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Alerts - 2005 - April-June

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Tanzania

Private media free to operate in Zanzibar

(MISA/IFEX) - The government of Zanzibar has invited private electronic and print media to operate in the Isles in a bid to expand the coverage of economic, political and social issues.

United States

Appeals court upholds contempt of court ruling in confidentiality case

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the 28 June 2005 US Court of Appeals decision at the District of Columbia (DC) Circuit to uphold civil contempt of court findings against four journalists who refused to reveal their sources for stories about former nuclear scientist Wen Ho Lee.

Russia

Newspaper editor severely beaten in Severodvinsk

(CJES/IFEX) - On the morning of 28 June 2005, Nikolay Kochurov, editor-in-chief of the "Severniy rabochiy" newspaper, was severely beaten in the entrance of his apartment block in Severodvinsk, Archangelsk region. Kochurov is conscious but remains in grave condition at Emergency Therapy Hospital No. 2's neurosurgery ward. He sustained multiple fractures and a serious brain injury.

Iraq

RSF calls for investigation into deaths of television producer and journalist; filmmaker and cameramen arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage over the 28 June 2005 murder of Iraqi television producer Ahmed Wael Al Bakri.

Algeria

Cartoonist and former publication director of daily "Liberté" sentenced to six months in prison

(CALP/IFEX) - On 28 June 2005, an Algiers court sentenced Ali Dilem, a cartoonist with the daily "Liberté", and Farid Alilat, the daily's former publication director, to six months in prison with no parole and a 250,000 dinar (approx. US$3,500) fine. The paper was fined 1.5 million dinars (approx. US$21,100). Alilat, who is presently out of the country, was sentenced in absentia.

Russia

Journalist murdered

(CJES/IFEX) - Magomedzarid Varisov, a well-known political analyst and journalist, was murdered on the evening of 28 June 2005. Varisov was the director of the Republican Center of Strategic Initiatives and Political Technologies.

International

Expansion of Writers in Exile Network the focus at PEN Canada Annual Meeting

(PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 28 June 2005 PEN Canada media release:

China

Thousands of Chinese journalists appeal for release of colleagues

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

CPJ protests wave of attacks on the press in Tshikapa as another journalist arrested, a second goes into hiding

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 June 2005 CPJ press release:

International

European journalists call on Brussels to drop new legal threat to media

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2005 media release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ affiliate:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Local authorities harass journalists and media in central DRC

(JED/IFEX) - Leon Mwamba, Tshikapa correspondent for the Kinshasa-based daily "La Prospérité", was released from an Agence nationale de renseignements (ANR - national intelligence services) detention cell on 28 June 2005, after being held for 24 hours. Tshikapa is the second largest city of Kasaï Occidental province.

Mozambique

Journalists assaulted, equipment confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 28 June 2005, "Zambeze" weekly newspaper photojournalist Luis Muianga was brutally beaten by a group of municipal police while working in downtown Maputo.

Syria

Jailed Internet journalist Massud Hamed's health deteriorating

(RSF/IFEX) - Appalled at the harsh prison conditions of Massud Hamed, RSF has urged Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to intervene with the Syrian authorities on his behalf.

Zambia

Editor of private newspaper summoned by police

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

Nepal

Five journalists arrested in Kathmandu; Maoists threaten reporters in eastern Nepal

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

Russia

Journalist murdered; police investigators are suspects

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Investigative news website attacked by hackers

(SEAPA/IFEX) - On 27 June 2005, hackers breached the website of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), according to reports from Manila. Police are investigating the incident.

Ethiopia

Four editors arrested, released on bail

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

Nepal

Government restricts advertising to "nationalist" publications

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the latest government drive to strangle the independent local and national press, as it unveiled a new policy limiting public bodies to buying advertising space in media that demonstrate loyalty to "the nation, nationality and the monarchy."

Uzbekistan

Crackdown on independent journalists continues

(RSF/IFEX) - On 26 June, Uzbek police arrested Radio Free Europe correspondent Gafur Yuldashev in Andijan and questioned him for about four hours. The same day, independent journalist Ulugbek Khaidarov was severely beaten by thugs in Karshi as he was on his way to visit a colleague.

Morocco

Appeals court upholds ten-year professional ban on journalist Ali Lmrabet

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned "Morocco's resolve to silence Ali Lmrabet" after an appeals court upheld a ten-year ban on his working as a journalist. The organisation called the sentence "a cowardly move, demonstrating the limits of press freedom in Morocco."

Zambia

Fired radio host faces sedition charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Honduras

Radio and television programme directors face defamation complaint for reporting on controversial government grant to savings and loan fund

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 23 June 2005 PROBIDAD alert:

United States

Supreme Court decision could mean jail for reporters from "Time" and "New York Times"

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Nicaragua

Cartoonist receives death threats; IAPA calls on politicians to curb their comments against the press

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2005 IAPA press release:

Thailand

Journalist considers going into exile to avoid government harassment

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about the Thai authorities' hounding of Anchalee Paireerak, a producer and journalist with the community radio station FM 92.25. On 23 June 2005, she said she was planning to leave Thailand and study abroad to escape government harassment.

Cuba

State Security agents harass three independent journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned State Security agents' harassment, intimidation tactics and orchestrated blackmail against independent journalists Osmel Sánchez Lopez, Ernesto Roque and Ana Rosa Veitía on 18 and 21 June 2005.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members call on Tunisian President Ben Ali to end attacks on free expression in the run-up to WSIS

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 25 June 2005 letter to Tunisian President Ben Ali from members of the IFEX-TMG:

Mexico

IAPA asks federal and state officials to guarantee the security of Oaxaca-based newspaper

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 23 June 2005 IAPA press release:

Brazil

TV Globo crew beaten up outside Workers' Party headquarters in Sao Paulo

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed indignation after three members of a television crew from the privately-owned station TV Globo - Lúcio Sturm, Gilmário Batista and Marçal Queiroz - were beaten up ouside the national headquarters of the Brazil Workers' Party (Partido dos Trabalhadores, PT) in Sao Paulo.

Russia

Journalist threatened with legal action, detained briefly

(CJES/IFEX) - On 21 June 2005, a court official detained Eugeniy Novozhilov, a freelance correspondent for Radio Freedom, near the regional court building in the city of Krasnodar, Krasnodarsk region.

Nigeria

CPJ urges police to vacate premises of journalists' union in Kogi State; union chairman beaten while in detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

CPJ gravely concerned about threat against editor

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 June 2005 CPJ letter to Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia Vojislav Kostunica:

Russia

Court sentences journalist to seven months in a prison colony

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

Burundi

Journalist who said president is "depressed" is freed on bail

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 June 2005 CPJ press release:

The Gambia

Fears of judicial onslaught against the independent press follow criminal code amendments

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced renewed concern about government tactics as the National Assembly amended libel and sedition laws on 23 June 2005, introducing crippling fines against newspapers and increased prison terms for journalists.

Zimbabwe

President signs draconian law which introduces stiffer penalties against publication of "falsehoods"

(MISA/IFEX) - Zimbabwean journalists now risk spending 20 years in jail following the signing into law by President Robert Mugabe of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Bill, which introduces stiffer penalties against the publication of falsehoods.

Mexico

RSF releases report on press freedom situation along US-Mexico border

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 21 June 2005 RSF press release:

Iran

Three dailies allowed to resume publication, a fourth remains suspended

(RSF/IFEX) - On 20 June 2005, the editor of the daily "Eqbal" was summoned to a Tehran court on the orders of Prosecutor Said Mortazavi to be handed an order definitively suspending his newspaper. The previous evening, the paper published a letter from a candidate complaining about fraud in the first round of the presidential election. The journalist and his lawyer were surprised to learn that the paper had been facing several other complaints for which they had not received any notification.

Philippines

RSF denounces tampering and lack of progress in Marlene Esperat murder investigation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is worried about recent developments in the murder investigation of journalist and anti-corruption activist Marlene Esperat. Neither of the suspected organisers of the killing has been arrested and the Justice Department has given responsibility of the inquiry to Prosecutor Tukod Ronda, a relative of one of the organisers.

Nepal

Authorities harass journalists for reporting on the military; 10 journalists detained for new protest in Kavre

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Somalia

President urged to order "Shacab" editor's release and lifting of weekly's suspension

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed disbelief at the obstinacy of the authorities in Somalia's autonomous region of Puntland after the arrest of the editor of a privately-owned weekly. The organisation urged President Abdullalhi Yusuf Ahmed to quickly order the release of "Shacab" editor Abdi Farah Nur, arrested by police on the evening of 19 June and imprisoned in Garowe.

Nigeria

Police harass, detain journalists over newspaper reports

(MRA/IFEX) - On 22 June 2005, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists' (NUJ) Kogi State branch, Segun Omolehin, was arrested by police in Lokoja, the state capital, after he honoured their invitation to a meeting to resolve a lingering crisis between the police and journalists in the state.

Greece

Greek television stations censor Srebrenica atrocities video

(GHM/IFEX) - GHM condemns the partial censorship by Greek television stations of a Srebrenica atrocities video, shown repeatedly on 2 and 3 June 2005.

Thailand

RSF condemns closure of websites and community radio stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested as the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra demonstrated a toughening stance towards critics by closing several community radio stations and two alternative news websites in the space of a week.

Haiti

Journalist threatened with kidnapping and forced to leave the country

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the plight of Nancy Roc, host of the Radio Métropole weekly programme "Metropolis", who was forced to leave the country on 16 June 2005 after being threatened with kidnapping.

Mexico

Drug cartel behind "Zeta" editor's slaying, prosecutor tells CPJ

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Chad

Three journalists jailed on criminal charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Azerbaijan

Opposition photojournalist dies six months after dispute

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Sierra Leone

CPJ disturbed that jailed editor denied due process

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 22 June 2005 letter to President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, CPJ expressed deep concern that imprisoned journalist Paul Kamara has been denied due process of law. Administrative obstacles have prevented his appeal from being heard, according to his lawyer, and Kamara has now served more than eight months of a two-year prison sentence. His family and friends say he was transferred to solitary confinement four months ago.

Thailand

Information Ministry orders temporary closure of two websites critical of the government

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Thailand's cyber policing agency, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT), has ordered a temporary closure of two websites whose contents the ministry deemed highly critical of the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

China

Cyber-dissident pleads not guilty to "inciting subversion" charges at five-hour trial

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 June 2005 CPJ press release:

India

Editor released on bail

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the release on bail of N. Venugopal, editor of the Telugu-language twice-monthly "Veekshanam", on 16 June 2005. The editor was arrested on 30 May, along with three other members of the Revolutionary Writers Association (Virasam), V. Chenchaiah, G. Pinakapani and Ravi Kumar. Police had opposed their bail application before the Nizamabad District Court.

Mexico / Brazil

IAPA praises convictions of journalists' murderers in Brazil, asks Mexican officials to be firmer against the assailants

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2005 IAPA press release:

France / Iraq

French reporter faces imminent expulsion

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

Algeria

RSF welcomes release of Ahmed Benaoum

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the release of Ahmed Benaoum, editor of the Er-rai El Aam Press Group, who was acquitted by an Oran court on 19 June 2005.

Iraq

Al-Arabiya correspondent seriously injured in shooting

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Vietnam

CPJ urges action on imprisoned cyber-dissidents' cases

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2005 CPJ letter to US President George W. Bush:

Canada / Iran

Documentary filmmaker assaulted by embassy guards while attempting to cover voting

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a CJFE letter to Iranian Ambassador to Canada Dr. Seyed Mohammad Ali Mousavi:

Burundi

CPJ calls for release of journalist still jailed without court hearing

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2005 CPJ letter to Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye:

International

RSF and the OSCE propose six recommendations to ensure freedom of expression on the Internet

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2005 RSF press release:

Peru

Villagers assault journalists during protest against mining company

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 16 June 2005, four journalists were assaulted in the Cajamarca region, northern Peru, by a group of villagers from the town of San Cirilo as they attempted to cover a meeting held during a protest against the mining company Yanacocha, organised by the Front for the Defense of the Environment and Cajamarca's Interests (Frente de Defensa del Medio Ambiente y los Intereses de Cajamarca).

Italy

Librarian acquitted in censorship trial

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

Iran

Four dailies banned

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for four banned reformist dailies, "Etemaad", "Aftabyazd", "Eqbal" and "Hayat No" to be allowed to reopen. The newspapers were banned on 20 June 2005 after carrying a letter from a candidate alleging fraud in the first round of the presidential elections.

International

Internet writers, journalists in war zones, writers in exile top concerns at International PEN World Congress

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2005 WiPC press release:

Uzbekistan

Correspondent detained, passport seized

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Cambodia

Journalists protest authorities' plan to evict newsstands from Phnom Penh streets

(SEAPA/IFEX) - A national journalist organisation and newspaper stall owners are protesting the Phnom Penh municipality's plan to remove dozens of newsstands from the streets in the capital to make way for its new development plan.

Somalia

Puntland editor jailed after resuming publication

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Venezuela

Molotov cocktail attack on daily leaves offices in flames

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage over a 12 June 2005 attack on the head office of the "Frontera" daily in Merida, which left the front entrance of the offices in flames.

China

Cyber-dissident Zhang Lin to go on trial for posting articles online, including lyrics to a punk song

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested against the seriousness of charges laid against cyber-dissident Zhang Lin, whose in camera trial is scheduled for 21 June 2005.

Nepal

Cable television operators allowed to resume broadcasts of most Indian stations

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the annoucement that Nepalese cable television operators have been allowed to resume broadcasts of Indian cable channels for the first time since King Gyanendra assumed full powers on 1 February 2005. However, the organisation deplored the fact that the measure excludes Nepal 1, the only Indian station concentrating on Nepalese news.

Guatemala

Journalist assaulted in courthouse

(APG/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2005 press release from the APG's Press Freedom Committee:

Guatemala

WPFC welcomes Constitutional Court's decision to eliminate provisionally the crime of "insult" ("desacato") from Criminal Code

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 17 June 2005 WPFC letter to the members of the Constitutional Court:

Iraq / United States

U.S. military checkpoints in Iraq lack basic safety measures, say Human Rights Watch and CPJ in joint letter to U.S. secretary of defense

(HRW/CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 June 2005 joint Human Rights Watch and CPJ press release:

Russia

Russian prosecutors identify alleged mastermind in Klebnikov murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Sri Lanka

RSF encouraged by arrest of suspect in TamilNet editor's murder

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Dharmeratnam Sivaram "Taraki", editor of the news website TamilNet and "Daily Mirror" columnist, and urged the government to step up its efforts in the investigation.

United Arab Emirates

Dubai-based journalist harassed, detained

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

International / China

IPI concerned over EU's failure to criticise China for its gross violations of press freedom and freedom of expression

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2005 IPI letter to the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist held for questioning in Tshikapa

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

Morocco

Journalists in Western Sahara face assaults, arrests and harassment

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Moroccan authorities to put an end to the harassment of local and foreign media in Western Sahara and allow them to work normally.

Philippines

Anti-wiretapping law gags Filipino journalists, says IFJ

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2005 IFJ media release:

Uzbekistan

Correspondent released after serving "hooliganism" sentence

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Tanzania

Newspaper and publisher face crippling lawsuit

(MISA/IFEX) - The executive director of St. Mary's Schools, Reverend Gertrude Lwakatare, has demanded an apology, retraction and compensation of one billion Tanzania shillings (approx. US$884,000) from M/s. Free Media Limited, publishers of the newspaper "Tanzania Daima", and Tanzam Printers and Stationers for publishing an alleged defamatory story about her.

Nepal

Detained journalists released; IFJ concerned over repeated police interference of journalists' right to protest

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2005 IFJ report:

Egypt

CPJ disturbed by reports of intimidation of journalists by security forces

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 16 June 2005 letter to Prosecutor-General Maher Abdel-Wahed, CPJ said it was deeply troubled that Egyptian security forces have intimidated journalists who filed complaints after being assaulted by pro-government demonstrators in Cairo last month.

Afghanistan

Television journalists threatened

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Peru

Loreto Patriotic Front members assault reporter and camera operator in Iquitos

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 8 June 2005, reporter Silvana Moz Mendoza and camera operator Raul Tarrillo, of Amazonica Television Channel 2 station, were assaulted by demonstrators belonging to the Loreto Patriotic Front (Frente Patriótico de Loreto) while covering the group's 48-hour strike in Iquitos, Loreto region, northeastern Peru.

Chile

Director of indigenous people's magazine jailed a second time for same case

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern for Pedro Cayuqueo Millaqueo, director of the Mapuche magazine "Azkintuwe", who has been imprisoned in Traiguén, southern Chile, since 2 June 2005. This is the second time that the journalist has been incarcerated over the same charges. Cayuqueo is also an activist who has fought for the return of the Mapuche people's ancestral lands.

Russia

Authorities detain journalist in bid to prevent coverage of local meeting

(CJES/IFEX) - On 8 June 2005, Fatima Tlisova, an employee of the telegraph agency REGNUM was detained on the road to Tirnauz (southeastern Russia) by officials from the organised crime unit (UBOP) of Kabardino-Balkaria's Interior Ministry. Kabardino-Balkaria is a constituent republic located in the northern Caucasus region of the Russian Federation.

Serbia / Montenegro

Editor receives death threats

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

Chile

IAPA delivers recommendations on strengthening press freedom to Senate president and calls for elimination of insult laws

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 13 June 2005 IAPA press release:

Iran

Jailed dissidents denied medical care

(HRW/RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 15 June 2005 joint statement from Human Rights Watch, RSF and other organisations:

Ecuador

Police tap television journalists' phone calls

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the action of the Ecuadorian police in tapping and recording the phone calls of journalists Milton Pérez and Maria Fernanda Zavala, of local television station Teleamazonas. The journalists have been under surveillance since 20 April 2005, the date of President Lucio Gutiérrez's overthrow in a popular uprising.

Zambia

Radio Phoenix public affairs programme host questioned by police, fired by station

(MISA/IFEX) - On 14 June 2005, Lusaka police questioned Anthony Mukwita, a Radio Phoenix "Let the People Talk" programme host, over a fax anonymously sent, which he had read on air during the 10 June edition of the programme. The fax accused the government of condoning corruption and warned that the country might slip into anarchy as a result.

Zambia

"The Post" newspaper vendors assaulted by armed group

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

Russia

Court sentences journalist to five years in prison colony

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

China

Microsoft censors Chinese version of its blog tool

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is upset to learn that Microsoft censors the Chinese version of its blog tool, MSN Spaces. The system automatically rejects certain words, including "democracy" and "Dalai Lama".

Algeria

More journalists fined and sentenced to prison

(CALP/IFEX) - On 14 June 2005, Ali Dilem, a cartoonist with the daily "Liberté", was sentenced to six months in prison and a fine of 250,000 dinars (approx. US$3,400) following a defamation complaint by the National Defence Ministry.

Zimbabwe

Former "Daily News" journalists served with summonses

(MISA/IFEX) - Eight journalists who worked for the now banned "Daily News" have been summoned to appear in court on charges of "practicing journalism without accreditation" under the terms of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Burundi

Journalist arrested by national intelligence agency after reporting president "depressed"

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

Equatorial Guinea

Police seize 200 copies of opposition newspaper

(RSF/IFEX) - The authorities do not allow any space for independent news media, RSF said, following the 9 June 2005 seizure of 200 copies "La Verdad", a small political party newspaper and the country's sole opposition publication.

Iraq

RSF welcomes release of hostages Florence Aubenas and Hussein Hanoun

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 12 June 2005 RSF statement:

Mexico

Guadalajara university pulls gay radio programme

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF calls on the autonomous university of the western city of Guadalajara (Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara) to reinstate "Guadalajara Gay Radio", a programme presented by Miguel Galán, which was taken off the air by the university authorities on 27 May 2005.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members urge Tunisian authorities to release books blocked through the legal submission procedure

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a 13 June 2005 joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Ethiopia

Prominent newspaper distributor imprisoned

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Guatemala

Journalists' association calls for elimination of "desacato" laws

(APG/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 7 June 2005 APG press release:

Algeria

RSF launches new campaign to defend independent press against judicial threats

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

Greece

Television crew harassed while filming police action

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

Tunisia

Lawyer's prison sentence confirmed at new "sham" hearing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced as "disgraceful" the upholding of a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence imposed on lawyer Mohammed Abbou for posting allegedly inaccurate news online and jostling a female colleague nearly three years ago. Neither he nor his lawyers were allowed to contest the charges at a 10 June 2005 appeals court hearing.

Sudan

High Court decision forces "Khartoum Monitor" to close

(RSF/IFEX) - Reacting to the Khartoum High Court's 12 June 2005 decision to withdraw the "Khartoum Monitor" newspaper's licence and thereby force it to close, RSF has urged the United Nations (UN) not to let press freedom be "the poor relation of the return to peace in Sudan."

Nepal

Journalists injured as protests continue; another nine journalists briefly detained in Butwal

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Four dozen journalists arrested in Kathmandu

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - On 13 June 2005, police intervened in a peaceful demonstration organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) at Ratna Park in the capital, Kathmandu, and arrested at least four dozen journalists.

Nepal

IFJ protests indiscriminate arrests of journalists in Kavre

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

Nepal

Maoist rebels continue to kidnap journalists, despite promises

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 3 June 2003 kidnapping of Bikram Giri, a correspondent for the daily newspaper "Kantipur", while he was reporting for his newspaper in the western district of Darchula, near the Indian border. When Giri reappeared on 10 June, exhausted, in the main town in Darchula, he confirmed suspicions that he had been abducted by Maoist rebels.

Tanzania

Zanzibar government bars critical journalist from working

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

Iran

PEN Canada alarmed over disappearance of journalist Akbar Ganji

(PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 9 June 2005 PEN Canada press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist briefly detained in Tshikapa for giving airtime to opposition

(JED/IFEX) - The following is a 9 June 2005 JED press release:

Guinea

Two Guinea News correspondents detained and later released

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 7 June 2005, Guinea News agency bureau chief Abdoulaye Youlaké Camara and information coordinator Youssouf Boundou were arrested at the presidential palace. They were detained until the following day in a police cell reserved for persons accused of undermining the internal security of the state.

Honduras

Supreme Court dismisses charges against "TN5" television news programme director

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - On 7 June 2005 the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed charges against Rossana Guevara, director of Corporación Televicentro Channel 5's "TN5" news programme. She was accused in August 2003 of the crime of defamation and slander. The case took almost two years to be resolved.

Nepal

Journalist Bikram Giri abducted by Maoists

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

Tunisia

Issue of magazine banned; RSF condemns smear campaign against Sihem Bensedrine

(RSF/IFEX) - A journalist has been the victim of an orchestrated smear campaign in the government press and a French news weekly has been banned, yet the United States hails supposed measures in favour of press freedom in Tunisia and France talks of its effective respect for human rights and basic freedoms.

Jordan

Government harassment and censorship of journalists draw concern

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 June 2005 CPJ letter to Prime Minister Adnan Badran:

India

IFJ protests illegal detention of journalists on false charges

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

Canada

PEN Canada protests censorship of Zahra Kazemi photo exhibition

(PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 9 June 2005 PEN Canada press release:

Iran

Judiciary tries to jail dissident Akbar Ganji again

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

Uzbekistan

Human rights defenders targeted after massacre

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

The Gambia

RSF dismayed at government-orchestrated campaign to smear slain journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced "revulsion" at a government-orchestrated campaign to smear murdered journalist Deyda Hydara following the release of a report by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on its ongoing investigation into his death. The report is full of gratuitous detail about the journalist's private life and absurd theories about the motives for the murder.

Nepal

CEHURDES condemns beating of journalists by police at peaceful demonstration

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - At least 10 journalists were injured, one of them seriously, when police intervened in a peaceful demonstration by journalists in Kalaiya, the headquarters of the southern district of Bara, on 9 June 2005.

China

Authorities declare war on unregistered websites and blogs

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced alarm at the Chinese government's announced intention to close down all China-based websites and blogs that are not officially registered. The plan is all the more worrying as the government has also revealed that it has a new system for monitoring registered sites in real time and spotting those that fail to comply.

Egypt

Government stifles academic freedom in universities, says Human Rights Watch report

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

Nepal

IFJ welcomes release of journalists arrested while protesting against media restrictions

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

Canada

CJFE concerned about access to information rights in Canada

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 7 June 2005 CJFE letter to Prime Minister Paul Martin:

Serbia / Montenegro

ANEM protests Kragujevac deputy mayor's "apology" for airing of programme

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is an 8 June 2005 ANEM press release:

Ethiopia

CPJ deplores harassment and censorship of journalists who reported on parliamentary elections and their aftermath

(CPJ/IFEX) - In an 8 June 2005 letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, CPJ expressed great concern over the recent harassment and censorship of journalists who reported on Ethiopia's 15 May 2005 parliamentary elections and their aftermath. CPJ sources say that pressure on the media has increased amid violent post-election clashes between government security forces and opposition supporters.

Iran

Blogger Mojtaba Saminejad gets two-year prison sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced deep concern about the fate of 25-year-old blogger Mojtaba Saminejad, who has been sentenced to two years in prison by a Tehran Revolutionary Court for "insulting the Supreme Guide". He will also be tried soon on a separate charge of "insulting the prophets", which carries a possible death penalty.

Thailand

Journalist shot and wounded after investigating post-tsunami land grabs

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the attack on Manop Rattanacharungporn, of the daily "Matichon", who was shot and wounded in the leg on 1 June 2005 in the southern province of Phangnga, apparently in reprisal for his reporting on illegal land appropriations in tsunami-hit areas.

Nicaragua

Journalist receives death threat from ex-paramilitary leader

(RSF/IFEX) - On 22 May 2005, Heberto Jarquín Manzanares, a reporter for the daily "La Prensa", in the autonomous eastern region of Atlántico Norte, received a death threat from Evaristo Rivas Sánchez, ex-commander of the Frente Unido Andrés Castro, a now dissolved paramilitary organisation.

Greece

CORRECTION: Greek authorities refuse to issue work permits to three Macedonian journalists

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

Chad

Journalist spends 48 hours in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 4 June 2005, Ngaradoumbé Samory, a journalist with the privately-owned weekly "L'Observateur", was arrested following the publication of an open letter to President Idriss Deby.

Afghanistan

Gang leader arrested on suspicion of ordering the killing of four journalists in 2001

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 4 June 2005 arrest of Mahmood Zar Jan, the suspected head of a gang responsible for the death of four journalists in November 2001.

Sierra Leone

"Trumpet" newspaper editor and reporter acquitted

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 7 June 2005, Magistrate Sam Margai, of the No. 1 Freetown Court, discharged Syndey Pratt and Dennis Jones, editor and reporter, respectively, of the "Trumpet" newspaper. The two journalists were acquitted of charges of "seditious libel" brought against them on 27 May, following the publication of the paper's 23 May edition.

Cambodia

Officials balk on importance of granting public access to information

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Cambodian officials have been reconsidering the vitality of access to information to a free society, with influential personalities suggesting that too much accessible information could breed terrorism and pose a threat to state security.

Nepal

IPI denounces journalists' mass arrest; Supreme Court reverses closure order against media centre

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

Syria

Authorities free one of the two detained Salon Atassi journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 30 May 2005 release of Hussein Al Aoudat and seven other members of the Salon Atassi political debating forum, after six days in detention. The organisation urged the authorities to also free journalist Ali Abdallah, who has been held since 16 May.

Uzbekistan

Journalist arrested in southern Uzbekistan

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Turkey

Austrian journalist Sandra Bakutz acquitted

(RSF/IFEX) - On 1 June 2005, Ankara's Court for Heavy Penalties acquitted Austrian freelance journalist Sandra Bakutz on grounds of insufficient evidence. She had been facing a 10 to 15 year prison sentence on a charge of "belonging to an illegal organisation".

Russia

Journalists covering demonstration beaten and detained

(CJES/IFEX) - On 31 May 2005, Shagen Ogadzhianian, a correspondent for "Noviye Izvestiya" newspaper, was beaten at the Kremlin's Cathedral Square in Moscow, when an unauthorised demonstration by the "Vanguard of Red Youth" movement was dispersed.

Philippines

Local mayor imposes ban on three radio journalists

(CMFR/IFEX) - Two commentators and a reporter from dyFM Bombo Radyo, a local radio station in Iloilo (south of Manila), have been barred from conducting interviews and attending official Iloilo provincial government press functions.

Philippines

Broadcaster escapes assassination attempt

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 19 May 2005, a radio broadcaster barely escaped an attempt on his life when his parked car was fired upon a few minutes before he got in the vehicle. The incident took place in Pangasinan province, approximately 170 km north of Manila.

Philippines

Tabloid columnist survives fourth assassination attempt

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 18 May 2005, a Manila tabloid columnist survived a fourth assassination attempt after exchanging gunfire with two unidentified assailants in Valenzuela City, a suburb of the capital Manila.

Kosovo (Serbia)

Kosovo journalist shot

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 6 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Somalia

Journalist shot dead while covering protest

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 6 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Brazil

Independent newspaper editor's house set on fire in Tocantins State

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 17 May 2005, unidentified persons set fire to journalist Sandra Miranda's house in Palmas, capital of Tocantins State. Miranda edits the independent newspaper "Primeira Página" and has been working as a journalist for 22 years. According to the police, it is clear the fire was set deliberately. Only a back room was affected.

Iraq

Al-Arabiya television reporter wounded in Mosul shooting attack; Al-Diyar television reporter released

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a shooting attack in which Mouthana Ibrahim, a reporter with the satellite television station Al-Arabiya, was injured on 29 May 2005 in the northern city of Mosul. RSF also noted that Hussein Al Shimari, a reporter with the satellite television station Al-Diyar, was released on 30 May.

Libya

Opposition journalist Daif Al Ghazal tortured to death

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed "horror" at the death by torture of Libyan writer and journalist Daif Al Ghazal, who wrote articles critical of the regime for the London-based online newspaper "Libya Al-Youm". His body was found on 2 June 2005.

Senegal

CPJ releases special report on journalists' struggle to end criminal sanctions for press offences

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

India

Filmmaker roughed up by police while covering protest march

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has denounced the Orissa state police's violent assault on documentary filmmaker Vinod Raja on 25 May 2005 while he was filming a peaceful demonstration in Tikiri (eastern Kashipur region) by members of local indigenous communities opposed to the installation of a Canadian bauxite plant.

Uzbekistan

IPI concerned about ongoing media crackdown; activist faces criminal defamation charges

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

Lebanon

IPI outraged by journalist's murder, says impunity continues in many cases of murdered journalists

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

Macedonia

Political party attempts to ban broadcasting of Serbian music in Macedonia

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

Greece

Greek authorities refuse to issue visas to three Macedonian journalists

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

Zimbabwe

Minister accused of interfering with editorial content of state broadcaster's news bulletin

(MISA/IFEX) - Deputy Minister of Information and Publicity Bright Matonga has been accused of interfering with the editorial content of reports by the state-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH).

Nepal

Armed rebels destroy Telecom tower; editor detained

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

Honduras

Television journalist faces defamation complaint launched by municipal government officials

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - On 27 May 2005, a defamation complaint was filed by several municipal government officials against journalist Manuel Santiago Cerna, director of the "Al Punto" and "Elecciones 2005" programmes broadcast by television channel 6 in the northern city of San Pedro Sula, 250 kilometres from the capital, Tegucigalpa. The plaintiffs are San Pedro Sula financial manager Igmar Gonzáles Figueroa, communications and strategies director Serapio Umanzor, and the mayor's assistant, Daniel Alberto Otero Muñoz.

Botswana

Professor deported

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

Guatemala

Journalist detained and assaulted, another journalist expelled from a meeting

(APG/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 27 May 2005 press release by the APG's Press Freedom Committee:

Nepal

Journalists fight FM radio crackdown

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

Repeated jamming of its transmission signal forces SW Radio Africa to switch frequency

(MISA/IFEX) - On 31 May 2005, SW Radio Africa station, which broadcasts from London, beamed its last shortwave evening broadcast saying this was due to repeated jamming of its transmission signal by the Zimbabwean government.

Pakistan

Cases registered against two reporters for alleged "anti-state" activities

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2005 IFJ media release:

China

New accusation extends jail time without trial for "New York Times" researcher

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Thailand

Government orders closure of community radio stations

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Rights groups and the academic community in Thailand are up in arms over a government order to close down community radio operations in the kingdom.

Sri Lanka

Grenade attack on television station in Vavuniya

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

Bangladesh

Violence against the press on the rise

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Bangladesh

Editor of daily newspaper stabbed to death

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

Belarus

Authorities continue to undermine press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - On 26 May 2005, police seized all the copies of the independent weekly "Den" when it made a new attempt to publish. The paper has been off newsstands for one year.

Peru

Trial of journalist accused of "revealing state secrets" due to begin

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 April 2005, Judge María Gutarra Morote, of the Thirteenth Criminal Tribunal of Lima, presided over the pre-trial hearings on charges against journalist Mauricio Aguirre Corvalán, who is accused of "acting against the state by revealing state secrets". Aguirre was instructed to appear before the tribunal on 2 June.

Tajikistan

Journalist arrested

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - On 24 April 2005, officers of the Aininsk District Internal Affairs Department arrested Djumaboi Tolibov, a journalist and the head of the legal department of Aininsk district administration (Ispagan village, Aininsk district, Soghdiy region), in Dushanbe. The journalist is still being held in an isolation cell.

Bahrain

Courts try to silence women's rights activist

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

Costa Rica

Allegations of corruption in granting of radio frequencies

(AMARC/IFEX) - On 25 May 2005, the Public Prosecutor's Office searched the premises of the Public Safety and Governance Ministry's national radio broadcasting regulatory office (Oficina de Control Nacional de Radio), the home of the office's director, the national organisation representing private radio and television business owners (Cámara Nacional de Radio), and four security services companies.

Uruguay

Two journalists receive death threats

(RSF/IFEX) - On 24 May 2005, Marcelo Borrat and Gustavo Martínez received death threats. The journalists co-host "The Hippocrates Oath", a programme that broadcasts on AM Libre 1410 radio station and TV Libre.

Russia

RSF urges authorities to open murder investigation into cameraman's death

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Russian authorities to open a murder investigation in the case of Pavel Makeev, a young cameraman with Puls television station, in Azov (near Rostov-on-Don), who was found dead under suspicious circumstances. His body was found by a roadside outside Azov on 21 May 2005, after he finished a report about illegal dragster racing.

Lebanon

Leading newspaper columnist Samir Kassir killed in Beirut car bombing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard, who is currently in Lebanon, has voiced dismay at the murder of columnist Samir Kassir, of "An-Nahar" newspaper, who was killed when his car blew up in Beirut on the morning of 2 June 2005.

Chechnya (Russia)

Polish TV crew detained in Ingushetia

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 June 2005 CPJ press release:

Sudan

MSF staff arrested, charged over report on rights abuses

(RSF/IFEX) - The methods being used by the Sudanese authorities to try to intimidate the staff of the humanitarian aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) over a report on rape in the western Darfur region are "disgraceful and ridiculous," RSF says.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members condemn defamation campaign targeting the spokesperson of the National Council for Freedoms in Tunisia (CNLT)

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Sierra Leone

Journalists released on bail, charges may be dropped

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 27 May 2005, managing editor Sydney B. Pratt and reporter Dennis Jones, of the independent weekly "Trumpet", were charged with seditious libel by Magistrate Sam Margai of Court No. 1 in Freetown, where the newspaper is based.

Botswana

Court upholds deportation order against professor

(MISA/IFEX) - On 31 May 2005, the Lobatse High Court upheld a deportation order against Professor Kenneth Good of the University of Botswana Political Science Department.

China

CPJ calls for immediate release of journalist being held on suspicion of espionage

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 31 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Burma

IFJ welcomes lifting of ban on Mizzima website

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 31 May 2005 IFJ media release:

International

WAN condemns press freedom violations in Cuba, Iraq, Eritrea and Nepal

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2005 WAN press release:

Peru

Three radio journalists threatened

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 26 and 27 May 2005, reporters Mario Espinoza Ruiz, Ronald Ripa Casafranca and Nilo Gonzáles Domínguez, of Radio Panorama station, were the target of a number of intimidating acts. Threatening telephone calls were received at the station, the journalists were followed by strangers in a car and flyers denigrating the reporters were distributed in the city of Andahuaylas, Apurímac region, in southeastern Peru.

Guatemala

Journalist receives death threats

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On 25 May 2005, journalist Miguel Ángel Barrios, director of the "Noti Galaxia" news programme, received a death threat. "Noti Galaxia" is broadcast on cable in the municipality of Tecún Umán, San Marcos department, in northwestern Guatemala near the border with Mexico.

Colombia

Attack on Latina Estéreo radio station in Puerto Asís, Putumayo

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 25 May 2005, at 3:00 p.m. (local time), there was an attack on the transmission antennas of Latina Estéreo 91.3 F.M. radio station, in Puerto Asís, Putumayo department in southern Colombia. According to information collected by FLIP, unidentified persons splashed gasoline around the area where the antennas, transmission equipment and the generator are located and set them on fire.

Zimbabwe

Journalist faces trial over accusation of practicing journalism without accreditation

(MISA/IFEX) - The trial of Kelvin Jakachira, a reporter with the banned newspaper "The Daily News", has been set for 1 August 2005. He is accused of practicing journalism without accreditation, in terms of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Philippines

Chief suspect in Endrinal murder case arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced its satisfaction at the arrest of Clarito Arizobal, chief suspect in the 11 February 2004 murder of radio commentator Rowell Endrinal.

International

Press freedom deteriorating world-wide, says WAN report

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 28 May 2005 WAN press release:

Romania / Iraq

Prosecutor's Office reveals journalists' kidnapping may have been orchestrated by guide

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed outrage over revelations by the Bucharest Prosecutor's Office that the kidnapping of three Romanian journalists in Iraq may have been orchestrated by their Iraqi guide and a businessman.

Somalia

Two journalists imprisoned briefly

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

Ukraine

RSF concerned over adoption of decree on online registration

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over a new decree governing registration of websites. The decree, introduced by the Transport and Telecommunications Ministry, has already come under attack from the Ukrainian media.

South Africa

FXI welcomes court ruling on Laugh It Off's "Black Labour, White Guilt" T-shirt

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2005 FXI press statement:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Soldiers try to kill radio journalist in Lubumbashi

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written to the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) public prosecutor, calling for an immediate and thorough investigation leading to the identification and punishment of those responsible for the attempted murder of journalist Jean Ngandu, of Radio Okapi, on 28 May 2005 in Lubumbashi (the capital of the southeastern province of Katanga).

Peru

Two television journalists detained for seven hours

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 25 May 2005, journalists Jerónimo Centurión and Paola Bazán, of the Lima-based television programme "La Ventana Indiscreta", were taken into custody by police as they were leaving one of the Congress buildings, and taken to a police station where they were kept for seven hours. They were detained after they videotaped, without authorisation, documents they found piled up in the reception area of a ruling party congressman's office.

Paraguay

IAPA expresses concern over proposed mandatory licensing of journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 26 May 2005 IAPA press release:

Nepal

CAPSULE REPORT: IFJ calls for restoration of press freedom as media restrictions continue

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2005 IFJ capsule report on the situation in Nepal, followed by IFJ's 31 May 2005 update:

Hong Kong (China)

Hong Kong reporter detained by Chinese authorities

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

Uzbekistan

CAPSULE REPORT: Two weeks after Andijan, media crackdown continues

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 26 May 2005 RSF capsule report:

Uzbekistan

Government tries to block information about killings in Andijan

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 26 May 2005 Human Rights Watch press release:

Morocco

Journalist assaulted over Western Sahara coverage

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a 24 May 2005 assault on Munir El Ktaoui, a journalist with the weekly "El Bidawi". El Ktaoui was covering the Rabat meeting of a pro-government lobby favourable to continued Moroccan control of Western Sahara.

Greece

Curator of Athens art exhibition on trial for painting "insulting the Orthodox Church"

(GHM/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2005 GHM press release:

Pakistan

Government bans state-sponsored advertising in two newspapers

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Private radio production company closed

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - The following is a 28 May 2005 CEHURDES statement:

Colombia

Journalist's murder still unpunished 15 months later

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2005 IAPA press release:

Libya

Detained bookseller and cyber-dissident charged with "possession of a pistol"

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has reiterated its call for the immediate release of former bookseller Abdel Razak Al Mansouri, saying he is almost certainly being held because of his articles on the Internet criticising the Libyan regime. Al Mansouri is officially charged with unauthorised possession of a pistol.

Syria

EOHR calls on authorities to end intimidation, kidnapping and arbitrary detention of human rights activists

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2005 EOHR statement:

Brazil

Photographer harassed in Ceará state

(IPYS/IFEX) - On May 4 2005, André Lima, a photographer with the daily "Diário do Nordeste" was harassed by military police in Fortaleza, Ceará State. Lima was covering a protest against the construction of a high-tension electricity line in the Zizi Gavião and Conjunto São Miguel neighbourhoods.

Brazil

Jury convicts suspected drug lord in murder of investigative reporter

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Italy

Police search "Corriere della Sera" newsroom

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

Mauritania

Journalist detained in anti-Islamist raid released

(RSF/IFEX) - Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Ebilmaali, editor-in-chief of the independent daily "Akhbar Nouakchott", was freed on 21 May 2005 after being held for three days.

Sudan

State security police censor English-language daily

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over the action of the Sudanese state security police in banning an entire issue of the English-language "Khartoum Monitor" newspaper in the earlier hours of 21 May 2005. The action came after the editor refused to withdraw a report and an editorial. The security police officers returned the following evening to scrutinize the content of the next day's issue.

Yemen

Two journalists face harassment following publication of critical editorial

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

South Africa

FXI condemns granting of gagging order against "Mail and Guardian" newspaper

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

Peru

Congressman accuses newspaper of libel, assaults journalist

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 20 May 2005, congressman Victor Valdez Melendez assaulted Rufino Zambrano Pinto, a reporter for "Ahora", a newspaper in Pucallpa, eastern Peru. The incident occurred after Valdez testified before the Third Penal Court of the province of Coronel Portillo, as part of a libel suit he filed against "Ahora" on 28 March. The politician is seeking damages from the paper after an article alleged he had organised a popular uprising two months earlier, which lead to public buildings being damaged.

Bangladesh

Journalists targets of growing violence

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the authorities to do their utmost to investigate growing attacks and threats to journalists including one in which three men marched a journalist to a cemetery at gunpoint and tried to bury him alive.

Madagascar

RFI correspondent forced to leave the country after government refuses to renew his work permit

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 27 May 2005 letter to President Marc Ravalomanana, CPJ expressed concern that Olivier Péguy, a correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI) and several other international news organizations, was forced to leave the country on 22 May after the government refused to renew his work permit. Péguy, who had been reporting from Madagascar for four years, told CPJ that no explanation has been given for the non-renewal.

International

Resolutions passed at IPI Annual General Assembly

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2005 IPI press release:

Bangladesh

CPJ calls for charges against Bangladeshi journalist to be dropped

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Egypt

Journalists assaulted while covering rally

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

Iran

Judiciary stonewalls on journalist Zahra Kazemi's death

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2005 Human Rights Watch press release:

International

IPI adds Nepal to Watch List, retains Ethiopia, Russia, Venezuela and Zimbabwe

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2005 IPI press release:

Honduras

WPFC praises Supreme Court decision to overturn "insult" laws; urges decriminalisation of defamation offences

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2005 WPFC letter to the Honduran Supreme Court:

International

WAN announces launch of new pan-Arab electronic network

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 23 May 2005 WAN press release:

United States / China

RSF questions Google heads on self-censorship issue

(RSF/IFEX) - Following Google's announcement that it is to open an office in China, RSF has written to the company's two founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, asking them for a clear response to the following question: "Will you agree to censor your search engine if asked to by Beijing?"

Somalia

Journalist shot and wounded in Mogadishu

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

Azerbaijan

Freedom House urges authorities to end repression of independent media, non-governmental sector and opposition political parties

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 20 May 2005 Freedom House press release:

Kazakhstan

Issue of newspaper seized

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - The 20 May 2005 edition of "Set KZ" newspaper, the successor paper to the recently closed "Respublika Delovoye Obozreniye" ("Republic Business Review") newspaper, was confiscated.

Sri Lanka

Editor of Tamil daily receives death threats

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is extremely concerned about the safety of Vediwel Thevaraj, editor-in-chief of the Tamil daily "Veerakesari", following a series of death threats.

Algeria

Several journalists convicted and sentenced in criminal defamation prosecutions

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2005 CPJ letter to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika:

Iraq

APTN cameraman arrested by Iraqi police

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on the Iraqi authorities to rapidly explain the arrest of Ibrahim Ahmed Salma, 36, a cameraman with the US agency Associated Press Television News (APTN). Salma was arrested in Baghdad on 21 May 2005.

Dominican Republic

IAPA pleased by repeal of regulation restricting press freedom

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 23 May 2005 IAPA press release:

Sierra Leone

Journalists detained, charged with "seditious libel"

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Albania

CPJ calls for reform of defamation laws

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 May 2005 CPJ letter to Albanian Speaker of the Assembly Servet Pellumbi:

Russia

Media executive severely beaten

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

Argentina

Community radio station harassed by national communications commission officials

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 23 May 2005 AMARC alert:

Sri Lanka

Government ordered to pay compensation to rights petitioner for wrongful imprisonment; ARTICLE 19 calls for reform of contempt of court rules

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 20 May 2005 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Nepal

Journalists protest as further media restrictions are reported

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

Journalist released

(MISA/IFEX) - Police released freelance journalist Frank Chikowore without charge on 19 May 2005, at about 7:00 p.m. (local time).

Iran

Imprisoned journalist Akbar Ganji launches hunger strike

(WiPC/IFEX) - The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned about reports of the denial of medical treatment to Akbar Ganji, a noted journalist imprisoned since April 2000.

Uzbekistan

Human Rights Watch calls for release of activist, end of harassment of rights workers seeking information on Andijan events

(Human Rights Watch/IFEX) - The following is a 24 May 2005 Human Rights Watch press release:

Russia

CPJ disturbed by continued FSB harassment of journalist Yuri Bagrov

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Community radio station allowed to resume broadcasts

(JED/IFEX) - On 18 May 2005, at 7:30 p.m. (local time), Radiotélévision Débout Kasaï (RTDK), a community radio station based in Mbuji-Mayi, capital of East Kasai province, central Democratic Republic Of Congo, was allowed to resume its broadcasts.

Peru

Journalist's home robbed a second time

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 21 May 2005, Marilú Gambini Lostanau, a freelance journalist in the northern province of Chimbote, reported that unidentified individuals entered her home, searched through her personal effects and took several videos.

Azerbaijan

Journalist assaulted by security forces while covering Baku demonstration

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 23 May 2005 RSF open letter to President Ilham Aliev:

Colombia

Reuters journalist stabbed, thrown into ravine near capital

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 22 May 2005, Reuters journalist William Parra was attacked on the highway between the town of Sequilé and Bogotá, according to a member of the press agency. According to reports, an unidentified man got into the journalist's vehicle and stabbed him several times, then tied him up and threw him into a ravine near the highway. Parra is currently recovering at a clinic.

Kenya

Attorney general blocks legal action against first lady

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 20 May 2005 IPI letter to Kenyan Attorney General Amos Wako:

Cuba

Foreign journalists detained, expelled

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

Thailand

CAPSULE REPORT: Journalists assert independence following prime minister's latest criticism of the press

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 20 May 2005 SEAPA capsule report:

Afghanistan

Television presenter murdered, colleague under threat

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Colombia

Two of journalist Orlando Sierra's murderers sentenced to 28 years in prison

(FLIP/IFEX) - Francisco Antonio Tabares, alias "Tilín", and Luís Arley Ortiz Orozco, alias "Pereque", have been sentenced to 28 years in prison for their role in the assassination of journalist Orlando Sierra, deputy director of "La Patria" newspaper, in Manizales.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two newspaper editors assaulted

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 14 May 2005, Laurent Aké, editor-in-chief of the independent daily, "L'Intelligent d'Abidjan", and Traoré Moussa, editor of another independent, "Nord Sud", were assaulted at Grand Bassam, 30 km east of Abidjan, by activists of the ruling Ivorian Popular Front (FPI).

Colombia

Prominent journalists meet with vice-president and other authorities after receiving death threats

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by FLIP, the International Federation of Journalists' Solidarity Centre (Centro de Solidaridad de la Federación Internacional de Periodistas, CESOFIP), Institute for Press and Society (Instituto de Prensa y Sociedad, IPYS) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporteros Sin Fronteras, RSF):

China

Journalist brutally attacked in his home

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has reacted with horror to a brutal attack on Wen Chong, a journalist with the Zhongshan-based daily "Nanfang Dushi Bao" ("Southern Metropolis Daily"). On 18 May 2005, unknown assailants burst into the 30-year-old journalist's home and cut off the index and middle fingers of his right hand.

Iraq

Third Iraqi journalist killed in roadside attack

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

Central African Republic

Three journalists receive death threats from soldiers and supporters of the president

(RSF/IFEX) - In a letter to President François Bozizé, RSF urged him to "make a personal commitment" to ensure that the threats and intimidation that have targeted three journalists in recent weeks are stopped. The threats have come from members of the presidential guard and supporters of the "Kwa Na Kwa National Convergence".

Dominican Republic

New broadcast rules violate press freedom, according to IAPA

(IAPA/IFEX) The following is a 17 May 2005 IAPA press release:

Nepal

Maoists seize radio station's transmission equipment

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Late in the evening on 19 May 2005, Maoist insurgents seized transmission equipment from Ghodaghodi FM radio station, which is based in Attariya, in the western district of Kailali. Ghodaghodi is the only radio station operating in this region.

Mauritania

Two journalists arrested in anti-Islamist raids

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged the Mauritanian authorities to explain the arrests of journalists Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Ebilmaali and Mohamed Ould Abderrahmane in the course of anti-Islamist police raids. Ould Ebilmaali was detained on 19 May 2005, while Abderrahmane was detained on 25 April.

Kenya

Recent weeks marked by deteriorating relations between president's administration and news media

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern over the current dire state of relations between the Kenyan press and President Mwai Kibaki's administration, which have deteriorated sharply over the past two weeks in a series of public clashes that are all the more shocking in a country that has enjoyed relative stability until now.

Philippines

Mayor and two other suspects subpoenaed in connection with journalist's murder

(CMFR/IFEX) - A local mayor and two other men have been ordered to appear in court to answer charges against them in connection with the murder of publisher-editor Philip Agustin.

Nigeria

Detained newspaper publisher released

(MRA/IFEX) - Orobosa Omo-Ojo, the publisher of the "Midwest Herald" newspaper who was arrested in Lagos on 2 May 2005 on allegation of sedition, has been released after 12 days in custody without formal charges. He was reportedly released on the orders of Inspector-General of Police Sunday Ehindero.

Slovenia

EFJ renews call for further debate on public broadcasting reforms

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 May 2005 media release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ affiliate:

Panama

IAPA pleased over repeal of gag laws

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 18 May 2005 IAPA press release:

Zimbabwe

Police detain journalist for filming raid on street vendors

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

Belarus

Government steps up judicial harassment of independent press

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about persistent government hounding of the independent press through the courts.

Brazil

Ilhabela-based journalist receives death threats

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 13 May 2005, journalist Fernando de Santis reported that he received anonymous death threats on 9 and 13 April over his home telephone in Ilhabela, a small town by the north coast of São Paulo state. The caller also threatened to kill his one-year-old son.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members urge European Union to raise free expression issues with Tunisian government

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an 18 May 2005 IFEX-TMG letter to European Union Ambassador to Tunisia R.D. Rahman:

Poland

Police arrest Indymedia contributor and accuse him of assaulting an officer

(RSF/IFEX) - On 16 May 2005, Grzegorz Prujszyk, a student contributor to the Indymedia Poland website, was arrested and mistreated by police after filming an anti-war demonstration in Warsaw.

Colombia

CPJ concerned by death threats against three prominent journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Greece

Journalist faces criminal charges over satirical article published in 2001

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

Madagascar

Newspaper director, journalist given one-month prison sentence in defamation case

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an 11 May 2005 WAN letter to Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana:

The Gambia

Troubling new revelations in investigation of journalist Deyda Hydara's murder

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 16 May 2005 RSF statement:

Albania

Television crews attacked, prevented from filming

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

Pakistan

Passing of media bill a setback to press freedom, says IFJ

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

Nepal

CAPSULE REPORT: IFJ concerned that ongoing media restrictions will silence all independent voices

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ capsule report:

Nepal

Television tower attacked, magazine publisher ordered to report for questioning

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Colombia

Prominent journalists receive death threats

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

Sri Lanka

ARTICLE 19 calls upon government to investigate recent threats to journalists

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an ARTICLE 19 letter to Sri Lankan Justice Minister John Senaviratne:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Provincial governor orders closure of community radio station

(JED/IFEX) - On 17 May 2005, at 8:30 p.m. (local time), Radiotélévision Débout Kasaï (RTDK), a community radio station based in Mbuji-Mayi, capital of East Kasai province, central Democratic Republic Of Congo, was raided by a group of officers from the Congolese National Police's Special Services, led by Major Israël Kantu. The police closed the station and ordered the staff to leave the premises immediately.

Colombia

Media in Cartago silenced by fears municipal advertising contracts will be withheld

(FLIP/IFEX) - The Ondas del Valle radio station, which broadcasts in Cartago, Valle del Cauca department in western Colombia, has cancelled its public affairs programme "Como les parece".

Algeria

Two journalists sentenced to two months in prison

(CALP/IFEX) - On 17 May 2005, the Sidi M'hamed Tribunal in Algiers sentenced Hakim Laâlam, a columnist for the daily "Le Soir d'Algérie", and Fouad Boughanem, the paper's director, to two months in prison with no parole for "insulting" and "offending" the head of state. In addition, the journalists and the paper were each fined 250,000 dinars (approx. US$3,400; 2,700 euros).

Uzbekistan

International PEN expresses alarm over recent events, calls for lifting of clamp down on media

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 16 May 2005 International PEN letter to President Islam Abdigamoevich Karimov:

Brazil

Journalist gets 18 months detention on defamation charge

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 May 2005 CPJ press release:

China

Imprisoned journalist Jiang Weiping ill; prison restrictions tightened

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

Nepal

CEHURDES condemns journalists' detention

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - Maheshwor Pahari, a journalist with the Pokhara-based weekly "Rastriya Swabhiman", was illegally arrested by security forces for the fourth time this week.

Iran

Imprisoned blogger on hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on bloggers throughout the world to post messages in support of Iranian blogger Mojtaba Saminejad, after he began a hunger strike on 14 May 2005. Saminejad has been in prison since 12 February.

Hong Kong (China)

Independent daily forced to cease publication as printing house comes under pressure

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced "unreserved support" for the privately-owned Hong Kong daily "The Epoch Times", which announced that it would be forced to stop publishing on 14 May 2005 because it has been unable to find a new printing house.

Libya

Still no word of cyber-dissident Al Mansouri five months after his arrest

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has urged foreign embassies in Tripoli to ask the Libyan authorities what has happened to bookseller and cyber-dissident Abdel Razak Al Mansouri, who has disappeared without a trace since his 12 January 2005 arrest.

Iran

Court summons against journalist Emadoldin Baghi cancelled

(RSF/IFEX) - The summons requiring journalist Emadoldin Baghi to appear before the Tehran Revolutionary Court on 12 May 2005 has been suspended following a national and international outcry, his lawyer Saleh Nikbakhata announced.

Niger

Journalist held at Sultan's palace

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 5 May 2005, Larwanou Mallam Hami, a journalist for the independent radio station ANFANI FM, was locked up for several hours in a cell on the orders of the Sultan (traditional ruler) of Zinder, a town about 900 kilometres from the capital, Niamey.

Sudan

Charges against American photographer dropped

(RSF/IFEX) - On 10 May 2005, charges against American photographer Brad Clift were dropped. Clift, a photographer for the daily "Hartford Courant", subsequently left the Darfur town of Nyala and traveled to Khartoum with the aim of catching a flight to London later in the day, according to local sources.

Togo

CPJ alarmed by censorship, attacks against Togolese press

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 May 2005 CPJ letter to President Faure Gnassingbé:

The Gambia

"The Independent" newspaper forced to stop publishing

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Uzbekistan

Authorities continue obstructing journalists amid unrest

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Sierra Leone

Newspaper editor assaulted; six papers forced off newsstands for three days

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 10 May 2005, the parliamentary representative for the Tonkolili Central Constituency, Fatamata Hassan Komeh, instructed thugs to beat up Harry Yansaneh, acting editor of the daily "For Di People", for allegedly writing negative comments about the government.

Iraq

Two Iraqi journalists murdered

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced shock over the gruesome murders of two Iraqi journalists, whose throats were reportedly cut by armed men while they were traveling toward the holy city of Kerbala, south of Baghdad.

Mexico

Bomb destroys car of "Primera Hora" editor in Nuevo Laredo

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF says it is appalled at a bid to intimidate Pedro Pérez Natividad, editor of the daily "Primera Hora", after his vehicle was destroyed by a homemade bomb on 10 May 2005, in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas State, northeastern Mexico.

Pakistan

Gunmen fire on Reuters Television correspondent

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 14 May 2005 shooting attack on Mujeebur Rehman, the correspondent for the "Daily Times" and Reuters Television in Wana, South Waziristan tribal area. Rehman sustained a minor injury to the hand in the attack, which took place in Dhog, a village near Wana.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members express concern over conditions surrounding detention of journalist Hamadi Jebali

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is 13 May 2005 IFEX-TMG letter to Tunisian Interior and Local Development Minister Rafik Belhaj Kacem:

Poland

Radio editor faces possible suspension over live debate about the Pope

(RSF/IFEX) - Management of the state-run Polskie Radio have announced their decision to suspend editor Pawel Sito after he staged a live radio debate in which some young listeners criticised the late Pope John Paul II. The journalist's dismissal is still being discussed within the broadcast company.

Algeria

Three journalists charged with criminal defamation

(CALP/IFEX) - The state prosecutor for the Sidi M'hamed Court in Algiers is seeking a one year prison sentence with no parole for Farid Alilat, former director of the daily "Liberté", Ali Dilem and Mustapha Hammouche, a cartoonist and columnist, respectively, with the same paper. The three journalists have been charged with criminal defamation.

Philippines

Editor served with arrest warrant

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 9 May 2005, Jofelle Tesorio, editor-in-chief of the weekly community paper "Bandillo ng Palawan", in Palawan, an island southwest of Manila, was served with an arrest warrant in connection with a libel case filed against her by former Palawan congressman Vicente Sandoval Sr. The warrant was issued by Judge Ma. Theresa Dela Torre-Yadao, of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 81.

Burma

Information Ministry bans use of anonymous sources; weekly suspended for one month

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The Information Ministry has laid down new press regulations which ban the use of anonymous sources in all published news reports. Mizzima.com, a Delhi-based news service run by exiled Burmese journalists, says that according to the ministry's new rules, all sources of the news must be clearly identified, lest resulting stories be deemed unauthorised and liable for rejection and penalties.

Nepal

Journalist abducted

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - CEHURDES is concerned about the safety of journalist Som Sharma. Sharma was abducted by an armed group of Maoist insurgents from his rented apartment at Mangalbare bazaar, in the eastern district of Ilam, sometime during the week of 9 May 2005.

India

IFJ welcomes passing of Right to Information Bill

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 May 2005 IFJ media release:

Zimbabwe

High Court refuses to accredit "Daily News" journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Uzbekistan

Officials block news outlets amid massive protests

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Saudi Arabia

Poet sentenced to 9 years in prison, two other reform advocates also convicted

(PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 15 May 2005 PEN American Center press release:

Bangladesh

RSF concerned over new spate of threats and violence against journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - Reacting to threats and physical attacks against four journalists in the space of a week, RSF has condemned the inaction of Bangladeshi authorities and reiterated its appeal to Interior Minister Lutfozzaman Babor for concrete measures against those instigating the violence, whether political activists or ordinary criminals.

Egypt

Al-Jazeera crew detained while covering judges' meeting in Cairo

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

South Africa

SABC journalists harassed by government officials in separate incidents

(MISA/IFEX) - In the first week of May, provincial government officials barred South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) television journalists and a camera crew from entering the Limpopo provincial legislature to report on the Lebowakgomo government's budget vote. They were allegedly thrown out after refusing to leave their cameras at the door.

Sri Lanka

Journalists receive death threats as tensions rise; extremist group claims responsibility for veteran journalist's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

Two journalists detained for six days

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

Maldives

Internet service provider employee detained

(RSF/IFEX) - On 1 May 2005, Ismail Faiz, a systems engineer with the country's sole Internet service provider, Dhiraagu, was arrested and detained. Although he was officially accused of "terrorism", "incitement to violence" and "attempting to overthrow the government", he is reportedly being held for working with the London-based opposition website Dhivehi Observer.

Syria

First independent journalists' union formed as repression continues

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the 9 May 2005 creation of Hurriyat (Freedom), the first independent media union in Syria, and urged the authorities to officially recognise it.

Brazil

Judge orders book seizure

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Tunisia

IFEX members call on Tunisian government to stop harassing Lotfi Hajji

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Sudan

RSF concerned over climate of hate surrounding blasphemy trial

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced alarm over the climate of hate surrounding the blasphemy trial of Mohamed Taha Mohamed Ahmed, the editor-in-chief of the Sudanese daily "Al-Wifaq", for whom the death penalty is being demanded not only by the public prosecutor but also by the thousands of demonstrators who have been disrupting the trial.

Peru

Indigenous community frees journalist and his translator

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 May 2005, journalist Luis Peña Vergaray and his translator, Eduardo Arrobo Samaniego, were released without any armed intervention after being held hostage for five days by the Aguaruna indigenous group in the region of Pampa Entsa, province of Condorcanqui, Amazonas region, in the country's northeast. This occurred after a commission of representatives from the government, indigenous organisations and the Church reached the area and began talks with the indigenous group.

Iraq

At least eight Iraqi journalists detained by U.S. and Iraqi military forces; CPJ calls on authorities to explain detentions

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

Venezuela

Authorities seize radio station transmitter

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 May 2005, officials of the National Telecommunications Commission (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, CONATEL) and five National Army soldiers raided the premises of Radio Alternativa de Caracas 94.9 FM, a community radio station, and confiscated its transmitter, according to the station's press release on the incident.

Russia

Latvian TV crew detained, harassed, extradited

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

Slovenia

IPI and SEEMO highlight problems with the draft Act on RTV Slovenia

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

Burma

Government imposes news blackout on recent bombings

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The Burmese junta has moved to restrict all coverage of the bombings that rocked Rangoon on 8 May 2005, banning the publication of stories on the matter and ordering medical and relief workers not to speak with reporters.

Sri Lanka

FMM leadership receives death threats

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an 11 May 2005 FMM press release:

Chile

Radio reporter beaten by national police

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

Taiwan

Taiwanese journalists refused accreditation for WHO annual conference

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has challenged a United Nations (UN) decision to refuse accreditation to Taiwanese journalists to cover the World Health Organisation (WHO) conference being held in Geneva from 16-25 May 2005. The UN has justified its decision by pointing out that Taiwan is not a member state recognised by the UN General Assembly.

Angola

Deputy information minister cautions journalists against "negative stories" on government

(MISA/IFEX) - On 17 April 2005, Angolan Deputy Minister of Information Miguel de Carvalho warned journalists at the state-controlled "Jornal de Angola" not to criticise the government and the ruling Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola (MPLA). "Jornal de Angola" is the only Angolan daily newspaper.

Peru

Squatters attack television reporter during rural land eviction

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 8 May 2005, José Atauje Tipe, a reporter for Lima television stations Canal 4 and Canal N, was assaulted by a group of squatters being evicted by police from land they had taken over. The incident occurred in Ñahuimpuquio, a zone 5 km down the Ayacucho - Cuzco highway, in the country's southeast.

Singapore

Filmmaker called in for questioning, under investigation

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Singaporean filmmaker Martyn See has been invited for questioning by the police, news agencies have reported, two months after his documentary on a Singaporean opposition figure was forced out of a film festival in the city-state.

Iran

Journalist Emadoldin Baghi faces imminent arrest, possible imprisonment

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about the court summons received by journalist Emadoldin Baghi on 8 May 2005. The journalist was ordered to appear before a Tehran Revolutionary Court on 12 May.

Kazakhstan

CPJ condemns closure of leading opposition weekly by Information Ministry

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Publisher of community-based weekly killed

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The publisher of a community-based weekly in a province north of Manila became the fourth Filipino journalist to have been assassinated in 2005, the Manila-based Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) reports.

Iran

Human Rights Watch calls for journalist's release; foreign and Iranian journalists barred from visiting Khuzistan province

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

International

International PEN welcomes the release of Iranian writer, Maldives cyber-dissident, Bangladeshi writer and Tibetan monk

(WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 10 May 2005 WiPC statement:

Peru

Journalist and his translator held hostage by indigenous community in Amazonas

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 6 May 2005 journalist Luis Peña Vergaray and his translator, Eduardo Arrobo Samaniego, were taken hostage by the Aguarunas indigenous community of Pampa Entsa, in Condorcanqui province, Amazonas region, northeastern Peru. The group is asking the national government to send a commission to hear their demands for changes in their social conditions.

Uzbekistan

Foreign Ministry denies accreditation to UPI correspondent

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a CPJ letter to Uzbek Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiev:

Mexico

Journalist harassed, under house arrest during civil suit by Mexico's First Lady

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the 6 May 2005 house arrest imposed on Argentinian journalist Olga Wornat by a civil litigation court judge. The ruling was issued in the civil suit brought against the journalist by Marta Sahagún, the wife of Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Angola

Government suspends popular radio programme

(MISA/IFEX) - On 28 March 2005, the government-controlled Angolan National Radio suspended a very popular current affairs and analysis program directed by journalists Africano Neto and Isaac Neney.

Tunisia

Several journalists' leaders harassed after speaking out for press freedom

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 May 2005 IFJ media release:

Kazakhstan

Information Ministry shuts down "Respublika Business Review" newspaper

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - On 4 May 2005, the Culture, Information and Sport Ministry's Information and Archives Committee shut down "Respublika Business Review" ("Respublika Delovoye Obozreniye") newspaper and "Respublika Analytical Weekly" ("Respublika Analiticheskiy Yezhenedelnik") newspapers after an Appeals Court upheld an earlier 25 March district court ruling.

Pakistan

IFJ alarmed at tightening government grip over broadcast media

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 May 2005 IFJ media release:

Ethiopia

CAPSULE REPORT: Human Rights Watch report documents how authorities are suppressing speech and political activity in Oromia region

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

Greece

Sports journalist attacked in Athens

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed dismay over the violent attack on sports journalist Kostas Nikolakopoulos, reportedly by football hooligans. The attack took place just after he finished broadcasting on Sport FM radio station in Athens on 7 May 2005.

Tunisia

Four representatives in Tunis present the Arabic edition of the TMG's recent report on freedom of expression in Tunisia

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is an 8 May 2005 press release by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Venezuela

Eight months after journalist's murder, investigation stalled

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced concern about the stalled investigation into the murder of journalist and municipal councillor Mauro Marcano, who was gunned down on 1 September 2004 in Maturín (in the northeastern state of Monagas).

Sri Lanka

Journalist assaulted at opposition rally

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

Iraq

CBS cameraman detained for past month

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 6 May 2005 RSF statement:

Peru

CPJ condemns verdict against two British journalists who were tried on criminal defamation charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Journalist prevented from leaving the country, another journalist in hiding after being accused of "collaborating" with Maoist guerrillas

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

Indonesia

Two journalists found guilty of criminal defamation, sentenced to nine months in prison

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 6 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Somalia

Puntland shutters critical newspaper

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 6 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Peru

British journalists fined, facing one year probation for defaming businessman

(IPYS/IFEX) - IPYS condemns the 4 May 2005 decision of the Eleventh Criminal Court, presided by Judge Alfredo Catacora. Catacora found journalists Sally Bowen and Jane Holligan guilty of defaming businessman Fernando Zevallos and awarded him 10,000 soles (approx. US$3,000) in civil damages.

Guinea

Issue of weekly magazine "JA L'Intelligent" temporarily seized

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 24 April 2005, Interior Minister Kiridi Bangoura ordered the temporary seizure of issue 2311 of the weekly magazine "JA L'Intelligent", which carried a story and commentary on the health of the president, General Lansana Conte.

Indonesia

Indonesian Press Council expresses concern over draft Criminal Code

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The Indonesian Press Council is urging the government to revise a draft Criminal Code containing provisions specifically covering journalists. The council said the Criminal Code could be used to prosecute journalists, which would threaten Indonesia's hard-earned press freedom and undermine press laws passed precisely to safeguard and encourage a responsible media.

Kenya

Kenyan first lady storms into newsroom, harasses staff, assaults cameraman

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed shock over the abuse of authority displayed by the wives of President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria in assailing and imprisoning journalists in separate incidents on 2 May 2005, in response to critical press reports.

Nepal

Nepali press continues to face unprecedented restrictions, says CEHURDES in World Press Freedom Day report

(CEHURDES/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2005 CEHURDES press statement:

Iran

Cyber-dissident gravely ill in prison; holy city of Qom is "hell for bloggers," says RSF

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the latest crackdown on cyber-dissidents and bloggers in the southern city of Qom. Mojtaba Lotfi, who is serving a prison sentence in the city for articles he posted on the Internet, is gravely ill. Local courts in Qom are also harassing bloggers Farid Modaressi and Mohamad Reza Fathi.

Singapore

CPJ alarmed that threat of legal action is being used to inhibit criticism of the government in cyberspace

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

Journalist acquitted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 May 2005, Richard Musazulwa, a correspondent with the "Standard" weekly newspaper, was acquitted on charges of abusing journalistic privilege under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Colombia

Photographer assaulted by Pereira university students

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 1 May 2005 Ariel Díaz Jaramillo, a freelance photographer working for the country's largest daily, "El Tiempo", was assaulted by university students in Pereira, a city in the coffee belt in the centre-west of the country.

Honduras

Journalist continues to face intimidation and threats; two other journalists to be tried in September

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - Journalists Carlos Galeas and Suyapa Banegas (husband and wife) were notified on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2005, that they will be tried in September for disseminating information on contraband sales of coffee in the zone. The journalists had alleged during their news programmes that police officials were implicated in the smuggling.

Azerbaijan

Investigators name chief suspect in murder of opposition editor

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 May 2005 CPJ press release:

France

Police question two journalists, challenge confidentiality of sources

(RSF/IFEX) - On 3 May 2005, plainclothes police officers in Orleans interrogated two journalists from the daily "Le Berry Républicain" in an attempt to get them to reveal their sources for their reports about a murder investigation.

Iraq

War in Iraq deadliest for the media since Vietnam, says RSF report

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2005 RSF press release:

Philippines

RSF releases report on the impunity enjoyed by killers of 52 journalists since 1986

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 2 May 2005 RSF press release:

Nigeria

Police arrest and detain newspaper publisher

(MRA/IFEX) - On 2 May 2005, Omo-Ojo Orobosa, publisher of the "Midwest Herald" newspaper, was arrested in Lagos on charges of sedition while the Lagos office of the tabloid was sealed off. He was reportedly taken by police to Akure, the Ondo State capital, about 300 kilometres away, where he is being detained.

Thailand

Participants at World Press Freedom Day forum discuss media reform, how political climate impacts on the media

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 4 May 2005 SEAPA press release:

Colombia

RSF condemns death threats against radio station manager; director fears end to government protection

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a new death threat against Gilberto Martínez Prado, the manager of Colmundo Radio in Ibagué (in the center-western department of Tolima), as well as the threats and harassment to which he has been constantly subjected for years.

China

Dissident journalist Liu Jingsheng prevented from holding press conference; Chen Yanbin released after more than 14 years in prison; Yan Jun also released

(RSF/IFEX) - On 12 April 2005, Chen Yanbin, co-editor of the dissident review "Tielu" ("Iron Currents"), was released after spending 14 years and seven months in a Beijing prison. The journalist will remain deprived of his civil and political rights for the next four years.

Philippines

Radio journalist slain

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

Somalia

CPJ seeks end to harassment in Puntland

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2005 CPJ letter to the president of Puntland, General Adde Muse Hirsi:

Tunisia

Lawyer sentenced to prison for posting "false news" on the Internet

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned a "mockery of a trial" in which lawyer Mohammed Abbu was found guilty of posting "false news" on the Internet. The organisation urged democratic countries to boycott the November 2005 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Tunis unless the government ends its Internet crackdown and releases Abbu.

China

CPJ protests harassment of exiled journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - In a 3 May 2005 letter to President Hu Jintao, CPJ said it is deeply troubled by the ongoing harassment of acclaimed poet and freelance radio journalist Liu Hongbin. Liu, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, has been banned from returning to China to visit his mother, who has fallen seriously ill.

Philippines

CAPSULE REPORT: IFJ calls for the protection of journalists; a number of journalists attacked or receive death threats

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2005 IFJ capsule report:

Australia

Senate committee considering proposal that may threaten journalists' right to protect their sources and report leaked information

(MEAA/IFEX) - The following is a 3 May 2005 MEAA media release:

Peru

Peruvian ambassador assaults journalist

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 28 April 2005, Peru's ambassador to Spain, Fernando Olivera Vega, assaulted Bettina Mendoza, a reporter with Lima's Radio CPN station. The diplomat slammed his car door violently on the journalist's arm, causing serious injury to the ligaments of her right arm. Video images show that the diplomat's action was apparently intentional.

Tunisia

Imprisoned journalist Hamadi Jebali ends hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - On 22 April 2005, journalist Hamadi Jebali was transferred to Mahdia prison. Three days later, he ended his hunger strike.

Iraq / United States

Baghdad shooting highlights checkpoint shortcomings, says CPJ

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Brazil

Municipal council bans disclosure of information

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 20 April 2005, the Nova Andradina (Mato Grosso do Sul state) municipal council approved a new local law that prohibits its members from disclosing the contents of any documents concerning the council's accounts. According to the text, this information can only be posted on the municipal council's own website, which currently does not exist. Public requests to access the information must now go through, and require the approval of, the municipal council secretary.

Bangladesh

Journalist released on bail after 17 months behind bars but concern for his safety remains

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 May 2005 CPJ press release:

Pakistan

Police attack journalists on World Press Freedom Day

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

International

IFJ launches press freedom report condemning "war on terrorism"

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

Algeria

CALP statement marking World Press Freedom Day

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

Belarus

Russian journalists released from jail after being arrested at rally

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 May 2005 CPJ press release:

South Africa

FXI alarmed by government's threat to introduce incitement legislation

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is 3 May 2005 FXI press statement:

Honduras

Journalists apologise to judge to avoid defamation trial

(PROBIDAD/IFEX) - Journalists Nelson Fernández and Luis Fuentes, director and chief editor of "La Prensa" newspaper, published in the northern city of San Pedro Sula, 250 kilometres from the capital, Tegucigalpa, avoided going to trial by reaching an agreement with a Supreme Court judge following her suit for defamation and calumny.

International

RSF issues "enemies of press freedom" blacklist

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

Colombia

Journalist released from prison but under house arrest; fears for his life

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 29 April 2005 journalist Emiro Goyeneche returned to his home in the town of Saravena, Arauca in northeastern Colombia. After being imprisoned for 20 months on charges of "rebellion", he was granted house arrest until the judge hearing his case hands down a verdict.

International

PINA statement for World Press Freedom Day

(PINA/IFEX) - The following is a PINA special bulletin:

International

SEEMO commemorates World Press Freedom Day

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

International

IFJ launches Third Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report

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

China

Journalist ordered not to receive UNESCO press freedom award

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 May 2005 CPJ press release:

China

CPJ condemns 10-year sentence of journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 May 2005 CPJ press release:

International

IAPA's World Press Freedom Day message

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

Nepal

CAPSULE REPORT: State of emergency lifted but media censorship continues, says IFJ

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an IFJ capsule report:

International

CPJ identifies 'most murderous countries for journalists'

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

Singapore

Student forced to shut down blog following libel threat

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed support for a Singaporean student who was forced to shut down his blog on 26 April 2005 for fear of libel action by the head of a government body.

Moldova

Christian-Democratic Party leader hounds the independent press

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern about Yurie Rosca, a populist right-wing politician, who has been taking legal action against the country's independent media.

Togo

Journalist beaten, radio station ransacked, telecommunications increasingly blocked

(RSF/IFEX) - Telephone, Internet and fax communications in Togo have become increasingly difficult since 22 April 2005, making it virtually impossible for local and international media to work effectively. Jacques Djakouti, president of the Union of Free Radio and Television Stations (URATEL), told RSF that telecommunications had been virtually blocked in the country since the 24 April presidential election.

Cameroon

Two journalists sentenced to five months in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 26 April 2005, a court sentenced two journalists from the regional weekly "L'Oeil du Sahel" to five months in prison with no parole and a fine of five million CFA francs (approx. US$9,800; 7,600 euros) for defamation.

International

Failure of governments to respect media independence is worldwide, says IPI

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

Mexico / Philippines

PEN Canada to mark World Press Freedom Day with spotlight on Mexico and the Philippines

(PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 29 April 2005 PEN Canada media release:

Sierra Leone

Jailed editor denied bail

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 15 April 2005, a Sierra Leone High Court presided by a Commonwealth judge, Justice Akiiki Kiiza, ruled against an application for bail filed by Paul Kamara, the jailed editor of "For di People" newspaper.

Bolivia

Soldiers assault cameraman, prevent filming

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has protested the 19 April 2005 assault on cameraman José Luis Conde, of Bolivisión television station, by a military policeman and an officer during a ceremony at the military academy in La Paz.

Fiji

IFJ supports Fijian journalists' right to protect sources

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 April 2005 IFJ media release:

International

MISA releases annual state of media freedom and freedom of expression report

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2005 MISA press release:

International

MISA statement to mark World Press Freedom Day

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2005 MISA statement:

Sierra Leone

Reporter manhandled, harassed

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 28 April 2005, Ahmed Sheriff, a correspondent for the independent daily "Salone Times", was physically barred from the premises of the Criminal Investigation Department of the police station in Kenema, about 200 kilometres east of the capital, Freetown.

Turkmenistan

IFLA/FAIFE alarmed over closure of libraries

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

Iran

Journalist arrested and jailed; Reza Alijani's health deteriorating sharply after two years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for the immediate release of reformist Iranian Arab journalist Yosef Azizi Banitrouf, who was arrested in a raid on his home on 25 April 2005. The organisation also demanded the release of dissident journalist Reza Alijani, expressing great concern about his deteriorating health after two years in prison.

Philippines

Five officials named as new suspects in columnist's murder

(CMFR/IFEX) - Five new names have surfaced as suspects in the recent murder of crusading journalist Marlene Esperat.

Australia

MEAA releases first report into Australia's press freedom record

(MEAA/IFEX) - The following is a 28 April 2005 MEAA media release:

International

Freedom House study finds decline in global press freedom

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2005 Freedom House press release:

Nepal

CPJ special report: Nepal after the coup, a country silenced

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Sri Lanka

Body of abducted journalist found

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

Iraq / United States

IFJ angered over reports that US soldiers have been cleared of responsibility in Italian secret agent's death

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2005 IFJ media release:

Sri Lanka

Tamil net editor abducted

(FMM/IFEX) - At around 10:30 p.m. (local time) on 28 April 2005, Darmaratnam Sivaram, a member of the editorial board of Tamilnet website and a political columnist for the English-language daily "The Daily Mirror", was abducted in Colombo by unknown individuals, according to eyewitnesses who spoke to FMM.

Bahrain

RSF denounces new website registration measure as threat to free expression

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced alarm over the government's decision to oblige all websites touching on Bahrain to register with the Information Ministry. The new measure was announced on 24 April 2005.

Peru

IAPA calls for action in unpunished murder of American journalist

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 25 April 2005 IAPA press release.

Latvia

IPI concerned over draft Latvian Law on Public Service Broadcasting Organisations

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2005 IPI letter to President Vaira Vike-Freiberga:

Nigeria

Two journalists assaulted by thugs

(MRA/IFEX) - On 26 April 2005, thugs loyal to the ruling political party in Lagos state, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), raided the press centre at Lagos state government headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja (the state capital), and beat up two journalists, seriously injuring them.

Tunisia

IFEX members call on Tunisian government to stop confiscating books at airport

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Zimbabwe / International

IPI names SW Radio Africa "Free Media Pioneer 2005"

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2005 IPI press release:

Belarus

Two Russian journalists jailed after opposition rally

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Iraq

Five journalists arrested in past two weeks

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced alarm over the arrests of five journalists in the past two weeks. "We are very worried about the increase in arrests of local journalists, often without any evidence, or for unknown reasons. Iraqi journalists now have to deal with this new problem, in which their employers are often powerless to act. Both employers and family members must be given an explanation for such arrests," the organisation said.

China

Internet writer tried on anti-state charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Serbia / Montenegro

SEEMO alarmed over Foreign Affairs Ministry's analysis of media situation in Montenegro

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2005 press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Sudan

American photographer detained

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

Colombia

Ibagué radio journalist receives death threats

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 26 April 2005, journalist Gilberto Martínez Prado, director of the Colmundo Radio news programme, received a death threat in the southern city of Ibagué (Tolima). Upon arriving at the radio station at 12:30 p.m. (local time) he found a "sufragio" - a note written in the format of the traditional sympathy cards to relatives of deceased people. The threat read ". . . continue criticising, you're doing very well, you big son of a bitch, hide behind your microphone that makes you a big shot, but, just wait, 'malparido' [literally, a defective or aborted fetus], everyone winds up in the cemetery."

Kazakhstan

Newspaper, journalists convicted of defamation and fined

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - On 6 April 2005, a Medeu District Court judge in Almaty found "Zhas Alash" newspaper and journalists Ruslan Yerbota and Yerik Rahimov guilty of defamation. The court obliged the paper to pay 100,000 tenge (approx. US$750) in moral damages to plaintiff Serik Abdrahmanov, a deputy in the lower house of Parliament. Yerbota and Rahimov were fined 10,000 tenge (approx. US$75).

Democratic Republic of Congo

Six journalists abducted by militiamen in Katanga province

(JED/IFEX) - On 24 April 2005, six Congolese journalists were abducted by a group of Mai Mai militiamen operating under the command of one "Chinja Chinja" ("Cut-Throat"). The journalists are being held in the port of Kilumbe, Upper Lomami district, some 400 km from Lubumbashi. They had gone to the area to cover the disarmament of armed militias in Katanga province, southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Pakistan

Pakistani journalist acquitted of treason charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 April 2005, CPJ press release:

Nepal

Publisher arrested

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Norway

Oslo-based Tamil journalist victim of death threats and harassment

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is very concerned about the incitement and other threats against Oslo-based independent Tamil journalist Sethurupan Nadarajah. Fearing for his and his wife's safety, the journalist appealed to RSF for assistance. The organisation has been able to confirm both the truth and the gravity of his claims.

United States

Federal Appeals Court confirms earlier ruling against two journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over a 19 April 2005 decision by a Washington Federal Appeals Court confirming an incarceration order for Judith Miller of the "New York Times" and Matthew Cooper of "Time" magazine for "contempt of court", for refusing to reveal their sources. The two journalists' only hope now is the Supreme Court, if it agrees to consider their case.

Saudi Arabia

Human Rights Watch calls on Bush to press for Saudi dissidents' release

(Human Rights Watch/IFEX) - The following is a 24 April 2005 Human Rights Watch press release:

Fiji

PINA concerned over police action against television station

(PINA/IFEX) - PINA has expressed grave concern over police action to pressure Fiji TV to reveal the name of its source in the case of an alleged leaked police statement central to the 2000 coup investigations. The files relating to the investigation later mysteriously disappeared.

Vietnam

Dissident writers Nguyen Thanh Giang and Tran Khue harassed

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Uzbekistan

Journalist severely beaten; IPI worried by claims of government "black list"

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

Ghana

Radio reporter brutally beaten

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 21 April 2005, Emmanuel Duah, a reporter with the privately-owned radio station Happy FM, was beaten with clubs and stones while covering a by-election in Aboabo-Adukrom, in Ghana's Ashanti region, about 270 kilometres from the capital, Accra.

Russia / Kazakhstan

Exiled editor of Kazakh opposition weekly detained for two days

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Iraq

Cameraman detained without charge; AP photographer released from hospital

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Bangladesh

French filmmaker released

(RSF/IFEX) - On 20 April 2005, a judge in Bhomra provisionally released French documentary filmmaker Arnaud Mandagaran while he awaits the outcome of an alleged visa violation case against him.

Algeria

Several journalists sentenced to prison; IFJ condemns repression of the independent press

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 April 2005 IFJ media release:

Iran

Several journalists summoned and charged; journalist Akbar Ganji gravely ill after five years in prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 22 April 2005, journalist Akbar Ganji completed his fifth year in Tehran's Evin prison. He is seriously ill and should be granted an immediate and unconditional release, says RSF.

Greece

Austrian author acquitted on appeal in blasphemy case

(IPA/WiPC/IFEX) - The following is a 20 April 2005 joint IPA - WiPC press release:

Togo

Radio station suspended for one month

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Iraq

AP cameraman killed, photographer wounded

(RSF/IFEX) - According to an Associated Press (AP) contributor who requested anonymity for security reasons, on 23 April 2005, cameraman Saleh Ibrahim and photographer Mohammed Ibrahim, both Iraqi citizens, came under fire from unidentified gunmen as they arrived at the scene of an explosion near Mosul's Al-Yarmook Square.

Iraq

RSF expresses deep concern after Al-Jazeera shows video of Romanians and threats by abductors

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF and its Romanian partner organisation, the Media Monitoring Agency (MMA), have voiced "enormous concern" and reiterated their support for the families of the three Romanian journalists held hostage in Iraq after the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera television station broadcast a new video of them on 22 April 2005, and said their abductors were threatening to kill them if Romania did not pull out its troops from Iraq within four days.

Colombia

Photojournalist released

(FLIP/IFEX) - Hernán Echeverri Arboleda, a photojournalist and contributor to the regional newspaper "Urabá Hoy", was released on 17 April 2005 along the highway that links Dabeiba to Medellín, the capital of Antioquia department. Echeverri was kidnapped on 22 January by members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC).

Belgium

European Commission urged to "keep hands off" reporter's files following court decision

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 April 2005 media release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ affiliate:

Poland

Reporter for "Poland Monthly" magazine target of judicial harassment campaign

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 21 April 2005 WPFC press release:

Peru

Journalist accuses public official of issuing death threat

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 18 April 2005, Raúl Vela Carhuas, a reporter with the daily "El Pregonero" in Huánuco, central Peru, claimed to have received death threats from José Antonio Muñoz Cárdenas, the regional head of a government works programme. The journalist said he believed the aggression was provoked by an investigative report published in the paper's 28 March issue, which revealed administrative irregularities in the programme under the official's management.

Bangladesh

WAN concerned over apparent impunity enjoyed by killers of journalist Kamal Hossein

(WAN/IFEX) - In a 19 April 2005 letter to Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, WAN and the World Editors Forum (WEF) expressed serious concern over the apparent impunity enjoyed by the murderers of journalist Kamal Hossein.

Ecuador

Chilean photographer dies amid political turmoil and violence against news media

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the violence against the press that has occurred amid the turmoil of the past few days, which ultimately led to President Lucio Gutiérrez's overthrow on 20 April 2005. The organisation also deplored the death of Chilean freelance photographer Julio Augusto García during a 19 April demonstration in Quito.

Norway / Israel

Israeli writer and nuclear physicist Mordechai Vanunu nominated as new City of Asylum writer in Kristiansand

(PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 19 April 2005 Norwegian PEN press release:

Togo

RSF alarmed over coverage ban, bias and verbal violence in run-up to elections

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is concerned about the climate of tension in Togo in the run-up to the 24 April 2005 presidential election. The organisation has appealed to the news media and the authorities for calm and noted that the chief victim of the present situation is the Togolese public, which is not receiving the objective and unbiased reporting it needs.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members call on Tunisian government to save jailed journalist Hamadi Jebali's life

(IFEX-TMG) - The following is a joint declaration by members of the IFEX-TMG:

Iran

Al-Jazeera television's offices closed, station banned

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

South Africa

FXI's Anti-Censorship Programme releases fifth progress report

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 15 April 2005 FXI press release:

Nepal / Pakistan

BBC World Service news programmes blocked in Nepal and Pakistan

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the recent blocking of BBC World Service news programmes in Nepal and Pakistan and urged governments in Kathmandu and Islamabad to allow them to resume as soon as possible.

Uzbekistan

Journalist held on charges of "anti-constitutional activity"

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Ecuador

Community radio station's broadcasts jammed

(AMARC/IFEX) - The following is joint statement by a coalition of civil society groups, including AMARC:

Mauritania

Journalist released on bail

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 13 April 2005, the Nouakchott Court of Appeal granted bail to freelance journalist Mohamed Lemine Ould Mahmoudy and two women who were jailed in connection with an article he published concerning an alleged case of slavery.

Tibet (China)

Five Tibetan monks imprisoned for publishing journal

(RSF/IFEX) - On the eve of an official visit to China by French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, RSF has reminded him of the serious press freedom violations in the country. In particular, the organisation urged him to press the Chinese authorities to release five Tibetan monks who were recently sentenced to "reeducation through work" for publishing a journal.

Zimbabwe

British journalists deported following acquittal

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Ukraine

Former intelligence chief alleged to have personally strangled Georgy Gongadze

(RSF/IFEX) - Two unidentified Ukrainian colonels who were arrested on 1 March 2005 in the Georgy Gongadze murder investigation have reportedly told judicial investigators that Gongadze, who edited the online newspaper "Ukrainska Pravda", was strangled by General Olexi Pukach, the former head of the Interior Ministry's intelligence services. The information was revealed by Kiev deputy prosecutor General Victor Shokin in an interview with the "Segodnia" daily newspaper on 12 April.

Italy

Berlusconi cuts stake in television company

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 April 2005 IFJ media release:

Belarus

WAN concerned about investigation into murder of journalist Veronika Cherkasova

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 15 April 2005 WAN press release:

Morocco

Court drops charges against magazine contributor

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed relief after a Ouezzane court announced on 7 April 2005 that it was dropping all charges against Mohammed Bouhcini. Bouhcini was suspected of drug trafficking after he collaborated on a December 2004 investigative report for "Tel Quel" magazine entitled, "Drugs: the heart of the traffic".

Zimbabwe

Editor of privately-owned weekly harassed by police over election story

(MISA/IFEX) - On 19 April 2005, Davison Maruziva, editor of the privately-owned weekly "The Standard", was asked to report to Harare Central Police Station in connection with a story alleging that ballot papers had gone missing during the 31 March parliamentary elections. Maruziva was asked to report to the Law and Order Section on 19 April at 2:00 p.m. (local time).

Botswana

Government to retain 'draconian' law

(MISA/IFEX) - Botswana's government will retain the stringent apartheid-era National Security Act despite complaints from journalists that it limits media freedom.

Pakistan

Several journalists injured as police disperse Karachi crowd

(PPF/IFEX) - On 15 April 2005, several journalists and photographers were injured as police charged a crowd that had gathered at Karachi's Cantonment Railway Station. The police used batons to disperse the gathering.

Mexico

Radio reporter dies of shooting injuries

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 18 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Côte d'Ivoire

Four Abidjan journalists receive death threats from rebels during visit to Bouaké

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written to the leader of the New Forces (Forces nouvelles, FN) rebel movement, Guillaume Soro, protesting threats and intimidation by his men towards four journalists from Abidjan during their visit to the rebel stronghold of Bouaké on 14 April 2005. The journalists were in the area to cover high-level talks between the FN and government forces.

Serbia / Montenegro

Six years of impunity for Slavko Curuvija's killers

(RSF/IFEX) - On the sixth anniversary of the11 April 1999 murder of Serbian journalist Slavko Curuvija, RSF deplored the failure to identify his killers and bring them to justice and reiterated its call to the Serbian authorities to establish all the facts related to the case.

Azerbaijan

Freedom of information draft law improved but still needs work, says ARTICLE 19

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

Pakistan

Police manhandle journalists, seize equipment

(PPF/IFEX) - On 16 April 2005, police manhandled editors, journalists and photojournalists at Lahore Airport. The journalists were accompanying Asif Ali Zardari, leader of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party and spouse of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who was returning to Pakistan from Dubai. Police also confiscated the journalists' mobile phones, cameras and laptop computers.

Bangladesh

French filmmaker arrested for visa violation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 14 April 2005 arrest of French documentary filmmaker Arnaud Mandagaran for an alleged visa violation after he re-entered Bangladesh from India. The organisation called for his immediate release.

Uzbekistan

Journalist with "Hurriyat" newspaper arrested

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - On 9 April 2005, Sabir Yakubov, a journalist for "Hurriyat" independent newspaper, was arrested and taken into custody. Witnesses reported that he was taken from his flat by police officers. He managed to make only one phone call, to inform his roommate that he had been arrested. His whereabouts remain unknown.

Iraq

Five journalists killed in past four days

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

Pakistan

Newspaper editor assaulted

(PPF/IFEX) - On 14 April 2005, five armed men from the regional political party Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) stormed into the office of "Daily Mashriq" newspaper in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, and assaulted the paper's executive editor, Kamran Mumtaz.

Egypt

Three journalists sentenced to one year in prison

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a 17 April 2005 EOHR press release:

Sri Lanka

Journalist arrested and charged, camera seized

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 16 April 2005 FMM press release:

Mexico

CPJ concerned about missing crime reporter

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 14 April 2005 CPJ letter to Sonora State Attorney General Abel Murrieta Gutiérrez:

Israel

Israeli army to take no action against officer in journalist's death

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 14 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Taiwan

Two Chinese media outlets banned from the island

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has challenged the Taiwanese authorities' decision to ban two major Chinese media outlets from operating on the island. On 10 April 2005, Taiwan slapped a ban on the Xinhua news agency and "People's Daily" newspaper.

Zimbabwe

British journalists acquitted

(MISA/IFEX) - On 14 April 2005, British journalists Julian Simmonds and Toby Harnden were acquitted of charges of practicing journalism in Zimbabwe without accreditation under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Brazil

Editor removed from his position after publishing corruption story

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 4 April 2005, Carlos Augusto Setti, editor of the Senate's Interlegis news service, was transferred to another position after he published a story on administrative corruption involving Senate employees. Setti's removal from his position was exposed by the Journalist's Union of Brasilia.

Venezuela

Journalists' access to Caracas criminal court headquarters restricted

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 April 2005, bailiffs stopped journalists from entering Caracas's main justice building, saying that they were acting on the orders of Belkis Cedeño, the new president of the Caracas Metropolitan Area Criminal Justice Circuit. The building houses the headquarters of the Caracas Metropolitan Area's criminal court system. The reporters were forced to carry out their work from outside the building.

Tunisia

Imprisoned journalist Hamadi Jebali begins another hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - On 9 April 2005, journalist Hamadi Jebali started another hunger strike. He has been jailed since 1991.

Belarus

Heavy fine threatens privately-owned newspaper's survival

(RSF/IFEX) - A Minsk court has fined Irina Khalip, deputy editor-in-chief of the privately-owned twice-weekly newspaper "Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta" ("BDG"), nearly 3,500 euros (approx. US$4,500). The paper itself was fined 17,800 euros (approx. US$22,800) in damages for defamation.

Peru

Journalist assaulted and robbed of documents

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 12 April 2005, journalist César Hildebrandt Chávez, of the Lima-based "La Ventana Indiscreta" television programme, was assaulted by relatives of National Police Lieutenant Lady Bardales Castillo. Bardales Castillo is a member of the Government Palace security unit.

Mozambique

Reporters attacked, equipment seized

(MISA/IFEX) - On 13 April 2005, two camerapersons from the privately-owned Mozambican television channel STV were beaten up and had their equipment seized by a group of guards from a private security firm. The media workers were filming randomly in the streets of the capital, Maputo.

Tunisia

RSF expresses concern over proposed ISP partnership in Tunisia

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an RSF letter to Oliver Sichel, the director general of the Wanadoo Internet company:

The Gambia

Murder, arson and repressive actions are thwarting independent press, says CPJ delegation

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Morocco

Editor of weekly convicted on several libel counts; correspondent assaulted; another weekly receives "warning" from palace official

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced alarm over the recent resurgence of curbs on press freedom in Morocco following four separate violations in the past two weeks.

Sri Lanka

FMM expresses concern over comments made at Patriotic National Movement meeting

(FMM/IFEX) - In an 11 April 2005 letter to the Patriotic National Movement (PNM), FMM expressed its grave concern over a speech made by one of the movement's chairpersons, Wimal Weerawansa, at a 6 April public meeting held by the PNM in Maharagama. FMM noted that Weerawansa's address was tantamount to inciting violence and constituted a clear violation of freedom of expression as it contained hate speech against certain journalists and media institutions. The organisation went on to say that the threats and allegations Weerawansa made against journalists in his speech were very dangerous given his position as a People's Liberation Front (JVP) parliamentary leader and PNM co-chairperson.

Nepal

CPJ calls for release of journalists, reversal of crackdown

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Swaziland

Prime minister meets with editors and media owners, calls for "positive" reporting on monarchy

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 April 2005, Swazi Prime Minister Absalom Themba Dlamini stressed the importance of "positive" media coverage relating to the activities of King Mswati III. This call follows increasing tension within royal spheres over the belief that the media has an agenda to dethrone the king.

Mauritania

Issue of independent weekly seized

(MFWA/IFEX) - Authorities at the Ministry of Interior, Post and Telecommunications seized and banned the distribution of the 6 April 2005 issue (No. 482) of the independent weekly "Le Calame".

Peru

Director of weekly accused of extortion

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 31 March 2005, the lawyer for San Agustín University (UNSA) rector Rolando Cornejo Cuervo accused journalist Mabel Cáceres of extortion. Cáceres, the director of the weekly "El Búho", based in the southern Arequipa region, has been subjected to harassment, including death threats and anonymous smear campaigns, since she revealed a series of irregularities in the administration of the university in 2003.

Mexico

CPJ alarmed over assassination of newspaper owner

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Iraq

Al-Arabiya reporter released on bail

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has acknowledged the 10 April 2005 release of Al-Arabiya journalist Waël Issam, but called for his case to be quickly resolved so that he might continue to work freely. Issam was arrested two weeks ago by Iraqi authorities.

Iran

RSF declares support for Canadian proposal for Kazemi autopsy

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed its support for a Canadian proposal to Iranian authorities that would see three forensic experts - a Canadian, an Iranian and one chosen jointly by both parties - carry out an autopsy on the body of journalist Zahra Kazemi, who died in custody in Iran in July 2003. Kazemi held both Canadian and Iranian nationalities.

Angola

MPs consider bill that would bar journalists from reporting on provisional election results

(MISA/IFEX) - Angolan members of parliament (MPs) are considering passing a bill that would bar journalists from reporting on provisional election results.

Peru

Journalist forced to flee Tocache after receiving death threat

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 5 April 2005, Miguel Ángel Carpio Tananta, a reporter for the "El Informe" television programme and Radio Marginal station in Tocache, San Martín region, northeastern Peru, was forced to flee the city after being warned of a plan to assassinate him. According to the warning, the order to kill him came from the leaders of a national coca farmers' group, who have accused the journalist of making a deal with the government to hand over controversial video footage of one of their leaders, Nancy Obregón, which was later used against the group.

Morocco

Journalist Ali Lmrabet banned from reporting for 10 years

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Radio broadcaster shot; suspects arrested in columnist's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Zambia

Reporter assaulted by police officers

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 April 2005, police in Zambia's Nakonde district beat Zambia Information Service reporter Jonathan Mukuka, forcing him to flee into neighbouring Tanzania for one week.

Niger

Director of Alternative Media Group released

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 7 April 2005, Alternative Media Group director Moussa Tchangari was released from prison. He had been detained since 29 March.

Colombia

RSF releases mission report on press freedom situation in Cúcuta

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2005 RSF press release:

Azerbaijan

Arrests in opposition editor's murder met with suspicion

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Belarus

Prosecutors reopen case of abducted journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Iran

Iranian New Year starts as badly as ever for the press

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the latest negative developments for press freedom that accompanied the arrival of the Iranian New Year in March 2005.

Nepal

Journalist arrested

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Mexico

Gunmen slay newspaper editor in Veracruz state

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over the 8 April 2005 murder of Raúl Gibb Guerrero, editor of the regional daily "La Opinión", in Papantla, in the eastern state of Veracruz. The authorities reportedly suspect drug traffickers of being behind the killing.

Philippines

Journalists alarmed over military suspicions and surveillance

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Philippine journalists are sounding the alarm over military actions purportedly designed to demonise the press and rationalise a campaign to "monitor" their activities.

Burma / Thailand

Refugee relocation campaign stifles work of Burmese journalists in Thailand

(SEAPA/IFEX) - A campaign to relocate Burmese refugees to camps along Thailand's border with Burma is endangering and raising anxiety among exiled Burmese journalists who are operating from within Thailand.

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 to facilitate dialogue on free expression in media development; launches Media Policy for a New Sudan

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2005 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Haiti

CPJ calls for investigation into reporter's death

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Brazil

Editor goes into hiding after attack

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2005 press release:

Nepal

Government suspends advertisements in private media; three journalists detained

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Turkey

Prime minister urged to stop legal hounding of opposition journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's legal hounding of opposition journalists after he won yet another defamation case against a journalist who poked fun at him in a satirical article.

Mexico

CPJ condemns shooting of border journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 6 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Haiti

Miragoâne residents arrest one of Brignol Lindor's alleged murderers

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed the arrest of Joubert St-Just, one of the alleged killers of Radio Echo 2000 presenter Brignol Lindor, who was hacked to death with machetes on 3 December 2001 in the southern town of Petit-Goâve. St-Just was arrested on 30 March 2005 by residents in the nearby town of Miragoâne.

Niger

Radio Alternative FM allowed to reopen, station director remains imprisoned

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has welcomed a Niger court's 5 April 2005 decision recognising the illegality of Radio Alternative FM's closure. The court ordered the station reopened on 6 April at 11:30 a.m. (local time).

Zimbabwe

Tortured journalists win claims for damages

(MISA/IFEX) - Journalist Ray Choto and the estate of the late Mark Chavunduka, have been paid a total of more than 20 million Zimbabwean dollars (approx.US$3,225 at the official rate) in damages and interest claims for the torture and unlawful arrest they suffered following the publication of an alleged abortive coup plot in 1999.

Slovenia

European Federation of Journalists protests draft media law on public broadcasting

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 6 April 2005 media release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ affiliate:

Ukraine

Prosecutor claims confessions in Gongadze case

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

CAPSULE REPORT: RSF outlines seven reasons why the legislative elections were "very clearly unfair"

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 5 April 2005 RSF capsule report:

Brazil

Real estate agencies accused of buying up copies of newspaper containing controversial story

(IPYS/IFEX) - The daily "O Estado de São Paulo" has publicly accused real estate agencies in Ilhabela, on the north coast of São Paulo state, of trying to stop the circulation of the paper's 23 March 2005 edition, which ran a story about the irregular sale of land protected by environmental laws.

Brazil

Security guards use excessive force in ejecting journalists from dump site

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 15 March 2005, security guards at a public garbage dump in the town of Taubaté, São Paulo state, threatened and beat up Paulo Tarso Venceslau, director of "Contato" newspaper, and reporter Alan Brito after they tried to collect information regarding people that work and live illegally in the area, which is managed by City Hall.

Philippines

Radio journalist in Davao faces arrest over defamation suit

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 29 March 2005, a local Philippine radio commentator was ordered arrested by a court as a result of a defamation suit in Davao Oriental, Southern Mindanao.

Kenya

Judge acquits editor of criminal charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Mexico

Journalist shot and seriously injured; another journalist missing

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 6 April 2005 IAPA press release:

Russia

News photographer badly beaten by police officers in Voronezh

(RSF/IFEX) - In a letter to the Russian public prosecutor and interior minister, RSF voiced outrage over the 30 March 2005 beating of photographer Vladimir Lavrov, of the local newspaper "Moyo", by several policemen in Voronezh (500 km south of Moscow). The officers also took his digital camera's memory card, which contained images for the newspaper's next issue.

Uzbekistan

Authorities launch criminal inquiry of Internews

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

Iraq

CBS freelance cameraman shot and wounded by US soldiers

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into a 5 April 2005 incident near the northern city of Mosul in which US soldiers shot and wounded a freelance cameraman working for the US television network CBS News.

Azerbaijan

ARTICLE 19 alarmed that authorities have brought process of developing a comprehensive freedom of information law to a halt

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 5 April 2005 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Philippines

IFJ releases report into 66 media deaths in the Philippines

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 April 2005 IFJ media release:

Haiti

New judge named in the Dominique case; CPJ urges government to revive the investigation

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Brazil

Journalist shot twice in Santa Catarina state

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 23 March 2005, journalist Maurício Melato Barth, owner of the local newspaper "Infobairros", was shot twice in front of his home, in the Meia Praia neighborhood of Itapema, Santa Catarina state.

Iran

Judiciary to release report on investigation into torture and abuse of imprisoned bloggers

(Human Rights Watch/IFEX) - The following is a 5 April 2005 Human Rights Watch press release:

United States

PEN American Center honours librarian with 2005 PEN/Newman's Own First Amendment Award

(PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 4 April 2005 PEN American Center press release:

International

Jailed Saudi author, murdered Gambian newspaper publisher to receive 2005 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Awards

(PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 4 April 2005 PEN American Center press release:

Ethiopia

EFJA details latest developments in controversy surrounding draft press law

(EFJA/IFEX) - The following is a 2 April 2005 EFJA statement:

Tajikistan

Judges' association sues "Varorud" newspaper

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - "Varorud" newspaper is a co-defendant in a civil action brought against it by the Association of Judges of the Republic of Tajikistan. The Sughd Regional Court's Collegium for Civil Cases began hearings into the case against Faiziniso Vohidova, head of the Center for the Support of Legal and Economic Reforms in Sughd region, and the "Varorud" editorial board, which on 3 November 2004 published Vohidova's article entitled, "Judges As Guinea Pigs".

Turkey

International PEN calls for government condemnation of attacks on author Orhan Pamuk

(WiPC/IFEX) - Orhan Pamuk, one of Turkey's most well known and internationally acclaimed authors, has in recent days suffered threats from extremists calling for his books to be seized from public libraries and, in some cases, burned. Pamuk is under attack for comments he made to a Swiss newspaper in March 2005, which have been interpreted by his detractors as anti-Turkish. Debate in the Turkish media has been fierce, with articles both supporting Pamuk and condemning him.

Guatemala

Two journalists receive death threats

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - Journalists Alfonso Guáquez, a CERIGUA correspondent in Sololá department, and Juan Carlos Aquino, host of the Punto Informativo news programme on Novedad Radio in Zacapa department, have recently received death threats by individuals who would appear to feel threatened by the journalists' work.

Uruguay

Investigative journalist receives death threats

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is concerned for the safety of Pablo Fernández, a contributor to Radio 41 and the daily "Primera Hora". On 18 March 2005, the journalist received death threats in San José, southern Uruguay.

Iraq

Al-Arabiya journalist held with non-political detainees for the past week

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has called on Iraqi Interior Minister Falah al-Nakib to do everything in his power to facilitate the release of journalist Waël Issam, of the Dubai-based satellite television news station Al-Arabiya. Issam was arrested at Baghdad International Airport on 28 March 2005.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Provincial governor threatens to close community radio stations

(JED/IFEX) - On 3 April 2005, Augustin Bulaimu, governor of South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), threatened to close the province's community radio stations during a press conference held at the gubernatorial residence.

Zimbabwe

Correspondent for Swedish broadcaster arrested and deported; CPJ condemns British journalists' continued detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 April 2005 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journaliste en danger receives death threats, RSF calls on President Kabila to protect press freedom organisation

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is very worried about death threats received by its partner organisation in Kinshasa, Journalist in Danger (JED), and has called on President Joseph Kabila to take appropriate measures to protect the group.

Guatemala

Journalist receives death threats

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - At noon on 17 March 2005, journalist Marielos Monzón, host of the "Buenos Días" ("Good Morning") programme on Radio Universidad station, received three consecutive threatening calls on her mobile phone. The caller, using obscene language, told the journalist that if she did not stop defending Guatemala's indigenous peoples, she would be killed.

Zimbabwe

Prosecutors refuse to release two British journalists from custody

(MISA/IFEX) - Zimbabwean prosecutors have refused to release two British journalists, using special powers to override a magistrate's order granting them bail.

Niger

MFWA calls for media group director's release and re-opening of Alternative FM

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 29 March 2005, Moussa Tchangari, director of the Alternative Media Group, was jailed at the Penal Camp in Daikaina, located about 160km from Niamey.

Nepal

Provincial newspaper editor dies two weeks after being shot in the head

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced dismay at the 31 March 2005 death of provincial newspaper editor Khagendra Shrestha. Shrestha succumbed to gunshot wounds to the head he received two weeks earlier when armed men burst into his office in Dharan, eastern Nepal. He died in hospital in the Indian town of Siliguri, where he was rushed shortly after being shot.

Nepal

CAPSULE REPORT: IFJ fears culture of self censorship is becoming entrenched in Nepal

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 April 2005 IFJ capsule report:

Lesotho

Journalists summoned, newspaper threatened with legal action

(MISA/IFEX) - On 21 March 2005, "Public Eye" editor-in-chief Bethuel Thai and journalist Khutliso Sekoati were summoned to appear before Lesotho's chief magistrate, Molefi Makara, in connection with an article published in the newspaper's 18 to 24 March edition, entitled, "R350,000 [approx. US$56,600] seized at airport". Thai and Sekoati, who are former MISA-Lesotho national directors, appeared before Chief Magistrate Makara on 21 March.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists detained for 24 hours in Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - On 31 March 2005, Médard Ndinga Masakuba and François Mada, publisher and publication director, respectively, of the twice-weekly Kinshasa-based newspaper "La Manchette", were arrested, handcuffed and taken into custody at the Kinshasa/Kalamu High Court Prosecutor's Office by six judicial police officers.

Cyprus / Turkey

European Court of Human Rights cites Turkish authorities' failures in investigation into journalist's murder

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2005 CPJ press release:

Venezuela

Information minister responds to CPJ after the organisation expressed concern that his comments could endanger journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 March 2005 CPJ press release:

Brazil

Journalist murdered

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 1 April 2005 IAPA press release:

Turkey

Austrian journalist released provisionally, still facing charges

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced relief at an Ankara court's 30 March 2005 decision to provisionally release Austrian journalist Sandra Bakutz pending trial on 1 June. The organisation urged the Turkish authorities to go one step further and drop the charges she faces of "belonging to an illegal organisation".

Turkey

IPI welcomes postponement of new Penal Code, calls for greater discussion with local media organisations

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

Azerbaijan

Supreme Court rejects editor's appeal

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2005 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

South African radio stations granted accreditation to cover elections

(MISA/IFEX) - The South Africa-based Talk Radio 702, and its sister station, 567 CapeTalk, were granted accreditation, late in the day on 24 March 2005, to cover the 31 March general elections in Zimbabwe. This followed an initial refusal by Zimbabwean authorities to grant accreditation to the stations.

China

Lecturer dismissed in growing crackdown on free expression at universities

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the dismissal of Beijing University journalism lecturer Jiao Guobiao and called on the government to restore him to his post and stop restricting Internet discussion forums.

Cuba

Political police try to blackmail dissident journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has condemned the 24 March 2005 interrogation of Oscar Mario González, of the independent news agency Grupo de Trabajo Decoro. González was interrogated in Havana by state security agents. They attempted to blackmail him into ceasing his work as a journalist.

Peru

Journalist assaulted, documents stolen

(IPYS/IFEX) - At midday on 28 March 2005, two unidentified individuals entered the home of Marilu Gambini Lostanau, a freelance journalist based in Chimbote, northern Peru. The two individuals restrained Gambini, then proceeded to destroy and steal several documents related to an ongoing journalistic investigation. Gambini immediately reported the incident to the police.

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalist viciously beaten by demonstrating police officers

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 30 March 2005 RSF statement:

Iran

PEN Canada disturbed about new revelations of torture in Zahra Kazemi case

(PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2005 PEN Canada media release:

International / Belgium

IFJ backs former investigative reporter in legal fight to protect sources

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 March 2005 IFJ media release:

Nepal

CPJ protests journalists' arrests

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2005 CPJ letter to King Gyanendra: