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Alerts - 2009 - April-June

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Mexico

Police officers assault a reporter and photographer from the daily "El Economista"

A reporter and photographer were assaulted by police officers as they gathered information about a fire at a daycare centre.

Mexico

Journalists assaulted during political rally in Chiapas

Supporters of the Party of the Democratic Revolution assaulted a group of journalists and damaged their equipment.

Libya / Morocco

In Qaddafi case, Moroccan court hands down harsh judgment

CPJ condemns a Moroccan court decision to impose heavy fines and damages on three independent dailies for "publicly harming" Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi.

Ecuador

President restricts government advertising in media

IPYS and FUNDAMEDIOS characterise decree signed by President Rafael Correa restricting government advertising as a grave threat to freedom of the press.

Venezuela

CONATEL opens fourth case against Globovisión television station

RSF fears that the television broadcaster Globovisión could be stripped of it terrestrial broadcasting frequency.

Honduras

Journalists and media attacked, threatened in wake of coup d'état

IAPA condemns limitations placed on news media and journalists following the ousting of President Manuel Zelaya.

Brazil

Two newspapers sued

Two newspapers from São Paulo state are being sued.

Honduras

Court threatens to fine and imprison editor

A court has threatened to fine and imprison editor Jhonny José Lagos after his newspaper asked readers if they were for or against a "public consultation" regarding proposed constitutional changes.

Palestine

IFJ condemns crackdown against media

IFJ calls on the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas government to release Palestinian journalists who have been arbitrarily detained by their respective security forces.

Ukraine

TV crew harassed while reporting on drowning

Employees of a Kyiv river-boat company damaged an STB TV crew's camera while they were reporting on a story of a person who had fallen overboard and drowned.

Russia

Obama should address Russian impunity in upcoming summit, says CPJ

In a letter to Barack Obama, CPJ asked the president to urge Russia's government to demonstrate its commitment to reversing the troubling record of impunity in attacks on the press.

Ukraine

Journalist and cameraman attacked by security guards

Security guards attacked cameraman Serhiy Kolesnikov and journalist Olena Bondarenko, who were working on an assignment for the investigation program "Warning".

The Gambia

Detained journalist granted bail

Augustine Kanja, a reporter for the Banjul-based "The Point" newspaper, was released without charge on 24 June 2009.

China

Activist Liu Xiaobo formally charged, could spend 15 years in jail

The formal arrest of activist Liu Xiaobo on charges of subversion signals a hardening of the political climate in China, says Human Rights Watch.

Palestine

MADA demands the release of journalist Abu Samrah

MADA condemns the arrest of Jordanian "alhaqiqa aldawliya" newspaper correspondent Qays Abu Samrah.

Russia

Supreme Court orders retrial in Politkovskaya murder

Russia's Supreme Court overturned the acquittals of three men accused of involvement in the October 2006 murder of reporter Anna Politkovskaya.

Georgia

Journalist attacked by police at protest rally

The leader of a journalists' union was beaten at a protest rally on 15 June 2009.

Mexico

The right to freedom of expression of activists is threatened by homophobia, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 is calling on the Governor of the State of Mexico to investigate several attacks against a special needs school teacher and his lawyer.

Cambodia

Journalist gets jail term for exposing corruption in government

A court sentenced the publisher and editor-in-chief of a local newspaper to a year of imprisonment over charges of disinformation and "dishonoring" public officials.

The Gambia

Court convicts newspaper editor for "publishing false information"

A managing editor who was accused of "publishing false information" was convicted and fined 50,000 Gambian dalasis (approx. US$1,890).

Uruguay

IFJ welcomes legislative changes eliminating "press crimes"

IFJ welcomes the approval of a legislative change that eliminates the risk and punishment that journalists previously faced when reporting on certain individuals, symbols or issues of public interest in Uruguay.

Tibet (China)

Tibetan in prison for more than a year for sending texts and e-mails

RSF has condemned a three-year prison sentence against mountain guide Gonpo Tserang for sending text messages and e-mails abroad.

Rwanda

BBC back on air under strict conditions

The Rwanda government has lifted the two-month ban on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)'s Kinyarwanda-Kirundi program, but under strict conditions.

Lithuania

Concern over law banning public references to sexual orientation

Human Rights Watch asks government to veto proposed law that would ban references to gay, lesbian, and bisexual relations in public places.

Sri Lanka

Government revives harsh press law

IFJ condemns government's decision to revive press council.

Yemen

Months-long assault on media continues

CPJ calls on the government of Yemen to end censorship of independent newspapers.

Egypt

Editor sentenced to six months in prison

ANHRI expresses deep dissatisfaction towards the sentencing of editor Yasser Barakat, to six months in prison.

Senegal

Two journalists sentenced to three months' imprisonment, publisher exonerated

A magistrate's court sentenced two journalists from the "Week-End"magazine to three months' imprisonment for defaming a national assembly speaker.

China / Iran

US and European companies jointly responsible for Internet censorship, says RSF

RSF has called for legislation to allow Internet US and European companies operating in repressive countries to escape rules imposed on them by these governments.

Bahrain

IFJ welcomes lifting of ban on newspaper

IFJ has welcomed the decision to lift the ban on the Arabic version of the "Gulf News" newspaper.

Nepal

Printer's offices vandalised

A group of protesters have attacked Sama Press, printers of the "Himalayan Times" and the "Annapurna Post" dailies, in Bhainsepati.

Paraguay

SPP condemns attack on journalist Santiago Benítez's residence

Unidentified individuals fire a hail of bullets at journalist Santiago Benítez's house

Morocco

Human rights activist sentenced to three years in prison

Chekib El-Khayari, who had criticised public officials for alleged complicity in drug trafficking, was convicted of "gravely insulting state institutions".

International

Twelve states sign world's first treaty on access to information

What about the other 35 Council of Europe member states?

Zimbabwe

New information and communications technology bill proposed

MISA-Zimbabwe notes with interest the announcement of a new Information and Communications Technology Bill.

Nicaragua

IAPA criticises shutdown of radio station

IAPA has criticised the shutdown of a radio station just as it was about to initiate broadcasting and claimed excessive force was used in the confiscation of its equipment.

Honduras

Journalist threatened in Atlantic coast area

A correspondent for HRN radio station has revealed that his house is being watched by unidentified armed men.

Ireland

Blasphemy amendment contrary to free speech, says ARTICLE 19

The Irish government's amendment on "blasphemous matter", introduced in the Defamation Bill 2006, is contrary to the right to freedom of expression under international human rights law, says ARTICLE 19.

Sri Lanka

Police interrogate two newspaper editors about their sources

Officers from the Colombo Crimes Division questioned two editors in an attempt to force them to reveal their sources.

Serbia

Television station attacked, journalist harassed

ANEM condemns attacks on B92 television station and journalist Olja Beckovic.

Zimbabwe

Police assault photographer

A chief photographer with the state-controlled national daily "The Herald" was assaulted by police in Harare while covering a demonstration.

Iran

Newspaper raided and staffers detained

Iranian security agents arrested about 25 employees of "Kalameh Sabz", a newspaper owned by presidential candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi.

Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)

IFJ hails milestone victory of journalist on protection of sources

The IFJ has welcomed the decision of the court in Belfast to dismiss the application of the PSNI to force journalist Suzanne Breen to reveal her source.

Jordan

Poet sentenced to one year in jail

A Jordanian court has issued a ruling sentencing Islam Samhan to one year in prison and fining him 10000 JD (approx. US$14,100).

Iran

Repressive mania continues as more journalists arrested

The crackdown against journalists and cyber-dissidents continues in Iran with three more arrests, including a "Newsweek" correspondent.

Mauritania

News website director arrested

On 18 June, the director of the news website Taqadoumy, Hanevy Ould Dehah, was arrested on the orders of the prosecutor's office.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Cameraman beaten and stripped naked by police in Kinshasa

A cameraman was assaulted by police officers as he attempted to interview residents of a local housing project.

Afghanistan / Pakistan

"New York Times" reporter and his fixer escape from Taliban kidnappers

RSF is very relieved to learn that David Rohde and Tahir Ludin managed to escape on 19 June after seven months in captivity.

Iraq

Kurdish journalist concerned about safety

A journalist in the Iraqi Kurdistan town of Dukan said he is concerned about his safety after a confrontation with a security officer for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

The Gambia

Detained journalists charged

Eight GPU executives and journalists who are being held by the notorious NIA were charged on three counts, including "conspiracy to publish with seditious intention".

The Gambia

NIA storms newspaper's printing offices, three journalists in hiding

The personnel of the notoriously feared National Intelligence Agency stormed the printing house of the privately-owned "The Point" newspaper.

Sierra Leone

Journalists' group declares news blackout on judiciary

SLAJ imposed a news blackout on the country’s judiciary, as part of its sustained campaign to against the Public Order Act.

Malaysia

CIJ calls for release of Burmese refugees arrested at peaceful assembly

CIJ condemns the police harassment and arrests of 16 Burmese refugees at a gathering to mark the 64th birthday of Burmese political icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

Iran

Canadian journalist and filmmaker arrested

CJFE has called for the release of journalist and filmmaker Maziar Bahari and other detained journalists and bloggers.

Iran

Three more journalists detained, BBC correspondent to be deported

Three more journalists have been arrested since 20 June 2009, bringing the number of journalists and cyberdissidents detained to 33.

Iran

Repression stepped up yet again as Iran becomes world's biggest prison for journalists

Iran now has a total of 30 journalists and cyber-dissidents in its jails.

Iran

Journalists arrested, Khamenei calls media 'evil'

In his first public address since demonstrations erupted in many cities across Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed foreign media.

Iran

Various newspapers banned and censored

CPJ called on the authorities to lift the bans and to allow international reporters to return to the country.

Bolivia

RSF warns of real risk of impunity in case of journalist Carlos Quispe Quispe

RSF is warning of a real risk of impunity in the case of Radio Municipal Pucarani radio station journalist Carlos Quispe Quispe, who was killed in March 2008.

Burma

Journalist sentenced to two years' imprisonment

The Bahan Township Court sentenced the former chief reporter of the "The News Watch" journal to two years' imprisonment.

Brazil / Mexico

IAPA hails repeal of university degree requirement in Brazil, welcomes Mexico Supreme Court decision to overturn special safeguards for public officials

IAPA welcomes both Brazil's elimination of the requirement to have a university degree to practice journalism and a decision by the Mexico Supreme Court.

Zambia

Plainclothes officers storm privately-owned Mobi TV

On 17 June 2009, Mobi TV was raided by four plainclothes police officers demanding a copy of the programme "Meet your MP."

Mexico

Mayoral candidate launches lawsuit against magazine editor after publication of article linking him to drug traffickers

A mayoral candidate for the municipality of San Pedro Garza García has filed a lawsuit against the editor of the online magazine "Reporte Índigo".

Turkey

Kurdish human rights activist on trial after criticising arrest of children

Ethem Acikalin, president of the Human Rights Association in Adana, is on trial after criticising the province's governor.

Egypt

Writer detained and prevented from travelling

ANHRI condemns the detention of writer Abd Al-Monem Monieb by state security officers at Cairo airport.

Equatorial Guinea

Journalist under arrest

Facing a criminal libel charge over a flawed story, journalist Rodrigo Angüe Nguema was arrested and imprisoned.

Vanuatu

Government must stop attacks on media, says PFF

The continuing silence and lack of progress into attacks of reporters by known assailants is hammering at the credibility of the Vanuatu government, says PFF.

Azerbaijan

Court rejects journalist’s lawsuit

The Nasimi District Court has rejected IRFS chairman Emin Huseynov’s lawsuit against the Ministry of the Interior and the Nasimi district police.

Russia

Authorities try to close down independent weekly in Dagestan

Authorities in Dagestan should immediately halt efforts to shut the independent weekly Chernovik and should drop extremism charges against editor Nadira Isayeva and four reporters, CPJ said.

Zambia

Corruption to continue if media freedom is not addressed, says MISA Zambia

MISA-Zambia said corruption in government will continue if restraints on media freedom are not removed.

Mexico

Defence Secretariat sanctions military personnel for assault on journalists

The National Defence Secretariat decided to punish five soldiers and one commanding officer for their involvement in an assault on journalists.

Cuba

Dissident photographer held incommunicado, faces jail on "pre-crime social danger" charge

The Centro de Información Hablemos Press is being kept in the dark about where its photographer, María Nélida López Báez, has been held since her arrest by security forces.

Mexico

Security force actions against journalists on the rise in Chihuahua

"El Observador" reporter Adrián García Villalba and news director Filiberto Ortiz Vázquez were arrested by Public Security Unit officers. Soldiers hindered a television station reporter and cameraman from carrying out their work.

Mexico

Armed men steal vehicle with 1000 copies of "La Jornada Guerrero" newspaper

A group of armed men stole a vehicle containing approximately 1000 copies of the daily "La Jornada Guerrero" destined for communities in the interior of Guerrero state.

Philippines

Unidentified men fire at provincial media offices

Two unidentified gunmen riding motorcycle fired at building where Bangued-based media offices are housed.

Mexico

YouTube blocks "El Universal" from its site following allegations of plagiarism

YouTube suspended "El Universal" from its website after the National Action Party complained that the newspaper had published allegations that the party had plagiarized a campaign advertisement.

Botswana

President withdraws suit against newspaper

President Ian Khama has abandoned plans to sue the "Sunday Standard" newspaper for defamation.

Serbia

Newspaper violates child's rights

ANEM strongly protests against the publication of a story identifying a minor.

Maldives

Stop prosecuting criminal defamation cases

ARTICLE 19 calls on the Maldivian authorities to abolish the crime of defamation, replacing it with appropriate civil defamation rules.

Palestine

Palestinian security forces detain Al Jazeera crew, erase footage

RSF condemns the erasure of Al Jazeera video footage by Palestinian Authority security officials

Argentina

Circulation of "Rumbos" magazine insert restricted in San Juan

FOPEA is concerned over restriction in the distribution of the "Rumbos" magazine insert in the province of San Juan.

Malawi

Radio station resumes operations

Court orders police off a radio station, allowing it to go back on air.

Zimbabwe

Journalist threatened following publication of article

A journalist has taken legal action against the provincial chairperson who threatened her following the publication of an article in which she is alleged to have been involved in a criminal activity.

Jamaica

Legislators consider defamation suits against telecom providers

Legislators in Jamaica are discussing whether telecommunications service providers should be sued if defamatory material is disseminated on their networks.

Philippines

Second journalist killed in a week

Two media workers were killed by unidentified gunmen in separate incidents in the second week of June 2009.

Peru

Radio station taken off air for "bogus" reasons after reporting on riots, says RSF

RSF condemns the official explanations given by the Communications Ministry for banning broadcasting by the La Voz de Bagua Grande radio station.

Afghanistan

Two Al-Jazeera producers detained

Intelligence officials at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in Kabul should immediately release two Afghan journalists detained on Sunday, CPJ said today.

Iran

Government cracks down on foreign news media

IPI called on authorities to honour their reassurances that journalists would be allowed to report freely on developments in the country.

Mexico

Five suspects detained in connection with journalist's murder, one admits to firing fatal shot

The murder of Eliseo Barrón Hernández was ordered by Lucio Fernández, information revealed by five alleged members of the Los Zetas criminal group, who were detained by the Mexican Army.

Nepal

Maoist groups attack journalists covering strikes

The FNJ condemns attacks on journalists by Maoist groups in a series of recent incidents.

Palestine

Journalists sentenced to two months in prison

The Israeli District Court ruled to imprison Alalam TV correspondent Khader Shaheen and producer Mohamed Sarhan.

Morocco

Group sues independent journalist on behalf of Moroccan royals

CPJ is deeply concerned by defamation charges filed against editor Driss Chahtan.

Iran

Authorities crack down on media in election aftermath

CPJ called for an end to the Iranian authorities’ ongoing crackdown on media.

Azerbaijan

Media face threats from revised law

IRFS is concerned that amendments to the Law on Mass Media will strengthen government control over print media and limit freedom of expression.

The Gambia

Three press union executives and four journalists detained by National Intelligence Agency

On the night of 15 June 2009, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) arrested three journalists, bringing to seven the total number of journalists arrested on the same day.

Ecuador

Third investigation launched against Teleamazonas; newspaper editor threatened

The president of the National Broadcasting and Television Council (CONARTEL) has confirmed that a third investigation has been launched against the Teleamazonas television station.

Brazil

Newspaper editor receives death threats

Laércio Ribeiro, editor of the crime section of "O Diário" newspaper, was threatened with death by phone and chased by someone in a car.

France

Government plan to disconnect Internet pirates is unconstitutional, council rules

RSF hails the Constitutional Council's decision on 10 June 2009 to reject a key provision of a new law that would have enabled authorities to disconnect Internet access of those involved in the illegal downloading of music and films.

Croatia

IPI concerned that attackers of journalist still not caught after more than a year

More than one year after the brutal assault on journalist Dusan Miljus, his attackers are yet to be arrested.

Italy

Draft law threatens to silence journalists

IPI calls on representatives of the Italian Parliament to reject "draft law 1415".

Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)

Safety issue in Northern Ireland as journalist fights to protect sources of information

The IFJ says that forcing a journalist to reveal her sources will put her life at risk and weaken the fragile peace and democracy in the region.

Turkey

Kurdish newspaper receives two-month publication ban

An Istanbul court has convicted the daily newspaper "Günlük" of "spreading PKK propaganda" in two issues of the paper.

The Gambia

President attacks religious leader and threatens media

On 22 May 2009, Baba Leigh, Imam of Kanifing was warned by President Jammeh to stop criticizing the administration or risk going to prison.

Vietnam

Media advocate arrested for "spreading propaganda against government"

Vietnamese lawyer and media advocate Le Cong Dinh was arrested by the police at his home in Ho Chi Minh City on 13 June 2009, SEAPA sources said.

The Gambia

Editor of private newspaper arrested

Abdulhamid Adiamoh, managing editor of the daily Today, is being held in a cell at the Major Crimes Unit of police headquarters in the capital Banjul.

Palestine

Television correspondent assaulted

MADA condemns the attack on Quds TV correspondent Mohammed Zuhdi Mashharawi, by Palestinian police in Gaza City.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Government blocks French international radio broadcasts in Bukavu

Reporters Without Borders has strongly protested after the signal of Radio France International (RFI) was cut in Bukavu, capital city of Sud-Kivu in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

China

Cyber-dissident Huang Qi still detained, in very poor health

RSF reiterates its call for the release of Huang Qi, a cyber-dissident who was arrested on 11 June 2008 in Chengdu on a charge of "illegal possession of state secrets".

Iran

News and information fall victim to electoral coup

The Iranian authorities are continuing a crackdown on journalists and information that began after the announcement of the disputed presidential election results.

Iran

No independent coverage of presidential election campaign

Reporters Without Borders condemns the lack of balanced and independent electoral coverage in the Iranian media and the fact that at least 15 journalists have been threatened or summoned for questioning in the cities of Machhad, Ahvaz, Sanandaj, Khoram Abad, Khohdasht and Tabriz since the campaign for the 12 June 2009 presidential election began on 21 May.

Ukraine

Journalist threatened over television programme

The Krug television company has asked law enforcement agencies to protect its journalist, Dmitry Bakayev.

Niger

Live discussions on privately-owned media banned

The High Communication Council (CSC) has banned all live discussions on the prevailing political situation in the country by privately-owned electronic media outlets.

Somalia / Australia / Canada

CPJ urges Canada, Australia to step up efforts to free Somalia captives

CPJ urges Canadian and Australian governments to work for immediate release of two journalists held captive in Mogadishu.

Somalia

Two broadcast journalists badly beaten by militiamen

NUSOJ has expressed its alarm over aggressive attacks against two broadcast journalists in southwestern Somalia.

United States

"Journalism in hell": Mumia Abu-Jamal relates his experience as a journalist from his prison cell on death row

Reporters Without Borders has just released "Journalism in Hell," an article by Mumia Abu-Jamal written from his prison cell on death row, where he has been incarcerated since 1982.

Uruguay

WPFC congratulates Congress for approval of bill eliminating crime of insult, decriminalising defamation

In a letter to the President of Uruguay's House of Representatives, WPFC congratulated him for the approval of a historic bill that eliminates the crime of insult and decriminalizes all forms of defamation.

Palestine

Media workers harassed, attacked in several incidents

May 2009 witnessed a continuation of violations against Palestinian journalists, including the arrest of several journalists and the closure of a media center in Jerusalem.

Mexico

IAPA asks Zacatecas state government to cease discrimination against local newspaper

IAPA called on the state government of Zacatecas to end its policy of discriminating against the local newspaper "Imagen de Zacatecas".

Venezuela

Television station loses appeal, faces fine and seizure of its equipment; camera operator assaulted

The Supreme Court rejected a motion filed by Globovisión, appealing against administrative proceedings filed by the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL).

Fiji

PFF warns global media conference to "watch out for government interference"

PFF has warned the AIBD to keep the agenda to its July conference free from interference by Fiji’s military regime.

The Gambia

Government raises objection in trial of tortured journalist

On 30 June 2009, the ECOWAS Community Court in Abuja will give its ruling on a preliminary objection raised by the Gambian government in the case of Musa Saidykhan.

Armenia

Journalists attacked at various polling stations

(GDF/IFEX) - At a news conference on 2 June 2009, the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression (CPJ) listed the instances of interference with journalists' professional activities as recorded during the latest election of the Yerevan Elders' Council (a local self-government body).

Nepal

Television team assaulted; Maoist supporters set fire to copies of daily

Employees of Casino Venus assaulted Dilliraj Pokhrel, a correspondent for Avenues Television, and camera operator Niran Raj Bana. Maoist activists set copies of "Kantipur" daily on fire.

Cambodia

Civil society groups slam government's harsh suppression of freedom of expression

Several civil society groups in Cambodia expressed concern at what they claim is "the perilous state of freedom of expression" in the country.

Zimbabwe

Security officials defy High Court order allowing journalists to cover summit

Security details and secretariat personnel at the ongoing Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government summit in Victoria Falls barred four freelance journalists from covering the event

Egypt

State security police force Internet café owners to report on customers visiting "political" websites

State Security Police are violating the right to privacy by spying on Internet users in Egypt, searching for individuals who exercise their right to express their political views online peacefully

Kyrgyzstan

Pro-opposition editor beaten in Bishkek

Four unidentified men severely beat Abduvahab Moniyev in the center of the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.

Sudan

ANHRI concerned over parliament's approval of draft press law

Sudanese parliament approval for the draft press law is a severe strike against press freedom in Sudan and is paving the way for more suppression and confiscation

Pakistan

Members of media team shot at by security forces

Pakistan's security forces allegedly opened fire on members of a media team resulting in injuries to a cameraperson and a driver

Afghanistan

Doubts arise about government's desire for justice in case of BBC reporter killed one year ago

The Afghan authorities failed to properly investigate the murder of Abdul Samad Rohani

Fiji

Fiji's extended censorship alarms IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the Fiji military regime's extension of strict media censorship and emergency regulations

Algeria

National daily's correspondent detained in eastern city

RSF is alarmed by the 9 June 2009 arrest of Rabah Lamouchi, the national Arabic-language daily "Ennahar"'s correspondent in Tebessa (460 km east of Algiers), on the grounds that he was not officially accredited by the newspaper.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist summoned for questioning in Kongolo

The summons stemmed from an interview Elenga conducted with the Tanganyika District police commissioner two months ago regarding judicial corruption.

Colombia

Journalist and community leader killed in Caquetá department

Hernando Salas Rojas, director of the Curillo municipality's local television station, in Caquetá department, was murdered on 20 May 2009.

Canada

CJFE urges broadcast regulator to allow Al Jazeera English broadcasts

At a recent meeting of CJFE's Board of Directors, a motion was passed unanimously supporting the application of Al Jazeera English to be broadcast without restrictions in Canada.

Senegal

Court seizes magazine, suspends distribution

A court suspended distribution of the June 2009 edition of "L'Essentiel" and ordered its seizure over headlines that the court claimed were an "insult" to the president.

Pakistan

Journalists assaulted while covering protest by student group

Three journalists were injured when they were assaulted by workers of the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT), the student wing of Jamat-e-Islami (JI), a religious political party.

Swaziland

MISA condemns arrest of human rights lawyer

Lawyer Thulani Maseko was arrested on 2 June 2009 and charged under the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938.

China

Government tightens clamps on Internet usage

(IFJ/IFEX) - Brussels, 9 June 2009 - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is alarmed that China is preparing to launch new filtering measures to monitor and control internet use.

Nepal

Political activists threaten to kill journalists

(FNJ/IFEX) - On 8 June 2009, activists of the Young Communist League (YCL), a sister organization of Unified CPN Maoists, threatened to cut several journalists into pieces. The journalists and human rights activists, on duty covering the scuffle between the YCL and locals, were threatened in Lamgunj.

Honduras

Armed men storm online daily's offices

Four armed men stormed the offices of the online daily Hondudiario.com and fired shots into the air. Journalist Armando Villanueva filed a request for protection at an office of the National Human Rights Commission saying he is being harassed by individuals presumably linked to the government.

Philippines

Broadcast journalist shot dead

An unidentified attacker stabbed and fatally shot Crispin Perez in San Jose in the central Philippines.

Mexico

Supreme Court to review case involving writer and former first lady

Mexico's Supreme Court has decided to admit for examination an appeal for constitutional relief brought forward by writer Olga Wornat.

Bangladesh

ARTICLE 19 urges government to promote greater public awareness of climate change

On the occasion of World Environment Day, ARTICLE 19 and its partners in Bangladesh call on the Bangladesh government to take urgent action to improve strategies for public awareness and consultation around climate change.

Turkey

Reporter faces up to 28 years in prison for book about journalist's murder

Nedim Sener, a reporter who has written a book about the murder of journalist Hrant Dink, faces up to 28 years in prison after police officers filed complaints against him.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist summoned for questioning in Kindu

On 2 June 2009, Claude Kasongo, a reporter with the community radio and television broadcaster Maniema Liberté (RTCMALI) was summoned by the Kindu prosecutor's office to respond to a defamation complaint.

Kosovo (Serbia)

Journalist attacked in articles written in pro-government newspaper

Kosovo's president and prime minister should forcefully condemn recent threats against the independent journalist Jeta Xharra.

Guatemala

TV reporter shot dead in eastern Guatemala

An unidentified gunman shot and killed Guatemalan television reporter Marco Antonio Estrada in the eastern city of Chiquimula.

Cameroon

Two journalists sentenced to five years in prison following closed-door hearing

A military tribunal in Yaoundé sentenced Jacques Blaise Mvié and Charles René Nwe of "La Nouvelle" newspaper to five years in prison.

North Korea

Journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling sentenced to 12 years of hard labour

The Central Court of the DPRK found the two San Francisco-based Current TV journalists guilty of entering the country illegally and carrying out "hostile acts" on March 17.

Argentina

Intentionally-set fire destroys Radio Activa facilities in El Bolsón

An intentionally-set fire completely destroyed the facilities of FM Radio Activa, in El Bolsón, located on the border with Chile.

Mexico

Newspaper's staff members receive death threat after reporting on drug traffickers; military personnel assault journalists

Staff members for the "El Diario" newspaper received death threats after publishing information about alleged drug traffickers. A photojournalist for "El Diario" was assaulted by army personnel.

Kenya

Key witnesses in journalist's murder go into hiding amid death threats

Senior police officers are suspected of having masterminded the killing and are seen as the ones stalling the investigations into the murder.

Mexico

Journalist's alleged assassin sentenced following judicial process plagued with irregularities

Hiram Oliveros Ortiz, an alleged participant in the assassination of "La Mañana" newspaper director Roberto Javier Mora García, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Somalia

Fifth journalist assassinated, another seriously wounded; UNIVERSAL TV director released

Two men with pistols killed Muktar Mohamed Hirabe, the director of Radio Shabelle, and seriously wounded News Editor Ahmed Omar Hashi.

Mexico

Member of community radio station faces legal action

The Public Prosecutor's Office has launched a legal action against Héctor Camero Haro, a member of the Tierra y Libertad community radio station.

Venezuela

Journalists threatened after reporting on public's complaints; pro-Chávez group threatens to publicise journalists' personal information

Journalists Tarquino González Concho and Briceida Morales Alburjas have received threatening messages. In a separate case, "La Piedrita" threatened to publicise journalists' personal information.

Armenia

Human Rights Defenders' Office must be recognised as an important actor in protecting fundamental rights, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 believes that the Armenian government must recognise the Human Rights Defenders' Office of Armenia as an important actor protecting fundamental human rights. Repression of freedom of expression in Armenia remains of great concern.

Nigeria

Journalist forced into hiding after being threatened

On 4 June 2009, RSF wrote to the governor of the southern state of Bayelsa asking him to guarantee the safety of a journalist who went into hiding a week ago after being threatened.

Guinea

Journalist and his family held incommunicado

Moise Sidibe, a reporter with "L'Indépendant", a privately-owned weekly newspaper, was picked up by the military, together with three of his family members, on 27 May 2009. They are in detention at the Alpha Yaya camp in Conakry, the capital of Guinea.

Afghanistan

Radio station director's murder still unpunished two years later

Radio journalist Zakia Zaki's murder two years ago tomorrow is still unpunished and her husband assures Reporters Without Borders that the lack of progress with the investigation is almost certainly due to the influence of the murder's masterminds.

Malaysia

CIJ calls for dialogue and debate over legal action against publication

The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) strongly disagrees with calls to suspend the Malay daily "Utusan Malaysia" for publishing commentary with racial undertones and to penalise its author, the daily's former group chief editor Khalid Mohd, under the Sedition Act.

Chile

Umbrales TV harassed by Telecommunications Secretariat and police

According to a 28 May 2009 release from Umbrales TV, Government Telecommunications Secretariat officials and police officers arrived at the station's offices "with evident intentions of entering the premises, with unknown consequences".

Ghana

Two newspaper journalists arrested, released following six-hour detention

Awudu Mahama, a parliamentary reporter, and photographer Emmanuel Kubi, both of the "Daily Guide" were detained on 2 June 2009.

Namibia

Information Communication Bill reintroduced in Parliament

(MISA/IFEX) - Namibia's Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has gazetted the Information Communications Bill. Speaking in Parliament in early June 2009 when the Bill was reintroduced, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Joel Kaapanda says the Bill, "will revolutionize the ICT industry of Namibia and provide for the effective regulation of telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services through a new independent and autonomous regulatory authority for Namibia".

South Africa

State broadcaster accuses newspaper of theft following broadcast of documentary

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has laid a charge of "stolen property" after the "Mail and Guardian Online" posted on the web an episode of the current affairs programme "Special Assignment", a documentary report on political satire

China

Authorities block international news sites, harass foreign journalists on eve of 20th anniversary of Tiananmen massacre

Amid a wave of censorship measures in China aimed at suppressing information about the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre, Reporters Without Borders arranged for three publicity trucks displaying Stuart Franklin's famous photograph of the "Tank Man" to drive around Paris and pause outside the Chinese embassy

Venezuela

Journalist prevented from covering protest in support of RCTV; cameraman attacked, videotape stolen

Demonstrators who were demanding the restitution of RCTV station's open signal, prevented journalist Siary Rodríguez, from covering the protest.

Croatia / Serbia

Serbian police arrest suspects in deadly Croatian bombing

The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the arrests of three additional suspects in the October 2008 murders of Ivo Pukanic and Niko Franjic.

Ecuador

President threatens Teleamazonas and "El Universo" with legal action

On 30 May 2009, President Rafael Correa threatened to resort to the judiciary to "finish" those media outlets which he believes are "corrupt".

Zimbabwe

Magistrate grants application by lawyer accused of "obstructing the course of justice"

Harare magistrate Catherine Chimanda granted an application for refusal of remand by prominent media and human rights lawyer, Alec Muchadehama.

Afghanistan

Khost-based reporter freed after being held for two days

Journalist Noorajan Bahir of independent radio Killid was released from a military base near the eastern town of Khost shortly before noon (local time) on 4 June 2009.

Slovakia

IPI urges Slovak agency to drop case against newspaper

A Slovak government agency should immediately drop a civil complaint against the daily SME that was filed when the newspaper refused to print a response to a column under a controversial right-of-reply law, IPI said.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan must improve free expression record ahead of OSCE chairmanship, says Human Rights Watch

The Kazakh government has seven months to improve its human rights record to meet the standards of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) before it takes over the institution's chairmanship.

Azerbaijan

"Azadlig" journalist receives death threat

Azadlig" newspaper employee Vidadi Mammadov reported to IRFS that on 2 June 2009, he received a death threat from an unidentified person.

Philippines

Journalist killed in crossfire

The Committee to Protect Journalists offered condolences today to the family and colleagues of Philippine journalist Jojo Trajano, who was killed in crossfire during a police raid of an alleged organized crime den near Manila.

Somalia

UNIVERSAL TV director kidnapped

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the kidnapping of UNIVERSAL TV Director Ibrahim Mohamed Ali.

Nepal

Journalist assaulted by demonstrators

Editor Dil Bahadur Adhikari was reporting on a rally called by the Nepali Congress to protest the murder of a party member when he was assaulted harassed by supporters of the strike.

India

CJFE calls for renewed effort in investigation of journalist's murder

In a letter to the High Commissioner of India to Canada, CJFE urges authorities to take greater steps to find the killers of journalist Anil Majumder in Assam.

Iraq

IFJ welcomes withdrawal of lawsuit against website

IFJ welcomed the decision of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to withdraw legal action against the Iraqi website Kitabat.

Nepal

New government must safeguard freedom of expression, stress ARTICLE 19, FNJ and Freedom Forum

ARTICLE 19, along with the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and Freedom Forum (FF), congratulate Madhav Kumar Nepal on his election as Prime Minister of Nepal. Furthermore, we note that freedom of expression remains under serious threat in Nepal and call on the new government to take decisive steps to stop attacks on journalists and to establish a legal framework which fosters a free flow of information and ideas.

Yemen

Dark days for Yemeni media

ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned about the deteriorating climate for free expression in Yemen and urges the authorities to investigate the kidnapping of journalist Salah Jalal, and lift the suspensions imposed on several independent publications and websites since early May.

North Korea

Families of journalists Ling, Lee urge talks to resolve detentions

CPJ calls on all parties to pursue diplomatic efforts to gain the release of detained U.S. journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who are facing trial in North Korea this week.

Colombia

Concern over delays in defamation trial faced by journalist

Almost three years after a defamation complaint was filed against him by a senator, journalist Edinson Lucio Torres is still facing charges.

Lebanon

French investigation at standstill four years after journalist Samir Kassir's murder

On the fourth anniversary of Franco-Lebanese newspaper columnist Samir Kassir's murder in Beirut, Reporters Without Borders has voiced its impatience with the slowness of the investigations into his death in a car bombing and reiterated its full support for his family and his widow, Giselle Khoury.

Iran

Opposition presidential candidates blocked from equitable access to the media

ARTICLE 19 is concerned that opposition candidates, contesting Iran's presidential election, are being hampered in their campaigning by the Government's blocking of social networking sites and closure of independent newspapers.

Indonesia

Second person charged under Electronic Information and Transaction Law

An Indonesian woman was arrested for allegedly circulating online defamatory statements against a hospital in Banten province, Indonesia.

Venezuela

Peruvian writer and his son briefly detained, warned they should not comment on Venezuelan political situation

Customs officials at Caracas airport detained Peruvian journalist Álvaro Vargas Llosa for more than two hours. His father, writer Mario Vargas Llosa, was detained two days later.

Sri Lanka

Journalists trying to cover fate of Tamils threatened, obstructed

Most of the Sri Lankan media have not sent reporters to the Tamil areas. The press have only managed to get into these areas when there have been visits by Sri Lankan and international officials.

Iraq

Journalist killed, three injured in separate attacks

The Committee to Protect Journalists mourns the death of an Al-Baghdadia television correspondent killed by a bomb attached to his car in Mosul, in northern Iraq, on Sunday.

Venezuela

In seeking reprisals against media, Chávez hurts democracy, says CPJ

President Chávez is damaging Venezuelan democracy by continuing to threaten private media with reprisals and making unwarranted accusations against the press, CPJ said today.

Sri Lanka

Another journalist attacked

The general secretary of the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Poddala Jayantha, was abducted in Sri Lanka today, beaten, and dropped by the side of a road in a Colombo suburb.

Western Europe

Journalists welcome European call to review anti-terrorism laws

Ministers of the human rights network of the Council of Europe have called on their governments to review anti-terrorism laws in the face of strong criticism from journalists that some laws are in practice limiting free expression and press rights.

Swaziland

Government renews intentions to pilot a new media bill

The Swazi government renewed its intentions to pilot a Media Commission Bill that seeks to regulate the media by statute.

Venezuela

Globovisión broadcasting team prevented from entering Legislative Council building

Security guards at the building where the National Assembly's parliamentary commissions work prevented a Globovisión broadcasting team from entering the building.

Ghana

Ruling party supporters vandalise radio station, attack employees

A group of armed supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) besieged the premises of the privately-owned Classic FM, physically attacking three people and vandalising the radio station.

Ecuador

Unidentified individuals throw bomb at television station headquarters; Chávez and Correa propose the creation of a regional body to monitor the press

Unidentified individuals threw a homemade bomb at the building that houses the headquarters of Teleamazonas television station. In a separate development, President Correa announced that he will propose the creation of a regional body to monitor and protect governments from the press.

Palestine

Two more journalists arrested as a result of tension between political factions

RSF condemns the renewed harassment of pro-Hamas journalists by West Bank security services, in particular the arrests of cameraman Oussid Amarena and journalist Mustapha Sabri.

Zimbabwe

"Zimbabwe Independent" editors to stand trial

Harare Magistrate Catherine Chimanda ruled that newspaper editors Vincent Kahiya and Constantine Chimakure should appear for trial on 16 June.

Venezuela

Radio programme cancelled, allegedly due to political pressure

Manuel España, a teacher and presenter of the programme "Voz de la Enseñanza", reported that his show was cancelled due to political pressure.

Brazil

CPJ hails conviction in 2003 murder of journalist Nicanor Linhares

The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes Wednesday's conviction in the June 2003 murder of Brazilian journalist Nicanor Linhares.

Guatemala

Journalist threatened; another assaulted by leaders of teachers' union

José Fredy López, CERIGUA's correspondent in the department of Izabal, was threatened by the president of the Andes Development Association. In a separate incident, teachers assaulted a photojournalist for the daily "Prensa Libre".

Mexico

More journalists receive death threats following reporter's assassination in Durango

José Bladimir Antuna García, a reporter for the "El Tiempo" newspaper, has received several death threats and was the target of an apparent assassination attempt.

Burma

Newspaper given one-week suspension by censor board

Though the economic impact of the one-week suspension is not too high, the impact on the marketing for this newly published newspaper will be.

Botswana

Reporter under security surveillance

Interviewed by MISA Botswana on May 27, Pitse said, "I take extra care to protect my sources as anyone I speak to could be suspected of leaking security information to me."

Sierra Leone

ARTICLE 19 recommends improvements to draft information law

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 28 May 2009 - ARTICLE 19 has prepared a note on the draft Sierra Leonean Right to Access Information Bill 2008, prepared through a collaborative effort of local NGOs and the authorities. The draft Bill is, for the most part, a progressive piece of legislation which draws on better international and comparative practice. At the same time, the regime of exceptions in the draft is overbroad and fails to provide for disclosure in the overall public interest.

International

ARTICLE 19 submits comments to World Bank Information Policy Review

The Global Transparency Initiative, of which ARTICLE 19 is a founding member, provided two submissions to the World Bank's formal review of its information disclosure policy.

Zimbabwe

Prime Minister says no legal obligation for media to register until commission is formed

Addressing a press conference in the capital, Tsvangirai fell short of saying media organisations may start new newspapers without registration.

Peru

Journalist struck and threatened by jail director after taking his photograph

The director of the Cambio Puente penitentiary hit and threatened to kill a "Diario de Chimbote" journalist after he took the director's picture.

Mexico

Fears for safety of author Lydia Cacho

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) is deeply concerned by the harassment of author, journalist and activist Lydia Cacho which has reportedly escalated over the last two weeks, giving rise to fears for her safety.

Egypt

Court upholds heavy fine against blogger

The al-Zohour Court of Appeal in Port Said upheld an earlier decision sentencing blogger Tamer Mabrouk to a heavy fine.

Iraq

Prime minister launches new lawsuit against news media, withdraws another

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders deplores the libel suit that Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has brought against the London-based "Guardian" newspaper. The press freedom organisation regards the lawsuit as all the more absurd as Maliki has just withdrawn a similar libel action against Kitabat, an Iraqi news website based in Germany.

Azerbaijan

Court breaks law by refusing to release journalist on health grounds

A Baku court rejected a request for the release of Mushfig Huseynov, a reporter with the daily "Bizim Yol", who has had serious health problems since he was jailed in January 2008.

Mauritania

Police assault journalists, local correspondent arrested and briefly detained

Police in Mauritania physically assaulted a group of journalists and prevented them from covering a sit-down strike by members of the National Bar Association

Pakistan

Suicide car bomb injures 20 journalists, damages offices of newspapers, television stations

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the PUJ strongly condemn the blast and express sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.

Bolivia

Supreme decree on terrorism could impact on media owners

President Evo Morales issued a decree which orders the confiscation of the possessions of individuals who are suspected of having financed any acts of terrorism, including owners of media outlets.

Colombia

Radio station receives bomb threat, director flees country

Community radio station Radio Diversia, which is active on human rights issues connected to the LGBT community in Bogota, received threats on from a group calling itself "La Organización".

Egypt

Academic acquitted of charges in Hisba lawsuit, one of several he is facing

The Legal Aid Unit for Freedom of Expression won an acquittal for Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim, director of the Ibn Khaldoun Center for Development Studies, in a Hisba case brought against him

Russia

Activist apparently targeted for exposing prison abuse must be freed, says Human Rights Watch

Sokolov, a prisoners' rights advocate and a member of a public prison-monitoring board, was charged on May 22, 2009 with robbery.

Gabon

Government imposes news blackout on President Bongo's health

RSF has written to communication minister Laure Olga Gondjout voicing concern about the suspension of two Gabonese newspapers and warnings issued to Radio France Internationale over its coverage of President Omar Bongo's health.

Finland

Proposed bill threatens media freedom and confidentiality of sources

The European Federation of Journalist (EFJ), the European group of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), protests against proposals for draft legislation which would compel journalists to reveal their sources in certain criminal cases.

Philippines

Court affirms ruling rejecting dismissal of case against alleged masterminds of journalist's murder

Esperat was killed on 24 March 2005 in her house in Tacurong City.

Egypt

Previously abducted blogger harassed by police

The blogger has received many phone calls from the State Security officers ordering him to meet with them.

Egypt

Academic acquitted of charges of "abusing Egypt's reputation"

The Arabic Network for Human Rights (ANHRI) reports that the al-Khalifa Court of Appeal issued its ruling to annul the decision to imprison Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim for a term of two years.

Indonesia

Suspects in journalist's murder arrested

Seven suspects in the murder of journalist Agung Gede Narendra Prabangsa were arrested on 24 May 2009 by police in Bali.

Somalia

CPJ concerned about well-being of kidnapped journalists

CPJ is deeply concerned about the well-being of a Canadian and an Australian journalist held hostage in Somalia who urged their respective governments to work harder for their release in a phone call with a reporter on Sunday.

China

Pressures weaken public interest reporting

The IFJ is concerned that journalists and media outlets in China are not reporting on harassment of human rights lawyers due to fear of potential repercussions from China's authorities.

Malaysia

Police raid opposition party headquarters, arrest protesters amid continuing unrest in Perak State

CIJ strongly protests continuing police arrests of protesters and a related raid at the headquarters of the opposition Democratic Action Party (DAP) to eliminate critical expression about the political crisis in Perak state.

Mexico

Police officer assaults, threatens journalist in Chihuahua

Pablo Rodríguez Aguilar, a photojournalist with the paper "El Heraldo de Chihuahua", reported that he was physically attacked and received a death threat from municipal police officer Arturo Hernández Sánchez while he was covering a police operation in Chihuahua, Chihuahua, in northern Mexico.

Mexico

Body of assassinated journalist found in Durango

Twenty-four hours after he was kidnapped, the body of journalist Eliseo Barrón Hernández was found on the morning of 26 May 2009 in a plastic bag, in the municipality of Tlahualiko, Durango.

Somalia

Journalist succumbs to bullet wounds sustained in targeted shooting

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is shocked by the death of veteran journalist Nur Muse Hussein (Nur Inji) who died on 26 May 2009 from injuries he sustained from a targeted shooting.

Rwanda

President sends media bill back to Parliament

Rwanda's controversial Media Bill is back in Parliament after President Paul Kagame rejected it in an apparent response to petitions by local media and press freedom groups.

Palestine

Three Fatah members sentenced for murder of journalists

RSF has written to Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh condemning the death sentences which a Gaza military court imposed on 24 May 2009 on three men for the May 2007 murder of two journalists, Souleyman Al-Ashi and Mohammed Abdu.

Azerbaijan

Offenders guilty of beating editor-in-chief still at large after three years

On 19 May 2009, three years passed since the brutal beating of "Bizim Yol" newspaper editor-in-chief Baheddin Haziyev. No one has been held responsible for this grave crime up to this day.

Ghana

MFWA urges speedy passage of the Right to Information law

(MFWA/IFEX) - Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is happy that after a long delay in the passage of the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, there appears to be hope on the horizon as the Bill is being considered by cabinet for onward transmission to Parliament.

Argentina

IAPA concerned over targeting of critical media

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) expressed concern over what it sees as a "hostile attitude" towards critical media in Argentina and condemned any actions aimed at making the situation more tense.

Canada

CJFE welcomes Supreme Court decision in Daniel Leblanc case

Leblanc's work on the CAD$100-million federal sponsorship scandal was a pivotal piece of journalism that changed the course of Canadian history.

Madagascar

Radio Mada reporter freed after two weeks in detention

Reporters Without Borders welcomes Radio Mada reporter Evariste Ramanantsoavina's release on 20 May 2009. He had been held since 5 May.

United States

Trial of suspected perpetrator of Chauncey Bailey's murder begins

The scheduled arraignments of former leader of Your Black Muslim Bakery, Yusuf Bey IV, and his associate Antoine Mackey have been postponed again until May 29, 2009.

Yemen

ARTICLE 19 calls on government to improve draft information law

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 20 May 2009 - Today, ARTICLE 19 released a Memorandum analysing the Yemeni government's draft Information Law. Whilst welcoming the draft Law as a positive step towards protecting the right of access to information, the Memorandum highlights a number of significant shortfalls of the draft Law.

Mexico

Academic threatened and censored in Sinaloa

Florencio Posadas Segura, a professor at the Autonomous Univesity of Sinaloa (Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, UAS), was censored after commenting on new regulations being implemented by the university during the morning programme "A Primera Voz", which airs on the university radio station, Radio UAS.

Bahrain

Special security forces prevent people from holding public seminar

The Special Forces were present at the seminar venue early in the afternoon, besieging the building where it was to be held at and preventing organizers, participants or any of the audience from entering the building.

Syria

Culture Ministry confiscates book following criticisms

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) said today that it is strongly concerned with the decision of the Syrian Ministry of Culture to confiscate a book entitled "Syria in the Russian flights during the nineteenth century".

South Africa

"Mail & Guardian" lodges complaint over state spying on its journalists

South Africa's weekly, "The Mail and Guardian" (M&G), has lodged a complaint with the inspector general of intelligence on the week of 25 May 2009 following sustained evidence that its journalists were spied on and harassed by state agents.

Azerbaijan

Newspaper founder jailed on defamation charges

A district court judge in Baku has sentenced Nazim Guliyev, an editor and the founder of the pro-government newspaper Ideal, to six months in prison on defamation charges.

Mexico

Reporter's assailants issue apology

The individuals who assaulted Ernesto Hernández Zetina, a reporter for the daily "Eyipantla Milenio", have issued a public apology for their actions.

Mexico

Government delays granting of licences to community media outlets as a form of control, says senator

Senator Carlos Sotelo García, the president of the Congress's Radio, Television and Cinematography Commission, has said that for the last two years the Interior Secretariat has failed to grant licences to 140 community radio and television station.

Colombia

Former intelligence officials leak list of news media and journalists whose phones were tapped

Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for an investigation by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights following a new round of revelations about the spying on journalists and news media by the DAS, an intelligence agency that reports directly to the president's office.

Sudan

Parliament debates harsh new press law; RSF and human rights lawyer call for amendments

Reporters Without Borders and Sudanese lawyer and parliamentarian Salih Mahmoud Osman, winners in 2005 and 2007 of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, have made a plea for amendments to be made to a harsh draft law on the written press currently going through parliament.

Peru

Police officers beat journalists who attempted to interview football players

Thirty police officers beat a group of journalists who were attempting to interview football players.

Mexico

Local legislature calls for harassment of journalists who cover federal public security secretary's actions to stop

The Federal District Legislative Assembly has passed a motion calling on the federal government to stop the arbitrary detentions of journalists who are investigating the actions of Public Security Secretary Genaro García Luna.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper publisher turns herself in to police, bail set at "extortionary" level

The amount of bail which a Freetown court has set for the release of Sylvia Blyden, the publisher and editor of the independent newspaper "Awareness Times", is tantamount to judicial extortion, Reporters Without Borders has said.

Syria

Journalist Michel Kilo free at last

Reporters Without Borders welcomes writer and journalist Michel Kilo's release at 11 p.m. (local time) on 19 May 2009 from the Damascus headquarters of the intelligence services, where he had been held and interrogated for the previous five days.

Turkey

Journalist given prison sentence for "insulting" prosecutor

Özgür Bogatekin, a representative of the local "Gerger Firat" newspaper in Adiyaman, southeastern Turkey, has been sentenced to 14 months and 17 days' imprisonment for an article in which he argued that his father, journalist Haci Bogatekin, was being held in prison unlawfully.

International

IPU Assembly: ARTICLE 19 welcomes resolution on freedom of expression and right to information

The resolution, which was adopted by consensus on 10 April 2009, comes at crucial time when there are heightened challenges to, and express attacks upon, freedom of expression and the right to information internationally.

International / Taiwan

IFJ calls for full access as World Health Forum opens door to Taiwanese journalists

The Association of Taiwanese Journalists (ATJ), an IFJ affiliate, said that the WHO has given accreditation to its members to cover this year's World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Burma

Diplomats and journalists allowed access to Suu Kyi trial

In a surprise move, on 20 May 2009 Burmese authorities allowed 30 foreign diplomats and ten journalists into the special court in Insein Prison, prompting defense counsels of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to label the proceedings a "half-open court".

Philippines

Broadcaster critically injured in latest shooting

The Philippine government must address a series of shootings that have targeted journalists on the southern island of Mindanao, the latest coming on Wednesday when gunmen critically wounded a local radio broadcaster, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Libya

Dissident, long imprisoned, is dead

The death of the political prisoner Fathi al-Jahmi means Libya has lost a leading campaigner for democracy and freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said today.

Indonesia

Indonesian Air Force detains four journalists to prevent news coverage of plane crash

Four Indonesian journalists were detained by Indonesian Air Force personnel to prevent them from covering the crash of a C-130 Hercules cargo plane in Magetan, East Java.

Peru

Journalists receive death threats while covering protest

On 20 May 2009, a group of journalists reported to IPYS that they had received death threats from demonstrators at a strike held by Amazonian communities since 10 May in Yurimaguas, Loreto region, northeastern Peru.

Tunisia

Human rights defender harassed, threatened with death by police

Reporters Without Borders is concerned about the way the police in Gafsa (400 km southwest of Tunis) have been harassing political activist Ammar Amroussia in recent days.

Cyprus

IFJ demands justice over 1996 targeted killing

IFJ has demanded that the Turkish government and the authorities in the north of Cyprus renew their investigation into the killing of journalist Kutlu Adali.

Uruguay

IAPA condemns conviction of journalist

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today expressed concern at a conviction by a Uruguayan court of another journalist, calling it a direct consequence of the existence of "outdated criminal laws".

Somalia

Journalist killed during fighting in Mogadishu

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the third killing of a journalist in Somalia since the beginning of 2009.

Ecuador

Call for investigation of Teleamazonas station; CONARTEL issues controversial resolution

On 12 May 2009, Antonio García, president of the Radio and Television National Council (CONARTEL), requested that the Telecommunications Superintendent open an investigation of Teleamazonas TV station to determine if the station should be penalised for broadcasting live on 8 May accusations made by a group of opposition politicians.

Morocco

Five journalists face charges of defaming Libyan president

Under Article 52 of Morocco's press law, the journalists face up to one year in jail and fines up to 100,000 dirhams (US$12,090) if convicted on the defamation charges.

Colombia

Journalist leaves "El Colombiano" daily

In his weekly column on 14 May 2009, journalist Javier Darío Restrepo announced that he would be leaving the Medellín daily "El Colombiano". After 17 years writing for the paper, its management notified him of their decision, saying that is it the outcome of reorganisation of the paper's editorial pages.

Philippines

Journalist included in military "order of battle"

The Philippine Army in southern Mindanao allegedly included a journalist and two media organizations in a 2007 watchlist of persons and organizations it claims to be connected to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its military arm, the New People's Army (NPA). But the military has disowned the watchlist.

Ecuador

Imprisoned journalist faces another lawsuit

In April 2009, journalist Milton Nelson Chacaguasay, editor of the weekly "La Verdad", was sued by Silvio Castillo, II civil judge in the province of El Oro, in southwestern Ecuador.

United States

Obama opposes release of torture photos

Reporters Without Borders expressed disappointment that President Barack Obama intends to try to block the court-ordered release of photos depicting the abuse of prisoners by US military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Nepal

Journalist threatened by police officer

(FNJ/IFEX) - On 16 May 2009, Parsa Radhe Mohan Kuswaha, Sub-Inspector of the District Police Office, threatened local journalist Sanjaya Saha in Birgunj.

Iraq

News website latest target in government's offensive against independent media

Reporters Without Borders condemns the Iraqi government's continuing legal offensive against independent news media, which for the first time is also targeting Internet media

Sri Lanka

Army holding three doctors for "providing false information" to the media

RSF urges the Sri Lankan authorities to quickly release three Tamil doctors who have been arrested for providing the news media with information about the humanitarian situation in Vanni.

Iran

Pro-reform daily closed one day after publishing first issue in five years

The issue which "Yas-e-no" had managed to publish on 16 May, after a five-year legal battle, openly supported Mir-Hossein Mousavi, the presidential candidate backed by the Participation Front.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper editor-in-chief threatened, in hiding following publication of article about president

On 12 May 2009, Sylvia Blyden, publisher and editor-in-chief of the privately-owned "Awareness Times" newspaper, alleged that her life was in danger and has since fled into hiding

Malawi

Radio station shut down, staff arrested following election coverage

Reporters Without Borders expressed its concern after the 19 May 2009 closure of privately owned opposition radio station Joy Radio and the arrest of four staff members, two of them journalists, accused of breaking election rules

Yemen

Critical journalist shot by security forces

ANHRI is deeply disturbed by ongoing practices hostile to press freedom in Yemen, including the arrest of a journalist and internet activist in Mukalla and the gun attack on another journalist by security forces in the same city.

Mexico

"La Jornada" journalist granted protective measures after being threatened

Carlos Martínez García, a journalist with the national newspaper "La Jornada", was granted protective measures after he received a threat on the night of 30 April 2009 in Mexico City, after citing a website address in two of his articles.

Kenya

Expand free expression rights in new draft constitution, says ARTICLE 19

The Constitutional Review Process seeks to improve the current Constitution of Kenya which was first developed in 1963, and amended in 1996.

Algeria

Four journalists face legal action for "defamation"

In yet another case, Nouri Benzenine, the former correspondent for "Echourouk El Youmi" in the west of the country, was sentenced to two months in prison and fined 50,000 dinars.

Zimbabwe

MISA expresses concern over ACHPR case processing delays

MISA-Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights expressed serious concern over the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights' delays in considering cases brought before the Commission.

Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia

Continued violence against journalists symptomatic of ongoing repression in the region, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 is becoming increasingly concerned that acts of violence against journalists in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are on the rise. Previous attacks have seen a lack of independent and prompt investigation, creating a climate of impunity for the perpetrators and fear amongst journalists working in these countries.

Malaysia

CPJ calls on new prime minister to reform press freedom

In a letter to the prime minister of Malaysia, CPJ express its longstanding concerns about Malaysia's restricted media environment and urges him to undertake reforms that allow for greater press freedom.

Egypt

Security authorities confiscate book about corruption

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) reports that the Egyptian security authorities have confiscated a book entitled "A Flood of Corruption and the Advance of bin Laden in Algeria" by the Algerian writer, Anwar Malek.

Philippines

Police arrest accused in 2005 murder of journalist

Local police arrested one of the alleged gunmen in the 2005 killing of journalist Philip Agustin on 13 May 2009 in Pampanga, a province approximately 81 kms from Manila.

Egypt

Blogger detained on charges of attempting to overthrow the government

ANHRI deplores the fabrication of political lawsuits by state security organs, particularly in the province of Fayoum, where officials have created new charges against bloggers. The most recent charge was brought against Ahmed Mohsen, a blogger who writes the Open Your Eyes blog ( http://eyestillopen.blogspot.com ).

Mexico

CNDH investigates anomaly in allocation of federal government advertising contracts

The National Human Rights Commission (Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos, CNDH) has begun an investigation into the federal government's alleged discrimination against "Proceso" magazine, as retaliation for their critical editorial stance.

Thailand

Government wants prior restraint on community radio programmes and satellite, cable television stations

The Thai government announced on 14 May 2009 its plan to regulate the programme content of radio stations and cable and satellite TV stations in the country, media reports said.

Mexico

Newspaper vendor detained, accused of defaming mayoral candidate

Newspaper vendor Telésforo Paz Luna was detained by the Morelos state police for selling copies of the "Boletinformativo" paper. The paper's edition contained information that was detrimental to the image of a member of Mexico's Green Party (Partido Verde Ecologista de México, PVEM), who is running for mayor in Zacualpan, Amilpas, Morelos, central Mexico.

Sierra Leone

Editor-in-chief violently attacked by ruling-party members

Two men stormed Sitta Turay's office and accused him of using his newspaper to serve the interest of the opposition by writing articles defaming the image of President Koroma

Burma

Military government imposes new restrictions on Internet usage

It is getting steadily harder for Burmese to send e-mails or access websites, while all means of communication around opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's home were cut on 14 May

Philippines

Journalist's home shot at following article on local electric company

A journalist from Bangued was unharmed after gunmen fired at her family's house on 14 May 2009.

Cuba

Independent journalist sentenced to three years in prison

A Cuban independent journalist was sentenced during a summary trial to three years in prison on charges of "disrespect," journalists in Havana told the Committee to Protect Journalists

Liberia

Senate president apologises for attacking radio reporter

In a statement issued on 13 May 2009 by the spokesman of the office of the President Pro Tempore of Liberia's Senate, Senator Cletus S. Wortorson apologised to Solomon Ware

Burma

Aung San Suu Kyi facing trial and incarceration in Insein prison

Burmese democracy leader and de jure prime minister Aung San Suu Kyi has been taken from her home and incarcerated in Insein Prison, on a charge of breaching the conditions of her house arrest order

Zimbabwe

Media defense lawyer arrested

Police in Zimbabwe should immediately release Alec Muchadehama, a prominent human rights lawyer targeted for his work on behalf of journalist Anderson Shadreck Manyere and others, the Committee to Protect Journalists said

Israel

Reporter arrested as she returns from Gaza Strip

Reporters Without Borders condemns Israeli newspaper reporter Amira Hass's arrest at the Erez border crossing on 12 May 2009 as she returned to Israel after spending four months in the Gaza Strip

Zimbabwe

High court grants bail to detained photojournalist

On 13 May 2009, High Court Judge Justice November Mtshiya granted bail to detained freelance photojournalist Shadreck Andrisson Manyere and his co-accused, Gandhi Mudzingwa and Chris Dhlamini

Mexico

Journalist detained after insulting mayor

Simón Tiburcio Chávez, editor of the local paper "Nuevo Amanecer", reported that he was unjustifiably detained by municipal police on orders of the mayor of Alvarado, Veracruz, in Eastern Mexico.

Mauritania

Leading journalist escapes murder attempt

The journalist was left for dead after being battered and slashed by two men wielding baseball bats and knives on the evening of 12 May 2009

Angola

In continuing harassment, newspaper editor forbidden to leave country

Reporters Without Borders condemns the foreign travel ban that has been placed on William Tonet, the editor of the independent Luanda-based biweekly "Folha 8"

United Kingdom

IFJ condemns new attack on journalists' sources

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the secrecy of a preliminary hearing at a court in Belfast dealing with an application submitted by the Police Service in Northern Ireland (PSNI) to force Belfast journalist Suzanne Breen to hand over confidential material.

Brazil

President sends access to information bill to congress

The Bill seeks to implement Article 5 of Brazilian Constitution, which guarantees the right to information.

Yemen

Editors detained, special press court established in Yemen

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns an ongoing campaign to suppress independent journalism in Yemen and urges President Ali Abdullah Saleh to immediately bring it to a halt and order the release of two detained bloggers

France

TV reporter cleared of inciting teenager in body piercing "suspension"

Reporters Without Borders welcomes the 12 May 2009 decision by a court in the southern city of Toulouse to acquit TV reporter Isabelle Cottenceau of inciting a teenager to allow himself to be suspended from body piercings in his back

Zambia

"The Post" targeted in two separate incidents

A vendor selling copies of the independent newspaper "The Post" was beaten and copies of the newspaper torn by Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) supporters. In a separate incident, police interrogated and cautioned two "Post" journalists

Moldova

Local businesses refuse to provide billboard space to IJC

Chisinau-based advertising agencies refuse to provide services to the IJC for a public information campaign

Iraq

Authorities threaten independent media

Reporters Without Borders firmly condemns a wave of lawsuits against independent Iraqi news media in recent weeks

Venezuela

CPJ urges Chávez to refrain from threatening the press

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías should refrain from making threatening statements and ensure the press is allowed to work without government interference, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Indonesia

Central bank security officer attacks TV journalist

A building security officer of Bank Indonesia, identified only as Marlon, attacked a TV journalist in Jakarta

Zimbabwe

Newspaper editors face charges, arrested and released on bail

On 11 May 2009, "Zimbabwe Independent" editors Vincent Kahiya and Constantine Chimakure were arrested on charges of publishing or communicating a statement wholly or with the intention of undermining public confidence in law enforcement agents, under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act

Colombia

Radio presenter forced off air on orders of local mayor

José Manuel Díaz Barrios, a journalist for the programme "Tribuna Educativa", reported that the mayor of Ariguaní forced him off the air because of reports the journalist had aired on corruption, poor management of the educational system and problems with providing public services in the municipality.

Kenya

Government to dispel repressive clause in media law

The proposed amendments will also get rid of provisions granting the government power to scrutinize and control content broadcast on TV and radio.

Vietnam

ARTICLE 19 assists with drafting of freedom of information law

ARTICLE has been working with the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice, which is drafting a right to information law, to help ensure that the draft is as consistent as possible with international standards and best national practice.

Tanzania

Newspaper faces bankruptcy after being ordered to pay millions in damages

The High Court of Tanzania has ordered the weekly newspaper "Mwanahalisi", as well as two printing companies to pay a sum of 3 billion Tanzania shilling

United States

New York State legislator faces felony charge in attack on photographer

The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the prosecution of an elected New York state official for his alleged attack on a photographer who was trying to take his picture.

Egypt

Government denies threatening EOHR with dissolution

Mr. Hafez Abu Seada, secretary-general of EOHR, confirmed that the crisis which has escalated recently between EOHR and the administration side reveals the need to stipulate quickly a new bill for non-governmental organisations

Burma

Two American journalists deported

(Mizzima/IFEX) - New Delhi, 12 May 2009 - Burma's military government has deported two American journalists who were teaching feature writing and photography to students in the country's second largest city of Mandalay.

Iran

More arrests reported as government continues crackdown on online journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is concerned to learn of the arrests of two more Iranian journalists in the past two weeks, bringing the total number of journalists and bloggers currently held in Iran to 15, including two women.

Bahrain

Investigate abduction, beating of rights activist, says Human Rights Watch

(HRW/IFEX) - New York, May 12, 2009 - Bahrain should immediately begin a thorough and impartial investigation into the abduction and torture of the human rights activist Ja'far Kadhim Ibrahim, Human Rights Watch said today. Men whom Ibrahim believed were working for a Bahraini security agency abducted him on the night of May 7, 2009, and beat him severely with batons.

Israel

Israeli authorities close Palestinian media centre in East Jerusalem

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the 11 May 2009 decision by the Israeli internal security ministry to shut down the Palestinian media centre that had been set up in the East Jerusalem district of Sheikh Jarah in advance of the Pope's visit.

Czech Republic

Amendments to Criminal Code inhibit investigative journalism, says WAN

In an 11 May 2009 letter to President Václav Klaus, WAN expresses concern over amendments to the Criminal Code which introduce prison sentences and massive fines for journalists for publishing information generated by criminal proceedings.

Yemen

Three injured as newspaper offices attacked

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 13 May, 2009 - This morning police surrounded and opened fire on the offices of independent daily Yemeni newspaper Al Ayyam, resulting in injuries to three staff.

China

Sichuan authorities arrest local writer, harass foreign journalists reporting on earthquake anniversary

CPJ called on Sichuan authorities to allow journalists to report freely on the one-year anniversary of a 2008 earthquake.

Azerbaijan

Journalists harassed by police while attempting to cover student protests

(IRFS/IFEX) - On 10 May 2009, Radio Liberty correspondent Durna Safarli, "Yeni Musavat" newspaper employees Afgan Mukhtarli and Layla Ilgar, and "Yukselish Namina" newspaper employee Elchin Hasanov were harassed by police when they attempted to cover protests by a group of local youths.

Venezuela

Globovisión faces charges for reporting on earthquake; its website hacked

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 7 May 2009, the National Telecommunications Commission (Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, CONATEL) initiated proceedings against Globovisión television station for broadcasting information that, according to CONATEL, could lead to a lack of trust in authorities and spread fear. The station reported on 5 May that a 5.4 Richter scale earthquake had shaken the central region of Venezuela during the early hours of 4 May.

Peru

Prosecutor drops case filed by journalists assaulted by government party supporters

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 30 March 2009, prosecutor Katharine Borrero Soto, of Lima's Provincial Criminal Prosecutor's Office No. 28, issued a resolution dismissing an accusation of assault and kidnapping filed by journalists Marco Antonio Vásquez and Marco Sifuentes, who worked for Frecuencia Latina TV's program "La Ventana Indiscreta" at the time of the incident in March 2007.

Pakistan

Journalists flee Swat valley en masse

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is alarmed by the situation in the Swat valley as the Pakistani armed forces step up their operations against the Taliban there. Newspapers had already stopped publishing after the military imposed a curfew. Now journalists are fleeing to safer areas. On 12 May 2009, the Khyber Union of Journalists urged the government to allow the media access to Mingora, the largest city in the valley.

Mauritania

Journalist harassed by party activists

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 4 May 2009, Mamouni Ould Moctar, reporter with Agence Nouakchott d'Information, a Nouakchott-based newswire service, was manhandled by political party activists who were protesting the electoral timetable proposed by the military junta to return the country to democratic rule.

Nigeria

Broadcasting commission suspends licence of private radio station

(MRA/IFEX) - On 11 May 2009, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigeria's broadcast sector regulator, suspended for two weeks the broadcast licence of a private radio station.

Yemen

Editor held incommunicado, critical newspaper sued

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, May 8, 2009 - Amid an increasing crackdown on the media in Yemen, the Committee to Protect Journalists called today for the Yemeni authorities to disclose the whereabouts of a journalist who has been held incommunicado since May 4 after he was arrested in southern Yemen. CPJ also called on the authorities to drop a series of lawsuits against an independent critical newspaper.

Uzbekistan / International

ARTICLE 19 wins key case at UN Human Rights Committee

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 11 May 2009 - On 19 March 2009, the UN Human Rights Committee issued its decision in the case of Mavlonov and Sa'di v. Uzbekistan, which ARTICLE 19 lodged with the Committee in November 2004. In the case, ARTICLE 19 argued that the refusal of the Uzbek authorities to re-register the first applicant's newspaper was a breach of his right to freedom of expression, and also a breach of the second applicant's right as a reader of the newspaper. The Committee accepted both arguments, with important implications in terms of the right to freedom of expression.

Kenya

Civil society adopt the Machakos Declaration on Freedom of Expression

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - ARTICLE 19 Kenya/East Africa organised a ground-breaking forum on freedom of expression in Kenya which brought together representatives from Kenyan civil society including media professionals, academics, human rights defenders, and youth and community representatives in Machakos. The meeting resulted in the adoption of the Machakos Declaration on Freedom of Expression in Kenya.

Luxembourg

IFJ denounces "blatant" breach of protection of sources

(IFJ/IFEX) - 8 May, 2009 - The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European group of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the searches carried out by the Luxembourg police at the weekly Contacto.

Fiji

Journalists in Fiji released after 48 hours in detention

(IFJ/IFEX) - May 11, 2009 - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is relieved to learn that two journalists detained without charge in Fiji since May 9 were released today.

Ghana

Former minister sues two newspapers for defamation

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 5 May 2009, former Minister of Aviation, Joe Baidoe-Ansah, sued the Graphic Communications Group Limited, publishers of state newspaper "Daily Graphic", and Total Image Publications and Business Centre, publishers of the "Daily Democrat" newspaper, for defamation.

Sri Lanka

IFJ deplores deportation of news team

(IFJ/IFEX) - May 11, 2009 - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) deplores the Sri Lankan Government's continuing efforts to block free and independent media reporting from the country's war zone, following the deportation of three British media workers on May 10.

Somalia

Four journalists injured in press conference shelling

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) calls on warring sides in Mogadishu to cease hostilities and respect the journalists' rights to do their job without being harmed as the fighting in Mogadishu resulted in four journalists being wounded in a shelling on 10 May 2009.

International

IFJ joins Pacific call for action on media freedom

(IFJ/IFEX) - May 10, 2009 - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins a call by journalists representing 12 Pacific nations for governments of the region to defend and promote freedom of the media in the Pacific, in line with their international obligations under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Peru

Journalists assaulted by mining company security personnel

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 7 May 2009, TV Perú journalist Diego La Torre Rojas and camera operator Miguel Martínez Pinedo, who work for the programme "Confirmado Trujillo", were assaulted by a dozen security agents for the mining company Comarsa. Comarsa is owned by the Sánchez Paredes family, currently under investigation for alleged links to drug trafficking. The incident took place in the city of Trujillo, in the La Libertad region of northern Peru.

Mexico

Journalist dismissed from Radio Zacatecas

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - Mexico City, 8 May 2009 - María Teresa Velásquez Navarrete, who has had a career as a journalist for 30 years, was dismissed from her position at Radio Zacatecas in northern Mexico, because of state governmental pressure on the station.

Bermuda

IAPA censures prime minister for restricting two newspapers' access to information

(IAPA/IFEX) - Miami (May 8, 2009) - The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today protested the decision of Bermuda Prime Minister Ewart Brown to reduce the supply of his government's information to the newspapers The Royal Gazette and Mid-Ocean News, calling the move an act of discrimination.

Colombia

Police officers in Valledupar assault photographer

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 4 May 2009, in the city of Valledupar, Cesar department, in northern Colombia, several police officers assaulted Emilio Castrillón, a photographer for the "El Pilón" newspaper. The incident took place when Castrillón was covering the scene of an explosion at a police precinct in the city. Two police officers and a civilian died in the explosion, the cause of which has yet to be determined. Journalists, including Castrillón, arrived to provide coverage of the effects of the explosion immediately after it took place. However, a group of police officers assaulted Castrillón when he began to take photographs of the damages.

Greece

Human rights defender refused entry into country

(GHM/IFEX) - On 2 May 2009, at the Greek-Albanian Kristallopigi (Florina) border crossing, 86-year old French citizen Jean (Iancu) Perifan was refused entry into Greece. He was given a refusal of entry note in Greek and Albanian (he speaks neither language) explaining that he was being refused entry because he was an "individual dangerous for national security".

Venezuela

Regional parliament creates commission to "regulate" media outlets

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 6 April 2009, the Aragua State Regional Legislative Council, in central Venezuela, created a commission in charge of reviewing and regulating all information published by the region's media outlets in order to guarantee compliance with the Social Responsibility in Radio and Television Law (Ley Resorte).

Mexico

Reporter injured after reporting on allegations of irregularities in municipal administration

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 1 May 2009, Martín Velázquez González, a reporter for the monthly newspaper "Sin Fronteras", was injured with a machete in the municipality of Huimanguillo, Tabasco state, southeastern Mexico. The incident took place when Velázquez González was distributing copies of "Sin Fronteras" that reported on allegations of the misuse of public resources by Francisco Sánchez Ramos, a federal member of congress for the Democratic Revolution Party (Partido de la Revolución Democrática, PRD).

Iran

Roxana Saberi finally freed

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders hails the 11 May 2009 release of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi. Her fiancé, filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi, her parents and her lawyers were there to greet her as she emerged from Tehran's Evin prison at 5:45 p.m. (local time).

Democratic Republic of Congo

Government suspends French public radio broadcasts

(RSF/IFEX) - On 6 May 2009, Reporters Without Borders wrote to communication and media minister Lambert Mendé condemning the government's decision to suspend local retransmission of the French public radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI) in the north-eastern city of Bunia, and voicing concern at the possibility that the measure could be extended to the rest of the country.

Kyrgyzstan

"Tribuna" newspaper editor beaten, threatened by unknown persons

(PAJ/IFEX) - On 7 May 2009, Yrysbek Omurzakov, the chief editor of the independent social and political newspaper "Tribuna", was beaten in Bishkek.

Liberia

Reporters refuse to cover senate news after president assaults colleague

(CEMESP/IFEX) - Journalists under the banner of the Legislative Reporters Association of Liberia have announced a boycott of media coverage of the office of the President Pro-tempore of the Liberian Senate, Cletus Wotorson, for "assaulting" one of their colleagues, Solomon Ware.

International

ARTICLE 19 calls on new EU Eastern Partnership to probe attacks on journalists

ARTICLE 19 calls on the EU and the Partnership Countries to promptly and independently investigate and prosecute those responsible for the murders of, and violence against, journalists, as well as for assaults against peaceful demonstrators.

Botswana

Publishers challenge Media Practitioners Act in court

(MISA/IFEX) - Botswana publishers, on 6 May 2009, registered a statutory notice with the attorney general and the Ministry of Communications Science and Technology, challenging the Media Practitioners Act of 2008.

Côte d'Ivoire

French photographer freed after being held for 16 months

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders hails the provisional release on 6 May 2009 of French photographer Jean-Paul Ney, who had been held in Abidjan since late December 2007 in connection with a conspiracy to overthrow the Ivorian government known as the "Christmas in Abidjan" affair.

Philippines

Journalist accused of wiretapping

(CMFR/IFEX) - Manila-based journalist Cecilia "Cheche" Lazaro posted bail on 8 May 2009 after a Philippine local court issued an arrest warrant in connection with a wiretapping complaint filed by a government official in November 2008.

Ecuador

Mayoral candidate supporters vandalise radio station's headquarters

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 27 April 2009, the headquarters of radio station Onda Sur were surrounded and its directors threatened by a group of demonstrators who complained about the fact that the station, according to them, favors the reelection of Mayor Manuel Aguirre. On 3 May they threw stones at the windows, sprayed the outside of the station with petrol and set it on fire. The firefighters and the police prevented any serious damage. The incident took place in Huaquillas, a town in El Oro province in southern Ecuador.

South Korea

CPJ concerned by pressure on media

In a letter to the president of South Korea, CPJ calls attention to his administration's increasing pressure on the country's media and the arrests of four staff members of the country's second largest broadcaster, deeming it an attempt to stifle independent reporting critical of government policies.

Madagascar

Detained Radio Mada reporter charged and transferred to prison

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is alarmed by the 7 May 2009 decision to keep Radio Mada sports reporter Evariste Ramanantsoavina in detention and charge him with "inciting revolt against the republic's institutions, defamation and disseminating false information." He was arrested on 5 May and forced to reveal the location from which the radio was broadcasting in defiance of a closure order.

Sri Lanka

Parliamentarian threatens online journalists

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is concerned about the telephone threats that have been made against reporter Santha Wijesuirya of the Lankaenews website and his editor, Bennet Rupasingha, by parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa, the leader of the National Freedom Front.

Bahrain

Journalist summoned for allegedly defaming Civil Service Bureau

(BCHR/IFEX) - The Bahraini Public Prosecution (PP) has summoned Mr Abdulhasan Bu-Hussain, a journalist writer at "Alwasat" local newspaper, on a case brought against him by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) accusing him of smear and defamation in a series of articles written by Bu-Hussain about the CSB and its regulations.

Philippines

Suspect in killing of radio journalist convicted; another acquitted in separate case

(CMFR/IFEX) - Two local courts recently decided two separate cases of work-related killing of broadcasters in Region XI (Davao Region). Eight out of the 78 work-related killing of journalists/media practitioners since 1986 happened in Region XI.

Burma

Censorship board limits reporting on one-year anniversary of Cyclone Nargis

(Mizzima/IFEX) - The Burmese military junta's censorship board has imposed restrictions in the coverage of the anniversary of the deadly Cyclone Nargis, sources in local journals in Rangoon said.

Malaysia

Authorities arrest 80 writers, activists, members of opposition during protests

The swoop indicates that Najib's administration is far from sincere about instituting reforms and allowing greater openness despite his call for "OneMalaysia".

Saudi Arabia

Government pressure on television programme considered too liberal

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is concerned about the Saudi pro-government daily "Al Watan's" attempts to interfere in the programming of MBC, a privately-owned, pan-Arab satellite television station based in Dubai. A recent column in the newspaper called one of MBC's programmes "contrary to society's customs."

Yemen

Journalist arrested; authorities seize copies of seven independent newspapers

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) strongly condemns the action taken by Yemeni authorities against several independent newspapers and journalists. The latest action was the confiscation of seven newspapers in two days and the arrest of journalist Fuad Rashid, the owner and publisher of http://www.mukallapress.com. The confiscation orders follow the papers' coverage of protests in southern Yemen and criticism of the way the Yemeni government responded to the problems.

Malaysia

CIJ condemns government's intimidation of media and electoral reform activist

(CIJ, interim member/IFEX) - The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the arrest and remand of media and electoral reform activist Wong Chin Huat on 5 May 2009 over his strong calls against the Barisan Nasional party's takeover of the state of Perak and refusal to call for new elections in the state following the political crisis that has been going on since February.

Pakistan

Media in danger in Swat Valley

(RSF/IFEX) - 6 May 2009 - Reporters Without Borders deplores the deterioration in the media situation in the Swat valley since the military launched an offensive against the Taliban. The valley has been plunged into chaos, fighting is raging, the population is fleeing, and the media are all paralysed.

Serbia

IPI/SEEMO strongly condemns threat against journalist by Serbian Orthodox priest

(IPI/IFEX) - Vienna, 7 May 2009 - The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate, strongly condemns the threat made by the Serbian Orthodox priest Vlastimir Zlatic against the Serbian journalist Zoran Marjanovic, correspondent for the newspapers "Kurir" and "Glas Javnosti", in the village of Silopaj, near Gornji Milanovac, Serbia.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Broadcast ban on two independent media outlets lifted

(JED/IFEX) - On 4 May 2009, a broadcast ban on two Likasi-based, independent media outlets, Community Radio of Katanga (RCK) and Radiotélévision Likasi 4 (RTL4), was lifted. The ban was ordered on 11 March by Jean-Marie Dikanga Kazadi, the provincial minister of the interior, customs, security and communications. Likasi is the capital of the mining province of Katanga, in the southern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Venezuela

Government supporters vandalise newspaper headquarters; students harass reporters in Barinas

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 16 April 2009, a dozen students of the University of Carabobo, identified as militants of Venezuela's United Socialist Party (PSUV), the government's party, arrived at the headquarters of the newspaper "El Carabobeño", painted messages on its facade that said "pitiyanquis", "tell the truth" and "how much are you getting paid?", and insulted the employees. The incident took place in the city of Valencia, in central Venezuela.

Indonesia

Prison term for online defamation remains, Indonesian High Court says

(AJI/IFEX) - On 5 May 2009, The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia read out its decision over the request for a Judicial Review against Law No. 11 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions. The Court rejected the request to revoke article 27 paragraph (3) of the said law.

Zimbabwe

Jestina Mukoko granted bail; Shadreck Manyere rearrested, denied bail

(MISA/IFEX) - On 6 May 2009, former news reader with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project Jestina Mukoko was granted bail by Harare Magistrate, Catherine Chimanda after the defence reached a mutual agreement with the Attorney General's office to that effect.

Egypt

EOHR condemns detention of protestors and assault of journalists

(EOHR/IFEX) - The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) condemns the unlawful detention of human rights activists in a clear violation of their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of opinion and expression guaranteed by international human rights covenants and the Egyptian constitution.

China

One year on, authorities still arresting activists, obstructing media over Sichuan earthquake reporting

In addition to harassing victims' family members, state security forces have also targeted individuals trying to investigate the possible causes of school collapses or compile lists of quake victims.

Moldova

Election watchdog calls for transparency regarding fiscal verification of non-governmental organisations

(IJC/IFEX) - 30 April 2009 - The Civic Coalition for Free and Fair Elections - Coalition 2009 - calls on the Main State Tax Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova to ensure transparency regarding the fiscal verification of non-governmental organizations which were active during the 2009 elections.

Brazil

Journalist harassed by security guards

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 1 May 2009, journalist Pedro Dantas, of "O Estado de São Paulo" newspaper, was harassed by security guards while he was covering an inspection of Rio de Janeiro's sports facilities being carried out by a delegation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Rio de Janeiro has put in a bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Liberia

Journalist assaulted by senator

(CEMESP/IFEX) - On 5 May 2009, reporter Solomon Ware of Truth FM Radio station in Liberia's capital, Monrovia, was physically assaulted by the president pro tempore of the Liberian Senate, Cletus Wotorson, as the reporter tried to ask him a few questions concerning the abrupt adjournment of the Liberian Senate.

Burma

Military regime rejects Aung San Suu Kyi appeal

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - "ARTICLE 19 is dismayed and deeply saddened to learn that the appeal for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi has been rejected yet again by her captors. The governments that continue to support the Burmese authorities, particularly China, India, and the ASEAN members, through their indifference and ineffectiveness, each bears responsibility for the bricks and mortar of Aung San Suu Kyi's prison," said Dr. Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.

Venezuela

Photographer threatened while covering protest in Mérida; Chávez supporters insult journalists in Caracas

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 29 April 2009, Héctor Molina, a photographer for "Pico Bolívar" newspaper, was threatened by a group of hooded men affiliated with the Tupamaro Movement (an organisation that is linked to President Hugo Chávez's government), while he was covering a student protest in the city of Mérida, central Venezuela. The assailants took his camera.

Cambodia

Opposition party member threatened with criminal defamation suit

In a speech on April 29, 2009, Hun Sen said that it would be "as easy as ABC" to have the parliamentary immunity lifted for Mu Sochua, a National Assembly member.

Russia

Editor hospitalised, police refuse to open investigation

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, May 5, 2009 - Authorities in Rostov-on-Don must launch a criminal investigation into a possible attack on the editor-in-chief of an independent newspaper who was found unconscious with a head wound in the early morning of April 30.

Iran

Saberi ends hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is extremely relieved to learn that Roxana Saberi, the Iranian-American journalist who is in a Tehran jail on a spying charge, has ended her hunger strike. The press freedom organisation continues to call for the appeal against her conviction to be given a fair hearing and not any sham proceedings.

Mexico

Reporter who criticised local officials gunned down in Durango state

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, May 5, 2009 - A Mexican journalist who was critical of local authorities in the northern state of Durango was fatally shot by unidentified assailants on Sunday. In a piece published a day before the killing, the reporter wrote that he had been threatened by local government officials. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on local and federal authorities to thoroughly and expeditiously investigate the crime.

Finland

Court of appeal upholds "police obstruction" conviction against photojournalist

(IFJ/IFEX) - 5 May 2009 - The International Federation of Journalists and its regional group, the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), today condemned the decision of the Helsinki Court of Appeal in Finland against a photographer who took pictures of a protest demonstration during the Asia-Europe trade summit meeting in Helsinki on September 9, 2006.

Iraq

CPJ alarmed by press violations in Iraqi Kurdistan

In a letter to the prime minister of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government, CPJ calls attention to the deterioration of press freedom in Kurdistan and the alarming wave of politically motivated criminal lawsuits filed against mostly independent journalists, as well as blatant violations of the region's new press law.

Iran

Three journalists arrested in Tehran

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the arrests of three journalists in Tehran on 1 May 2009, as May Day demonstrations were taking place. "The authorities continue to crack down on journalists," Reporters Without Borders said. "These arrests, which were made without a warrant and without good reason, were illegal."

Colombia / World Press Freedom Day

FLIP launches its Access to Information Manual

(FLIP/IFEX) - 4 May 2009 - On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, FLIP presents its Access to Information Manual. The publication contains practical and useful tools for journalists and citizens for finding and accessing information.

Colombia

Prosecutors, jurists, journalists call for reduction in "relative impunity" for crimes against the press

(IAPA/IFEX) - Bogota, April 27, 2009 - Public prosecutors, judges and members of the press agreed that the reduction of sentences in cases of crimes against journalists must be limited to prevent what has become known as "relative impunity." The call came during a forum here held by the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), the Colombian National Newspapers Association (ANDIARIOS) and the Attorney General's Office.

Nigeria / World Press Freedom Day

Conference commemorates World Press Freedom Day in Lagos

(MRA/IFEX) - A one-day conference to commemorate the 2009 World Press Freedom Day was held in Lagos on Monday, May 4, 2009. Organized by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos and Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the conference brought together scores of media owners, media managers, editors and other media professionals as well as representatives of civil society and other stakeholder groups to discuss the conference theme: "The Role of the Media in Fostering Dialogue and Mutual Understanding between the Government and the People".

Yemen

Government seizes newspaper offices

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, May 4, 2009 - After confiscating thousands of copies of a critical independent newspaper, authorities laid siege today to the paper's offices in Aden, Yemen. The daily, Al-Ayyam, has been covering the ongoing conflict in the country's southern region.

Greece / World Press Freedom Day

Country's largest newspaper systematically attacks scholars, judges for views and rulings on minorities

(GHM/IFEX) - 2 May 2009 - The Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM), on the occasion of tomorrow's World Press Freedom Day, denounces the abuse of press freedom by Greece's largest newspaper, which systematically attacks academics and European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judges for views expressed or judgments issued that are perceived by the prevailing nationalist hysteria as "anti-Greek." What is even more condemnable is that absolutely no one has ever denounced that newspaper's attacks, not even the colleagues of those targeted.

Ethiopia / World Press Freedom Day

On World Press Freedom Day, journalists in exile call on international community to pressure government to lift ban on free press

(EFJA/IFEX) - 3 May 2009 - We, members of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA) in exile all over the world, observe today, 3 May 2009, with highly charged emotions.

El Salvador

Journalists and media outlets call on new government to pass laws and public policies that democratise communication

(AMARC/IFEX) - El Salvador, 3 May 2009 - In the framework of World Press Freedom Day, the Movement for Democratic Communication launched a campaign calling on the government elect, which will take power on 1 June, to implement public policies on information and communication.

Pakistan

Journalists manhandled by political party workers at Karachi airport

(PPF/IFEX) - Three journalists were manhandled and injured at Karachi airport by an unruly mob that had come to greet Syed Munawwar Hassan, the newly elected chief of Jamaat-e-Islam (JI), a religious political party, on May 2, 2009.

International / World Press Freedom Day

IAPA message on World Press Freedom Day

(IAPA/IFEX) - Miami, Florida, May 1, 2009 - With certain exceptions freedom of the press is still in force in the Americas, yet it is overshadowed by the hostile attitude of intolerant heads of state, by the global economic crisis that is affecting the newspaper industry, and by the violence unleashed against journalists and news media.

Democratic Republic of Congo / World Press Freedom Day

Press still exposed to threats, pressure and censorship that undermines its credibility, says JED on World Press Freedom Day

(JED/IFEX) - Kinshasa, 2 May 2009 - As is the tradition each year, the entire world celebrates World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2009. This year, the chosen theme is "Media, dialogue and mutual understanding."

Somalia / World Press Freedom Day

Journalists commemorate World Press Freedom Day; government disbands Media Council

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - On 3 May 2009, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) held a conference on media freedom and safety of journalists to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD).

Indonesia

Several journalists still in hiding after attack by rioting soldiers in Papua province

(AJI/IFEX) - The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) of Indonesia has condemned the attack on several journalists by rioting soldiers in the province of Papua.

International / World Press Freedom Day

On World Press Freedom Day, PEN launches Americas campaign, condemns rising violence against journalists in Latin America

(PEN/IFEX) - New York City, May 3, 2009 - PEN American Center is marking World Press Freedom Day today by launching the "Freedom to Write in the Americas" campaign, which will run through the rest of 2009, and by releasing the "Declaration in Defense of the Freedom to Write in the Americas." The Declaration is endorsed by Jon Lee Anderson, Ernesto Cardenal, Edwidge Danticat, Junot Díaz, Francisco Goldman, Alma Guillermoprieto, Elena Poniatowska, Sergio Ramírez and 50 other distinguished writers throughout the region.

Colombia

IAPA disappointed over decision not to review case of murdered journalist; calls for investigation into attempt to intimidate member of Radio Caracol news team

(IAPA/IFEX) - Miami, (April 30, 2009) - The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today expressed disappointment at the Colombian Supreme Court's decision to not accept a request by the country's Attorney General to review the legal proceedings in the murder case of journalist Nelson Carvajal Carvajal.

International / World Press Freedom Day

World's press protests against jailings, attacks, on World Press Freedom Day

(WAN/IFEX) - Paris, 3 May 2009 - The World Association of Newspapers has protested to the leaders of five countries today, World Press Freedom Day, against the jailings and widespread attacks on journalists in their countries.

Peru

Demonstrators beat reporters, steal videocamera

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 29 April 2009, RTC Canal 13 television station journalist Rosa Huapaya and camera operator Julio Bazán were beaten with sticks by a group of protesters when they were covering a demonstration in the city of Huamachuco, in the region of La Libertad, northwestern Perú. The demonstrators, who included subsistence farmers and members of both the Education Workers' Union (Sindicato Unitario de Trabajadores de la Educación, SUTEP) and a public interest group (Frente de Defensa de los Intereses de los Pueblos, FEDIPE), were protesting against issues relating to the government administration in the area.

Malaysia / World Press Freedom Day

On World Press Freedom Day, CIJ calls on government to implement media freedom road map

(CIJ, interim member/IFEX) - Kuala Lumpur, 3 May 2009 - The time is right for reforms in media freedom and freedom of expression as the Malaysian public grows more discerning and demanding for a freer and more democratic society.

Azerbaijan / World Press Freedom Day

IRFS World Press Freedom Day statement

(IRFS/IFEX) - Baku, Azerbaijan, 3 May 2009 - In connection with 3 May 2009, which is the 17th Annual World Press Freedom Day and the third anniversary of the founding of our organization, we, the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), express concern about the press freedom situation in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

International / World Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day: when governments take journalists hostage

(RSF/IFEX) - In the run-up to World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2009, Reporters Without Borders is campaigning for the release of three women journalists who have been "taken hostage" by governments.

Fiji / International / World Press Freedom Day

PINA media statement on World Press Freedom Day

(PINA/IFEX) - 3 May 2009 - As the world celebrates Media Freedom Day, we in the Pacific are thinking of our colleagues in Fiji who have nothing to celebrate because their freedoms have been forcefully curtailed by the ruling government.

Liberia / World Press Freedom Day

CEMESP renews commitment to upholding free speech in Liberia

(CEMESP/IFEX) - Monrovia, May 3, 2009: On the observance of World Press Freedom Day, May 3, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) has recalled that challenges to free expression still remain firm across Liberia, with many persons, including government and civil actors, still resolute in their plans to restrain the media from reporting as it sees fit.

Caribbean / World Press Freedom Day

Statement by ACM on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2009

(ACM, interim member/IFEX) - The Association of Caribbean Media Workers (ACM) extends its greetings to media colleagues throughout the international community and the Caribbean on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2009.

International / World Press Freedom Day

ARTICLE 19 reaffirms the need to protect freedom of expression on World Press Freedom Day

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 2 May 2009 - As the global media and human rights communities mark the event of World Press Freedom Day, ARTICLE 19 calls attention to the ongoing need to ensure that freedom of expression is safeguarded and enhanced in all parts of the world.

Mexico

Photographer illegally detained

(CEPET/IFEX) - Rafael Del Río Chávez, a photographer with "Proceso" magazine, reported that he was unjustifiably detained by Guadalajara municipal police in Jalisco, western Mexico, and locked in a "cage" for four hours on 26 April 2009.

Morocco

New charges against detained activist

The continuing detention of Chekib el-Khayari shows the stark limits to Morocco's tolerance for criticism, Human Rights Watch said

International / World Press Freedom Day

IFJ annual report documents alarming trends in journalists' safety, press freedom

The seventh annual report on press freedom in South Asia, produced by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) for the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN), documents alarming trends in working conditions for journalists

West Africa

World Press Freedom Day: Statement from the MFWA

The theme for this year's celebration of World Press Freedom Day, Media, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding, could not have been more appropriate in any other year than this one, particularly for countries in West Africa.

Brazil

Victory as Federal Supreme Court repeals dictatorship-era press law

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders has saluted as a "great victory for press freedom" the historic decision of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) to repeal the entire 1967 press law that had allowed prison sentences to be handed down to journalists for what they wrote.

Russia

New investigation into murder of "Novaya Gazeta" journalist

(GDF/IFEX) - On April 22, 2009, "Novaya Gazeta" announced the start of criminal proceedings against the alleged mastermind of the murder of that newspaper's journalist, Igor Domnikov.

International / World Press Freedom Day

Global press freedom declines in every region for first time, says Freedom House report

Journalists faced an increasingly grim working environment in 2008, with global press freedom declining for a seventh straight year and deterioration occurring for the first time in every region, according to Freedom House's annual media study.

Liberia

Newspaper reporter Garmonyou Wilson detained

(CEMESP/IFEX) - Reporter Garmonyou Wilson of the "Inquirer" newspaper was detained over the weekend of 24-26 April 2009 at Liberia's Bureau of Immigration and Nationalization (BIN) in the capital, Monrovia. The reporter was ordered detained by authorities at the Bureau for what they described as "unauthorized photography".

Armenia

Online editor severely beaten, hospitalised

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, April 30, 2009 - The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Armenian authorities to apprehend three assailants who attacked Argishti Kivirian, editor of the independent news Web site Armenia Today. The unidentified men beat Kivirian early this morning, leaving him hospitalized in serious condition, Zhanna Alexanian, president of the Yerevan-based organization Journalists for Human Rights, told CPJ.

Egypt

EOHR under threat of dissolution

(EOHR/IFEX) - The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR) expresses its deepest concern regarding a letter received from the Ministry of Social Solidarity warning EOHR of the possibility of applying Article 42 of the NGOs Law 84/2002, which is concerned with dismantling the organization.

Panama

IAPA condemns conviction of journalist

(IAPA/IFEX) - Miami, April 29, 2009 - The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) today characterized the two-year prison sentence handed down to a Panamanian journalist for his 2001 exposure of corruption involving a Supreme Court justice in that country "judicial harassment".

Colombia

Journalist held at gunpoint, unknown assailants seize his files

(FLIP/IFEX) - On 23 April 2009, journalist and writer Gustavo Álvarez Gardeazábal, who works for the editorial programme "La Luciérnaga" broadcast on Caracol Radio, was assaulted, held at gunpoint and threatened by unknown individuals who came into his home and took some of his files.

Southern Africa / World Press Freedom Day

In its World Press Freedom Day statement, MISA highlights "emerging threats, the need for vigilance and consolidation on media gains in Southern Africa"

(MISA/IFEX) - Windhoek, Namibia: 30 April 2009 - The UNESCO theme for the 2009 World Press Freedom day, Media, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding, aptly captures the wishes and ideal situation that many of us yearn for in the media in Southern Africa. We all wish for the media to be platforms for social dialogue, for the media to bring us together and more importantly for the media to be a mirror through which society reflects on itself, especially the ills of corruption, gender inequality, repression and suppression of dissenting voices, and indeed highlight the opportunities for socio-economic development and change in the region.

Turkey

Author on trial for book deemed to "humiliate" religion

(WiPC/IFEX) - The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is concerned by the opening of trial proceedings on 5 May 2009 against the noted Turkish author Nedim Gürsel for his book "Daughters of Allah". The book is seen to "humiliate the religious values of part of the population". The author faces charges under Article 216 (3) of the Turkish Penal Code relating to "incitement to enmity or hatred", which carries a penalty of six months to one year in prison.

United Arab Emirates

Two French magazines censored

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the distribution bans imposed on recent issues of two French magazines, "Jeune Afrique" and "Afrique Magazine", at the behest of the information ministry in Abu Dhabi because of articles regarded as offensive or overly critical.

Argentina

Journalist seriously threatened in Paraná

(FOPEA /IFEX) - The Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA) condemns the serious threat made to journalist Daniel Enz, editor of the weekly "Análisis" in Paraná, Entre Ríos, and a member of the FOPEA Board of Directors.

International

IFJ demands overhaul of repressive media laws

(IFJ/IFEX) - 29 April 2009 - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for a radical overhaul of media laws in the Middle East.

Swaziland

Popular weekly column cancelled

(MISA/IFEX) - A popular weekly column appearing in the privately-owned "Times of Swaziland" newspaper that was critical of Swaziland's traditional Tinkhundla system of governance - including the leadership of King Mswati III - has been stopped because of what the newspaper claims are structural adjustments of its content.

International / World Press Freedom Day

CPJ names 10 worst countries to be a blogger

CPJ names the worst online oppressors. Burma leads the dishonor roll. Booming online cultures in many Asian and Middle Eastern nations have led to aggressive government repression.

Russia / International / World Press Freedom Day

A newspaper "to serve society, not the state": Russia's "Novaya Gazeta" wins IPI Pioneer Award

(IPI/IFEX) - VIENNA, 29 April 2009 - Novaya Gazeta, the crusading Moscow newspaper that has paid a deadly price for its reporting during a period when the Kremlin has sought to rein in independent media, has been named winner of the International Press Institute's 2009 Free Media Pioneer Award.

Jordan

Court acquits well-known columnist of defaming Parliament

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is relieved to learn that Khaled Mahadin, a well-known columnist who writes for the government-owned "Al Rai" newspaper, has been acquitted of insulting Parliament in an article he posted on the website Khabberni on 13 February 2009, criticising the personal expenses of parliamentarians. Mahadin, aged 68, was an adviser to the late King Hussein.

Pakistan

Taliban warn media against hostile coverage

(PPF/IFEX) - The Tehreek-e-Taliban in the troubled Swat region of Pakistan has warned newspapers and TV channels against publishing or broadcasting news against the Taliban.

Nigeria

Political thugs assault photojournalists

(MRA/IFEX) - On 26 April 2009, three photojournalists from different media organizations were assaulted by political thugs at the home of a leading member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ayo Arise, in Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria.

Syria

UN rules dissident's detention illegal

Free Kamal Labwani, Rights Activist Serving 12-Year Sentence After Unfair Trial

Egypt

Internet activist kidnapped, detained for three weeks

(ANHRI/IFEX) - On 28 April 2009, the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) asserted that it would not back down from its demand of an investigation of the state security officers who abducted the Internet activist Ahmed Mohamed Alaa El Din on 7 April 2009. Alaa was released on the evening of 27 April, three weeks after his kidnapping.

International / World Press Freedom Day

IFJ accuses governments of "hypocrisy and neglect" over press freedom

(IFJ/IFEX) - 29 April 2009 - Governments guilty of "censorship, hypocrisy, and neglect" are putting press freedom to the sword world-wide, says the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in its statement to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd.

Burma

Concerns for health of imprisoned writer Zargana

(WiPC/IFEX) - The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is alarmed by reports that imprisoned leading comedian and poet Zargana is in poor health and has not been given full access to medical care and family visits.

Pakistan

Journalist arrested, detained overnight for questioning by intelligence personnel

(PPF/IFEX) - Dilawar Jan, a reporter in the Peshawar bureau of the daily "The News", was picked up by intelligence agency personnel from his office on the evening of 28 April 2009 in a bid to force him to disclose the source of news filed by him about an impending military operation in Buner. He was released on the morning of 29 April after refusing to be pressured into disclosing his source.

Nigeria

Radio station fined for airing materials capable of "inciting violence"

(MRA/IFEX) - On 27 April 2009, Nigeria's broadcast regulator, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), fined private radio station Adaba FM 500,000 Naira (approx. US$3,350) for allegedly transmitting on 25 April "materials that were capable of inciting members of the public to violence and consequently leading to breakdown of law and order", while covering the re-run of the governorship elections in Ekiti State in the southwest.

Mozambique

Journalist detained for one month, another journalist threatened by official over his reporting

(MISA/IFEX) - On 15 April 2009, MISA-Mozambique denounced the intimidation of two radio journalists in the northern province of Niassa, one of whom was illegally detained by the police. Felismino Jamissone is a producer for a community radio station in the Niassa district of Mecanhelas. He produces a programme on human rights, which has frequently interviewed Mecanhelas citizens who are severely critical of the police.

Iran

American journalist Roxana Saberi on hunger strike

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders members began a hunger strike on 28 April 2009 in support of Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, who has been sentenced to eight years in prison in Iran on a charge of spying for the United States.

Indonesia

Journalists in hiding from rioting soldiers

(IFJ/IFEX) - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is extremely worried for the safety of a team of journalists in Indonesia, who tonight are reported to be in hiding in Jayapura, Papua Province, as hundreds of soldiers of the Indonesian army riot in the town.

Iraq

Suspects on trial for plotting to kill editor

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, April 27, 2009 - The Committee to Protect Journalists is closely following the imminent trial of two suspects who have been charged with plotting to murder Ahmed Mira, editor-in-chief of the Sulaymania, Iraq-based magazine Livin.

Zimbabwe

Police launch manhunt for recently released journalist

(MISA/IFEX) - On 24 April 2009, Zimbabwe's police launched a search for freelance journalist Anderson Shadreck Manyere who was recently released on bail from Chikurubi Maximum Prison together with co-accused Movement for Democratic Change activists Gandhi Mudzingwa and Kisimusi Dhlamini.

Mexico

IAPA conference calls on government for transparency in its war on drugs

(IAPA/IFEX) - Mexico City, April 24, 2009 - Calling on the government of Mexico to carry out its battle with drug traffickers openly and with respect for the press's duty to inform the public, the Inter American Press Association-organized conference "The Press, the Government and Organized Crime," wound up here today.

Egypt

Blogger detained since October 2008, church orders family to keep silent

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) expressed its strong condemnation and dismay at the continued detention since 3 October 2008 of the Christian blogger, Hani Nazeer, by state security. His arrest was carried out in coordination with the Church in Naga Hammadi, his hometown in Qena Governorate. Nazeer is the author of the "Karz elhob" blog ( http://haninazeeraziz.blogspot.com ).

International

IPA awards 2009 Freedom to Publish Prize to OLPEC founders

The 2009 IPA Freedom to Publish Prize Goes to Sihem Bensedrine, Neziha Rejiba and Mohammed Talbi, Founders of Tunisian Press and Publishing Watchdog, OLPEC

Senegal

Journalist El Malick Seck pardoned

(MFWA/IFEX) - El Malick Seck, managing editor of the "24 Heures Chrono" newspaper, who was sentenced to a three-year prison term for publishing false news, was on 24 April 2009 freed by President Abdoulaye Wade.

Rwanda

Government suspends BBC radio service for "unacceptable speech" in programme on genocide

(Media Institute/IFEX) - On 25 April 2009, the Rwandan government suspended the British Broadcasting Corporation's (BBC) local-language radio service in the country saying it threatened the country's national reconciliation by hosting people with views negating the 1994 genocide.

Burma

State newspaper's proposed ban on satellite dishes seen as sign of increased suppression of media freedom

(Mizzima/IFEX) - In what seems to be a "warning", Burma's state-run newspaper carried an article on 24 April 2009 saying that satellite channels, which enable people to watch international news and entertainment, are being manipulated by big nations and should be banned in Burma.

Bahrain

Authorities prevent public seminars from being held

(BCHR/IFEX) - A high Bahraini security officer at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) informed the National Democratic Action Society "Waad", a political society, that the authorities would not approve a public seminar scheduled for 22 April 2009, at the society's premises, in the capital of Manama. If "Waad" wished to hold the event, the MoI officer said, they should apply for permission from the Ministry of Interior three days before the seminar. Mr. Ibrahim Sharif, Secretary General of "Waad", refused to do this. Sharif was supposed to be the moderator of the seminar focusing on the latest release of prisoners and the proposed dialogue with the authorities. Many political figures in Bahrain were expected to have participated in the event.

Equatorial Guinea

Journalist appears in court on defamation charges

(JED/IFEX) - Rodrigo Angwe, a Malabo-based correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI) and Agence France Presse (AFP), was summoned to court on 15 April 2009 on charges of insult, slander and defamation after he alleged that the director general of Equatorial Guinea's national airline, CEIBA Intercontinental, had absconded with 3.5 million FCFA (approx. US$7 million).

Somalia

Three journalists arrested; radio station ordered closed

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) deplores the closure of Jubba Private radio station and the arrest of three journalists working for the station in Baidoa.

Somalia

"Ogaal" newspaper reporter sentenced to one year in prison

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - On 26 April 2009, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemned the increasing tendency to intimidate journalists in Somaliland after a court sentenced journalist Abdullahi Hassan Darwish of "Ogaal" newspaper to one year in prison. He was also banned from working as a journalist for six-months and given a fine of 400 000 Somaliland shillings (approx. US$60).

Togo

Media regulatory body lifts ban on phone-ins

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 23 April 2009, the High Authority for Audiovisual Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC), Togo's media regulatory body, lifted a ban it imposed on the country's electronic media preventing them from allowing telephone calls into station programmes.

North Korea

North Korea will try American journalists

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, April 24, 2009 - The Committee to Protect Journalists expressed concern today after North Korea announced that it would try American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee on unspecified criminal charges, according to international news reports.

Mexico

Political cartoonist receives death threat, assaulted in Oaxaca

ARTICLE 19 expresses serious concerns over assault on political cartoonist

Portugal

Regional government's actions targeting private newspaper threaten free expression, says WAN

WAN's letter to President Aníbal Cavaco Silva expresses serious concern at the deliberate abuse of state funding of the press by the regional government of Madeira and the consequent distortion of the newspaper market.

Syria / Lebanon

Newspaper under pressure because of political tension

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the distribution ban which the Syrian authorities have imposed on the privately-owned Lebanese daily "Al-Diyar" since 22 April 2009 and the threats that have been made against its editor, Charles Ayoub, a Lebanese politician with a pro-Syrian stance.

Colombia

Radio reporter gunned down in Cauca department

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders urges the authorities to shed all possible light on the murder of José Everardo Aguilar, a reporter for the privately-owned regional radio stations Radio Super and Bolívar Estéreo, who was gunned down in his home in El Bordo, a town in the south-western department of Cauca, on 24 April 2009.

Mexico

Megamedia Group employees threatened, attacked in Campeche

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) Mexico City, 24 April 2009 - Personnel from the Megamedia publishing group which publishes the "Diario de Yucatán" newspaper in the city of Campeche, in southeast Mexico, have been threatened on several occasions by individuals identified as being connected to the National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional, PAN). This is believed to be the result of Megamedia's refusal to publish election publicity to promote PAN candidates.

Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek court fines newspaper

(Adil Soz/PAJ, interim member/IFEX) - On 22 April 2009, Inter District Court of Bishkek Judge Elmira Baytikova ruled in favour of the Zhannat Hotel in its lawsuit against the "Uchur" independent newspaper. The newspaper's editor-in-chief, Aslanbek Sartbayev, said a lawsuit was launched by the hotel for "moral and material damages" after the paper reported that the hotel was built with blocks of slag. The hotel refuted the information.

Sri Lanka

RSF welcomes release of editor N. Vithyatharan

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders welcomed the release of editor of the Tamil daily "Sudar Oli", N. Vithyatharan, who had been held by police since 26 February 2009, accused of having links with Tamil Tiger rebels.

Mexico

Supreme Court to review appeal launched by former first lady in case against magazine and Argentine writer

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 22 April 2009, magistrates from Mexico's Supreme Court (Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación, SCJN) decided to review an appeal launched by former first lady Marta Sahagún in a case against "Proceso" magazine. In April 2005, Sahagún filed a lawsuit for "moral damages" against "Proceso" and the Argentine writer Olga Wornat, author of the book "La Jefa", after they publicised details of the annulment of her marriage to Manuel Bribiesca. In January 2007, a Federal District Superior Court absolved "Proceso" of the charges against it and reduced the amount that Wornat had previously been ordered to pay in damages from 1,958,000 pesos (approx. US$140,000) to 500,000 pesos (approx. US$36,000).

United Kingdom

Secret inquests threaten accountability, says Human Rights Watch

UK: Secret Inquests Threaten Accountability

Germany

More German journalists join battle to protect confidentiality of sources

(IPI/IFEX) - VIENNA, 23 April 2009 - A group of German journalists, lawyers and doctors today filed a complaint before the Federal Constitutional Court against a controversial law that greatly increases the power of the police to conduct secret surveillance of citizens.

Burma

Censors prohibit media from reporting on murder case

(Mizzima/IFEX) - Local weekly journals in Rangoon said they have been prohibited from publishing follow-up news on a murder case that took place in Botahtaung Township in Rangoon in early April 2009.

Ukraine

Draft law fails to fully safeguard independence of national broadcasters, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 23 April 2009 - ARTICLE 19 today releases a legal analysis of the proposed changes to the Ukrainian law 'On Television and Radio Broadcasting' ("Broadcasting Law"). The Ukrainian Parliament is expected to amend the law in the next few months.

Serbia

Ten Years On, IFJ says NATO must apologise over Belgrade media killings

(IFJ/IFEX) - 23 April 2009 - The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said that, ten years after NATO forces defied the protests of journalists and human rights groups and bombed a television centre in Belgrade killing 16 media staff, the damage from that unprecedented strike is still being felt.

Ghana

Former president's guards attack journalists, destroy equipment

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 22 April 2009, "Financial Intelligence" reporter Justice Lee Adoboa, "Ghanaian Voice" newspaper's Ekow Moses and Ignatius Annor, a reporter with the pro-government FM station Radio Gold, were allegedly attacked by security guards of the former President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor, for photographing his private residence without permission.

Bahrain

More websites and blogs blocked by authorities

(BCHR/IFEX) - The Bahraini authorities have widened their campaign against all Internet outlets, inside and outside Bahrain, which covers all aspects of public affairs in the country. The lastest victims of the site-blocking campaign, led by Mai Al-Khalifa, the Minister of Culture and Information, are http://www.aafaq.org , a Washington-based news site, and http://www.Bahrain-eve.blogspot.com , the blog of female activist Ghada Jamsheer. The authorities have also blocked the alerts site http://www.bahrainblogs.org that lists reports about any posting or updates made by bloggers in Bahrain and includes alerts from the BCHR site: http://www.bahrainrights.org . All sites were blocked on the morning of 21 April 2009.

International

ARTICLE 19 launches the Camden Principles on Freedom of Expression and Equality

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - Geneva, 23 April 2009 - Today, at the Durban Review Conference in Geneva, ARTICLE 19 has launched The Camden Principles on Freedom of Expression and Equality ("The Camden Principles"), a ground-breaking document that will guide legislators, policy-makers and civil society in balancing the rights to freedom of expression and equality.

Honduras

Second journalist murdered since the beginning of the year

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has expressed concern over the murder of Osman López, who was shot to death on 18 April 2009, in the capital, Tegucigalpa. The 27-year-old journalist worked for the presidential palace's Department of Communications and for "La Tribuna" newspaper. He was also a correspondent for the Canal 45 television station.

Madagascar

Media under attack one month after new president installed

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns the return of censorship to Madagascar in the form of orders to the state-owned media not to cover opposition demonstrations. The press freedom organisation is also worried by the closure of Radio Mada, a station that supports former President Marc Ravalomanana, and acts of vandalism against other pro-Ravalomanana media.

United States

Ruling recognises "Detroit Free Press" reporter's right to protect his sources

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is thrilled with U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland's 21 April 2009 ruling that "Detroit Free Press" reporter David Ashenfelter does not have to reveal his confidential sources from a 2004 article he wrote regarding a failed terrorism prosecution.

International

Marking World Press Freedom Day, WiPC releases "Declaration in Defense of the Freedom to Write in the Americas"

PEN and authors from across Americas condemn violence against journalists in Latin America and call for end to impunity around murders and disappearances in Mexico

Mexico

Journalist Ricardo García Jiménez threatened, harassed

(CEPET/IFEX) - Ricardo García Jiménez, a journalist from Oaxaca State in southern Mexico, reported that he has received constant threats and intimidation because of his work as a journalist and has decided to file a report about these incidents with the Attorney General's Office (Procuraduría General de la República, PGR) and the Cyberspace Police.

Afghanistan

TV reporter released, "defamation" and "insult" charges still pending

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders welcomes TV reporter and presenter Fahim Kohdamani's release on 19 April 2009 after four weeks of detention in Kabul and calls for the withdrawal of the "defamation" and "insult" charges still pending against him, especially as the organisation has obtained a letter proving that his arrest was the result of a complaint by Iranian officials.

Mexico

Sinaloa university authorities introduce restrictive measures after being criticised by professor

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - Mexico City, 21 April 2009 - Professor Ana Luz Ruelas Monjardín, who has been teaching at the Sinaloa Autonomous University (Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, UAS), in northern Mexico, for 30 years, was censored by the university's rector. Ruelas Monjardín, who is well-known internationally, teaches at the university's International and Political Studies department.

Central African Republic

Daily suspended for two weeks

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders voices its support for the newspaper editors who have decided to cease publication for two weeks, starting on 21 April 2009, in solidarity with the daily "L'Hirondelle". The newspaper was suspended by the High Council for Communication (HCC) for two weeks from 20 April for publishing an article on 2 April allegedly "calling for sedition by the armed forces."

Togo

Broadcast media forbidden to let public express views on the air

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns an order issued by the High Council for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC) on 17 April 2009 banning all radio and TV programmes in which the public is allowed to express its views. The ban, prompted by comments made on the air about the president's brother's arrest on 15 April, is to remain in force until further notice.

Syria

Journalist Faruq Haji Mustafa held incommunicado, another on trial

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, April 22, 2009 - The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the Syrian authorities to disclose the whereabouts of a journalist who has been held incommunicado since early April after he was ordered to visit the political security office in Aleppo.

Azerbaijan

"Azadlig" newspaper correspondent released after five-day detention

(IRFS/IFEX) - 22 April, 2009 - The appeal of "Azadliq" newspaper Ganja region correspondent Ershad Ibrahimov, who was arrested on 17 April, was considered on 22 April and the decision of Ganja City's Nizami District Court has been annulled. The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) was told by the journalist's lawyer Alayif Hasanov that Ibrahimov was released in the court hall.

Turkey

Two Kurdish newspapers suspended for a month for "spreading PKK propaganda"

(BIANET/IFEX) - The Istanbul 13th Heavy Penal Court has handed down one-month publication bans to two newspapers for allegedly spreading PKK propaganda.

Philippines

New arrest warrant out for suspects in journalist's murder

(CMFR/IFEX) - A Philippine local court issued a new arrest warrant for the suspects, one of them a police officer, in the 2008 killing of a radio broadcaster in General Santos City. General Santos City is a province approximately 1, 049 km southeast of Manila.

Ecuador

Sucumbíos police detain journalist, harass camera operator

(IPYS/IFEX) - During the early hours of 12 April 2009, camera operator Israel Díaz, of Lago Sistema Televisión Canal 4, was assaulted by the police and journalist Vicente Albán was detained. The journalists were covering a police operation in the province of Sucumbíos, in northeastern Ecuador.

Iraq

RSF condemns threats to press freedom in Kurdistan

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders reiterates its support for independent journalists in Iraq's northern autonomous region of Kurdistan, which celebrated Press Day on 22 April 2009. Kurdistan was spared much of the fighting that engulfed the rest of Iraq after the US-led intervention of March 2003, but it is now experiencing many press freedom violations including harassment and violence against journalists.

Turkey

Two Kurdish politicians sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment for spreading propaganda

(BIANET/IFEX) - On 21 April 2009, the 4th High Criminal Court of Diyarbakir sentenced two Kurdish politicians to ten months imprisonment under Article 7/2 of the Anti-Terrorism Law. Osman Baydemir, mayor of the Greater Diyarbakir Municipality and Nejdet Atalay, provincial chair of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP), of which Baydemir is also a member, were convicted of spreading propaganda over a call for peace in which they used the word "guerilla" in reference to Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) members. Their lawyers argue that the intention of the speech has been ignored.

Argentina

AMARC welcomes bill limiting media concentration

(AMARC/IFEX) - Argentina, 21 April 2009 - AMARC's Latin America and Caribbean office (AMARC-ALC) has welcomed a bill on Audiovisual Communication Services and the government's openness to a participatory process of forums on the suggested text.

Algeria

Bouteflika urged to reverse Algerian press freedom abuses

The Committee to Protect Journalists has written to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to protest the rising incidence of press freedom violations.

Israel

Seven journalists injured by Israeli soldiers in West Bank since January 2009

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders deplores the repeated use of violence against journalists covering peaceful demonstrations in the West Bank in protest against the construction of the Security Wall. The Israeli armed forces have been directly responsible for these incidents. The press freedom organisation wrote to defence minister Ehud Barak about this issue on 14 April 2009.

South Korea

Court acquits blogger known as "Minerva"

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders welcomes blogger Park Dae-sung's acquittal by the Seoul central district court on 20 April 2009 on charges of affecting "foreign exchange markets" and undermining "the nation's credibility" by posting false information online. Prosecutors had requested an 18-month prison sentence for Park, who is better known by his blog name of "Minerva."

Libya / Morocco

Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi launches legal action against three Moroccan newspapers

President Gaddafi to work full time on persecuting Arab Journalists!

Indonesia

Supreme Court rules in favour of "Time" magazine in defamation case

(SEAPA/IFEX) - The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) welcomes the landmark ruling of the Indonesian Supreme Court in favour of "Time" in a US$106 million defamation suit filed against the magazine by the late former dictator Suharto.

Peru

Journalist receives death threat after accusing mayor of corruption

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 12 April 2009, Radio TV Concierto presenter and director, journalist Peter Donato Torres, reported to IPYS that he received a text message on his cell phone threatening him with death. The journalist said that the phone number belongs to somebody close to Tocache's mayor, David Bazán Arévalo, whom Torres accused a few days earlier of alleged corruption. Tocache is located in the San Martín region, in northeastern Peru.

Brazil

Journalists used as "human shields" in shoot-out

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 18 April 2009, TV Liberal reporters Felipe Almeida and Victor Haôr reported to IPYS that they were used as "human shields", together with other journalists, by members of the Landless Rural Workers' Movement (MST), during a shoot-out with security agents. The MST was attempting to take over a farm in Pará, in northern Brazil. Seven farmers and one guard were wounded.

Venezuela

Students vandalise newspaper office, threaten its workers

IAPA protests action against Venezuelan newspaper

Iran

President, chief justice order review of journalist Roxana Saberi's case

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, April 20, 2009 - In response to a letter sent on Sunday by Iran's president urging the public prosecutor to ensure justice for Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi, the Committee to Protect Journalists called today for Saberi to be released on bail pending her appeal. An Iranian Revolutionary Court found Saberi guilty of espionage and sentenced her to eight years in prison on Saturday in a closed, one-day trial.

The Gambia

Police disrupt radio show, briefly detain two journalists

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 16 April 2009, Moses Ndene and Kebba Yorro Manneh, two sports journalists of privately-owned FM station City Limit Radio, were arrested and briefly detained by the Gambian police for allegedly criticising the administration of sports in the country.

Swaziland

Senators threaten to charge local media with contempt of Parliament

(MISA/IFEX) - Senators in the Swaziland Parliament have threatened to charge the local media with contempt of Parliament following stories about an altercation between the Senate President and a Senator.

Saudi Arabia

New security measures introduced for Internet cafés

The Saudi Ministry of Interior has imposed severe restrictions on Saudi Internet Cafés, requiring owners of Internet Cafés to install secret surveillance cameras inside cyber cafés, to register users' names and identity numbers

Thailand

Security forces crack down on anti-government radio and TV stations

Police raided three radio stations and a TV station, seizing equipment and arresting personnel

Côte d'Ivoire

Five years of unanswered questions since journalist Guy-André Kieffer's abduction

(RSF/IFEX) - A demonstration marking the fifth anniversary of Canadian-French journalist Guy-André Kieffer's abduction and disappearance in Abidjan was held on 16 April 2009 at the Place de la Bastille in Paris by his family, Kieffer support committees and Reporters Without Borders.

Egypt

Misdemeanors court acquits Cairo News Company and director of all charges

(ANHRI/IFEX) - Cairo, 19 April, 2009 - The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information expressed happiness over the decision of Bulaq Abul-Ela Misdemeanors Court to acquit Cairo News Company and its managing director Nader Gohar of unfair charges fabricated by security officials last year.

Zimbabwe

Freelance photojournalist Anderson Shadreck Manyere finally released on bail

(MISA/IFEX) - Freelance photojournalist Anderson Shadreck Manyere was on 17 April 2009 finally released from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison following a successful bail application submitted before Justice Charles Hungwe of the High court on 9 April.

Zambia

Controversial radio station manager removed from his post

(MISA/IFEX) - On 13 April 2009, Ndola Catholic Diocese Bishop Noel O'Regan removed Fr. Frank Bwalya, Radio Icengelo station manager, from his position following his controversial conduct after the 30 October 2008 presidential by-election in which he accused the Rupiah Banda led government of having been fraudulently elected.

Samoa

Government considers legal action against Television New Zealand

(PINA/IFEX) - The Samoan government has engaged a lawyer for advice on legal action against Television New Zealand (TVNZ) for a story which it says inaccurately portrayed Samoa as a haven for organised crime, according to the "Samoa Observer".

Somalia

Journalist Nur Muse Hussein shot while covering fighting between rival militia forces

Nur Muse Hussein, 56, was wounded while he was trying to cover fighting in Beledweyn between militias loyal to Hiran Regional Administration and Hisbul Islam

Turkey

Bookstore owner sentenced to one year in jail for pro-Kurdish statements

Seferi Yilmaz, whose bookstore in Semdinli, Hakkari was attacked in November 2005, faces a prison sentence for referring to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) condemned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, as the "Kurdish people's hero", during a panel discussion in Bursa

China / International

Imprisoned writer Liu Xiaobo to receive top PEN honour

PEN American Center named Liu Xiaobo, one of China's pre-eminent dissident writers and activists and a leading figure in the PEN movement internationally, as the recipient of its 2009 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award

Turkey

Journalist Rasim Ozan Kütahyali assaulted by youth leader

Far-right Great Union Party (BBP) Istanbul youth branch chair Mustafa Kayatuzu physically attacked "Taraf" daily columnist Rasim Ozan Kütahyali when he mentioned BBP leader Muhsin Yazicioglu's involvement in the Maras massacre during a television show

Philippines

Court denies motion to dismiss charges against suspected masterminds in Esperat murder

On 7 April 2009, a local Philippine court denied a motion to dismiss murder charges against the alleged masterminds in the 2005 killing of journalist Marlene Esperat.

Bolivia

Local TV station chief resigns because of death threats

Journalist Andrés Rojas resigned as editor-in-chief of Canal 57 Virgen de Copacabana after receiving many death threats. In a separate case, Carlos Morales, editor-in-chief of "La Prensa", and another of the newspaper's editors, Raphael Ramirez, received death threats in connection with a story linking a government official to organised gangs.

Fiji

Pacnews journalist detained for 12 hours; military orders closure of ABC relay transmitters

Pita Ligaiula, a journalist with Pacnews, the Suva-based regional news agency owned by the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), was detained reportedly because the regime objected to his articles for The Associated Press (AP)

Russia

Criminal investigation into suspected murder of journalist Yuri Shchekochikhin closed

The criminal investigation into the suspected murder of Yuri Shchekochikhin, a journalist and member of the State Duma, has been closed.

Sudan

Two newspapers censored by police

Police went to the headquarters of "Al-Midan" on 14 April 2009 and ordered the withdrawal of 17 articles from the next day's issue, including the leading editorial

Mexico

Federal Penal Code reform falls short in protecting right to freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19

The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved an incomplete reform to confront the prevailing impunity for crimes against journalists in the country, after a long consultative process among legislators, journalists, academics and civil society, including ARTICLE 19

Morocco

Appeal court increases sentence for blogger Hassan Barhoun

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information condemns the harsh ruling by a Court of Appeal in the Moroccan city of Tetuan to increase the sentence on journalist and blogger Hassan Barhoun from six months in prison to ten.

Peru

Journalist threatened, stones thrown at his home after he criticises former president Fujimori; radio station attacked after accusing former mayor of corruption

Unidentified individuals threw stones at Radio Libertad journalist Walter Castillo Chávez's home in Arequipa, a city in southern Peru. In a separate incident, a group of supporters of the former mayor of Huarmey tried to enter the facilities of Radio Manatial radio station in an attempt to attack the station's personnel and destroy its equipment.

Ecuador

RSF calls for release of newspaper editor imprisoned for "insulting" judge

Editor Milton Chacaguasay Flores has completed half of a 10-month sentence for "insulting" a judge and could therefore be freed on good behaviour

Serbia

"Narodnih Novina" editor and journalist fined in defamation case

SEEMO/IPI strongly condemns the excessive fine handed down 30 March 2009 by a court in Nis, Serbia, in a defamation case against Dragana Kocic and Timosenko Milosavljevic, journalist and editor-in-chief, respectively, for the Serbian daily newspaper, Narodnih Novina

International

ARTICLE 19 calls for revisions in draft outcome document of the Durban Review Conference

On the eve of the Durban Review Conference, ARTICLE 19 has published its analysis of the Draft Outcome Document

Mexico

Journalist Andrés Guardiola García-Gómez harassed by local officials in León

Andrés Guardiola García-Gómez, a correspondent for the "Excélsior" newspaper, reported that he has been repeatedly harassed by officials who work for the municipal government in León, Guanajuanto state, in southern Mexico

Pakistan

Reporter dies as a result of shooting injuries; another injured by roadside bomb

Reporters Without Borders is appalled to learn Wasi Ahmed, a newspaper reporter based in Khuzdar, died on 16 April 2009

Mexico

Tribunal issues decision aimed at avoiding "prior censorship" during election campaigns

In order to avoid "prior censorship", the Electoral Tribunal of the Federation's Judiciary (Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación, TRIFE) recently decided to establish limits on the ability of elections authorities to use mechanisms that restrict publicity during electoral campaigns.

Iran

Journalist Roxana Saberi sentenced to eight years' imprisonment on spying charge

"This conviction was unjust under the Iranian criminal code and the sentence was severe," Reporters Without Borders said

Moldova

Foreign journalists harassed and expelled by authorities

Under the pretext of alleged violations of the Regulation on accreditation of journalists, the Chisinau authorities withdrew Doru Dendiu's accreditation

China

Media barred from citing unofficial sources on prisoners' situation; editor forced to resign

(IFJ/IFEX) - China Imposes Yet More Restrictions on Journalists

Yemen

Al Jazeera journalists warned about covering southern Yemen

Murad Hashem, Al Jazeera bureau chief in Sana'a, and reporter Ahmad al Shalafi, both received threats on their mobile phones on 11 April 2009

Palestine

Al Quds correspondent freed in Jenin

Reporters Without Borders hails the Palestinian Authority's release of Ahmed Bikawi

Thailand

Media mogul and political leader Sondhi Limthongkul survives slay attempt

The founder of Thai media conglomerate ASTV-Manager Daily and a staunch opponent of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was seriously injured in an early morning ambush on 17 April 2009 in Bangkok

Mexico

Radio presenter Julio Ricardo Blanchet Cruz stages hunger strike after dismissal for refusing to censor himself

Journalist Julio Ricardo Blanchet Cruz has been staging a hunger strike since 13 April 2009 after the Universidad Veracruzana dismissed him after he refused to omit criticisms of archbishop Hipólito Reyes Larios from his radio programme

Bahrain

One hundred and seventy-eight activists and human rights defenders released

The joy for the release of the detainees should not let us forget the necessity of continuing to seek to achieve the demands that the national and international human rights bodies have filed

Somalia

Journalist Jama Ayanle Feyte pardoned and released

On 15 April 2009, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomed with joy the release of journalist Jama Ayanle Feyte from the Bossasso jail after a pardon from the Puntland president

Mauritania

Jailed newspaper editor pardoned by head of military government

Reporters Without Borders hails the release of Abdel Fettah Ould Abeidna, editor of the weekly "Al Aqsa", on 8 April 2009 as a result of a pardon issued by the head of the military government, Gen. Ould Abdel Aziz.

Niger

Publisher of "L'Action" Boussada Ben Ali loses appeal

The Niamey court of appeal upheld the three-month sentence handed to Boussada Ben Ali, publisher of "L'Action" weekly

Azerbaijan

Editor Ali Hasanov released from prison

On 11 April 2009, "Ideal" newspaper editor-in-chief Ali Hasanov was released from prison #5.

Algeria

Two Moroccan journalists prevented from covering presidential election

Reporters Without Borders deplores the 9 April 2009 arrest of two Moroccan journalists, Hicham El Madraoui and Mahfoud Aït Bensaleh, who had gone to Algiers to cover the presidential election for the Moroccan weekly "Assahrae Al Ousbouiya".

Haiti

Provincial radio station Idéale FM ordered reopened following forced closure

Reporters Without Borders hails justice minister Jean-Joseph Exumé's decision to remove the seals that were placed over the entrance to Idéale FM

Thailand

Government-run NBT TV goes off air following shutdown of opposition DTV

Government-run NBT TV station in Khon Kaen province in the country's northeast region was forced to stop airing its programs after numerous Red Shirts demonstrated in front of the station on 13 April.

The Gambia

Authorities break silence on "disappearance" of "Daily Observer" reporter Chief Ebrima Manneh

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 6 April 2009, Gambia's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Marie Saine Farduas, denied the arrest of Chief Ebrima Manneh, a reporter for the "Daily Observer", a pro-government, privately-owned Banjul-based newspaper.

Turkey

Conscientious objector Mustafa Karayay acquitted in Ankara court

(BIANET/IFEX) - An Ankara court has acquitted Mustafa Karayay, who faced three years' imprisonment for criticising military service.

Malaysia

PMO bars critical online newspaper from covering cabinet announcement

Only six days into his prime-ministership, the online media, http://www.merdekareview.com , has been barred from covering the announcement of Najib's new Cabinet line-up.

Iraq

Iraqi military files lawsuit against London-based newspaper, Dubai-based television channel

The Iraqi military should drop a criminal lawsuit it filed against a newspaper and a TV channel for misattributing a quote to its spokesman, the Committee to Protect Journalists said

Spain

Journalist group expresses concern following attacks on media covering demonstrations

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the regional group of the IFJ, backed the Federation of Journalists Associations of Spain (FAPE) after protests over attacks on journalists covering public demonstrations and gatherings

Brazil

Journalist Rodrigo Oliveira threatened by police, prevented from reporting on incident at soccer game

On 5 April 2009, radio station Gaúcha journalist Rodrigo Oliveira was threatened by military police and prevented from doing his work while he was covering a football game.

Ghana

Journalist William Jalulah assaulted by ruling party supporters

Jalulah, the Upper East regional correspondent of the Accra-based "The Chronicle" newspaper, was violently assaulted by supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for photographing a violent attack.

Sri Lanka

RSF calls for journalists to be allowed into area where "major humanitarian crisis" is unfolding

Reporters Without Borders reminds the Sri Lankan government of its international undertakings as the media continue to be prevented from moving about freely in the north of the country, especially in the area where tens of thousands of Tamils are surrounded by the army.

Guatemala

Two suspects detained in murder of journalist Rolando Santis

Rolfi Antonio López, 20, and Estuardo Pirir, 19, are being held as suspects in the 1 April 2009 murder of Rolando Santis, a journalist employed by privately-owned TV station Telecentro.

Pakistan

Taliban partially lift ban on cable TV broadcasting in Swat valley

Reporters Without Borders calls on the Pakistani authorities and Taliban leaders to ensure that cable TV operators in the Swat valley are able to resume broadcasting of both Pakistani and international TV stations without delay.

Peru

Official accuses press of extortion

On 6 April 2009, César Álvarez Aguilar, president of Ancash's Regional Government, once more accused the media and journalists in general of extortion, during the inauguration of two public works.

Ecuador

Telecosta TV station equipment damaged by acid attack, Radio Gaviota director threatened

Reporters Without Borders condemns an attack on the premises of privately-owned TV station Telecosta and radio station Radio Gaviota in the coastal city of Esmeraldas on 7 April 2009.

Ecuador

Telecosta TV station equipment damaged by acid attack, Radio Gaviota director threatened

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns an attack on the premises of privately-owned TV station Telecosta and radio station Radio Gaviota in the coastal city of Esmeraldas on 7 April 2009. The NGO Fundamedios said intruders entered the premises through the air-conditioning ducts and threw acid on equipment. Telecosta director Johanna Endara said she did not rule out the possibility that the attack was politically motivated, mentioning the TV station's recent refusal to give advertising space to the municipal government. Her brother, Radio Gaviota's news director, said he had received several threats from the municipal government since the refusal. A member of the city's ruling party even threatened in writing to "set fire" to Telecosta.

Egypt

"Ibda'e" magazine licence cancelled; issue of "Share'e alsahafaa" newspaper confiscated

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) considered the week of 7 April 2009 to be a "black week for freedom of press and expression in Egypt". During the week, the license of "Ibda'e", an important Egyptian and Arabic magazine, was cancelled on 7 April, followed by "Elbadeel" newspaper's declaration that they were replacing their daily editions with a weekly one as a result of the international financial crisis. Moreover the the most recent issue of "Share'e alsahafaa" newspaper was confiscated based on "censorship on printed materials" guidelines because of a special report that it contained on "Succession in Egypt".

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Correspondent for Belgrade-based "Vecernje novosti" threatened

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 14 April 2009 press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 voices serious concerns on draft press law

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a 14 April 2009 ARTICLE 19 press release:

Pakistan

Kidnapped journalist Khawar Shafiq escapes his abductors

(PPF/IFEX) - Khawar Shafiq, "Daily Waqt" correspondent in the city of Faisalabad, managed to flee from his abductors on 11 April 2009, four days after he was abducted from his village.

United Arab Emirates

Draft media law undermines free expression, says Human Rights Watch report

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 13 April 2009 Human Rights Watch press release:

Bahrain

Authorities question critical journalist and his family, confiscate books and other materials

(BCHR/IFEX) - The Bahrain Center for Human Rights has learned that Mr. Abbas Al-Murshid, 31, a journalist and writer, was recently held with his wife and their child for almost four hours at the King Fahad Causeway port. Al-Murshid was returning from a visit to Saudi Arabia when his passports were held by the Immigration Office. He and his family were escorted by a member of National Security Apparatus (NSA, Intelligence Apparatus) to a nearby room used for inspection. His mobile telephone, as well as that of his wife, were forcibly confiscated after he tried to call a friend to advise them of his situation.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist Tuver Wundi Muhindo threatened by armed intruders

(RSF/IFEX) - On 14 April 2009, Reporters Without Borders wrote to the governor of the eastern province of Nord-Kivu, Julien Paluku Kahongya, voicing deep concern about an armed attack on Radiotélévision Nationale Congolaise journalist Tuver Wundi Muhindo on 12 April in Goma, the provincial capital.

Zimbabwe

Photojournalist Anderson Manyere granted bail, but state prosecutor appeals order

(MISA/IFEX) - On 9 April 2009, High Court Judge Charles Hungwe granted bail to freelance photojournalist Anderson Manyere. As part of his bail conditions Manyere was ordered to deposit US$1,000 with the Clerk of Court and to report once a week at the Malbereign police station.

Colombia

FLIP welcomes verdicts in cases of two assassinated journalists

(FLIP/IFEX) - The following is an abridged translation of an 8 April 2009 FLIP press release:

Ghana

Government announces withdrawal of Ministry of Information directive for foreign journalists

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 9 April 2009, the government of Ghana announced the withdrawal of a directive it had issued on 16 March requiring foreign journalists and media outlets to seek clearance and official guides from the Ministry of Information before covering any event or issue in the country, and to submit copies of their material before publishing it.

Brazil

Reporter Carly Falcão forced to delete footage of police attack on football fan

(ABRAJI/IFEX) - Reporter Carly Falcão of the news group O Sistema Jornal do Commercio de Comunicação (SJCC) in the city of Recife, Pernambuco State, was threatened by a member of the military riot police on 5 April 2009 while she was covering a football game.

Egypt

Journalist and blogger Ahmed Seif Al-Nasr arrested in Fayoum

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns journalist and blogger Ahmed Seif Al-Nasr's arrest on 10 April 2009 in Fayoum, 130 km southwest of Cairo, after covering the arrest of many Fayoum University students the previous day. The regional correspondent of the independent daily "Al-Dostour", Nasr was arrested at 2 a.m. (local time) and was taken to Qohafa police station in Fayoum.

Azerbaijan

Journalist Sakit Zahidov, editor Asif Merzili freed from prison

(IRFS/IFEX) - On 9 April 2009, after two years and nine months in prison, "Azadlig" newspaper satirist and journalist Sakit Zahidov was granted an amnesty and released.

Republic of Congo

CB Plus television station suspended in response to political coverage

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is 10 April 2009 CPJ press release:

Fiji

Foreign reporters ordered to be deported, media censored after government declares state of emergency

(CPJ/IFEX) - Fiji's interim government must relax its reporting restrictions after the government declared a 30-day state of emergency on Friday, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Fiji

Journalists from New Zealand and Australia deported as regime tightens control on news media; local media outlets refuse to report on political stories

(PINA/IFEX) - Overseas journalists covering Fiji's political crisis have been deported as the military-led regime tightens its control on the island's besieged news media.

Vietnam

Imprisoned writers Nguyen Hoang Hai and Pham Thanh Nghien in poor health, denied family visits

(WiPC/IFEX) - The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is alarmed by reports that imprisoned writers Nguyen Hoang Hai and Pham Thanh Nghien (f) are at risk of ill-treatment, in poor health, and denied full access to family visits. They are part of a group of writers who were detained during a crackdown against peaceful dissent in Vietnam in August and September 2008. International PEN continues to call for their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Vietnam is a signatory. It seeks assurances of their well being and urges that they be given full access to necessary medical care and allowed family visits as a matter of urgency.

East Timor

Regional press freedom groups alarmed by draft media laws

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Regional press freedom groups call on TL's parliament to reconsider passage of laws that threaten free expression.

Thailand

Anti-government protestor throws homemade explosive device near ASTV television station offices, CPJ calls for journalist security amid protests

(CPJ/IFEX) - Both sides in Thailand's escalating political conflict should refrain from targeting the press and should guarantee the security of journalists covering the street protests that have paralyzed traffic in the capital, Bangkok, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Iran

Journalist Roxana Saberi charged with spying for the United States

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 9 April 2009 Freedom House press release:

Thailand

Broadcast journalists Varunee Suesatsakulchai, Somphote Thoraksa and Sathien Viriyapongsa assaulted, harassed during demonstration

(SEAPA/IFEX) - Three Thai broadcast journalists were assaulted in separate incidents by opposition demonstrators dubbed the "Red Shirts" during a massive protest rally in Bangkok on 9 April 2009 meant as a final bid to pressure the government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the King's close aides to resign.

Serbia

Serbian president cancels interview with Austrian Broadcasting Corporation correspondent

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

Mexico

CEPET concerned over spate of attacks on journalists in Oaxaca State

(CEPET/IFEX) - Rebeca Luna Jiménez, a correspondent for the Radio Mil group, was attacked by unidentified individuals on the night of 6 April 2009. The incident took place on a busy street when the journalist was travelling with her husband and a friend in the city of Oaxaca, in Oaxaca State, southern Mexico.

Samoa

Authorities ban distribution of the film Milk

(PINA/IFEX) - Censors in Samoa banned Milk, a movie, based on the life of gay activist Harvey Milk, which won a best actor Oscar for Sean Penn.

Mexico

Judicial police officers assault photojournalists José Antonio León Castañares and Oscar Bolaños Herrera

(CEPET/IFEX) - José Antonio León Castañares and Oscar Bolaños Herrera, photojournalists respectively for the "La Jornada Oriente" and "Síntesis" newspapers, were assaulted by judicial police officers while they were covering a confrontation between residents of the municipality of Santa María La Alta, in the state of Puebla, in central México.

Moldova

Journalists prevented from entering Moldova; journalists and media workers assaulted, detained and interrogated by police officers

SEEMO/IPI disappointed by the decision of Moldovan authorities to stop free movement of journalists and calls for an investigation into several press freedom violations on 9 and 10 April.

Turkey

Lawyer of imprisoned reporter Abdurrahman Gök to file complaint for torture and maltreatment

(BIANET/IFEX) - Servet Özen, the lawyer for Dicle News Agency (DIHA) reporter Abdurrahman Gök, says that an objection to his client's arrest has been rejected. He says that he will file a complaint for torture and maltreatment of his client after seeing the medical file.

Turkey

"Atylym" newspaper handed one-month publishing ban, website blocked for allegedly spreading propaganda

(BIANET/IFEX) - The "Atylym" newspaper has been handed a one-month publishing ban because it allegedly spread propaganda for the Marxist Leninist Communist Party.

Moldova

Local media groups concerned about recent attacks on journalists, violations to access to information

(IJC/IFEX) - The following is a declaration by IJC and several other organisations:

The Gambia

Court drops some charges against "The Point" editor, he is still accused of falsifying citizenship documents

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

Haiti

Idéale FM radio station closed for refusing to reveal sources

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns the 8 April 2009 closure of Idéale FM, a privately-owned radio station based in the north-western town of Port-de-Paix, by local prosecutor Jean Frédéric Bénêche for allegedly "obstructing justice." The prosecutor asked the station to identity its sources for a report about Alain Désir, an alleged drug trafficker who is being held in Florida. When the station refused, the prosecutor ordered its closure and had an official seal put on the entrance.

Serbia

Justice minister silent on calls to probe murder of editor Slavko Curuvija; 15-year "suicide" death of journalist Dada Vujasinovic reclassified as murder

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2009 press release by IPI and the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate:

Somalia

Private radio station ordered to shut down for 24 hours by Al-Shabaab forces

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns the closure of Mandeeq Radio Station in Baladhawo district of Gedo region.

Sri Lanka

RSF denounces "disgraceful" impunity three months after journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga's murder

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of an 8 April 2009 RSF press release:

Iraq / United States

President Obama urged to launch "credible investigations" into media killings in Baghdad, role of US military

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2009 IFJ media release:

Pakistan

Armed men disrupt Karachi cultural festival over photo montage

(PPF/IFEX) - Armed assailants stormed the Arts Council in the Pakistani capital, Karachi, on 8 April 2009, ransacking the Shanakht Cultural Festival and accusing organisers of "political blasphemy". The event was organised by the Citizens Archives of Pakistan (CAP).

Malaysia

Prime minister urged to repeal restrictive laws, foster conditions necessary for national dialogue

(CIJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2009 statement by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), an interim member of IFEX:

Turkey

Kurdish politician Mahmut Alinak on trial for "insult" following his criticism of PM

(BIANET/IFEX) - Mahmut Alinak, former Kars province (eastern Turkey) party chair of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP), is on trial and facing a possible prison sentence, for a letter he sent Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Kurdish and in which he said, "You have deceived the people of Kars."

Sri Lanka

IFJ welcomes UNESCO press freedom award to slain journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2009 IFJ media release:

Niger

Newspaper publisher Ali Soumana charged with defamation and publishing false information

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 6 April 2009, Ali Soumana, publisher of the independent Niamey-based weekly "Le Courrier", was arrested and detained at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following a defamation complaint brought against him by Seyni Salou, managing director of the state-owned water company, Eau du Niger (SPEN).

Canada

Vancouver police seize photojournalist Jason Payne's camera at crime scene, threaten him with arrest for "obstruction of justice"

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2009 CJFE press release:

Malaysia

New prime minister frees 13 internal security law detainees, lifts suspension on opposition party newspapers "Suara Keadilan", "Harakah"

(HRW/IFEX) - The following is a 6 April 2009 Human Rights Watch press release:

Moldova

Border guards deny Romanian journalists entry as protests over election results continue

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2009 CPJ press release:

Slovakia

Prime minister threatens action against journalists who cover groups said to "promote separatism"

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an 8 April 2009 media release by the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an IFJ regional group:

Guinea

TV journalist Fana Soumah suspended indefinitely for allegedly "broadcasting false information"

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 5 April 2009, the management of the state-owned Radio Television Guinéenne (RTG) suspended newscaster Fana Soumah, for allegedly "broadcasting false information".

China

Journalists barred from entering city affected by 2008 earthquake despite providing requested documents

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2009 IFJ media release:

United States

Campaign for Reader Privacy launches next phase in campaign to restore safeguards stripped away by Patriot Act

(PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2009 PEN American Center press release:

Bahrain

CPJ concerned about crackdown on websites and blogs

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 7 April 2009 CPJ letter:

Algeria

Current issues of three French publications banned on eve of presidential election

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is outraged by the Algerian government's decision to ban distribution of the current issues of three French publications - "L'Express", "Marianne" and "Journal du Dimanche" - on the eve of the 9 April 2009 election, in which President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is running for a third term.

Sri Lanka

Government-run newspaper attacks FMM secretary; news editor removed from post at Sinhala-language weekly

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 7 April 2009 IFJ media release:

Iran

RSF expresses concern about conditions in which journalists and cyber-dissidents are being held

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders firmly condemns the conditions in which journalists and cyber-dissidents are being held in Iran and the arbitrary nature of their detention, and calls for their release. The organisation issued its appeal after the parents of a detained American-Iranian journalist, who live in the United States, were able to visit her in Tehran's Evin prison on 6 April 2009.

Azerbaijan

Newspaper editor Asif Merzili sentenced to one year in jail for defamation

(IRFS/IFEX) - The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) resolutely condemns the unwarranted one-year prison sentence for defamation handed down against "Tezadlar" newspaper editor-in-chief Asif Merzili and the six-month corrective labour sentence issued against Merzili's colleague, journalist Zumrud Mammedova. Merzili and Mammedova received these sentences at the Yasamal District Court, in a hearing chaired by Tahir Ismayilov, on the basis of a lawsuit put forth by Azerbaijan International University director Elshad Abdullayev. Abdullayev's lawsuit was based on articles 147 and 148 of Azerbaijan's Criminal Code (on defamation and libel).

Peru

Newspaper editor Jaime Abanto Padilla threatened after denouncing corruption committed by penitentiary officials

(IPYS/IFEX) - Since 21 March 2009, the editor-in-chief of the "Panorama Cajamarquino" newspaper, Jaime Abanto Padilla, has been receiving threatening telephone calls. The threats began after the newspaper denounced acts of corruption committed by National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) officials at the Huacariz prison in Cajamarca, a city in northern Perú. The callers have made it clear that they are aware of Abanto Padilla's and his family's movements.

Venezuela

National Assembly president calls for investigation into conduct of journalist Beatriz Adrián; journalists prevented from covering arrival of kidnapped youth at medical centre

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 26 March 2009, National Assembly President Cilia Flores said that she has requested an investigation into the conduct of Globovisión television station journalist Beatriz Adrián. Flores alleged that Adrián had used illegal means to conduct an investigation into the salary paid to National Assembly Deputy Oscar Figueras, which the journalist broadcast on Globovisión.

Ukraine

ARTICLE 19 calls on Parliament to adopt progressive law on access to information

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

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist Jean-Pierre Katende briefly detained following broadcast of controversial programme

(JED/IFEX) - On 4 April 2009, Jean-Pierre Katende, a journalist with Radio Télévision de l'Eglise Evangélique Libre d'Afrique (RTEELDA), a religious*broadcaster based in Mbuji-Mayi, capital of Western Kasai province, in central DR Congo, was briefly detained by the National Intelligence Agency's (Agence Nationale des Renseignements, ANR) local branch.

Brazil

Government promises to adopt right to information law

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

Mexico

Television station "Televiva" arbitrarily shut down by local authorities

(ARTICLE 19/CENCOS/IFEX) - The following is a 3 April 2009 ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS press release:

Argentina

Unidentified individuals cut cables supporting LT 43 Radio Mocoví's antenna in Chaco Province

(FOPEA /IFEX) - FOPEA condemns the attack on LT 43 Radio Mocoví radio station in Charata, Chaco province, on the night of 1 April 2009. Unidentified individuals cut six steel cables that supported the station's antenna, causing it to fall. As a result, the station is no longer able to broadcast on the AM frequency. The 93 metre tall antenna was located at the radio station's generating plant, nine kilometres south of Charata.

Colombia

Journalist José Granados Fernández receives death threats after denouncing corruption

(FLIP/IFEX) - José Granados Fernández, the editor of the "El Heraldo" newspaper's judicial and investigations section, in Barranquilla, Atlántico department, on Colombia's northern coast, has said that he received death threats on 2 April 2009.

Canada

Federal Court rules against professor Amir Attaran's access to information request

(CJFE/IFEX) - The following is a 3 April 2009 CJFE press release:

Egypt / Algeria

Egyptian editor Khaled Hamza prevented from travelling; Tunisian journalist Siham Bensedrine denied entry into Algeria

(ANHRI/IFEX) - The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) expressed its resolute condemnation of the hostile acts perpetrated by the security services in Egypt and Algeria against journalists. Egyptian security personnel prevented Khaled Hamza, editor of the IkhwanWeb website ( http://www.ikhwanweb.com ) from traveling, shortly after he had boarded a plane heading to England in order to receive medical treatment. Algerian security forces denied Siham Bensedrine, a Tunisian journalist and human rights activist, entry to Algeria to participate in monitoring media coverage during the elections scheduled for 9 April 2009. Bensedrine was visiting at the invitation of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights.

South Korea

Journalists' union leader released as deal reached at troubled TV news station

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders is relieved to learn that an agreement has been reached that should end a year-long dispute between the management and journalists' union at TV news station YTN. As a result of the deal, the head of the journalists' union, Jong-Myun Roh, was released from detention on 2 April 2009 and the journalists ended a 10-day strike.

Mexico

National Human Rights Commission requests protective measures for journalist Anabel Hernández, law professor Roberto Vidal Méndez detained

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 2 April 2009, the National Human Rights Commission (Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos, CNDH) issued a request to Federal Public Security Secretary Genaro García Luna asking him to provide protection to journalist Anabel Hernández, of the magazine "Reporte Índigo". The CNDH requested the protective measures for both Hernández and her family since the journalist believes that her freedom of expression rights are being jeopardised and she has expressed fear for her safety.

Mexico

Chamber of Deputies approves initiative to make crimes against journalists a federal offence

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 2 April 2009, the Mexican Congress's Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved an initiative to make crimes against journalists a federal offence, with the objective of protecting freedom of expression and the work of journalists.

France

Journalist injured during meeting in Paris in support of Algerian president

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF condemns the assault on Samia Baba Aïssa, an Algerian journalist based in France who works for Radio Orient, during a 28 March 2009 meeting in Paris in support of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is a candidate in upcoming elections.

Palestine / Israel

CPJ urges prime minister to examine restrictions, military strikes on media in Gaza

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 April 2009 CPJ letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

Pakistan

Murdered journalist Musa Khankhel received threats before he was killed

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 3 April 2009 IFJ media release:

Pakistan

Taliban suspected in attack on Radio Pakistan Wana

(RSF/IFEX) - Reporters Without Borders condemns a pre-dawn attack with explosives on 3 April 2009 on Radio Pakistan Wana, a state-owned radio station in South Waziristan, part of the Tribal Areas adjoining the Afghan border. The attack, which destroyed the station, was almost certainly carried out by Taliban activists but their motive is unknown.

Mexico

Megamedia publishing house denounces bribery attempt by federal government official

(CEPET/IFEX) - The Megamedia publishing group, which publishes the "Diario de Yucatán" and "La i" newspapers, has said that a federal government official tried to bribe the company in order to promote Mario Ávila Lizárraga, the National Action Party (Partido Acción Nacional, PAN) candidate for governor in the state of Campeche, in southern Mexico.

China

Freedom House dismayed by new regulations, increasing censorship on video-sharing websites

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is a 2 April 2009 Freedom House press release:

Haiti

Judge in Jean Dominique murder case suspended for corruption

(RSF/IFEX) - The justice ministry announced on 30 March 2009 that Fritzner Fils-Aimé, the latest judge to be put in charge of the investigation into the April 2000 murder of Radio Haïti Inter director Jean Dominique, has been suspended for "serious acts of corruption." Two other judicial officials - Joseph Descharles, the prosecutor of the southwestern town of Jérémie, and Patterson Dorval, the deputy prosecutor of the southwestern town of Petit-Goâve - were suspended at the same time for similar reasons. The charges against them are to be heard by the Higher Council for the Judiciary.

Niger

Dounia TV director and editor arrested and detained for "broadcasting false information"

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 1 April 2009, managing director Abibou Garba and editor-in-chief Seyni Amadou, of the privately-owned Dounia Media Group, operators of Dounia TV and radio stations in Niamey, were arrested and detained at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for allegedly "broadcasting false information".

Colombia

Constitutional Court overturns ruling sentencing "Semana" magazine editor to three days in jail

(RSF/IFEX) - On 31 March 2009, the Constitutional Court overturned a previous ruling that had sentenced "Semana" magazine editor Alejandro Santos to three days in prison. The court considered the corrections that the magazine had made to an article published in 2008 to be sufficient. The legal action against Santos resulted from a complaint launched by Judge José Alfredo Escobar Araujo after his name was mentioned in the article in question. Escobar Araujo felt that the article damaged his honour and, as such, proceeded with legal action against the magazine. Santos was sentenced to both the three days in jail and a fine after refusing to modify, according to criteria set out by the courts, a correction that the magazine had already published. The Constitutional Court came to the conclusion that the courts in ordering a media outlet to publish a correction cannot impose the exact manner in which that correction is to be printed.

Guatemala

Television reporter Rolando Santiz murdered, photographer Juan Antonio de León Villatoro wounded

(CERIGUA/IFEX) - Television reporter Rolando Santiz de León, of the Canal 13 news programme "Telecentro Trece", was killed and his cameraman, Juan Antonio de León Villatoro, was shot three times by unidentified individuals on 1 April 2009 as they were returning from covering a story.

Brazil

"Estado de Minas" newspaper ordered to print university's reply to an article, IAPA equates "disproportionate" ruling with censorship

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is an abbreviated translation of a 31 March 2009 IAPA press release:

Malaysia

IPI concerned by assaults on free expression as nation undergoes new leadership

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 2 April 2009 IPI press release:

Pakistan

RSF mission finds alarming impact on press freedom in Swat valley following imposition of Islamic law

(RSF/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 2 April 2009 RSF press release:

Russia

Newspaper founder Arseny Makhlov faces trumped-up bribery charges

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 April 2009 CPJ press release:

Mexico

Broadcaster Patricia Pacheco Guzmán "suspended indefinitely" after criticising local official

(CEPET/IFEX) - Reporter Patricia Pacheco Guzmán reported that she was unjustifiably let go from her position at local radio station XEPX La Voz del Ángel, owned by Radio Solución SA de CV group, because of political pressure exerted by the local mayor of Pochutla, Oaxaca, on the southern coast of Mexico. She also reported being subjected to censorship.

Zimbabwe

Freelance journalist Kudzai Musengi kidnapped, later released, warned against reporting on land issue

(MISA/IFEX) - On 31 March 2009, Gweru-based freelance journalist Kudzai Musengi was abducted by three unknown men who took him into their car and blindfolded him before speeding off to a wooded area where he was subjected to intense interrogations.

Russia

Authorities must investigate sudden death of newspaper designer Sergei Protazanov, says CPJ

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 April 2009 CPJ press release:

Dominican Republic

Three journalists harassed after reporting on senator under investigation for alleged fraud

(IAPA/IFEX) - The following is a 30 March 2009 IAPA press release:

International

IPI calls on G20 leaders to discuss barriers to press freedom

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2009 IPI press release:

Mexico

Two TVC Noticias journalists detained and interrogated after filming official's home

(CEPET/IFEX) - Camera operators Jaime Torres San Lorenzo and Rosendo Alejandro Flores of TVC Noticias were detained on 27 March 2009 and interrogated for 15 hours after filming what is thought to be property belonging to Genaro García Luna, the federal public security secretary, as part of a work assignment.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two "Le Répère" newspaper journalists convicted of insulting president

(MFWA/IFEX) - On 31 March 2009, reporter Nanankoua Gnamantéh and managing editor Eddy Péhé of pro-opposition weekly "Le Répère" were convicted of "insulting" Ivorian President Laurent Gbabgo and ordered to pay fines of 20 million FCFA (approx. US$ 40,000).

Mexico

Reporter Gerardo Flores Rodríguez assaulted by security guards while reporting on a death at a hospital

(CEPET/IFEX) - On 26 March 2009, Gerardo Flores Rodríguez, a reporter for "Diario del Sur" and the Exa radio station, was detained and assaulted by private security guards while reporting on the death of a patient at a public hospital. The incident occurred in Tapachula, Chiapas, southeastern Mexico.

China

Writer Jiang Qisheng detained and interrogated by police

(PEN/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2009 PEN American Center press release:

Honduras

Journalist Rafael Munguía Ortiz murdered in San Pedro Sula

(CPJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 April 2009 CPJ press release:

North Korea

Two US journalists could face up to 10 years in labour camp if convicted of "illegal entry" and perpetrating "hostile acts"

(IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 1 April 2009 IFJ media release:

Kyrgyzstan

Editor-in-chief and correspondent of Russian newspaper assaulted

(PAJ/IFEX) - The following is a statement by Public Association "Journalists" (PAJ), an interim member of IFEX:

Guatemala

Wife of special prosecutor for human rights kidnapped, tortured following publication of report on human rights abuses

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

Turkey

Author Latife Tekin harassed for questioning archaeological land acquisition

(BIANET/IFEX) - Several men assaulted and harassed author Latife Tekin when she questioned the improper acquisition of an archaeological site during a panel discussion in Bodrum, Mugla.

International

CAPSULE REPORT: Freedom House study identifies emerging governmental threats to Internet freedom in 15 countries

(Freedom House/IFEX) - The following is an abridged version of a 30 March 2009 Freedom House press release:

Turkey

Columnist Veysi Sarisözen and managing director Ziya Çiçekçi charged with producing "terrorist propaganda"

(BIANET/IFEX) - "Günlük" daily columnist Veysi Sarisözen and managing director Ziya Çiçekçi will face trial on allegations of "propaganda of a terrorist organization" with regard to an article titled, "We don't do propaganda; the public does".

Cyprus

Criminal court accuses media of influencing public opinion in police trial

(IPI/IFEX) - The following is a 31 March 2009 press release by the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an IPI affiliate: