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Alerts - 2003 - April-June

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Indonesia

CPJ concerned by continuing efforts to restrict reporting in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2003 open letter from CPJ to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri:

Bahrain

RSF urges authorities to abandon trial of two journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged Bahraini authorities to call off the trial of the editor of "Al-Wasat", the kingdom's leading independent daily, and one of its reporters. The journalists face six months in prison and/or a fine of 1,000 dinars (approx. $US2,650; 2,300 euros) for reporting in March 2003 that three suspected terrorists had been released on bail.

Laos

Court sentences journalists and their translator to 15 years in prison

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Venezuela

RSF extremely concerned by attempted assassination of journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced deep concern about a 27 June 2003 Molotov cocktail attack on the car of opposition journalist Marta Colomina of Televén television.

Russia / Cuba / International / Venezuela

Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations adopts resolutions on major threats to press freedom

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2003 press release by the Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations, of which WPFC is a member:

Colombia

News crew assaulted in Barrancabermeja

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 21 June 2003, journalist Yesenia Ayala and camera operator Guillermo Gómez, of the Enlace Diez Televisión station, in the eastern port city of Barrancabermeja, were physically and verbally assaulted during a demonstration by the Unión Sindical Obrera (USO) labour union.

Belarus

Russian journalist expelled

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the 28 June 2003 expulsion of Pavel Selin, the Minsk correspondent for the Russian television station NTV, due to an allegedly "biased" report on the funeral of a writer opposed to President Alexander Lukashenko. The Belarusian foreign ministry withdrew Selin's accreditation, banned him from entering the country for five years and threatened to close NTV's Minsk bureau if the station does not broadcast an apology.

Bangladesh

Journalist brutally attacked

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Croatia

Concern over proposed criminal law changes

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2003 letter to Prime Minister Ivica Racan and President Zlatko Tomcic by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Indonesia

Second foreign reporter detained in Aceh, new curbs on international media

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about a 27 June 2003 decree reinforcing restrictions on foreign journalists in the province of Aceh and the recent arrests of a Japanese photographer and an American reporter for trying to independently cover the army's offensive against the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Egypt

EOHR attains legal recognition as an NGO

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 25 June 2003 EOHR press release:

Guatemala

CPJ concerned about series of recent attacks against journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 June 2003 CPJ letter to the special prosecutor for crimes against journalists and trade unionists, Marco Antonio Cortez:

Ukraine

Romanian journalist banned from entering Ukraine

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma:

Russia

Upper house of parliament approves restrictive legal amendments

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 June 2003 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

Third editor charged under Public Order and Security Act in two weeks

(MISA/IFEX) - On 26 June 2003, "The Daily News" editor Nqobile Nyathi was arrested and charged under the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) for allegedly publishing advertisements insulting the president. Nyathi confirmed that she had been summoned to Harare Central Police Station. "I was summoned to the public order and security section at the Central Police Station," said Nyathi. "I was charged under POSA and they were referring to advertisements that appeared from the 16th to the 19th of May. I was made to sign a warned and cautioned statement and they said they are still investigating the case," she said.

South Africa

MISA-South Africa comments on South African Broadcasting Corporation' s draft editorial policy

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 25 June 2003 submission by MISA's South Africa chapter on the South African Broadcasting Corporation's Draft Editorial Policy:

Morocco

Four journalists held for more than 10 days, face prison terms

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the authorities to explain why they are holding four journalists who were originally detained under an anti-terrorism law, but reportedly will now be prosecuted under the press law and face prison terms.

Belarus

Suspension of newspaper confirmed; judicial system used to obstruct public debate, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:

Nigeria

Magazine censored

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA-MFWA alert:

Colombia

The IAPA calls on Constitutional Court to reject mandatory licensing for journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2003 IAPA press release:

France

National Front-run town hall urged to end boycott of local newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - On 26 June 2003, RSF urged the town hall of Orange in southern France to resume providing information to journalists from the local "La Provence" newspaper and to abandon plans to file a suit against the newspaper. The town hall, which is run by the far-right National Front, has given the newspaper no information since March because it did not like its coverage of a town council meeting.

Laos

Journalists' trial set for 27 June in remote provincial town

(RSF/IFEX) - Journalists Thierry Falise and Vincent Reynaud will be publicly tried on 27 June 2003 in Phonesavanh, more than ten hours by road north of the capital, Vientiane, according to diplomatic sources. The charges against them are still unknown. The official enquiry into the case is expected to finish late on 26 June.

Afghanistan

Imprisoned journalists released; CPJ still concerned about possible prosecution for blasphemy

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 June 2003 CPJ press release:

Uganda

Police close church-owned radio station

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 June 2003 CPJ press release:

Togo

Three imprisoned journalists formally charged

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Djibouti

Newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah released again

(RSF/IFEX) - On 23 June 2003, "Le Renouveau" newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah was released at the end of a hearing in Djibouti after the presiding judge ruled that no crime had been committed and that the defendant was therefore not guilty.

Malawi

President threatens media

(MISA/IFEX) - On 24 June 2003, President Bakili Muluzi threatened to deal with media outlets that probe into the way he distributes maize to his supporters during political rallies.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Photojournalist violently assaulted during football match in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - On 22 June 2003, Don John Bepengo, a sports photojournalist with the Kinshasa-based weekly "The Post", was violently assaulted at Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa by the Libyan national football team's goaltender, Luis Agostino.

Argentina

Judge orders journalists' arrest

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 23 June 2003, Judge Juan Carlos Codello, head of the Corrientes Provincial Superior Tribunal, ordered the arrest of reporters Silvio Valenzuela and Manuel Ibarra, of LT7 Radio Corrientes' "On the Air" programme and the Canal 13 television station, in the northeastern province of Corrientes. Codello also ordered the confiscation of film footage the reporters had taken in front of his house.

Indonesia

U.S. journalist detained for violating Indonesia's immigration laws

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Canada

CJFE welcomes court ruling quashing lawsuit against newspaper

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2003 CJFE media release:

Zimbabwe

Editor charged under Public Order and Security Act for allegedly publishing a false story

(MISA/IFEX) - On 24 June 2003, Bill Saidi, editor of "The Daily News on Sunday", a sister paper of "The Daily News", was charged under the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) for allegedly publishing a false story in 2002.

Zambia

Police seek "Today" newspaper editor

(MISA/IFEX) - On 24 June 2003, police in Lusaka asked Masautso Phiri, editor of the privately-owned weekly newspaper "Today", to report to police headquarters at 2:00 p.m. (local time) for questioning.

Guatemala

IAPA condemns attack against newspaper director

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2003 IAPA press release:

Laos

Two journalists still held, no significant progress after three weeks in detention

(RSF/IFEX) - The Thierry Falise and Vincent Reynaud Support Committee deplores the continuing failure of the Laotian authorities to inform the families of these two detained journalists of their whereabouts. The committee is also concerned about the impact of reportedly poor conditions of detention on their health.

Indonesia

U.S. journalist freed in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Iran

Two more journalists detained, appeals court upholds three-year sentence for another journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - The arrests of freelance journalist Amir Teirani on 16 June 2003 and Mohamed Reza Bouzeri, a journalist with "Golestan-e-Iran", on 18 June, both for allegedly inciting students to demonstrate, bring the number of journalists detained since 14 June to at least eight.

Afghanistan

Human Rights Watch protests continuing detention of two editors

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Russia

Media Ministry closes national television channel

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

China

Magazine banned in ongoing crackdown

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Poland

IPI condemns interrogation of two members of publisher's management board

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to Polish Prime Minister Leszek Miller and Justice Minister Grzegorz Kurczuk:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Director of private radio and television station detained and released in Mbuji-Mayi

(JED/IFEX) - On 21 June 2003, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (local time), officers from the National Intelligence Agency's Mbuji-Mayi branch (ANR/Mbuji-Mayi) detained Pierre Kanemo Ngongani, director of Radiotélévision Débout Kasaï (RTDK). The station is based in Mbuji-Mayi, the capital of East Kasai province in central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Morocco

Three more journalists detained

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Russia

Parliament passes restrictive legal amendments

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

France

RSF calls for repeal of press laws that contravene European Convention on Human Rights

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the French government to repeal sections of the country's press laws that contravene the European Convention on Human Rights, while accusing the government of ignoring rulings that the contentious sections should be abolished.

China

Weekly newspaper closed, CPJ condemns media crackdown

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Indonesia

Activist sentenced to five months' imprisonment for defamation

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 and Forum-Asia press release:

South Africa

FXI comments on South African Broadcasting Corporation's draft editorial policies

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is an FXI statement:

United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 publishes briefing on Communications Bill

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 19 June 2003 ARTICLE 19 press release:

International

RSF publishes second annual report on cyberspace

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 19 June 2003 RSF press release:

United Kingdom

IPI calls for lengthier discussions on changes to Press Complaints Council

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an 18 June 2003 IPI press release:

Mexico

Senator launches complaint against "Zu Noticia" journalists

(PFC/IFEX) - In June 2003, Senator José Antonio Hagenbeck launched a criminal action for defamation against "the person or persons responsible" for having reported that he caused a disturbance in a bar in the city of Huejutla de Reyes, Hidalgo, while in a drunken state.

International / Tunisia

Tunisian cyber-dissident Zouhair Yahyaoui wins first RSF-Globenet Cyber-Freedom Prize

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 19 June 2003 RSF press release:

Afghanistan

Newspaper closed and editors arrested for "insult to Islam"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern over the closure of the privately-owned weekly "Aftab" and the 17 June 2003 arrest of its editor-in-chief and deputy editor for blasphemy. The newspaper published articles calling for a moderate interpretation of Islam and for its adaptation to the modern world in the wording of the new Afghan constitution.

Iran

Three journalists arrested; total number of journalists detained since 14 June 2003 rises to six

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the 16 June 2003 arrest of Ensafali Hedayat, a journalist with "Salam", who is the sixth journalist to be detained in the space of three days, against a backdrop of student protests. His detention follows the 15 June arrests of Mohsen Sazgara, editor of the closed reformist daily "Jameh" and creator of the news website http://www.alliran.net, and Amin Bozorgian, editor-in-chief of "Golestan-e-Iran".

Indonesia

Television cameraman found dead in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - In an 18 June 2003 letter to President Megawati Sukarnoputri, CPJ expressed deep sadness over the death of Mohamad Jamal, a cameraman for the Indonesian government-run television station TVRI. CPJ urged the president to order a thorough and impartial inquiry into the cameraman's murder.

Vietnam

Writer Pham Hong Son sentenced to 13 years in prison

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a letter to President Tran Duc Luong, CPJ condemned the harsh sentencing of writer Pham Hong Son to 13 years in prison plus an additional three years of administrative detention, or house arrest, on charges of espionage, on 18 June 2003.

Kyrgyzstan

Freedom House calls on government to cease lawsuits against independent press

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is an 18 June 2003 Freedom House press release:

Zimbabwe

Newspaper puts editor under 24-hour guard following threats

(MISA/IFEX) - "The Sunday Mail", a weekly newspaper in which the Zimbabwean government is the majority shareholder, has put its political editor, Munyaradzi Huni, under 24-hour guard. Huni has been receiving threats from unknown persons.

Zimbabwe

CPJ deeply concerned by harassment of journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 17 June 2003 letter to President Robert Mugabe, CPJ expressed deep concern over the continuing harassment of independent journalists in Zimbabwe.

Saudi Arabia

Citing recent press crackdown, Human Rights Watch reiterates call for rights reforms

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Morocco

Press freedom set back by journalist's jailing

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Brazil

IAPA calls for justice in case of journalist's murder

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 13 June 2003 IAPA press release:

Palestine / Israel

RSF calls for military police investigation into death of British documentary filmmaker

(RSF/IFEX) - On 18 June 2003, on the occasion of Israeli Deputy Defence Minister Ze'ev Boim's visit to France, RSF demanded that an Israeli military police investigation be launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of British documentary filmmaker James Miller on 2 May in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Lesotho

Moafrika Radio threatened with closure over defamation suit

(MISA/IFEX) - Late on 16 June 2003, MoAfrika Radio went off the air until midday (local time) on 17 June. The broadcast shutdown was intended to raise public attention and financial support to help the station pay off a civil defamation suit pending against it.

Botswana / Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean High Commissioner threatens and assaults reporter

(MISA/IFEX) - On 11 June 2003, Hloniphani Chengeta, a journalist with the weekly "Sunday Tribune", was assaulted by the Zimbabwean High Commissioner to Botswana, Phelekezela Mphoko.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist Bamporiki Chamira's trial opens before Kinshasa's State Security Court

(JED/IFEX) - On 17 June 2003, Bamporiki Chamira, a journalist with the Kinshasa-based daily "La Tempête des Tropiques", appeared before Kinshasa's State Security Court, presided by Judge Mbo Lupungu. Chamira has been detained since 14 February.

Liberia

Journalists attacked, displaced and living in fear

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA-MFWA alert:

Vietnam

Human Rights Watch calls for dismissal of charges against cyber-dissident Pham Hong Son

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Togo

Three journalists arrested and detained

(RSF/IFEX) - Dimas Dzikodo and Philip Evégnon, editor-in-chief and editor, respectively, of the private weekly "L'Evénement", as well as Colombo Kpakpabia, a journalist with the private weekly "Nouvel Echo", were arrested by police officers on 14 and 15 June 2003. They have since been detained and questioned at national police headquarters in the capital, Lome. The journalists have been accused of "distributing false news" with the intent of damaging the country's reputation.

Niger

Radio Télévision Ténéré journalists threatened and assaulted by students

(RSF/IFEX) - In a 15 June 2003 letter to Communications Minister Oumarou Sidikou, RSF urged the authorities to launch an investigation and take legal action following the 14 June attack on several journalists from the private broadcaster Radio Télévision Ténéré (RTT) in the capital, Niamey. The organisation also wrote to Niamey University's student union, condemning the physical assaults, damaging of equipment and threats against RTT journalists by a group of students.

Kyrgyzstan

Libel suit fines bankrupt independent newspaper, force it to close

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the relentless harassment of the independent daily "Moya Stolitsa-Novosti" by means of libel suits by government officials, which forced editor-in-chief Alexander Kim to announce the newspaper's closure on 11 June 2003, because of bankruptcy. The paper had been ordered to pay more than 77,000 euros (approx. US$90,700) in damages and fines in the course of 31 lawsuits over the past two years.

Palestine / Israel

IPI releases updated report on press freedom violations in Israeli/Palestinian conflict

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 13 June 2003 IPI press release:

Zimbabwe

Amendments to media law passed

(MISA/IFEX) - On 11 June 2003, the Zimbabwean Parliament passed into law amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). The government said the amendments are intended to correct anomalies and errors that became apparent after the law was signed by President Robert Mugabe in March 2002.

Zimbabwe

Charges against editor withdrawn

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 June 2003, the state withdrew charges against Norna Edwards, editor of "The Mirror", a weekly newspaper in the town of Masvingo, 293 kilometers south of the capital, Harare. Edwards and reporter Kennedy Murwira were facing charges of contravening Section 80 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Lebanon

Future TV studios targeted in rocket attack

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about a rocket attack on the studios of Future TV (Al-Mustaqbal) during the night of 14 to 15 June 2003. The station is owned by Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. The station's chief executive, Ali Jaber, and Information Minister Michel Samaha said the rocket caused serious damage but no injuries.

Iran

Two journalists arrested on charge of meeting secretly with student protesters

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for a firm reaction from the European Union following the 14 June 2003 arrest of two journalists in Tehran on a charge of meeting secretly with students in order to support their protest movement.

Iraq / United States

CPJ expresses concern about Coalition Provisional Authority's efforts to regulate local media

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 June 2003 CPJ letter to Paul Bremer, senior administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq:

Iran

Journalists detained and beaten, foreign broadcasts jammed amid anti-government protests

(RSF/IFEX) - On 14 June 2003, RSF voiced concern about the detention and beating of several news agency journalists by police during the past few days of anti-government demonstrations, and about the increased jamming of foreign television and radio signals carrying programming in Farsi.

International

IAPA hails OAS support for press freedom in recent declaration

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 11 June 2003 IAPA press release:

Dominican Republic

Journalist harassed by state security officials

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 June 2003 CPJ press release:

Cambodia

Human Rights Watch calls on government to end restrictions on freedom of expression prior to election

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Colombia

Journalist asked to resign because of his criticism of government official

(PFC/IFEX) - On 6 June 2003, the personnel department of the Bogotá-based weekly "El Espectador" called for the resignation of investigative editor Fabio Castillo without providing any explanation. As this was the latest in a series of restrictions Castillo had faced, the editor chose to comply with the request. In his letter of resignation, he noted that the weekly's decision was linked to his investigation into irregularities implicating Interior and Justice Minister Fernando Londoño Hoyos.

France

Paris police manhandle free-lance photographer, seize his camera

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the actions of the Paris police in manhandling free-lance photographer Benjamin Béchet and abruptly confiscating his camera without explanation as he was covering a demonstration on 10 June 2003 at the Garnier opera house.

Serbia / Montenegro

CPJ concerned about government actions against the media

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 12 June 2003 letter to Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Zivkovic, CPJ expressed concern about a series of government actions over the last several months that have further deteriorated Serbia's already poor press freedom conditions.

Zimbabwe

Deported journalist's wife flees Zimbabwe

(MISA/IFEX) - In what can be described as the continued victimisation of the family of Andrew Meldrum, the deported Zimbabwe correspondent for the United Kingdom-based newspaper "The Guardian", his wife Dolores Cortes Meldrum has fled Zimbabwe after being ordered to report to the Immigration Department.

Kuwait

Editor-in-chief of "Al-Watan" newspaper target of government pressure

(RSF/IFEX) - On 13 June 2003, RSF voiced concern about the government's harassment of Mohammed Al-Jassem, editor-in-chief of "Al-Watan" newspaper and a staunch defender of press freedom, in the run-up to the upcoming legislative elections in Kuwait.

Zimbabwe

Film producer's home raided again

(MISA/IFEX) - On 9 June 2003, for the second time in less than one week, the police raided the home of film producer and journalist Edwina Spicer in the capital, Harare. Police confiscated more video cameras, videocassettes, a computer and six loaves of bread.

United States / Cuba

IFLA calls on U.S. to allow visits and information exchanges with Cuba

(IFLA/FAIFE/IFEX) - The following is an IFLA/FAIFE media release:

International

Newspaper publishers and editors demand press freedom on the Internet

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 10 June 2003 WAN press release:

Mexico

PAN legislator targets journalists in corruption probe

(PFC/IFEX) - A Hidalgo state legislator has accused a number of journalists who work for state educational institutions of cheating the State Public Education System (Sistema Estatal de Educación Pública, SEPH). Accused are journalists from MVS Comunicaciones, Notimex, Televisa and other media outlets who also work for state educational institutions.

Laos

CPJ calls for journalists' release

(CPJ/IFEX) - In an 11 June 2003 letter to Laotian President Khamtay Siphandone, CPJ expressed deep concern about the safety of two European journalists and their American guide who were arrested last week by Laotian authorities: Thierry Falise, a Belgian free-lance photographer and reporter; Vincent Reynaud, a French free-lance photographer and cameraman; and Naw Karl Mua, a U.S. citizen of ethnic Hmong origin who was working with the two journalists as a guide and translator. Falise and Reynaud are well-regarded, professional journalists based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Zimbabwe

Editor charged under Public Order and Security Act

(MISA/IFEX) - On 11 June 2003, Francis Mdlongwa, editor-in-chief of the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe Group (ANZ), was charged with publishing a false advertisement when he was still in the employment of the "Financial Gazette" newspaper in 2002.

Argentina

Police assault Indymedia photographer

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 June 2003 CPJ press release:

Sudan

Security officials question RSF correspondent

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested over the lengthy interrogation of journalist Faisal el Bagir, the organisation's correspondent in Sudan, on 8 June 2003, upon his return from Athens, Greece, where he had attended an international conference of the future of news media in Iraq.

Venezuela

Television stations' appeal denied by Supreme Court

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 2 June 2003, the Supreme Court's (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, TSJ) Constitutional Chamber refused to grant a petition filed by television stations Globovisión, Televen and RCTV to have several articles of the Telecommunications Law declared unconstitutional.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Religious broadcaster shut down, journalists roughed up in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - Message de vie Radiotelevision (RTMV), a Kinshasa-based religious broadcaster owned by Pastor Fernando Kutino's Army of Victory Church (Église Armée de Victoire), was shut down on 10 June 2003.

Morocco

Newspaper editor held under new anti-terrorism law

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested over the detention of Mustapha Alaoui, managing editor of the Arabic-language weekly "Al Ousboue". He has been held under a new anti-terrorism law since 5 June 2003 for publishing a letter from a hitherto unknown group claiming responsibility for three of the five bombings in Casablanca on 16 May.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists abducted, illegally detained and assaulted by soldiers

(JED/IFEX) - The following is a 7 June 2003 JED letter to General Dénis Kalume Numbi:

Iran

Regime uses U.S. threats as pretext to step up press freedom violations

(RSF/IFEX) - On 10 June 2003, RSF voiced concern over the latest crackdown on the press in Iran, which has included the temporary closure of a daily newspaper, a travel ban on a journalist, the censoring of a letter by parliamentarians criticising Ayatollah Khamenei's policies and the issuing of summonses to journalists.

Brazil

IAPA asks authorities to investigate murder of two journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is IAPA press release:

Dominican Republic

IAPA concerned over latest newspaper closure

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 6 June 2003 IAPA press release:

Malaysia

Journalist and filmmaker Hishamuddin Rais released

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of journalist and filmmaker Hishamuddin Rais, who was freed on 4 June 2003 after the expiry of his two-year detention order.

Indonesia

U.S. journalist in danger in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 10 June 2003 letter to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, CPJ expressed deep concern about the safety of American free-lance journalist William Nessen, who is currently traveling with separatist rebels in the restive Indonesian province of Aceh, where a massive military campaign is underway. The group Nessen is with has come under direct attack from Indonesian government soldiers, and his life is currently at great risk.

Belarus

Editor Viktar Ivashkevich's sentence halved

(WiPC/IFEX) - It was reported on 4 June 2003 that a partial amnesty sanctioned by the Belarusian authorities has halved editor Viktar Ivashkevich's two-year sentence. He is now due for release from a detention camp in Baranovichy on 16 December.

Italy

Journalists stage national strike over editor's resignation, perceived threats to press freedom

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release:

Laos

Belgian reporter and French cameraman detained in Vientiane

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Laotian authorities to release two freelance journalists. Belgian reporter Thierry Falise and French cameraman Vincent Reynaut were arrested on 3 or 5 June 2003 after preparing a report on the desperate situation of the Hmong ethnic minority and the frequent clashes between Hmong rebels and the armed forces.

Zimbabwe

Film producer's house raided, equipment confiscated, employees assaulted

(MISA/IFEX) - At midnight (local time) on 6 June 2003, eight men wearing police uniforms and driving four police cars raided the home of film and documentary producer Edwina Spicer in the capital, Harare. They took away video cameras, recording equipment, a fax machine and Z$50,000 (approx. US$62), an undisclosed source told MISA Zimbabwe.

Iraq / United States

U.S. troops arrest three journalists in Baghdad

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release:

Morocco

Newspaper editor Ali Lmrabet remains imprisoned following Appeals Court decision

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its outrage over an Appeals Court's 5 June 2003 decision to keep newspaper editor Ali Lmrabet in prison. Lmrabet, who has been on hunger strike since 6 May and hospitalised since 26 May, came to the court in a wheelchair for the hearing, which was the first in his appeal. The next hearing is set for 10 June. Lmrabet was jailed on 21 May.

International

Belarusian journalists win WAN Golden Pen of Freedom award

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a WAN press release:

International

Press freedom deteriorates world-wide: WAN

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 7 June 2003 WAN press release:

Peru

Journalists assaulted during violent demonstrations in Puno

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 30 May 2003, a news crew from the Arequipa-based television station Canal N was brutally attacked by demonstrators who accused the journalists of biased reporting. The crew had travelled to Puno to cover events related to the death of Edwin Vilca Cruz, a university student from the Universidad Nacional del Altiplano.

Russia

CPJ calls on Duma to delay passing amendments regulating media coverage during elections

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 6 June 2003 letter to Gennadiy Seleznyev, honorary chairman of the Russian Federation Parliament, CPJ expressed concern about a bill, titled "On Amendments and Addendums Brought into Certain Legislative Acts," currently under consideration in the Russian Parliament. The bill, which is scheduled for a second-and possibly final-reading in the lower house of the Duma on June 11, seeks to strengthen state regulation over independent media outlets, particularly their coverage of election campaigns.

Venezuela

Journalist's vehicle struck by bullet

(IPYS/IFEX) - At midday (local time) on 30 May 2003, an unidentified assailant shot at the vehicle of journalist Gustavo Azócar. The vehicle was parked in front of the journalist's residence in San Cristóbal city, in the southwestern state of Táchira. The bullet passed through the front windshield and embedded itself in the dashboard.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Private broadcaster's director arrested in Tshikapa

(JED/IFEX) - On 7 June 2003, at 9:00 a.m. (local time), officers from the National Intelligence Agency's Tshikapa branch (ANR/Tshikapa-Cité) arrested and detained Romain Kambala Bilolo, director of the private broadcaster Kasaï Horizon Radiotélévision (KHRT), in Tshikapa (West Kasai province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo's central region). The officers took Bilolo to the security services' local detention centre, where he was questioned. The journalist was released at around 6:15 p.m. the same day, with instructions to send his station's programming director and editor-in-chief to the local ANR offices for questioning on 9 June at 9:00 a.m.

Belarus

Two more independent newspapers suspended

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested against the Information Ministry's suspension of two more independent newspapers. The editors of the twice-weekly satirical newspaper "Navinki" learned that they were being suspended on 3 June 2003. On 5 June, the ministry also suspended the independent weekly "Ekho" for three months.

Djibouti

Newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah re-arrested just two days after his release from custody

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested against the re-arrest of newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah on 5 June 2003, just two days after his release from custody. The organisation has called on the authorities to release him immediately. The editor of "Le Renouveau" newspaper and head of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development (MRD), Farah is the subject of several libel suits filed by the armed forces.

Nepal

Journalist abducted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 6 June 2003, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoists) rebels abducted journalist Padam Raj Poudel in Pokhara, Kaski district. Poudel is a reporter with the state-owned daily "Gorkhapatra" and a member of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists' (FNJ) Kaski section.

Liberia

Journalist attacked

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA-MFWA alert:

Liberia

Six radio stations shut down

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA-MFWA alert:

Cuba

RSF denounces confirmation of heavy prison sentences against two arrested journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - On 5 June 2003, RSF denounced the Cuban Supreme Court's confirmation of sentences against two of the 26 independent journalists who were arrested in late March and later jailed for lengthy terms. On 3 June, the court upheld a sentence of 26 years for Miguel Galván Gutiérrez and 16 years for José Ubaldo Izquierdo Hernández.

Canada

Quebec City police threaten to seize video recordings from three television stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is deeply concerned that Quebec City police may search the offices of three television stations - TQS, TVA and Radio Canada - to seize video recordings as part of a police investigation.

International

IPI announces 2003 Free Media Pioneer Award winner

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

Lawsuit filed over Cacak mayor's alleged attack on journalist during interview

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 June 2003 CPJ press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM condemns election of illegally appointed member as chairman of Broadcast Agency Council

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 5 June 2003 ANEM statement:

Mauritania

Islamist weekly banned

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its concern about the banning of the Islamist weekly "Raya" and the closure of its offices under an Interior Ministry order on 1 June 2003.

United States

IFLA/FAIFE concerned over use of libraries for surveillance

(IFLA/FAIFE/IFEX) - The following is an IFLA/FAIFE media release:

Brazil

Journalist murdered in Sao Paulo state

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its concern about the 3 June 2003 death of journalist Melyssa Martins Correia, of the daily "Oeste Notícias", in Presidente Prudente (a town in São Paulo state). Martins Correia's murder appears to have been prompted by the newspaper's coverage of a criminal organisation.

Kyrgyzstan

Attacks against media and human rights defenders must stop, says Freedom House

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 4 June 2003 Freedom House press release:

Burma

WiPC concerned about writer and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's health

(WiPC/IFEX) ? WiPC is seriously concerned about the well-being of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD) and writer, who was taken into "protective custody" on 1 June 2003 following clashes between NLD and pro-government supporters. Aung San Suu Kyi is reported to have been injured during the clashes, though it is not thought that her injuries are serious. International PEN is calling for her immediate and unconditional release, and urges that she be given full access to any necessary medical treatment.

Serbia / Montenegro

Weekly's latest edition banned; ANEM says newspaper bans must follow legal procedures

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 4 June 2003 ANEM press release:

International / United States

IFJ concerned about relaxation of media ownership rules

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 June 2003 IFJ media release:

South Africa

SABC sports journalist suspended for putting minister on air

(MISA/IFEX) - The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has suspended sports presenter James Shikwambane for exchanging words with Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour on his 26 May 2003 show. Two days later, the Mungana Lonene FM sports presenter received a letter of suspension.

Djibouti

Newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah released provisionally

(RSF/IFEX) - Daher Ahmed Farah, editor of the newspaper "Le Renouveau" and head of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Renewal and Development (Mouvement pour le renouveau démocratique et le développement), was released on 3 June 2003 from Gabode prison. He had been detained there since 20 April on a charge of libelling the army's chief of staff, General Zakaria Cheik Ibrahim.

Malawi

Community radio stations told to stop airing news reports

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 June 2003, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) ordered community radio stations to stop airing news bulletins, saying the Communications Act forbade such stations from running news programmes.

Kosovo (Serbia) / Montenegro / Serbia

Equipment stolen from Pristina's Radio Kontakt; likely intimidation tactic, says ANEM

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is an ANEM press release:

Argentina

IPI concerned about raid on offices of daily "La Nación"

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI press release:

Tunisia

Internet journalist Zouhair Yahyaoui completes his first year in prison

(RSF/IFEX) -, RSF has called for the release of jailed cyber-dissident Zouhair Yahyaoui. The journalist marked the first anniversary of his arrest in an Internet café on 4 June 2003. Founder of the website "TUNeZINE", Yahyaoui is serving a two-year prison sentence. He recently began another hunger strike.

Zimbabwe

Journalists detained, interrogated, beaten and searched; equipment confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 June 2003, two journalists from the "Voice of the People" Communications Trust (VOP) were detained, interrogated, beaten and had their mobile phones and recorders confiscated by ruling party Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) youths and war veterans. In a related incident, the home of VOP Coordinator John Masuku was searched and VOP administrative files and a computer used in programme production were confiscated.

Zimbabwe

Demonstrators destroy copies of newspapers and beat up vendors; minister attacks newspaper

(MISA/IFEX) - Supporters of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) have destroyed thousands of copies of the privately-owned "Daily News" newspaper since the beginning of a nation-wide strike called for by the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), on 2 June 2003.

Switzerland

Journalist seriously injured by police stun grenade at G8 protest

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 June 2003 IFJ media release:

Kazakhstan

Independent newspaper threatened with closure

(RSF/IFEX) - On 3 June 2003, RSF voiced its concern about judicial harassment of the opposition newspaper "SolDat" and its editor-in-chief Ermurat Bapi after the newspaper was ordered to pay more than 300,000 euros (approx. US$350,000) for alleged tax evasion in a judicial decision of questionable legality.

Burma

Military junta demonstrates contempt for freedom of expression by detaining Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:

Philippines

Two individuals arrested in connection with broadcaster's slaying

(CMFR/IFEX) - Two men believed to be bodyguards of a local politician were arrested on 22 May 2003 in connection with the 17 May killing of DWTI-AM radio announcer Apolinario "Polly" Pobeda, in Lucena City, Quezon, central Philippines.

Egypt

Two journalists imprisoned for libel

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the imprisonment of newspaper editor Mustapha Bakri and Mahmoud Bakri, his brother and fellow journalist, on 2 June 2003. They were both jailed after an Appeals Court upheld their conviction and one-year prison sentences for libel on 1 June.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio Sahuti ya Rehema director Joseph Nkinzo released

(JED/IFEX) - Joseph Nkinzo, director of Radio Sahuti ya Rehema ("The Voice of Mercy"), which airs in Bukavu, was released from custody on 29 May 2003. Bukavu is the main town in South Kivu province, located in the eastern half of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The area is controlled by the Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, RCD/Goma) rebel group.

Turkey

Report on freedom of expression in Turkey

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a WiPC background document issued in the context of the organisation's June 2003 special campaign on Turkey:

Belarus

CPJ calls on government to allow newspaper to resume publication

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

Journalist physically assaulted by Cacak mayor

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is an ANEM press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Confiscated equipment returned to private television station

(JED/IFEX) - In a 26 May 2003 letter to JED, Mulegwa Zihindula, a spokesperson for Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, said a camera and other equipment belonging to the private television station Télé Kin Malebo (TKM) was returned on 21 May. The station has since confirmed that its confiscated equipment was returned.

Egypt

EOHR calls for release of detained journalist, other anti-war activists

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 28 May 2003 EOHR press release:

Azerbaijan

Journalist arrested

(JuHI/IFEX) - On 29 May 2003, in the afternoon, Elnur Sadiqli, a regional correspondent for the opposition daily "Azadliq", was arrested in Azerbaijan's Dashkesen district. The police officers who detained the journalist gave no explanation for the arrest. Sadiqli was later tried for "hooliganism" and sentenced to seven days' imprisonment.

Indonesia

Attacks on journalists continue in Aceh

(AJI/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2003 statement by the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), of which AJI is a member:

Saudi Arabia

Removal of "Al-Watan" editor-in-chief condemned

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the dismissal of the daily "Al-Watan"'s editor-in-chief, Jamal Khashoggi, who learned from senior Saudi officials on 27 May 2003 that he was being fired. His removal comes after the newspaper ran several reports and editorials openly criticising the religious authorities, especially the mutawa (religious police).

Morocco

Jailed newspaper editor's condition worsens

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its mounting concern over the worsening condition of jailed newspaper editor Ali Lmrabet, the organisation's correspondent in Morocco, who was rushed from his prison cell to hospital on 26 May 2003. Lmrabet has been on hunger strike since 6 May and is now refusing even water. His lawyers yesterday described his state of health as "worrying." Lmrabet began serving a four-year prison sentence for "insulting the king" on 21 May.

Belarus

Government shuts down independent daily for three months

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Information Minister Michail Padhajny to rescind his 28 May 2003 decree suspending the independent daily "Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta" and its monthly supplement, "BDG. Dla Sluzhebnoho Polzovaniya" for three months for allegedly "breaking the news media law".

International / Russia

Freedom House report details disturbing democracy decline in Russia

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2003 Freedom House press release:

Palestine / Israel

IFJ calls for journalists' rights and security to be made a priority in Israeli-Palestinian dialogue

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2003 IFJ media release:

Pakistan

Telecommunications authorities block "South Asia Tribune" website

(PPF/IFEX) - On 30 May 2003, telecommunication authorities in Pakistan blocked the website of the online newspaper "South Asia Tribune" (http://www.satribune.com). The website is currently inaccessible to Internet users in Pakistan.

Indonesia

Journalists attacked by gunmen in Aceh; security forces restrict the media

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Uzbekistan

Human Rights Watch calls on government to immediately release journalists pending further investigation

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Community radio station director arrested in Bukavu

(JED/IFEX) - Joseph Nkinzo, director of the community radio station Sauti ya Rehema, which airs in Bukavu, was arrested by Intelligence Agency officers on 28 May 2003. Bukavu is the main town in South Kivu province, located in the eastern half of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The area is controlled by the Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, RCD/Goma) rebel group.

Serbia / Montenegro

Broadcast council appointment illegal, says ANEM

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 28 May 2003 ANEM press release:

Pakistan

Police prevent coverage of opposition protest

(PPF/IFEX) - On 28 May 2003, journalists in the city of Lahore boycotted a session of the Punjab Assembly in response to police preventing coverage of a protest by opposition assembly members earlier in the day. The journalists announced that they would end the boycott only after an apology by Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi and action against the police officers who were responsible.

Syria

IFJ accuses government of carrying out "official vendetta" against exiled journalist's family

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release:

Cameroon

WAN condemns ban on radio station, threats against three journalists

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 27 May 2003 letter to Communications Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed serious concern at the government's banning of the launch of the Freedom FM radio station and the threats made against three journalists.

Tajikistan

News website censored

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 May 2003, RSF called on the Tajik authorities to stop blocking access to a news website, http://www.tajikistantimes.ru, which is run by opposition journalist Dododjon Atovulloev from outside the country. Internet users inside Tajikistan have been unable to access the site since 24 April. Launched on 1 March, the site issues reports that are very critical of the government.

Russia

Supreme Court orders retrial of defendants previously acquitted of journalist's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Turkey

WPFC concerned about journalist Hasan Özgün

(WPFC/IFEX) - In a 28 May 2003 letter to Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, which was copied to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, WPFC expressed its grave concern for the fate of journalist Hasan Özgün, a reporter with the "Özgür Gündem" daily newspaper.

Azerbaijan

Police officers beat up journalists at opposition rally in Baku

(JuHI/IFEX) - On 27 May 2003, a group of some 500 people representing the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan tried to stage a picket in front of the Milli Mejlis (Parliament) building in Baku. The demonstration was not sanctioned by the city administration and police were ordered in to disperse protesters.

China

Four Internet writers sentenced to lengthy prison terms

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Uzbekistan

Three detained in crackdown on journalists, TV journalist returns to job

(RSF/IFEX) - On 28 May 2003, RSF voiced deep concern about the arrests in the past two days of three members of the Union of Independent Journalists of Uzbekistan (UIJU), a press freedom organisation, two of them on charges of homosexuality and sex with minors. The organisation also deplored an attempt by a state-owned television station to fire a journalist who had objected to censorship and to the dismissal of the station's news editor earlier this month.

Tonga

"Taimi 'o Tonga" newspaper still banned despite Supreme Court ruling

(RSF/IFEX) - On 28 May 2003, RSF protested what it called the "illegal" refusal of the Tongan government to allow copies of the newspaper "Taimi 'o Tonga" into the country, despite a 26 May Supreme Court order lifting a three-month-old ban.

Zimbabwe

Legal action against journalist suspended

(MISA/IFEX) - On 20 May 2003, Stanley Karombo, a freelance journalist based in the city of Mutare, was removed from remand by the Magistrates' Court. Karombo was arrested on 19 March on charges of violating Section 83 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), which prohibits anyone from practicing as a journalist without accreditation.

Mexico

Journalists face criminal defamation charges

(PFC/IFEX) - Journalists Alejandro Gutiérrez and Jesusa Cervantes, of "Proceso" magazine, are facing criminal defamation charges.

Chile

Journalists resign to protest censorship

(PFC/IFEX) - In a 24 May 2003 press release, journalists from "La Nación Domingo", the Sunday supplement of "La Nación" newspaper, announced their respective resignations. The news team accused the newspaper's management of having succumbed to political pressure. An article entitled, "La caja negra del Indap" ("The Indap black box"), which was scheduled to appear in the paper on 25 May, was censored by the paper's management.

Iraq / United Kingdom / United States

IPI releases report on press freedom violations and the media's role in the 2003 Iraq war

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI press release:

Lesotho

Journalist denied access to information

(MISA/IFEX) - Thabo Thakalekoala, sub-editor of "Mopheme", a weekly English-language newspaper in Lesotho, has repeatedly been denied information relating to the treatment of Katleho Malataliana, a former member of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF). Malataliana was arrested in November 1998, along with other LDF members, and later convicted of mutiny against senior officers and the government.

Zimbabwe

Lawyer seeks court order to bring back deported journalist

(MISA/IFEX) - Beatrice Mtetwa, the lawyer representing Andrew Meldrum, a correspondent for the United Kingdom-based "Guardian" who was deported on 16 May 2003, has filed an application at the High Court seeking her client's return.

Uzbekistan

JuHI condemns dismissal of UzTV journalists

(JuHI/IFEX) - According to several sources, including JuHI's Tashkent-based partner organisation, Ozod Ovoz (Free Voice), two journalists were recently dismissed from Uzbekistan state television (UzTV).

Djibouti

RSF urges authorities to release newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah

(RSF/IFEX) - On 26 May 2003, RSF urged the authorities to release newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah at his appeal hearing scheduled for 28 May. Farah has been detained since 20 April for libelling Deputy Army Chief General Zakaria Cheik Ibrahim.

International

UN NGO Committee threatens RSF with year-long suspension

(RSF/IFEX) - The call by the United Nations (UN) Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations for the suspension of RSF's consultative status with the UN is yet another sign of the fading reputation of UN bodies, the press freedom organisation said on 27 May 2003.

Venezuela

News crew's material seized

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 21 May 2003, officials seized a cassette from a Televen news crew. The television station crew was reporting on a robbery carried out at dawn that same day in the offices of the Foreign Relations Ministry.

Guatemala

Journalist killed, another receives death threats

(APG/IFEX) - The following is an APG Press Freedom Committee press release:

Cameroon

Communications Ministry prohibits launch of private radio station

(RSF/IFEX) - On 23 May 2003, in the afternoon, the offices of Freedom FM, a Douala-based private radio station, were surrounded by police officers. Communications Minister Jacques Fame Ndongo ordered the station's closure, accusing it of operating illegally. Prior to the police action, the station had been expected to launch on 24 May.

Nepal

CEHURDES condemns the dismissal of two journalists

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - CEHURDES strongly condemns the government's dismissal of two journalists affiliated with the state-owned Radio Nepal. CEHURDES urges the government to cease targeting journalists.

Belarus

RSF alerts OSCE about major press freedom violations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its concern about threats to press freedom in Belarus to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on the eve of a visit to Minsk by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's ad hoc working group on Belarus, scheduled from 25 to 28 May 2003.

Cuba

Twelve independent reporters may face imprisonment

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 23 May 2003 IAPA press release:

Panama

Journalists threatened for investigating land development company

(PFC/IFEX) - Dutch journalist Okke Ornstein and Panamanian journalist Carmen Boyd, of "El Siglo" newspaper, have been threatened. In addition, Ornstein's lawyer was found dead in early May 2003. The two journalists have been investigating and reporting on the San Cristobal land development company, which is suspected of having swindled foreign investors.

Paraguay

Journalist's daughter escapes attempted kidnapping

(PFC/IFEX) - On 12 May 2003, unknown individuals attempted to kidnap journalist Mabel Rehnfeldt's 12-year-old daughter. The incident occurred as the young girl was walking home from school together with a woman who looks after her. They were pursued by individuals in a vehicle who drove up to them and then swerved onto the sidewalk. The journalist's daughter and her guardian managed to get away and they ran towards the house. The assailants then sped off in the vehicle.

Indonesia

Private radio station threatened, CPJ protests curbs on press in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 23 May 2003 letter to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, CPJ expressed alarm over the efforts of Indonesian military authorities in Aceh to control press coverage of the conflict there.

Morocco

Jailed newspaper editor rushed to hospital

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced deep concern about the condition of jailed newspaper editor Ali Lmrabet, who was rushed to Rabat's Avicenne hospital on 26 May 2003 and put on an intravenous drip. Lmrabet, who was imprisoned on 21 May, has been on hunger strike since 6 May. His physician said he is in a very weak condition. "He has not been able to drink since yesterday. He is throwing everything up. He has great difficulty talking, and he can no longer walk," the doctor said.

Nicaragua

"La Prensa" correspondent threatened

(PFC/IFEX) - During the night of 18 May 2003, unknown individuals threw stones at the home of journalist Sergio León, a correspondent for "La Prensa" newspaper in Bluefields. León had published a number of reports on drug trafficking in the region which is allegedly being carried out with the complicity of police officers.

Algeria

Cartoonist convicted, fined, receives suspended jail sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the suspended jail sentence handed down by an Algiers court against cartoonist Ali Dilem on 20 May 2003. Dilem, a cartoonist with the daily "Liberté", received a suspended six-month sentence for a cartoon of the army's chief of staff, General Mohamed Lamari, published on 15 January 2002. The court also fined Dilem 20,000 dinars (approx. US$285; 240 euros), fined "Liberté" editor Abrous Outoudert 40,000 dinars (approx. US$570; 480 euros) and fined the newspaper 300,000 dinars (approx. US$4,270; 3,600 euros).

Colombia / Brazil

Two defendants convicted in murder of Colombian journalist; IAPA submits results of investigation into murder of Brazilian journalist

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 22 May 2003 IAPA press release:

Syria

EU ministers asked to raise issue of journalist Ibrahim Hamidi's detention at Euro-Mediterranean summit

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the foreign ministers of European Union (EU) member countries to raise the issue of the lack of press freedom in Syria with their Syrian counterpart, most likely Foreign Minister Farouk al-Chareh, during the meeting of Euro-Mediterranean foreign ministers in Crete on 26 and 27 May 2003. The organisation is expressly calling for the immediate release of Ibrahim Hamidi, the Damascus bureau chief of the London-based pan-Arab daily "Al-Hayat", who has been detained for more than five months.

Azerbaijan

Independent journalists convicted for libeling president's brother

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Ethiopia

CPJ disturbed by continuing imprisonment of journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 22 May 2003 letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, CPJ stated that it is deeply disturbed by the recent jailing of Melese Shine, editor-in-chief of the Amharic-language weekly "Ethiop". Another journalist, Tewodros Kassa, the former editor-in-chief of "Ethiop", has been imprisoned since May 2002.

Venezuela

Human Rights Watch urges government to end investigation of private television networks, revise proposed radio and television law

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 21 May 2003 Human Rights Watch press release:

Eritrea

President renews criticism of independent press, CPJ calls for release of imprisoned journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Indonesia

Restrictions imposed on reporting in Aceh province

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the Indonesian authorities to respect press freedom in the province of Aceh. On 21 May 2003, the army banned the news media from reporting statements by rebels of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). The move follows the declaration of a state of emergency in the province on 19 May. Journalists covering the fighting in Aceh are now also required to obtain accreditation from the military.

Moldova

RSF protests raid on newspaper's offices

(RSF/IFEX) - On 19 May 2003, RSF voiced outrage over a raid on the offices of the news group Flux Publications. During the 13 May raid, police seized computers, e-mail messages and files in connection with a report alleging links between a Moldava-based Lebanese businessman and a terrorist group. The report is the subject of a libel suit launched by the businessman on 24 April.

Philippines

CPJ calls for investigation into murder of journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 20 May 2003 letter to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, CPJ condemned the murder of radio announcer Apolinario "Polly" Pobeda in Lucena City, Quezon Province. The organisation called for a swift and thorough investigation into the killing and for those responsible to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Zimbabwe

Media commission demands accreditation cards back

(MISA/IFEX) - The government appointed Media and Information Commission is demanding accreditation cards it issued to four journalists be returned. According to the commission, the journalists have changed jobs and need to apply again as they cannot work for their new employer who is not licensed.

Armenia

Local television station suspended

(RSF/IFEX) - On 22 May 2003, RSF urged the authorities to make respect for press freedom a priority in the 25 May legislative elections and referendum, as there were many violations of press freedom in the two rounds of the presidential election held in February and March. The organisation also voiced concern about the suspension of local television station Ankyun+3 on 20 May, which appears to have been politically motivated.

Cuba

RSF outraged over prison conditions of newly-convicted journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is outraged over the appalling prison conditions which most of the 26 recently-detained, independent journalists have had to endure since they were rounded up with other dissidents in March 2003 and handed long jail terms.

China

China sentences South Korean journalist to prison

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Gabon

National Communications Council suspends two private newspapers

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is concerned about the recent measures taken by the National Communications Council (Conseil national de la Communication, CNC) against four private media outlets. During the week of 16 May 2003, the CNC decided to suspend the publication of two private newspapers, "Misamu" and "Le Temps". In addition, the publications "Jeunesse Action" and "l'Espoir" received official warnings from the council.

Bangladesh

Kidnapped journalist found alive, another remains imprisoned

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Spain

Basque public TV threatened with prosecution for broadcasting ETA statement

(RSF/IFEX) - On 20 May, RSF urged the Spanish authorities not to prosecute the Basque public radio and television network Euskal Telebista (ETB) for broadcasting a videotape of three presumed members of the Basque terrorist organisation ETA reading a statement. ETB Director General Andoni Ortuzar was summoned for questioning on 21 May by the State Prosecutor's Office, which will decide thereafter whether or not to prosecute the broadcaster.

Morocco

Editor Ali Lmrabet convicted and jailed

(RSF/IFEX) - On 21 May 2003, RSF voiced its disappointment over the jailing of newspaper editor Ali Lmrabet. The editor of the weeklies "Demain Magazine" and "Douman" was imprisoned immediately after a court convicted him of "insulting the king", sentenced him to four years in prison and a fine of 20,000 dirhams (approx. US$2,300; 2,000 euros) and banned his two weeklies. Lmrabet has been on hunger strike since 6 May.

China

Journalist released after completing prison term

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 May 2003 CPJ press release:

South Africa

FXI warns of Anti-Terrorism Bill's impact on the media

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 19 May 2003 FXI statement:

Colombia

Buenaventura journalist threatened

(FLIP/IFEX) - Journalist Adonai Cárdenas, a correspondent for the Calí-based daily "El País", in Buenaventura, western Colombia, has been receiving threats since one his articles, entitled "La muerte paseo oronda por el puerto", appeared in the daily on 2 April 2003. In the article, Cárdenas provides an overview of the tense situation in the pacific coastal city.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi reformers seek free expression guarantees

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Cambodia

Opposition party activists charged with leafleting

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Venezuela

Journalist receives death threats

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 13 May 2003, journalist Roberto Giusti filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office denouncing the attack he suffered on 2 May and death threats he has been receiving since that day.

United States

Six French journalists detained on arrival at Los Angeles airport, sent back to France

(RSF/IFEX) - On 20 May 2003, RSF protested against the detention of six French journalists upon their arrival, a week ago, at Los Angeles international airport. The journalists had travelled to the United States (U.S.) to cover a video game trade show. They were forcibly repatriated after being held at the airport for over 24 hours.

United Kingdom / Iraq / United States

IPI concerned over delays in investigation into missing journalists' whereabouts

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 20 May 2003 IPI letter to U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Geoffrey Hoon and U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld:

Zimbabwe

Lawyer to fight for the return of deported journalist

(MISA/IFEX) - Beatrice Mtetwa, a lawyer representing "Guardian" correspondent Andrew Meldrum, has said that she will petition the High Court to compel the government to bring her client back.

Palestine / Israel

Two Palestinian journalists beaten up by Israeli soldiers

(RSF/IFEX) - On 20 May 2003, RSF voiced its outrage over the violent beating which two clearly identified Palestinian journalists received from Israeli soldiers in Bethlehem. The incident took place during the night of 19 to 20 May. One of the journalists sustained an injury to his right hand that will prevent him from working for some time.

Zimbabwe

Journalists under threat of losing their accreditation

(MISA/IFEX) - Tafataona Mahoso, chairman of the Media and Information Commission (MIC), has demanded that journalists recruited by the privately-owned newspaper "The Daily News" two weeks ago surrender accreditation cards issued to them by the MIC.

Hong Kong (China)

Hong Kong's legislature urged to reject subversion bill that threatens press freedom

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Dominican Republic

Authorities seize media empire belonging to prominent banker

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 19 May 2003 to Dominican President Hipólito Mejía, WAN and the World Editors Forum (WEF) expressed serious concern at the government's seizure of three newspapers, four television stations and 70 radio stations belonging to a prominent banker accused of fraud.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalists from the private press roughed up during public rally

(JED/IFEX) - In a 19 May 2003 letter to Mulegwa Zihindula, a spokesperson for President Joseph Kabila, JED protested the harassment and humiliation suffered by journalists during a public rally held along Kinshasa's Triomphal Boulevard on 17 May. Several journalists also received death threats. The organisation is particularly shocked by these incidents since the targeted journalists were officially accredited by the office of the president to cover the march commemorating the Kabila regime's sixth year in power.

Colombia

Police accused of spying on news weekly on behalf of government minister

(RSF/IFEX) - On 16 May 2003, RSF voiced great concern about an alleged case of police spying on the weekly "El Espectador", implicating Interior and Justice Minister Fernando Londoño Hoyos.

Moldova

Press group target of government pressure

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 20 May 2003 letter to President Vladimir Voronin by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

China

Internet publisher sentenced to five years in prison

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 19 May 2003 letter to President Hu Jintao, CPJ condemned the five-year sentence recently handed down to Internet publisher Huang Qi. The court has long delayed the verdict, which comes nearly three years after Huang's arrest, compounding a case of grave injustice.

French Guiana (France) / France

Journalist beaten up by gold mining boss

(RSF/IFEX) - On 15 May 2003, RSF expressed shock over the beating up of a journalist by a local gold mining boss and called for the attacker to be severely punished.

Russia

Local television journalist violently attacked

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Lucena broadcaster killed

(CMFR/IFEX) - Two men on a motorcycle shot and killed a radio broadcaster on 17 May 2003 in Lucena City, Quezon province, south of Manila. The murder happened less than three weeks after a similar tandem gunned down another broadcaster in Legazpi City, Albay.

Zimbabwe

"Guardian" reporter Andrew Meldrum deported from Zimbabwe

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

CPJ outraged by continuing harassment of journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ letter to President Robert Mugabe:

Pakistan

Court bans media coverage of case against president

(PPF/IFEX) - On 13 May 2003, the Lahore High Court's chief justice banned media coverage of the proceedings of a petition seeking the trial of the president, General Pervez Musharraf, on charges of "high treason" for allegedly "making a show of power in public".

Serbia / Montenegro

Serbian Parliament committee puts undue pressure on state broadcaster

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 15 May 2003 ANEM press release:

United Kingdom

Journalists arrested, released on bail

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a WAN letter to British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

Ethiopia

Deputy editor-in-chief of "It'op" newspaper charged, detained

(EFJA/IFEX) - A state prosecutor has charged Wosenseged Gebrekidan, deputy editor-in-chief of "It 'op" newspaper, with "publishing and disseminating an article in 'It'op' newspaper no. 343 that libels Habte Mariam Seyoum". Gebrekidan is accused of dismissing the former ambassador's statements regarding his diplomatic efforts during the Ethio-Eritrean war, and in connection with issues relating to Asab port.

Greece

SEEMO expresses concern about treatment of Albanian journalist

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a letter to Minister of Public Order Michalis Chrysochoidis and Interior Minister Constantine Skandalidis by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Morocco

Prosecutor seeks five-year prison sentence for editor Ali Lmrabet and ban on his two weeklies

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its dismay over the five-year prison sentence (the maximum sentence) sought by the king's prosecutor at the opening of Ali Lmrabet's trial in Rabat on 13 May 2003. Lmrabet is editor of the weeklies "Demain Magazine" and "Douman", as well as RSF's correspondent in Morocco.

Zimbabwe

"Guardian" reporter Andrew Meldrum ordered to leave Zimbabwe

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Sudan

Journalist detained without charge for 10 days, newspaper suspended

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Argentina

President-elect Kirchner asked to demonstrate commitment to press freedom after supporters attack journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - On 15 May 2003, RSF voiced concern about physical attacks against TV crews by supporters of presidential candidates Carlos Menem and Néstor Kirchner in two separate incidents over the past few days. The organisation called on Kirchner, now president-elect, to demonstrate his commitment to press freedom.

Sri Lanka

RSF concerned about death threat against BBC correspondent

(RSF/IFEX) - On 15 May 2003, RSF voiced its concern about a death threat against BBC correspondent Ponnaiah Manikavasagam following the broadcast of his interview with a Tamil separatist leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on the BBC. A pro-government paramilitary group is believed to be responsible for the threat, which came just a few days after two Sinhalese journalists were threatened by LTTE members in Vavuniya, the northern town where Manikavasagam is based.

Tunisia

Health of imprisoned Internet journalist endangered

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is disturbed by reports that Zouhair Yahyaoui is not receiving adequate medical care whilst in prison. PEN also continues to be very concerned at the prison conditions of the journalist, founder of the Internet site TUNeZINE.com. Yahyaoui was sentenced to two years' imprisonment on charges of "propagation of false news", "non-authorised usage of an Internet connection" and "theft from an employer".

Peru

Journalists assaulted while covering strike

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 6 May 2003, a group of protesters physically assaulted Armando Castro Méndez, a photojournalist for the Trujillo-based newspaper "La Industria". Castro was on the Panamericana Norte highway, in La Libertad region, covering the first day of a national truck and bus drivers' strike. More than 10 protesters prevented the journalist from reporting on events and damaged some of his equipment.

Togo

Journalist released after four months in detention without trial

(RSF/IFEX) - Sylvestre Djahlin Nicoué, managing editor of the weekly "Le Courrier du citoyen", was released on 7 May 2003. He was detained without trial for four months at Lomé Civil Prison. No official information was given concerning the decision to release the journalist. Following his release, Nicoué went to Atakpamé (160 kilometres from Lomé), where he was reunited with his family.

Colombia

Two journalists flee for the capital

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2003 CPJ press release:

United States

IFJ criticises proposed changes in media ownership rules

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release:

Morocco

Journalist on hunger strike

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 May 2003 CPJ press release:

El Salvador

PROBIDAD calls for an investigation into president's actions

(PFC/IFEX) - In late April 2003, businessman Jorge Zedán, owner of 25% of the TV Doce station's shares, accused President Francisco Flores of having forced the cancellation of the TV Doce political commentary programme "Sin Censura". Flores allegedly exerted pressure via the Mexican government on the Mexican station Televisión Azteca, which owns the remaining 75% of TV Doce shares, to cancel the programme. The president has also been accused of interfering in the operation of other media outlets. In response to these accusations, on 8 May, PROBIDAD, the organisation that administers PFC, asked the Legislative Assembly to investigate Flores's actions and the allocation of his party's advertising budget.

China

RSF releases report on censorship and surveillance of online forums

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an RSF press release:

Palestine / Israel

Autopsy suggests British cameraman James Miller was shot by Israeli army gunfire

(RSF/IFEX) - On 8 May 2003, RSF called for the punishment of those responsible for the death of British freelance cameraman James Miller on 2 May. An autopsy revealed that the the only bullet to hit him entered his body from the front. The journalist was killed as he was filming troops in the Gaza Strip.

Iran

Seven journalists sentenced to a total of 53 years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its dismay over the prison sentences, ranging from four to 13 years, imposed on seven journalists by the Tehran Revolutionary Court on 10 May 2003, following a trial behind closed doors. The journalists, who were also stripped of their civic rights for 10 years, were members of the National Religious Movement, a liberal, nationalist Islamic grouping that has been banned since March 2001.

Cuba / United States

IFLA urges Cuban government to eliminate obstacles to access to information

(IFLA/FAIFE/IFEX) - The following is an IFLA/FAIFE media release:

Sri Lanka

Senior journalist receives death threat

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an FMM press release:

Georgia

Publisher receives death threat

(JuHI/IFEX) - According to the Independent Association of Georgian Journalists (IAGJ), based in Tbilisi, Malkhaz Gulashvili, the president of the Georgian Times Media Holding company, was the recent target of a death threat.

Zimbabwe

MISA-Zimbabwe welcomes striking down of AIPPA's Section 80

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2003 MISA-Zimbabwe statement:

Azerbaijan

Baku subway administration bans sale of opposition newspapers

(JuHI/IFEX) - Taghi Ahmedov, who heads the Baku City Subway Administration, has banned the distribution of opposition newspapers inside the subway system. The newspapers affected by the move include "Azadliq", "Hurriyyet", "Yeni Musavat", "Bizim Yol" and "Yeni Zaman".

South Africa

FXI releases report on the state of censorship in South Africa

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2003 FXI press release:

Venezuela

Camera operator assaulted

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 1 May 2003, Juan Carlos Amado, a camera operator for the non-governmental research organisation COTRAIN (Comunidad de Trabajos de Investigación), was physically assaulted while filming a demonstration.

Ecuador

Journalists threatened for reporting on corruption

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 6 May 2003, the Morona Santiago provincial branch of the Ecuadorian Radio Broadcasting Association (Asociación Ecuatoriana de Radiodifusión, AER) protested the recent threats against several journalists. Approximately 12 radio stations in the province are AER members.

Zimbabwe

Independent journalist harassed

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Three journalists abducted by Maoist rebels but manage to escape

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 4 May 2003, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels abducted three journalists. Sarita Aryal, publisher and editor of the Nepalgunj-based monthly "Sukhi Sansar", and Karuna Thapa and Kurma Raj Shahi, both reporters with the national daily "Nepal Samacharpatra", were taken captive in remote Kalikot district (western Nepal).

Ukraine

Local prosecutor in Gongadze case convicted and amnestied

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist brutally assaulted by RCD/Goma troops in Kindu

(JED/IFEX) - On 2 May 2003, Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, RCD/Goma, a rebel group) soldiers detained and brutally assaulted Dieudonné Muzaliwa Bulambo. The journalist works for the state broadcaster Radiotélévision nationale congolaise's (RTNC) Kindu station, in Maniema province. The RCD/Goma controls the eastern half of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Ethiopia

EFJA celebrates World Press Freedom Day

(EFJA/IFEX) - The following is a 4 May 2003 EFJA press release:

Colombia

Journalist attacked in Villavicencio

(FLIP/IFEX) - On the morning of 6 May 2003, journalist José Iván Aguilar survived an attack in the city of Villavicencio, Meta department, eastern Colombia. For the last 15 years, the 39-year-old journalist has been the director and owner of "Noticias Ya", an information programme broadcast on the Super radio network. He is also a correspondent for the Noticias Uno news programme.

Venezuela

Supreme Court dismisses case filed against television stations

(IPYS/IFEX) - The Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, TSJ) has dismissed a case filed against the private television stations Radio Caracas Televisión, Venevisión, Televen, Globovisión, CMT, Meridiano and Puma TV. The stations had been accused of interfering with the transmission of a nation-wide radio and television broadcast by President Hugo Chávez.

Zimbabwe

Supreme Court rules in favour of journalists, declares section of media law unconstitutional

(MISA/IFEX) - The Supreme Court has passed a landmark judgment against the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) by declaring Section 80 unconstitutional. The full bench of the Supreme Court ruled in favour of "Daily News" reporter Lloyd Mudiwa and the paper's former editor-in-chief, Geoff Nyarota.

Bangladesh

One journalist missing, another arrested

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 7 May 2003 letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, CPJ expressed deep concern over several recent attacks against the press in Sitakunda, an industrial town in Chittagong District, in southeastern Bangladesh. The organization is particularly worried about the fate of journalist Mahmudul Haq, who was arrested on 6 May, and journalist Atahar Siddik Khasru, who disappeared on 30 April after protesting the mistreatment of Haq.

Russia

Popular radio station raided by police, journalists arrested

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio France Internationale correspondent assaulted by opposition party activists

(RSF/IFEX) - On 4 May 2003, Baudoin Kamenda, a Radio France Internationale (RFI) correspondent in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was physically assaulted by activists of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (Union pour la démocratie et le progrès social, UDPS) opposition party in Kinshasa.

Morocco

Further warnings issued to independent press

(RSF/IFEX) - Ali Lmrabet, publisher of the weekly magazines "Demain Magazine" and "Douman" and RSF's correspondent in Morocco, was expected to face a Rabat court on 7 May 2003, charged with "insulting the person of the king." On 2 May, his publishers told him they would no longer print his magazines.

Liberia

Journalist missing for over one month

(RSF/IFEX) - On 6 May 2003, RSF expressed concern about the disappearance of William Quiwea, a correspondent for the radio station Talking Drum Studio-Liberia. The journalist disappeared more than one month ago during attacks by rebels of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) movement in several provincial capitals. He was based in Zwedru, in the southwestern county of Grand Gedeh.

Venezuela

Journalist verbally abused

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 2 May 2003, journalist Roberto Giusti was confronted by a group of individuals when he arrived at the Radio Caracas Radio studio. Giusti hosts the station's "Golpe a golpe" programme.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Presidential pardon sought for imprisoned journalist

(JED/IFEX) - On 5 May 2003, the directors of the largest Kinshasa-based newspapers and JED Secretary-General Tshivis Tshivuadi were invited to a meeting with Justice Minister Ngele Masudi. The parties met to discuss the case of journalist Bamporiki Chamira, who is currently detained at Kinshasa's Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre (Centre pénitentiaire et de rééducation de Kinshasa, CPRK, former Makala central prison).

Cyprus

Turkish-Cypriot journalist prevented from moving freely

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a letter to Rauf R. Denktash, leader of the Turkish-Cypriot Community, by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Azerbaijan

Government targets opposition newspapers

(RSF/IFEX) - On 7 May 2003, RSF strongly protested against official harassment of the opposition media, including four newspapers accused of publishing "unethical" articles about President Heidar Aliev. The organisation said it feared legal harassment and physical attacks on journalists and the media would increase in the run-up to presidential elections scheduled for October.

Ethiopia

Editor-in-chief arrested and detained

(EFJA/IFEX) - Melese Shine, editor-in-chief of the Amharic weekly newspaper "It'op", has been charged with violating Article 10(2)(b) and Article 20/11 of Press Proclamation No. 34/85/EC and Article 480(1) of the Penal Code.

Cuba

French journalist's videotapes seized

(RSF/IFEX) - On 5 May 2003, RSF protested the confiscation of videotapes from French freelance journalist Bernard Briançon. The journalist was in Cuba reporting on the recent crackdown on 78 dissidents who were handed heavy prison sentences in March. A tape of an interview with the wife of one of the 26 jailed journalists was among the items seized.

Palestine / Israel

CPJ calls for full and transparent investigation into British journalist's death

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 May 2003 CPJ press release:

Guatemala

APG Press Freedom Committee's message on World Press Freedom Day

(APG/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2003 APG Press Freedom Committee press release:

International

PFC reports on free expression violations in the Americas are now available online

(PFC/IFEX) - The following is a 2 May 2003 PFC press release:

Greece

Albanian journalist threatened with deportation

(GHM/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2003 GHM press release:

Mexico

IAPA concerned over irregularities in arrest of newspaper manager's son

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2003 IAPA press release:

Iraq / United States

In a welcome but belated move, U.S. army orders inquiry into attack on ITN crew

(RSF/IFEX) - On 2 May 2003, RSF welcomed the United States (U.S.) army's belated decision to investigate the 22 March shooting incident in southern Iraq in which ITN reporter Terry Lloyd was killed and two members of Lloyd's crew went missing. However, the organisation deplored the fact that an inquiry was not ordered sooner. The decision to launch an inquiry was reported to ITN by Colonel Ray Sheperd of Centcom in Qatar on 28 April.

Turkey

Former army chief of staff decides not to pursue lawsuit over RSF "predator" photograph

(RSF/IFEX) - The Turkish army's former chief of staff, Hüseyin Kivrikoglu, has decided not to appeal a Paris court's ruling rejecting his lawsuit against RSF over the inclusion of his image in a photographic display of press freedom predators on a world map put up by RSF at Paris's Saint-Lazare station on 3 May 2002, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

Djibouti

RSF calls on authorities to release editor as newspaper is seized again

(RSF/IFEX) - On 5 May 2003, RSF called on the Djibouti government to release Daher Ahmed Farah, editor of the newspaper "Le Renouveau" and leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Renewal party (Mouvement pour le renouveau démocratique, MRD), who has been imprisoned since 20 April.

Haiti

Journalist Lilianne Pierre-Paul receives death threats

(RSF/IFEX) - On 5 May 2003, RSF expressed concern over the recent death threats against leading Haitian journalist Lilianne Pierre-Paul, Radio Kiskeya programming director and news anchor.

Russia

Four journalists die in helicopter crash

(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a CPJ press release:

Thailand

Thai media seek public support in defence of press freedom

(TJA/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2003 joint news release by TJA and the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA):

Colombia

FLIP outlines press freedom situation on World Press Freedom Day

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2003 FLIP press release:

Azerbaijan

Newspaper office attacked, journalists beaten

(JuHI/IFEX) - On 4 May 2003, at approximately 9:30 p.m. (local time), the office of the daily "Yeni Musavat" was attacked by a group of 20 people. The attackers claimed they were "punishing the newspaper for its writings." They said the paper's journalists "present themselves as heroes," writing about the "terrorist organisation PKK (Kurdish Workers Party)" and describing President Heydar Aliyev's government as a "repressive regime." The group was headed by Faramaz Allahverdiyev, a former member of the opposition Popular Front Party.

Venezuela

IAPA holds "emergency forum", calls for amendment of bills curtailing press freedom

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 1 May 2003 IAPA press release:

Palestine / Israel

Journalist killed in Rafah

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2003 IFJ media release:

International

Human Rights Watch launches Internet arrests campaign on World Press Freedom Day

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

Eritrea

ARTICLE 19 reiterates concerns about jailed journalists and political dissidents

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release, followed by a copy of the organisation's letter to South African President Thabo Mbeki:

International

International News Safety Institute launched

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release:

Southern Africa

ARTICLE 19 releases campaign pack on defamation and insult laws in SADC countries

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

SEEMO expresses concern over decision of Montenegro Employment Centre to stop advertising available jobs in daily "Vijesti"

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a letter to Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

United States

Al-Jazeera correspondents allowed to return to NYSE

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 May 2003 CPJ press release:

International

CJFE marks World Press Freedom Day

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a CJFE media release:

International

WiPC marks World Press Freedom Day by highlighting cases of two journalists and a writer

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a WiPC press release:

International

RSF publishes its annual report on press freedom violations

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an RSF press release:

International

IFJ publishes report on press freedom in South Asia

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 May 2003 IFJ media release:

Sri Lanka

FMM urges government to speed up media reform agenda, investigations into cases of killed journalists

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an FMM press release:

Afghanistan

Sharp rise in attacks and threats against journalists in recent weeks

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a Human Rights Watch press release:

International

IAPA message on World Press Freedom Day

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2003 IAPA press release:

International

CPJ names world's worst places to be a journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2003 CPJ press release:

International

IFEX awarded National Press Club of Canada's World Press Freedom Award

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a CJFE media release:

International

Press freedom declined worldwide in 2002, says Freedom House

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2003 Freedom House press release:

Estonia / Russia

Kremlin presses Estonia to shut down Chechen website

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ press release:

Kashmir (India)

Militant group threatens to kill journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2003 CPJ press release:

Vietnam

Two journalists attacked for covering corruption and crime

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 30 April 2003 letter to Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, CPJ expressed its grave concern over two recent violent attacks on journalists in Vietnam.

South Africa

FXI calls for withdrawal of Anti-terrorism Bill

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2003 FXI press release:

Armenia

Local journalist violently attacked

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2003 CPJ press release:

Indonesia

ARTICLE 19 comments on drafting of Freedom of Information Law

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 information note:

Moldova

ARTICLE 19 releases statement on draft Law on Freedom of the Press

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 information note:

Ukraine

ARTICLE 19 releases statement on draft law on the insertion of changes to certain laws

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 information note:

International

IPI calls for increased awareness of journalists' safety on World Press Freedom Day

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI press release:

Paraguay

Journalist receives death threat

(PFC/IFEX) - On 28 April 2003, journalist Gustavo García, of the daily "Última Hora", received a death threat. At approximately 4:00 p.m. (local time), an unknown individual warned him in a telephone call, "because you are a good journalist you are sentenced to death." The caller added, "you may laugh, but I assure you, you are sentenced." Presumably, the caller's intent was to frighten García and force him to abandon his investigations into irregularities and corruption.

Philippines

Journalist killed, another seriously wounded in separate ambushes

(RSF/IFEX) - On 30 April 2003, RSF condemned the murder of a radio journalist and the serious wounding of another in separate street attacks. The organisation urged the government to end the cycle of violence against journalists and the impunity that routinely protects their aggressors.

Colombia

Journalist killed in Neiva

(FLIP/IFEX) - Guillermo Bravo Vera, a journalist and director of the economic analysis programme "Hechos y Cifras", broadcast on the Alpevisión television station, in Neiva, southwestern Colombia, was assassinated in his home on the night of 28 April 2003.

Colombia

Journalist killed in Guajira

(FLIP/IFEX) - Early in the morning of 29 April 2003, journalist Jaime Rengifo Revero was assassinated. The incident occurred in the city of Maicao, Rioacha, northern Colombia, near the Venezuelan border.

Iran

Journalist sentenced to four years' imprisonment and 253 lashes

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 April 2003, RSF strongly deplored the Iranian authorities' latest attacks on journalists, including the sentencing of one journalist to four years' imprisonment and 253 lashes, the prosecution of two others who are already in jail, and the suspected false confessions of a fourth journalist.

Kashmir (India)

State-owned radio and television offices attacked

Sri Lanka

Head priest threatens photojournalist

Palestine / Israel

RSF queries Israeli army about investigation into killing of journalist

Mexico

Journalists attacked by political party leaders

Cuba

RSF condemns transfer of journalists to prisons far from their homes

France

New bill threatens confidentiality of journalists' sources

Iraq / United States

RSF not satisfied with replies from the Pentagon and the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission

Togo

Editor set to begin fifth month of detention without trial

Pakistan

Cable operators resume broadcasts

France / Cuba

RSF protesters beaten up by Cuban embassy officials in Paris

Argentina

More police violence against journalists

Cameroon

CPJ deplores worsening press freedom climate

Serbia / Montenegro

SEEMO deeply concerned about recent press freedom developments in Serbia

Pakistan

Armed men burn down cable network operator's offices

China

CPJ condemns prolonged detention of four writers

Italy

Media conflicts of interest: an Italian anomaly

Cuba

CPJ concerned about imprisoned journalist's health

Djibouti

Editor of opposition newspaper arrested again

Turkey

Journalist released after nine years' imprisonment faces new prison term

China

Culture of silence has played significant role in government's failure to provide accurate information on spread of SARS, says IPI

Ethiopia

Former editor-in-chief fined; publisher appears in court, released on bail

Rwanda

First issue of new independent newspaper seized

Colombia

IAPA urges IACHR to take up case of murdered journalist

Brazil

IAPA to submit case of journalist missing for 12 years to IACHR

Serbia / Montenegro

Media associations question legality of procedures in appointment of two Serbian Broadcast Agency Council members

Palestine / Israel

CPJ outraged by shooting death of Palestinian cameraman

Democratic Republic of Congo

Cameraman detained, forced to erase footage of opposition demonstration

Iran

Akbar Ganji begins fourth year in prison

Palestine / Israel

Cameraman killed in West Bank clash

Russia

Television station owner shot dead in Murmansk

Pakistan

Journalist abducted, assaulted

Kazakhstan

Editor of opposition newspaper beaten up

Serbia / Montenegro

Journalist threatened

Mozambique

Supreme Court president sues weekly newspaper

International

PINA spotlights pressures in Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga

Iran

Journalist and website editor arrested

Afghanistan

Suspects arrested in journalists' murders

Morocco

CPJ condemns harassment and physical attacks on journalists

Panama

Mayor's husband assaults journalists

Cameroon

State printing house refuses to publish

Argentina

Case against film critic reopened

Argentina

PERIODISTAS raises concerns over censorship and attacks on journalists in meeting with President Duhalde

Somalia

Journalists' leader sought by police, in hiding

Zimbabwe

Newspaper delivery driver abducted, beaten

Tanzania

Journalist assaulted, others expelled

Papua New Guinea

Proposed law threatens press freedom, says RSF

Panama

Four "La Prensa" journalists arrested

China

RSF's website blocked

South Korea

Media organisations express concern over government's new press policy

Nigeria

CPJ urges new Parliament to pass freedom of information bill

India

Editor charged under Anti-Terrorism Act

Cameroon

Editor of private daily "Mutations" arrested for speculating on President

Swaziland

IPI calls on SADC to condemn Swazi government's introduction of new censorship policy

Morocco

Magazine publisher victim of legal harassment

Venezuela

State television news crew attacked

Egypt

EOHR appeals for release of anti-Iraq war activists

Iraq

WPFC urges respect for media independence in Iraq

Côte d'Ivoire

RSF provides government with recommendations on how to "professionalise" press

Georgia

Popular radio station attacked

Kazakhstan

Access to news websites blocked

Iraq

Journalist killed in car accident; security situation for media remains precarious

Maldives

Government introduces changes to press law and cancels 22 publication licences

International

IFJ and Arab media leaders call for creation of new media order in Iraq

Venezuela

Journalists face legal action

Iraq

Camerawoman dies from injuries sustained in car accident

Iraq

CNN crew's bodyguard returns fire with automatic weapon as vehicles attacked

Russia

National media outlets agree to curb reporting on terrorism

India

Editor of "Nakkheeran" magazine arrested in Tamil Nadu state

Cuba

RSF urges E.U. to freeze Cuba's application for membership in Cotonou Agreement further to sentencing of independent journalists

Serbia / Montenegro

Two journalists arrested and detained for criticising government

Indonesia

Journalists charged with criminal libel

Pakistan

Journalist targeted in bomb attack, another harassed by authorities in Tribal Areas

Swaziland

Information minister announces new censorship policy for state media

Venezuela

RSF issues report on press freedom on first anniversary of abortive coup

Syria

WiPC concerned by continued detention of poet and writer Marwan Osman

Cuba

CPJ condemns convictions of independent journalists

Cuba

Writer Martha Beatriz Roque among those sentenced to lengthy prison terms

Nepal

Photojournalists assaulted by police

Azerbaijan

Journalist harassed by authorities

United Kingdom

Media attacked by ministers and MPs over Iraq war coverage

Colombia

FLIP condemns journalist's assassination

Colombia

Radio journalist killed

Liberia

Four journalists missing for past two weeks

Guatemala

Attorney General harasses media outlets

Kenya

New president set to file charges against two leading newspapers

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED welcomes introduction of new constitution, urges President Kabila and RCD/Goma to respect press freedom

Mexico

Newspaper director arrested in Oaxaca

Iraq / United States

IFJ calls for military withdrawal as journalists trapped in Baghdad siege

Italy

IFJ concerned that adoption of new media law will further endanger pluralism

Benin

Four journalists assaulted and detained by police

Iraq / United States

RSF outraged over bombing of Al-Jazeera office in Baghdad

Iraq

CPJ mourns loss of two journalists killed in Iraq, two other correspondents are missing

Iraq / United States

CPJ sends letter to General Tommy Franks about mistreatment of journalists by U.S. forces

Iraq / United States

Journalist death toll in Iraq climbs to nine, says CJFE

Cuba

IPI condemns lengthy jail sentences handed down to independent journalists

Iraq / United States

CPJ condemns journalists' deaths, calls for an investigation

Iraq / United States

BBC translator killed; U.S. correspondent dies

Tonga

Government brings in tough new media law after losing in court

Cuba

CPJ condemns trials of independent journalists

Chile

TV commentator cleared of "disrespect" charges

Egypt

Journalists covering anti-war protest roughed up by police officers

Peru

Journalist assaulted, suffers cuts to his face

Iraq

Iraqi regime accused of showing contempt for foreign journalists

Iraq / United States

Missing journalist's wife demands more information; Iraqis fail to renew 50 journalists' credentials

Morocco

State television bars Al-Jazeera from using its facilities

Iraq

CPJ mourns death of "Atlantic Monthly" editor Michael Kelly

El Salvador

Defamation complaint filed against doctor

China

CPJ protests South Korean photojournalist's prolonged detention

Haiti

RSF calls on Haitians to maintain pressure for proper investigation of Jean Dominique murder

Tunisia

Jailed Internet journalist Zouhair Yahyaoui begins another hunger strike

Iraq / United States

BBC cameraman killed

Colombia

IPYS protests armed groups' threat to kill 18 journalists

United Kingdom / Iraq / United States

IFJ condemns coalition forces for discriminating against "non-embedded" journalists, media staff from non-coalition countries

Ukraine

IFJ issues report on media crisis in Ukraine

Iran

Three journalists arrested

International

Cuban journalist, Tunisian e-zine writer to receive 2003 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Awards

Cuba

CPJ condemns latest government crackdown on independent press

Egypt

Writers and journalists among arrested anti-war protestors

Iraq

IFJ protests house arrest, expulsion of journalists

Iraq / United States

RSF petitions International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission over bombing of Iraqi state television

Mexico

Michoacán community radio station visited by soldiers

United Kingdom / Iraq / United States

IPI concerned that military inquiries into journalists' disappearance are not being conducted in a timely and transparent manner

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radiotélévision Amazone allowed to resume broadcasts but contentious programme still banned

Tonga

Five persons charged with contempt over television debate on newspaper ban

Indonesia

Journalists summoned to act as witnesses

Eritrea

RSF calls on EU to condition resumption of economic aid on release of detained journalists

Argentina

Journalist Sergio Carreras and newspaper

Colombia

RSF concerned that war-torn region could end up without journalists

Vietnam

Human Rights Watch urges UN to condemn Internet arrests

Nepal

Journalists assaulted, another harassed

Chad

Two journalists released following Appeals Court decision

Israel

IPI delegation promotes better relations between foreign press and Israeli government

Iraq / United States

Four journalists who were missing in Iraq are safe in Jordan