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Alerts - 2009 - October-December

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Afghanistan

French TV crew kidnapped northeast of Kabul

RSF is "extremely worried" about a TV crew that was abducted on 29 December 2009.

Tanzania

Journalist attacked

Unidentified individuals broke into journalist Fredrick Katulanda's home, attacked him and demanded that he hand over a document he had received from a source.

Azerbaijan

Authorities trump up new charge against award-winning editor Eynulla Fatullayev

The imprisoned editor was charged with narcotics possession and placed in solitary confinement after prison guards claimed they discovered heroin in a jacket in his cell.

Afghanistan

CJFE saddened by death of Canadian journalist Michelle Lang

Lang, travelling with four Canadian soldiers, was killed when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

Ukraine

Politicians interfere in political talk show programming during election campaign

Certain journalists have been excluded from the lists of those who can take part in talk shows where politicians are scheduled to be interviewed.

Iran

Top journalists jailed in wake of Ashura protests

The government, struggling to silence critical voices, has recently arrested at least 11 journalists, including outspoken free press advocate Mashallah Shamsolvaezin.

Yemen

Reporter who covered unrest detained without charge

Journalist Khaled al-Jahafi was arrested while covering clashes between security forces and separatists in the southern province of Dhala.

Cameroon

Newspaper publisher receives suspended prison sentence, fine

A Yaoundé court sentenced Jean-Bosco Talla to a suspended one-year prison term, three years of probation and a fine of 3 million CFA francs.

Azerbaijan

Imprisoned journalist pardoned, released

"Bizim yol" newspaper correspondent Mushfig Huseynov was pardoned under a presidential decree.

Iran

Witnesses of crackdown arrested or censored

Demonstrations were dispersed with violence and followed by raids on opposition figures and news media.

Libya

Prominent rights advocate Jamal el-Haji arrested

El-Haji's case highlights the need to reform oppressive criminal laws curtailing free expression, says Human Rights Watch.

China

PEN American Center president calls sentencing of Liu Xiaobo a "mockery" and a "scandal"

Xiaobo was sentenced by a Beijing court to 11 years in prison for his writings.

Mexico

Newspaper owner gunned down in Quintana Roo

The journalist, who was also a lawyer, had written several articles accusing the Tulum mayor of corruption, bad administration, and disdain for the public.

Iran

Restrictive media landscape deteriorates further; yet another journalist arrested, others appear in court

CPJ is concerned that authorities censored coverage of the death of a leading reformist cleric and continue to arrest journalists.

International

Copenhagen summit: voices of those affected ignored and transparency disregarded, says ARTICLE 19

According to ARTICLE 19, the process around the Copenhagen summit lacked transparency, and restrictions on freedom of expression were widespread.

Brazil

Businessman drops lawsuit against "O Estado de São Paulo" newspaper

Businessman Fernando Sarney cited press freedom when he announced he had decided to withdraw his suit against the daily.

Vietnam

Another blogger charged with "subversion" faces death penalty

Human rights lawyer Le Cong Dinh was initially accused of "propaganda against the state" but now faces a subversion charge along with pro-democracy blogger Nguyen Tien Trung.

Ecuador

Government suspends television station for three days, fails to renew radio station's licence

The Telecommunications Superintendent's Office suspended the television station allegedly for disseminating false information.

Nigeria

Television station in Lagos attacked with explosive device

According to reports, a man said he had a "high-priority message" to deliver to two of the station's senior managers.

Venezuela

CONATEL grants privately-owned radio station's frequency to National Assembly

CONATEL has assigned to the National Assembly one of the frequencies lost by the CNB radio station when it was pulled off the air along with 31 other radio stations.

Nigeria

Intelligence police detain newspaper editor

The State Security Service reportedly wants editor Ahmed Shekarau to disclose the sources for a report published in "The Peoples Daily".

Canada

CJFE welcomes positive decisions in two Supreme Court defamation cases

Cusson v. Quan involved the first recognition of a new defence of "public interest responsible journalism" which Grant v Torstar then built upon.

Moldova

Media and human rights NGOs issue statement on threats against newspaper

The "Ziarul de Garda" newspaper received threats after publishing the results of an investigation into alleged corruption at the National Railway Company.

Bahrain

Newspaper management instructs staff to stop criticising certain institutions

BCHR expressed concern over the unwritten rules of censorship that journalists must observe when discussing certain institutions and people.

Venezuela

Armed National Guard personnel enter newspaper's premises; police seize film footage from TV station

National Guard officers entered the offices of the daily "De Frente" and stayed for three days in order to review legal documents.

Kenya

ARTICLE 19 analyses freedom of expression regime of Harmonised Draft Constitution

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the efforts to introduce a strong framework for freedom of expression, noting a number of positive aspects while at the same time outlining shortcomings.

Egypt

Blogger still detained despite four court orders calling for his release

ANHRI condemned the Interior Ministry for refusing to act on the release warrant issued by the State Security Supreme Criminal Court.

Kazakhstan / Kyrgyzstan

Prominent Kyrgyz journalist killed in Almaty

CPJ urged authorities to investigate the possibility that the journalist was killed in retaliation for his critical reporting on the Kyrgyz government.

Pakistan

Several killed, injured in suicide bomb attack on Peshawar Press Club

The dead include a police officer, the press club's accountant and two pedestrians.

Somalia

Senior journalist survives murder attempt

Hassan Mohamed Jama, director of Radio Galkayo, has survived an attack by an armed Puntland police officer.

Liberia

Newspaper publisher and printer formally charged, imprisoned

Publisher Syrenius Cephus and printing press manager Michael Makinde have been charged with sedition, criminal malevolence and criminal libel against the president.

Colombia

Manual teaches intelligence agency employees how to spy on "problematic" journalists

The weekly "Semana" has revealed the existence of a DAS instruction manual detailing how to spy on, threaten and discredit NGOs, judges and journalists.

United States

Bill targets Arab satellite channels

A bill that would penalise Arab satellite channels considered to be "enemies of the United States" is a blow to freedom of expression, says ANHRI.

Angola

Protect press freedom for Africa Cup, Human Rights Watch urges

The recent arrest of two journalists in Cabinda highlights the climate of intimidation, Human Rights Watch noted.

Chad

Cameroonian newspaper editor abducted

Innocent Ebodé, the editor of the N'Djamena-based weekly "La Voix", was kidnapped from his home in N'Djamena on 20 December 2009.

Mexico

Journalist kidnapped, receives death threat in Chihuahua

A group of armed men kidnapped Cleofas Ledezma Flores and told him to resign from his work and leave the city or else they would kill him.

Yemen

ANHRI concerned over impact of government actions on freedom of expression

The prime minister has prohibited the publication of any state advertisements in the independent press and three journalists are on trial.

Slovakia

Prime minister accuses media of conspiring to undermine government

IPI encourages the government to respect the role of independent, critical media.

Iran

Censorship and arrests as Ayatollah Montazeri is buried

Following the death of Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri, a pro-reform cleric, the authorities have been censoring national and international media.

Australia

RSF expresses concern over Internet censorship

In an open letter to the prime minister, RSF expresses serious concern over the government's plan to introduce a mandatory Internet filtering system to combat child sex abuse.

Zimbabwe

MISA issues statement on shortwave radio broadcasts

MISA finds it unfortunate that the political parties that are now in the inclusive government have misunderstood the purpose of shortwave radio stations.

Nigeria

Newspaper correspondent receives death threat

A correspondent for the daily "The Guardian" reported that he received a text messaged death threat that was linked to his reporting.

Somalia

Voice of America correspondent arrested in Puntland

Local journalists suspect the arrest of correspondent Yasin Mohamed may be linked to a report on displaced citizens who complained of mistreatment.

Somalia

Media outlets come under fire, journalists wounded

The Hamar Radio and Shabelle TV station facilities were both recently hit by mortar shells.

Togo

Newspaper "Golfe Info" suspended, fined

The newspaper was suspended for two months and ordered to pay damages to the National Intelligence Agency as a result of a recent front-page article.

Europe and Central Asia

ECHR upholds right to protect sources

In a landmark ruling, the ECHR confirmed the rights of news organisations to protect the confidentiality of their sources.

Turkey

Editor killed by gunman in western Turkey

Editor Cihan Hayirsevener had recently received death threats in connection with his work.

Pakistan

Police confirm they are holding missing Baloch journalist in custody

Several days after "Tawar" newspaper correspondent Rehmatullah Shaheen went missing, police confirmed that he had been arrested.

Kazakhstan

News editor threatened by local business woman

The threats were made after a message was aired stating a local businesswoman had been evading taxes for several years.

Cuba

IAPA protests heightened repression in Cuba

Journalist Carlos Serpa Maceira reported that he was physically attacked while covering a demonstration.

Venezuela

Official strikes journalist, accuses him of instigating violence

Badell was covering the occupation of the mayor's office by workers of the municipality who were protesting because their salaries had not been paid.

Rwanda

Tabloid accused of defaming government officials

The weekly "Umuseso" is in court for allegedly defaming the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Protais Musoni and Kigali Mayor Aisa Kirabo Kakira.

Honduras

Human rights and anti-coup activist gunned down in Tegucigalpa

Walter Tróchez's fatal shooting is a "cruel reminder that the repression that began with the 28 June coup d'état is far from over," said RSF.

Brazil

TV journalists shot at while editing material

The TV programme editor was wounded by one of the five shots fired against the news crew by two unidentified men on a motorbike.

Liberia

"Public Agenda" newspaper facing two lawsuits

While lawyers representing the newspaper were preparing to respond to a libel suit, another lawsuit for criminal coercion was filed.

Afghanistan

Three reporters freed but physical attacks on journalists continue

"We again call for measures to be taken to guarantee the safety of journalists," said RSF.

Colombia

Television host shot dead in western Colombia

The journalist was generally critical of civic problems but did not directly criticize particular officials or authorities, nor did he touch on sensitive issues.

Guatemala

Three journalists receive death threats after photographing criminals' arrest

The threats were issued after the journalists photographed National Police officers arresting two alleged extortionists who had killed a businessman.

Cameroon

Newspaper publisher held for a week on charge of insulting president

Arrested on 10 December 2009, Jean-Bosco Talla was brought before a court and pleaded not guilty to a charge of insulting President Paul Biya.

El Salvador / Honduras

Journalist's daughter killed in Honduras; more arrests in Salvadorean journalist's murder

In Honduras, the daughter of journalist Karol Cabrera was murdered after her mother filed formal complaints stating she had received threats.

The Gambia

Five years on, murder of editor Deyda Hydara remains unsolved

IPI calls on President Yahya Jammeh to find Hydara's killers.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz authorities must stop rise in attacks against the press, says CPJ

In two separate cases, a journalist was beaten and a newspaper received a bullet in an envelope along with threatening notes.

Slovenia

Concerns over reporter source protection

Courts illegally monitored telephone calls between judges and journalists, newspaper claims.

Palestine

Journalists held and harassed in the West Bank and Gaza

CPJ urged the West Bank-based Palestinian Authorities to release a detained journalist and the Hamas-led government in Gaza to end harassment of journalists.

Morocco

Jail sentences for blogger and Internet café owner

A court in Guelmim sentenced El Bachir Hazzam and Abdullah Boukfou for circulating information about a heavy-handed crackdown on student protests.

Iran

Tehran prosecutor turns on conservative news websites; blogger sentenced to six years in prison

Blogger Mohammad Pour Abdullah was sentenced on charges of "anti-government publicity" and "activities against national security".

Argentina

TV journalist assaulted, receives death threat

The actions against journalist Hugo Macchiaveli took place when he was working on a story to be aired on the "GPS" television programme.

Liberia

Newspaper publisher and printer detained by state security, released

The detentions were in connection with a story suggesting that the Liberian government was supplying arms and ammunition to Guinean dissident groups.

United States

Secretary of state highlights importance of free expression in human rights speech

Hillary Clinton's remarks build on President Obama's Nobel prize acceptance speech, in which he said "peace is unstable where citizens are denied the right to speak freely."

Ghana

Ruling party supporters assault journalists

The journalists were attacked while they were covering an awards ceremony in Sunyani, the capital of the Brong-Ahafo region.

Brazil

Media owner shot to death in Pernambuco state

Unidentified assailants shot media owner and radio host José Givonaldo Vieira outside the offices of the Bezerros FM radio station.

Tunisia

Journalist assaulted while covering hospital protest

Moez Jemai claims he saw a political police officer who was at the hospital at the time motion to the guard to approach him.

Zimbabwe

Journalists barred from ZANU-PF congress

The journalists were simply told that they were not welcome at the venue where the congress was being held.

Turkey

Another newspaper closed

An Istanbul criminal court said the weekly "Aydinlik" praised terrorism.

Tunisia

Authorities mistreating imprisoned journalist

The health and detention conditions of Ben Brik, who is currently serving a six-month jail sentence on a series of trumped-up charges, are alarming, lawyers and journalists told CPJ.

Palestine

MADA condemns detention of journalist

Awad said that he was questioned about his relationship with Wisal channel, for which he prepared a program showing the suffering of Palestinian people in Gaza.

Fiji

ASTW decides not to hold annual general meeting in Fiji

The IFJ urged the ASTW to rethink a proposal to conduct the meeting in Fiji in view of the military regime's strict censorship.

Venezuela

Ruling party supporters harass journalist; newspaper threatened with legal action

Journalist Jorge Villet Salas was thrown out of a press conference by ruling party supporters.

Philippines

Appeals court prohibits service of warrants against alleged masterminds behind Esperat killing

The decision by an associate justice halted the implementation of a 2008 arrest warrant issued against the individuals alleged to have been behind the killing of journalist Marlene Esperat.

Mexico

Reporter seeks asylum in US after receiving death threats

Ricardo Chávez Aldana received death threats after reporting on the assassination of two of his nephews.

Mexico

One month after journalist's disappearance, investigation seems to be stalled

The journalist's relatives say no one has contacted them and the case file has been passed between officials in several cities with no progress made.

Venezuela

Judge determines that journalist is to remain in custody pending trial

Journalist Leocenis García has been in detention for more than a year and a half without any hearings in his case taking place.

Russia

Verdict in Ingushetia editor's killing called miscarriage of justice by victim's family and lawyers

A police officer who fatally shot an online publisher has been convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to two years in prison.

Kyrgyzstan

Supreme Court refuses new probe in Saipov murder

The ruling came in an appeal filed by the slain editor's father, who had asked the court to order a new investigation into the 2007 killing.

Brazil

Supreme Court decision upholds censorship of newspaper

The decision upholds an earlier ruling preventing the newspaper from publishing information about a corruption case.

Pakistan

Chief justice directs media not to comment on controversial amnesty ordinance

The chief justice said the case is under judgment and, if necessary, the court would pass an order restraining the media from discussing it.

China

Detained writer Liu Xiaobo formally indicted

PEN American Center denounced the move and pledged solidarity with the literary critic.

Uzbekistan

Stop attacks, harassment of activists, says Human Rights Watch

In recent days, authorities in Karshi and Margilan have detained human rights advocates to prevent them from meeting with a Human Rights Watch researcher.

Ukraine

ARTICLE 19 and IMS call for balanced and ethical reporting during elections

The 17 January 2010 election will be the first presidential election in Ukraine since the Orange Revolution of 2004.

Eritrea

Journalist Dawit Isaak still in prison after more than eight years

Dawit was arrested in Asmara on 23 September 2001 for defending the freedom of speech of the Eritrean people in the independent newspaper "Setit".

Sri Lanka

RSF calls for calm amid pre-electoral tension

Parties and candidates participating in January 2010 elections must make press freedom and the protection of journalists a priority, says RSF.

Belarus

Journalist threatened, warned not to publish investigative report

CPJ called on authorities to prosecute the perpetrators who made death threats against "Novaya Gazeta" correspondent Iryna Khalip.

Nepal

Journalist hospitalised after assault linked to critical article

The home minister said the government will take strong action against the attackers.

Argentina

CPJ to monitor implementation of new broadcast law

Based on recent nominations for the media regulatory board, CPJ is concerned about possible political interference.

Brazil

Police officers harass, threaten photographer

Photographer Lúcio Távora was harassed and threatened by military police officers while he was photographing a demonstration by students.

Lithuania

Ban on information about sexual orientation would endanger youth, says Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch urges Parliament to reject law proposal forbidding public information that encourages homosexual relations.

Iran

Offensive against new media stepped up

The authorities had been stepping up their control of news and information ahead of demonstrations that took place on National Students Day.

United States

Human Rights Watch calls on government to release full reports into Guantanamo deaths

Researchers have found it impossible to get a clear picture of events the night the men died because the military reports they obtained have been heavily redacted.

Brazil

Journalist freed after being illegally imprisoned for defamation

A court released Antônio Muniz two days after he was jailed in connection with a 2002 conviction on a charge of defaming a senator.

Iran

Government shuts down another reformist newspaper

The Press Supervisory Board revoked the license of "Hayate No" for "working outside the regulations," according to local news reports.

Thailand

King asked to pardon Internet users prosecuted on lese majeste and national security charges

"By agreeing to this request, the king would show the entire world that he respects freedom of expression," said RSF.

India

Journalist held for 10 weeks released on bail

Laxman Choudhury is still facing a sedition charge because police found Maoist leaflets in his possession.

Honduras

Armed men threaten "El Libertador" newspaper personnel, seize equipment

The men burst into the paper's offices, threatened the staff and seized files, cameras, mobile phones and a computer.

Mozambique

Journalists threatened, denied access to Renamo leader

Reporters who went to the former rebel movement leader's home to inquire about his health were forcefully turned away by his bodyguards.

Tibet (China)

Two Tibetans sentenced to three years in jail for posting Dalai Lama photographs online

The two have been detained in Lhasa since 1 October 2009, while their families have been unable to visit them or obtain any information about them.

Burma

Detained poet released by authorities

Poet Khant Min Htet has been released after being detained by the police for about 10 days.

Nepal

Journalist found unconscious after receiving threatening messages

Tika Bista was found in an unconscious state in a bush near her house on 8 December 2009.

Mexico

NGOs condemn proposed Federal Radio and Television Law amendment

The proposed amendment would allow for prison terms of up to 12 years for individuals who install, operate, collaborate with or sell equipment to unauthorised television or radio stations.

Serbia

ANEM calls on authorities to protect B92 journalists

B92 TV journalists have received death threats after airing a programme about lack of progress in cases involving criminal charges against football fans.

Canada / Iran

Quebec court to hear Kazemi family case against Iranian government

The Kazemi family's lawyers have repeatedly condemned the judicial proceedings in Iran as a farce.

Chad

Former minister sues editor over embezzlement allegations

The minister was fired a few days after an article in "N'Djamena Bi Hebdo" implicated him in the affair.

Malawi

Court reserves ruling on editor's case

A decision on the case of editor Gabriel Kamlomo, who was accused of broadcasting false information likely to cause public fear and alarm, has been postponed until 22 December 2009.

Iran

Two journalists arrested as intimidation continues

The latest victims are journalist Tahereh Riahai, who was arrested in Tehran, and Farhad Sharfai, a blogger arrested in Khoramabad.

Zimbabwe

Permanent secretary for media admits to state monopoly over broadcast industry

The permanent secretary also alleged that an agreement exists between the United States and Botswana to broadcast anti-government propaganda into Zimbabwe.

Indonesia

Drop censorship of critical film, Human Rights Watch urges

Human Rights Watch called on the government to revoke the censorship board's sweeping powers to restrict the right to freedom of expression.

Ethiopia

Independent newspaper closes, its editors flee country fearing persecution

IPI regrets tragic loss of one of Ethiopia's leading independent newspapers six months before the May 2010 general elections.

Azerbaijan

Health of detained journalist seriously deteriorating

The family of journalist Mushfig Huseynov are calling for his release on medical grounds.

Kyrgyzstan

Authorities deny entry to prominent human rights defender

Human Rights Watch urged the government to allow monitors into the country.

China

After one year in detention, prominent dissident's fate still uncertain

Liu Xiaobo's release hinges on international action, Human Rights Watch noted.

Colombia

Columnist sentenced to three days' detention

The journalist was accused of failing to issue a court-ordered correction to his comments about a judge belonging to the Judiciary High Council.

Somalia

Freelance photographer dies from his injuries following Mogadishu suicide bombing

Seven journalists were injured in the explosion, according to CPJ.

Mexico

Journalists injured while covering shoot out

Two journalists were injured during a confrontation between hit men and federal officers in the municipality of Fresnillo.

Western Europe / Netherlands

Media groups urge European Court of Human Rights to reaffirm right to protect sources

In their brief to the court, ARTICLE 19 and partners call for high-level protection of journalists' sources.

Chad

Judge orders automatic seizure of newspaper's issues

The court could not legally order the newspaper's closure so it issued the automatic seizure order because the effect would be the same.

Iran

Two prominent journalists sentenced to long prison terms

Hengameh Shahidi was sentenced to six years and three months in prison, while Saeed Laylaz was sentenced to a prison sentence of no fewer than nine years.

Argentina

IAPA concerned at government bid to control newsprint production

Papel Prensa, the country's leading producer of newsprint, was taken to the economic crimes court by the Interior Commerce minister.

Guinea

Free or charge rights defender, Human Rights Watch urges

Mouctar Diallo was detained for having given an interview to Voice of America radio the day after the 28 September massacre in Conakry.

Greece

IFJ condemns outbreak of violence against media

The office of a journalists' union leader and the home of a union vice-president were targetted in separate bombings.

Somalia

Two journalists killed in Mogadishu suicide bombing, others injured

The explosion occurred during a university graduation ceremony at a hotel in Mogadishu.

Georgia

Government department threatens to blackmail journalist

When journalist Tedo Jorbenadze refused to divulge information about "Batumelebi" newspaper, law enforcers threatened to blackmail him.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist detained by intelligence agents in Béni

The ANR reportedly accused him of waging a "campaign" against President Kabila's public works programme on his morning show.

Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia

Public broadcasters under threat in southeastern and central Europe

In Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Croatia and Hungary, public service journalists, editors and managers are enduring political, financial or economic pressure.

Brazil

Journalist caught in gunfire

Pamela Martin, a reporter for RBS TV, was shot in the leg while she was working on a report about illegal fishing in Bocaína do Sul.

Bolivia

Police officers assault and detain television crew; journalist reports she was kidnapped

The assault by police took place when the television crew was covering a kidnapping case.

Syria

Newspaper journalist is latest victim of wave of arbitrary arrests and trials

"President Bashar Al-Assad has built himself the image of an international negotiator but Syrians who defend free expression are being sidelined and jailed one by one," says RSF.

Chad

Authorities continue to hound new weekly, seek its closure

"After deporting 'La Voix''s editor and putting strong pressure on its shareholders for more than six weeks, the authorities are now trying to obtain the newspaper's closure," said RSF.

Brazil

Special commission presents amended right to information bill

ARTICLE 19 outlines issues that still need to be addressed, such as the establishment of an independent body to consider appeals against refusals to provide access to information.

Uzbekistan

Activist freed under government amnesty

Sanjar Umarov was released after serving four years of a seven-year prison sentence on politically-motivated charges.

Brazil

Journalism student ordered to pay hefty amount in "moral damages" case after critical comments posted on his blog

Journalism student Emílio Moreno da Silva Neto was sued for "moral damages" after a third party posted a comment on his blog criticising the director of a local private school.

Pakistan

Gunmen fire at journalist's home

In a call received after the incident, the caller said the shooting was the "trailer", and that if the journalist was not careful about what he wrote he would see the "complete movie."

Honduras

National Police officers detain Spanish journalist

Spanish journalist Mario Gazcón Aranda was detained by police as he was taking photographs in the capital.

Philippines

Press club president's home targeted by shooters

IFJ deplores continuing anti-media violence after another act of intimidation against a press freedom activist.

Somalia

Further details emerge of kidnapped journalists' ordeal

Both journalists told media they were tortured and beaten during their time in captivity.

Honduras

Explosive device thown at television station building

An explosive device was thrown at a building used to broadcast the signal of the Canal 10 television station and the "Abriendo Brecha" news programme.

Honduras

Radio América suffers grenade attack

An explosive was thrown into the offices of Radio América by two individuals on a motorcycle.

India

Editor released after one month in prison

RSF is pleased to learn that A.S. Mani, editor of the Tamil magazine "Novena Netrikkan", was released on bail on 27 November 2009.

Russia

Television journalist dies after falling from window, local activists believe she was murdered

"She was murdered. If I am found dead on the rails, do not believe that I committed suicide," said Olga Kotovskaya's husband and former co-owner of Kaskad television.

Equatorial Guinea

President dominates state media election coverage, opposition invisible

In the absence of any independent media, RSF condemns the state-owned media's one-sided coverage of the campaign for the 29 November 2009 presidential election.

Germany

IFJ condemns political interference to remove TV chief

IFJ condemned the decision to remove Nikolaus Brender, editor-in-chief of the Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF).

Mexico

Radio station director murdered in Jalisco state

The body of "Pepe Galindo" was discovered at his home in Guadalajara, in the western state of Jalisco, on 24 November 2009.

Mexico

State government official assaults journalist, files complaint against cartoonist

Photojournalist Miguel Ángel Carmona was assaulted by the secretary of the Veracruz government.

Venezuela

Individual accused of being behind journalist's murder to face new trial

The accused was previously detained but released in 2008 after being tried for the same case.

Peru

Journalists attacked during confrontation between police and demonstrators

The journalists were covering a demonstration in Apurimac which was violently suppressed by the police.

Tunisia

Journalist Taoufik Ben Brik sentenced to six months in prison with no parole

No one has been allowed to see the journalist since the verdict was announced and no one knows where he is being held, which is cause for serious concern.

Pakistan

Lawyers attack media team on court premises

A reporter and cameraman with Dunya TV were attacked by a group of lawyers while covering prisoners' meetings in a Lahore court.

Russia

Security guards attack journalists, prevent them from reporting

Moscow has seen a sudden upsurge in private security guard activity, reports GDF.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Leading suspect in journalist's murder escapes from military cell in Bukavu

Corp. Sébastien Tandema escaped from a cell on 23 November 2009, just five days after he was arrested for the murder of journalist Didace Namujimbo.

Canada

CJFE welcomes CRTC decision to allow Al Jazeera English broadcasts

The broadcast regulator has approved the addition of Al Jazeera English Television to the lists of eligible satellite services for distribution on a digital basis in Canada.

Burundi

Reverse ban on civil society group, Human Rights Watch urges

This is the first nongovernmental organization to be banned in Burundi, a worrisome development as the country gears up for presidential elections.

Venezuela

Police officer assaults camera operator in Zulia state; radio journalist assaulted in Caracas

The first incident occurred while the camera operator was filming a confrontation in San Francisco Municipality.

Tunisia

Journalist Fahem Boukadous comes out of hiding

"I am free, I'm happy," said Boukadous after 16 and a half months in hiding.

Guinea

Independent press group threatened by military

RSF learned from a source within the military government that the Lynx-Lance press group and some of its journalists could be the target of a military operation.

Germany

Allegations of political interference loom over public broadcaster

The ZDF Administrative Council is expected to decide on the future of the broadcaster's editor-in-chief at a 27 November meeting.

India

Television channels attacked by political party activists in Maharashtra State

IPI called on political parties to respect the media.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns closure of another radio station in Gedo region

Privatly-owned Maandeeq Radio was closed on 24 November 2009 by armed men linked to the Al-Shabaab administration.

Maldives

Defamation decriminalised

The Maldives parliament passed an amendment to the Penal Code abolishing five articles related to criminal defamation.

Honduras

Media and journalists increasingly harassed in run up to elections

ARTICLE 19 called for the postponement of the elections until guarantees for the protection of freedom of expression and the press can be provided.

Pakistan / United Arab Emirates

Pakistani government pressures UAE to block television programme

The popular programme was prevented from being telecast on the night of 23 November 2009 from the Dubai studios of Geo TV.

Somalia

CJFE welcomes release of Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout and Australian Nigel Brennan

Canadian journalist Amanda Lindhout and her Australian colleague Nigel Brennan have been released after 15 months in captivity.

Yemen

Human rights organisation attacked following publication of report on torture

CIHRS strongly condemns the attack on the headquarters of The Arab Sisters Forum for Human Rights.

Malaysia

CIJ welcomes state government's attempts to declassify report on 2008 landslide

The public should demand their right to know and object to the government's use of the Official Secrets Act, CIJ said.

Kazakhstan

Parliament moves to further restrict media freedom as country assumes OSCE chairmanship

IPI urges OSCE member states to strongly criticise such press freedom restrictions, "which go against the spirit and intent of the OSCE itself."

Mexico

Impunity surrounds case of journalist missing for three years

ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS condemn the government's failure to identify and punish those responsible for the disappearance.

Tunisia

RSF fears "political manipulation" behind case of jailed journalist

Zouhaïer Makhlouf was arrested on 20 October 2009 after posting a video report on the Internet.

Honduras

Canal 36 television station off the air once again due to interference with its broadcast signal

The de facto government is believed to be behind the interference in the station's broadcast signal.

Kenya

Communications regulations require significant amendments, says ARTICLE 19

The Kenyan government must substantially revise the regulations so that they meet international standards for freedom of expression and media diversity, says ARTICLE 19.

Kuwait

Journalist arrested over remarks made at a private social gathering

Muhammad Abd al-Qadir al-Jasim was arrested on 22 November 2009 on charges of libel and slander.

Guatemala

APG expresses concern over president's comments against the media

The president criticised the press for its coverage of the construction of the Franja Transversal del Norte highway.

Egypt

Author and publisher of graphic novel fined

Author Magdi El Shafai and publisher Mohamed El Sahrqawi were each fined 5,000 pounds (approx. US$900) for publishing "immoral material."

Tanzania

Police summon and interrogate freelance journalist

Police in the Singida region interrogated freelance journalist Jumbe Ismailly for allegedly defaming Regional Commissioner Parseko Kone.

Iran

Five journalists convicted, another arrested and one released

"Despite clear condemnation from the United Nations, the Iranian authorities continue to torture journalists and try them without any transparency, behind closed doors," RSF said.

Iraq

Baghdad shooting of journalist sparks anger over Iraqi failure to combat impunity

Imad al Ibadi, director of Al Diyar TV, was shot three times in the head, neck and chest.

Mexico

Journalist receives death threats from police officers

Journalist Manuel Morales was taking photographs of a checkpoint when federal police officers threatened to kill him.

Mexico

Founder of community radio station accused of forcible confinement

The founder of Radio Ñomndaa, David Valtierra Arango, said, "There is a direct relationship between this harassment and the work carried out by the radio station."

The Gambia

UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calls for Manneh's release

The group said the journalist's arrest and continued detention were without legal justification and in violation of international law.

International / Ireland

ARTICLE 19 expresses concern at new attempts to legitimise religious defamation using principles of blasphemy

Pakistan's submissions on defamation of religions adopted the exact wording of Irish legislation on blasphemous libel.

Ukraine

Several independent broadcasters harassed, taken off air in Odessa

Officials have been obstructing the work of local television and radio stations on the grounds of alleged building renovation, according to local news reports.

Turkey

Media allowed to use Kurdish language but still forbidden to discuss Kurdish issues freely, says RSF

"The lifting of language restrictions must not be allowed to eclipse the fact that the media are still the victims of intimidation when they try to tackle sensitive issues," RSF warned.

Argentina

Senate approves bill decriminalising defamation

The approval constitutes a historical landmark in the Western Hemisphere's press freedom jurisprudence, says WPFC.

Philippines

CMFR statement on the killings in Maguindanao

The brutality and sheer senselessness of the attack represent a new low, even in the country's shameful record of violence, notes CMFR.

Singapore

Government refuses to renew foreign journalist's visa

While in Singapore, British journalist Benjamin Bland maintained a blog featuring occasional critical commentary on the country, including an entry on official secrecy over death penalty statistics.

Philippines

Twelve reporters among victims of mass killing

As many as 12 journalists have been confirmed dead in a massacre of more than 21 people.

China

Website founder jailed for three years

IFJ condemns the sentence imposed on cyber-dissident Huang Qi by the Court of Wuhou in China's Sichuan Province.

Zambia

"The Post" editor-in-chief charged with contempt of court

The editor-in-chief of "The Post" newspaper, Fred M’membe, appeared before judge David Simusamba to answer to charges of contempt of court leveled against both him and his paper.

Argentina

New threats against journalists in Tartagal

Mabel Carrizo and Julio Marín, journalists for the Video Tar cable television station in the city of Tartagal, have once again received threats presumed to be associated with their work.

Ghana

Two reporters attacked while covering trial of police officers

Journalists Sammy Darko and Cynthia Essandoh were attacked while covering the trial of six policemen and their civilian accomplices.

Argentina

IAPA characterises Supreme Court decision as a step forward in the fight against impunity

The Supreme Court has overturned a ruling that granted conditional release from prison to one of photojournalist José Luis Cabezas' killers.

Thailand

Online censorship and new arrests of Internet users

Thassaporn Rattawongsa is the fourth Internet user to be arrested for attributing the stock market's fall to the king's health.

Mexico

Crime reporter vanishes in western Michoacán

A reporter who had recently covered corruption and organised crime was reported missing in the western state of Michoacán, according to local news reports.

Brazil

Judge forbids bloggers from writing about politician's court case

Enock Cavalcanti and Adriana Vandoni were forbidden by Judge Pedro Sakamoto from voicing personal opinions on a court case against politician José Riva.

Indonesia

Two foreign journalists deported on immigration charges

The journalists had been covering protest activities staged by Greenpeace against deforestation in the Kampar Peninsula.

Brazil

Local executive undermines preparatory conference on communications reform

The São Paulo executive refused to convene a second Preparatory Conference on communications despite broad support from the municipal legislature and civil society.

Turkey

Journalist accused of "insulting public officials" sentenced to jail term

After rejecting Haci Bogatekin's apology, a criminal court handed him a 2-year, 2-month and 7-day prison sentence for "insult to public officials".

Morocco

Court bans "Al Masheel" newspaper

Three "Al Masheel" journalists were previously sentenced following the publication of articles on the health of King Mohammed VI.

Indonesia

Three Papuan flag-raisers convicted

President Yudhoyono should uphold free expression, says Human Rights Watch.

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 supports human rights defenders' quest for justice

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 18 November 2009 - ARTICLE 19 pledges its support to three Sudanese human rights defenders who have submitted an application to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) seeking justice for their unconstitutional detention in November 2008.

Somalia

Journalists wounded in Galkayo and Mogadishu

NUSOJ condemns the targeted shooting of two journalists working for international news media organizations.

Kyrgyzstan

Human Rights Watch calls for release of two rights activists

According to Human Rights Watch, the government is out to stop research into abuses committed against so-called extremists in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED deplores ANR raid on Mbuji-Mayi station, assault of staff

On 12 November 2009, a group of security officers broke into the RTEELDA newsroom, brutalising journalists and other employees in the studio.

Singapore

Magazine to pay prime minister and his father S$405,000 in damages and cost for defamation

The High Court had earlier ruled that the "Far Eastern Economic Review" had defamed both leaders in a 2006 article.

Algeria

Newspaper supplement banned after reporting on corruption

A prosecutor banned "Sirry Lelghaya", a supplement of "Al Monaqsa" newspaper, claiming it was unlicenced.

Iran

Government launches web crime unit

Although vowing to fight cyber crime in general, the unit has placed its emphasis on "insults and lies" - a term often used to describe opposition statements.

Palestine

Former Aqsa TV journalists arrested by security forces

Salam Fayyad's government banned Aqsa TV in the West Bank on 16 September 2007.

Benin

Radio station suspended for 30 days

Benin's media regulatory body said Capp FM was suspended for hosting a programme that "endangered national cohesion and peace".

Tunisia

IFJ condemns abduction of broadcaster

Radio Kalima Director Omar Mestiri was attacked by unidentified assailants before being bundled into a car and driven to an unknown location.

Vietnam

Writer detained after expressing support for dissidents on trial

WiPC is seriously concerned for her health and that of another imprisoned writer.

China

New restrictions on media enforced as Obama speaks out

The authorities ordered the deletion of any news referring to questions raised at a forum in which the US president participated.

Mexico

Chamber of Deputies approves motion to have committee on violence against the press reestablished

The special special committee on violence against the press did not originally appear on the list of committees mandated for the current legislative session, which began sitting in September.

Indonesia

Two foreign journalists arrested while covering Greenpeace rally

The police failed to present an arrest warrant when detaining the journalists and 30 Greenpeace activists.

Asia and Pacific

PFF calls on Pacific lawmakers to follow UK example and review defamation laws

PFF welcomes news of the decriminalisation of defamation in the United Kingdom and calls on pacific lawmakers to follow suit.

Bahrain

Columnist suspended after writing articles about demands for democratic reforms

Ali Saleh was advised that, following orders from "high-level authorities," he was suspended indefinitely.

Syria

Rights activist and lawyer permanently disbarred

The Damascus Bar Association should reverse the decision to permanently disbar lawyer and rights activist Muhanad al-Hasani, says Human Rights Watch.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Reoccurrence of death threats against journalist

Journalist Bakir Hadziomerovic and his family have received continuous death threats in connection with his reporting on alleged links between politicians and organised crime.

Colombia

Individual accused of journalist's murder acquitted

Judge Víctor Narváez said that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to allow for sentencing of the alleged killer of journalist José Everardo Aguilar.

Tibet (China)

Court hands down heavy sentences to two Internet writers

Kunga Tseyang received a five-year sentence while Kunchok Tsephel was sentenced to 15 years on a charge of "divulging state secrets".

Zambia

Court throws out Chansa Kabwela obscenity case

The ruling is a huge victory for press freedom in sub-Saharan Africa, says IPI.

Rwanda

Heavy fines but no jail time for editor convicted of defamation

Jean Bosco Gasasira was convicted on charges of defamation and invasion of privacy but acquitted on the more serious charge of insult and abuse.

Uzbekistan

Growing persecution of farmers' rights activists

Human rights defender and farmers' rights activist Ganikhon Mamatkhanov is facing trial on politically motivated charges, says Human Rights Watch.

United Kingdom

Defamation decriminalised

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the decriminalisation of defamation and calls on the government to maintain its leadership by reforming the UK's infamous civil defamation legislation.

Tunisia

Interior Ministry interferes with distribution of opposition newspapers

The boards of three opposition publications decided not to publish their newspapers for a week to protest the government's actions.

Mexico

Impunity surrounds case of journalist Armando Rodríguez one year after his murder

A year after the murder of journalist Armando Rodríguez, the individuals involved in the crime have not been identified and two prosecutors in charge of the case have been assassinated.

Tunisia

Another blogger harassed, detained

ANHRI denounces the policy of intimidation that aims to silence any free voices, including that of blogger Fatma Riahi.

Colombia

Television news crew assaulted by prison guard in Palmira, Valle del Cauca

Journalist Carlos Gutiérrez and camera operator Edison Ardín, of the Telepacífico television station, were assaulted by a guard from the National Prison Institute.

Ukraine

Directors of four television stations believe municipal authorities are trying to silence their media outlets

Four Odessa-based television stations claim their activities are being hampered in an attempt to silence them after they were forced to move out of a municipal building to allow for renovations.

Liberia

Editor sued by member of House of Representatives

A lawsuit has been filed against "New Broom" newspaper publisher and editor Roland Worwee after he published articles linking a member of the House of Representatives and the president to alleged irregularities in a contract with Cavalla Rubber Co.

Burma

Another blogger arrested for posts about Saffron Revolution

A young blogger, Win Zaw Naing, is facing a possible 15-year jail sentence for posting pictures and reports about the September 2007 protests.

Rwanda

ARTICLE 19 reviews draft law on access to information

"In adopting its right to information law, Rwanda will join nearly 90 other countries and territories who have done so worldwide," says ARTICLE 19.

Suriname

Journalist threatened after reporting on cocaine missing from police vault

Ivan Cairo received a threatening phone call after his newspaper published several articles on the disappearance of more than 90 kg of cocaine from a police department vault.

Afghanistan

Reporting team freed after nearly a week in captivity

A Norwegian freelance journalist and an Afghan colleague were released after being held captive by the Taliban.

Cambodia

Lawmaker convicted of defamation files appeal with Supreme Court

In August, a municipal court found Mu Sochua guilty of defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen and ordered her to pay a fine and compensation.

Gabon

Communications council punishes nine media outlets

"Evidently, (the CNC) does not accept that members of government and the ruling party should attract criticism," said RSF.

Egypt

Violator of online free expression to host international Internet meeting

"It is astonishing that a government that is openly hostile to Internet users is assigned the organisation of an international meeting on the Internet's future," said RSF.

Bolivia

Demonstrators burst into state-owned radio station, interrupt its broadcast

A representative for the group said the demonstrators seized some government offices after breaking off their dialogue with the authorities.

Pakistan

Two journalists held after helping media probe Mumbai attackers' background

Although charged with theft and fraud, the two journalists were arrested for helping news media get information about Ajmal Kasab, a participant in the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, says RSF.

Mexico

Television news crew attacked by union members

The union is apparently unhappy with how TV Azteca covered the government's decision to shut down a state-run energy company.

Palestine

Ramattan news agency raided by security forces

Internal security forces raided the agency's offices in Gaza City and prevented the holding of a press conference.

Ghana

Police assault radio journalist and briefly detain him

The journalist, who had photographed a man the policemen had allegedly tied to an electric pole, was accused of "disrespecting" the police officers.

Mexico

Suspect in American journalist's murder to remain in custody pending hearing

A hearing scheduled for 19 November will decide whether the accused will be released or remain in jail based on a motion filed by his lawyers.

Sierra Leone

Supreme Court dismisses journalists' association challenge to criminal, seditious libel laws

IPI urges the government to ensure libel laws are in line with media freedom standards.

Russia

Journalist assaulted in Tyumen region

According to GDF, the assault may be linked to the journalist's professional activities.

Iraq

Iraqi court fines "Guardian" newspaper for defaming prime minister

A Baghad court has ruled that the London-based newspaper defamed the prime minister in an April 2009 article depicting increasing authoritarianism in his government.

Cambodia

King Norodom Sihamoni pushes for release of jailed journalist

The king has indicated to Prime Minister Hun Sen his interest in granting amnesty to newspaper publisher Hang Chakra, who was convicted of disinformation.

China

Magazine staff take stand against editorial interference

IFJ is concerned about editorial integrity and managerial interference at "Caijing" magazine after its editor-in-chief and many other employees resigned.

Pakistan

Media personnel assaulted, detained while covering protest at jail

Four journalists were assaulted and injured and at least five others were detained by personnel from a jail in Punjab while covering a protest by inmates.

Pakistan

RSF calls for better media access to Tribal Areas

Independent reporting has been getting more and more infrequent since the offensive against the Taliban began on 17 October 2009.

Ghana

Cabinet approves Right to Information Bill

MFWA is pleased with this development and reiterates its position that RTI encourages accountability through transparency.

Lebanon

Journalist charged with "insulting" president following critical comments in TV show

IPI calls on authorities to drop charges against Simon Abou Fadel and repeal criminal defamation laws.

Azerbaijan

Bloggers sentenced in hooliganism case

On 11 November 2009, bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade were found guilty of "hooliganism" and sentenced to two-and-a-half and two years of prison, respectively.

Georgia / Russia

IFJ endorses joint Russian and Georgian demand to end media restrictions

Media groups are calling for an end to war propaganda and concrete actions to promote dialogue and confidence between Russian and Georgian journalists.

Zimbabwe

State broadcaster suspends employees for leaking information

Three employees with the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings (ZBH) were suspended from their positions for 10 days after being accused of leaking information on a government directive.

Honduras

Canal 36 television station reports that its employees are being harassed, prevented from entering the presidential palace

Journalist Esdras Amado López has reported that CONATEL personnel are once again harassing Canal 36 and a station employee was denied entry into the presidential palace.

India

Journalists seek check on "cash for coverage" abuse

Cash payments were used to secure favourable media coverage for particular candidates and parties during the general elections to three state legislative assemblies in October.

Iraq

Journalist brutally assaulted in Kurdistan

The assault underscores the extreme difficulties encountered by journalists working in Iraqi Kurdistan today and the risks they face, according to a colleague of Nabaz Goran.

Cambodia

Freelance journalist sentenced to two years' imprisonment

On 6 November 2009, journalist Rus Sokhet was convicted for "spreading disinformation".

Palestine

Officials in Gaza prevent journalists' meeting from taking place

The IFJ has condemned the action of Hamas officials in Gaza who prevented a meeting of journalists aimed at building a dialogue with Palestinian colleagues in the West Bank.

Ghana

Soccer fans attack radio commentator

On 8 November 2009, Real Tamale United supporters assaulted reporter Kwabena Ntow for alleged biased reporting about their club.

Burkina Faso

Media regulatory body suspends television station

On 26 October 2009, the Supreme Council for Communication directed the management of TVZ Africa to suspend transmission for technical reasons.

Venezuela

Community radio station programme cancelled; police briefly detain photojournalist

The "In Defence of the Right to Education" radio programme was taken off the air after broadcasting a sexual abuse complaint involving a teacher and student.

The Gambia

Government backtracks in case of tortured journalist

The government has asked the ECOWAS Community Court for additional time to prepare its defence in the case of journalist Musa Saidkhan.

Israel / Palestine

Israeli forces assault two photographers in Nablus

Reuters photographer Abdul Rahim Quseini and AFP photographer Arif Tufaha were assaulted by soldiers in the West Bank.

Cuba

Prominent blogger abducted, beaten

Cuba's most prominent blogger, Yoani Sánchez, together with blogger Orlando Luís Pardo Lazo, were forced into an unmarked vehicle, beaten and threatened by their captors.

Honduras

Radio station hit by grenade; two persons injured

IPI highlights the importance of the free flow of information and ideas during the political crisis.

Togo

Parliament passes amendment to strengthen powers of broadcast authority

The passage of the new law has received widespread condemnation from media groups and freedom of expression organisations, says MFWA.

Iran

IFJ concerned for safety of Danish journalism student in Iran

Witness reports say the student was arrested during demonstrations marking the 30th anniversary of the storming of the US embassy in Tehran.

Malaysia

CIJ criticises seizure of Bibles in Kuching

Fifteen thousand Bibles have been confiscated since September 2009 because they use the term "Allah" for "God" in the text.

Thailand

Government directions on "rumor-mongering" growing out of proportion, says SEAPA

The information minister threatened to pursue legal action against websites that host discussions on the King's health.

Pakistan

Local police manhandle and detain journalist

Umer Aslam was arrested and assaulted when he went to cover a student demonstration in Lahore on 5 November 2009.

International

ICTY convicts French journalist of contempt of court for disclosing confidential information

ARTICLE 19 submits an amicus brief in Florence Hartmann's case.

Iran

Arrests of journalists since disputed June election now top 100

"This situation is intolerable. The international community must come to the aid of Iran's journalists," said RSF.

Egypt / Saudi Arabia

IFJ condemns boycott of Iranian television network by Arab satellite operators

The satellite operators must respect Al Alam's editorial independence and allow pluralism in public information, says IFJ.

Fiji

Academic deported after commenting on political situation

PFF condemned the illegal detention, assault and deportation of Professor Brij Lal.

Ukraine

Journalist assaulted by parliamentarian

Alexei Vasilevich, editor of "Skandalny Zhitomir" newspaper, suffered a concussion and numerous bruises following the attack in Zhitomir.

Bolivia

President rebukes two journalists who questioned him about a terrorism case

The president accused one of the journalists of attempting to defend terrorism and secessionism with her questions.

Venezuela

Journalist summoned to District Attorney's office after voicing his opinion about accusations against a mayor

The journalist was summoned as part of a procedure to evaluate if there are motives to charge the accused.

Thailand

Thai speech advocates question use of Computer Crimes Act vs. two accused of stock manipulation

Free speech and Internet advocates are questioning why police invoked the Computer Crimes Act against two people accused of spreading rumours about the king's health.

Guinea

Journalist assaulted by army officer in front of other soldiers

MFWA is deeply concerned about the impunity with which military officers have been harassing citizens, particularly journalists, in Guinea.

Namibia

MISA urges national broadcaster to ensure equal access for all political parties

MISA is calling on the NBC to accelerate the airtime allocation process ensuring equitable access for political parties participating in the upcoming elections.

Albania

Independent editor attacked following critical reports

Local sources reported that editor Mero Baze was beaten by businessman Rezart Taci and his bodyguards after the editor produced a serious of reports accusing Taci of tax evasion.

China

Berlin Twitter Wall website blocked just days after its launch

RSF urges the Chinese government to allow its citizens to access this special Twitter site, which is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Pakistan

Media regulatory authority orders FM radio stations to stop broadcasting BBC news bulletins

The Pakistan Electronic Media Regularity Authority said that the radio stations had violated the terms of their licences.

International

GTI analyses draft World Bank information disclosure policy

While the new policy will bring greater transparency to the Bank, it still falls well short of standards set out by the GTI.

Burma

Poet arrested, his whereabouts unknown

Khant Min Htet, a poet and the layout designer for the Rangoon-based "Ahlinkar Wutyee Journal", was picked up by police and his home was subsequently searched.

Iran

Hunger-striking journalist released, a second remains in prison

Both Henghami Shahidi and Fariba Pejoh are in poor health after a week-long hunger strike.

Fiji

Attorney general erases credibilty with claim that media can report freely, says PFF

According to media reports, during a seminar at a university the attorney general said, "Are journalists being locked up? Are journalists being told what to write? No!"

Kyrgyzstan

State weekly reporter attacked, beaten in Osh

Police should investigate work-related motives in a weekend assault that left reporter Kubanychbek Zholdoshev with a concussion and broken ribs, says CPJ.

Morocco

Press freedom "disappointingly absent from agenda" of visiting US Secretary of State; another editor given suspended sentence

"Press freedom in Morocco is getting worse, not better, and world leaders such as Mrs. Clinton seem to fall silent on the issue," said IPI.

Egypt

Investigation into assault on blogger terminated

The prosecution has decided to put an end to the investigation of an assault on the well known blogger Wael Abbas.

Peru

Journalist attacked by criminal's relative; columnist accused of defamation

Journalist Jairo Vásquez Vela was attacked while covering the transfer of a criminal to hospital; the former EsSalud manager has filed a defamation lawsuit against the columnist Nancy Alarcón Chong.

Yemen

New Yemeni press court sentences, bans journalists

A new press court sentenced journalist Munir Mawari to two years in prison and editor Samir Jubran to a one-year suspended jail term on charges of defaming the president.

Azerbaijan

Justice Ministry conducts inspection of IRFS office, questions staff

IRFS views the sudden and unwarranted initiation of an inspection of the organisation by the Justice Ministry as the beginning of a new campaign of pressure.

Argentina

WPFC urges Senate to approve bill decriminalising defamation

WPFC welcomes the Chamber of Deputies' approval of a bill that would decriminalise defamation and calls on the Senate to follow suit.

Tunisia

Ailing journalist faces three years in prison

Taoufik Ben Brik has been remanded in custody on charges of violating public decency, defamation, assault and damaging another person's property.

Morocco

Suspended jail terms, exorbitant damages award against newspaper publisher and cartoonist

A Casablanca court ordered Taoufiq Bouachrine and Khalid Gueddar to pay 270,000 euros in damages to Prince Moulay Ismaïl, a cousin of the king.

Mexico

Another reporter assassinated in Durango despite authorities' knowledge of threats against him

José Bladimir Antuna García, a reporter for "El Tiempo" newspaper, was found dead after having been kidnapped by armed men in the city of Durango.

Pakistan

National Assembly Standing Committee recommends curb on electronic media coverage

A National Assembly committee has proposed amendments to a media law, under which no media outlet will be allowed to broadcast any programme "inciting violence".

China

Internet writer and activist sentenced

WiPC protests the ten year prison sentence handed down to dissident writer and activist Guo Quan for "subversion of state power".

Honduras

National Telecommunications Commission returns seized equipment

The National Telecommunications Commission has returned equipment which it seized from the Radio Globo radio station and Canal 36 television station on 28 September.

Yemen

Journalist beaten and tortured in prison

ANHRI expresses its concern after the wife of journalist Salah Al Saqladi revealed that her husband was subjected to beatings and torture in prison.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns media house raid, journalists' detention

A group of armed men stormed the Warsan Radio compound and arrested one of the station's reporters.

Mexico

Columnist reports having received death threats

Columnist María de los Ángeles González Hernández reported that she has been receiving death threats which she believes originate from union leaders in Veracruz.

Israel / Palestine

Two photographers attacked in Hebron

MADA condemns the attacks on photographers Abdel-Hafiz Hashlamoun and Najeh Hashlamoun in two separate incidents in Hebron.

China

Authorities detain Uighur website managers

Chinese police have reportedly arrested two Uighur journalists who published online about Uighur issues in Xinjiang.

Grenada

Weekly to be liquidated as a result of former prime minister's libel suit

"'Grenada Today''s liquidation is bad news for media diversity and, above all, a very bad precedent for the resolution of disputes linked to press offences," RSF said.

Burma

Politicians call for media freedom before 2010 polls

Politicians preparing to contest the 2010 general elections explain that they are not permitted to publicise their activities in the domestic media.

Tunisia

Journalist kidnapped and beaten in brutal attack, another arrested

"Criticising Ben Ali or his family is the most dangerous thing you can do in Tunisia," vice-president of Tunisian press freedom observatory tells IPI.

Niger

Editor freed after more than two months in custody

Abdoulaye Tiémogo told RSF that prison conditions in Ouallam were appalling. "There were almost 20 of us in cells designed for four or five people."

Bhutan

Mass resignations in Bhutan's daily newspaper raise concerns

The IFJ is alarmed to learn of the resignation of all "Bhutan Times" journalists after sharp disagreements on editorial process and content with a newly appointed chief executive.

Russia

Drop criminal libel charges against activist, Human Rights Watch urges

The charges stem from the activist's statement that the president of Chechnya was responsible for the murder of researcher Natalia Estemirova.

Brazil

Journalist assaulted by former treasury secretary

The local treasury secretary had been jailed for 18 days after the publication of a report written by journalist Fábio Oliva linking him to fraud in a bidding process.

Burma

Members of volunteer group arrested, including freelance journalist

Members of the group had compiled a list of Cyclone Nargis victims, donated school textbooks and covered other school expenses.

Colombia

Unknown individuals try to break into journalist's home days before she is due to testify against DAS

This is the latest incident against journalist Claudia Duque who has been threatened, followed and harassed over the past few years.

South Africa

New bill threatens media freedom, says MISA

Media practitioners are raising concerns over the new Protection of Harassment Bill, describing it as a form of censorship.

Guinea

Ruling party supporters turn on journalist

"You have come to spy on us. You have infiltrated our ranks. You will be punished!" one female supporter yelled on realising that Bah was a reporter.

Sri Lanka

Discharge of magazine publisher and partner welcomed

The state attorney reportedly informed the court that there was no evidence linking the accused with any terrorist act or organisation.

Sierra Leone

Ruling party militants violently assault radio journalist

Radio Kolenten reporter Gibril Gottor was accused by the militants of "sabotaging" the government.

Mexico

Union members attack journalists, threaten one of them

Journalist Ignacio Ríos was beaten and threatened after annoying the head of the local oil workers' union with his questions.

Tunisia

Al Jazeera Net blocked

On the same day President Ben Ali was reaffirmed for a fifth term in office, Tunisians were deprived of one of their most vital information sources, Al-Jazeera Net.

Rwanda

CPJ concerned about politicisation in Rwandan defamation case

CPJ is concerned that the prosecution of editor-in-chief Jean Bosco Gasasira on criminal defamation charges has been politicized and the outcome predetermined.

Sri Lanka

RSF concerned over spate of threats to print media

RSF is urging the authorities to investigate threatening letters received by two journalists who work for the Leader Publications media group.

East Timor / Indonesia

Ten years after murder of "Financial Times" correspondent in East Timor, commemoration in London condemns impunity

IPI warns Indonesia's commitment to democracy is undermined by its apparent lack of will to end the impunity connected with the killing of Sander Thoenes and other journalists.

Zambia

MISA Zambia expresses concern over unsafe working environment for media

The organisation urges the government and police to address the problem immediately before lives are lost or serious injuries take place.

Côte d'Ivoire

Opposition daily fined in libel ruling, offices attacked

RSF has called for all regulatory bodies to respect divergent views but also for journalists to maintain a sense of professionalism in their coverage of stories.

Lesotho

Journalist injured during clashes between students and police

Reporter Mapamela Khanyela suffered minor injuries when police opened fire on protesting students at the National University of Lesotho.

Ukraine

Journalist assaulted, allegedly on MP's orders

Journalist Ruslan Lubchenko was assaulted and briefly detained by police after he tried to photograph a tent site in Kyiv.

Bermuda

ARTICLE 19 analyses right to information bill

ARTICLE 19 welcomes efforts to recognise the right to information in Bermuda and notes both positive features and concerns it has with the bill.

Ukraine

In separate incidents, unknown individuals fire gunshots at offices of "Viche-inform" weekly and Nova Zorya publishing house

IMI speculates that the incidents may have been acts of revenge, in retaliation for reports published in "Viche-inform" and "Nova Zorya" newspapers.

India

Editor arrested in Tamil Nadu state on charges of defamation

The arrest of editor A.S. Mani followed a complaint made by a contractor of an allegedly defamatory article published in the "Naveena Netrikan" magazine.

Libya

Reporter prosecuted for reporting sexual harassment claims by abuse victims

The government should investigate the harassment allegations instead of charging the journalist with criminal defamation, says Human Rights Watch.

Iran

Sentences handed down against defendants accused of inciting post-election unrest

The convictions all stem from trials in which the accused were denied access to lawyers.

Argentina

Journalists in Tartagal, Salta, under threat

FOPEA demands that the press be allowed to carry out their work despite the tensions generated by the dismissal of the head of the local government.

Turkey

Newspaper distributor sentenced to 10 months in prison

"Azadiya Welat" newspaper distributor Mehmet Altay was found guilty of "making propaganda for an organisation".

Egypt

Internet activist detained after businessman files libel complaint

Internet activist Tamer Azab was detained without an arrest warrant and continues to be held even though an order was issued for his release.

Israel / Palestine

Journalists assaulted by Israeli forces; stone-throwing Palestinian youth injures photographer

MADA calls on the international community to pressure the Israeli government to stop its attacks on journalists.

Zimbabwe

State media banned from covering opposition party ministers

State-controlled media have reportedly been ordered to stop covering MDC-T ministers until the party reverses its decision to suspend contact with Zanu PF.

Europe and Central Asia

European Union adopting regulations that will penalize Internet users, says RSF

Amendments proposed by the European Parliament to guarantee Net neutrality have been rejected by the European Council.

Russia

Activist from Ingushetia killed in ambush

Activist Maksharip Aushev was killed in Kabardino-Balkaria, a republic that borders Ingushetia, when his car came under fire from another vehicle.

Canada

CJFE horrified by attack on editor in Brampton, Ontario

Journalist Jagdish Grewal was leaving the "Punjabi Post" newsroom when he was attacked by three masked men armed with a baton and a gun.

Saudi Arabia

King overturns 60-lashes verdict against journalist

The king's decision sends a message to the judicial system that it should not go after journalists for exercising free speech, says Human Rights Watch.

Mexico

IAPA disappointed at Congress's indifference to crimes against journalists

The new Chamber of Deputies has disbanded a special committee set up to deal with crimes against journalists and news media.

Egypt

Journalists fined for practicing without syndicate membership

ANHRI denounces fines against three "Al Bahrawya" journalists charged with practicing without being members of a journalists' syndicate.

Philippines

Alleged gunman in 2004 murder of journalist killed

Police officers were bringing Michael Garcia, who was suspected of killing broadcaster Arnel Manalo, to a provincial jail when he was shot to death.

Honduras

Radio station dismisses journalist after he insists on providing objective coverage of post-coup situation

Journalist Danilo Osmaro Castellanos was dismissed from HRN radio station after insisting on providing balanced coverage of the post-coup crisis.

Bangladesh

Reporter tortured by elite crime force in act of reprisal against newspaper

F.M. Masum told RSF from his hospital bed that it will take him months to recover from his injuries.

Europe and Central Asia

European Parliament fails to defend free journalism, says IFJ

IFJ deplores the failure of the European Parliament to stand up for journalism after it threw out a resolution to protect media pluralism.

Peru

Judge initiates criminal proceedings against journalist for "inciting violence"

A judge has initiated criminal proceedings against journalist Geovanni Acate, stating that his coverage of a protest by indigenous people incited his audience to violence.

Brazil

"El País" daily newspaper correspondent threatened

Correspondent Francho Barón was attacked and threatened in a shanty town several days after violent attacks by drug traffickers on police.

Ukraine

Shots fired at office of daily "Express" for third time in six months

The newspaper's journalists believe someone is trying to intimidate them, but do not know which news stories might be the reason for the attacks.

Guatemala

Drug traffickers on lookout for journalists in Huehuetenango

Drug traffickers are on the look out for correspondents from several newspapers after they covered a crime story in the municipality of La Democracia, Huehuetenango.

Zimbabwe

Al Jazeera news crew briefly detained

An Al-Jazeera news crew was detained in a holding cell at a government building and interrogated for three hours.

Tunisia

As Tunisian elections near, attacks on press mount

CPJ has documented a spike in government attacks on independent journalists as Tunisian presidential and legislative elections approach.

Moldova

Supreme Court orders disclosure of information requested by IJC

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the finance ministry and forced it to provide IJC with information it had requested.

Kyrgyzstan

Authorities must report progress in Alisher Saipov's murder, says CPJ

CPJ called on authorities to make public the findings of their investigation into the 2007 murder of the editor of the Uzbek-language newspaper "Siyosat".

United States

Book groups praise reader privacy protections in House Patriot Act bill

The Campaign for Reader Privacy welcomed a new House bill that will restore reader privacy protections eliminated eight years ago by the USA Patriot Act.

Armenia

Trial begins against editor accused of "organising mass disorder"

As the editor's lawyers petitioned for the judge hearing the case to be changed, IPI expressed concern that Nikol Pashinyan may not receive a fair trial.

Argentina

Head of local government in Puerto Iguazú assaults journalist

The head of the Puerto Iguazú local government assaulted journalist Viviana Villar when she was covering an event.

Tibet (China)

More Tibetans arrested in connection with Internet activities

Gyaltsen, Nymia Wangchuk and Yeshe Namkha are accused of sending information about Tibet to contacts abroad via the Internet.

Tunisia

Journalists and activists targeted prior to elections

What is happening in Tunisia now is totally contrary to all government declarations on the need to respect freedom of expression, says ANHRI.

Swaziland

MISA expresses concerns over the Draft Media Commission Bill

Addressing the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, MISA made a submission on the bill as part of the organisation's contribution to debate on the proposed law.

Philippines

Photojournalist held at provincial governor's house

Photojournalist Tara Yap was briefly detained for allegedly taking photos of the governor's house without permission.

Bolivia

Demonstrators detonate dynamite outside newspaper headquarters

The demonstrators were allegedly angered by "La Razón"'s editorial stance, which they claim is "at the mercy of and in favour of businessmen."

Ecuador

Education Ministry asks daily to hand over copies of article before it is published

In a response to the request, the executive vice-president of the daily pointed out that prior censorship is forbidden by the Constitution.

Kazakhstan

Court upholds harsh verdict against human rights defender

The decision of a court to uphold the verdict imposed on a leading human rights defender is a terrible miscarriage of justice, says Human Rights Watch.

Guinea

Radio stations practising self-censorship to prevent attacks

"Private radio stations are being intimidated and threatened on a daily basis, so we do not want to take risks," said one media worker.

Saudi Arabia

Television programme editors accused of facilitating the "expression of sin"

Two editors of a television programme that aired a show featuring the sexual exploits of a Saudi man have been accused of facilitating the "expression of sin".

Iraq

Cameraman killed in explosion

The Committee to Protect Journalists mourns the death of‎ an Al-Rasheed television cameraman killed by an explosion in front of his home in Kirkuk today.

Ecuador

IAPA concerned at press freedom restrictions in proposed communications law

The Communications Law captured the attention of an IAPA delegation that spent two days in the country.

Azerbaijan

Ban on foreign radio stations broadcasting via FM frequencies to remain in effect

IRFS and the Media Rights Institute (MRI) have condemned the government's announcement that the ban on broadcasts by foreign radio stations via local FM frequencies will remain in effect.

Somalia

Al-Shabaab administration orders closure of two radio stations in Baidoa

The current order constitutes a total media blackout in the Bay and Bakool regions, says NUSOJ.

Guinea

Military authorities bar foreign journalists

The latest development coincides with the arrival of the UN assistant secretary-general in Conakry to conduct a probe into last month's massacre of opposition demonstrators.

Mexico

Journalists dismissed after denouncing unethical practices at newspaper

The journalists say they were dismissed after revealing that the paper's general manager put two of their colleagues in danger.

Honduras

Three broadcast outlets back on air after being shut down by officials

The media outlets were silent for 22 days after the approval of a decree that suspended constitutional guarantees, including the right to freedom of expression.

United Kingdom

Government begins decriminalisation of defamation, concerns remain for Northern Ireland

ARTICLE 19, English PEN and Index on Censorship emain concerned that the proposed amendments do not abolish the offence of "blasphemous libel" in Northern Ireland.

Libya

Call for release of prisoners sentenced for expressing their political views

Human Rights Watch urged the government to free all of its political prisoners, people jailed for expressing views critical of the government, and all those unjustly detained.

Equatorial Guinea

AFP and RFI correspondent released from prison

Nguema was released after a Malabo appeal court found no evidence of wrongdoing on his part.

Colombia

Mayor of Yondó, Antioquia, lashes out against journalist

Journalist Teobaldo Resalte said that he has been receiving threats and that the mayor of Yondó has made serious allegations against him after his paper published complaints of corruption.

Turkey

ARTICLE 19 concerned about continuous threats to freedom of expression

Article 301 of the Criminal Code remains a dangerous tool used to silence critical voices, despite being amended in 2008.

Spain

Government approves bill on audiovisual communication

According to AMARC, the audiovisual communication law was created without any citizenship input and discriminates against community media.

Georgia

Journalist sentenced to prison for libeling de facto president of Abkhazia

WAN-IFRA calls on the de facto president to ensure that the conviction of journalist Anton Kriveniuk is overturned and that libel is decriminalised.

Zimbabwe

Media lawyer pleads not guilty to contempt of court

On 14 October 2009, lawyer Alec Muchadehama, who is representing freelance journalist Shadreck Manyere, pleaded not guilty to charges of contempt of court.

Tunisia

Respected website put up for sale after being blocked by the government

The government has blocked the Bawabati website after it published a review of a French book revealing Tunisia's first lady's domination of key positions in the country.

Honduras

Radio Gualcho threatened with closure for broadcasting programming from another closed radio station

The owner of Radio Gualcho said that if the station is presented with a court order for its closure, they will obey the order but will continue working clandestinely via the Internet.

Colombia

Journalists in Montelíbano, Córdoba, receive death threats in lead up to referendum

Several journalists in Montelíbano have received death threats associated with a campaign calling for the mayor to step down from his position.

Botswana

MISA concerned over withdrawal of broadcasters' code of conduct

The code of conduct would have gone a long way in enforcing equal coverage of political parties during elections, says MISA.

Iran

Journalist Maziar Bahari released on bail

Canadian-Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari was released on bail after spending four months in an Iranian prison.

Ukraine

Mayor bans newspaper's reporters from municipal council meetings

The weekly's recent coverage of the mayor's activities had angered him.

Tunisia

IFJ condemns assault on union activist

IFJ condemned attacks and harassment of journalists after a series of incidents which suggest deliberate targeting of activists for independent journalism.

Syria

Prominent activist missing

The Syrian government should reveal the fate of Haytham al-Maleh, who disappeared on 14 October 2009, and should release him immediately if it is detaining him, says Human Rights Watch.

Zambia

Independent newspaper editor-in-chief on trial for contempt charges

Fred M'membe was criminally charged for the second time after running an op-ed critical of controversial pornography charges against a journalist.

South Africa

Unlit petrol bomb thrown into editor's home

A note was also discovered, saying "You have been warned. Now you must bear the consequences. Just so you know, this is only the beginning."

Cambodia

New penal code a threat to free expression, say critics

Civil society groups and opposition lawmakers in Cambodia have expressed concern that a newly-passed penal code will pose a threat to free expression.

Morocco

Editor imprisoned, court upholds decision to close independent paper

CPJ strongly condemns the decision of a Rabat court to imprison the managing editor of "Al-Michaal" newspaper for one year.

United States

Book groups seek meaningful reader privacy protection in Patriot Act reauthorisation

The Senate Judiciary Committee recently provided additional protections for library records but this does not apply to the records of bookstore customers.

Chad

Cameroonian journalist expelled

"I think that above all our articles anger the authorities and they want to deprive the newspaper of my leadership," says editor Innocent Ebodé.

Egypt

Interior Ministry reveals intention to keep blogger in prison

ANHRI has discovered the Interior Ministry's intentions to deprive blogger Kareem Amer of his right to be released after having served three quarters of his prison term.

India

Reporter who accused local police of corruption is charged with sedition

Laxman Choudhury's arbitrary arrest by Gajapati police is a violation of the Indian Constitution, says RSF.

Malaysia

Network of women's rights organisations targeted for questioning Islamic law and its application

Complaints have been filed with the police against the women's rights network and the network has been criticised by Muslim organisations and sectors of the ruling party.

Russia

TV crew threatened, forced to leave Ingushetia

Threats and an attack on a television crew from the Moscow-based REN-TV in the republic of Ingushetia forced them to flee the region.

Cuba

Journalist starts hunger strike after 80 days in preventive detention as clampdown continues

Darsi Ferrer began the hunger strike on 13 October 2009 to protest his prison conditions.

Colombia

FLIP concerned over dismissal of columnist during election period

The directors of the daily "El Tiempo" decided to dismiss a columnist after she criticised the manner in which the newspaper had covered a scandal involving a programme run by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Cuba

IAPA criticises government for preventing acclaimed blogger from leaving the country

The government has decided not to allow journalist Yoani Sánchez to leave the country to receive a journalism award presented by Columbia University in New York.

Tunisia / Egypt

Tunisian government confiscates issue of newspaper; pro-Ben Ali "advertisements" appear in Egyptian media

The Ministry of the Interior claimed the newspaper had printed an election statement before the official campaign had begun.

Honduras

Suspension of constitutional guarantees continues; order to cancel broadcast licences sent for publication in official gazette

Eight days after de facto president Roberto Micheletti announced the lifting of a decree suspending constitutional guarantees, the decision still has not been published in the official gazette.

India

Police must respect rights of journalists in Chattisgarh State, says IFJ

Journalists have been ordered to reveal their sources and a senior police officer is reported to have sanctioned measures that include firing at journalists.

Singapore

Appeals court upholds ruling against magazine, editor

The "Far Eastern Economic Review" magazine and its editor, Hugo Restall, were found guilty of defaming Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his father, former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Azerbaijan

Whistleblower released from psychiatric hospital

Mahammad Gurbanov was released on World Mental Health Day, on 10 October.

Turkey

Two websites unblocked, over 1,300 others remain inaccessible

A total of 1,309 websites have been rendered inaccessible by the Telecommunications Directorate since November 2007.

West Africa / The Gambia

Justice ministers endorse experts' decision on ECOWAS jurisdiction

The Council of Justice Ministers of ECOWAS has unanimously endorsed the decision of the Committee of Legal Experts to maintain the protocol establishing the jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Court of Justice.

Mexico

Body of radio presenter discovered 48 hours after he goes missing

The body of radio presenter Fabián Ramírez López, who worked for the La Magia 97.1 regional radio station, was found close to Mazatlán, Sinaloa.

Colombia

Radio host flees Colombia following alleged plot to kill him

The journalist received a telephone tip from authorities saying that the FARC guerrillas were planning to kill him.

Liberia

Local officials hijack community radio station

Local government officials have hijacked the Salala Community Radio Station, dismissed the station's board of directors, and indefinitely suspended the station manger.

Bolivia

Journalist threatened by community members after reporting on municipal meeting

A group of 57 people burst into the "El Diario" newspaper's headquarters and detained journalist Julieta Nina, threatening her with "communal justice."

Honduras

Repeal of emergency decree a sham, says C-Libre, as three media outlets remain off the air

Four days after an announcement repealing a decree that suspended constitutional rights, media outlets Radio Globo, Radio La Catracha and Canal 36 remain off the air.

Nepal

ARTICLE 19, FNJ and Freedom Forum condemn government's intention to use journalists as informants

This would significantly increase the already seriously hazardous working environment for journalists, the three organisations said.

Pakistan

Transmission of four news channels blocked during Taliban attack in Rawalpindi

The closure of the TV channels started in the afternoon of 10 October, under the pretext that they were showing live clips of a Taliban attack repeatedly.

Namibia

MISA condemns justice minister's outrageous remarks against newspaper and editor

Justice Minister Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana recently called the editor of "The Namibian" daily newspaper a "big snake in Namibia."

Israel

Israeli soldiers disguised as photojournalists endanger journalists' lives, says MADA

Israeli forces dressed as photojournalists arrested a number of people during recent protests in Jerusalem.

United Kingdom

Gag on UK's "Guardian" newspaper lifted

Injunction prevents newspaper from reporting on alleged toxic waste issue. Subsequent ban briefly prevents coverage of MP's question about the injunction.

Brazil

Journalist beaten, believes assault is linked to corruption allegations against mayor

Journalist Wellington Raulino reported that he was the target of an assassination attempt in the city of Uruçuí.

Argentina

IAPA condemns "politicised" process surrounding passage of new broadcast law

IAPA expressed support for the media outlets and journalists' organisations that criticised the new legislation's content.

Vietnam

Eight bloggers get sentences ranging from two to six years in jail

RSF is appalled by the sentences eight bloggers received on charges of "anti-government propaganda" under article 88 of the criminal code.

Somalia

NUSOJ outraged over wave of violations against independent media in Kismayo

The Kismayo administration press secretary summoned journalists to inform them of a number of edicts Al-Shabaab wants to have implemented.

United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 in landmark open justice and right to know case

ARTICLE 19 and other media and civil liberties organisations are calling for identification of the appellants in an anti-terrorism case.

Mexico

Reporter files complaint saying he was threatened for reporting on union conflict

Reporter Juan Pablo Sánchez Carreón said that he was harassed and threatened when he tried to interview the director of a school in Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

United Arab Emirates

News website owner and editor fined in defamation suit

The owner and editor of the Hetta.com news website are appealing a fine imposed by the state-controlled Abu Dhabi Media Company.

Algeria

Journalist faces 16 politicised lawsuits

CPJ says charges against Hafnaoui Ghoul are "designed to silence a courageous and critical journalist."

Yemen

Demonstration in defence of free expression violently dispersed by police

"We are approaching the end of an independent press in Yemen," says RSF.

Azerbaijan

Appeal denied, three journalists sentenced

"Nota" employees Sardar Alibeyli and Faramaz Novruzoglu were sentenced to 3 months' imprisonment, and Ramiz Tagiyev was sentenced to 6 months' corrective labor for insulting a union chairman.

Mexico

Weekly cleared of charges, but writer still required to pay damages

The court deemed that "Proceso" was simply responding to society's legitimate interest to receive certain information about the former first lady.

Venezuela

Journalist still held in custody despite quashing of criminal case against him

RSF said it feared that the journalist was being hounded for his critical stance towards the government and called for his release.

India

Editor of Tamil newspaper arrested by police without warrant

B. Lenin's arrest came after his newspaper reported that an actress had been arrested on prostitution allegations.

Guinea

Soldiers target journalists as crisis continues

Ten days after Red Berets violently dispersed an opposition protest, RSF warns that the climate for the press has become extremely menacing.

Slovenia

Court overturns gag order against "Dnevnik" newspaper

The gag order had followed articles published in the newspaper suggesting an Italian businessman's involvement in corruption.

United States

IFJ condemns attempts by embattled food company to censor free speech

IFJ has condemned attempts by Dole Food to prevent the release of a documentary film by journalist and film maker Fredrik Gertten.

Afghanistan

Police attack media personnel

The IFJ called on authorities to ensure all local and national police adhere to the government's commitment to promote freedom of expression.

Ecuador

Shots fired at journalist two days after he receives death threat

Unidentified individuals fired shots at the car in which La Voz de su Amigo radio station journalist Aquiles Arismendi was travelling.

Italy

IPI urges Italy to ensure independence of public broadcasting system

The organisation urged Prime Minister Berlusconi to respect the right of media to criticise elected politicians.

Egypt

EOHR condemns council's decision to close down newspaper

The decision is considered a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression, says EOHR.

Colombia

Journalist assaulted in Cali

Journalist Álvaro Miguel Mina was assaulted by an unknown individual after criticising the Cali mayor.

Senegal

Court grants bail to two detained journalists

The journalists were arrested on 18 September 2009 following a complaint by the governor of Kaffrine.

Guinea

Presidential guards threaten journalists

One outraged Red Beret threatened, "You will all die and the whole world is going to talk about the Guinean media."

Ecuador

Members of indigenous groups detain journalistic team; police officers demand that photojournalist delete images from camera

A journalistic team was detained by members of indigenous groups in the Amazon region, while police officers in Guayaquil forced a photojournalist to delete images from his camera.

Azerbaijan

Sports website project leader and journalist sentenced to "corrective labour"

Journalist Natig Mukhtarli was sentenced to one year of corrective labour while project leader Zahir Azamat received a six-month sentence.

Turkey

Telecommunications authority bans access to LGBT social networking sites

Site administrators complained they were not informed of the decision, and said the action was the result of a "homophobic mentality."

East Timor

ARTICLE 19 analyses draft media policy

While noting some positive features of the policy, ARTICLE 19 highlights a number of concerns as well, including the recommendation of a form of licencing for journalists.

Iran

Three newspapers shut down

CPJ condemns the Iranian authorities' decisions to revoke the licenses of three reformist newspapers.

Mexico

Municipal authorities accused of preventing distribution of newspaper

Personnel from the "Enfoque Diario" newspaper in Juchitán, Oaxaca, reported that municipal authorities have prevented them from distributing the publication.

Mexico

Military personnel assault photojournalist

Martín Rivera Ortiz, a photojournalist for the "El Diario de Nuevo Laredo" newspaper, reported that he was assaulted and his equipment was seized by military personnel.

Kuwait

Anti-corruption journalist attacked

Photos of the journalist covered in blood have been placed on the website he publishes, with the caption: "Whatever you do, you will not prevent us from telling the truth."

China / United States

Postponing Dalai Lama meeting sends wrong message, says Freedom House

China's leaders use a mixture of interference, cooptation and intimidation to muzzle voices critical of the Chinese government beyond its borders, says the organisation.

Fiji

PFF calls on military regime to relax stranglehold on media as Fiji Media Council chooses new leader

The transition of leadership at the council will come to nothing if the military regime does not relax its stranglehold on free media and free speech, PFF says.

Serbia

Bomb attack on broadcaster creates additional sense of insecurity among the media, says ANEM

ANEM strongly condemns a bomb attack on RTV Pink in the early hours of 4 October 2009.

Egypt

Government antiquities body launches smear campaign against researcher

Researcher Ahmed Saleh is alarmed over a series of actions that he says were intended to undermine him after he proposed a different approach to dealing with antiquities.

Gabon

Journalist in hiding after security agents raid his home

The raid came after a series of reports in which the journalist challenged the official government figure of three deaths during post-election riots in Port-Gentil.

China / United States

PEN applauds passage of US congressional resolution for writer Liu Xiaobo

PEN American Center urged the Obama administration to press for the dissident's release in advance of the president's visit to Beijing.

International

MADA welcomes UN resolution on journalists in armed conflict, slams delay of Goldstone Report

MADA hopes the resolution will protect Palestinian journalists who must live with the reality of armed conflict.

Niger

"Le Témoin" newspaper editor released on bail

Ibrahim Soumana Goah was freed after the withdrawal of a complaint filed against him by the former communications minister.

International

ARTICLE 19 cautiously welcomes new resolution on freedom of expression

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the freedom of expression resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council but is disappointed that its recommendations were not incorporated in the final text.

Sri Lanka

Newspaper journalist threatened at her home

Unidentified men tried to force their way into the home of "Irudina" journalist Dileesha Abeysundera on 28 September 2009.

Cameroon

Newspaper editor threatened over corruption coverage

RSF calls on President Paul Biya to publicly condemn a series of attempts to intimidate Jules Koum Koum, editor of "Le Jeune Observateur".

Turkey

Lawyer, actor and writer each sentenced to one year in prison for using the terms "Kurds" and "Kurdistan"

Lawyer Eren Keskin, actor Murat Batgi and writer Edip Polat were also deprived of many of their civil rights.

Malawi

Court orders regulatory authority to compensate Joy Radio

The communications regulatory authority has been ordered to pay Joy Radio US$98,000 for loss of business while the station was forcibly closed.

Kuwait

Ministry of Transportation monitors blogs and websites

Bloggers attribute the monitoring of their sites to the fact that they are debating and reflecting upon real societal problems.

Armenia

WPFC calls for release of leading editor

WPFC wrote to the president of Armenia urging him to use his influence to gain the release of the editor-in-chief of the country's largest newspaper.

Egypt

Hisba lawsuits filed against two more critics

ANHRI urges the government to take a strong stand against the proliferation of Hisba lawsuits targeting critics.

Burma

Regime eliminates Aung San Suu Kyi from 2010 elections

Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal of her imprisonment was rejected by a Rangoon court, meaning she will now almost certainly be imprisoned during the 2010 general elections.

Fiji / Australia

In light of regime's censorship, IFJ urges Australian Society of Travel Writers to rethink meeting in Fiji

The IFJ said ASTW members would be compromising their integrity to accept the hospitality of the regime in the current circumstances.

Lesotho

Ruling party proposes law that would hinder freedom of expression and association

The Public Meetings and Processions Bill seeks to prohibit the holding of public meetings without prior approval from the authorities.

Russia

Proposed law attempts to regulate history and memory, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 believes that the proposed law infringes on the right to seek historical truth and fails to meet international standards for free expression.

United States

PEN protests exclusion from U.S. of German publisher and PEN member

Karl-Dietrich Wolff was reportedly questioned for six hours by U.S. officials, photographed and fingerprinted.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns suspension of three VOA journalists

Via a letter issued by Puntland authorities, three VOA reporters were suspended from their work.

Mexico

Guanajuato government accused of discriminating in allocation of advertising contracts

According to the National Human Rights Commission, the Guanajuato government has been discriminatory in its allocation of state advertising to two newspapers.

Ecuador

Students assault journalists during demonstrations

Several journalists were assaulted by students participating in demonstrations in support of members of the National Teachers' Union.

International

ICANN system a lesser threat to free expression than other Internet governance models, says RSF

Under the proposed EU model, governments that restrict Internet access could tomorrow become the "big shots" in a worldwide Internet system, according to the organisation.

Ecuador

Police detain photojournalist, force him to delete photographs; journalist threatened

A photojournalist was detained by police while covering a demonstration, while another journalist was threatened after publishing articles about corruption allegations.

Rwanda

ARTICLE 19 releases its comment on Genocide Ideology Law

ARTICLE 19 recommends that the Genocide Ideology Law should be repealed in its entirety.

Egypt

Swedish journalist detained at Cairo airport, prevented from entering country

Per Bjorklund has worked in Egypt for three years for Swedish newspapers and websites and has a blog specializing in labor issues.

Nepal

AMARC denounces attack on community radio station

Following a broadcast on the distribution of food aid, a group led by a member of the Maoist party padlocked the offices of Radio Kailash and attacked a reporter.

Philippines

President's son calls for tighter regulation over Facebook content

President Arroyo's son made the comment after a photograph of him was posted on Facebook.

Brazil

Reporter attacked by late politician's sons

Reporter Rafael Dias suffered bruises and a broken tooth when he was attacked on 28 September 2009.

China

National Day censorship intensifies

CPJ has outlined some of the media restrictions being imposed for National Day.

South Africa

SABC's investigative unit subjected to office raids, questioning, while corporation continues to probe show leak

The staff of the SABC investigative unit is being subjected to office raids and asked to take lie detector tests.

Morocco

Paper closed amid increasing attacks on the press

CPJ condemns the closure of an independent daily amid an escalating government campaign to silence critical journalists.

Senegal

ARTICLE 19 condemns attacks against Wal Fadjri media group and its journalists

The attack followed the publication of an article stating that a religious leader was supporting the president in return for donations.

Somalia

Radio station closed down, two journalists arrested

On 30 September 2009, Al-Shabaab forces ordered the closure of privately-owned Radio Warsan and arrested the station's director and news editor.

Tunisia

Former editor beaten by police after arriving in Tunis

Hamma Hammami was badly beaten by police after arriving at the airport from Paris, where he criticised the government in an interview for Al Jazeera.