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Alerts - 2004 - July-September

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International

IFJ calls for protection for whistleblowers within European Union

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

Mexico

Government withdraws protection from General Gallardo in spite of death threats

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned by the Mexican government's decision to withdraw from Brigadier-General José Francisco Gallardo Rodríguez and his family the protective measures ordered by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (ICHR) in 2001 and ratified a year later on his release from prison.

India

Privacy of Internet cafe users threatened by proposed regulations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a threat to the privacy of Internet cafe users in Karnataka state, southern India, where the governor is poised to pass new regulations forcing Internet cafes to provide police with a register of their clients' names and addresses. Similar measures are being studied in Maharashtra state.

Zimbabwe

Police defer decision in case of "Zimbabwe Independent" employees

(MISA/IFEX) - The Zimbabwe police have not yet charged Vincent Kahiya, editor of the privately-owned "Zimbabwe Independent", who was arrested on 23 September 2004 on allegations of abusing journalistic privilege under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Thailand

Media ownership trend compromising independence of the press, experts say

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Leading experts on media and communications in Thailand are raising concerns over a troubling trend in Thai media ownership that they say is clearly compromising the independence and freedom of the country's press.

Paraguay

Inter-American Court of Human Rights condemns criminal defamation conviction

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

International

Twenty countries come under scrutiny at International PEN's annual congress

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 29 September 2004 International PEN statement:

Ethiopia

In response to international media organisations' concerns, information minister agrees to review certain provisions of draft press law

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 29 September 2004 press statement:

Burma

WAN protests continued imprisonment of at least nine writers, including U Win Tin

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 28 September 2004 WAN and World Editors Forum letter to Sr. Gen. Than Shwe, chairman of the State Peace and Development Council:

Bahrain

Activist jailed after criticising prime minister

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

Peru

Leader of drug trafficking ring threatens to kill journalist

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 27 September 2004, radio journalist Larrin Pacherres García received a death threat from Pascual Pérez, alias "Lito", the leader of a drug trafficking ring. Pérez threatened Pacherres after learning that the journalist had initiated a media campaign to, together with local residents and police, eradicate drug trafficking in the El Porvenir neighbourhood of Chiclayo, capital of Lambayeque region, northern Peru. Pérez has been described as the most dangerous drug trafficker in the area in the last three decades.

Iran

Another reformist journalist arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of Rozbeh Mir Ebrahimi, a former chief political columnist for the reformist daily "Etemad" ("Trust"), who was arrested at his Tehran home on 27 September 2004. The organisation condemned the arrest as a violation of Iranian and international law.

Ecuador

Radio station faces possible closure

(AMARC/IFEX) - The Quito-based FM radio station La Luna, an AMARC associate, faces possible closure by President Lucio Gutiérrez's government.

Philippines

Reporter killed in Bataan

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 29 September 2004, Romeo Binungkal, former editor-in-chief of the local newspaper "Mt. Samat Weekly Forum", was killed on his way home to Pilar, Bataan in Central Luzon. Binungkal, 43, was the third journalist killed in Bataan province. At the time of his death, he was a correspondent for the Manila-based tabloids "Remate" and "Bulgar".

China

China cracks down on free expression as EU pursues "constructive dialogue" with Beijing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged European Union (EU) member states and the European Commission to condemn China's latest crackdown on independent websites and publications in their continuing dialogue on human rights with Chinese officials. EU delegates met with authorities in Beijing on 24 September 2004.

Palestine

CNN producer released in Gaza City

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

Russia

Moscow police say two Chechens suspected in Klebnikov murder

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

Côte d'Ivoire

Correspondent for daily "L'Inter" missing for past month following repeated threats

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced deep concern over the 28 August 2004 disappearance of journalist Amadou Dagnogo, a correspondent in Bouaké for the daily "L'Inter". Bouaké is a city in Côte d'Ivoire's central region and a stronghold of the New Forces (Forces nouvelles, FN), the former rebels who control the north of the country. Dagnogo had been publicly threatened by FN members before he went missing.

Kenya

Armed gang ransacks two independent weeklies

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a 24 September 2004 attack on two alternative newspapers, the "Weekly Citizen" and "The Independent", in Nairobi. The newspapers were attacked by a gang of masked gunmen claiming to be police officers who ransacked the papers' offices, confiscated material and threatened staff.

Poland

Publisher and editor faces criminal charges

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to President Aleksander Kwasniewski:

Palestine

CNN producer kidnapped in Gaza City

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

Tunisia

IFJ urges journalists to challenge government control of media

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

India

Police beat two photographers covering Kashmir unrest

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

Morocco

Weekly threatened by court order seizing its earnings in four-year old libel case

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a court order seizing the earnings of the weekly "Le Journal Hebdomadaire", saying it was clearly designed to put one of Morocco's leading independent weeklies out of business.

South Africa

IFJ concerned over threats to editorial independence and protection of sources

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

France

Photographer injured in police stun grenade attack

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned police use of a stun grenade against Georges Bartoli, a freelance photographer working for the news agency Reuters, while he was covering a protest against genetically-modified crops on 25 September 2004 in Valdivienne. Bartoli sustained minor injuries to both legs when the grenade detonated and he had to be hospitalised.

China

CPJ protests journalist's detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 24 September 2004 letter to President Hu Jintao, CPJ expressed its alarm over the recent detention of Zhao Yan, a news assistant at the "New York Times" Beijing bureau and a former reporter for Beijing-based "China Reform" magazine.

Kosovo (Serbia) / Montenegro / Serbia

Kosovo journalist attacked

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

French Guiana (France) / France

Prefecture denies journalist access to minister

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the Cayenne prefecture's refusal to grant journalist Frédéric Farine permission to cover French Overseas Departments Minister Brigitte Girardin's visit to French Guiana. Cayenne is the capital of French Guiana.

Iran

Internet journalist Babak Ghafori Azar released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the release of Internet journalist Babak Ghafori Azar. Azar was released on 21 September 2004 after spending two weeks in detention for allegedly writing for the news website Rouydad. The organisation remarked, however, that two other Internet journalists who were arrested around the same time as Azar are still being held.

Colombia

News director forced to flee home after learning of planned attack

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 9 September 2004, Luis Alberto Castaño Martínez, news director for the Café 93.5 FM community radio station in Líbano, Tolima department, central Colombia, was forced to leave the municipality where he lives after discovering that illegal armed groups were planning an attack against him. Castaño Martínez directs the municipality's only radio news programme.

Pakistan

Journalists still barred from South Waziristan

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the continued ban on journalists entering the South Waziristan Tribal Area along the Afghan border, despite recent assurances by the Pakistani interior minister that journalists would be allowed into the area.

Bangladesh

Journalist viciously beaten

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage at the impunity with which journalists are being routinely attacked in Bangladesh after a gang of drug traffickers viciously beat a reporter, leaving him unconscious on the road.

Pakistan

Journalist attacked

(PPF/IFEX) - On 14 September 2004, journalist Allah Waraio Bozdwar and his computer operator were attacked by four armed men at the journalist's office in the rural area of Ghotki, Pakistan.

Zimbabwe

Journalists detained and charged

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

Bulgaria

SEEMO concerned about recent court decision involving Sofia-based daily "Trud"

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

Peru

Journalist harassed by regional government officials

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalist Giovanni Acate, director of Radio Oriente in the city of Yurimaguas, Loreto region, northeastern Perú, says he has been harassed by Alto Amazonas Subregional Administration officials after having reported on irregularities in the construction of the Santa Cruz district's electrical grid. The harassment took place at the end of August 2004.

Somalia

Militiamen raid Mogadishu radio station

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a 22 September 2004 raid by militiamen on a local FM radio station in Mogadishu, in which a security guard was roughed up and a journalist was threatened and detained. The operation was ordered by a local Islamic court, after being prompted by a dispute between two businessmen.

China

Foreign affairs magazine shut down after criticising North Korea

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

Zimbabwe

Charges against ANZ directors dismissed

(MISA/IFEX) - On 20 September 2004, the charges against the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ) and its four directors were dismissed. The publishing company and directors had been jointly charged with contempt of court and publishing "The Daily News" without a licence, in breach of Section 72 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Guatemala

Journalist receives death threat

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On 13 September 2003, an unidentified individual threatened journalist Ángel Martín Tax with death in a telephone call to one of Tax's colleagues. Tax, a correspondent for several media outlets in Cobán, Alta Verapaz department, has asked the authorities to investigate the threat against him. The caller gave the journalist 24 hours to leave Cobán, saying that if he didn't, they "know where he lives". According to Tax, this is the fifth time he has been threatened.

Burma

CPJ disturbed by closing of current affairs journal

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

Sri Lanka

Four journalists face possible trial over contempt allegations

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

Nepal

Security forces raid journalist's home; another journalist assaulted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 21 September 2004, security forces raided the home of journalist Lila Raj Khanal in Gauradaha-8, Jhapa district, eastern Nepal. According to family sources, members of the Unified Command Forces - comprised of Royal Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Forces officers - entered the journalist's home at about 4:30 a.m. (local time) and threw praying materials and religious books at his father, Dhruba Khanal. CEHURDES sources report that Unified Command Force agents physically assaulted Khanal's elderly parents during the raid. Khanal is a reporter for the daily "Spacetime", as well as a representative of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ).

Russia / Lithuania

Kremlin pressures Lithuania to close pro-Chechen website

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

Venezuela

Camera operator and assistant assaulted

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 17 September 2004, a group of protesters assaulted camera operator Alberto Almao and his assistant, Víctor Henríquez, in Caracas. Almao and Henríquez, who work for Globovisión television station, were covering a demonstration by employees of Misión Ribas, a government-sponsored education programme. The Misión Ribas employees were demanding payment of wages owed to them.

International

New global campaign launched to promote journalists' safety

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

Lesotho

Newspaper sued

(MISA/IFEX) - During the week of 13 to 17 September 2004, managers of the weekly Sesotho-language tabloid "Setsomi Sa Litaba" appeared in court four times to respond to a civil defamation charge for an article published in the14 April edition of the paper. "Setsomi Sa Litaba" is a sister publication of the English-language weekly "Mirror".

Venezuela

CPJ demands investigation into journalist's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 September 2004 CPJ letter to Attorney General Isaías Rodríguez Díaz:

Peru

Journalist assaulted by mayor's bodyguard

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 22 August 2004, journalist Edgar Ccari Mamani, host of the "Azángaro al día" programme on Radio Sur Andina station, was assaulted by one of Azángaro Mayor Percy Ludeña's bodyguards after an event celebrating the city's anniversary. Azángaro is located in the Puno region, southeastern Perú.

Lesotho

Journalist and street vendors assaulted by police

(MISA/IFEX) - On 10 September 2004, Justice Maqelepo, a local freelance journalist, was severely assaulted by members of the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) and municipal constables of the Maseru City Council (MCC) in the central business district of the capital, Maseru.

Mexico

IAPA concerned over attacks on newspaper in Tijuana

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

South Africa

Ruling party threatens to sue newspaper

(MISA/IFEX) - South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) and 92 of its serving and former members of parliament (MPs), including four cabinet ministers, have threatened to sue "This Day" newspaper for ZAR48 million (approximately US$7.4 million) for publishing a list of names in connection with Parliament's probe into the misuse of travel vouchers. The list of names appeared in the newspaper's 2 September 2004 edition.

Iraq

RSF renews call for release of two journalists and their guide following announcement of upcoming "trial"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has reiterated its call for the release of two French journalists and their Syrian guide as they complete a month in captivity. The organisation said it is "extremely concerned" about a 16 September 2004 statement posted on the Islamic Army of Iraq's website saying the journalists are to be "tried."

Zambia

Community radio station reporter detained

(MISA/IFEX) - On 1 September 2004, Mazuba Mwiinga, a reporter for the Catholic community radio station Radio Chikuni, was detained by local police in what appears to be a settling of personal scores.

South Korea

Proposed repeal of National Security Law welcomed

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

India

Repeal of Prevention of Terrorism Act a step forward for press freedom, says IFJ

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

Nigeria

Detained editor released

(MRA/IFEX) - Isaac Umunna, an editorial consultant for the Lagos-based weekly "Global Star" and general editor of the London-based magazine "Africa Today", was released on the afternoon of 16 September 2004. He had been arrested on 9 September and detained by Nigeria's intelligence agency, the State Security Service (SSS).

Thailand

Membership selection process for independent broadcast regulator criticised

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Thai independent media advocates have decried a controversial decision by a national selection committee to call for a new selection round for membership in the country's first independent broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), based on a previous controversial list of candidates.

Dominican Republic

CPJ urges authorities to investigate reporter's murder

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

Eritrea

CPJ and nine other organisations issue joint call for release of jailed journalists

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

China

Two cyber-dissidents receive harsh prison sentences, another released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage after two cyber-dissidents, Kong Youping and Ning Xianhua, were sentenced to 15 and 12 years in prison, respectively, by a court in Shenyang, Liaoning province, northeastern China. Both were accused of "subverting state power" for posting articles on the Internet in support of the Chinese Democratic Party (CDP). Cyber-dissident Xu Guang, also a member of the CDP, was released just two days earlier after serving a five-year jail term.

Ukraine

Independent television station's broadcasts suspended ahead of presidential elections; lack of progress in investigation four years after journalist's murder

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

Romania

IFJ concerned over evidence that multinational media owners are interfering in subsidiaries' editorial policies

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

Serbia / Montenegro

Media under pressure during Serbian election campaign

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

Yemen

CPJ protests imprisonment of opposition weekly's editor

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 16 September 2004 letter to President Ali Abdullah Saleh, CPJ protested the imprisonment of Abdel Karim al-Khaiwani, editor of the opposition weekly "Al-Shoura", who began serving a one-year prison sentence on 5 September.

Vietnam

Imprisoned cyber-dissident Pham Hong Son ailing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, whose country currently holds the European Union (EU) presidency, to press the Vietnamese authorities to free ailing cyber-dissident Pham Hong Son during the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) being held in Hanoi in early October 2004.

Indonesia

SEAPA condemns editor's one-year prison sentence

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The Indonesian courts have sentenced "Tempo" editor Bambang Harymurti to one year in prison over charges of criminal defamation in a decision that quickly drew condemnation from journalists and free-press advocates worldwide.

Rwanda

RSF calls for the release of journalist Dominique Makeli, held for 10 years

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the authorities to free Radio Rwanda journalist Dominique Makeli, who has been held for 10 years in various Rwandan jails without ever appearing in court. Arrested on 18 September 1994, Makeli is currently being held in Kigali central prison.

Nigeria

CPJ troubled by editorial consultant's continued detention; "Insider Weekly" employees released

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

Nigeria

Detained editor transferred to unknown location

(MRA/IFEX) - Isaac Umunna, an editorial consultant for the Lagos-based weekly "Global Star" and general editor of the London-based magazine "Africa Today", who was arrested and detained on 9 September 2004 by Nigeria's intelligence agency, the State Security Service (SSS), has been moved to an unknown location.

Indonesia

"Tempo" magazine editor sentenced to jail for defamation; two other journalists acquitted

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

A CPJ special report: unrest shatters press freedom

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

Burma

Military censors ban privately-owned magazine

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Burma Media Association have called on the military junta's censorship bureau to reverse a 1 September 2004 decision to ban the privately-owned twice-monthly magazine "Khit-Sann", which covered current affairs. The magazine's staff was recently told that the junta considered it to be too "pro-American".

Dominican Republic

Journalist assassinated, another wounded; other journalists threatened

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Publication director granted provisional release after posting bail

(JED/IFEX) - Freddy Monsa Iyaka Duku, publication director of the Kinshasa-based daily "Le Potentiel", who was arrested in the early afternoon of 13 September 2004 and placed in the temporary custody of the Kinshasa/Gombe High Court Prosecutor's Office, was granted a provisional release on 14 September after posting bail. Duku is accused of making "damaging allegations" about Congolese Vice-President Arthur Z'Ahidi Ngoma.

Romania

SEEMO concerned over interference by media owners in media outlets' editorial policies

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

International

IPI concerned over governments' desire to introduce statutory press councils

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

Pakistan

Army spokesperson accuses local journalists of "selling out" Pakistan's interests

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has asked President Pervez Musharraf to urge General Shaukat Sultan, the armed forces (ISPR) spokesperson, to withdraw comments he made on 10 September 2004 in which he accused the Pakistani press of "selling out national interests in exchange for a few hundred dollars." Sultan's comments came in defence of the army's tough restrictions on journalists in the northwestern Tribal Areas.

Bangladesh

Journalists attacked in Dhaka campus unrest

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

Rwanda

Weekly threatened with closure over controversial articles, one of its journalists flees the country

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced renewed concern over the declining press freedom situation in Rwanda, where journalists who are critical of the government are often harassed.

Iran

Three journalists transferred to notorious "special wing" of Evin prison; exiled journalist's father arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of three journalists arrested on 7 and 8 September 2004 in Tehran, and of retired film director Said Motallebi, father of exiled journalist Sina Motallebi.

Uzbekistan

Court closes media training organisation ahead of parliamentary elections

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

Moldova

Camera operator with state-owned television station released

(RSF/IFEX) - On 13 September 2004, Dinu Mija, a cameraman with the state-owned television station Moldova 1, was released after being held for seven days in the self-proclaimed Transnistrian Republic.

Germany

Government urged to launch appeal in "Princess Caroline Case"

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 14 September 2004 letter to Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries, WAN and the World Editors Forum (WEF) urged the German government to appeal the European Court of Human Rights' decision in the case of von Hannover versus Germany (the "Princess Caroline Case") by 24 September, the date by which appeals must be lodged.

Nigeria

Parliament suspends consideration of controversial media bill

(MRA/IFEX) - Nigeria's National Assembly has stopped further deliberations on a draft law that would impose sanctions, jail terms, fines and suspensions on journalists and media establishments found guilty of sensational reporting on violent conflicts, parliamentary or inter-governmental disputes, natural disasters and other "negative trends and tendencies".

Vietnam

Media ban at People's Forum "bodes ill" for Asia-Europe meeting in Hanoi, say SEAPA

(SEAPA/IFEX) - SEAPA has condemned government actions that severely limited media coverage of the fifth Asia-Europe People's Forum, held in Hanoi from 6 to 9 September 2004.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Publication director arrested

(JED/IFEX) - Freddy Monsa Iyaka Duku, publication director of the Kinshasa-based daily "Le Potentiel", was arrested in the early afternoon of 13 September 2004 and placed in provisional custody by the Kinshasa/Gombe Court Prosecutor's Office. Duku is accused of making "damaging allegations" about Congolese Vice-President Arthur Z'Ahidi Ngoma.

Ukraine

Five journalists' organisations condemn Justice Ministry's conclusions in Gongadze murder case

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

Philippines

Suspect in journalist's killing surrenders to police

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 13 September 2004, two years and four months after the death of Pagadian City journalist Edgar Damalerio, the main suspect in his killing, former police officer Guillermo Wapille, surrendered to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Edgardo Aglipay in Camp Crame.

Dominican Republic

IAPA welcomes Supreme Court ruling on Listín Diario case

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2004 IAPA press release:

Sri Lanka

Editor removed from post for "political" reasons

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 9 September 2004 FMM press release:

Nigeria

Security agents detain editor

(MRA/IFEX) - Nigeria's intelligence agency, the State Security Service (SSS), has arrested and detained Isaac Umunna, an editorial consultant for the Lagos-based weekly "Global Star" and general editor of the London-based magazine "Africa Today".

Iraq

Al-Arabiya reporter killed, two other journalists wounded in Baghdad fighting

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

Eritrea

Government expels last foreign correspondent

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

Colombia

Journalist threatened in Bogotá

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 7 and 8 September 2004, journalist and human rights investigator Claudia Julieta Duque received threatening telephone calls. The callers, whose voices were recorded on her answering machine, referred to her as a "damn stupid woman" and as "gonorrhoea".

Ethiopia

Imprisoned journalist released

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

Iran

Three journalists arrested in ongoing Internet crackdown

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage over the latest escalation in a crackdown against news websites following the arrest of three journalists on 7 and 8 August 2004. Babak Ghafori Azar, Shahram Rafihzadeh and Hanif Mazroi are the latest victims in a wave of arrests and closures launched by Iranian judicial authorities against news sites with reformist leanings.

Guatemala

CPJ condemns police attack on journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2004 CPJ letter to President Oscar Berger Perdomo:

Nigeria

Security agents raid newspaper office, arrest editor's wife

(MRA/IFEX) - On 8 September 2004, security agents from the Lagos State headquarters of the State Security Service (SSS) raided the office of the "Global Star", a weekly newspaper based in Lagos, and arrested the wife of its editorial consultant, Isaac Umunna. Umunna, who is also the general editor of the London-based magazine "Africa Today", was away from the office at the time of the raid, but his wife, Hope Umunna, was present.

Nigeria

CPJ outraged over government attack on "Insider Weekly" magazine

(CPJ/IFEX) - In an 8 September 2004 letter to Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, CPJ expressed deep concern over an alarming government attack against the Lagos-based news magazine "Insider Weekly", saying the attack is fundamentally at odds with the most basic democratic principles. Members of the State Security Service (SSS) recently raided the publication, arrested employees, seized equipment, censored the news and shut its offices.

Thailand

Trial date set for criminal libel suit against media advocate

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Facing libel charges filed by a telecom conglomerate associated with the family of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, media campaigner Supinya Klangnarong has vowed to fight the charges "to the very end," saying her remarks about the telecom giant were made in good faith.

Pakistan

Journalist imprisoned over reports on conflict between agricultural labourers and military in Punjab

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the release of Sarwar Mujahid, of the conservative Urdu-language daily "Nawa-i-Waqt", who has been held since 31 July 2004 by authorities in Okara district, Punjab province.

Argentina

Approval of access to information law delayed

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - In a 22 August 2004 meeting with the nation's Senate, PERIODISTAS called for approval of an access to information bill that was passed by the Chamber of Deputies in 2003. Final approval of the bill by the Senate has been delayed, however, and it is currently at risk of being postponed for at least two years.

Romania

Two journalists attacked

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

Peru

Sub-prefecture fails to respond to journalist's request for protection

(IPYS/IFEX) - The Sub-prefecture of Huaraz province, in the Ancash region, northeastern Peru, has for three months failed to respond to journalist Percy Ángeles Zimic's request for protection. Ángeles Zimic received a death threat on 9 June 2004.

Moldova

Cameraman arrested, jailed in Transnistria

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed deep concern over the 6 September 2004 arrest of cameraman Dinu Mija, of Moldova 1 public television. Mija was arrested by police in Tighina (also known as Bender) in the self-proclaimed Transnistrian republic, and sentenced to 15 days in prison.

Nepal

RSF expresses concern over growing threats, violence against journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over increasing violence against journalists and media outlets in Nepal and voiced fears that the growing insecurity will prevent free and proper reporting of events in the country.

Ghana

Ghana Broadcasting Corporation interdicts Ghana Television journalists and television director

(MFWA/IFEX) - The following is a 7 September 2004 MFWA press release:

Nepal

Journalist receives death threat; photojournalist assaulted by police officer

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 2 September 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels issued death threats against journalist Bijaya Mishra in Siraha, eastern Nepal, for failing to report on the arrest of a local CPN-Maoist leader. Mishra, a local correspondent for the daily "Kantipur", was told that he would "suffer the same fate as journalist Dekendra Thapa." Thapa was killed on 11 August in Dailekh district (see IFEX alerts of 20 and 17 August and 12 July 2004).

Russia

CPJ points to obstruction of independent media coverage of hostage crisis; journalist Andrei Babitsky released but ordered to pay a fine

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

Iraq

IPI says continued Al-Jazeera ban is setback for Iraqi democracy

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 7 September 2004 IPI press release:

Sri Lanka

UN Human Rights Committee rules in favour of Sri Lankan editor in freedom of expression case

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2004 FMM press release:

Indonesia

Jakarta court delays "Tempo" verdict

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

Moldova

Protesting journalists injured by police, one later dies

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 September 2004 IFJ press release:

Yemen

Editor-in-chief of weekly sentenced to one year in prison; newspaper suspended for six months

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the one-year prison sentence against journalist Abdulkarim Al-Khaiwani, editor-in-chief of the weekly "Al-Shura", and the suspension of his publication for six months. The organisation has appealed to Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Saleh for his release.

Russia

Editor forced to resign over coverage of Beslan hostage crisis; Arab television station bureau chief, Georgian journalist and camera operator detained

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 7 September 2004 IPI press release:

Colombia

Radio station closed

(AMARC/IFEX) - Radio Nasa, the Nasa indigenous peoples' radio station, was shut down on the morning of 2 September 2004. Acting on a Communications Ministry order, police and mayor's office representatives seized the station's equipment.

Venezuela

Journalist detained by National Guard officers

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 1 September 2004, journalist Jenny Velasco was detained by National Guard (Guardia Nacional, GN) officers, in Falcón state, western Venezuela.

Venezuela

Journalist assassinated

(IPYS/IFEX) - Mauro Marcano, a 55-year-old journalist and politician, was killed on the morning of 1 September 2004. The assassination took place in the city of Maturín, Monagas state, eastern Venezuela.

Nigeria

Magazine circulation manager arrested, other journalists go into hiding

(MRA/IFEX) - On 5 September 2004, one day after State Security Service (SSS) officers raided the editorial offices of the "Insider Weekly" magazine in Lagos and sealed them off, they returned to arrest the magazine's circulation manager, Cyril Mbamalu. Mbamalu was taken to the SSS Lagos State headquarters in Shangisha, on the outskirts of Lagos, and detained along with Raphael Olatoye, the magazine's production manager who was arrested during the first raid on 4 September.

Zimbabwe

Photographer harassed by police officers

(MISA/IFEX) - On 23 August 2004, photographer Tawanda Mudimu, of the "Herald" newspaper, was harassed by police officers while photographing Charles Charamba, a prominent gospel musician who arrived at the Harare Magistrates Court for an initial remand hearing.

Canada / Iraq

IFJ condemns Iraqi interim government's ban on Al-Jazeera, restrictions imposed on the channel in Canada

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

Kosovo (Serbia) / Montenegro / Serbia

Photojournalist's camera seized, photographs erased

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

Peru

Three journalists attacked in Cajamarca

(IPYS/IFEX) - At approximately 3:00 p.m. (local time) on 2 September 2004, three journalists were attacked while they covering a protest against the Yanacocha mining company. The incident occurred at the Quilish farm, Cajamarca region, northern Peru.

Peru

Journalist stabbed in Cusco

(IPYS/IFEX) - At approximately 6:00 a.m. (local time) on 2 September 2004, journalist César Castro Cano, of Radio Líder station, was stabbed twice in the leg by an unknown assailant. The incident occurred in the city of Cusco, capital of Cusco region, southeastern Peru, as Castro was heading to the station.

Cuba

CPJ condemns treatment of imprisoned journalists; journalist ends hunger strike, another journalist transferred to a cell with repeat offenders

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

Nigeria

State security officers seal up magazine's offices, arrest production manager

(MRA/IFEX) - On 4 September 2004, State Security Service (SSS) officers raided the editorial offices of "The Insider Weekly" news magazine, based in Lagos, and arrested its production manager, Raphael Olatoye, after sealing up the offices. The security agency later accused the magazine of treason, sedition and subversion over a string of articles critical of President Olusegun Obasanjo and his government.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist severely beaten

(JED/IFEX) - Journalist Mbuyi Tshibwabwa, who is also known as "Mbote ya Kabambi" ("The Big Hello"), has been in hospital since 22 August 2004 after being severely beaten at a military court in Goma, North Kivu province's main city, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Tshibwabwa is a military journalist and host of the local television show "Armée et peuple" ("The Army and the People"). The attack was ordered by the 8th Military District commander, General Obedi Rwibasira. "Armée et peuple" is broadcast nightly on the Congolese public broadcaster's (Radiotélévision Nationale Congolaise, RTNC) Goma station.

Russia

Prominent journalist sentenced to five days in prison for "hooliganism"

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

Pakistan

Punjab government bans paper before first issue can appear

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the federal government and Punjab provincial authorities to publicly explain why they had banned the new daily "Islamabad Times" before it could put out its first issue. The organisation also demanded the release of the paper's printer, his son and two employees who were arrested.

Somalia

Journalist arrested and detained

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

Russia

Journalist reportedly poisoned en route to hostage negotiations, another journalist detained at Moscow airport

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

China

Foreign journalists briefly detained

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing:

Panama

New president urged to repeal laws restricting press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on newly-elected President Martin Torrijos to repeal all laws that still provide for prison terms for media offences. Torrijos was sworn into office on 1 September 2004.

Argentina

IAPA welcomes access to information ruling in Cordoba, expresses concern over proposed restrictions in Santa Fe

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 2 September 2004 IAPA press release:

Belarus

Government suspends satirical newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned the Belarus government's suspension of the satirical newspaper "Navinki", the latest of several suspension in the run up to parliamentary elections slated for October 2004. The paper was shut down by the information minister for three months on 27 August.

Israel

IPI criticises British journalist's treatment

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

Nepal

CPJ deplores attacks on newspaper and television offices in Kathmandu

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 September 2004 CPJ press release:

Mexico

Columnist beaten to death; CPJ investigates possible link to his journalism work

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 September 2004 CPJ press release:

Honduras

Court rules in favour of television station, granting it the right to broadcast in Tegucigalpa

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - The Supreme Court has ratified a ruling in favour of businessman Rafael Nodarse, owner of Canal 6 television station, based in the city of San Pedro Sula. The state, via the National Telecommunications Commission (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, CONATEL), had prevented the station from increasing its signal range to broadcast in Tegucigalpa and other Honduran cities.

Uzbekistan

Laws restrict freedom of expression and information, says ARTICLE 19

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

Guatemala

Journalists assaulted by police

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On 31 August 2004, several journalists were assaulted by National Civil Police (Policía Nacional Civil, PNC) officers. The journalists were assaulted while covering the violent eviction of more than 1000 farmer workers from the Nueva Linda property, in Puerto Champerico, Retalhuleu department, approximately 200 kilometres from the capital. One of the journalists was seriously injured in the incident.

Nepal

Journalist killed

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 29 August 2004, security forces reportedly killed journalist Badri Khadka in Morang district, eastern Nepal. He was arrested in the Kalyanpur area and killed in Govindapur-7, in the Larikata area. Eyewitnesses told the media that Khadka was brutally tortured after his arrest.

Nepal

Kantipur Publications premises vandalised, staff members injured

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - At approximately 11:00 a.m. (local time) on 31 August 2004, a group of unidentified individuals vandalised the Kantipur Publications offices in Teenkune, Kathmandu. About half a dozen staff, including managing director Kailash Sirohiya, were injured as a result of the attack.

Nepal

Journalist arrested by security forces and tortured, another journalist harassed by rebels

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 29 August 2004, the security forces arrested journalist Badri Khadka in Biratnagar, Morang district, eastern Nepal. After the arrest, Khadka, a reporter for "Janadesh Weekly", was tortured and transferred to the Rangeli area. The security forces denied having arrested Khadka. His whereabouts remain unknown. The weekly is believed to be the Communist Party of Nepal's (CPN-Maoist) mouthpiece and is currently disseminated solely on the Internet.

Thailand

Libel suit against prime minister's critics deepens assault on the press, says Human Rights Watch

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

China

Writers sued for libel

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 31 August 2004 CPJ press release:

Tajikistan

CPJ calls for end to intimidation campaign against independent and opposition journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 31 August 2004 letter to President Imomali Rakhmonov, CPJ expressed great concern about an escalating campaign of intimidation and harassment against independent and opposition journalists in Tajikistan. According to CPJ, the actions are further eroding press conditions at the very moment when Tajik citizens most need a free press, in the run-up to parliamentary elections in early 2005.

Iraq

Journalists' kidnappers issue new deadline

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the Arabic news media, which have already been making unprecedented appeals for the release of kidnapped French journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, to once again publish the exact details of France's law on the Islamic veil.

Nicaragua

Judge issues veiled threat against journalist

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - On 20 August 2004, Judge Carlos Mario Peña, of the Managua Fifth District Criminal Court, issued a veiled threat against journalist Mirna Velásquez, of "La Prensa" newspaper. According to information provided by the journalist and published in "La Prensa", after a press conference the judge approached Velásquez and tried to intimidate her by recounting detailed information about her private life, how she spent her free time and the places she frequented. He warned Velásquez "to be careful", saying she would continue to be followed.

Serbia / Montenegro

Media organisations concerned over amendments to the Broadcast Act as regards the process of electing Broadcast Council members

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a joint ANEM, Independent Association of Serbian Journalists (NUNS) and Belgrade Media Centre statement:

Nepal

Journalists threatened, camera operator assaulted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 29 August 2004, a group of four persons assaulted camera operator Raju Timilsina of the private television station Kantipur in Nayabaneswor, Kathmandu. The assailants also reportedly damaged Timilsina's camera in the incident. The motive for the attack remains unknown.

Cuba

Wife of imprisoned journalist Raúl Rivero expresses concern about prison authorities' treatment of her husband

(RSF/IFEX) - Blanca Reyes, the wife of jailed journalist and poet Raúl Rivero, has voiced her anxiety about a "change in attitude" towards her husband on the part of the prison authorities.

China

Former newspaper editor released, two of his colleagues remain imprisoned

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the release of Cheng Yizhong, former editor-in-chief of the daily newspapers "Xin Jing Bao" and "Nanfang Dushi Bao", and called on the authorities to free two other editors of the popular daily "Nanfang Dushi Bao" who were arrested more than five months ago.

Iraq

RSF appeals to religious leaders to help save kidnapped French journalists; urges Arab media to publicise Muslim opposition to kidnapping

(RSF/IFEX) - The following are two 29 August 2004 RSF statements:

Nicaragua

CPJ concerned about reports of intimidation against journalist

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

Iran

RSF condemns new attacks on Internet freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly criticised the Iranian authorities for blocking access to three pro-reformist Internet websites and arresting some of their contributors. The organisation also condemned the continuing judicial harassment of Naqshineh (http://www.naqshineh.com) website staff and the closure of three cybercafés in the southern city of Bushehr.

Philippines

Gunman arrested in case of murdered journalist

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

Pakistan

Reporter and cameraman for private television station mistreated and briefly detained

(PPF/IFEX) - On 27 August 2004, two staff members for the independent television station Geo were mistreated by Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials in Karachi.

India

CPJ investigating whether attack on editor was related to his journalism work

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

Togo

New law decriminalises press offences

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed reforms passed by the Togolese National Assembly amending the press and communications law so that press offences are no longer punishable by prison terms.

Iraq

IFJ condemns Italian journalist's assassination

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

Iraq

Police storm Najaf hotel, detain and threaten dozens of journalists

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

India

Newspaper editor stabbed by Muslim fundamentalist

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed deep shock at the attempted murder of Sajid Rashid, editor of the Hindi-language edition of the daily "Mahanagar". Rashid was stabbed twice in the back on the evening of 24 August 2004, in Mumbai (formerly Bombay).

Peru

Defamation campaign waged against journalists in publications mimicking regional newspapers

(IPYS/IFEX) - Since mid June 2004, publications that very closely copy the format and design of several local papers have been circulating in Tarapoto, capital of San Martín region, northeastern Peru. The publications' content is aimed at attacking and degrading several local journalists.

Belarus

RSF condemns new attacks on the independent press in lead up to elections

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned Information Minister Vladimir Rusakevich's three-month suspension of the independent weekly "Novaya Gazeta Smorgoni" in Smorgon, western Belarus.

International

IAPA awards Grand Prize for Freedom of the Press 2004 to murdered Mexican journalist

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 25 August 2004 IAPA press release:

Peru

Journalist threatened

(IPYS/IFEX) - At approximately 1:30 p.m. (local time) on 20 August 2004, about twenty individuals surrounded journalist Adrián Aguilar as he was leaving Radio Huandoy station's premises. The group warned Aguilar that he would have to "face the consequences" if he continued to report on accusations against the Caraz district former mayor, Roberto Espejo Ramírez. The incident occurred in Huaylas province, Ancash region, northwestern Peru.

Armenia

Photographer assaulted after taking pictures of official's villa

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

Turkey

Local radio station suspended for one month

(RSF/IFEX) - The Istanbul-based Özgür Radyo radio station went off the air on 18 August 2004, in response to a 30-day ban ordered by the broadcast regulator RTUK. RSF has denounced the suspension as "too harsh and once again completely disproportionate."

Cuba

Jailed journalist Fabio Prieto Llorente on third hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is concerned about the health of journalist Fabio Prieto Llorente, who has been on a hunger strike since 11 August 2004 to protest his prison conditions. "It is the third time since the beginning of the year that the journalist has been driven to take this course of action," the organisation said, reiterating that it holds the Cuban government responsible for Llorente's health.

Philippines

Two suspects in broadcaster's murder surrender to auhorities

(CMFR/IFEX) - Two of the principal suspects in the 17 June 2004 killing of Sarangani, southern Philippines, broadcaster Ely Binoya surrendered to local authorities on the afternoon of 23 August.

Zimbabwe

ARTICLE 19 expresses concern about NGO bill

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 24 August 2004 ARTICLE 19 letter to Andrew Ranganayi Chigovera of the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR):

Argentina

Provincial government actions threaten confidentiality of sources

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has warned the government of Argentina's Neuquén province that attempts to pressure the daily "Río Negro" to reveal its sources in an article it published about embezzlement involving a government minister constitute a threat to democracy.

Iraq

Islamic group claims responsibility for journalist's abduction, demands withdrawal of Italian troops

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

Tajikistan

Three opposition papers cease publishing after authorities shut down printer

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern at what it calls a "serious deterioration" of press freedom in the run-up to elections as authorities obstructed printing of three independent and opposition newspapers on 18 August 2004. The intervention comes only weeks after a physical attack on one journalist and repeated threats against another.

China

Market-oriented news spawns violent reactions, says CPJ special report

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

Serbia / Montenegro

Media privatisation rules adopted

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

Thailand

SEAPA alarmed by US$10 million libel suit against media advocate

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

Bangladesh

Investigative journalist murdered

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 23 August 2004 RSF press release:

Mexico

Federal authorities take over investigation of journalist's murder

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

Bangladesh

Newspaper threatened

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

Lesotho

Court orders return of newspaper's computer equipment

(MISA/IFEX) - On 18 August 2004, the "Mirror" newspaper, a weekly English tabloid, was served with a rescission order providing for the return of all its computer equipment by the sheriff of Lesotho's High Court. This follows the seizure of the newspaper's computer equipment after being served with a writ of execution in a civil defamation case filed by an individual named Nthakeng Pheello Selinyane on 5 April.

Russia

CPJ delegation calls on U.S., Russian officials to bring Klebnikov killers to justice

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

Indonesia

Press faces litigation and harassment

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 19 August 2004 SEAPA report:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist interrogated

(JED/IFEX) - Simplice Kalunga wa Kalunga, producer and host of the "Nouvelle Donne" ("New Order") show, broadcast on the privately-owned, Kinshasa-based Channel Media Broadcasting (CMB) television station, was summoned for questioning by a Gombe court judge on 19 August 2004.

International

Commonwealth parliamentarians adopt recommendations that promote access to information

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 20 August 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Iraq

Journalist released, another three missing, interpreter killed

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Albert Kassa Khamy Mouya released

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release from prison of Albert Kassa Khamy Mouya, former publication director of the weekly "Le Lauréat".

Ukraine

Newspaper offices set ablaze

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Interior Minister Mykola Bilokon to investigate "thoroughly and openly" a fire that destroyed part of the offices of the independent daily "Postoup" in the western town of Lviv on 19 August 2004. The fire, which was deliberately set, according to authorities, came two months before national presidential elections.

Pakistan

Controversial defamation bill passed by Parliament's lower house

(PPF/IFEX) - Rejecting the opposition's objections, on 19 August 2004 the ruling coalition passed a controversial Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2004 in the National Assembly, Pakistan's lower house of Parliament.

Venezuela

Journalists face obstacles while reporting on presidential recall referendum

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 15 August 2004, seven reporters and photojournalists from several media outlets faced obstacles while reporting on voting in a presidential recall referendum. The incidents occurred in southwestern Venezuela.

China

Police officers attack journalists at sporting event

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

Philippines

Report on "culture of impunity" surrounding journalists' deaths

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 18 August 2004 SEAPA report:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two RTNC journalists arrested and held at an unknown location in Bukavu

(JED/IFEX) - Jean Kasangana Mbengu and Diaki Vangamene, a journalist and cameraman respectively for the Kinshasa-based Congolese National Radio-Television, (Radio-télévision nationale congolaise, RTNC, the public broadcaster), were arrested on 19 August in Kamituga, a village about 70 km from Bukavu, South Kivu province's main city. The journalists were taken to Bukavu and held at an undisclosed location. Utesha Dunia, the manager of the national mining corporation Société minière congolaise (SOMICO), and another shareholder were arrested at the same time as the journalists and detained at local intelligence services' offices.

Benin

Journalist Patrick Adjamonsi released, journalists face retrial

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

Israel

Authorities detain journalist at Tel Aviv airport

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

South Africa

WPFC concerned over government attempts to muzzle media

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is an 18 August WPFC press statement:

Botswana

Minister instructs producers to re-record television show

(MISA/IFEX) - On 17 August 2004, Minister of Land and Housing Margaret Nasha instructed the producers of "The Eye" programme to re-record a segment of the show in order to exclude opposition party member Dumelang Saleshando, who is seeking election as a member of parliament. Saleshando is a member of the Botswana Congress Party.

Nepal / Iraq

Freelance photographer killed in Iraq, cameraman missing; journalists and media workers in Nepal protest radio correspondent's killing

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 August 2004 press release:

Algeria

Imprisoned journalist Hafnaoui Ghoul in second week of hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - On 9 August 2004, imprisoned journalist Hafnaoui Ghoul began a hunger strike in protest of the judicial harassment to which he has been subjected. Ghoul's health has deteriorated considerably since his incarceration.

Niger

Radio station director released

(RSF/IFEX) - Moussa Kaka, director of the independent radio station Saranouya FM and a correspondent for Radio France International, was released on the evening of 16 August 2004. Kaka had been held since 12 August in connection with an interview broadcast on Saranouya FM with Tuareg rebel leader Mohammed Boula.

Ukraine

Investigative journalist attacked, recordings taken

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

Chile

"La Nación" newspaper director fired

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 10 August 2004, Alberto Luengo, director of the government-owned "La Nación" newspaper, was fired. Luengo was reportedly dismissed for his newspaper's coverage of a paedophile case that has implicated high-level political figures.

Sri Lanka

CPJ investigating writer's murder

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

Zambia

Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation suspends employees after broadcast of "indecent" movie

(MISA/IFEX) - The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has suspended its acting director of programmes, Ben Kangwa, for one month, and another employee, Ignatius Sibetta, over the broadcast of "Unshackled", an African film featuring a man addicted to masturbation. The movie was broadcast by ZNBC on 3 August 2004.

Kazakhstan

Restrictions lifted against journalist

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

The Gambia

MFWA condemns arson attack on BBC correspondent's home, anonymous threats to journalists

(MFWA/IFEX) - During the early morning hours of 15 August 2004, BBC Banjul correspondent Ebrima Sillah's house was set ablaze by suspected arsonists. Sillah, who was alone in the house, was sleeping when the arsonists attacked.

United States

Federal judge rules against five reporters for refusing to identify sources

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

Nepal

Journalists abducted and released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 17 August 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels released journalists Krishna Adhikari and Basanta Maharjan of the daily "Spacetime", in the remote northwestern district of Bajhang.

Iraq

Armed group threatens to kill abducted journalist

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

Nepal

Journalist released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 15 August 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels released journalist Durga Thapa. Thapa was released following negotiations led by the vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ), Bipul Pokhrel. The talks were held at an undisclosed location in Surkhet district.

Iraq

Photographer wounded in Najaf; RSF deplores death of journalist in Fallujah blast

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the forces fighting in Iraq to respect the lives of journalists following the 15 August 2004 death of freelance Iraqi newsman Mahmoud Hamid Abbas in Fallujah. Abbas worked for the German television network Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF). The British news agency Reuters also reported that one of its photographers, Ali Abu al-Shich, was wounded by gunfire in Najaf on 17 August.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Cameraman released

(JED/IFEX) - (JED/IFEX) - Theobald Balura, a cameraman with Congolese National Radio-Television's (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) Goma station, was released on the evening of 13 August 2004, after being detained since 11 August in Minova, a village located 52 kilometres from Goma, North Kivu province's main city, by rebel General Laurent Nkunda's forces.

Nigeria

Proposed law threatens media freedom

(MRA/IFEX) - Nigeria's federal Legislature, the National Assembly, is considering a draft law that would impose sanctions, jail-terms, fines and suspension for media outlets found guilty of sensational reporting on violent conflicts, parliamentary or inter-governmental disputes, natural disasters and other "negative trends and tendencies".

Venezuela

Government supporters prevent journalists from carrying out their work

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 5 August 2004, journalist Laura Olaizola and photographer Dorian González, of "Notitarde" newspaper, were verbally assaulted and prevented from carrying out their work by approximately 30 supporters of President Hugo Chávez's government. The incident took place on the Güigüe-Belén road, in Carlos Arvelo municipality, Carabobo state, central Venezuela.

Benin

Publication director of daily "l'Aurore" imprisoned

(RSF/IFEX) - On 13 August 2004, Patrick Adjamonsi, publication director of the daily "l'Aurore", was arrested by police and jailed in Cotonou's civilian prison.

Nepal

Journalists receive death threats

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels recently issued death threats to nine journalists, including Harihar Singh Rathor and Bed Prakash Timsina of Kantipur Publications, in the far western district of Dailekh. The journalists were threatened for failing to support the CPN-Maoists's movement.

Maldives

Cyber-dissidents jailed, one tortured in detention

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the European Union (EU) to obtain the release of four cyber-dissidents, including three persons working for the online newsletter "Sandhaanu", who have been jailed since police broke up a 13 August 2004 pro-democracy demonstration. One of the detainees, Ahmad Didi, has been tortured and is reported to be in critical condition.

Iraq

Journalists' hotel comes under fire

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

Guatemala

Community radio stations under attack

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - Community radio stations in Guatemala have been subjected to a series of attacks, raids and seizures of broadcasting equipment, in addition to being described as "pirate" stations. These actions were headed by the Public Prosecutor's Office at the request of the Guatemalan Radio Association (Cámara Guatemalteca de Radiodifusoras), which is comprised of the country's radio station owners.

Italy

Police raid paper's offices, journalist's home

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 16 August 2004 police raids on the offices of the Milan-based weekly "Gente" and the Rome residence of journalist Gennaro De Stefano, calling the incidents a "serious attack on investigative journalism" and a violation of European human rights law.

Iraq

Cameraman for German television station killed

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

Iraq

RSF concerned about fate of missing American journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is concerned about the fate of American reporter Micah Garen, who disappeared, along with his Iraqi translator Amir Doshe, in Nassiriyah, southern Iraq, on 13 August 2004. The 36-year-old was filming a documentary on the country's cultural history and the risk posed by the current conflict to archaeological sites.

Botswana

Ministry introduces stringent controls on broadcasts

(MISA/IFEX) - Botswana's Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology has ordered the Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) to send new programmes or reviews of its programmes to the minister for "consultation and consensus." At present, the state media is still run as a government department and not as a public entity.

Guatemala

Police officers assault journalists

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On 14 August 2004, Municipal Transit Police (Policía Municipal de Tránsito) officers assaulted a group of reporters as they were covering a violent confrontation between the officers and vendors who were trying to set up their stands on Simeón Cañas Avenue, in Guatemala City's Zone 2.

Nepal

Journalist killed

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 11 August 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels reportedly killed journalist and human rights worker Dakendra Raj Thapa at an undisclosed location in the far western district of Dailekh.

Venezuela

IAPA concerned over harassment of private television stations

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

Venezuela

Spanish photographer attacked during political rally

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 August 2004, Spanish photographer Eduard Giménez was attacked while photographing a political rally organised by opponents of President Hugo Chávez's government. The incident took place at the Plaza Bolívar, in central Caracas.

Venezuela

Globovisión television station news crew attacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 August 2004, a Globovisión television news crew was attacked by ruling party supporters while covering a government event outside the Vice-Presidential Office in Caracas. The area around the Vice-Presidential Office is considered a high security zone and is protected by the National Guard.

Botswana

Reporter assaulted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 August 2004, Kagiso Mmui, an entertainment reporter with the weekly newspaper "The Voice", was assaulted in the capital, Gaborone, by Lloyd Mwape, a founding member of a musical band named Wizards of the Deserts. Mmui was allegedly assaulted for writing negatively about the band.

Peru

Journalist assaulted and threatened with death

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 7 August 2004, a man broke into the home of Mónica Paredes Reátegui, a correspondent for Frecuencia Latina television station. The intruder threw Paredes on the bed, tied her hands and feet with a cable and threatened to kill her. The attack, which took place in Iquitos, capital of the Loreto region, northeastern Peru, constitutes the most serious action thus far against Paredes, who has been receiving insulting messages and telephone calls for more than two months.

The Gambia

Arsonists attack home of BBC correspondent

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned an arson attack on the home of BBC radio correspondent Ebrahima Sillah in the capital, Banjul. The organisation said the attack appeared to be a warning to the independent media, as the government has not seriously investigated other such incidents in recent months.

Serbia / Montenegro

UN report urges greater respect for freedom of expression

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 13 August 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Ukraine

Threatened radio director gets refugee status in United States

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

Iraq

RSF condemns news blackout in Najaf

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned the Iraqi authorities for ordering journalists to leave the holy Shiite city of Najaf on the eve of a major new United States (US) military offensive against anti-regime militants. The organisation called on the government to drop the ban at once.

Ethiopia

On verge of release, editor convicted anew

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 12 August 2004 letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, CPJ expressed deep concern that Tewodros Kassa, the imprisoned former editor-in-chief of the Amharic language weekly "Ethiop", has been newly convicted on a four-year-old defamation charge, delaying his scheduled release from prison.

Sri Lanka

Writer killed

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

Tajikistan

Threats against journalists increasing in Tajikistan

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - The following is a joint Adil Soz and National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT) alert:

Algeria

Court confirms editor's jail term

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

Iraq

British journalist released

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

Morocco

Journalist Anas Guennoun released but now in hiding

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release from prison of Anas Guennoun, director of the weekly newspaper "Al Ahali". According to reports received by International PEN, Guennoun was released during the first week of August 2004.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Television journalist receives death threats for rebroadcast of controversial show

(JED/IFEX) - During a 13 August 2004 press conference at her home in Kinshasa/Gombe, Marie-Ange Mushobekwa, host of the programme "A coeur ouvert" on the private television network Antenne A, said she has received five anonymous calls in two weeks threatening her with death. "You are playing with people's lives, you want to play the star. Be aware that we can bring you down without any problem," said one of the callers.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Rebel general's forces detain cameraman in Minova

(JED/IFEX) - Theobald Balura, a cameraman with Congolese National Radio-Television's (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC/Goma) local station, has been detained since 11 August 2004 in Minova, a village located 52 kilometres from Goma, North Kivu province's main city, by rebel General Laurent Nkunda's forces. Nkunda and his troops have been based in Minova since leaving Bukavu, South Kivu province's main city, which they took on 3 June.

United States

CPJ deeply disturbed by contempt ruling in CIA leak case

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

Niger

Radio station director arrested

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 12 August 2004, Moussa Kaka, director of the independent radio station Saraounia FM and correspondent of Radio France International, was arrested by agents of the Gendarmerie in the capital, Niamey. Kaka was picked up at about 12:00 p.m. GMT at the station and is being held incommunicado.

China

Court rejects appeal of Internet essayist Du Daobin

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

Haiti

Police recapture two men charged in Jean Dominique murder

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

Philippines

Broadcaster survives assassination attempt

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 13 August 2004, at around 5:15 a.m. (local time), Edward Balida, a commentator for radio station IFM-DXVR in Valencia City, Bukidnon (about 850 km from Manila), survived an apparent assassination attempt. Balida was wounded in the attack at the city's public market.

Iraq

British newspaper reporter shot and kidnapped by gunmen in Basra

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

Philippines

Radio correspondent killed in Laguna province

(CMFR/IFEX) - On the morning of 12 August 2004, Fernando Consignado, a correspondent for the Manila-based Catholic news station Radio Veritas, was found dead inside his home in Nagcarlan town, Laguna province, south of Manila. He was the fourth journalist murdered in less than two weeks in the Philippines.

Saudi Arabia

Writer Ali Al-Domaini and academic Matrouq al-Faleh on trial

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned about the charges brought against writer Ali Al-Domaini and academic Matrouq al-Faleh, whose trial reportedly started on 9 August 2004 at an Islamic court in Riyadh. Al-Domaini and al-Faleh have been detained since 15 March for criticising the authorities. International PEN considers both men to be held solely for the peaceful expression of their opinions.

Algeria

Judicial saga continues in Hafnaoui Ghoul case

(RSF/IFEX) - On 8 August 2004, the Djelfa Appeals Court sentenced Hafnaoui Ghoul, a correspondent for the daily "El Youm", to three months in prison with no parole, a fine of 50,000 dinars (approx. US$675; 550 euros) and 1 million dinars (approx. US$13,500; 11,000 euros) in damages. The verdict increases the punishment handed down in an earlier court ruling. Djelfa is located 270 km south of the capital, Algiers.

South Africa

FXI fully supports use of parody against telecommunications corporation

(FXI/IFEX) - FXI has condemned South African telecommunications giant Telkom's threats of legal action against the owners and operators of the website http://www.hellkom.co.za. Telkom alleges that the site is an infringement of its registered trademark and, therefore, a violation of the country's trademark and intellectual property law. The corporation has demanded that the website be shut down immediately or it will launch legal action for damages of 5 million rand (approx. US$800,000).

Indonesia

ARTICLE 19 publishes memorandum analysing criminal and civil defamation provisions

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 6 August 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Iraq

Four Iranian journalists arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about the arrest of Mostafa Darban, the Iranian news agency IRNA's Baghdad bureau chief, and three of his journalists by Iraqi police on 9 August 2004. All four are being held at the Interior Ministry.

Indonesia

CPJ protests criminal defamation charges, calls for laws' removal from Criminal Code

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 August 2004 CPJ letter to President Megawati Sukarnoputri, condemning the use of Indonesia's outdated criminal defamation laws against journalists and calling for the laws' removal from the Criminal Code:

Zimbabwe

MISA releases mission report on Zimbabwe

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 10 August 2004 MISA communiqué:

Brazil

IAPA voices concern over proposed law to regulate media

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 10 August 2004 IAPA press release:

Botswana

Minister interferes in state news media's editorial policy

(RSF/IFEX) - Communications, Science and Technology Minister Boyce Sebeleta has announced his decision to drop the "Political Profiles" column from the state-owned newspaper "Daily News" and the press review from state-owned Radio Botswana. The minister did not offer an explanation for the move.

Hong Kong (China)

Search warrant revoked in Hong Kong newspaper raid

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio Hosanna employees released, station still shuttered

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 August 2004 CPJ press release:

United States

IFJ condemns threats by American judge to jail reporter over sources

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 August 2004 IFJ media release:

Afghanistan

New developments in case of four journalists murdered in 2001

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on President Hamid Karzai to appeal to judicial authorities to ensure full transparency in the 2001 murder cases of four journalists. On 3 August 2004, Kabul Radio and Television (KRT) carried an interview with one of the accused killers whose existence was previously unknown.

Russia

CPJ calls on Putin to ensure editors' killers are brought to justice

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 August 2004 CPJ letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin:

Russia

Chechen editor reports ongoing harassment

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

Brazil

Community radio station shut down in Porto Alegre

(AMARC/IFEX) - On 4 August 2004, the community radio station in Restinga, Porto Alegre, was shut down by 12 police officers and officials from ANATEL, the broadcasting regulator. The officers disconnected the transmitter and the telephone and confiscated all of the station's equipment.

Cuba

Imprisoned librarian released on health grounds

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the 23 June 2004 release of Roberto de Miranda Hernández on health grounds. However, PEN remains concerned that his release is conditional and means that Miranda, aged 59, could still be returned to prison.

Iran

Journalists boycott official press day and step up their protest

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced support for journalists holding a one-day hunger strike on 7 August 2004, National Press Day in Iran, to protest press freedom violations. The journalists boycotted an official government ceremony at which the minister of culture and Islamic guidance awarded prizes to the press.

Democratic Republic of Congo

"Fair Play" editor granted provisional release

(JED/IFEX) - Lucien Claude Ngongo, deputy editor of the Kinshasa-based newspaper "Fair Play", was granted a provisional release on 28 July 2004 by order of the Kinshasa-Gombe High Court judge. The order set bail at 4,000 Congolese francs (approx. US$10).

Côte d'Ivoire

New developments in case of disappeared journalist Guy-André Kieffer

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 4 August 2004 arrest in Paris of an Ivoirian Finance Ministry official who has been linked to the 16 April disappearance of freelance reporter Guy-André Kieffer in Abidjan.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist receives threats, faces legal action

(JED/IFEX) - On 3 August 2004, Jose Wakadila, a journalist with the daily "La Référence Plus", appeared in a Kinshasa court to face defamation charges filed by the Congolese Oil Refinery Industries Corporation (Société Congolaise des Industries de Raffinage du Pétrole, SOCIR). Wakadila had also received anonymous telephone threats on 26 and 27 July.

Lesotho

Newspaper faces possible closure

(MISA/IFEX) - On 6 August 2004, the newly-established English-language tabloid newspaper "Our Times", which is owned by a company registered as Soul to Soul, was served with a summons by local law firm Nthethe and Company, on behalf of Voice Multimedia, publishers of the weekly English-language tabloid newspaper "Public Eye".

Belarus

Authorities strike double blow against opposition press

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has accused Belarusian authorities of denying the population the right to independent news in the run up to elections, after they announced the permanent closure of the opposition weekly "Rabochaya Solidarnost" on 2 August 2004 and suspended printing of the independent daily "Narodnaya Volya" on 4 August.

Central African Republic

Imprisoned journalist receives suspended sentence

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

Peru

Broadcasting equipment seized

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 17 July 2004, Trujillo municipal security officers dismantled the Radio News of Peru's (Radio Noticias del Perú) antenna and confiscated its broadcasting equipment. The officers, led by municipal attorney Hugo Sánchez Cortina, burst violently into the station's offices, seizing microphones and consoles and interrupting the broadcast. The security agents produced no court order for the seizure and failed give advance warning to the station's owner, Edilberto Barrantes Terán. Trujillo is the capital of the northern region of La Libertad.

Iraq

Interim government issues month-long ban on Arab satellite channel Al-Jazeera

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

Sierra Leone

Two Citizen FM radio journalists attacked

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 26 July 2004, Alex James, station manager of Citizen FM, a privately-owned community radio station located in the east of the capital, Freetown, was attacked by a group of armed youth in the community. James was returning home from work when he was attacked by the youth, who robbed him of his jewelry, cash and two mobile phones.

Philippines

Journalist shot, three others attacked in ambush

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

Honduras

Journalist found guilty of "defamation"

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - On 5 August 2004, journalist Adolfo Hernández, director of the "No se deje" television programme, broadcast on Channel 66 by the Corporación Maya TV company, in Tegucigalpa, was found guilty of "defamation". Hernández was accused of having defamed the president of the Honduran Advertisement Agencies' Association (Asociación de Agencias de Publicidad de Honduras, APAH) when he questioned the results of an APAH survey.

Costa Rica

Inter-American Court of Human Rights overturns defamation sentence against Costa Rican journalist

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

Belarus

Mother of missing journalist requests new investigation of the case

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

Uzbekistan

Journalist released, but struggling to reclaim his home and personal belongings

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

Kuwait

Government bans "Fahrenheit 9/11"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the Kuwaiti Information Ministry's 1 August 2004 decision to ban screenings of Michael Moore's documentary film "Fahrenheit 9/11" and urged the authorities to lift the ban.

Iran

Cyber-dissident on trial; harsh Internet bill drafted

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about the Iranian authorities' continued efforts to gag the Internet, including the trial of a theology student in late July 2004 for a message posted on a news website and a proposed law that would stifle online dissent.

Peru

Police fail to act on arrest warrants against suspects in journalist's murder

(IPYS/IFEX) - The Peruvian National Police's (PNP) Yungay division has failed to act on two arrest warrants for suspects in the murder of journalist Antonio de la Torre. The arrest warrants were issued on 19 March and 2 April 2004. De la Torre was killed on 14 February in Yungay, in Peru's northwestern Ancash region.

Nepal

Rebels threaten to cut off journalists' hands

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels have threatened to chop off the hands of journalists Bhupendra Shahi and Kamal Neupane. According to a "Kantipur" daily news report, in July 2004 the two journalists, who are based in Dailekh district, western Nepal, were told by the CPN-Maoists to stop reporting on their activities. Shahi is a district correspondent for the state-controlled daily "Gorakhapatra" and Nepane works for the local daily "Susheli".

Russia

Environmental journalist Grigory Pasko receives international passport

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

Iraq

Violence the main obstacle to free media, says Freedom House report

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2004 Freedom House press release:

Iran

Academic Hashem Aghajari released on bail

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release on bail of professor Hashem Aghajari on 31 July 2004, but remains concerned that he still faces charges. International PEN considers Aghajari to be sentenced solely for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression, and therefore calls for all charges against him to be dropped in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a signatory.

Colombia

Navy detains journalists near Ecuadorian border

(IPYS/IFEX) - Italian journalist Luis Galdós and Colombian journalist Hallman Morris have reported that they were arbitrarily detained and forced by the Colombian navy to hand over their equipment and information they had obtained. The incident took place on 1 August 2004, on the Putumayo River, in an area reportedly known for drug trafficking and for having a strong guerrilla group presence.

Azerbaijan

Human Rights Watch briefing paper outlines deterioration in press freedom since October 2003 presidential elections

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2004 Human Rights Watch press release:

Venezuela

IAPA concerned over Supreme Court decision to require mandatory licensing for journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 3 August 2004 IAPA press release:

Philippines

Suspects in broadcaster's murder identified

(CMFR/IFEX) - The General Santos City Prosecutor's Office claims that it has strong circumstantial evidence against suspects in the killing of broadcaster Ely Binoya, who was murdered on 17 June 2004.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Evangelical radio station shut down, six employees arrested

(JED/IFEX) - On 4 August 2004, at around 4:00 p.m. (local time), National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale des renseignements, ANR/Lubumbashi) officers raided the premises of Radio Hosanna, a Lubumbashi-based evangelical radio station. The ANR officers confiscated all of the station's equipment, including its transmitter, and arrested six employees and a follower who were present at the time. The seven persons are being detained at an ANR detention centre in Kapenda. The station is owned by the Church of the New City of David (Eglise Nouvelle Cité de David).

Greece

Two Mexican journalists and their interpreter detained and manhandled by coast guard

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its "outrage" after two journalists from the Mexican television station Televisa and their interpreter were arrested, handcuffed, insulted and beaten by members of the Greek coast guard on 2 August 2004. The incident took place as the journalists were preparing a report on Piraeus, the main port of Athens, where eight ships, including the Queen Mary II, are to serve as hotels during the Olympic Games.

Nepal

Journalist threatened; newspaper offices looted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On the night of 31 July 2004, thieves looted the offices of the weekly "Bimarsha" in Ganabahal, Kathmandu, taking about half a million rupees (approx. US$6,600) in cash and equipment. The editor-in-chief of the weekly "Rajendra", Kumar Baidya, said that the intruders stole 250,000 rupees in cash and property valued at another 250,000 rupees, including two movie cameras, about 150 silver coins and a television set. The reason for the robbery remains unknown but Nepalese police sources say the incident appears suspicious.

Colombia

Two more individuals face charges in connection with journalist's murder

(IPYS/IFEX) - The Attorney General's Office has laid charges against Luis Arley Ortiz Orozco, also known as "Pereque", and Francisco Antonio Quintero Tabares, also known as Luis Miguel Tabares Hernández or "Tilín", for the murder of Orlando Sierra, assistant editor of "La Patria" newspaper. Sierra died on 1 February 2002, two days after he was shot in Manizales, Caldas department, central Colombia.

Venezuela

Television news crew's footage erased

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 21 July 2004, two military security officials forced a team of Globovisión television station reporters to erase footage taken outside the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas.

Pakistan

Government tables amendments to defamation legislation

(PPF/IFEX) - On 29 July 2004, the Pakistani government introduced to the National Assembly proposed amendments to Defamation Ordinance 2002, under which defamation had been declared a "criminal offence".

Moldova

RSF concerned over wave of press freedom violations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the deteriorating press freedom situation in Moldova as about 30 journalists continue to occupy the boardroom of Teleradio Moldova, the state broadcasting company. The journalists have been occupying the premises since 27 July 2004. About 100 police and military officers surround the building.

China

Two Taiwanese journalists held for four days by Shanghai authorities

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

Burma

Local documentary filmmaker arrested for filming flooding disaster in northern Burma

(SEAPA/IFEX) - SEAPA has learned that on 27 July 2004, Military Intelligence agents arrested Lazing La Htoi, a local documentary filmmaker, for having filmed a flooding disaster in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state (northern Burma). They were attempting to block public access to information about the incident.

Philippines

Journalist killed

(CMFR/IFEX) - A correspondent for radio station DZRH and the Manila-based tabloid "Bulgar" was killed in an ambush in Bauan, Batangas province, about 80 kilometres south of Manila on 5 August 2004 at around 7:15 a.m. (local time). He was the second journalist killed in the Philippines in just five days, the fourth so far this year, and the 47th since 1986.

Indonesia

IPI condemns use of Criminal Code against journalists

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 3 August 2004 IPI press release:

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist granted provisional release, fears for his safety

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

International

Autoridades de la SIP en estado de alerta por agresiones a la libertad de prensa

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

Peru

Public Prosecutor's Office summons Radio Panorama journalists who spoke out against seizure of daily's materials

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 14 July 2004, journalists Ronald Ripa Casafranca and José Carlos Arévalo Quijano, of Radio Panorama in Andahuaylas, publicly condemned a 13 July court order for the confiscation of photographic materials from the daily "El Tiempo". The order was issued in connection with allegations that the newspaper's director was distributing child pornography.

China

Journalist imprisoned

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 3 August 2004 letter to President Hu Jintao, CPJ condemned the detention of Abdulghani Memetemin, a writer, teacher, and translator from the northwestern Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. CPJ recently learned that Memetemin, who had actively advocated for the Uighur ethnic group in Xinjiang, has been detained since 2002 on charges of "sending secret state information out of the country."

Tajikistan

Editor-in-chief of independent newspaper "Ruzi Nav" brutally assaulted

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - The following is a joint National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT) and Adil Soz alert:

Nepal

Journalists abducted, beaten and harassed; others released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 31 July 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels abducted Durga Thapa and five other journalists in Ranibas, Surkhet district. The journalists were accused of not supporting the CPN-Maoist movement.

Peru

Newspaper director accused of distributing child pornography, newspaper's photo archives seized

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 13 July 2004, an order was issued for a search of the daily "El Tiempo"'s premises. "El Tiempo" is based in Andahuaylas, Apurímac region, southeastern Peru. The order was issued by criminal court judge Guido Castro Tamayo after a complaint was filed against "El Tiempo" director Julio Molero Ibáñez for allegedly distributing child pornography.

Peru

Journalist unable to return to his home because of death threat

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 15 June 2004, Fernando Valverde Lavado, a journalist for the "El Equipo de la Noticia" programme, received an anonymous threatening telephone call. The incident occurred in Pomabamba, Ancash region, northwestern Peru. The caller warned the journalist that he had two days to leave the city or he would be killed, similarly to journalist Antonio De la Torre, who was murdered in February (see IFEX alerts of 9 April, 31 and 26 March, 23 and 18 February 2004). Following the call, Valverde fled to Lima.

Venezuela

Venezolana de Televisión station news crew attacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the afternoon of 28 July 2004, a Venezolana de Televisión station news crew was attacked by opposition party supporters near the Plaza El Indio in Chacao municipality, eastern Caracas.

Philippines

Radio broadcaster killed

(CMFR/IFEX) - Roger Mariano, a broadcaster with DZJC-Aksyon Radio in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte province, northern Philippines, was shot and killed by unknown assailants on 31 July 2004 at around 8:00 p.m. (local time). Mariano is the third journalist to be killed in the Philippines this year and the 46th since the country's return to democracy in1986.

Paraguay

Photojournalist attacked by leaders of ruling party's youth wing

(SPP/IFEX) - The following is a 30 July 2004 SPP press release:

Iraq

CPJ says new media commission troubling, calls on prime minister to clarify

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

Israel

RSF calls for thorough investigation into brutal beating of filmmaker David Benchetrit

(RSF/IFEX) - In a 28 July 2004 letter to Israeli Public Security Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, RSF called for a "thorough and open" investigation into a brutal assault on Israeli filmmaker David Benchetrit, who was left barely able to walk after being attacked in front of the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv on 21 April.

International

Declaración de redes latinoamericanas de comunicación en apoyo a la campaña CRIS

(AMARC/IFEX) - Lo que sigue es una carta pública de AMARC y otras redes latinoamericanas de comunicación en apoyo a la campaña CRIS (Communication Rights in the Information Society) con fecha del 29 de julio de 2004:

Sri Lanka

Contempt of court case filed against media organisations

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 27 July 2004 FMM press release:

Chechnya (Russia)

CPJ calls on Putin to end harassment of Chechen newspaper

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

Vietnam

Writer sentenced to 30 months in prison

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

Pakistan

South Waziristan local radio station bombed, journalists harassed

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

Chile

Journalists face legal action

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 26 July 2004, Paulina de Allendes-Salazar and Marcelo Simonetti, of Televisión Nacional station, and Emilio Sutherland, a journalist for Channel 13 station, appeared before a Santiago criminal court in connection with their coverage of the so-called "Caso Spiniak", a paedophile case that implicates high-level political figures.

Lebanon

Three grenades left on windshield of journalist's car

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned an attempt to intimidate journalist Ali Hashisho, after he found grenades left on the windshield of his car parked outside his home.

Cuba

CPJ concerned about deteriorating health of imprisoned journalists

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

Brazil

Journalist appeals sentence

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - On 14 July 2004, journalist Lúcio Flávio Pinto filed an appeal with the Superior Court and the Federal Supreme Court. The journalist is appealing a one-year prison sentence he is facing for allegedly having defamed a judge, who is now retired. Pinto was the publisher and editor of the daily "Jornal Pessoal", based in Belém, capital of Pará state, northern Brazil.

Iran

Free expression advocates protest suspension of two dailies as chief prosecutor draws up "black list" of reformist journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF declared its firm support for a sit-in by more than 200 journalists in Tehran on 26 July 2004, calling the action "courageous and determined." The move was in protest of the suspension one week earlier of reformist dailies "Vaghayeh ettefaghieh" and "Jomhouriat" and of new judicial measures aimed at purging the media of opponents to the regime.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper banned from covering parliamentary sessions for one month

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 27 July 2004, Justice Edmond Cowan, speaker of the Sierra Leonean Parliament, banned the privately-owned "Standard Times" newspaper from covering parliamentary sessions for one month.

United States / China

RSF calls on US officials to impose code of conduct on Internet firms

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has deplored what it deems the "irresponsible" policies of major United States (US) Internet firms Yahoo! and Google in bowing to Chinese government demands for censorship and called for a code of conduct to be imposed.

Colombia

IAPA asks attorney general to continue investigating journalist's murder

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

Haiti

CPJ releases special report on Haiti

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

Cambodia

Journalists forced to sign false confessions

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

Ethiopia

Nineteen IFEX members sign on to letter expressing concern over draft Proclamation to Provide for the Freedom of the Press

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter to Ethiopian Minister of Information Ato Bereket Simon. IFEX member organisations that have signed on to the letter are listed below:

Algeria

Three dailies absent from newsstands after printing operations suspended

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the disappearance of dailies "Le Matin", "Le Nouvel Algérie Actualité", and "El Djarida" from newsstands after failing to settle debts incurred with the state-owned printer. The organisation fears authorities may be using the debts as a fiscal weapon to stifle press freedom.

Kazakhstan

Presidential administration threatens to file lawsuits against foreign media outlets, court rules against newspaper

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - During a 21 July 2004 meeting, President Nursultan Nazarbayev informed the heads of local media that the presidential administration has hired a group of lawyers and plans to file lawsuits against foreign mass media outlets immediately after they publish or broadcast information aimed at "discrediting" Kazakhstan.

Montenegro / Serbia

ARTICLE 19 publishes third analysis of draft access to information law

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

Senegal

Journalist freed from prison, criminal charges remain

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

Belarus

Russian public television office closed for broadcasting "biased information"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF expressed outrage after Belarusian authorities announced the closure of the Russian public television Rossia's offices in Minsk for broadcasting "biased information" about an opposition demonstration.

Bangladesh

Renewed fears for safety of writer and his family following recent death threats

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is seriously concerned for the safety of leading writer and lecturer Humayun Azad and his family following a series of recent death threats. Azad was previously targeted in an attack in February 2004. The attack and ongoing threats against Azad and his family are believed to be connected to the publication of his novel, entitled, "Pak Sar Zamin Saad Baad", which is the first line of the Pakistani national anthem. The WiPC of International PEN calls upon the Bangladeshi authorities to provide effective police protection to Azad and his family as a matter of urgency, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that a full and impartial investigation into the attacks and threats made against Azad and his family is carried out so that those responsible are brought to justice.

Sri Lanka

Journalist's home searched a second time

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an English translation of an FMM letter to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Indra de Silva regarding the second search of journalist Dharmaratnam Sivaram's residence:

Democratic Republic of Congo / Belgium

Music critic attacked by musician's bodyguard

(JED/IFEX) - Marc Tabu, a Congolese music critic based in Brussels, suffered injuries to the head on 10 July 2004, at approximately 5:00 a.m. (local time), following a violent attack by one Tony Osvaldo, also known as Tony Mokomboso. Osvaldo, who is of Angolan nationality, is a bodyguard for the Congolese musician Antoine Agbepa Mumba, better known as Koffi Olomide. Tabu hosts the weekly music review programme "Europa Live", recorded in Europe and rebroadcast in Kinshasa on the private broadcaster Raga TV.

Cambodia

Two journalists detained, released two days later

(SEAPA/IFEX) - SEAPA and its partner, the Cambodian Association for Protection of Journalists (CAPJ), protest in the strongest terms the arrest and detention of two journalists by authorities in northeast Cambodia on 25 July 2004.

Sri Lanka

Journalist shot

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

Iran

Government agent acquitted in photographer's death

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

Burma

Released journalist reportedly faces rearrest if he engages in "political" activities; writer remains in prison

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

Paraguay

IAPA calls on president to help solve journalist Santiago Leguizamón's murder

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

Hong Kong (China)

CPJ condemns anti-corruption agency's raids on newspaper offices

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

Cuba

Writer Martha Beatriz Roque released for health reasons

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the 22 July 2004 unconditional release of Marta Beatriz Roque. The economist and writer has been freed from the Carlos J. Finlay military hospital for health reasons after serving 16 months of a 20-year sentence.

United States / Cuba

IAPA concerned over U.S. authorities' decision to revoke Cuban journalist's visa

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

Hong Kong (China)

News organisations raided, journalists' documents confiscated

(HKJA/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2004 HKJA press release:

Peru

Judge threatens journalist

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 5 July 2004, journalist Henry Pinedo Rojas, director of the "La Verdad" radio programme, was physically and verbally assaulted by Juan Vásquez Laguna, a provincial court judge in the city of Nauta, Loreto region, northeastern Peru. The journalist was attacked for having broadcast on his programme an allegation that the judge had offered to rule favourably on a case in exchange for money.

Nigeria

Journalist assaulted, another abducted and tortured

(MRA/IFEX) - On 21 July 2004, Uja Emmanuel, a correspondent for "The Sun" newspaper in Makurdi, the capital of Benue state, in north central Nigeria, was assaulted and his camera and tape recorder were destroyed by police officers acting on orders of the assistant commissioner of police (ACP), H.C. Ugwu.

Argentina

Daily's attempts to access information blocked

(PERIODISTAS/IFEX) - The daily "La Voz del Interior", based in Córdoba province, has criticised the provincial public service regulatory body (Ente Regulador de los Servicios Públicos provincial, ERSEP) for arbitrarily delaying access to the minutes of its board of directors' meetings. The daily had requested the information in connection with an investigation it is carrying out into alleged irregularities at ERSEP.

Côte d'Ivoire

Government still blocking search for missing journalist Guy-André Kieffer

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has accused the Ivoirian government of "still doing all it can to ensure the truth never emerges" about the April disappearance of journalist Guy-André Kieffer and said impunity remained the rule in Côte d'Ivoire.

Spain

IPI criticises Supreme Court's decision to dismiss two journalists' appeal

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 21 July 2004 IPI letter to Minister of Justice Juan Fernando López Aguilar:

Palestine

News stations receive threats over coverage of political infighting

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

Turkey

IPA concerned about dangers threatening publishers in lead up to consideration of Turkey's membership in the EU

(IPA/IFEX) - The following is a 19 July 2004 IPA press release:

Palestine

RSF concerned over statements by Palestine Journalists Syndicate

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the Palestine Journalists Syndicate (PJS) to drop its ban on journalists reporting on disputes between Palestinians. On 20 July 2004, the union announced that journalists would face "penalties" if they "dealt with or carried statements or publications dealing with internal events and inclined to slander, libel or harm others."

Burma

U Tha Ban released after seven years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the release from prison of 67-year-old journalist and political activist U Tha Ban, detained for more than seven years for helping a university student write about Burma's student movement, but said it was "very concerned" about the physical and mental health of at least 10 other journalists in jail in Burma.

Syria

RSF urges President Assad to pardon five jailed cyber-dissidents

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to release five imprisoned cyber-dissidents, including Massud Hamid, a 29-year-old Kurdish journalism student who is due to appear before the Supreme State Security Court on 25 July 2004, to face charges of "belonging to an illegal organisation".

Iran

CJFE outraged at travesty of justice in Kazemi case

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 20 July 2004 CJFE letter to Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pierre Pettigrew:

Panama

Colombian journalist mistreated by Panamanian authorities

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 16 July 2004, investigate journalist Carlos Eduardo Huertas, of the Colombian magazine "Semana", was mistreated by security personnel at the Albrook airport in Panama. Huertas had submitted a formal request to the Panamanian Civil Aviation authorities for permission to view certain public documents. The incident occurred when Huertas went to the airport to obtain a response to his request.

Nepal

Three journalists attacked, another released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 19 July 2004, Royal Nepal Army (RNA) personnel attacked journalist Ram Mani Misra, sub-editor of the weekly "Nawajagriti" and a Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) central councillor in Siraha district, eastern Nepal. According to Misra, he was attacked by RNA personnel while he was crossing the road to go to his press office. He said RNA personnel in an army vehicle stopped near him, got out and beat him. The reason for the assault remains unknown.

United Kingdom / Maldives

RSF urges British telecom giant to put pressure on Maldives authorities to end Internet censorship and press for the release of imprisoned Internet writers

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 20 July 2004 RSF open letter to Cable & Wireless Chief Executive Officer Francesco Caio:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists appear before Kindu court to face defamation charges

(JED/IFEX) - On 20 July 2004, journalists Brahimu Mohamed Kambumbu and Losatcha Omenguo, host and editor-in-chief, respectively, of Congolese National Radio-television's (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) local station in Maniema province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, appeared before the Kindu High Court to face defamation and insult charges. Kindu is Maniema province's main city.

Democratic Republic of Congo / Rwanda

Photographer released

(JED/IFEX) - Cesar Balume Wetemwami, a photographer and president of the Goma-based North Kivu Photographers Association (Association des photographes du Nord Kivu, APHONOKI), was released on 18 July 2004, at around 4:00 p.m. (local time), from the Goma customs office's detention centre, where he had been held since 16 July. Goma is the main city in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Vietnam

Prominent writer to go on trial after 16 months without charge

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

Pakistan

Government bans placement of official advertisements in daily newspaper

(PPF/IFEX) - The Pakistani government's Ministry of Information has effectively banned the publication of all official advertisements in the independent, Urdu-language daily "Jinnah", which began publishing in the capital, Islamabad, on 22 October 2003. The newspaper believes that the step was taken in retaliation for its independent editorial policy. Government advertisements constitute a vital source of revenue for newspapers, and successive governments, including the present one, have pledged not to use advertisements as a tool to punish or reward media outlets.

Australia

Police officer posing as freelance journalist undermines media integrity, says MEAA

(MEAA/IFEX) - The following is a 20 July 2004 MEAA media release:

Ethiopia

ARTICLE 19 urges government to amend draft law on press freedom

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 20 July 2004 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist summoned by security services; JED condemns authorities' interference in media's

(JED/IFEX) - The following is a 20 July 2004 JED press release:

Swaziland

Journalists harassed

(MISA/IFEX) - On 18 July 2004, journalist Timothy Simelane and photographer Thulani Ndwadwe, of the "Swazi Observer", were harassed by former Ludzidzini governor Dibanisa Mavuso at the home of the late chief prince Maguga, in Macetsheni, about 30 kilometres east of Manzini.

Central African Republic

High Court adjourns deliberation in case of imprisoned publication director Maka Gbossokoto

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of Maka Gbossokoto, publication director of the independent daily "Le Citoyen" and an RSF correspondent, following a 16 July 2004 court appearance at which the Bangui High Court prosecutor asked for a 12-month prison sentence with no parole for Gbossokoto. RSF also demanded that all charges against the journalist be dropped.

Georgia

Police raid independent newspaper

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Correspondent for French news agency goes into hiding

(JED/IFEX) - On 18 July 2004, Deo Namujimbo, a Goma-based correspondent for the international news agency Syfia, based in Montpellier, France, was forced to evacuate his family to Bukavu and go into hiding to "escape from soldiers who [were] searching for him". The soldiers are reportedly aligned with rebel General Laurent Nkunda and are led by a commander known only as "Claude". Goma is the main city in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Venezuela

Journalist receives death threats

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 16 July 2004, journalist Dariana Bracho said that two days earlier she received seven death threats via telephone calls. Bracho works for "La Verdad" newspaper, in the city of Maracaibo, located in western Venezuela on the border with Colombia.

Peru

Government approves law requiring radio and television stations to adopt a code of ethics

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 15 July 2004, the government approved a new Radio and Television Law. Article 34 of the law requires radio and television to adopt a code of ethics and present it to the Transportation and Communications Ministry.

Kazakhstan

RSF calls for investigation after opposition journalist killed under suspicious circumstances

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for an investigation after journalist Askhat Sharipzhanov, of the online publication "Navigator" (http://www.navi.kz), died in an Almaty hospital five days after he was hit by a car.

Pakistan

RSF appeals to President Musharraf for transparency in Pearl investigation following new developments in the murder case

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2004 RSF letter to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf:

Cameroon

BBC journalists released

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

Serbia / Montenegro

Media organisations call on government to adopt measures that would facilitate operation of the Republic Broadcast Agency Council

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2004 ANEM statement:

Sri Lanka

Bar association chairperson proposes that charges be brought against media critical of the judiciary

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 14 July 2004 FMM press release:

United States

IAPA asks State Department to reverse its decision stipulating that foreign journalists must leave the country to renew their visas

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2004 IAPA press release:

Canada

CJFE calls on CRTC to review its decision to deny CHOI-FM a broadcasting licence

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 19 July 2004 CJFE letter to Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Chairperson Charles Dalfen:

Iran

Two leading reformist dailies and one monthly suspended indefinitely

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned the Iranian regime's suspension of two leading reformist dailies, "Vaghayeh ettefaghieh" and "Jomhouriat", and the monthly "Aftab". The organisation said the move heralds "a new wave of repression" and called for the immediate lifting of the suspensions.

Zimbabwe

MISA-Zimbabwe refutes allegations that it participated in compiling African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights report

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2004 MISA-Zimbabwe statement:

Nepal

Four journalists arrested, two others released

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 11 July 2004, Nepal Police officers arrested four journalists at Chhekan Shah's office. The journalists were arrested for having published news about Shah's alleged involvement in financial irregularities in Rukum district, western Nepal. Shah is the head of the District Animal Care Office.

Azerbaijan

Editor-in-chief kidnapped and beaten

(JuHI/IFEX) - Aydin Quliyev, editor-in-chief of the opposition daily "Baki Khaber", was stopped by four masked assailants near his house late in the evening on 17 July 2004. He was forced into a minivan and driven around the capital, Baku, for over two hours. According to the Turan News Agency, the kidnappers taped the editor's mouth closed and placed a black hood over his head.

Nepal

Television broadcasts disrupted as police raid control rooms of six stations

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On the night of 16 July 2004, Nepal Police officials raided and vandalised the control rooms of six cable television networks, disrupting transmission to over 12,000 households in Kathmandu. The affected stations included Subisu Cable Television Network, Blue Himalayan Cable TV Network, Cable TV Network of Nepal, Sky Cable TV Network and the High Himalayan Cable TV Networks in Maitidevi and Dallu.

Nepal

Journalist abducted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 7 July 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels abducted journalist Dipendra Kunwar from his ancestral home in Purkot-3, Gulmi, a remote western district. A news reporter for the daily "Naya Disha", published in Butwal, western Nepal, Kunwar is also an Executive Committee member of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists' (FNJ) Rupandehi section. His whereabouts and the reason for his abduction remain unknown.

Russia

Editor-in-chief of arts and literature magazine killed

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 19 July 2004 IPI Watch List protest to President Vladimir Putin:

Russia

CPJ calls on President Putin to end "culture of impunity"

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2004 CPJ letter to President Vladimir Putin:

Spain

WPFC calls on judicial authorities to declare journalists' sentence null and void

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2004 WPFC letter to the Spanish judicial authorities:

Algeria

RSF urges French foreign minister to raise press freedom issues with Algerian authorities

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier to raise the issue of press freedom during his 13 July 2004 visit to Algeria, in the wake of a recent crackdown on the media.

Venezuela

Television news crew attacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 12 July 2004, a group of unidentified, masked individuals kidnapped camera operator Daniel Díaz and his assistant, Peter Esteban Córdoba, in the vicinity of Zulia University. The university is located in the northeastern part of Maracaibo, the capital of Zulia state, in western Venezuela. Díaz and Córdoba work for the privately-owned Venevisión television station and were on their way to cover a university event. They were held by their attackers for several hours and threatened.

Liberia

Court bans printing of newspaper

(MFWA/IFEX) - A magisterial court in Monrovia, presided over by Judge Joseph Fayiah, has placed an injunction on publication of the privately-owned "New Broom" newspaper.

Sri Lanka

Journalists assaulted by police

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

Paraguay

Vice-president threatens journalist with legal action

(SPP/IFEX) - The following is a 13 July 2004 SPP press release:

Iran

CJFE outraged at Iranian government's decision not to allow Canadian observers at Kazemi trial

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 14 July 2004 CJFE letter to Iran's Ambassador to Canada Seyed Mohammad Ali Mousavi:

Sri Lanka

RSF publishes investigative report on threats to press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 13 July 2004 RSF press release:

Burma

Military Intelligence cracks down on distribution of politically-sensitive songs; band members and concert organisers arrested

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Burma's Military Intelligence (MI) has renewed a nation-wide crackdown on politically-sensitive music. According to Mizzima News agency sources, the latest target is a newly-released CD containing songs by an exiled Burmese contemporary hip hop band, Myanmar Future Generation (MFG).

Democratic Republic of Congo

Police raid premises of privately-owned television station in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - On 15 July 2004, just after noon (local time), about a dozen armed police officers raided the premises of the privately-owned television station Canal Kin Télévision (CKTV) in Kinshasa/Gombe. The station is owned by Vice-President Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, together with one of Gabonese President Omar Bongo's sons.

Panama

WPFC welcomes National Assembly's approval of the elimination of "insult" law from the Constitution, calls for complete elimination of the "crime of insult" from Panamanian legislation

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 12 July 2004 WPFC letter to Jacobo Salas, speaker of the Legislative Assembly:

Democratic Republic of Congo / Rwanda

Congolese photojournalist held secretly in Rwanda for the past week

(JED/IFEX) - On 5 July 2004, at around 3:00 p.m. (local time), Cesar Balume Wetemwami, a photojournalist and president of the North Kivu Photographers Association (Association des photographes du Nord Kivu, APHONOKI) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, was arrested by Rwandan military security agents in the Rwandan city of Gisenyi, which lies on the border with the Congolese city of Goma.

Peru

Journalist assaulted

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 July 2004, journalist Marco Cruzálegui Chávez, director and host of the "TV y Cine al Día" television programme, was struck in the face by Alberto Longaray Rocha, son of the head of San Martín's Superior Court, Judge César Longaray Bolaños. The incident occurred in front of the journalist's house, in Moyobamba province, San Martín region, northeastern Peru.

Brazil

Radio journalist slain in northeastern state of Alagoas

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Editor of "Les Coulisses" newspaper granted temporary release after 21 days in detention

(JED/IFEX) - On 10 July 2004, the Butembo High Court granted Nicaise Kibel-Bel-Oka, publisher and editor of the Beni-based newspaper "Les Coulisses", a temporary release. The journalist had been detained at the Beni central prison for 21 days. Kibel-Bel-Oka told JED that he paid US$200 in bail. Beni is located in North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Croatia

Journalist given two-month suspended jail sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed shock after a court in Split, southern Croatia, sentenced state television and radio journalist Ljubica Letinic to a two-month suspended prison term for defamation of Jozo Parcina, a local businessman.

Vietnam

Writer Pham Que Duong sentenced to 19 months in prison

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

Nigeria

Two journalists arrested by police

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 9 July 2004, police in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, southern Nigeria, arrested and detained two news magazine reporters, Lawson Heyford of "The Source" and Okafor Ofiebor of "The News".

Cameroon

Two BBC journalists under house arrest

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

Angola

Freedom of expression rights violated in country's interior, says Human Rights Watch

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

Ethiopia

Crucial time for press freedom, says IPI report

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

Sri Lanka

FMM appeals for democratisation of state media

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 12 July 2004 FMM and Centre for Policy Alternatives joint statement:

Indonesia

Journalist assaulted by provincial councillor

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

Bangladesh

Islamic groups threaten dozens of journalists

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

France

Journalists challenge European Commission over media concentration

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 July 2004 press release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ affiliate:

Italy

Legislators move to abolish prison sentences for libel

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed a proposed amendment to Italy's defamation law that would abolish prison sentences for libel, and has urged Parliament to pass the new text as soon as possible so that judges will be able to review the cases of journalists who have already been given prison terms. The proposed reform was approved by the lower house's judicial commission in a 1 July 2004 vote.

Haiti

Appeals court finally issues ruling in Jean Dominique case

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed an appeals court ruling on the case of murdered journalist Jean Dominique that will allow the stalled proceedings to resume after being blocked in court for nearly 11 months.

Hong Kong (China)

Media organisations urge action to protect free expression and press freedom

(HKJA/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2004 HKJA press release:

Hong Kong (China)

HKJA releases annual report, calls on authorities to protect free expression

(ARTICLE 19/HKJA/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2004 ARTICLE 19 and HKJA joint press release:

Iran

Fourteen IFEX members sign on to letter expressing continued concern over impunity in case of photojournalist Zahra Kazemi

(PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. IFEX member organisations that have signed on to the letter are listed below:

Nigeria

Charges against journalist withdrawn

(MRA/IFEX) - On 9 July 2004, the police in Kano State, northwestern Nigeria, wrote to a Kano Chief Magistrate Court to withdraw the "false publication" charges levelled against Kola Oyelere, the Kano State correspondent for "Nigerian Tribune" newspaper, who was arrested on 4 July.

Pakistan

Journalist assaulted by senior government official

(PPF/IFEX) - On 10 July 2004, a senior government bureaucrat beat a woman journalist and locked her in a room for about an hour.

Thailand

Journalist convicted of criminal libel

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 July 2004 CPJ letter to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra:

Nepal

Journalists and media workers abducted, arrested and attacked

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 26 June 2004, Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoist) rebels abducted journalist Dekendra Raj Thapa in Dailekh district, western Nepal. They also abducted Kamal Neupane, the secretary of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists' (FNJ) Dailekh section and editor of the local "Asala Shasan" bulletin. A Dailekh district reporter for the state-owned Radio Nepal, Thapa was allegedly kidnapped for his reporting on financial irregularities in a local drinking-water project. Thapa is associated with the Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES), a non-governmental organisation, and has also been a member of the FNJ. Neupane was released after a brief interrogation. Thapa is still being held.

Vietnam

Writer convicted of "infringing" on state interests

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 July 2004 CPJ press release:

Senegal

Managing editor of privately-owned newspaper "Le Quotidien" arrested and detained

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 9 July 2004, Madiambal Diagne, managing editor of the privately-owned newspaper "Le Quotidien", was arrested and jailed for "publishing confidential documents, disseminating false news and initiating actions [likely to] compromise public security".

Russia

"Forbes Magazine" editor shot and killed

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 July 2004 CPJ press release:

Tunisia

Appeal Court upholds ruling against Internet users

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested heavy sentences upheld on appeal against six Internet users in the southern city of Zarzis. The six were accused of using the Internet to plot terrorist attacks. Their 19-years-and-three-month sentences were reduced on appeal to 13 years' imprisonment.

Central African Republic

Publication director arrested, five others summoned by interior minister

(JED/IFEX) - Alexis Maka Gbossokoto, publication director for the private daily "Le Citoyen", based in the capital, Bangui, was arrested on 8 July 2004 at 11:00 a.m. (local time) and remanded in custody at the criminal investigations unit of the Bangui gendarmerie, following a defamation complaint brought against him by the former director of the power utility company Energie centrafricaine (ENERCA), Jean-Serge Wafio. The journalist was questioned before being placed in police custody on the orders of the state prosecutor.

Nigeria

Journalist released

(MRA/IFEX) - On 8 July 2004, police in Kano State, northwestern Nigeria, released Kola Oyelere, the Kano State correspondent for the privately-owned "Nigerian Tribune" newspaper. Oyelere was arrested by police on 4 July on charges of publishing false information.

Ukraine

Media under increasing threat ahead of elections, warns Freedom House report

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 7 July 2004 Freedom House press release:

Guatemala

Government recognises responsibility in journalist's murder

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

Belarus

RSF demands justice for missing cameraman Dmitri Zavadski following Council of Europe revelations

(RSF/IFEX) - Four years after the disappearance of Dmitri Zavadski on 7 July 2000 and with the investigation now closed, those responsible have still not been found and the possible implication of the highest levels of government has still not been properly investigated.

South Africa

FXI condemns police barring of media from conflict zone

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is an 8 July 2004 FXI statement:

Honduras

Spanish citizen deported for criticising government

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - Economist Miguel de Arriba, a Spanish citizen, was expelled from Honduras on 4 July 2004 for having circulated on the Internet articles criticising President Ricardo Maduro's government. The Interior and Justice Secretariat (Secretaría de Gobernación y Justicia) has argued that its decision to expel de Arriba was based on a Honduran law that prohibits resident foreigners from commenting on "internal politics". On 5 July, "Tiempo" newspaper reported on de Arriba's expulsion. The newspaper is based in the northern city of San Pedro Sula, where de Arriba and his family had lived for the past 13 years.

Ukraine

RSF seeks guarantees ahead of Alexandrov trial

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and the Institute of Mass Information (IMI) have voiced doubts about the independence of the judiciary and have sought assurances of a fair trial for those accused of murdering journalist Igor Alexandrov. The journalist was beaten to death three years ago in July 2001.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist faces charges for "offending" local chief

(JED/IFEX) - Gustave Mpinganayi, a correspondent for the Tshikapa-based Radio Kilimandjaro station in Kamonia, and a local correspondent for the Kinshasa-based weekly "Le Grande Monde", appeared before a Kamonia satellite division of the Tshikapa court on 7 July 2004 to face charges of "offending" a local tribal chief. Kamonia is located approximately 80 km from Tshikapa, the second largest city in Western Kasai province.

China

CJFE calls on government to cease its surveillance of text messages

(CJFE/IFEX) - In a 6 July 2004 letter to Mei Ping, China's ambassador to Canada, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) expressed its concern over the Chinese government's new campaign to put short message service (SMS) mobile phone text messages under surveillance.

Haiti

RSF releases fact-finding mission report on press freedom situation in Haiti

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 6 July 2004 RSF press release:

Russia

Afghan correspondent for Radio Free Europe attacked in Moscow

(RSF/IFEX) - Farid Omar, a correspondent for the Afghan service of the American station Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE) in Moscow, is in critical condition after being stabbed at the entrance to his apartment block on 2 July 2004.

Vietnam

Imprisoned writers to be tried after 18 months' detention

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

Nigeria

Journalist arrested, tortured and charged with publishing false information

(MRA/IFEX) - On 4 July 2004, Kola Oyelere, the Kano State correspondent for the privately-owned "Nigerian Tribune" newspaper, was arrested by police in Kano State, northwestern Nigeria. He was detained, reportedly tortured and subsequently charged with publishing false information by a Kano Chief Magistrate Court on 5 July.

Guatemala

Government asked to stop auctioning radio frequencies

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On 23 July 2004, the Guatemalan Community Communications Council (Consejo Guatemalteco de Comunicación Comunitaria, CGCC) lodged a complaint about discriminatory practices regarding access to radio frequencies, the government's failure to implement the Agreement on Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Acuerdo sobre Identidad y Derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas) and raids on community radio stations.

Yemen

IFJ condemns death threat against union leader

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

Madagascar

Opposition radio station closed

(RSF/IFEX) - On 28 June 2004, Communications Minister Clermont Gervais Mahazaka ordered the closure of Radio Say for "broadcasting false news, defamation and insults against the speaker of the National Assembly and a member of the government, and breach of operating terms and

Cuba

IAPA protests Raúl Rivero's treatment, calls for his release from prison

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 2 July 2004 IAPA press release:

United States

IPI dismayed by Voice of America news director's removal

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

Liberia

Information officer beaten by police

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 4 July 2004, a group of police officers acting on the orders of Police Director Chris Massaquoi beat Bernard Warity, deputy information minister for administration in the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) headed by Charles Gyude Bryant.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Colonel relieved of his duties following attack on community radio director

(JED/IFEX) - Colonel Bokeone of the Kasongo garrison in Maniema province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was dismissed from duty on 20 June 2004, following a brutal attack on a radio director that left him in the hospital with severe injuries. Modeste Shabani, director of the Kasongo-based Sauti ya Mkaaji (The Voice of the Farmer) community radio station, was attacked earlier that morning by a group of armed men under Bokeone's control.

India

Mumbai daily attacked by militant nationalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 29 June 2004 attack by militant Hindu nationalists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the offices of the daily "Mahanagar" in Mumbai (formerly Bombay). During the raid, the BJP militants assaulted three journalists and ransacked the premises. Journalists Yuvraj Mohite, Jayesh Shirsat and Vaishali Rode were all slightly injured.

International

Organisations call on African Union to promote environment conducive to media freedom in Africa

(IFJ/MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 2 July 2004 press statement by the IFJ, MISA and other media freedom organisations:

Cuba

Bernardo Arévalo Padrón granted political asylum in the United States

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 1 July 2004 IAPA press release:

Peru

Journalists assaulted during demonstration

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 1 July 2004, several camera operators and journalists were assaulted while reporting on a violent demonstration by the most radical faction of the teachers' labour union in the city of Huamanga, Ayacucho region, southwestern Peru.

Pakistan

Newspaper publishers deplore use of government advertisements as tool against publications

(PPF/IFEX) - The All Pakistan Newspaper Society (APNS), the country's national publishers organisation, has strongly deplored the government's coercive actions against the press as manifested in the continued ban on government advertisements in "Nawa-e-Waqt", "The Nation" and other newspapers. The APNS urged the president, General Pervez Musharraf, to intervene in the matter.

Russia

No progress in enquiry one year after kidnapping of AFP journalist in Ingushetia; UN and Council of Europe petitioned

(RSF/IFEX) - One year after his kidnapping in Ingushetia on 4 July 2003, there is still no news of journalist Ali Astamirov, an Agence France-Presse (AFP) correspondent in Ingushetia and neighbouring Chechnya.

International

IPA calls for end to erosion of free expression and freedom to publish

(IPA/IFEX) - The following resolutions were passed at the IPA 27th Congress, held in Berlin from 21 to 24 June 2004:

United States

IFLA and IPA deplore trade restrictions limiting the exchange of informational materials

(IPA/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2004 joint statement by IPA and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA):

Azerbaijan

Court closes criminal defamation case against journalist after local and international outcry

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

Poland

IFJ voices concern over number of legal actions against reporters and independent media

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

China

Chinese government gets new text messaging surveillance system

(RSF/IFEX) - On 11 June 2004, the Chinese firm Venus Info Tech Inc. said that it had secured permission from the Public Security Ministry to market its real-time surveillance system for short message service (SMS) mobile phone text messages. The new technology will allow the authorities to filter messages using key words and to pinpoint "reactionary" text-senders.

Mexico

Freedom House welcomes president's decision to allow federal role in investigation of journalist's murder

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 29 June 2004 Freedom House press release:

Panama

RSF challenges president-elect over gag laws still in effect

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 30 June 2004 RSF open letter to President-elect Martín Torrijos Espino:

Thailand

ARTICLE 19 voices concern over criminal court's decision to accept jurisdiction for a criminal libel action

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2004 ARTICLE 19 letter to Boonklee Plangsiri, chief executive officer of Shin Corporation Public Company Limited:

Algeria

Government suspends Al-Jazeera's activities

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has strongly condemned the Algerian authorities' decision to "temporarily freeze" the Arabic satellite channel al-Jazeera's activities in Algeria and called for an immediate lifting of the ban.

Afghanistan

Australian journalist reported missing

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

Israel

CPJ concerned about Gaza missile attack

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 June 2004 CPJ letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon: