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Alerts - 2004 - April-June

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Peru

Fears expressed that proposed Radio and Television Law may undermine freedom of expression

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 22 June 2004, executives of the Lima-based National Radio and Television Society (Sociedad Nacional de Radio y Televisión, SNRTV) condemned a proposed Radio and Television Law and said they would pursue all legal avenues available to them to prevent Congress from implementing the law.

East Timor

Australian journalist expelled

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the East Timor government's expulsion of Australian freelance journalist Julian King even though a court in Dili had cleared him of charges brought by the police.

Burma / Malaysia

Burmese journalist released from Malaysian prison

(SEAPA/IFEX) - On 24 June 2004, Burmese journalist Sein Mar was released from a Malaysian prison into the custody of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), according to the Center for Independent Journalists (CIJ) in Malaysia.

Iran

New concerns raised over cases of several imprisoned journalists as human rights "dialogue" with EU closes

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 28 June 2004 RSF press release:

Bangladesh

CPJ condemns ongoing imprisonment of journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 29 June 2004 letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, CPJ condemned the ongoing imprisonment of Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, the editor and publisher of the tabloid weekly "Blitz", who was jailed on sedition charges. CPJ called for his immediate and unconditional release.

Grenada

IPI concerned by government's deteriorating media relations

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

Mexico

"Tribuna" newspaper under attack

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - On 22 May 2004, Martín Serrano Herrera, owner of "Tribuna" newspaper, was assaulted by three individuals he identified as members of the Veracruz state security forces. According to Serrano, some questions about the incident remain unanswered as a proper investigation has not been carried out.

United Kingdom / Iraq

RSF calls on British authorities to pursue investigation into French cameraman's disappearance following discovery of Lebanese interpreter's partial remains

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has hailed the "remarkable work" of the British military police in locating the partial remains of Hussein Osman, a Lebanese interpreter working for the British television news station ITN who went missing in Iraq on 22 March 2003.

Venezuela

State radio journalist assaulted by opposition supporters

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 27 June 2004, journalist Romelia Matute, of the state radio station Radio Nacional de Venezuela, was assaulted while she was reporting on events in the Alto Prado region of southeastern Caracas.

Uzbekistan

Journalist Ruslan Sharipov sentenced to two years community service in Bukhara

(RSF/IFEX) - On 23 June 2004, a district court in Khamzinski (Tashkent region) sentenced journalist Ruslan Sharipov to two years community service in the city of Bukhara, in central Uzbekistan, at the end of an in camera trial.

Malawi

Radio station reopened

(MISA/IFEX) - On 31 May 2004, the High Court in Blantyre ordered the police to reopen the Malawi Institute of Journalism's (MIJ) 90.3 FM radio station, which was shut down on 23 May.

Nepal

Journalist arrested

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 24 June 2004, at approximately 11:30 a.m. (local time), plainclothes security forces agents arrested journalist Rewati Sapkota at his residence in Chabahil. A reporter with the daily "Rajdhani", Sapkota was released after a few hours in detention. The agents took him to an unknown destination, saying only that it was for an "urgent discussion." They did not produce a warrant for his arrest. According to CEHURDES sources, the journalist was not allowed to inform his newspaper of his arrest.

Nigeria

Newspaper reporter assaulted and arrested

(MRA/IFEX) - On 25 June 2004, Gbenga Faturoti, a correspondent for the "Daily Independent" newspaper in Osun State, south-west Nigeria, was beaten to near unconsciousness by a group of policemen in Osogbo, the state capital. Faturoti was subsequently arrested and briefly detained.

Bangladesh

CPJ condemns murder of journalist

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist released on bail after 20 days in detention

(JED/IFEX) - On 26 June 2004, after 20 days in detention, Gustave Kalenga Kabanda, managing editor of the Kinshasa-based weekly "La Flamme du Congo", was released by order of the Kinshasa/Gombe High Court's public prosecutor. The journalist posted bail of 20,000 Congolese francs (approx. US$53).

United States

Court backs fight against media concentration

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 June 2004 IFJ media release:

Bangladesh

Newspaper editor killed in bomb attack in Khulna

(RSF/IFEX) - The editor of a regional weekly in the southwestern city of Khulna has been killed in a bomb attack, less than six months after the murder of a BBC World Service local correspondent in the same city. An armed, far-left group claimed responsibility for the latest killing.

Algeria

Delegation of media leaders calls for international plan of action to counter "politically-motivated" attacks on journalists

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2004 IFJ press release:

Honduras

Television programme cancelled

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - On 18 June 2004, Arnold Girón, host of "La voz del pueblo" programme, televised on Channel 45, filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commissioner's Office protesting the cancellation of his programme. According to Girón, on 9 June he received a letter from the station's management advising him of the programme's cancellation. The journalist had a contract specifying that any revenues gained from advertisements aired on the programme were to be divided equally between Girón and the station.

Zimbabwe

Planned amendments to media law include new penalties for unaccredited journalists

(MISA/IFEX) - The government plans to amend sections of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act 2002. The amendments to the Act appeared in a government gazette released on 18 June 2004.

Cuba

Another imprisoned journalist granted medical parole

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2004 CPJ press release:

United Kingdom

Proposed editorial reforms at BBC threaten to undermine source confidentiality

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2004 IFJ media release:

Moldova

Investigative journalist brutally beaten on eve of libel case appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned the brutal beating of an investigative journalist on the eve of an appeal court hearing in a libel case in which she was involved.

Bangladesh

Journalists assaulted by prison guards

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

International / China

RSF releases "Internet under Surveillance" report, awards Internet Freedom Prize to Chinese cyber-dissident Huang Qi

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 22 June 2004 RSF press release:

Côte d'Ivoire

Broadcast regulator threatens UN radio station

(MFWA/IFEX) - The National Council for Broadcast Communication (Conseil national de la communication audiovisuelle, CNCA) has asked the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) to suspend broadcasts on its ONUCI FM radio station until it receives express authorisation form the Ministry of Information.

Ukraine

Breakthrough in Gongadze case met with deep suspicion

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Belarus

Deported Ukrainian journalist banned from entering country for five years

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 22 June 2004 letter to President Aleksandr Lukashenko, CPJ condemned the deportation of Mikhail Podolyak, a Ukrainian journalist, by the Belarusian security service (KGB). In the early morning of 21 June, agents forced Podolyak out of his home in the capital of Minsk and put him on a train to Odessa, Ukraine, according to local and international reports.

Thailand

SEAPA alarmed by criminal court's decision to accept libel suit

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a SEAPA press statement:

Poland

Journalist sentenced to three months in prison for defamation; RSF calls for presidential pardon

(RSF/IFEX) - On 22 June 2004, the Warsaw Supreme Court upheld a three-month prison sentence against Andrzej Marek, editor-in-chief of local weekly "Wiesci Polickie", for libelling a local official.

Mauritania

Reporter held for questioning

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 13 June 2004, Aidahy Ould Saleck, a regional correspondent of the independent weekly "L'Eveil Hebdo", was held for questioning by police in Nouadhibou, 400 km northwest of the capital, Nouakchott. Saleck was detained at the police station and interrogated for more than four hours.

Algeria

"El-Khabar" editor sentenced to two months in prison; "Le Matin" risks closure

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the two-month prison sentence for defamation handed down to "El-Khabar" editor Ali Djerri and the latest events in the legal saga of the daily "Le Matin". The newspaper's offices were sealed on 21 June 2004 and it may be forced to close.

Cuba

Independent journalist Carmelo Díaz Fernández released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 18 June 2004 release of independent journalist Carmelo Díaz Fernández for health reasons after 15 months in prison.

Azerbaijan

CPJ calls on government to end repressive media policies

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Sri Lanka

European Union calls for transformation of state-controlled media into public-service media

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 21 June 2004 FMM press release:

Cameroon

Publication director summoned to court on defamation charges

(JED/IFEX) - Michel Michaut Moussala, publication director for the Douala-based bi-weekly "Aurore Plus", has been summoned to appear before the Douala-Bonanjo Court of First Instance's correctional division on 24 June 2004, to face insult and defamation charges brought by Joseph Antoine Bell, a former goalie for the Lions indomptables du Cameroun soccer team. Douala is the second largest city in Cameroon.

Mexico

IAPA outraged over journalist's murder, calls for immediate investigation

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 22 June 2004 IAPA press release:

Peru

Journalists assaulted during demonstration in Ancash

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 19 June 2004, three journalists were assaulted while reporting on events in the city of Caraz, in Ancash region, northern Peru. The journalists were reporting on a demonstration against Mayor Roberto Espejo Ramírez, who is accused of mismanaging municipal affairs.

Gabon

News director of public broadcaster suspended

(JED/IFEX) - On 15 June 2004, Patrick Simangoye, news director at Gabonese Radio-Television's Channel 2 (Radiotélévision gabonaise, RTG2), a public broadcaster based in the capital, Libreville, was suspended by the station's management at the request of Communications Minister Medhy Teale.

Mexico

Informe de CENCOS sobre libertad de expresión en México

(CENCOS/IFEX) - Lo que sigue es un informe de CENCOS:

Ukraine

New developments in Gongadze murder case suggest President Leonid Kuchma may be implicated

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

Côte d'Ivoire

New "security measures" tighten state's grip on RTI

(RSF/IFEX) - The Ivoirian government has tightened its grip on the national radio and television station Radiodiffusion télévision ivoirienne (RTI), following the announcement by Interim Communications Minister Hubert Oulaye, on 10 June 2004, of a series of new measures aimed at bringing the station's news coverage in line with "government interests."

Colombia

RSF condemns restrictions on press coverage of government talks with paramilitaries

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about the threat to press freedom posed by restrictions on media coverage of talks between the government and leaders of the paramilitary United Self Defence Groups of Colombia (Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia, AUC). The talks are scheduled to open on 1 July 2004 in Tierralta, Córdoba region, northwestern Colombia.

Belarus

Ukrainian freelance journalist expelled

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ) have voiced outrage over the expulsion of Ukrainian freelance journalist Mikhail Podoliak on 21 June 2004. Podoliak was deported for allegedly trying to "destabilise" Belarus in articles critical of President Alexander Lukashenko's authoritarian regime.

Russia

Director of television channel in Dagestan wounded

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 June 2004 CPJ press release:

France

New concerns over free expression as "anti-sexism" bill unveiled

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its concern over a proposed new law that would make defamation on the grounds of sexual orientation and "incitement to sexual discrimination" punishable by up to one year in prison and a 45,000 euro (approx. US$54,400) fine. The "Bill to Combat Sexist and Homophobic Speech" was announced on 8 June 2004 by Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

Palestine / Israel

RSF condemns string of violent attacks against Palestinian journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - In a 21 June 2004 letter to Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz, RSF protested a string of violent attacks by the Israeli Army against Palestinian journalists in the Nablus region of the West Bank between 10 and 15 June.

Azerbaijan

CPJ concerned about harassment of journalists in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 June 2004 CPJ press release:

France

Victory for freedom of expression in new Digital Economy Law

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has hailed the Constitutional Council's ruling on the Law to Promote Confidence in the Digital Economy (LEN) as a victory for freedom of expression. The Council announced its decision on 13 June 2004, striking down a highly-contested statute of limitations clause for initiating legal action against online content.

Colombia

Press freedom organisations express concern about journalist's situation in Cúcuta

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2004 joint press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio station director savagely beaten by armed men

(JED/IFEX) - On 20 June 2004, Modeste Shabani, director of Sauti ya mkaaji (Voice of the Farmer) community radio station, which broadcasts from the city of Kasongo, in Maniema province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was savagely beaten by armed men. The attackers were led by a certain Colonel Bokeone from the Kasongo garrison, who was previously an officer with the former rebel group RCD/Goma.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Publisher-editor of "Les Coulisses" sentenced to six months in prison

(JED/IFEX) - On 19 June 2004, a court in Beni, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), sentenced Nicaise Kibel-Bel-Oka, publisher-editor of the Beni-based "Les Coulisses" newspaper, to six months in prison and payment of US$5,000 in damages and interest.

Colombia

Journalists assaulted in Barrancabermeja

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 17 June 2004, a number of journalists reporting on a protest march near the Barrancabermeja city hall, in northeastern Colombia, were assaulted. The incident occurred during confrontations between the Workers' Labour Union (Unión Sindical Obrera, USO) and the National Police Anti-Riot Squad (Escuadrón Móvil Antidisturbios, ESMAD).

Philippines

Probable suspects in murder of radio journalist identified

(CMFR/IFEX) - A radio broadcaster in General Santos City, southern Philippines, was killed by unknown assailants on 17 June 2004 at around 3:15 p.m. (local time). He was the second journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year.

Democratic Republic of Congo

President of National Union of Congolese Newspapers arrested in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - Kabeya Pindi Pasi, programming director for the Kinshasa-based private television station Tropicana TV and president of the National Union of Congolese Newspapers (Union nationale de la presse congolaise, UNPC), was arrested on 17 June 2004, at approximately 12:00 p.m. (local time), after violating a court-imposed ban on foreign music broadcasts. Pasi was taken to the State Security Court (Cour de sûreté de l'Etat, CSE) and held for more than five hours before he was finally released on the orders of Press and Information Minister Vital Kamerhe.

Philippines

Twenty-eight organisations attending IFEX General Meeting protest continuing attacks on journalists

(IFEX) - The following is a statement issued at the 11th General Meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange in Baku, Azerbaijan, 13-18 June 2004:

Nepal

Journalist detained and beaten

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 17 June 2004, Royal Nepal Army (RNA) officials assaulted journalist Subid Guragain in Sunsari district, eastern Nepal. Guragain is a local reporter for the daily "Rajdhani", published in Kathmandu, and vice-chairperson of the Sunsari section of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ). The journalist published two separate news reports criticising the RNA for their alleged mistreatment of citizens. Guragain was detained for three hours at the Shree Meher Company headquarters. During his detention, he was severely beaten with gun butts and army boots and threatened with death.

