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Alerts - 2003 - October-December

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Cameroon

Authorities order closure of television and radio stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a crackdown on the media in the run-up to the 2004 presidential elections as the authorities ordered about a dozen independent television and radio stations to shut down.

Pakistan

Authorities deny holding journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced dismay at a "state lie" told to High Court judges in Karachi by a high ranking Federal Intelligence Authority (FIA) official. The official denied that the FIA has been holding journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi.

El Salvador

Canadian company files complaint against newspaper

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 26 December 2003 IAPA press release:

Tunisia

RSF calls for case against Neziha Rejiba to be dismissed

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the case to be dropped against "Om Zied" (real name: Neziha Rejiba), editor-in-chief of the online magazine "Kalima", whose appeal trial is scheduled to open on 31 December 2003.

Romania

Journalist attacked and seriously injured

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Vietnam

Writer Nguyen Vu Binh to be tried on espionage charges

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

Indonesia

Journalist Ersa Siregar killed

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

Italy

Prime Minister signs decree giving reprieve to one of his television stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has accused Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi of taking a step that is "a flagrant and shocking example of conflict of interest in the media."

Mauritania

French fortnightly "Afrique Education" missing from news stands for a month

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is worried that the French fortnightly "Afrique Education" may be the victim of indirect censorship in Mauritania, and has called on its Mauritanian distributor to explain the decision to stop distribution.

Georgia

Rocket attack on television station Rustavi 2

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about a rocket attack on 29 December 2003 that shook the Tbilisi headquarters of the television station Rustavi 2 and damaged the building's façade but caused no injuries, although 15 journalists were inside at the time.

Costa Rica

Journalist murdered

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 26 December 2003 IAPA press release:

Algeria

Cartoonist Ali Dilem receives four-month suspended jail sentence and is fined 100,000 dinars

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a four-month suspended jail sentence against cartoonist Ali Dilem, of the daily "Liberté". The sentence was handed down by an Algiers court on 23 December 2003.

Pakistan

French journalists released on bail, petition filed on behalf of Pakistani journalist

(PPF/IFEX) - On 24 December 2003, the Sindh High Court released French journalists Marc Epstein and Jean-Paul Guilloteau on bail of Rs. 100,000 (approx. US$1,750) each. The two journalists were arrested on 16 December on charges of violating the Foreigners Act for visiting the city of Quetta, in Baluchistan, without a proper visa.

Nepal

RSF appeals to UN High Commission for Human Rights over latest wave of arrests of journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed serious concern over the latest wave of arrests and disappearances of journalists in Nepal.

Algeria

RSF dismayed by verdict against journalist Hassan Bourras

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced dismay over the verdict on appeal against Algerian journalist Hassan Bourras. On 23 December 2003, Bourras appeared before a court in Saida, southwestern Algeria. He no longer faces a two-year prison sentence, but was ordered to pay 100,000 dinars (approx. US$1,440; 1,150 euros) in damages and interest, and was fined an additional 10,000 dinars (approx. US$144; 115 euros) for "defamation".

China

Chinese court rejects South Korean photographer's appeal

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

Gabon

CPJ calls for investigation into journalist's death

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 23 December 2003 letter to President Omar Bongo, CPJ called for a thorough, independent, and immediate investigation into the death of Marco Boukoukou Boussaga, editor-in-chief of the privately owned bimonthly newspaper "L'Autre journal", based in the capital, Libreville.

Niger

Director of "Le Républicain" handed four-month suspended prison sentence and fined two million CFA francs

(RSF/IFEX) - On 23 December 2003, a Niamey court handed Mamane Abou, director of the independent weekly "Le Républicain", a four-month suspended prison sentence. The journalist was also ordered to pay a fine of two million CFA francs (approx. US$3,780; 3,050 euros) for defaming former finance minister Ali Badjo Gamatié and current Prime Minister Hama Amadou.

India

Magazine editor released on bail

(RSF/IFEX) - On 20 December 2003, R.R. Gopal, editor of the Tamil-language magazine "Nakkheeran", was released on bail following a Tamil Nadu High Court order.

Turkey

Journalist who criticised the army arrested at Istanbul airport

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the ongoing legal harassment of Erol Ozkoray, former editor-in-chief of "Idea Politika" magazine. The journalist was arrested at Istanbul's Atatürk airport upon his arrival from Paris, on 22 December 2003 at approximately 3:00 p.m. (local time). Ozkoray, who is facing charges in a number of press-related cases, was released the following day.

Pakistan

Detained French journalists end hunger strike

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

China

Cyber-dissident Kong Youping arrested; court rejects appeal hearing for dissident He Depu

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its growing concern as the Chinese authorities' crackdown on the Internet shows signs of worsening. Factory worker Kong Youping, aged 48, was arrested on 13 December 2003 for posting political articles and poems on a foreign website. In addition, on 20 December, Beijing's Court No. 1 dismissed He Depu's application for an appeal. On 6 November, the dissident was sentenced to eight years in prison for publishing essays "inciting subversion".

Haiti

RSF condemns attacks on pro-government radio stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned attacks on the pro-government radio stations Radio Solidarité and Pyramide.

Uzbekistan

Journalist Ruslan Sharipov to remain jailed despite general amnesty

(RSF/IFEX) - On 22 December 2003, National Prisons Administrator Mikhail Gurevich announced that jailed journalist Ruslan Sharipov would not be included in a general amnesty announced by President Islam Karimov on 1 December, because his crime is considered "too serious."

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist threatened by opposition group spokesman in Bouaké

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about threats made by an opposition spokesman against Baba Coulibaly, a correspondent in the northern town of Bouaké for the independent daily "L'Inter" and the Reuters and Pana news agencies. The organisation urged Communications Minister Guillaume Soro to strong condemn the threats. Soro is also secretary general of the Côte d'Ivoire Patriotic Movement (Mouvement patriotique de Côte d'Ivoire, MPCI), an opposition group.

International

IFJ releases report on killings of journalists and media staff in 2003

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

Pakistan

Detained French journalists announce hunger strike, Pakistani journalist's whereabouts remain unknown

(PPF/IFEX) - On 22 December 2003, French journalists Jean-Paul Guilloteau and Marc Epstein, a photographer and reporter, respectively, for the French weekly magazine "L'Express", announced they were going on an "unlimited hunger strike, effective immediately." The two journalists were arrested on 16 December for violating visa regulations.

Moldova

ARTICLE 19 expresses concern over measures taken to transform Teleradio Moldova into a public service broadcaster

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 19 December 2003 ARTICLE 19 letter to President Vladimir Voronin:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Newspaper editor arrested in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - Cyrille Kileba Pok-a-Mes, editor of the Kinshasa-based twice-weekly newspaper "The Post", was arrested on 19 December 2003. The military auditor-general sent an inspector with a summons to pick up the journalist. Kileba was detained from noon to 3:00 p.m. (local time).

Nepal

Journalist arrested

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 19 December 2003, plainclothes security personnel arrested journalist Marika Poudel from the office of Nepal One television station, which operates out of New Delhi, India. A news report said that the security personnel detained Poudel in order to interrogate him and gave assurances that he would be released. Poudel is a Nepal One news reporter. The journalist's whereabouts are currently unknown.

Zimbabwe

RSF calls for reopening of "The Daily News" printing press

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned the actions of Zimbabwe police, who sealed the printing press of "The Daily News" on 19 December 2003. The police acted to thwart the newspaper's attempts to resume publishing after a judge lifted a ban on the paper earlier in the day.

Turkey

Concern over excessive fines recommended in latest draft of press law

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 19 December 2003 joint WiPC and International Publishers' Association (IPA) letter to Minister of Justice Cemil Çiçek:

Cuba

Another imprisoned journalist on hunger strike

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

Sri Lanka

FMM objects to newly formed presidential task force on media freedom

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an 18 December 2003 FMM press release:

Ukraine

RSF calls for full investigation into journalist's death

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Institute for Mass Media (IMI), a Ukrainian press freedom organisation, have called for a full investigation into the death of Volodymyr Karachevtsev, deputy editor-in-chief of the weekly "Kurier". Karachevtsev's body was found in his Melitopol home on 14 December 2003.

Sudan

Police close Al-Jazeera network's Khartoum bureau

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Sudanese police's closure of the Qatar-based satellite television news network Al-Jazeera's Khartoum bureau. Police closed the local bureau and also detained bureau chief Islam Salih for three hours on the evening of 18 December 2003.

Peru

IPYS concerned over legal action against Baruch Ivcher Bronstein

(IPYS/IFEX) - In a 16 December 2003 letter to Judge María Margarita Grados Grados, of Lima's 31st Criminal Court, IPYS expressed concern over the reopening of legal action against the owner of Frecuencia Latina Canal 2 television station, businessman Baruch Ivcher Bronstein, and his former colleagues, José Cabello Ortega, Julio Genaro Sotelo Casanova and Benjamín Gustavo Lazo Cieza. The charge against the four men relates to the alleged falsification in 1994 of Frecuencia Latina financial records.

Haiti

Wave of attacks reported against journalists and radio stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed serious concern about the deteriorating situation in Haiti, where nearly a dozen media outlets have been closed or been victims of violence or harassment since 16 December 2003.

Colombia

Journalist assassinated

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

Peru

Murder attempt against American journalist in Lima

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is deeply concerned over a violent attack against American journalist Sharon Stevenson, which the organisation said appears to have been connected with her work.

Croatia

Attack against one of private television station's owners

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Canadian firm seeks US$15 million in damages and interest from "Le Potentiel" newspaper

(JED/IFEX) - In a recent fax from the law firm Herzog, Fox & Neeman, based in Tel-Aviv, Israel, Yaakov Neeman, a lawyer for EMAXON International Finance Inc, a Canadian subsidiary of the Israeli diamond firm DGI Group of Companies, demanded that the Kinshasa-based daily "Le Potentiel" publish a correction to a recent story that appeared in the paper entitled, "Diamonds: the MIBA forces EMAXON to increase the price of shipment M10-03". The fax was dated 17 December 2003 and addressed to the newspaper's secretary-general. The article was published in "Le Potentiel"'s 16 December edition (issue 3001).

Indonesia

IFJ demands that government remove obstacles impeding the release of journalists held hostage in Aceh

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ media release, followed by an IFJ letter to President Megawati Sukarnoputri:

International

PEN issues report on "Anti-terrorism, Writers and Freedom of Expression"

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 16 December 2003 WiPC press release:

Peru

Journalist attacked by political party members

(IPYS/IFEX) - Three members of the Peruvian Aprista Party (PAP) assaulted journalist Edwin Azaña Alejos, a reporter and camera operator for "The Power of Information" ("El Poder de la Información") programme, broadcast on Channel 31 television station in Chimbote, Santa province, in the Ancash region. The journalist was covering the election of the party's new regional executive.

Ethiopia

IPI calls on government to abandon draft press law

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 17 December 2003 IPI press release:

International

Joint declaration from UN, OSCE and OAS representatives on freedom of expression

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint declaration by the United Nations (UN), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Organization of American States (OAS) representatives on freedom of expression:

International

Freedom House survey notes global freedom gains amid terror, uncertainty

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

Lebanon

NTV television suspended for 48 hours

(RSF/IFEX) - In a letter to Lebanese Information Minister Michel Samaha, RSF branded a 48-hour ban on news and political broadcasts on New Television (NTV), an independent television station, as "harassment." The ban began on 16 December 2003 at 3:00 p.m. (local time).

Brazil

IAPA welcomes sentencing of journalist's murderer

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

Venezuela

Television station fined, confiscated equipment not returned

(IPYS/IFEX) - The National Telecommunications Commission (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, CONATEL) has fined Globovisión television station US$360,750 and will not be returning equipment that was confiscated from the station on 3 October 2003. Globovisión, a 24-hour news station that has taken a clear position against President Hugo Chávez's government, was accused of "illegal frequency use".

Pakistan

Journalist missing; RSF calls for release of two French journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Pakistani authorities to release two French journalists, reporter Marc Epstein and photographer Jean-Paul Guilloteau, who were arrested on 16 December 2003 in Karachi for violating regulations governing the "circulation of foreigners". They had travelled to Quetta, near the western border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan

Two French journalists arrested in Karachi for violating immigration laws

(PPF/IFEX) - Two French journalists were arrested in Karachi on the night of 16 December 2003 for violating Pakistan's immigration laws. They were remanded to the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for investigation until 24 December.

Italy

IFJ welcomes president's decision to block communications law

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

Zimbabwe

Government to introduce measures to police cyberspace

(MISA/IFEX) - The Zimbabwean government is planning to introduce new measures to police all broadcast and Internet-based information circulation in a bid to control the flow of information in the country, "The Daily Mirror" reported on 9 December 2003.

China

Cyber-dissident arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - Computer firm employee Zhang Shengqi has been arrested for publishing articles on the Internet in support of a banned Christian church.

Ukraine

IPI concerned over circumstances surrounding journalist's death

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

Sri Lanka

FMM condemns ban on government advertising in state media

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 15 December 2003 FMM press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Religious broadcaster RTMV returns to the airwaves after six months of forced silence

(JED/IFEX) - Message de vie Radiotelevision (RTMV), a Kinshasa-based religious broadcaster owned by Pastor Fernando Kutino's Army of Victory Church (Église Armée de Victoire), resumed its broadcasts on 14 December 2003 after six months of forced silence.

Kazakhstan

ARTICLE 19 urges president to withdraw draft mass media law from consideration

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 15 December 2003 ARTICLE 19 open letter to President Nursultan Nazarbayev:

Nigeria

Journalists' union protests intimidation and harassment by police

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

Kuwait

Concerns for health of detained writer, journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC is seriously concerned about the detention of writer, journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib, who was arrested on 30 November 2003 and is believed to be detained in connection with a lecture he had given. Yasser al-Habib is said to have collapsed during one of his interrogation sessions, and there are serious concerns for his health.

Nepal

Journalist missing

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Ram Krishna Adhikari, a reporter for the weekly "Saghu", has been missing since 10 December 2003. He was last seen attending a human rights event organised by the Human Rights Organization of Nepal (HURON), at the Hotel Orchid in Kathmandu. According to the weekly's editor, Gopal Budhathoki, the journalist may have been detained by security forces and held at a secret location.

Guinea

Issue of newspaper banned

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) alert:

Zimbabwe

Journalist detained, equipment confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - Martin Chimenya, a journalist for the Voice of the People Communications Trust (VOP), was arrested on 8 December 2003 in the city of Masvingo, 293 kilometres south of the capital, Harare.

Nigeria

Journalist receives death threats, goes into hiding

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

Burkina Faso

Devastating new testimony against Presidential Guard in Norbert Zongo murder case

(RSF/IFEX) - Until recently, the investigation into the 13 December 1998 murder of journalist Norbert Zongo was at a standstill. Now, however, new testimony could see Examining Judge Wenceslas Ilboudo reopen his investigation. Although six suspects were named by the independent commission of inquiry set up the day after the death of the editor, only Warrant Officer Marcel Kafando has been charged to date.

Chile

Television executives and journalists face legal action

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 December 2003, Judge Gabriela Pérez, of the Santiago Appeals Court, charged several Chilevisión television station executives and journalists with violating Article 161-A of the Criminal Code.

Peru

Journalist's phone tapped

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 December 2003, journalist Rosa María Palacios, director and host of the "Tribuna Libre" programme, broadcast on Channel 6 cable television station, announced that her phone is being tapped after she discovered a wireless microphone attached to the telephone cable line at her home. Palacios is a member of IPYS's board of directors and the organisation is very concerned over these allegations.

Indonesia

Army harassment forces Aceh-based biweekly to close

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Indonesian army's harassment of the independent biweekly "Beudoh", in the troubled province of Aceh. The newspaper was recently forced to suspend publication.

Colombia

Columnist fined and sentenced to three days in jail

(FLIP/IFEX) - Lisandro Duque, a columnist and film director, has been sentenced to three days in jail and a fine equal to five months' minimum salary (approximately 1,620,000 pesos; US$576) for having failed to comply with a judicial order.

Bangladesh

CPJ condemns violent attacks on journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 December 2003 CPJ letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia:

International

"Political and moral divide" must be bridged before the digital divide, says WAN

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an 11 December 2003 WAN press release:

Tonga

King signs constitutional amendment banning independent newspaper, press laws reintroduced

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has criticised Tongan King Taufaahau Tupou IV's decision to sign constitutional amendments and reintroduce press laws that allow his government to maintain a ban on the independent newspaper "Taimi o' Tonga". The king signed the amendments into law on 5 December 2003.

China

Cyber-dissident Li Zhi sentenced to eight years in prison

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a WAN and World Editors Forum (WEF) letter to Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang:

Bangladesh

Ruling party activists attack journalists in Jhalakathi and Barisal

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed shock over a campaign of violence and intimidation led by members of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against journalists in the southern districts of Jhalakathi and Barisal.

Iraq

Two journalists wounded in grenade attack

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

Chile

Draft privacy law a grave setback for free expression, says Human Rights Watch

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 10 December 2003 Human Rights Watch press release:

Cuba

Journalist Adolfo Fernández Saínz attacked by fellow prisoner

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the harsh jail conditions of Cuban journalists and dissidents and accused the authorities of setting them up for attack by fellow prisoners after journalist Adolfo Fernández Saínz was beaten unconscious by a cell mate.

International

RSF announces winners of 2003 RSF-Fondation de France Prize

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 10 December 2003 RSF press statement:

Kuwait

Letter bomb injures editor's secretary

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

France

Radio Non Grata forced off the air

(RSF/IFEX) - On 10 December 2003, RSF was forced to suspend broadcasting of Radio Non Grata, the pirate station it launched on 9 December in the Geneva area to protest against its exclusion from the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which got underway in Geneva on 9 December.

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 criticises proposed press law

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

Colombia

RSF concerned over outcome in trial of journalist Jaime Garzón's killers

(RSF/IFEX) - On 9 December 2003, as the final hearing began in the trial of Juan Pablo Ortiz Agudelo and Edilberto Antonio Sierra Ayala, the two main suspects in the 1999 murder of journalist and humorist Jaime Garzón, RSF warned of the danger of a miscarriage of justice resulting from a mishandled investigation.

Azerbaijan

Press freedom curtailed since Ilham Aliev's election as president, RSF says

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

Nepal

Journalist arrested, another journalist attacked

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 3 December 2003, the security forces arrested Bhai Kaji Ghimire, managing director of "Samadristi" monthly magazine, based in Kalimati, Kathmandu. The incident occurred while Ghimire was heading to work on his motorcycle. According to a statement issued by his wife, Pumpha Ghimire, the journalist's whereabouts remain unknown.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED annual report highlights improving press freedom situation in 2003

(JED/IFEX) - The following is a 9 December 2003 JED press release:

International

"Knowledge societies" impossible without freedom of expression, says WAN

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

International

Coalition issues resolutions on press freedom violations prior to WSIS

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

Canada

CJFE calls for end to criminal prosecution of author

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

Tunisia

Coalition on press freedom calls for information summit to abandon Tunisia

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

Lebanon

RSF fears broadcast media may be threatened following television station owner's arrest

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has warned the Lebanese authorities against obstructing press freedom following the arrest of commercial television station owner Tahsin Khayat. The organisation urged political leaders not to sacrifice diversity in news media, especially in broadcast media, because of political rivalries.

Liberia

Rebels attack Japanese journalist, notebook seized

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) alert:

Uganda

Radio journalist assaulted, media censored

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned renewed threats to press freedom in Uganda. A radio journalist was attacked on 7 December 2003 while covering an opposition meeting and a ban was recently announced on reporting the assets of leading government figures.

Pakistan

RSF condemns threats against journalist Amir Mir

(RSF/IFEX) - As Pakistani Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali arrived on an official visit to France, RSF drew the French government's attention to a campaign of intimidation against respected investigative journalist Amir Mir that has been ongoing since March 2003.

Iran

Journalist Emadoldin Baghi given one-year jail sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over the suspended one-year jail sentence that Tehran's Sixth Revolutionary Court has given journalist Emadoldin Baghi. The court did not offer an explanation for the sentence.

Poland

IFJ condemns gag order on two independent publications

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

China

Cyber-dissident sentenced to two years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - A court in Xian, northwestern China, has sentenced biology professor Yan Jun, aged 32, to two years in prison for publishing several "subversive" essays on the Internet. In one of his writings, the cyber-dissident condemned the lack of press freedom in China.

International

International PEN congress condemns attacks on writers worldwide

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 4 December 2003 WiPC press release:

South Africa

MISA applauds withdrawal of subpoena issued to journalist

(MISA/IFEX) - MISA-South Africa (MISA-SA) applauds the Hefer Commission of Inquiry's decision to set aside a subpoena and "invitations" issued to former "Sunday Times" newspaper journalist Ranjeni Munusamy and several other journalists and editors.

China

Internet publisher Huang Qi placed in solitary confinement after visit from RSF delegation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its concern after jailed webmaster Huang Qi was transferred to a harsh prison regime, including a spell in solitary confinement, after representatives from the organisation tried to visit him at a top security prison. RSF also called for the prisoner of conscience's early release. He has already spent more than three years in prison in tough conditions.

Ethiopia

IFJ and IPI condemn suspension of independent journalists' association EFJA

(IFJ/IPI/IFEX) - The following is a joint IFJ and IPI press release:

Rwanda

RSF welcomes life sentences against two journalists in hate media trial

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the life sentences passed against Ferdinand Nahimana, a founder of Radio-Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), and Hassan Ngeze, former editor of "Kangura" magazine. The International Criminal Tribunal of Rwanda (ICTR), based in Arusha, Tanzania, announced the sentences on 3 December 2003. The two journalists were convicted for their role in the 1994 genocide that took 800,000 lives. Jean-Bosco Barayagwiza, another RTLM staff member, was sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Venezuela

Photojournalist harassed in Ciudad Guayana

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 30 November 2003, photojournalist César Rojas was harassed when he went to cover the last day to collect signatures for a recall referendum against President Hugo Chávez. The incident took place at a signature collection booth in a parking lot in the Alta Vista Norte area of the city of Ciudad Guayana, southern Venezuela. A representative of the Coordinadora Democrática opposition organisation, which was promoting the referendum against Chávez, insulted Rojas and insisted that he leave.

Burma

CPJ concerned over journalist's death sentence

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

Egypt

Human Rights Watch expresses concern on eve of activist's trial

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

Zimbabwe

Journalist assaulted and abducted, equipment confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 30 November 2003, Bright Chibvuri, an editor for "The Worker" newspaper, was kidnapped by alleged Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) youths and state security agents in Kadoma, approximately 292 kilometres from the capital, Harare. The incident occurred while Chibvuri was covering a parliamentary by-election.

Haiti

Two years after journalist Brignol Lindor's brutal murder, impunity continues

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the entrenched impunity in the case of Haitian journalist Brignol Lindor, of provincial radio station Echo 2000. On 2 December 2001, the journalist was stoned and hacked to death by ruling party supporters in the town where he worked, Petit-Goâve.

Romania

Journalist severely beaten

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the brutal attack on Ino Ardelean, who covers local politics and corruption cases for the daily "Evenimentul Zilei" in the western city of Timisoara. Ardelean was attacked by thugs on the evening of 3 December 2003 as he was going home and was beaten until he lost consciousness. He was hospitalised with head injuries and two fractures to his jaw.

Georgia

Explosion rocks state television headquarters

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about a blast that shook the headquarters of the state television company in Tbilisi on the evening of 3 December 2003. The explosion caused damage but no injuries and did not interrupt broadcasts.

Algeria

RSF calls for dismissal of case against journalist Hassan Bourras

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged an Algerian court to dismiss a case against journalist Hassan Bourras. The journalist was sentenced to two years in prison on 6 November 2003 but was temporarily released on 2 December after the plaintiff failed to appear in court.

Tanzania

"Dira" newspaper warned against online publishing

(MISA/IFEX) - The Zanzibar government has threatened to take legal action against the editorial board of the banned weekly "Dira" if it attempts to publish the newspaper on the Internet.

Côte d'Ivoire

RSF joins inquiry into French journalist's murder and deplores ongoing hostility towards foreign media

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has announced that it has officially joined the investigation into the 21 October 2003 murder in Côte d'Ivoire of Radio France International (RFI) journalist Jean Hélène. The organisation also deplored the climate of hatred and tension fuelled by media on both sides in the country's civil war and noted that it endangers the lives of local and foreign journalists.

Ethiopia

EFJA protests suspension of executive committee members

(EFJA/IFEX) - In a 2 December 2003 letter to EFJA, the Ministry of Justice's Associations' Registration Office announced that it was suspending the following EFJA executive committee members from their positions:

United States

IPI stresses need for fundamental change in U.S. visa regulations for journalists following detention of Austrian journalist

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge:

Philippines

CPJ investigating circumstances behind journalist's murder

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

South Korea

Conference participants express concern over proposal to amend broadcasting law

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 December 2003 statement from participants in the IFJ's Challenge of Public Broadcasting in Asia conference, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 1 to 3 December:

Italy

RSF urges president to veto broadcasting law to protect press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi to veto the Gasparri Law on Television Broadcasting. The law was passed by Parliament on 2 December 2003. The organisation believes it is a threat to press freedom.

China

RSF challenges 14 major Internet and computer firms to review their activities in China

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the heads of 14 leading international corporations who supply computer and Internet equipment to China to take a stand against the government's repression of the Internet.

Morocco

Renewed anxiety over journalist Ali Lmrabet's latest hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its concern for the health of journalist Ali Lmrabet, who, already weakened by a 50-day hunger strike that he ended on 24 June 2003, started a new hunger strike on 30 November.

Colombia

Journalist detained by police in Norte de Santander

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 30 November 2003, Ricardo Perea Vargas, a journalist for the environmental issues magazine "Regeneracción", was detained by officers of the National Police's intelligence unit (Seccional de Inteligencia Judicial Investigativa de la Policía Nacional, SIJIN) at a checkpoint close to Los Patios municipality, in Norte de Santander department.

Tunisia

French president urged to push for media freedom during his state visit to Tunisia

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on French President Jacques Chirac to do everything possible to get his Tunisian counterpart, Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, to allow a free and independent media in the country. Chirac is visiting Tunisia on 3 and 4 December 2003.

Pakistan

Editor threatened, his car set on fire; journalist tortured by military

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

Belarus

Court declares missing journalist dead

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

Burma

Editor-in-chief of sports magazine sentenced to death

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Burma Media Association (BMA) have voiced outrage over the death sentences passed by a military court on 28 November 2003 against sports journalist Zaw Thet Htway and eight other persons for allegedly trying to kill members of Burma's military junta.

Sudan

"Khartoum Monitor" suspended for seventh time in 2003

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate lifting of the ban on the "Khartoum Monitor", Sudan's only English-language daily, which was suspended for the seventh time in 2003 on 24 November, this time indefinitely. The state security crimes prosecutor said the newspaper "does not serve the interests of Sudan, its people or national stability."

Ethiopia

EFJA executive committee banned from carrying out the organisation's activities

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

Azerbaijan

Arrested editor begins hunger strike, other journalists join him

(JuHI/IFEX) - Rauf Arifoglu, editor-in-chief of "Yeni Musavat", the most popular opposition daily in Azerbaijan, began a hunger strike on 1 December 2003 to protest over his treatment by the authorities.

Papua New Guinea

Reporter assaulted by police officers

(PINA/IFEX) - The following is a PINA statement:

China

Internet essayist Du Daobin charged with "subversion", remains in jail

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

Colombia

Journalist harassed by military official

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 27 November 2003, Beatriz Elena Mantilla, a correspondent for the daily "Vanguardia Liberal", based in Barrancabermeja, received a telephone call from the Nueva Granada battalion commander, Colonel Ricardo Bernal. According to the journalist, Bernal said, "As of today, I declare you a 'persona non grata' in the battalion and I myself am going to make sure that the state security forces know what kind of person you are."

Nigeria

Journalists arrested, three others released on bail

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) alert:

Bangladesh

Magazine editor held on charge of spying for Israel

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its dismay over the arrest of magazine editor Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury. Choudhury was arrested in Dakha on 29 November 2003 as he was about to leave for Israel to take part in a symposium. He is accused of spying for Israel on the basis of the text of a speech he was to have given on the media's role in the dialogue between Muslims and Jews. He could be charged with "sedition", a crime that is punishable by death in Bangladesh.

China

Cyber-dissident Jiang Lijun sentenced to four years in prison

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a WAN and World Editors Forum (WEF) letter to Public Security Minister Zhou Yongkang:

Sri Lanka

FMM welcomes proposal for formation of independent media council

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 30 November 2003 FMM press release:

Nigeria

"Daily Independent" journalist beaten and threatened; three "Insider" magazine journalists arrested and charged with sedition and defamation of character

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

Philippines

Radio broadcaster killed

(CMFR/IFEX) - Radio broadcaster Nelson Nadura was murdered in Masbate, 250 kilometres from Manila, on 2 December 2003. He was the seventh journalist killed this year in the Philippines. CMFR notes that this is the worst recorded number of journalists killed in the Philippines, surpassing the record of six in 1987.

China

Internet essayist Liu Di released on bail

(RSF/IFEX) - The Chinese authorities have released Internet essayist Liu Di on bail. Her family told RSF that police released her from secret detention on 28 November 2003 and that she had returned to her home in Beijing. The 23-year-old student had been held incommunicado since November 2002, after she posted messages on online discussion forums using the pseudonym "stainless steel mouse". Two other cyber-dissidents - Wu Yiran, aged 34, and Li Yibin, aged 29 - were also released the same day.

Colombia

Human rights worker receives death threats

(FLIP/IFEX) - FLIP condemns all threats and harassment against individuals who disseminate information related to human rights issues. The latest victim is Adriana Cuéllar, head of communications for the "José Alvear Restrepo" Lawyers' Collective (Colectivo de Abogados "José Alvear Restrepo").

Honduras

Journalist assassinated in Santa Rosa de Copán

(PFC/IFEX) - On the night of 26 November 2003, journalist Germán Antonio Rivas was shot and killed. He was the managing director of Corporación Maya Visión-Channel 7 television station, which broadcasts from the western city of Santa Rosa de Copán, on the border with Guatemala. Rivas is the first journalist to have been killed in Honduras.

Morocco

US secretary of state urged to seek journalists' release during meeting with King Mohamed VI

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on United States (US) Secretary of State Colin Powell to persuade King Mohammed VI to release imprisoned journalists when he meets with him during an official visit to Morocco on 2 December 2003.

Philippines

Armed men raid Davao radio station

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 23 November 2003, armed men stormed Radyo Natin (RN) radio station in Lupon town, Davao Oriental (123 kilometres from Davao City, southern Philippines). The men beat up a staff member after he refused to reveal the whereabouts of his boss and an anchor.

Peru

Journalist prevented from leaving country

(IPYS/IFEX) - Juan Carlos Tafur Rivera, a journalist and director of the daily "Correo", was prevented from leaving Peru on the evening of 22 November 2003. Tafur Rivera had planned to participate in an event hosted by the Federation of Latin American Banks (Federación Latinoamericana de Bancos), which was to take place in Miami from 23 to 25 November.

South Africa

Judge rules that handing over copies of articles for public preview represents "unnecessary burden" for newspapers

(MISA/IFEX) - On 13 November 2003, Judge Essop Patel delivered a ruling that should give some relief to media operations and journalists who are harassed by sources and others threatening litigation to obtain copies of news articles before they are published, MISA said.

Indonesia

Human Rights Watch report accuses government of blocking journalists from covering military campaign in Aceh

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

Turkmenistan

Authorities persecute Radio Liberty correspondent

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the authorities to cease their harassment of Saparmurat Ovezberdiev, a correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Turkmen-language service in Ashgabat. The journalist has been tailed, beaten up, drugged and illegally detained by police over the past few months.

Bangladesh

Ruling party activists threaten to cut off journalist's hands

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over ruling party activists' renewed involvement in violence against journalists. In the latest incident, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) activists threatened to cut off the hands of Shawkat Milton, a correspondent from the Bengali-language newspaper "Janakantha" in the southern city of Patuakhali. They have also prevented the newspaper's distribution since 23 November 2003.

International / Uzbekistan

Uzbek journalist wins Golden Pen of Freedom

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

Tanzania

Zanzibar government bans newspaper

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

Iraq

Iraqi Governing Council bans satellite television station Al-Arabiya

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Iraqi Governing Council to reverse its decision banning the Dubai-based satellite television news channel Al-Arabiya from operating in Iraq until it signs a written commitment not to encourage terrorism. The ban was announced on 24 November 2003. RSF also condemned the government's use of police to close the station's offices in the Baghdad district of Al-Mansur.

Ukraine

RSF warns of risk of abuse over government's Internet regulation

(RSF/IFEX) - On 18 November 2003, Parliament gave first reading to a draft law on computer domain use. The text, which leaves wide scope for interpretation, gives the authorities new judicial means to censor online publications. It follows other measures undertaken by the Ukrainian authorities to establish their control of the Internet.

Nepal

Journalist released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 22 November 2003, security forces released journalist Navin Pun (also known as "Bivas") after two months of detention. Pun lives in the Dang district. He is associated with the Indigenous Journalists' Association and is also the editor of "Adibasi Forum" and "Aakhijhyal" magazines, which are published in Dang, and a columnist for "Nischal" newspaper, which is published in Kathmandu.

Iran

RSF calls for an end to impunity for murderers and those behind serial killings of intellectuals and journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - To mark the fifth anniversary of the serial murders of a number of journalists and intellectuals, RSF has called on the Iranian authorities to put an end to the impunity enjoyed by the murderers and those who instigated the killings.

Sierra Leone

Police seize newspaper's equipment

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

International

WAN releases report on half-year review of press freedom world-wide

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

Saudi Arabia / Malaysia

Editor-in-chief of Malaysian daily "New Straits Times" fired as a result of Saudi pressure

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the dismissal of "New Straits Times" editor-in-chief Abdullah Ahmad on 21 November 2003, following the direct intervention of Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The prime minister said the editor-in-chief's dismissal came as a result of a report about Saudi Arabian policies.

Azerbaijan

IFJ accuses government of stifling dissent following elections

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 November 2003 IFJ media release:

Ireland

WAN concerned about plans to establish a statutory press council

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 20 November 2003 WAN and World Editors Forum (WEF) letter to Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern. A similar letter was also sent to Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Michael McDowell:

Tunisia

Journalist fined and given eight-month suspended sentence

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

Rwanda

CPJ concerned about detention of journalists and seizure of newspaper

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

Argentina

Journalist harassed following investigation into human rights violations under dictatorship

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 19 November 2003, José Vales, a correspondent for the Mexican daily "El Universal" in Argentina, informed PERIODISTAS that he has been harassed since publicising the results of his investigation into former Argentine military personnel who committed human rights violations under the dictatorship.

France

Parliament urged to strike down restrictive amendment to press law

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on party leaders in the lower house of the French Parliament (the Chamber of Deputies) to strike down an amendment to the country's press law, calling it "a frontal attack on the rights of journalists and a threat to investigative reporting."

Mozambique

Three years after Carlos Cardoso's murder, the identity of all those involved is still unknown

(RSF/IFEX) - Carlos Cardoso, Mozambique's most famous journalist, was gunned down on a Maputo street on 22 November 2000. Three years later, the identity of all the persons involved in his death is still unknown, even though six people were convicted in an exemplary trial. At least one of the instigators behind the contract killing is still at large. This is the main conclusion of a report issued by RSF on 21 November 2003.

China

Jailed Internet publisher Huang Qi's wife accuses prison authorities of torturing her husband

(RSF/IFEX) - In an exclusive interview with the French television station TF1's news anchor, Patrick Poivre d'Arvor, Zeng Li, the wife of jailed Internet publisher Huang Qi, has accused the Chinese authorities of persecuting and torturing her husband. The interview was conducted in Chengdu, in southwestern China, and broadcast during TF1's 8:00 p.m. newscast on 20 November 2003.

India

Journalist abducted and allegedly killed

(IFJ/IFEX) - In a letter to the Assam governor, retired lieutenant general Ajai Singh, the IFJ expressed great concern over the abduction and alleged death of journalist Indra Mohan Hakasam, a local correspondent from Goalpara, Assam, working for "Amar Assam", an Assamese daily published in the city of Guwahati.

Iraq

Rockets hit Baghdad hotels used by journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the rocket attacks on the Palestine and Sheraton hotels in Baghdad, which both house journalists, on the morning of 21 November 2003. The organisation urged all parties in Iraq, including coalition armies, armed groups, terrorists and bandits, not to harm representatives of the news media, who are working as neutral observers in the field.

Rwanda

Publication director and four staff members of the weekly "Umuseso" arrested and detained

(RSF/IFEX) - Robert Sebufilira, publication director of the independent weekly "Umuseso", was arrested on 19 November 2003, close to the Ugandan border. The journalist had travelled to the area to pick up 4,000 copies of his weekly's most recent issue. "Umuseso" is published in Uganda, where printing costs are cheaper. Sebufilira was immediately transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (Département d'investigations criminelles, CID) in the capital, Kigali.

Ecuador

President demands that newspaper reveal its sources

(PFC/IFEX) - On 14 November 2003, President Lucio Gutiérrez demanded that "El Comercio" newspaper reveal its sources for a story about an alleged donation to the president's electoral campaign by an individual implicated in drug trafficking. Gutiérrez warned he would resort to "legal measures to obtain the names from 'El Comercio'" if the paper failed to reveal its sources.

Argentina

Judge orders seizure of daily's printing equipment

(PFC/IFEX) - On 30 September 2003, First Instance Judge Susana Rebaudengo, who presides over civil, commercial and labour matters in the city of Rafaela, Santa Fe province, ordered the seizure of printing equipment belonging to the daily "Castellanos". The seizure order was issued to cover a US$15,688 fine resulting from a civil suit brought against the newspaper by the city's mayor, Ricardo Peirone, for alleged "damage to his honour." On 14 November, an official from the tribunal arrived at the "Castellanos" offices to serve notice of the order.

Zimbabwe

Photojournalist assaulted; Media Monitoring Project of Zimbabwe director arrested

(MISA/IFEX) - On 18 November 2003, Shadreck Pongo, a photojournalist with "The Standard" newspaper, was severely beaten and injured by police officers in Harare while covering a nation-wide demonstration organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

Nepal

Journalist missing

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Dhana Bahadur Magar, a Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) Central Council member and secretary of the FNJ's Kathmandu section, has been missing since 18 November 2003. According to FNJ Kathmandu Section President Hari Lamsal, Magar was last seen going shopping for stationery at about 3:15 p.m. (local time) that day. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Ghana

ARTICLE 19 publishes analysis of draft freedom of information law

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

Cuba

Journalist tells CPJ of physical and psychological torture while in prison

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

Tunisia

Internet journalist Zouhair Yahyaoui released after 18 months in jail

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the conditional release of Tunisian cyber-dissident Zouhair Yahyaoui on 18 November 2003, after more than 18 months in prison. He had criticised the regime of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on the Internet.

Greece

National Radio and Television Council fines television station for showing two men kissing

(GHM/IFEX) - The following is a 16 November 2003 GHM press release:

Zimbabwe

ANZ application dismissed

(MISA/IFEX) - On 14 November 2003, the Magistrate Court dismissed an application by four Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ) directors, in which they asked the court to drop the charges laid against them.

Macedonia

ARTICLE 19 issues memorandum on draft law on Free Access to Public Information

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - ARTICLE 19 has announced the publication of a memorandum on the draft law on Free Access to Public Information.

Cameroon

Government bans radio station; another station still banned

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the government's shutdown of Radio Veritas, a station founded and run by Cardinal Christian Tumi, a leading critic of President Paul Biya.

Ukraine

IFJ announces launch of independent inquiry into murder of reporter

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 November 2003 IFJ media release:

South Africa

Information law may muzzle media

(MISA/IFEX) - Lawyers for a Cape businessman have applied for an urgent interdict and have brought an Access to Information challenge against the "Cape Argus" newspaper to prevent it from publishing an article, which they allege is "defamatory" and "injures [their] client's dignity."

Argentina

Court reduces sentences of journalist's killers

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 13 November 2003, the First Chamber of the Buenos Aires Province Appeals Court reduced the sentences handed down to the individuals convicted of assassinating José Luis Cabezas, a photojournalist for "Noticias" magazine. Because of a number of legal stipulations, some of those imprisoned for the murder could be released in late 2004.

Iraq / United States

Criminal proceedings launched against three US soldiers in cameraman José Couso's death

(RSF/IFEX) - On 13 November 2003, RSF officially associated itself with the criminal proceedings launched in Spain against the three American soldiers responsible for shelling the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad on 8 April, killing Spanish cameraman José Couso.

Botswana

Government suspends radio programme segment, limits television coverage of political parties

(MISA/IFEX) - Botswana's government has suspended a segment of Radio Botswana's popular morning programme "Masa-a-sele" ("Morning has broken"), saying, "it is not accountable."

Argentina

Ten years later, journalist's murder remains unsolved

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 13 November 2003, the Human Rights Secretariat promised it would ask the courts to reopen the file on journalist Mario Bonino's assassination. Bonino's body was found on 15 November 1993, floating in the Riachuelo river, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Sudan

Newspaper suspended, two journalists arrested and released, four others summoned

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate reappearance of the Arabic-language daily "Al-Ayam", which was suspended on 16 November 2003. The organisation has also condemned the harassment of journalists by the security services.

Algeria

Journalist gets two-year prison sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of journalist Hassan Bourras, who was recently handed a two-year prison sentence for libel after reporting on corruption by local officials in the western part of the country.

Niger

Radio station director released from detention

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA-Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) alert:

Azerbaijan

Leading opposition dailies forced to suspend publication

(JuHI/IFEX) - Six leading daily newspapers issued a joint statement on 15 November 2003, saying they have been forced to suspend publication due to a paper shortage. This comes after the most popular dailies, including "Azadliq", "Yeni Musavat", "Baki Khaber", "Hurriyyet", "Yeni Zaman" and the Russian-language paper "Novoye Vremya", were forced out of the state printing press following the 15 October presidential election.

Cuba

Independent journalist Bernardo Arévalo Padrón released after six years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 13 November 2003 release of independent journalist Bernardo Arévalo Padrón after six years in prison for "insulting" President Fidel Castro and Vice-President Carlos Lage.

Nepal

Journalist detained, physically assaulted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 13 November 2003, the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) arrested and detained journalist Sharad Adhikari in Ghorahi, Dang district (western Nepal). RNA personnel arrested Adhikari at about 8:30 a.m. (local time) at his Ghorahi residence. He was blindfolded and taken away in a white Jeep, which was parked about 500 metres from his home.

Iraq

CPJ condemns attack on Portuguese journalists, expresses concern over welfare of kidnapped reporter

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

South Africa

FXI alarmed over rising number of cases affecting media freedom

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

Georgia

Election Commission cancels accreditation of main independent television station

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the national Election Commission's decision to cancel the accreditation of the country's only truly independent television station, Rustavi 2, and stressed that Georgians needed impartial information during a time of serious political disturbances.

Iraq

Portuguese journalist attacked and kidnapped by armed men

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Portuguese journalist Carlos Raleiras, who was attacked and kidnapped by armed men in southern Iraq, near the Kuwaiti border, on 14 November 2003.

South Africa

IPI disappointed by court's decision to reject journalist's right of confidentiality

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

Algeria

Newspaper columnist gets six-month jail sentence for libel

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the six-month prison sentence for libel against journalist Sid Ahmed Semiane (better known by the pseudonym "S.A.S.") and said it is alarmed over the Algerian government's continuing harassment of the independent press.

Russia

Court releases imprisoned journalist

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

Zimbabwe

Publishers of "The Daily News" seek order to resume operations

(MISA/IFEX) - On 12 November 2003, the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ), publishers of "The Daily News" and "The Daily News on Sunday", filed a High Court application seeking an order to resume operations.

Nepal

Journalist Babita Basnet interrogated; poet Balaram Sharma released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 13 November 2003, Royal Nepal Army personnel interrogated Babita Basnet, editor of the weekly "Ghatana Ra Bichar", for approximately one-and-a-half hours. The security forces asked her about a news report on Lieutenant General Bibek Kumar Shah in the weekly's 12 November edition. King Gyanendra reportedly dismissed Shah from his position as military secretary earlier in the week.

Zambia

Television station ordered closed again

(MISA/IFEX) - On 11 November 2003, Omega TV, a privately-owned, free-to-air television station based in Lusaka, was ordered closed following the reversal of a High Court order allowing it to continue its test broadcasts.

Niger

Radio station staff arrested

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) alert:

Equatorial Guinea

Journalist released from police detention

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

Bangladesh

Journalist released on bail

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

Cuba

CPJ concerned about imprisoned journalists' welfare

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

Vietnam

Writer sentenced to 10-month prison term

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

Bangladesh

Journalists attacked, police suspect assailants were targeting witness in Sultan case

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

Sudan

Persecuted journalist flees Sudan

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

Vietnam

CPJ calls for writer's release on eve of his trial

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

South Africa

High Court dismisses journalist's application for review of subpoena

(MISA/FXI/IFEX) - The following is an 11 September 2003 FXI, MISA-South Africa, Media Workers Association of Southern Africa and South African National Editors' Forum joint statement:

Ethiopia

RSF condemns government suspension of independent journalists' association EFJA

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned as intimidation the government's closure of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) following its strong criticism of a harsh new press law due to come into effect by the end of 2003.

Nepal

Journalists expelled from rebel stronghold area

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 8 November 2003, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels expelled reporters Ishori Neupane and Kishor Jung Thapa, of "The Kathmandu Post" daily and "Gorkhapatra Daily", from their Khanibaas stronghold area, in northern Gorkha.

Colombia

Journalist assassinated in Santa Marta

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 November 2003, journalist Zully Esther Codina was assassinated in the city of Santa Marta, in Magdalena department. The 49-year-old journalist hosted the "Entérese" opinion programme, broadcast every Saturday on Radio Rodadero Todelar. During the week, she worked at the Julio Méndez Barreneche central hospital in Santa Marta.

India

IPI condemns use of assembly resolution to punish the press

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an 11 November 2003 IPI letter to Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee:

Mozambique

Journalist detained and interrogated

(MISA/IFEX) - During the weekend of 8 to 9 November 2003, Radio Mozambique journalist Salvador Januario was detained by members and sympathisers of Mozambique's former rebel movement, the Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana (RENAMO). Januario was held captive for several hours at the local RENAMO offices in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

Sri Lanka

IPI calls on president to turn state-controlled television into genuine public service broadcasters

(IPI/IFEX) - In an 11 November 2003 letter to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, IPI called on her to turn state-controlled television in Sri Lanka into genuine public service broadcasters.

Russia

Supreme Court upholds acquittal of journalists on state secrets charge

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

Venezuela

RCTV news team harassed by security police in Táchira

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 3 November 2003, an RCTV television station news team was harassed by officers of the security police (Dirección de los Servicios de Inteligencia y Prevención, DISIP) and prevented from carrying out its work. Journalist Yamile Jiménez and camera operator Jesús Molina were trying to obtain information about the medical condition of a DISIP official. In early November, the official was injured in an incident that occurred in the San Antonio area, Bolívar municipality, Táchira state, in southwestern Venezuela.

Kyrgyzstan

Independent journalist faces criminal charges

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

Niger

CPJ condemns journalist's imprisonment on criminal defamation charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 10 November 2003 letter to President Mamadou Tandja, CPJ condemned the imprisonment of Maman Abou, director of the private weekly newspaper "Le Républicain". At a closed, secret trial on 7 November, Abou was sentenced to six months in prison for criminal defamation. Neither Abou nor his lawyers were present at the trial, according to Abou's colleagues, who are in constant contact with him. Abou is currently being held at the Central Prison in the capital, Niamey.

Afghanistan

US Embassy issues warning to American journalists

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

International

IFJ condemns restrictive conditions for accreditation imposed on freelancers at the WSIS

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 November 2003 IFJ media release:

Namibia

Newspaper employees threatened and arrested, vehicle confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 8 November 2003, journalist Paulus Sackarias and driver Simon Haimbodi, of the Afrikaans language daily "Republikein", were threatened, assaulted and arrested by Namibian Special Field Force (SFF) members. The company vehicle was also confiscated by the SFF members.

Ethiopia

Government bans EFJA

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

Philippines

Government announces reward for capture of journalists' killers

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 7 November 2003, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced that the government is offering a P1,000,000 (approx. US$18,200) reward for the capture of individuals who have killed journalists in the last five years.

India

Supreme Court blocks Tamil Nadu state government's bid to jail journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the Indian Supreme Court's suspension of orders by the Tamil Nadu State Assembly to arrest the publisher, two senior editors and two journalists from the national daily "The Hindu". They had each been sentenced to serve 15 days in prison for "breach of privilege" after their newspaper criticised the arrest of an opposition figure and the harassment of independent media.

Colombia

House of Representatives approves anti-terrorism bill, confidentiality of sources threatened

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about a proposed anti-terrorism statute that was approved on 6 November 2003 by Colombia's House of Representatives on its sixth reading. The statute would allow the army to carry out searches, tap telephones and intercept private correspondence without a warrant, during a 72 hour period, in cases involving individuals suspected of having terrorist links.

Niger

Editor of weekly "Le Républicain" sentenced to six months in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - Mamane Abou, editor of the private weekly "Le Républicain", was sentenced to six months in prison on 7 November 2003, in the capital, Niamey.

Nepal

Security forces search journalist's belongings, confiscate his photographs

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 9 November 2003, security forces searched reporter Shahi Man Rai's personal belongings and confiscated documents related to rebel activity in Bhojpur district, eastern Nepal. Rai is based in Khotang and works for Kantipur Publications.

Croatia

ARTICLE 19 concerned about Criminal Code defamation provisions, introduction of new Civil Media Law

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 letter to the Croatian prime minister regarding defamation provisions in the Criminal Code:

Malawi

Police ordered to discontinue arbitrary arrests of journalists

(MISA/IFEX) - Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Fahad Assani has written to the Malawi Police, ordering it to discontinue arbitrary arrests of journalists, and warning that such acts are unconstitutional.

Sri Lanka

FMM concerned over possible adverse effects on media freedom following introduction of emergency laws

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

Nepal

Journalist detained; another assaulted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 3 November 2003, security forces released journalist Madhav Bidrohi after five hours in detention. Bidrohi was arrested in Jhiljhile, while he was on his way from Birtamod to Damak, in Jhapa district. He was detained at the Char Aali Military Barrack.

Jordan

Weekly "Al-Wehda" censored for second time in two months

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the new Jordanian government to refrain from reverting to old censorship practices that continue despite the government's commitment to end prior censorship.

Liberia

Interim leader lifts ban on Star Radio

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) alert:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist assaulted by soldiers in Goma

(JED/IFEX) - Journalist Matthieu Kalume was physically assaulted by two soldiers in Goma, the main town in North-Kivu province, on 4 November 2003, at approximately 10:00 p.m. (local time), as he was leaving his office.

Egypt

Activist's trial date set, Human Rights Watch calls for dismissal of charges

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

Nigeria

State Security Service reportedly bans journalists from State House

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

Sri Lanka

IPI calls for lifting of emergency laws that impede free flow of information

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

Iran

Cartoonist's name appears on assassination list

(CRN/IFEX) - On 26 October 2003, editorial cartoonist Nikahang Kowsar's name was reported to have appeared just below that of recently named Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi on an assassination list issued by one of Iran's militant Islamic groups.

Australia

IFJ urges government to withdraw amendments to cross media ownership laws

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

Cyprus

Five journalists face heavy prison sentences for "insulting the army"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over the legal action launched against five journalists on 3 and 4 November 2003 in the Turkish part of Cyprus. They are accused of "insulting the army" in reports about police violence against demonstrators who were calling for a referendum on reunification of the island.

Nigeria

Journalist ordered to leave state, newspaper told to apologise and retract story

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a joint MISA and Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) alert:

Malaysia

Rights activist convicted, barred from travel

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

Niger

Newspaper editor arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the government of Niger to immediately release Mamane Abou, editor of the weekly "Le Républicain", who was arrested on 5 November 2003 and accused of "involvement in the theft and publication" of confidential Finance Ministry documents proving that the finance minister had embezzled several billion CFA francs (over US$1.7 million; 1.5 million euros).

Mali

CPJ concerned about jailing of three journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ letter to President Amadou Toumani Toure:

Ethiopia

Concern over possible government ban of EFJA

(EFJA/IFEX) - The following is an EFJA Executive Committee statement:

Iran

Parliamentary commission's report identifies Tehran chief prosecutor as directly involved in subjecting journalist Kazemi to violent interrogations, attempting to cover up cause of her death

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

Equatorial Guinea

Journalist imprisoned

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

Israel

RSF calls for cancellation of strict new press card rules

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed alarm over new rules for accrediting journalists that are expected to be introduced shortly in Israel. Under the new rules, journalists will have to be cleared by the Shin Bet state security service. RSF described the new rules as a serious threat to press freedom and a flagrant violation of journalists' rights, and called for their cancellation. The new rules, which are to take effect on 1 January 2004, apply to all journalists working in Israel, including foreign, Palestinian and Israeli journalists.

Mozambique

German journalist threatened and assaulted, equipment confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 3 November 2003, freelance German journalist Fritz Stark was threatened, assaulted and had his equipment confiscated by unknown assailants in Quelimane, the capital of Zambézia province, in Mozambique's central region.

Egypt

Book confiscated, EOHR alarmed by religious institutions' increasing censorship

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 4 November 2003 EOHR press release:

Turkey

More than 300 generals file suit against Islamist newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Turkish armed forces to show more respect for press freedom after 312 generals filed suit against the Islamist daily "Vakit" and one of its columnists, Asim Yenihaber, on 31 October 2003. The plaintiffs are demanding approximately 367,000 euros (approx. US$422,000) in damages for an article entitled, "The country where a soldier who should not be a sergeant becomes a general".

Zambia

Television station closed

(MISA/IFEX) - On 1 November 2003, a team of two plainclothes and two armed and uniformed police officers raided the privately-owned Omega TV station, based in Lusaka, and ordered staff to immediately cease test broadcasts. The officers referred to "orders from above" as the reason for their actions. The station closed until 3 November, when the order was reversed by Lusaka Province Police Commanding Officer Chendela Musonda.

China

Internet essayist Du Daobin arrested; Beijing Prosecutor's Office returns case against Liu Di to police investigators because of insufficient evidence

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 3 November 2003 letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao, CPJ condemned the recent arrest of Internet essayist Du Daobin and expressed grave concern that his arrest could mark an escalation in the continuing crackdown on online speech in China.

Mauritania

RSF calls on presidential candidates to declare support for press freedom measures

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 31 October 2003 RSF open letter to presidential candidates in Mauritania:

Israel

Accreditation rules for journalists to be tightened

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon:

Bangladesh

Photographer arrested while covering altercation at police checkpoint

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the arrest of Selim Jahangir, a photographer with the national daily "Janakantha", for taking pictures at a police checkpoint in the northeastern city of Rajshahi and supposedly "endangering" the life of a judge involved in the operation.

Cuba

Independent journalist released after three days in detention

(RSF/IFEX) - Abel Escobar Ramírez of the independent news agency Cuba Press was released on 1 November 2003. He had been arrested on 29 October near the central town of Morón. No details are currently available about the circumstances of his release.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist detained and beaten on justice minister's orders

(JED/IFEX) - On 29 October 2003 at around noon (local time), Symplice Kalunga wa Kalunga, a journalist and host of the political affairs programme "Nouvelle donne", which airs on the private television network Channel Media Broadcasting (CMB), was arrested at the network's headquarters. He was taken in for questioning by police detectives possessing a summons, who were accompanied by armed members of the national police.

Cuba

Independent journalist arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the arrest of independent journalist Abel Escobar Ramírez on 29 October 2003 near Morón (350 kilometres east of Havana) and called for his immediate release. The organisation also called for the return of documents confiscated from the home of another journalist during a search the same day in the same region.

Russia

Constitutional Court abolishes part of restrictive election law

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

Cuba

IAPA condemns arrest of independent journalist

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

Peru

Officials deny existence of a military plan to spy on television station reporters

(IPYS/IFEX) - Defence Minister Aurelio Loret de Mola and the Peruvian army's commander-in-chief, General Roberto Chiabra León, denied the existence of a plan by the army's Intelligence Service (Servicio de Inteligencia del Ejército, SIE) to spy on Frecuencia Latina Canal 2's owner and reporters. On the 21 October 2003 edition of the television station's "En la boca del lobo" programme, journalist César Hildebrandt reported on the existence of a surveillance plan and presented as evidence a document allegedly produced by the SIE.

Cuba

Journalists and dissidents launch hunger strike in prison; police harass editor of dissident magazine

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed serious concern about the state of health of two independent journalists and four other dissidents who began a hunger strike on 18 October 2003 in the Holguín provincial penitentiary in central Cuba to protest the transfer of Iván Hernández Carrillo, another independent journalist, to a "punishment cell" the previous day.

Haiti

Attacks and threats force two radio stations to suspend programming

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 28 October 2003 shooting attack on an independent radio station in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and the threats that forced a provincial radio station to suspend its news programming the previous day. The organisation called on the government to protect journalists and carry out investigations to determine who was responsible for these acts.

Sri Lanka

Journalists attacked

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

Haiti

Independent radio station attacked

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

Ukraine

Repressive media environment threatens free elections, says Freedom House report

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 28 October 2003 Freedom House press release:

Panama

Judge overturns decision barring journalist from leaving country

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

Zimbabwe

Journalists barred from covering court proceedings

(MISA/IFEX) - On 28 October 2003, freelance journalists Frank Chikowore and Stanley Karombo were barred from covering proceedings at the nomination courts in Kadoma, approximately 30 kilometres west of Harare, where political party candidates were expected to hand over their nomination papers before the end of the day.

South Africa

Concern over intelligence services' response to Hefer Commission's request for documents

(FXI/IFEX) - On 28 October 2003, FXI and the South African History Archive (SAHA) issued a press statement expressing their dismay at the South African intelligence services' submission to the Hefer Commission, in response to the commission's request for intelligence documentation relevant to its inquiry. While the intelligence services have not outrightly refused the commission access to such documentation, they have made it clear that they are going to make access as difficult as possible.

Colombia

Journalists threatened in Barrancabermeja

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 22 October 2003, journalist Yaneth Montoya Martínez, a correspondent for the daily "Vanguardia Liberal", based in the city of Barrancabermeja in northeastern Colombia, received a death threat. According to information obtained by FLIP, an anonymous caller phoned the Ombudsman's Office and said the journalist was included in a list of individuals that paramilitary forces were going to kill. On 24 October, the journalist was again threatened when a caller left a message at her residence, warning her to "be careful because they are planning to kill you."

Azerbaijan

RSF condemns editor's arrest

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a two-week-old crackdown on the Azerbaijani press. The latest development is the 27 October 2003 arrest of Rauf Arifoglu, editor-in-chief of the opposition daily "Yeni Musavat", who has been placed in custody for three months.

Iraq / United States

RSF calls for investigation into killing of newspaper editor in Mosul, urges US soldiers and Iraqi police to stop detaining journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Iraqi police and US-British coalition forces to set up a commission to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the 28 October 2003 death of Ahmed Shawkat, editor of the weekly "Bilah Ittijah" ("Without Direction"), in the northern city of Mosul.

Colombia

Journalists threatened

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 24 October 2003, a threatening message was delivered to the offices of the Noticolombia news programme, broadcast on the CNC local cable station, in Popayán, southern Colombia. The message was addressed at the programme's reporters. The previous day, a news item aired on the programme alleged that a state-owned company's fax machine had been used to distribute political propaganda for a mayoral candidate's electoral campaign.

Zimbabwe

ANZ chief executive's niece released

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 28 October 2003 IPI Watch List protest to President Robert Mugabe:

Argentina

Journalist threatened, faces legal action

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 14 October 2003, journalist Gustavo Corvalán, of "El Liberal" newspaper, in Santiago del Estero province, was threatened as he was covering a protest by unemployed individuals who were making demands for food at the province's Health and Social Action Ministry.

China

Authorities step up control of Internet cafés

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Culture Ministry's 28 October 2003 announcement that China's Internet cafés will have to install surveillance software to monitor their customers' activities. The announcement follows an earlier decision to put large commercial chains in charge of running Internet cafés.

Venezuela

Journalist harassed

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 October 2003, photojournalist Luis Gil, of "El Diario de Caracas" newspaper, was verbally abused and his camera and press credentials were confiscated while he was reporting on an event at a Caracas restaurant.

Nepal

RSF urges government to stop arrests, murders and kidnappings of journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the government to stop a wave of deadly violence that has targeted journalists since Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels ended a cease-fire on 27 August 2003.

Honduras

Attorney General's Office contests "desacato" provisions in criminal code

(PFC/IFEX) - On 23 October 2003, Attorney General Roy Edmundo Medina filed an appeal with the Supreme Court contending that Article 345 of the Criminal Code referring to the crime of "desacato" ("insult" or "disrespect") is unconstitutional and should be repealed.

Guatemala

CPJ verifies climate of threats and intimidation against the press

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

Iraq

Editor killed

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

Malawi

Police instructed to drop case against journalist

(MISA/IFEX) - Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Fahad Assani has instructed police to drop a case against Frank Namangale, a reporter for "Daily Times" newspaper. Namangale had been charged with authoring an article likely to cause "breach of public peace".

Nepal

Journalist arrested, other journalists released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 24 October 2003, security forces arrested journalist Yogesh Rawal in Tikapur, Kailali district. A reporter for the daily "Rajdhani", Rawal was arrested, along with 22 local soccer players, by officers of the Armed Police Force (APF) based in Ugratara. The soccer players were celebrating a victory in a local hotel. The APF released all of the soccer players after approximately one hour.

Turkey

Journalist imprisoned

(RSF/IFEX) - On 28 October 2003, RSF reiterated its call for a judicial review of journalist Sinan Kara's case. On 27 October, Kara was incarcerated in Urla prison, in Izmir (western Turkey), to begin serving a one-year prison sentence passed in June by Turkey's highest appeal court. The journalist is accused of allegedly threatening Mert Ciller, a son of former prime minister Tansu Ciller.

Guatemala

CPJ outraged by abduction of four journalists

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

Ukraine

RSF concerned about secret police attempts to control the Internet

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed alarm at attempts by the Ukrainian secret police (SBU, the former KGB) to take control of Internet operations in the country and intercept e-mail messages.

International

Kenyan investigative journalist awarded 2003 Natali Prize Gold Medal

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

Indonesia

Editor convicted of criminal defamation

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

Zimbabwe

Four ANZ directors arrested, another director released

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

France

Paris court convicts journalist for possessing confidential material from a legal investigation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has criticised a Paris criminal court for convicting journalist Gilles Millet on 23 October 2003 for possessing confidential material from a legal investigation. The court imposed a fine of 1,000 euros (approx. US$1,175). The sentence was suspended. The journalist was also cleared of possessing information protected by professional secrecy.

Guatemala

IAPA urges Guatemalan president to intervene in kidnapping of four journalists

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

Honduras

Journalist threatened with legal action after publishing article about drug trafficking

(PFC/IFEX) - Journalist Carlos Mauricio Flores, editor-in-chief of "El Heraldo" newspaper, which is published in the capital, Tegucigalpa, was threatened and verbally attacked following the publication of a 20 October 2003 article about links between Colombian guerillas and drug trafficking in Honduras.

Azerbaijan

Editor-in-chief arrested

(JuHI/IFEX) - On 27 October 2003, the Nasimi District Court of Baku issued an order for the arrest of Rauf Arifoglu, editor-in-chief of the opposition daily "Yeni Musavat". He is accused of "resisting police", "inciting public disorder" and "taking part in disorderly activities (clashes)". Arifoglu, who is also a deputy chairman of Musavat, the largest opposition party, denied that he is guilty but expressed his willingness to appear before the court.

Zimbabwe

RSF calls for release of director of "The Daily News"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on President Robert Mugabe to immediately release Washington Sansole, a director of "The Daily News" who was arrested on 26 October 2003, and Tulepi Nkomo, another director's niece who was arrested on 25 October.

Paraguay

Journalist warned of plan to kill him

(PFC/IFEX) - On 22 October 2003, Rosendo Duarte, a correspondent for "Última Hora" newspaper in the border city of Salto del Guairá, filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor's Office stating that he has received a death threat. The journalist is convinced that the threats are linked to his reports on corruption at the border.

Malawi

Journalists beaten, verbally assaulted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 18 October 2003, officers of the Malawi Police Service beat up six journalists for attempting to take photographs of a scuffle between police and a motorist at a police roadblock on Zalewa road, between Blantyre and Mwanza districts.

Zimbabwe

"The Daily News" closed again, journalists and director arrested

(MISA/IFEX) - On 25 October 2003, police occupied the offices of Zimbabwe's only independent daily newspaper, halting operations and detaining staff one day after a court order blocked government efforts to shut it down.

Zimbabwe

"The Daily News" wins court battle

(MISA/IFEX) - On 24 October 2003, Zimbabwe's Administrative Court ordered that "The Daily News", which was shut down by the government in September, be granted an operating licence.

Nicaragua

Journalist denied access to police prison

(PFC/IFEX) - Judge Juana Méndez has issued an order prohibiting journalist Eloísa Ibarra, of the "El Nuevo Diario" newspaper, from entering the Dirección de Auxilio Judicial (DAJ) police prison. Former president Arnoldo Alemán is currently being detained at the DAJ premises on corruption charges. On 22 October 2003, Judge Méndez visited the prison to return to Alemán a mobile phone that had been confiscated by prison authorities the previous day. Although other journalists were allowed to report on the event, the "El Nuevo Diario" news team was told by a security official that Judge Méndez had issued an order barring Ibarra from the premises.

Saudi Arabia

Intimidation campaign targets opposition and liberal media

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Saudi government to stop its extensive intimidation of the country's media, which has included jamming the radio station Al-Islah, cutting off opposition television broadcasts and making death threats to liberal journalists.

Russia

RSF fact-finding visit raises doubts about official version of newspaper editor's murder

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has raised doubts about official accounts of the 9 October 2003 murder of newspaper editor Alexei Sidorov after carrying out a fact-finding visit to Togliatti and Samara (Volga) on 16-17 October with the Glasnost Defence Foundation, a Russian press freedom group.

Mexico

IAPA welcomes government's commitment to solve murders of two journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 21 October 2003 IAPA press release:

Canada

PEN Canada condemns actions taken by law enforcement authorities against author

(PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 23 October 2003 PEN Canada press release:

Venezuela

Security forces attempt to prevent journalists from reporting on evictions of former petroleum company employees

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 13 October 2003, members of the National Guard and security police (Dirección de los Servicios de Inteligencia y Prevención, DISIP) attempted to restrict access by the press to a residents' assembly at facilities owned by the state petroleum company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), in San Tomé, Anzoátegui state, in north-eastern Venezuela. In addition, a photojournalist was forced to erase his photographs during the incident.

Azerbaijan

Missing journalist's detention confirmed, police bar access to main opposition newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has criticised the Azerbaijani authorities for continuing to hold three journalists and occupying the offices of the leading opposition daily, "Yeni Musavat".

Senegal

Radio France International correspondent ordered to leave country

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

Cyprus

IPI expresses concern over brutal attack on Turkish Cypriot journalist

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 22 October 2003 IPI letter to Rauf Raif Denktash, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus:

Serbia / Montenegro

Call for reform of criminal defamation provisions

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 22 October 2003 joint letter by ARTICLE 19 and the Montenegrin Helsinki Committee, addressed to Milo Djukanovic, prime minister of the Republic of Montenegro:

Peru

Journalist condemns military's plan to spy on television station owner and reporters

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the night of 21 October 2003, journalist César Hildebrandt, host of "En la boca del lobo" programme, broadcast on Frecuencia Latina Canal 2 television station, denounced the existence of a plan to put Baruch Ivcher Bronstein, the station's majority shareholder, and the television's reporters under surveillance.

Morocco

Imprisoned editor Ali Lmrabet threatened in his cell

(RSF/IFEX) - During a court appearance in Rabat on 22 October 2003, jailed newspaper editor Ali Lmrabet said two men visited him in his cell the previous day and threatened to accuse him of trafficking hashish inside the prison. Lmrabet is serving a three-year sentence for "insulting the person of the king".

Paraguay

Newspaper director sentenced for "defamation"

(PFC/IFEX) - On 17 October 2003, Aldo Zuccolillo, director of "ABC Color" newspaper, was sentenced for "defamation". Judge Dionisio Nicolás Frutos ordered Zuccolillo to pay US$15,322 to the state and US$12,290 to the plaintiff, former state reform minister Juan Ernesto Villamayor. The case is based on articles published in the newspaper on 4 and 5 March 1999, which suggested that Villamayor was involved in fraudulent activities at the National Workers' Bank (Banco Nacional de Trabajadores).

Zimbabwe

Journalists arrested and denied access to legal counsel

(MISA/IFEX) - On 22 October 2003, journalist Blessing Zulu of the "Zimbabwe Independent" newspaper and freelancer Newton Spicer were arrested while covering a demonstration organised by the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA).

United States

British journalist mistreated by US government officials

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a joint WAN and World Editors Forum (WEF) letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge:

Italy

Shots fired at journalist's home in Sardinia

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned an attack in the early hours of 21 October 2003 on the home of journalist Giovanni Maria Sedda in Gavoi, a village near Nuoro in Sardinia. Six shots were fired at the front door just before 1:00 a.m. (local time). Sedda was at home, but neither he nor anyone else was hurt.

Russia

CPJ concerned over direction of investigation into editor's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 21 October 2003 letter to President Vladimir Putin, CPJ expressed its deep concern about the investigation into the 9 October murder of Aleksei Sidorov, editor-in-chief of the independent daily "Tolyattinskoye Obozreniye". The organisation believes that investigators have prematurely determined that the crime was unrelated to Sidorov's journalistic work.

Iran

RSF calls for end to closed-door trials of journalists; Kurdish-language weekly closed

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for an end to closed-door trials of journalists and demanded the release of journalists who have been unfairly imprisoned.

Chad

Radio FM-Liberté closed

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the indefinite closure, on 21 October 2003, of the community radio station FM-Liberté by the Public Security Ministry for "illegal operation and deviant behaviour". This decision follows the broadcast of a report that was very critical of President Idriss Deby.

Nepal

Journalist abducted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 19 October 2003, unidentified individuals abducted Baikuntha Bhandari, co-editor of "Nepal Today" magazine, from his residence in Dhumbarahai, Kathmandu. His whereabouts are currently unknown. The daily "Nepal Samacharpatra" reported that, in an 18 October telephone call, Bhandari was told to pay 200,000 Nepalese rupees (approx. US$ 2,700) or he would be killed.

Argentina

Death threats continue against newspaper owner

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned by the continued threats against Clara Britos, owner and editor of the monthly newspaper "La Tapa". The threats appear to be linked to Britos' reporting on alleged corruption in the Guernica local government.

Mauritania

Print runs of four weeklies seized

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

International

RSF publishes its second world press freedom ranking

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 20 October 2003 RSF press release:

Côte d'Ivoire

French journalist killed by police officer

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

Azerbaijan

Journalists' organisations condemn targeting of the press, appeal to international community for support

(JuHI/IFEX) - The following is a 17 October 2003 statement by the Azerbaijan Journalists Confederation (AJK), of which JuHI is a member:

China

Internet essayist sentenced

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

Cambodia

SEAPA condemns murder of broadcast journalist

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

France / Cuba

Journalist files complaint following realisation that Cuban embassy employee was armed when facing RSF demonstrators in April 2003

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has announced that it is supporting a complaint filed on 14 October 2003 by news photographer Ricardo Vega against an unidentified employee of the Cuban embassy in Paris. The complaint alleges "threat with a firearm" and "complicity" in the use of violence by embassy staff who broke up a demonstration by RSF activists outside the embassy on 24 April.

Mauritania

Issue of weekly newspaper suspended without explanation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the Mauritanian authorities to lift a suspension order against the weekly "Le Calame". The Ministry of the Interior, Posts and Telecommunications, which regulates the press, suspended issue 414 of the weekly on 19 October 2003, citing Article 11 of the Press Law, which allows for censorship without explanation.

Zambia

Journalists barred from covering national convention

(MISA/IFEX) - On 18 October 2003, journalists from both private and state-owned media outlets were barred from reporting on the deliberations of various committees at a government-organised national convention (Indaba) taking place in Lusaka, Zambia.

Bolivia

Press continues to come under attack

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 15 October 2003, the Bolivian Press Workers Federation (Federación de Trabajadores de la Prensa de Bolivia) condemned the army for firing at two journalists while they were covering the violent repression of a demonstration by miners in Patacamaya municipality. The miners were marching towards the city of La Paz to demand President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada's resignation.

South Africa

FXI issues second report on state of censorship in South Africa

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 16 October 2003 FXI statement:

The Gambia

Newspaper's offices attacked

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

Bolivia

Foreign and Bolivian journalists attacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 12 October 2003, three photographers, all of whom are correspondents for international news agencies, came under attack when a group of soldiers that was patrolling the Santiago Segundo zone, in the city of El Alto, fired in their direction.

Azerbaijan

Two more journalists detained; 20,000 copies of opposition newspapers seized from newsstands

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced deep concern over the disappearance of Azer Garachenli, a correspondent for the weekly "Avropa", on 16 October 2003, following his arrest during clashes in Baku between police and demonstrators who were protesting over the unfolding of the 15 October presidential election.

Nepal

Journalists arrested

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 18 October 2003, the security forces once again arrested Subhashankar Kandel at his residence in Banasthali, Kathmandu. He was released the next day. Kandel, executive editor of the weekly "Janadharana", had previously been arrested on 9 September and then released on 1 October. Kandel is associated with the Image Metro television station.

Cambodia

Radio journalist murdered

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the murder of a journalist from the royalist Cambodian opposition radio station Ta Prum and called on the government to set up an immediate independent inquiry to find and punish those responsible.

Azerbaijan

Lider television journalist Sahil Kerimli among those beaten during police crackdown; IPI denounces violence against journalists

(IPI/IFEX) - In a 17 October 2003 letter to President Elect Ilham Aliyev and Interior Minister Ramil Usubov, IPI expressed deep concern about the press freedom situation in Azerbaijan and the appalling violence against journalists that took place during the 15 October presidential elections.

Bolivia

Camera operator attacked

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

Nepal

Two journalists arrested

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 16 September 2003, security forces arrested Bandhu Dev Pandey, from Naradevi, Kathmandu. Pandey is the owner of Ashiwairya Press. He also works with Raktakali Press and is affiliated with the progressive literary magazine "Kalam".

Azerbaijan

Police crackdown on media amid presidential elections; editor missing

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

Cyprus

Journalist beaten up by members of ultra-nationalist Turkish Cypriot group

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 17 October 2003 beating of newspaper editor Murat Kanatli by members of an ultra-nationalist group in Nicosia, and urges the authorities to identify and punish those responsible, so that a feeling of impunity does not endanger all journalists covering the political situation in Cyprus.

Bulgaria

ARTICLE 19 releases briefing note on proposed amendments to penal code

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

Philippines

ARTICLE 19 and CMFR highlight three issues of concern in submission to UN Human Rights Committee on freedom of expression

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

Zimbabwe

Media lawyer assaulted

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI Watch List protest to President Robert Mugabe:

South Africa

Journalists refuse "invitation" to provide information to commission

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

South Africa

Media defence groups condemn Hefer ruling

(MISA/FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 16 October 2003 MISA-South Africa, FXI and South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) joint statement:

United States

Judge urged to respect confidentiality of sources

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on a United States (US) federal judge to rescind the order he issued to five journalists on 14 October 2003 to reveal their confidential sources. The journalists were ordered to reveal their sources for reports about accusations of espionage against Wen Ho Lee, a nuclear scientist at the Los Alamos nuclear weapons laboratory in New Mexico.

Morocco

Authorities crack down on newspaper editors

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the legal harassment of two Moroccan weekly newspaper editors. Mohammed el-Hourd, of "Asharq", and Mustapha Kechnini, of "Al Hayat al-Maghribia" ("Moroccan Life"), were previously convicted under the country's new press law, but they are being tried again for the same offences by a court in the northeastern city of Oujda, where their respective newspapers are published. They have been summoned to appear in court on 19 October 2003

Bolivia

Threats and violence against the press continue

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on President Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada to punish those responsible for a wave of threats and violence against media outlets that has accompanied a government crackdown on opposition protests in Bolivia.

Morocco

Jailed journalist Ali Lmrabet files suit in France for slander against Moroccan communications minister

(RSF/IFEX) - Jailed journalist and editor Ali Lmrabet has filed a suit for slander against Moroccan Communications Minister Nabil Benabdallah for calling him a liar at an 18 June 2003 press conference in Paris. The suit was presented to a Paris court on 16 September by Lmrabet's lawyer, Jean Martin.

Mozambique

Journalist attacked

(MISA/IFEX) - On 15 October 2003, Fernando Manuel, a senior journalist with "Savana" newspaper, was brutally assaulted by a youth. His assailant apparently felt offended by an article written by the journalist and published in the 10 October edition of "Savana". Manuel sustained extensive injuries to his face and head and is currently receiving medical care at Maputo central hospital.

Tanzania

Journalists expelled, accreditation and travel documents confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 10 October 2003, the Kome Kichangani village authority expelled a group of local and foreign journalists from the Lake Victoria island of Kome, in Tanzania's Mwanza region.

Azerbaijan

Beatings and detention of many journalists mar presidential election

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over the violent incidents that marred the presidential election on 15 October 2003 and an opposition demonstration on 16 October. Many journalists were beaten by police, detained or insulted. The election was won by Ilham Aliev, son of outgoing President Heidar Aliev.

Bolivia

Media workers targeted in midst of social and political crisis

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced threats against journalists covering Bolivia's two-week-old social and political crisis. Staff at Radio Fides radio station and Canal 2 and Canal 39 television stations received anonymous threatening telephone calls on 13 October 2003. Personnel at Pachamama, Celestial and Erbol radio stations were also threatened two days earlier.

Albania

Journalist attacked by government official

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

International

Conclusions from IAPA's 59th General Assembly

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

Mozambique

Journalists harassed, censored

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 October 2003, TVM (Mozambique Television) journalist Hermínio Nhanombe and Ruben Jossai, of "Savana" newspaper, were threatened and harassed by the bodyguard of Afonso Dlakhama, leader of the opposition Resistencia Nacional Mocambicana (RENAMO). The journalists were covering a political gathering in the Vilankulos district, in southern Mozambique.

Zimbabwe

Four more journalists charged

(MISA/IFEX) - Four more journalists from "The Daily News" have been charged by police for practicing without accreditation, as required by the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIIPA).

Libya

Official daily "Al-Zahf Al-Akhdar" suspended

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has asked the Libyan authorities for more information about the suspension of the official newspaper "Al-Zahf Al-Akhdar" ("The Green Step"). The Standing Revolutionary Court suspended the daily on 13 October 2003 for having "damaged national interests and harmed Libya's position", Agence France-Presse reported.

Afghanistan

State-owned daily closed

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Information and Culture Minister Sayeed Makhdoom Raheen to explain the closure of Afghanistan's second most read daily, the state-owned "Arman-e-Mili" ("The National Will"), which recently carried articles criticising President Hamid Karzai's administration. The move appears to violate the government's commitments with respect to the independence and development of state media.

International

Former editor-in-chief of Sarajevo daily awarded Dr. Erhard Busek SEEMO award

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

International

Number of journalists killed in 2003 surpasses all of 2002, says WAN

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

South Africa

Journalists should not be forced to reveal their sources, says IFJ

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

Zimbabwe

Amended AIPPA legislation passed into law

(MISA/IFEX) - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has signed into law the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act (AIPPA Amendment), which seeks to correct certain anomalies that came to light after the law was promulgated in 2002.

China

RSF calls for clemency for imprisoned dissident He Depu

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has appealed for clemency on humanitarian grounds for dissident He Depu. His trial was held in a Beijing court on 14 October 2003. The court now has 40 days to announce its verdict and pass a sentence. The circumstances of the dissident's trial, which lasted only two hours and denied him the most basic defence rights, suggest that his sentence could be harsh. He Depu appeared to be in very poor health during his court appearance.

Venezuela

Community radio station's equipment destroyed

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 October 2003, at 9:30 a.m. (local time), five individuals destroyed equipment belonging to the Parroquiana 90.1 FM community radio station. The station is based in the town of San José de Perijá, Machiques de Perijá municipality, in south-western Zulia state, near the Colombian border.

Nepal

Journalist threatened; another journalist expelled from rebel-held zone

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels have reportedly expelled journalist Chitra Bahadur Singh "Gaunley" from their village in Kalikot district. On 13 October 2003, the daily "Kantipur" reported that Singh fled the district with his wife Jamuna and four-month-old baby. A resident of Odanku-5, Dillikot, Singh has been working as a district correspondent for the daily "Rajdhani". He apparently reached Dailekh district on foot.

Tunisia

More hypocrisy as Tunisia hosts international congress on digital divide

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage that an international congress on the digital divide is being held in Tunisia, a country that is assuming an increasingly important role within international bodies regulating the Internet despite the fact that it is one of the most repressive towards its own Internet users.

Nepal

Journalist arrested, printing press raided

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 11 October 2003, plainclothes security forces arrested Subindra Budhamagar, publisher of the monthly magazine "Nischal", in Balaju, Kathmandu. Security forces also raided his rented room and confiscated his mobile phone.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Eight months later, journalist Bamporiki Chamira still imprisoned illegally

(JED/IFEX) - The following is a 14 October 2003 JED press release:

Nigeria

Broadcaster ordered to pay exorbitant amount in damages to state governor

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

Saudi Arabia

CPJ condemns government harassment of journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 14 October 2003 letter to Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abd al-Aziz al-Saud, CPJ condemned the government's harassment of Wajeha al-Huwaider, a writer for the Arabic-language daily "Al-Watan" and the English-language daily "Arab News".

Honduras

Camera operator assaulted

(PFC/IFEX) - A group of students and teachers from the Vicente Cáceres Central Institute, the main public high school in Honduras, apologised to Eduardo Irías, a camera operator for Canal 66 television station, for the attack he suffered during a student protest.

Venezuela

Journalist harassed by government officials

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalist Luisa Marinés López, of the daily "El Tiempo", in Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui state, eastern Venezuela, has been pressured by government officials after reporting on an event in which the state governor participated.

Niger

Journalist sentenced to one-year suspended jail sentence and barred from the capital for three months

(RSF/IFEX) - On 13 October 2003, Ibrahim Souley, publication director of the weekly "L'Enquêteur", was sentenced to a one-year suspended jail sentence and barred from entering the capital, Niamey, for three months, for "inciting ethnic hatred".

Senegal

Radio journalist arrested by police, threatened with expulsion

(IFJ/WAJA/IFEX) - The following is an 11 October 2003 joint IFJ-WAJA press release:

Sierra Leone

Editor and three printing press employees detained for "seditious libel"

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

Niger

President issues warning to independent radio stations

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

Venezuela

Journalist harassed

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalist Yirilí Pérez informed IPYS that she is being harassed by Douglas Lago, coordinator of the Caroní Decide (Cadecide) political association. Pérez reports on political affairs for the Guayana regional newspaper "Nueva Prensa", in Ciudad Guayana, Bolívar state, southern Venezuela.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper editor fined

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

Ireland

IPI alarmed at government's commitment to formation of a statutory press council

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern:

Malaysia

Migrant rights advocate should be acquitted, says Human Rights Watch

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

Russia

CPJ calls on authorities to prosecute those responsible for editor's murder

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

Ethiopia

Editor-in-chief summoned, released on bail

(EFJA/IFEX) - On 9 October 2003, Wessenseged Gebrekidan, editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper "Etiop", was summoned by the Central Investigation Department. Gebrekidan reported to police and was released on bail of Eth. Birr 5,000 (approx. US$585) after making a statement.

United States

RSF denounces reporting restrictions at Guantanamo military base

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the actions of the United States (U.S.) military authorities. On 7 October 2003, the authorities made U.S. reporters visiting the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, sign a statement in which the reporters undertook not to ask questions about investigations that are underway at the base or risk removal from the base.

Iraq / United States

CPJ disturbed by lack of investigation into attack on Al-Jazeera's Baghdad bureau

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

Singapore

RSF calls for investigation into hacker attack on online discussion forum "Singapore Review"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Singaporean authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to find out who was responsible for a hacker attack on the "Singapore Review", an online discussion forum carrying messages critical of the government.

Tunisia

Journalist Abdallah Zouari's jail sentence upheld on appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has vehemently protested the ongoing judicial onslaught against journalist Abdallah Zouari, who has been sentenced on appeal to a total prison sentence of 13 months.

Iran

Two journalists detained

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for an end to the prior censorship imposed on the press by the National Security Council (NSC) and has condemned continuing arrests and questioning of journalists.

Colombia

Journalist tortured and assassinated in Putumayo

(FLIP/IFEX) - Radio announcer José Nel Muñoz was reportedly killed on 5 October 2003, two kilometres from the settlement of Puerto Libertad in Putumayo department, in southern Colombia. Muñoz's body was retrieved by his wife and five journalists from the area, who said that there were indications that he had been tortured and shot three times.

Russia

Editor-in-chief of independent newspaper murdered

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI Watch List protest to the government of the Russian Federation:

South Africa

Commission subpoenas journalist to reveal source

(MISA/IFEX) - On 8 October 2003, former "Sunday Times" journalist Ranjeni Munusamy was subpoenaed to appear before the Hefer Commission as its first witness, forcing her to testify before the presidential commission of enquiry.

Ethiopia

CPJ calls for investigation into attack on journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi:

Malawi

Court rules in favour of journalist

(MISA/IFEX) - The High Court of Malawi has awarded a total of K48,000 (approximately US$457) in damages for "assault and trespass to goods" to "The Nation" newspaper senior reporter McDonald Chapalapata. In 2002, Chapalapata was assaulted by National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) Financial Controller Paul Chimenya.

Algeria

Managing editor of daily "Liberté" arrested and held for questioning

(RSF/IFEX) - On 7 October 2003, Farid Alilat, managing editor of the daily "Liberté", was arrested at his newspaper's offices and brought before an Algiers court, where he was questioned for five hours about a column entitled "La fessée" ("The Spanking").

Zimbabwe

Journalist manhandled, equipment stolen

(MISA/IFEX) - On 3 October 2003, a vigilante group attacked Cyril Zenda, a senior journalist with the "Financial Gazette" newspaper, robbing him of 5000 Zimbabwe dollars (approx. US$6) and his mobile phone.

Thailand

Prime minister seeks to restrict freedom of expression during upcoming APEC summit

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an 8 October 2003 joint ARTICLE 19 and Forum-Asia press release:

Tanzania

Journalist reaches agreement with government on citizenship issue

(MISA/IFEX) - On 25 June 2003, one day after his passport was confiscated, Ali Nabwa reached an agreement with the Immigration Department on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar. Nabwa, editor of the weekly independent newspaper "Dira", agreed to surrender his Tanzanian citizenship and reapply for it as the Immigration Department had demanded in March.

Tanzania

Journalist's passport confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 24 June 2003, Ali Nabwa's passport was confiscated by the Immigration Department on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar. Nabwa is the editor of the weekly independent newspaper "Dira".

Guinea

"Le Populaire" newspaper and journalists suspended

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

Mozambique

Journalist assaulted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 8 October 2003, Anteje Buanar, chairperson of the União Desportiva de Sanjala football club, attacked Luis Dionisio, a sports journalist with the provincial station Radio Mozambique (RM-EP), in the northwestern province of Niassa. Buanar also attempted to confiscate the journalist's equipment.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper editor detained by police

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

International

CJFE Press Freedom Award winners announced

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 7 October 2003 CJFE press release:

Venezuela

CPJ concerned by administrative proceedings against television station

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

China

Five-year jail sentence against Internet publisher Huang Qi upheld on appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has learned that a five-year jail sentence for "subversion" against Internet publisher Huang Qi was upheld on appeal in August 2003.

Tanzania

Journalist banned from working until he obtains a work permit

(MISA/IFEX) - On 16 September 2003, senior journalist Ali Nabwa was banned from working on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.

Venezuela

Television station's equipment confiscated; CONATEL headquarters attacked

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the National Telecommunications Commission's (CONATEL) confiscation of broadcasting equipment from one of Venezuela's leading television stations, the 24-hour news channel Globovisión, on 3 October 2003, and a grenade attack on CONATEL headquarters a few hours later.

Indonesia

CPJ concerned for safety of kidnapped journalists

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

Turkey

Greek television journalist detained by the army

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of a Greek television journalist and his engineer who were arrested and detained by the Turkish army on 7 October 2003. Yiannis Kanelakis, of the independent televison station Mega, was arrested along with his colleague Anestis Moutafis in Caykara, near Trabzon, in northern Turkey.

Malaysia

Human Rights Watch urges government to drop case against news website Malaysiakini

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

Russia

Journalist's one-year forced labour sentence upheld on appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly protested over a Russian court's 7 October 2003 decision to uphold a one-year forced labour sentence against journalist German Galkin for libelling local officials in the Urals.

Niger

Police shut down several independent radio stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly protested the police's forcible shutdown of at least three independent radio stations in Niger on 4 October 2003. The organisation called on the government to see to it that the stations are allowed to reopen and resume their broadcasts at once.

Colombia

Journalist threatened

(FLIP/IFEX) - Fernando Marimón, director of the news programme "Mundial", which airs on Radio Vigía de Todelar station, in Cartagena, northern Colombia, said he has been the target of "political violence."

China

Human Rights Watch calls for release of health official jailed for circulating government report

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

Pakistan

CPJ investigating journalist's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 6 October 2003 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two Congolese Press Union representatives arrested and detained for five hours in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - Officers from the Congolese National Police's (Police nationale congolaise, PNC) Special Services arrested Maurice Bokoko and Valère Mulopo Kisweko, second vice-president and secretary-general of the Congolese Press Union (Union de la Presse du Congo, UPC), respectively, at 2:00 p.m. (local time) on 6 October 2003. The UPC representatives were taken to the "Kin-Mazière" detention centre in Kinshasa/Gombe and held there for five hours.

Ecuador

President ratifies Declaration of Chapultepec

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 3 October 2003 IAPA press release:

Ethiopia

Journalist assaulted by unidentified men in military uniform

(EFJA/IFEX) - The following is a 6 October 2003 EFJA statement:

Venezuela

Radio station attacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - During the night of 27 September 2003, unidentified individuals attacked Horizonte 1260 AM radio station, located in Yaracuy state, in the country's west central region. The details of the attack were provided to IPYS by station manager Félix Morillo.

China

Serious concerns about continued detention of Internet writer Liu Di

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned about the continued detention of Internet writer and student Liu Di, who has been held incommunicado for almost a year without charge or trial.

Tunisia

CPJ expresses concern over harassment of journalist

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

Niger

CPJ protests journalist's detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 6 October 2003 letter to President Mamadou Tandja, CPJ expressed concern over the continued imprisonment of Ibrahim Souley, the publication director of the private weekly "L'Enquêteur". Souley is expected to face trial on 7 October on charges of spreading propaganda and "inciting ethnic hatred".

Zimbabwe

Government reportedly investigating "The Standard" and "Zimbabwe Independent" newspapers

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to President Robert Mugabe:

Iran

RSF asks authorities to ensure that imprisoned journalist Mohsen Sazgara receives medical care

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Iranian authorities to provide without delay news and guarantees regarding imprisoned journalist Mohsen Sazgara's state of health. Sazgara, a prominent reformist who was jailed on 15 June 2003, suffers from heart problems and has been severely weakened by a hunger strike.

Ecuador

Journalists subject to threats, harassment

(PFC/IFEX) - A number of statements and actions by government officials, including the president, affected the relationship between the government and the press in September 2003.

Afghanistan

Jalalabad cable operator banned for second time

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Afghan authorities to reopen Afghan Cable Centre, a cable television service based in the eastern city of Jalalabad (Nangahar province). Local authorities banned the cable operator during the week of 22 September 2003 despite a national government commitment to support the development of cable television.

Indonesia

Editor's case goes to trial

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 October 2003 CPJ letter to President Megawati Sukarnoputri:

Venezuela

Television station's equipment confiscated

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 3 October 2003, National Telecommunications Commission (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, CONATEL) authorities confiscated equipment belonging to Globovisión television station.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Director-general of religious broadcaster detained in Tshikapa

(JED/IFEX) - On 3 October 2003, at 11 a.m. (local time), Augustin Lubukayi, director-general of Radiotelevision Lumière (RTL), which is owned by the Péniel Restaurée church in Tshikapa, Western Kasai province, was detained by National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale des renseignements, ANR) officers. He was taken to the ANR's premises and released the following day at 3 p.m.

Ukraine

Newspaper's offices ransacked

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the ransacking of "Moloda Galychyna" newspaper's offices on 3 October 2003. The organisation said it was "extremely concerned" about the violence involved and called on the authorities to keep it informed of the results of the investigation.

Cyprus

Journalists threatened

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 3 October 2003 letter to Rauf R. Denktash, leader of the Turkish-Cypriot community, by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Pakistan

Journalist killed

(PPF/IFEX) - On 3 October 2003, three unidentified individuals killed a journalist in the town of Shikarpur. According to reports, Ameer Bux Barohi, a correspondent for the Sindhi-language newspaper "Kawish", was returning from police headquarters in a jeep when he was fired upon by his assailants. The attackers fled after shooting the journalist.

Russia

IPI concerned about occupation of magazine's editorial offices

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to President H.E. Vladimir Putin:

Zimbabwe

High Court dismisses "The Daily News" case

(MISA/IFEX) - On 1 October 2003, High Court Judge Tendai Uchena ordered the police to continue holding equipment they had confiscated from "The Daily News". The judgement followed a 17 September "The Daily News" appeal to have its seized equipment returned.

Chile

Appeals court lifts prior censorship order on television programme

(PFC/IFEX) - On 23 July 2003, a Santiago Appeals Court order barred the TVN television station from airing an edition of the "Enigma" series that focused on the assassination of lawyer Patricio Torres Reyes. The court was responding to a request by the victim's family, who argued that their honour would be violated if the programme was broadcast.

Indonesia

Court cancels order to seize newspaper offices

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

Kenya

"East African Standard" editor David Makali charged

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 2 October 2003 letter to Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, CPJ expressed deep concern over the criminal charges that have been brought against an editor from the "East African Standard", Kenya's oldest newspaper. The organisation is also concerned about the apparent pressure tactics used by Kenyan police to try to force the journalist and two of his colleagues to reveal their sources for an article in the newspaper's 28 September edition.

Russia

RSF lobbies EU and OSCE about kidnapped journalist in Ingushetia

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the presidents of the European Union (EU) Council and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to urge the Russian authorities to step up their investigation into the disappearance of Agence France-Presse (AFP) correspondent Ali Astamirov. A journalist in the Russian republic of Ingushetia, Astamirov was kidnapped by armed men on 4 July 2003.

Zimbabwe

Six more charged for practicing journalism without MIC accreditation

(MISA/IFEX) - On 1 October 2003, Zimbabwean police charged six journalists from the "Daily News" and "The Daily News on Sunday" for practicing without Media and Information Commission (MIC) accreditation.

Uruguay

Journalist receives death threats

(PFC/IFEX) - On 29 September 2003, during the "TV Libre" television programme, journalist Julio Toyos announced that he had received death threats because of an investigation he was conducting into alleged police links to a mafia ring in the city of Paysandú.

Pakistan

Two journalists detained and threatened by fundamentalist group

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the authorities to protect two journalists who were briefly detained by an outlawed fundamentalist group in the Khyber Agency region of Pakistan's tribal areas on 18 September 2003. The journalists have been threatened and are concerned for their safety.

Sudan

Newspaper suspended by state prosecutor in charge of subversion cases

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the recent closure of the newspaper "Al-Azminah" and the continued harassment of the independent daily "Alwan" by the state prosecutor in charge of subversion cases.

Venezuela

Delays in defamation trial of "El Impulso" journalist

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalist José Ángel Ocanto, managing editor of "El Impulso" daily, in the city of Barquisimeto, located in the west central region of the country, has complained that a defamation case being brought against him by Major Arnaldo Certaín is being delayed. Certaín is a former director of the Security and Public Order Unit and current director of the Foundation for Small and Medium Industrial Development of Lara state.

China

Internet writer Qi Yanchen gets early release from prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the release from prison of Internet writer Qi Yanchen before the completion of his four-year prison sentence for alleged "subversion" and "distributing anti-government news". He had posted pro-democracy articles on the Internet. The organisation has been able to confirm that he was released on 1 May 2003.

Lithuania

Court issues mixed decision on pro-independence Chechen website

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

Iran

RSF condemns ongoing harassment of reformist press

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the ongoing harassment of Iran's reformist press. The leading daily newspaper "Yas-e no" was banned for 10 days on 29 September 2003 for defying a request to print for a second day the same "right of reply" article by hardline Tehran Prosecutor Saïd Mortazavi. The paper eventually agreed and was allowed to resume publishing on 1 October.

Paraguay

Judge retracts resolution enforcing prior censorship on television comedy programme

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

Nepal

Pro-Maoist journalist Binod Sajana Chaudhary killed in western Nepal

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the killing of pro-Maoist journalist Binod Sajana Chaudhary on 27 September 2003 in western Nepal, noting that initial reports suggested he was summarily executed by security forces.

Greece

Petrol bomb attack on home of television host who probed terrorism

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern over attempts to intimidate television presenter Anna Panayotarea because of her investigation of the Greek terrorist group 17 November. The organisation has also condemned an attack on her Athens home on the evening of 29 September 2003, in which two individuals on a motorcycle threw a home-made petrol bomb at the front door. The explosive device caught fire, causing damage but no injuries. Anti-terrorism police are investigating the incident.

Russia / Germany

CORRECTION: Russian journalist's invitation to German book fair not withdrawn

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

Venezuela

Journalist faces charges for defamation and insult

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalist Gustavo Rodríguez, of the Caracas-based daily "El Universal", is facing charges for "defamation" and "insult", filed against him by Luis Alberto Mosquera Ciano, an advisor to Sucre District Mayor José Vicente Rangel Ávalo.

Venezuela

Photojournalist insulted and threatened

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 19 September 2003, Nilo Jiménez, a photojournalist for "El Tiempo" daily, in Puerto La Cruz, Anzoátegui state, northeastern Venezuela, was insulted and threatened by three individuals.

Tunisia

Journalist target of official intimidation and harassment

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

Honduras

Resolution negotiated in one of three legal actions against journalist Renato Álvarez

(PFC/IFEX) - Journalist Renato Álvarez, host of the debate programme "Frente a Frente", broadcast on Televicentro Corporation's stations 3, 5 and 7, has negotiated a resolution to one of three complaints launched against him for disclosing a report in June 2003 that revealed alleged connections to drug-trafficking in Honduras.

Indonesia

Journalist Goenawan Mohamad's residence and newspaper offices seized by court

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

Bangladesh

Journalist Hiramon Mondol freed from jail, charges dropped

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

Zimbabwe

Supreme Court declares sections of Broadcasting Services Act unconstitutional

(MISA/IFEX) - On 19 September 2003, the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe declared unconstitutional certain sections of the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) that gave the minister of information and publicity the power to licence would-be broadcasters.