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Alerts - 2003 - July-September

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Kenya

Two journalists assaulted by police in recent weeks; IFJ condemns arrests and harassment of journalists

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

Gabon

CPJ protests deteriorating state of press freedom

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 29 September 2003 letter to President Omar Bongo, CPJ expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of press freedom in Gabon. Recently, Gabonese authorities suspended two private newspapers and renewed the suspension of a third.

Iraq / United States

Journalists face mounting obstacles and threats to their work

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned the 25 September 2003 blast outside a hotel housing the Baghdad bureau of the NBC television network and called for an investigation into the bombing, the first involving a United States (U.S.) news organisation's Iraq headquarters (see IFEX alert of 25 September 2003).

International

WSIS Media Caucus concerned by risk to fundamental principles on independent, pluralistic media

(ARTICLE 19/WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 26 September 2003 open letter to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan from the WSIS Media Caucus/ARTICLE 19, the WPFC and the European Broadcasting Union:

Belarus

Independent newspaper closed

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 30 September 2003 letter to Belarusian President Alyaksander Lukashenko, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed serious concern over the closure of the independent newspaper "Mestnoye Vremya Press".

Russia

Constitutional Court to examine restrictive media and election laws

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

Kenya

Police detain three journalists, one still held incommunicado

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

Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)

Two years after journalist Martin O'Hagan's murder, the investigation is at a standstill; photographer receives death threat

(RSF/IFEX) - On the eve of the second anniversary of the murder of Martin O'Hagan, an investigative journalist from the Irish weekly "Sunday World", RSF voiced deep concern about the lack of progress in the police investigation, which has ground to a complete halt. O'Hagan was killed on 28 September 2001 in Northern Ireland.

The Gambia

Newspaper editor Aboulaye Sey alleges death threat

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

Colombia

Television relay tower destroyed

(FLIP/IFEX) - Several municipalities in Valle, Cauca and Nariño departments have been without public television service since 23 September 2003, following the destruction of the National Radio and Television Institute's (Instituto Nacional de Radio y Televisión, Inravisión) relay tower. National and regional newspapers have reported that the tower was blown up by members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC).

Niger

Communications authority suspends 10 radio stations

(RSF/IFEX) - The Higher Council for Communications (Conseil supérieur de la Communication, CSC) has ordered 10 of the country's privately-owned radio stations to suspend their programming as of 25 September 2003.

Mauritania

Government seizes entire print-run of Arabic-language newspaper's latest issue

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Politician issues death threats against Kinshasa editor

(JED/IFEX) - On 22 September 2003, Augustin Kikukama, secretary-general of the 17 May Liberation Movement (Mouvement de Libération du 17 mai, M-17), a political party that is closely linked to the government in Kinshasa, issued death threats via telephone against André Ipakala Abeiye Mobiko, editor of the Kinshasa-based daily "La Référence Plus". The M-17 party's members are mostly associates of deceased former president Laurent-Désiré Kabila.

Iran

Court says only one person responsible in Kazemi case

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage over the conclusions reached by a judge investigating the murder of Canadian-Iranian journalist Zahra Kazemi. The judge found that no state institution was responsible for the killing and that it was the work of a single Intelligence Ministry agent who was interrogating her. The organisation repeated its call for an independent inquiry with the participation of international experts.

Zimbabwe

Police charge nine "Daily News" journalists

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

Ecuador

"El Comercio" columnist appeals sentence

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 22 September 2003, columnist Rodrigo Fierro Benítez, of the Quito-based daily "El Comercio", filed an appeal of the sentence handed down to him by the first instance court for allegedly insulting former president León Febres Cordero.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Newspapers confiscated from Kinshasa street vendors; several vendors arrested

(JED/IFEX) - On 26 September 2003, in a major operation, Congolese National Police (Police nationale congolaise, PNC) officers seized most newspapers and magazines on sale in Kinshasa streets. According to eyewitnesses, at least a dozen newspaper vendors were arrested and taken to various police stations and detention centres in the city, including the Lufungula military base in Kinshasa/Lingwala.

Uzbekistan

Journalist Ruslan Sharipov loses appeal

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

Peru

Journalist assaulted by police officer during protest march

(IPYS/IFEX) - Two journalists from Canal N television station were recently attacked by a National Police (Policía Nacional del Perú, PNP) officer in the city of La Oroya, Yauli province, in the Junín central mountain region of Peru. Camera operator Renato Fernández, who was accompanying reporter Andy Ortiz, was physically assaulted.

International

CPJ to present annual International Press Freedom Awards

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

Pakistan

RSF asks that journalist on death row be taken to hospital

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate transfer to hospital of Rehmat Shah Afridi, former editor of the Punjab daily papers "Frontier Post" and "Maidan", who is in jail awaiting execution.

Jordan

Issue of private weekly "Al-Wihda" banned

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

Vietnam

RSF marks journalist Nguyen Vu Binh's first year in prison without trial

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Vietnamese Justice Minister Uong Chu Luu to explain why jailed journalist and cyber-dissident Nguyen Vu Binh has still not been tried one year after his arrest. The organisation also urged the minister to identify the charges against the journalist and describe his conditions of detention.

Macedonia

Increased funding to state-owned news agency threatens existence of privately-owned media, says WAN

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 25 September 2003 letter to Macedonian Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed their concern over the government's consideration of a request to provide increased funding to the state-owned Macedonian News Agency (MIA).

Bolivia

Journalists attacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 15 September 2003, at approximately 2:30 p.m. (local time) in the Villa Huayna Potosí area of the city of El Alto, La Paz department, a journalist, two photographers and a driver for "La Razón" newspaper were attacked by a mob of local residents. An article published in "La Razón" on 16 September said, "many of the people in the crowd had consumed alcohol."

China

Cyber-dissident arrested and charged with "plotting against the state"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of cyber-dissident Li Zhi, who was charged on 3 September 2003 with "plotting against the state" for having been in contact with foreign-based dissidents via the Internet. He faces a 15-year prison sentence if convicted.

Russia

RSF calls for release of journalist sentenced to one year of hard labour for libel

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on senior Russian officials to immediately release journalist German Galkin. On 15 August 2003, Galkin was sentenced to one year of hard labour for libel. His appeal is scheduled to be heard on 26 September.

Kyrgyzstan

Freedom House calls for independent investigation into mysterious death of journalist Ernest Nazalov

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 24 September 2003 Freedom House press release:

Iraq

Explosive device rocks NBC News Baghdad bureau

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

Russia

Investigators search office of news website

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Algeria

International day of solidarity with Algerian media announced

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

Russia / Germany

Russian journalist's invitation to German book fair withdrawn

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 September 2003 IFJ media release:

Iraq / United States

IPI calls on U.S. military to review investigation procedures into deaths of journalists

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

The Gambia

Editor Abdoulie Sey released from detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

"The Daily News" challenges refusal of licence by MIC; MISA-Zimbabwe told to register

(MISA/IFEX) - On 23 September 2003, the Associated Newspapers Group (ANZ), publishers of "The Daily News" and "The Daily News on Sunday" newspapers, filed an application with the Administrative Court challenging the Media and Information Commission's (MIC) refusal to grant them an operating licence.

The Gambia

IPI concerned about editor's disappearance and previous harassment of "The Independent" newspaper

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to President Yahya Jammeh:

Croatia

ARTICLE 19 analysis of draft Croatian Right to Access Information Act

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

Gabon

Two recently-launched independent newspapers prevented from publishing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its concern about the deteriorating situation in Gabon, where the authorities continue to obstruct the publication of independent newspapers. The satirical bi-monthly "Sub-Version" was recently seized and four employees from the paper were detained at Libreville airport. The National Communications Council (Conseil national de la communication, CNC) also recently suspended a second paper, the bi-monthly "La Sagaie".

Democratic Republic of Congo

Rural radio station banned in Rutshuru

(JED/IFEX) - On 16 September 2003, Baryanga Rupuye, a senior official from the town of Kiwanja, banned Radio Communautaire Ushirika (RACOU). The station broadcasts in Kiwanja, Rutshuru, North Kivu province, a zone administered by the former rebel group Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, RCD/Goma).

Iraq / United States

Two Arabic television stations sanctioned; reporter detained

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Journalist and editor arrested; media workers' homes raided

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 21 September 2003, plainclothes security force personnel arrested journalist Navin Pun (also known as "Bivas") in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

Iraq / United States

Human Rights Watch says U.S. military responses imperil journalists

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

Iraq / United States

CPJ dismayed at results of U.S. military's investigation into killing of Reuters cameraman

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

Montenegro / Serbia

ARTICLE 19 publishes updated briefing note on draft Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance

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

Ecuador

Journalist sentenced to six months in prison for libelling former president

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the six-month prison sentence against columnist Rodrigo Fierro of the Quito-based daily "El Comercio" on 19 September 2003. Fierro allegedly libelled a former president by accusing him of serving the oligarchy.

Comoros

French journalist arrested, charged with "attempting a coup"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern over the fate of French journalist Morad Aït-Habbouche, who was arrested and detained in the capital, Moroni, on 22 September 2003. The journalist has since been charged with "attempting a coup".

International

IPI conference examines state of independent public service broadcasting in Central, Eastern and South-eastern European countries

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 22 September 2003 IPI press release:

Philippines

Valencia City mayor attempts to censor radio station

(IFJ/IFEX) - In a 23 September 2003 letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the IFJ voiced its concern over attempts by Mayor Jose Galario Jr. to censor radio station DxMV-Radyo Ukay in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Nigeria

Journalist Cyril Mbah expelled from State House

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

Spain

RSF calls for reform of rules requiring payment of defamation fines before appeals are heard

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Spanish Justice Minister José Maria Michavila to proceed at once with a promised amendment to the civil procedure code that would relieve media outlets of the requirement to pay heavy fines in defamation cases before the cases are heard on appeal.

The Gambia

Editor arrested and missing

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

Zimbabwe

Independent news directors arrested

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

Zimbabwe

"The Daily News" newspaper to appeal denial of licence

(MISA/IFEX) - The banned independent newspaper "The Daily News" will appeal to the Administrative Court to overturn the Media and Information Commission's (MIC) decision not to grant it a licence.

Indonesia

Journalists' "Tempo" lawsuit to be decided

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

Peru

Journalist threatened and subjected to defamatory comments

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 3 September 2003, journalist Marco Antonio Apaza Carpio was subjected to defamatory comments when he opened his television programme to telephone calls regarding alleged irregularities at San Agustín National University (Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, UNSA), in the city of Arequipa, capital of Arequipa region, in the southern part of the country.

Azerbaijan

Police attack and detain journalists covering opposition rallies

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about harassment of the independent news media in the run-up to the 15 October 2003 presidential elections. On 21 September, at least five independent and opposition journalists were attacked by police and two others were detained while covering opposition rallies in the towns of Masaly and Lenkoran.

Nepal

Journalist Kul Bahadur Malla abducted and missing; journalist Kul Bahadur Chemjong manhandled by rebels

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Kul Bahadur Malla, a correspondent for the weekly "Karnali Sandesh" and member of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Kalikot, has been missing since June 2003.

Zimbabwe

Police defy High Court ruling allowing "The Daily News" newspaper to reopen

(MISA/IFEX) - Zimbabwean police have defied a High Court ruling granted on 18 September 2003, which ordered that "The Daily News" newspaper be allowed to reopen.

Nepal

Journalist Sitaram Baral released from detention

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

Zambia

Reporter Alfarson Sinalungu harassed

(MISA/IFEX) - On 17 September 2003, four prison wardens confronted Alfarson Sinalungu, a freelance journalist who writes for the privately-owned "Post" newspaper, over an interview he conducted with convicted coup plotter Captain Jack Chiti. Chiti, who is on death row, is currently in Kabwe general hospital.

India

Journalist Parmanand Goyal murdered

(IFJ/IFEX) - In a 22 September 2003 letter to Indian Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the IFJ expressed deep concern over the murder of Parmanand Goyal, a journalist and Kaithal Unit president of the Haryana Union of Journalists.

Haiti

CPJ sends letter to Prime Minister Yvon Néptune in follow-up to mission

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 September 2003 CPJ letter to Haitian Prime Minister Yvon Néptune:

Belarus

Journalists protest shutdown of newspapers

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Belarusian authorities to stop their systematic destruction of the country's independent media and expressed great concern about the worsening state of press freedom. The call came as the Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ) staged a one-day protest to focus attention on independent newspapers that have been forced to close.

Brazil

Former police officer confesses to killing of newspaper owner

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 15 September 2003, a former military police officer, from the central Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, confessed before police and federal justice officials to the killing of Domingos Sávio Brandão, owner of the "Folha do Estado" newspaper. He also indicated that a former civil police officer and businessman involved in illegal gambling operations ordered the killing.

United Kingdom / Iraq / United States

Progress in hunt for clues about missing media workers Frédéric Nérac and Hussein Osman

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

Algeria

RSF calls for end to harassment of media

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

Cameroon

Four months later, privately-owned radio station Freedom FM still barred from broadcasting

(RSF/IFEX) - Privately-owned radio station Freedom FM's equipment was put under seal by police in May 2003. In an effort to recover his equipment, station owner Pius Njawé initiated legal action. A Douala court is expected to rule on the case on 19 September.

Eritrea

CPJ calls for release of imprisoned journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Lithuania

Authorities detain and expel film crew

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Brazil

Trials of journalist Manoel Leal de Oliveira's accused killers due to begin

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the Brazilian press to closely follow the trial of Thomaz Iracy Moisés Guedes, which is due to begin in Itabuna, Bahia state, on 18 September 2003. Guedes is charged with participating in the14 January 1998 murder of Manoel Leal de Oliveira, the owner and editor of the Itabuna-based weekly "A Região".

Peru

RSF calls for parliamentary inquiry into spying on journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for a parliamentary inquiry into alleged spying by the National Intelligence Council (Consejo Nacional de Inteligencia, CNI) on journalists who work for "La Ventana Indiscreta" ("The Indiscreet Window"), a programme on the privately-owned television station Frecuencia Latina, as well as journalists from other television stations. The spying allegations were made by "La Ventana Indiscreta" during its 14 September 2003 broadcast.

Poland

IPI condemns authorities' continued legal persecution and harassment of publishing company

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

Japan

CPJ conducting investigation to determine if journalist was killed for his work

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

High Court rules that "The Daily News" can reopen; photographers detained and released

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

Malawi

Regulatory authority threatens to shut down Capital Radio

(MISA/IFEX) - On 4 September 2003, the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) threatened to shut down privately-owned radio station Capital Radio, accusing it of carrying out an Outside Broadcasting (OB), contrary to the provisions of its licence. Capital Radio had invited political parties to air their rallies live.

Niger

Journalist jailed after criticising government

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the imprisonment of Ibrahim Souley, editor of the weekly "L'Enquêteur", for exposing embezzlement in the handing out of government contracts. The organisation has called for Souley's immediate release.

Sudan

RSF calls for immediate lifting of ban on "Khartoum Monitor" newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Sudanese authorities to stop harassing the daily "Khartoum Monitor" and allow it to resume publication at once, in line with a recent court decision.

Nepal

Journalist Pushkal Dhakal arrested, subsequently released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 29 August 2003, the security forces arrested popular poet Balram Sharma, also known as Poorna Biram, at his residence in Shiphal, Kathmandu. According to Balram Sharma's family, two plainclothes policemen who claimed to be from Singha Darbar Ward Police Station took him in for questioning. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka removed from IPI Watch List

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

Kazakhstan

ARTICLE 19 briefing on draft law concerning mass media

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 16 September 2003 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Burundi

Second private radio station suspended for giving air time to rebels

(RSF/IFEX) - On 16 September 2003, Radio Publique Africaine (RPA), a privately-owned radio station, was suspended indefinitely. The authorities have accused the station of broadcasting "enemy propaganda."

Zimbabwe

Photographers arrested

(MISA/IFEX) - On 15 September 2003, photographers Tsvangirai Mukwazhi and Paul Cadenhead, of The Associated Press and Reuters, respectively, were arrested at the offices of the privately-owned "Daily News" newspaper.

Zimbabwe

Police seize "Daily News" newspaper's equipment

(MISA/IFEX) - On 16 September 2003, police confiscated computers and other equipment from the offices of the privately-owned "Daily News" newspaper.

Malawi

Reporter arrested

(MISA/IFEX) - On 16 September 2003, police in Blantyre arrested Frank Namangale, a reporter with the "Daily Times" newspaper, on charges of "publishing false information likely to cause fear and alarm to the public". Namangale was released on bail later the same day.

Japan

Freelance journalist murdered in Tokyo

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its shock over the murder of Japanese freelance journalist Satoru Someya, whose body was found in Tokyo Bay on 12 September 2003. He was apparently the victim of gangsters he had been investigating.

International

RSF barred from participating in World Summit on the Information Society

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 15 September 2003 RSF press release:

International

Resolutions from IPI's 52nd General Assembly in Salzburg, Austria

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 15 September 2003 IPI statement:

Ukraine

Third anniversary of journalist Georgy Gongadze's disappearance marked

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF deplores the failure of the Ukrainian authorities to solve the murder of journalist Georgy Gongadze, editor of the online newspaper www.pravda.com.ua, who disappeared on 16 September 2000.

Burundi

Radio station suspended after giving air time to rebels

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Burundian government to immediately end its suspension of Isanganiro radio station for giving air time to anti-government rebels.

Iraq / United States

IFJ demands justice following revelations that journalist Terry Lloyd died after US gunship attack

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 September 2003 IFJ press release:

Nepal

Writer and poet Balaram Sharma detained; serious concerns for safety of journalists and writers

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned for the safety of writers and journalists in Nepal since the breakdown in the latest round of talks between the government and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) on 27 August 2003. Among those who have been reportedly arrested by security forces since the end of August, the following are still missing: writer and poet Balaram Sharma (also known as Poorna Biram), journalist Ram Hari Chaulagain and journalist Sita Ram Baral. International PEN fears that they may be held incommunicado, without charge or access to legal representation, family visits or adequate medical care, and be at risk of ill-treatment in detention.

Nepal

Journalist Prem Nath Joshi arrested and missing

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 13 September 2003, security forces arrested journalist Prem Nath Joshi while he was sleeping at his home in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, and took him in for questioning. Joshi has been a freelance journalist for many years. He has also been publishing and editing "Shangrila Voice", an English-language monthly magazine. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Botswana

Chief assaults reporters, breaks camera

(MISA/IFEX) - On 6 September 2003, the paramount chief of the Batawana tribe, Tawana Moremi, physically attacked Booster Galesekegwe, a photojournalist from the weekly "Mmegi" newspaper, and broke his camera. Moremi also attacked Kagiso Sekokonyane, acting editor of "Mmegi Monitor", "Mmegi"'s sister newspaper.

Sri Lanka

FMM calls for inquiry into violation of protesting graduates' freedom of expression, minister's threats against journalists

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 12 September 2003 FMM press release:

South Africa

Camera operator beaten, producer threatened, equipment damaged

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 September 2003, a camera operator from e-tv, a commercial station, was assaulted and a colleague of his was threatened in an allegedly racial attack in upmarket Sandton, Johannesburg.

Palestine

Al-Arabiyya news channel's offices attacked

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

Zimbabwe

Cartoonist threatened as government closes major independent newspaper

(CRN/IFEX) - Police have closed down "The Daily News" after Robert Mugabe's ruling party unexpectedly lost ground in recent municipal elections. Reporting from the capital, Harare, "Daily News" cartoonist and CRN correspondent Tony Namate said he now fears for his safety. In an e-mail to CRN, Namate wrote, "If the chairman of the Media [and Information] Commission, Tafataona Mahoso, gets his way, I could end up behind bars in Mugabe's notorious police cells."

Paraguay

Press experiences pressure and is subject to prior censorship

(SPP/IFEX) - The following is 12 September 2003 SPP press release:

Zimbabwe

"The Daily News" newspaper to remain closed "indefinitely"

(MISA/IFEX) - The chairperson of Zimbabwe's Media and Information Commission (MIC), Tafataona Mahoso, says "The Daily News" will stay closed indefinitely, even if the newspaper registers with his commission.

Nepal

Journalist Sita Ram Baral arrested and missing

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 13 September 2003, security forces arrested Sita Ram Baral, a journalist with the weekly "Jana Astha", and took him in for questioning. Baral has been involved in journalism for nearly 10 years. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Pakistan

NWFP Assembly staff attack journalists covering proceedings

(PPF/IFEX) - On 10 September 2003, allegedly on the orders of the speaker of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) Assembly, the entire staff of the Assembly Secretariat attacked journalists covering the assembly proceedings.

Zimbabwe

Authorities close independent daily, detain three staff members

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

Bangladesh

Proposed new law threatens online freedoms

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over proposed changes to the 2001 Bangladesh Telecommunications Act, which would tighten control over e-mail traffic, legalise invasion of privacy and undermine free expression. The proposed changes would also permit evidence based on e-mail interception to be used in court.

Venezuela

Reporters covering elections council insulted and threatened

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalists, camera operators and photographers have recently been threatened, insulted and pushed around by President Hugo Chávez's supporters and by a leader of the governing party, the Movimiento Quinta República (MVR), while covering activities at the National Elections Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral, CNE) headquarters.

Nepal

RSF urges government and Maoists to stop attacks on the media

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Nepalese Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa and the leader of the country's Maoist rebels, Baburam Bhattarai, to end a two-month wave of murders, kidnappings and arrests unleashed on journalists by both sides in the conflict.

Mexico

Government officials attempt to close community radio station

(AMARC/IFEX) - On 10 September 2003, at approximately 10:30 a.m. (local time), two Communications and Transport Secretariat (Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes, SCT) agents attempted to confiscate La Voladora community radio station's equipment. The agents, identified as Mauricio Rojas Cabrera and Fernando Salvador Gómez Rebollo, entered the station's premises by force, breaking locks and beating on the doors. La Voladora is an AMARC member located in Mexico state.

Iran

Another journalist arrested; two others begin hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the arrest of Behzad Zarinpour, assistant editor-in-chief of the Iranian newspaper "Asia" and former editor of "Abrar Eqtesadi" ("Economic News"), on 7 September 2003. Zarinpour was arrested after a search of his home by armed men in civilian clothes. His family has not heard from him since.

Algeria

CPJ condemns continued harassment of journalists Mohamed Benchicou and Ali Dilem

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Uzbekistan

Imprisoned journalist Ruslan Sharipov reports being tortured

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

Iraq / United States

Correspondent and cameraman detained in Iraq

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

Peru

District attorney orders detention of two journalists

(IPYS/IFEX) - Two journalists from the "La ventana indiscreta" programme, aired on Frecuencia Latina - Canal 2 television station on Sundays, were recently detained for nearly three hours on the orders of a district attorney.

Azerbaijan

Police officers assault journalists

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

Chile

Magistrate attacks journalists

(PFC/IFEX) - On 3 September 2003, Supreme Court Magistrate Domingo Kokisch committed what appeared to be his first attack against the press. Kokisch summoned journalist Ximena Marré and editor Mario Ovalle, of "El Mercurio" newspaper, to his office to clarify information published about a case involving robbery of classified financial information.

Nepal

Journalists injured, arrested at protest rally

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 11 September 2003, police officers broke up a rally of journalists on Exhibition Road in Kathmandu and dispersed 200 journalists. Journalist organisations had planned to protest the brutal killing of Gyanendra Khadka, a reporter with the state-run National News Agency (RSS), on 7 September. Khadka was murdered by Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels in Sindhupalchowk district.

Nepal

Several journalists assaulted and arrested by security forces

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 8 September 2003, security forces physically assaulted photojournalist Rajendra Chitrakar while he was taking pictures in Baluwatar, Kathmandu. Chitrakar works for the state-owned daily "Gorkhapatra".

Sri Lanka

ARTICLE 19 recommends far-reaching reform of contempt law

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

Algeria

IFJ condemns arrests of journalists and calls on media to set high standards

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

Bangladesh

Journalists roughed up by pro-government lawyers

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has deplored the manhandling of several photographers and a reporter by pro-government lawyers at a court house in the capital, Dhaka, on 6 September 2003. The organisation is greatly concerned about growing violence against journalists in the country.

Mexico

Arrest warrant issued against journalist in Zacatecas

(PFC/IFEX) - On 2 September 2003, Zacatecas Fourth Criminal Court Judge Miguel Luis Euiz Roble issued a warrant for the arrest of Francisco Barradas, director of "Bi" magazine in Zacatecas. In addition, Barradas' political rights were suspended and he is henceforth required to register every eight days with the authorities. Barradas is being prosecuted for libel, allegedly committed against a municipal trustee, Rafael Medina Briones.

Argentina

Attacks on freedom of expression widespread in Córdoba province, PERIODISTAS says

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 1 September 2003, PERIODISTAS released a document detailing a series of complaints by media workers in Córdoba province about intimidation, legal action, programme closures and pressure against them. These events are evidence of a move against freedom of expression by the provincial government.

Central African Republic

CPJ concerned about state of press freedom as "National Dialogue" opens

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 September 2003 CPJ letter to President François Bozizé:

Uzbekistan

Website of local freedom of expression group Ozod Ovoz blocked

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Uzbek government to comment on the recent blocking of the website of a local freedom of expression group, Ozod Ovoz, which often carries criticism of Uzbek President Islam Karimov. The authorities regularly censor such critical news websites.

Russia

CORRECTION: Supreme Court rejects journalist Grigory Pasko's appeal to review conviction

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2003 CPJ correction:

South Africa

FXI calls for full media access to investigation on racism in rugby

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

Cuba

Independent journalist sentenced

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF deplores the sentence of three years of public service work given to independent journalist José Manuel Caraballo for allegedly "falsifying" school certificates when he taught at a tourism training centre.

Spain

IFJ condemns arrest of journalist and warns of "witch-hunt" against Al-Jazeera and Arab media

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2003 IFJ press release:

Algeria

RSF condemns continuing harassment of journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the continuing harassment of independent journalists in Algeria after Mohamed Benchicou, the managing editor of the daily newspaper "Le Matin", and Ali Dilem, a cartoonist with the daily "Liberté", were arrested on 8 September 2003 and taken to Algiers central police station.

Burma

WiPC concerned about writer and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's well-being

(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 is held incommunicado at an unknown location and is reported to have started a hunger strike to protest her detention. Aung San Suu Kyi was taken into "protective custody" on 30 May 2003 following allegedly government-orchestrated clashes between NLD and government supporters. International PEN is gravely concerned for the safety of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Bangladesh

CPJ calls for journalist Hiramon Mondol's release, another journalist charged with murder and released

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 5 September 2003 letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, CPJ condemned the brutal assault and arrest of Hiramon Mondol, a local correspondent for the daily "Dainik Prabarttan" in the southwestern town of Khulna, and called for his immediate release from jail. According to CPJ, this case is emblematic of the risks that rural journalists face in Bangladesh, and those responsible must be brought to justice.

Serbia / Montenegro

RTV Devic camera crew attacked in municipal assembly

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 5 September 2003 ANEM press release:

Nepal

Journalist killed

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 7 September 2003, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels brutally killed journalist Gyanendra Khadka, aged 35, in Sindhupalchowk district.

Philippines

Radio journalist killed in Davao City

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 6 September 2003, radio commentator Juan "Jun" Pala of DXGO in Davao City was shot and killed. He is the sixth journalist slain this year in the Philippines, doubling the average of three journalists killed annually since 1986.

Russia

Supreme Court rejects journalist Grigory Pasko's appeal for a travel passport

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist released from prison

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 September 2003 CPJ press release:

France

Journalist's car riddled with bullets in Corsica

(RSF/IFEX) - An empty vehicle belonging to Christine Clerc, a journalist with the daily newspaper "Le Figaro", was riddled with bullets in the southern Corsican village of Tolla during the night of 4 to 5 September 2003.

Sudan

Newspaper suspended for "inciting sedition"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Sudanese government to allow the daily newspaper "Alwan" to resume publishing immediately. The paper was suspended on 2 September 2003 after state security officials accused it of "inciting sedition."

United States

IFJ calls for global solidarity with campaign against media concentration

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 September 2003 IFJ press release:

Kenya

Catholic Church lobbies to have three novels withdrawn from school curriculum

(NDIMA/IFEX) - A lobby group operating under the wing of the Catholic Church in Kenya wants three books withdrawn from the school syllabus, saying they are "morally objectionable."

Argentina

Discrimination in allocation of radio broadcasting licences unconstitutional, says Supreme Court

(AMARC/IFEX) - Community radio stations have welcomed a ruling by the Supreme Court declaring the unconstitutionality of Article 45 of the Radio Broadcasting Law. The article stipulates that representatives of non-profit entities are not eligible to apply for a radio broadcasting licence.

The Gambia

ARTICLE 19 and MFWA protest enforcement of act establishing National Media Commission

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint ARTICLE 19 and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) press release:

Brazil

Journalist sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment

(RSF/IFEX) - On 4 September 2003, RSF expressed its outrage over the arrest and imprisonment of Alvanir Ferreira Avelino, a journalist with the daily "Dois Estados", in Miracema (a city located north of Rio de Janeiro). Ferreira Avelino was ordered to serve a 10-and-a-half month "part-time" jail sentence under a law passed by the former military dictatorship restricting the expression of opinions.

Cuba

CPJ concerned about journalists on hunger strike

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is 3 September 2003 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

RSF condemns police brutality against two journalists from "Le Phare" newspaper, demands release of journalist Guy Kasongo Kilembwe

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 August 2003, police officers arrested Guy Kasongo Kilembwe, editor-in-chief of the satirical newspaper "Pot-Pourri", following the publication of an article criticising a member of parliament's reported embezzlement of funds. On 31 August, after being held in police custody for 48 hours, the journalist was transferred to Kinshasa's Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre (Centre pénitentiaire et de rééducation de Kinshasa, former Makala central prison).

Cuba

Three more journalists on hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed great concern about a hunger strike begun by three independent Cuban journalists - Manuel Vázquez Portal, Juan Carlos Herrera Acosta and Normando Hernández González - in Boniatico prison, in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba. The journalists are protesting their conditions of detention. Since they went on hunger strike on 31 August 2003, they have been transferred to another prison in an unknown location.

Algeria

Police harass seven journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the harassment of seven journalists from the daily newspaper "Liberté", including managing editor Farid Alilat. The journalists were summoned to appear before police detectives on 2 September 2003.

Philippines

Radio journalist murdered

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed great concern over the killing of radio journalist Rico Ramirez in the town of San Francisco, province of Agusan del Sur (northern Mindanao island). Ramirez was killed on 20 August 2003, reportedly by members of the drug underworld he had criticised.

Haiti

RSF concerned over journalist's abduction

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 August 2003, RSF expressed concern over the 27 August disappearance of radio reporter Peterson Milord and called on the government to thoroughly investigate the incident at once, in view of the current climate of impunity in the country. Milord was found on 29 August, naked and tied up in a sugar cane field by the Rouyonne river, near Léogane, 30 kilometres southwest of Port-au-Prince. He was reportedly unharmed.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist Guy Kasongo transferred to Kinshasa prison; publisher of "L'Avenir" newspaper directs death threat against JED secretary-general

(JED/IFEX) - Guy Kasongo Kilembwe, editor-in-chief of the Kinshasa-based satirical newspaper "Pot-Pourri", was transferred to Kinshasa's Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre (Centre pénitentiaire et de rééducation de Kinshasa, CPRK, former Makala central prison) on 31 August 2003, at around 6:00 a.m. (local time). The journalist was arrested on 29 August and spent two days in police custody at the Kinshasa/Gombe Public Prosecutor's Office's jail prior to his transfer.

Nigeria

MFWA and MISA condemn journalist's arrest and detention

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

Nepal

Journalist threatened

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 28 August 2003, a group of Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels threatened journalist Resham Birahi in Dhamboji Chowk, Nepalgiunj, Banke district (western Nepal), at about 9:00 p.m. (local time), as he was on his way home. The rebels warned Birahi, "the ongoing war is a decisive one. So, do not write whatever you feel like writing against us." Birahi is the central counsellor of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) and an adviser to Press Chautari Nepal.

Nepal

Journalist missing

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Ram Hari Chaulagain, a reporter for "Sanghu" weekly, has been missing since the afternoon of 28 August 2003. Chaulagain was last seen in New Baneswar being escorted to a vehicle by unidentified men. According to a "Sanghu" press release, the unidentified men are believed to be army personnel.

Philippines

Suspect arrested in journalist's killing

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 26 August 2003, local police revealed to the media the identity of journalist Noel Villarante's alleged killer. The suspect, Senando Palumbarit, has denied any involvement in the murder, which occurred in Santa Cruz, a town in Laguna province, south of Manila.

Uzbekistan

Human Rights Watch concerned over attacks on individuals linked to journalist Ruslan Sharipov, increased repression prior to Independence Day

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 30 August 2003 Human Rights Watch press release:

Azerbaijan

Journalist expelled from university

(JuHI/IFEX) - On 26 August 2003, Elnur Sadiqli (Sadiqov), a regional correspondent for the opposition daily "Azadliq", was expelled from Ganja State University, where he is a student. According to Qanimet Zahidov, "Azadliq" editor-in-chief, the order for the journalist's expulsion had not yet been submitted to Sadiqli. Apparently, the order issued by the university rector says that the student is being dismissed because he was detained for seven days in May on "petty crime" charges.

Uzbekistan

RSF urges European Union and Western embassies to press for release of jailed journalist Ruslan Sharipov

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 August 2003, RSF called on the European Union (EU) and Western countries' embassies to push for the release of jailed Uzbek journalist and human rights activist Ruslan Sharipov, who says he pleaded guilty to sex charges at his recent trial after being physically and psychologically ill treated.

Tunisia

RSF outraged over new jail term for journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced a new nine-month jail sentence against journalist Abdallah Zouari, who has already spent 11 years in prison, as "grotesque and disgraceful."

Pakistan

Complaints filed against nine journalists for "interference in official affairs"

(PPF/IFEX) - On 21 August 2003, Mahmoodul Haq, the tehsil nazim (municipal administrator) of the town of Sheikhupura, in Punjab province, filed complaints against nine local journalists, including the press club president and secretary-general, claiming they had interfered in official affairs. According to press reports, Haq became angry after articles were published alleging that he and city council staff members were involved in corrupt activities.

China

Two South Korean reporters expelled after being held for 20 days

(RSF/IFEX) - The Chinese authorities expelled South Korean reporters Kim Seung-jin and Geum Myeong-soek on 28 August 2003 after holding them for 20 days.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist from satirical newspaper "Pot-Pourri" detained

(JED/IFEX) - Guy Kasongo Kilembwe, editor-in-chief of the Kinshasa-based satirical newspaper "Pot-Pourri", was arrested on 29 August 2003, at around 11:00 a.m. (local time), near the main post office in the capital. The National Police officers who detained the journalist subsequently took him to the police station located behind Kinshasa's general hospital.

Nigeria

Press freedom still curbed amid growing lawlessness

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about the numerous attacks on press freedom in Nigeria recently and the growing climate of lawlessness in which journalists have to work, especially outside Lagos.

Pakistan

Six journalists arrested in Hyderabad

(PPF/IFEX) - On 26 August 2003, police arrested six journalists under the terrorism act during a visit of the president, General Pervez Musharraf, to Hyderabad. They were charged with disturbing the peace and committing violent acts.

Chile

WPFC calls on minister to give "extreme urgency" status to bill eliminating insult laws

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 26 August 2003 WPFC letter to Minister of Government Francisco Vidal Salinas:

Iran

Twenty journalists in prison, dozens summoned in continued press crackdown

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is alarmed that the plight of Iranian journalists is worsening, with further arrests, police summonses and threats, while the country's hardline rulers continue to obstruct the investigation into Iranian-Canadian photographer Zahra Kazemi's recent death in detention.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist assaulted by policemen

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

Uganda

Lawyers barred from appearing in the media

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the Uganda Law Council's 22 August 2003 ban on lawyers appearing in the media without its permission and called for the measure to be dropped.

Tunisia

RSF calls for release of journalist on hunger strike for past 10 days

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has reiterated its call for the immediate release of journalist Abdallah Zouari, who has been on a hunger strike since the moment of his arrest on 17 August 2003 and who is due to appear before the district court in the south-eastern town of Zarzis on 29 August.

International

IFJ calls on United Nations to provide protection for journalists in Iraq

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 August 2003 IFJ media release:

Bangladesh

CPJ calls for journalist's release from prison, investigation into brutal assault

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

Nigeria

CPJ condemns harassment of journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 August 2003 CPJ press release:

Iran

Authorities' vagueness and infighting obstruct Kazemi murder probe

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the lack of openness in the official investigation into the death of Iranian-Canadian journalist Zahra Kazemi. The organisation warned that the investigation is falling victim to the power struggle between the Iranian regime's reformists and hardliners.

South Africa

Government officials withhold information from media

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 22 August 2003 MISA statement, followed by a MISA-South Africa press release about ongoing corruption investigations:

The Gambia

MISA and MFWA call for reopening of Citizen FM radio station

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

Philippines

CPJ condemns journalist's murder

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

Vietnam

Journalist's sentence reduced on appeal

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

Algeria

"Le Matin" newspaper harassed by police

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about the ongoing police harassment of the daily newspaper "Le Matin" and its managing editor, Mohammed Benchicou.

Philippines

"Tempo" and "Manila Bulletin" correspondent Jeama Sabate receives death threats

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 August 2003 IFJ letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo:

South Korea

Police prevent release of balloons carrying radios to North Korea

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the South Korean authorities to explain why riot police recently prevented human rights activists from releasing balloons that were to drop radio sets over North Korea.

Colombia

CPJ condemns killing of journalist, wounding of another

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

Iran

Agents accused in journalist's death

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

Cuba

Three jailed journalists on hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - On 25 August 2003, RSF expressed great concern at the plight of three imprisoned independent journalists - Mario Enrique Mayo, Adolfo Fernández Sainz and Ivan Hernández Carillo - who have been on hunger-strike since 15 August in the town of Holguin (eastern Cuba). They are demanding proper food and medicine for prisoners who have serious illnesses.

Peru

President threatens to lauch legal action against journalist

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 18 August 2003, a recording of a telephone conversation between President Alejandro Toledo and one of his advisors was broadcast on journalist César Hildebrandt's programme "En la Boca del Lobo". The television programme airs at 11:00 p.m. (local time), from Monday to Friday, on the Frecuencia Latina, Channel 2 station.

Colombia

Journalist reportedly killed by rebels, another journalist injured

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

International

ARTICLE 19 submission to Council of Europe on "right of reply" in new media environment

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

Vietnam

Journalist's appeal trial scheduled for 26 August

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

Thailand

IFJ calls on prime minister to relinquish stake in ITV television network

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

The Gambia

Journalist assaulted

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

Venezuela

Globovisión camera operator injured

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 20 August 2003, camera operator Efraín Henríquez, of television station Globovisión, was attacked while carrying out his job.

Tunisia

Human Rights Watch calls for release of journalist arrested after assisting human-rights mission

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

Colombia

Camera operator from RCN in Valledupar assaulted

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 18 August 2003, camera operator Jorge Real Castilla, of the RCN television station in Valledupar (a city on Colombia's north coast), was assaulted by members of La Popa battalion. The journalist was reporting on the death of alleged members of the ELN guerrilla group and the seizure of military equipment.

Argentina

Journalist receives death threat

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 9 August 2003, journalist Ulises Caballero, editor of the newspaper "Artículo 14", received a message on his answering machine threatening his life. Caballero is also part of the programme Radio Rebelde on the FM La Porteña radio station. Both the station and the newspaper are located in Berazategui, Buenos Aires. A male caller left the message at 4:04 a.m. (local time), stating that "you're dead ? we are going to smash your head to pieces."

Zimbabwe

Journalist goes into hiding after being assaulted by ruling-party members

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

Namibia / Germany

Newspaper sued for defamation

(MISA/IFEX) - The Buschschule Namibia, a European juvenile welfare service project, has sued "Allgemeine Zeitung", a German daily newspaper, for publishing alleged defamatory and slanderous articles.

Zimbabwe

Information minister attacks MISA

(MISA/IFEX) - On 20 August 2003, Zimbabwean Minister of State for Information and Publicity Jonathan Moyo attacked MISA for what he called "promotion of misunderstanding" between the Zimbabwean government and the private media.

Spain

Three Basque newspaper journalists still detained under anti-terrorism legislation

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned about the continued detention of three Basque journalists under anti-terrorism legislation. PEN also protests the recent six-month extension to the "preventive measures" that have kept the Basque-language newspaper "Euskaldunon Egunkaria" closed. The extension was handed down on 21 July 2003 by Judge Juan del Olmo on the grounds that the "Euskaldunon Egunkaria" group pursues the same goals as the separatist group ETA.

Russia

Journalist convicted and imprisoned on criminal defamation charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 August 2003 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Radio journalist murdered

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed great concern over the continued killing of journalists in the Philippines after two gunmen shot dead radio journalist Noel Villarante on 19 August 2003, presumably for denouncing corruption and illegal gambling.

Honduras

Journalist faces two trials for revealing report on drug-trafficking

(PFC/IFEX) - Following the failure of two reconciliation hearings on 14 August 2003, journalist Renato Alvarez will face two trials for defamation and slander for making public a report that revealed alleged connections to drug-trafficking in Honduras. Alvarez is the host of the debate programme "Frente a Frente" broadcast on Televicentro Corporation's stations 3, 5 and 7.

Uzbekistan

CPJ calls for journalist Ruslan Sharipov's immediate release

(CPJ/IFEX) - In an 18 August 2003 letter to President Islam Karimov, CPJ said it believes the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of journalist and human rights activist Ruslan Sharipov are part of a politically-motivated campaign to suppress press freedom in Uzbekistan.

Ethiopia

Three journalists from weekly "Al-Nejashi" imprisoned and fined

(EFJA/IFEX) - On 20 August 2003, three journalists from the weekly newspaper "Al-Nejashi" were imprisoned and fined following a Sharia Court decision. Publisher Arif Abdul Kadir, managing editor Awol Kedir and editor in-chief Yusuf Getachew were each handed one-month prison sentences and fines ranging from 600 to 1000 Eth. birr (US$70 to $117).

Eritrea

Fifteen journalists still detained in the utmost secrecy

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Association of Eritrean Journalists in Exile have adjusted their figures for the number of imprisoned journalists in Eritrea to 15. The organisations have learned that three journalists who were thought to still be in detention - Zemenfes Haile, Biniam Haile and Simret Seyoum - have in fact been released, and contrary to previous reports, Selamyinghes Beyene was never arrested.

Venezuela

"El Nacional" newspaper director and editor detained by Lara state police

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 13 August 2003, 15 police officers from Lara state, in the central-western region of Venezuela, pulled over the vehicle in which Miguel Henrique Otero, the director and editor of "El Nacional" newspaper, was travelling. Otero had just held a press conference at the Príncipe Hotel in Barquisimeto, Lara's capital city, to promote a forum on "A Democracy of Parties or an Anti-Party Society".

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM protests purge of independent broadcaster by authorities

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 19 August 2003 ANEM press release:

Tunisia

Using banishment order as a pretext, police detain journalist again

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the authorities to stop harassing and immediately release Abdallah Zouari, a journalist who is subject to an internal banishment order. He was arrested by plainclothes police officers at the market in Ben Guerdane (500 km south of Tunis) at 11:30 (local time) on 17 August 2003.

Ukraine

RSF condemns Council of Europe report on Gongadze case

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a Council of Europe report on the murder of Ukrainian political journalist Georgy Gongadze as a "whitewash" and a "stab in the back" for his family.

Algeria

WAN concerned over state printing house's refusal to print seven newspapers

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 19 August 2003 letter to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed serious concern at the state printing house's refusal to print seven newspapers.

Bangladesh

Journalist assaulted by police, detained and charged with theft

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, calling for the immediate release of journalist Hiramon Mondol, who was viciously assaulted by police officers in the southwestern city of Khulna on 8 August 2003. He has since been held in the Khulna prison infirmary. The organisation also called for the dismissal of the patently false charge of theft that has been brought against Mondol.

Iraq / United States

CPJ demands full, public investigation into death of Reuters cameraman

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 August 2003 CPJ letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld:

Algeria

Six independent dailies suspended

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

Haiti

Officials agree to review press freedom cases

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

Pakistan / United States

FBI investigating Pakistani journalist

(PPF/IFEX) - Pakistan's embassy in the United States (US) has written a letter to the State Department drawing attention to the investigation of Nayyar Zaidi, a Washington correspondent for the daily "Jang", the flagship publication of Pakistan's largest media group, by US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents.

Rwanda

RSF calls on candidates in presidential election to make commitment to respect press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - With the presidential election in Rwanda just one week away, RSF has called on each of the four candidates to make a personal commitment to respect press freedom.

Namibia

President verbally attacks journalist, editor and media organisations

(MISA/IFEX) - On 14 August 2003, President Sam Nujoma launched a verbal attack against Gwen Lister, editor of "The Namibian" newspaper, "The Namibian" itself and MISA. The president also instructed reporter Andreas Frai of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) not to work with MISA.

Zimbabwe

Journalist assaulted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 9 August 2003, Flata Kavinga, a journalist with "The Midlands Observer", a weekly provincial newspaper, was attacked by suspected ruling party Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) youths. The incident occurred at the Mbizo Inn, a nightclub in the city of Kwekwe, in the Midlands province.

Iraq / United States

Reuters journalist Mazen Dana shot dead by U.S. tank crew in western Baghdad

(IPI/IFEX) - In an 18 August 2003 letter to United States (U.S.) Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, IPI condemned the shooting of a journalist by the U.S. military in Iraq.

Honduras

Journalist faces charges for airing report on corruption

(PFC/IFEX) - On 7 August 2003, charges were filed against journalist Rossana Guevara, director of the news programme TN5, broadcast on Televicentro Corporation's Canal 5 television station. Guevara is accused of defamation and slander in connection with the 20 May airing of a report on corruption and the collapse of banks in Honduras.

Uzbekistan

Independent journalist Ruslan Sharipov handed five-and-a-half-year jail sentence

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 15 August 2003 letter to President Islam Karimov, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed their serious concern at the five-and-a-half-year jail sentence given to independent journalist Ruslan Sharipov.

Colombia

IAPA seeks resumption of investigation into murder of newspaper employee

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 14 August 2003 IAPA press release:

Iran

EU foreign ministers urged to put pressure on Iran over murder of journalist Zahra Kazemi

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written to each of the European Union's (EU) 15 foreign ministers, urging them to put pressure on Iran over the murder of Zahra Kazemi, a journalist with both Iranian and Canadian citizenship. The letter was also addressed to the foreign ministers of the 10 countries that will soon join the EU, which has been conducting a "constructive dialogue" with Iran since 1998.

Uzbekistan

RSF calls for independent journalist Ruslan Sharipov's immediate release

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced deep concern over the ongoing trial of Ruslan Sharipov, president of the press freedom organisation Union of Independent Journalists of Uzbekistan (UIJU) and former correspondent for the Russian news agency Prima News, who is imprisoned on charges of homosexuality and sexually abusing minors.

Sri Lanka

Tamil Tigers attack Tamil-language weekly "Thinamurasu" again

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Tamil Tigers' (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, LTTE) persistent attempts to silence the Tamil-language weekly "Thinamurasu". RSF expressed particular concern over the ambush of a "Thinamurasu" distribution truck on 7 August 2003 by some 50 armed LTTE activists. They torched 5,000 copies of the newspaper after forcing the truck to stop in Sunkankeni, near the eastern town to Batticaloa.

Ukraine

Internet journalist physically assaulted

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern over a violent attack on Edouard Malinivsky, of the online newspaper "Ostriv". The second online journalist to be assaulted in less than a month, Malinivsky was accosted by thugs on 12 August 2003 as he left a cafe in the eastern town of Donetsk, at about 11:00 p.m. (local time). He received several heavy blows to the head but his injuries were not life-threatening.

Albania

IFJ condemns Parliament over ban on independent broadcaster

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 August 2003 IFJ media release:

France

Appeals Court orders monthly to pay exorbitant damages for report criticising Beaujolais wine

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Lyons Appeals Court's 13 August 2003 decision to sentence the monthly "Lyon Mag" to pay 100,000 euros (approx. US$112,400) in damages to Beaujolais wine producers, describing the verdict as an "attack on press freedom."

Iraq / United States

Journalist briefly detained and handcuffed

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

China

Two South Korean reporters detained in Shanghai

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written to Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to request the release of South Korean journalists Kim Seung-jin and Geum Myeong-soek. They have been detained in Shanghai since 8 August 2003 for covering the activities of a Japanese group that assists North Korean refugees in China.

Papua New Guinea

Newspaper offices attacked, correspondent threatened

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

Yemen

Le domicile d'un journaliste du "Yemen Times" encerclé par des forces de sécurité

(RSF/IFEX) - Depuis le début du mois d'août 2003, Hassan al-Zaidi, du bihebdomadaire indépendant "Yemen Times", est empêché de quitter son domicile à Sanaa par des forces de sécurité qui l'encerclent.

Yemen

Security forces cordon off "Yemen Times" journalist's home

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the actions of security forces in surrounding the home of journalist Hassan al-Zaidi since the start of August 2003, preventing him from leaving his residence. The operation was undoubtedly intended to intimidate Zaidi, the organisation said, while demanding an explanation for the operation.

Iraq / United States

IFJ condemns Pentagon report findings on death of two journalists in Baghdad

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

Afghanistan

IFJ protests journalists' death sentences

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 August 2003 IFJ letter to President Hamid Karzai:

Cuba

CPJ alarmed by journalist's deteriorating health

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

Colombia

Journalist accused of libel

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is a 1 August 2003 FLIP press release:

International

IFJ warns of human rights agenda "hijack" following UNCHR's suspension of RSF

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 August 2003 IFJ media release:

Russia

Moscow court upholds denial of travel passport to journalist Grigory Pasko

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

Cameroon

CPJ protests journalist's imprisonment

(CPJ/IFEX) - In an 11 August 2003 letter to President Paul Biya, CPJ expressed concern that Rémy Ngono, a former journalist for the private, Yaoundé-based Radio Télévision Siantou (RTS), has been imprisoned on charges of criminal defamation.

Panama

Two journalists handed one-year prison sentences for "insulting" former interior minister

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the one-year prison sentences, commutable to a fine of US$600, handed to journalists Marcel Chéry and Gustavo Aparicio, of the daily "El Panamá América", on 7 August 2003 for a 2001 report that allegedly "insulted" then interior and justice minister Winston Spadafora.

Botswana

Radio announcer assaulted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 8 August 2003, Charles Kidega, a freelance sub-editor for "Business and Financial Times" magazine, assaulted Gabz FM radio host Jacob Kamodi in the station's reception area. Kidega alleged that Gabz FM had failed to air the magazine's advertisements.

Guatemala

Attorney general accuses "Siglo XXI" newspaper of falsifying information

(PFC/IFEX) - On 6 August 2003, Attorney General Carlos De León denied that an assistant public attorney had provided information to "Siglo XXI" newspaper concerning negotiations between the Public Prosecutor's Office and one of the individuals allegedly involved in a million-dollar fraudulent scheme at the Guatemalan Social Security Institute (Instituto Guatemalteco del Seguro Social, IGSS). De León claimed that "Siglo XXI" had lied and falsely attributed statements to Attorney María del Carmen Estrada. The attorney general said Estrada plans to take legal action against the newspaper.

Uzbekistan

Independent journalist faces discriminatory charges, trial raises fear of torture

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

South Korea

Confidentiality of television station's sources under threat

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on South Korea's prosecutor general to abandon attempts to get the privately-owned television station SBS to hand over politically embarrassing videotape recordings which, after they were broadcast last week, caused President Roh Moo-hyun's private secretary to resign.

Egypt

Activist's case referred to the High State Security Court

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 10 August 2003 EOHR press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Programming director of RTNC/Kisangani suspended for indeterminate period

(JED/IFEX) - On 6 August 2003, Etienne Bwande Bwana Pua, programming director of the national broadcaster Congolese National Radio-television's (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) local station in Kisangani, the main town in Eastern province, was suspended for an indeterminate period by Alimasi Mayanga, the RTNC's provincial director. Mayanga accused Bwana Pua of failing to include the programmes "Vers un Congo nouveau" ("Towards a New Congo") and "RCD et nous" ("RCD and us") on the station's new programming schedule. Both are propaganda programmes that focus on the former rebel group Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, RCD/Goma).

Venezuela

Television station targeted in bomb attack

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the night of 5 August 2003, an explosive device was lobbed into the parking lot of Televisora Regional del Táchira (TRT) station, in the city of San Cristóbal, Táchira state, southwestern Venezuela. Thus far, the assailant has not been identified.

Argentina

Journalist harassed

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - Alberto Lotuf, a journalist for AM LT2 radio station in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe province, 400 kilometres west of Buenos Aires, has denounced that, when leaving his house on the morning of 24 July 2003, he found insults painted on the walls of several houses in his neighbourhood. Some of the graffiti referred to him as a drug trafficker and a criminal. On 25 July, Lotuf filed a complaint about the incident with the Rosario 8th police station.

Nepal

Journalist tortured in custody, another manhandled by security guard

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Journalist Nirmal Kumar Budhathoki has been facing serious mental health issues as a result of torture suffered while in military custody. Budhathoki, who reports for the daily "Janadisha", and her husband, Muma Ram Khanal, were arrested by security forces in Sankhmul, Kathmandu, in May 2002 (see IFEX alert of 28 March 2003). Khanal, who is associated with the monthly "Dishabodh", was released approximately two weeks ago. The Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) has accepted Khanal as a central committee member. Budhathoki is currently in detention at the Bhairav Nath Barrack in Maharajgunj.

Italy

Sicilian journalist who had been investigating drug trafficking attacked by thugs

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about an assault on Massimiliano Pisano, a journalist based in Giardini Naxos, eastern Sicily, who had been writing about drug trafficking in the area.

Mexico

Radio journalist missing for past month

(RSF/IFEX) - On 7 August 2003, RSF voiced deep concern over the fate of journalist Jesus Mejía Lechuga, of Radio MS-Noticias, in Martínez de la Torre (in the southeastern state of Veracruz). Mejía has been missing for almost one month.

Cuba

Wife of jailed journalist Raúl Rivero condemns "unacceptable" prison conditions; at least eight journalists reportedly ill

(RSF/IFEX) - Imprisoned Cuban journalist and poet Raúl Rivero has lost nearly 20 kg (40 pounds) since he was jailed in March 2003, according to his wife Blanca Reyes, who fears he is being starved in jail in Ciego de Avila. Rivero is serving a 20-year sentence for allegedly "undermining the independence and integrity of the state."

Namibia

MISA Namibia concerned over reluctance to transform Namibian Broadcasting Corporation into a public service broadcaster

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 7 August 2003 MISA Namibia press release:

Afghanistan

Journalists receive death sentences

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

Swaziland

Journalists face stiff sentences under new bill

(MISA/IFEX) - On 29 July 2003, the Swaziland government moved toward imposing five-year jail terms on journalists found guilty of contravening the country's proposed Secrecy Act.

Colombia

Court rules against security department for providing unconfirmed information

(FLIP/IFEX) - The State Council's third section has ratified a previous ruling against the Administrative Department for Security (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad, DAS) for having distributed false information to media outlets. The original ruling ordered the DAS to compensate Gilberto Márquez Henao for the impact the erroneous information had on his "personal and social life." The State Council held the DAS responsible for the information it provided, while media outlets were absolved of any responsibility for having distributed the information.

Philippines

Newspaper editor arrested after president's lawyer accuses her of libel

(RSF/IFEX) - In a 6 August 2003 letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, RSF condemned the arrest of "The Daily Tribune" editor-in-chief Ninez Cacho-Olivares. In May, the opposition newspaper had reported on corruption allegations implicating the president's personal lawyer and some of her associates.

Argentina

Journalist threatened

(PFC/IFEX) - Marcelo Sisso, a journalist for "El Sol de Mendoza" newspaper, has been receiving threatening telephone calls during which unknown individuals pressure him to cease reporting on irregularities in the management of the El Triángulo Housing Cooperative. In a telephone call on the evening of 30 July 2003, a male caller warned Sisso to stop reporting on the topic, saying, "or you know what will happen to you." The following day, Sisso received three more telephone calls with a similar message, including one in which the caller said, "don't be stupid, drop the El Triángulo subject."

Guatemala

APG condemns attacks against journalists

(APG/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2003 APG Press Freedom Committee press release:

Togo

ARTICLE 19 criticises state of media freedom in Togo

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

Syria

CPJ condemns government's closure of satirical weekly

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

Cameroon

One year after being sentenced in absentia, journalist imprisoned

(RSF/IFEX) - On 5 August 2003, the Yaounde National Police arrested Rémy Ngono, who hosts a satirical programme on Radio Télévision Siantou (RTS), and jailed him in Kondengui central prison. Ngono's incarceration follows a year-old court ruling against the journalist. He had been sentenced in absentia to six months' imprisonment with no parole for "defamation".

Democratic Republic of Congo

Director of public broadcaster's local station threatened by former rebel group RCD/Goma

(JED/IFEX) - Alimasi Mayanga, director of the national broadcaster Congolese National Radio-television's (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) local station in Kisangani, the main town in the Eastern province, has been repeatedly threatened since 2 August 2003 by members of the former rebel group Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, RCD/Goma). Mayanga is being targeted because he cancelled several programmes that focused on the RCD/Goma from his station's programming schedule without the authorisation of the pro-RCD provincial governor.

Iraq / United States

American troops' attitude towards journalists worsening

(RSF/IFEX) - On 31 July 2003, RSF deplored the worsening attitude of American troops towards journalists in Iraq and urged United States (U.S.) Administrator Paul Bremer to explain why two Iranian journalists, Said Aboutaleb and Soheil Karimi, of the public television station IRIB, have been held since 1 July for alleged "security violations".

Dominican Republic

Journalists detained

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 August 2003 CPJ letter to President Hipólito Mejía:

Morocco

Three journalists sentenced to prison

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

Philippines

Government urged to give police more resources to investigate journalist Bonifacio Gregorio's murder

(RSF/IFEX) - On 31 July 2003, RSF called on Interior and Local Government Secretary José D. Lina to make more resources available to police investigating the 8 July murder of newspaper reporter and columnist Bonifacio Gregorio, and to do everything possible to identify and punish those who may have been behind the killing and the gunman who carried it out.

Palestine / Israel

RSF report criticises botched Israeli army investigations, lack of follow-up into deaths of two journalists in Occupied Territories

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 30 July 2003 RSF press release:

Nepal

Journalist assaulted by police officer

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 3 August 2003, Assistant Police Inspector Min Prasad Sigdel, of the district police office's Crime Investigation Section, attempted to beat crime reporter Krishna Hari Ghimire. Ghimire, who works for the daily "Annapurna Post", went to the police station to gather information on the killing of Amar Lama, former managing editor of "Taja Khabar" weekly newspaper. Lama was killed by unknown assailants on 27 July (see IFEX alerts of 5 August and 28 July 2003).

Nepal

RSF urges government to continue efforts to identify those responsible for editor's abduction and murder

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the government to continue its efforts to identify those responsible for the 27 July 2003 abduction and murder of Amar Lama, managing editor of the news weekly "Tajakhabar" ("Fresh News"), and to establish their motives. Lama was also a businessman, singer and member of the opposition Nepali Congress Party (NPC).

Bangladesh

Journalists attacked

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2003 CPJ open letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia:

Bangladesh / Pakistan

Latest issue of "Newsweek" magazine banned over Koran article

(RSF/IFEX) - On 30 July 2003, RSF called on the governments of Pakistan and Bangladesh to lift the bans they have imposed on the latest issue of the American news magazine "Newsweek", because of an article about a German academic's research into the origins of the Koran.

Syria

Government closes country's only satirical newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged Prime Minister Mustapha Miro to rescind his 31 July 2003 decree withdrawing the satirical weekly "Addomari"'s publication licence. The decree, which follows months of administrative harassment, censorship and intimidation of the country's only independent, satirical newspaper, will "undoubtedly further tarnish Syria's image," RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard warned.

Togo

Journalist receives 12-month suspended sentence

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

Indonesia

Indonesian government convicts and releases U.S. journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2003 CPJ press release:

Dominican Republic

Ensure due process is followed in Listín Diario case, urges IAPA

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

Sri Lanka

Government minister threatens to kill newspaper editor

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Sri Lankan government to disavow one of its members, Fisheries Minister Mahinda Wijeskera, after he threatened to kill Lasantha Wickrematunga, editor of the weekly "The Sunday Leader". The minister's death threat followed the newspaper's publication of articles accusing him of corruption. Wijeskera claimed he had the prime minister's support in making the threat.

Iran

Several more journalists detained and released

(RSF/IFEX) - Amid the continuing uproar over the death of photojournalist Zahra Kazemi in police custody in early July 2003, on 1 August, RSF voiced concern about the imprisonment of a total of 21 journalists in very harsh conditions in Iran. Many were detained during a wave of arrests over the past few weeks.

Malaysia

ARTICLE 19 deems Sedition Act 1948 to be in breach of freedom of expression

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

Egypt

Activist begins hunger strike as detention is extended

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

Sudan

Police confiscate copies of independent daily, arrest provincial correspondent

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the police's 29 July 2003 confiscation of all copies of the independent daily "As Sahafa". The organisation has also called for the release of provincial reporter Youssef Al Bashir Musa, who wrote the story that appears to have prompted the punitive seizure of the newspaper.

Senegal

Journalist receives death threats

(RSF/IFEX) - Journalist Abdou Latif Coulibaly, author of a recently-published book in which he criticises Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, has been receiving anonymous death threats over the past few days. Coulibaly has attributed the threats to members of the president's political party.

Sudan

Authorities confiscate copies of newspapers

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

Venezuela

CPJ condemns Supreme Court ruling upholding contempt and criminal defamation provisions in penal code

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

Mauritania

Interior Ministry bans issue of independent newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 July 2003, RSF condemned the Interior Ministry's decision to ban distribution of the latest issue of the newspaper "Le Rénovateur". The paper's managing editor, Cheikh Tijane Dia, attributed the ban to an article about the fall of the national currency, the ouguiya, on the black market in the capital, Nouakchott.

Saudi Arabia

Information Ministry bans columnist from writing

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

International

Hellman/Hammett grants awarded to 28 writers from 13 countries

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 29 July 2003 Human Rights Watch press release:

Laos

Appeal for release of journalists' guides, one guide manages to escape

(RSF/IFEX) - On 24 July 2003, journalists Thierry Falise and Vincent Reynaud appealed to Laotian authorities to release Thao Moua and Pa Phue Khan. On 30 June, the two detainees received prison sentences of 12 and 15 years, respectively, for working as guides for the two journalists while they were preparing a documentary in Laos. They are currently imprisoned in Vientiane. A third guide, Tha Char Yang, who managed to escape, was sentenced to 20 years in absentia. Other Laotians are believed to have been arrested in connection with the case, but their names are not known.

Djibouti

Human Rights Watch calls for release of journalist being held in solitary confinement

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

Nigeria

IFJ demands that "fatwa" on publisher and journalist be cancelled

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2003 IFJ media release:

Nepal

Journalists attacked and threatened

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 18 July 2003, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels threatened to kill journalist Kedar Katuwal for allegedly supplying information about the Beltar forest area to security forces. Katuwal is a representative of the state-run Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) news agency and vice-chairman of the Nepal Press Union, Udayapur section.

Iraq / United States

CPJ expresses concern over detention of Iranian journalists by U.S. forces

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 July 2003 CPJ letter to Paul Bremer, senior administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq:

International

Venezuelan journalists awarded IAPA press freedom grand prize

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 28 July 2003 IAPA press release:

Tajikistan

Suspects convicted of murdering two journalists

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

Iran

Security agents detained in connection with journalist's death

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

Russia

Kidnappers still not identified three weeks after journalist's abduction in Ingushetia

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed great concern over the Russian authorities' failure to locate Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist Ali Astamirov, kidnapped on 4 July 2003. The organisation has called on investigators to step up their efforts to obtain his safe release. The French news agency said it had learned he was alive and being held in Chechnya.

Peru

Journalist censored

(IPYS/IFEX) - David Barturén Álvarez, a journalist for the state television station Televisión Nacional del Perú (TNP) Canal 7 is in danger of losing his job after having aired a live interview with a member of congress that contradicted a statement made previously by another congressman. Barturén has been arbitrarily removed from the position of covering congressional affairs, which he had been doing for the past four months. Congressman Pedro Morales is alleging that Barturén's interview affected his candidacy for the congressional vice-presidency in a recent election.

International

RSF suspended from United Nations Commission on Human Rights for one year

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2003 RSF press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM objects to appointment of media group acting director

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

Azerbaijan

Independent media under increasing pressure as presidential election nears

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the growing harassment faced by Azerbaijan's independent press with the approach of the presidential election in October 2003. Several opposition journalists and media organisation officials were arrested on 26 July.

Honduras

Complaint launched against journalist for disclosing report on drug trafficking

(PFC/IFEX) - Journalist Renato Álvarez, host of the debate programme "Frente a Frente", broadcast on Televicentro Corporation's stations 3, 5 and 7, is facing a complaint for defamation for disclosing a report that reveals the names of individuals presumably implicated in drug trafficking in Honduras.

Guatemala

RSF concerned over attacks against journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - On 25 July 2003, RSF expressed shock at the 24 July death of Hector Ramírez of Radio Sonora and a number of violent attacks against other journalists by supporters of General Efraín Ríos Montt. The general's supporters blame the press for a court decision that is threatening his bid for the presidential candidacy for the ruling Guatemala Republican Front (FRG) party in the upcoming elections.

Nigeria

Journalist arrested

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

Ukraine

Journalist attacked

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

Sudan

CPJ condemns suspension of newspaper's license, journalists fined

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

Sudan

Newspaper suspended, editor harassed

(RSF/IFEX) - On 24 July 2003, RSF denounced continuing efforts to intimidate "Khartoum Monitor" editor Nhial Bol and called on the Sudanese government to end the legal and other harassment of the daily newspaper and its staff.

Nepal

Editor killed

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 27 July 2003, at approximately 3:30 p.m. (local time), Amar Lama, managing editor of the weekly newspaper "Tajakhabar", was killed by four unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred in Naya Bazar, Kritipur town (approximately 10 kilometres south of Kathmandu). Lama had recently assumed the position of managing editor for the newspaper. He was abducted from the newspaper's office at approximately 1:45 p.m. when he went to drop off an article for the 28 July edition of his column "Janamat". Unidentified individuals posing as police officers indicated to Lama that they wanted to speak to him outside the office.

United States

IFJ welcomes efforts by Congress to block new rules on media ownership

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

Peru

Journalists threatened

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalists reporting on municipal government affairs in the city of Sicuani, capital of Canchis province, in Cusco, have experienced the wrath of the mayor and his associates. IPYS was informed of the situation by the National Human Rights Coordinator (Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos, CNDH) and Radio Sicuani journalists.

Taiwan

Journalist sentenced to prison on sedition charges

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

International

IFJ calls on governments to defend media rights and free expression at World Summit talks

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

Brazil

Photographer killed

(RSF/IFEX) - In a 25 July 2003 letter to President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, RSF voiced concern over the 23 July murder of freelance photographer Luiz Antônio Costa, and the killings of three other journalists in the past two months. In all four cases, there is reason to suspect that the journalists were killed because of their work.

Togo

Imprisoned journalist Dimas Dzikodo released

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Russia

Court rejects journalist's appeal for travel passport

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Chile

Court censors television programme

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2003 Human Rights Watch press release:

Tajikistan

CPJ delegation calls for greater press access and an end to impunity

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Guatemala

Journalist dies during protests

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Venezuela

Explosion near radio station's premises

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the night of 21 July 2003, an object exploded near the offices of Unión Radio, in the municipality of Chacao, east of Caracas. The explosive device contained pamphlets with messages directed against journalists and media outlets. No one was hurt in the explosion, nor were any damages caused.

Botswana

Newspaper sued

(MISA/IFEX) - The "Botswana Gazette" newspaper has been sued for damages amounting to 10,000,000 Pula (approx. US$200,000) for publishing a 2 July 2003 story entitled, "Protect citizen contractors against Chinese".

United Kingdom

Journalists' federation calls for debate on protection of sources

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 July 2003 media release by the European Federation of Journalists, a regional organisation of the IFJ:

Pakistan

"Newsweek" edition to be confiscated

(PPF/IFEX) - The Pakistan government has decided to block distribution of an upcoming edition of the international magazine "Newsweek", as it allegedly contains material "against Islam and the holy Quran".

Indonesia

Newspaper delivery trucks set on fire by armed men

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

Liberia

Injured journalist flown out of Liberia, independent radio stations and newspapers cease operations

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Bangladesh

CPJ protests series of attacks and threats against journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 23 July 2003 open letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, CPJ expressed alarm over a series of recent threats and attacks against journalists in Bangladesh and urged her government to take immediate action to ensure that these crimes are prosecuted vigorously.

Burma

Two sports magazine journalists held by military police

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Burma Media Association (BMA) voiced outrage at the 17 July 2003 arrest by military police at a Rangoon sports magazine of four journalists, two of whom are still being held in an undisclosed location. The arrests came after the magazine ran an article on a Burmese football team's absence from an Asian tournament.

Togo

Two journalists released from prison, another journalist remains in jail

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

Indonesia

U.S. journalist on trial in Aceh province

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

Iran

Photojournalist buried in Iran despite demands to return her body to Canada

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

Lesotho

Minister sues newspaper

(MISA/IFEX) - On 23 July 2003, the weekly Sesotho tabloid "Mohahlaula", published by Makaung Printers and Publishing (Pty) Ltd in Lesotho, was served with a summons for civil defamation by the legal representatives of Minister of Trade and Industry Mpho Malie.

Italy

Two bills that could favour Berlusconi's media empire progress through parliament

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has warned of the dangers to press freedom posed by two bills that came before parliament on 22 July 2003. The Senate approved the Gasparri bill on broadcasting reform, while the Chamber of Deputies passed a bill supposedly aimed at addressing claims that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's ownership of a media empire constitutes a conflict of interest.

Spain

Closure of Basque newspaper "Euskaldunon Egunkaria" extended by six months

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Spanish authorities to allow the Basque-language newspaper "Euskaldunon Egunkaria" to reopen. On 21 July 2003, a national court judge ordered a six-month extension to the "preventive measures" that have kept the newspaper closed since February because the group that publishes it is suspected of "belonging to or cooperating with the terrorist organisation ETA."

Iraq

RSF releases report on press freedom in Iraq three months after the war

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 22 July 2003 RSF press release:

Russia

Journalist killed in Moscow

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 18 July 2003 shooting of journalist Alikhan Gulyev. The organisation has called for a thorough investigation, which takes into account the threats the journalist received in 2002 after writing articles about the presidential election in the Russian republic of Ingushetia.

Armenia

Two main independent TV stations still without broadcasting licences

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has criticised the Armenian authorities for refusing once again to grant broadcasting licences to Armenia's two main independent TV stations. The organisation said the decision raised "serious doubts" about the impartiality of the country's media regulatory body.

Serbia / Montenegro

RSF calls for re-election of broadcasting council, two council members verbally attack ANEM president

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the re-election of Serbia's new Broadcasting Council after the country's parliament voted on 15 July 2003 to uphold the choice of three council members whose nomination was marred by irregularities.

Cambodia

Radio station threatened with closure, ongoing concern about restrictions on freedom of expression prior to election

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 21 July 2003 ARTICLE 19, Forum-Asia and ADHOC press release:

Iran

RSF says official inquiry into photojournalist's death unsatisfactory, another journalist arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has dismissed the findings of an official Iranian inquiry into the death in custody of photojournalist Zahra Kazemi, a Canadian of Iranian origin, as totally unsatisfactory. It also reiterated its call for an independent investigation into her death after she was detained in Tehran on 23 June 2003.

Peru

Radio programme cancelled

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 17 July 2003, journalists Pedro Salinas and Iván García, from Radio 1160, issued a press release condemning the cancellation of their programme "Rompe Cabezas".

Malawi

Ruling party official threatens newspaper reporters

(MISA/IFEX) - An official from the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) has threatened to "deal with" reporters from "The Nation" and warned the newspaper not to cover its convention on 8 August 2003.

Lesotho

Local media denied access to Princess Anne's official visit

(MISA/IFEX) - Local media were denied access to the official visit of Britain's Princess Anne to Lesotho even though South African media were able to cover the events.

China

Internet writer imprisoned

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 21 July 2003 letter to President Hu Jintao, CPJ condemned the detention of Luo Yongzhong, a free-lance writer who has published more than 150 articles online, according to the New York-based organisation Human Rights in China (HRIC).

Venezuela

Community radio station's equipment stolen

(IPYS/IFEX) - The Perijanera 95.1 FM radio station has been off the air since 4 July 2003, when a group of armed individuals stole the station's transmitter and other equipment. The community station is based in the city of Machiques, Zulia state, northwestern Venezuela.

Venezuela

Supreme Court decision upholding prior censorship sets back free expression

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is an 18 July 2003 Human Rights Watch press release:

Liberia

French photographer seriously wounded in fighting

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has appealed to all sides in the fighting in Liberia to avoid harming journalists after a French photographer, Patrick Robert, was seriously wounded in the chest and arm during clashes on 19 July 2003 between government and rebel forces on the outskirts of Monrovia.

Guatemala

"elPeriódico" newspaper director receives threats

(APG/IFEX) - The following is a 14 July 2003 APG Press Freedom Committee press release:

Tunisia

Journalist Abdallah Zouari sentenced to four months in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 18 July 2003, journalist Abdallah Zouari, who has already spent 11 years in prison, was sentenced to four months' imprisonment for "defamation" by a court in Zarzis in southeastern Tunisia. The sentence follows an incident in which Zouari complained about being barred from using a cybercafé. RSF has strongly protested the "trumped-up" sentence and demanded its immediate cancellation.

Indonesia

U.S. journalist to face trial on immigration charges

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

Cuba

CPJ's mission confirms dire situation for imprisoned journalists and their families

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

Afghanistan

IFJ concerned over two editors' safety

(IFJ/IFEX) - In an 18 July 2003 letter to President Hamid Karzai, the IFJ expressed deep concern over the safety of Sayeed Mirhassan Mahdawi, editor-in-chief of "Aftab", and Ali Payam, deputy editor, and the closure of the publication.

Colombia

IAPA issues appeal regarding still unpunished murder of Colombian journalist

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2003 IAPA press release:

Peru

Journalist asks for protection following his daughter's kidnapping

(IPYS/IFEX) - Radio journalist Néstor Puicón Ramos, aged 53, has asked for protection following the kidnapping of his 23-year-old daughter, Ana Raquel Puicón González. He is the director and host of the "Foro Radial" news programme, broadcast on Radio Señorial in the city of Huancayo, capital of Junín region. Puicón Ramos submitted the request to the Huancayo division of the Peruvian National Police (PNP) on 25 June 2003, five days after his daughter was kidnapped.

Nepal

Maoist rebels threaten journalist's life

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - CEHURDES strongly condemns the Communist Party of Nepal's (CPN-Maoist) treatment of journalists. CEHURDES also urges CPN-Maoist Chairman Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai, the rebels' chief negotiator, to ensure journalists' safety and freedom of movement in their strongholds.

Iran

Government offers conflicting explanations of photojournalist's death, more journalists detained

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

Egypt

Activist's detention extended

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

Vietnam

Imprisoned journalist offered exile as condition for release

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Indonesia

CPJ releases special report on Indonesian restrictions on war coverage in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Croatia

Criminal code amendments and planned press law changes deal a blow to press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned newly adopted amendments to the criminal code and proposed changes to the press law, saying they would hamper access to official information, limit the ability to criticise public figures and make it easier to prosecute journalists, thereby encouraging self-censorship.

Belgium

EFJ welcomes court ruling on protection of journalists' sources

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2003 IFJ media release:

Morocco

Editor Mustafa Alaoui receives one-year suspended prison sentence

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2003 letter to King Mohammed VI:

Colombia

Attorney General's Office links journalist's murder to Barrancabermeja mayor

(FLIP/IFEX) - Based on evidence and witness testimonies, the Attorney General's Office has linked Barrancabermeja Mayor Julio Ardila and three municipal officials to the 6 April 2003 murder of journalist José Emeterio Rivas. Finance Secretary Juan Pablo Ariza, Infrastructure Secretary Fabio Pajón Lizcano and the manager of a business development entity, Abelardo Rueda Tobón, were arrested on 11 July by members of the Technical Investigations Body (Cuerpo Técnico de Investigación, CTI). Mayor Julio Ardila, however, remains at large.

Tunisia

Presidential pardon only remaining hope for cyber-dissident Zouhaïr Yahyaoui

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to grant a swift pardon to jailed cyber-dissident Zouhaïr Yahyaoui, who is in very weak condition after staging a series of hunger strikes.

Philippines

Reporter-columnist killed by unknown assassin

(CMFR/IFEX) - A reporter-columnist for a tabloid in Tarlac province, central Philippines, has become the third journalist to be killed in the country this year.

Vietnam

Youth magazine suspended

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a three-month ban on the weekly youth magazine "Sinh Vien Vietnam". The magazine's cover recently featured naked human statuettes and, last year, displayed a photo-montage of banknotes with an image of late President Ho Chi Minh floating in a toilet bowl.

Serbia / Montenegro

Parliament decision confirms election of three members to Broadcast Agency Council

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist sentenced to five years' imprisonment in Likasi

(JED/IFEX) - On 11 July 2003, Donatien Nyembo Kimuni, a correspondent in Lubumbashi (Katanga province's main town, in the country's southeastern region) for the independent Kinshasa-based weekly "La Tribune", was sentenced to five years' imprisonment by a court in Likasi, a town located 120 kilometres from Lubumbashi. The court also ordered his immediate arrest. "La Tribune" newspaper is distributed widely in Katanga province.

Iran

CJFE calls for independent investigation into journalist's death, despite government's admission that she died after being beaten

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

Venezuela

Authorities attempt to arrest journalist Ibéyise Pacheco

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 8 July 2003, the security police (Dirección General de los Servicios de Inteligenica y Prevención, DISIP) attempted to arrest journalist Ibéyise Pacheco, director of "Así es la Noticia" newspaper and a columnist for "El Nacional" newspaper. Commissioner Miguel Rodríguez Torres, DISIP director, was responding to a 3 July order to locate and bring the journalist to court, issued by Judge Cristina Pérez of the Caracas 21st Tribunal.

Iran

CPJ calls for independent investigation into journalist's death in Iranian hospital

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 14 July 2003 letter to President Muhammad Khatami, CPJ noted its alarm over the death of Canadian-Iranian free-lance photographer Zahra Kazemi. Although President Khatami ordered several government ministries to officially investigate her death, CPJ demanded that an immediate, independent inquiry be conducted - including an autopsy - and that the results be made public.

Bangladesh

Seven journalists in Pirojpur district receive death threats

(IFJ/IFEX) - In a 15 July 2003 letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the IFJ expressed deep concern over death threats received by seven journalists in Pirojpur district from an unnamed group.

Togo

Three imprisoned journalists on hunger strike

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

Ukraine

Journalist killed in car crash, possibly assassinated

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Ukrainian government to thoroughly investigate the cause of a road accident on 14 July 2003 in which newspaper and television editor Vladimir Efremov, a critic of President Leonid Kuchma, was killed.

Central African Republic

Journalist released, another faces legal harassment

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the arrest of Ferdinand Samba, publication director of the independent daily "Le Démocrate", who was detained for four days, beyond the legal time limit for detentions in police custody.

Pakistan

Government allows media cross-ownership

(PPF/IFEX) - In a landmark decision, the government has decided to allow media cross-ownership, enabling owners of newspapers and magazines to own and operate television and radio stations. The cabinet took the decision to amend the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Ordinance on 12 July 2003.

Venezuela

Radio journalist assaulted

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 10 July 2003, journalist Patricia Poleo was assaulted while her radio programme "Cuéntamelo todo" was being broadcast from the city of Barinas, in southwestern Venezuela.

Kazakhstan

IPI calls for significant changes in draft media law

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 14 July 2003 IPI press release:

Iran

RSF concerned about journalists held since mid-June, abducted journalist returns home

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about the fate of Iraj Jamshidi, editor-in-chief of the economic daily "Asia", who was arrested on 6 July 2003 with his wife Saghi Baghernia, the newspaper's managing editor. Baghernia was released on bail the following day, but Jamshidi was held initially at Evin prison in Tehran and then transferred to an undisclosed location on 9 July.

Venezuela

Television station broadcast facilities closed

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 July 2003, the Catia TV broadcast centre, located in Caracas' Lídice public hospital, was closed. A commission sent by the Caracas Metropolitan District Mayor's Office, and accompanied by officials from the Caracas Metropolitan Police, closed the studio by putting a lock on the main door.

Nepal

Journalist prevented from covering meeting, two others threatened and manhandled

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 10 July 2003, officials from the communal organisation Agrwal Sewa Kendra prevented an unidentified reporter from the daily newspaper "Samacharpatra" from covering an event in Kamal Pokhari, Kathmandu. The incident followed the publication of a report in "Samacharpatra" about business leader Mohan Gopal Khetan and his Everest Insurance Company, which angered the organisation. Agrwal Sewa Kendra was holding an event to honour King Gyanendra on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

Central African Republic

Publication director of "Le Democrate" newspaper arrested in Bangui

(JED/IFEX) - On 11 July 2003, police officers arrested Ferdinand Samba, publication director of the daily "Le Démocrate", based in Bangui, the capital, at the headquarters of the Central African Republic Private and Independent Press Publishers' Association (Groupement des éditeurs de la presse privée et indépendante de Centrafrique, GEPPIC). Samba is being held at the police station in Bangui's port.

Guatemala

PFC condemns 18 attacks against journalists so far in 2003

(PFC/IFEX) - PFC has been informed of a total of 18 attacks against Guatemalan journalists so far in 2003, the last seven of which took place in June and July. The information was confirmed by the independent new agency Centro de Reportes Informativos sobre Guatemala (Cerigua). Four of the cases involve members of the Cerigua journalism team, in addition to a case involving a Cerigua office administrator.

Eritrea

Voice of America journalist arrested

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

Serbia / Montenegro

ARTICLE 19 publishes memorandum analysing draft Law on Free Access to Information of Public Importance

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

Pakistan

Quetta city government imposes media restrictions due to sectarian and ethnic tensions

(PPF/IFEX) - On 10 July 2003, the municipal government of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, imposed a number of restrictions on the media in light of ethnic and sectarian tensions caused by a recent bomb explosion that killed dozens of people at a Shiite mosque.

Israel

Israeli PM bars BBC from his meeting with British press during London visit

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

Slovakia

Newspaper subjected to illegal telephone surveillance

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to President Rudolf Schuster:

Iran

Five more journalists arrested, one journalist released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed "extreme concern" over the recent arrests of five more journalists by the Iranian authorities.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists arrested in Tshikapa

(JED/IFEX) - Roger-Salomon Lulemba bin Kiabululu, a correpondent for the Kinshasa-based weekly "L'Eveil" in Tshikapa (West Kasai province), was arrested on 12 July 2003 at 6:30 p.m. (local time). The journalist was picked up by Congolese National Police (Police nationale congolaise, PNC) officers posted at Tshikapa city hall. Lulemba was first taken to the PNC's Tshikapa headquarters, where he spent the night. The next day at around noon he was transferred to Kanzala prison after giving a statement.

Iran

Photojournalist dies in Tehran

(RSF/IFEX) - On 12 July 2003, RSF voiced deep shock after learning from the family of photojournalist Zahra Kazemi that she had died in a military hospital in Tehran. She was detained on 23 June by security forces for taking photos. The circumstances that led to her hospitalisation are not clear. She reportedly fell into a coma as a result of a cerebral haemorrhage. Kazemi, aged 54, had both Canadian and Iranian citizenship.

Georgia

Suspect convicted in television journalist's murder

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

Pakistan

Journalist appeals blasphemy conviction

**Updates IFEX alerts of 9 July 2003, 12 March, 20, 2 and 1 February and 30 January 2001**

Belarus

Authorities cancel accreditation of U.S.-funded media organisation Internews

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Russia

Journalist Grigory Pasko denied travel passport

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

Malawi

Journalists fined for defamation

(MISA/IFEX) - Three journalists have been ordered to pay a fine of K450,000 (approx. US$5,000) to Stanbic Bank Malawi Managing Director Victor Mbewe, his wife and Stanbic Bank as compensation for a defamatory story the newspaper published in December 2002.

Serbia / Montenegro

SEEMO deeply concerned about media situation in Serbia

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2003 press release from the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the IPI:

Iran

Journalist declared brain-dead following injuries sustained while in police custody

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

France / Cuba

French court bars RSF from using photo of "Che" Guevara

(RSF/IFEX) - On 9 July 2003, a Paris court barred RSF and the French advertising agency Rampazzo from using a world-famous photograph of Cuban guerrilla leader Ernesto "Che" Guevara wearing a beret with a red star on it. The ban came at the request of Diane Diaz Lopez, daughter and heir of the late Cuban photographer Alberto Diaz Gutierrez, known as Korda, who took the picture.

Iran

Canadian journalist in a coma after attack

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

Laos

IFJ calls for release of journalists' guides who remain imprisoned

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 July 2003 IFJ media release:

China

Korean photographer's imprisonment raised in bilateral talks, CPJ calls for his immediate release

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 9 July 2003 open letter to Chinese Justice Minister Zhang Fusen, CPJ once again drew attention to the unjust imprisonment of South Korean photographer Jae Hyun Seok, whose appeal may be heard later this month. Seok, a well-known freelance photojournalist who worked regularly for "The New York Times" and "Geo" magazine, among other publications, was arrested in January in Shandong province while documenting the plight of North Korean refugees. On 22 May, he was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of human smuggling.

Zambia

Editor and reporter risk contempt of court charges

(MISA/IFEX) - "Today" newspaper editor Masautso Phiri and reporter Wilfred Zulu may face contempt of court charges following a 3 July 2003 application to the Lusaka High Court by lawyers representing Vice President Nevers Mumba.

Indonesia

Human Rights Watch calls for repeal of legislation used against peaceful political expression

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

Malawi

President non-committal on violence against journalist

(MISA/IFEX) - In what could pass as a face-saving move, President Bakili Muluzi has condemned as "unfortunate" the beating of Daniel Nyirenda, a photojournalist with "The Nation" newspaper, by youths belonging to Muluzi's ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) party. The incident took place on 7 July 2003, at the opening of the UDF mini-convention in Blantyre. In the statement, President Muluzi avoided the issue, claiming that "opposition elements" assaulted the photojournalist. "The incident was very unfortunate and was definitely carried out by people who were assigned by enemies of the ruling party," he said. Ironically, President Muluzi pledged to ensure the protection of journalists as the nation prepares for general elections in 2004.

Ukraine

Parliament outlaws protection of journalists' sources

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

Costa Rica

RSF calls for results in investigation on second anniversary of radio journalist Parmenio Medina's death

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Costa Rican authorities to accelerate their investigation of the murder of radio journalist Parmenio Medina on 7 July 2001.

International

CPJ dismayed that issue of press freedom does not appear on conference agenda of African Union's Assembly of Heads of State

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 July 2003 letter to African Union General Secretary Amara Essy:

Belarus

Government bans Russian television station and restricts media aid organisation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the Belarusian authorities' ban on the Russian television station NTV and restrictions placed on an American media aid organisation, describing the moves as "new blows to press freedom" in the former Soviet republic.

Djibouti

Appeals court sends newspaper editor Daher Ahmed Farah back to prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its outrage over the Djibouti Appeals Court's 9 July 2003 decision to sentence Daher Ahmed Farah, editor of the newspaper "Le Renouveau", to three months' imprisonment for libelling the army's chief of staff, Gen. Zakaria Cheik Ibrahim. Following the court hearing, Farah was taken back to Djibouti's Gabode prison, from which he had been released following a lower court's decision on 23 June.

South Africa

MISA calls for immediate withdrawal of Anti-Terrorism bill

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is an 8 July 2003 MISA press statement:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Former rebel group gives Radio Maendeleo conditional permission to resume broadcasting

(JED/IFEX) - According to a press release that was read on the air on 8 July 2003 at 7:00 a.m. (local time) on RTNC/Bukavu, a Congolese National Radio-television provincial radio station controlled by the Congolese Rally for Democracy (Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, RCD/Goma), on 7 July, Jean-Pierre Lola Kisanga, the official in charge of the former rebel group's Communications Department, signed an order allowing Radio Maendeleo, a community radio station based in Bukavu, in South Kivu province, to resume its broadcasts. The station had been banned for over six months.

Laos

Journalists and translator released from prison

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

Guatemala

Two journalists threatened, reporter's house burgled

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

Pakistan

Journalist receives life sentence in blasphemy case

(PPF/IFEX) - On 8 July, the Additional District and Sessions Judge Sardar Irshad convicted Munawar Mohsin, sub-editor of the Peshawar-based "Frontier Post", of blasphemy and sentenced him to life imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 rupees (approx. US$860).

Democratic Republic of Congo

Media worker abducted and killed in Bunia

(JED/IFEX) - The following is an 8 July 2003 JED letter to the head of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC):

Chile

WPFC commends committee's approval of bill to eliminate insult laws

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 7 July 2003 WPFC letter to Deputy Guillermo Ceroni:

Hong Kong (China)

IFJ welcomes postponement of implementation of Article 23, says fight not yet over

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

Mexico

Congressional candidate launches legal action against journalists

(PFC/IFEX) - On 3 July 2003, Alfredo Ortega Apendinni, a federal congressional candidate for the Partido de Acción Nacional party from District VI in Hidalgo state, announced that he had filed complaints against several journalists and media outlets for publishing articles questioning his conduct.

Philippines

Main suspect in journalist's assassination allegedly hunting witnesses

(CMFR/IFEX) - According to Edgar Amoro, one of the two vital witnesses to the 13 May 2002 killing of journalist Edgar Damalerio in Pagadian City, southern Philippines, the former policeman suspected of murdering the journalist now wears a surgical mask to elude arrest and is hunting the two witnesses vital to the murder case.

International

The IFJ, MISA, WAN and others petition African Union heads of state on freedom of expression

(IFJ/MISA/WAN/IFEX) - The following is a joint press statement by the IFJ, MISA, WAN and other organisations:

Indonesia

CPJ condemns assault on radio reporter, rebels continue to detain television crew

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

Pakistan

Magazine office raided; editor-in-chief harassed, detained

(PPF/IFEX) - On 30 June 2003, a large police contingent raided the offices of the monthly "Shahrag-e-Pakistan" in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province. The magazine's editor-in-chief, Khalid Mehmood Shah, was detained in the publication's office for nearly two days.

Malawi

Journalist beaten, equipment destroyed or stolen

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 July 2003, Daniel Nyirenda, a photojournalist with the daily newspaper "The Nation", was severely beaten by suspected members of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) youth wing at the party's mini-convention in the city of Blantyre.

Mexico

"El Huarache" newspaper journalists harassed in Hidalgo state

(PFC/IFEX) - The mayor of Zimapán, Rosalina Gómez Rosas, has launched a defamation suit against Juan Lozano Trejo and other journalists from the regional newspaper "El Huarache" for publishing information about presumed irregularities in the municipality over which she presides. On 1 July 2003, it was revealed that the Hidalgo state Attorney General's Office had called upon Lozano Trejo, director of "El Huarache", to identify the authors of the articles in which the mayor was mentioned.

El Salvador

ARTICLE 19 submits report on freedom of expression in El Salvador to UNHRC

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 4 July 2003 ARTICLE 19 statement:

Belarus

Third anniversary of Dmitri Zavadski's disappearance: RSF calls on judiciary to do its duty

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a joint RSF-BAJ press release:

Laos

Journalists detained for one month without any concrete progress

(RSF/IFEX) - As of 4 July 2003, journalists Thierry Falise of Belgium and Vincent Reynaud of France have been detained in Laos for one month. After their trial on 30 June, they were transferred to Phontong prison in Vientiane, which is reserved for foreigners, where they are currently held.

Central African Republic

Publication director sentenced to six months' imprisonment

(JED/IFEX) - On 26 June 2003, a court in La Lobaye, a city located 105 kilometres from Bangui, the capital, sentenced Michel Ngokpele, publication director of the Bangui-based newspaper "Le quotidien de Bangui", to six months' imprisonment with no parole for "defamation by means of the press" and "incitement to ethnic hatred".

Serbia / Montenegro

Newspaper owner's car bombed

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

Lesotho

Journalists attacked, injured by mob

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 July 2003, two journalists were injured while covering protests by street vendors in the main Maseru bus-stop area. The street vendors were protesting to the police, who wore protective clothing and were armed with pump-action shotguns, and to Maseru city councillors about their eviction from the streets of Maseru.

Iraq

IFJ warns Baghdad still a war zone after two more media workers killed

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

Egypt

Security authorities ban edition of El-Sadaa newspaper

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 5 July 2003 EOHR press release:

Russia

Agence France-Presse reporter kidnapped in Ingushetia

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Russian authorities to make every effort to locate a reporter for the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) who was kidnapped in the Russian republic of Ingushetia. The organisation urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate his disappearance.

Morocco

RSF expresses concern about journalist Ali Lmrabet's health

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed serious concern about the health of imprisoned newspaper editor Ali Lmrabet. The organisation has called for his personal physician to be allowed to visit him in the Rabat hospital where he is being held, and for Lmrabet to be moved to a private room.

Philippines

Broadcaster survives assassination attempt

(CMFR/IFEX) - An unknown gunman shot a radio broadcaster on 12 June 2003 in Cebu City. The broadcaster survived the assassination attempt.

Lesotho

IFJ fears for safety of Moafrika owner, condemns attacks on independent media

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

Israel

Government announces punitive measures against the BBC

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Israeli government's announcement on 1 July 2003 that it is cutting all links with the BBC, Britain's state-owned broadcaster, on the grounds that it "systematically demonises" Israel and carries reports "verging on anti-Semitism."

Zambia

Police "warn and caution" "Today" newspaper editor

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 July 2003, police recorded a "warn and caution" statement from Masautso Phiri, editor of "Today" newspaper, who voluntarily presented himself for questioning at police headquarters one week after he was initially summoned.

Venezuela

Radio and television technicians interrogated for interference with transmission

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 24 June 2003, three technicians from several different private television stations and a radio technician were taken to the security police (Prevention and Intelligence Services Directorate, DISIP) headquarters. The technicians made declarations regarding an incident of supposed sabotage in the television and radio transmission of a military parade.

Venezuela

Radio and television technicians interrogated for interference with transmission

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 24 June 2003, three technicians from several different private television stations and a radio technician were taken to the security police (Prevention and Intelligence Services Directorate, DISIP) headquarters. The technicians made declarations regarding an incident of supposed sabotage in the television and radio transmission of a military parade.

Iran

Journalist attacked and abducted

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Iranian authorities to provide information about the fate of journalist Peyman Pakmehr, who was attacked and abducted in the northern town of Kaliber at around midnight (local time) on 2 July 2003, just two hours after giving an interview to Radio FARDA (Radio Free Europe).

Guatemala

CERIGUA journalist receives death threats; WiPC condemns attack on "ElPeriódico" publisher

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN has added its voice to the condemnation of the attack on "ElPeriódico" newspaper publisher José Rubén Zamora Marroquín, his family and employees, on 24 June 2003.

Indonesia

Radio News Agency 68H journalist attacked by security forces, IFJ issues safety alert for Aceh

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

Indonesia

RCTI journalists held by GAM rebels in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 July 2003 CPJ press release, followed by an Agence France Presse report on the case:

Algeria

At least two French television crews expelled

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Turkey

Five television stations suspended for one month

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the National Broadcasting Council (RTÜK) to rescind the one-month suspension it imposed on five television stations on 3 July 2003. The stations are owned by the family of press magnate and politician Cem Uzan. They were suspended for allegedly defending the family's business interests during broadcasts. RSF described the ban as "unfair and disproportionate."

Romania / International

Declaration on defamation and freedom of expression in Southeastern Europe

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a declaration signed by participants at a 27 to 28 June 2003 conference on "Defamation in South East Europe", organised by ARTICLE 19, the Romanian Helsinki Committee and the Center for Independent Journalism:

International

News and media law leaders endorse principles for Internet press freedom

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 30 June 2003 WPFC press release:

Guinea

Journalists attacked by armed soldiers, equipment destroyed

**MISA and the Media Foundation of West Africa (MFWA), as a joint activity, will henceforth issue alerts, statements and appeals to highlight media freedom and wider human rights violations in West Africa. See www.misa.org and www.mediafoundationwa.org for more information**

Honduras

Journalist threatened with legal action after disclosing report on drug trafficking

(PFC/IFEX) - Journalist Renato Álvarez, of TVC news television's debate programme Frente a Frente, on Televicentro Corporation's channels 3, 5 and 7, has been threatened with the filing of up to seven legal complaints against him for disclosing a report that reveals the names of individuals presumably implicated in drug trafficking. The complainants are demanding that Álvarez reveal the identity of the source that provided him with the document.

Sri Lanka

Journalist receives death threats

(IFJ/IFEX) - In a 3 July 2003 letter to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mass Communication Minister Imtiaz Bakir Markar and Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Chairman Nalin Ladduwahetty, the IFJ expressed deep concern over the death threats received by journalist Poddala Jayantha, of "Silumina" newspaper.

Algeria

Authorities block foreign media coverage of FIS leaders' release

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Algerian authorities' attempts to censor foreign press coverage of the recent release of two historic leaders of the banned Islamic Salvation Front (Front islamique du Salut, FIS), Abassi Madani and Ali Belhadj, on completion of their prison sentences. The government's efforts target foreign journalists, including those based in Algeria and visiting special correspondents.

Indonesia

CPJ concerned for safety of two journalists missing in Aceh

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 2 July 2003 open letter to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, CPJ expressed deep concern about the safety of journalists Ersa Siregar and Ferry Santoro, who went missing over the weekend while reporting on the conflict in the northwestern province of Aceh for the private Indonesian television channel RCTI.

Brazil

Radio journalist murdered

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 July 2003 CPJ press release:

Somalia

Two journalists arrested in Mogadishu

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the release of two radio journalists, Abdurahman Mohamed Hudeyfi and Hussein Mohamed Gheedi, who have been held by the Mogadishu police since 30 June 2003.

Bahrain

Journalists on trial face prison time

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

Czech Republic

Diplomat convicted for conspiring to murder journalist

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

Argentina

Threats against journalist continue

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 28 June 2003, journalist Clara Britos, director of "La Tapa" newspaper, located in Guernica, Buenos Aires province, received another threat. When she answered a telephone call in her home, she heard the voice of her 16 year-old son followed by sounds of shouting and gun shots. She received a second phone call a short time later in which a masculine voice said, "Do you want to see him with a bullet in his chest, like Kosteki?"

Indonesia

Japanese photographer released, IFJ condemns restrictions on reporting in Aceh

(IFJ/IFEX) - In a 1 July 2003 letter to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, the IFJ expressed deep concern over the government's attempts to restrict reporting by journalists of the continuing conflict in Aceh.

Zimbabwe

Newspaper executives and lawyer charged under Public Order and Security Act

(MISA/IFEX) - Sam Nkomo, chief executive officer of the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ), publishers of "The Daily News", Moreblessing Mpofu, the newspaper's commercial director, and Gugulethu Moyo, the ANZ's legal advisor, were charged under the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) on 30 June 2003.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED's Tshikapa correspondent assaulted and injured by soldiers; cameraman detained briefly

(JED/IFEX) - On 29 June 2003, at around 5:00 p.m. (local time), Pierre-Sosthène Kambidi, a journalist with the private broadcaster Kilimandjaro, based in Tshikapa (in West Kasai province, central Democratic Republic of Congo), and JED's correspondent in the city, was assaulted by Congolese Armed Forces (Forces armées congolaises, FAC) soldiers at Tshikapa's Kanzala stadium. He suffered an injury to his left eye. The troops were under the command of one Sub-Lieutenant Masiya, who was not otherwise identified. The journalist is being treated for his injury at Tshikapa's Passy medical centre. He lost his cellular phone and the money he had on him during the incident.

Nigeria

Police arrest and beat up journalists during street protests in Abuja

(RSF/IFEX) - On 30 June and 1 July 2003, police in the capital, Abuja, arrested two journalists and beat up three others during union-led street protests against fuel price increases of more than 50 percent.

Iran

Number of journalists held in unknown locations in current crackdown rises to nine

(RSF/IFEX) - On 2 July 2003, RSF condemned the arrest of another journalist in Iran, Ali Akrami. At least nine journalists have been arbitrarily detained in the past few weeks in a crackdown prompted by student demonstrations. Their place of detention is unknown. Their lawyers and relatives have been unable to contact them.