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Nigeria

French journalists detained, thrown out of restive state

TFI journalist Jeremie Drieu and his local colleague Ahmad Salkida were in Jos to report on the recent unrest there when they were detained by soldiers who took them to a command center where they faced “increasingly hostile interrogation”, AP reported.

Egypt

Rights activists risk imprisonment

On February 5, the state-run MENA news agency announced that two investigative judges hand-picked by the government had referred 40 NGO staff to trial, both Egyptian and American nationals.

Venezuela

Journalists' Twitter accounts hacked after posting controversial photos

Alberto Rodríguez and Orian Brito posted images of armed children on their Twitter accounts and have, in the past, been critical of President Chávez.

Egypt

ANHRI condemns attacks on protestors, raid on residential building

Security services used excessive force against protesters headed towards the ministry of interior, arresting dozens and injuring hundreds.

Cameroon

Coup charges against writer dropped, still faces military tribunal

There have been worrying allegations that the evidence against Enoh Meyomesse is fabricated.

Peru

Journalist harassed by police after publishing interview with subversive leader

After he published the interview, Carlos Infante said that the former defense minister accused him of belonging to Sendero Luminoso (a terrorist group) and using his position as a journalist to act as a sounding board for terrorism.

Iran

Blogger sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, newspaper suspended

The Tehran revolutionary court sentenced Mehdi Khazali to 14 years’ imprisonment, 10 years’ internal exile in the south-western city of Borazjan and 70 lashes.

Tunisia

Court urged to drop prison sentence given to journalist

An appeals court should throw out the prison sentence against journalist Abdel Aziz al-Jaridi at a 10 February hearing and authorities should use his case as an opportunity to break from the repressive practices of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's era, CPJ said.

France

Documentary filmmaking threatened by court ruling

A court in the northern city of Lille has ordered documentary filmmaker Sophie Robert to remove interviews with three psychoanalysts from her film about the treatment of autism and to pay them a large sum in damages for “misrepresenting” their views.

India

Danish journalists refused visas

While no explanation was provided for the Indian embassy's refusal to grant visas to Tom Heinemman and his wife and camera operator Lotte La Cour, it is believed that documentaries by the filmmaker aired on Danmarks Radio are behind the ban.

Iran

Arrest sweeps target Arab minority

At least some of the arrests in Khuzestan province were reportedly in response to anti-government slogans and graffiti expressing sympathy for the Arab Spring and calling for a boycott of the parliamentary elections.

Tunisia

Rapper arrested, detained, for lyrics critical of outcome of revolution

Anis Al-Marabty was arrested at his home by plainclothes officers who, after asking him if he was the author of the song "Shy Matbadel" [Nothing has changed], confiscated his computer and took him to an unknown location.

China

Senior newspaper staff fired for reporting inflation concerns

"Biancheng Evening Newspaper" reported that residents in Huaihua, Hunan province, were unhappy with inflation levels and the city's failure to host a celebration for the Lunar New Year.

Yemen

IFJ warns press freedom remains under siege after threats against editor

Supporters of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh surrounded the offices of "Althawra" newspaper after editor Yassine Al Massoud removed the photo of the former head of state from the front page.

Malawi

New report highlights ongoing press freedom challenges, says MISA

The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation gained notoriety for serving only President Bingu wa Mutharika while shutting out other independent voices.

Zimbabwe

Foreign newspapers to be banned

The Zimbabwe Media Commission reportedly aims to stop foreign newspapers without local offices from circulating in the country.

United Arab Emirates / Kuwait

"UAE 5" activist denied entry into Kuwait

Travelling with human rights lawyer Abdel Hameed AlKameety, Ahmed Mansoor was prevented from entering the country "on the instructions of the Emirati security service," and was threatened with detention.

Kazakhstan / Germany

Make rights key to good relations, says Human Rights Watch

The rights organisation is concerned about the violent crackdown on protesters and online censorship that occurred following a strike in the oil-rich town of Zhanaozen.

Philippines

TV news crew allegedly threatened by village councillor

According to GMA News correspondent Nef Luczon, the Tuburan village councillor threatened to "behead" him and two cameramen after he inquired about the effects of mining on the area and the Iponan River.

Russia

Authorities "at war" with bloggers in Chelyabinsk region

Blogs of government critics in Chelyabinsk region have been under cyber attack in recent weeks in an apparent bid to stem the spread of negative information on the Internet about authorities' performance.

China

IFJ urges authorities to uphold post-Olympic press freedom promises

Foreign journalists have reported being followed by unidentified people, being escorted by police back to the airport, being questioned for hours by police, being forced to delete images from their cameras and having their research and writing materials confiscated.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two detained journalists released

Charles Sanga and Jean-Claude Coulibaly were detained after they refused to disclose the source of a leaked story that ran in "Le Patriote" earlier in the week.

Kazakhstan

Security service interrogates editor, raids newsroom

For two consecutive days, KNB agents interrogated Oksana Makushina in connection with a press conference held on 30 January at which she spoke in defense of Igor Vinyavsky, imprisoned editor of the independent weekly "Vzglyad."

Iran

Ahead of elections, crackdown on press continues

Authorities arrested journalist Saeed Razavi Faghih, who wrote for reformist publications, as he arrived at Tehran airport from Paris.

Iran

Journalists’ families targeted in campaign against the media

Iranian authorities have been particularly sensitive to the role of BBC Persian television, which launched operations in January 2009, because of its extensive coverage of the disputed 2009 presidential election.

Syria

Human Rights Watch report documents security forces' use of torture on child detainees

According to a new Human Rights Watch report, "Syrian security forces have killed, arrested, and tortured children in their homes, their schools, or on the streets. In many cases, security forces have targeted children just as they have targeted adults."

Djibouti

Radio journalist threatened and tortured for 24 hours

Farah Abadid Hildid was previously detained and tortured twice in 2011, and in the first instance was held for more than four months on a charge of “participating in an insurrectional movement.”

Palestine

MADA condemns arrest of journalist in Ramallah

Rami Samara was arrested and held for over three hours after writing critical comments about a PLO meeting on his Facebook page.

Palestine

Journalist injured by Israeli forces

On 27 January 2012, Israeli forces attacked the weekly Bi’lin village march protesting the separation wall, fired tear gas canisters on the journalists covering it, and one soldier shot rubber bullets at the photojournalist Moheeb al-Barghouty, injuring both his legs.

Malaysia

IFJ supports proposed electoral reporting reforms

The organisation supports a proposal put forward by its Malaysian affiliate in response to a call for public submissions issued by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms.

Pakistan

Television stations in Balochistan suspended by cable operators following threats

Cable operators suspended Urdu-language broadcasts after being threatened by Baloch nationalists who accuse the news media of failing to provide coverage of their grievances.

Turkey

Police use social media to monitor activists

Lawyer Efkan Bolac said that individuals could be prosecuted over messages that are posted to Facebook and Twitter.

Nepal

Government increases range of documents to be classified

The government issued directives to ministries and civil servants listing 140 categories of information that should not be given to news media, civil society organisations or members of the public.

Bahrain

Activist's sentence upheld; others await trial

An appeals court upheld the 18-month sentence against Fadeelah Mubarak, who was convicted of participating in peaceful protests and listening to revolutionary songs in her car.

Kenya

WiPC interview with Robert Wanyonyi on witnessing and reporting on crime

Cathal Sheerin of the Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International interviewed the journalist about reporting on an alleged massacre carried out by local police officers and the repercussions of his work.

Kenya

ARTICLE 19 publishes analysis of Freedom of Information Bill

The draft bill is a positive step in the process of guaranteeing the right to access to information, but ARTICLE 19 encourages the government to amend several problematic sections before it is enacted.

Brazil

News site threatened with multiple lawsuits

The suits have been moved by civil servants in the Senate who were exposed by Congresso em Foco as having received wages higher than the ceiling for their positions.

Papua New Guinea

Soldiers threaten to shoot journalist

PFF is calling for an investigation into the incident and is warning media workers to be vigilant about their safety and their rights.

Côte d'Ivoire

Newspaper editor arrested for publishing "confidential information"

Charles Sanga was arrested due to an article published in "Le Patriote", which stated that the Constitutional Council had decided to annul parliamentary elections in 11 districts where results had been disputed; information that had not yet been announced publicly.

Peru

Radio presenter attacked after criticising mayor

Carlos Monja Timaná, presenter of the Radio Limón program "El Investigador", was attacked by two individuals, one of whom allegedly works for the Olmos district municipality.

India

Media group targeted by violence

Dozens of supporters of the Shiv Sena, a rightwing Hindu nationalist party, attacked the Times of India building in Mumbai, protesting an article that ran in the Maharashtra Times, a Marathi-language daily that is part of the Times of India group.

Senegal

Rights activist detained over opposition protests

Alioune Tine, a human rights defender and political activist who was arrested and detained for organizing a demonstration against the third-term bid of President Abdoulaye Wade, was released without charge on January 30, 2012 after a 72-hour detention.

Peru

Three journalists defamed and threatened after investigating regional president

The journalists told IPYS that after they published the reports, mass circulation emails were sent in which their reputations were damaged and they were accused of belonging to the terrorist group Sendero Luminoso.

Somalia

NUSOJ outraged over live radio broadcast that exposed journalists to danger

Some journalists have been receiving death threats following the airing of an off-the-record discussions between the press and a military commander.

Iran

New arrests of labour activists

Labour activists have been at the forefront of the struggle for freedom of association and assembly in the country and they have paid a heavy price, says Human Rights Watch.

Peru

After publishing document on wiretapping, journalists experience harassment and threats

IPYS condemns the harassment suffered by these journalists and demands that the authorities identify and sanction whoever is responsible for the threats against the ATV+ investigations team.

Nepal

Journalists detained after protesting government's proposed restrictions

The journalists wore black armbands to symbolise their protest against the recent classification of information by the government.

Bahrain

Jailed activists begin hunger strike

Several of the activists who will participate in the hunger strike are in poor health and it is expected that essential medical treatment will be withheld.

Ecuador

Government attempts to discredit journalist and his investigation

The government broadcast two videos aimed at discrediting journalist Fausto Yépez of Teleamazonas and his investigation into alleged spying operations by government departments.

Pakistan

Shahzad Commission fails to identify those responsible in killing of journalist

Despite strong indications of ISI involvement, the commission concluded that the state, militant groups including the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and unnamed "foreign actors" could all have had a motive to kill Saleem Shahzad on the basis of his writings.

Nepal

Journalists threatened by politician

A member of the Constituent Assembly warned a journalist and camera operator that their safety could not be taken for granted if they continued to report on him.

Maldives

IFJ deeply concerned by attack on broadcast studio

DhiTV was attacked on the early hours of 26 January after the station had broadcast live coverage of opposition protests at the recent arrest of a judge by the Special Forces the previous evening.

Somalia

Senior journalist murdered

Hassan Osman Abdi was shot dead in what some believe to be a targeted attack on the evening of 28 January 2012 as he arrived at his home in Madina district in Mogadishu.

Saudi Arabia

Authorities reject application to establish rights organisation

The authorities rejected an application submitted by rights activists to establish the Justice Center for Human Rights, claiming that their objectives are incompatible with the statute of associations and charities.

Venezuela

Journalist briefly detained after covering oil spill

Giselle Almarza and cameraman Dali Gomez had travelled to La Rica in Monagas state, in response to a complaint by local farmers who claimed to have lost part of their harvest because of an oil spill.

International

Twitter urged not to cooperate with censors

RSF is deeply concerned by the announcement that Twitter will introduce geolocated censorship – censorship varying according to the social network user’s country location.

Russia

Independent newspaper suspends publication in response to pressure

According to the general director of "Moi Gorod-Kostroma", the paper was subjected to various inspections while its staff was repeatedly detained by the police.

Central African Republic

Editor sentenced to 10 months in jail on libel charge

The court also ordered Ferdinand Samba to pay 15,000 euros in damages and a fine of 1,500 euros, and banned "Le Démocrate" from publishing for one year.

Peru

Journalist receives death threat after reporting on local administration

Moisés Campos received the threat after reporting on the alleged embezzlement of funds by Mayor Corina De la Cruz's administration.

Nepal

Newspapers burned during nationwide strike

In separate incidents, protesting students burned copies of "Nagarik" newspaper and several journalists were threatened with physical aggression.

China / Tibet (China)

Authorities urged to refrain from using excessive force against protesters

Security forces opened fire on Tibetan protesters on 23 and 24 January, killing at least two people and injuring several dozen more.

Cambodia

Activist summoned on charges for unspecified actions

San Samneang believes the summons may be related to a gathering he organised in relation to a land dispute between a local business woman and community members from two villages.

Somalia

Information minister speaks out against NUSOJ's Annual Report

The information ministry denied the use of the repressive measures against journalists that NUSOJ highlighted in the report.

Americas

OAS adoption of working group proposals threatens independence of Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression

The working group recommendations had been aggressively pushed by Ecuador in particular, whose government appeared to have been angered by the Special Rapporteur’s criticism of its actions toward the media.

Ethiopia

Blogger risks death penalty as judge confirms charges

Eskinder Nega will stand trial in March for all of the terrorism accusations initially advanced by prosecutors, a federal high court judge ruled.

Ecuador

Television correspondents threatened by unidentified individuals

Hubel and Alcibiades Onofre attribute the threats to a news report that linked a woman accused of being the mastermind behind a triple murder to a member of the national assembly.

Algeria

New media law stifles free expression, says CPJ

Of the law's 133 articles, at least 32 can be used to restrict coverage by stifling free expression, CPJ research shows.

Ethiopia

CORRECTION: Death penalty for blogger, prison for journalists

The three journalists were charged in September with lending support to an underground network of banned opposition groups, which has been criminalized under the country's 2009 antiterrorism law.

Kazakhstan

Independent editor imprisoned

Igor Vinyavsky has been indicted on criminal charges of "making public calls to violently overthrow Kazakhstan's constitutional regime".

Ecuador

Fundamedios condemns decision against precautionary measures on Democracy Code veto

The new regulations in the code would come into force on 4 February 2012, introducing preemptive censorship to the contents of the media and journalistic coverage of the upcoming electoral campaign.

Indonesia

State intelligence law challenged in court

AJI and its partners argue that the State Intelligence Law contains vague and broadly-defined articles. They have just filed a judicial review of the law at the Constitutional Court in Jakarta.

Tunisia

Director charged for broadcasting "Persepolis"; journalists assaulted

For broadcasting the film, Nabil Karoui faces up to three years in prison for libeling a religion, and up to five years for distributing or displaying information "that can harm public order or good morals."

Zimbabwe

Charges against MMPZ staffers reduced

If convicted of the remaining charge, the staffers will be liable for paying a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both.

Egypt

Exceptions to ending emergency law invite abuse, says Human Rights Watch

The military announced on 24 January that it will lift the state of emergency except in cases of “thuggery,” a term military tribunals have used in convicting peaceful protesters following unfair trials.

Uganda

Police officer shoots at journalist

The officer shot at Isaac Kasamani as he took a photograph of a teargas canister thrown near Forum for Democratic Change leader Kizza Besigye's car.

Central African Republic

Editor jailed in politicised case

Police arrested Ferdinand Samba, top editor of the private daily "Le Démocrate", due to the paper's critical coverage of a presidential relative who also serves as the government's finance minister.

Uzbekistan

Editor sentenced to additional five-year jail term while still in prison

CPJ is outraged by the politically-motivated new sentence handed to Muhammad Bekjanov, who has been in prison since 1999 on trumped-up charges.

Iraq

Journalist protection law falls short, should be repealed, says CPJ

The law, which took effect in November, fails to offer any meaningful protection to journalists and imposes restrictions on who can be defined as a journalist and how one can practice and access information.

Argentina

Journalist attacked, injured by political activists in Santa Cruz

Mariano Martinez, a journalist at Radio FM Popular, was severely beaten and left unconscious by activists linked to the mayor of Los Antiguos.

Dominican Republic

Journalist receives six-month sentence and harsh fine in defamation case

The case came as a result of Johnny Alberto Salazar’s recent criticisms of a human rights committee, accusing it of protecting criminals and people linked to organized crime.

Venezuela

Globovisión news crew denied entry to swearing-in of defense minister

According to the Globovisión journalist, only state-owned, and therefore pro-Chávez media, were permitted to attend the ceremony.

Kazakhstan

Independent editor detained, newsrooms raided

Igor Vinyavsky was detained in an ongoing crackdown by the security service on critical media and opposition activists, which also involved a raid on an independent broadcaster.

Egypt

Blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad freed after being held for 10 months

The blogger's release was part of an amnesty announced on 21 January for around 2,000 civilians who had been convicted by military courts during the past year.

Namibia

Newspaper faces defamation charges

The Windhoek High Court has ruled that a defamation claim against "The Namibian" can proceed.

Turkey

Books of slain Kurdish poet under investigation

The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor is investigating books published by Aram Publishing Company, including several books by slain Kurdish poet Musa Anter, on charges of "propaganda for an illegal organisation".

Uganda

Radio journalist attacked at gunpoint in front of his family

Though the motive of the attackers is as yet unclear, Gideon Tugume has reportedly been trailed by unknown individuals recently.

Turkey

Three journalists released pending trial, 11 others still imprisoned

The journalists had their first court hearing recently after 13 months in pre-trial detention.

Azerbaijan

Newspapers fined for "damaging honour" of businessman

The newspapers were each fined 2000 manats (approx. US$2,545) by the decision of the Yasamal District Court judge Elchin Gurbanov.

Cambodia

Arrests, intimidation of displaced activists continue

Activists working on behalf of the Borei Keila and Boeung Kak communities face police brutality, imprisonment, telephone threats, surveillance, legal charges, as well as threats to their families.

Honduras

Another member of journalists' collective receives death threats

Gilda Silvestrucci, host of the "En la Plaza" programme on Radio Globo, was followed and received threatening phone calls.

Nepal

Copies of newspaper set on fire by political party supporters

Members of organisations affiliated to Madhes-based parties set fire to copies of "Kantipur Daily" over an article published in the daily.

Bahrain

Freedom House delegation denied entry

Freedom House had planned to send three staff members to the country to help implement a women's empowerment program funded by the US Government but they were denied entry into the country after having received their visas.

Chile

Government scraps plan to force journalists to inform police

While a controversial section of the so-called "Hinzpeter Law" has been withdrawn, the bill is still in the hands of Congress.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Community radio station back on air after three-month suspension

While the previous suspension was lifted, RCTK's director and journalists were warned to "respect the measures in place, or risk a definitive closure."

Cameroon

Writer detained, faces up to 50 years in prison

There are allegations that the charges of "attempting a coup," "possessing a firearm," and "aggravated theft" faced by Enoh Meyomesse are based on fabricated evidence.

Iran

Targeting of journalists ongoing

Security forces arrested Sahamoddin Boureghani, searched his home and took him to an unknown location.

Egypt

Popular television programme censored

ANHRI expresses concerns about ongoing censorship and media restrictions in the lead-up to the one-year anniversary of the Egyptian revolution.

Iraq

Journalist illegally detained, while another is attacked

Guards at a Baghdad hospital detained Alfayad for publishing news about the firing of 36 policemen in the area, information that was broadcast by multiple news agencies.

Senegal

Two journalists given suspended prison terms

"Le Quotidien" editor Mamadou Biaye and reporter Mamadou Ticko Diatta were given handed three-month prison terms over a story alleging that the deputy mayor of the district had links to an armed separatist group.

Nigeria

TV reporter killed while covering Kano suicide bombings

Enenche Godwin Akogwu was gunned down shortly after the bombings while he tried to interview victims outside Farm central police station.

Honduras

Peasants' rights activist assassinated in Colón

The director of the Vía Campesina organisation says Matías Valle's murder was an attack on freedom of expression.

Uganda

Three journalists assaulted as police arrest opposition politicians

Michael Kigozi of Radio One, K-FM journalist Hadijah Mwanje and Nasser Kayanja of Radio Simba were assaulted by several individuals, including law enforcement officers.

Croatia

IPI calls for professionalisation of public broadcaster

As has been the case in most post-communist countries, the process of transforming state television channels into public broadcasters has been slow and difficult in the country.

Mongolia

Church files lawsuit against television station, journalist

The World Mission Society Church of God filed a lawsuit against journalist J. Minjin and TV-8 after the journalist broadcast a news item about complains by former church members.

India

Salman Rushdie receives death threats, withdraws from literature festival

Rushdie reportedly was forced to cancel his trip after he was informed by Indian intelligence sources that "paid assassins" were on their way to Mumbai to "eliminate" the author.

Western Europe / Turkey

TV satellite operator usurps court’s prerogative to silence Kurdish TV station

A Danish court had earlier found Roj TV guilty of supporting the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), an armed separatist group regarded by Turkey as a terrorist organization.

Somalia

Al-Shabaab militant group conducts illegal raid on radio station, abducts journalist

Journalist Ayub Yusuf Dalmar was abducted during the takeover of Radio Afgoye while several pieces of equipment were taken from the station's studios.

Egypt

Revived draft law would give state security control over civil society

Faiza Abol Naga and Abdel Aziz Hegazy have proposed to revive a draft law for civil associations more despotic than the one currently in place, giving more power to the state security service, the National Security, over the actions of civil society.

France

Senate must reject Armenian Genocide law, says ARTICLE 19

The adoption of a law criminalising any denial of the 1915 Armenian genocide would be in conflict with France’s obligation to respect the right to freedom of expression under international law.

Paraguay

Journalist targeted by drug traffickers may have to move abroad

Cándido Figueredo says he has no doubt who is behind the threats since he reported on the destruction of two underground routes used to smuggle drugs into Brazil and Bolivia.

Jordan

Authorities urged to drop charges for "undermining royal dignity"

The military prosecutor has charged 18-year old activist 'Uday Abu 'Isa with "undermining his majesty’s dignity" for burning the king’s image on 11 January.

Ethiopia

Journalists convicted under anti-terror legislation

Reyot Alemu, Wubshet Taye, and Elias Kifle could face the death penalty for calling for protest against the government in their writings.

Vietnam

Blogger released

Pham Minh Hoang, arrested in August 2010, was released on 13 January 2012.

Israel

Attacks, arrests, legislation restrict press freedom

In a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, CPJ expressed alarm over ongoing attacks on and detention of journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as well as over a recent series of developments that restrict freedom of the press in Israel.

China

PEN protests charges against Zhu Yufu, insisting "poetry is not a crime"

The long-time democracy activist was charged with "inciting subversion" nearly three months after the prosecution withdrew his case from the courts for lack of evidence.

Malaysia

Political satirist takes government to court over "Cartoon-O-Phobia"

Zunar (née Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque) appeared at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today for the first hearing of a civil suit brought by himself against the government and the police, in which he challenges them for his wrongful arrest and detention in September 2010.

Honduras

Lawyer shot to death after reporting on human rights violations

Rosales was killed three days after he reported to "Diario Tiempo" that police officers had assaulted and sexually harassed a group of youths.

Thailand

Solution to journalist's murder within reach

A suspect, Noppadon “Pae” Praisri, has given himself up to the police after learning that they were on his trail. He has implicated two others in the killing of journalist Wisut Tangwittayaporn.

Senegal

Jailed opposition activist receives presidential pardon

Malick Noel Seck was jailed for two years on October 20, 2011 over a protest letter he wrote to the Constitutional Court, asking it to reject the third-term candidacy of President Abdoulaye Wade for the 2012 presidential election.

Romania

Journalists assaulted while covering anti-government protests

Protesters and policemen allegedly assaulted the reporters as the peaceful protests degenerated into violence.

The Gambia

Former minister gets life imprisonment for demanding an end to the dictatorship

Amadou Scattered Janneh was convicted of treason and sentenced him to life imprisonment with hard labour while three others, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, and Michael C. Ucheh Thomas, were handed three-year sentences by the court.

Philippines

Publisher threatened after condemning colleague's murder

Ronald Allan Mascardo, publisher of "Dadiangas Balita" newspaper, received a threatening text message after the called for the killers of fellow publisher Chris Guarin to be arrested.

Pakistan

Tribal journalist gunned down in Charsadda

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the killing of Mukarram Khan Atif, in response to his refusal to give coverage to the Taliban on his radio station.

Palestine

ANHRI condemns assault on human rights defender

Mahmoud Abu Rahma was attacked by three masked men following the publication of an article in which he criticised the priorities and role of the authorities in Gaza, as well as the PA in the West Bank.

Turkey

Journalists set to appear in court after year-long detention

The six journalists were arrested and detained following a raid on the magazine "Yuruyus" in December 2010.

Turkey

Life sentence and acquittals handed down in Hrant Dink murder trial

Five years after the journalist's death, all the defendants were acquitted of charges of membership in a criminal organisation.

Sudan

Two private newspapers shut down by authorities

Within two weeks, two independent and opposition newspapers, "Alwan" and "Rai al-Shaab", have been closed by security forces without explanation.

United States

SOPA poses threat to free expression, says CJFE

The measures contained in the Stop Online Piracy Act pose a more direct threat to freedom of expression online than they do toward piracy, and its impact extends far beyond the borders of the United States.

Iran

Arrests of netizens ongoing

Simien Nematollahi, a contributer to the pro-Sufi website Majzooban, was arrested at her Tehran home by intelligence ministry officials on 11 January on a charge of anti-government propaganda.

Nigeria

Call for release of labour activists

The authorities are urged to investigate state involvement in breaking up a peaceful union meeting and arresting two union activists in October in an apparent bid to silence them.

India

Start of 2012 marked by violations of freedom of information

A judge in the New Delhi High Court stated on 12 January he would not hesitate to block any sites that failed to crack down on offensive content, “like in China”.

Mongolia

Provincial TV journalist and cameraman assaulted, camera destroyed

Journalist T. Danaasuren and cameraman J. Tuvshintulga were assaulted while covering incidents between small local mining entrepreneurs and guards from the “Special Mines” company.

Saudi Arabia

Demonstrator killed, others injured as security forces crack down on peaceful protest

This is not the first incident of its kind as the authorities have for months been using excessive violence against protesters, says ANHRI.

Bahrain

BCHR concerned over "show trial" of police officers accused of torturing two detainees to death

The five policemen are accused of having beaten to death online journalist Zakariya Rashid Hassan AlAsheri and Ali Isa Saqer.

Palestine

MADA responds to Government Media Office accusations

The accusations came in response to MADA’s report documenting the media freedoms violations in the region during December 2011, which found that the number of Palestinian violations in Gaza exceeded those of the West Bank.

Nigeria

#OccupyNigeria protesters take on news media coverage

Protesters descended on the studios of at least two prominent broadcasters to demand more balanced coverage of the citizens' movement.

Liberia

"National Chronicle" editor briefly detained, faces criminal complaint

Edward Mortee faces a criminal coercion charge in connection with a story alleging that the National Police chief was involved in an arrest.

Syria

Authorities detain blogger

The whereabouts of Mohammad Ghazy Kanas are still unknown; he was arrested by security forces on 3 January.

Ghana

National security officials violently assault photojournalists

Armed operatives of the national intelligence agency violently assaulted Gifty Lawson as she attempted to cover the bail hearing of a senior police officer who was a prime suspect in a missing cocaine scandal that hit the country.

Hungary

Journalist faces threats of criminal prosecution for publishing leaked document

Access Info Europe, n-ost and SEENPM expressed their concerns about the threats of criminal charges against Attila Mong and the chilling effect that such threats are likely to have on freedom of expression in Hungary.

Philippines

Arson attack on radio station; journalist gets death threat

Just five days after the killing of a publisher in General Santos City, unidentified men tried to burn down a university-run radio station in Kabacan town, North Cotabato.

Somalia

TV station raided, journalists detained

Police raided HornCable TV in Hargeisa and forced its broadcasts off the air and then detained eight journalists who protested the raid.

Kosovo (Serbia)

Police allegedly assault reporter

Vedat Xhymshiti was covering clashes between demonstrators and Kosovo police near the Merdare border crossing between Serbia and Kosovo, when he was allegedly struck by policemen and lost consciousness.

Somalia

Journalists released

IFJ remains concerned about the media crackdown in the region and calls for the release of the four journalists still in detention.

Equatorial Guinea

Concern about rights violations on eve of Africa Cup

The government cracks down on political opponents, intimidates journalists, and disregards due process, Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists said.

Kuwait

Authorities urged not to deny the Bidun's right to freedom of expression

The Interior Ministry issued a statement on January 11, 2012, saying that it will not allow the Bidun "to organize any rallies, gatherings, sit-ins or demonstrations regardless of their nature, objective and mission."

Europe and Central Asia

Ireland to prioritise Internet freedom during OSCE chairmanship

The Irish Deputy Prime Minister said that incidences of censorship, attempted censorship and invasion of privacy were on the rise across the OSCE.

Venezuela

Journalist threatened via Twitter

The hacker group "N33" claimed they would attack Luis Carlos Díaz because of his statements about cyber attacks.

Uganda

Police beat up journalist, delete photos and charge him with trespassing

Frank Ezaruk was covering a story about land in Manilamintwiea where people were evicted in 1920.

Ecuador

President proposes restrictions to journalistic work during 2013 elections

The chief of state proposes prohibiting the media from broadcasting during the the 48 hours before the elections and until 5:00 pm on the day itself, "any kind of information issued by public institutions, as well as electoral propaganda, opinions or images."

Côte d'Ivoire

Human remains found not to be those of missing journalist

DNA tests have established that the remains of a body found in Côte d’Ivoire were not those of Franco-Canadian journalist Guy-André Kieffer after all.

Peru

Sentence against blogger overturned

The court decided that the convicting sentence had irremediable deficiencies caused by the lack of coherent and congruent arguments.

Russia / Tajikistan

Tajik opposition journalist stabbed in Moscow

Dodojon Atovulloev is well-known for his critical views towards the Tajik authorities and the serious threats to which he has been subjected have led Germany to give him political refugee status.

Bahrain

BCHR fears for life of imprisoned minor

Ameer AbdulSamad Fathi, who was arrested on 2 January, suffers from severe obstructive sleep apnea and guards have refused medication provided by his family.

Thailand

Journalist shot dead by unidentified gunman

Police are investigating the motive for the killing of Wisut Tangwitthayaporn but have not ruled out the journalist's reporting on corruption in the management of the province's land encroachment problem as a major cause.

Burma

All DVB journalists, freelancers and blogger freed under amnesty

The amnesty, which includes the release of high-profile blogger Nay Phone Latt, appears to not have the approval of the influential National Defence and Security Council.

Philippines

Journalists, media workers harassed in Manila demolition

Members of the media group Tudla Productions reported that some police officers tried to stop them from taking video footage and photographs of a clash between the city demolition team and residents of a settlement in Corazon de Jesus village, San Juan City.

Ecuador

Government launches smear campaign against human rights organisations

A message by the Ministry of Culture invited employees to join a campaign against an alleged complaint presented by Fundamedios against Catalina Botero of the IACHR.

Turkey / Denmark

Kurdish Roj TV fined but remains on air

A Copenhagen court fined Roj TV for violating the Danish anti-terror law but deemed that the television channel should not be shuttered for having allegedly spread propaganda for the PKK.

Mexico

Murdered journalist may have been mistaken for someone else

The journalist Raúl Régulo Garza Quirino, who was shot dead on 6 January, is believed to have been a victim of mistaken identity, according to the first results of the investigation into the killing.

Palestine

MADA welcomes lifting of ban on newspapers

The Gaza Strip’s Freedoms Committee spokesperson Khaled Al-Batsh stated that previously banned newspapers in the West Bank and Gaza will be distributed without restrictions as of 15 January 2012.

Ecuador

Judicial police and prosecutor's office close down radio station, seize its equipment

The measure may be in reprisal for Perla Orense's critical stance against the local government and the administration of the Guabo mayor, a member of the governing party.

United Arab Emirates

"UAE 5" still face restrictions after pardon

After eight months in prison, and a trial riddled with inconsistencies, the group still face challenges from authorities such as travel restrictions and a refusal to expunge their records.

The Gambia

Newspaper journalist charged with criminal defamation

Mamadou Jallow was charged after he alleged a local chief gave a government-sponsored ticket to the Hajj to his lover.

Syria

Army shoots protesters attempting to reach observers

When protesters approached a checkpoint on the way to the Baath party square to meet with Arab League observers, army personnel barred them from proceeding and, after the protesters refused to disperse, opened fire on the crowd, injuring at least nine protesters.

Tunisia

Media independence crucial to democratic transition, says ARTICLE 19

The announcement made by Interim Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali to appoint editors-in-chief and managing directors of media goes against international obligations of the Tunisian Government to provide for media independence.

Honduras

Journalist who had participated in protest receives death threats

Itsmania Pineda Plateros is a member of a women journalists' collective and in December participated in a protest in front of the Presidential Palace that was suppressed by members of the presidential guard.

Syria

French TV reporter killed in Homs

Gilles Jacquier was killed by a shell or rocket that landed on a group of journalists, killing Jacquier on the spot and wounding many others.

Iran

Bloggers' death sentences confirmed; more journalists arrested

Death sentences issued in January 2011 against Saeed Malekpour and Vahid Asghari were confirmed by the revolutionary courts.

Paraguay

Growing impunity for alleged instigators of radio journalist's murder

The latest blow to the Merardo Romero murder case came on 31 December 2011 when one of the suspected instigators, local official Fidel Duarte, was released on bail.

Yemen

Witnesses in "Al-Ayyam" case turn against prosecution

One of the witnesses testified that the Central Security Forces were headed by outgoing President Ali Abdallah Saleh's nephew, while additional prosecution witnesses failed to appear in court.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Newspapers suspended on alleged administrative violations

"Kisangani News" and "Journal de la paix" are accused of violating the 1996 media law; editors at both papers maintain the charges are political.

Mexico

IAPA calls for prompt investigation into reporter's death in Nuevo León

Raúl Régulo Garza Quirino, a reporter with "La Última Palabra", was reportedly followed by armed men traveling in another vehicle.

Somalia

Journalists detained, barred from traveling in Somaliland

Somaliland police arrested Abdqani Hassan Farah after he aired a news report about a clan meeting in the town of Taleh in the Sool region.

Belarus

Independent reporter imprisoned

Aleksandr Borozenko was sentenced to 11 days in jail for having reported on a one-person vigil for the Poland-based satellite broadcaster Belsat.

Maldives

Leading journalist released, his blog remains banned

Ismail Kilath “Hilath” Rasheed’s blog was closed on 19 November on the grounds that it contained anti-Islamic material.

Democratic Republic of Congo

RFI returns to airwaves

The suspension of broadcasts by the station had aroused international protests, notably from France and the United States.

Côte d'Ivoire

Human remains found could be those of missing journalist Guy-André Kieffer

The body was found after a tip-off in a village in the western region of Issia.

Gabon

Two media outlets suspended for opposition coverage

The state-run National Communication Council announced on national public television the suspension of Obame-owned broadcaster TV+ for three months and the private weekly "Echos Du Nord" for two months.

Bahrain

Human rights defender Nabeel Rajab attacked, hospitalised

Rajab was severely beaten by security forces in Bahrain and was taken to Salmaniya hospital after participating in a peaceful protest in Manama on 6 January.

Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda condemns assault on journalist by police

Emmanuel Opio was assaulted by the Deputy Regional Police Commander while covering a story regarding the interrogation of four suspects by the police during a demonstration protesting lack of electricity in their region.

Hungary

Human Rights Watch calls for government to reverse interference with courts, media

The country’s new constitution, which came into force on January 1, 2012, and other laws adopted over the last year give the ruling Fidesz party the ability to interfere arbitrarily with the judicial system and media, in violation of human rights law.