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Alerts - 2009 - July-September

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Brazil

U.S. reporter sued for defamation in Brazil

Journalist Joe Sharkey, who covered a 2006 plane crash in Brazil, faces an onerous civil defamation suit for comments wrongly attributed to him.

Guinea

Two reporters go into hiding after security forces attack demonstrators

Friends warned the two men that soldiers were after them for "betraying" the military to the international community.

Russia

Journalist goes into hiding after receiving threats

On the day an IPI advocacy mission arrived in Russia, reports emerged that freelance journalist Alexandr Podrabinek has gone into hiding.

Ukraine

TV crew violently attacked at protest rally in Odessa

CPJ is alarmed by the violent attack on the crew of an opposition Russian-language news channel in Odessa.

Lesotho

Journalist receives death threat, motive unclear

Journalist 'Marafaele Mohloboli said she does not know who might be behind a threatening note sent to her home.

Sudan

Government announces lifting of restrictions on printed press

ANHRI has welcomed a government decision, lifting one of the state's practices aimed at "controlling" newspapers.

Philippines

Two renowned writers allegedly placed under surveillance by armed forces

The Armed Forces of the Philippines have allegedly placed writers Bienvenido Lumbera and Pedro Cruz Reyes under surveillance.

Zimbabwe

Supreme Court verdict quashes case against human rights activist

The Court's verdict quashes the case against Mukoko, in which she was being charged with banditry, sabotage and terrorism.

Equatorial Guinea

AFP and RFI correspondent completes 100 days in jail

RSF reiterates its call for the release of Rodrigo Angue Nguema who has been held in Black Beach prison for 100 days.

India

Journalists endangered by police tactics, says IFJ

IFJ is concerned over security operations involving police masquerading as journalists as well as the arrest of journalist Laxman Choudhary.

Ecuador

Students disrupt live television broadcast, throw stones at journalists

A live broadcast by the Ecuavisa television station was disrupted by students who were supporting a demonstration organised by teachers.

Honduras

Officials shut down Radio Globo and Canal 36 television station, two journalists assaulted

Officials, acting under a new decree that suspends civil liberties, shut down Radio Globo and Canal 36 television station.

Gabon

Leading editor detained, interrogated for several hours

RSF deplores the climate of fear that authorities have created among the media by arresting Albert Yangari, the well-known editor of the national daily "L'Union".

Brazil

Bahia State announces it will make amends to murdered journalist's family

The state of Bahia has announced that it will compensate journalist Manoel Leal's family with approximately US$56,000.

Turkey

Prosecutor investigating journalist, actress over newspaper interview criticising "Kurdish Initiative"

Authorities claim comments made in the interview could "incite hatred and enmity."

Saudi Arabia

New university a chance to expand freedom

The opening of the new university will test whether the kingdom is prepared to expand academic freedoms and women's rights, Human Rights Watch said.

Tunisia

CPJ calls for an end to smear campaign against Al-Jazeera

State-controlled media outlets have been attacking Al-Jazeera since July, when the station aired interviews with leading critics of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Honduras

National Telecommunications Commission attempts to interfere in Sustainable Development Network's activities

The Sustainable Development Network has reported that CONATEL personnel have threatened to investigate its activities.

International

Latest draft resolution on freedom of expression "a breakthrough", says ARTICLE 19

The organisation welcomes the draft resolution and calls for its adoption, following some amendments.

Honduras

De facto government's decree suspends constitutional guarantees, further compromises media

A decree issued by the de facto government has suspended the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, free movement and freedom of assembly for 45 days.

Burma

Military junta bans coverage of political party's press conference

The censor board also banned news coverage of Democratic Party leaders, along with other news related to the 2010 elections.

Honduras

Television journalist reports that she was assaulted, threatened by members of group that opposes the coup d'état

The journalist said that not only was she verbally and physically assaulted, but her assailants also threatened to rape her if they came across her alone somewhere else.

Azerbaijan

Journalist denied release for refusing to play volleyball in prison

The sole aim of the court's decision is to keep Ganimat Zahidov in prison as long as possible and prevent him from expressing his views, says RSF.

Cambodia

Two journalists convicted of defamation, fined

Editor-in-chief Kevin Doyle and reporter Neou Vannarin were each fined US$1,000 for publishing an article in which an opposition lawmaker criticised a group of military officers.

Brazil

News team threatened

A news team for the daily "A Tarde" was threatened when it was covering a fire in the city of Salvador.

Brazil

House of Representatives and Senate disobey Supreme Court decision ordering them to provide documents to newspaper

Despite a court ruling in favour of the "Folha de São Paulo" newspaper, the government bodies have failed to hand over documents showing parliamentarians' expenses.

Philippines

Supreme Court moves trial in attack on radio journalist

CPJ applauds a Supreme Court decision to grant a change of venue in the trial of a defendant in the attempted murder of radio journalist Nilo Labares.

Mexico

Journalist threatened by police officer implicated in assassination

Reporter Abraham Ramírez Reyes fears for his life after having received death threats on more than one occasion from a police officer.

Niger

Editor imprisoned on defamation charges

Ibrahim Soumana Gaoh was arrested on charges of defaming the communications minister.

Peru

IPYS condemns ministry action against La Voz de Bagua radio station

IPYS's Board of Directors condemns a new arbitrary action by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) against radio station La Voz de Bagua.

Mexico

Journalist shot dead at radio station's offices in Chihuahua

A group of at least five men forced their way into the Radio Visión offices and shot the journalist in front of his colleagues.

Senegal

Two journalists arrested, charged after reporting on local government corruption

CPJ urges president to decriminalise press offenses and address culture of impunity.

Turkey

Prosecutors violate online free expression to protect copyright

RSF urges the government to amend Law 5651 governing offences committed online in order to reconcile it with the need to respect free expression.

Hong Kong (China)

RTHK loses fight for independence in Hong Kong

The Commerce and Economics Development Bureau has decided against reshaping public broadcaster RTHK as an independent media outlet.

Rwanda

Former Radio Rwanda journalist sentenced to life imprisonment

Dominique Makeli had previously been acquitted of genocide and released in October 2008 after being detained for nearly 14 years.

Uganda

One radio station re-opened, but another loses its licence

Radio Saptiensa, one of the four FM stations shut down on 13 September 2009 during the riots that shook Uganda, has re-opened.

Colombia

Journalist killed in Supía

On the evening of 22 September 2009, Supía TV journalist and cameraman Diego Rojas Velázquez was killed.

Azerbaijan

IRFS correspondent receives several death threats

Regional correspondent Elman Abbasov believes the threats are related to his work as a journalist and human rights defender.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two radio journalists suspended for one month

The journalists are accused of airing "harmful and hateful" remarks in reference to the governor of Équateur province.

Yemen

Editor abducted

The editor of an opposition party website was abducted on 18 September 2009 and has not been seen since.

Uganda

"The Independent" editors charged with sedition

The editors were arrested, charged with sedition and released on bail, following the publication of a cartoon depicting President Yoweri Museveni.

Mozambique

Radio journalist beaten by opposition party supporters

Journalist Alfane Momade Antonio was attacked by supporters of Renamo, the country's main opposition party.

Honduras

No end in sight for crisis; voices of dissent, particularly ousted president's supporters, threatened and harassed

Ousted President Zelaya's return to Honduras supported by the Brazilian government signals a growing regional crisis and a worsening human rights situation, says ARTICLE 19.

Honduras

Television and radio station signals intercepted; radio station shut down for one day after reporting on resistance to the coup

Since the return of ousted president Manuel Zelaya Rosales to the country, the de facto government of Roberto Micheletti has tried to maintain a stranglehold on the media.

Swaziland

"Times of Swaziland" journalist threatened during parliamentary session

The Senate president threatened Arthur Mordaunt and accused him of having a vendetta against her.

Swaziland

Journalists assaulted by correctional officers

The journalists were not only assaulted but also had their cameras taken and destroyed.

Cameroon

Cameraman attacked by police officers in courthouse

"Canal International" cameraman Freddy Nkoue was covering a trial involving leaders of opposing factions of a political party.

Kenya

CPJ urges prime minister's intervention in journalist's murder case

Local journalists have said that the murder investigation has now stalled completely.

China

National Day preparations trigger censorship, cyber attacks

The government should stop censoring websites and protect Internet users from cyber attacks in advance of upcoming National Day celebrations, CPJ said.

Mexico

Reporter assaulted, threatened after publishing information about irregularities at public school

Arturo Alfaro Galán, a reporter for the "La Jornada de Oriente" newspaper, has said he was assaulted and threatened by the son of the director of a school in Puebla.

Ecuador

Telesur correspondent assaulted, motive unknown

Journalist Elena Rodríguez, a correspondent in Ecuador for Venezuela's Cadena Telesur TV network, reported that she was beaten and threatened by three armed men.

Mexico

Photojournalist assaulted, receives death threat

Photojournalist Pablo Vélez Cisneros said that he fears for his life after being assaulted and receiving a death threat.

China

Government imposes Blue Shield filtering software on ISPs

Blue Shield software is said to be more powerful than Green Dam and its installation is obligatory, not optional, as the authorities had reportedly promised.

Bahrain

Ministry of Information undersecretary orders blocking of 1,040 websites

The Ministry of Information undersecretary sent a letter to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) ordering the blocking of a further 1,040 websites.

Cambodia

ARTICLE 19 analyses draft Penal Code

ARTICLE 19 welcomes efforts to reform the current Penal Code, but notes that there are some serious shortcomings with the draft proposals.

France

Government pushes through "spruced up" version of draconian Internet piracy bill

RSF is concerned that accelerated procedures will deny legislators the time to properly debate a bill that threatens the right to Internet access.

China

Journalists prevented from reporting on National Day preparations

The IFJ calls on the central government to ensure that local and foreign journalists are permitted to report on all events in the lead-up to China's National Day.

Eritrea

Eritrea now shares title of world's biggest prison for journalists with China, Iran, says RSF

Eritrea's prisoners of conscience are victims of indifference, tacit consent or overly timid efforts on the part of the country's international partners, says RSF.

Burma

Four journalists among prisoners released by junta

Reporter Eint Khaing Oo and editors Kyaw Kyaw Thant, Thet Zin and Aung Thwin were released along with over 7,000 political prisoners.

Kazakhstan

Authorities seize embattled weekly's print run

Court officers confiscated the entire print run of the independent weekly "Respublika-Delovoye Obozreniye" and authorities froze its bank accounts.

Georgia

Russian journalist faces jail term on forgery charges

According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, its Tbilisi bureau chief is facing up to three years in prison if convicted on a forgery charge.

Tunisia

Rights activist arrested, threatened

Finally freed from 18 Years of prison and internal exile, Abdallah Zouari still under tight surveillance

Turkey

Investigators wiretap daily without court consent

Investigators have secretly listened in to telephone calls to and from the daily "Cumhuriyet" without the necessary approval of the Turkish courts.

Iran

Two more bloggers arrested, websites blocked

One of the first journalists to start blogging in Iran was arrested on 17 September 2009.

Nigeria

Radio correspondent assaulted by security officials

Radio Nigeria correspondent Wale Oluokun was beaten and injured by four armed government security agents on 16 September 2009.

Philippines

Former president sues Manila newspaper

Deposed president Joseph Estrada has filed a libel complaint against the "Philippine Daily Inquirer" for a report on his alleged coercion of a businessman.

Nigeria

Journalist shot dead after opening door to killers

Bayo Ohu, the assistant news editor of "The Guardian" daily, was shot dead at his home by gunmen on 20 September 2009.

Mexico

Spokespersons for two government agencies threaten editor

The editor of the Centro Noticias Tamaulipas news website reported that he was threatened by spokespersons from two Tamaulipas state government agencies.

Cuba

Authorities block websites, detain another journalist

With the detention of Yosvani Anzardo Hernández, Cuba now has a total of 26 journalists in prison.

Ghana

Two photojournalists assaulted

The victims were attacked by supporters of a suspected drug smuggler.

Mexico

Head of kidnapping investigations unit threatens journalist

Journalist María de los Ángeles Herrera Delgado reported that she has been threatened by the head of a kidnapping investigations unit in Coahuila.

Argentina

Chamber of Deputies passes controversial broadcasting bill

The speed with which the executive has rushed the bill through parliament has alarmed media organisations.

Georgia

Journalist accused of insult and slander

A criminal case was opened by prosecutors against journalist Anton Krivinyuk, who published an article criticising authorities and the president.

Palestine / Israel

Two journalists freed after being held for a year

RSF is relieved to learn of the release of journalists Mohammed Al-Qeeq and Ayad Srour.

Mexico

Municipal employees hinder distribution of daily, assault and threaten editor

Municipal employee on the island of Isla Mujeres hindered distribution of the "Diario Respuesta" newspaper, and assaulted and threatened its editor.

Turkmenistan

Journalists' health deteriorates in prison

The government continues to hold two journalists who were arrested and convicted on a trumped-up charge of "possession of illegal munitions".

Iran

CPJ calls for the release of journalists during Ramadan

As Muslims prepare to celebrate the end of Ramadan, CPJ called on authorities to release the journalists who are being held behind bars.

Colombia

Risky return of TV current affairs programme after eight-month interruption

"Contravía", a TV current affairs programme that was forced off the air by threats eight months ago, has resumed broadcasting on the Canal Uno public TV channel.

Venezuela

Suspected explosives found outside press group's headquarters

A security guard working for the Bloque de Armas press group found two small cases that were suspected to contain explosives.

Iran

Prosecutor in show trials accuses Facebook, Youtube of waging "psychological war" against Iran

RSF calls for an end to "travesty of justice".

Greece

Publisher convicted of slandering GHM spokesperson

A publisher and managing director of an extreme right newspaper has been convicted of slandering GHM Spokesperson Panayote Dimitras.

Ukraine

IFJ, IMI renew call for action in investigation into Gongadze murder

On the ninth anniversary of editor Gyorgy Gongadze's death, IFJ and IMI call for those who ordered the killing to be brought to justice.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns oppressive edicts targeting the media in Gedo region

NUSOJ has voiced concern over the imposition of oppressive edicts by the Al-Shabab movement against the media in Belet-Hawo town.

Egypt

Jailed blogger beaten by prison officers

Hani Nazeer claims he and other inmates were beaten by prison officers and had their heads shaved by force.

Afghanistan

CPJ calls on President Karzai to investigate threats to journalists in Kandahar

In a letter to President Hamid Karzai, CPJ expressed concern about conditions for journalists in Kandahar.

Iraq

Shoe thrower released from prison, says he was tortured

Iraqi journalist Muntazer al-Zaidi, who spent nine months in prison after throwing his shoes at former U.S President Bush, has been released.

Indonesia

Media advocate acquitted of defamation

An Indonesian court has found journalist and free expression advocate Upi Asmaradhana not guilty of defaming a police commander.

Ecuador

Two television programmes taken off the air

The directors of two Cablenoticias (CN3) programmes were informed by the station's administrator that the weekly shows would no longer be broadcast.

Peru

Television station's antenna shut down following critical report on former government official

The antenna of the Canal 19 television station was shut down after the station broadcast a report accusing a former government official of corruption.

Syria

Senior officials systematically suppress dissenting voices

Repression has been stepped up considerably since the start of the summer, reports RSF.

Ecuador

President calls for television station's definitive closure

President Rafael Correa has requested that a new process be opened against TV station Teleamazonas so that it may be "definitively closed down".

Zambia

President promises to stop violence against journalists

Responding to a letter from MISA, the president has promised to stop the ongoing violence against journalists.

Colombia

Journalists assaulted by prison guards in Valledupar, Cesar

Journalist Luisa Alario Solano and photographer Hernando Vergara were assaulted by prison guards while they were carrying out their work.

Brazil

Proposed electoral law restricts Internet freedom, says ARTICLE 19

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 14 September 2009 - Proposed reforms of the Brazilian electoral rules, part of broader reforms in this area being debated by the Senate, would subject Internet media to the same rules as traditional broadcasters during electoral campaigns. ARTICLE 19 calls on Brazilian legislators to respect freedom of the Internet by rejecting these proposals.

Uganda

Journalist freed on bail, faces sedition charges

Journalist Kalundi Serumaga, arrested on 11 September 2009, was freed on bail of US$250 on 15 September to face trial on charges of sedition.

Uganda

Radio One journalist hospitalised; two journalists suspended over radio reports

A talk-show host with Radio One was in hospital for injuries received from security agents. Two radio show presenters for Radio Simba are under indefinite suspension.

Montenegro

ARTICLE 19 provides analysis of draft Law on Electronic Media

The draft Law has a number of positive features, but ARTICLE 19 also highlights some shortcomings.

Spain

Madrid prosecutor demands three year jail sentence for "El Mundo" deputy editor accused of "revealing state secrets"

The charges stem from articles published in 2005 detailing reports which an informer supplied to the secret services prior to the 2004 terrorist train bombings.

Sri Lanka

IFJ welcomes expert report on jailing of journalist

The report of the International Commission of Jurists on the trial of J. S. Tissainayagam vindicates the criticism of the 20-year jail term imposed on him, says IFJ.

Honduras

Canal 36 television station attacked again

A bomb containing a noxious gas was thrown into the Canal 36 television station's facilities by two men on motorcycles.

Vietnam

Another detained blogger released by police

Police released blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh after she promised to quit writing her blog, which had been critical of the government.

Mauritania

Another online journalist detained, released

Djibril Diallo must report daily to the police until further notice.

Burma

Police release senior opposition leader U Win Tin after detaining, questioning him for several hours

Rangoon police detained and questioned opposition leader U Win Tin for several hours.

Bolivia

Government minister refuses to reveal identity of police officers who attacked television crew

A government minister has announced the dissolution of the police unit to which the officers belonged, but refused to provide the names of those involved in the attack.

Mexico

Weekly "RíoDoce" in Culiacán, Sinaloa, targeted with explosive device

The facilities of the weekly "RíoDoce" were attacked with an explosive, resulting in damages to parts of the building but no injuries.

Philippines

Ombudsman tightens rules on release of government officials' statements of assets and liabilities

The revised guidelines were issued after journalistic investigations into the assets and liabilities of President Arroyo and her family had begun.

Indonesia

Jakarta police launch criminal defamation investigation against rights activist

An official acquitted in a murder case has filed a defamation complaint against activist Usman Hamid for statements he allegedly made following the official's trial.

Namibia

Election body implements government ban on advertising in independent newspaper

The Electoral Commission says it was following government policy when it decided not to insert election information in "The Namibian".

Venezuela

Driver for newspaper dies after being shot while dropping off employees, motive unknown

A driver for the "Las Noticias de Cojedes" newspaper died after having been shot in the head as he drove the newspaper's employees home.

El Salvador

Five suspects arrested in investigation into filmmaker's murder

Three gang members and a police officer suspected of being a gang ally have been arrested in connection with the murder of Christian Poveda.

Mexico

"El Horizante" journalist assaulted, detained overnight by police officers

Journalist Santos Vera Gil reported that he was arbitrarily detained in retaliation for information he published on abuses committed by the Agua Dulce Municipal Police.

Azerbaijan

Whistleblower placed in psychiatric hospital for denouncing corruption

Mahammad Gurbanov was placed in a psychiatric hospital after he complained to the press and authorities about corruption at the Sadarak customs station.

United States

PEN presses Yale University to restore images in book on cartoon controversy

PEN American Center is urging Yale University to review a decision to remove images of the Prophet Muhammed from the book "The Cartoons That Shook the World".

Iran

Jailed journalist on hunger strike; opposition party website editor arrested

RSF is calling for more information about the health of journalist Mohammad Hassin Falahieh Zadeh after he was transferred to the infirmary of Tehran's Evin prison.

Malawi

Radio presenters acquitted in election coverage lawsuit

A court ruled that two Joy Radio presenters did not have to answer to charges of breaking election rules.

Indonesia

State security bill infringes on press freedom, says SEAPA

The bill would penalise with the death penalty people found guilty of disseminating state secrets.

Azerbaijan

"Ayan" editor-in-chief hospitalised after being beaten

The editor's relatives told IRFS that they do not know who beat him, but they think the attack might be related to his journalistic work.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED demands investigation into anonymous death threats against three journalists

All evidence indicates that the three women were targeted as a result of their professional activities.

Syria

Blogger sentenced to three years' imprisonment for "spreading false news"

After spending more than two years behind bars, blogger Kareem Arbaji has been sentenced by the State Security Court to three years' imprisonment for "spreading false news".

Argentina

CPJ calls for comprehensive inquiry in "Clarín" tax raid

A raid by 200 tax agents of the offices of the daily "Clarín" has intensified a debate between President Kirchner's administration and Argentina's largest media conglomerate.

South Korea

Trial of MBC producers on defamation charges is an "act of revenge", says RSF

RSF calls for the immediate withdrawal of defamation charges against four producers and one writer.

Mexico

Police chief issues death threat against journalist, storms into newspaper offices

Artemio Hurtado Ruiz, a "Diario del Istmo" reporter, reported that he received a death threat from the chief of the Intermunicipal Police in Nanchital.

Russia

Drop defamation claim against human rights defender, says Human Rights Watch

The president of Chechnya is suing a prominent human rights defender who said that the president was responsible for the murder of Natalia Estemirova.

Malaysia

Online news site staff questioned by authorities over "cow's head protest" videos

On 8 September 2009, the executive officer, editors and staff of the leading independent news site Malaysiakini were questioned for eight hours.

Australia / East Timor / Indonesia

Australia investigates "Balibo Five" murders as war crimes

The Australian police investigation aims to establish whether the journalists' murders can be prosecuted as war crimes under the Geneva Conventions.

Thailand

Media mogul sentenced to two years' imprisonment for libel

Media magnate Sondhi Limthongkul was sentenced to a total of two years plus six months in prison for two separate libel cases.

Mexico

Harassment of journalist continues in Tizimín, Yucatán

Reporter Wendy Ucán Chan says she was stopped by municipal police officers in Tizimín and her vehicle was impounded.

Uganda

Four radio stations closed; talk-show host detained for "inciting riots"

RSF calls for the immediate release of talk-show host Kalundi Sserumaga, who has been held by police for 48 hours and says he was tortured.

Bolivia

Journalists who cover police beat assaulted in Potosí

In less than a week, four journalists who cover the police beat have been assaulted, presumably by criminal elements, in the city of Potosí.

Tibet (China)

Authorities tighten grip on Tibetan websites and readers

Two new Tibetan websites that are hosted on servers within China have been inaccessible for the past month.

Peru

Investigative journalist threatened

Journalist Elías Asmat Goicochea, of the "Últimas Noticias" newspaper, was threatened by unidentified individuals in the city of San Pedro de Lloc.

Ghana

Sports reporter assaulted by security guard

The incident occurred while Abeiku Kingsley was trying to gain access to the players and officials of the senior national soccer team.

Venezuela / Nicaragua

IAPA repeats its warning that the Venezuelan government intends to shut down independent media

IAPA has issued a warning that the government intends to shut down independent news media, including the television network Globovisión.

Mexico

Mayor of San Felipe Usila, Oaxaca, threatens the media

The mayor has declared that he will "remove and erase" people who are "putting stones in the path", referring above all to the media.

Somalia

Radio Horyaal director jailed in Somaliland

Mohamed Osman, the director of Radio Horyaal, has been held without charge since his arrest on 5 September 2009.

China

Journalists physically attacked, harassed in Xinjiang and Guangdong provinces

Chinese, Hong Kong and foreign journalists have been the victims of violence and harassment over the past eight days.

China

Two US filmmakers denied visas, journalists harassed

RSF deplores the Chinese government's refusal to issue visas to two US filmmakers who documented the Sichuan earthquake.

Nigeria

Intelligence agency personnel visit free expression organisation, director goes into hiding

The security agents said they came as a result of a segment aired on the the organisation's radio programme.

Iran

Another blogger arrested

RSF calls for the release Ali Asguar Jamali, a blogger and doctor based in the northern city of Qasvin.

Sudan

Lubna Hussein convicted, ordered to pay US$200 or go to prison for a month, in infamous trousers trial case

Hussein told Reuters that she will not pay the money and she will go to jail.

Peru

Regional government manager accuses journalists of falsifying documents

The manager of the Cajamarca Regional Government has initiated legal action against journalists Jorge Cabanillas and Freddy Chancafe, accusing them of falsifying documents.

Honduras

Unidentified individuals break into C-Libre offices

The break-in was probably intended as an intimidation tactic, since no objects of value were taken.

Tunisia

IFJ protests over police violence at journalists' union headquarters

Union president Neji Beghori was barred from entering the offices, assaulted and dragged away by police.

Russia

Online journalist attacked, brutally beaten in southern Siberia

Mikhail Afanasyev, editor of the online magazine Novyi Fokus, was hospitalised with a broken jaw and head injuries.

Slovenia

Court rejects appeal against gag order, IPI concerned at broad nature of injunction

A court rejected a newspaper's appeal against a temporary injunction that stops the paper reporting on an Italian businessman's alleged involvement in a corruption scandal.

Iran

Journalist arrested, others summoned

Authorities arrested a journalist while security forces summoned others who were signatories to a petition demanding the release of detained journalists.

Zimbabwe

MISA denounces priority given to new state-owned newspaper

The launch of a new state-controlled daily newspaper is reflective of the skewed and undemocratic media environment in the country, says MISA.

Bahrain

University student penalised for distributing pamphlets calling for reform

BCHR is gravely concerned about the deterioration in the status of freedom of expression in Bahrain's only state university.

Turkey

Second massive fine in six months against media group critical of Turkish PM Erdogan raises press freedom concerns

The fine of 1.74 billion Euro comes after examinations of tax reports from 2005, 2006 and 2007 and follows a 345 million Euro fine against the media group in February 2009.

Americas

IAPA concerned at recent spike in the number of direct and indirect censorship cases

Recently, IAPA has received numerous complaints about attacks and threats to media and journalists in several countries.

Afghanistan

Kidnapped "New York Times" journalist freed; Afghan interpreter dies in crossfire

A "New York Times" reporter kidnapped four days ago in northern Afghanistan has been freed in a military operation that left his Afghan translator dead.

Vietnam

Another blogger detained in Vietnam; three others released

Blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh was arrested on 28 August after writing about a controversial bauxite mining project.

Mexico

Police officer threatens photojournalist

A photojournalist for the "El Peso" newspaper says a municipal police officer in the city of Chihuahua threatened him with his firearm.

Bolivia

Mayor of La Paz initiates legal action against magazine, police use violence to suppress protest march by journalists

La Paz's mayor filed a lawsuit for "insult to authorities" against "Hora 25" magazine, while police officers used violence to suppress a protest march by journalists.

Bolivia

Police vehicle crashes into television news team's car, officers destroy camera

A police vehicle that was accompanying the transfer of a detained businessman intentionally crashed into a car carrying a Unitel television network crew.

Finland

Journalist to take case to European Court of Human Rights

Finland's Supreme Court denies reporter's appeal over conviction for ignoring police order to stop filming demonstration.

South Africa

Amendment Act a "grave intrusion" on freedom of expression, says FXI

FXI is deeply disappointed by the signing into law of the Films and Publications Amendment Act 3 of 2009.

Niger

New law grants president absolute control over media regulatory body

President Mamadou Tandja has signed into law a bill granting him absolute control over the country's media regulatory body.

Guinea

Media regulator censors private radio stations

The National Communications Council has suspended all political programmes and phone-ins in all languages on privately-owned radio stations.

Russia

Suspicious visits raise fears for security of Memorial Human Rights Center workers

The Russian authorities should take urgent steps to ensure the safety of activists from the human rights group Memorial, says Human Rights Watch.

Ukraine

ICTV journalist threatened by police

ICTV television station journalist Tetyana Kruhova has been repeatedly harassed and threatened by police officers.

Malaysia

CIJ condemns censorship of controversial protest videos

The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission requested that Malaysiakini, an online news portal, take down protest videos from their site.

Mexico

Police officers confiscate photojournalist's camera

Photojournalist Silvestre Juárez Arce has said he was assaulted and had his camera confiscated by officers from the Ministerial Investigations Police Department.

Cuba / United States

Mother of jailed Cuban journalist awarded US$27.5 million in compensation for emotional distress

A United States federal judge has ordered the Cuban Communist Party and the government of Raul Castro to pay US$27.5 million to the mother of a jailed journalist.

Gabon

Media targeted in political violence and tension following disputed election results

RSF is extremely worried about attacks on the media since authorities announced the victory of Ali Bongo in recent presidential elections.

Sri Lanka

Three journalists held without charge

Three journalists with "Lanka Irida" newspaper were arrested on 2 September 2009 by police in Deniyaya region.

Morocco

Journalists interrogated over article on king's health

Over the course of three days the two journalists underwent five interrogation sessions in which they were pressed to reveal their sources.

Colombia

Radio station's news programme director threatened

Journalist Alberto Santacruz Centeno received a telephone call in which an individual who claimed to be a paramilitary group commander threatened him.

Afghanistan

Journalist Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh freed on presidential pardon

Kambakhsh's lawyer confirmed that his client was released several weeks ago after President Hamid Karzai secretly signed a pardon.

Kazakhstan

Leading human rights defender sentenced to four years' imprisonment

In the course of the two-day trial, the judge did not admit into evidence any of several petitions made by Evgeniy Zhovtis's lawyer.

Russia

Supreme Court orders further investigation into Politkovskaya murder

IPI welcomes decision, hopes all those responsible will be brought to justice

Bolivia

Journalist beaten, receives death threat

Journalist Silvia Velarde reported that a group of residents of the El Alto area assaulted and threatened to kill her when she was covering an attempted lynching.

Mexico

Case of individuals implicated in journalist's assassination sent to trial

A judge has issued an order sending to trial the case of five individuals implicated in the kidnapping and assassination of reporter Eliseo Barrón Hernández.

Venezuela

Community television station's journalists attacked, equipment stolen

Journalists from the Montaña TV community television station have said that they were assaulted as they were covering a protest march.

The Gambia

President grants pardon to six journalists jailed on defamation charges

Six journalists sentenced to two years' imprisonment for "defaming" President Yahya Jammeh have been granted presidential pardon and released.

Serbia

ANEM warns of serious threat to media freedom

ANEM has analysed the Law Amending the Public Information Law, adopted on 31 August 2009, and believes it is not up to the task of protecting freedom of expression.

El Salvador

Filmmaker who documented Salvadoran gang violence murdered

The body of journalist Christian Poveda, whose new documentary on a Salvadoran street gang was scheduled for wide release, was discovered near the capital.

Iraq / United States

One year on, Reuters cameraman remains jailed without charge by US forces in Iraq

"The continued detention of Ibrahim Jassam without charge (. . .) is a slap in the face to the US government's stated belief in press freedom," said IPI Director David Dadge.

Mexico

Journalist says mayor has threatened her

A reporter for the daily "Diario de Yucatán" has said that the mayor of Tizimín, Yucatán, threatened her.

Egypt

American blogger detained at Cairo airport, barred from entering Egypt

Blogger Travis Randall was detained at Cairo airport, then forced to buy a plane ticket and leave Egypt.

Colombia

Former mayor and his supporters interrupt radio programme, intimidate journalist

A journalist has said he feels threatened after he publicly criticised certain economic measures implemented by the former mayor of Valledupar.

Honduras

Radio América transmitters damaged by unidentified individuals

Three masked men damaged the Radio América transmitters located in Olanchito, Yoro department.

Gabon

Television station shut down during coverage of presidential election

JED notes that before and during the election, a number of restrictions were imposed on both national and international media outlets.

Niger

Ailing editor taken to remote prison

CPJ is deeply disturbed that authorities have moved Abdoulaye Tiémogo against medical advice to a remote prison.

South Africa

Controversial Films and Publications Amendment Bill signed into law

The bill has been described by critics as "deeply flawed and unconstitutional".

India

Authorities stall press visa for "overly critical" German journalist

RSF has expressed dismay over the authorities' refusal to issue a press visa to "Der Spiegel" correspondent Hasnain Kazim.

Peru

Journalist receives death threat

A journalist received a threatening call after reporting that a municipality inflated the price of machinery it had purchased.

Azerbaijan

Supreme Court upholds decision regarding imprisoned journalist's manuscript

(IRFS/IFEX) - The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Sabail District Court regarding the confiscation and destruction of the manuscript of a book that imprisoned "Azadlig" newspaper editor-in-chief Ganimat Zahid was writing, reported Zahid's spouse, Ayanda Mursaliyeva, who visited him in prison #17 on 31 August 2009.

South Africa

Photographer for "Times" newspaper hit by rubber bullet while covering protest in Durban

A photographer for "The Times" newspaper was hit by a rubber bullet when Durban police fired into a crowd of protestors.

Vietnam

Online journalist and blogger arrested over China references

RSF condemns the arrests of Bui Thanh Hieu and Pham Doan Trang for criticising the ruling Communist Party's policies towards China.

Brazil

Attack on radio station interrupts broadcast

Diário FM's transmitters were destroyed by armed criminals who attacked the security guard during the night.

Malawi

Police harass journalists photographing demolition

Armed police officers harassed two senior journalists for taking photos of city council workers torching unlicensed vending stalls.

Nepal

Journalists attacked by protesting farmers

Angered farmers, protesting a hike in the price of milk, assaulted a group of journalists in Bharatpur, Chitwan.

Malawi

Private radio station demands Parliament speaker disclose MPs' assets

A private broadcaster is demanding that the National Assembly speaker disclose details of members of Parliament who have declared their assets.

Fiji

Newspaper editor threatened in pro-regime blog

A threatening message against a newspaper editor recently appeared on a pro-Fiji regime blog.

Kazakhstan

Give rights defender a fair trial, Human Rights Watch urges

Handling of manslaughter charges raises concerns

Mexico

Shots fired at journalist's home

Guillermo Soto Bejarano, editor of the weekly "Nuevo Milenio", reported that his home was shot at by unknown attackers.

Senegal

"Le Quotidien" journalists interrogated

Three journalists were interrogated by the Criminal Investigations Department over publications about the president.

Italy

Newspapers face legal action after reporting on prime minister's private life

The EFJ has condemned Prime Minister Berlusconi for launching a legal vendetta against media at home and abroad for reporting on his troubled personal life.

Sri Lanka

Journalist sentenced to 20-year jail term under terror law

The IFJ condemned a 20-year jail term against J.S. Tissainayagam and accused authorities of abusing anti-terror laws to silence peaceful critics.

Afghanistan / United States

IFJ welcomes end to US media vetting in Afghanistan

IFJ 0welcomed a decision by the US army to abandon vetting of journalists covering the Afghanistan conflict.

Egypt / Kuwait

Television comedy programmes banned in Egypt and Kuwait

The Kuwaiti and Egyptian authorities have banned two comedy programmes criticising government officials in each country.

Vietnam

Newspaper dismisses reporter over blog entry critical of Soviet Union

RSF has condemned reporter Huy Duc's dismissal from the governmental daily "Sai Gon Tiep Thi" for posting criticism of the Cold War-era Soviet Union on his personal blog.

Zambia

"The Post" editorial staff face six months in prison on contempt charge after op-ed in paper by Ivy League professor

The editor-in-chief of "The Post" and an Ivy League law school professor were cited for contempt over an article Ndulo wrote.

Guinea

Criticism of coup government leads to crackdown on dissenters, demonstrators

Guinea's coup government was urged to respect the rights of demonstrators and end intimidation and threats against dissenters.

Liberia

Mayor and police storm newspaper office; lawmaker seizes journalist's recorder

The acting mayor of Monrovia has threatened to drag the "News" newspaper to court.

Venezuela

RCTV Internacional journalists assaulted by police

Two journalists were attacked by police while they were covering a demonstration.

Venezuela

Doctor under investigation for giving "unauthorised information" about H1N1 virus to the press

The investigation against Dr. Briceño began after she informed the local media about the number of deaths caused by the H1N1 virus.

Philippines

CMFR welcomes venue change in journalist's murder trial

The Supreme Court granted a petition for the transfer of the trial venue in the case against the alleged killers of broadcaster Dennis Cuesta.

Somalia

Two Somaliland journalists detained for 12 hours, after trying to photograph arguing MPs during parliament session

At the time of the arrests, the lower house of parliament was embroiled in a heated verbal joust between members of the ruling party and the opposition.

Brazil

Two journalists reportedly threatened by former mayor's bodyguard

Two journalists were reportedly threatened while covering a political convention in Coari.

Uganda

Paper's cartoon of president draws interrogation

A newspaper's critical caricature of the president led police to interrogate three journalists on allegations of sedition.

Colombia

Journalist receives death threat

A television journalist has received a death threat that may be linked to his criticisms of the government.

Mexico

Journalists summoned after reporting on extortion case involving police officers

Two journalists and a photographer were summoned to appear in court and came face to face with one of the police officers they had reported on.

Gabon

RSF concerned about media restrictions in lead-up to presidential election

Communications Minister Laure Olga Gondjout tried to defuse tension by spelling out rules for journalists on voting day.

Mozambique

Newspaper editor's convicted murderer is behind bars again

RSF is relieved to learn that Anibal Dos Santos Junior, the fugitive killer of journalist Carlos Cardoso, has been recaptured in South Africa.

Mexico

IAPA calls for investigation into journalist's disappearance to move ahead

IAPA urged the president to get stalled investigations into a journalist's disappearance to move forward.

Senegal

Radio and television group shut down for payment default

The security forces intervention, in which broadcast equipment was forcibly seized, was ordered by the courts over failure to pay royalties.

Ecuador

Journalist threatened after reporting on corruption

An unidentified caller warned journalist Carlos Proaño to "look after himself".

Uzbekistan

New abuse of jailed dissident

Authorities should investigate new allegations of abuse against a political prisoner, Human Rights Watch said today.

Azerbaijan

With second charge added to case, bloggers face up to seven years in prison

Authorities should drop all charges against two video bloggers who satirized the government, CPJ said.

Mexico

Officer investigating journalist's murder shot dead in Ciudad Juárez

Officer Pablo Pasillas had taken over the case from his superior officer who was himself murdered on 27 July 2009.

Thailand

Activist gets 18-year prison term for lese majeste

Daranee Chancheonsilapakul was convicted based on a series of "inflammatory speeches" she had delivered at a Red Shirt rally.

Georgia

Opposition journalist released from prison after serving full four-year term for alleged "extortion"

The exact circumstances that led to journalist Shalva Ramishvili's arrest remain unclear, said IPI.

Botswana

Radio station head bans political programmes

The CEO of Gabz FM radio station banned all political broadcasts on the station, reportedly following a complaint from the ruling party.

Kazakhstan

CPJ calls for editor's release, outraged by lack of due process

CPJ calls on the Taraz Regional Court to overturn on appeal a jail sentence given to editor Ramazan Yesergepov.

Zimbabwe

IFJ gives cautious welcome to pledges of media reforms

IFJ and its affiliate, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), cautiously welcomed recent announcements made by the coalition government in its effort to turn over a new leaf on six years of intimidation and stifling of independent journalists.

Turkey

"Günlük" newspaper banned over alleged "terrorist propaganda"

An Istanbul criminal court has ordered the closure, for one month, of Günlük newspaper over an article considered by the court as propaganda for a terrorist organisation.

Peru

Journalist speaks out against intimidation tactic used by judge

A "La República" newspaper journalist has said a judge is using intimidation tactics against the daily.

Iraq

Internal security threats suddenly off-limits for news media

RSF is disturbed by the authorities' prevention of coverage of recent bombings in Baghdad and the southern province of Babil.

Argentina

IAPA protests intimidation campaign against newspaper

IAPA has condemned new attacks against "Clarín" newspaper executives and facilities.

Ethiopia

High Court judge jails two editors on old charges under obsolete law

Two journalists are in prison after a judge convicted them under an obsolete press law in connection with their coverage of sensitive topics.

Brazil

Journalist threatened, robbed of his equipment while covering eviction of squatters

A photographer was held captive in a shack, threatened and robbed while he was covering a police operation to evict squatters from a piece of land.

Guatemala

Two journalists receive death threats in Petén

Two journalists have received death threats, apparently for their coverage of an attack on the governor of Petén.

Guatemala

President of Alta Verapaz journalists' association targeted in bomb attack

Unidentified individuals left cans of gasoline and detonated homemade bombs in a journalist's home.

Afghanistan / United States

Journalists' groups protest over US media vetting

The IFJ and United States journalists' groups have condemned the military's vetting of journalists covering the Afghanistan conflict to see if they are sympathetic to the American cause.

Guatemala

ARTICLE 19 calls on President to annul resolution which violates Access to Public Information Law

ARTICLE 19 is concerned about the publication of a recent resolution by President Álvaro Colom that classifies as confidential files related to the communications of the Presidency.

Israel / Palestine

Israeli soldiers seize radio station's equipment

Radio Bethlehem 2000 went off the air after Israeli soldiers confiscated its broadcasting equipment.

Uganda

Four "Monitor" journalists face criminal prosecutions

Four journalists from Uganda's largest independent newspaper are facing criminal prosecutions.

Philippines

Editors receive death threats

Two "Sun Star Davao" editors received threatening messages on 20 August 2009.

Iran

Four journalists face charges

The fourth session of the mass trial of more than 100 opposition figures, including journalists, took place in Tehran on 25 August 2009.

China

Uyghur blogger freed after six weeks but kept under close watch

RSF is relieved to learn that blogger llham Tohti was allowed to return to his Beijing home after being held incommunicado for six weeks.

Honduras

Assailants force two broadcasters off the air

Masked assailants stormed a radio station and a television outlet critical of the country's interim government.

Barbados

Editor threatened by prime minister's advisor

ACM endorses the position of BAJ that the threats against "Sunday Sun" editor, Carol Martindale are unacceptable and compromise the country's reputation on free expression.

Saudi Arabia

Two human rights activists' Twitter pages blocked

RSF is disturbed to learn that access to the Twitter pages of two Saudi human rights activists has been blocked, apparently because of the human rights content they had been posting on the micro-blogging webservice.

Malaysia

Problematic licencing law hampers distribution of new cartoon magazine

Officials seized more than 400 copies of the inaugural issue of "Gedung Kartun", a cartoon magazine focusing on current issues.

Ghana

Reporter assaulted by former president's security guard

Adom FM reporter Afia Pokua was reportedly assaulted by a security guard of former president John Agyekum Kufuor.

Iran

Online journalist freed

Jila Baniyaghoob, the editor of Canon Zeman Irani, was freed on 19 August 2009 on payment of 100 million toman in bail.

Burma

Censors ban weekly journal

The Censorship Board has banned the Rangoon-based weekly journal "Phoenix", citing violations of censorship rules.

India

Opposition party bans book by dissident member

A new book that criticises Vallabhbhai Patel, a politician widely regarded as the architect of modern India, has been banned in the western state of Gujarat.

Nepal

Police in Doti assault, detain journalist

Bimal Bista, a correspondent for the "Nepal Samachar patra" newspaper, was brutally beaten and taken into custody by the Nepal Police.

Philippines

Harassment by provincial authorities could send newspaper editor back to prison

RSF is concerned that a local politician's harassment of editor Joaquin Briones could send him back to prison for parole violation.

Pakistan

Paramilitary forces and government intelligence agencies besiege offices of newspapers in Quetta

Paramilitary forces and government intelligence agencies have besieged the offices of the dailies "Asaap", "Azadi" and "Balochistan Express".

Brazil

Journalist assaulted, injured while photographing marble factory

Journalist Fabrício Ribeiro Pimenta was stabbed in the head while he was taking photographs of the inspection of a marble factory in the city of Serra.

Papua New Guinea

Concerns about government interfering with state broadcaster resolved

An impromptu viewing of raw opposition press conference footage in the offices of the prime minister has since been internally resolved, says PFF.

Nepal

Newspapers, magazines burned by activists

Activists of Madhesh Terai Forum burned 15,000 copies of "Kantipur", "The Kathamandu Post" and "Nepal" magazine.

Sri Lanka

Death threat deals new blow to free expression

The Sri Lankan government is solely responsible for ensuring the safety of prominent activist Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, says Freedom House.

Somalia

Two journalists dismissed amid harassment of radio station

Two journalists in the Gedo region were fired and Radio Markabley radio station received a list of restrictive rules to apply to its broadcasts.

Chile

Police officer who assaulted photographer Víctor Salas identified; another photographer detained

Police sergeant Ivar Barría has been identified as the individual responsible for injuring photographer Víctor Salas in 2008. Another photographer was detained by police.

Somalia

Journalists sentenced, website banned in Somaliland

Editor sentenced to three years in prison, reporter barred from practicing journalism and website banned from operating in Somaliland for publishing articles that "spread scandals."

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED calls for investigation into Radio Star journalist's death

Journalist Bruno Koko Chirambiza was stabbed in the chest and died after being rushed to hospital.

Pakistan

Afghan journalist gunned down in Pakistan's Khyber Pass

Afghan journalist Janullah Hashimzada, known for his critical reporting on the Taliban, was gunned down in Pakistan's Khyber Pass.

Russia

Online journalist faces jail for reporting on plant explosion

Prosecutors opened a criminal probe against an online journalist after he and two colleagues challenged the government's response to an explosion at a power plant.

Bahrain

Special forces deployed to prevent public figures from expressing views on Independence Day

The authorities deployed armed special forces to prevent well known public figures from expressing their views in a gathering to celebrate Independence Day.

Venezuela

Globovisión camera operator and assistant detained for more than three hours at military base

A Globovisión television station camera operator and his assistant were detained as they were filming a mural on a wall surrounding a military facility in the city of Barquisimeto.

Guinea

Detained editor released without charge

Editor Tiegboro Camara, who was reportedly detained on the orders of Major Moussa Tiegbro, was released unconditionally.

Afghanistan

Afghan police beat, detain journalists during election

Security forces obstructed, assaulted and detained Afghan and foreign journalists, enforcing a gag order on news of violent incidents during the presidential election.

Peru

Controversial bill would restrict freedom of opinion, says RSF

RSF urged legislators to reject a bill that would toughen the provisions regulating the publication of corrections and retractions in the media.

Nigeria

Journalist goes into hiding, fears for his life

Newspaper correspondent Steve Uzoechi is concerned over a possible threat to his life relating to one of his investigative articles.

Mauritania

Website editor gets six months in prison for "offending public decency"

Hanevy Ould Dehah was arrested on the orders of the prosecutor's office on 18 June 2009 as a result of a complaint by a presidential candidate.

Peru

Journalist shot, blamed for arrest of criminal after he publishes photograph

Freelance reporter Marco Villanueva was shot in the left arm and beaten by three thieves who blamed him for the incarceration of one of their accomplices.

Somalia

NUSOJ concerned about implications of martial law for media freedom

NUSOJ warned the government not to stifle media freedom and the right of citizens to the free flow of information following the declaration of martial law.

Somalia

IFJ calls for release of journalists in Somaliland

Journalists in Somaliland continue to face intolerable intimidation, including imprisonment, to prevent them from doing their work, IFJ said.

Venezuela

TV programme cancelled; journalist robbed

TV journalist Antonio Di Giampaolo was informed that his programme "En el aire" was cancelled and journalist Heidy Maldonado of Radio Caracas Radio was assaulted and robbed by Chávez supporters.

Vietnam

Call for release of peaceful democracy advocates

Vietnam should immediately release six peaceful democracy activists facing trial on groundless charges of threatening national security, Human Rights Watch said.

Slovenia

Temporary injunction slapped on daily over businessman corruption allegations

A temporary court injunction has been slapped on Slovene daily newspaper "Dnevnik", preventing it from reporting on an alleged corruption controversy.

Palestine

MADA responds to Gaza Information Ministry statement

According to MADA, an Information Ministry statement contained unfounded charges against the organisation.

Ukraine

Journalist receives death threats

Journalist Serhiy Nikonov was threatened for writing about Vladimir Borisenko, chairman of the Lokhvitsky District Council.

Philippines

Three government media staff hurt in shooting attack

Three journalists aboard a military helicopter survived a shooting attack by unidentified men in Basilan province.

The Gambia

Six jailed journalists appeal against harsh sentences

Six journalists, jailed for supposedly defaming the president, filed an appeal challenging the two-year jail sentences and outrageous fines handed down to them.

Mexico

IAPA deplores assault on newspaper

The IAPA condemned a pre-dawn gun attack on the building of the newspaper "El Siglo de Torreón".

Brazil

Photographer threatened by Universal Church security guard

Photographer Luiz Carlos Gomes was threatened by a Universal Church security guard while photographing the front of a temple.

China

Well-known human rights blogger placed under house arrest

Blogger Mo Zhixu belongs to the generation that participated in the Beijing Spring and was a founder of one of China's most influential blogs.

Mexico

Journalist threatened, harassed in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz

Journalist Mussio Cárdenas Arellano is reportedly being harassed and has been receiving death threats.

Afghanistan

Government forbids reporting attacks during election

The government should lift orders for a media blackout on election-related violence during the presidential polls, CPJ said.

Cameroon

Private radio station suspended indefinitely

Privately-owned Sky One Radio "temporarily" closed for "numerous issues concerning media professionalism".

Kenya

CPJ concerned over police intimidation of "Star" reporters

CPJ is concerned police are attempting to intimidate journalists at a private daily to reveal their sources for a recent article.

Brazil

Former police officers sentenced for torturing "O Dia" journalists

Former police officers have been sentenced to 31 years in prison for their part in the kidnapping and torturing of a team of journalists from "O Dia" newspaper in May 2008.

Azerbaijan

IRFS condemns government for editor's death in custody

IRFS condemns the government for the mysterious death of Novruzali Mammadov, the imprisoned editor-in-chief of "Tolishi Sado" newspaper.

Colombia

IAPA asks attorney general to look into threats to journalist

IAPA asks the Attorney General's Office to investigate complaints of attacks and threats brought by journalist Holman Morris.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Several radio stations threatened with closure for retransmitting RFI

Kennedy Wema of Radio Télé Graben told RSF that the station would continue to broadcast RFI until it received official notification in writing.

Mexico

Human rights commission issues recommendation regarding detention and inhumane treatment of journalists

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a recommendation regarding a 2007 incident in which four journalists were detained by Mexican Army personnel.

Tunisia

Government supporters seize control of journalists' union

RSF fears for the independence of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists after journalists working for pro-government news media seized control of the union.

Uzbekistan

Rights activist arrested

Human Rights Watch is concerned that rights activist Oyazimhon Hidirova's arrest may be in retaliation for her efforts to expose corruption by agricultural officials.

Niger

Newspaper publisher gets three months in jail for criticising arrest warrant

RSF condemns the three-month jail sentence given to Abdoulaye Tiémogo, publisher of "Le Canard Déchaîné", on a charge of "discrediting a judicial decision."

Palestine

Journalists banned from Gaza Strip hospitals and Rafah until further notice

The Interior Ministry's ban was greeted with anger by virtually all of the Gaza Strip's journalists, who say it is an attack on media freedom and their autonomy.

Honduras

New wave of violence against the media

Attacks on community and education media are yet another sign of the deterioration in the general press freedom situation, RSF said.

Zambia

Radio station studios ransacked, equipment destroyed

A supporter of President Ruphia Banda burst into the studios of radio Sky FM and began smashing computers.

Iran

Reformist newspaper "Etemad-e Melli" closed

ARTICLE 19 is concerned about reports that authorities have closed "Etemad-e Melli", a leading reformist newspaper.

Argentina

Journalist struck in the face by rubber bullets

A journalist from the La Tribu radio station was injured when he was struck in the face by rubber bullets while he was covering the eviction of individuals from a cultural centre.

Botswana

MISA concerned about pro-government bias during election coverage

Opposition parties are increasingly voicing their concern over their exclusion from the state media during a crucial election period.

Chechnya (Russia)

Another human rights defender harassed

Russian authorities need to take immediate steps to guarantee the safety of human rights defenders in Chechnya, Human Rights Watch said.

Mexico

Military personnel prevent journalists from carrying out their work in Sinaloa

Military personnel assaulted several reporters when they attempted to cover an incident in which soldiers apparently beat a group of youths.

Venezuela

Twelve journalists from privately-owned media group attacked, employee of parastatal foundation arrested

Twelve journalists from the privately-owned media group Cadena Capriles were attacked as they were demonstrating against certain aspects of a new education law.

United States

US immigration officials detain Pakistani journalist

Without explanation U.S. immigration officials have detained a Pakistani reporter for Voice of America who said he had been targeted for attack in his home country.

Ghana

Radio presenter attacked by opposition party militants

A Fox FM journalist was reportedly assaulted by three militants of the opposition New Patriotic Party in Kumasi.

Israel

Human Rights Watch responds to Israeli officials' attempt to discredit report

Human Rights Watch has responded to an attempt by Israeli officials to discredit the organisation's report on killings of Palestinian civilians by Israeli forces.

Honduras

Daily's offices attacked with Molotov cocktails

Three Molotov cocktails exploded in the offices of the daily "El Heraldo".

Iran

Lawyers protest lack of access to hearing

Four defence lawyers have said that they were not allowed to attend a hearing in a trial in which the defendents, which include journalists, have been accused of anti-state activities.

China

Government backs down on "Green Dam" but concerns remain

The government announced that installation of its "Green Dam-Youth Escort" Internet-filtering software will not be obligatory on individually-owned computers.

Botswana

Youth league storms TV station

The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Youth League stormed the Botswana Television (BTV) complex in protest against the broadcaster's refusal to cover the party's rallies.

China

Writer and advocate released from prison

WiPC welcomes the release of dissident writer, pro-democracy advocate and member of Independent Chinese PEN Centre Zhang Lin on 12 August 2009.

Venezuela

Newly-passed education law threatens media freedom

The National Assembly passed a controversial new education law that further damages the country's already-deteriorating media freedom climate.

Iraq

Satellite broadcaster found guilty, fined in slander suit

Heavy fine for broadcaster over 'misquote' of top military official fuels concern about media freedom

Pakistan

Television reporter shot dead

CPJ urged security forces to immediately investigate the shooting murder of TV journalist Siddique Bacha Khan in the city of Mardan.

Guatemala

Publisher sentenced to one year in prison

WiPC protests the one-year prison sentence and fine handed down to publisher Raúl Figueroa-Sarti for alleged copyright infringement.

Russia

Website editor receives death threats

Rosa Malsagova has decided to leave her post as editor-in-chief of the website Ingushetiya.org.

Yemen

Copies of "Al-Watani" newspaper confiscated; editor of "Al-Tariq" threatened

ARTICLE 19 expresses concern about the deteriorating situation for media freedom in Yemen.

Sierra Leone

New broadcasting law gives president control over state media

The new law seeks to merge Sierra Leone Broadcasting Services with the United Nations Radio set up by the world body during the civil war.

Morocco

ANHRI director denied entry to Morocco

The Moroccan government has prevented Gamal Eid, ANHRI's executive director, from entering Morocco.

Honduras

Journalists threatened, attacked during protests against the coup d'état

Police and military officers once again attacked journalists and camera operators as they were covering a protest against the coup d'etat.

China

Prosecutor acts as both "judge and plaintiff" in television reporter's trial

RSF is alarmed by the lack of impartiality in television reporter Li Min's trial.

Liberia

Ministry of Information halts printing of two newspapers

The Ministry of Information has ordered two publishers to stop printing "The New Broom" and "The Bi-Lingual" newspapers.

Venezuela

Education bill threatens press freedom, says IPI

The Venezuelan National Assembly will soon vote on a new education law that could further damage press freedom in the country.

Guinea

Editor arrested, detained incommunicado

Editor Amara Camara was reportedly picked up by military personnel and is being held at Alpha Yaya camp, the seat of the military junta.

Niger

Civil society activist held for criticising President Tandja

The president of a civil society coalition is currently in the custody of state security over his criticisms of the illegal extension of the president's term of office.

Iran

One journalist released, dozens remain behind bars

CPJ welcomes the news that photojournalist Majid Saeedi has been released on bail, but remains concerned that he still faces charges.

Iraq

Government bill seen as opening way to online censorship

RSF is concerned over a new bill aimed at banning certain websites.

Thailand

Disregarding NGO warnings, government reinforces campaign against lese majeste

RSF is alarmed by the creation of a police taskforce to identify websites posting content that violates the lese majeste law.

Iran

Owner of information technology firm arrested for "sending e-mails"

RSF condemns the arrest of Amir Asslani and the raids carried out at his home and his company's headquarters.

Saudi Arabia

Authorities close two Lebanese television station offices

Saudi conservatives regard the programme "Bold Red Line" as shocking and immoral, and a violation of Islamic law.

Pakistan

Journalists assaulted outside Lahore court

RSF condemns the lawyers' attack on journalists that took place outside a Lahore court on 6 August.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio Okapi journalist target of brutal attack in Lubumbashi

Paulin Munanga was brutally beaten by security forces agents on 7 August while covering a demonstration by human rights activists.

Syria

Newspaper editor fired over article defending regional identity

Editor Ahmad Takrouni believes he was fired for publishing a column written by Hassan Al-Safidi.

Ethiopia / Kenya

IPI calls on governments of Ethiopia and Kenya to stop pressuring broadcaster

Kenya's 'Nation' Media Group tells IPI it will resist government pressure over investigative documentary about Ethiopian rebel fighters.

Afghanistan

Two AP journalists wounded in Afghanistan IED attack

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, August 12, 2009 - Tuesday's roadside bomb attack that seriously wounded two Associated Press journalists highlights the dangers journalists face in covering the escalating conflict in Afghanistan.

Colombia

IAPA calls for greater effort to solve murder of journalist Jaime Garzón

On the tenth anniversary of the murder of journalist Jaime Garzón, IAPA has renewed its call for justice to be done in the case.

Palestine

Journalists assaulted while covering protest march

MADA condemned an attack on the media by Jewish settlers.

Iraq

Draft law poses new threat to journalists, says IPI

A new draft law contains some provisions that should help protect journalists but there are also worrying aspects that could negatively impact media freedom.

Mozambique

Police demand that journalist reveal sources

The Criminal Investigation Police in the province of Cabo Delgado are demanding that a journalist reveal his sources for a story which angered local military officers.

Iraq

Hate campaign by Shiite party against newspaper journalist

Editor Ahmed Abd Al-Hussein has received death threats over an article he wrote blaming the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq for a major bank holdup.

Egypt

Blogger detained at Cairo airport

Wael Abbas, a well-known blogger, was stopped and searched at the Cairo airport.

Nepal

Journalists harassed by protesters, videotape seized

Protesters harassed several journalists and a camera operator and seized a videotape.

Tunisia

Government wages smear campaign against Al Jazeera

Pro-government media of all kinds have been participating in a smear campaign against Al Jazeera for several weeks.

Malaysia

Drop sedition charges against parliamentarian, says Human Rights Watch

Lawyer and opposition member of parliament Karpal Singh faces up to three years in prison after being accused of using "seditious words."

Russia

Editor shot and killed in Dagestan

CPJ condemns the slaying in Dagestan of Abdulmalik Akhmedilov, an editor known for his critical commentary.

Mexico

"Diario de Yucatán" journalist receives death threat from mayor

Journalist Jesús Bacab Chulim reported that he has been harassed and threatened with death by Juan José Martín Briceño, the mayor of Oxkutzcab.

Mexico

Municipal government personnel harass journalist in Guerrero

A correspondent for the "La Jornada Guerrero" newspaper in the municipality of Chilapa is being harassed and threatened by municipal government personnel.

Chechnya (Russia)

Killing of NGO activist silences another independent voice in Chechnya

Another non-governmental activist and her husband have been abducted and killed in Chechnya, where independent voices continue to be ruthlessly silenced.

Rwanda

Media council wants tabloid suspended for defaming President Kagame

The demand stems from an article published by "Umuseso" in its July 20-27 issue comparing President Kagame with former president Habyarimana.

Venezuela

Criminal charges laid against opposition blogger

According to a number of sources, Alexis Marrero, the author of the blog "Alexis Marrero in Politics", was informed that an arrest warrant had been issued against him.

Burma

Aung San Suu Kyi sentenced to 18 months in detention

In an apparent attempt at transparency, the military junta allowed diplomats and journalists to be present at the court proceedings.

Venezuela

Venezuelan security force personnel censor Colombian journalists in border area

Venezuelan security force personnel prevented journalists from Colombian media outlets from covering a demonstration in the border area at the Simón Bolívar international bridge.

Zambia

Reporter receives death threat

On 31 July 2009, reporter Roy Habaalu received death threats and was nearly attacked by unidentified individuals in the Mongu district.

Russia

Politkovskaya retrial to go ahead, as court denies family and prosecution request for fresh investigation

The retrial of four men recently acquitted of crimes connected to the 2006 murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya will go ahead, a Moscow court recently decided.

Liberia

Reporter attacked by security personnel

Reporter Dominic Farley of the "Public Agenda" newspaper was attacked by state security personnel while trying to establish the cause of a motor vehicle accident.

Turkey

Teenager sentenced to community service for insulting prime minister

While one court punishes a teenager for "insulting a civil servant on duty", another has acquitted eight people for using similar slogans.

Kazakhstan

Editor sentenced to three years' imprisonment

On 8 August 2009, editor-in-chief Ramazan Yesergepov was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for "illegally obtaining and divulging state secrets".

Colombia

Former member of paramilitary group confesses to having killed journalist in Nariño

Jorge Enrique Ríos, a former paramilitary group member, confessed to having assassinated journalist Flavio Iván Bedoya.

Serbia

Editor-in-chief of radio station threatened by local politician

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the threats directed against Radio Lim in Priboj, Serbia, and its editor-in-chief, Danica Guduric.

Honduras

Armed forces attempt to close Radio Globo

The Armed Forces of Honduras have initiated actions aimed at closing the Radio Globo radio station by way of the National Telecommunications Commission.

Somalia

Two radio journalists sentenced in Somaliland

Journalists Mohamed Osman Mire and Ahmed Suleyman Dhuhul avoided a six-month imprisonment after paying 2,500,000 Somaliland shillings each.

Argentina

Indigenous radio station in Santiago de Estero attacked with incendiary bombs

Two bombs made with gasoline exploded in the facilities of FM Pajsachama radio station, located near José de Boquerón, in the province of Santiago del Estero.

Mexico

Journalist briefly kidnapped, receives death threat after investigating illegal natural resource exploitation

The editor of the "El Cuadrante" newspaper says he was briefly kidnapped and received a death threat after investigating a case of illegal natural resource exploitation.

El Salvador

Murder of activist, then threats to others

A thorough investigation should be conducted into the murder of community leader Gustavo Marcelo Rivera Moreno, as well as subsequent threats to others, says Human Rights Watch.

Namibia

Cabinet continues monitoring of Namibian Broadcasting Corporation programs

Through government pressure, the NBC had earlier this year made drastic and controversial changes to its radio phone-in programs.

Montenegro

Two journalists assaulted, threatened by mayor

IPI is alarmed over an assault on two journalists from the independent Montenegrin daily "Vijesti" by the mayor of Podgorica and his son.

Turkey

Six people arrested for attack on local journalist

Following an investigation into an attack on journalist Durmus Tuna, six people have been arrested.

Malaysia

Internet filtering plans intensify censorship

CIJ is concerned about recent plans to filter so-called undesirable websites.

Japan

High court dismisses music company's lawsuit against freelance journalist

RSF is relieved to learn that a defamation action against freelance journalist Hiro Ugaya was finally dismissed on 3 August 2009.

Ghana

Journalist arrested, detained

Clement Kegeri, Ashanti regional editor of Metropolitan Television, was arrested and detained on 5 August 2009.

Zimbabwe

Speaker of Parliament defends media commission interview process

Speaker of Parliament Lovemore Moyo denied reports of the alleged concealing of results for the interviews of potential candidates to the Zimbabwe Media Commission.

Saudi Arabia

Syrian blogger arrested by Saudi forces, detained in unknown location

According to AHNRI's information, on 29 July 2009 Saudi security arrested Syrian blogger Raafat Al Ghanem and detained him in an unknown location.

Argentina

Official files two libel suits against newspaper

Libel suits have been filed by a senior official of the Argentine intelligence service against the Buenos Aires newspaper "La Nación".

The Gambia

MFWA condemns jail sentences and outrageous fines handed to six journalists

MFWA strongly condemns the jail sentences and outrageous fines handed to six journalists for supposedly defaming President Yahya Jammeh.

Philippines

Columnist survives grenade attack

"Ilocos Times" columnist Steve Barriero was not hurt in the grenade attack that occurred near his home.

Angola

Journalist receives three months' suspended prison sentence over article criticising soldiers

The Provincial Tribunal of Luanda has sentenced journalist Eugénio Mateus to a three-month suspended prison sentence for alleged abuse of the media.

Argentina

Journalist receives death threats in Orán, Salta

FOPEA expresses concern over death threats against journalist Samuel Huerga, of the San Ramón, Nueva Orán región, in Salta province, northwestern Argentina.

Iran

Authorities close journalists' association; three journalists arrested

IFJ called on Iranian authorities to end the campaign of intimidation of journalists in the country following the closure last night of the Association of Journalists in Tehran whose offices were raided and sealed by armed men.

Colombia

Magazine director faces prison sentence for "defamation"

Rodrigo Pardo, director of "Cambio" magazine, faces a prison sentence as a result of a complaint filed by magistrate José Alfredo Escobar Araújo.

Sri Lanka

Media banned from covering local elections in two northern cities

RSF is outraged by the Sri Lanka government's decision not to allow journalists into the northern cities of Vavuniya and Jaffna to cover the first local elections to be held since the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels.

Lithuania

Lithuanian law outlawing mockery draws protests

WAN-IFRA calls on European governments to help ensure that Lithuania respects freedom of the press following approval of law that makes it a crime to ridicule someone.

Namibia

Government bans newspapers from covering culling of seals

The Namibian government banned newspapers from covering annual seal culling.

Azerbaijan

ARTICLE 19 calls upon the government to implement the UN Human Rights Committee's recommendations

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the UN Human Rights Committee's recommendations as outlined in its concluding observations on Azerbaijan’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Iraq

Three men arrested for 2006 murders of Al Arabiya reporter and crew

RSF welcomes the announcement of the arrest of three militants who have confessed to the 2006 murders of journalist Atwar Bahjat and her two crew members.

The Gambia

Journalists arrested over criticism of president in press union statement found guilty of sedition

The IPI is concerned at reports that six journalists arrested on charges of seditious publication in June have been found guilty of sedition.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Congolese army officers attack community radio station

JED is calling on the Congolese government to investigate an attack by Congolese army (FARDC) officers on a community radio station in Sud-Kivu and punish those responsible.

United Arab Emirates

Telecommunications company urged to restore access to newspaper website

RSF has written to Etisalat, a telecommunications services provider based in the United Arab Emirates, voicing concern about access to a newspaper website and alleged use of spyware on Blackberry phones.

Tunisia

House arrest may be over for Zouari, says RSF

RSF is relieved to learn that the Tunisian authorities have lifted their supervision of journalist Abdallah Zouari, ending seven years of house arrest and a total of 18 years of police and judicial persecution.

Chile

Community radio stations targeted in police operations

AMARC condemns a series of incidents targeting community radio stations.

Brazil

IAPA condemns prior censorship of news media

The IAPA condemned a court ruling prohibiting "O Estado de S. Paulo" from publishing information about investigations into alleged corruption and other news media from reproducing the reports.

Tibet (China)

Four Tibetan writers jailed for criticising Chinese government

RSF is shocked to learn of the imprisonment of four Tibetan writers, reported by the Tibetan blogger "Woeser" and confirmed by other local blogs.

China

Government urged to cancel trials of quake victim advocates

The government should cancel the impending criminal trials of Huang Qi and Tan Zuoren and release them in the absence of any credible evidence.

Iran

Photojournalist among Americans charged in Iran

CPJ calls for the release of three Americans - one of whom is a journalist - who were arrested on 31 July.

Iran

Freelance journalist released after completing one-year term; three Americans among new arrests

Five journalists have been released in Iran, including one who had been held for a year. Another four were picked up in the crackdown following the 12 June elections.

Iran

Journalist, blogger among those charged in show trials

Iran's decision to stage a "trial" of more than 100 critics of the recent presidential election, complete with broadcast "confessions" of several reformist leaders, underscores the arbitrary nature of their detention.

Brazil

ARTICLE 19 launches analysis on draft Access to Information Bill

ARTICLE 19 has published its analysis on the long-awaited draft Access to Information Bill, sent by President Lula to Congress in May 2009.

Pakistan

Television channel news team detained by armed men, later released

Three personnel of the Sindh TV television channel were detained by armed men in Karachi on 4 August 2009.

Malaysia

Authorities urged to drop charges against peaceful demonstrators, repeal Internal Security Act

Police responded to a recent 20,000-person march in Kuala Lumpur with indiscriminate and excessive force, Human Rights Watch says.

Uzbekistan

Journalist sentenced to over 12 years in prison

Authorities should immediately free Dilmurod Saidov, sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison following a flawed trial brought on politically motivated charges.

Venezuela

Regional government's press team assaulted, arrested

National Guard personnel and police officers assaulted and detained a journalist, camera operator and photographer from the Miranda state government's press team.

Brazil

Journalist receives death threats after denouncing irregularities at Barcarena city hall

The director of the Journalism Department at the Metropolitana radio station has been subjected to repeated death threats after denouncing irregularities at Barcarena's city hall.

Azerbaijan

Youth activist arrested, sentenced to pre-trial detention

Agasif Shakiroglu's arrest and detention might be connected to opinions he recently posted online about cases of death and illegal actions in the army.

Honduras

Journalist arrested in Comayagüela; explosive thrown into Canal 6 television station building

A journalist was assaulted and arrested by police officers for filming a confrontation between the officers and four youths in Comayagüela. Unidentified individuals threw an explosive into the Canal 6 television station building in San Pedro Sula.

Ecuador

Social commentator subjected to intimidation tactics

Social commentator Mayra Benalcázar says that she has been the victim of intimidation tactics since becoming the press coordinator for a former Interior Ministry assistant secretary.

Ecuador

Municipality rejects television station's accreditation request; reporter harassed

Telecosta has said that the Municipality of Esmeraldas refused to accept their request for accreditation to cover a beauty pageant. A TC Televisión reporter was harassed when he was covering a demonstration.

Venezuela

Judge in Táchira issues order for journalist to be imprisoned; reporter in Caracas struck by a stone while interviewing political leaders

A judge issued an order for a journalist to be imprisoned for allegedly violating a condition prohibiting him from publicly commenting on a legal case against him. Another journalist was struck by a stone thrown by an unidentified individual while she was interviewing political party leaders.

Egypt

Religious institute interferes with thesis results

The Arabic Network For Human Rights Information (ANHRI), expresses deep resentment of the increasing incidents of domination of the religious institutes on academic research.

Russia

Probe official role in rights defender's murder, says Human Rights Watch

President Dmitri Medvedev of Russia should ensure that the investigation into the murder of human rights defender Natalia Estemirova fully examines the possibility of official involvement, says Human Rights Watch.

Iran

Another filmmaker arrested, two journalists freed

Iran's official news agency claimed that a prominent filmmaker has been released, but there is no independent confirmation.

Iran

Halt investigation of publisher, IPA tells authorities

IPA calls on the Iranian authorities to drop the investigation of Arash Hejazi, the publisher who provided the first aid to Neda Agha-Soltan.

North Korea

Kim Jong-il orders release of U.S. journalists

CPJ welcomes media reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has pardoned and ordered the release of imprisoned journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

Venezuela

Government supporters attack Globovisión headquarters

Approximately 30 individuals, led by the leader of the Venezuelan Popular Unity party, which supports President Hugo Chávez, attacked the Globovisión television station's headquarters.

Venezuela

National Telecommunications Commission orders closure of 32 radio and two television stations

The director of the National Telecommunications Commission announced that the licences of 34 broadcasters would be revoked and the stations closed immediately.

Morocco

IFJ condemns seizure of magazines

IFJ strongly condemns the order issued by the Minister of the Interior to seize and destroy over 100,000 copies of two weeklies after they carried the results of an opinion poll on King Mohammed VI's decade on the throne.

Syria

Human rights lawyer arrested, charged

Lawyer and rights activist Muhanad al-Hasani was arrested and charged with "weakening national sentiment" and "spreading false or exaggerated information."

Afghanistan

Ministry to investigate police violence against journalists

IFJ and AIJA welcome an investigation by the Ministry of Interior into a recent attack on journalists by police in Herat.

Pakistan

Two journalists attacked by lawyers on court premises

Twenty lawyers attacked a reporter and cameraman for airing footage of the lawyers beating a policeman in Lahore, Punjab province.

Slovenia

Finnish journalist faces jail time over broadcast accusing government of corruption

Journalist Magnus Berglund has been charged with two counts of criminal defamation and faces up to six months in prison if found guilty.

Honduras

Police officers assault journalists and camera operators

Several local and international journalists and camera operators were assaulted by police officers attempting to stop demonstrations against the coup in Honduras.

Iran

Two journalists released, four others arrested

Two filmmakers are among the latest to be arrested in the ongoing crackdown on the media in Iran.

Mexico

Journalist assaulted, seriously injured by police officers in Sinaloa

Reporter Luis Fernando Nájera was assaulted, injured and detained by municipal police officers in Ahome, Sinaloa, while he was covering a police operation.

Niger

Eight newspaper editors questioned

RSF deplores the interrogation of eight newspaper publishers by Niamey police after publishing a document accusing the President's son of taking kickbacks.

Senegal

Appeal court exonerates journalist in 2004 criminal defamation case

An appeal court in Dakar has exonerated Madiambal Diagne, managing editor of the privately-owned newspaper "Le Quotidien", in a 2004 criminal defamation case.

Zimbabwe

Special committee gives go ahead for "Daily News" licence

The popular mass circulating newspaper banned in 2003 is set to bounce back after it was granted a licence to resume operations.

Venezuela

Bill punishing "media crimes" a serious setback

CPJ condemned a bill by the attorney general that punishes "press crimes" with prison terms.

Zambia

Reporters attacked at airport by president's supporters

RSF deplores the physical attacks on journalists by supporters of the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) at Lusaka international airport.

The Gambia

Months-old court case against editor revived

Pap Saine faces trial - again - on charges of "publishing false information" stemming from a 30 January article he wrote in "The Point" newspaper.

The Gambia

Court acquits one journalist, six others face prison sentences for defaming president

Six journalists could go to jail if found guilty of criminal charges of "sedition" and "defamation" resulting from the publication of a statement criticising President Yahya Jammeh.

Bolivia / El Salvador / Venezuela

Three journalists receive death threats in El Salvador; editor harassed in Venezuela

The IAPA called on officials in Bolivia, El Salvador and Venezuela to quickly investigate the acts of violence and intimidation reported in recent days against journalists in those countries.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED fears new restrictions on foreign media in wake of military operation will impede freedom of expression

JED urges the government to find a balance between security and national defense needs and the legitimate right of the public to be informed by diverse sources.

South Africa

Court allows media access to hearing

Independent newspapers "Mail & Guardian" and "Avusa", as well as e.tv, won a significant battle for press freedom and the principle of open democracy.

Maldives

A series of incidents revives concern about press freedom

RSF urges the Maldivian authorities and political parties to show full respect for journalists, including those working for media outlets that do not share their views.

Iran

Former journalist dies in custody

RSF is saddened to learn that former journalist Alireza Eftekhari died on 15 June 2009; his family was not given the body until 13 July.

Mexico

One year on, silence surrounds murder of anthropologist

WiPC is concerned about the apparent lack of progress in the investigation into the murder of anthropologist, author and indigenous rights activist Miguel Ángel Gutiérrez Ávila.

Iraq

Journalists banned from entering camp

RSF has condemned a decision by Iraqi authorities to ban journalists from entering a camp housing an exiled Iranian opposition group.

Zimbabwe

Ban on BBC and CNN lifted

The Zimbabwean government has lifted a ban which prevented the BBC and CNN from operating in Zimbabwe.

Iran

CPJ rejects photographers' alleged confessions; journalist released

Iran claims photographers cooperated with "enemy".

Honduras

Censorship continues to tighten a month after coup

RSF condemns the de facto government's selective censorship of news since the 28 June coup d'état.

Serbia

Journalist receives death threats

Journalist Milos Vasic of the Belgrade weekly "Vreme" was threatened via a letter sent to the "Glas Srpske" daily in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tibet (China)

More than 13,000 signatures on petition for Tibetan filmmaker's release

RSF has delivered a petition to Chinese authorities calling for the release of Dhondup Wangchen, who has been held since 2008 and is seriously ill.

Sudan

Reporter's trial postponed

The Khartoum criminal court has postponed the trial for the case against reporter Lubna Al Hussein.

Mexico

Following journalist's killing, CPJ calls on Mexico to end violence against the press

Mexican authorities found the brutally beaten body of a journalist partially buried near the southwestern resort city of Acapulco.

Russia

Human rights activist attacked in Khimki

Albert Pchelintsev, head of the regional branch of the Movement Against Corruption, Lies and Dishonor, has been attacked in Khimki, near Moscow.

Benin

Media groups condemn attacks on journalists, media

Benin's media regulatory body has begun investigations into complaints of attacks brought by two media groups.

Turkey

Municipal employees attack journalist for taking pictures of fire

Journalist Haci Boğatekin was trying to take pictures of a fire in a municipality waste dump when he was attacked by municipal employees.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Court rejects journalist's appeal

An independent journalist was handed down a six-month sentence and ordered to pay US$2,500 in damages for slandering José Makila, deposed governor of Équateur province.

Azerbaijan

Charges against translator dropped

The Narimanov District Court dropped criminal charges against "Khural" newspaper chief editor Avaz Zeynalli.

Philippines

Manager of media outlet where slain journalist worked receives death threat

Yet Another Journalist Murdered in the Philippines

Palestine

Arrest of journalist runs contrary to Supreme Court decision, says MADA

Freelance journalist Mustafa Sabri has once again been arrested by security services.

Mexico

Security guards assault journalists during festival in Oaxaca

Reporters who attempted to cover the Guelaguetza festival in Oaxaca were assaulted by private security guards.

Mexico

IAPA protests government's inaction on journalist's murder

The IAPA has protested against the government's foot-dragging and silence concerning the investigation into the murder of journalist Víctor Manuel Oropeza.

Venezuela

Government minister announces he will use legal mechanisms to take away 50% of television station's licence

The minister in charge of the National Telecommunications Commission announced that the government will use legal mechanisms to recover 50% of Globovision's licence.

Burundi

Journalist summoned after radio show reveals public criticism of judicial authorities

Radio host Jean Bosco Ndayiragije was summoned to appear at the prosecutor's office following a report broadcast on his station that criticised judicial authorities.

Bolivia

Cameraman brutally attacked in La Paz

Following a vicious attack on cameraman Macelo Lobo, CPJ calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident.

France

Threat to freedom and privacy from police use of spyware

RSF is worried about a bill that would allow police to use spyware to obtain information from privately-owned computers and Internet cafés.

Nepal

Missing journalist resurfaces, after fleeing threats over corruption article

Shiva Oli, a journalist reported missing after he left his home on 25 July, was located on 28 July when he contacted the police.

Pakistan

Journalists barred from covering court case against colleagues

The police did not permit journalists to cover the case against three journalists, who had been accused of scandalising the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Vietnam

Arrested blogger held incommunicado

RSF fears that detained blogger Nguyen Tien Trung is being subjected to physical and psychological pressure in an attempt to get him to confess to "crimes".

Yemen

Al-Jazeera bureau chief threatened

CPJ is concerned about the safety of Al-Jazeera staff in Yemen after an unknown caller threatened to kill the satellite broadcaster's bureau chief.

Mexico

Authorities say XEJS radio was raided "by accident"

COFETEL has apologised to XEJS Cadena Radiodifusora de Chihuahua for the illegal closure of the station on 15 July.

Bolivia

Journalist says he is receiving threats that are related to his work; minister's bodyguard assaults reporter

A journalist for the Red Uno television network said he is receiving threats that are related to his work. A reporter from the San Miguel radio station,said he was assaulted by a government minister's security guard.

Venezuela

Media outlets prevented from entering courts; police attempt to detain city councillor after he expresses his opinion regarding corruption allegations

A judge barred media outlets from entering a courthouse. Police officers attempted to detain a city councillor after he expressed his opinion regarding allegations of police corruption on his radio programme.

China

Another birthday in prison for rights activist Hu Jia

Leading human rights activist Hu Jia celebrated his 36th birthday in his cell in the Beijing municipal prison on 25 July 2009.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Minister carries out threat to shut down French station's broadcasts throughout the country

RSF and JED strongly condemn the government's shutdown of local FM retransmission of Radio France Internationale.

Philippines

Radio commentator shot dead

Godofredo Linao was about to board his motorcycle when two unidentified men fired at him four times, killing him on the spot.

Iran

Authorities continue to arrest human rights lawyers

Iranian authorities continue to arrest prominent human rights lawyers to prevent them from representing reform supporters detained following Iran's disputed election.

Togo

Soldiers attack radio journalist, halt protest

Gilles Gbabga, a reporter for Radio Metropolys, is reported to have been violently assaulted on 15 July 2009 by military personnel.

Nepal

Journalist missing, another harassed

On 25 June, a local journalist disappeared after three men came to see him; in a separate case, another journalist was harassed for reporting on vandalism.

Venezuela

Military personnel prevent journalists from covering protest, seize reporters' audiovisual materials

Military personnel detained three journalists in Táchira and seized film footage and camera memory cards from reporters in Bolívar.

Colombia

Journalist in Cartago repeatedly threatened

Luis Fernando Gil, the editor of the "Hora 13" news programme, has been repeatedly threatened since February 2009.

Netherlands

IFJ welcomes court victory for protection of sources

IFJ welcomes a decision by a court in Amsterdam ruling that the tapping of journalist Jolande van der Graaf's telephone by the secret service was illegal.

Namibia

Camera operator prevented from covering state visit

A camera operator for the independent broadcaster One Africa Television was barred by state security officials from filming a visit to Namibia by Cuban President Raul Castro.

Egypt

Bloggers held without charge

Blogger Abdel Rahman Ayyash and Muslim Brotherhood member Magdi Saad were arrested at Cairo airport and blogger Ahmad Abu Khalil was arrested when security forces raided his home.

Azerbaijan

Journalists allegedly threatened

Journalists from the "Azadlig" and "Janub Khabarlari" newspapers have said they are being threatened for articles they published.

Ukraine

Ukraine must seize opportunity of confessions to reporter's murder to reveal truth, says IFJ

The main suspect in the murder of journalist Georgy Gongadze has been arrested and has reportedly confessed to the killing.

Bolivia

Journalists report they were locked up in press room during Hugo Chávez's visit

A number of journalists who were covering Hugo Chávez's visit to the Presidential Palace in La Paz, reported that they were locked up in the Press Room.

Argentina

Video Tar employees receive death threats, station equipment damaged

FOPEA condemns the threats, harassment and attacks suffered by the TV station Video Tar.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist released from prison

RTCMALI correspondent Claude Kasongo was released from prison on 22 July 2009.

Sri Lanka

Associated Press correspondent penalised for his war coverage

RSF has called on the Sri Lankan government to give a more convincing explanation about its refusal to renew the press visa of Associated Press correspondent Ravi Nessman.

Uzbekistan

Political prisoner abused in detention

Uzbek authorities should promptly investigate allegations of ill-treatment against the jailed dissident Yusuf Jumaev, says Human Rights Watch.

Mexico

Journalist briefly detained, harassed by the military in Oaxaca

Members of the Mexican army interfered with the work of a journalist while he was photographing an incident on a federal highway in Oaxaca.

Azerbaijan

ARTICLE 19 condemns conviction of journalists for defamation

Two senior journalists were found guilty and sentenced to three months' imprisonment on defamation charges in a Baku district court.

Cuba

Doctor and journalist arrested and taken to Havana jail

RSF voiced concern at the arrest of dissident Darsi Ferrer, head of a health and human rights centre.

Nigeria

Newspaper editor detained, interrogated over alleged defamatory advertorials

Shaka Momodu, the deputy editor of "Gliterati", is being detained by police in Lagos.

The Gambia

IFJ condemns lack of fair trial for journalists

IFJ raised serious concerns about the fairness of the trial at the Gambian High Court of the seven journalists charged with six counts of seditious publication and criminal defamation.

Russia

Three journalists harassed, attacked by police

Police harass and attack three journalists during a concert in Saratov.

Namibia

Communication bill adopted by National Assembly

The controversial Information and Communication Bill was adopted by the National Assembly on and will undergo legislative review by the National Council.

Venezuela

Venezuela moves to silence hundreds of broadcasters

CPJ sent a letter to Venezuelan Minister for Public Works and Housing, Diosdado Cabello, expressing deep concern over a recent announcement that regulators may revoke the concessions of hundreds of radio stations.

Mexico

Police assault, threaten photojournalist in Oaxaca

Manuel León López, a photojournalist, was assaulted and threatened by state police while taking photographs of an arrest.

Sudan

Journalist prosecuted for writing article, faces large fine

ANHRI condemns the Sudanese authorities for continuing to persecute reporters and oppress all voices defending freedom of expression.

China

Journalists refused entry to trial of blogger

Journalists and members of the public were refused entry to the trial of a blogger who is facing criminal charges for a recent article.

Iran

New arrests solidify Iran's standing as world's leading jailer of journalists

CPJ research shows the continuing arrests have solidified Iran's dishonorable standing as the world's leading jailer of journalists.

China

Propaganda department censors two sensitive news stories

RSF condemns the orders issued to Chinese news media to censor reports about a corruption case and about the closure of a human rights law centre.

Iran

Human Rights Watch condemns forced confessions, poor conditions in notorious Evin prison

Iranian authorities are coercing detained supporters of reform presidential candidates to implicate leading reformists in illegal acts.

Iraq

Reporter's assassins remain at large one year on

Authorities in Kirkuk province must bring to justice those responsible for the 2008 murder of journalist Soran Mama Hama, CPJ said on the eve of the anniversary of the reporter's slaying.

Indonesia

Free Papuan activists, revoke laws criminalising free expression, Human Rights Watch urges government

The president should demonstrate his stated support for differing political viewpoints by dropping criminal charges against activists from Papua province and ordering their release, says Human Rights Watch.

Iran

More journalists arrested in ongoing government crackdown

RSF accuses authorities of arresting and jailing journalists in a manner that is illegal and violates international judicial standards.

Swaziland

Political activists arrested for shouting party slogan and wearing party t-shirt

Two political activists were arrested and detained on 18 July 2009 in a move seen by many as further evidence of the Swazi government's crack down on dissenting voices.

Zimbabwe

Government scraps import duty on newspapers

The government has scrapped the 40 percent import duty on foreign newspapers distributed in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe

Journalist sues state over illegal detention

Freelance photojournalist and 15 members of the MDC-T filed a lawsuit against the Co-Ministers of Home Affairs and State Security agents following their alleged abduction, unlawful detention and deprivation of liberty.

Nepal

Journalist assaulted; activists attack press van, set fire to newspapers

A reporter was attacked while reporting on a land dispute. Activists have set fire to copies of newspapers.

France

Journalists' syndicate files complaint over arrest of reporter

A journalist interning with "Le Monde" newspaper was arrested while covering a demonstration in Montreuil and held for some nine hours, overnight.

Zimbabwe

MISA questions media commission's hiring process

MISA raises several issues with the hiring process for the country's new media commission.

Argentina

FOPEA concerned over threats against television station personnel

FOPEA is concerned over repeated threatening telephone calls that have been received by personnel at Aire Visión Canal 5 television station in the province of Catamarca.

Brazil

Judge orders humour columnist to refrain from writing about actress; police arrest photographer, hinder work of reporters

A judge ordered columnist José Simão to refrain from making references to actress Juliana Paes in his humour writings. A freelance photographer was arrested by the police as he covered a demonstration.

Turkey

Four rights activists on trial for "alienating the public against the military"

Four supporters of a conscientious objector are being tried for "alienating the public against the military."

Azerbaijan

Baku appeal court refuses to release sick journalist from prison

An appeal court in the capital Baku has turned down a plea for the release of journalist Mushfig Huseynov on medical grounds.

Namibia

Foreign journalists arrested, fined for trespassing

Namibia police arrested two foreign journalists on allegations of trespassing and working without accreditation.

Egypt

New arrest warrant issued against novelist Mosaad Abu Fagr; lawyers prevented from meeting with imprisoned blogger Kareem Amer

A new arrest warrant was issued against novelist Mosaad Abu Fagr, who is now in the Borg Al Arab prison, while ANRHI lawyers were again prevented from visiting imprisoned blogger Kareem Amer.

Zambia

Tabling of freedom of information bill delayed

The minister of information and broadcasting services has confirmed that the freedom of information bill will not be tabled before the current parliamentary session.

Azerbaijan

Court upholds pre-trial detention sentence for two bloggers

IRFS strongly condemns the Appellate Court's decision to uphold the pre-trial detention sentence for bloggers Emin Milli (Emin Abdullayev) and Adnan Hajizade.

Palestine

Al-Jazeera suspension in West Bank lifted

MADA welcomes the government's decision to cancel the suspension of the work of Al-Jazeera TV.

Niger

Media outlets go on strike over press freedom restrictions

President Mamadou Tandja gave sweeping powers to the chairman of the media regulatory body, to deal unilaterally and decisively with the country's media.

Turkey

Newspaper confiscated for reporting allegations of police rape

After reporting 10 claims of women being raped since a new police chief came to Diyarbakır, an issue of the "Azadiya Welat" newspaper was confiscated.

China

Government closes Beijing-based legal aid and research organisation

The government's closure of a Beijing-based legal aid and research organisation marks an intensification of efforts to silence human rights defenders, says Human Rights Watch.

Tunisia

Police continue to harass Radio Kalima journalists

The harassment is part of the ongoing offensive against independent media outlets and the opposition by Tunisian authorities since the beginning of the year.

Ecuador

Journalist Milton Chacaguasay Flores re-arrested

Milton Chacaguasay Flores, the editor of the "La Verdad" magazine, has once again been imprisoned following a new verdict on an "insult" charge.

Mexico

Federal authorities raid radio station, force it off the air

Federal agents raided the XEJS Cadena Radiodifusora de Chihuahua radio station and forced it off the air.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Plaintiff journalist suddenly arrested during trial, taken to prison

Journalist Claude Kasongo was arrested in the middle of a trial in which he was a plaintiff against a police officer who had threatened him with death and rape.

United States

Appeals court reverses decision on exclusion of foreign scholar Tariq Ramadan

PEN American Center has hailed a court ruling in its case challenging the exclusion of the Swiss scholar Tariq Ramadan from the United States.

Colombia

Tribunal orders high level officials to fulfill stipulations of ruling regarding protective measures for journalist

A tribunal has given high level government officials 48 hours to implement a previous court ruling calling for the implementation of security measures for a journalist at risk.

Senegal

Gendarmerie interrogates two journalists

Two journalists, Pape Samba Sène and and Abdou Dia, were interrogated in Kaffrine over allegations of "defamation" and "disseminating false news".

Indonesia

High court allows media to publish election news during campaign-free period

The Constitutional Court has announced that media outlets can publicise election-related news during the campaign-free period just before an election.

Moldova

IPI deeply concerned about recent media developments

Media representatives are frequently being prevented by authorities from reporting freely, especially following parliamentary elections in April.

Peru

Attempt to censor private university publication reported

The editor of a university publication has reported that authorities at the Catholic Pontificate University of Peru (PUCP) are attempting to censor the media outlet he is in charge of.

Morocco

Editor, NGO manager charged with "insult to God"

An editor and a human rights organization manager were charged with "hesba" for publishing an article about a scandal involving the king's aunts.

Egypt

Poet acquitted of insult charges

Poet-teacher Mounir Saeed Hanna was acquitted of charges that he had insulted the president.

Mexico

IAPA condemns murder of two more journalists, calls for investigation

IAPA has condemned the assassinations of journalists Ernesto Montañez Valdivia and Martín Javier Miranda Avilés, in the states of Chihuahua and Michoacán.

Iraq

Resurgence of violence against journalists

Two incidents since the start of the withdrawal of US forces from the main Iraqi cities two weeks ago could indicate a worsening in the media environment.

Algeria

Moroccan reporter turned back on arrival, disputes between two countries blamed

RSF condemns Moroccan journalist Yahya Bentahar's deportation on 15 July, shortly after he landed at Algiers airport.

Honduras

Two feminist movement radio programmes censored

On 11 July 2009, the Radio Cadena Voces radio station took two programmes hosted by women's groups off the air, censoring the topic of popular resistance to the coup d'état.

Argentina

FOPEA condemns assault on member of television programme team by head of local government in El Bolsón

The head of the local government in El Bolsón verbally and physically assaulted Gonzalo Ariel Rodríguez, a member of the "Caiga Quien Caiga" television programme team.

Ecuador

Reporters assaulted at two universities

Reporters from the daily "El Comercio" and Ecuador TV were assaulted at the Central University in Quito and the Guayaquil State University respectively.

Republic of Congo

Foreign journalists attacked, harassed during and after poll

RSF condemns police harassment and violence against journalists during and after the 12 July elections.

Belarus

Politically-motivated threats against journalist working for opposition website

RSF condemns the continuing threats against journalists working for the Charter 97 news and opposition website.

Burundi

Journalist receives death threats from senior official

Marc Niyonkuru, a correspondent for Radio Isanganiro, has received death threats from Pasteur Bucumi, Director General of City Planning.

Somalia

Journalist beaten in Puntland courtroom

CPJ condemns the attack on reporter Aweys Sheikh Nur by security guards during a court session in Somalia.

Honduras

Journalist dismissed for opposing coup; Radio Globo journalist prevented from entering the Presidential Palace

Journalist Allan Adális Martínez said his radio station was pressured to stop him from talking about the coup. Liliet Díaz said that she was barred from entering the presidential palace after identifying herself as a Radio Globo journalist.

North Korea

Government should grant amnesty to Ling and Lee, says CPJ

North Korea should grant amnesty to U.S. journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, who have now been jailed four months, CPJ said.

Iran

New regulations limit lawyers' rights; human rights lawyers targeted

Iran's government should withdraw new regulations that severely limit the independence of the Iranian Bar Association and would give the government control over a lawyer's right to practice, Human Rights Watch said.

Poland

ARTICLE 19 calls on president to veto media law

ARTICLE 19 issued an open letter to the Polish President urging him not to promulgate the country’s new Law on Public Activity within the Sphere of Media Services.

Somalia

Two radio journalists arrested, cable television station banned

NUSOJ condemned the arrest of two radio journalists and expressed deep concern at the deteriorating press freedom situation in Somaliland.

Indonesia

Libel sentence ignores Press Law, says press council

The Press Council is dissatisfied with a court decision convicting two businessmen of defaming a property giant.

Indonesia

IFJ welcomes court's rejection of libel case

The IFJ welcomes a court decision rejecting a libel suit against "Koran Tempo" newspaper by Islamic Troop commander Munarman.

Algeria

Tébessa-based reporter gets six months in prison

RSF condemns the jail sentence handed down to Rabah Lamouchi on charges of lacking press accreditation and defamation.

China

Bloggers detained by police for online content

IFJ condemns actions by Chinese authorities to locate and detain bloggers and delete online content.

Tunisia

Tunisia must end reprisals against critical journalists, says CPJ

CPJ has written to the president for the second time in four months to protest reprisals against critical journalists and their families.

Malaysia

Television host reassigned following question on prime minister's ratings

Action has been taken against a television station host for having asked her guests to rate the performance of the prime minister.

Yemen

Journalist sentenced to 14 months in jail

CPJ calls on the Yemeni court of appeals to overturn a jail sentence against journalist Anis Mansour.

Iran

Seven media workers, including Franco-Iranian cameraman, arrested

RSF is very concerned about a crackdown in recent days on photographers and cameramen.

Serbia

ANEM protests amendments to media laws

ANEM is disappointed by the manner of changes of media laws in Serbia.

New Zealand / Fiji

PFF urges investigation into broadcaster's suspension

PFF is encouraging the management of Pacific Islands radio station Niu FM 531pi to launch an investigation into the suspension - and then reinstatement - of veteran Fiji journalist Bulou Amalaini Ligalevu.

Brazil

Supreme Court allows publication of civil servants' salaries

The Supreme Court of Brazil held that the mayor of the Municipality of Sao Paulo could order the salary of all municipal civil servants to be put online.

Palestine

Israeli forces detain, harass journalists

MADA condemns the Israeli occupation forces' detention of Watan local TV crew north of Ramallah City.

Palestine

Al-Jazeera suspended in the West Bank

CPJ condemns the Palestinian Authority's decision to suspend the operations of Al-Jazeera in the West Bank after the satellite channel aired a controversial interview.

Ecuador

Attack on "Vanguardia" magazine office, manager robbed

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 3 July 2009, the headquarters of the magazine "Vanguardia", located north of Quito, was broken into by four armed and hooded individuals who stole important journalistic material. It is still unknown if the theft was related to the media outlet’s journalistic work.

Kazakhstan

Human Rights Watch urges government to rescind new Internet law

The government of Kazakhstan should rescind a new law that significantly restricts media freedoms.

Bahrain

Journalist faces defamation charges over article on corruption

The Public Prosecution (PP) has referred the case of journalist Husain Sabt, who is accused of defamation, to court after reviewing the evidence against him.

Cambodia

Harshest crackdown in years, says Human Rights Watch

In recent months, senior government leaders and military officials have filed at least nine politically motivated criminal defamation and disinformation cases against critics.

Bangladesh

Right to Information Act comes into effect

IPI welcomes the enactment of Bangladesh's long-awaited Right to Information Act (2009).

Egypt

Police harass journalist and his family

ANHRI condemns the organized attacks led by police officers against Alaa Al Gamel, reporter for the weekly "Sout Al Ouma."

Zambia

Bogus charges filed against "Post" reporter

CPJ is alarmed by the arrest of Zambian journalist Chansa Kabwela on bogus charges of circulating obscene materials.

Venezuela

Television station shuts down due to economic and political pressure; judge harasses journalist

The Órbita TV station ceased to operate due to financial difficulties. In a separate incident journalist Vanessa Gómez Quiroz was threatened by the president of the Supreme Court of Justice.

Republic of Congo

Suspension lifted for independent television station

CB Plus, a faith-based television station broadcast from Brazzaville, was reauthorised to broadcast following a five-month suspension.

Ecuador

President characterises newspaper as corrupt after it criticises the government

President Rafael Correa characterised the daily "El Universo" as corrupt after it published an editorial criticising the replacement of the Deposit Security Agency's manager.

Yemen

Authorities threaten to close Al Jazeera office

ANHRI condemns the escalation of the Yemeni government's crackdown on independent media which has now extended to the targeting of satellite television stations.

Sri Lanka

Government continues attacks against independent media, lawyers

The government is continuing its offensive against independent news media, blocking domestic access to a news website and smearing lawyers who are representing a leading newspaper.

Italy

IFJ says Italian talk of Israel "boycott" is absurd

IFJ criticised Italian media reports over the expulsion of the National Federation of Israeli Journalists (NFIJ) from the IFJ for non-payment of fees for four years.

Lithuania

Human Rights Watch asks parliament not to revive censorship law

The Lithuanian parliament should not revive a proposed law that had been vetoed by the president, to ban references to gay, lesbian, and bisexual relations in public places, Human Rights Watch said.

China

Journalists detained in Xinjiang and expelled

CPJ calls on Chinese police to halt the detentions of journalists reporting on ethnic violence in Xinjiang.

Chechnya (Russia)

Leading Chechen rights activist murdered

Natalia Estemirova, a leading human rights defender in Chechnya, was found shot dead in Ingushetia on 15 July 2009.

Colombia

Individual accused of murdering journalist captured in Cauca department

The police have said that Arley Manquillo Rivera, who has been accused of murdering journalist José Everardo Aguilar, was captured in the department of Cauca.

Honduras

Venezuelan journalists leave Honduras after harassment

A group of Venezuelan journalists with the television network Telesur and the state-owned Venezolana de Televisión (VTV) left Honduras after being detained and harassed.

Iran

Forty-one journalists in prison after a month of unrest

RSF renews its call for the release of imprisoned journalists as five more are arrested.

Ghana

Two radio journalists attacked by Accra security personnel

On 9 July 2009, Cyrus Degraft-Johnson and Alhassan Suhuyini were assaulted by Accra Metropolitan Assembly security personnel.

Sudan

Reporter on trial for "dressing in a sensational manner"

A reporter who is bitterly critical of the government and fundamentalists has been brought to trial for "dressing in a sensational manner."

Afghanistan

Journalist kidnapped, IFJ concerned that dangers faced by journalists may escalate leading up to August elections

IFJ is concerned that the dangers faced by journalists may be escalating rapidly as Afghanistan prepares for nation-wide elections. An Al-Jazeera journalist was kidnapped in Kunar province.

India

Shocking police intimidation of journalists

IFJ is disturbed by reports that two journalists have been threatened with arrest for their reporting on what is believed to be a recent case of murder.

Azerbaijan

Two bloggers attacked, arrested

IRFS strongly condemns the arrest of two bloggers.

Swaziland

"Swazi Observer" journalists harassed by authorities

Journalists working for a government-owned newspaper are being harassed by authorities following a series of stories the newspaper published.

Zambia

"The Post" journalists harrassed

"The Post" said the ruling party had assigned four thugs to attack its reporters whenever President Rupiah Banda is travelling and likely to meet the media.

Indonesia

Logging company detains television journalists

Security officers for an Indonesian logging company detained three members of a French television news crew in Jambi province, Sumatra.

Venezuela

Government increases pressure on private media

The public works minister has confirmed that the government will begin proceedings against more than 200 radio stations, aiming to strip them of their broadcasting licences.

Pakistan

More journalists' homes destroyed, damaged in ongoing conflict

A television correspondent reported that his home was raided and explosives were used to blow up its supporting pillars. The home of another journalist was damaged in a bombing raid.

Syria

Press freedom situation continues to be very bad, says RSF

Five cyber-dissidents are still being detained and several magazines were recently banned.

Mexico

Journalists, media outlets come under pressure after criticising public officials

Two journalists in Palenque, Chiapas, have said that the owners of their media outlets are being pressured by a local congressional deputy with the objective of having them taken off the air.

Niger

CPJ urges president to end increasing media censorship

In a letter to President Mamadou Tandja, CPJ urged the government to end increasing restrictions on the Nigerien private press.

Cameroon

Journalist threatened, fears for his life

Jean Bosco Talla, publication director for the newspaper "Germinal", has received a series of death threats.

Brazil

Transport minister assaults journalist

Journalist Ronaldo Lázaro Tiradentes was assaulted by Minister Alfredo Nascimento, on 27 June 2009, in the parking lot of Manaus Airport.

Argentina

Individuals who assaulted journalistic team in Tucumán sentenced to time in jail

FOPEA welcomes the sentencing of the individuals who, in May 2002, assaulted journalists Daniel Malnatti, Gastón Turiel y Miguel Ángel Aspiroz.

Turkey

Author Nedim Gürsel acquitted of "humiliating" religion

International PEN’s Writers in Prison Committee announced the acquittal of Nedim Gürsel who was on trial for his book Daughters of Allah.

Brazil

Journalist fined for defamation

The Superior Court of the State of Para ordered journalist Luiz Flavio Pinto to pay approximately US$15,000 for defaming a deceased local businessman.

Brazil

Comedy show reporters assaulted; lawyer insults journalists and hits photographer

Two reporters from the comedy show "Caiga Quien Caiga" were assaulted in two separate incidents. A lawyer insulted and struck journalists and photographers who were covering the case of one his clients.

Yemen

IFJ calls for end to repression of independent media

IFJ has called on the authorities to stop the escalating harassment of media.

Kazakhstan

Journalist receives death threats

Zhanary Davletova, a journalist with the "Uralskaya Nedelya" newspaper who has written about police corruption, says she has received threatening phone calls.

Pakistan

Taliban militants blow up journalist's house in Buner district

The home of radio journalist Rahman Buneri has been blown up by the Taliban in the militancy plagued Buner district of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province.

Mexico

Reporter assaulted, robbed by individuals presumed to be political party supporters

An "AZ" newspaper reporter has said he was assaulted and robbed by presumed National Action Party supporters in Xalapa, Veracruz, during electoral processes in that community.

Malawi

Editor arrested, released on bail

(MISA/IFEX) - On 7 July 2009 Malawi's police in the capital, Lilongwe, arrested Gabriel Kamlomo, editor for Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), a privately-owned radio station. Kamlomo is accused of misleading a police officer and causing public alarm by broadcasting what the police say is an alleged false murder case. The following day, the Lilongwe Magistrates' Court granted bail to Kamlomo.

Mexico

"El Periódico de Quintana Roo" journalists receive death threats while covering electoral process

Journalists Silvia Reyes and Carlos Narváez were assaulted and received death threats while they were covering an electoral process in Quintana Roo.

Ecuador

Editor Milton Chacaguasay released

WiPC welcomes the release of editor Milton Chacaguasay Flores, who was imprisoned for allegedly libelling a judge.

Iran

Arrests continue, one journalist released

Human rights lawyer Mohamed Ali Dadkhah and journalist Mohammad Reza Yazdan Panah have been arrested, while journalist Mostafa Ghavnlo Ghajar has been released.

United Kingdom

Government to decriminalise defamation

The government of the United Kingdom has formally committed to decriminalising defamation by doing away with the common law offences of sedition, seditious libel and defamatory libel.

Vietnam

Authorities arrest young pro-democracy blogger

RSF condemns the arrest of pro-democracy blogger Nguyen Tien Trung, one of the leaders of the Association of Young Vietnamese for Democracy.

Colombia

Constitutional Court finds Criminal Code article affecting slander and libel cases to be unconstitutional

Journalists and media outlets will no longer be subjected to criminal charges for libel and slander when they publicise truthful information about individuals who have been absolved of wrongdoing by the judicial system.

China

Journalists attacked while reporting on riots

IFJ condemns acts of violence against journalists reporting on riots in China.

Philippines

Police officer faces investigation over radio broadcaster's murder

The Department of Justice will conduct a preliminary investigation into a complaint that a police officer killed a radio commentator in Occidental Mindoro.

Papua New Guinea

PFF calls for revival of media standards committee

Pacific Freedom Forum has called on the Media Council of Papua New Guinea and news organizations to enforce codes of ethics and consider reactivating the dormant Independent Media Standards Committee.

Tanzania

Independent newspaper takes government to court over controversial media law

After suffering a government ban for three months for allegedly tarnishing the name of the head of state and personal attacks that left its editor, Saed Kubenea, almost blind, the "Mwanahalisi" newspaper has now challenged the constitutionality of the Newspapers Act.

China

CPJ condemns harassment of journalists, censorship in Urumqi

Authorities in northwestern Xinjiang should stop the harassment of journalists reporting on ethnic rioting and restore Internet access in the regional capital, Urumqi.

Egypt

Editor sentenced to six months' imprisonment now behind bars

ANHRI condemns the arrest of Yaser Barakat, editor-in-chief of "Al-Mogaz" newspaper.

China

Academic arrested following publication of online article

The WiPC is seriously concerned about the detention of Uyghur writer, academic and member of the Uyghur PEN Centre, Iham Tohti.

Tunisia

Academic sentenced to eight months in prison for posting message on Facebook

Tunis's Court of First Instance sentenced academic and rights defender Dr. Khedija Arfaoui to eight months in prison for "publishing false news liable to disrupt public order".

Ukraine

Journalist harassed by police officer and court security guard

Court officials have responded to a complaint by a freelance journalist and lawyer regarding an incident in which she was harassed by a police and a court security guard for taking a picture of a sign posted on a courtroom door.

Mexico

Nuevo León Congress increases maximum prison term for murderers of journalists

The Nuevo León Congress has approved an amendment to the local Criminal Code that imposes prison terms of up to 35 years for murderers of journalists or their family members.

Cuba

IPI calls for release of journalists

The IPI calls for the immediate release of 22 journalists imprisoned in Cuba.

Thailand

Issue of "The Economist" censored due to article on lese majeste

The latest issue of "The Economist" has not been made available in Thailand as it contained an article discussing lese majeste.

Kazakhstan

CPJ urges president to veto restrictive Internet law

CPJ has written to President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to veto a severely restrictive draft Internet law.

Azerbaijan

Journalists harassed, prevented from covering home demolition story

Correspondents who wanted to prepare a report about the demolition of houses situated where a palace is being built for the president faced pressure from police.

Iran

Foreign reporter freed, but local journalists continue to be harassed and arrested

A total of 35 journalists and bloggers are currently imprisoned in Iran, according to RSF.

Venezuela

Supreme Court bench ratifies legislation that endangers freedom of expression

A bench of the Supreme Court has ratified the validity of a law permitting the suspension of broadcasting by media outlets and allowing for penalties that include licence cancellations.

Jordan

Government closes bureaux of two Iranian satellite TV stations

RSF condemns the Jordanian government's closure of the Amman bureaux of two satellite TV stations that are funded by the Iranian government.

Brazil

"Diário do Pará" newspaper staff harassed by military police officer

Photographer Marco Santos and reporter Adriana Robalo were harassed by a military police officer at the São Braz Police Department.

Nigeria

Two journalists held by Kano state police released

RSF hails the release of two journalists who had been arrested by the Kano state police in connection with reports about Kano's governor.

Russia

Newspaper editor assaulted, hospitalised

Following an assault last week on the editor-in-chief of the independent weekly "Dvornik", CPJ called on regional authorities to thoroughly investigate the attack and bring those responsible to justice.

Venezuela

Newspapers' headquarters attacked

The headquarters of two regional dailies were attacked by ruling party supporters.

Republic of Congo

Authorities refuse to disclose results of investigation into journalist's mysterious death

Nearly four months after the death of journalist Bruno Jacquet Ossébi, CPJ called on authorities to publicly disclose a report on their investigation.

Zambia

Police warn editor about photo distribution

Police issued a warning to a newspaper editor for sending pictures of a woman giving birth to the vice president and other officials.

Azerbaijan

Parliament rejects restrictive amendments to media laws

ARTICLE 19 welcomes a decision on 30 June by the parliament of Azerbaijan not to adopt the most restrictive proposals in a package of legislative amendments governing media.

Egypt

Journalist's prison sentence commuted, fine increased and complaint against police dismissed

An Arrahmaneyia Court decided to commute the original sentence against Kamal Mural, a journalist for the weekly "AlFajr" newspaper.

Turkey

Court bans access to Google Sites website

A court in Denizli has banned access to Google Sites, a site which allows users to create their own websites.

Ukraine

Online news site threatened with defamation suit for not revealing sources

A lawyer from a private energy provider is demanding that online news site Vysokiy Val disclose its source of information which allegedly defamed him.

Azerbaijan

Journalist sentenced to two years in prison

IRFS condemns the sentencing of columnist and former editor-in-chief Mahal Ismayiloglu to conditional imprisonment for two years.

Iran

French student held because of photographs and e-mails

RSF expresses concern over French graduate student Clotilde Reiss's arrest at Tehran airport as she was about to leave the country.

The Gambia

ECOWAS Court dismisses government's objections over jurisdiction in case of tortured journalist

The ECOWAS Court has dismissed objections raised by the Gambian government over its jurisdiction in the case of a journalist who was allegedly tortured in government custody.

United Arab Emirates

Federal Court of Appeal upholds sentence against editor and newspaper

The Federal Court of Appeal has decided to uphold a conviction temporarily suspending "Emarat Alyoum" newspaper and fining editor Sami al-Araimi.

Iran

More newspapers censored, another journalist arrested

At least 24 journalists remain jailed, according to CPJ research, while the government has instituted a broad and intrusive censorship regime.

Israel

Two Al Jazeera journalists held by Israeli authorities

RSF condemns the detention of two Al Jazeera journalists who were aboard the "Spirit of Humanity" ship carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Madagascar

Growing threat to news media from political tension

Several journalists have been harassed in recent weeks and a website was mysteriously blocked.

Nepal

Journalists leave their district after receiving death threats

Labadev Dhungana and Kumar Ojha have been displaced from the Panchthar district due to death threats issued by members of the Unified CPN Maoists party.

Mexico

Community broadcasters criminally charged

Criminal charges against community broadcasters point to a worrying trend undermining the ability of vulnerable groups to access information and voice their concerns.

Swaziland

Journalists barred from covering workshop for legislators

Journalists were kicked out of an HIV-AIDS workshop for Swazi parliamentarians on 30 June.

The Gambia

Seven journalists rearrested for defaming President Jammeh

MFWA is convinced of the authorities' intention to jail the journalists by all means.

Iran

Correspondent's "confession" posted by news agency; photographer released

The Fars News agency has posted a "confession" by "Newsweek" correspondent Maziar Bahari in which he reportedly said Western journalists were involved in spying and gathering intelligence. A Life.com photographer was released.

Brazil

Transportation minister assaults journalist

A journalist and his wife were assaulted by the transportation minister after the journalist's radio station criticised the minister.

Colombia

Journalist assaulted, threatened in Barranquilla

The general coordinator of the daily "La Libertad" was assaulted by unidentified armed individuals who said he and other journalists deserve to die.

Thailand

Lese majeste complaint filed against Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand

SEAPA stresses that complaint filed against Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand underscores threat that lese majeste provisions pose to free expression.

Honduras

Televisión director in Aguán another victim of assault on freedom of expression

The director of Canal 5 television station in the Aguán area has said that military personnel are carrying out out an assault on him and his television station.

Philippines

Army holds journalists at Mindanao checkpoint

Members of the army stationed in Mindanao held 52 journalists at a checkpoint for over an hour to allegedly "guarantee their safety".

Ecuador

Journalist shot in Esmeraldas

On 25 June 2009, journalist Eduardo Vite Benítez Mata was shot by unidentified individuals in the city of Esmeraldas.

Palestine

Three journalists arrested in separate incidents

MADA expressed deep concern at the continuing arrests of journalists and writers by the security apparatus in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

Egypt

Egyptian authorities detain blogger in airport

ANHRI accused the Egyptian government of detaining a blogger upon his arrival at Cairo International Airport.

Bolivia

Journalist detained by Public Prosecutor's Office security director

The editor of the monthly "Larga Vista" reported that he was detained by the security director for the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Ukraine

News agency website targeted by hacker attacks

The Malakava news agency website has systematically been the target of hackers, who "edit" texts or "break" their website.

Palestine

Journalists and media workers assaulted by occupation forces

MADA condemns the attack on Reuters photographer Nayef Alhishlmon and several Palestinian journalists by the Israeli occupation forces.

Somalia

Journalist killed in Mogadishu, NUSOJ demands immediate end of hostilities

Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf died of blood loss after being on the side of the road for almost 3 hours without medical assistance, as fighters fired shots at anyone who tried to take the journalist to the hospital.

Honduras

Respect press freedom, IAPA again urges Honduras

IAPA has repeated its call for respect for press freedom after compiling complaints from news media and journalists saying that they are still restricted and attacked.

Honduras

Radio América journalist killed

Both Radio América and the local police said they did not think Gabriel Fino Noriega's murder is linked to the crisis caused by the coup.

Mexico

Military personnel harass "La Jornada Guerrero" newspaper reporter

A "La Jornada Guerrero" correspondent was interrogated and photographed at a military checkpoint.

Zimbabwe

State concedes Mukoko's detention was illegal

State prosecutors have conceded in court that security agents abducted and illegally detained journalist Jestina Mukoko.

Zimbabwe

Government backs down on accreditation policy for journalists

The Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity said it will follow a provisional High Court order granted in favour of four freelance journalists.

Egypt

Court of appeal upholds acquittal of ANHRI director, two bloggers

The court of appeal in Dokki, Giza upheld the decision made on 31 December 2008 acquitting bloggers Alaa and Manal and ANHRI Executive Director Gamal Eid of the charges of libel and insult.

Bolivia

Television station condemns harassment of journalist following series of reports on public security issues

Unitel has stated that journalist and news presenter Jimena Antelo Telchi was harassed by five men who said they were police officers.

Ethiopia

Proposed counterterrorism bill violates free speech

Ethiopia's draft counterterrorism law could punish political speech and peaceful protest as terrorist acts and encourage unfair trials if enacted, Human Rights Watch said.

Bahrain

Politically motivated closure of "Akhbar Al-Khaleej" newspaper

BCHR expresses its deep concern regarding the decision to close the "Akhbar Al-Khaleej" newspaper, without any court order or stated reasons.

Mexico

Police officers suspended after assaulting journalists

Several police officers were suspended from their duties after having assaulted journalists Filiberto Ortiz, Daniel García and Pablo Rodríguez.

Iran

More journalists arrested, others released

Arrests and detentions continue in third week of post-election protests

Peru

Mayor sues journalist for broadcasting audio recording allegedly revealing how he is paying for debts incurred during his election campaign

The mayor of the province of Maynas is suing a La Karibeña radio station journalist for "falsification" and "concealment of identity".

Brazil

Newspaper to close after being ordered to pay US$306,000 in defamation lawsuit

The "Debate" newspaper was ordered to pay approximately US$306,000 as a result of a lawsuit for defamation filed against it in 1995.

Iran

Human Rights Watch urges authorities to release prominent reformist

Harsh interrogation conditions and inadequate medical care are threatening the life of a detained reformist.

Nigeria

RSF urges president to take action following recent attacks on media

Physical attacks, threats and arrests highlight media's urgent need for better climate.

Egypt

Civil servant sentenced to three years in prison for writing poem

The misdemeanors court in Adawa, Menya province has adjourned an appeal of the defamation case against government clerk Mounir Saad Hanna to 18 July 2009.

Mauritania

Detained website editor faces up to five years in prison

Reporters Without Borders condemns charges that were brought against Hanevy Ould Dehah, the editor of the website Taqadoumy.

Iraq

Journalist begins hunger strike to protest continued detention by US forces

Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for the release of Reuters photographer Ibrahim Jassam, who has been held since September 2008.

Russia

Independent editor dies in hospital

Editor-in-chief of the "Korruptsiya i Prestupnost" newspaper succumbs to head injuries suffered in an April 2009 attack.

Honduras

Reporters detained after coup

Following coup, military personnel briefly detained seven journalists and blocked broadcast signals.

Philippines

Radio broadcaster shot dead

IFJ urges immediate police investigation into the motive behind the fatal shooting of radio broadcaster Jonathan Fetalvero.

Honduras

Broadcast outlets blocked

Broadcast outlets have been blocked, programmes suspended and journalists harassed following coup d'état.

Sri Lanka

Newspaper employees receive death threats

A hitherto unknown group calling itself the Tamil United Force to Safeguard the Country has threatened to kill all the employees of the newspaper "Uthayan".

Zimbabwe

African Commission rules in favour of MISA, IJAZ, and ZLHR

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) recommended that the government should "decriminalise" offences relating to the accreditation and the practice of journalism.

Malaysia

Media access to parliament proceedings tightened

CIJ is concerned that journalists are being restricted from covering parliament by sudden and unannounced tightening of security rules.

Nigeria

CPJ urges inspector general to probe police harassment, assault

CPJ calls on national police chief to investigate reports that state police harassed six journalists and attacked at least three of them.