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Alerts - 2010 - January-March

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Burma

Party literature cannot criticise military, says junta

The announcement states that parties have to register for printing election-related matter with the government under the 1962 Printers and Publishers Registration Act.

Singapore

Libel actions against media must stop, says RSF

In an open letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, RSF expresses concern over the judicial harassment of foreign news media.

Bangladesh

Organisers of photo exhibit receive death threats; government lifts ban

RSF calls on the police to investigate the death threats that have been made against Shahidul Alam, a well-known photographer.

Burma

Foreign journalists to cover Armed Forces Day

Foreign journalists have not been allowed to attend Armed Forces Day since 2005.

Peru

Journalist refuses to be silenced despite plot to kill him

Journalist Alfredo Zamora Nolly was told that hired killers had received a cash advance of 3,000 nuevos soles to kill him.

Kazakhstan

Reporter who covered oil worker strike is assaulted

"We condemn the brutal attack on our colleague and call on law enforcement officials to quickly apprehend and prosecute all responsible," said CPJ.

Yemen

Two journalists freed on health grounds after being held arbitrarily for months

"We urge the authorities to put an end to the campaign of harassment being waged against the media," said RSF.

Venezuela

Journalist convicted on retaliatory charges

Gustavo Azócar, an outspoken critic of the administration, had been jailed since July 2009 and barred from speaking publicly about the case.

Afghanistan

Journalist and two publishers released

The three individuals were serving prison sentences for publishing a Dari translation of the Koran.

Gabon

Newspaper editor and reporter summoned three times over libel suit

"There are absolutely no grounds for claiming that the article was libellous," said RSF.

Brazil

Four people convicted for killing journalist Carlos Barbon Filho

The accused were sentenced to 18 years and four months for murder, creation of a criminal group and the attempted murder of another individual.

Ecuador

IAPA concerned after reporter is convicted for stating his opinion

Journalist Emilio Palacio was sentenced to three years in prison on a charge of defamation over an opinion piece.

Turkey

Artist given prison sentence for performing Kurdish song

The charges stem from the singer's performance of a Kurdish song at an arts festival in Diyarbakır in 2009.

Nigeria

Sharia Court bans online discussion of amputation

The court banned an NGO from hosting discussions on the amputation of Buba Bello Jangebe on the online social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

Thailand

Grenade blasts at two television stations injure 11 people

Authorities say the bombings are the worst since the Red Shirts started their protest rallies two weeks ago.

Venezuela

Curbing free speech even more, authorities arrest two opponents over comments made in public

The arrests of two well-known political opponents, together with the government's intention of regulating the Internet, raise serious concerns about the future of free speech in the country.

Ethiopia

IPI welcomes launch of VOA satellite broadcasts

Only 1 per cent of Ethiopians have access to satellite television, where they can now listen to VOA on an audio channel.

Ukraine

Newspaper editor brutally assaulted

Vasyl Demyaniv suffered a head injury and underwent surgery as a result of the beating.

Turkey

Journalist beaten, threatened for criticising mayor

Tamer Topcu was on his way home with his pregnant wife when two strangers approached him and beat him with an iron club.

Honduras

Two more journalists shot and killed

The car that José Bayardo Mairena Ramírez and Manuel Juárez were travelling in was shot at 21 times.

China

After Google, another US Internet company decides to limit its services in China

GoDaddy will stop selling websites with .cn domain names because of the radical controls being demanded by the authorities.

Saudi Arabia

Culture club burned down for second time for hosting female intellectuals and writers

The AlJouf club was burned down for a second time at the end of February 2010, after having announced its annual cultural activities agenda.

Liberia

Presidential security service personnel assault journalist

Peter Fahn was assaulted when he went to cover an ECOWAS meeting in Monrovia.

Bangladesh

Authorities stop opening of photo exhibit about extrajudicial executions

Prosecute officers involved instead of practicing censorship, said Human Rights Watch.

Thailand

Online journalist countersues in response to charges linked to lèse majesté cases

Frank G. Anderson filed a complaint against two men who accused him of defaming them in online articles.

Kyrgyzstan

Press freedom deteriorating despite promises of democracy, says CPJ

On the fifth anniversary of the revolution that brought President Bakiyev to power on the promise of democratic reform, CPJ expresses alarm at the widening crackdown on press freedom.

Iran

New coordinated attack on human rights groups

Iran's state-owned media, judiciary, and security forces have opened a coordinated attack on human rights groups under the guise of defending the nation against "cyber warfare."

Belarus

Court ruling obstructs Belarusian Association of Journalists

BAJ has one month to meet the conditions of the order or face a six-month suspension.

Sri Lanka

Attack on Sirasa TV network is "an attack on democracy", says FMM

Unknown assailants attacked the station's offices in downtown Colombo with stones on 22 March 2010.

The Gambia

Military detains two newspaper journalists

Sanna Camara and Saikou Jammeh were held for about two hours after they reportedly took photos of a beach without authorisation.

Ghana

Youth group threatens journalist, radio station

The threat came after journalist Ato Kwamena Dadzie commented on a feud between the Ashanti king and another traditional chief.

Venezuela

Bingo parlour security assaults press team

The journalists were reporting about electricity shortages when security personnel at the bingo hall tried to prevent them from filming.

Uganda

IPI says media bill fails to live up to international press freedom standards

The bill is "autocratic and invasive", says IPI.

China

Google withdrawal shows government intransigence

Google announced that it would not censor searches and instead redirect searches to its uncensored Hong Kong-based site.

Liberia

Journalist acquitted of "disorderly conduct"

Garley Mahn had been protesting the local administration's mismanagement during the president's visit to the region.

Kyrgyzstan

Internet providers block independent news sites

Thirteen Kyrgyz media organisations call the blocking of independent news sources a "coordinated attempt to deprive Kyrgyz citizens of information."

Algeria

Independent radio station's website blocked

"We fear that this act of censorship heralds the start of government control of the Internet in Algeria," RSF said.

Palestine

MADA expresses concern over journalists' assault in Khan Younis

The journalists were assaulted while covering UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's 21 March visit.

Tunisia

CPJ urges government to end harassment of independent journalists

Attacks on local and international journalists have sharply increased since the October 2009 reelection campaign of President Ben Ali.

Turkey

Two former party officials face 45 and 70 years in prison for "spreading PKK propaganda"

The allegations stem from speeches made by the former politicians between 2005 and 2009.

Turkey

Journalists on trial for taking photographs of official

The journalists face imprisonment of between one and three years under anti-terror legislation.

Bolivia

TV presenter attacked

The journalist thinks the attack was in retaliation for comments he made about the involvement of various women in the ruling party's electoral campaign.

Nigeria

Negative signs from police investigating newspaper journalist's murder

The police are insisting that Bayo Ohu was shot in the course of a break-in although there are strong indications that he was targeted as a result of his work as a journalist.

Turkey

Three protesters arrested for holding an "illegal" banner

Holding a banner with the slogan "We want free education" at a Romani meeting is seen as a criminal offence.

Tunisia

Tunisian authorities try to silence Human Rights Watch

Police blocked journalists from attending a Human Rights Watch briefing to release a report critical of the government.

Nigeria

Private radio station threatened over broadcasts

Rock City 101.9 FM is calling for a detailed investigation into the threats to its staff members and for increased police security.

Egypt

Head of actors' union files libel suit against fellow actor over Facebook comments

ANHRI expressed its disappointment that the actors' union, which defends freedom of creativity and expression, has stooped to this level.

Malaysia

Government pressures newspaper to suspend editor over news report

The Ministry of Home Affairs' punishment sends yet another chilling message to editors about reporting on high ranking government officials.

Ethiopia

Prime minister confirms jamming of VOA broadcasts

The prime minister accused VOA's Amharic service of "engaging in destabilising propaganda."

Saudi Arabia

Advocate for Shia rights held without charge

Munir Jassas was arrested after the intelligence service ordered him to stop his internet writings criticising the government's treatment of Shias.

Turkey

Journalists on trial for interview with PKK official and statements regarding the PKK

Journalist Hakan Tahmaz will appear in court on 1 June for the interview he had with the leading official of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party.

Lebanon

"AlAdab" magazine and editor fined over critical article

A court handed down a US$4000 fine that may lead to "AlAdab"'s closure, after more than 50 years in existence.

Mexico

State attorney identifies journalist's murderer, but family has doubts about the investigation

The journalist's widow questioned the results of the investigation, saying that her husband was killed for his work.

Palestine

Israeli forces attack two journalists near Ramallah

MADA calls on the international community to stand by the Palestinian journalists to halt attacks on them.

Iraq

Two journalists targeted in separate attacks

"The Iraqi authorities must take all necessary measures to put a stop to the violence," said RSF.

South Africa

IPI supports "The Citizen" newspaper in constitutional challenge

"The National Unity and Reconciliation Act should not be used to justify censorship," said IPI.

China

Authorities block reporting on public health allegations

IFJ is concerned by the order to delete references to reports of spoiled vaccines distributed in Shanxi province.

Sudan

Government repression threatens fair elections

"For a free, fair, and credible election, it is essential that all journalists and media organizations are allowed to operate freely," says Human Rights Watch.

Turkey

Newspaper vendor wins case at ECHR

Adnan Görkan was arrested by police in June 2004 for selling copies of the daily "Evrensel" in a café.

Iran

Blogger's death in detention still unexplained one year later

Omidreza Mirsayafi died tragically in Tehran's Evin prison on 18 March 2009.

Uganda

At least five journalists wounded covering protest

"The Ugandan authorities must ensure that journalists can work safely without violence at the hands of police or protesters," says CPJ.

Philippines

Journalist receives death threat after being sued for libel

Marites Dañguilan Vitug received threatening text messages in the early afternoon of 22 March refering to the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

Venezuela

Televiza TV news director kidnapped

Unidentified men arrived at the TV station's door, threatened and forced Carlos Ignacio Rocca into their vehicle and drove off.

Tibet (China)

Netizen given 10-year sentence for sending photos of March 2008 uprising

"The repression has never stopped since the March 2008 uprising in the Tibetan regions," RSF said.

Brazil

Newspaper decides not to publish article critical of local government

The newspaper "A Tribuna" decided not to publish an article from the journalist Elio Gaspari about a report portraying human rights abuses in the prisons of Espírito Santo.

Egypt

Journalists on strike after new management attempts to close down leading news website

Cairo-based IslamOnline.net is one of the largest websites in the Arab world.

Ecuador

Government tables proposal to hold media accountable to public

It has not been specified what type of information the public would have access to under this new law.

India

Writer facing charges for allegedly making statements "prejudicial to national integration"

If convicted, Murzban Shroff could face up to three years in prison for phrases that appear in his critically acclaimed book "Breathless in Bombay".

Colombia

Journalist shot and killed in Montería, Colombia

Clodomiro Castilla Ospino was known for reporting on corruption and local politicians with links to paramilitary groups.

Sri Lanka

FMM condemns arrest of journalist Ruwan Weerakoon

As a defense correspondent, the journalist had a close association with General Sarath Fonseka during the last phase of the war with the LTTE.

Philippines

Supreme Court justice sues journalist for libel

An associate justice of the Supreme Court has filed libel charges against a journalist who wrote about his alleged role in his son's bid for a congressional post.

Venezuela

False posts cannot be used to justify control over the Internet, says RSF

President Chávez called for criminal charges against a news website that wrongly reported that a minister had been assassinated.

Venezuela

Human rights activists detained, videocamera seized by police

The activists, who were hosting a press conference on the criminalisation of protest marches, were among 25 people detained.

Iran

Journalist Emad Baghi held in solitary confinement, health deteriorating

Baghi, who was arrested in December 2009, has been denied access to a lawyer.

Kyrgyzstan

Under pressure, stations halt RFE/RL programming

Authorities warned local radio and television stations that they may face additional hurdles in their license renewals if they continue to carry RFE/RL programming.

Palestine

Security forces raid journalist's home just hours after his release

The newspaper "Filastine"'s former bureau chief, Mustafa Sabri, had been detained since 4 January.

China

Official announces political education for journalists

GAPP deputy director Li Dongdong said training for journalists on the Marxist theory of news, news media ethics and Communist Party propaganda would be instituted.

Indonesia

Unexplained closure of radio station concerns IFJ

Shortly before the order to halt broadcasts, the Era Baru radio station began legal action to protest the Radio Frequency Monitoring Agency's refusal to issue it a licence.

Belarus

Police raid news offices in defamation probe

The Minsk police raided the offices of the independent news site Charter 97, the independent newspaper "Narodnaya Volya", and the home office of reporter Irina Khalip.

Venezuela

Public official assaults journalist, uses his influence to have radio programme taken off the air

Edinson Berris said that on the day of the assault he had received calls to his radio programme from people who said in a disparaging manner that his attacker was the mayor's main admirer.

Turkey

Journalist and chair of human rights foundation on trial

Professor Sebnem Fincanci and journalist Baris Yarkadas are facing prison sentences for criticising the head of a committee at the Forensic Medicine Institute.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Journalist's car set on fire in Doboj

Rade Tesic from "Euroblic" recently wrote about a number of topics that have provoked some fierce reactions.

Syria

Imprisoned human rights advocate denied access to medical treatment

Haitham Maleh's son says the Syrian government is "essentially condemning" his father "to a slow death sentence" and calls on the UN to address attacks on human rights defenders in the Arab region.

Azerbaijan

Editor granted presidential pardon, released from prison

In 2008, Ganimat Zahid was convicted of trumped-up charges of hooliganism and intentional infliction of minor bodily harm.

Turkey

Private citizen acquitted of insulting prime minister

Alper Ates was on trial for addressing the prime minister with the curse "God damn you".

Turkey

Publisher acquitted, still faces 12 trials

The Istanbul court concluded that Fatih Taş did not commit the criminal offence of "spreading PKK propaganda".

Nigeria

Police assault, briefly detain journalists covering protest

The journalists were rounded up along with 40 of the protesters and some equipment was damaged in the melee.

Mongolia

Libel case against newspaper dismissed

The plaintiffs in the case withdrew their complaint against "Zavkhan" newspaper after a Supreme Court ruling sent the case back to the lower courts.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Editor arrested by security agents

JED is appealing to provincial authorities to put an end to intimidation of the media by security officers.

Azerbaijan

Eynulla Fatullayev's appeal rejected

The Baku Appellate Court rejected the editor's appeal against the verdict to prolong his detention for two more months.

Turkey

"Atilim" journalists detained while awaiting trial

The journalists stand accused of participating in the destruction of a base station in Istanbul.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio journalists arrested in Bandundu

JED called the arrest and detention of the two journalists "an intolerable abuse of power".

Russia

Violations against media increase during elections

The latest election campaign saw the media suffering considerable damage ranging from threats to censorship attempts.

Azerbaijan

Eynulla Fatullayev and family threatened

CPJ has called on Azerbaijani authorities to thoroughly investigate the death threat made against the imprisoned editor and his family.

Sri Lanka

IFJ calls for urgent protection for human rights workers, journalists

In an open letter to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, IFJ expresses grave concern over reports of a journalists "blacklist".

Vietnam

Seriously ill dissident editor granted early release

The health of Nguyen Van Ly has deteriorated drastically during his detention in Ba Sao prison in the north of the country.

Somalia

Al Shabab detains three journalists from Markabley Radio station

IPI calls for an end to Al Shabab suppression of the media.

Philippines

Radio blocktimer killed in General Santos City

CMFR is looking into whether the death of Chito Abuzo is work-related.

Turkey

Theatre director faces prison sentence of two years and eight months

Haldun Açıksözlu has been charged with "insulting the prime minister" in his play "Laz Marks".

Afghanistan

Media, security agencies agree on coverage protocols

The IFJ welcomes the Afghan Ministry of Information's efforts to ensure the views of the Afghan journalist community are heard.

Turkey

British artist fined for insulting "pride and dignity" of prime minister

Michael Dickinson was originally sentenced to 425 days in jail before his sentence was converted to a fine.

Jordan

Security court bans coverage of corruption case

The corruption allegations involve the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company and several leading national figures, according to CPJ.

Cameroon

CPJ alarmed by harassment of journalists

CPJ has written to Cameroonian President Paul Biya expressing alarm over a number of recent cases targeting local journalists.

Turkey

Mayor fined after referring to PKK leader as "respectable"

The mayor was charged along with press owner Ersen Korkmaz for "praising crime and criminals".

Yemen

Authorities block live reports by Al-Jazeera, Al-Arabiya

Security forces raided the Sana'a offices of the satellite news channels after they broadcast clashes between police and protesters in the south.

Mexico

Journalist shot to death in Guerrero

CPJ is investigating whether Evaristo Pacheco Solís's slaying was linked to his journalism.

Honduras

Another journalist killed in Honduras

Nahúm Palacios Artiaga is the third journalist to be killed in two weeks.

China

Propaganda department issues new reporting ban

IFJ urges China to honour open media promise.

Azerbaijan

Appeals court upholds sentences against two bloggers

Although Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade were convicted of "hooliganism", it is widely believed their sentences are punishment for blogging about government corruption and free expression.

Pakistan

Freelance journalist released after being held by army for 70 days

Mohammad Rasheed was arrested by soldiers shortly after he was released by the Taliban.

Kosovo (Serbia) / France

French foreign minister refers to Voice of America reporter as "sick" and "insane"

IPI condemns the manner in which the minister behaved towards Budimir Nicic in the town of Gracanica.

Yemen

IFJ accuses Yemen of "brutal inhumanity" over abuse of jailed editor

Mohammed al Maqaleh was abducted by gunmen in the capital six months ago and has since been subjected to systematic abuse.

Egypt

Blogger, cleared once, is convicted anew

"This sentence was issued through a twisted legal path and reveals an invisible hand manipulating the case," says CPJ.

Vietnam

Blogger arrested just three days after completing jail term

Sources said the pretext for detaining Le Thi Cong Nhan was to prevent her from meeting with a foreign journalist.

Honduras

Radio journalist shot to death

David Meza Montesinos, a reporter for Radio El Patio and Radio America, is the second Honduran journalist to be killed this year.

Saudi Arabia

Blogging about quest to treat comatose brother could land man in jail

Human Rights Watch calls on the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecutions to drop "cybercrimes" charges against Nasir al-Subai'i for writing about his bureaucratic ordeal.

Palestine

British journalist released after 25 days in detention

Journalist's detention violated due process, says Human Rights Watch.

Sri Lanka

Executive director of Transparency International Sri Lanka faces imminent arrest

FMM condemns unofficial reports of the imminent arrest of J.C. Weliamuna.

Russia

Staff of Dagestani weekly on trial for extremism

Under Article 282 of Russia's criminal code, the four reporters face up to two years in prison if convicted.

Togo

French media outlets finally granted visas to cover presidential election

Special correspondents were granted visas on election day, allowing for only partial coverage.

Mexico

Two suspects arrested in journalist's murder, but motive remains questionable

The justice system's bizarre explanations for the recent deaths of two journalists reinforce fears of impunity.

Nigeria

Radio reporter assaulted by mourners, narrowly escapes death

Murtala Sani narrowly escaped being killed by a crowd of mourners while covering a mass funeral for victims of the March 7 massacre in Plateau State.

Kazakhstan

Embattled independent weekly paralysed by damages

A Kazakh court denied the newspaper's appeal, prohibiting it from being distributed until it pays approximately US$400,000 in damages.

Mexico

Eight journalists kidnapped in two weeks

IAPA urges the government to act swiftly to rescue the journalists kidnapped in Tamaulipas and to guarantee freedom of expression.

Burma

Election analysis banned in Burmese publications

A local editor told Mizzima that interviews and analyses had been censored in the country's three highest-selling weekly publications.

Liberia

Journalist released on bail after spending two nights in prison

Garley Mahn was arrested for disorderly conduct after he tried to display placards calling for the Liberian president to make changes in the way the county is administered.

Philippines

Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to protect witnesses to Maguindanao massacre

Two relatives of witnesses killed; many suspects remain at large.

Rwanda

Fears of repression resurface after journalist goes missing

Godwin Agaba, who is known for his hard-hitting investigative reporting, has not been heard from in two weeks.

Egypt

Physician tortured over support for presidential candidate

ANHRI urges the prosecutor general to investigate a case of torture allegedly carried out by state security officers.

Iraq

Legislative elections turn into nightmare for independent and opposition journalists

Journalists described it as the most harrowing period since the US invasion of Iraq in April 2003.

China

Censorship and threats follow publication of joint editorial on internal passport system

RSF urges the Propaganda Department to lift the censorship imposed on 13 newspapers calling for the elimination of the internal passport system known as the "hukou".

Palestine / Israel

Seven journalists assaulted in Jerusalem and Hebron

Several of the journalists were injured in clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian demonstrators.

Egypt

Authorities close case against blogger Ahmed Mostafa

"This issue should not have been referred to the court in the first place," says ANHRI.

Turkey

Editor sentenced to lengthy jail term; journalist's prison sentence converted to fine

Journalist Haci Bogatekin was sentenced to five years in prison for comments he made about former prosecutor Sadullah Ovacikli.

Chile

Chile's community radio stations have key role in disaster response

AMARC applauds the rapid response of Chile's community radio stations to the recent earthquake and calls for legal measures to facilitate community broadcasting.

Iran

With 52 journalists in jail, Iran hits new, shameful record

According to a survey by CPJ, one third of all journalists imprisoned around the world are in Iran.

Ukraine

Journalists denied access to press conference

Journalists from various media organisations were banned from the press conference of the singer who will represent Ukraine at the 2010 Eurovision song contest.

Brazil

Journalist assaulted by city council president in Caxias

Ricardo Rodrigues was assaulted after asking the council president about citizen complaints regarding the city's public health system.

Kuwait

Courts fine member of parliament, journalist and two newspapers for articles critical of the prime minister

The heavy penalties have completely ruined the good image that the government has worked hard to establish, says ANHRI.

Uganda

ARTICLE 19 welcomes introduction of whistleblowers bill

However, the bill doesn't protect people who disclose information to the press or the public.

Turkey

Television station penalised after programme guest criticises government

In a programme aired by TV8 television, MP Kamer Genç accused Prime Minister Erdogan and Deputy Prime Minister Çiçek of corruption.

Indonesia / Australia

IFJ urges Indonesia and Australia to act on Balibo killings

The Indonesian government has banned a film depicting the murder of several Australian journalists in 1975.

Ethiopia

Supreme Court orders publishing houses to pay country's highest ever fine, say publishers

The decision overturns a previous High Court ruling that a 2007 presidential amnesty to journalists and publishing houses also covered the fines.

Nigeria

Kidnapped journalists released

A spokeswoman for South African broadcaster M-Net/SuperSport confirmed that two journalists abducted at gunpoint on 1 March have been released.

Belgium / Turkey

Ten arrested in police raid on Kurdish TV station

Police organised simultaneous raids at 25 locations in the country that were alleged to be connected to the Kurdistan Workers' Party.

Mexico

Government official assaults reporter

René Gómez Dzib was assaulted by Inés Antonia Canul Uc when he was covering a story about an alleged misuse of social programme resources for election campaign purposes.

Bahrain

Authorities launch campaign against opposition party

The harassment of the Wefaq Society stems from a statement made by its secretary general calling for changes to the country's political structure.

Israel

Human Rights Watch calls for end to crackdown on anti-wall activists

Spurious charges against demonstrators and denial of due process have effectively resulted in a ban on peaceful expression of political speech, says the organisation.

Togo

French media denied accreditation to cover presidential election

RSF voiced its support for reporters from Radio France, RFI, RTL and "La Croix" who were refused visas in the run up to elections.

Uzbekistan

Investigate brutal attack on activist, says Human Rights Watch

After activist Dmitrii Tikhonov was brutally assaulted, the organisation says the government should take action to halt violence against human rights advocates.

Mexico

Two journalists kidnapped in Tamaulipas, later released

The Milenio Televisión reporter and camera operator had travelled to Tamaulipas to cover a wave of violence linked to a dispute between rival drug trafficking groups.

Bolivia

Government official announces criminal defamation lawsuit against journalist

The executive director of Insumos Bolivia accused journalist Carmen Melgar of defamation after she reported that the institution had flour that had passed its best before date in its warehouses.

Guatemala

Daily newspaper harassed after publishing information about government programme

The editor of the daily "La Hora" accused the government of using intimidation tactics against the paper after it published a story about a programme that has been criticised for a lack of transparency.

Ethiopia

Voice of America news broadcasts jammed

CPJ suspects that the Ethiopian government is behind the static heard on the radio program for the last two weeks.

Guatemala

Guatevisión denounces harassment of correspondents by government officials

The assistant director of Guatevisión's news programme reported that two of the television station's correspondents have been threatened by members of the ruling party.

Tunisia

Lawyer Mohamed Abbou harassed, documents seized at Tunis airport

Abbou was subjected to a strip search by officers at the airport shortly after his plane landed on 27 February 2010.

Iran

Two newspapers closed, detained journalists under pressure to request forgiveness

Although a number of journalists and netizens have been freed, the crackdown on media and journalists is continuing.

Côte d'Ivoire

French TV network France 24 allowed to resume local retransmission

"This satisfactory outcome ends a week in which Ivorians were deprived of a major international news source," said RSF.

Malaysia

CIJ concerned over newspaper's decision to resort to self-censorship

"The Star" has decided not to publish a column by commentator Marina Mahathir on its website.

Peru

Journalists assaulted and detained during carnival celebration

Police hit and detained José Puga and Jean Marco Córdova, even though they identified themselves as members of the press.

Nepal

Two journalists receive death threats

The journalists were threatened in connection with the recent murders of media enterpreneurs Arun Singhaniya and Jamim Shah.

Nepal

Journalist hospitalised after attack by youth group

Journalist Bivek Bhattarai sustained severe injuries to his head and has been taken to Biratnagar for further medical treatment.

Uzbekistan

AIDS activist sentenced to seven years in jail

Maksim Popov, a prominent Uzbek anti-AIDS activist, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his brochure "HIV and AIDS Today".

Turkey

Member of Parliament sues journalist for "attacking his personal rights"

The MP was angered by an article published by Haci Bogatekin in September 2009.

Cuba

IAPA concerned about health of independent journalist on hunger strike

IAPA calls for the immediate release of imprisoned independent journalists and prisoners of conscience.

Ecuador

Explosive detonated outside journalist's home

William Ribadeneira had been receiving threats which he believes are linked to his radio station's reports on illegal activities in the city of Macas.

Turkey

Website editor to be tried on charge of insulting president

Baris Yarkadas will face up to five years in prison when he appears before an Istanbul criminal court.

Afghanistan

Government curtailing reporting on insurgent attacks

The government should allow full coverage of terrorist attacks, CPJ said following reports that intelligence officials issued a ban on live coverage to news outlets.

Azerbaijan

On fifth anniversary of editor's murder, ARTICLE 19 calls for redoubling of efforts to bring perpetrators to justice

Elmar Huseynov's assassination had a distinctly chilling effect on freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, says ARTICLE 19.

Germany

IFJ hails ruling on data retention law as victory for press freedom

The Federal Constitutional Court struck down the highly controversial law, which arose from a European Union directive on electronic data retention.

Nigeria

Two sports journalists kidnapped by unknown gunmen

The gunmen stopped a bus carrying 21 crew members of M-Net's SuperSport channel, a South African private satellite television station, and took the journalists hostage.

Azerbaijan

Imprisoned editor concerned over possible threat to his life

Eynulla Fatullayev believes that heroin possession charges against him constitute the first stage in an assassination plan.

Russia

CPJ outraged by court ruling to free Magomed Yevloyev's killer

The gunman's two-year prison sentence was replaced with a two-year "restriction of freedom" term.

Honduras

One journalist killed, another injured in shooting

Joseph Hernández Ochoa was killed and Karol Cabrera injured in a shooting that took place in Tegucigalpa.

Ghana

Newspaper wins seven year old defamation case

A five-member panel unanimously dismissed the defamation charges brought by a traditional chief against "The Daily Dispatch".

Palestine

Hamas military court extends detention of British journalist by 15 days

IPI is concerned over the continued detention of freelancer Paul Martin on vague charges.

Turkey

In "warning", prime minister says critical columnists to blame for falling stock market

"It is impossible to silence journalists with such threats," says Turkish IPI board member Ferai Tinç.

China

Writer prevented from travelling to German book festival, under house arrest

Liao Yiwu had been warned not to attend the festival, but insisted on exercising his right to travel freely.

Turkey

Journalist receives death threat from stranger

Journalist Ramazan Pekgöz was followed by a stanger who warned him that he would meet the same fate as murdered journalist Hrant Dink.

Zimbabwe

Courthouse filming lands journalist in jail

This is the third time this year that award-winning photojournalist and videographer Andrison Shadreck Manyere has been arrested.

Democratic Republic of Congo

ANR agents storm radio station, arrest programme guests

ANR agents brought "Academy Plus", a Radio Liberté political debate programme, to a sudden halt.

Mexico

Journalist's murder in Tabasco attributed to Los Zetas criminal gang

Rodolfo Rincón Taracena was kidnapped on 20 January 2007 and reportedly killed for having revealed the location of drug deals in Villahermosa, Tabasco.

Sri Lanka

Journalist briefly detained, threatened by ruling party supporters in Jaffna

N. Parameswaran was detained after he exposed a fraudulent action by members of the Sri Lanka Peoples' Party.

Venezuela

Regional officials use radio programmes to malign media

A municipal councilor in Cojedes has conducted a media campaign to promote the expropriation of local media outlets.

Nepal

Another media entrepreneur shot dead in Janakpur

Arun Singhaniya, publisher of "Janakpur Today" and chairman of the Today Group, was shot at point blank range by an unidentified assailant and died on the spot.

Egypt

Blogger tried in military court

Blogger Ahmed Mostafa was court-martialled for allegedly publishing false information about the military establishment.

Kenya

ARTICLE 19 recommends changes to new broadcasting regulation

ARTICLE 19 recognises a number of positive features in the regulations and welcomes the fact that the Ministry of Information and Communications adopted some of ARTICLE 19's previous recommendations.

India

Human rights commission intervenes to defend journalist

Samiuddin, a reporter for the daily "Amar Ujala", has been threatened by local police since 2004, allegedly on the orders of the district police superintendent.

Iraq

Democracy and free expression under threat in Iraqi Kurdistan

"You have guns, we have pens," read an otherwise blank front page of independent newspaper "Hawlati", in protest over recent violence against journalists.

Liberia

Journalists barred from covering Tony Blair's meeting with vice president

The reporters were denied access to the meeting by security guards assigned to the vice president, even though they were in possession of the official press access pass.

Liberia

Newspaper and its staff face libel lawsuit

The former agriculture minister has filed a US$2 million action of damages for libel against "FrontPage Africa" newspaper, its editor-in-chief Rodney Sieh and reporter Samwar Fallah.

Argentina

Camera operator assaulted by police, detained

Gastón Reyes was filming an incident when two police officers assaulted and handcuffed him, then held him in custody for four hours.

Mauritania

Website editor freed under presidential pardon

Hanevy Ould Dehah's lawyer thanked all those who fought for his release and said without them his client would still be in prison.

Azerbaijan

Editor's detention prolonged by two more months

Editor Eynulla Fatullayev faces two more months in prison, following a recent decision by the Garadag District Court.

Somalia

Puntland guards beat journalist inside courtroom

Ahmed Ibrahim Nor, a correspondent for Radio SIMBA, was assaulted during a court hearing as the judge was sentencing a convicted criminal.

Mexico

Court drops charges against founder of community radio station

David Valtierra Arango had been accused of forcible confinement and robbery.

India

Wave of police violence hits journalists

RSF registered a total of 13 cases of abusive treatment and physical attacks against media personnel in February 2010.

Russia

CPJ calls for information on Natalya Estemirova murder

A top investigator with the Investigative Committee of Russia's Southern Federal District has reportedly confirmed that authorities have identified a suspect in the killing.

Kosovo (Serbia)

"Koha Ditore" journalist allegedly threatened over critical reporting

Prior to the threats, Vehbi Kajtazi wrote a critical article about the amnesty for a group of prisoners, including the son of a former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) commander.

Colombia

News programme loses top time slot, managers fear interference from Valle del Cauca governor

The "90 Minutos" programme was removed from the 1:00 p.m. slot on the Telepacífico channel, after holding that spot for 20 years.

Colombia

Government implicated in phone-tapping scandal as pressure on media continues

Four senior intelligence officials are implicated in the tapping of journalists' and other government critics' telephones.

Argentina

Radio station pulls environmental programme off the air

The station manager shut down the programme "Horizonte Sur", saying that he was tired of its criticisms.

Mexico

Journalists assaulted by members of Presidential Guard

The journalists were covering a demonstration by a group of young people who were protesting the visit of President Felipe Calderón to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.

Malaysia

Newspaper faces harassment, possible legal action over editorial on caning

"The Star" issued a public apology after some NGOs complained that the commentary was an insult to Islam.

Jordan

Sudanese writer and publishing house fined

The defendants were accused of "supporting Shi'ism" in a book that was published under the title, "Letters of the Sheikh Neil . . . Reviewing Islamic Thought".

Venezuela

RCTVI agrees to carry president's speeches, allowed back on air

The cable television station will have to comply with the requirement to carry the president's long speeches, known as "cadenas."

Venezuela

Authorities arrest former police officer in Sambrano murder

David Antonio Yánez Inciarte was arrested during a police drug raid and is believed to have gunned down journalist Orel Sambrano in 2009.

Syria

Journalist released after three months in arbitrary detention

The national criminal investigations department still has not said why it arrested Maan Aqil at his workplace.

Colombia

Five journalists mentioned in threatening pamphlet distributed in Cartago

The pamphlet mentions the five journalists and other local citizens who have been designated "military targets".

Canada

CJFE condemns vandalisation of newspaper office

The paper's editor believes that the violence is in connection to a recent meeting between individuals from the Tamil diaspora and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

United Arab Emirates

Access to independent online discussion forum blocked

Some contributors to the UAE Hewar forum believe authorities are blocking it in order to discover the identity of the site's owners.

Italy

Google conviction could lead to prior control over videos posted online, reports RSF

Three Google executives were found guilty of violating the privacy of a handicapped teenager by allowing a video of him being bullied to be posted on Google Video in 2006.

Ecuador

Police officer assaults photojournalist

The incident took place as journalist Pavel Calahorrano was taking photographs of a group of youths that were sprayed with teargas by the officer.

Cuba

RSF correspondent turns 60 in prison

Sentenced to 20 years in prison just for doing his job, González Alfonso González has had to endure the mistreatment that is standard fare for Cuban prisoners of conscience.

Bahrain

Authorities suspend permits of two foreign correspondents

The authorities recently suspended the activity of correspondents from certain French and German news agencies.

China

New regulations announced as Internet censorship reaches unprecedented level

Anyone wanting to operate a website will have to meet with regulators in person and bring identity documents.

Sri Lanka

Journalist's wife calls for investigation into his disappearance

One month after the disappearance of Prageeth Eknaligoda, the journalist's wife has not been able to get police or government officials to actively investigate his case.

Burma

Internet cafés in Sittwe ordered to monitor customers

Café owners have been ordered to keep a record of the names of users, the websites they surf and whom they chat with.

Angola

Government urged to release Cabinda rights defenders

Three human rights defenders were arrested, apparently on political grounds, following an 8 January 2010 attack on Togolese footballers in Cabinda.

Egypt

UN Rights Council: Egypt rejects important rights reforms, accepts others

Rejected recommendations include the release of bloggers detained under emergency laws and ensuring that activities of human rights defenders are not inhibited.

Liberia

Security agency instructs printing press not to print newspaper

The printing press was told to refrain from printing the paper if it intended to carry news about an audit of Grand Bassa County Superintendent Julia Duncan Cassell.

Argentina

Journalist assaulted in La Leonesa, Chaco

Dante Gustavo Fernández was assaulted when he went to La Leonesa to cover a demonstration against the use of agrochemicals to fumigate rice crops.

Colombia

Photojournalist threatened in Cartagena

Claudia Fortich and the managers of the daily she works for believe the threat could be linked to photographs she published of motorcycle drivers committing traffic violations.

Rwanda

Court sentences three journalists to prison

Charles Kabonero, Didas Gasana and Richard Kayigamba of the weekly "Umuseso" were found guilty of "invading privacy" in one of their articles.

Kuwait

Political and religious thinkers barred from entering the country

The authorities should cease denying entry to visiting speakers solely on the basis of their opinions, says Human Rights Watch.

Mexico

Authorities must continue to investigate the Brad Will killing, says CPJ

A federal court determined that Juan Manuel Martínez Moreno was not liable for criminal charges in the murder of journalist Brad Will and ordered his release.

Argentina

FOPEA concerned about actions against journalists in Andalgalá, Catamarca

FOPEA calls for journalists to be allowed to carry out their work in the midst of the conflictive situation that exists in the Andalgalá area.

Iran

Hardline conservative journalist attacked

Payam Fazlinejad, a reporter who works for the ultra-conservative daily "Kayhan", was seriously injured in an attack by several individuals on motorcycles.

Turkey

ECHR determines that sentencing of publisher violated free expression rights

Publisher Rahmi Akdas was fined for printing a Turkish-language version of a book by French writer Guillaume Apollinaire.

Côte d'Ivoire

French TV network France 24 suspended, opposition newspapers threatened

The political situation has been tense since President Laurent Gbagbo dissolved the government on 12 February 2010, thereby postponing elections yet again.

Turkey

Prosecutors request 525-year sentence for Kurdish editor

Vedat Kursun has been charged with 105 counts of "helping and abetting the PKK organization by spreading propaganda" and "glorifying crimes and criminals."

Azerbaijan

SalamNews journalist assaulted while on duty

Zulfugar Kheyirkhabar had been trying to prepare a report on an explosion at the Karvan tea house when he was assualted by the cafe's owner.

Georgia

Journalist receives death threats from authorities

Journalist Vakhtang Komakhidze recently returned from South Ossetia where he was producing a documentary on the 2008 Russian-Georgian conflict.

Nigeria

Police assault, arrest journalist at ECOWAS summit

Jude Opara, a foreign correspondent for the daily "Champion", was allegedly arrested for obstructing traffic in Abuja.

Venezuela

Journalists followed by military intelligence officers; radio station takes programmes off the air to avoid being shut down

Correspondents from Globovisión and RCTV Internacional say they are being following by members of the Military Intelligence Department.

Bulgaria

BGNES news agency journalist allegedly threatened while reporting on case

Ivan Yanev was investigating the murder of a policeman in the village of Enina when he was threatened by a police spokesman.

Somalia

Al-Shabaab militants arrest radio journalist in southern Somalia

The arrest follows a report filed by the journalist about a shooting by Al-Shabaab militias.

Ghana

Opposition party sympathiser granted bail

Nana Darkwa was arrested for allegedly implicating Ghana's former president Jerry John Rawlings in a fire that gutted Rawlings' house.

Indonesia

Draft rules on multimedia content dropped

AJI said that if the regulation were to take effect press freedom would be endangered, especially online news content.

Peru

Provincial Attorney General's Office dismisses case against La Voz de Bagua radio station

The case against the station was dismissed after the Provincial Attorney General's Office found that the station personnel were not responsible for the crimes they had been accused of committing.

Bolivia

RSF urges army to open dictatorship files and allow access to information

RSF condemned the army's refusal to allow access to part of the archives of the military dictatorships on the crucial subject of disappearances.

Yemen

Human rights defender charged with abusing judiciary

Activist Mohammed Naji faces charges following his criticism of the press court.

Turkey

Two journalists on trial for publishing confidential documents

Keman Goktas and Nedim Sener wrote books on the Hrant Dink murder, and now face charges of publishing confidential documents and lengthy prison sentences.

Syria

Two journalists freed after being held for more than one month without charge

Reporter Ali Taha and cameraman Ali Ahmed were arrested in the Damascus suburb of Sayda Zainab on 2 January 2010.

Pakistan

Journalist killed outside press club

Mangi may have been targeted for his professional work after airing footage of a feud been two local groups on the privately owned Mehran TV.

Nepal

Newspaper editors and chairman receive threats over news coverage

IPI reminds the authorities of their commitment to press freedom and journalists' safety.

Afghanistan

CJFE urges authorities to intervene in case of imprisoned writer

Dr. Ahmad Ghaus Zalmai was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his part in publishing a Dari/Farsi translation of the Koran.

Peru

Former mayor issues death threat against journalist; judge threatens photojournalist

The former mayor of a town in the Huánaco region threatened journalist Amancio Del Águila, blaming him for the loss of his position.

Liberia

Newspaper fined US$900,000 for libel

A private company sued the newspaper for defamation after it published an article calling its equipment "scraps".

Liberia

Four editors demoted after protesting suppression of opposition views

The editors had insisted that the state-owned station broadcast a press conference by opposition party members.

Eritrea

One year after her arrest, Radio Bana journalist being held in solitary confinement

It is not known why journalist Yirgalem Fisseha Mebrahtu has been held in solitary confinement for the past few weeks.

El Salvador

Three more suspects arrested in Christian Poveda murder investigation

The arrests of three members of the Mara 18 gang bring the total number of suspects detained to 28.

Tunisia

Radio Kalima reporters harassed

Intimidation and brutality is the daily reality of journalists, says RSF.

Sri Lanka

FMM condemns police actions against journalists covering protests

Police have been obstructing coverage of demonstrations by taking away journalists' cameras and destroying their footage.

Sri Lanka

Editor freed, but fears grow for missing journalist

Editor Chandana Sirimalwatte was held without charge for 18 days.

Serbia

City of Pirot withdraws financial support for Serbian weekly "Pirotske Novine" after critical reporting

The newspaper published a report that questioned the mayor's spending habits.

Iraq

Journalist kidnapped

Hossam Daoud Lazim has been kidnapped in Kirkuk by four armed men in civilian clothes.

Zimbabwe

Mexican journalist arrested in Zimbabwe despite proper accreditation

The journalist was arrested by state security agents as he was attempting to film tourist attractions in the town of Masvingo.

Libya

Four journalists arrested, later released

Reversing earlier progress, the regime has been cracking down on the media, especially independent news websites.

Zimbabwe

Media remain muzzled as attempts at reform fail, says Human Rights Watch

No licences for independent media have been issued by the power-sharing government and journalists face intimidation and arrest for appearing to oppose the ZANU-PF party.

Zimbabwe

Privately-owned newspaper "The Zimbabwean" harassed

Criminal charges of "publishing falsehoods" have been brought against the directors of the company that distributes the paper.

Palestine

MADA condemns military court's decision to imprison journalist for a year and a half

A military court decided to imprison former Aqsa TV correspondent Tarek Abu Zeid for a year and a half despite a Supreme Court ruling that determined he should be released.

Palestine

Journalists' groups demand release of British journalist

Documentary filmmaker Paul Martin was arrested and detained as he was about to give evidence at a military tribunal.

Egypt

Community development association member detained for speaking out against forced marriages

Sabah Khalil Eid was detained for four days after appearing on a television programme in which she criticised the practice of forcing female minors to marry wealthy older men.

Ukraine

Weekly's journalists resign in protest over editorial interference

Staff of the weekly "Ostriv Svobody" resigned after a new publisher attempted to dictate the paper's editorial stance.

Russia

Website suffers hacker attack after posting interview with murdered rights activist

Soon after publishing the last interview given by murdered rights activist Natalya Estemirova, the Ingushetiyaru website was rendered inoperable by a hacker attack.

Colombia

"Cambio" magazine moves away from political news, its managers say the change is a result of their critical editorial stance

The publisher announced that the magazine will become a general interest publication for financial reasons, but its managers say the decision is related to their reporting on corruption.

Iraq

Independent journalists harassed, attacked in Kurdistan election run-up

Harassment and physical violence against journalists have been increasing in the run-up to the 6 March 2010 legislative elections.

Nigeria

CPJ condemns police harassment of "Desert Herald" editor

Local journalists believe police are trying to arrest Mallam Turkur because an edition of the weekly accused the Yobe State governor of acquiring properties illicitly.

Costa Rica

Court eliminates prison terms for defamation, but criminal convictions still possible

CPJ calls on the legislature to remove criminal defamation provisions from its penal code after a Supreme Court decision eliminated prison terms from the Printing Press Law.

Argentina

Journalists harassed in Formosa

The journalists asked the army to escort them out of the province after they were repeatedly followed and their transmission cables were cut.

Guatemala

Journalist concerned for his safety after investigating allegations of nepotism

Journalist Héctor López Cordero reported that he has been receiving threatening messages that he suspects are coming from supporters of Congressman Lester Reyna.

Belarus

New government regulations may restrict distribution of foreign publications

Public agencies in Belarus now have the right to ban dissemination of foreign media publications.

Iran

UN Human Rights Council reviews situation in Iran

RSF urges international community to face up to responsibilities during UN Human Rights Council's review of Iran.

Cameroon

Two journalists held by intelligence agency freed after seven days

Simon Hervé Nko'o and Serge Sabouang were detained without explanation.

Azerbaijan

Amendments to legislation restricting media activity adopted

NGOs and media outlets have issued statements denouncing the changes and appealed to the president to withdraw them.

Mexico

Police officers assault reporter and camera operator in Veracruz

Correspondent Carlos Dueñas and camera operator Guillermo González were assaulted by police officers as they were filming a confrontation between football fans.

Sri Lanka

FMM denounces attacks on protesters as violation of free expression

Police used tear gas to disperse protesters who were demonstrating against the arrest of the defeated presidential candidate.

Cambodia

Radio reporter sued for disinformation

Radio Free Asia reporter Sok Serey was charged with disinformation for reporting on a dispute between a Muslim community leader and members of his mosque.

Vietnam

Amid a mounting crackdown, two blogs shuttered

Blogosin and Bauxite Vietnam, two blogs that have published critical perspectives on sensitive government issues, have apparently been shut down.

Yemen

Opposition newspaper reporter murdered

Mohammed Shu'i Al-Rabu'i, a correspondent for the opposition newspaper "Al-Qahira", was gunned down at his home.

Palestine

Shots fired at journalist's home

Freelance journalist Mustafa Sabra had recently been arrested by security forces.

Burma

Aung San Suu Kyi calls upcoming elections illegitimate

The elections won't be fair without freedom of expression and information, says Burma's opposition leader.

Canada

En route to Olympic protests, reporters detained at Canadian border

(CPJ/IFEX) - New York, February 12, 2010 - The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about reported border incidents involving journalists attempting to enter Canada from the United States to cover protests and other events related to the Olympic Games, which begin tonight.

Brazil

Radio station set on fire

The owner of Rádio Nova Coari suspects the attack was motivated by the station's reports on Mayor Arnaldo Mituoso's administration.

Guatemala

IAPA applauds reopening of murder probe

Jorge Carpio Nicolle, publisher of the newspaper "El Gráfico", was murdered on July 3, 1993.

Iran

Iran attempts to stifle Internet on anniversary of revolution

In the days leading up to the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, authorities have tried to control the flow of information in and out of the country.

Turkey

Turkey sentences Kurdish newspaper editor to 21 years in prison

IPI says the government is using anti-terrorism laws to restrict press freedom.

Russia

Charges against journalist lifted

GDF credits its letter-writing campaign with influencing public opinion and convincing the judge to drop the charges.

Cameroon

Journalists summoned for commenting on corruption-related legal cases

The journalists were investigating the misappropriation of public funds in a country considered to be among the world's most corrupt.

Brazil

Suspect confesses to involvement in attempted grenade attack on newspaper

According to the suspect, Wanderson Nilton de Paula Lima, the action against the newspaper was in retaliation for having published an account of his crimes.

China

IFJ demands immediate release of Liu Xiaobo

The Beijing High People's Court upheld an 11-year jail sentence against human rights writer and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Liu Xiaobo.

Italy

IFJ condemns ban on political talk on Italian TV ahead of elections

Political debate will only be allowed if all 18 parties are guaranteed equal air time.

Jordan

Journalist, environmental specialist to spend 15 days in jail for criticising government policy

A prosecutor has ordered Mwaffaq Mahadin and Sufian Tell to be held for criticising the Jordanian intelligence services' assistance to the US against Al-Qaeda.

Peru

Ruling acquits alleged masterminds of journalist's murder

CPJ calls on judicial authorities to review the ruling and ensure that all those responsible for killing Alberto Rivera Fernández are brought to justice.

Iran

After more arrests, number of journalists and netizens in prison now tops 65

The number of journalists and netizens detained in Iran has reached unprecedented levels.

United States / Iraq

US military releases Reuters photographer after 17 months in detention

Ibrahim Jassam was never charged with a crime and no evidence against him was ever disclosed.

Ecuador

Journalist sentenced to six months in prison for defamation

Peter Tavra Franco was sentenced on defamation charges stemming from a lawsuit filed against him by Mónica Carrera, who has been accused of human trafficking.

Bulgaria

Journalist hit with hammer against head

Veliko Tarnovo was hit on the head with a hammer by a construction entrepreneur whom he was about to interview regarding complaints about building contracts.

Israel

Journalists attacked during confrontation at refugee camp

MADA strongly condemns the Israeli occupation forces' attack on two journalists while they were covering a raid of the Shuafat refugee camp in Jerusalem.

Peru

Radio Campesina journalists threatened in Cajamarca; guesthouse owner assaults journalist in Trujillo

A man claiming to be neighbourhood association president William Amayo's lawyer threatened Radio Campesina journalists after the station aired an interview that was unfavourable to Amayo.

Cameroon

Authorities urged to account for two journalists held incommunicado by intelligence agency

There has been no news of Simon Hervé Nko'o and Serge Sabouang since their arrest on 5 February 2010.

Philippines

Indictment of nearly 200 in Maguindanao killings a welcome first step

According to news reports, the indictment charged political clan leader Andal Ampatuan Sr. and others with conspiring to ambush and kill members and supporters of a rival family.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Police assault journalist

Journalist Osman Drina was reporting on the first women's basketball league in Bosnia Herzegovina when he was verbally and physically assaulted by policemen.

Azerbaijan

Proposed changes to legislation would restrict mass media activities

The presidential administration has submitted a a proposal for amendments to several laws, including those that relate to the mass media and freedom of information.

Venezuela

Minister requests investigation of media outlet, businessman and journalist; TV station allowed to resume broadcasting

The request for a criminal investigation was issued based on comments made by businessman Noel Álvarez on RCTV Internacional's "La Entrevista" programme.

Israel

Israeli soldiers assault, harass journalists

A soldier shot photographer Nidal Ishtieh with rubber bullets after he refused to stop covering a confrontation in the village of Oraq Burin.

Ukraine

Georgian journalist barred from entering Ukraine

Reporter Zurab Khvistani was in Ukraine to cover the second round of presidential elections.

Nepal

TV magnate shot dead, police urged not to rule out media activities as motive

The head of satellite television station Channel Nepal and cable TV company Space Time Network was shot dead in the centre of Kathmandu on 7 February 2010.

Philippines

IFJ demands that government protect threatened journalist

Malu Cadelina Manar received a series of death threats soon after conducting an interview about motorcycle thefts on the dxND radio network.

China

IFJ condemns sentencing of Sichuan writer

Tan Zuoren was sentenced to five years in jail for his articles about the Tiananmen Square massacre and for accepting interviews with foreign media.

Sri Lanka

Two MTV network journalists assaulted

Correspondent Rizwi Maharoof was assaulted while he was at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital covering a shooting incident.

Burma

Internet cafes ordered to keep tabs on customers

The chairman of the Pegu Township Peace and Development Council has ordered Internet cafe owners to keep records of the personal profiles of Internet users.

Bahrain

Authorities prohibit publishing houses from exhibiting books

Bahraini authorities have banned 25 Shiite Lebanese publishing houses from exhibiting their books at an annual book fair held in the capital of Manama.

Canada

CJFE concerned by reports of political interference in access to information case

A Public Works department report is delivered late and heavily censored.

Canada

CJFE troubled that activist denied entry to Canada

Martin Macias Jr is an outspoken critic of the Olympics who was planning to attend rallies and protests leading up to the start of the Games.

Thailand

Thai police, soldiers raid Karen media office

About 20 policemen and soldiers searched the Karen Information Centre ostensibly for illegal drugs and weapons.

Mexico

Bombs thrown at journalist's home in Tabasco

The incident took place after the editor of "Tabasco al Día" refused to remove a billboard denouncing corruption at the state-owned gas company.

Egypt

Journalist sentenced to 12 months in prison

A court has imposed prison sentences against journalist Yasser Barakat in two separate cases launched against him by a member of parliament.

Vietnam

Writer sentenced to three and a half years in prison on trumped-up assault charge

Tran Khai Thanh Thuy and her husband were the victims of violence by the security forces.

Pakistan

Twelve journalists injured in bomb blast

(PPF/IFEX) - Eight print and electronic media professionals were injured in a bomb explosion outside the emergency ward of the Jinnah Hospital in Karachi on February 5, 2010. Four media employees were also injured by the angry mob after the explosion. The journalists were performing their professional duties at the hospital when the bomb went off.

Ghana

ARTICLE 19 recommends changes to proposed access to information law

Although the draft law contains positive features, it suffers from unclear and broad exception clauses among other issues, says ARTICLE 19.

Brazil

TV reporters detained for two hours

Reporters from TV Banderaintes were detained by personnel from the Brazilian Environment and Natural Resources Institute.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Irregularities and delaying tactics surround establishment of broadcasting council

One month after promulgation of the broadcasting council law, the text of the law appears to have been hidden to enable cheating in the selection of its members.

Ghana

Newspaper reporter attacked

Jos Garneo Cephas was reportedly assaulted after photographing five military personnel standing trial for murder.

Peru

Two journalists attacked in Chimbote

Paul Meza Castañeda and George Vergaray Sánchez were assaulted by supporters of the regional government.

Panama

IAPA concerned at bill that would "legalise" media self-regulation

A bill before the National Assembly seeks to establish a national agency to oversee self-regulation of news media outlets.

Bulgaria

IPI condemns Molotov cocktail attack on TV SKAT

The station's offices in Varna were attacked with a Molotov cocktail the day after a similar attack on the head office in Burgas.

Turkey

Cameraman assaulted while on duty

Ertuğrul Yılmaz received medical treatment for a broken nose and rib after the vicious attack.

Kyrgyzstan

Editor of opposition newspaper threatened

Zhyldyz Musabekova is linking the threats to her journalism work.

Mauritania

Court imposes new two-year sentence on website editor

Hanevy Ould Dehah, editor of the website Taqadoumy, was convicted at the end of an incomprehensible and arbitrary trial.

Iraq

New media rules reflect return to authoritarianism

A CPJ review of a plan to impose regulations on broadcast news media found rules that fall short of international standards for freedom of expression.

Ghana

Investigation launched into journalist mistreatment allegation

James Donkor was detained after attempting to photograph a man whom police had allegedly tied to an electric pole for "disrespecting them."

Iran

New round of Stalinist-style trials under way, more arrests

All 16 defendants in the latest trial are accused of being "enemies of God" and "corrupt on earth" - charges that carry the death penalty.

Tajikistan

Judges seek millions from three weeklies in civil libel case

CPJ called on the judges to drop their defamation lawsuits, in which they are demanding damage amounts that would bankrupt the weeklies.

Vietnam

Writer to go on trial; expanding campaign to silence dissent

Prominent writer and democracy activist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy is to be put on trial on assault charges after thugs attacked and beat her in front of her home.

China

New ban on reporting tainted milk scandal

With renewed concern over melamine-tainted milk products, media outlets are required to use only information formally released by the authorities.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi operator Arabsat takes Iran's Al-Alam network off air

The network has been critical of Saudi involvement in the insurgency in northern Yemen and Al-Alam personnel believe they were taken off the air for political reasons.

Haiti / United States

US marines seize Haitian photographer's camera

Homère Cardichon was covering a demonstration by disgruntled residents outside the US embassy.

Yemen

Human rights defender sentenced to eight-year prison term

After a semi-secret trial, Yasser al-Wazir has been sentenced on trumped-up charges, including "forming an armed group."

Uganda

President Museveni files libel complaint against two journalists

Journalists Angelo Izama and Henry Ochieng compared the president to former Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos.

Philippines

Congress adjourns session without passing freedom of information bill

The bill's authors and supporters accused the lower chamber's leadership of stalling on the measure.

Mauritania

Still held illegally, website editor re-tried on same charge

Hanevy Ould Dehah should have been released on 24 December 2009 on completing a six-month sentence on a trumped-up charge.

Serbia

Serbian minister for infrastructure assaults "Kurir" journalist

The media reported that the minister slapped journalist Milan Ladjevic in the face as he talked to fellow journalists.

Libya

Stop blocking independent websites, says Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch calls the government's blocking of seven websites and YouTube a return to "the dark days of total media control."

Kazakhstan

Press seizure underscores concerns about government's commitment to freedom

An Almaty court ordered the seizure of five newspapers' print runs and issued an order banning reports "damaging the honor and integrity" of the president's son-in-law.

Sri Lanka

FMM calls on president to ensure a free media environment

FMM and seven other media organisations have noted a continuing deterioration in media freedom following the recent presidential election.

Sri Lanka

Ban on "Lanka" newspaper lifted but editor remains in detention

Media organisations expressed their hope that, since the ban on the newspaper was lifted, justice will also prevail in the case of detained editor Chandana Sirimalwatta.

Azerbaijan

Editor sentenced to a year and a half of "corrective labour" in libel case

Eyyub Karimov said he had been critical but neither insulting nor libelous in his articles and that he will appeal his sentence.

Belarus

Government extends its control over all media

President Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree on 1 February 2010 establishing extensive control over Internet access and online content.

Serbia

Serbian Orthodox priest threatens journalist

Journalist Aleksandra Delic was threatened over her critical reporting about the owners of the weekly "Glas Podrinja".

Ghana

"Daily Guide" newspaper wins defamation case

An Accra High Court dismissed a four-year-old defamation suit brought against Akosua, a cartoonist with the "Daily Guide" newspaper.

Malaysia

CIJ calls for an end to book banning

After the confiscation of copies of two books, CIJ is concerned that more books will be banned and retailers intimidated in a move to prevent public debate.

Tunisia

Critical journalist's appeal rejected

An appeals court has upheld a six-month prison sentence against journalist Taoufik Ben Brik, one of President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali's toughest critics.

Mexico

Editor killed in Guerrero

Jorge Ochoa Martínez, editor of "El Sol de la Costa" newspaper, was killed by a gunshot to the head.

Turkey

Almost four decades on, IPI calls for justice for slain editor Abdi Ipekci

The chairwoman of the IPI Turkish National Committee urged authorities to address "unanswered questions" in the murder case.

Venezuela

Three journalists assaulted while covering different protests; another journalist faces legal action

Journalist José Gregorio Adames and his camera operator, Dixon Coronado, were attacked by unidentified assailants in the city of Barinas.

Morocco

Blogger Boubaker Al-Yadib sentenced to six months in prison

The blogger was sentenced for "degradation of state property", "threatening a public official" and "participation in an illegal demonstration".

Cuba

Dissident journalist arrested in Holguín

Journalist Juan Carlos Reyes Ocaña is facing charges of "insult", "disobedience" and "illegal economic activity".

Mexico

Magazine editor abducted, beaten and threatened by mayor and municipal employees

The magazine "Puerto Viejo" had published stories that angered the mayor.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia jails editor whose paper challenged the prime minister

Ezedin Mohamed was sentenced in connection with a January 2008 column that criticised Meles Zenawi's statements about religious affairs in Ethiopia.

Nepal

Local correspondent receives death threat

Journalist Abdesh Kumar Jha had published information on Indian nationals being granted Nepali citizenship.

Madagascar

Two Radio Fahazavana journalists detained over alleged involvement in mutiny

Didier Ravoahangison and Lolo Ratsimba are accused of involvement in "acts of political destabilisation" and have been detained in Antanimora prison since 8 January.

Morocco

Country's most critical publication faces closure

Liquidators took control of "Le Journal Hebdomadaire" after a Casablanca court declared that the publication's former publishing group and its current one were bankrupt.

Mexico

Broadcasting corporation's vehicle set on fire, journalists threatened

A note found beside the burning vehicle warned that journalists would be attacked as well.

China

Internet still not restored in Xinjiang

Most of the Internet is still cut off seven months after the riots in the northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Tunisia

Journalist Mouldi Zouabi arrested, detained for eight hours

Police harassment of Zouabi has been particularly intense recently and he has received threats.

Sri Lanka

Journalists face intimidation, censorship after election

CPJ is receiving reports of government retribution against journalists who sided with the opposition in the election.

Vietnam

Activist jailed for spreading "propaganda" with online article

Pham Thanh Nghien, a freelance writer, was arrested during a government crackdown on dissidents in September 2008.

Pakistan

Five injured, 10 shops damaged by music and video market bomb blast

Shop owners had received warnings not to sell "vulgar" videos.

Philippines

Life term for murderer of radio broadcaster

A court has found guilty the accused killer of radio broadcaster Edgar Amoro, who was a key witness in the killing of fellow broadcaster Edgar Damalerio.

Bulgaria

IPI concerned about safety of journalist Lidia Pavlova

Pavlova has been living under constant threat since she began reporting on the "Galevi" case.

Burma

Another Democratic Voice of Burma reporter receives lengthy prison term

Ngwe Soe Lin, a reporter with the Norway-based opposition radio station, has been sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment.

Turkey

European Court of Human Rights orders Turkey to pay compensation to journalists

The Court ruled that Turkey had violated freedom of speech laws when it suspended five newspapers and sentenced a magazine editor to prison.

Mexico

Police commander threatens magazine editor in Chiapas

"El Observador" magazine published allegations that the police engaged in extortion, theft and kidnapping.

Ghana

Newspaper photojournalist detained, severely assaulted

Photographer Emmanuel Kubi, who was covering the trial of four murder convicts, was locked up with the convicts and other criminals.

China / United States

Microsoft should not undermine efforts to combat censorship, says Human Rights Watch

Recent public statements by Microsoft executives appear to contradict the company's official statement of opposition to censorship.

Brazil

IAPA urges authorities to solve murder of Brazilian journalist

The investigation is still open fifteen years after journalist Nivanildo Barbosa Limathe's death.

Israel / Palestine

Israeli soldiers assault journalists in West Bank village

Cameramen and photographers were covering olive tree cultivation when soldiers ordered them to stop filming.

Israel

High Court quashes jail sentence against two journalists

Khader Shahin and Mohammed Sarhan had been charged with "revealing secret information" and "transmitting information to the enemy in time of war."

Iran

Two bloggers face possible death penalty

Mehrdad Rahimi and Kouhyar Goudarzi have been accused of wanting to wage "a war against God" as the authorities begin executing "Mohareb."

Venezuela

Photographer injured while reporting on protest

A photographer's nose was broken after he was hit in the face with a pipe.

Burma

State agency stops providing Aung San Suu Kyi photos; football coverage restricted

Local weeklies have had to run articles without images of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi or use file photos.

Venezuela

Three cable TV stations allowed to resume broadcasting, RCTVI still suspended

Partial U-turn by government suggests original decree forcing cable stations to transmit President Chávez's long speeches targeted RCTVI.

United Kingdom

Supreme Court reaffirms open justice principle and orders identification of terror suspects

Decision "sets an important precedent for open justice," says ARTICLE 19.

Pakistan

Lawyers stop journalists from covering court proceedings

Lahore Bar Association members stopped journalists from covering court proceedings in a murder case in which the former president of the association is the main suspect.

Pakistan

Police officers assault reporter and camera operator

A reporter and camera operator for Dunya TV were assaulted by police officers who were demonstrating to demand an increase in their salaries.

Malaysia

CIJ welcomes court decision to overturn book ban

Although the ruling is a positive development, the law under which the ban was applied still limits freedom of information and expression and should be repealed, says CIJ.

Fiji

Continuation of hearings against human rights trainer form part of ongoing clampdown on free speech, says PFF

Hearings are scheduled to continue against Imrana Jalal in a case brought against her by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

Zambia

Football association bans reporter from interviewing national team players

The ban followed on the heels of an opinion article by the journalist that criticised the national team's coach and skipper.

Sri Lanka

Websites blocked just hours before poll results are announced

Access to the independent news websites Lankaenews, Lankanewsweb, Infolanka and Sri Lanka Guardian has been blocked by the country's main ISP.

Malaysia

Police prevent opposition leader from concluding speech

CIJ is concerned that police are impeding freedom of speech and freedom of association by preventing public talks by opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

International

RSF concerned about threat to online free expression from imminent international accord

Thirty-nine countries are participating in the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement negotiations, which officials are conducting in secret.

Zambia

As country prepares to switch to digital broadcasting, MISA urges government to prevent "information gap"

MISA called on the government to cushion the cost of acquiring the equipment required to receive digital signals in order to ensure equal access to information for all.

China

Detained PEN officer Zhao Shiying released; new cyber attack targets Independent Chinese PEN Center

Writer Zhao Shiying was allowed to return home after nearly two weeks in police custody.

Zambia

Member of Parliament forces his way into TV station, threatens guests with gun

MP Chishimba Kambwili was upset with what two former student leaders had to say on the MUVI TV show "Hot Issues".

Azerbaijan

Student journalist expelled after publishing critical articles

Elmin Badalov was harassed after publishing an article on bribery and financial fraud at the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy.

Venezuela

Student killed in TV protests

One student was killed and nine police officers injured during protests against a government order to cable networks to stop broadcasting RCTV Internacional.

Haiti / United States

IAPA protests international journalists' eviction from airport

According to IAPA, the measure by the U.S. military was implemented abruptly and without appropriate alternatives provided for the journalists to continue reporting.

Venezuela

Central bank security officers prevent privately-owned media from covering press conference

The issue that the press conference was to cover was the recent intervention by the state into the activities of three financial institutions.

Iraq

Security forces now biggest enemy for Iraqi journalists, says RSF

The organisation notes that unwarranted violence and gratuitous threats from security forces now present the greatest threat to local journalists.

Serbia

Weekly "Vranjske" subjected to political pressure after publishing critical articles

All public institutions managed by a local political party have been prohibited from advertising in "Vranjske" and the weekly has been subjected to numerous inspections.

South Africa

Prosecutors banned from speaking to media

The National Prosecuting Authority, which issued the ban, has come under close scrutiny over a high-profile case relating to the wife of the state security minister.

Venezuela

Cable companies take six television stations off the air following communications regulator's orders

Cable operators have stopped broadcasting the RCTV Internacional, América TV, TV Chile, American Network, Ritmo Son and Momentum television stations on orders from CONATEL.

Chile

Court dismisses libel case filed by former lieutenant against journalist

Edwin Dimter Bianchi, a former army lieutenant, had pressed criminal charges against journalist Pascale Bonnefoy Miralles in 2006.

Middle East and North Africa

Disturbing moves to create super-police for Arab satellite TV stations, says RSF

A joint proposal by the Egyptian and Saudi governments could see the creation of a regional office to supervise Arab satellite television stations.

Sri Lanka

As election nears, pro-opposition journalist disappears

CPJ is deeply concerned by the reported disappearance of Prageeth Ekneligoda, a political reporter for Lanka eNews.

Argentina

Patagonian radio station vandalised

This incident marks the third attack against the radio station in less than a year.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

IPI strongly condemns police raid on premises of BN Television in Bijeljina

The police could have handled the situation in another way instead of blocking scheduled programming, says IPI.

Fiji

PFF urges military regime to drop proposed media law

The regime has damaged its own credibility by banning mainstream media outlets from participating in the consultation process for the new law, says PFF.

Uzbekistan

Journalist charged with defaming Uzbeks

The charges against Umida Akhmedova stem from photographs depicting life in Uzbek villages and a documentary on the traditional ban on premarital sex.

Peru

Journalist receives death threat

According to José Atauje, the threat could be linked to his reporting on Alfredo Quispe, the lawyer for terrorist leader Abimael Guzmán.

Haiti

Radio stations getting back on the air in Port-au-Prince

With the help of foreign technicians and media outlets, a total of 20 radio stations were functioning a week after the 12 January quake.

Venezuela

CONATEL shuts down one radio station; programme cancelled at another

CONATEL justified the measure by pointing out that the station was operating without the necessary permits required by law.

Iran

Editor arrested, several journalists still held in secret locations

"Yaneh" newspaper editor Azad Lotpoury was arrested by Intelligence Ministry officials on 14 January 2010.

Bahrain

Minister blocks YouTube channel

The Minister of Information and Culture continued her fight against freedom of expression and opinion by blocking a YouTube channel critical of the country's political leaders.

International / United States

Secretary of State's speech recognises Internet as integral to development and stability

The US will devote the "resources necessary" to press for Internet freedom, Hillary Clinton said.

Greece

IPI condemns series of attacks against journalists

In the most recent incident, sports reporters covering the AEK-Olympiakos Championship football match in Athens were violently beaten.

United States

Supreme Court decision could bring forward execution of journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal

The Supreme Court has sent back to a Philadelphia appeal court the case of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a one-time Black Panther sentenced to death in dubious circumstances.

United States

State Department lifts ban on prominent Muslim scholar

PEN American Center welcomed the decision which allows Tariq Ramadan to re-apply for a US visa.

Paraguay

Journalists assaulted by police, prevented from speaking to detainees

The incident took place at a press conference held by the national police chief in Concepción.

Russia

Journalist killed in police custody

IFJ calls on Russian authorities to act immediately over the "savage" killing of journalist Konstantin Popov.

Colombia

Journalist receives death threat

Javier Gómez Garcés, a former presenter with the local television station Telepetróleo, was held up and threatened while on his way to the mayor's office.

Tunisia

Prison term completed, journalist still behind bars

An appeals court has refused to release Zuhair Makhlouf despite his completion of a three-month prison term.

Iraq

More threats and violence against independent journalists in Iraqi Kurdistan

Press freedom violations and violence against independent journalists have increased since the regional elections.

Sri Lanka

State media giving president disproportionate coverage prior to election, says RSF

Flouting a Supreme Court ruling, state-owned TV stations Rupavahini and ITN continue to openly favour President Mahinda Rajapaksa's campaign to win another term.

Israel

English-language editor of Palestinian news agency deported

American journalist Jared Malsin wrote articles from within the Palestinian territories, including reports criticizing Israel.

South Africa

eNews journalists subpoenaed after story on criminals' World Cup plans

The ANC has demanded that e.tv help police arrest two criminals who threatened to rob World Cup tourists during interviews broadcast by the station on 15 January 2010.

Burma

Journals forced to print pro-junta articles

Domestic journals in Burma are under pressure from the military regime's censor board to print pro-junta articles, editors said.

Indonesia

Attorney General's Office bans five books

Twenty more books are being evaluated by the government.

Italy

Proposed decree would require websites showing videos to obtain licence

The decree, which could take effect as early as 27 January, poses yet another threat to free expression in Italy.

Pakistan

TV reporter's house attacked with bricks

Reporter Azaz Syed suspects an intelligence agency may be behind the incident because he had filed reports critical of the military.

Swaziland

MISA condemns attack on journalist at Manzini church service

Church elders harassed journalist Manqoba Nxumalo and confiscated his notebook before ordering marshals to chase him away.

Mexico

CPJ calls for thorough investigation into crime reporter's murder

Events leading up to the discovery of José Luis Romero's body suggest that a drug cartel may have been responsible for the journalist's murder.

Cameroon

Journalist investigating corruption detained, threatened

Nadège Christelle Bowa was held for nearly two hours after interviewing a high-ranking official detained for misappropriating public funds.

Philippines

Radio journalist killed, case filed against suspect

Radio blocktimer Ismael Pasigna was gunned down on his way to work, possibly due to his election coverage.

Turkey

Three years on, still no convictions in editor's murder

The masterminds behind the murder of Turkish-Armenian newspaper editor Hrant Dink remain at large.

Iraq

ARTICLE 19 comments on Draft Access to Information Law

While ARTICLE 19 welcomed the initiative to promote access to information, it urged that the Draft Law be amended in order to ensure compliance with international standards.

Palestine

Cameraman's home raided

MADA condemns the raiding of the home and an assault by police on Aqsa TV cameraman and news producer Ammar Yasir Altilawy.

Ecuador

Radio station evicted from its premises; two photojournalists assaulted

The station's director believes the eviction is a form of reprisal for having broadcast a series of accusations against the mayor and deputy mayor.

Egypt

Activists charged with demonstrating illegally, chanting anti-state slogans and causing disorder

Security officers in Nag' Hammadi arrested the activists and took their cell phones away before they had time to engage in any activities.

China

Journalists warned over hacked Gmail accounts

The Foreign Correspondents Club of China warned its members that some correspondents recently discovered that their Gmail accounts have been hijacked.

Vietnam

Four netizens and pro-democracy activists sentenced to a total of 33 years in jail

RSF condemns the long jail sentences imposed on a total of seven bloggers, cyber-dissidents and human rights activists in rushed sham trials.

Peru

TV station's licence cancelled by Ministry of Transport and Communications

The decision was made after the ministry verified that the station had not operated during its first 12 trial months.

Malaysia

Government urged not to ban non-Muslims' use of word "Allah"

A government minister said usage of the word "Allah" is allowed for non-Muslims in East Malaysia but forbidden for Christian publications and sermons in Pensinsular Malaysia.

Philippines

Toll of media workers killed in massacre rises, attacks continue

Photographer Jepon Cadagdagon was confirmed to have been among those murdered in Maguindanao, bringing the toll of media personnel killed in the massacre to 32.

Bahrain

Authorities block human rights page on Twitter website

The authorities have blocked a personal webpage on the Twitter website, claiming that the owner of the webpage violated the country's printing and publishing regulations.

Yemen

Journalist sentenced to one year in prison for "infringing on Islamic faith"

Journalist Moaz Al-Ashihabi was taken to the central prison after being sentenced to a year in jail by the Special Court for Journalists.

Armenia

WPFC condemns seven-year prison sentence against leading journalist

Nikol Pashinyan was accused of serious crimes after exercising his right to free expression during a rally that was brutally repressed by police.

Yemen

Journalist sentenced to three months in prison for insulting president

In 2007, journalist Anisa Mohammed Ali Osman published two opinion articles in "Al-Wasat" newspaper that were deemed to be insulting to the president.

Chechnya (Russia)

Ombudsman's statements reflect culture of intimidation, says Freedom House

The Chechen ombudsman alleged that the human rights organisation Memorial has been using facts about rights violations to "destabilise" the situation in Chechnya.

Kuwait

Draft amendments to press law threaten press freedom

The proposed changes would provide for prison sentences of one to two years for press offences and fines that could go as high as 100,000 dinars.

Somalia

Media houses targeted with grenades, three journalists wounded

On 15 January 2010, unidentified assailants threw hand grenades at Radio Voice of Mudug, Radio Hobio and Radio Galkayo in the town of Galkayo.

Egypt

Group of bloggers, political party representatives and journalists arrested by government forces

The arrests are an example of a pattern of government interference in the right of citizens to freedom of expression, says Freedom House.

Zimbabwe

Freelance journalist arrested once again

Photojournalist Andrison Manyere was arrested in Harare while covering a march by members of the Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise pressure groups.

Ecuador

Two journalists receive death threats

Journalists Eduardo Vite Benítez and Leida Angulo Vallejo has both received death threats that are linked to their journalistic investigations.

Uzbekistan

Intimidation campaign against independent journalists heats up, says CPJ

At least six journalists were called in for "an informal talk" at the Tashkent prosecutor's office, and at least four of them were interrogated about their work.

Mexico

Kidnapped journalist's body found in Sinaloa

Seventeen days after being kidnapped, the body of journalist José Luis Romero was found with signs of torture.

Zimbabwe

Journalist flees country following death threat

After the publication of a story in "The Zimbabwean" newspaper, freelancer Stanley Kwenda was reportedly told that he would "not survive the weekend."

Peru

Mayor bursts into radio station, beats journalist

News programme host Henry Lovera was beaten by the mayor of Pachacamac, who was upset over information provided by a source that was publicised via a live broadcast.

Azerbaijan

Newspaper founder originally jailed for defamation now sentenced to 13 years on additional charges

Nazim Guliyev, who was initially jailed after being sued for defamation, has been sentenced to additional time based on a series of criminal charges.

Zimbabwe

MISA statement on Zimbabwe Media Commission appointments

The media commission could still be used to enforce the repressive provisions of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, says MISA.

China

Media ordered to censor Google news reports

The Central Propaganda Department ordered Chinese media to only use information from the state-owned Xinhua and China Daily outlets when reporting on Google Inc's 12 January 2010 announcement.

China

Writer and PEN officer Zhao Shiying detained

The well-known dissident and human rights defender has been regularly harassed by police since December 2008.

Philippines

Broadcaster shot in Ilocos Sur over personal squabble

A squabble with a neighbor allegedly led to the shooting that almost killed radio commentator Eugene Paet in Bantay town, Ilocos Sur.

Guinea

Journalist held incommunicado, released and declared persona non grata

Emmanuel Toumani Camara's arrest followed an article he wrote about EU-funded renovations at the governor's office.

Pakistan

TV cameraman briefly detained by police

Aijaz Ali, a cameraman for Sindh TV, was assaulted and detained by a police officer after trying to film one of the prisoners at the Mirpurkhas police station.

Haiti

Three radio stations still operating after Port-au-Prince earthquake

The 12 January earthquake severely damaged the premises of several media outlets.

Namibia

Journalist assaulted for his work

Freelance journalist John Grobler's assailants included prominent businessmen with close ties to the ruling party.

Tunisia

Journalist sentenced to four years in prison

Fahem Boukadous, who recently emerged from 17 months in hiding, was sentenced for the second time over his coverage of violent labor demonstrations in the Gafsa mining region.

Israel

Editor detained, faces possible deportation

Jared Malsin, chief English editor of the Ma'an News Agency, was detained upon arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport on 12 January 2010.

Bulgaria

Radio K2 threatened with closure

Station's treatment may be politically and economically motivated, says IFJ.

Cameroon

Journalist released from prison after paying heavy fine

Jean Bosco Talla was prosecuted for "insulting" the president.

Iran

Prosecute Mortazavi for detention deaths, says Human Rights Watch

Parliamentary panel finds former prosecutor with history of rights abuse responsible.

Dominican Republic

Businessman accused of paying two men to murder cameraman 18 months ago

Investigation into death of Normando García makes progress in a country where impunity is often the norm.

United Arab Emirates

Court closes independent website for one month, upholds fine on editor

Case being used to intimidate others thinking of raising corruption issues, says RSF.

Peru

Journalist sentenced to one year in prison for "aggravated defamation"

Journalist Alejandro Carrascal Carrasco had criticised local authorities following violent clashes between indigenous protestors and security forces.

Sri Lanka

Journalists under increasing threat as elections near

A BBC Sinhala service reporter was hospitalised after a political mob, apparently linked to supporters of an agriculture minister, attacked her as she was covering the event.

Jordan

Courts extend law to curb internet freedoms

A Court of Cassation ruling empowers authorities to prosecute or impose fines on journalists, bloggers and editors for publishing online material that may be deemed offensive.

Honduras

A journalist and an academic receive death threats in western Honduras

A journalist and an academic have received death threats via calls and messages from mobile telephones related to their opinions of the coup d'état.

Malawi

State-controlled broadcaster bans local artist's music

The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has banned the latest album by musician Lucius Banda from enjoying airplay on the station's airwaves.

Thailand

Army bans journalists from covering Hmong deportation

The military blocked both Thai and foreign news crews from entering a Hmong refugee camp, preventing them from reporting on the army's relocation operation.

Venezuela

Interminable presidential speeches now extended to cable stations

According to a decree published in the official gazette, cable stations will have to broadcast President Hugo Chavez's "cadenas" programmes or face a fine or suspension.

China

Google challenges censorship

Other companies should follow suit, says Human Rights Watch.

Pakistan

Reporter believed to be held by army after being kidnapped by Taliban

Freelance reporter Mohammad Rasheed was reportedly arrested after being held for several days by a Taliban group in North Waziristan.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio journalist interrogated after call-in show airs critical views

Modeste Shabani allowed to leave after two hours, but warned to pay attention next time since "not all truths are good to speak about."

Philippines

Media restrictions in Ampatuan trial must be lifted, says coalition of Filipino journalists

Philippine media organizations expressed concern at what it described as the continued refusal of the court to allow live coverage of the Ampatuan Massacre trial.

United Kingdom / Western Europe

IFJ welcomes "landmark" victory for media freedom

The European Court of Human Rights ruled that powers to stop and search people without grounds for suspicion violate provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Chile

Abolish criminal defamation provisions, Human Rights Watch urges as freelancer goes on trial

Pascale Bonnefoy faces a prison term after writing an article naming a retired military officer as responsible for terrorising political prisoners during the Pinochet regime.

Turkey

Editor's release from prison postponed for years to come

A certificate indicating the "date of expiration" of Erdal Güler's sentence shows that the editor's release is not scheduled for the near future.

Cyprus

Media group CEO shot dead in Nicosia

Andis Hadjicostis, of the Dias Media Group, was shot outside his home and died at the scene while his killers fled.

Angola

Togolese journalist killed in attack in Angola

Stanislas Ocloo was gunned down in the attack on Togo's national soccer team's bus in the northwestern Angolan enclave of Cabinda.

Swaziland

Newspaper banned from publishing political activist's opinions

The "Times of Swaziland" Sunday newspaper has been banned from publishing weekly opinion articles by Mario Masuku, the president of a banned opposition political party.

Malawi

Two individuals arrested for allegedly operating illegal radio station, face heavy fine or possible imprisonment

Police in the Kasungu district have arrested two men on suspicion that they were operating a radio station without a licence.

Venezuela

Tribunal issues injunction against newspaper

An injunction was issued against the "Mundo Oriental" newspaper after it was accused of having tarnished the reputation and violated the right to honour of the El Tigre governor.

Turkey

Writer and human rights lawyer detained

International PEN is concerned that Muharrem Erbey's arrest appears to be linked to his human rights advocacy work.

Sri Lanka

Critical journalist granted bail

JS Tissainayagam, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for criticising the handling of an offensive against Tamil Tiger militants, has been granted bail pending appeal.

Liberia

Journalists briefly held hostage by head of youth federation

Eight journalists were held hostage for a brief period of time while covering a press conference at the headquarters of the Federation of Liberian Youth.

Tanzania

One newspaper closed, another suspended

The government has shut down the "Leo Tena" newspaper and suspended publication of the "Kulikoni" newspaper for 90 days.

Zambia

Opposition party supporters storm community radio station

Patriotic Front party members stormed the Mazabuka Community Radio Station, demanding that it stop broadcasting a live phone-in programme.

Somalia

Radio journalist wounded by stray bullet; freelancer arrested

NUSOJ is concerned over the continuing violence directed at journalists after a stringer for two radio stations was injured while covering fighting between militia groups.

Syria

Reporter and cameraman detained as arbitrary arrests continue

Reporter Ali Taha and cameraman Ali Ahmed were arrested by the Department of Internal Security on 2 January 2010.

Kenya

Government announces tough new media laws

The new laws have been announced despite an agreement reached with media owners in 2009.

Burma

New censorship imposed by ministry responsible for railways

All footage shot at locations associated with the country's railways has to be submitted to a railways censor board as well as the Myanmar Film and Video Censor Board.

Afghanistan

Embedded British reporter killed by roadside bomb, photographer injured

Rupert Hamer was killed on 9 January 2009 when the US military vehicle in which he was traveling was hit by a roadside bomb in southwestern Afghanistan.

India

Journalists arrested in Andhra Pradesh; cameraman shot at in Kashmir

IFJ condemns the arrest of two journalists after their news channel carried an allegedly "unfounded" report relating to the death of the Andhra Pradesh state chief minister.

Mexico

Journalist kidnapped, assassinated in Saltillo

Journalist Valentín Valdés Espinosa, a reporter for the "Zócalo Saltillo" newspaper, was assassinated after being kidnapped along with one of his colleagues.

Philippines

Radio journalist survives shooting

Anchorman Eugene Paet was shot in the stomach by two gunmen on a motorcycle as he was on his way to work.

Sri Lanka

Wickramatunge killers remain unpunished

One year after the editor's murder, there has been little credible progress in the investigation into an event that caused worldwide outrage.

Tibet (China)

Tibetan filmmaker denied appeal to six-year sentence

Filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen was unable to appeal his sentence after being denied access to his chosen lawyer.

Azerbaijan

Newspaper editor released from prison

Faramaz Novruzoglu of "Milletim" newspaper says he will continue writing critical articles.

Peru

Newspaper vendor's stall burned down

On 6 December 2009, unidentified individuals started a fire in a newspaper stall owned by vendor Javier Ortiz Sánchez.

Chad

Court lifts sanctions against weekly "La Voix"

A court has found the weekly "La Voix" not guilty of charges against it and lifted an order for seizure of all copies of the paper.

Tunisia

Imprisoned journalist's health deteriorating, family launches hunger strike

Several other journalists also face harassment from the authorities.

Iran

Bill would speed up execution of government opponents

Under a new bill, detained government opponents would be regarded as "enemies of God" to be executed within five days of arrest.

Honduras

Arson attack on community radio station previously targeted by coup supporters

A radio station serving the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna community on the Atlantic coast was ransacked and torched on 6 January 2010.

Iran

CPJ condemns additional arrests

Authorities have reportedly arrested at least three more journalists in their ongoing campaign to suppress critical reporting and commentary.

Burma

Military imposes restrictions on Kachin-language newspaper

Representatives of the paper were warned to abide by the army's instructions and not publish any "inappropriate" news.

Peru

Radio journalist harassed by public servant

The official was angry over comments made by the journalist, who accused him of being responsible for the Local Education Administration Unit debts.

Spain

IFJ condemns "flagrant violation of press freedom" after sentencing of two journalists

The IFJ says the case is worrisome because the sentencing was based on the view that Internet journalism is not entitled to the same protection as journalism in other media.

Belarus

Government tightens grip on Internet

In a country where free expression is already restricted, the government is putting the final touches on a bill to tighten control of the Internet.

Tunisia / France

Exiled Tunisian journalist receives multiple death threats

Slim Bagga, a critical Tunisian journalist living in France has received repeated death threats.

Yemen

Editors detained as siege of newspaper continues

The editor-in-chief and managing editor of the daily "Al-Ayyam" were arrested on the third day of a government siege of the compound that houses the paper's offices.

Azerbaijan

Editor to be tried on new charge, sentenced to two months' detention in isolation unit

After a short hearing, Eynulla Fatullayev was sentenced to detention in an isolation unit while he awaits trial on a drug charge that CPJ believes was fabricated against him.

Nepal

Journalist assaulted by politician

Nepal Television correspondent Min Kumar Dahal was assaulted by politician Upendra Kumar Pokhrel.

Tibet (China)

Tibetan filmmaker sentenced to six years in prison

"This sentence is a disgrace for China," said RSF after Dhondup Wangchen's 28 December 2009 sentencing.

Pakistan

Publishers, unions express concern over government pressure on country's largest media group

Attempts are being made to financially cripple the Jang Group, Pakistan's largest media conglomerate.

Yemen

CPJ calls on authorities to end siege of "Al-Ayyam" independent newspaper

Nine people have been reported injured and two killed, although an "Al-Ayyam" lawyer could only confirm that he saw ambulances take away at least two of the newspaper's guards.

Mauritania

Journalist held past his release date, begins hunger strike in protest

Hanafi Oueld Dah was due to be released on 24 December 2009 but a court rejected an appeal for his release.

Tunisia

IFJ condemns intimidation of journalists' union leader

Police officers stopped union leader Néji Bghouri from entering his office as he arrived for work, claiming they were acting on orders from the Ministry of Interior.

Bulgaria

Chronicler of criminal underworld is shot dead

CPJ called for an investigation into the murder of Bobi Tsankov, author of a new book and a series of newspaper articles detailing the activities of reputed crime figures.

Iran

Anchor pressured, more writers jailed as Iran continues crackdown

Authorities have arrested at least six more journalists, upheld a long prison sentence against another and barred a television anchor from returning to work.

Pakistan

Reporter assaulted with iron rod

Muhammad Hussain Khan, a staff correspondent with the daily "Dawn", was assaulted by workers of the Sindh National Front.

El Salvador

Renewed threats against staff and journalists of Radio Victoria

The threats, first reported on 23 July 2009, have resurfaced days after the recent killing of two environmentalists.

Uganda

Reporter harassed by police for allegedly libeling President Museveni

RSF condemns the harassment against Angelo Izama, an investigative reporter and political analyst who works for the "Daily Monitor" and KFM radio station.

Burma

Undercover reporter sentenced to 20 years in jail

The Pakokku District court has given a 20-year prison term to an undercover female reporter charged under the Electronic Act.

Iran

Journalist handed seven-year prison sentence, opposition websites report

Bahman Ahmadi Amoui, a high-profile journalist who criticised the president's economic strategies, was arrested during the brutal clampdown in June 2009.

United Arab Emirates

Activist dismissed from job for criticising human rights situation

ANHRI considers the dismissal of human rights activist Muhammad Ali Mansouri to be a serious violation of freedom of expression.

Mexico

Mayor of Chavinda, Michoacán, threatens reporter

A group of the mayor's employees gave reporter Miguel García Castañeda an ultimatum and told him to retract information in an article he had written.

Yemen

Army fires at protestors outside newspaper office amidst growing clampdown

More than 200 demonstrators held a sit-in on 4 January 2010 outside the offices of "al-Ayyam" newspaper, protesting the paper's forced closure since May 2009.

Morocco

Sentences against editor and cartoonist upheld, then overturned

Fines and jail sentences against an editor and cartoonist were upheld by a Casablanca court, then overturned by the prince who initiated the lawsuit against them.

Mexico

Journalist kidnapped by armed individuals in Sinaloa

José Luis Romero, a crime reporter for the radio news programme "Línea Directa", was kidnapped in the city of Los Mochis.

Yemen

Crackdown on media reinforced under guise of combating terrorism

This has been a grim year for Yemen's independent press, and the situation could get even worse in 2010, RSF said.

Kyrgyzstan / Kazakhstan

Kazakh police say Kyrgyz citizens suspected in editor's killing

The police did not identify the suspects or describe their alleged roles in the murder of Kyrgyz editor Gennady Pavlyuk.

Pakistan

Television crews beaten up by angry mobs

Crews from the Samaa and Business Plus television stations were assaulted and harassed by enraged mobs who were part of a procession that was rocked by a bomb blast.

Turkey

"Atilim" newspaper closed down five times in 2009

An Istanbul court stopped the publication of the newspaper for one month after it published an interview with the co-president of the Democratic Society Party.

Somalia

Two reporters briefly detained, a third flees Kismayo fearing for his safety

Reporters Qadar Mohamoud Hared and Mohamed Abdi Olow were arrested by the Al-Shabaab administration in the Jubba region.