARA JUGAR UN ROL UNIFICADOR EN UNA SOCIEDAD DIVERSA

Nigeria

LES MÉDIAS S?EFFORCENT DE JOUER UN RÔLE D?UNIFICATION DANS UNE SOCIÉTÉ PLURALIST

Nigeria

MEDIA STRUGGLE TO PLAY UNIFYING ROLE IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY

The need for the media to act as unifying agents in the diverse, multi-cultural societies of Africa was the central theme of a conference on "Media in Diverse societies: Roles, Responsibilities and Opportunities" held last month in Abuja, Nigeria, according to the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC). In a new and fragile democracy facing the potentially divisive forces of religion, ethnic rivalry, and regionalism, conference participants affirmed that "the media remain the only institution capable of unifying the people." IJC reports that George Soros, Chairman of the Open Society Institute, was one of those who addressed the conference for media owners, managers and stakeholders, urging the media to "contribute to creating harmonious co-existence among diverse groups in Nigeria." The conference, which took place from 11-13 December, was jointly organised by the IJC, the Panos Institute, and the New York University Center for War, Peace and the News Media.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED Y OTRAS ORGANIZACIONES ATACADAS

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED ET D?AUTRES SONT ATTAQUÉS

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED AND OTHERS ATTACKED

Only weeks after state media issued threats and called for the murder of staff of the dailies "Le Potentiel" and "Le Phare" in a series of editorials, journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been finding themselves under even greater attack. On 13 December, M'Baya Tshimanga, president of IFEX member organisation Journaliste en danger (JED) and a correspondent for Reporters sans frontières (RSF), was stopped late in the evening at a military checkpoint near his house by a group of armed soldiers. The group took some of his money and tried to force him to exit his car, but Tshimanga managed to flee, reports JED. Also on 13 December, journalists from the daily "Le Phare", including publisher Polydor Muboyayi Mubanga, were pursued in their vehicle by armed men, states JED. After a high-speed chase, the "Le Phare" team managed to escape their pursuers.

Burkina Faso

ASESINOS DE PERIODISTA NO HAN SIDO CASTIGADOS, PROHÍBEN A RSF ENTRAR AL PAÍS

Burkina Faso

COURENT TOUJOURS, TANDIS QUE RSF EST INTERDIT DE SÉJOUR AU PAYS

Burkina Faso

JOURNALIST'S MURDERERS UNPUNISHED, RSF BARRED FROM COUNTRY

Two years after the murder of journalist Norbert Zongo in Burkina Faso, Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) has denounced the fact that the culprits remain unpunished. Although an independent commission of inquiry in May 1999 identified six suspects and implicated the President?s brother, no one has been charged, according to RSF.

Mozambique

UN JOURNALISTE ET DÉFENSEUR DE LA LIBERTÉ D?EXPRESSION EST ASSASSIN

Mozambique

DEFENSOR DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN Y PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Mozambique

FREE EXPRESSION ADVOCATE AND JOURNALIST MURDERED

On 22 November, "Metical" editor Carlos Cardoso was shot and killed by unknown assailants in an ambush, provoking international outreage, according to reports by numerous IFEX members. While the motive is unknown, "the exposures carried in "Metical" may well have earned Cardoso enemies in powerful spheres of the illegal trade," says the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). ARTICLE 19 states that "Metical" published several articles on the alleged wrongdoings by the Mozambique Commercial Bank. In addition, only one week before he was murdered, Cardoso launched a campaign against "the gangster faction" in the ruling FRELIMO party, "which he accused of provoking recent political violence in the country," says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Cardoso was known internationally for his work on political corruption and organized crime in Mozambique. Cardoso founded the country's first independent newspaper, "Mediafax", at the beginning of the 1990s and launched "Metical" in 1998, states the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Mauritius

ACCESS TO INFORMATION EXPANDS

The Mauritian government has announced several new measures which will guarantee its citizens' access to information, reports the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) based on reports from the PANA news agency.

Liberia

LOS MEDIOS SIGUEN VULNERABLES A LAS AMENAZAS

Liberia

LES MÉDIAS RESTENT VULNÉRABLES AUX MENACES

Liberia

MEDIA REMAINS VULNERABLE TO THREATS

In the attempt to exercise their right to inform and express themselves freely, the media in Liberia have found themselves on a roller coaster ride for the past decade, says an unnamed correspondent for "Zongo Giwa" (Vol. 1, No. 2, 2000), a publication of the Media Foundation for West Africa. Since Charles Taylor became president in 1997, the development of the media has been "stunted" while the state-owned media "attempts with much difficulty to dominate public opinion agenda-setting." Prior to Taylor's rule, media workers were embroiled in a seven-year civil war, forced to either flee the country or become party to the conflict. "For a country coming from the throes of war, a confrontation between the government and the media can hardly help the path to peace," writes the author. Independent journalists and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) have made concerted efforts to improve the relationship between government and the media, such as sponsoring a workshop on "Media / Government Collaboration in Fostering and Sustaining Development". The intervention of human rights organisations, such as the Center for Democratic Empowerment and the Carter Centre, as well as PUL, at critical points during this time has proven to be invaluable for the media's safety.

Democratic Republic of Congo

SE INTENSIFICAN LOS ATAQUES CONTRA LOS MEDIOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

LES ATTAQUES S?INTENSIFIENT CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

Democratic Republic of Congo

ATTACKS ON MEDIA INTENSIFY

As human rights abuses intensify in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), freedom of expression has been "crushed," says a new joint report by Journaliste en danger (JED) and ARTICLE 19. "Both the DRC government and the Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie (RCD) are guilty of imposing serious and sometimes violent restrictions on freedom of expression and association," asserts ARTICLE 19. These violations include the government's recent seizure of private television and radio outlets and frequent arrests of journalists, and the Goma-based RCD's beating and detention of 14 human rights activists, after they met with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. ARTICLE 19 urges both parties "to take immediate steps to build peace and a culture of respect for human rights in this war shattered country." The report, "République Democratique du Congo, vers une nouvelle strategie pour la liberté d'expression" ("The Democratic Republic of Congo: Towards a New Strategy for Freedom of Expression"), is presently available in French from either ARTICLE 19 (africa@article19.org) or JED (jedkin@ic.cd) and will be available in English in November. ">mailto:africa@article19.org">africa@article19.org) or JED (jedkin@ic.cd) and will be available in English in November.

Zambia

UN JOURNALISTE ANGOLAIS EST TROUVÉ MORT DANS LE ZAMBÈZE

Zambia

PERIODISTA ANGOLEÑO ENCONTRADO MUERTO EN RÍO ZAMBEZI

Zambia

ANGOLAN JOURNALIST FOUND DEAD IN ZAMBEZI RIVER

An Angolan journalist was found dead on 3 October in the Zambezi River near the town of Senanga in western Zambia, according to reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Antonio Paciencia, an editor at state-operated Radio Nacional de Angola (RNA), had disappeared on 30 September during a media tour of refugee camps in western Zambia which are home to around 180,000 Angolan refugees. The media tour was organized and hosted by representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The circumstances surrounding Paciencia's death remain unclear and are being investigated by Zambian police. According to RSF, the chief police inspector said the "body was found intact with no sign of injuries. We suspect suicide but things can change after gathering more evidence."

Angola

MISA PROTESTA CONTRA PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS

Angola

LE MISA PROTESTE CONTRE UN AVANT-PROJET DE LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Angola

MISA PROTESTS DRAFT MEDIA LAW

A new draft media law has provoked protests from the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Independent Union of Angolan Journalists (SJA), and MIACOOP (Associated Journalists). These groups organised several debates over the new draft law in the provinces of Bengo, Benguela, Huíla and Luanda during September. Numbers journalists, civil society stakeholders and representatives of political parties participated in the discussions.

Democratic Republic of Congo

PERIODISTA LIBERADO, GOBIERNO MONTA OFENSIVA CONTRA ESTACIONES DE RADIO PRIVADA

Democratic Republic of Congo

UN JOURNALISTE EST RELÂCHÉ; LA RÉPRESSION S?ABAT SUR LES STATIONS DE RADIO

Democratic Republic of Congo

JOURNALIST RELEASED, GOVERNMENT CLAMPS DOWN ON PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS

On 22 September, Franck Baku Fuita, Editor-in-Chief of the daily "La Référence Plus", was released from prison, reports Journaliste en Danger (JED). Baku, who spent 22 days in prison, was released "since the motives for the journalist's arrest no longer exist," says JED. Baku was arrested on 1 September, by order of the state prosecutor, for "insulting the magistracy." Numerous press freedom groups had called for the release of Baku and the other journalists being held. Meanwhile, JED reports that Freddy Loseke has been permitted to receive medical treatment. Loseke has been seriously ill while imprisoned and international groups have been lobbying for him to have access to medical attention.

Angola

UN PROJET DE LOI SUR LA PRESSE PRÉVOIT DE LOURDES AMENDES POUR LES MÉDIAS

Angola

PROYECTO DE LEY DE PRENSA IMPONDRÍA FUERTES SENTENCIAS A MEDIOS

Angola

DRAFT PRESS LAW WOULD SLAP MEDIA WITH HEAVY SENTENCES

Journalists charged with defamation of the president would face heavy fines and between two to eight years in prison under the new draft press law in Angola, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Under the legislation, journalists could be charged for publishing, disseminating or reproducing "news or facts of the national or foreign press, which attack the honour and reputation of the President of the Republic." According to CPJ, "if passed, this law will make it practically impossible for journalists in Angola to cover any matter relating to the country's political life without risking incarceration." The Angolan Minister of Social Communications, who publicised the draft bill in July, stated that the legislation would mark "a decisive step in the process of consolidating Angolan democracy." The bill resembles statutes currently used against Angolan journalists who have criticised or challenged President José Eduardo dos Santos, reports CPJ.

Namibia

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY APPLAUDS NAMIBIAN MEDIA

On the 15th anniversary of "The Namibian", United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, international freedom of expression organisations and human rights groups around the world are applauding the key role that this media group has played in democratic development in Namibia and in Southern Africa.

Kenya

PROHIBICIÓN DE TRANSMISIÓN PROPUESTA PODRÍA ELEVAR TENSIONES ÉTNICAS

Ethiopia

HUELGA DE MEDIOS ATRAE LA SOLIDARIDAD INTERNACIONAL

Kenya

DE RADIODIFFUSION POURRAIT EXACERBER LES TENSIONS ETHNIQUE

Ethiopia

UNE GRÈVE DANS LES MÉDIAS ATTIRE LA SOLIDARITÉ INTERNATIONALE

Kenya

PROPOSED BROADCASTING BAN COULD HEIGHTEN ETHNIC TENSIONS

The government’s move to ban private radio stations’ use of indigenous languages amounts to a form of censorship wider in scope than it seems, writes Wacuka Mungai in a Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) report. On 31 August, President Daniel arap Moi ordered that the attorney general draft legislation that would prohibit private stations from broadcasting in non-official indigenous languages, reports CPJ. The president justified his actions by stating that broadcasting in these languages on private stations "fostered tribalism and disunity." However, Mungai notes that the president has advocated the use of indigenous languages for the state-run radio. In the same statement alone, the president added that the government-run station's use of non-official indigenous languages is acceptable because it "ensures that national unity is not undermined." While each of Kenya’s 40 ethnic groups speaks a distinct language, only English and Kaswahili are official languages.

Ethiopia

MEDIA STRIKE DRAWS INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY

From 11-17 September, free press journalists are protesting the recent hike in the cost of printing by boycotting the publication of newspapers and magazines, reports the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association (EFJA). The EFJA-called strike has been supported both locally by local newspaper distributors and vendors and internationally by groups including the International Press Institute (IPI) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). On 16 August, the two government-owned printing presses increased the cost of printing by more than one-third. The increase resulted from a government-imposed tax on paper. The increase, which has affected the government press and 36 independent publications, "could eventually cause the private press in Ethiopia to fold," says IFJ. According to EFJA, three private papers have already been forced to fold as a direct result of the price rise. "The large tax imposed on paper is tantamount to restricting the flow of information and the dissemination of knowledge,” and jeopardises the very process of democratisation, states EFJA.

Liberia

RETRAIT DES ACCUSATIONS D?ESPIONNAGE PORTÉES CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES

Liberia

PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS DE CARGOS DE ESPIONAJE

Liberia

JOURNALISTS FREED FROM ESPIONAGE CHARGES

On 25 August, Liberian authorities released four journalists for Britain's Channel Four who had been detained for a week on espionage charges, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). On 18 August, Sorious Samura of Sierra Leone, Gugulakhe Radebe of South Africa, and David Barrie and Timothy John Lambon of the United Kingdom were arrested and indicted on espionage charges under claims that they intended to produce a documentary that was "damaging and injurious" to the country. For three weeks, the journalists had been filming and conducting interviews for a TV documentary. According to CPJ, the crew had requested an interview with President Charles Taylor, "who is widely suspected of supplying rebel forces in neighboring Sierra Leone with weapons and logistical support in exchange for diamonds." The President stated in an interview that the four were released after they had "apologized" to the nation, reports MISA.

Central African Republic

MEDIOS ATACADOS

Angola

PROHÍBEN NUEVAMENTE A MARQUES SALIR DEL PAÍS

Central African Republic

LES MÉDIAS DANS LA LIGNE DE MIRE DE L?ÉTAT

Angola

MARQUES DE NOUVEAU INTERDIT DE SORTIR DU PAYS

Central African Republic

MEDIA UNDER FIRE

Journalists in the Central African Republic are facing a trend of deteriorating press freedom standards, states the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on the occasion of the country's 40th anniversary of its independence. The trend is characterised by prosecution of journalists who report on "sensitive matters relating to the presidency." True to threats made by President Ange Felix Patasse late last year, several journalists have since been arrested and/or illegally detained on a number of allegations, including "insulting" or "defaming" the head of state, and "incitement to hatred," report CPJ and Reporters sans frontières (RSF).

Angola

MARQUES AGAIN BARRED FROM LEAVING COUNTRY

On 8 August, journalist Rafael Marques was once again prevented from leaving Angola, reports Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Marques was attempting to travel to the United States to receive the Percy Qoboza Award from the US-based National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). The award, which recognises "the extraordinary work of a foreign journalist while overcoming tremendous obstacles," was to be presented to Marques on 18 August at NABJ's Newsmaker Banquet.

Guinea

AUTORIDADES CENSURAN PRENSA LOCAL Y EXTRANJERA

Guinea

LES AUTORITÉS CENSURENT LA PRESSE LOCALE ET ÉTRANGÈRE

Guinea

AUTHORITIES CENSOR LOCAL AND FOREIGN PRESS

The National Communications Council (CNC) of Guinea's recent decision to suspend three foreign correspondents is part of "a systematic campaign to stifle critical voices in Guinea and, in particular, to block international coverage of the Condé trial," warns the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). On 28 July, Mouctar Bah of Agence France-Presse, Ben Daouda Sylla of Africa No. 1, and Amadou Diallo of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) had their credentials suspended for two months by the CNC. The regulatory body accused the journalists of "distributing information of a tendentious and malicious nature on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Guinea, with the unconfessed intention of tarnishing its image of peace and stability,"says Reporters sans frontières (RSF). The suspension occurred only one week prior to the resumption of opposition leader Alpha Condé's trial. The trial of Condé, who faces charges of "endangering the state," has been widely denounced by both local and international media as well as human rights groups "on both procedural and substantive legal grounds," attests CPJ.

Angola

LES ?GESTES DÉMOCRATIQUES? NE SONT QUE FAÇADE, DIT LE MISA

Angola

"DEMOCRATIC" MOVES ONLY COSMETIC, SAYS MISA

Political moves made by the Angolan government which seem to demonstrate a level of democratic openness concerning media law should be met with caution, states the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) - Angola. On 25 July, the Minister of Social Communication, Mr. Hendrik Vaal Neto, declared that "the President of the Republic (PR) has taken the initiative of democratizing the debate over the revision of the Media Law." Neto invited "all Angolan citizens, in particular, journalists, to participate in the elaboration of the new Media Law." The government's drafting of the legislation was not as consultative in approach, however, and this seemingly democratic gesture is an attempt to "manipulate the reality" of media repression that continues to exist under President José Eduardo dos Santos, asserts MISA-Angola.

Zimbabwe

NUEVOS CONTROLES EN LOS MEDIOS DESPUÉS DE ELECCIONES

The Gambia

CAMPAÑA SISTEMÁTICA PARA SUPRIMIR INFORMES

Swaziland

PUBLICAN DECLARACIÓN CONJUNTA ACERCA DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Zimbabwe

DE NOUVELLES MESURES DE CONTRÔLE DEPUIS LES ÉLECTIONS

The Gambia

CAMPAGNE SYSTÉMATIQUE POUR SUPPRIMER LES REPORTAGES

Swaziland

PUBLIENT UNE DÉCLARATION CONJOINTE SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Zimbabwe

NEW CONTROLS ON MEDIA FOLLOWING ELECTION

Hopes that the parliamentary elections in June would mark the beginning of greater diversity and less partisan reporting in the state-run broadcaster and newspapers are already fading, according to a statement on democracy and media reform released on 13 July by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), in association with the Federation of African Media Women - Zimbabwe, the Independent Journalists Association of Zimbabwe, the Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists. "It is now clear that these institutions will continue to operate as they have for many years, unless they are forced to do otherwise," says the statement. "Until reforms are undertaken which introduce transparent structures of accountability into the public media, Zimbabwe's media will continue to suffer." The statement says the current trend is for "more biased, unprofessional reporting of national political events, ... more attacks on those media and journalists who do not tow the government's line, ... more controls on the local and foreign media."

The Gambia

SYSTEMATIC CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS REPORTING

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has come to the "unfortunate conclusion" that recent press freedom violations in The Gambia are "not isolated incidents, but part of a systematic campaign to suppress reporting on issues of legitimate public concern." CPJ has written to Gambian President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh to express its deep concern over a series of recent abuses.

Swaziland

FOUR IFEX MEMBERS ISSUE JOINT STATEMENT ON PRESS FREEDOM

On 11 July, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) and ARTICLE 19 issued a joint statement on press freedom addressed to Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini. The organisations say they are "deeply concerned about the state of freedom of the press in the Kingdom of Swaziland." The four groups report that, over the past nine months, "media workers in Swaziland have experienced serious attacks on their right to freely report on matters in the Kingdom."

Tanzania

ARTICLE 19 ADVIERTE ACERCA DE LA FARSA ELECTORAL EN ZANZIBAR

Tanzania

ARTICLE 19 PRÉVIENT QUE L'ÉLECTION À ZANZIBAR EST UNE FARCE

Côte d'Ivoire

LA JUNTE ENVISAGE DE LÉGALISER LA CENSURE

Côte d'Ivoire

JUNTA PLANEA LEGALIZAR CENSURA

Côte d'Ivoire

JUNTA PLANS TO LEGALISE CENSORSHIP

Côte d'Ivoire's Information Minister Captain Henri Cesar Sama announced on 23 June that the ruling National Public Salvation Committee (CNSP) would soon release a list of measures designed to block publication of any information "likely to negatively affect the credibility of journalists, national security and social peace," according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). In response, CPJ wrote to President Robert Gueï on 28 June, stating that it is "gravely disturbed" by the regime's plans to tighten state control over the press.

Angola

MANIOBRAS "DEMOCRÁTICAS" SON SÓLO COSMÉTICAS, DICE MISA

Zimbabwe

INTIMIDATION DES MÉDIAS À LA VEILLE DES ÉLECTIONS

Zimbabwe

EN PERIODO PREVIO A ELECCIONES

West Africa

WAJA CONDEMNS VIOLATIONS ON ITS 14TH ANNIVERSARY

In a 21 June statement marking its 14th anniversary, the West African Journalists' Association (WAJA) renewed its "pledge to defend and promote press freedom in the region." When WAJA was established 14 years ago, the political landscape in its 16 member-countries was dominated by military regimes and one-party states. "Those years were marked by arbitrary arrests and detentions of journalists," according to WAJA.. "Today, almost all the countries in the sub-region have returned to constitutional rule, but this welcome transition to democracy has not resulted in significant gains for freedom of expression."

Zimbabwe

INTIMIDATION OF MEDIA IN RUN-UP TO ELECTION

The tenuous state of press freedom in Zimbabwe is illustrated by a number of incidents in the days leading up to the 24-25 June parliamentary elections, as reported by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). News reports indicate that the elections gave President Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party a narrow parliamentary majority.

West Africa

MEDIA GROWTH MET WITH REPRESSION

While the 1990s were "boom years" for West Africa's media, this progress was invariably met with new challenges and more attacks on press freedom in the region, saws Kwame Karikari, in the first edition of "Zongo-Giwa", a new publication of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The "general progressive trend in mass media pluralism and freedom" is among the many victories of the peoples in the region, says Karikari. However, repression of this movement has continued with the arrest, detention, harassment, and murder of journalists in the area. "Incessant prison sentences and forbidding damages from politically motivated suits are legal instruments of gagging and killing media all over the region," writes Karikari. Noting the critical role of local, regional bodies in consolidating freedom of expression and democratic development in the area, Karikari states that "external support in the end makes lasting effect when they complement local initiatives."

Zimbabwe

PERIODISTAS GANAN CASO HISTÓRICO

Zimbabwe

JUGEMENT HISTORIQUE EN FAVEUR D?UN JOURNALISTE

Zimbabwe

JOURNALISTS WIN LANDMARK CASE

In a landmark victory for media freedom and human rights in Zimbabwe, the legal provision under which journalists Mark Chavunduka and Ray Choto were charged last year was struck down by the Supreme Court, reports ARTICLE 19. Chavunduka and Choto, respectively editor and journalist for "The Standard", were detained, charged and tortured in January 1999 for publishing a story which alleged that there had been an unsuccessful coup within the army. The journalists were severely tortured while detained, and subsequently launched a case against the state for this violation of their human rights. The decision comes months after the journalists launched a challenge to this provision, which "prohibits the publication of any false statement that is likely to cause fear, alarm or despondency among the public." Chavunduka and Choto faced up to seven years' imprisonment under this provision.

Sierra Leone

DANS UNE EMBUSCADE TENDUE PAR DES REBELLES DU RUF

Sierra Leone

DOS PERIODISTAS MUERTOS EN EMBOSCADA DE RUF

Sierra Leone

TWO JOURNALISTS KILLED IN RUF AMBUSH

On 24 May, renowned war-zone journalists Miguel Gil Moreno de Mora of Spain and Kurt Schork of the United States were killed while traveling in vehicles near Rogberi Junction, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Moreno de Mora was a Spanish cameraman working for Associated Press Television News (APTN) and Schork was an American journalist working for Reuters. The journalists were ambushed by rebels from the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) while traveling with soldiers of the Sierra Leone Army (SLA) and two other journalists. Four soldiers were also killed and the other two journalists were injured.

South Africa

LE RACISME DES MÉDIAS EST TOUJOURS SOURCE DE CONTROVERSE

South Africa

RACISM IN THE MEDIA STILL SOURCE OF CONTROVERSY

While the South African Human Rights Commission has lifted the subpoenas issued to more than 40 editors in February for racism, the issue remains a contentious one for many. The Commission summoned these editors after a year-long investigation into racism in the media, prompted by the Black Lawyers' Association's allegations that a number of newspapers had "unfairly" targeted black professionals "when writing about corruption," reports the Commonwealth Press Union's (CPU) bulletin "CPU News" (April 2000.) Although editors could have faced six months in prison had they refused to comply with the subpoenas, many editors stated that they would not have attended the hearings because the Commission's actions "breached constitutional guarantees of free speech." Groups such as ARTICLE 19 and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) also critiqued the summons, stating that while racism exists in the South African media, the measures adopted by the Commission set a harmful precedent for the free press, and contravened "the guarantee of freedom of expression under international and constitutional law." The Commission would still like five black and three white editors to participate voluntarily in its process, however, according to "CPU News", the Commission's original "tactics" have harmed the public's support for its work.

Zimbabwe

ATACAN LEYES DE MEDIOS, OTRAS NOTICIAS

Zimbabwe

LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS SONT CONTESTÉES; AUTRES NOUVELLES

Zimbabwe

MEDIA LEGISLATION COMES UNDER ATTACK, OTHER NEWS

The Munhumutape African Broadcasting Corporation (MABC) is challenging provisions of the country's Broadcasting Act, stating that they deny the free right to information, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). According to MISA, Section 27 of this Act specifies that no entity "other than the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is permitted to carry on a broadcasting service in Zimbabwe." MABC, which filed its charge on 9 February, says that this Article directly contravenes sections of the country's constitution.

Tanzania

INFORME DE ARTICLE 19 EXAMINA ESTADO DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Tanzania

RAPPORT D'ARTICLE 19 QUI EXAMINE LA SITUATION DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Tanzania

ARTICLE 19 REPORT EXAMINES STATE OF FREE EXPRESSION

ARTICLE 19 is demanding the immediate release of the 18 leaders of the Zanzibar opposition party, the Civic United Front (CUF), who are up on charges of treason.

Zimbabwe

LOI SUR LES POSTES ET TÉLÉCOMMUNICATIONS

Angola

LES ACCUSATIONS PORTÉES CONTRE UN JOURNALISTE VIOLENT LA CONSTITUTION

Zimbabwe

LEY POSTAL Y DE COMUNICACIONES

Angola

CARGOS CONTRA PERIODISTA DESAFÍAN CONSTITUCIÓN

Zimbabwe

POST TELECOMMUNICATIONS BILL PASSED

On 8 March, parliament passed the Postal Telecommunications (PTC) Bill of 1999 with very little public debate, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). This bill "seeks to establish a regulatory authority to be named the Postal and Telecommunications Authority Board, which will regulate and license postal and telecommunications service providers," reports MISA. This board will consist of five to seven members who will be appointed by the president after consulting with the Minister of Information. Under the bill, the president will have the authority to make orders to "any telecommunications service provider," and the provider is not permitted to disclose that it is carrying out presidential directives. According to MISA, the bill reads: "If in the opinion of the president, it is necessary in the interests of national security or the maintenance of law and order, he may give direction that any communication... shall be intercepted or monitored.... or any... service... shall be suspended." In addition, the bill intends "to amend the Broadcasting Act, provide the repeal of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act and the Radio Communication Services Act."

Angola

CHARGES AGAINST JOURNALIST DEFY CONSTITUTION

After weeks of postponement, Angolan freelance journalist and poet Rafael Marques, and two media workers for "Agora", publisher Aguiar Dos Santos and reporter Antonio José Freitas, faced trial today, 21 March, for "criminal defamation" of the president, reports the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Marques was first charged on 16 October 1999 for broadcasting and publishing an editorial in "Agora" which harshly criticised President José Eduardo Dos Santos. 30 minutes into the all-day trial, however, the judge ruled that all public, including human rights activists, journalists and officials from the United States and Portugese embassies, leave the courtroom, reports CPJ and the Open Society Institute (OSI). At the trial's adjournment for the day, the judge ruled that the trial continue on Thursday 23 March. If convicted, Marques faces from two to eight years in prison.

Nigeria

DES JOURNALISTES POURSUIVENT LA LUTTE POUR RECEVOIR UNE PROTECTION JURIDIQUE

Nigeria

PERIODISTAS CONTINÚAN COMBATE POR PROTECCIÓN LEGAL; OTRAS NOTICIAS

Nigeria

JOURNALISTS CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR LEGAL PROTECTION; OTHER NEWS

While journalists have long protected the rights of all people in Nigeria, there are still no laws in place which offer them protection in their work, says Babafemi Ojudu in "The Fourth Estate" (No. 5), a publication of the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER). In his article, "Media: The African Experience", Ojudu assesses the horrendous attacks and abuses which journalists suffered under General Abacha's regime. He states that the press in Nigeria and throughout Africa "have had to bear the brunt of the struggle for good government, for democracy, and for restoration of human dignity for our people." Describing the resourceful, "guerrilla journalism" tactics that journalists used while under Abacha's rule, Ojudu says that things have improved for journalists in Nigeria since Abacha's rule ended. However, legal challenges to the media continue to exist, says Ojudu. While there is still no legislation in place which protects journalists and guarantees access to information, there continue to be laws in place which work against the press. As an example of such legislation, he points to Decree 48, which compels newspapers to be registered for a prohibitively expensive fee.

South Africa

PROTESTENT CONTRE LES AUDIENCES SUR LE RACISME DANS LES MÉDIAS

South Africa

FREE EXPRESSION GROUPS PROTEST RACISM HEARINGS

The South African Human Rights Commission's recent subpoena of more than thirty editors and journalists for hearings on racism in the media poses "a very real threat to freedom of expression and editorial independence," reports the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and ARTICLE 19. At least six editors and journalists from 24 news organisations have been ordered by the Commission to appear before the courts, and face the threat of fines or six months in jail, says WAN. "Financial Times" editor Richard Lambert is among those subpoenaed, making him the first editor thus far of a foreign publication ordered to attend the inquiry, reports the European Journalism Centre (EJC). WAN and ARTICLE 19 clarify that while racism is clearly a problem in the media that needs to be addressed, this commission is not the appropriate body to handle these concerns. Outside of the use of hate speech which is prohibited under international and national law, ARTICLE 19 states that the "the guarantee of freedom of expression under international and constitutional law prohibits public bodies from employing coercive means to impose standards, including of racial tolerance, on newspapers." WAN insists that the problem of racism must be addressed within the larger framework of "existing legal provisions which apply to all citizens of society, and that specific measures applicable only to the media would be an infringement of press freedom."

Zambia

AMENAZAN CAPÍTULO DE MISA

Ghana

PRESIDENTE DE WAJA SE ENFRENTA A POSIBLES CARGOS DE SEDICIÓN

Zambia

UNE SECTION LOCALE DU MISA EST MENACÉE

Ghana

LE PRÉSIDENT DE L?UJAO POURRAIT ÊTRE ACCUSÉ DE SÉDITION

Zambia

MISA CHAPTER THREATENED

On 2 February, the Zambian Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Newstead Zimba threatened to take "drastic action" against the Media Institute of Southern Africa's (MISA) Zambian chapter, the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA), and the Inter-African Network for Human Rights and Development (AFRONET). Accusing the organisations of being "agents of foreign sponsors," Zimba stated that ZIMA and AFRONET have "betrayed" the nation and the government. The attack comes in response to the organisations' claim that Zimba's "ministry had influenced the decision of Radio Phoenix to cancel the phone-in programme "Let the People Talk", which focused on a strike and subsequent dismissal of junior doctors in Lusaka and Kitwe." ZIMA's and AFRONET's intervention into that process resulted in the reinstatement of the programme, reports MISA.

Ghana

WAJA PRESIDENT FACES POSSIBLE SEDITION CHARGES

On 3 February, Kabral Blay-Amihere, president of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), executive member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and editor of "The Independent", was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police on possible charges of sedition, reports WAJA and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The investigation was related to an editorial that Blay-Amihere wrote and published in "The Independent" on 11 January about the military. The article urged the public to boycott "the traditional 31 December military parade, describing it as a relic from the days when the army controlled all state agencies and affairs in Ghana," says CPJ. WAJA reports that "under Ghana's Criminal Code of 1960, any person found guilty of sedition faces a minimum prison sentence of five years." Blay-Amihere was released after several hours of interrogation.

South Africa

LE FXI SALUE LA LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Mozambique

LA COUVERTURE MÉDIATIQUE DES ÉLECTIONS A ÉTÉ PLUS TRANSPARENTE

Ethiopia

REVISIÓN DE FIP ENCUENTRA QUE MUCHOS PERIODISTAS SIGUEN ASEDIADOS

Mozambique

COBERTURA ELECTORAL MÁS TRANSPARENTE

Mozambique

ELECTION COVERAGE MORE TRANSPARENT

Media coverage of Mozambique's 3-4 December 1999 presidential elections by the publicly-owned media was significantly more impartial than in the 1994 elections, says ARTICLE 19 and the Mozambique Human Rights League (LDH) in a recently released joint report on the elections. There was significantly less violence and greater freedom of movement for all political parties and the media than in the last elections. The groups report, however, that the electoral playing field in Mozambique remains uneven due to the "ruling party's ability to raise much greater funds for its campaign than its opponents, including through harnessing state resources." ARTICLE 19 and LDH state that the FRELIMO party, and its leader President Joaquim Chissano who was re-elected in December, continue to have undue amounts of influence over the media. The report notes that the FRELIMO party received considerably more coverage than the opposition parties.

Burkina Faso

CONTINÚA IMPUNIDAD EN CASO DE ZONGO

Burkina Faso

L?IMPUNITÉ PERDURE DANS LE CAS DE ZONGO

Burkina Faso

IMPUNITY CONTINUES IN ZONGO CASE

The Burkina Faso government's failure to fully investigate the death of journalist Norbert Zongo is indicative that "the government is not yet determined to shed full light on this case," says a recent Reporters sans frontières (RSF) report. The report, entitled "What's happening with the inquiry into Norbert Zongo's Death?", was issued on 13 December, marking the first anniversary of the death of Zongo. It examines the government's response to the official independent committee of inquiry into the journalist's death. The former editor of "L'Indépendant" and a human rights worker, Zongo was killed with three others on 13 December 1998. Zongo was a long-time critic of the impunity with which the government of Burkina Faso operated and was one of the founding members of the Mouvement Burkinabé des droits de l'homme et des peuples (Burkinabé Movement for Human and Peoples' Rights, MBDHP).

Democratic Republic of Congo

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA RESTRINGIDA EN 1999

Democratic Republic of Congo

LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE EST ENTRAVÉE

Democratic Republic of Congo

PRESS FREEDOM CURTAILED IN 1999

Press freedom was curtailed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1999, says the recently released report by Journaliste en Danger (JED), "1999: Report on the state of press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo." The report, launched by JED on 10 December, the 51st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, cites that 53 journalists have been detained in the DRC this year alone. According to the report, "20 journalists were detained for long periods of time and 30 others spent less than 48 hours behind bars for real or alleged press offences in 1999." JED reports that eight of these journalists "were victims of brutal or inhumane treatment" and another eight "suffered threats or harassment in their work."

Burkina Faso

ARTICLE 19 CALLS FOR AN END TO IMPUNITY IN BURKINA FASO

ARTICLE 19 will recognise International Human Rights Day on 10 December 1999 by joining insolidarity with organisations in Burkina Faso who are challenging impunity and remembering journalist Norbert Zongo and three others who were all killed on 13 December 1998.

Zambia

LES MENACES À LA LIBERTÉ DES MÉDIAS SE POURSUIVENT

Zambia

CONTINÚAN AMENAZAS A LIBERTAD DE MEDIOS

Zambia

THREATS TO MEDIA FREEDOM CONTINUE

The trial of journalists from "The Post" is one of several press freedom infractions taking place in Zambia, said an international delegation that visited the country 23-25 November. There are still a number of issues "which need to be urgently addressed if freedom of expression and freedom of the press are to be truly respected in Zambia," stated an International Press Institute (IPI) delegation. The members of the delegation were Wangethi Mwangi, Group Managing Editor of "The Nation" in Kenya, and Peter Goff, Advisor with the IPI. The delegation held talks with several members of the private and state-run media, leaders of media organisations, and several governmental representatives, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Newstead Zimba. During the delegation's visit, on 25 November, the trial of the 12 journalists from "The Post" who are charged with espionage opened. This trial along with the attack of a journalist for the "Monitor" during the visit illustrated "the gravity of the situation" in Zambia.

Tanzania

CONTINÚAN AGRESIONES DEL GOBIERNO A MEDIOS

Tanzania

LE GOUVERNEMENT POURSUIT SES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

Tanzania

GOVERNMENT ATTACKS ON MEDIA CONTINUE

The Tanzanian government has threatened action against at least nineteen newspapers over the course of the past year, vowing it will take action against them for content it considers "offensive," reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).

Nigeria

IPI SE REUNE CON GOBIERNO PARA ANALIZAR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Nigeria

L'IIP RENCONTRE LE GOUVERNEMENT POUR DISCUTER DE LIBERTÉ DE PRESSE

Nigeria

IPI MEETS WITH GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS PRESS FREEDOM

In a meeting with President Olusegun Obasanjo and other government officials 31 October to 2 November, the International Press Institute (IPI) applauded the recent efforts made by Obasanjo's government to improve media freedom. As an example of such efforts, IPI pointed to the government's recent repeal of several laws restrictive of the media. IPI expressed concern, however, about decrees still intact, under which "the Nigeria Press Council is given the power to register publications and journalists, impose fines for violations, and force journalists to disclose sources of information." IPI also stated its concern about the high taxes to which the Nigerian media is subjected. Overall, in the meeting, Obasanjo again confirmed his commitment to abolish" all obnoxious and draconian measures" used against the press in his country, reports IPI.

South Africa

RECULS DE LA LIBERTÉ D?EXPRESSION

South Africa

SETBACKS FOR FREE EXPRESSION REPORTED

The Reuters international news agency has closed its office in Cape Town after months of receiving threats, reports the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI). Although Reuters has not specified the nature of the threats, it attests that they only affected its Cape Town office. Reuters continues to work in Johannesburg, and will attempt to cover news in Cape Town through other means. FXI states that this closure is "a significant setback for freedom of expression in the Western Cape especially, which was already a very difficult environment for journalists to operate in, given the levels of violence." FXI also fears that this will lead to an overall chilling effect in journalism in the country.

Namibia

PROYECTOS DE LEY EN REVISIÓN PONEN EN RIESGO LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Namibia

CERTAINS PROJETS DE LOI MENACENT LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Namibia

BILLS UNDER REVIEW JEOPARDISE PRESS FREEDOM

The Namibian government is currently reviewing two bills which the Media Institute of Southern

Swaziland

PROPONEN PROYECTO DE LEY ANTIDIFAMACIÓN; EDITOR ACUSADO

Swaziland

DES ACCUSATIONS SONT PORTÉES CONTRE LE DIRECTEUR D?UNE PUBLICATION

Swaziland

PROPOSED ANTI-DEFAMATION BILL; EDITOR CHARGED

The Swaziland government is presently reviewing an anti-defamation bill which would negatively affect press freedom, both the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and ARTICLE 19 report. The proposed bill has become a highly contentious issue for the international freedom of expression

Burundi

LES JOURNALISTES SONT VISÉS DANS UN CLIMAT DE VIOLENCE CROISSANTE

Zimbabwe

ANNONCE D?UN NOUVEAU CADRE DE POLITIQUE SUR LES MEDIAS

Zimbabwe

SE ANUNCIA NUEVO MARCO DE POLÍTICA DE MEDIOS

Burundi

PERIODISTAS SE CONVIERTEN EN BLANCOS AL AUMENTAR VIOLENCIA

Zimbabwe

NEW MEDIA POLICY FRAMEWORK ANNOUNCED

According to the Media Institute of South Africa (MISA), Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications has just completed a policy framework for information and mass media that “seeks to regulate the operations of the media in Zimbabwe.” MISA reports that the framework,

Burundi

JOURNALISTS TARGETED AS VIOLENCE INCREASES

As violence continues to escalate in Burundi, the Burundian government instructed its army to “treat journalists as legitimate military targets,” the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports. In a state radio broadcast to army commanders on 9 September, Defense Minister Colonel Alfred Nkurunziza told the army that it should consider journalists as enemies and thus, “legitimate targets, if they entered the Bujumbura Rurale province near the capital, where the army is fighting ethnic Hutu rebels.” According to Reporters san frontières (RSF), journalists were prevented from reporting on

Angola

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ DANS UNE VAGUE DE RÉPRESSION DIRIGÉE CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

Angola

PERIODISTA MUERTO EN REPRESIÓN CONTRA MEDIOS

Djibouti

DOS PERIODISTAS RECIBEN SEVERAS SENTENCIAS DE CÁRCEL

Angola

JOURNALIST KILLED IN MEDIA CLAMPDOWN

According to the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Mauricio Cristovao, a journalist at the

Sierra Leone

PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS Y ATAQUES CONTRA PERIODISTAS CAUSAN INQUIETUD

Sierra Leone

CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES SUSCITENT L?INQUIÉTUDE

Sierra Leone

MEDIA BILL AND ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS CAUSING CONCERN

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and ARTICLE 19 are alarmed by a contentious new media bill which is being tabled in Sierra Leone. ARTICLE 19 reports that the "Independent Media Commission Bill No. 99 of 1999" imposes statutory regulation on the print media which will create serious freedom of expression issues, outweighing any potential benefits. A media council has been proposed which will be able to suspend or revoke media licenses as well as hand out large fines. The legislation suggests that a three member committee will be appointed by the president and will review complaints against journalists. The bill would also grant new powers to the Ministry of Information, allowing it the authority to approve or revoke registration of newspapers for publication. According to a report received by CJFE from the International League for Human Rights in New York, "the media bill does not proscribe existing restrictive laws such as the 1964 criminal libel law."

Democratic Republic of Congo

MEDIOS ATACADOS

Democratic Republic of Congo

LES MÉDIAS SONT ATTAQUÉS

Democratic Republic of Congo

MEDIA ASSAULTED

In the latest threat to free expression in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), two journalists were flogged, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF). On 26 July, Jean Marie Kashila, a journalist with the Congolese Press Agency (Agence congolaise de presse, ACP), and Bienvenu Tshiela of Kasaï Horizon radio-télévision (KHRT) were flogged by police officers in the city of Mbuji-Mayi, in Kasaï province. The police officers allegedly acted on orders from Kalala Kaniki, the province's vice-governor, who accused the journalists of having criticised him in a number of articles and reports. Last year, RSF says, Kaniki ordered the flogging of another journalist, Robert Ndaye Tshisense.

The Gambia

WAJA CONFERENCE PROTESTS RADIO BAN, NEW MEDIA POLICY

Journalists' groups attending the 4th West African Journalists' Association (WAJA) Conference in Banjul, The Gambia protested the closure of a radio station and the government's proposed media policy, among other media freedom violations. Citizen FM radio should be allowed back on the air in The Gambia, say WAJA and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in a joint press release with the Gambia Press Union (GPU) issued on 17 June at the closing of the conference. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also issued a protest letter on the case after the meeting. A recent appeal in the High Court to re-open the station was adjourned. On 6 February 1998, Citizen FM's owner Baboucar Gaye and news editor Ebrima Sillah were detained and the station was closed by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Gaye was charged with operating a radio station without a license but it appears the closure might have been related to concerns about critical reports of the NIA. WAJA, the IFJ, the GPU and the CPJ also protest the recent firing of news editor Demba Jawo and deputy managing director Theophilus George from "The Observer" after the paper was taken over by a businessman who is close to the government.

Burkina Faso

NIEGAN ENTRADA A RSF PARA INVESTIGACIÓN DE MUERTE DE PERIODISTA

Angola

CONVOCAN A DÍA DE ACCIÓN EL 8 DE JULIO

Angola

APPEL À UNE JOURNÉE D?ACTION LE 8 JUILLET

Angola

DAY OF ACTION CALLED FOR 8 JULY

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has asked colleagues around the world to mark 8 July as a day of action on Angola. MISA has expressed concern about the apparent deteriorating situation for media workers in Angola where journalists still have no judicial recourse for the protection of their fundamental rights. Despite the fact that Angola's constitution provides for freedom of expression and of the press and the country is signatory to international treaties also protecting these rights, no court is currently empowered to deal with constitutional matters, according to MISA.

The Gambia

PROTESTA POR PROHIBICIÓN DE RADIO Y NUEVA POLÍTICA DE MEDIOS

The Gambia

RADIO ET LA NOUVELLE POLITIQUE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; PIDEN LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

APPEL À L'ADOPTION D'UNE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ D'INFORMATION

Nigeria

JOURNALIST MURDERED; CALL FOR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Journalist Edward Olalekan Ayo-Ojo, better known as Eddy Ayo-Ojo, was found dead in Lagos on 1 June, according to the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). An autopsy failed to reveal the exact causes of his death but there are some reports that he may have been strangled by unknown assailants. Ayo-Ojo had worked with several magazines, including the "Daily Times". At the time of his death he was a freelancer, writing features published in national dailies.

Sierra Leone

PERIODISTA MUERE EN PRISIÓN

Nigeria

SE INTENSIFICAN ATAQUES A MEDIOS

Nigeria

ESCALADE DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

Sierra Leone

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT EN PRISON

Sierra Leone

JOURNALIST DIES IN PRISON

On 30 April, journalist Conrad Roy, the news editor of "Expo Times", died while incarcerated in Sierra Leone, report Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Roy died in hospital from tuberculosis contracted in prison, after he was transferred to the hospital during the week of 26 April. In February 1998, the West African Peacekeeping Force (ECOMOG) detained Roy in Freetown, and he was only charged in December 1998 with "treason and aiding and abetting the enemy [and] conspiring to overthrow a legally constituted government," says CPJ. During his detention, Roy was denied the opportunity to appear before the Investigation Committee set up to decide who should be charged with treason for activities occurring during the rule by the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). On 6 January 1999, upon entering Freetown, RUF rebel forces released Roy along with other prisoners, but CPJ says that four days later Roy returned to prison in compliance with the government's order for prisoners to turn themselves in.

Nigeria

ATTACKS ON MEDIA ESCALATING

Attacks on members of the media are escalating in Nigeria, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC), ARTICLE 19, the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). ARTICLE 19 notes that with less than a month to go before the handover to a civilian government, human rights violations continue in Nigeria. As of last week, "over a dozen people, mostly journalists and trade union leaders, have been arrested and many more declared wanted in an attempt to suppress critical voices and those exercising their democratic rights," says ARTICLE 19.

Nigeria

PERIODISTA MUERTO

Sierra Leone

NUEVE PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS EN ENERO, DICE INFORME DE RSF

Sierra Leone

UN RAPPORT DE RSF FAIT ÉTAT DE NEUF JOURNALISTES TUÉS EN JANVIER

Nigeria

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Nigeria

JOURNALIST KILLED

Fidelis Ikwuebe, a freelance journalist who contributed to "The Guardian" daily newspaper, was murdered during bloody clashes between two communities in Anambra State in Nigeria, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Ikwuebe was kidnapped earlier this month by members of one of the two communities, Aguleri and Umuleri, who have been fighting for a week in the east of Anambra State. According to RSF, the fighting between the two communities left at least 500 people dead. According to IJC, "Reports said the journalist, along with a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ezinifite in the Nnewi South Local Government area of Anambra state, Peter Udekwe, was kidnapped during the crisis. The police chief was said to have been sacrificed to a local deity in Umuleri while the journalist was murdered in cold blood."

Sierra Leone

NINE JOURNALISTS KILLED IN JANUARY, SAYS RSF REPORT

Nine journalists were killed in January during fighting in Sierra Leone, says Reporters sans frontières (RSF) in an April report entitled "Black January for the press." RSF says many journalists in the country suffered attacks, kidnapping, detention and threats during the unrest in January. On 6 January, rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) entered Freetown and went on a rampage for a couple of weeks, killing thousands of people. The rebels, who oppose the elected president, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, were finally driven out by the West African peacekeeping force (ECOMOG).

Nigeria

NIRAN MALAOLU EST MALADE

Nigeria

JOURNALIST KILLED; NIRAN MALAOLU ILL

Journalist Bolade Fasasi was shot dead on 7 April by three unknown gunmen in Nigeria 's second biggest city, Ibadan, reports Reporters sans frontières (RSF). She was treasurer of the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and an active member of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

Zambia

LES JOURNALISTES DU "POST" ACCUSÉS D'ESPIONNAGE

Zambia

"POST" JOURNALISTS CHARGED WITH ESPIONAGE

On 22 March, Zambian police arrested and charged "The Post" editor-in-chief Fred M'membe with espionage, then immediately released him on bail, in what the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) called "the culmination of an unprecedented crackdown on "The Post" newspaper." M'membe was informed that he was to appear in court on 16 April or sooner, along with eight other journalists previously arrested and charged with espionage. Six journalists who had been arrested in a crackdown earlier in the month were formally charged on 17 March, but all were granted bail of K100 000 (US$43) the following morning. Those arrested were Brighton Phiri, Kelvin Shimo, Joe Kaunda, Amos Malupenga, Lubasi Katunda and Goodson Machona. Douglas Hapande and MacPherson Muyumba were arrested briefly on 20 March and charged with espionage. This legal retaliation is seen as the latest move in a concerted effort to punish "The Post" for publishing an article that questioned the Zambian military's inability to quell an Angolan incursion.

Zambia

PERIODISTAS DEL "POST" ACUSADOS DE ESPIONAJE

Zambia

OFENSIVA CONTRA "THE POST" CAUSA INDIGNACIÓN INTERNACIONAL

Zambia

LA RÉPRESSION CONTRE LE "POST" SOULÈVE UN TOLLÉ INTERNATIONAL

Zambia

CRACKDOWN ON "THE POST" CAUSES INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY

"The Post" newspaper appeared on the streets of Lusaka as usual on the morning of 15 March following a major police operation last week when six journalists were arrested, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). The crackdown provoked an international outcry. According to MISA, "The Post" reports "that the plan to cripple the paper was hatched and planned by officers from the Zambia Army Military Intelligence and Security Services (MISS)." MISA says the plan was to arrest all the reporters and staff of the paper, but it failed. Meanwhile, on 12 March police called off their two-day siege of the newspaper's editorial office and printing press after the six journalists were released. Police had surrounded the two buildings and prevented anyone from entering or leaving, successfully delaying the printing of the newspaper for several hours. Police then prevented it from being distributed, but the next day's edition was back on the streets.

Zambia

MINISTROS PIDEN LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN MÁS ESTRICTAS Y AUTOCENSURA

Angola

PERIODISTAS Y ESTACIONES DE RADIO CENSURADAS Y AMENAZADAS

Angola

LES JOURNALISTES ET LES STATIONS DE RADIO SONT CENSURÉS ET MENACÉS

Zambia

DES MINISTRES RÉCLAMENT DES LOIS PLUS SÉVÈRES SUR LA DIFFAMATION

Zambia

MINISTERS CALL FOR TOUGHER LIBEL LAWS, SELF-CENSORSHIP

Two Zambian ministers have called for tougher libel laws, and for journalists to practise self-censorship in order to avoid libel cases, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). On 16 February, the Zambian Minister of Education, Godfrey Miyanda, said in parliament that the law relating to libel and defamation in the country needed amendment because some sections of the press were abusing it. Stating that press freedom did not entail newspapers "disparaging people with impunity," Miyanda called on Legal Affairs Minister Vincent Malambo to come up with legislation that would stiffen punishment for offenders of the libel and defamation laws.

Angola

JOURNALISTS AND RADIO STATIONS CENSORED AND THREATENED

Journalists and independent radio stations in Angola have suffered repeated censorship and threats during recent fighting between Angolan forces and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), reports Reporters sans frontières (RSF). This comes at a time when the United Nations has voted not to renew the UN Observer Mission in Angola (MONUA), due to "the UN Secretary General's bleak assessment of the prospects for peace," according to the "Angola Peace Monitor" (No. 6, Vol V), published by the United Kingdom-based Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA).

Nigeria

DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS SÈMENT L'INQUIÉTUDE

Nigeria

ATAQUES A MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES CAUSAN INQUIETUD

Nigeria

ATTACKS ON INDEPENDENT MEDIA CAUSE CONCERN

Recent attacks on the independent media in Nigeria have caused concern, coming at a time when the country is attempting to undergo a transition to democracy, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), ARTICLE 19 and the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN. On 11 February, Lanre Arogundade, Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was arrested and detained for three days by police after a complaint was lodged against him over a petition and he was accused of "making trouble." The IFJ believes that Arogundade was arrested as a result of his press freedom work and is concerned because the arrest came at a time when he "had been receiving death threats as a result of his NUJ activities."

Sierra Leone

MAS PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS Y REPORTADOS DESAPARECIDOS

Sierra Leone

D?AUTRES JOURNALISTES SONT ASSASSINÉS ET PORTÉS DISPARUS

Sierra Leone

MORE JOURNALISTS MURDERED AND REPORTED MISSING

The seemingly never ending toll of journalists who have been murdered, or who are missing and feared dead, has increased again in Sierra Leone, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). (For more information, see IFEX "Communiques" #8-4, #8-3, and #8-1.) While most of the journalists are presumed to have been murdered by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, CPJ reports that Abdullai Jumah Jalloh, news editor of the independent newspaper "African Champion", was murdered by a soldier of the West African Peacekeeping Forces (ECOMOG) in Freetown on 3 February. Jalloh was apparently mistaken for a RUF rebel and executed point blank. CPJ has discovered that sometime between 9 and 15 January, Munir Turay, a freelance broadcast and print journalist, died, reportedly after being shot in the back. According to IFEX's partner in Nigeria, who must remain anonymous for safety concerns, Nigerian journalist James Ogogo, previously declared missing and feared dead, has indeed been killed in Sierra Leone. ">http://communique.ifex.org/articles.cfm?category=1%20Regional%20News&volume=8&issue_no=4&lng=english#329">#8-4, #8-3, and #8-1.) While most of the journalists are presumed to have been murdered by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, CPJ reports that Abdullai Jumah Jalloh, news editor of the independent newspaper "African Champion", was murdered by a soldier of the West African Peacekeeping Forces (ECOMOG) in Freetown on 3 February. Jalloh was apparently mistaken for a RUF rebel and executed point blank. CPJ has discovered that sometime between 9 and 15 January, Munir Turay, a freelance broadcast and print journalist, died, reportedly after being shot in the back. According to IFEX's partner in Nigeria, who must remain anonymous for safety concerns, Nigerian journalist James Ogogo, previously declared missing and feared dead, has indeed been killed in Sierra Leone.

Zimbabwe

POLICÍA BLOQUEA A MANIFESTANTES QUE PROTESTABAN POR DE TORTURA DE PERIODISTAS

Sierra Leone

MÁS PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS; SE TEME POR VIDA DE OTROS

Zimbabwe

DE PROTESTATION APRÈS QUE DES JOURNALISTES ONT ÉTÉ TORTURÉS

Sierra Leone

ENCORE DES JOURNALISTES ASSASSINÉS OU PRÉSUMÉS MORTS

Zimbabwe

POLICE BLOCK PROTEST AFTER JOURNALISTS TORTURED

On 26 January, police in the Zimbabwean capital Harare prevented several hundred protesters from delivering a petition to the Speaker of Parliament to protest the recent detention and torture of two journalists, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). The case has provoked international outrage. Lawyers for Human Rights had marched to Parliament to protest the detention and torture of editor Mark Chavunduka and reporter Ray Choto of "The Standard" newspaper. The demonstrators, most of them lawyers, wanted to give the Speaker a petition citing numerous complaints against alleged state abuse of human rights. However, about 60 riot police, armed with AK-47 assault rifles, button sticks, dogs and tear gas canisters blocked the demonstrators in front of Parliament.

Sierra Leone

MORE JOURNALISTS MURDERED, FEARED DEAD

At least one other journalist has been murdered and at least four others are missing and presumed dead during recent turmoil in Sierra Leone, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). In addition to those previously reported murdered (see IFEX "Communique" #8-3), Paul Mansaray, deputy editor of the newspaper "Standard Times" was killed on 9 January by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, report CPJ and RSF. Mansaray was murdered in his home in Freetown along with his wife, two young children and a nephew, when rebels set their house on fire and sprayed it with gunfire. According to CPJ, "A fellow journalist, who alerted Mansaray when he saw RUF rebels approaching, sought refuge in a neighbor's house and overheard the rebels threatening Mansaray about his journalistic work."">http://communique.ifex.org/articles.cfm?category=0X&volume=8&issue_no=3%26amp;lng=english#307">IFEX "Communique" #8-3), Paul Mansaray, deputy editor of the newspaper "Standard Times" was killed on 9 January by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, report CPJ and RSF. Mansaray was murdered in his home in Freetown along with his wife, two young children and a nephew, when rebels set their house on fire and sprayed it with gunfire. According to CPJ, "A fellow journalist, who alerted Mansaray when he saw RUF rebels approaching, sought refuge in a neighbor's house and overheard the rebels threatening Mansaray about his journalistic work."

South Africa

UNE COMMISSION EST CHARGÉE DE FAIRE ENQUÊTE SUR LE RACISME DANS LES MÉDIAS

South Africa

COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE "MEDIA RACISM"

The South African government's investigation of "racism in the media" infringes freedom of the press, says the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). The South African Human Rights Commission, which is to carry out the investigation into racism "in what is produced and disseminated by the media," has the power of search, seizure and arrest. "It goes without saying that our organisation finds racism intolerable and opposes the use of media to encourage it. On the other hand, we find it completely inappropriate for a government commission to set itself up as a judge in these matters or to interfere in any way at all with editorial content," says a letter from WAN President Bengt Braun to President Nelson Mandela. WAN also questioned the timing of the investigation in the run-up to Parliamentary elections.

Malawi

PROYECTO DE LEY DE COMUNICACIONES PARA REFORMAR RADIODIFUSIÓN

Nigeria

LEYES PODRÍAN RESTRINGIR MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Malawi

UN PROJET DE LOI SUR LES COMMUNICATIONS POUR RÉFORMER LA RADIODIFFUSION

Nigeria

CERTAINES LOIS POURRAIENT RESTREINDRE LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

LAWS COULD RESTRICT MEDIA

Journalists in Nigeria are urging the government to remove a section from the draft constitution under consideration which would codify the formation of a National Mass Media Commission (NMMC), reports the latest edition of the Independent Journalism Centre's (IJC) "Media Monitor." Media executives met at a two-day public debate on the 1995 draft constitution in Lagos on 26 and 27 December to discuss the proposal. Ronke Ballantyne of the Minaj Group said "the clause in the section which restricts the circulation of newspapers or magazines beyond their state of operation would inhibit freedom of expression." She said, "the law stipulates that unless private media establishments in the country go public, they can neither circulate nor broadcast beyond their states of operation." The result would be that the government would control the media. Ndu Ughamadu, Editor of the "Daily Times", who was representing the over 500 members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), said the proposed Media Commission is unnecessary, noting that the Nigeria Press Council (NPC), the Ministry of Information and the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) already regulate the media. Ughamadu said "that the group that sponsored the commission [mistakenly] believed that journalists would be monitoring the activities of government officials and would be preventing them from carrying out some of their excesses in governance."

Malawi

COMMUNICATIONS BILL TO REFORM BROADCASTING

The new Communications Bill in Malawi will open up the broadcasting sector after years of debate, reports the "Southern African Media Law Briefing" (Vol. 3, No. 4) of November 1998, published by the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI), the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and ARTICLE 19. The Bill will reform the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Act and create a new Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to govern all communications. According to the "Media Law Briefing", the new Bill "represents an enormous advance on the practice of the past." Rather than leaving it in the hands of the ministry of information, the Bill will create an independent body to oversee broadcasting, which will establish "clear criteria and a formal procedure for tendering and issuing of licences."

Sierra Leone

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; OTROS DOS HERIDOS

Sierra Leone

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ, DEUX AUTRES SONT BLESSÉS

Sierra Leone

JOURNALIST KILLED; TWO OTHERS INJURED

A journalist was killed and two others were injured in Sierra Leone on 10 January, report the

Burkina Faso

ENCUENTRAN CUERPO DEL PERIODISTA NORBERT ZONGO

Burkina Faso

LE JOURNALISTE NORBERT ZONGO EST TROUVÉ MORT

Burkina Faso

JOURNALIST NORBERT ZONGO FOUND DEAD

Kenya

LA VIOLENCE POST-ÉLECTORALE ATTRIBUABLE À L'ABSENCE D'INFORMATION

Kenya

POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE DUE TO LACK OF INFORMATION

Violence subsequent to the elections in Kenya early this year was due in part to a lack of access to information and the suppression of free expression, says ARTICLE 19 in "Kenya: Post-election political violence." Violence which took place in the Rift Valley in early 1998 following the Presidential elections on 29 December 1997 "caused a number of deaths and injuries, as well as displacing thousands and causing community rifts which may never heal," says ARTICLE 19. The Ethnic Clashes Inquiry, which started its investigations in July, is to present its results in December.

South Africa

LA LOI SUR LA PROTECTION DES SOURCES SERA RÉVISÉE

South Africa

LAW AGAINST PROTECTION OF SOURCES TO BE REVIEWED

South African Justice Minister Dullah Omar announced that a law forcing journalists to reveal their sources will be reviewed along with other apartheid-era laws which restrict the media, reports the Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) in the latest issue of "FXI Update" (October/November 1998). A delegation of editors from the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) in August reportedly convinced several ministers to review section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which FXI said "has been used, especially by the previous government, to try to force journalists to disclose their sources of information."Until a new law can be passed guaranteeing the right to protect one's sources, a temporary agreement was made between the Justice Department and SANEF that "would have the effect of preventing the indiscriminate use of section 205 against journalists."

Ethiopia

LE PEN INTERNATIONAL SOULIGNE LA JOURNÉE DE L?ÉCRIVAIN EN PRISON

Ethiopia

INTERNATIONAL PEN MARKS DAY OF IMPRISONED WRITER

To mark the Day of the Imprisoned Writer on 15 November 1998, International PEN featured the case of three journalists jailed in Ethiopia, reports the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC). During a crackdown on journalists and political activists in October 1997 in Oromo, Moti Biyya (his pen name), Garuma Bekele and Tesfaye Deressa were arrested, most likely due to their involvement with the newspaper "Urji" and their activism as members of the Ethiopian Human Rights League. The three men were initially held in solitary confinement for ten months, but, although they may now receive family visitors, they remain detained without charge. International PEN "urges the Ethiopian authorities to order their immediate and unconditional release if they are not promptly charged with a clearly recognizable criminal offence and brought to court." In the meantime the organisation seeks assurance that they are humanely treated whilst in detention.

Ethiopia

PEN INTERNACIONAL CELEBRA DÍA DEL ESCRITOR ENCARCELADO