Burma / Malaysia

Twenty-five organisations attending IFEX General Meeting call on Malaysian government to release Burmese journalist Sein Mar

(IFEX) - The following is a statement issued at the 11th General Meeting of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) in Baku, Azerbaijan, 13-18 June 2004:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Imprisoned journalist's health seriously deteriorates

(JED/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 17 June 2004 JED letter to the director of Kinshasa's Central Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre:

Kuwait

Journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib sentenced in absentia; serious concerns for his safety

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC is gravely concerned for the safety of writer, journalist and researcher Yasser al-Habib, who is reported to have been sentenced in absentia by the Kuwait Criminal Court on 5 May 2004 to 10 years in prison on charges of attempting to overthrow the regime.

Morocco

Norwegian journalists expelled

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Somalia

Journalist sentenced but freed after prison term commuted

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC is concerned at the six-month sentence handed down to journalist Abdishakur Yusuf but is relieved that the prison term was commuted to a fine.

Sri Lanka

IPI questions "dual role" of media minister

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 17 June 2004 IPI press release:

Algeria

CPJ calls on authorities to cease campaign of judicial harassment against the media

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Egypt

Journalist sentenced to two years in prison for defaming minister

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a two-year prison sentence for defamation, handed down on 16 June 2004 to Ahmed Ezzedine, a correspondent with the weekly "Al-Ousbou". The verdict comes despite President Hosni Mubarak's 23 February promise to introduce a parliamentary bill that would end prison sentences for press offences.

Uzbekistan

Review commission reportedly recommends that Sharipov continue serving prison sentence

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 16 June 2004 letter to President Islam Karimov, WAN and the World Editors Forum (WEF) expressed outrage at the continued detention of journalist Ruslan Sharipov and called on him to ensure the journalist's immediate release.

Philippines

Radio journalist killed

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

Argentina

Television journalists attacked in Córdoba

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - Early in the morning of 11 June 2004, a news crew from the "Puntodoc" television programme, broadcast on América television station, in Buenos Aires, were attacked by employees of a nightclub. The incident occurred in Córdoba province, central Argentina, in a bar known as a place where men go to pick up prostitutes.

Morocco

Two Norwegian journalists threatened with expulsion

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is deeply concerned over the 16 June 2004 arrests of journalist Tor Dagfinn Dommersnes and photographer Fredrik Refvem of the Norwegian daily "Stavanger Aftenblad", after they were declared "personae non gratae".

Nepal

Journalist abducted, another threatened

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 7 June 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoists) rebels abducted journalist Parek Raj Shahi in Sukatia village, Kalikot district while he was sleeping at his home. He is a local correspondent for the Kathmandu-based daily "Rajdhani". According to an appeal issued by his family, the journalist's whereabouts and the reasons for his abduction remain unknown.

Mexico

CPJ urges Chiapas governor to repeal criminal defamation provisions

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 15 June 2004 letter to Pablo Salazar Mendiguchía, governor of the state of Chiapas, CPJ condemned Chiapas' recent enactment of penal code reforms that impose severe criminal penalties for defamation.

Uzbekistan

CPJ expresses concern over authorities' failure to act in Sharipov case

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 15 June 2004 letter to President Islam Karimov, CPJ expressed concern over Uzbek authorities' failure to meet their commitment to review the case of Ruslan Sharipov, an independent journalist and human rights activist. He is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for sodomy and having sexual relations with minors.

Pakistan

Arrests, threats and press freedom violations in South Waziristan

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has recorded an increase in press freedom violations since the start of the latest Pakistani military offensive against Islamist groups along the border with Afghanistan, particularly in the Shakai region.

Peru

Journalist faces criminal complaint

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 25 May 2004, Fedia Castro Melgarejo de Gutiérrez, mayor of La Convención district, in Quillabamba, Cusco, launched a criminal complaint against Yima Salízar Escobar, a correspondent for "El Sol del Cusco" newspaper. The journalist is accused of "condoning violence".

Colombia

News crew obstructed by police in Cúcuta

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 10 June 2004, journalist Cristian Herrera and photographer Carlos Patiño, of the daily "La Opinión", based in the city of Cúcuta, northeastern Colombia, were prevented by police from carrying out their duties. The incident occurred at 4:30 p.m. (local time), in the Cúcuta airport, while the news crew was reporting on a police operation involving the transfer of a captured individual to Bogotá.

China

Journalists' sentences reduced

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Sri Lanka

FMM criticises minister's statement on state media's role

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 15 June 2004 FMM press release:

Azerbaijan

Journalists in Nakhichevan complain of repeated harassment

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the chairman of the Supreme Council (Mejlis) of the autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan, Vasif Talibov, to act to protect journalists after two correspondents complained of repeated harassment.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist Bamporiki Chamira released after 15 months in detention; publisher of "Le Collecteur" temporarily released

(JED/IFEX) - Bamporiki Chamira, a journalist with the daily "La Tempête des Tropiques", was released on 15 June 2004 from Kinshasa's Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre (Centre pénitentiaire et de rééducation de Kinshasa, CPRK, former Makala central prison), where he spent more than 15 months in detention. Immediately after being released from prison, the journalist visited JED's office with his release certificate, which stated,"Bamporiki Chamira, arrested and sentenced on 16 February 2003 by the Public Prosecutor's Office of the State Security Court to 14 months, . . . as leader of a plot against the life of the head of state . . . is released today due to completion of his sentence."

Zimbabwe

CPJ deplores newspaper's suspension

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 15 June 2004 letter to President Robert Mugabe, CPJ deplored the government-controlled Media and Information Commission's (MIC) 10 June decision to suspend the private weekly "The Tribune" for one year. "The Tribune" is the second newspaper to be shuttered under Zimbabwe's repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Turkey

Human Rights Watch calls on Turkish government to improve record on free expression in advance of EU bid

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 14 June 2004 Human Rights Watch press release:

Vietnam

Ailing cyber-dissident Le Chi Quang released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 14 June 2004 release of cyber-dissident Le Chi Quang, two years before he was due to complete his prison sentence. The organisation called on the authorities to show similar clemency toward the six other cyber-dissidents currently detained in Vietnam.

Djibouti

Journalist from "Le Renouveau" newspaper arrested

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

Algeria

Managing editor of daily "Le Matin" sentenced to two years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is deeply shocked by the imprisonment of Mohammed Benchicou, managing editor of the daily "Le Matin", following the 14 June 2004 verdict sentencing him to two years in prison for a "violation of foreign exchange controls". The organisation vigorously denounces the dangerous escalation of repression of Algeria's private press since the presidential election.

Democratic Republic of Congo

As crisis mounts, CPJ urges government, rebels to respect press freedom

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 14 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Radio stations ordered closed for second time in one month

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 14 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED denounces latest government efforts to silence the press

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

Uzbekistan

RSF calls for journalist Ruslan Sharipov's immediate release

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the Uzbek authorities to make use of legal provisions allowing for his amnesty to immediately release journalist Ruslan Sharipov, now that he has served one-third of his sentence.

China

Cyber-dissident Du Daobin sentenced to four years of house arrest

(RSF/IFEX) - On 11 June 2004, a Xiaogan court (central province of Hubei) sentenced cyber-dissident Du Daobin to four years of house arrest and a two-year privation of his civil liberties for "inciting subversion of the state". Du Daobin was arrested on 28 October 2003 for posting articles on the Internet advocating democracy and respect for human rights.

Zimbabwe

"Standard" editor, reporter appear in court to face allegations of contravening Public Order and Security Act

(MISA/IFEX) - On 8 June 2004, Bornwell Chakaodza, editor of "The Standard" newspaper, and reporter Valentine Maponga were remanded out of custody to 14 August for contravening Section 15 of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

Zimbabwe

ANZ directors plead not guilty to charges of publishing without a licence

(MISA/IFEX) - On 9 June 2004, four directors of The Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ), publishers of the banned newspapers "The Daily News" and "The Daily News on Sunday", pleaded not guilty to charges of publishing without a licence.

Pakistan

Journalists denied entry into tribal area

(PPF/IFEX) - On 13 June 2004, the political administration of Khyber Agency, in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), denied entry into the area to a group of Peshawar reporters. The journalists wanted to cover a tribal Jirga (council of tribal elders) that was protesting the ongoing military operations in the areas bordering on Afghanistan.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Bukavu radio stations resume broadcasting despite threats

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Cuba

Journalist Carlos Alberto Dominguez González released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 8 June 2004 release of independent journalist Carlos Alberto Dominguez González after 27 months in prison. The journalist was released because of his poor health.

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM calls for urgent introduction of broadcasting and access to information legislation in Serbia

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 10 June 2004 ANEM statement:

Argentina

PERIODISTAS delegation visits Tucumán province

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - The following is a 7 June 2004 PERIODISTAS statement:

Algeria

Court hands down second sentence to imprisoned journalist Hafnaoui Ghoul

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

Lesotho

Minister complains about newspaper article

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 June 2004, Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety Thomas Motsoahae Thabane contacted MISA-Lesotho's chairperson with regards to a front page article that appeared in "The Mirror" newspaper (volume 18, number 23 of 2-8 June 2004), entitled, "Thabane Gets Slap in the Face".

Iran

Human Rights Watch urges EU delegation to press for concrete benchmarks to end abuses

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

Colombia

RCN radio journalists receive death threats in Cúcuta

(FLIP/IFEX) - A package recently delivered to the RCN radio station's offices contained a threatening letter directed at journalists Olga Lucia Cotamo, Ángela Echeverri and Fernando Fonseca. An individual on a motorcycle reportedly dropped off the package on the night of 9 June 2004 and it was found by the station's employees the next day. The station in based in the city of Cúcuta, northeastern Colombia, near the border with Venezuela.

Greece

Police enter premises of private radio station, seize equipment, arrest and charge owner

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

Vietnam

Writer Tran Khue charged with espionage

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist arrested for "spying"

(JED/IFEX) - On 7 June 2004, Gustave Kalenga Kabanda, managing editor of the Kinshasa-based weekly "La Flamme du Congo" ("Congo's Flame") was arrested by judicial police at his home in Kinshasa-Ngaliema. Kalenga Kabanda was taken to the Kinshasa-Gombe Court's detention centre (commonly referred to as the "judicial locker"), where he was detained for 48 hours before being taken to the General Court's detention centre, near Kinshasa-Gombe's Court of First Instance.

Azerbaijan

ARTICLE 19 statement on certain laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan relating to freedom of expression

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 9 June 2004 ARTICLE 19 statement:

Botswana

Photographer assaulted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 8 June 2004, photographer Thari Leepile, of "The Midweek Sun" weekly, was assaulted by Elizabeth Surtee and her son, Edward Mzwinila, who are facing trial for alleged armed robbery.

Grenada

CPJ alarmed by government's recent attempts to intimidate the local media

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 9 June 2004 letter to Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, CPJ expressed alarm over the Grenadian government's recent attempts to intimidate the local media, including legal actions against the press for reporting alleged wrongdoing by Mitchell.

Zimbabwe

Newspaper suspended for one year

(MISA/IFEX) - The government-appointed Media and Information Commission (MIC) has shut down yet another media house, Africa Tribune Newspapers (ATN), publishers of "The Tribune" newspaper, on allegations of breaching Section 67 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). The MIC closed the paper in accordance with Section 71 of the act.

Chad

Radio FM Liberté wins case against government

(JED/IFEX) - On 2 June 2004, the administrative chamber of N'Djamena's Supreme Court, in the Chadian capital, ordered the government to pay six million CFA francs (approx. US$11,200) in damages to the N'Djamena-based community radio station FM Liberté, for losses incurred when the station was forced to close between 21 October and 9 December 2003.

Iran

Journalist imprisoned for online articles

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of Abbas Kakavand, who was imprisoned on 7 June 2004 on charges of "disseminating false news" following a series of articles he wrote for the website http://www.gooya.com since February, after leaving the conservative daily "Ressalat". The articles criticised corruption and political payments received by many conservative leaders.

Turkey

Mass arrests of pro-Kurdish journalists ahead of NATO summit

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has described as "shocking" an 8 June 2004 operation by anti-terrorist police that took 25 people into custody in raids on two pro-Kurdish publications and a news agency in Istanbul.

Belgium

Court battle begins over authorities' action against German investigative reporter

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

Pakistan

Journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi goes on trial

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Cebu broadcaster survives assassination attempt

(CMFR/IFEX) - A radio commentator in Cebu City (approximately 587 kilometres south of Manila) survived an attempt on his life on the afternoon of 8 June 2004, as he was about to leave the station where he works.

Bangladesh

Journalists attacked by police

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Iran

Press freedom laureate Reza Alijani begins second year in prison

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

Colombia

Journalists face intimidation and harassment by former mayor

(IPYS/IFEX) - In a 1 June 2004 letter addressed to international press freedom organisations, nine journalists based in the city of Palmira, Valle del Cauca department, southwestern Colombia, informed them that they have been harassed by former mayor Miguel Motoa Kuri and individuals close to him.

Serbia / Montenegro

ARTICLE 19 highlights necessary amendments to draft Law on Free Access to Information

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 and Montenegrin Helsinki Committee statement:

Belarus

Opposition weekly "Rabochaya Solidarnost" suspended for three months

(RSF/IFEX) - A 3 June 2004 government order suspending the opposition weekly "Rabochaya Solidarnost" for three months is the latest step in a "campaign of systematic harassment of the independent and opposition press," RSF has charged in a letter to Information Minister Vladimir Rusakevich. The paper was suspended for an alleged violation of the press law.

Peru

Two municipal employees arrested in connection with journalist's murder

(IPYS/IFEX) - Two employees of the Coronel Portillo provincial municipality, in Pucallpa, Ucayali region, were arrested in connection with the 21 April 2004 murder of journalist Alberto Rivera Fernández.

Pakistan

"Frontier Post" editor's death sentence commuted to life imprisonment

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed relief following the commuting of the death sentence imposed on Rehmat Shah Afridi, editor-in-chief of the Peshawar dailies "The Frontier Post" and "Maidan", to life imprisonment.

International

Global free expression network to hold conference in Azerbaijan

(IFEX) - The following is an IFEX Clearing House press release:

Venezuela

Government supporters attack offices of RCTV television station

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Saudi Arabia

CPJ calls on authorities to apprehend perpetrators of attack on BBC cameraman and reporter

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

Zimbabwe

Internet firms ordered to spy on customers

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the government's demand that Internet service providers (ISPs) monitor the content of their customers' e-mail messages as a threat to freedom of expression in the country's current political climate.

South Africa

FXI warns of dangers in proposed hate speech bill

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 4 June 2004 FXI statement:

Saudi Arabia

BBC cameraman killed, security correspondent critically injured in Riyadh drive-by shooting

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

Russia

CPJ urges authorities to approve journalist Grigory Pasko's passport application so he can attend IFEX conference

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Malaysia / Burma

RSF calls for investigation into kidnapping of exiled Burmese journalist; another Burmese journalist detained in Kuala Lumpur

(RSF/IFEX) - On 4 June 2004, RSF and the Burma Media Association (BMA) issued a joint call for an investigation into the kidnapping of exiled Burmese journalist and pro-democracy activist Minn Kyaw in Malaysia. Kyaw was forced from his car on 1 June while en route to Kuala Lumpur airport to cover the arrival of the Burmese prime minister, General Khin Nyunt.

Mexico

Communications and Transportation Secretariat threatens to shut down community radio stations

(AMARC/IFEX) - In a 2 June 2004 joint statement, AMARC-Mexico and a number of human rights organisations expressed concern over threats by the Communications and Transport Secretariat (Secretario de Comunicaciones y Transportes, SCT) that it would shut down certain community radio stations.

Chad

Privately-owned radio station threatened with closure in N'Djamena

(JED/IFEX) - On 26 May 2004, High Council for Communications (Haut conseil de la communication, HCC) President Moussa Dago threatened to order the closure of FM Liberté, a community radio station based in the capital, N'Djamena.

Venezuela

Publishing house's offices attacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the afternoon of 3 June 2004, individuals believed to be supporters of President Hugo Chávez attacked the offices of the company that publishes the "El Nacional" and "Así es la Noticia" newspapers, in Caracas.

Algeria

Harassment of local press continues as two more journalists charged

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is deeply concerned over the recent wave of charges and sentences of journalists whose reports have made local authorities uncomfortable. Among those listed by the organisation are Kamel Gaci, a reporter with the daily "Le Soir d'Algérie" ("Algeria's Evening"), and G. Lotfi, a Djelfa-based correspondent for the daily "Liberté" ("Freedom").

Pakistan

Imprisoned journalist and his driver freed

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Canada / Mozambique

CJFE calls on Canadian government to return journalist's murderer to Mozambique

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2004 CJFE media release:

International

Resolutions on Zimbabwe, Cuba, Burma and Venezuela issued by WAN Board during international press meeting

(WAN/IFEX) - The following WAN press releases were issued on 2 June 2004:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Supporters of minister allegedly implicated in corruption scandal threaten Kinshasa daily

(JED/IFEX) - In a leaflet handed out in the capital, Kinshasa, on 27 May 2004, the local daily "Le Potentiel" was threatened for "publishing [an article] vilifying [Mines Minister] Diomi Ndongala". The leaflet was signed by one Agathe Mbelenge, a spokesperson for a women's group called the "Mothers of the Former Province of Léopoldville" ("Mamans de l'ex-province de Léopoldville"). In the handout, the women said they planned to organise a sit-in at the paper's office on 31 May. The sit-in was cancelled after "Le Potentiel" warned police, who positioned themselves in front of the daily's office in order to protect the paper and its staff. The supporters of Mines Minister Eugène Diomi Ndongala subsequently threatened to raid "Le Potentiel" on 3 June.

Azerbaijan

CPJ urges president to ensure that defamation charges against journalist are dropped

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2004 CPJ letter to President Ilham Aliyev:

Malaysia / Burma

Journalist detained, interrogated and assaulted by people claiming to be security officials

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Bukavu journalists and radio stations under attack as insurgents take the city

(JED/IFEX) - On 3 June 2004, Joseph Nkinzo, director of the Bukavu-based Radio Sauti Ya Rehema (The Voice of Mercy), sought shelter at the United Nations Mission in Congo (Mission des Nations unies, MONUC) headquarters in the city, after narrowly escaping an attempt on his life that left his younger brother dead. Bukavu has been under the control of military insurgents since 2 June.

Peru

Journalists assaulted by municipal employees

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 2 June 2004, journalist Luis Mamani Huillca, of Radio Sicuani station, was assaulted at the offices of the Sicuani provincial municipality, in Canchis province, Cusco department. Mamani Huillca and other journalists were covering two events that were taking place at the municipality's offices.

Belarus

Supreme court ruling threatens newspaper's survival

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern that "Narodnaya Volya" newspaper may be forced to close following a Supreme Court panel's confirmation of a 50 million ruble (approx. US$23,000; 20,000 euros) damages award against the paper for libelling former state television chief Yahor Rybakov.

Iraq

Editor-in-chief of three Kirkuk weeklies killed in grenade attack

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the authorities in northern Iraq to find and punish those responsible for a 3 June 2004 grenade attack that killed Sahar Saad Eddin Nuami, editor-in-chief of three Kirkuk weekly papers.

International

European Investment Bank policy fails to deliver transparency, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 1 June 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Morocco

Journalist Anas Tadili sentenced to six months in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 1 June 2004, a Rabat court sentenced Anas Tadili, editor of the weekly "Akhbar al-Ousbouaâ", to six months in prison with no parole. He was earlier charged with "defamation, vilification of a government official and spreading false news". Tadili, who has been jailed in Salé's prison since 15 April, was also sentenced to 10 months in prison with no parole on separate charges, and is scheduled to be tried on further defamation charges on 15 June.

Ukraine

Editor-in-chief of weekly newspaper assaulted

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged Interior Minister Mykola Bilokon to conduct a "thorough and open investigation" into an attack by three unidentified men on Petro Kobevko, editor-in-chief of the weekly "Chas", in the western town of Chernivtsi. The organisation described the 28 May 2004 attack as "very alarming" in view of the presidential election due to take place this fall.

Iraq

Journalist Alaa Majid escapes kidnapping attempt

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 June 2004 IFJ media release:

Mexico

Journalist kidnapped, 15 others threatened, assaulted or subjected to pressure

(RSF/IFEX) - More than 15 journalists have faced violence, threats or judicial harassment over the past two weeks.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists imprisoned in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - Albert Kassa Khamy Mouya, former publication director of the newspaper "Le Lauréat" and currently a journalist with the newspaper "Fair Play", and Rakys Bokela, publisher of the irregular Kinshasa-based newspaper "Le Collecteur", have been held since 27 May 2004 at the General Court's detention centre, near the Kinshasa-Gombe Appeals Court, and the Kinshasa Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre (Centre pénitentiaire et de rééducation de Kinshasa, CPRK), formerly the Makala central prison, respectively.

Haiti

Camera operator detained without charge; officials close radio and television station

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2004 CPJ press release:

Guatemala

Journalists receive death threats

(APG/IFEX) - The following is a 1 June 2004 APG press release:

Russia

Television station censored, anchor dismissed for airing interview with widow of former Chechen rebel leader

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED calls on interior minister to investigate death threats against Lubumbashi journalists

(JED/IFEX) - In a 28 May 2004 letter to Interior, Decentralisation and Security Minister Théophile Mbemba Fundu, JED expressed its concern over the growing number of journalists facing harassment and death threats in Katanga province, and particularly in the city of Lubumbashi, by individuals linked to Gabriel Kyungu wa Kumwanza, a parliamentarian and former governor of Katanga during the ethnic purges of 1992. Copies of the letter have been sent to all levels of Congolese government.

International

WAN seminar examines press freedom developments in the region

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 30 May 2004 WAN press release:

Venezuela

Journalists assaulted

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 29 May 2004, reporters for Globovisión television station and "Notitarde" newspaper were assaulted while covering an event involving the registration of signatures collected in order to demand a recall referendum against President Hugo Chávez. The incident took place in the La Lucha de Horizonte area of the Petare parish, in the eastern part of the capital, Caracas.

Kosovo (Serbia) / Montenegro / Serbia

IFJ says report lets politicians "off the hook" by blaming media for violence

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2004 IFJ media release:

Albania

Newspaper editor fined in defamation case

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 1 June 2004 ARTICLE 19 statement:

Israel

British journalist released

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2004 IFJ media release:

Côte d'Ivoire

Key witness in journalist's disappearance charged with murder

(RSF/IFEX) - On 28 May 2004, Michel Legré, a key witness in the case of missing journalist Guy-André Kieffer, was charged with "accessory to kidnapping", "unlawful confinement" and murder. Legré was also charged with defamation.

Cuba

Imprisoned journalist Normando Hernández González reportedly ends hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - In a telephone discussion with RSF on the evening of 26 May 2004, imprisoned journalist Normando Hernández González's wife Yaraí Reyes Marín said she had recently spoken to the Pinar del Río prison warden, who is known by the name of "Jesús". The warden confirmed that Hernández González has ended his hunger strike.

Sri Lanka

Tamil journalist killed in eastern town of Batticaloa

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 31 May 2004 murder of Tamil journalist Aiyathurai Nadesan in Batticaloa (220 km east of Colombo) and voiced concern that dissension within the Tamil separatist movement could lead to an escalation of violence against the news media.

Peru

Supreme Court confirms arrest warrant against journalist Álvaro Vargas Llosa

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 27 May 2004, media outlets reported that the Supreme Court's Criminal Branch has confirmed the issuing of an arrest warrant against journalist Álvaro Vargas Llosa. Vargas Llosa has failed to appear before the courts after being summoned repeatedly on charges of "aggravated defamation" in a case brought against him by businessman Adam Pollack, who is a friend of President Alejandro Toledo.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio host arrested in Lubumbashi and released two days later

(JED/IFEX) - On the morning of 1 June 2004, Alexis Ndjeko, a law student and host with the Lubumbashi-based university radio station Radio Phoenix Université (RPU), was released after spending two days in detention. Lubumbashi is the main city in Katanga province, southern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nepal

Driver of media vehicle killed in landmine explosion, security forces stop Kantipur Publications van

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 27 May 2004, Kanyaras Gurung, the driver of a media vehicle, was killed and two others were injured when they drove over a landmine planted by Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels in Tanahun district. The vehicle was carrying newspapers for the daily "Annapurna Post" from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the second day of a general strike called by rebels in the Gandak region.

Iraq

Editor-in-chief of independent daily target of kidnapping attempt, driver and bodyguard killed

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 May 2004, Ismail Zair, editor-in-chief of the independent daily "Al-Sabah al-Jadid", was the target of an attempted kidnapping. His driver and bodyguard were kidnapped and later killed. Zair was formerly editor-in-chief of the daily "Al-Sabah".

Serbia / Montenegro

CPJ urges authorities to aggressively investigate editor's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Uganda

ARTICLE 19 welcomes Access to Information Bill, but says more work is needed

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Grenada

Journalist arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced deep concern about the detention of journalist Leroy Noel on 27 May 2004. Noel was interrogated about his sources for a report on an alleged corruption case implicating Prime Minister Keith Mitchell.

Hong Kong (China)

Former radio host says he quit because of threats

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2004 CPJ press release:

China

New York-based television station faces continued harassment from Beijing authorities

(RSF/IFEX) - Authorities in Beijing have been harassing the New York-based television station New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV) since its launch in February 2002, in an attempt to maintain their grip on Chinese-language electronic media. In a recent development, New Skies Satellites (NSS) ended its contract with the station following prolonged financial and political pressure from Beijing. NTDTV has now resumed broadcasting to China and Asia via Eutelsat's W-5 satellite.

Algeria

Journalist Hafnaoui Ghoul receives six-month prison sentence for defamation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of Hafnaoui Ghoul, a correspondent for the daily "El Youm" in Djelfa, 150 kilometres south of Algiers. The journalist was placed in preventive detention on the evening of 24 May 2004 and was later sentenced to six months in prison with no parole for defamation. The organisation condemns the government's ongoing efforts to silence the press throughout the country.

Peru

IAPA asks attorney general to investigate complaints about handling of murdered journalist's case

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2004 IAPA press release:

Paraguay

IAPA protests media worker's unpunished murder

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2004 IAPA press release:

Brazil

IPI calls for amendment of law that allows for expulsion of journalists

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2004 IPI press release:

France

"Lyon Mag" publication director indicted on charge of "defending a criminal act"

(RSF/IFEX) - On 24 May 2004, Philippe Brunet-Lecomte, publication director of the monthly magazine "Lyon Mag", was indicted on the charge of "defending a criminal act", following the publication of an interview with Abdelkader Bouziane, an imam from Vénissieux, near Lyon, who defended, among other things, the stoning of women.

International

Statement from WiPC's Biennial Conference

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 21 May 2004 WiPC statement:

Vietnam

Imprisoned journalist ends hunger strike

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Algeria

Local correspondents face pressure from provincial authorities

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the ongoing pressure being placed on journalists by local officials in the provinces. Dozens of reporters and photographers are routinely harassed, threatened and assaulted.

Venezuela

Reporters denied access to presidential palace

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 20 May 2004, a Globovisión television station news team was denied access to the Miraflores presidential palace. A videotape with images of the building's exterior was also confiscated.

Côte d'Ivoire

RSF expresses concern over health and safety of jailed publication director

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed deep concern over the deterioration of "Le Venin" ("Venom") publication director Gaston Bony's health. Bony is imprisoned in the Agboville penitentiary, just outside of Abidjan.

Peru

Judge lifts restriction prohibiting British journalist from leaving country

(RSF/IFEX) - On 25 May 2004, Judge Alfredo Vladimir Catacora Acevedo lifted restrictions on British journalist Sally Bowen that prohibited her from leaving the country, put her under legal supervision and forced her to seek the judge's permission each time she wanted to travel outside the capital, Lima. The judge relaxed a decision against her that included these restrictions, replacing it with a "simple summons".

Iraq / Montenegro / Serbia

Two Japanese journalists killed in grenade attack near Baghdad; editor-in-chief of Podgorica-based daily "Dan" assassinated in Montenegro

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist arrested

(JED/IFEX) - On 19 May 2004, judicial inspectors arrested Lucien-Claude Ngongo, publisher of the Kinshasa-based newspaper "Fair Play". Ngongo was held for six days at the Kinshasa-Gombe High Court's detention centre, before being transferred to the Kinshasa Penitentiary and Reeducation Centre (Centre pénitentiaire et de rééducation de Kinshasa, CPRK, formerly the Makala central prison).

Colombia

Journalists assaulted by police

(IPYS/IFEX) - During the week of 16 to 22 May 2004, police once again attacked journalists while they were covering demonstrations. The incidents took place in Barbosa municipality, Antioquía department, northwestern Colombia, after the government decided to install a new toll booth.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist sentenced to six months in prison

(JED/IFEX) - On 25 May 2004, a Tshikapa court handed down a six-month sentence, including a two-month suspended sentence, to Roger Salomon Lulemba Kiabululu, a correspondent with the Kinshasa-based weekly "L'Eveil", for defamation against local diamond developer Mwahindji Shamwenze. Kiabululu was also ordered to pay the equivalent of US$526 in damages to Shamwenze. Tshikapa is the second largest city in West Kasai province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo's central region.

China

Prominent free expression advocate Liu Xiaobo placed under house arrest

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Chinese authorities' placement of several human rights activists under house arrest, preventing them from publicly marking the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre on 4 June 2004. The dissidents include Liu Xiaobo, a champion of free expression and the author of many articles about cyber-dissidence in the country.

Israel

British journalist arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the arrest of British journalist Peter Hounam. The "Sunday Times" reporter was arrested in Jerusalem on the evening of 26 May 2004 when plainclothes officers and members of the security services turned up at his hotel room. His arrest was confirmed by a spokesperson for the prime minister, but the government and the Jerusalem District Court imposed a gag order on the case.

Venezuela

Journalist sentenced to nine months in prison

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 25 May 2004, Caracas's Eleventh Court, which is presided by Judge Juvenal Barreto, sentenced journalist Ibéyise Pacheco to nine months in prison on a charge of "aggravated defamation".

South Korea

Internet radio station threatened, staff receive death threats

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over recent death threats and harassment of a group of North Korean defectors who run the independent Internet-based radio station Free North Korea.

Venezuela

Journalists detained by military personnel

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 23 May 2004, members of the daily "La Verdad"'s and the Globovisión television station's news teams were detained for two hours by the military. The incident occurred while the journalists were reporting on events at the Maracaibo University Hospital, in Zulia state, northwestern Venezuela.

Sudan

Eleven journalists detained

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the harassment by the authorities, particularly by the security forces, of journalists who are taking a stand for press freedom. The organisation also protested the arrest of six journalists from the daily "Al-Azmina" over a damning report on Sudan's financial and economical situation.

Ukraine

Two online journalists imprisoned

(RSF/IFEX) - On 23 May 2004, Olexandre Pomytkin, aged 43, known for investigating corruption within the security forces, was arrested in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine. He was charged with theft and fraud. On 22 May, Kostyantyn Sydorenko, aged 28, was arrested in Mukashevo, western Ukraine, while covering the city's mayoral election for a website. On 25 May, he was sentenced to five days in detention for "resisting the security forces". He has been held in solitary confinement since his arrest.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists receive death threats

(JED/IFEX) - Rose Lukanu Tshakwiza, a journalist with Congolese National Radiotelevision's (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) Lubumbashi station and a local Radio France International (RFI) correspondent, has been receiving death threats since 25 May 2004. The threats were reportedly received from anonymous phone callers claiming to be members of the youth branch of the Union of Congolese Federalists (Union des fédéralistes congolais, UNAFEC), a party whose national president is also justice minister. Gabriel Kyungu wa Kumwanza, a parliamentarian and former governor of Katanga province during the ethnic purges of 1992, is the party's local leader.

Peru

Journalist seriously injured during violent demonstration

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 24 May 2004, members of the press came under attack during a demonstration in Ilave district, Puno region, southeastern Peru. Cristhian Ticona Coahuila, a correspondent for "La República" newspaper, was seriously injured after being hit on the head with a stone.

Turkey

Journalist sentenced to 15 months in prison; newspaper given heavy fine

(RSF/IFEX) - On 20 May 2004, former "Milli Gazete" editorialist Hakan Albayrak was sentenced to 15 months in prison without bail for "insulting the memory of Ataturk", founder of the Turkish Republic. The same day, the daily "Vakit" was ordered to pay the equivalent of 500,000 euros (approx. US$605,000) in damages for defamation of 312 Turkish Army generals.

Peru

Police confiscate television correspondents' videotapes

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 20 May 2004, several television correspondents' videotapes were confiscated at the Tingo María airport, in the Huánuco region of eastern Peru. The incident took place when the journalists were searched before boarding a plane owned by the National Police. The correspondents were forced to travel by air because protesting coca growers had blocked all roads out of the city.

Sri Lanka

FMM denounces state-owned newspaper's attack on several private media outlets

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2004 FMM press release:

Pakistan

Five newspapers banned, offices sealed, staff arrested

(PPF/IFEX) - On 25 May 2004, the provincial government in Pakistan's southern province of Sindh banned eight newspapers in the city of Karachi on charges of "publishing obscene photographs" and "blackmail". Police also sealed their offices and arrested newspaper owners and staff.

Bangladesh

CPJ releases special report on the media in Bangladesh

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Bangladesh

International PEN concerned that journalist is being detained for his writings

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Chaudhury, who has been held since 29 November 2003 on espionage charges. Chaudhury is known for his work to improve relations between Muslim countries and Israel, and it is widely believed that his detention is connected to articles published in his magazine calling on Bangladesh to recognise Israel and advocating greater understanding between religions.

Nepal

CPJ concerned about journalists' detentions

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 21 May 2004 letter to King Gyanendra, CPJ expressed deep concern about the detentions of three journalists in western Nepal: Dhaniram Tharu and Maheshwar Pahari, who have been missing for several months; and Khadga Bahadur Swar, known as K.B. Jumli, whom local authorities arrested on 4 April.

United States

IPI criticises subpoena of journalists in CIA leak probe

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2004 IPI press release:

Malawi

Police close radio station, detain journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Hong Kong (China)

Freedom House warns of threats to Hong Kong media rights

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2004 Freedom House press release:

Peru

Journalists attacked in Puno

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the afternoon of 23 May 2004, a group of journalists were attacked by a mob. The incident occurred in the Ilave district, Puno region, southeastern Peru. The journalists were invited to the region to attend a press conference. However, violence erupted after police took down a barricade that local residents had set up during a strike action on 21 May.

Chad

Police raid newspaper's offices

(JED/IFEX) - On 22 May 2004, a team of local police officers, under the authority of an unidentified senior officer, raided the newsroom of "N'djamena Hebdo", a newspaper published out of the capital of N'djamena. The officers were reportedly looking for the paper's publication director, or possibly other journalists. None were present at the time of the search.

Central African Republic

Journalist arrested, house searched

(JED/IFEX) - On 21 May 2004, at about 8:00 a.m. (local time), Corneille Wanguia-Vickot, assistant editor-in-chief of the daily "Le Confident", published in the capital, Bangui, was arrested on the order of Interior Minister Jules Bernard Ouande. The journalist's home was also raided after he refused to disclose his sources for a story. He was released after spending 48 hours in detention.

Venezuela

Tear gas canisters thrown during live transmission of television programme

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 17 May 2004, an unidentified individual threw two tear gas canisters during the transmission of the "Primera Página" programme, broadcast on the Globovisión television station. The programme was being transmitted live from the Alberto Ravell neighbourhood, in El Valle, southern Caracas.

Iraq / United States

Al-Arabiyya cameraman and Spanish reporter released

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Malawi

Regulatory authority threatens to withdraw radio station's broadcasting licence

(MISA/IFEX) - Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General Evance Namanja has threatened to withdraw Radio Maria's broadcasting licence, accusing the Catholic radio station of being partisan in its coverage.

Lesotho

Radio Lesotho editor threatened

(MISA/IFEX) - On 19 May 2004, Nthabeleng Sefako, editor of the Radio Lesotho current affairs phone-in programme "Seboping", was threatened on the air by Minister of Home Affairs and Public Safety Thomas Motsoahae Thabane.

Malawi

Former public official threatens to sue newspaper journalist and radio station for defamation

(MISA/IFEX) - In a 13 May 2004 letter, former public official Paul Chimenya threatened to sue journalist McDonald Chapalapata, of "The Nation" newspaper, and the Malawi Institute of Journalism radio station (MIJ 90.3FM) for defamation.

Bolivia

President ratifies decree on community-based radio broadcasting

(AMARC/IFEX) - On 14 May 2004, government ministers and Bolivian President Carlos D. Mesa Gisbert ratified a Decree on Community-Based Radio Broadcasting. The move was hailed as a significant advance in terms of recognising community-based radio stations and brings Bolivia one step closer to implementing the recommendations put forth by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights with respect to radio broadcasting.

Mozambique

Journalist detained and released

(MISA/IFEX) - MISA-Mozambique and the Mozambique journalists' union's (SNJ) Niassa branch have condemned the 15 May 2004 detention for 10 hours of reporter Fabiao Mondlane.

Cuba

Another imprisoned journalist starts hunger strike

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

Zimbabwe

"Standard" newspaper journalists rearrested and released on bail, set to reappear in court

(MISA/IFEX) - On 21 May 2004, at about 5:00 a.m. (local time), police officers from the Law and Order Section rearrested two journalists from Zimbabwe's independent weekly "The Standard". Editor Bornwell Chakaodza and reporter Valentine Maponga were released by the Magistrate's Court on Z$50,000 dollars (approximately US$10) bail each and are set to reappear in court on 8 June.

Malawi

Capital Radio reporter detained

(MISA/IFEX) - On 20 May 2004, police arrested Capital Radio 102.5 FM reporter George Kalungwe on charges of "publishing false news likely to cause alarm among the public".

Vietnam

Imprisoned journalist on hunger strike transferred

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

Colombia

Journalists assaulted during demonstrations against Free Trade Agreement

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 18 May 2004, several journalists and media workers from local and international media outlets were assaulted by police and protesters during demonstrations against Free Trade Agreement (Tratado de Libre Comercio, TLC) negotiations in Cartagena, northern Colombia.

Iran

Two journalists released on bail

(RSF/IFEX) - On 19 May 2004, a court in Zanjan, northwestern Iran, decided to release two journalists from the weekly "Sedai é Zanjan". Managing editor Massiolah Soltani and his colleague Massud Almassi were arrested on 13 and 15 May, respectively. The court said the journalists could be freed on bail pending the "preparation of their cases." Soltani's bail was set at 35 million tomans (approx. 350 million rials; US$41,200; 34,300 euros). Almassi's bail was set at 10 million tomans (approx. 100 million rials; US$11,800; 9,800 euros).

Russia

European Court of Human Rights rules against Russia in Media-Most case

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Maoist rebels attack Radio Nepal transmission station

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 17 May 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels attacked state-owned Radio Nepal's FM transmission station in Jhalari, Kanchanpur district, western Nepal. The rebels set fire to the generator, antenna and other equipment. According to Radio Nepal, the damage is estimated at Rs 4 million (approx. US$54,800). The rebels are also believed to have stolen equipment from the transmission station.

Mexico

Suspect in journalist's murder killed in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is deeply concerned over the killing of Mario Medina Vázquez, whom police had charged with the 19 March 2004 murder of journalist Roberto Javier Mora García. The suspect, who had been held since 28 March, was stabbed by a fellow prisoner in jail.

Iraq / United States

Al-Jazeera technician killed; al-Arabiya cameraman arrested by US troops; Spanish correspondent held by militia in Najaf

(RSF/IFEX) - An Iraqi technician from al-Jazeera television, Hamid Rashid Wali, was shot dead on the night of 20 May 2004 in Kerbala, during clashes between the United States (US) Army and Moqtada al-Sadr's Shiite militia, al-Jazeera said in Baghdad.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Intelligence agents seize journalist's video tape

(JED/IFEX) - On 18 May 2004, two Congolese Intelligence Service (Direction spéciale de renseignements, DSR) agents seized a videotape from Alexis Mugisha Rubuga, a cameraman with Congolese National Radiotelevision's (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) Goma station. The tape contained images from the closing ceremonies of a North Kivu province civil society empowerment workshop, held from 16 to 18 May.

Zimbabwe

Two journalists arrested

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

Somalia

CPJ concerned about jailed journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Ukraine

IFJ challenges prime minister over Gongadze murder investigation, other threats to press freedom

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 May 2004 IFJ media release:

Iraq / United States

Al-Jazeera cameraman detained for a month and a half; RSF appalled by accounts of torture suffered by three Reuters employees

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written to United States (US) Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, protesting the Reuters news agency's revelations about the torture of three of its employees in Iraq at the hands of the US military.

Cameroon

Journalist manhandled while covering protest

(JED/IFEX) - On 18 May 2004, Jean Célestin Edjangué, a journalist with the newspaper "Le Messager" ("The Messenger"), published in Douala, was manhandled by police while covering a demonstration protesting the issuing of entry visas outside the French Consulate.

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM protests political interference in local television station's activities

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

Iran

Repression of press freedom continues as two more journalists arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - On 13 May 2004, the managing editor of the weekly "Sedai é Zanjan", Massiolah Soltani, was summoned to appear before a court in Zanjan, northwestern Iran. Following questioning, Soltani was remanded in custody. He is accused of "disseminating false news" and "disturbing public opinion and public order". On 15 May, his colleague Massud Almassi was arrested on the same grounds. The newspaper has suspended its publication in protest, calling the charges "illegal and arbitrary". The arrests appear to be linked to a story carried by the newspaper about the rape of a four-year-old girl.

China

Internet essayist Du Daobin goes on trial

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Director of community radio station in Maniema province receives death threats

(JED/IFEX) - Modeste Shabani, director of Sauti ya mkaaji (Voice of the Farmer) community radio station, which broadcasts from the city of Kasongo, in Maniema province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was arrested and detained on 10, 11, 13 and 14 May 2004 by officers from the Congolese National Police's (Police nationale congolaise) local branch and intelligence services agents. The journalist was detained after a warrant officer identified only as Modogo filed a complaint against the radio station.

Iraq / United States

Reuters journalists abused by US troops

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 May 2004 CPJ press release:

International

Resolutions passed at IPI Annual General Assembly

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

Burma

Sports journalist Zaw Thet Htwe's death sentence commuted

(RSF/IFEX) - On 12 May 2004, Burma's Supreme Court commuted the death sentences of four people, including sports journalist Zaw Thet Htwe. Their sentences were reduced to three years in prison.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia added to IPI Watch List

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

Venezuela

IAPA condemns call to strip journalists of their citizenship

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 14 May 2004 IAPA press release:

South Korea

South Korea removed from IPI Watch List

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

Nepal

Journalist and poet beaten by police officers in separate incidents

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 16 May 2004, a police officer under the command of Inspector Gopi Man Shrestha physically assaulted journalist Jagat Nepal in Khasi Bazar, Kathmandu, while he was covering a protest rally organised by student groups. The journalist works for the private television network Kantipur Television. His journalist identity card was clearly displayed when he was brutally beaten. He was wounded in the neck and was treated for his injuries at Model hospital.

Central African Republic

Journalist released from prison

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Venezuela / Brazil

Military personnel raid media executive's ranch

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2004 IAPA press release:

Pakistan

Detained "Newsweek" reporter Sami Yousafzai transferred to tribal areas

(RSF/IFEX) - Afghan journalist Sami Yousafzai, who has been secretly detained in Peshawar since 21 April 2004, has been transferred to the Miranshah detention centre in the North Waziristan tribal area, northwestern Pakistan.

Iraq

CPJ publishes special report on Iraqi journalists

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

Indonesia

RCTI cameraman Fery Santoro released after almost one year in captivity

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

Ecuador

President approves new law on access to information

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 13 May 2004 IAPA press release:

Canada

Coalition applauds awarding of Hellman/Hammett Grant to author Stephen Williams

(CJFE/PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2004 CJFE, PEN Canada and Writers' Union of Canada joint statement:

France

Three journalists manhandled by riot police

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced an attack by riot police on three journalists on 15 May 2004, while they were covering a demonstration in front of a Cannes police station.

Pakistan

CPJ condemns harassment and detention of journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 14 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Radio station closed

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 17 February 2004, Bombo Radyo DZNC radio station, which broadcasts in Cauayan City, Isabela, was ordered closed by Mayor Cesar Dy's government for non-renewal of its permits.

Guinea

"Jeune Afrique L'Intelligent" news weekly banned for second week in a row

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

Israel

IPI urges government to revoke appeal of court ruling on press accreditation for Palestinian journalists

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 13 May 2004 IPI letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists arrested

(JED/IFEX) - On 13 May 2004 at 9:00 a.m. (local time), Ibrahim Kayembe and Ali Tshitoko, programming director and host with the broadcaster "Sumbula Number One", respectively, were arrested by four Congolese Armed Forces (Forces armées congolaises, FAC) soldiers. The two journalists are being held in a detention centre at the First Company Battalion's barracks in Luiza.

Venezuela

News team threatened and assaulted

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 May 2004, military intelligence service (Dirección de la Inteligencia Militar, DIM) officers issued death threats against and assaulted an "El Universal" newspaper news team comprised of photojournalist Jorge Santos, reporter Felix Carmona and driver Andrés Pérez Cova. The incident took place in the Oripoto area of El Hatillo municipality, southeast of Caracas.

Côte d'Ivoire

Radio France International broadcasts suspended for 24 hours

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed regret over the National Audiovisual and Communications Board's (Conseil national de la communication audiovisuelle, CNCA) decision to suspend Radio France International (RFI) broadcasts for 24 hours.

China

Cyber-dissident Yang Jianli sentenced to five years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 13 May 2004, United States (US) resident Yang Jianli was sentenced to five years in prison for "espionage" and "illegally entering Chinese territory", after spending more than two years in prison awaiting his sentencing.

Argentina

PERIODISTAS submits amicus curiae in support of journalist

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 30 April 2004, PERIODISTAS submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of journalist Diane Gagliano, director of the "Multiflores" community-based newspaper. Amicus curiae briefs are submitted in support of legal cases that are in progress.

Pakistan

Journalist placed under house arrest, others roughed up and detained by police

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has criticised the Pakistani authorities' heavy-handed treatment of the media as journalists tried to cover the attempted return from exile of opposition politician Shahbaz Sharif, the brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Intense official pressure was brought to bear on the private television station ARY Digital TV, a CNN journalist was placed under house arrest and police roughed up several journalists who were trying to cover the event in Lahore.

Malawi

Newspapers threatened with legal action

(MISA/IFEX) - On 10 May 2004, presidential candidate Bingu Mutharika, of the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) party, threatened to sue the "Weekend Nation" and "The Dispatch" newspapers for what he referred to as "defamatory" articles.

Brazil

CPJ condemns Ministry of Justice decision to revoke visa of "New York Times" correspondent

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Kyrgyzstan / International / Kazakhstan / Tajikistan / Turkmenistan / Uzbekistan

Freedom House calls on Central Asian governments to lift restrictions on press freedom

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 10 May 2004 Freedom House press release:

Belarus

KGB raids offices of independent newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced a KGB raid of the offices of the independent weekly "Den", on 11 May 2004. The newspaper, which has been the target of government harassment for several months, also had several of its computers seized.

Burma

Former BBC correspondent receives 15-year sentence; military junta prohibits free coverage of National Convention

(RSF/IFEX) - Burma's military government has moved to block effective coverage of the National Convention that opens on 17 May 2004. The authorities have refused to grant journalists visas, subjected them to intimidation, imposed advance censorship and secured the convention centre.

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist escapes kidnapping attempt, assailants mistakenly abduct another journalist

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

Serbia / Montenegro

SEEMO condemns mistreatment of journalist by Serbian Orthodox Church

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2004 letter by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Zimbabwe

Government commission threatens to shut down independent weekly

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Zimbabwean authorities' threatened closure of the independent weekly "The Tribune". The threat came on 3 May 2004, World Press Freedom Day, following accusations that the paper failed to notify the government-appointed Media and Information Commission (MIC) of internal changes.

Nepal

CPJ concerned about beating and detention of journalists, overall deterioration of press freedom conditions

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Argentina

PERIODISTAS expresses concern over cancelled book presentation

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 1 May 2004, PERIODISTAS issued a statement expressing its concern over the cancelation of the presentation of a book entitled, "Vale Todo", an unauthorised biography of journalist and businessman Daniel Hadad. Hadad is a shareholder in a number of radio stations, a television station and a Buenos Aires-based newspaper.

Argentina

Journalist harassed and threatened with legal action by member of parliament

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 22 April 2004, PERIODISTAS sent a letter to Alberto Emilio Maguid, a member of parliament for the Partido Justicialista (PJ) party in Santa Fe province and secretary-general of the National Public Workers' Union (Unión del Personal Civil de la Nación, UPCN). The organisation expressed its concern regarding two letters Maguid sent to David Narciso, a reporter for the Rosario-based Radio LT8 station, in which he demanded that the journalist rectify information broadcast by the station and threatened to file a complaint for slander if he failed to do so. The first letter was sent on Santa Fe Province House of Representatives letterhead.

Iran

Jailed journalist Ensafali Hedayat begins hunger strike; 18-month sentence confirmed on appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - On 11 May 2004, the Tabriz Appeals Court confirmed journalist Ensafali Hedayat's 18-month prison sentence. He has been physically weakened by health problems since his incarceration on 16 January. Having posted bail, Hedayat should have been released pending his appeals trial. RSF is particularly concerned by the fact that the journalist recently started a hunger strike.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist detained in Tshikapa

(JED/IFEX) - On 10 May 2004, Laurent Lukengu, a journalist with the Tshikapa-based privately-owned radio station Kasaï Horizon Radio Télévision (KHRT), was detained from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (local time). The journalist was arrested by Tshiendesha Muinyapale, a police officer who oversees Tshikapa city hall's association with outside partners. Tshikapa is the second largest city in West Kasai province, central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mozambique

Authorities' complicity suspected as killer of journalist Carlos Cardoso escapes from prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed shock over police reports of Anibal Antonio dos Santos' escape, on 10 May 2004, from Maputo's high security prison. Dos Santos, also known as "Anibalzinho", had been serving a 28-year sentence since January 2003 for the murder of journalist Carlos Cardoso.

Venezuela

Journalist briefly detained by police

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 May 2004, Darvin Romero Montiel, a reporter for the state television station Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), was stopped by police as he was driving down a street in the La Alameda area of Baruta municipality, in the eastern part of Venezuela's capital, Caracas.

China

Journalist sentenced to two years' "administrative" detention

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

Mexico

President instructs authorities to close "clandestine" radio stations

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is an AMARC-Mexico, Fray Francisco de Vitoria Human Rights Centre (Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Francisco de Vitoria) and Mexican Commission for the Defence and Promotion of Human Rights (Comisión Mexicana de Defensa y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos, CMDPDH) joint statement:

Nepal

Nepalese press subjected to unprecedented repression, CEHURDES says

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - The following is a CEHURDES press statement issued on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day:

Pakistan

CPJ protests journalist's detention, expresses concern that he may be abused while in government custody

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 10 May 2004 letter to the president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, CPJ expressed concern about the prolonged detention of "Newsweek" stringer Sami Yousafzai and called on the government to release him immediately.

Bangladesh

Journalist charged with "murder" after refusing to hand over incriminating photographs

(RSF/IFEX) - A photojournalist has been charged with "murder" after refusing to hand over photographs to police. The photographs he took showed police firing at demonstrators at a polling station, killing two of them.

Zambia

Court revokes columnist's deportation order

(MISA/IFEX) - On 26 April 2004, Lusaka High Court Judge Phillip Musonda quashed a deportation order issued by Home Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha against "The Post" newspaper columnist Roy Clarke, saying it was unlawful and violated freedom of expression. Clarke, a British national and permanent resident of Zambia, had appealed the order.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist dismissed for "withholding information"

(JED/IFEX) - On 23 April 2004, Vicky Kazumba Badia, a journalist and director of news programming at the private television station Canal Kin TV, was dismissed for "withholding information", following an order given to Canal Kin TV Director-General Placide Ibouanga-Ndinga by the station's chief executive officer Jean-Pierre Bemba, who is also the Congolese vice-president.

Jordan

Newspaper editor jailed

(WAN/IFEX) - In an 11 May 2004 letter to Prime Minister Faisal al-Fayez, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed serious concern at the jailing of newspaper editor Fahd al-Rimawi.

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist brutally assaulted by police officers

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

Nepal

Journalists assaulted and injured by police officers

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 7 May 2004, police officers assaulted at least a dozen journalists, including Dipendra Kunwar, Jitendra G.C. and Dinehsh Pande, in the town of Butwal, Rupandehi district, western Nepal. The journalists were severely beaten while they were covering a referendum held in Butwal by Lumbini Commerce Campus students.

Saudi Arabia

Journalist released

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN has received information that journalist Faris Hizam Al-Harbi, who was reportedly detained on 21 April 2004, has been freed. However, an 8 March order banning him from practicing his profession remains in force. International PEN welcomes the journalist's release, but is seriously concerned that he and many other journalists in Saudi Arabia are reportedly currently banned from practicing their profession.

Zimbabwe

Photographer briefly detained

(MISA/IFEX) - On 4 May 2004, police detained Desmond Kwande, a photographer with "The Daily Mirror" newspaper, for one hour after he attempted to take a photograph of a banner at a high school in the capital, Harare, that was under police guard.

East Timor

Australian journalist arrested and threatened with expulsion

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of Australian investigative journalist Julian King, who has been threatened with legal action and expulsion.

Cuba

Imprisoned journalist on hunger strike

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Russia

Reuters journalist killed in bombing

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

Iran

Three journalists receive heavy prison terms

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the release of three journalists who received heavy prison sentences at an appeals trial held in their absence. Reza Alijani, editor-in-chief of the monthly "Iran-e-Farda" and winner of the RSF-Fondation de France 2001 press freedom award, Hoda Saber, an "Iran-e-Farda" manager, and journalist Taghi Rahmani, of the weekly "Omid-e-Zangan", have been illegally imprisoned since 14 June 2003.

Togo

Journalists assaulted

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

Zimbabwe

Government department softens demand for deportation of Sky News crew

(MISA/IFEX) - The Department of Information and Publicity has softened its demand that a Sky News crew be deported from Zimbabwe after it was revealed that the team had in fact been invited by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party.

Greece

State television's censorship of documentary film followed request by Prime Minister's Office

(GHM/IFEX) - The following is a 6 May 2004 GHM press release:

Peru

"El Comercio" newspaper faces another defamation complaint

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 6 May 2004, the Lima-based newspaper "El Comercio" reported that businessman Fernando Zevallos Gonzáles has launched another civil defamation complaint against the newspaper, demanding US$100 million in compensation. Zevallos is facing drug trafficking charges and his trial is scheduled to resume on 1 June in Lima's Superior Court.

Indonesia

GAM commander announces imminent release of RCTI cameraman Fery Santoro

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

Zimbabwe

Local journalists who report for foreign media outlets threatened with arrest

(MISA/IFEX) - On 30 April 2004, Minister for Information and Publicity Jonathan Moyo threatened to arrest Zimbabwean journalists who report for foreign media outlets.

Italy

Journalist receives suspended prison sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - On 5 May 2004, journalist Fabrizio Gatti, a reporter with the daily "Corriere della Sera", was given a suspended 20-day prison sentence for falsifying his identity during an investigation into conditions at a refugee centre. The journalist plans to appeal the verdict.

Peru

Congress asks newspaper to publish apology

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 5 May 2004, Congress asked for an apology from "Perú 21" newspaper after the newspaper described the government body as "mediocre and corrupt" for having advanced a motion to censor Interior Minister Fernando Rospigliosi.

Tunisia

Press freedom organisations call on organisers of World Summit on the Information Society to reconsider their plans to hold follow-up summit in Tunis

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a resolution on Tunisia passed by members of the Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations, meeting in Belgrade for World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2004. The organisations that have signed on to the resolution are listed below:

Cyprus

Offices of Turkish-Cypriot newspaper targeted in bomb attack

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned an attack on the offices of the daily "Kibris" during the night of 6 to 7 May 2004. Three separate bombs exploded in front of the newspaper's offices, which are located in Nicosia, in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is recognised only by Turkey. No one was injured in the attack.

Iraq / United States

Press freedom organisations express concern over safety of news personnel, restrictions imposed on media outlets

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a resolution on Iraq passed by members of the Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations, meeting in Belgrade for World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2004. The organisations that have signed on to the resolution are listed below:

Haiti

Press freedom organisations call on authorities to safeguard the work of journalists, reopen investigation into three journalists' murders

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a resolution on Haiti passed by members of the Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations, meeting in Belgrade for World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2004. The organisations that have signed on to the resolution are listed below:

Côte d'Ivoire

Photojournalist receives death threats, flees to Senegal

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 7 May 2004 letter to President Laurent Gbagbo, WAN and the World Editors Forum (WEF) expressed serious concern over the disappearance of journalist Guy André Keiffer and the death threats made against his colleague Baudelaire Mieux.

Poland

Journalist sentenced to one month in prison for libel

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 7 May 2004 IPI letter to Minister of Justice Marek Sadowski:

Cuba

Press freedom organisations call for release of imprisoned journalists and end to harassment of those who try to disseminate ideas

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a resolution on Cuba passed by members of the Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations, meeting in Belgrade for World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2004. The organisations that have signed on to the resolution are listed below:

Iraq

Two journalists killed, another injured

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

Nepal

Journalists beaten, injured while covering opposition demonstration

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 3 May 2004, police officers assaulted journalists Dipak Rijal, Lila Raj Khanal, Mukunda Subedi and Damodar Dawadi in the Putali Sadak and Bhrikuti Mandap districts of Kathmandu. The journalists were severely beaten by officers who hit them with batons and ignored their press identification. The journalists were covering a street demonstration organised by Nepal's five leading political parties. They were treated for their injuries at Miteri hospital, in Bagh Bazar, Kathmandu.

Vietnam

Imprisoned journalist on hunger strike following rejection of appeal

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

Lesotho

Defamation complaint launched against three media outlets, seized equipment returned to "Mohahlaula" newspaper

(MISA/IFEX) - On 4 May 2004, the Lesotho High Court rescinded a default judgement relating to a civil defamation claim against the weekly Sesotho newspaper "Mohahlaula". This effectively allows the newspaper to launch a defence against the defamation case in which it was cited as a respondent, along with two other local newspapers and a number of individuals.

Argentina

Mayor's Office discriminates against "La Mañana" newspaper

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 28 April 2004 IAPA press release:

Palestine / Israel

AFP photographer shot and wounded in Deir Al-Balah

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz to hold an "impartial, swift and rigorous" investigation into the shooting of Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer Mahmoud Hams in the Gaza Strip on 5 May 2004.

Mongolia

Journalist imprisoned for defamation

(RSF/IFEX) - Journalist A. Erdenetuya has been sentenced to three months and one day in prison for defamation and fined 900,000 Mongol tugriks (approx. US$809; 670 euros). On 27 April 2004, the Bayanzurkh District Court convicted Erdenetuya under Article 111/2 of the Mongolian Criminal Code and sent her to Gants Khudag prison in a suburb of the capital, Ulan-Bator. The 22 year-old reporter writes for the tabloid newspaper "Mongolyn Neg Odor" ("A Day in Mongolia).

Russia / Turkmenistan

Moscow correspondent for Radio Free Europe's Turkmen service attacked

(RSF/IFEX) - Mukhamed Berdiyev, Moscow correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Turkmen service, was beaten up by thugs at his home on 30 April 2004. The journalist lay badly injured in his apartment for three days without being able to call for help. He suffered injuries to his head, eyes and ribs.

United States

British journalist without press visa "treated like criminal" on arrival in Los Angeles

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written to United States (US) Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to complain about the detention of British freelance journalist Elena Lappin on her arrival at Los Angeles international airport on 3 May 2004, and her expulsion the following day for not having a press visa.

Sri Lanka

RSF concerned over raid on home, death threats against journalist Dhamaratnam Sivaram

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its concern for the safety of Tamil journalist Dhamaratnam Sivaram ("Taraki"), editor of the online news service Tamilnet ( http://www.tamilnet.com ), following a 3 May 2004 raid on his home by Colombo police.

Guinea

Authorities censor French news weekly "Jeune Afrique L'Intelligent"

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

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist assaulted

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

Guatemala

APG statement on World Press Freedom Day

(APG/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2004 APG press release:

Cameroon

Two more journalists ordered to appear in court on defamation charges

(JED/IFEX) - Richard Max Bosoh Mpandjo and Luther Ouandie, publication director and journalist, respectively, of the newspaper "L'Indépendent" ("The Independent"), have been ordered to appear in court on 6 May 2004, to respond to charges of "defamation and spreading false information", brought by Ndo Ndo Jean Rollin Bertrand, director of pharmaceuticals for the Ministry of Public Health.

Indonesia

AJI and ISAI mark World Press Freedom Day, denounce ongoing attacks against the press

(AJI/ISAI/IFEX) - The following is a 4 May 2004 statement by the Coalition Against Violence Towards Journalists, of which AJI and ISAI are members:

Georgia

Journalists beaten at opposition rally

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

Peru

Director of biweekly threatened

(IPYS/IFEX) - David Mejía Huamán, director of the biweekly "La Selva", in the city of Puerto Maldonado, in the country's southeastern region of Madre de Dios, has asked the local prefect to ensure his safety. The journalist was threatened by the head of the Madre de Dios regional government, Rafael Edwin Ríos López, on 20 April 2004.

Benin

Journalist scheduled to reappear in court, could face more time in jail if he loses appeal

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Greece

Documentary film censored by state television

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

Sri Lanka

Police raid home of journalist

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

Vietnam

Journalist's appeal to be heard on 5 May

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2004 CPJ press release:

Dominican Republic

IAPA reiterates call for due process to be followed in Editora Listín Diario case

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2004 IAPA press release:

Nepal

Journalists detained, interrogated and beaten

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 1 May 2004, police officials under the command of Inspector Harihar Singh Gurung interrogated journalist Dinesh Acharya in Bidur, Nuwakot district, regarding a 30 April news report published in the local weekly "Trishuli Prawaha". The police also searched Acharya's residence before taking him into custody. They confiscated a Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) press statement and publications by the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES). Acharya was released after spending a few hours in detention. According to the journalist, the police asked about the confiscated press statement and his contacts with CPN-Maoist leaders.

Dominican Republic

SIP reitera solicitud de respeto al debido proceso de ley en caso de la Editora Listín Diario

(SIP/IFEX) - Lo que sigue es un comunicado de prensa de la SIP, con fecha del 30 de abril de 2004:

Peru

Journalist threatened, defamation complaint launched against head of investigation unit

(IPYS/IFEX) - In the last three weeks of April 2004, Miguel Ramírez, an investigative journalist for "El Comercio" newspaper in Lima, received several threatening calls, both on his mobile phone and at his parent's house. The threats consisted of insults and recordings of prayers at mass.

Belarus

Council of Europe calls for sanctions against government for failing to properly investigate a series of abductions

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Azerbaijan

Independent newspaper faces ongoing legal and financial harassment

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 4 May 2004 IPI letter to President Ilham Aliyev:

International

IFJ releases second annual Press Freedom Report for South Asia

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2004 IFJ media release:

South Africa / International

FXI expresses concerns over state of media freedom in the world as well as in South Africa

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

International

IPI to honour CASCFEN with 2004 Free Media Pioneer Award

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

Honduras

Newspaper editor-in-chief faces defamation complaint

(PFC/IFEX) - A defamation complaint has been launched against journalist Carlos Mauricio Flores, editor-in-chief of "El Heraldo" newspaper, which is published in the capital, Tegucigalpa. The complaint was filed by Gloria Maritza García Suárez, a lawyer who was mentioned in an October 2003 "El Heraldo" article about drug trafficking.

International

Press freedom under the palm trees: RSF denounces "paradise dictatorships"

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

International

CPJ marks World Press Freedom Day by naming world's worst places to be a journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2004 CPJ press release:

International

World Press Freedom Day message from PINA president

(PINA/IFEX) - The following is a 30 April 2004 PINA statement:

Chile

Online daily's computers seized under anti-terrorist law

RSF has condemned the confiscation of two computer hard drives belonging to the online newspaper "El Mostrador" ( http://www.elmostrador.cl ) on 27 April 2004. The seizure was ordered under an anti-terrorist law by a judge investigating the 24 March bombing of the Brazilian Consulate in Santiago. The equipment was returned the next day.

Iran

Following statement from judiciary head, RSF demands release of jailed journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed a recent order by the head of the judiciary, Mahmoud Hashemi Shahrudi, that the law be applied and abuses halted in Iranian prisons and courts. The organisation urged the authorities to free 12 illegally imprisoned journalists and asked that they be compensated for their imprisonment and the abuses they have suffered.

Iraq / International

IFJ calls for investigation into journalist killings in Iraq, stresses need for safety, solidarity, in World Press Freedom Day address

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

International

IAPA president's message on World Press Freedom Day

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

Mexico

Two men sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder of U.S. journalist Philip True

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Vietnam

Authorities block IFEX website

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

United States

IPI urges United States to review visa policy for foreign journalists

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

Maldives

CPJ condemns prolonged detention of journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 28 April 2004 letter to President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, CPJ condemned the prolonged detention of three people - Ahmed Didi, Fathimath Nisreen, and Mohamed Zaki - affiliated with the online publication "Sandhaanu" who were arrested in early 2002. A fourth person, Ibrahim Luthfee, was also arrested, but escaped in May 2003.

Cameroon

Journalists sued for defamation in Yaounde

Mesmin Kangeulieu and Bonny Philippe, programme director and sportscaster, respectively, of Radiotélévision Siantou (RTS), a private station broadcasting from the capital, Yaounde, were ordered to appear in court on 10 June 2004 to respond to defamation charges brought by former Lions Indomptables junior soccer team trainer Jean-Paul Akono.

Southern Africa

MISA releases annual publication "So This Is Democracy?: State of media freedom in Southern Africa"

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a MISA media statement:

Argentina

Journalist detained by police officers

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 23 April 2004, journalists with the online news agency Indymedia Argentina told PERIODISTAS they are concerned about the harassment of one of their colleagues in Orán, Salta province, in northern Argentina.

Zimbabwe

British television crew threatened with possible expulsion

(MISA/IFEX) - On 29 April 2004, the Department of Information asked a Sky News television crew from Britain to leave the country, saying it had entered the country illegally, without observing accreditation laws.

Venezuela

Photojournalist harassed by security force officers

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 22 April 2004, Aníbal Barreto, a photojournalist for "Correo del Caroní" newspaper, was threatened and forced to hand over some of his equipment to officers of the National Guard's Security and Public Order Unit and Caroní's municipal police.

International

Press freedom suffered substantial worldwide decline in 2003, says Freedom House

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 28 April 2004 Freedom House press release:

Brazil

Another journalist killed

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM denounces media campaign against Radio-Television B92

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2004 ANEM statement:

Benin

Journalist granted provisional release

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF applauds the provisional release of Jean-Baptiste Hounkonnou, publication director of the independent daily "Le Nouvel Essor", one and a half months after his imprisonment.

Saudi Arabia

Journalist reportedly arrested, CPJ seeks information on his whereabouts

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 29 April 2004 letter to Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, CPJ expressed concern over reports that Saudi journalist Fares bin Hizam, formerly with the daily newspapers "Al-Watan" and "Asharq al-Awsat", has been detained by Saudi authorities.

Romania

RSF issues report on press freedom in Romania

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 29 April 2004 RSF press release:

Bangladesh

Journalist attacked

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Costa Rica

WPFC submits amicus curiae brief on behalf of journalist fighting criminal defamation sentence

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2004 WPFC press release:

Kyrgyzstan

Television station back on the air after 40-day shutdown

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Kashmir (India)

IFJ concerned over death of freelance journalist Asiya Jeelani, injuring of others

(IFJ/IFEX) - In a 29 April 2004 letter to Indian Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the IFJ expressed deep concern over the death of freelance journalist Asiya Jeelani and the injuring of Khurram Parvez and Kumar Bharti.

Venezuela

Mayor's supporters attack radio station

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 12 April 2004, a group of 70 people, led by the mayor of Pedro Chien municipality, in Bolivar state, damaged Horizante 88.5 FM radio station's offices. The station is located in El Palmar, 900 kilometres south of Caracas.

Kashmir (India)

Security concerns for media in Kashmir grow after journalist and driver killed in mine explosion, others wounded

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Several journalists injured by police officers while covering protest rallies

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 21 April 2004, senior photojournalist Gopal Chitrakar was seriously injured by police officers who were dispersing protesters in Baghbazar, Kathmandu. Chitrakar works for the daily "Kantipur". Journalists Sagar Shrestha and Milan Pandey were also injured in the incident.

Afghanistan

ARTICLE 19 urges authorities to amend new Law on Mass Media

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Brazil

IAPA issues appeal regarding unpunished murder of journalist

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 23 April 2004 IAPA press release:

Paraguay / Brazil

Three suspects arrested in murder of journalist Samuel Román

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its deep dismay following the murder of radio host Samuel Román on 20 April 2004 in Coronel Sapucaia, a Brazilian town located near the border with Paraguay.

Peru

Journalist receives death threats

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalist Rocío Vásquez Goicochea has informed the press that she has been receiving death threats in messages left on her mobile phone and telephone calls to her house. Until recently, Vásquez Goicochea was editor of "Últimas Noticias" newspaper in Chimbote, in the country's northern Ancash region.

Sudan

IFJ calls on government to lift repressive measures against foreign press coverage of the situation in Darfur province

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

Colombia

CPJ condemns assassination attempt against radio journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Kazakhstan

Journalist's prison sentence commuted

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2004 CPJ press release:

United States / China

Cyber-dissident Yang Jianli marks two years in prison without sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is seeking the release of cyber-dissident Yang Jianli, a resident of the United States (US), who on 26 April 2004 marked his second year of detention in a Chinese prison.

Cuba

Journalists tried and sentenced after two years in detention

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is dismayed at prison sentences handed down on 27 April 2004 to journalists Léxter Téllez Castro and Carlos Brizuela Yera, and lawyer Juan Carlos González Leiva.

Paraguay

Analysis of draft freedom of information law available on ARTICLE 19 website

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Denmark

Two journalists charged with publishing confidential military information

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the laying of charges against two journalists from the conservative daily "Berlingske Tidende". On 26 April 2004, Jesper Larsen and Michael Bjerre were questioned and charged with "publishing information illegally obtained by a third party" under Article 152-d of the Criminal Code. They face a possible six-month prison sentence.

Moldova

Parliament removes defamation article from Criminal Code

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Israel

CPJ welcomes court ruling on press accreditation

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2004 CPJ press release:

North Korea

RSF urges authorities to allow international news media to report from Ryongchon

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is disturbed by the North Korean authorities' refusal to allow journalists to report from the scene of the explosion of two trains at the train station in Ryongchon.

South Africa

FXI releases third report on state of media freedom in South Africa

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2004 FXI press release:

Colombia

Journalist survives assassination attempt

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 22 April 2004, Jorge Corredor, director of "El Pregón del Norte" programme, broadcast on La Voz del Norte radio station, survived an attempt on his life. The radio station is based in the city of Cúcuta, Norte de Santander. At approximately 7:30 p.m. (local time), an unidentified assailant opened fire on the journalist, who was in his home at the time.

Pakistan

Afghan journalist detained, American reporter expelled

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Pakistani government to provide information about Afghan journalist Sami Yousafzai, who has been held secretly by the security forces since 21 April 2004. Yousafzai was arrested in the tribal areas, where he was working with American reporter Eliza Griswold, who was later expelled from the country. Their driver is also reported to be missing.

Somalia

Two journalists detained

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Israel

Documentary filmmaker brutally assaulted by security guards

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed shock over a brutal attack on award-winning Israeli documentary filmmaker David Benchetrit in front of the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv.

Peru

CPJ investigating whether journalist's murder was related to his journalistic work

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Pakistan

Journalist released on bail

(PPF/IFEX) - Journalist Zulfiqar Ali Khaskheli was granted bail on 21 April 2004. He was discharged from the People's Medical College Hospital in Nawabshah, where he had been admitted for injuries he suffered while in police custody.

Mexico

IAPA welcomes judiciary's ruling on access to information

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 21 April 2004 IAPA press release:

Burma

RSF appeals for leniency in trial of sports journalist Zaw Thet Htwe

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Burma Media Association (BMA) have appealed for leniency for sports journalist Zaw Thet Htwe. Two Supreme Court judges are set to give their verdict on the journalist's appeal against a death sentence within a few days. The editor-in-chief of "First Eleven" sports magazine is one of nine people sentenced to death for "high treason".

International

Zimbabwean cartoonist receives "Courage in Editorial Cartooning" award

(CRN/IFEX) - The following is a 20 April 2004 CRN press release:

Peru

Journalist attacked in Tambogrande

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 18 April 2004, Denis Pomajulca Benítez, a journalist for "Correo" newspaper in Piura, was attacked while he was covering a public meeting in the community of Apóstol Juan Bautista de Locuto, Tambogrande, Piura.

Kazakhstan

IPI welcomes president's veto of Law on Mass Media

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 22 April 2004 IPI press release:

Morocco

Editor of weekly imprisoned following attack on government minister

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is extremely concerned over the abrupt imprisonment of Anas Tadili, editor of the weekly "Akhbar al-Ousbouaâ", on 15 April 2004. While officially arrested over a legal matter dating back 10 years, RSF fears Tadili may have been detained for an article published in his newspaper, and that the arrest was in fact the result of political pressure.

Palestine

Palestinian journalist attacked and injured

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a brutal 22 April 2004 attack on Palestinian photographer Jamal Aruri, who works for the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP). Aruri was attacked by masked men in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Paraguay / Brazil

Journalist killed

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 23 April 2004 IAPA press release:

South Africa

IPI criticises decision to relocate parliamentary press gallery

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

Uzbekistan

Journalist threatened for his coverage of the government's fight against terrorism

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the recent threats by the National Security Services (SNB) against Tulkin Karaev, the Kachdaria correspondent for the British media training organisation Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) and the Uzbek service of the Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran radio station.

Peru

Journalist killed in Ucayali

(IPYS/IFEX) - Alberto Rivera Fernández, a journalist, former member of parliament and president of the Ucayali Journalists' Federation, was assassinated on 21 April 2004, at approximately 1:30 p.m. (local time), in the city of Pucallpa, eastern Peru.

Serbia / Montenegro

Owner of Belgrade dailies attacked and threatened

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 22 April 2004 letter by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Iraq

WAN concerned about death of journalist and driver; cameraman shot in the back during incident

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 20 April 2004 letter to Ambassador Paul Bremer, the head of coalition forces in Iraq, WAN and the World Editors Forum expressed grave concern over the deaths of journalist Assad Kadhem and his driver Hussein Saleh.

Côte d'Ivoire

CPJ troubled by journalist's disappearance

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

Iran

RSF outraged over journalist Siamak Pourzand's treatment in hospital

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage over journalist Siamak Pourzand's treatment in hospital. The 75-year-old journalist, who is seriously ill, has been chained to his bed by his feet at Tehran's Modares hospital, where he was admitted on 18 April 2004. The organisation has called for his immediate release on medical grounds.

Nepal

CPJ alarmed at reports of attacks on journalists

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

Peru

Weekly disappears from newsstands after all copies bought up in advance of sale to general public

(IPYS/IFEX) - Issue No 134 of the Arequipa-based weekly "El Búho" was not available for sale to the general public on 16 April 2004. Groups of individuals reportedly began buying up all copies of the weekly at 6:00 a.m. (local time). According to "El Búho" director and journalist Mabel Cáceres, all copies of the weekly had been removed from newsstands by 9:00 a.m.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED correspondent arrested at Lubumbashi international airport

(JED/IFEX) - On 20 April 2004, at around 11:00 a.m. (local time), National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale des renseignements, ANR) officers arrested journalist Faustin Bella Mako at Lubumbashi/Luano international airport. Bella Mako is JED's correspondent in Katanga province and editor of the Lubumbashi-based weekly "Congo News". The journalist was arrested as he prepared to board a Kinshasa-bound flight. He is being held at the ANR's Lubumbashi detention centre, where he spent the night of 20 to 21 April. Lubumbashi is Katanga province's main city.

Iraq

Another Japanese journalist released

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Denmark

Two journalists face charges over publication of leaked documents

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 April 2004 media release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ affiliate:

Iraq

Czech journalists released

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Belarus

Authorities harass independent newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - The independent weekly newspaper "Den" is facing the threat of eviction from Grodno, a city near the Polish border, just days after police seized the newspaper's entire print run. Mikolai Markevich, former editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Pagonya", shut down in 2001, took over "Den" after serving 18 months of hard labour for insulting President Alexander Lukashenko.

Iraq

Japanese photographer released; another journalist reportedly abducted

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Several hundred journalists arrested in recent days

(RSF/IFEX) - From 16 to 18 April 2004, police arrested at least 300 journalists during demonstrations in the capital, Kathmandu. Around a dozen reporters were also beaten by police officers.

Indonesia

Cameraman still held hostage; IFJ and AJI call for independent international inquiry into journalist's death

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 April 2004 IFJ media release:

Iraq

French journalist released

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 14 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Iraq / United States

Journalist and his driver reportedly killed

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Pakistan

Journalist severely beaten by police

(PPF/IFEX) - Zulfiqar Ali Khaskheli, a correspondent in the town of Nawabshah for the Hyderabad-based, Sindhi-language daily "Ibrat", was severely beaten by police. It is feared that he may lose his eyesight and hearing.

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist missing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern following the disappearance of Guy-André Kieffer, an independent journalist who has been missing since 16 April 2004.

International

Iranian writer and Vietnamese Internet dissident to receive 2004 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Awards

(PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 16 April 2004 PEN American Center press release:

Central African Republic

Two journalists granted provisional release

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

Nepal

Journalists arrested

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 17 April 2004, the security forces arrested nearly 200 journalists from different locations in Kathmandu. They were held at several detention centres and released the same day, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (local time).

Colombia

IAPA concerned about impunity in cases of murdered journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 13 April 2004 IAPA press release:

France

Internet publishers face lifetime responsibility for online content under proposed amendment to controversial law

(RSF/IFEX) - On 9 April 2004, the Senate adopted an amendment to the Bill to Promote Confidence in the Digital Economy (projet de loi sur la confiance dans l'économie numérique, LEN) that would allow website publishers to be charged with defamation for articles written several years earlier.

Honduras

WPFC urges Congress to eliminate crime of "desacato" ("insult") from legislation

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 16 April 2004 WPFC letter to Congress President Porfirio Lobo Sosa:

Central African Republic

Two journalists detained

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

Yemen

Journalist arrested, ordered to stop all journalistic activities for six months

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

Burma

Photographer and cameraman Khin Maung Win released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 9 April 2004 release of photographer and cameraman Khin Maung Win, also known as "Sunny", who completed a seven-year sentence.

Central African Republic

CPJ concerned about journalist's continued imprisonment despite presidential pardon for non-violent prisoners

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 14 April 2004 letter to President François Bozizé, CPJ renewed its demand that imprisoned journalist Jude Zossé be immediately and unconditionally released. The organisation is also concerned that Zossé remains jailed despite the president's 15 March pardon for non-violent prisoners.

Nepal

Journalists detained and released, another journalist sentenced

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 16 April 2004, the security forces arrested nearly 60 journalists in two different incidents in Kathmandu. In the Ratnapark area, the security forces arrested approximately 47 journalists. The incident occurred while the journalists were reporting on a protest organised by five major political parties.

El Salvador

Complaint against newspaper withdrawn

(PFC/IFEX) - On 2 April 2004, lawyers for the Canadian firm CINTEC withdrew a criminal complaint for defamation that had been filed against Enrique Altamirano, the director and owner of "El Diario de Hoy" newspaper, and two of the newspaper's editors, Laffite Fernández and Álvaro Cruz. CINTEC's lawyers did not provide an explanation for the withdrawal of the complaint.

Iran

Imprisoned journalist Siamak Pourzand's deteriorating health causes concern; journalist Ensafali Hedayat gets 18-month prison sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about the deteriorating health of jailed 75-year-old journalist Siamak Pourzand. The organisation also condemned the 18-month prison sentence handed to freelance journalist Ensafali Hedayat on 14 April 2004 and voiced outrage over the United Nations Human Rights Commission's (UNHRC) failure to condemn Iran during its 60th session.

Armenia

IPI condemns attacks on journalists at opposition rally

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 15 April 2004 IPI letter to President Robert Kocharian:

Serbia / Montenegro

RSF calls for justice on fifth anniversary of journalist Slavko Curuvija's murder

(RSF/IFEX) - Five years after the April 1999 murder of journalist Slavko Curuvija in Belgrade, RSF has reiterated its call for justice for the slain newspaper editor. Curuvija's killers remain at large although they were reportedly identified by an eyewitness. The police say they do not have enough evidence to indict the suspects.

Syria

Writer and journalist Mohammed Ghanem released

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of writer and journalist Mohammed Ghanem, who was freed in the early hours of 4 April 2004 after being held for 13 days. He was reportedly denied food during his entire detention, causing him digestive and health problems. He is now recovering at home with his family.

Belarus

Authorities close investigation into journalist Dmitri Zavadski's disappearance

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ) have voiced shock over the decision to close the investigation into the disappearance of journalist Dmitri Zavadski. The decision came despite recent comments by the Council of Europe's special rapporteur in which he implicated government officials in the journalist's disappearance and pointed to an attempted coverup.

Iraq / United States

Families of six dead or missing journalists urge US Congress to act

(RSF/IFEX) - The families of six journalists who were killed or disappeared as a result of United States (US) military actions in Iraq have called on the US Congress to thoroughly investigate the incidents.

Iraq / United States

RSF concerned about US army criticism of Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiya; authorities urged not to ban Arabic satellite television stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the strong criticism expressed by the United States (US) army and Muwaffak al-Rubai, a former member of Iraq's Governing Council, against the Arabic satellite television stations Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera. The authorities have accused the stations of "inciting violence", "lying" and being "anti-coalition."

Iraq

More foreign journalists kidnapped or missing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern over the fate of five journalists who are currently being held hostage or are reported missing in Iraq, including one Japanese national, three Czechs and a Frenchman. The Japanese journalist has been held since 8 April 2004.

Chile

Telecommunications secretariat launches 21 complaints against community radio stations

(AMARC/IFEX) - In a 7 April 2004 press conference, AMARC reacted to 21 complaints launched by the Telecommunications Sub-Secretariat (Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones, SUBTEL) against radio stations that may be operating "outside the legal framework." The organisation proposed that the regulations governing radio transmission be revised and the way frequencies are allocated be changed. According to AMARC, the present system is discriminatory and violates freedom of expression and the right to receive information.

Mexico

IAPA concerned over criminal law reforms that threaten press freedom

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2004 IAPA press release:

Taiwan

Fourteen journalists attacked by anti-government protesters outside presidential palace

(RSF/IFEX) - On the evening of 10 April 2004, a crowd of anti-government demonstrators injured 14 journalists outside the presidential palace in Taipei. During the demonstration, protesters gradually became increasingly hostile towards television crews and press photographers who were present, and several journalists were assaulted.

Tunisia

Eight Internet users convicted of terrorism, sentenced to up to 26 years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 6 April 2004, a Tunis court sentenced eight Internet users from the southern city of Zarzis to up to 26 years in prison. The convicted Internet users were accused of promoting terrorist attacks on the sole basis of files they downloaded from the Internet.

Armenia

Journalists beaten at opposition rally

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Sudan

Al-Jazeera bureau chief receives prison sentence; news blackout on events in Darfur region

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of Islam Salih, the Qatar-based television news network Al-Jazeera's Khartoum bureau chief. On 10 April 2004, Salih was convicted of "disseminating false news" and sentenced to one month in prison and a one million Sudanese pound (approx. US$3,800; 3,200 euros at the official rate) fine. He faces another month in prison if he does not pay the fine.

The Gambia

CPJ condemns arson attack on newspaper

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

Nepal

Journalists arrested, threatened and assaulted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 11 April 2004, the security forces released 50 journalists after detaining them for two hours in Kathmandu. The journalists were taking part in a protest against the 8 April renewal of the government's prohibition of public assemblies of more than five people.

Peru

Public Prosecutor's Office investigates "La Razón" newspaper's journalists for "crimes against the state"

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 March 2004, in an official letter to the Lima-based newspaper "La Razón", the Peruvian National Police urgently requested the names of the journalists responsible for a 4 February article. The article reported on the alleged existence of an audio recording of a meeting between President Alejandro Toledo and Vladimiro Montesinos, and also contained allegations that the president takes drugs. Montesinos, the former head of the National Intelligence Service (Servicio de Inteligencia Nacional), is currently being prosecuted for corruption. According to the investigation, Montesinos reportedly was involved in communicating the information from prison.

Mauritania

Editors agree to out-of-court settlement

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

China

CPJ condemns journalists' continued detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 9 April 2004 letter to President Hu Jintao, CPJ its grave concern about the continued detention of Cheng Yizhong, editor-in-chief of the Guangzhou-based "Nanfang Dushi Bao" (Southern Metropolis News), Yu Huafeng, "Nanfang Dushi Bao"'s deputy editor-in-chief and general manager, and Li Minying, former "Nanfang Dushi Bao" editor.

Iraq

CPJ calls for release of Japanese hostages

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM concerned about appointment of new Radio Television Serbia administrative board

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is an 8 March 2004 ANEM statement:

Peru

Arrest warrant issued for second killer of journalist

(IPYS/IFEX) - The National Police's Criminal Investigations Division (División de Criminalística, DIVINCRI) in Huaraz has issued an arrest warrant for David Moisés Julca Orrillo, the second individual alleged to be responsible for the 14 February 2004 murder of Radio Órbita journalist Antonio De La Torre in the city of Yungay.

Burma

Magazine banned by military, editor circumvents censorship by publishing different magazine

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Burmese military junta to include press freedom in its "roadmap to democracy" after learning that the Burmese-language entertainment magazine "Hsenpai" ("Variety") was ordered to shut down after it began to publish political news. "Hsenpai" was published in the northeastern state of Shan.

Pakistan

Journalist's appeal hearing postponed

(PPF/IFEX) - On 31 March 2004, Munawar Mohsin, a subeditor of the Peshawar-based national daily "Frontier Post", was scheduled to appear in court. His appeal was postponed, however, because his lawyer, Zhur-ul Haq, had a scheduling conflict. No new date was set for the examination of Mohsin's appeal.

Armenia

RSF condemns attack on journalists covering opposition demonstration

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the 5 April 2004 attack on at least four journalists who were covering an opposition demonstration in the capital, Yerevan. One of the journalists was also arrested and detained briefly for photographing police who were setting up roadblocks before the rally.

Morocco

Journalist sentenced and imprisoned on criminal defamation charge

(RSF/IFEX) - On 2 April 2004, Anas Guennoun, director of the weekly "Al Ahali", was imprisoned in Tangiers. The journalist was charged with criminal defamation and sentenced to 10 months in prison with no parole. He is also expected to appear before a Tangiers court on 21 April to face charges in another case.

South Africa

Police officer threatens to assault journalist

(FXI/IFEX) - The FXI has sent a formal protest letter to the member of the Executive Council responsible for safety and security in Limpopo Province, Dikeledi Magadzi, calling for action against a police officer who threatened to assault a journalist who works for the newspapers "Limpopo Mirror" and "Zoutsopansberger".

Bangladesh

CPJ condemns shooting of correspondent

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Iraq

Japanese journalist taken hostage; "Times" reporter and freelance journalist abducted

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

Ukraine

Webmaster of news website attacked

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the brutal attack on Dmitry Pozhydayev, webmaster of the online publication Crimean Linia. On 6 April 2004, Pozhydayev was attacked by skinheads, reportedly because of articles that were recently posted on the website. He suffered a concussion and head injuries and remains in hospital.

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist sentenced to six months in prison for defamation

(RSF/IFEX) - On 31 March 2004, Gaston Bony, publication director of the weekly "Le Venin" ("Venom"), was sentenced to six months in prison with no parole and jailed at the Agboville prison, in a suburb of Abidjan. Bony's imprisonment came despite assurances by the authorities, including President Laurent Gbagbo, that no journalist in the country would ever be jailed again.

Iraq

CPJ concerned about abduction of journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Haiti

RSF calls on new government to end impunity on fourth anniversary of journalist Jean Dominique's murder

(RSF/IFEX) - Four years after the murder of journalist Jean Dominique, RSF has written to Haitian Prime Minister Gérard Latortue, urging him to bring an end to impunity in the case.

Mexico

Suspect in journalist's assassination arrested

(PFC/IFEX) - A suspect, together with his companion, have been arrested for the murder of journalist Roberto Mora. The alleged murderer, Mario Medina, a 23-year-old citizen of the United States, and his companion were presented to the press on 28 March 2004. On 29 March, Medina claimed he had been tortured. Although a judge summoned the officials accused by Medina, they failed to appear for questioning.

Iran

Editor Mostafa Sabti given prison sentence; RSF warns of unfair trial for journalist Ensafali Hedayat

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about the upcoming trial of freelance journalist Ensafali Hedayat, which has been postponed to 14 April 2004, and condemned the coercion used against him since his detention on 16 January. The organisation also protested the prison sentence for "defamation" handed down recently to Mostafa Sabti, editor of the weekly "Gorgan-e emrouz".

Haiti

Four years later, journalist's murder remains unsolved

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Iraq / United States

U.S. military accepts responsibility for deaths of Al-Arabiyya journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 April 2004 CPJ press release:

Hong Kong (China)

Police forcibly remove reporters covering demonstration, one journalist injured

(HKJA/IFEX) - A serious press freedom violation incident took place in Hong Kong on 2 April 2004. The police removed demonstrators who carried out an overnight demonstration outside the Central Government Offices. But before taking action, the police first cleared reporters. Unnecessary force was applied. Two reporters were forcefully taken away. One of them was slightly injured and received treatment in hospital.

France

RSF urges Senate to amend Digital Economy Bill during final reading

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has reiterated its opposition to the Bill to Promote Confidence in the Digital Economy (projet de loi sur la confiance dans l'économie numérique, LEN), which is intended to translate a June 2000 European Union (EU) directive into French law. Final reading of the bill is expected to take place during a public session of the Senate on 7 April 2004.

Ethiopia

Newspaper editor jailed

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

Armenia

Journalists attacked at opposition rally

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

Moldova

Journalists launch hunger strike to protest suspension of Antena C and Euro TV

(IJC/IFEX) - The following is a 2 April 2004 joint statement by the IJC, "Acces-info" Center, Press Freedom Committee, Association of Independent Press and Association of Electronic Press "APEL":

Venezuela

Journalist assaulted and threatened

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 31 March 2004, journalist Moreyba Castellano, a correspondent for "El Tiempo" newspaper in south central Anzoátegui state, eastern Venezuela, was struck in the back with a blunt object while she was covering a demonstration by tranport workers in the city of Anaco.

Bangladesh

Journalist seriously wounded in assassination attempt

(RSF/IFEX) - On 4 April 2004, journalist Delwar Hossain, a local correspondent for the daily "Jugantor", was seriously wounded in the head and back after two unidentified youths fired several gunshots at him in Keraniganj, a southern district of the capital, Dacca.

Nepal

Police inspector harasses journalist; students seize and damage another journalist's camera

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 2 April 2004, Police Inspector Birendra Basyal verbally abused and harassed journalist Shiva Lamsal in Naya Baneswar, Kathmandu. Lamsal, who is president of the Nepal Press Union's Kathmandu section, was reporting on the ongoing protest launched by five major political parties against King Gyanendra's policies. Lamsal is a special correspondent for the Nepal One television network, which broadcasts from New Delhi, India.

Mauritania

Four newspaper editors sued for libel

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

Nigeria

Newspaper and editors face libel suit

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

Burma

Journalist Kyi Tin Oo released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Burma Media Association (BMA) have welcomed the release of Burmese journalist and poet Kyi Tin Oo after more than 10 years in jail, but expressed concern about his state of health and that of those still in prison.

Nigeria

Journalist assaulted

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Soldiers raid private radio station in Tshikapa

(JED/IFEX) - On 1 April 2004, at around 7:30 p.m. (Kinshasa time), seven Military Intelligence (Détection militaire des activités anti-patrie, DEMIAP) soldiers and three National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale des renseignements, ANR) officers raided the offices of Radio Kilimandjaro, a private station in Tshikapa, the second largest city in West Kasai province, central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kazakhstan

CPJ concerned about deteriorating press freedom conditions

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 1 April 2004 letter to President Nursultan Nazarbayev, CPJ expressed its concern about the deteriorating press freedom conditions in Kazakhstan, including the politicised legal prosecution of independent journalists.

Uzbekistan

WAN concerned about continued harassment of journalist Ruslan Sharipov

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

International

EFJ welcomes European Parliament bid to counter media concentration and defend pluralism

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 April 2004 media release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ affiliate:

Algeria

RSF sends open letter to presidential candidates

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2004 RSF statement:

Hong Kong (China)

Journalist Albert Cheng King-hon receives death threats, company offices vandalised

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern over the recent death threats against leading Hong Kong columnist and political critic Albert Cheng King-hon. The organisation called on Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, to order a thorough investigation into the threats.

Costa Rica

IAPA calls for more action on crimes against journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2004 IAPA press release:

Ukraine

Civil defamation action brought against media outlets that form Telegraf Information and Publishing Group

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2004 IPI letter to President Leonid Kuchma:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Publisher-editor of "Les Coulisses" newspaper appears before Beni court

(JED/IFEX) - On 30 March 2004, Nicaise Kibel-Bel-Oka, publisher-editor of "Les Coulisses" newspaper, appeared before a court in Beni, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He faces charges for having allegedly defamed and defrauded a Mr. Kiangu, a high-profile businessman in that area of the country.

Montenegro / Serbia

ARTICLE 19 analyses Montenegro's draft law on Free Access to Information

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2004 ARTICLE 19 statement:

United States

Television reporter fined for refusing to reveal his sources

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over the running fine imposed on Jim Taricani for refusing to reveal his sources to a court. Taricani is a reporter for the WJAR-TV10 television station in Providence, Rhode Island.

Costa Rica

Criminal defamation laws must be scrapped, ARTICLE 19 says

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 30 March 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

China

Cyber-dissident sentenced to 18 months in reeducation camp; crackdown on weblogs continues

(RSF/IFEX) - On 19 March 2004, cyber-dissident Ma Yalian was sentenced to 18 months in a work reeducation camp for posting articles on the Internet exposing failings in China's complaints system for citizens. The authorities have also stepped up censorship of weblogs.

International

WPFC releases position paper on Internet governance

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 10 March 2004 WPFC position paper:

Democratic Republic of Congo

State Prosecutor's Office demands BBC correspondent reveal his sources

(JED/IFEX) - On 30 March 2004, Arnaud Zajtman, the BBC's Kinshasa correspondent, was summoned to appear before the State Prosecutor's Office in Kinshasa/Gombe. The journalist went to the office, where a judge questioned him for close to 20 minutes about the "events of 8 March at the Palace of the People", which the BBC had reported on in its news bulletins.

Angola

Editor faces prison term

(MISA/IFEX) - On 30 March 2004, the Luanda Provincial Tribunal sentenced Felisberto de Graça Campos, director and editor of the weekly magazine "Semanario Angolense", to 45 days in prison or a fine of US$1,200 for a series of articles published in 2003 that detailed the fortunes of prominent government officials.

Pakistan

Journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi released on bail

(RSF/IFEX) - On 29 March 2004, journalist Khawar Mehdi Rizvi was released on bail from a Quetta prison by order of the local anti-terrorism court. He must still appear in court to face charges of "conspiracy" and "sedition".

Iraq / United States

CPJ troubled by closure of Iraqi newspaper

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 March 2004 CPJ press release: