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Alerts - 2008 - July-September

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Tunisia

Human rights activist Tarek Soussi released provisionally

(RSF/IFEX) - On 25 September 2008, an appeal court in Bizerte (60 km north of Tunis) ordered the release of Tarek Soussi, a member of the International Association for the Support of Political Prisoners (AISPP), but he still faces prosecution on charges of "spreading false information liable to disrupt public order" in an interview for the pan-Arab satellite TV station Al-Jazeera.

Guinea

Journalist briefly detained for covering police interrogation

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 24 September 2008, Traoré Facely, a reporter for Familia FM, a privately-owned radio station, was arrested and briefly held in the custody of the Conakry division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guinean police.

Morocco

ANHRI concerned over alleged targeting of university students for peacefully expressing their opinions

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 24 September 2008, ANHRI reported that Moroccan students are being targeted by the authorities for criticising the discriminative educational policies that some of the faculties and universities use against politically active students. Meanwhile, student Jadda Boubkar who was arrested on 21 July in Taza city remains in prison.

China

Authorities ban newspaper for three months for alleged failure to get source's comment

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 September 2008 IFJ media release:

Malaysia

WiPC protests detention of website editor

(WiPC/IFEX) - The Writers in Prison Committee (WIPC) of International PEN protests the detention of Raja Petra Kamaruddin, founder and editor of the website Malaysia Today ( http://mt.m2day.org/2008 ), who was sentenced without trial to two years in prison on 22 September 2008 under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for his critical writings published online. The sentence can be renewed indefinitely. International PEN considers Kamaruddin to be detained in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

Thailand

Journalist reporting on corruption killed in Suphanburi province

(TJA/IFEX) - The TJA condemns the barbaric killing of "Matichon" newspaper reporter Jaruek Rangcharoen, 46, in Suphanburi province on 27 September 2008. The organisation also condemns those behind the murder.

Russia

British freelance journalist stopped at border, CPJ asks government to stop denying entry to international journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 September 2008 CPJ letter to President Dmitry Medvedev:

Bolivia

Camera operator targeted after he is identified as being from a region where the authorities oppose the national government

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 24 September 2008, Carlos Saavedra, a camera operator for the Bolivisión television network, suffered an attempted assault by two unidentified women while he waited outside the San Pedro prison for the lawyer of Pando department governor Leopoldo Fernández. Fernández is being held at the prison in La Paz for having violated the state of siege that was declared in Pando.

Peru

Radio station owner suspends broadcasting of news programme after being pressured by mayor

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 24 September 2008, the owner of La Existosa radio station, Higinio Capuñay Zerpán, ordered the cancellation of the "El Látigo" news programme after its hosts, Víctor Manuel Vidaurre Ñopo and Jorge Pizarro García, criticised the local mayor, Anselmo Lozano Centurión, on issues regarding public security. The incident took place in Chiclayo, Lambayeque region, northern Peru.

Turkey

"Alternatif" newspaper accused of violating press law, shut down for one month

(Antenna-TR/IFEX) - The Istanbul High Criminal Court No. 9 has seized copies of "Alternatif" newspaper and has suspended its publication for one month. The paper, which began publishing in May 2008, is accused of violating Article 25/2 of the Press Law for "publishing the statements of the PKK/KONGRA-GEL organisation".

Burma

CAPSULE REPORT: On first anniversary of Saffron Revolution, despite journalist U Win Tin's release, press freedom and democracy remain "imprisoned", says SEAPA

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 26 September 2008 SEAPA capsule report:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Media representatives receive death threats following coverage of "Queer Festival"

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

Egypt

Reporter arrested while covering protests still detained

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Venezuela

Pamphlets and teargas canisters thrown at Globovisión television station headquarters

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 23 September 2008, unidentified individuals in a vehicle, who later identified themselves as members of the "La Piedrita" group, threw pamphlets and two teargas canisters at the headquarters of the Globovisión television station in Caracas. Some of the station's staff members were on the premises at the time of the attack. They were forced to interrupt their work due to the detonation of the canisters and resulting teargas. The incident coincided with the beginning of the campaign for regional elections that are scheduled to take place on 23 November.

Belarus

Court ruling calling newspaper "extremist" an attempt to silence independent voice, says IFJ

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 September 2008 IFJ media release:

Swaziland

Newspaper targeted in alleged bombing plot over its pro-government stance

(MISA/IFEX) - Swazi police have unearthed a plot to bomb the state-owned "Swazi Observer" newspaper. The development comes in the wake of the arrest of a suspect who survived what the police call a "terrorist" act in which two other men were killed when a bomb exploded prematurely during an attempt to bomb an overhead bridge on 20 September 2008 near King Mswati's palace at Lozitha, outside Mbabane, the capital city.

Mexico

Attorney General's Office investigations indicate that members of civil society group assassinated journalist

(CEPET/IFEX) - According to information published in "La Jornada" newspaper, investigations conducted by the federal Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría General de la República, PGR) have indicated that members of the Popular Assembly of the Peoples of Oaxaca (Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca, APPO) were responsible for the assassination of U.S. journalist Bradley Will. As such, the PGR apparently intends to request arrest warrants against several of the organisation's members.

Sierra Leone

Police Council assumes responsibility in assault on journalists, pledges compensation for damages

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 24 September 2008, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) lifted the news blackout it imposed on the activities of the country's police over attacks on some of its members by police personnel.

Thailand

Ex-prime minister's sentence further entrenches criminal defamation and deepens threat to freedom of expression in Thailand, says SEAPA

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Thailand's Court of Appeals upheld a two-year jail term on former Thailand Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej for defaming a former deputy city governor, media reports said.

Mexico

Judge exonerates journalist but sentences writer in lawsuit stemming from book's publication

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - On 23 September 2008, more than four years after the beginning of legal proceedings, a Mexico City judge exonerated journalist Miguel Ángel Granados Chapa in a case brought against him by Congressman Gerardo Sosa Castelán. Judge Miguel Ángel Robles Villegas, however, sentenced writer Alfredo Rivera Flores to pay an as yet to be determined fine in the same case.

Bahrain

Website accused of violating press code, BCHR concerned that move is aimed at silencing critical voices

(BCHR/IFEX) - In a statement sent to the press, the Bahrain Ministry of Information (MOI) announced that it has referred one public website to the Public Prosecution (PP) for violating the 2002 Press Code. "Al-Ayam" newspaper reported that the public forum in question is known as the "National Edifice Forum (NEF)", http://www.wattani.net

Guatemala

Congress passes access to information law

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 24 September 2008 IAPA press release:

Italy

Cuts at private TV channel "pose a serious danger to pluralism in Italian media," says IFJ

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 September 2008 IFJ media release:

El Salvador

Community radio reporter assaulted by municipal officials

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF calls on the police and judicial authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into a 17 September 2008 incident in Huizucar, a municipality near San Salvador, in which Allan Martell, a reporter and producer with Radio Bálsamo ( http://balsamofm.blogspot.com ), a community radio station based in Zaragoza , in the western department of La Libertad, was assaulted and threatened by local officials while making a documentary about water distribution problems. Roberto Gúzman, a member of the Communal Vision Development Association (ADESCOVI), a non-governmental organisation based in Huizucar, was also assaulted.

East Timor

Government vows to decriminalise defamation

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The government of Timor Leste announced on 24 September 2008 its decision to decriminalise the country's Defamation Law, a move that was welcomed by the Timor Lorosa'e Journalists Association (TLJA).

Yemen

Outspoken editor pardoned, released

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Mali

Newspaper journalist detained overnight by police officer

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 20 September 2008, Sidiki Doumba, journalist with "Les Echos", a Bamako-based independent newspaper was arrested and detained overnight at a police station in Kita, a town 15 kilometres from the capital.

China

Central Propaganda Department escalates restrictions on reporting on milk powder scandal

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 September 2008 IFJ media release:

Turkey

Media organisations respond to the current tension between media and the government

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 24 September 2008 joint declaration by the IPI National Committee and other professional media organisations in Turkey:

Mexico

Radio announcer killed while carrying out campaign against organised crime

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 23 September 2008, radio announcer Alejandro Zenón Fonseca Estrada was assassinated by armed individuals as he was carrying out a campaign against organised crime in the streets of Villa Hermosa, Tabasco, southeastern Mexico.

Mexico / Gender

Bookstore chain blocks sales of book about Catholic Church abuses

(CEPET/IFEX) - Journalist and author Sanjuana Martínez Montemayor has said that the Samborns bookstore chain, which is owned by powerful businessman Carlos Slim and is one of the most popular bookstores in Mexico, has blocked the sale of two books in which she documented cases of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Mexico.

Palestine

Cameraman arrested in Bethlehem; editor released

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the continuing press censorship in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, which has not spared the Palestinian broadcast media, and calls for the release of Ossayd Amarneh, a cameraman employed by Al-Aqsa TV, the mouthpiece of the Islamic party Hamas, who was arrested in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on 21 September 2008.

Tunisia

CPJ releases special report on Tunisia

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is 23 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Kazakhstan

Media group employee assaulted, group president's car set on fire

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - On 17 September 2008, Nurseit Kaltayev, a driver for the Aygak media group, was assaulted and the car of the group's president, Dulat Abish, was set on fire. The incident occurred at a car wash in Shymkent, South Kazakhstan.

Brazil

IAPA concerned over introduction of bill amending wiretapping regulations

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 24 September 2008 IAPA press release:

Zambia

Government calls on broadcasters to end live phone-in programmes

(MISA/IFEX) - The Zambia government, through the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has written a letter to all broadcasters, both commercial and community, calling upon them to desist from live phone-in broadcast programmes that involve members of the public.

Egypt

Ministry of Information prohibits media from reporting on recent kidnapping, later revokes decision

(ANHRI/IFEX) - ANHRI condemned a 23 September 2008 decision, issued by the Ministry of Information press office, prohibiting reporting on the recent kidnapping of 8 Egyptians and 11 foreign tourists.

Cameroon

Douala-based newspaper publisher arrested and jailed

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the detention of journalist Lewis Medjo in the western city of Douala. The publisher of the Douala-based "Détente Libre" weekly, Medjo was arrested by the head of the judiciary police as he left a dinner in a Douala hotel on the evening of 22 September 2008.

Singapore

Court finds magazine, editor guilty of defaming prime minister and his father

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Singapore's High Court has found the "Far Eastern Economic Review" (FEER) and its editor, Hugo Restall, guilty of defaming Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong and his father, Lee Kuan Yew, media reports said.

Iran

Four Azeri journalists in detention without charge, female blogger sentenced to prison pending appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is worried about a rise in tension between the Iranian authorities and journalists who belong to Iran's Azeri community. Four Azeri journalists have been held without charge for more than 10 days, possibly in Tehran's Evin prison, while an Azeri journalist and blogger was sentenced to six months in prison on 20 September 2008 for her online articles.

Philippines

Tabloid columnist, editors and publisher face libel charges; court denies petition filed by newspaper staff

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 16 September 2008, the Philippines Supreme Court upheld the guilty verdict on a 1999 libel case filed by a customs official against a columnist, three editors, and the publisher of a local tabloid. Libel is a criminal offence punishable with jail terms in the Philippines.

Zimbabwe

Authorities release activist held on charges of "communicating falsehoods"

(MISA/IFEX) - On 16 September 2008, Peter Muchengeti, the regional chairman of the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) in the Midlands Province, was freed after being held on charges of communicating falsehoods, owing to lack of evidence in the matter.

Bulgaria

Website editor beaten with hammers in Sofia

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Bangladesh

IPI calls for immediate release of editor imprisoned since March 2007

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 23 September 2008 IPI press release:

Burma

Journalist U Win Tin released after 19 years in prison

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Burmese journalist U Win Tin, the longest term political prisoner in military-ruled Burma, was released on 23 September 2008, along with 9,000 other prisoners, media reports said.

Dominican Republic

Judge orders seizure of media investigation materials

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 18 September 2008 IAPA press release:

Bahrain

Reformist writer banned from addressing public issues and publishing his speeches

(BCHR/IFEX) - The BCHR is gravely concerned about the continuing clampdown on freedom of opinion and expression in Bahrain which resulted in Sheikh Salah Al-Jowder being prevented from distributing his sermons for Friday prayers to local newspapers.

United States

Journalists arrested during Republican convention will not be prosecuted

(RSF/IFEX) - The "Minneapolis Star Tribune" newspaper reported on 19 September 2008 that the St. Paul authorities will not prosecute journalists who were picked up in the course of mass arrests that took place in St. Paul, Minnesota, on 1 September during the Republic Party convention.

Nepal

Newspaper office vandalised, distributor and journalists attacked in separate incidents

(FNJ/IFEX) - The office of "Sandhyakalin Daily", an evening paper located in Bhotahiti, a district in central Kathmandu, was attacked on 21 September 2008 at around 1 p.m. (local time) by demonstrators.

Burma

Detained Rangoon-based journalist transferred to notorious Insein prison

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Saw Myint Than, the Rangoon-based "Flower News" journal's chief reporter, who was arrested for alleged violations of the Electronics Transaction Law and Unlawful Associations Act, has been transferred to Burma's notorious Insein prison.

United States / Afghanistan

U.S. military frees Afghan journalist from Bagram

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Tunisia

Two months after his release, plainclothes police threaten journalist Slim Boukhdir

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is very concerned about independent journalist Slim Boukhdir following his arrest in the southern city of Sfax on the night of 20 September 2008 by four plain-clothes policemen, who threatened him because of his articles and then dumped him 10 km outside the city. It was the first serious incident since his release from prison in July.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Global TV station manager in prison following "inciting rebellion" charges; journalist and cameraman in hiding after arrest warrants issued

(JED/IFEX) - Global TV station manager Daudet Lukombo was transferred to Kinshasa's main prison (Centre Pénitentiaire et de Rééducation de Kinshasa, CPRK) on 18 September 2008 after seven days in police detention. Lukombo was arrested on 12 September following a raid on the privately-owned Kinshasa station.

Vietnam

Several dissidents arrested as part of crackdown by authorities

(WiPC/IFEX) - The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is alarmed about an apparent crackdown on dissidents in Vietnam, in which a number of writers have been arrested in recent weeks. This brings the total number of writers detained in Vietnam to sixteen. International PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained in Vietnam for the peaceful exercise of their right to free expression, in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Vietnam is a signatory.

Malaysia

Blogger given two-year jail term

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Malaysia has sentenced a prominent blogger who had been charged under the tough Internal Security Act (ISA) to two years' imprisonment, according to media reports.

Zimbabwe

Woman acquitted of practicing journalism without accreditation

(MISA/IFEX) - Sixty-year old Margaret Ann Kriel who had been arrested in Bulawayo on 10 April 2008 on allegations of practicing journalism without proper accreditation was on 18 September 2008 acquitted of the offence at the close of the State case.

Sierra Leone

Journalists impose news blackout on police activities to protest assault on colleagues

(MFWA/IFEX) - The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on September 22, 2008 imposed a news blackout on police activities as part of a campaign to demand justice for journalists who were violently assaulted by Sierra Leone Police Force personnel in August.

Moldova

CORRECTION: Newspaper staff harassed after publishing critical report

(IJC/IFEX) - Please note that a version of this alert issued on 22 September 2008 erroneously stated that the Security and Information Service had recruited a group of young men to harass the "Ziarul de Garda" newspaper's staff. In fact, an employee of the security forces recruited the young men for another mission. After the newspaper published an article referring to this fact, newspaper staff were harassed by unidentified persons. The IFEX Clearing House apologises for the error. The corrected version of this alert follows:

Saudi Arabia

Cleric issues fatwa against journalists and writers

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Ecuador

Supporters of Yes option in referendum for a new constitution assault camera operator; ministerial resolution could lead to restrictions on journalistic work

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 12 September 2008, Eduardo Molina, a camera operator for the Red Telesistema (RTS) television network, was assaulted by demonstrators who were waiting for the arrival of President Rafael Correa at the Hilton Colón hotel, in the city of Guayaquil.

Bolivia

Explosive device thrown at television station's headquarters; media outlets and journalists covering violence in various parts of the country attacked or impeded from carrying out their work

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 16 September 2008, the headquarters of Canal 9 Red Uno television station, located in the Recoleta area of the city of Cochabamba, in central Bolivia, was attacked with an explosive device that destroyed the building's windows and those of adjoining houses.

Nepal

Threats to expel protesting Tibetan refugees "a politically motivated method of suppressing minority group's freedom of speech," says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 19 September 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Iraq

New journalists' union leader targeted in Baghdad bomb attack, injured with several others in blast

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 September 2001 IFJ media release:

Vietnam

Police detain, beat Associated Press reporter

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Moldova

Security forces harass newspaper staff for publishing critical report

(IJC/IFEX) - The following is a 12 September 2008 joint press release by IJC and other Moldovan media organisations:

Russia

Editor-in-chief of newspaper convicted of slander, given suspended sentence; CJES calls for decriminalisation of defamation

(CJES/IFEX) - Stanislav Glukhov, editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Khabarovsky Express", has been convicted of slander (a crime under Article 129 of the Russian Criminal Code), for disseminating false information and defaming Dmitry Rozenkov, a member of the local parliament.

Singapore

Blogger sentenced to three months in jail; newspaper faces possible contempt charge for criticising judiciary

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Peru

Journalist denounces harassment by police after live broadcast of interview with Shining Path leader

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 18 September 2008, journalist Cirilo Vásquez, host of the "Luz a la Noticia" programme broadcast by La Luz radio station, told IPYS that the police and the intelligence services are pressuring him by way of telephone calls, summoning him after he broadcast a live interview with a man known as "Artemio", the leader of the Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) terrorist group in Alto Huallaga. He said he is also being followed. The incidents have taken place in Aucayacu, in the Huánuco region of central Peru.

Venezuela

Human Rights Watch staff expelled hours after presentation of critical report at news conference

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 19 September 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

South Africa

Cartoonist receives death threats, faces possible legal action over controversial cartoon

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

Somalia

Journalist arrested following complaint by humanitarian organisation

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is appalled to learn of the arrest and treatment meted out by Somaliland police to journalist Abdiqani Ismail Goh of Radio Las Anod.

Malaysia

Another blogger arrested for allegedly posting seditious material online, faces investigation

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Malaysian blogger Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz, the second to be arrested in a week's time, will be transferred to Kuala Lumpur for further investigation for allegedly posting seditious materials online, media reports said.

Niger

Prosecution seeks change of charge against detained journalist Moussa Kaka

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 16 September 2008, the Director of Public Prosecution at the Niamey Appeals Court requested that the charge of "complicity in undermining the authority of the state", for which Moussa Kaka, has been detained for a year be substituted with "acts likely to undermine the security of the state."

Eritrea

RSF urges European Union to shake off lethargy after seven years of silence since September 2001 crackdown

(RSF/IFEX) - On the seventh anniversary of the start of a wave of round-ups on 18 September 2001, Reporters Without Borders appeals to each of the European Union's 27 members to publicly endorse the organisation's call for the most senior members of the Eritrean government and military to be declared personae non gratae.

Tibet (China)

Tibetan TV news presenter arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is deeply worried about Tibetan TV presenter Washu Rangjong's arrest by Chinese military police officers at his home in Amdo Golok, in the east Tibetan district of Sertha, on 11 September 2008. Washu is also a singer and the author of two books on Tibetan culture.

Guinea

Newspaper suspended for three months for criticising minister, journalists prohibited from working for other media outlets

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 15 September 2008, the National Communications Council (CNC), the media regulatory body in Guinea, suspended "La Vérité", a Conakry-based weekly newspaper, for three months for allegedly using "offensive language" that the CNC said could "undermine the honour and dignity" of the public.

Nigeria

Television station suspended, journalists detained

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

TV station raided, manager detained after broadcast of controversial news conference

(JED/IFEX) - JED reiterates its urgent call for the release of Daudet Lukombo, Global TV's station manager, who was detained in secret for 48 hours in a cell at the police special services branch known as Kin-Mazière, before being transferred on 13 September 2008 at around 1:00 p.m. (local time) to a cell at the public prosecutor's office in Kinshasa/Gombe.

Morocco

Court of appeal overturns blogger's sentence

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

Moldova

Recent legal developments threaten freedom of expression and access to information

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 17 September 2008 press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Algeria

Three journalists arrested, questioned about sources and released

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

Afghanistan

Radio station editor and owner reportedly threatened by provincial governor

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

Burma

Websites of news agencies in exile attacked on eve of Saffron Revolution anniversary

(Mizzima/IFEX) - On the eve of the first anniversary of the week-long Saffron Revolution, the websites of three leading Burmese news agencies in exile have come under attack, rendering them inaccessible since the afternoon of 17 September 2008.

Zimbabwe

Freedom of expression addressed in Zanu-PF/MDC agreement; MISA calls for explicit constitutional guarantee of media freedom

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 16 September 2008 MISA statement:

Palestine

Journalist remains in detention despite a judicial order for his release

(ANHRI/IFEX) - Journalist Mustafa Sabry remains in custody despite a Supreme Court order for his release handed down on 10 September 2008. Sabry, a freelance journalist, was detained by Palestinian intelligence forces on 31 July in the West Bank city of Qalqilya.

Palestine / Israel

Palestine journalists renew demands for freedom of movement as plans for upcoming congress face constraints imposed by Israeli authorities

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 September 2008 IFJ media release:

China

RSF website blocked again

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders discovered on 17 September 2008 that access to its main website ( http://www.rsf.org ) has again been blocked within China. The site had been accessible since 1 August, a week before the start of the Olympic Games.

United States

Galveston mayor bans city staff from giving media interviews about Hurricane Ike; journalist expelled from refugee camp

(RSF/IFEX) - Mayor of Galveston, Texas, Lyda Ann Thomas, on 15 September 2008, banned city council staff from giving media interviews about the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Ike, "The Galveston County Daily News" reported. The hurricane struck the city with full force on 13 September, leaving five dead and forcing the evacuation to shelters of 2,500 others. The mayor specified that the ban also applied to police chiefs and fire-fighters.

Mexico

Court decision protects sources but orders newspaper to hand over documents

(CEPET/IFEX) - The Mexican Electoral Tribunal has ruled that "La Jornada" newspaper has the right to protect its sources, and by doing so has set a new legal precedent in the country. However, the tribunal also ruled that the newspaper must hand over documents relating to four articles it published in May and June 2006 about allegations of vote buying and diversion of public funds by the National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional, PAN) in Tlalnepantla, Mexico state. The diversion of funds was allegedly committed by the Attorney General's Office and funneled towards the campaign of President Felipe Calderón.

Burma

Publishers report losses due to deputy censor chief's strict policies

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Local journalists in Rangoon claimed that their publications have been suffering from financial losses due to the harsh policies of the deputy chief of the censor board.

Yemen

Fixer released, another remains in detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 September 2008 CPJ press release:

International

CPJ to honour five journalists at International Press Freedom Awards ceremony

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)

Four charged in 2001 murder of investigative journalist

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 17 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Tibet (China)

Two Tibetan documentary filmmakers held for past six months

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the Chinese authorities to release Dhondup Wangchen, who made a documentary about Tibet, and Jigme Gyatso, his friend and camera assistant. They have been unjustly detained since March 2008 for filming interviews with Tibetans, above all in the Amdo region of Tibet.

Nigeria

Translator who had worked with deported American filmmaker must again report to security services

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Bolivia

Journalist shot during military operation; armed forces prevent privately-owned media outlets from covering events in Pando; journalists assaulted by government supporters

(IPYS/IFEX) - As a result of Bolivia's ongoing political crisis, the nation's media outlets have been subjected to a series of violations of both their freedom of expression and their right to information.

China

Websites, some local media outlets face restrictions in reporting on milk powder scandal

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 September 2008 IFJ media release:

Venezuela

Deceased man's relatives assault journalist investigating cause of his death; governor accuses media directors of being involved in alleged plan to assassinate President Chávez

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 6 September 2008, journalist Milko Marín, of "Panorama" newspaper, was assaulted while he was on assignment outside a morgue in the city of Maracaibo, Zulia state, northern Venezuela.

Taiwan

UN urged to stop discriminating against Taiwanese journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders deplores the UN's refusal to issue accreditation to the Taiwanese media for the 63rd session of General Assembly that opened in New York on 16 September 2008. The press freedom organisation recently wrote to Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon asking him to help find a way for Taiwan's journalists to be able to cover the General Assembly.

Peru

Journalist receives death threat, possibly for reporting on issues related to the army's high command; IPYS correspondent in Loreto receives death threat

(IPYS/IFEX) - From 9 to 14 September 2008, Américo Zambrano, a journalist for "Caretas" magazine investigative unit, received death threats via both his work telephone and his mobile. Zambrano said that, based on the voice, he believes that all of the threats were made by the same person, who also warned him that he is being followed. The incidents took place in Lima.

Bolivia

More journalists and media outlets targeted in internal conflict

(IPYS/IFEX) - In a week of violent confrontations between supporters and opponents of President Evo Morales's government in the departments of Santa Cruz, Cobija, Tarija and, to a lesser degree, in the city of La Paz, several media outlets and journalists have been the target of threats and attacks.

Romania

Football officials incite players to hurt, abuse journalists

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 September 2008 IFJ media release:

Zimbabwe

MISA appeals to incoming government to prioritise transformation of ZBC into independent public service broadcaster

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 15 September 2008 MISA statement:

Saudi Arabia

High-ranking official issues fatwa against media professionals for spreading "depravity"

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has voiced its deep concern about an upsurge in fatwas (religious decrees) calling for the murder of journalists in the Arab and Muslim world.

Swaziland

Government approves licences for four radio stations but many limitations subsist, says MISA

(MISA/IFEX) - Swaziland's attempt to free its airwaves took a significant and commendable step forward on 15 September 2008 when government announced the approval of four radio licences to be issued within a month.

Senegal

Following appeal, court exonerates journalist of two offences, but he still faces possible prison term

(MFWA/IFEX) - Lawyers of El Malick Seck, jailed editor-in-chief of "24 Heures Chrono", a Dakar-based daily newspaper, on 12 September 2008 appealed the three-year prison sentence given their client by a court for publishing "false news", "inciting the public" and "public insult".

Bulgaria

IFJ welcomes decision to revoke prize awarded to journalist known for attacking Roma minority

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 September 2008 IFJ media release:

Bangladesh

Government urged to move on pending legislation, approve strong Right to Information Ordinance

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 15 September 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Syria

RSF delegation, French journalists denied entry at border

(RSF/IFEX) - A Reporters Without Borders delegation led by its secretary-general, Robert Ménard, together with well-known French TV journalist Patrick Poivre d'Arvor and photographer François Daburon were denied entry to Syria at a Lebanese border crossing on 13 September 2008.

International

East African journalists, editors and press freedom activists come together during regional conference on "Challenges and Obstacles of Practicing Journalism in Eastern Africa"

(NUSOJ/ Media Institute/IFEX) - The following is a 12 September 2008 joint statement by NUSOJ and Media Institute:

Sri Lanka

Crisis in "Siyatha" newspaper, resignation of four journalists, highlights need for editorial independence, says FMM

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 15 September 2008 FMM press release:

Iraq

Three TV journalists and driver killed in Mosul, several suspects arrested

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Indonesia

Journalist charged with defamation; AJI concerned new law may silence press by way of jail terms and heavy fines

(AJI/IFEX) - AJI is deeply concerned that a recent law on the electronic media might pose a threat to press freedom in Indonesia.

Argentina

Journalist threatened, harassed in Chos Malal, allegedly by Neuquén provincial police

(FOPEA /IFEX) - FOPEA expresses its concern about the situation confronting journalist Juan Carlos Parada, who has received at least two strongly-worded threats and been the target of other acts of aggression in the last two months. Parada is a radio programme host and a "Diario Río Negro" newspaper correspondent in the city of Chos Malal, Neuquén province, located in Argentina's Patagonia region.

Peru

Communications ministry attempts to shut down radio station, allegedly for failing to support the government; Congress refuses to provide information about parliamentary spending

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 September 2008, the director of Radio Uno radio station, Fernando Rondinel, said that two officials from the Transport and Communications Ministry (Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones, MTC) forced their way into the station in order to shut it down. The incident took place in the city of Tacna, southern Perú.

Somalia

Bay region governor criticises and threatens journalists

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - On 14 September 2008, NUSOJ condemned the governor of the Bay region, Abdifatah Mohammed Ibrahim, for his campaign against the independent news media, notably against journalists who cover the conflict between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), with its allied Ethiopian troops, and Islamic insurgents.

Venezuela

Acquittal of alleged drug baron in journalist's murder is "a victory for impunity", warns RSF

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF calls for a review of the trial of alleged regional drug baron Ceferino García, who was acquitted by a court in Maturín, in the northeastern state of Monagas, on 28 August 2008 of masterminding the murder of Mauro Marcano. A radio and newspaper journalist, Marcano was gunned down outside his Maturín home on 1 September 2004.

Senegal

Court awards damages to newspaper, convicts 12 assailants

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 8 September 2008, a court in Dakar awarded an amount of 20 million FCFA (about US$43,187) as compensation to "L'As", a privately-owned Dakar-based newspaper, which was recently ransacked by individuals loyal to Minister of Aviation Farba Senghor.

Argentina

San Luis National Radio station subjected to repeated attacks

(FOPEA /IFEX) - On 11 September 2008, FOPEA announced its mounting concern with respect to a series of events that appear to amount to a concerted effort to silence the LRA 29 San Luis National Radio station (LRA 29 Radio Nacional San Luis), located in the province of San Luis, in the central western region of Argentina. The organisation is calling on the provincial government of Alberto Rodríguez Saá to immediately investigate the incidents.

Bolivia

Radio stations on Brazilian border suspend broadcasting because of attacks on journalists; opponents of government accused of knocking down state-owned radio station antenna

(IPYS/IFEX) - Since 4 September 2008, at least four journalists linked to radio stations working in partnership with state-owned networks have been threatened and attacked in the city of Cobija, Pando department. The radio stations have suspended their broadcasting as a preventative measure. Pando lies on the Brazilian border in northern Bolivia, and, recently, violent confrontations have been taking place in the area between local farmers who support President Evo Morales's government and those who do not.

Malaysia

Blogger and journalist taken into custody in flurry of arrests; journalist later released, whereabouts of blogger still unknown

(SEAPA/IFEX) - A prominent blogger, a journalist, and one opposition politician were arrested under Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA) on 12 September 2008, in what media and activists are afraid may be the start of a wider crackdown ahead of an anticipated opposition push to gain control of parliament in the coming days.

Pakistan

Four journalists temporarily abducted, assaulted during armed attack on press club

(PPF/IFEX) - On 14 September 2008, a group of about 50 armed men attacked the Shahpur Jehanian Press Club, of Tehsil Daulatpur, in Nawabshah District of Pakistan's southern province of Sindh. The attackers beat and abducted four journalists and took physical control of the press club.

The Gambia

Newspaper publisher detained again, ordered to stop publication, faces new charges

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 11 September 2008, Abdul Hamid Adiamoh, publisher and editor of "Today", a privately-owned Banjul-based newspaper, who is standing trial for allegedly "publishing with seditious intention", was arrested and detained by the Serious Crime Unit of the Gambian Police Force.

Liberia

Newspaper managing editor and reporter receive death threats; football club president threatens to have sports journalist flogged

(CEMESP/IFEX) - Moses Sonkarley, the managing editor of Liberia's newest newspaper "The Renaissance", and Nathaniel McClin, a reporter for the paper, have complained of threats against their lives following the publication of a front page story in the 10 September 2008 edition of the paper about an alleged coup plot against the government.

Turkey

Prime Minister issues ultimatum against media group for covering corruption scandal

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 12 September 2008 IPI press release:

Indonesia

Magazine and its editor fined, ordered to publish apology for defaming agribusiness giant

(AJI/IFEX) - AJI, a member of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), has condemned a Central Jakarta District Court's decision finding "Tempo" magazine guilty of defaming agribusiness giant Asian Agri.

Mexico

Congress initiates process to make crimes against journalists a federal offence, debate over definition of journalist

(CEPET/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of an 11 September 2008 CEPET press release:

Colombia

Supreme Court rules that refusal to provide information for reasons of "national security" must be fully justified

(FLIP/IFEX) - The Colombian Supreme Court has ordered the country's National Army to fulfill a journalist's request for information and has indicated that refusals by government institutions to provide information for reasons of "national security" must be fully explained.

Canada

Un caméraman expulsé de l'assemblée d'un conseil municipal

(FPJQ/IFEX) - Ci-dessous, une lettre de la FPJQ adressée au Maire de Brossard, datée du 11 septembre 2008

Argentina

Journalist's home targeted with homemade explosive

(FOPEA /IFEX) - FOPEA strongly condemns the attack with a low intensity explosive on the home of journalist Edgardo Esteban. The attack took place on 11 September 2008 at 3:50 a.m. (local time).

Afghanistan

Former journalist and mullah sentenced to 20 years in prison for publishing translation of Koran, printer gets five-year suspended sentence

(ARTICLE 19/RSF/IFEX) - The following is a joint ARTICLE 19 and RSF press release:

Mexico

Lack of clear legislation and government violations of international commitments reinforce community media fear of closures

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the federal authorities to clarify the legal situation of community radio stations that are threatened with closure or repeated suspension. The case of Radio Totopo, a station based in Juchitán (in the southern state of Oaxaca), is one of many that highlight Mexico's failure to respect international agreements protecting community media.

Senegal

Dakar newspaper editor gets three years in prison for libelling president, newspaper suspended for three months

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders urges President Abdoulaye Wade to quickly embark on a thorough overhaul of Senegal's press legislation after El Malick Seck, the editor of the Dakar-based daily "24 Heures Chrono", was sentenced to three years in prison on 12 September 2008 for an article claiming that the president was involved in money laundering.

Burundi

Website editor jailed for reporting on president's extravagant spending during Beijing trip

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls for the release of Jean-Claude Kavumbagu, the editor of the Net Press news website ( http://www.netpress.bi/ ), who was arrested and jailed on 11 September 2008 for allegedly defaming the government in a report about how much the president spent on his visit to the Beijing Olympic Games.

Morocco

Blogger recently sentenced for criticising king released pending outcome of appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders hails the 11 September 2008 decision by an Agadir court to provisionally release blogger Mohamed Erraji pending the outcome of his appeal against the two-year prison sentence he received on 8 September for criticising the king in an online article. Erraji had been held in Inzegane prison, near Agadir.

Philippines

IFJ denounces president's description of media as "freest in the world"

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 September 2008 IFJ media release:

International

Reject idea of "defamation of religion", urge ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an 11 September 2008 joint ARTICLE 19 and CIHRS statement:

Philippines

Supreme Court ruling upholding presidential advisor's "executive privilege" a threat to freedom of information, says CMFR

(CMFR/IFEX) - The following is an 11 September 2008 CMFR statement, commenting on a recent decision by the Supreme Court regarding a National Broadband Network (NBN) deal and questions posed to a presidential advisor:

Sri Lanka

Imprisoned journalists reportedly subjected to torture and ill treatment

(WiPC/IFEX) - International PEN's Writers in Committee protests the detention of Tamil journalists V. Jasikaran and J. S. Tissainayagam, who have been held for six months under terrorist legislation, apparently for their critical writings. PEN is also seriously concerned about allegations that both men have been subjected to torture and ill treatment by the Sri Lankan authorities in Colombo. International PEN seeks assurances of their well being, guarantees that their basic rights are being respected and demands that they are given full access to all necessary medical care as a matter of urgency. International PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of both journalists, in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Sri Lanka is a state party.

Spain

Dutch journalist's photographs seized, he is ordered to testify in human smuggling case

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

China

Uyghur radio station employee dismissed, arrested over critical articles posted online

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the dismissal and arrest of Mehbube Ablesh, a member of the Uyghur community in the northwestern province of Xinjiang, who worked for Xinjiang People's Radio Station, a government station based in the provincial capital of Urumqi.

Bolivia

Opposition activists attack state-owned media

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 10 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Georgia / Russia

Polish television crew freed in South Ossetia

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Malaysia

Media groups raise concerns over government plan to create national media council

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and the Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) have urged the Malaysian government to hold consultations with public and civil society groups before instituting a mechanism that would potentially further restrict media freedom.

Australia / Thailand

Australian author arrested on lèse-majesté charge, denied bail

(RSF/IFEX) - Australian author Harry Nicolaides, who has been held since 31 August 2008 on a lèse-majesté charge over a passage in his 2005 novel "Verisimilitude" that criticises the king's eldest son, Bhumibol Adulyadej, issued a public apology during a meeting with Reporters Without Borders in Bangkok's main prison.

Mexico

News programme's signal cut off in Quintana Roo

(CEPET/IFEX) - Former employees of the "Código 9" news programme, broadcast by Zoom TV television station in Chetumal, Quintana Roo state, southern Mexico, have spoken out against the cutting of the programme's signal without any apparent prior notification. They attribute the cutting of the signal to reports that were broadcast on the programme regarding allegations of corruption by local authorities.

Vietnam

Blogger sentenced to prison for alleged tax fraud

(RSF/IFEX) - On 10 September 2008, Blogger Nguyen Hoang Hai, better known by the pseudonym of Dieu Cay, was sentenced by a Ho Chi Minh City court to two and a half years in prison for "tax fraud." Foreign journalists were not allowed into the courtroom during the trial.

Peru

Radio station manager assaulted and injured by mayor of Paucarpata; reporter and cameraman assaulted by university rector's lawyer

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is concerned about a new outbreak of physical attacks and threats on the news media since the end of August 2008, which is indicative of a careless attitude on the part of the police and judiciary towards those responsible for violence against journalists.

International

South Asian journalists' network adopts regional media charter

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

Nigeria

American filmmaker released after 10 days in detention, translator still faces questioning

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 9 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Senegal

Jailed editor denied bail

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 1 September 2008, El Malick Seck, editor-in-chief of "24 Heures Chrono", a Dakar-based daily newspaper who is being detained for allegedly libelling President Abdoulaye Wade, made his first appearance in court.

Russia

Newspaper editor released on bail

(WiPC/IFEX) - Nikolai Andrushchenko, co-founder and editor of the newspaper "Novy Peterburg", was freed on bail according to a decision taken by the Dzerzhinski District Court of St Petersburg, on 20 May 2008.

Sri Lanka

Female journalist shot, in critical condition

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 9 September 2008 FMM press release:

Egypt

Two publications' licences revoked

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 7 September 2008, the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information, Anhri.net, condemned the revoking of the licences of both "Azzohour" magazine and "Ashorouq" newspaper in less than one week. The security agencies decided that "Azzohour" magazine should not be published, and took offence to the fact that some of "Ashorouq" newspaper's shareholders are journalists.

Morocco

After unfair trial, blogger sentenced to two years in prison and fine for article about king

(ANHRI/IFEX) - ANHRI has condemned the severe sentence that blogger Mohamed Erraji received on 9 September 2008 from a court in Agadir of two years in prison and a fine of 5,000 Moroccan dirhams (approx. US$625) for "disparagement of the king". The case stems from an article entitled "The King Encourages the Dependency of his People" that Erraji published on his blog on 3 September 2008.

Panama

Judge orders seizure of weekly after story on alleged tax evasion

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Niger

Minister threatens to ban all media professional groups

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 4 September 2008, Mohamed Ben Omar, Niger's minister of communication threatened to dissolve all media professional groups in the country.

Iraq / United States

Cameraman freed by U.S.; another still held

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Pakistan

Journalist detained, threatened and assaulted by security forces

(PPF/IFEX) - On 4 September 2008, Musa Khankhel, a correspondent for the daily newspaper "The News" and the television channel Geo TV, was mistreated by security forces personnel. The incident occurred near the town of Mingora, in the troubled district of Swat in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

China

Dissident writer released after 16 years in prison

(WiPC/IFEX) - The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN welcomes the release of University lecturer, political activist and dissident writer Hu Shigen on 26 of August 2008, after spending sixteen years and three months in prison. International PEN remains concerned that he remains under restrictions, and reminds the Chinese authorities of their obligations to Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

India

Curfew lifted; crisis period has taken heavy toll on press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders voices full solidarity with journalists in Indian Kashmir, who have undergone one of the worst periods in decades since the outbreak of protests in early August 2008. The press freedom violations have taken a heavy toll, with a cameraman killed, more than 30 journalists beaten by security forces, local TV stations censored and newspapers unable to publish normally because of a curfew.

Morocco

Newspaper editor's trial for disrespecting king adjourned indefinitely

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders regrets that newspaper editor Ahmed Reda Benchemsi's year-old trial on a charge of "disrespect for the king" was adjourned indefinitely on 3 September 2008 by a Casablanca court. The presiding judge said at the end of the hearing that "the court could summon Mr. Benchemsi again if all of the prosecution case requirements are met."

Egypt

Government offensive against freedom of expression on TV includes new broadcasting bill

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns growing Egyptian government control over the media, especially the broadcast media. Egypt already has a repressive press law and a state of emergency law that has been in effect since 1981. In November, parliament is due to examine a new broadcasting bill that is causing further concern. At the same time, several production companies working with foreign satellite TV stations have already been censored this year.

Philippines

Appeals Court reverses decision on a libel case

(CMFR/IFEX) - Saying it would have "a devastating and catastrophic effect on the freedom of speech and of the press," on 28 August 2008 the Court of Appeals (CA) reversed its 18 March decision which upheld a guilty verdict for libel on the staff members of a defunct newspaper.

Colombia

Bill to eliminate jail terms for slander and libel presented by Congress member

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 4 September 2008 FLIP press release:

United States

Dozens of journalists arrested while covering Republican National Convention; Democracy Now! news host still facing charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Nigeria

American filmmaker still detained

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Montenegro

ARTICLE 19 comments on draft amendments to public broadcasting law

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Georgia / Russia

Polish television crew detained in South Ossetia

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Sudan

"Sudan Tribune" newspaper's licence suspension lifted, suspension of "The Citizen" remains in effect

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 4 September 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Iran

Court overturns death sentence but journalist faces espionage charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Tunisia

Human rights defender in jail pending trial on charges of spreading "false information"; US secretary of state urged to press for rights improvements

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 5 September 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

China

Government prevents foreign journalists from contacting jailed activist's family and friends; website suspended in run up to Paralympics

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the Chinese government's attempts to prevent foreign journalists who will cover this month's Paralympics from getting in touch with those close to blind human rights lawyer and activist Chen Guangcheng, who is serving a four-year sentence in Linyi prison, in Shandong province.

Peru

Reporters assaulted by health sector workers; truck drivers threaten to set fire to newspaper headquarters

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 3 September 2008, several reporters were assaulted by a group of health sector workers who were staging a protest calling for better working conditions in the city of Iquitos, Loreto region, northeastern Peru. The incident took place while the reporters were covering a confrontation between the demonstrators and some of their colleagues who had decided not to take part in the strike. The reporters' assailants did not want the events to be covered.

Venezuela

Journalist dismissed after opposing censorship at television station

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 28 August 2008, journalist Mairim Unamo, information coordinator for Canal I television station's news programmes, was dismissed after she protested against the censoring of a news report. According to Unamo, the station's head of information services, Dámaso Silvera, prevented the broadcasting of a news item on one of the programmes she oversees, which caused them to have an argument.

Benin

Journalist threatened with death by military official

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 13 August 2008, Jean-Christophe Houngho, parliamentary correspondent of "Le Matinal", a privately-owned daily newspaper, complained to the journalists' union that his life is in danger.

Peru

Journalist receives another death threat for criticising illegal coca production; transit workers assault reporters in Cusco

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 2 September 2008, journalist Dante Francisco Espeza received a telephone call in which a man who identified himself as "Julián" warned him that he would be killed if he continued reporting "wrong" information about coca production. The caller assured the journalist that he had received orders to kill him and that he was aware of the movements of Espeza's family members.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist in Kananga receives death threats, forced into hiding for predicting failure of start of new school year

(JED/IFEX) - On 25 August 2008, Jeff Kande, a journalist with Radio-Television Amazone (RTA), a privately-owned broadcaster based in Kananga, capital of Western Kasaï province in central DR Congo, received anonymous phone calls threatening him with imminent death.

Niger

Managing editor of privately-owned newspaper fears for his safety, goes into exile, following his criticism of president

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 26 August 2008, Abdoulaye Tiémogo, managing editor of "Le Canard déchaîné", a privately-owned Niamey-based newspaper, allegedly escaped into exile for fear for his life.

Thailand

Thai court shuts down 400 websites at request of Information and Communications Technology Ministry

(SEAPA/IFEX) - A Thai court has issued three orders to shut down 400 websites, 344 of which, according to media reports, carried material that was disrespectful to the country's royal family. The action came after Thailand's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Ministry sought court orders on 2 September 2008 to shut down about 400 websites and advised Internet service providers to block 1200 sites it considers to be either a danger to national security or a disturbance to social order.

Colombia

Judiciary, legislators agree to work towards reforms to combat impunity

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2008 IAPA press release:

Serbia

Hardline nationalist groups storm news agency's Belgrade office

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 4 September 2008 press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Zimbabwe

Journalists must lead efforts for more independent media in the country, says IFJ

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 September 2008 IFJ media release:

Thailand

Violation of public's right to information under state of emergency will only escalate tensions, warns TJA, other journalists' groups

(TJA/IFEX) - The following is a 2 September 2008 press release issued by TJA and several other Thai media organisations:

Malaysia

CAPSULE REPORT: Journalists, photographers lack protection, says SEAPA

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2008 SEAPA capsule report:

Iran / Gender

Six-month prison sentences handed down to four cyber-feminists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is outraged over the six-month prison sentences which a Tehran court has handed down to four cyber-feminists, Parvin Ardalan, Jelveh Javaheri, Maryam Hosseinkhah and Nahid Keshavarz, on charges of "publishing information against the government" under Article 500 of the Islamic Criminal Code.

Philippines

Publisher arrested in nine-year-old libel case; conviction of another publisher confirmed

(CMFR/IFEX) - The publisher of a daily newspaper in Manila was arrested on 4 September 2008 for libel, while another newspaper publisher's libel conviction was affirmed after a judge denied her motion for reconsideration.

Russia

One journalist killed, another beaten in North Caucasus

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Vietnam

Writer detained at airport, prevented from traveling to Norway to meet with human rights groups

(Norwegian PEN/IFEX) - The following is a joint Norwegian PEN, International PEN and International Publishers Association letter to Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong:

Bulgaria

Media owners' prize to journalist known for hate speech reveals "shocking indifference and complacency," warns IFJ

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 August 2008 IFJ press release:

Venezuela

WPFC files friend of court brief in support of RCTV journalists' case

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2008 WPFC press release:

Mexico

Search of home of widow of critical magazine's founder appears to be aimed at intimidating colleagues

(RSF/IFEX) - Around 20 men in police uniforms searched the Tijuana home of the widow of Jesús Blancornelas, founder of the weekly review "Zeta", in what RSF described as a probable attempt to intimidate the family and the prize-winning magazine. The men did not produce a search warrant or any other official document when they entered Genoveva Villalon's home on 29 August 2008 and proceeded to film inside. Unofficial sources said the unit had received an anonymous tip-off and were searching for drugs. RSF called on the state authorities to explain the incident.

Iraq / United States

Two journalists taken into custody by American military; CPJ concerned by recent spike in detentions

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 September 2008 CPJ press release:

United States

Several more journalists covering Republican Party Convention arrested, others released

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2008 IFJ press release:

Nigeria

Reporters assaulted, threatened at gunpoint by police while covering Action Congress party rally

(MRA/IFEX) - On 3 August 2008, three reporters of different independent Nigerian dailies were severely beaten by policemen escorting a politician of the Action Congress (AC), the ruling political party in Lagos state: Mr. Adewale Ajayi of the "Nigerian Tribune"; Mr. Emmanuel Oladesu of "The Nation"; and Ms. Bimbo Ogunnaike of "Nigerian Compass". The incident occurred at the state secretariat of the party on Acme Road, Ikeja in Lagos.

Iran

Two journalists held without charge

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2008 CPJ press release:

Burma

"Flower News" journalist charged by police for reporting on murder case, faces possible prison term

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Chief reporter Saw Myint Than, of the "Flower News" journal, has been charged by the Kyauktada Township police for reporting on a double murder case.

Mexico

Government shuts down community radio station in Oaxaca

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - According to information obtained by ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS, on 29 August 2008, Federal Preventive Police (Policía Federal Preventiva) officers, state police officers and Oaxaca State Transit Ministry officials, along with supervisors from the Federal Telecommunications Commission (Comisión Federal de Telecomunicaciones, Cofetel) and the Communications and Transport Secretariat (Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes, SCT) arrived at the facilities of the La Rabiosa community radio station with orders to shut it down and confiscate its broadcasting equipment. The radio station is located in the city of Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca state, southeastern Mexico.

Nepal

Attacks on journalists increased alarmingly in August 2008, warns IPI report

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 2 September 2008 IPI report:

Liberia

Print journalists barred from main Senate chambers

(CEMESP/IFEX) - The Liberian Senate has moved to ban print journalists from having access to its main chambers. The move is said to be upon the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Rules, Order and Administration.

Mozambique

Three journalists convicted of threatening state security over article questioning prime minister's citizenship

(MISA/IFEX) - Three journalists working for "Zambeze" newspaper, an independent publication, charged for allegedly defaming the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Luísa Diogo, and of threatening state security, have been sentenced to 6 months in prison, converted to a monetary fine of 30 Mozambican Meticais (US$1.20). The ruling was made on 29 August 2008.

Thailand

Media groups on alert amid state of emergency in Bangkok

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Thai media associations are bracing against a government declaration of a state of emergency in Bangkok, saying certain aspects of the declaration could undermine press freedom, free expression, and access to information.

Egypt

Imprisoned author Karim Amer in poor state of health, harassed and denied basic rights

(ANHRI/IFEX) - ANHRI reports from the Borg Al-Arab prison, in the Alexandrian desert, that Karim Amer, an author imprisoned for exercising his freedom of expression, has been subjected to significant ill-treatment.

Philippines

Journalists investigating colleague's murder intimidated by disturbing messages sent to friends, family members

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 3 September 2008 IFJ press release:

Brazil

Journalist injured in bomb blast in Mato Grosso do Sul state ahead of municipal election

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has voiced concern and called for security to be stepped up for the press ahead of local elections after a political journalist and editorialist in Mato Grosso do Sul state in central-western Brazil was injured in a bomb blast.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Publication director acquitted of defaming provincial governor

(JED/IFEX) - JED welcomes the 28 August 2008 ruling by the Kinshasa/Gombe Peace Court acquitting Achille Kadima Mulamba, publication director of the Kinshasa-based weekly "Africa News", who has been facing legal action since 2 July for defamation of the governor of Equateur province, José Makila, a member of the Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) led by Senator Jean-Pierre Bemba.

Sudan

Two privately-owned newspapers closed for indefinite period by Press Council

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns a decision by the National Press and Publications Council (NPPC) on 1 September 2008 to suspend two privately-owned English-language national dailies based in the south of the country, "The Citizen" and "Sudan Tribune", for an indefinite period.

Zambia

Politician threatens state-owned newspaper's journalists with firing

(MISA/IFEX) - On 29 August 2008, Zambia's former ambassador to Libya, Mbita Chitala, threatened journalists working for the state-owned "Zambia Daily Mail" newspaper with being fired if they did not publish his articles.

United States

Three journalists manhandled, injured, arrested outside Republican Party convention

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is outraged by the way Amy Goodman, the host of the nationally-syndicated radio and TV programme Democracy Now!, and two of her producers, Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar, were manhandled and arrested by police while covering demonstrations on 1 September 2008 outside the Republican Party convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Iran

Al Arabiya news channel's Tehran bureau chief expelled

(ANHRI/IFEX) - ANHRI condemns the Iranian authorities' expulsion of Hassan Fahs, the chief of Al Arabiya news television station's Tehran bureau, on 2 September 2008, after revoking his media accreditation. According to Al Arabiya's website, a documentary film about Iran aired under the title "The Road to The Revolution", may be the motive behind this decision.

Nepal

Radio Bajura journalist fired following cancellation of his programme under pressure from Maoists

(FNJ/IFEX) - Nimendra Shahi, a news correspondent and announcer for Radio Bajura, was removed from his job on 25 August 2008, by Pisbin Bajura radio network, in Bajura, far western Nepal.

Colombia

Huila House of Representatives president arrested in connection with journalist's murder, arrest warrants issued for two members of FARC guerrilla group

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 28 August 2008 IAPA press release:

Bolivia

Journalists assaulted by university students in Sucre

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 22 August 2008, a group of university students assaulted at least fifteen press, radio and television journalists with stones and firecrackers. The journalists were covering an attack by the students on the house of Wálter Arízaga, a leader of the teaching staff at San Francisco Xavier University. The event took place in the city of Sucre, southern Bolivia.

Nigeria

American filmmaker, his translator arrested while making documentary on oil conflict; television journalist arrested by military

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 September 2008 CPJ press release:

France / Saudi Arabia

European satellite operator Eutelsat drops Saudi opposition TV station

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is concerned about French-based satellite operator Eutelsat's decision to stop carrying Al Islah TV, the mouthpiece of a Saudi exile group, on Eutelsat's Hotbird satellite on 22 July 2008. The Saudi opposition group, called the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia (MIRA), is based in the UK.

Ecuador

Journalist threatened with murder by supporters of local official

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 16 July 2008, journalist Marlon Torres was insulted by prefect Darwin Lozada Cortés in response to a question that annoyed him. Torres is the correspondent of Radio Sucumbíos in the canton of Shushufindi, northern Ecuador.

Iraq

Kurdish journalist seriously injured in armed attack, his sister killed, other family members injured

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has voiced deep shock and sadness at the death of the sister of journalist Sadeq Jaafar Bashir, sub-editor on the Kurdish monthly review "Araa" (Opinions), who was gunned down in a murder attempt against him at his home in Baghdad.

Tajikistan

Journalist prosecuted over 2007 article on misconduct of district officials

(Adil Soz/IFEX) - The following is a 28 August 2008 joint statement by Adil Soz and the National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT):

Sri Lanka

Independent media outlets, journalists put at risk following accusations of having LTTE ties

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 30 August 2008 FMM press release:

Guinea

Journalist violently assaulted by member of presidential guard

(MFWA/IFEX) - Lansana Babara Camara, a reporter of "La Guinée Actuelle", a privately-owned newspaper, was violently assaulted on 24 August 2008 by a member of the Autonomous Presidential Security Battalion (BASP), the presidential guard of Guinean President Lansana Conté, in Kindia, a suburb of Conakry, the capital.

Ethiopia

Two journalists released on bail but still face charges over published report

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 29 August 2008 WAN/WEF letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi:

Malaysia

Blocking of news website apparently aimed at suppressing coverage of opposition politician's electoral victory

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Kashmir (India)

Police ordered to single out journalists for particularly stringent enforcement of curfew, says IFJ

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 August 2008 IFJ media release:

Senegal

Police raid and seal "24 Heures Chrono", seize edition, arrest editor; cabinet minister's nephew among those arrested for ransacking two newspapers

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 28 August 2008, the Senegalese police stormed the premises of "24 Heures Chrono", a privately-owned, Dakar-based daily newspaper, sealed off its offices and arrested El Malick Seck, the editor-in-chief.

China

Twenty-one-point directive to Chinese media proves coverage of Olympic Games was biased, politicised, says RSF

(RSF/IFEX) - A 21-point directive which the Propaganda Department sent to the Chinese media prior to the Olympic Games shows the degree to which their coverage of the games was "biased and politicised," Reporters Without Borders said on 26 August 2008. The Hong Kong-based "South China Morning Post" first reported the existence of the directive more than two weeks earlier. Now a Chinese blogger has posted what is said to be the text of the directive online.

Kashmir (India)

Cameraman shot dead by security forces; media shut down as work impeded by curfew; "Daily Excelsior" issues burned

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Turkey / Gender

Writer imprisoned, he and publisher facing other charges, over book on women's suffering

(Antenna-TR/IFEX) - A writer has been imprisoned over a book about women, and he and his publisher are also facing additional charges over the same book. Two sets of criminal charges were filed over the book "Language of Suffering: Woman", written by Murat Coskun and published by Peri publishers in January 2002. One of the charges was filed in the Istanbul State Security Court Number 4, which is now the High Criminal Court Number 12. The other was filed in the Beyoglu Criminal Court Number 2. The Istanbul High Criminal Court Number 12 condemned Coskun to 12 months and 15 days in prison for allegedly "inciting hatred and hostility among the people" (TPC 216). Coskun, who was not aware of the trial, was arrested in Adana on 22 August 2008 and put in prison.

The Gambia

Newspaper publisher detained again, court grants him bail

(MFWA/IFEX) - Abdul Hamid Adiamoh, publisher and editor of "Today", a privately-owned, Banjul-based newspaper, was arrested for the third time on 26 August 2008 and held overnight at a police station in Serrekunda, Gambia's second largest city.

Russia

Owner of North Caucasus Internet portal detained by police, shot dead in Ingushetia

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 2 September 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Pakistan

Journalists banned from North Waziristan; further details emerge of journalist's death in Taliban-held area

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is outraged by the death of reporter Abdul Aziz of the newspaper "Azadi" ("Independent") after being kidnapped by Taliban on 27 August 2008 in the Swat valley, in the North-West Frontier Province. He was reportedly killed two days later during an air-strike by government forces on the Taliban camp where he was being held.

Senegal

Police arrest nine men suspected of carrying out attacks on two privately-owned newspapers

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 27 August 2008, the Senegalese Police arrested nine men suspected of perpetrating attacks on two privately-owned, Dakar-based newspapers.

Pakistan

Journalist kidnapped and jailed by Taliban, then killed in air raid

(PPF/IFEX) - Abdul Aziz Shaheen, a local journalist working for local dailies "Azadi" and "Khabarkar" in the troubled district of Swat in the NWFP province of Pakistan, was killed on 29 August 2008, in an attack by jet fighters on a Taliban hideout, where he was being held by the Taliban.

Swaziland

Journalists censored ahead of press conference with King Mswati III

(MISA/IFEX) - On 27 August 2008 Swazi journalists were heavily censored by government officials as they prepared to interview King Mswati III on his return from abroad.

Sri Lanka

Three journalists assaulted by Colombo University medical students

(FMM/IFEX) - FMM notes that students of the Colombo University Medical Faculty harassed and assaulted three journalists on 28 August 2008 and took away three of their cameras.

Palestine

Arbitrary detention of journalists continues as tensions between Hamas, Fatah increase

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders reiterates its appeal to Palestinian political leaders to put an end to a wave of arrests of journalists. At least four are currently detained in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the press freedom organisation calls for their release.

Russia

"Chernovik" editor-in-chief charged, her home and those of five colleagues searched, equipment seized

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Malaysia

Authorities ban political blog

(SEAPA/IFEX) - In what media advocates say is a landmark development in Internet censorship in Malaysia, http://Malaysiakini.com has reported that, on 26 August, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) instructed major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Malaysia to immediately block access to Malaysia Today ( www.malaysia-today.net ), a popular political blog.

Tunisia / International

Journalist given ID, but reportedly under intense surveillance, still denied passport

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 29 August 2008 CPJ letter to Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali:

United States

ABC producer harassed by police, arrested, charged while covering Democratic Party convention in Denver

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Brazil

Judge orders "Playboy" magazine to recall August issue at request of priest and Catholic organisation

(IPYS/IFEX) - Rio de Janeiro judge Osvaldo Freixinho ordered the Brazilian version of "Playboy" magazine to recall its August issue which contained a photograph of actress Carol Castro, semi-nude and posing with a rosary. The recall was requested by the Rio-based Pela Vida Catholic youth institute and a priest from Goiás identified as Lodi.

Liberia

Senator's brief seizure of journalist's equipment sparks debate on reporters' right to record informal discussions, arguments in senate

(CEMESP/IFEX) - On 25 August 2008, the recording equipment of journalist Julius Kanubah, of the independent radio station Star Radio in Monrovia, was temporarily seized by River Gee County Senator Fredrick Cherue. Cherue claimed that he seized the equipment in reaction to the recording of private discussions by journalists covering the Liberian Senate.

Uruguay

New law governing broadcasting licences will limit media concentration, guarantee equality of access, transparency

(AMARC/IFEX) - AMARC welcomes the Uruguayan government's decision to apply new mechanisms for the granting of broadcast licenses with the objective of providing for greater transparency and equal opportunity in access to media outlets.

Venezuela

Journalists, documentary makers detained by National Guard officers

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 22 August 2008, National Guard officers in the Sierra de Perijá, Zulia state, northern Venezuela, detained the following people: María de los Ángeles Peña, a journalist and freelance documentary maker; Tomás Becerra, a documentary maker, communications student and member of the National Association of Free and Alternative Community Media; Mariluz Guillén, a journalist and information contributor for human rights organisations; and Kellys Amundaray, a journalist for the Homo et Natura Foundation. The journalists and documentary makers were videotaping a march by members of the Yupka indigenous group in which another 40 people who arrived from different regions of the country also participated.

Kashmir (India)

Newspaper correspondent's home raided

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders deplores the 26 Augusty 2008 raid by members of the counter intelligence agency on the home of Shujaat Bukhari, "The Hindu" daily newspaper's correspondent in Srinagar. Bukhari, who was not at home at the time, was told by his family that the agents were looking for two Kashmiri leaders.

Nicaragua

Journalist claims cancellation of his television programme is due to government pressure

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 26 August 2008 IAPA press release:

China

RSF’s Chinese-language website reblocked; Apple i-Tunes website block lifted

(RSF/IFEX) - On 28 August 2008, Reporters Without Borders discovered that the Chinese-language version of its website, http://www.rsf.org/chinese , is inaccessible again in China. After changing its web hosting company, Reporters Without Borders had succeeded in making the site accessible inside China on 25 August.

Nepal

Journalist attacked by students over coverage of campus political clashes

(FNJ/IFEX) - Sahadev Thapa, correspondent of Avenues television station and associate editor of Hamro radio station, broadcast on 103.4 Mhz, was attacked on the morning of 28 August 2008 by members of the student wings of two political parties at Charikot Satdobato, in the Dolakha district, central Nepal.

Egypt

Videotaping of two episodes of "Eye on Democracy" television programme ordered halted by authorities

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The Egyptian authorities recently ordered the cancellation, without justification, of the videotaping of two programmes for an American satellite television channel, Al-Hura, just hours before their shooting, and in spite of the authorities' four-week-old agreement with the company to allow the videotaping. Both programmes were on the issue of democracy, and involved interviews with Egyptian democracy activists.

Tunisia

Popular website Facebook censored while authorities continue filtering personal e-mails

(RSF/IFEX) - Access to the social networking website Facebook (http://www.facebook.com ) has been blocked without explanation since 24 August 2008 in Tunisia, in a move that reinforces government censorship of the Internet, Reporters Without Borders said.

Colombia

Several journalists victims of judicial actions violating source confidentiality or intended to silence criticism

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 25 August 2008 FLIP press release:

Tunisia

Human rights activist arrested after giving interview on Al Jazeera TV station

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls for the immediate release of Tarek Soussi of the International Association for the Support of Political Prisoners, who was arrested at his home in Bizerte (60 km north of Tunis), on 27 August 2008, after giving a phone interview to pan-Arab satellite TV station Al Jazeera on 26 August in which he criticised the arrest of seven people.

Iran

Arab journalist sentenced to five years in jail over 2005 critical coverage, free pending appeal

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has called for the case to be dropped against journalist Yosef Azizi Banitruf, sentenced to five years in jail after he exposed excessive use of force against demonstrators from the Arab community who clashed with security forces in Khuzestan in south-west Iran.

United States

Police officer poses as reporter to find leak in criminal investigation; practice puts media in danger, says RSF

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns a decision by the sheriff's department in Onslow County, North Carolina, to have an undercover police officer pose as a "Newsweek" reporter to find who was leaking information from the district attorney's office about an ongoing criminal investigation.

Venezuela

News crews pelted with rocks, their material destroyed, while covering student protest in Anzoátegui

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 19 August 2008, the news crews of "El Metropolitano" newspaper and the Antorcha TV and TV Sur television stations came under attack while covering a students' protest that resulted in the looting of food transport trucks. The incident took place in the town of El Tigre, Anzoátegui state.

Chile

Passage of Access to Information Law expected to "increase transparency, good governance, efficiency within public administration and citizen participation in public affairs," says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an 18 August 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Thailand

Prime minister pressures media to "take the government's side" in coverage of escalating conflict

(TJA/IFEX) - The following is a 26 August 2008 press release by TJA and three other Thai media organisations:

Venezuela

Media headquarters in Maracay fired upon, journalists threatened with death

(IPYS/IFEX) - During the early hours of 15 August 2008, two men on a motorbike fired shots against the headquarters of the Corporación RR business group, in which radio station Auténtica 107.5 FM, television station TRV and the digital portal Enfoque Regional all operate, in the city of Maracay, State of Aragua, central Venezuela.

Azerbaijan

Three journalists assaulted while trying to report on altercation in Nakhchivan, their equipment broken

(IRFS/IFEX) - On the morning of 27 August 2008, a confrontation occurred between the police and residents of the village of Nahrem, in Azerbaijan's Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan. During the confrontation, Radio Liberty correspondents Malahet Nasibova and Ilgar Nasibov, and IRFS correspondent Elman Abbasov were assaulted. The three journalists were at the village to report on the altercation, Abbasov told IRFS.

Pakistan

Television anchor detained, interrogated by intelligence agency personnel

(PPF/IFEX) - Hasan Abdullah, an anchor and reporter for Pakistan's leading television channel "Dawn News", was detained for six hours by officers of an intelligence agency on 26 August 2008 and was released after being interrogated.

Argentina

Radio station stripped of its right to air on the FM dial in apparent politically-motivated decision

(RSF/IFEX) - A decision by the Federal Broadcasting Committee (COMFER), Argentina's broadcast media regulator, to strip Buenos Aires-based Radio Continental of its FM frequency is "absurd and unfair," as well as legally questionable, Reporters Without Borders said on 22 August 2008. The station has appealed against the measure, which it regards as politically-motivated.

Venezuela

Military shuts down two radio stations in central Guárico province

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Nepal

Editor receives threats; four newspaper reporters assaulted by school teachers; journalists harassed, prevented from reporting on protest at hospital

(FNJ/IFEX) - FNJ denounces a number of recent violations and attacks against journalists in different parts of the country.

Guatemala

Journalist for "elPeriódico" newspaper followed, threatened; director of same newspaper assaulted, abducted for over ten hours

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On 21 August 2008, two journalists from the newspaper "elPeriódico" were the victims of serious acts of aggression that violate press freedom. The newspaper's president, José Rubén Zamora, was kidnapped for over 10 hours, and young investigative journalist Óscar Ixmatul was followed and threatened by unidentified individuals. Although initially it was not clear if Zamora's kidnapping was connected to his work, given the act of aggression against Ixmatul so soon after Zamora's kidnapping, both incidents are believed to be attempts to silence the two journalists and "elPeriódico".

Tunisia

Journalist Slim Boukhdir denied ID papers after release from prison

(RSF/IFEX) - On 26 August 2008, Reporters Without Borders wrote to the Tunisian interior minister urging him to intervene in the case of journalist Slim Boukhdir who has been deprived of his national ID card since leaving prison in July and whose passport was seized in 2004.

Egypt

Printing press refuses to print edition of newspaper

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 20 August 2008, ANHRI expressed its objection to, and firm condemnation of Al Ahram Press's refusal to print the second edition of "Al-Badeel" daily independent newspaper. The press's decision came on the heels of the newspaper's coverage of a fire in al-Shoura Council, which included comments by experts suggesting that "the fire was deliberately set".

Colombia

Journalist threatened in Montería; reporters' work impeded by Sincelejo hospital managers

(IFJ/IFEX) - On 19 August 2008, Jorge Otero Martínez, director of the programme "Zona Franca", broadcast on Channel 2 Nortevisión television station, was threatened in the city of Montería by William Taboada, former auditor of an Emergency Medical Centre (Centro de Atención Médica de Urgencia, CAMU). In a separate development, journalists have been prevented from covering news inside the Sincelejo University Hospital.

Nepal

Journalist threatened with physical violence by lawyer irate over coverage

(FNJ/IFEX) - Ananta Raj Luintel, reporter of "The Himalayan Times" daily, was threatened by Charles Sobhraj's defence lawyer, Laxmi Devkota, on 18 August 2008 at the premises of the Supreme Court in Singhdurbar, Kathmandu.

Iraq / United States

Cameraman released after being held for nearly three months by U.S. military

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 25 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Ethiopia

Newspaper editor arrested over coverage of brewery's labour practices, two other journalists currently being sought over same issue; journalist released

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is dismayed to learn that Amare Aregawi, the editor of the big-circulation weekly "Reporter", was arrested on 22 August 2008 in Addis Ababa and was then illegally transferred to a prison in Gondar, 750 km north of the capital, in connection with a libel case brought by the Gondar-based Dashen brewery.

Egypt

Blogger arrested, faces charges under state of emergency law

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 23 August 2008, ANHRI and the Hisham Mubarak Law Center reported that the state security investigation agency had decided to keep in prison Mohamed Refaat, editor of the blog Matabbat, http://matabbat.blogspot.com . The authorities have turned a blind eye to a 17 August supreme state security prosecution order calling for the young blogger's release.

Iran

Ailing journalist placed in solitary confinement; Kurdish journalist released on bail, still facing trial

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has voiced active concern about the treatment of journalist and human rights activist Emadoldin Baghi who earlier this month was placed in an isolation cell in Evin prison, Tehran instead of being transferred to a hospital.

Thailand

Protesters storm government-run television station, programming suspended

(SEAPA/IFEX) - On the morning of 26 August 2008, protesters identified with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) - an anti-government movement - broke through a police-fortified iron gate to enter the compound of Thailand's state-run National Broadcasting Television (NBT). Electricity was cut at the station and, at 8:30 a.m. (local time), NBT officials were forced to suspend operations pending efforts by station managers and the police to restore order. It is not yet certain who cut off the electricity at the station, but NBT officials said it was definitely not on their orders.

Iraq / United States

Reuters cameraman released after three weeks in detention

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 21 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Kashmir (India)

Several journalists assaulted, injured by security forces, TV stations, newspapers censored

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the Indian authorities to put an immediate stop to the censorship and violence against the media in Kashmir that has been prompted by a wave of protests against Indian rule. At least 13 journalists were beaten by police on 24 August 2008 in Srinagar, local TV stations are being censored and a curfew is making it hard for newspapers to bring out their issues.

Colombia

President Uribe calls for criminal investigation of journalist; CPJ urges attorney general to dismiss his request

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 22 August 2008 CPJ press release:

India / United States

Bombay High Court: orders Google's subsidiary to reveal identity of blogger after posting critical comments

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders secretary general Robert Ménard has written to Google CEO Eric Schmidt and one of Google's founders, Sergey Brin, about a defamation lawsuit that the Indian construction company Gremach brought against Google's Indian subsidiary, Google India Private Ltd, in February 2008.

Uruguay

Community radio station wins in case brought against it by association of private radio stations

(AMARC/IFEX) - In 2006, the Radio Broadcasters Association of the Interior (Asociación de Radios del Interior, RAMI), acting in the name of the privately-owned radio stations it represents, accused the La Quimera (106.9 FM) community radio station of carrying out illegal activities. La Quimera is based in Atlántida, in the department of Canelones.

Venezuela

Governor's bodyguards restrict reporters' work in Barinas state

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 12 August 2008, bodyguards for Governor Hugo de los Reyes Chávez prevented reporters for several privately-owned media outlets from gaining access to a stage where ruling party candidates were being presented in the state of Barinas, southern Venezuela. The candidates for the Venezuelan United Socialist Party (Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela, PSUV) are running for the governor's seat and the mayoralties in several municipalities.

Mexico

Activist filmmaker murdered while investigating attacks on indigenous community radio station

(WiPC/IFEX) - WiPC is shocked by the murder of the anthropologist, author and indigenous rights activist Miguel Ángel Gutiérrez Ávila, who was apparently beaten to death in Guerrero, Southern Mexico, on 26 July 2008. It is thought that the killing may be related to Gutiérrez' documentation of attacks against an indigenous community radio station. The WiPC calls on the state and federal authorities to carry out a full and impartial investigation into the murder and to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Syria

Court rejects writer's request for release on completing three quarters of sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders "strongly condemns" a Damascus criminal court's decision on 20 August 2008 to reject a request for the release of imprisoned writer and journalist Michel Kilo although he has served three-quarters of a three-year sentence and therefore qualifies for early release under Syrian law.

China

Internal police directives reveal elaborate strategy to manage foreign journalists; Chinese interviewees may be slated for post-Game retaliation, warns RSF

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is a 21 August 2008 RSF press release:

Tunisia

Independent journalist Sihem Bensedrine again prevented from boarding flight to Europe

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the Tunisian government's repeated humiliation of journalist Sihem Bensedrine, the founder of the underground newspaper "Kalima". On 24 August 2008, She was again prevented from boarding a flight from Tunis-Carthage airport to Austria, where she has a residency permit. It was the third time this year that she has been prevented from leaving Tunisia.

Zimbabwe

Female reporter who witnessed police violence released after several hours in detention

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporter Rutendo Mawere of the privately-owned weekly "The Standard", who was arrested on 21 August 2008 in Gweru (in Midlands province), 280 km southwest of Harare, was released a few hours later without being charged. Mawere was arrested while watching police beat residents who had been queuing outside a shop for basic staples.

Somalia

Three journalists, driver abducted; another journalist detained overnight, released without charge

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has condemned the 23 August 2008 abduction of Canadian female journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan at KM13, a western suburb of Mogadishu between Afgoye district and the capital city.

Niger

Broadcaster's suspension may be related to sympathetic coverage of former prime minister and his supporters

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 20 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Lebanon

Four foreign journalists briefly held by Hezbollah activists

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the requirements imposed on foreign journalists by Hezbollah, the Party of God, in the areas it controls. Press accreditation issued by the Lebanese information ministry is of no use in Hezbollah-controlled areas, where journalists must obtain permission from the party's press bureau.

Bolivia

One journalist in hospital, several others also injured in assaults on press covering demonstrations in Santa Cruz

(IPYS/IFEX) - Between 15 and 19 August 2008, approximately ten reporters, including journalists, camera operators and photographers, were attacked in several different locations in Santa Cruz, eastern Bolivia, by policemen and government and opposition supporters.

Thailand

One reporter dead, another injured, by bomb blast while on assignment in conflict-ridden southern province

(TJA/IFEX) - The following is a 22 August 2008 TJA press release:

Venezuela

ANTV soundman receives fractures and lung injury at hands of opposition candidate's sympathisers

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 11 August 2008, Guillermo Torín, a soundman for ANTV television station, was beaten by a group of supporters of Leopoldo López, mayor of the Caracas municipality of Chacao, who were going with him to the National Electoral Council's (CNE) headquarters in the city to register his nomination for next November's regional elections. (López is a prominent opponent of President Hugo Chávez.) At the time of the attack, Torín was wearing a vest identifying him as an employee of the television station.

Palestine / Israel

Radio station director, media worker arrested, studios of three stations ransacked, equipment confiscated by Israeli soldiers

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

China

Two video bloggers arrested for documenting pro-Tibet protests in Beijing; two AP photographers roughed up

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

Nigeria

Managing director of state-owned newspaper dismissed for writing, publishing article disparaging president

(MRA/IFEX) - On 20 August 2008, Mr. Bashir Sanda Gusau, the Managing Director of "Legacy", the Zamfara (North Western Nigeria) State-owned newspaper, was sacked for publishing an article the state considered to disparage President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua.

Nigeria

Journalist assaulted by government-owned oil company manager and security personnel

(MRA/IFEX) - On 20 August 2008, at about 2:50 p.m. (local time), Luka Binniyat, energy beat reporter with the Lagos-based independent daily newspaper, "Vanguard", was beaten and repeatedly struck with gun butts by security personnel of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Abuja on the orders of Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, its corporate affairs group general manager. Binniyat sustained injuries to his ribs and a sprained left elbow.

Philippines

Former radio host killed, motive uncertain

(RSF/IFEX) - On 19 August 2008, Reporters Without Borders called for more police to investigate the killings of five journalists in the Philippines since the beginning of 2008, including the latest victim, former radio presenter Rolando Anjo Julia, in the central province of Camarines Sur.

Tibet (China)

Blocking of pro-Tibet and freedom of expression organisations' websites continues in Tibet despite accessibility in other regions

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns regional variation in the blocking of access to websites in China. The authorities unblocked the sites of certain international news media and NGOs on 1 August 2008 but many of these sites continue to be blocked in the province of Tibet.

Mauritania

Two journalists released conditionally

(RSF/IFEX) - Mohamed Abdellatif, publisher of the privately-owned weekly paper "Al Houriya", and one of his reporters, Mohamed Nema Oumar, were conditionally released by the Nouakchott appeals court on 17 August 2008. They were arrested and imprisoned on 21 July.

Yemen

British journalist deported, two fixers held by security forces

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has written to Yemeni interior minister Mutahar Rashad Al-Masri calling for the immediate release of two brothers, Ali Nasser Kaid Al-Bokheiti and Mohammed Ahmed Hassan Al-Bokheiti, who were arrested on 21 July 2008 at a military roadblock with a British freelance journalist for whom they working as fixers.

Botswana

Proposed law would give government too much power to interfere with media, legislator says

(MISA/IFEX) - Botswana Member of Parliament for Mogoditshane, Patrick Masimolole has called upon the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology to drop the Media Practitioners Bill arguing that the proposed law grants too much power to the ministry in interfering with the operations of the media.

Sri Lanka

FMM considers journalist's indictment an attempt to suppress dissent, calls for repeal of repressive anti-terrorism legislation

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 20 August 2008 FMM press release:

Niger

Broadcaster suspended for one month without explanation

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the 19 August 2008 decision by the Higher Council for Communication (CSC), Niger's media regulatory body, ordering the Niamey-based radio and TV broadcaster Dounia to suspend operations for one month. No explanation was given and Dounia was given no chance to defend itself.

China

Research shows over 50 websites blocked in Beijing and Olympic press centre as Games began, including those of several freedom of expression organisations

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 19 August 2008 CPJ press release:

China

Authorities continue to jam international radio stations during Olympic Games

(RSF/IFEX) - The Chinese authorities are continuing to jam the Chinese, Tibetan and Uyghur-language broadcast of several international radio stations although they promised to respect press freedom and the free flow of information during the Olympic Games, Reporters Without Borders said on 19 August 2008.

Singapore

Government pledges to ease restrictions on films, public demonstrations

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Singaporeans are abuzz yet cautious about government pledges to ease restrictions on free speech and public assembly in the city state. Writers, filmmakers, activists, and politicians are either expressing optimism or warning against too much of it, after the country's prime minister promised to allow more issues to be ventilated in the notoriously restrictive political environment of Singapore - subject to certain "ideals" of factuality and nonpartisanship.

Niger

Authorities urged to abandon "absurd war" against Moussa Kaka after court blocks provisional release

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is dismayed by the obstinacy with which Niger's authorities are keeping journalist Moussa Kaka in prison, despite a judge's decision to dismiss the case against him. On 19 August 2008, at the request of the prosecutor's office, a Niamey appeal court overturned a ruling issued by an investigating judge in June for Kaka's provisional release.

Somalia

Regional radio station director released after being held overnight

(RSF/IFEX) - Mohammed Mohamud, the regional director of Radio Daljir, a privately-owned station broadcasting in the northeastern, semi-autonomous territory of Puntland, was released on 18 August 2008 afternoon after being held overnight. No charges have been brought against him.

Syria

Lawyer released after being held for 12 days for criticising government on his website

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders reiterates its condemnation of the government's behaviour towards certain opposition websites after lawyer and website editor Abdallah Souleiman Ali was detained for 12 days for "persisting in publishing legal and political articles criticising the role of the government." It was the second time he has been targeted since March 2008.

Zimbabwe

Court acquits satellite company of violating broadcasting law

(MISA/IFEX) - On 18 August 2008, Harare Magistrate Archie Wochiunga acquitted the South African media company, Globecast Satellite, of charges that it had violated Zimbabwe's Broadcasting Services Act (BSA).

Tunisia

Journalist attacked at Tunis Carthage Airport, barred from leaving country

(OLPEC/IFEX) - The following is a 19 August 2008 OLPEC press release:

United Kingdom

CAPSULE REPORT: UN Human Rights Committee finds excessive constraints on freedom of expression

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 15 August 2008 ARTICLE 19 capsule report:

Nigeria

Unidentified gunmen kill journalist, police involvement suspected

(MRA/IFEX) - On 17 August 2008 at about 10.30 p.m. (local time), Mr. Paul Abayomi Ogundeji, a member of the editorial board of the Lagos-based private daily newspaper "Thisday", was shot dead in Dopemu, a suburb of Lagos, by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

Turkey

Kliptube video-sharing website blocked; newspaper confiscated, Gundem website blocked for coverage of PKK

(Antenna-TR/IFEX) - Another video-sharing website, Kliptube.com, has been blocked, as the YouTube.com and Dailymotion sites have been. YouTube.com, the biggest video-sharing website, has been blocked in Turkey for three months. Since the beginning of August 2008, access to Dailymotion.com has been blocked too. There is no information as to when and why the Kliptube site was ordered blocked. Users attempting to access Kliptube.com find a notice, "Access to this website has been blocked by court order." The same thing applies to the Dailymotion website.

Nigeria

"National Standard" magazine's Lagos office raided by intelligence service

(MRA/IFEX) - On 18 August 2008, six men suspected to be operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria's intelligence police, raided the Lagos offices of a private weekly, "National Standard" magazine.

Russia

Editor acquitted of libel in Abakan; mayor's office denies information to television station in Dalnegorsk

(GDF/IFEX) - GDF is pleased with the acquittal of a website editor in Abakan, but concerned over efforts to obstruct information and impose censorship by the mayor of the far eastern town of Dalnegorsk.

Azerbaijan

Imprisoned journalist allegedly target of murder attempt

(IRFS/IFEX) - On 19 August 2008, lawyer Alayif Hasanov visited imprisoned "Azadlig" newspaper journalist Sakit Zahidov in prison number 14. Hasanov told IRFS that during their conversation, Zahidov said his life is in grave danger. According to Zahidov, one of his fellow prisoners was provided with scissors and ordered to kill him. He believes that the prison authorities are behind this; the prisoner that was told to kill Zahidov allegedly admitted this as well.

Paraguay / Venezuela

Journalists impeded in attempts to cover Venezuelan president's visit to Paraguay

(SPP/IFEX) - On 18 August 2008, the SPP filed a complaint with the Venezuelan embassy in Asunción about incidents that took place on 16 August in San Pedro del Ykuamandyjú in which several journalists were prevented from carrying out their work.

Georgia

Journalist wounded by sniper; Israeli journalist shot at by Russian soldiers; two radio stations ransacked

(RSF/IFEX) - Three journalists - Giga Chikhladze, correspondent of Russian "Newsweek" and head of Alania TV, Alexander Klimchuk, head of the photo agency Caucasus Press Images and correspondent for the news agency Itar-Tass, and Stan Storimans, cameraman for the Dutch TV station RTL-4 - have been killed since fighting began in Georgia on 8 August 2008. The death of a fourth journalist, a Georgian, and his driver, reportedly in the bombing of Gori on 12 August, has not been confirmed.

Malaysia

Two news photographers attacked by political party supporters

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Two news photographers were reportedly beaten by supporters of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), or People's Justice Party, on 16 August 2008.

Senegal

Newspapers raided, staff assaulted following threats by official

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

Sri Lanka

Journalist threatened by political party supporter; FMM fears increasing media repression in Eastern Province

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

Guinea

Public affairs radio programme host attacked following death threats

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 13 August 2008, Kaleb Kolié, the director of the information on Familia FM, a privately-owned Conakry-based radio station, was attacked by four unidentified assailants, allegedly for criticising the wrongs of Guinean society. Prior to the attack, the journalist had received several death threats on his mobile phone, warning him to discontinue his programme "if (he does not) want to die".

Indonesia

Court upholds constitutionality of criminal defamation: "a serious blow to press freedom", says SEAPA

(SEAPA/IFEX) - On the eve of Indonesia's Independence Day, the country's Constitutional Court has dealt a serious blow to Indonesia's press freedom with a decision upholding the constitutionality of criminal defamation.

Vietnam

No news of Ho Chi Minh City blogger held for past four months on spurious tax charge

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for the release of Nguyen Hoang Hai, a Ho Chi Minh City blogger better known by the pseudonym of Dieu Cay, who has been held on a tax fraud charge since 19 April 2008 and who is about to begin his fifth month in detention.

Peru

Two Pillco Marca municipal employees threaten journalist with lynching, attempt to run him over

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 13 August 2008, "Al Día" journalist Ever Peña, was threatened with murder by Sonia Suárez Aliaga, the person in charge of the Municipality of Pillco Marca's warehouse, in the province of Andabamba, Huánuco region, in central Peru. The event took place when the journalist went to the municipality to cover the protest of a group of local residents who were asking for some machinery the mayor, Isabel Dávila, had offered them in order to build a quarry.

Georgia / Russia

Azeri television crew, Turkish journalists fired upon by Russian troops in Gori, reporting equipment seized

(IRFS/IFEX) - IRFS condemns the opening of gunfire by Russian soldiers on a television crew from the Azerbaijani station ANS TV and Turkish journalists in Gori on 14 August 2008. According to ANS, on 14 August Russian tanks blocked all entrances to Gori. Russian armed forces did not permit the journalists, who are covering the Georgia-Russia conflict, into the city and, by force, took reporting equipment away from several journalists.

Sri Lanka

Journalist detained for over five months charged with "terrorism"

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the Sri Lankan government to release J. S. Tissainayagam, a Tamil journalist who has been held since March 2008. A government minister recently said he is charged with "terrorism" on the basis of articles written in 2006 and his activities as the editor of a website.

Greece

Minority rights defenders face harassment, defamation and prosecution

(GHM/IFEX) - The following is an abridged 17 August 2008 GHM press release:

The Gambia

Freelance journalist gets four years in prison or heavy fine for criticising president

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders "energetically condemns" the sentence of four years in prison or a fine of 250,000 dalasis (approx. 8,000 euros), which a Banjul court passed on 18 August 2008 on Fatou Jaw Manneh, a contributor to the AllGambian.net website, after convicting her of "sedition" for criticising President Yahya Jammeh in a 2005 article.

Sri Lanka

Police spokesperson's unwarranted criticism may endanger media organisation's convenor, says FMM

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

Burma

Comedian, sports columnist, other dissidents charged with violation of various media laws

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Several Burmese journalists, student leaders and an actor were charged for various offences on 15 August 2008.

Syria

Website owner-manager arrested for articles criticising government

(ANHRI/IFEX) - ANHRI condemns the arrest of lawyer Abdalla Suliman by the Syrian security apparatus on 30 July 2008. He is the owner and manager of two websites, Al Nazaha (Integrity, http://www.alnazaha.org ), and Akhbar Al Nazaha (Integrity News, http://www.alnazahanews.com ), and was arrested because of his "persistence . . . in publishing legal and political articles, in some of which he criticised the Syrian government's performance."

Somalia

Authorities arrest journalist for covering presidential campaign, restrict media prior to elections

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the 17 August 2008 arrest of Mohammed Mohamud, director of Radio Daljir in Bossasso.

South Korea

Government orders documentary filmmaker home from Iraq; CPJ condemns "onerous" travel restrictions on journalists

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

Sierra Leone

Ruling party militants ransack opposition radio station, knock it out of service; journalists manhandled by security personnel

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 13 August 2008, Unity Radio, a Freetown-based radio station owned by the opposition Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), was ransacked by supporters of the ruling All People's Congress party (APC), disrupting the normal broadcast of the station.

Pakistan

Reporter murdered in southern province of Sindh

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the murder of Mohammad Azim Leghari of the newspaper "Halchal" and the Sindh-language television station Dharti TV, who was gunned down in Dadu City, in the southern province of Sindh, while covering story of a young couple trying to "marry for love." The couple was the target of fierce criticism from conservative clans, who could have been responsible for the reporter's murder.

Burma

Chief censor attempts to resign amid disagreements with information ministry, further media crackdown feared

(Mizzima/IFEX) - The Burmese junta's Minister of Information refused to accept the resignation of the regime's chief censor, said a government official who requested anonymity.

The Gambia

Journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh pleads not guilty, faces six-year jail term in sedition case

(MFWA/IFEX) - Fatou Jaw Manneh, a US-based Gambian journalist, faces a possible prison sentence if found guilty of sedition charges following an interview highly critical of President Yahya Jammeh and his administration, which she granted to the media in 2004.

Uruguay

Community stations given unprecedented access to digital television frequencies

(AMARC/IFEX) - The Uruguayan communications regulatory body, URSEC (Unidad Reguladora de Servicios de Comunicación), has announced that nine Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands will be allocated for land-based, open digital television services. In an unprecedented move in terms of equal access to media sources, three of the nine bands were reserved for community television stations. Four of the remaining six channels will be allocated to the private sector, and two will be granted to publicly-owned television stations.

Georgia / Russia

Lack of transparency, restricted flow of information fuel conflict, hamper long term peace, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 14 August 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Nepal

Nepali-language journalists, media outlets threatened by Terai region-based rebel group

(FNJ/IFEX) - Journalist Sheetal Sah, a member and the coordinator of the FNJ's central region chapter, was threatened by Terai Rashtriya Mukti Sena (Terai National Liberation Army, TNLA) on the evening of 14 August 2008 while he was working in his office in Janakpur, in Dhanusha district.

China

Rights activist arrested by police, others harassed and detained as authorities continue to silence criticism

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is an abridged 13 August 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

China

IOC urged to take action in wake of new abuses of foreign journalists, including incidents at Olympic Stadium, Korla, Kuqa, Yining and Kashgar

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

Fiji

Second journalist arrested

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns two cases of journalists being arrested and questioned for several hours by police since the beginning of August 2008. The latest was that of "Fiji Times" reporter Serafina Salaitoga, who was arrested at her home in the presence of her children on 10 August after writing a story in the previous day's issue that quoted businessman Charan Jeath Singh as criticising finance minister Mahandra Chaudhry.

Sierra Leone

Security personnel assault, injure eight journalists covering political party meeting

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 13 August 2008, security personnel deployed at the State House in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, violently assaulted eight journalists covering a meeting between the ruling All Peoples Congress Party (APC) and the main opposition Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).

Palestine / Israel

"Farcical" Israeli military report on cameraman's killing "likely to make life even more dangerous for journalists", fears IFJ

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

The Gambia

Police detain Nigerian publisher again, search his house, confiscate his residency permit

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 11 August 2008, Abdulhamid Adiomoh, the Nigerian publisher and editor of "Today", a privately-owned, Banjul-based newspaper, was arrested again and detained overnight at the Serious Crime Unit of the Gambian Police Force in the capital city, Banjul. Adiomoh was arrested previously in July and accused by the police of "publishing with seditious intentions".

Palestine / Israel

Fatal firing on Reuters crew in Gaza was "appropriate", concludes Israeli military investigation; CPJ questions findings

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Malaysia

Blogger ordered to remove articles from website, reveal sources

(SEAPA/IFEX) - A Malaysian High Court has given popular blogger and website editor Raja Petra Kamarudin until 15 August 2008 to reveal the sources for three articles in his blog, "Malaysia Today". The court has deemed the articles to be defamatory to a prominent lawyer.

Georgia / Russia

Turkish journalists injured in attack, assaulted and detained by Russian soldiers

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

United States

FBI admits to spying on reporters in 2004; RSF urges full disclosure

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF requests that the FBI release more information about the procedures they used in 2004 to obtain reporters' telephone records while they were stationed at the "New York Times" and the "Washington Post" bureaus in Indonesia.

Cambodia

Journalist questioned, harassed, assaulted by military police after reporting on officer's alleged involvement in illegal logging

(SEAPA/IFEX) - A Cambodian military police captain slapped a journalist when the latter refused to retract his allegation that the officer was conniving to transport illegal logs to Sihanouksville.

Burma

Renewed censoring of magazine's poems and articles provoke publication delay, financial losses

(Mizzima/IFEX) - The Burmese Press Scrutiny Board's delay in reviewing the articles in "Cherry Magazine" forced the Rangoon-based monthly to skip its August 2008 issue. The August issue, scheduled for publication by the end of July, was released only on 12 August, prompting the publisher to designate it as the September 2008 issue instead. The delay in publication of this issue, which was a special one to mark the twenty-fourth anniversary of the magazine's founding, provoked financial losses for the publication.

Georgia / Russia

Several Georgian, Russian websites blocked following attack by rival groups, hackers

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF condemns the many violations of online freedom of information that have been perpetrated since the outbreak of fighting in the Georgian province of South Ossetia on 8 August 2008, including the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on many Georgian websites, in which the servers they use are overloaded and crashed by millions of connection requests.

Georgia / Russia

In Gori, Israeli journalist seriously injured, Trialeti radio-TV station ceases broadcasting; reporters denied access to Tbilisi victims

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 13 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Ethiopia

Government continues to deny three journalists publishing licenses

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 13 August 2008 IPI letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi:

Iran

Critical journalist still detained without charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Egypt

Case of missing editor still unresolved after five years

(CPJ/IFEX) - This is an 11 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Americas / Chile / International

Access to government information law passed, IAPA urges other countries to follow suit

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 12 August 2008 IAPA press release:

Kuwait

Proposed Internet law aims to silence critical bloggers

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an excerpt from WAN's 12 August 2008 APN newsletter:

Indonesia

Journalists present Constitutional Court with petition to decriminalise defamation offences

(AJI/IFEX) - On 15 August 2008, Indonesia's Constitutional Court will decide on a petition led by journalists Risang Bima Wijaya and Bersihar Lubis to abolish Penal Code provisions that criminalise insult and defamation.

Vietnam

Internet writer released, but allegedly forced into exile

(WiPC/IFEX) - WiPC welcomes the release on 11 July 2008 of Bui Kim Thành, internet writer, dissident and lawyer, after five months in psychiatric detention, apparently without any medical basis. However, the WiPC is deeply concerned that Bui Kim Thành's release was apparently conditional on her going into exile, and continues to call for her unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Vietnam is a signatory.

United States

CBS subpoenaed to turn over unaired parts of interview with US soldier accused of killing 14 Iraqi civilians

(RSF/IFEX) - The government's attempts to flout news-gathering privilege hit another road-block on 11 August 2008 when a court denied their request to block an amicus curie brief signed by RSF and numerous news organisations in support of CBS in its effort to quash a government subpoena.

Palestine / Israel

Palestinian soundman to be held for six months without charges or court appearance, announce Israeli authorities

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF condemns the 11 August 2008 announcement by the Israeli military that they have decided to detain Ibrahim Hamad, a soundman employed by the Palestinian news agency Ramattan, for six months without bringing charges and without taking him before any court. Israeli soldiers arrested him at his home in Qalandiyah, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, on 15 July.

China

Journalism impeded by surveillance of journalists, retaliation against Chinese sources; AP and Scandinavian journalists detained, harassed

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

Egypt / Gender / International

Female film director faces possible flogging at behest of lawyer affiliated with National Democratic Party

(ANHRI/IFEX) - One of the lawyers affiliated with the Egyptian National Democratic Party (NDP) who is a specialist in "Hesba" cases (which involve alleged insults to God, which are deemed harmful to Islamic society) against authors and artists has demanded the flogging of an Egyptian female movie director. He sent an official warning to the Sheikh of Azhar demanding the execution of his request, said ANHRI on 13 August 2008.

Philippines

Journalist declared "persona non grata" following publication of report, still affected by tag despite its withdrawal

(CMFR/IFEX) - The Zamboanga City Council retracted on 12 August 2008 a resolution declaring a journalist "persona non grata" following his report on resistance to the formation of the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) in Mindanao. Zamboanga City is approximately 864 kms from Manila.

China

British journalist roughed up, briefly detained, questioned by security officers, after filming pro-Tibet protest near Beijing

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

China

CPJ website blocked at Olympic press centres

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 12 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Georgia / Russia

Dutch cameraman killed, reporter wounded during bombing of Gori

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

Venezuela

Journalists manhandled in separate incidents by Colombian senator's bodyguards and sympathisers of political party

(IPYS/IFEX) - Journalists were manhandled or assaulted in two separate incidents on 1 and 6 August.

Sri Lanka

Government minister organises protest against, calls for banning of, private television station

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an 11 August 2008 FMM press release:

China

Four journalists briefly detained by authorities while trying to cover bomb attacks

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 August 2008 IFJ media release:

Malaysia

Blogger detained overnight, released, for posting image deemed "insulting" to police force

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Malaysia-based media watchdog the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) protests the recent spate of arrests of bloggers for alleged violation of the Sedition Act. CIJ, a partner of SEAPA, described the Sedition Act as a "broadly worded" law which "gives the state a free hand in punishing any form of expression."

Fiji

Reporter threatened, questioned by police over allegedly "seditious" article

(PINA/IFEX) - On 10 August 2008, Fiji police threatened and tried to force a "Fiji Times" reporter into giving a statement on an article she wrote, reports the "The Fiji Times".

Egypt / International

Issues of "Al-Dustour" and "Al Badil" newspapers confiscated by security agency following article on Lebanese singer's murder

(ANHRI/IFEX) - Security service agents recently confiscated copies of the independent newspapers "Al-Dustour" and "Al Badil" from stores, following the newspapers' publication of a story about an Egyptian businessman's connection to the murder of the well-known Lebanese singer Suzanne Tamim in Dubai, a city in the United Arab Emirates.

International

ARTICLE 19 welcomes adoption of resolution on the right to know by OAS's Inter-American Juridical Committee

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is an 11 August 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Egypt

Academic sentenced to two years in prison over articles published abroad, threatened with loss of citizenship

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 2 August 2008, the Al Khalifa Misdemeanors' Court sentenced Dr. Saad El Din Ibrahim in absentia to two years in prison.

Colombia

Journalist-sociologist charged over article on powerful figures allegedly linked to paramilitary in Valledupar

(IFJ/IFEX) - Sociologist, journalist and writer Alfredo Molano has been summoned to appear before a judge on 12 August 2008 for a preliminary hearing on charges of libel. IFJ and the Colombian Federation of Journalists (Federación Colombiana de Periodistas, FECOLPER) are concerned by what appears to be a new chapter of judicial harassment that intermittently but continuously seeks to silence critical voices in the media.

Bolivia

Recall referendum marred by only a few isolated attacks on press

(RSF/IFEX) - There was surprisingly little violence directed against the press during the 10 August 2008 recall referendum on the mandates of President Evo Morales and eight regional governors, although there was a series of physical attacks on journalists during the preceding days.

Bolivia

Journalists harassed, assaulted by civic leaders in Tarija and by protesting teacher on the Cochabamba-La Paz highway

(IPYS/IFEX) - IPYS is concerned by two recent cases of harassment and assault against journalists performing their professional duties.

Russia / Azerbaijan

Two websites attacked by Russian hackers, allegedly to block flow of information on conflict in Georgia

(IRFS/IFEX) - On 11 August 2008, two of the most popular websites in Azerbaijan, http:// www.day.az/ and http://www.ans.az/, were hacked.

Morocco

Student activist arrested for criticising authorities

(ANHRI/IFEX) - ANHRI calls on the Moroccan authorities to release Jadda Boubkar, a 22-year-old student and prisoner of opinion, who was arrested while leaving the university in Taza City on 21 July 2008 because of his student activity, his support for the boycott of complementary legislative elections and his criticism of educational policies and police repression against students.

Zimbabwe

Court orders reinstatement of journalists suspended for not reporting positively on President Mugabe's electoral campaign

(MISA/IFEX) - The Labour Court has ordered the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) to reinstate immediately, without loss of salary or benefits, six journalists who were suspended in June 2008.

Georgia / Russia

Five Russian, two Turkish journalists also injured in South Ossetia

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Philippines

Journalist succumbs to gunshot wounds sustained in assassination attempt

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

Sri Lanka

FMM appalled at police spokesperson's justification of minister's attack on journalists

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is an 8 August 2008 FMM press release:

Egypt

New Internet café measures tantamount to censorship, says ANHRI

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 9 August 2008, ANHRI announced that the Egyptian government has imposed a new measure obliging Internet cafés to gather and keep certain personal information from visitors who use their services. The information collected includes the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of would-be Internet users.

Georgia / Russia

Two journalists killed, two missing, more injured while covering conflict in Ossetia

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

Ghana

Journalist held captive by traditional leader

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 28 July 2008, reporter Osei Kwame, of "Kumasi Mail", an independent weekly newspaper based in Kumasi, Ghana's second largest city, was detained and briefly held captive in the Chief's Palace by Nana Osei Bonsu, chief of Abira, a town in the Kwabre District of the Ashanti Region.

Azerbaijan

Police briefly detain, demand written explanation from journalist for taking photographs near Russian embassy

(IRFS/IFEX) - At approximately 4:00 p.m. (local time) on 9 August 2008, "Yeni Musavat" newspaper correspondent Afgan Mukhtarli was detained by police officers from the Nasimi District Police Department. He was held for two hours and released at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Mexico

Reporter harassed, beaten by military personnel in Sinaloa

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Syria

Government critic released from prison, but crackdown on dissidents continues

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is an 8 August 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Mauritania

Journalist arrested while covering demonstration

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 7 August 2008, Ahmed Ould Neda, a reporter for Akbar Info, a Nouakchott-based independent news agency, was arrested and detained by the Mauritanian police while covering a demonstration against the new military regime in the country.

China

Despite completion of prison term, housing activist unreleased, allegedly to muzzle him during Olympics; foreign affairs ministry refuses to investigate death threats against foreign journalists

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is an abridged 6 August 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Dominican Republic

Cameraman shot dead following threats to him, host of same programme over crime coverage

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Venezuela

Court rules against RCTV request to be allowed to return to broadcasting via open signal

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 29 July 2008, the Supreme Court of Justice's Political-Administrative Chamber (Sala Político Administrativo del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, TSJ) dismissed an application for a precautionary measure submitted by lawyers, directors and journalists of Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV) television station, in which they requested to be allowed to resume open signal broadcasting. The television station's open signal broadcasting was suspended on 27 May 2007 after the government failed to renew its license.

Bolivia

Journalist assaulted while covering demonstration in Beni

(AMARC/IFEX) - On 6 August 2008, a group of individuals linked to the Beni Civic Committee threatened and assaulted journalist Edwin Flores and seized some of his equipment. Flores works for Radio Patujú radio station, which is a member of the Bolivian Radiophonic Education (Educación Radiofónica de Bolivia, ERBOL) network.

Sri Lanka

Critical journalist and two colleagues remain in detention without charges, despite conclusion of investigation and absence of evidence

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a joint press release by FMM and a number of other civil society organizations:

Mexico

Jailed newspaper editor's home searched by soldiers

(RSF/IFEX) - On 31 July 2008, a group of soldiers searched the home of imprisoned newspaper editor Jesús Lemus Barajas. Lemus Barajas, the editor of the daily "El Tiempo", which is based in La Piedad in the southwestern state of Michoacán, has been held in pre-trial custody since 15 May on a drug trafficking charge.

United Kingdom

Government imposes restrictions on right of former diplomats to freedom of speech

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

Zimbabwe

Photojournalist flees country following assault by police, confiscation of his property

(MISA/IFEX) - Freelance photojournalist Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi has decided to flee to South Africa with his family after being assaulted by the police and having his car confiscated. Before leaving the country, Mukwazhi told MISA-Zimbabwe that the police accused him of possessing an "improperly registered vehicle" and of having used the vehicle to travel and cover the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Morgan Tsvangirayi, in the run up to the 29 March presidential elections.

Nepal

Newspaper targeted by political party supporters; editor receives death threat; youth seize newspaper copies

(FNJ/IFEX) - FNJ denounces three recent attacks against the media in different parts of the country.

Russia

Editor of independent weekly faces extremism charges, possible prison sentence, for quoting guerilla leader in article

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Russia

Following threats, assault and criminal prosecution campaign, website editor flees country

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 August 2008 CPJ press release:

China

Under IOC's watch, free expression sacrificed on altar of corporate sponsorship and market share, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 7 August 2008 ARTICLE 19 press statement:

China

RFA reporter of Tibetan ethnicity unable to obtain accreditation from IOC to cover Games

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

Cameroon

Songwriter remains in detention; WiPC concerned for his failing health

(WiPC/IFEX) - WiPC protests the four-month detention of the well known singer-songwriter Lapiro de Mbanga (real name Pierre Roger Lambo Sandjo), reportedly for a song he wrote criticising controversial constitutional amendments in Cameroon. The WiPC fears that Mbanga's detention stems from his critical lyrics, and is therefore in violation of his right to freedom of expression. It is also concerned at reports that his health has deteriorated due to poor prison conditions and lack of adequate medical care. The WiPC calls on the Cameroonian authorities to substantiate the charges against Mbanga or to release him immediately and unconditionally.

Bahrain

BCHR fears for its president's safety following king's condemnation of outspoken human rights activists

(BCHR/IFEX) - In a public speech, Hamad Bin Issa Alkhalifa, the King of Bahrain, indirectly warned Bahrainis against criticizing the kingdom, and against reporting on human rights abuses internationally, characterizing such efforts as serving the agenda of foreign powers seeking to re-colonize the county.

Ghana

Police storm radio station, assault two media workers

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 5 August 2008, police officers stormed the premises of Radio Gold, an Accra-based pro-opposition FM station, and assaulted a number of individuals, including a station employee and a newspaper graphic designer.

Philippines

Radio broadcaster investigating irregularity in local government murdered

(CMFR/IFEX) - Radio broadcaster Martin Roxas was killed on 7 August 2008 by a gunman riding pillion on a motorcycle in Roxas City, Capiz. The province is approximately 411 km southeast of Manila.

Malaysia

Photojournalists assaulted by political parties' security personnel

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Media watchdogs in Malaysia are denouncing the use of force against photojournalists by political parties' security personnel during news events.

International

CAPSULE REPORT: ARTICLE 19 concerned about plight of artists whose right to free expression has been curtailed

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

Bolivia

University television station suspends broadcasting after receiving threats; Reuters reporter assaulted by president's supporters

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 1 August 2008, Canal 13 Televisión Universitaria, a media outlet belonging to the San Francisco Xavier University in the city of Sucre, in southern Bolivia, suspended broadcasting after student leaders threatened to occupy the station. The students accuse the television station of being biased towards a group of teachers who are demanding a pay raise and have gone on an indefinite strike because of the students' refusal to discuss their demands at University Council meetings.

Guatemala

APG urges Congress to pass Access to Information Law

(APG/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 17 July 2008 APG press release:

Venezuela

Reporters attacked, harassed by officials in 2002 still seeking justice as case proceeds in regional court

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 6 August 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Burma

CAPSULE REPORT: Twenty years after 8888 Uprising, local media continue to defy military regime, shows SEAPA report

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 6 August 2008 SEAPA capsule report:

Vietnam

Authorities revoke press credentials of seven journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Chechnya (Russia)

Torture victim "disappeared" after speaking publicly about his illegal detention

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

Brazil

RSF urges legislators to oppose cyber-crime bill likely to threaten online free expression

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is worried about the impact of a proposed law on cyber-crime, adopted by the Senate on 9 July 2008, which will soon be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies. The press freedom organisation calls on deputies to clarify the bill's wording so as to safeguard online free expression.

Belarus

President signs restrictive media law despite protests

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Peru

Radio journalists harassed, threatened for trying to record drug disposal operation

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 31 July 2008, journalist Otilio Norberto Ríos was threatened by Pomabamba's public prosecutor, Lidubina Cabrera Espinoza, when he attempted to record the transportation of a drug shipment seized by the police to a rubbish dump, where it was to be burned. The incident took place in the town of Pomabamba, Áncash region, in northwestern Peru.

Ethiopia

Police threaten to block distribution of independent newspaper over opposition party coverage

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Uzbekistan

Journalist faces up to 20 years in prison as another dubious charge brought against him by authorities

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 5 August 2008 CPJ press release:

China

Police detain, beat Japanese reporters, threaten Reuters staffer seeking to cover attack on border outpost

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

Philippines

Crusading radio journalist critically wounded in murder attempt

(CMFR/IFEX) - A radio broadcaster is in critical condition after being shot in General Santos City, South Cotabato on 4 August 2008, at approximately 4:30 p.m. (local time).

Sri Lanka

Army commander pressures newspaper to cancel defence columns

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a joint press release by FMM and four other media organisations:

Colombia

Mayor harasses radio station employees, assaults journalist following report on new traffic regulation

(AMARC/IFEX) - According to "El Universal" newspaper, Galo Torres Serra, mayor of El Carmen de Bolívar, publicly insulted members of the Carmen Estéreo community radio station and assaulted the newspaper's local correspondent, Lila Leyva.

Venezuela

Radio station attacked in Aragua; journalist harassed by political candidate's security personnel in Zulia

(IPYS/IFEX) - In the early morning of 30 July 2008, Color 99.5 FM station was targeted by unidentified individuals who threw rocks and metal objects at the broadcasting booth. The radio station is based in Maracay, Aragua state, in central Venezuela.

Iraq

Reporter attacked by mob, two others threatened: as media repression increases in north

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2008 CPJ letter to Kurdistan Regional Government President Massoud Barzani:

Senegal

Police raid newspaper printing house, harass newspaper, interrogate editor over critical article; minister allegedly threatens reporter

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2008 IFJ media release:

Turkey

Another video-sharing website blocked by authorities; YouTube still inaccessible

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the stubborn insistence of the Turkish authorities in censoring video-sharing websites. After blocking access to YouTube ( http://youtube.com ) on 5 May 2008, the authorities blocked the Paris-based Dailymotion ( http://www.dailymotion.com ) on 2 August as well.

South Korea

IFJ condemns political interference in management of major broadcast media, government action against critical television programme

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

Sri Lanka

Notoriously anti-media government minister publicly assaults, threatens two journalists

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

Bolivia

Journalists detained briefly, threatened by protesting miners

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 30 July 2008, a group of miners, members of Bolivia's Main Workers' Union (Central Obrera Boliviana), held captive some twenty journalists, photographers and camera operators for more than three hours. The media personnel were kept in the second floor of the Communications Palace building, a government headquarters in La Paz where several ministries are housed. According to the miners, the move was aimed at pressuring the government to take into account their demands regarding changes to the pension law.

China

Internet censorship at Olympic Games eases, some restrictions remain

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Burma

Detained comedian, sports columnist both charged with "disturbing public order"

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Lawyer Aung Thein reports that sports columnist Zaw Thet Htwe and comedian Zarganar ("Tweezers") were brought before court on 30 July 2008 and charged under section 505(b) of the Criminal Code for "disturbing public order". Their next hearing is scheduled for 7 August.

Iraq

Kurdish journalist survives assassination attempt after receiving death threats; several other journalists threatened

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns a shooting attack on journalist Amanaj Khalil, of the weekly "Rudaw", on 1 August 2008 in Kani Kardatt, a region to the west of Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan. Khalil, who was not injured, had reportedly been getting threats because of one of his articles.

Palestine

Radio station closed by Hamas in Gaza; journalist released after five days in detention

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns Hamas's closure of "Voice of the People," a radio station operated by the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), in Gaza City on 2 August 2008.

Nepal

Journalist briefly detained, others threatened over reporting; FNJ concerned over increase in attacks on media

(FNJ/IFEX) - FNJ denounces a number of recent violations and attacks against journalists in different parts of the country.

Ghana

Various reporters assaulted by political militants for alleged bias, one seriously injured

(MFWA/IFEX) - In two separate incidents, five journalists were assaulted by political party militants.

Palestine

Journalists detained, some reportedly tortured, by rival political groups

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 August 2008 IFJ news release:

Ethiopia

Editor of independent weekly jailed for publishing interview; other journalists questioned by police over reporting; impounded magazine released

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 4 August 2008 CPJ press release:

Pakistan

Journalist injured, hospitalised following attack in Tribal Areas

(PPF/IFEX) - On 3 August 2008, the president of the Tribal Union of Journalists (TUJ), Khayal Zaman Afridi, received serious injuries when armed persons fired shots at him. The incident occurred in the town of Bara, Khyber Agency, in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The attackers also kidnapped his companion, Mohammad Waseem Niazi, a businessman from Lahore, who was visiting Bara.

Niger

Newspaper editor released on bail, charged with "divulging military secrets"

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 1 August 2008, Moussa Aksar, managing editor of "L'Evènement", a Niamey-based independent weekly newspaper, was released on bail by the prosecutor of the Niamey Magistrate court, after being charged with "divulging military secrets".

Thailand

Reporter shot dead in his home following death threats related to reporting

(TJA/IFEX) - A reporter for a local Thai-language daily and a television station was shot dead inside his home on 1 August 2008 in Nakorn Sri Thammarat province.

Sudan

Authorities block YouTube

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 29 July 2008, ANHRI denounced the government's decision to block the YouTube website ( http://www.youtube.com ). Since 22 July, Internet users in Sudan have been unable to access the site, instead receiving an error message stating that the site was blocked by the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC).

China

Authorities seek to prevent dissidents from talking to foreign media, tell some to leave Beijing during Olympic Games

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns an increase in measures aimed at preventing Beijing-based human rights activists from talking to the foreign media. "These measures unfortunately recall those adopted by the Soviet police during the 1980 Olympics Games, when dissidents were forced to leave Moscow," the press freedom organisation said.

United States

One year after journalist Chauncey Bailey's murder, impunity prevails; RSF launches petition calling for justice

(RSF/IFEX) - On 1 August 2008, the eve of the first anniversary of journalist Chauncey Bailey's murder, RSF is very disappointed that the investigation has not made any progress. Instead, the case has become more complicated as new information surrounding the motives for Bailey's murder has come to light. Evidence, some recorded by the police and some uncovered by investigative reporters, points at someone other than the currently accused defendant as a potential perpetrator(s) and/or mastermind(s) of the crime, and suggests that local police officials may be protecting those responsible for Bailey's death. RSF also disapproves of Oakland Police Chief Tucker and Deputy Chief Howard A. Jordan's unwillingness to talk to the media.

Somalia

CAPSULE REPORT: NUSOJ six-month survey finds journalists in the line of fire, press freedom muzzled

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 July 2008 NUSOJ capsule report:

Afghanistan

Outspoken TV host freed, charged with insulting government officials

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders hails the release of Ariana TV presenter Mohammed Naseer Fayyaz on the afternoon of 30 July 2008 in Kabul. Calls for his release had been made on 31 July by Afghan parliamentarians and human rights organisations. He is nonetheless charged with insulting two government ministers and President Hamid Karzai.

Zimbabwe

Two journalists convicted of publishing "false story"

(MISA/IFEX) - On 29 July 2008 Kwekwe journalists Wycliff Nyarota and James Muonwa were convicted of publishing falsehoods in breach of the repressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Iraq / United States

Reuters cameraman held by US military on security grounds

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls for the immediate release of Ali Al-Mashhadani, an Iraqi cameraman employed by the Reuters news agency, who was arrested by US troops while visiting the Iraqi parliament press centre in Baghdad's Green Zone on 26 July 2008.

Niger

Newspaper editor held incommunicado

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 30 July 2008, Moussa Aksar, editor of the "L'Evènement", a Niamey-based independent weekly newspaper, was arrested and detained by the Niamey police Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Cuba

Imprisoned journalist on hunger strike, CPJ concerned for his health

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Tanzania

Official defends recent raid on radical weekly harassed by government for over a year

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an excerpt from the 31 July 2008 RAP 21 Newsletter:

International

IFJ denounces European Broadcasting Union's agreement with IOC to restrict radio broadcasts of Olympic Games on Internet

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

China

Hong Kong journalists prevented from filming, fear for safety following warning by police

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

Chile

Community radio station considers investigation attempt an intimidation tactic

(AMARC/IFEX) - On the evening of 22 July 2008, several individuals who identified themselves as officials from the Telecommunications Sub-Secretariat (Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones, SUBTEL) showed up at the Pedro Maniqueo Cultural Centre in the La Victoria area of Santiago, Chile. The cultural centre is home to the Radio Primero de Mayo community radio station. The supposed SUBTEL officials said they were there to take photographs of the radio station's equipment since "they knew that the station was broadcasting."

Guatemala

Radio journalist's home fired upon in Cobán

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On the morning of 27 July 2008, unidentified individuals shot at the entrance to journalist Edin Rodelmiro Maaz Bol's house in Cobán, Alta Verapaz. Cobán is located 15 kilometres north of the capital, Guatemala City.

Senegal

RSF concerned as president, other high officials make pro-censorship comments, justify attacks on journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is worried about recent comments made by Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and certain government ministers and ruling party legislators indicating a desire to step up censorship of the independent press.

Venezuela

Two journalists assaulted by municipal employees in Maracaibo; reporter briefly detained by police in Barinas

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is concerned about an increase in violence against and harassment of journalists by public officials. In the two latest cases, a "La Verdad" reporter and photographer were attacked on 23 July 2008 by municipal employees in Maracaibo while reporting on waste pollution; meanwhile, police detained an "El Nacional" reporter in Barinas on 25 July, confiscating a report in his possession that listed valuables stolen from a nephew of President Hugo Chávez.

China

Teacher sentenced over Internet posting, reporters denied entry to village as heightened security measures impact press freedom

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF condemns the one-year sentence to reeducation through labor imposed, according to Human Rights in China, on 23 July 2008 on Liu Shaokun, a teacher at Guanghan school in Deyang, Sichuan province, for posting photos of earthquake-damaged schools on the Internet.

China

IOC agreement to government's Internet censorship "sad, bewildering", says CPJ; reporters find online access limited

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Burma

Two news websites run by journalists in exile under attack; junta suspected

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Two leading news organizations run by Burmese exiles have reported sustained, aggressive attacks on their online servers in late July 2008.

Moldova

Denial of accreditation to foreign journalists "an attempt by government to restrict access to information," says IJC

(IJC/IFEX) - The following is a 28 July 2008 joint press release by IJC and other Moldovan media organisations:

Sri Lanka

FMM concerned over army commander's justification of recent attacks against journalists

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 29 July 2008 FMM press release:

Mexico

Federal congress, various states fail to amend legislation on transparency and access to information as required by constitutional reform

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

Lesotho

Journalist covering protest manhandled by political party militants, his camera confiscated

(MISA/IFEX) - On 27 July 2008, "Public Eye" photographer Mohapi Moeketsi was manhandled by All Basotho Convention (ABC) party supporters in Rothe constituency. The party militants confiscated the journalist's camera and shoved him about.

Burma

Authorities suppress magazine story about critical editor

(Mizzima/IFEX) - The Burmese Ministry of Information has suppressed an 80-page article about prominent Burmese journalist Oway U Nyo Mya, written for "Padaukpwinthit" magazine.

Turkey

Antenna-TR's website hacked by group claiming to "defend the Turkish Republic"

(Antenna-TR/IFEX) - On 24 July 2008, the Anniversary of the Elimination of Censorship, Antenna-TR's website, http://www.antenna-tr.org , and the civil society website http://www.ortakpayda.org were hacked by a group calling itself "Atabeyler". Antenna-TR denounced the incident as an attack on free expression. The organisation had recently spoken out on its website against the blocking of the "YouTube" site in Turkey.

Nepal

Journalist assaulted by protestors in Kathmandu; district committee prohibits distribution of two newspapers, copies burned in Parsa

(FNJ/IFEX) - On 28 July 2008, Kishor Shrestha, an FNJ central council member and editor of the "Janaastha" weekly newspaper, was attacked by a rowdy group of protesters in Thapathali, in the capital city of Kathmandu.

Vietnam

Authorities extend detention of two reporters; RSF condemns sentence imposed on freelance journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the five-year prison sentence that a court in Kien Giang province in the southern Mekong delta imposed on freelance journalist Truong Minh Duc on 18 July 2008 under article 258 of the criminal code for "taking advantage of democratic freedom to harm the interests of the state and of social and citizen organisations."

Nepal

Two journalists threatened by local officials, another two severely beaten by police officers over coverage

(FNJ/IFEX) - FNJ denounces three recent serious attacks against journalists in different areas of the country.

Mexico / Gender

Human rights media agency raided, documents stolen

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - During the weekend of 26-27 July 2008, unidentified individuals broke into the offices of CIMAC (Comunicación e Información de la Mujer), a Mexico City-based non-govermental organisation that reports on women's issues through the "Cimacnoticias" news agency. The assailants stole some of the organisation's equipment and destroyed a number of documents.

Ghana

Radio journalist attacked by ruling party supporters

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 13 July 2008, Asafo Adjei Davidson, news editor of Success FM, a local radio station based in Goaso, a town in the Asunafo North Constituency in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana, was allegedly assaulted by a group of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Niger

Prosecutor appeals against judge's decision to drop charges against detained journalist Moussa Kaka

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns the 28 July 2008 decision by Niger's public prosecutor to appeal against an investigating judge's decision on 23 July to dismiss the charges on which Radio Saraounia manager Moussa Kaka has been held since September 2007. The authorities would have had to free Kaka if the prosecutor had not filed his appeal.

Serbia

New Internet regulation poses serious threat to free expression, says ANEM

(ANEM/IFEX) - The following is a 29 July 2008 ANEM statement:

Uganda

Previously-harassed HIV/AIDS activist abducted, tortured by police

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

Afghanistan

Outspoken TV programme host arrested on government's orders

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls for the release of Mohammed Naseer Fayyaz, the host of the programme "Haqeeqat" (The Truth) on privately-owned Ariana TV, who was arrested on 28 July 2008 by members of the Directorate for National Security (DNS) at the government's behest.

Bolivia

Activist placed under house arrest for threatening journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - Pro-government activist Adolfo Cerrudo was placed under house arrest when he finally appeared in court on 23 July 2008 on charges of threatening and attacking journalists. He was originally summoned to appear in court on 17 July, but he did not show up and the judicial authorities were initially unable to locate him.

Palestine

Cameraman arrested by Hamas possibly for alleged links to Fatah, his equipment confiscated

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Zimbabwe

Northern Irish photojournalist found dead under unknown circumstances

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to South African President Thabo Mbeki:

Mexico

Shots fired at community radio journalists' homes

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is an excerpt of a 28 July 2008 joint press release by AMARC, CENCOS, ARTICLE 19 and RSF:

Iran

Kurdish freelancer arrested two days after show of Kurdish solidarity with two detained journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - Kurdish freelance journalist Saman Rasoulpour was arrested on 27 July 2008 at his home in Mahabad, in Iran's predominantly Kurdish northwest, two days after some 200 Kurds staged a peaceful demonstration in Mahabad to demand the overturning of the death sentences imposed on journalists Adnan Hassanpour and Abdolvahed "Hiva" Botimar, and Kurdish teacher Farzad Kamangar.

Panama

Columnist barred from leaving the country, ordered to stand trial on criminal defamation charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Canada

Constable impersonates journalist; CJFE calls on minister to forbid police officers from using this tactic

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 28 July 2008 CJFE press release:

Brazil

Photographers threatened by armed men while covering political campaign in Rio de Janeiro

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Russia

Website editor kidnapped, beaten, threatened in Ingushetia

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 28 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Colombia

IAPA calls for action on unpunished murder of radio commentator Gustavo Ruíz Cantillo

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

Morocco

Journalist Mostapha Hurmatallah released on completing his prison sentence

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders notes that reporter Mostapha Hurmatallah of the weekly "Al Watan Al An" was freed on 25 July 2008 on completing his prison sentence. He had been in Casablanca's Oukacha prison since 19 February, when Morocco's highest court of appeal ordered him to go back to jail to serve the rest of a seven-month term.

Cambodia

Unequal media access during national election campaign hampers opposition parties, warns Human Rights Watch

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 26 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Azerbaijan

On one-year anniversary of journalist's arrest, IRFS reiterates concerns about investigation and process

(IRFS/IFEX) - On 24 July 2008, the one-year anniversary of the arrest of "Bizim Yol" newspaper correspondent Mushfig Huseynov, IRFS recalled that the journalist is still under detention. Huseynov was arrested by employees of the Chief Prosecutor's Office and the National Security Ministry's Anti-terrorism Department on 24 July 2007. He was convicted of demanding a bribe of US$3,500 from Rizvan Aliyev, head of administration of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Azerbaijan Republic.

China

Hong Kong journalists harassed, photographer detained, while covering arguments over sale of Olympic tickets

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

Nepal

Journalists, Right to Information activists attacked by protesters demonstrating against vice president's use of Hindi language; media targeted by students calling for general strike

(FNJ/IFEX) - On 27 July 2008, news correspondent Janak Gautam and camera operator Niranjul Kayestha, of Avenues Television station, were attacked by a group of protesters at Kalopool, in the capital city of Kathmandu.

Zimbabwe

Globecast Satellite trial ends, South African company acquitted

(MISA/IFEX) - There was a dramatic end to the Globecast Satellite trial on 24 July 2008 when Harare Magistrate Archie Wochiunga refused to place the South African company on further remand after the state applied for a postponement of the matter.

Mexico

Journalist assaulted and threatened by municipal police in Oaxaca while photographing their abuse of detainee

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 23 July 2008, Othón García, police news reporter for "El Rotativo" newspaper, was assaulted by municipal police in the southern city of Oaxaca de Juárez.

Azerbaijan

Lawsuit filed in assaulted journalist's case

(IRFS/IFEX) - On 24 July 2008, IRFS Chairman Emin Huseynov filed a lawsuit against the Ministry of Interior, the Nasimi District Police Department and the police department's Unit #22. The lawsuit was prepared by Rashid Hajili, from the Media Rights Institute, Khalid Agaliyev and Elchin Sadigov and was submitted to the Nasimi District Court.

Serbia

Cameraman assaulted, injured, photographer's camera broken during protests

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

International

IPI concerned about legal conditions imposed on journalists seeking to cover the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an IPI letter to FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter:

Ukraine

Human rights organisation sued by prison officials after publishing allegations of torture, ill-treatment of detainees

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

Nepal

Newspaper correspondent attacked by transport workers in Kaski; three journalists and their camera operators assaulted by police in Kathmandu

(FNJ/IFEX) - On 24 July 2008, D. R. Pokharel, a news correspondent for "Pokhara Aawaj" daily newspaper and a member of FNJ's Kaski chapter, was assaulted by transport workers. The incident occurred at New Road, Pokhara, Kaski district, in western Nepal.

Serbia

Television station owner attacked over report; IPI and SEEMO concerned over pattern of unresolved attacks against journalists

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2008 letter by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate, to First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Ivica Dacic:

Colombia

Journalists jeopardised by soldier's impersonation of Telesur television crew member during hostage rescue operation, warns FLIP

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2008 FLIP press release:

Lesotho

Privately-owned radio station suspended for "failure to cooperate with the authority"

(MISA/IFEX) - On 21 July 2008 the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) imposed a twelve-month suspension on Harvest FM for what it called "failure to cooperate with the authority."

Brazil

Critical journalist's home set on fire in northern Amazon region

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Botswana

MP condemns government secrecy, calls for freedom of information legislation

(MISA/IFEX) - Mmegi Online (http://www.mmegi.bw/ ), the webpage for Botswana's leading daily newspaper, reported on 18 July 2008 that the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gaborone North, Keletso Rakhudu, says he intends to table a motion requesting the government establish a Freedom of Information Act during the forthcoming parliamentary session, due to start in early August.

Palestine

Security forces detain journalist

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 24 July 2008 IFJ media release:

Mexico

Radio programme cancelled, allegedly as a result of political pressure

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 18 July 2008, "Índice Político", a programme aired by Radio Capital radio station, was cancelled due to alleged pressures from the government, according to the programme's host, journalist Francisco Rodríguez. The station broadcasts on the 830 AM frequency.

International

Thirty-four writers from 19 countries receive Hellman/Hammett grants in recognition of their courage in the face of political persecution

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 22 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Venezuela

RCTV television station crew threatened in Cúa; photojournalist briefly detained in Lara

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 18 July 2008, two unidentified individuals riding a motorcycle threatened a RCTV Internacional television station crew by firing nine gunshots into the air. At the time of the incident, the crew was gathering footage for RCTV's "A Puerta Cerrada" ("Behind Closed Doors") programme on a complaint by a group of local residents about the lack of public services in their community in the Quebrada sector of the city of Cúa, 60 kilometres from Caracas.

Namibia

Polytechnic declares its premises a "no-go" area for journalists covering student events

(MISA/IFEX) - The Namibian Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa, MISA-Namibia, has come out strongly against the decision by the Polytechnic of Namibia issuing a decree that its premises are a "no-go" area for journalists covering student events.

Bolivia

Five government ministers named to supervise state-owned TV channel

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is worried by an announcement on 22 July 2008 that five government ministers have been appointed to head the state-owned National Corporation for Bolivian Television (ENTVB) under an 11 June decree declaring it to be a "strategic enterprise." ENTVB operates the Canal 7 television station.

Egypt

Internet activists detained in Alexandria, no explanation given for arrests

(ANHRI/IFEX) - According to ANHRI's information, on 23 July 2008, security officers arrested a number of young Internet activists, who form part of the "6th of April Youth" group. The youths were arrested during a trip to Alexandria and are being held in a State Security detention centre, known as the "Pharaohs' Quarters". On 24 July, Ahmed Maher, a member of the group, was detained by police officers while walking in the Alrramal station of Alexandria. Both incidents indicate that security agencies are targeting the young men and women who form the "6th of April Youth" group.

Colombia

Journalists in Arauca receive threats while covering "March for Liberty"

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 20 July 2008, several journalists who were covering a protest against kidnappings, called the "March for Liberty", in the city of Arauca and in Saravena municipality, Arauca department, received threatening messages, presumed to be from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia's (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC) Tenth Front. (The FARC is Colombia's largest guerrilla group.)

Serbia

Several reporters and cameramen attacked while covering protests by right-wing nationalist organisations

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

Malaysia

Arrested blogger faces up to six years in jail and lawsuit for writing about murder case

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 23 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Burma

Junta officials censor political cartoons; reporters face restrictions at Martyrs' Day ceremony

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Government officials removed four cartoons from a fund-raising exhibit earlier in the week of 21 July 2008 for allegedly violating government policies. The exhibit, entitled "Wake-up from Storm", was for the benefit of victims of cyclone Nargis.

United States

ANHRI urges government to end prosecution of Palestinian-American professor, believes he is being targeted for expressing his opinion

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2008 ANHRI press release:

Guatemala

Suchitepéquez-based radio journalist receives death threats, dismissed from television programme following pressure from municipality

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - On 18 and 19 July 2008, Óscar Perdomo, a correspondent for Emisoras Unidas radio station in the department of Suchitepéquez, 158 kilometres from Guatemala City, the capital, received three anonymous messages, warning him that he would be killed if he did not stop reporting on the Mazatenango municipal administration.

Zimbabwe

MISA cautiously welcomes signing of MOU between main political parties, stresses need for free expression guarantees

(MISA/IFEX) - The following is a 22 July 2008 MISA press release:

South Africa

Judicial hearings should be accessible to the public and allowed to be broadcast live, says FXI

(FXI/IFEX) - The following is a 23 July 2008 FXI press statement:

Iran

Woman journalist detained for criticising police behaviour in demonstration; two weeklies suspended

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the Iranian authorities to release journalist Mahboubeh Karami of the government news agency ISNA at once. She has not seen a lawyer since her arrest in Tehran on 13 June 2008 after criticising police for beating demonstrators. The organisation is also concerned about the suspension of two weekly newspapers in the west of the country.

Tunisia

Journalist Slim Boukhdir released

(RSF/IFEX) - On 21 July 2008, Reporters Without Borders voiced its relief at the news of the release of Slim Boukhdir four months before the end of his sentence. The freelance journalist has been held since 26 November 2007 in very harsh prison conditions at the civil jail in Sfax, 230 kilometres south of the capital.

Uruguay

Bill eliminating "insult to authorities" laws and decriminalising defamation welcome but needs improvements, says WPFC

(WPFC/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2008 WPFC letter to President Tabaré Vázquez:

Guatemala

"Prensa Libre" correspondent in Suchitepéquez threatened with murder by ex-governor

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - Journalist Danilo López, "Prensa Libre" newspaper's correspondent in the department of Suchitepéquez in southwestern Guatemala, 158 kilometres from Guatemala City, the capital, has recently been threatened with murder by the department's ex-governor, Leonor Toledo, who warned him to stop publishing information about her administration.

Chile

La Voz community radio station repeatedly searched by investigative police; government introduces bill to legalise such stations' status

(AMARC/IFEX) - On 4 July 2008, La Voz community radio station, located in the Estación Central neighbourhood of Chile's capital, Santiago, reported that its premises had been searched several times by investigative police since 30 June.

Mozambique

Three journalists charged with threatening state security over article questioning prime minister's citizenship

(MISA/IFEX) - On Monday 21 July 2008, the 3rd Section of the Maputo Judicial Court postponed the trial of three "Zambeze" journalists. "Zambeze" is one of the biggest independent weeklies in Mozambique. The three are accused of threatening state security, after they wrote an article in which they questioned whether the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Luísa Diogo, was Mozambican or Portuguese. The trial has been postponed to 12 August following a request by the Prosecution Authority, which said its representative in that case was not available.

Zimbabwe

South African company charged with illegal importation of broadcasting equipment

(MISA/IFEX) - A South African company, Globecast Satellite, which saw two of its employees acquitted of practicing journalism without accreditation in April 2008 by a Harare magistrate, is now being charged with illegal importation of broadcasting equipment in violation of the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA).

China

Norwegian scholar denied visa

(Norwegian PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 22 July 2008 Norwegian PEN press release:

Sri Lanka

Previously threatened journalist stalked

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 22 July 2008 FMM press release:

Turkey

Hayat TV loses satellite access after questionable allegations it provided images to pro-Kurdish station in Germany

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

Venezuela

Radio station fired upon following threats allegedly received from pro-government group

(RSF/IFEX) - Shots were fired against the headquarters of Radio Marabina 1420 AM in Zulia state, western Venezuela, on the night of 15 July 2008, but no injuries were reported. Witnesses said they saw two people on a motorbike fire 11 times on the front of the building at around 10.30 p.m. (local time), before riding off. The station's director, Sonsiret Rodríguez, said that a journalist at the station who heads the programme "Free Expression" had received threats the previous evening from a group claiming to be pro-government. She added that she filed a complaint about the incident. The programme hosts pointed out that the programme has a focus on the community, not political issues.

The Gambia

Two newspaper journalists briefly detained, one charged with sedition

(MFWA/IFEX) - Abdulhamid Adiomoh and Pa Bajika, Nigerian publisher and reporter, respectively, for the privately-owned Banjul-based "Today Newspaper", were on 17 July 2008 arrested and briefly detained at the headquarters of The Gambian Police Force over a story that the paper published.

Iran

Outspoken AIDS educators arrested, held incommunicado; Human Rights Watch warns their detention has a chilling effect on HIV education efforts

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 21 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Fiji

Government proposes new media legislation, denies goal is to control media

(PINA/IFEX) - Fiji's interim attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has denied proposed new legislation is designed to control the nation's media, reports Radio Australia.

Mauritania

Journalist, publisher arrested over article on judicial corruption

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has condemned the arrest of Mohamed Ould Abdelatif and Mohamed Nema Oumar, respectively journalist and publisher of the privately-owned Arabic-language weekly "Al-Hurriya", in connection with a "defamation" complaint from three judges at the criminal appeal court.

Iraq

Journalist gunned down in Kirkuk after receiving threats over articles

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the murder of reporter Soran Mama Hama of the fortnightly magazine "Leven", who was gunned down on 21 July 2008 outside his home in Kirkuk, in the northern region of Kurdistan. His colleagues said he had received threats about articles he had written on sensitive subjects.

China

Writer Du Daobin re-arrested as crackdown continues; writer Huang Qi held incommunicado and denied legal counsel

(PEN American Center/PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 21 July 2008 PEN American Center and PEN Canada joint press release:

Egypt

Journalist harassed, detained, his photographs erased, while investigating construction company activities

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The following is a 20 July 2008 ANHRI press release:

Tanzania

Police raid independent weekly's offices and editor's home

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns raids by the police on "Mwanahalisi", a weekly based in Dar es Salaam, and the home of its editor, Saeed Kubenea, on 18 July 2008. The head of the criminal investigation department said the raids came in response to a complaint by the National Bank of Commerce about the publication of bank data of some of its clients.

Greece

Macedonian journalists seeking to cover cultural event denied entry to country

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 21 July 2008 IPI letter to the Greek authorities:

Malaysia

Online critic rearrested, charged with criminal defamation over story

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Several Malaysian non-government organisations (NGOs) are up in arms over what they claim as the government's continuous invoking of laws to criminalise free expression.

United States

Journalist ordered to appear before grand jury after refusing to reveal sources for article on alleged Chinese espionage in US

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is alarmed by California Judge Cormac Carney's decision ordering William Gertz, a national security reporter for the "Washington Times", to appear in court for open-ended questioning on his reporting techniques. The order comes regarding Gertz's article discussing supposed espionage attempts by China in the United States.

Nepal

Two newspaper correspondents assaulted by Khandbari youths over critical coverage

(FNJ/IFEX) - Rajdhan Rai and Kishor Budhathoki, correspondents of "Naya Patrika" and "Annapurna Post" dailies respectively, were attacked by youths of the Khandbari Yuba Club on 20 July 2008 at Khandbari, Sakhuwasabha region, in eastern Nepal.

Zimbabwe

Freelance journalist relieved of requirement to report to courts, police, but still facing charges of inciting violence

(MISA/IFEX) - Freelance journalist Frank Chikowore and the 13 alleged Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters, charged with inciting public violence and burning a bus, were on 14 July 2008 removed from remand.

Egypt

Interpreter released, recounts detention ordeal; textile factory worker who wrote blog detained, tortured, told to "stop reading the newspapers and keep quiet"

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of an 18 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Sri Lanka

Government officials assault two "Daily Mirror" journalists, harass Sirasa TV journalist covering home demolitions

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 19 July 2008 FMM press release:

Azerbaijan

Still no justice in case of murdered journalist Elmar Huseynov

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2008 IPI press release:

Burma

CAPSULE REPORT: Military cronies' involvement in media resulting in self-censorship, reduced media diversity

(Mizzima/IFEX) - The following is a 17 June 2008 Mizzima News report:

Peru / Gender

Journalists assaulted, newspaper's circulation impeded, following coverage of Chosica mayor's alleged sexual abuse of employees

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 15 July 2008, municipal workers in Chosica threatened and hurled insults at journalists Raúl Vento, Roxana Rivera and Elizabeth Salinas, of the "Conoeste" weekly newspaper, as they were handing out copies of the 13 July edition of the daily "El Comercio". "El Comercio"'s 13 July edition contained witness testimonies accusing the municipality's mayor, Luis Bueno Quino, of abuse of power, sexual harassment and the transmission of contagious illnesses, alleging that he had forced several municipal workers to have sexual intercourse with him or face losing their jobs, despite knowing that he is a carrier of HIV. Chosica is located east of Lima.

Spain / Haiti

Spanish authorities reopen investigation into 2004 murder of Antena 3 correspondent Ricardo Ortega

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2008 CPJ press release:

India

Journalists attacked, injured in Malkangiri district while covering police event

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

Colombia

Soldiers obstruct journalists' work in San Vicente del Caguán, attempt to intimidate them with gunshots

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 5 July 2008, a group of soldiers prevented several journalists from covering events in the rural area of San Vicente del Caguán, Caquetá, in southern Colombia, in addition to attempting to intimidate them by firing gunshots into the air.

International

Members of European Parliament urged to support Global Online Freedom Act's European version

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is backing a proposed directive which Dutch MEP Jules Maaten was expected to submit to the European Parliament on 17 July 2008 and which would prevent Europe's Internet companies from being forced to cooperate with repressive regimes in censoring and monitoring the Internet. Inspired by America's proposed Global Online Freedom Act (GOFA), it would allow these companies to adopt a series of joint measures to resist such governments.

Mexico

Journalists threatened and assaulted by police in Mexico City and Sinaloa state

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF condemns the aggressiveness of some police officers, particularly at the federal level, after assaults on journalists that took place on 15 July 2008 in Mexico City (Distrito Federal) and in the state of Sinaloa, northwestern Mexico.

Sri Lanka

FMM condemns latest series of attacks, threats and intimidation against journalists and media institutions

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

Ghana

Newspaper receives more death threats; chief justice announces creation of new human rights court

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 15 July 2008, Western Publications Limited, publishers of the "Daily Guide", an Accra-based, privately-owned daily newspaper, filed a complaint with the head of the Ghana Police Service's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) regarding threats to the lives and security of its staff and property. The threats were received via anonymous telephone calls. This followed frequent death threats that three of the newspaper's senior staff members have recently received.

Rwanda

Deputy managing editor of independent weekly deported

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns this week's deportation of Fuhara Mugisha, the deputy managing editor of Rwanda's leading independent weekly, "Umuseso". Despite having a Rwandan mother, Mugisha is a citizen of neighbouring Tanzania.

Azerbaijan

Newspaper correspondent threatened over critical article

(IRFS/IFEX) - On 16 July 2008, Sabuhi Mammadli, a correspondent for "Yeni Musavat" newspaper, was threatened by physician Rauf Agayev, of the Jalilabad Court Medical Expertise Department, and his relative, Faraj Bayramov. According to Mammadli, the threat stems from his 15 July article, "Inhuman Action of an Official in Jalilabad".

Syria

Issue of London daily banned over coverage of President Assad's trip to France

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns a Syrian government ban on distribution of the 15 July 2008 issue of the London-based daily "Al-Hayat". According to the news website Elaph ( http://www.elaph.com ), it was prompted by an article by Saudi journalist Daoud Al-Sharayan criticising the position taken by President Bashar el-Assad during his visit to France for the launch of the Union for the Mediterranean. Headlined "Combatants lie even when they tell the truth," it accused Assad of uttering "empty slogans" and of being very distant towards Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who was also in Paris. Sharayan wrote that the improvement in Syria's relations with Israel was at the expense of its relations with the Arab countries. He also claimed that Assad seemed happy to sit at the same table with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Guyana

Leading TV journalist banned from president's office

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the government's discriminatory decision on 13 July 2008 to declare TV reporter and producer Gordon Moseley persona non grata in the office of the president, and supports the efforts of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to resolve the conflict as soon as possible. Moseley works for Capitol News, a privately-owned TV station based in Georgetown.

Cambodia

Despite withdrawal of lawsuit, editor Dam Sith still facing criminal charges

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Russia

Former judge asks for criminal charges to be brought against journalist, files defamation suit against newspaper

(CJES/IFEX) - A criminal case has been filed against journalist Rimma Urazbakhtina, of the "Chas Pik. Na Magistrali" newspaper, in connection with her article "Uroki Vezhlivosti" (Lessons in Courtesy). The journalist is facing charges of violating Article 129 of the Russian Criminal Code (slander contained in a public statement in a media publication) and Article 130 of the Russian Criminal Code (insult in a public statement in a media publication). Roza Gilyazutdinova, a former judge who is the plaintiff in the case, has also accused the journalist of violating the constitutional principle of the inviolability of a judge by disseminating classified information on a judge.

Iraq / United States

US military review board orders continued detention of Associated Press journalist for at least six more months

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Peru

Graffiti insulting radio journalist appears on Iquitos town walls

(IPYS/IFEX) - On the morning of 9 July 2008, insulting messages were painted on four walls in the city of Iquitos. The graffiti was directed against Mary Pérez, a reporter for La Voz de la Selva radio station and IPYS's correspondent in the Loreto region, northeastern Peru.

France

Auto magazine reporter detained for 48 hours and charged in connection with industrial spying complaint

(RSF/IFEX) - After being held for 48 hours, Bruno Thomas, a reporter with the Paris-based car magazine "Auto Plus", was charged on 17 July 2008 in connection with an industrial spying complaint brought by the French car-maker Renault in 2007 when the magazine published photos of future Renault models.

Venezuela

Eight radio stations, two newspapers targeted in rash of vandalism in Cojedes state

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 29 June 2008, unidentified individuals spray painted messages on the walls of radio stations Radio Pueblo 100.7 FM, Rumbera Network 103.7, Plata 105.7 FM, Pachanga 99.7 FM, Guarachera 96.1 FM, Sonido 104.3 FM, Favorita 106.1 FM and Radio San Carlos 920 AM. Some of the billboards advertising the stations were also defaced with graffiti. The stations are based in the towns of Tinaquillo and San Carlos, in Cojedes state, central Venezuela.

Japan

Two journalists reporting on warship fire go missing following helicopter crash

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 16 July 2008 IFJ media release:

Azerbaijan

Journalist says that individual convicted of stabbing him is not guilty; IRFS concerned about irregularities in investigation and trial

(IRFS/IFEX) - IRFS condemns a 15 July 2008 decision by the Nasimi District Court, recognising Sergey Strekalin as the person who stabbed "Azadlig" newspaper correspondent Agil Khalil on 13 March.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED employees receive death threats

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has written an open letter to President Joseph Kabila, who begins a two-day state visit to France on 16 July 2008, voicing its concern about threats made recently against its partner organisation in Democratic Republic of Congo, Journalist en Danger (JED).

Mexico

Newspaper director pressured by ministerial police in Aguascalientes to reveal source for murder story

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - Alejandro González Muñoz, director of "El Circo", an Aguascalientes-based newspaper focusing on political news and crime, is being pressured by ministry authorities to reveal the name of a source. Aguascalientes is a state in western Mexico.

Mexico

"Forum" magazine faces withdrawal of government advertising in reprisal for its critical stance

(CEPET/IFEX) - According to Eduardo Ibarra Aguirre, director of "Forum" magazine, President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa's government has ordered the publication be denied government advertising contracts in retaliation for its critical stance.

Peru

Journalists assaulted in separate incidents in Iquitos, Tocache and Casma

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 2 July 2008, Mayra Azán Mestanza, host of the Arpegio radio station programme "La Voz de la Calle", was struck and insulted by lawyer Gino Cárdenas Pezo's wife and daughter. The journalist wanted to question the lawyer about allegations he was failing to pay support for two children he has had outside of the marriage. The incident took place in Iquitos, Loreto region, northeastern Peru.

Moldova

Cameraman harassed at General Prosecutor's Office while trying to report on web commentators' case

(IJC/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2008 joint press release by IJC and other Moldovan media organisations:

Chile

Police commanders refuse to identify officer who injured EFE photographer despite promise of disciplinary action

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is not satisfied with the promises given by Chile's Carabinero police to punish some of its members for a physical attack on photographer Víctor Salas of the Spanish news agency EFE while he was covering a protest on 21 May 2008 in the western city of Valparaíso.

France / Côte d'Ivoire

President Gbagbo's associates fail to cooperate with French probe into journalist's disappearance

(RSF/IFEX) - Simone Gbagbo, the wife of Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, and former Ivorian economy minister Paul-Antoine Bohoun Bouabré failed to respond to a summons from French investigating judge Patrick Ramaël for questioning on 10 July 2008 in Paris as witnesses in his probe into the disappearance of journalist Guy-André Kieffer, a dual French-Canadian national, in Côte d'Ivoire in 2004.

Kuwait

Decree prohibits government employees from writing in newspapers

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information said on 12 July 2008 that the Kuwaiti government's issuing of a resolution to prevent official staff from writing in newspapers is a harsh blow to press freedom and freedom of expression, taking Kuwait back decades and violating several constitutional articles that ensure the freedoms of opinion and expression.

International / Papua New Guinea

Commonwealth law ministers consider model whistleblowing legislation; Papua New Guinea justice minister resolves to introduce legislation in his country

(PINA/IFEX) - The following is an excerpt from the 11 July 2008 PACNEWS bulletin:

China

Police seize reporter's materials while covering protest

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 15 July 2008 IFJ press release:

Iran

Five years after unexplained death of journalist, new inquiry lacks independence

(RSF/IFEX) - Iranian-Canadian photographer Zahra Kazemi died exactly five years ago, as of 10 July 2008, from a cerebral haemorrhage following beatings she received in Evin prison, Tehran. In January, the Supreme Court ordered a retrial because of irregularities that affected the appeal court's verdict in November 2005.

Azerbaijan

IRFS responds to Canadian newspaper article claiming improved press climate, questioning journalist's complaints about mistreatment

(IRFS/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2008 IRFS press release:

Nepal

Media houses attacked in Kailali district; journalist assaulted in Bhaktapur

(FNJ/IFEX) - A group of people attacked the offices of the "Hamar Pahura" daily and Gardener Offset Press and mistreated employees of these media houses in Dhangadi, Kailali, a district in far-western Nepal. The group, which was supporting a strike by the Kailali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was trying to shut down the Dhangadi Bazaar at the time.

Peru

La Voz de la Selva radio station journalist receiving constant death threats from army members

(AMARC/IFEX) - Genaro Alvarado Tuesta, a journalist with La Voz de la Selva radio station, reports that he has recently been receiving constant death threats from members of the army. He has asked the authorities in Iquitos to take measures to protect him.

Turkey

Worker imprisoned for reading poem at International Women's Day celebration

(Antenna-TR/IFEX) - Mehmet Pekinoglu, a worker, recited a poem by Nazim Hikmet, "The Ballad of those who Drink the Sun", at the International Women's Day celebrations in Adana's Inönü park. Police officers recorded the celebrations and raided Pekinoglu's house on 30 April 2008 for "making propaganda" for the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C), a left-wing party.

Ethiopia

Pending press bill flawed, needs revision, says CPJ

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 July 2008 CPJ letter to Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgis:

Ukraine

"Ukrainska Pravda" journalist taken by force to prosecutor's office in poisoning case

(IMI/IFEX) - The following is a 14 July 2008 IMI press release:

Turkey

Newspaper editor pressured by military to hand over source material, threatened with possible legal action

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an 11 July 2008 IPI press release:

Brazil

ARTICLE 19 welcomes court's decision to drop fines against magazine and newspaper, asks electoral courts to review sanctions imposed on other press outlets

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Brazil

Court revokes imposition of fines on "Veja" and "Folha de São Paulo" for pre-election period interview with candidate

(ABRAJI/IFEX) - According to the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, at least fourteen media outlets have been fined in 2008 by the electoral courts for publishing interviews with those seeking office in the upcoming municipal elections, scheduled for October, or in some cases, even just their photographs ( http://knightcenter2.communication.utexas.edu/?q=pt-br/blog ). Electoral judges deemed that the media outlets and the politicians were carrying out election advertising before 6 July 2008, the official starting date of the campaign.

Serbia

Za media agency journalists assaulted, threatened with death while trying to cover murder in Zajecar

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

Singapore

CAPSULE REPORT: International Bar Association gives Singapore dismal grade in free expression, human rights, independence of courts

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The following is an 11 July 2008 SEAPA statement:

Zimbabwe

Sky News employees fined, released and deported

(MISA/IFEX) - Three South African nationals employed by Sky News - Bernet Hasani Sono, Resemate Chauke and Simon Musimani - who were serving a six-month jail term have since been released after a High Court judge reviewed the sentence and commuted it to a fine.

Turkmenistan

RFE/RL journalist released from forced psychiatric internment, his telephone disabled to silence him

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 11 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Malawi

Immigration authorities search Joy Radio station, threaten to deport manager over critical coverage

(MISA/IFEX) - On 10 July 2008 immigration authorities raided Joy Radio premises, searching for foreigners allegedly employed by the station. The incident happened barely a day after State House Press Officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi warned the station against what he termed "embarking on a disinformation crusade, airing libellous and slanderous programmes and playing derogatory songs" against President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Pakistan

"Aaj Kal" newspaper, staff threatened by Lal Masjid activists over cartoon of cleric's wife, editorial criticising religious militancy

(PPF/IFEX) - "Aaj Kal", an Urdu-language daily published from Lahore, has been threatened by Islamic activists angered by the publication of a cartoon about Umme Hassaan, wife of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) cleric Maulana Abdul Aziz and also an editorial criticizing the religious militancy.

Turkey

Islamic newspaper's columnist charged with "denigrating the armed forces"

(BIANET/IFEX) - Authorities have filed a lawsuit against Abdurrahman Dilipak, a columnist for the Islamic newspaper "Anadolu'da Vakit", for his article titled "Cübbe Sarik" ("Religious cloak and turban"), which was published on 13 February 2008. He is accused of "denigrating the armed forces through media."

China

European satellite operator suppresses independent Chinese-language TV station to satisfy Beijing

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF calls on Giuliano Berretta, the CEO of the European satellite company Eutelsat, to quickly reverse the decision to suspend independent Chinese-language broadcaster NTDTV's use of Eutelsat's W5 satellite to broadcast to Asia.

Pakistan

"Guardian" journalist goes missing following raid on home in Islamabad, later released

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following are 8 and 9 July 2008 IFJ media releases:

Cameroon

Authorities lift ban on three private broadcasters; Magic FM's equipment held by police

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Democratic Republic of Congo

TV journalist released after overnight detention for allowing criticism of local authorities to be aired

(JED/RSF/IFEX) - The following is an 11 July 2008 JED and RSF joint press release:

Cambodia

Journalist from opposition-aligned newspaper and his son murdered; editor of same paper released, charges dropped

(SEAPA/IFEX) - SEAPA strongly condemns the fatal shooting of a Cambodian journalist and his son on 11 July 2008. Reporter Khim Sambo, 47, died on the spot after he was shot twice in the back as he emerged from a sports stadium in Phnom Penh on Friday evening. His son, Khat Sarin Theada, 22, was shot in the chest and later died in hospital.

International / United States

PEN American Center and other leading human rights organisations file lawsuit challenging constitutionality of new surveillance law

(PEN/IFEX) - On 10 July 2008, PEN American Center joined the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and other leading international human rights organisations, journalists and attorneys in filing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the newly-enacted FISA Amendments Act, a law that grants the Administration the power to carry out and expand the illegal eavesdropping activities it has engaged in secretly since 2001.

Peru

Journalist receives death threat in Huancabamba

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 10 July 2008, journalist Guillermo Guevara, host of the "Contacto Informativo" programme broadcast by La Voz del Rondero radio station, received a telephoned death threat as he was commenting during his programme on a protest that a group of farmers had staged in front of another radio station, Radio Centinela, the day before. The farmers were protesting against comments made by Radio Centinela journalist Dubert Maureola, accusing him of misinforming the public. The incident took place in the town of Huancabamba, Piura region.

Mexico

Indigenous radio station in Guerrero raided by armed federal agents attempting to close it, threatened with further intervention

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - At midday on 10 July 2008, personnel from the Federal Investigations Agency (Agencia Federal de Investigación, AFI), the Communications and Transport Secretariat (Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes, SCT) and the ministerial police (policía ministerial) attempted to dismantle the radio station Radio Ñomndaa ("Ñomndaa" is the word for water in the Amuzga language) in the municipal administrative centre of Xochistlahuaca, Guerrero state, western Mexico.

Morocco

Al-Jazeera bureau chief fined for "disseminating false information"

(RSF/IFEX) - On 11 July 2008, a Rabat court fined Al-Jazeera's Rabat bureau chief, Hassan Rachidi, 50,000 dirhams (approx. 4,500 euros) under article 42 of the press law because the Qatar-based satellite TV station wrongly reported in June that people were killed in clashes between police and protesters in the southern port city of Sidi Ifni.

Angola

Radio station ordered to suspend broadcasts for six months

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the government's decision on 8 July 2008 to suspend independent Radio Despertar's broadcasts for 180 days on the grounds that their current range, 400 km, is much more the 50 km stipulated in its licence. The suspension comes just one month before an election campaign is due to begin on 5 August.

Palestine / Israel

Palestinian TV station raided by Israeli soldiers, suspended for one year for alleged terrorism

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls for the reopening of Afaq TV, a Palestinian commercial TV station based in the West Bank city of Nablus which Israeli soldiers closed on 10 July 2008 for one year on the grounds that it was a "terrorist" media outlet. The station has stopped broadcasting and seals have been place over its entrance.

Botswana

MISA concerned that plan to register mobile phone subscribers may be used to intimidate media sources, compromise free expression

(MISA/IFEX) - On 9 July 2008, the Botswana Telecommunications Authority (BTA) announced that prepaid subscribers of mobile phones will be registered as of 15 September to curb, among other things, mobile phone crimes.

Nepal

Three Tibetans released after being detained for organising protests against Chinese regime

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Macedonia / Montenegro

Montenegrin photojournalist detained, threatened by police; media independence threatened by Macedonian PM's comments

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

Croatia

Previously-attacked journalist subjected to new threats; police fail to track perpetrators of June attack

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 10 July 2008 press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Peru

Reporter assaulted, television station's vehicle damaged during demonstration in Lima; journalist threatened in San Francisco for criticising illegal coca farming

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 9 July 2008, a group of demonstrators vandalised a Canal N television station van after the leader of the Peruvian General Workers' Confederation (Confederación General de Trabajadores del Perú, CGTP), Domingo Cabrera, incited them to action by stating that the station was misinforming the public about the national strike organised by the union. The incident occurred in the center of Lima.

Venezuela

Journalist assaulted by angered mayor for reporting on alleged irregularities

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 6 July 2008, Mayor Orlando Gómez, of the city of Libertad in Barinas state, burst into the broadcasting booth of radio station Llanera 100.1 to insult and harass journalist Raúl Chirinos, host of the "Tertulia Vecinal" programme.

Pakistan

Journalists released by alleged Taliban group following abduction in Tribal Areas

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 July 2008 IFJ media release:

Japan

Two environmentalists arrested for exposing alleged embezzlement in government-sponsored whaling programme

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

Yemen

Artist sentenced to 18 months in prison, fined; verdict in critic's case amended, prohibiting appeal; protestors harassed

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Documentary filmmaker, his assistant summoned and interrogated by national security agents

(JED/IFEX) - On 7 July 2008, Danish documentary film producer and director Franck Polsein Piesecki and his Congolese assistant Sekombi Katontolo were summoned and held in Goma for 5 hours by agents of the National Intelligence Agency (Agence nationale des renseignements, ANR). Piesecki was working on a documentary called "Blood Mobile" about the country's mining industry.

Afghanistan

Hundreds of journalists and writers demonstrate in support of journalist under death sentence as his appeal bogs down

(RSF/IFEX) - Hundreds of Afghan journalists and writers took part in demonstrations on 8 July 2008 in 15 provinces to call for the release of Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh, a young journalist under sentence of death. This exemplary show of solidarity came as Kambakhsh's appeal against his conviction has ground to a halt in Kabul and no date has been set for the next hearing.

Ecuador

Two TV stations seized, radio station raided, "insult" proceedings against editor reopened

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders regrets the seizure of three privately-owned broadcast media outlets on 8 July 2008 - two Quito-based TV stations (Gamavisión and TC Televisión) and a radio station based in the western city of Guayaquil (Radio Sucre) - which resulted in a few changes to their programming but not in any interruption in their broadcasts.

Zimbabwe

Journalist questioned by police over unpublished story

(MISA/IFEX) - Police in Plumtree have dropped a case against Kholwani Nyathi, a Bulawayo-based correspondent with "The Standard" privately-owned weekly, whom they wanted to question over an unpublished story he had investigated during a visit to the south-western border town.

Uruguay

Government to introduce bill decriminalising "insult to authorities" and defamation, in line with freedom of expression coalition recommendations

(AMARC/IFEX) - President Tabaré Vázquez's government has taken up as their own a proposal by various non-governmental organisations and experts to decriminalise the offences of "insult" and defamation, thereby improving Uruguay's legislation and bringing it into line with international human rights standards. In a few days a bill to accomplish that will be brought before parliament by the Education and Culture Minister. If passed, it will amend various articles in the Press Law and the Criminal Code.

Egypt / International

Writer questioned and released, but warned not to write about military matters without permission

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The Military Prosecutor General decided to release journalist and writer Abd Al Khaliq Farouq on 8 July 2008 after two and a half hours of questioning. However, Farouq was instructed to not address any issues related to the military without permission from the concerned bodies.

Nepal

IPI welcomes commitment to press freedom secured from Maoist party chairman, releases report on mission

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

Swaziland

Government prohibits march against increased ritual killings

(MISA/IFEX) - Freedom of expression came under threat when the government of Swaziland prohibited a protest march organised by civic organisations who wanted to protest against rising ritual killings in the tiny kingdom.

Burma

Blogger faces lengthier possible jail term after prosecution alters charge

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Author and blogger Nay Phone Latt, who has been in custody for six months, is facing charges under the 1950 Emergency Provisions Act, section 5(j), a switch from the previous charge filed against him under section 32(b) of the Video Act.

China

One month before the Olympics, media face huge hurdles, warns CPJ

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Bahrain

Detainees in newsletter and website case beaten and ill-treated; journalists warned over dignity of royal image

(BCHR/IFEX) - The Bahrain Center for Human Rights expresses great concern over the arrest and interrogation of seven citizens by the national security service in Bahrain over their role in publishing the newsletter "Wifaq" and Awal news website.

Australia

Journalist faces harassment, threats of imprisonment for refusing to reveal a source

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

China

PEN American Center and PEN Canada document deteriorating climate for free expression, call on government to live up to Olympic promises

(PEN American Center/PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is an 8 July 2008 PEN American Center and PEN Canada joint press release:

Moldova

ARTICLE 19 calls for the reintroduction of a ceiling on pecuniary remedies for moral damages from defamation

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 7 July 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Brazil

Highest electoral court says fining media for "premature electoral propaganda" unconstitutional; newspaper and radio station fined in similar case

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders welcomes the Superior Electoral Tribunal's ruling on 2 July 2008 that a Saõ Paulo electoral court violated the constitution on 16 June when it fined the "Folha de São Paulo" daily and the magazine "Veja" 21,000 reals (8,500 euros) for "premature electoral propaganda."

Mongolia

Globe International protests attacks on journalists and media outlets; television stations asked to hand over video materials to police

(Globe International/IFEX) - Six journalists were assaulted on 1 July 2008 while they were reporting on demonstrations held to protest the 2008 Parliamentary election results. A riot erupted as protests were held in front of the headquarters of the post-communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP).

Mongolia

Globe International protests restrictions on media freedom in aftermath of riots

(Globe International/IFEX) - The following is a 2 July 2008 Globe International statement:

Philippines

Appeals court denies Mindoro journalist's petition for protection

(CMFR/IFEX) - In what could be a setback to the campaign for legal protection of journalists under threat, the Manila Court of Appeals denied on 27 June 2008 a petition for a writ of amparo filed by an Oriental Mindoro-based journalist. Oriental Mindoro is a province approximately 140 km south of Manila.

China

CAPSULE REPORT: Violations of Olympics-related media freedom pledges continue, says Human Rights Watch report

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 7 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Cambodia / Vietnam

Monk released after months in Vietnamese prison following deportation from Cambodia for "disseminating propaganda", current whereabouts unknown

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 3 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Sri Lanka

Jailed journalist loses appeal for transfer, denied bail

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 July 2008 IFJ media release:

Niger

Government closes Niamey's Press House

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is baffled by the communication ministry's decision on 30 June 2008 to close down Niamey's House of the Press, a centre used by journalists for various activities, including training seminars organised by the French and US embassies.

Burma

Journalists forbidden to refer to situation in Zimbabwe

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the Censorship Board's latest measures, including a ban on journalists referring to the crisis of recent weeks in Zimbabwe and President Robert Mugabe's disputed reelection. The military authorities appear to fear any parallel being drawn with the current situation in Burma. The media are also forbidden to mention the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Zimbabwe

Newspaper suffers 70 percent drop in circulation as it staggers under "luxury" tax intended to restrict flow of independent news

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is a 2 July 2008 WAN letter to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe:

Botswana

Controversial media practitioners' bill announced

(MISA/IFEX) - On 27 June 2008, the government of Botswana gazetted a media practitioners' bill which is expected to regulate the media by, among other things, setting up a statutory press council. The bill also seeks to register media practitioners residing in Botswana and provides for hefty penalties for any violation of the law. As an example, anyone contravening the regulations stipulated in the bill would be liable for a penalty of 5,000 Botswana pulas (approx. US$750) or three months in prison.

Egypt / International

Journalist to be questioned by military intelligence over book on economic mismanagement and corruption

(ANHRI/IFEX) - According to information received by ANHRI, on 5 July 2008 the journalist and writer Abd El Khaliq Farouq was notified that he must appear on 8 July at the quarters of the Military Prosecutor General, to answer questions about his most recent book, "Indictment Petition". Initially, the Military Security Agency had sent a letter to the Lawyers' Union asking for him to appear on 2 July, but since it was delivered to Farouq too late, the investigative hearing was rescheduled for 8 July.

Iran

Parliament passes bill that would extend death penalty to include online crimes; court re-imposes death penalty on journalist

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is alarmed by a draft law that would extend the death penalty to include crimes committed online. Passed by parliament on first reading on 2 July 2008, the proposed law would, for example, apply the death penalty to bloggers and website editors who "promote corruption, prostitution or apostasy."

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 identifies areas for improvement in southern Sudan draft media legislation

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 4 July 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Bahrain

Three journalists held overnight, interrogated, charged with "inciting hatred of the government, "insulting the regime" and "publication of news fostering confessionnalism"

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 3 July 2008 RSF press release:

Iraq

Director of state-run television station kidnapped beaten in Kurdistan

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has condemned an assault on the head of public satellite television Newroz, Azad Arkuchi, after he was ambushed near Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan, by armed men in a police car who wore military uniforms.

Pakistan

Two journalists and their fixer abducted by Taliban in Tribal Areas; British TV crew target of gunfire

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls for the release of two freelance journalists - reporter Pir Zubair Shah and photographer Akhtar Soomoro - who were kidnapped on 3 July 2008 by a Taliban group in the Mohmand region of the Tribal Areas while doing a story on marble production, which the authorities plan to develop.

The Gambia

Newspaper journalist attacked in Serrekunda

(MFWA/IFEX) - Justice Momodou Darboe, a journalist with "The Point", an independent, privately-owned, Banjul-based daily newspaper, was violently attacked and seriously injured by an armed man on 1 July 2008.

Ethiopia

Repressive draft legislation on NGOs will limit freedom of expression, other human rights, warns Human Rights Watch

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 1 July 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Zimbabwe

Journalists' trial postponed after dismissal of lawyers' application to stop proceedings

(MISA/IFEX) - On 2 July 2008, the trial of two Kwekwe-based journalists accused of publishing falsehoods in breach of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) was postponed to 15 July. The postponement took place after the trial judge dismissed the defence's application to stop proceedings pending an appeal of the judge's refusal to release the journalists.

China

Hong Kong newspaper reporter turned back on arrival in Beijing

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the International Olympic Committee to intercede on behalf of reporter Norman Choy of the Hong Kong-based "Apple Daily" newspaper, who was turned back on arrival in Beijing on 1 July 2008 despite having press accreditation for the Olympic Games.

Sri Lanka

FMM notes disturbing decline in media freedom since 2005, calls on international community to help reverse the trend

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 1 July 2008 FMM press release:

Mongolia

Journalists seriously injured, headquarters of three newspapers burned down during post-election protests; non-state TV stations ordered to stop broadcasting

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the Mongol authorities and political parties to protect journalists and guarantee media freedom after a series of incidents involving the press during violent demonstrations following the 29 June 2008 legislative elections.

Mexico

Over 50 editors, publishers call for government legislation to combat violence against journalists

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2008 IAPA press release:

Burma

Journalist U Win Tin's health deteriorating after 19 years in jail, denied promised early release

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders and the Burma Media Association (BMA) have called for the immediate release from prison of celebrated journalist U Win Tin, whose health has deteriorated badly in the past few days.

Pakistan

Four journalists threatened by Taliban in South Waziristan tribal area

(PPF/IFEX) - Local Taliban have threatened four journalists in the South Waziristan Agency of Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), warning them to give up their profession or face the consequences. According to press reports, the threat was issued in pamphlets circulated by local Taliban in the town of Wana in South Waziristan. The pamphlet alleges that the journalists were involved in false reporting on Taliban and local tribesmen.

Ghana

Publisher of pro-government newspaper receives death threats

(MFWA/IFEX) - Gina Ama Blay, publisher and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Western Publications Limited, publishers of the "Daily Guide", an Accra-based pro-government daily newspaper, allegedly received threats on her life on 2 July 2008 by a caller who identified himself only as "Gajekpo" and claimed to be a soldier in the Ghana Armed Forces.

Russia

Two journalists in Bashkortostan Republic convicted of extremism, their newspaper shuttered

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Burma

"Ecovision" reporters charged with "inciting hatred" of government, sent back to prison; imprisoned poet answers charges without legal counsel

(Mizzima/IFEX) - A reporter of a Rangoon-based weekly journal, "Ecovision", has been charged with "committing crimes against public tranquility" and "inciting hatred against the government".

China

Independent Chinese PEN Center members detained, harassed during Bush visit; freelance journalist released

(PEN American Center/PEN Canada/IFEX) - The following is a 2 July 2008 PEN American Center and PEN Canada joint press release:

Ecuador

Guayaquil radio journalist was apparently killed for personal reasons

(RSF/IFEX) - Raúl Rodríguez, deputy head of news on Radio Sucre, was apparently murdered for personal reasons and not in connection with his work, the prosecutor in charge of the investigation, Antonio Galiardo, told Agence France-Presse on 27 June 2008. He said the journalist's mistress, Luz Rivera, was believed to have paid a hit-man US$4,500 to kill him and steal his money. The hired killer was reportedly Johnny Jimmy Medina, arrested on 26 June. He was found to have a bullet wound that appeared to confirm his involvement in the exchange of fire in which Rodríguez died on 23 June, close to Rivera's home. A total of seven people have so far been arrested and charged in connection with the investigation.

Sri Lanka

Media organisations launch dialogue with representatives of political parties, welcome appointment of ministerial subcommittee to investigate safety concerns

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 June 2008 IFJ media release:

Azerbaijan

Imprisoned journalist Sakit Zahidov denied access to medication, his legal appeals ripped up by prison authorities

(IRFS/IFEX) - Imprisoned "Azadlig" newspaper journalist and satirist Sakit Zahidov is not being given an opportunity to take his medicine. Prison officials are creating artificial obstacles to prevent the journalist from taking medicine sent from the United States, Zahidov's wife, Rena Zahidova, told IRFS on 1 July 2008.

Venezuela

Suspected murderer of journalist captured

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 26 June 2008, officers of the Institute for Scientific, Penal and Criminal Investigations (Cuerpo de Investigaciones Científicas, Penales y Criminalísticas, CICPC) arrested Isaac Mollera Zárraga, the alleged murderer of journalist Javier García, who was found dead in his flat in Caracas on 15 June.

The Gambia

Managing director granted bail, his passport confiscated

(MFWA/IFEX) - The Kanifing Court trying Dida Halake, former Managing Director of the Observer Company Limited, publishers of the pro-government "Daily Observer" newspaper, on 25 June 2008 granted him bail after almost two weeks in detention.

Philippines

Judge dismisses case filed by media organisations protesting treatment of journalists during Peninsula Hotel incident

(CMFR/IFEX) - On 20 June 2008, a Makati Regional Trial Court judge dismissed a class suit filed by journalists and media organizations against government officials whose actions resulted in the arrest of dozens of journalists covering a press conference by rebel soldiers on 29 November 2007.

Kuwait

Upsurge in court cases against journalists despite decriminalisation of press offences

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders expressed its disquiet at an upsurge in cases being brought against journalists in Kuwait, despite the fact it was the first Gulf state to decriminalise press offences.

Venezuela

Television news crew prevented from covering transit system inspection in Mérida

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 18 June 2008, soldiers prevented journalist Pablo Ramón Villa, of the Televisora Andina de Mérida (TAM) television station, from covering the inspection that Jorge Cegarra, the president of the Trolmérida mass transit system, was going to carry out that day. Mérida lies in western Venezuela.

Argentina

Radio station's closure highlights need to replace radio broadcast law

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders hopes that the forcible closure of Freeway FM, a Buenos Aires province radio station operated by rock music enthusiasts, will stimulate a thorough debate and hasten repeal of a broadcasting law that was adopted under military rule in 1980. The current federal government has promised to replace the law, which was slightly amended during the presidencies of Raúl Alfonsín (1983-1989) and Carlos Menem (1989-1999).

United Kingdom

IPI disappointed at High Court decision forcing journalist to hand over confidential source material

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 1 July 2008 IPI press release:

Peru

Journalist told of soldier's possible plan for vengeance, asks for protection measures

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 26 June 2008, La Voz de la Selva radio station journalist Genaro Alvarado Tuesta asked the local government for measures to be taken to protect him after finding out from a military source that soldier Héctor Apaza may be planning to take revenge against him. On 17 June, the journalist had entered the military hospital with Apaza's authorisation, in order to interview a private who was attacked by alleged members of Colombia's FARC guerrillas. The Army discovered that Apaza had allowed the journalist in and punished Apaza with six days in confinement, which would be the motive for the alleged plan for revenge. The incident took place in Iquitos, Loreto region, in northeastern Peru.

Uganda

Tabloid's printing press torched by gunmen, its staff followed by unidentified individuals

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 July 2008 CPJ press release:

Bahrain

Several websites blocked by information ministry on pretext of crisis involving sectarian religious tensions

(BCHR/IFEX) - BCHR is very concerned about the Bahraini government's exploitation of sectarian religious tensions initiated by groups perceived as closely tied to the Royal Court and the government itself, with the aim of narrowing public freedoms. Nabeel Rajab, Vice President of the BCHR, expressed his concern in regards to the drift of some political associations and members of the House of Representatives toward surrendering freedom to the government by calling for its intervention to silence mosque preachers and journalists and in regards to the closure of electronic forums on the pretext of the existence of a crisis between different sectors of the Bahraini Islamic community.

Bangladesh

Human Rights Watch calls for repeal of new counterterrorism ordinance, warns of danger to free expression

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 30 June 2008 Human Rights Watch press release:

Iran

Warrant issued for arrest of opposition daily's editor following his criticism of President Ahmadinejad

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders calls on the authorities not to execute the warrant issued on 1 July 2008 for the arrest of Mohammad Javad Haghshenas, the editor of "Etemad Melli", a daily newspaper that is the mouthpiece of the pro-reform party of the same name. The warrant was prompted by an article critical of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that was previously posted on a blog.

India

Three newspaper journalists released on bail; two face onerous bail conditions that may interfere with their ability to practice journalism

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 30 June 2008 IFJ media release:

China

One "Boxun News" journalist sentenced to four years' imprisonment; another given suspended sentence, released after 13 months in prison

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 July 2008 IFJ media release:

Guatemala

Reporter assaulted by SAAS officer while trying to photograph vice-president's luxurious vehicle

(APG/IFEX) - APG condemns the assault on "Siglo XXI" newspaper reporter Byron Barrera by an officer of the Secretariat for Administrative and Security Matters (Secretaría de Asuntos Administrativos y de Seguridad, SAAS), on the morning of 27 June 2008, when he attempted to photograph Vice President Rafael Espada's luxurious new armoured vehicle.

Senegal

CPJ concerned over increased pattern of physical attacks, threats against independent journalists in line of duty

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 26 June 2008 CPJ letter to Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade:

France

President's proposal on appointment of public television president threatens independence of public service broadcasting, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Venezuela

Newspaper's lawyer receives death threats warning her to stop commenting on recent murder of its vice-president

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 25 June 2008, Yisel Soares, attorney for the newspaper "Reporte Diario de la Economía", reported having recently received telephone and e-mail threats warning her to stop commenting on the 2 June murder of the newspaper's vice-president, Pierre Fould Gerges. In the messages, Soares was told that she will be the next victim if she continues talking about the case. She was also warned that the newspaper's headquarters could be set on fire. The incident took place in Caracas.

Peru

Correspondent for Japanese newspaper receives death threats; news crew assaulted by football player's bodyguards

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 26 June 2008, journalist José Juárez, correspondent in Peru for the Japanese newspaper "The Seikyo Press", informed IPYS that on 22 and 24 June he received two death threats on his mobile phone.

Belarus

International organisations call for immediate withdrawal of Draft Law on Mass Media

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Montenegro

ARTICLE 19 concerned over lack of independence of proposed telecommunications regulator

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2008 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Palestine / Israel

Palestinian journalist assaulted, injured; film editor held without charge; three other journalists arrested, released by Israeli police

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has condemned the abusive behaviour by Israeli security agents towards Palestinian journalists moving around the Territories or returning from visits abroad.

Canada

CJFE welcomes Supreme Court decision in defamation case

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2008 CJFE press release:

Zimbabwe

Seven journalists detained overnight and released without charge

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has condemned the arrest of seven Zimbabwean and foreign journalists during the run-off presidential election that was a foregone conclusion on 27 June 2008.

Romania

Senate adopts law calling for "equality" in the transmission of good and bad news by radio and television stations

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2008 media release from the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ regional group:

Burma

Magazine editor forced by censorship board to resign following publication of poem about Depayin

(Mizzima/SEAPA/IFEX) - An editor of a monthly magazine in Burma has been forced to resign for publishing a poem about the historic town of Depayin in its June 2008 issue, Mizzima.com, a SEAPA partner, reports.

Philippines

Journalist shot dead, his reporter daughter injured, in Sariaya

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

Sri Lanka

Deputy head of Sri Lanka Press Institute and British diplomatic employee brutally assaulted during attempted abduction following attack by government-controlled newspaper

(FMM/IFEX) - The following is a 30 June 2008 FMM press release:

Nepal

Television journalist receives anonymous death threats following coverage of corruption cases

(FNJ/IFEX) - Prem Baniya, a senior reporter with Avenues Television station, has recently received repeated telephoned death threats.

India

Several journalists attacked, injured while covering student demonstration in Kerala, amid police indifference

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 27 June 2008 IPI letter to Chief Minister H.E. V. S. Achuthanandan and Home Minister H.E. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan: