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Alerts - 2010 - April-June

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Puerto Rico (United States)

IAPA condemns censorship, restrictions imposed by Senate

On 23 June, the Senate president restricted photojournalists' entry to Congress, extending the order to reporters the following day.

Mexico

IAPA outraged following murder of two reporters in Guerrero

Journalists Juan Francisco Rodríguez Ríos, and his wife, María Elvira Hernández Galeana, were killed as they sat in a cyber-café.

Pakistan

Authorities step up surveillance of online content

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority plans to monitor certain websites and block links to "blasphemous" and "sacrilegious" content.

Ethiopia

Leading critical newspaper reports tampering of its mail

The "Awramba Times" has been harassed for its critical coverage of the government.

Panama

Veteran journalist jailed on defamation charges

The charges against Carlos Núñez López stem from a 2005 story about environmental damage in the province of Bocas del Toro.

Rwanda

Skepticism greets arrests in journalist's murder

"The burden is on the Rwandan government to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation and to produce credible results," CPJ said.

Kuwait

Journalist released on bail, CPJ calls on authorities to drop charges

CPJ is also alarmed by reports that the Ministry of Information will prosecute Al-Jazeera's office in Kuwait for violating a ban on local coverage of Mohammed Abdulqader al-Jassem's case.

Malaysia

Lift ban on cartoons and repeal PPPA, CIJ urges

Three cartoon compilations have been banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Kyrgyzstan

Cameraman attacked in Osh

Batyr Mamatzhanov remains in critical condition after suffering two broken ribs and a head injury.

Middle East and North Africa

Emirati writer fired from Arab League job over opinion piece

Writer and poet Dhabiya Khamis published a piece on her blog in September 2009 criticising the Arab League's performance.

Guatemala

Journalist threatened, intimidated

Martin del Cid Acevedo received a written message warning him that he would be killed.

Pakistan

Reporter gunned down in Balochistan

"Aaj Kal" newspaper reporter Faiz Muhammad Sasoli had escaped two previous murder attempts.

Egypt

EOHR calls for immediate release of website editor

The editor-in-chief of El Saf website was detained after publishing articles that criticised a local member of parliament.

International

As ACTA talks resume, new leak confirms fears about threat to online free expression

The leaked document shows that states are pushing for non-commercial online copyright infringement to be punishable by imprisonment.

Fiji

New controls over media industry and journalists deepen loss of free speech, says PFF

A new media decree legislates registration of all media outlets with a regime-endorsed "authority" given sweeping powers to protect the national and public interests.

Somalia

Eight journalists injured in bomb attack in Mogadishu

The journalists were covering a press conference at a police training facility that had been taken over by Al-Shabaab.

Egypt

Journalists, peaceful protestors assaulted during demonstration against police brutality

Activists have organised a number of demonstrations to express anger over an apparent beating death by police of a man in Alexandria.

Mexico

Television broadcasting facilities attacked in Coahuila

Armed individuals opened fire on the Televisa Laguna television station's broadcasting facilities in the city of Torreón, leaving behind more than 150 bullet casings.

Peru

IAPA rejects Congress's attempt to criminalise press act

IAPA condemned a bill stipulating prison sentences for "decision-makers of any news medium that publishes obscene or pornographic material".

Argentina

FOPEA concerned over hostile climate, threats against journalists in Bariloche

Journalists who have been covering news related to the assassination of a 15-year-old youth by a police officer in Bariloche have been threatened and harassed.

Canada

CJFE dismayed at reports of free expression violations at G20 Summit protests

Many media workers were reportedly detained, charged and, in a few cases, attacked by police.

Lebanon

Journalists assaulted by police

The group of journalists was assaulted by police personnel while they were covering a forcible evacuation of people from their homes.

Lebanon

Maharat Foundation calls for release of three young men detained over Facebook comments

The detentions stem from comments the men posted about allegations of electoral interference by the president during municipal elections in May.

Iran

Eutelsat should explain efforts to counter censorship by Iran, says Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch was requested information regarding the company's efforts to counter Iran's jamming of satellite signals carrying Persian-language broadcasts.

Pakistan

Video and music shops damaged in Lahore bombings

Shopkeepers had recently received threats warning them to stop selling Western movies and "objectionable" music.

Somalia

Puntland Information Ministry issues new directives for independent media

The new directives ban programming from organizations or individuals not authorised by the ministry.

Pakistan

Police assault TV cameraman in Lahore

Farrukh Asif, a cameraman with television news channel Express News, was assaulted and illegally detained while filming a protest.

Brazil

Access to information bill passed by Senate commission

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the Senate commission's approval of the bill and urges that the upcoming electoral process not hinder further legislative work.

Somalia

Editor arrested for "serious crimes"

The officers who arrested Hadis Mohamed Hadis gave no explanation of what the "serious crimes" might be.

Sudan

Journalists' defence lawyers pull out of trial over witness ban

If found guilty, the journalists could be sentenced to death by hanging.

China

Photographer arrested in Chongqing; business reporter attacked in Beijing

After posting a comment on an online forum, photographer Qiu Jinyi was arrested and one year of reeducation through work.

Kenya

ARTICLE 19 recommends amendments to "hate speech" laws and proposed constitution

The legal framework regulating hate speech falls short of international standards and raises serious concerns regarding the protection of the right to free expression, ARTICLE 19 said.

Romania

Media are no threat to security, says IFJ in response to National Defence Strategy

The European group of the IFJ urged parliament to respect the role of media in democracy and amend the document adopted by the Supreme Defence Council.

Russia

Journalist's home destroyed in fire, arson suspected

"We have recently run at least 15 articles criticizing corrupt officials from the district administration," said journalist Salimzhan Gaisin.

Kyrgyzstan

Journalists, human rights defenders in danger

CJES expressed concern over the safety of two journalists in Osh, while noting that another has fled the city with his family.

India / Nepal

CEHURDES expresses concern over holding back of newsprint in India

Indian authorities have been withholding a shipment of 1,000 metric tonnes of newsprint that Kantipur Publications needs to continue publishing.

Rwanda

JED urges authorities to launch independent investigation following assassination of its correspondent

JED notes that Rugambage and his newspaper had been harassed by the authorities for several months.

Mexico

Armed men attack and rob distribution manager of "Contralínea Puebla" magazine

The assailants, who were wearing shirts identifying them as members of a local politician's election campaign, took a laptop, 2,500 copies of the magazine and US$780.

Syria

Human rights activist sentenced to three years in prison on vague and spurious charges

The charges against Muhannad Al Hassani, which come after years of harassment, were a result of his efforts to call public attention to the unfair legal treatment of other political prisoners.

Rwanda

Journalist killed in Kigali

Jean Leonard Rugambage, deputy chief editor of "Umuvugizi" newspaper, was shot as he entered his home in a Kigali suburb.

Iran

Emadoldin Baghi freed; another journalist arrested, held incommunicado

Abdolreza Tajik was arrested on 12 June; his family does not know why or where he is being held.

Madagascar

Provincial journalist prosecuted over report on poaching of sea turtles

Alphonse Afakandro is being prosecuted on charges of defamation, insult and dissemination of false information following a complaint by the local gendarmerie.

Turkey

Higher court to hear case of former Kurdish deputy after appeals court overturns two-year sentence

Leyla Zana was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of "spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization".

Mexico

Reporter fired after receiving threats over article on drug-related violence

Karla Tinoco Santillán received threatening phone calls, and shortly after she was fired because her presence allegedly compromised the staff's safety.

Cuba

Dissident doctor and reporter paroled after nearly a year in pre-trial detention

Darsi Ferrer was finally tried on 22 June 2010 on charges of "irregularities" and "assault" and was granted a conditional release after being held without trial since July 2009.

Kyrgyzstan

Two journalists detained as violence continues

CPJ called on authorities to release Ulugbek Abdusalomov and Azimjon Askarov, and to ensure the safety of other journalists working in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Philippines

Key witness in Ampatuan massacre case shot dead

A lawyer representing the families of several of the victims said Suwaib Upham's killing could weaken the case against the Ampatuans.

Russia

ARTICLE 19 welcomes Council of Europe resolution on the North Caucasus

ARTICLE 19 urged the Russian government to address rights violations in the region and to adopt comprehensive measures, specifically relating to the right to freedom of expression.

Hungary

IFJ rejects new media bill and calls for public debate

The bill brings under state regulation the content of most printed and audiovisual media, even a part of the Internet.

The Gambia

Threats made against reporter for AP and Jollof News

IPI called on the police to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Albania

Court fines Top Channel TV for airing alleged sexual harassment scandal tape

A Tirana District Court ruled in favour of a claim filed by former Albanian minister of culture Ylli Pango against the television station.

Angola

Human Rights Watch calls on government to end case against Cabinda rights defenders

Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are at stake, Human Rights Watch noted.

Mexico

Shots fired at "Noticias de El Sol de la Laguna" offices in Torreón

Police found .223 and .762 calibre bullet casings from R-15 y AK-47 rifles at the scene.

Palestine

Two journalists summoned for questioning by internal security services

Nasr Abu Alfoul, director of the Palestinian Network for Press and Media and a correspondent for Milad agency, was one of two journalists summoned in Gaza and the West Bank.

Benin

Media regulator restricts media coverage of elections

The HAAC banned the media from publishing or broadcasting political campaign materials and warned it would close down any media organisation that violates this directive.

Peru

Supreme Court frees editor jailed on defamation charges

Alejandro Carrascal Carrasco, editor of the weekly newspaper "Nor Oriente", had been sentenced in January to one year in prison on defamation charges.

Pakistan

Journalist shot in Abbottabad

Local journalists suspect the attack was related to a recent news article about the sale of narcotics in the city.

Venezuela

Photojournalist briefly detained by police and National Guard officers

Kisai Mendoza was released after she agreed to delete photographs she had taken.

Mexico

Local newspaper journalists are Mexico's forgotten victims, says RSF

In May 2010, at least three local newspapers were the target of threats or reprisals that were directly linked to their coverage of organised crime.

Venezuela

Government asks INTERPOL for international arrest warrant for Globovisión's owner

Globovisión spokespersons said the government's actions are in reprisal for the TV station's editorial line, which is known for its opposition to President Chávez's administration.

Israel / Palestine

Journalists assaulted by Israeli forces in Biet Jala

ABA photographer Yousef Shaheen said he and his colleagues were covering a protest march when a group of Israeli soldiers approached and began beating them with sticks.

Philippines

Third Filipino journalist killed in five days

Nestor Bedolido's son says he thinks local politicians might be behind his father's death.

Niger

Communications Ministry targets foreign media in new decree

The decree requires foreign journalists and media outlets to seek clearance from the ministry and pay a huge, non-refundable fee before visiting the country to shoot films and documentaries.

Mexico

IAPA marks sixth anniversary of Francisco Ortiz Franco's murder in Tijuana

In commemoration, IAPA will present a document about the journalist's case and hold a seminar on news team safety.

Russia

Human rights lawyer beaten by police in Dagestan

The attack undermines the Kremlin's promises for activists' safety, says Human Rights Watch.

United States

Supreme Court ruling a blow to free speech, says Human Rights Watch

"Human rights groups that work with terrorist organisations to protect human rights should not be at risk of prosecution. This harsh interpretation restricts free speech," said Human Rights Watch.

Russia

Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to drop slander charges against rights advocate

"Russia should prosecute those who murder human rights defenders, not those who speak out," says Human Rights Watch's Moscow office director.

United States

Increased Patriot Act oversight welcome news for reader privacy advocates

The Justice Department inspector general announced plans to begin a new investigation into how the government is using Patriot Act domestic surveillance powers.

Russia

Masterminds still unpunished 12 years after journalist's murder

The leader of the opposition Yabloko party said that protests will be held at the Republic of Kalmykia's offices every year on 7 June until those behind the crime are punished.

Sri Lanka

Freed Sri Lankan journalist J.S. Tissainayagam arrives in United States

"We hope his arrival in the US is a step by the government to address its harsh policies toward the media," CPJ said.

Ghana

North Star radio station attacked by ruling party sympathisers

An NDC spokesperson said they had met with station management and would conduct an investigation into the matter.

Iran

Journalist sentenced to one year in jail, 30-year ban on writing

CJFE calls on Iran to release award-winning journalist Jila Baniyaghoub, who was recently sentenced to one year in jail and a 30-year ban on writing after she reported on the 2009 Iranian elections.

Burundi

Journalists under threat from mounting violence, political unrest

RSF is concerned about growing threats to the safety of journalists in the run-up to the presidential election.

Egypt

IFJ condemns criminal charges against editor and journalist

Wael El-Ebrashi and Samar Al-Dawy face charges of "inciting the public against a new property tax law" after their newspaper launched a campaign to oppose the legislation.

Venezuela

Politicians threaten journalist, photographer

Carmen Marín de Finol and Yunior Lugo were threatened after publishing a story alleging that food produced for distribution via social programmes was being wasted.

Turkey

Man who threatened "Agos" newspaper employees given three-year prison sentence

"Agos" newspaper has received a number of threatening e-mails since its editor-in-chief, Hrant Dink, was killed in 2007.

Egypt

Young activist's death mobilises public opinion against police violence

Khaled Mohammed Said is believed to have been beaten to death by police in Alexandria.

Belarus

Effort to shut down paper seen in filing of lawsuit

Editor-in-chief Svetlana Kalinkina said the lawsuit constitutes an attempt by the authorities' to stop the paper's publication.

Turkey

Journalist acquitted in "insult to president" case

The court noted that the comment on which the case was based was not written by the journalist himself and declared that it was within the acceptable limits of criticism.

Ethiopia

American journalist reporting in rebel area expelled

Heather Murdock had been reporting with Voice of America near an area where there were reported skirmishes between the army and separatist rebels.

Bolivia

Mayor threatens to shoot journalist

The mayor of Santa Cruz de la Sierra threatened Pablo Calucho when the journalist attempted to ask him a question about the occupation of public spaces by street vendors in the municipality.

Canada

CJFE welcomes Air India report; calls for killers of journalist to be brought to justice at last

The report points to the connection between the Air India bombing and the attempted and subsequent murder of journalist Tara Singh Hayer.

Iceland

New legislation to provide exemplary protection for freedom of information

Parliament unanimously approved the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative resolution that calls on government to draft legislation for the protection of media, journalists and bloggers.

Turkey

Journalist fined for criticising judge

Journalist Nazlı Ilıcak had previously been sentenced to eleven months and 20 days in prison on the same charges.

Syria

Authorities refuse to release journalist on completion of sentence

After completing a 30-month jail sentence, Ali Al-Abdallah is now being held on new charges of "disseminating false information with the aim of harming the state."

Colombia

Journalist's website hacked

The "Contravia" website was attacked with malicious code which was aimed at linking the site to pages associated with spam.

Lebanon

Draft law on information technology limits freedom of expression, says Maharat

The most pressing issue is Article 92, which states that technical service providers must be licensed by an information technology regulatory body.

Turkey

Editor of women's magazine detained since March, faces three-year sentence

Gurbet Çakar, editorial manager of the "Rengê Hevîya Jinê" women's magazine, was detained in March on charges of "making propaganda for the PKK via the media".

Thailand

Government creates agency to pursue lese majeste violators online

Agence France-Presse quoted the government as saying that the Bureau of Prevention and Eradication of Computer Crime was established to protect the royal family.

Ukraine

Presidential security officer assaults journalist

The state guard administration has apologised to Serhiy Andrushko for having used force against him at an agricultural exposition in Kyiv.

Tunisia

IPI condemns passage of act targeting free flow of information

Press freedom activists and other human rights defenders now face up to 12 years in jail, IPI stressed.

Cameroon

"La Détente Libre" editor freed

Lewis Medjo, who was taken into temporary custody on 22 September 2008 for "disseminating false news", was sentenced to three years in prison on 7 January 2009.

Philippines

Another radio journalist killed

Radio commentator Joselito Agustin was known for his scathing on-air commentaries against official corruption and other illegal activities.

Philippines

Radio broadcaster shot dead

Desidario Camangyan's hard-hitting commentaries against illegal logging operations are a possible motive in the attack.

Saudi Arabia

Rights activist arrested over critical articles

Mikhlif al-Shammari was arrested in connection with articles he wrote and published on several websites that criticised statements by clerics attacking Shia Muslims.

Turkey

Peace activist sentenced to six years in jail

The charges against Sultan Acibuca were connected to a speech she made on International Women's Day 2008 and on other remarks made on different occasions.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Station manager released after more than a month in jail

Etienne Makula was arrested after he played a song deemed insulting to Angolan President José Eduardo Dos Santos.

Honduras

CPJ calls on authorities to fully investigate journalist's killing

A relative of Luis Arturo Mondragón said the journalist had been receiving death threats for the last two years that were related to his work.

Turkey

Former politician acquitted in one case, charged in another

Ahmet Türk is facing a prison sentence of at least six months for addressing a parliamentary group and journalists in Kurdish.

Palestine

Two journalists detained by security services

MADA's legal unit said that the journalists' detention and the review of press material without a warrant is a clear violation of the Palestinian Amended law.

Pakistan

RSF calls on prime minister to release findings of investigation into journalist's murder four years ago

Hayatullah Khan's handcuffed body was found on 16 June 2006 in the Tribal Area of North Waziristan; he had been missing for six months.

China

As government justifies online censorship, the health of jailed netizens deteriorates

The release of China's white paper on the Internet comes as blogger Tan Zuoren has just had his jail sentence upheld on appeal.

Bangladesh

Acting editor of suspended newspaper says he was tortured in police custody

The news comes as the Supreme Court issued a a stay on an earlier court order which would have allowed "Amar Desh" newspaper to continue publishing.

Honduras

Another journalist killed

Luis Arturo Mondragón Morazán, director of the Canal 19 station, was gunned down by two men as he was leaving work.

Bolivia

Street vendors attack journalists

The vendors, who were protesting against a plan to restore public spaces in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, assaulted several journalists with sticks and stones.

Turkey

ECHR rules against Turkey in book ban case

The ECHR called for compensation in the amount of 2,000€ to be paid to the book's publisher, in addition to the coverage of 1,000€ in court costs.

Pakistan

Paramilitary Frontier Corps personnel detain, manhandle journalist

Munir Noor was detained and beaten while covering the funeral of two students.

Russia

New media bill proposed by United Russia Party

GDF President Alexei Simonov sees the bill as an attempt by authorities to close some TV networks and print media for minor omissions.

Venezuela

Journalist receives threatening text message

The message sent to Tarquino Gonzáles Concho stated that the journalist is being "watched by anti-imperialism factions from both within and outside the country."

Niger

Private radio station resumes broadcasting in central city

Sahara FM, the main radio station in Agadez, is back on the air for the first time since it was shut down in 2008.

Kyrgyzstan / Uzbekistan

TV stations shut down in Kyrgyzstan; prominent journalist held in Uzbekistan

Local television stations in the southern Kyrgyzstani city of Osh were ordered to cease transmissions in the wake of interethnic violence in the region.

Venezuela

Columnist sentenced to prison for defamation; arrest warrant issued for Globovisión president

Francisco "Pancho" Pérez was given a three year and nine month prison term after being accused of defaming the mayor of Valencia.

Turkey

Newspaper journalists facing long jail sentences

Prosecutors in Istanbul have called for a 10-year prison sentence for reporter Mehmet Baransu after he published "classified" documents related to the PKK.

Morocco

Editor sentenced to six months' imprisonment on spurious fraud charges

"It's clear that I am paying today for my paper's editorial line," said Taoufik Bouachrine.

Mexico

Reporter shot while covering conflict at university

It is unclear whether the bullet was intended for journalist Ixtli Martínez, or if she was caught in the crossfire.

Iran

Ebadi collaborator arrested in Tehran

Narges Mohammadi is the spokesperson for the Human Rights Defenders Centre and wife of journalist Taghi Rahmani, who has spent a total of 16 years in the Islamic Republic's prisons.

Gabon

Journalist given suspended prison sentence

A criminal court convicted Jonas Moulenda on charges of criminal defamation and gave him a suspended three-month prison sentence and a US$900 fine.

Vietnam

Internet café owners ordered to install applications blocking certain websites

All retail Internet locations will be required to install a particular application on their servers by 2011, with the Internet cafés in Hanoi expected to be the first to comply.

Turkey

Former party members receive prison sentences for speaking Kurdish during election campaign

The Midyat Magistrate Criminal Court handed down prison sentences to three former members of the dissolved pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP).

Italy

Senate approves restrictive wiretap law

IPI calls on Chamber of Deputies to reject bill restricting investigative journalism

Canada

CJFE disappointed in outcome of publication bans case at Supreme Court

"This decision means the reasons for a judge's decision whether or not to grant bail cannot be available for public scrutiny until the trial is over, often years later," CJFE said.

Liberia

Newspaper publisher complains of death threats

The publisher of "Front Page Africa" newspaper began receiving threatening SMS messages after reporting on the arrest of George Weah, of the opposition CDC party.

Senegal

Police raid printing house, halt printing newspaper

The police was trying to prevent the publication of a petition that demanded a probe into a "missing" sum paid to the government by a privately-owned telecommunications group.

Peru

Radio host convicted and jailed on defamation charges

Charges against Oswaldo Pereyra Moreno stem from a broadcast about an illegal abortion allegedly given to a 14-year-old in a local pharmacy.

Turkey

Journalist acquitted

Nedim Şener was facing three years' imprisonment on charges of "violation of secrecy" and "identifying officials on anti-terrorist duties as targets".

Yemen

Special court abandons cases against 33 journalists

"We hail the decision but condemn the arbitrary nature of the arrests and the fact journalists were victims of mistreatment or torture," RSF said.

Tibet (China)

Two Tibetan magazine editors arrested, mistreated in detention

Goyon and Thupten Gedun were arrested by police in Chengdu and mistreated for several hours before being released.

Venezuela

Cadena Capriles media building attacked in Caracas

Several homemade bombs were thrown at the offices of Cadena Capriles media chain, but luckily they did not explode.

Venezuela

Proceedings initiated against Noticiero Digital website at president's behest

"Such a presidential fiat directly violates the principles of the separation of powers and judicial independence," said RSF.

Bangladesh

Detained editor Mahmudur Rahman now facing sedition charge

"In the space of a few days, Rahman has been accused of fraud, obstructing the police, printing an outlawed group's posters and now sedition," RSF said.

Colombia

Journalist assaulted by prison guards

Javier Acosta was covering a hearing at a Bogota courthouse when he was attacked.

Pakistan

Paramilitary personnel detain and harass journalists in Balochistan

The four journalists were prevented from covering a strike organised by the Balochistan National Party (BNP).

Jordan

ANHRI denounces new Internet café measures

Internet café owners were ordered to install surveillance cameras and log website information and browsing data for no less than six months.

China

Prominent writer Zhang Jianhong released; grave health concerns

International PEN is deeply troubled by reports that Zhang Jianhong is now in critical condition in hospital, requiring intensive care and dependent on a ventilator.

Philippines

Lower House fails to pass freedom of information bill

The Lower House did not pass the bill in its last session on 4 June 2010 due to a lack of quorum.

Venezuela

Press team attacked by political supporters

Supporters of Venezuela's United Socialist Party attacked journalist Andrea Rocha and camera operator Víctor Davalí, who were working on a local candidate's press team.

Turkey

Food company tries to censor news website's old reports about union dispute

The company is threatening to sue news website EmekDunyasi.net if it does not withdraw archived articles that reflect poorly on the company.

Mexico

IAPA calls on political candidates to respect press freedom

A candidate for Sinaloa governor threatened the owners of the El Debate chain of papers, saying that he would take action against them.

Indonesia

Journalist fears for his life after report on illegal logging

An army officer beat journalist Ahmadi on the head, face and chest and threatened to kill his family if he did not retract the article's claims.

Turkey

Reporters released pending trial after nine months in detention

Tuncay Mat and Cagdas Kucukbattal are charged with participating in the demolition of a base station, but they insist they were simply covering the event as journalists.

Turkey

Blockage of YouTube spreads to Google services

Internet users have been having problems accessing Google services such as Google Analytics, Google AdWords and Google Docs.

Thailand

Government extends state of emergency

Free speech advocates insist that government should use existing laws to go after "dangerous" speech, rather than using the emergency decree to arbitrarily close down media outlets.

Turkey

Defendant's allegations of wiretapping spark concern that a number of newspapers are being monitored

"This is a new example demonstrating a severe violation of press freedom and freedom of expression in Turkey," said various journalists' associations.

Sudan

CPJ calls for end to newspaper censorship as two papers fail to appear on newsstands

Government censors have become particularly sensitive to stories about an ongoing physicians' strike and talks in Kampala concerning the International Criminal Court.

Zambia

Newspaper editor released after spending three days in prison

Shocked by his jail experience, Fred M'membe said, "Our prisoners are treated like animals."

Ghana

Pressure group sues government over monitoring device that "undermines" free expression

Alliance for Accountable Governance said that the ISMS device could be used to tap into online bank accounts and internet communication of all mobile phone and internet users in the country.

The Gambia

Authorities block access to online newspaper

The publishers of the US-based online newspaper The Gambia Echo filed a complaint to the US government regarding the blocking of its IP address by the Gambian authorities.

Turkey

"Express" journalist sentenced to 15 months in jail, editor fined

IFJ condemned the punishment handed down to journalist Irfan Aktan as "punitive and intolerant".

Ghana

State-owned newspaper photographer assaulted

Rockson Asmah was assaulted by a 39 year-old business woman after she asked him to photograph her.

Chad

Repressive print media bill rejected in parliamentary vote

"The adoption of a new press law is overdue because Chad's journalists have been operating for more than two years under a very repressive decree issued in exceptional circumstances," RSF said.

Rwanda

Tabloid website blocked

The censorship comes a month after the "Umuvugizi" publisher vowed to move the publication online.

Ecuador

Three-year jail sentence against "El Universo" columnist lifted

Journalist Emilio Palacio no longer faces prison time after the libel charges against him were dropped.

Somalia

Journalists detained in Somaliland

The journalists were taking photographs of a house across from the presidential palace that had been painted with the flag of the opposition Kulmiye party.

Cuba

Journalist begins hunger strike after being returned to prison

State security agents arrested Calixto Ramón Martínez Arias on 25 May while he was covering a demonstration organised by dissidents in the capital.

Azerbaijan

IRFS appeals to president as imprisoned editor starts hunger strike

Eynulla Fatullayev said that he began the hunger strike to determine whether or not the president is aware of the ECHR decision in his case.

Zambia

Newspaper editor receives heavy sentence

Fred M'membe was sentenced to four months in prison with hard labour for "contempt of court".

Venezuela

Former governor to stand trial for expressing his opinions

Oswaldo Álvarez Paz is accused of spreading false information and instigating hatred because of statements he made while appearing on the Globovisión TV station.

Mexico

Newspaper's delivery staff harassed, one vendor shot

The newspaper's management considers the incident to be a direct attack against the media outlet and a violation of press freedom.

Mauritius

RSF concerned about politically-motivated boycott of media group by government

The latest exclusion of La Sentinelle's journalists from a news conference by the finance minister is a violation of the right to access to information, said RSF.

Israel

CPJ denounces Israel's use of footage seized in flotilla raid

"Israel has confiscated journalistic material and then manipulated it to serve its interests," said CPJ.

Ukraine

Reporters detained by private company security guards

Reporters Oleksiy Synylo and Volodymyr Kryzhanivskiy went to Odessa port to follow up on an alleged raid at a commercial company.

Togo

Three newspaper editors face criminal defamation charges

The Inspector General of Police filed a complaint against the three papers after they each carried an article blaming police officers for the death of a motorcycle driver.

Israel

IFJ demands inquiry as one journalist is confirmed dead in Gaza ships attack

Turkish journalist Cevdet Kılıçlar was killed by a shot to the head and Indonesian cameraman Sura Fachrizaz was seriously injured by a shot to the chest.

Ecuador

Radio programme suspended

The station's owner shut down the news programme after she received a call from a CONATEL official recommending that it be taken off the air.

Cambodia

Supreme Court upholds guilty verdict in defamation case against opposition lawmaker

The case stems from a legal action filed by legislator Mu Sochua against Prime Minister Hun Sen in 2009 after he referred to her in a derogatory way.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED deplores murder of prominent human rights defender

"There is no doubt that Floribert Chebeya Bahizire paid with his life for his commitment to the defence of the rights of the 'voiceless'," JED style.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Human Rights Watch calls for joint inquiry into death of rights defender

Chebeya was among Congo's most vocal human rights defenders, regularly exposing abuses by the country's security services and the government.

Ukraine

Press freedom situation deteriorating under new president, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 and IMS call on President Viktor Yanukovych and his administration to ensure that Ukraine upholds its commitments to freedom of expression.

Mexico

Police harass women's rights defenders

Municipal police tried to force their way into a women's shelter in Cancun and harassed the centre's staff members.

Dominican Republic

TV host wounded in shooting, motive still unknown

José Yordi Veras Rodríguez was rushed to hospital, where doctors said his injuries were not life-threatening.

Armenia

Yerevan police detain pro-opposition journalist

The police allege that the journalist struck an officer in the face, but there is no video evidence to support the allegations.

Bangladesh

Newspaper editor granted bail in fraud case but kept in custody on separate charges

"Using 200 police to shut down a newspaper in the middle of the night over alleged publication irregularities is excessive and suggests the government is trying to suppress a critical media outlet," said CPJ.

Romania

IFJ demands immediate withdrawal and revision of draft law on public broadcasting

"This law, if adopted, would increase political interference in public radio and television, while weakening the voice of professional journalists and civil society groups," said IFJ.

Bolivia

Access to information to get boost from declassification of dictatorship's files

The decision represents a major advance for the right of access to public information and the collective memory process, said RSF.

China

Liu Xiaobo transferred to remote prison in Liaoning Province

The former president of the Independent Chinese PEN Center is serving an 11-year sentence for "inciting subversion of state power".

Cuba

Independent journalist arrested again, 10 days after being released

Calixto Ramón Martínez Arias was arrested while covering a demonstration organised by dissidents in Havana.

Croatia

Two years after brutal attack on "Jutarnji List" journalist perpetrators still at large

In 2008 journalist Dusan Miljus was brutally attacked by unidentified men who beat him with baseball bats until he lost consciousness.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two musicians accuse national television station of discrimination

MFWA reports that the musicians are being victimised because their music appears to be critical of the administration of President Gbagbo.

Spain

WPFC applauds European Court ruling for Spanish journalist José Luis Gutiérrez

The ECHR ruled "the restriction on the applicant's freedom of expression had not been proportionate to the potential seriousness of the damage to the reputation in question."

Europe and Central Asia

RSF raises concern about report's call for repressive approach to online copyright violations

"Once again, a balance must be found between intellectual property rights and free expression," said RSF.

Bangladesh

Police shut down opposition newspaper

The newspaper's publishing licence was revoked and editor Mahmudur Rahman was arrested on fraud charges.

China

End June 1989 massacre denial, free dissidents, says Human Rights Watch

The government has failed to publish verifiable casualty figures, quashed all public discussion of June 1989, and continues to victimize survivors, victims' families, and others who challenge the official version of events.

Israel

Forty-eight hours after flotilla raid, some journalists are released but others remain in detention

Two Pakistani journalists and a South African journalist were released, one Australian journalist is injured and another is fighting deportation.

Pakistan / Bangladesh

Facebook access restored in Pakistan, but now blocked in Bangladesh

A Lahore high court judge nonetheless asked the government to establish a system that would enable more selective blocking of access to websites deemed to be blasphemous.

Pakistan

Local TV station employee killed while covering Ahmadi mosque attacks in Lahore

Ejazul Haq, a technician employed by Lahore-based City-42 TV, was shot dead while helping to cover attacks by "Punjab Taliban".

Somalia

Puntland forces briefly detain and beat journalists in Bossaso

Members of military-police forces and the Puntland Intelligence Service attacked journalists who were reporting from a Kat market.

Madagascar

Journalists jailed pending trial, radio station closed

Soldiers carried out a raid on Radio Fahazavana on 20 May, confiscating broadcasting equipment and transmitters and arresting 10 employees.

Israel / Palestine

Palestinian journalists assaulted by Israeli forces in separate incidents

Journalist Ayman Nubani was with a group of journalists when the Israeli army threw tear gas grenades at them.

Bermuda

Media announce plans for self-regulatory council

IPI calls on government to revoke bill proposing statutory media regulation.

Mexico

Police officers harass, try to run over journalist

"Apparently the officer veered towards the sidewalk where I was standing, because he was annoyed that I was taking photos", said the journalist.

Israel

After Israeli soldiers intercept Gaza flotilla, concern for many journalists aboard

"Given the controversy surrounding this incident, a free and independent media is probably the best possible safeguard for ensuring that the truth reaches the outside world," said IPI.

Venezuela

Photographer detained by presidential security guards

Simón Clemente was detained for four hours and his digital photos were erased.

Venezuela

Three years after shutdown of RCTV, IAPA insists on its return

"What we viewed initially as a temporary measure, the shutdown of RCTV, has become a rule of this government - to eliminate opposing voices," said IAPA.

Ecuador

Journalist attacked by police

The reporter photographed a group of policemen, dressed as civilians, as they shot into the air and threw teargas bombs to control a mob.

Nepal

CEHURDES condemns burning of newspapers, disruption in distribution

Pro-Maoist cadres burnt copies of "Nagarik" and "Republica" dailies for publishing a news report alleging Maoist involvement in the abduction of a doctor.

Ireland

ISP introduces "graduated response" leading to disconnection for illegal downloaders

Suspected illegal downloaders will be contacted twice by phone, mail or e-mail and if they are caught a fourth time, their connection will be suspended for a year.

Lebanon

Five years after journalist Samir Kassir's murder, impunity persists

"To date, nothing has been officially announced to reveal the responsible party behind this tragic incident," Maharat Foundation.

Pakistan

Three journalists injured in attack on Timergara Press Club

More than 50 teachers attacked the Timergara Press Club and burned copies of a newspaper to protest the lack of media coverage of teachers' issues.

Mexico

Photojournalist assaulted in Veracruz

Juan Rey Casas was covering the registration of PRI candidate Salvador Manzur Díaz in the Boca del Río mayoral elections.

Brazil

IAPA renews criticism of parole system that encourages impunity

The organisation welcomed the capture of an escaped prisoner, who had been serving time for the 2002 murder of journalist Tim Lopes.

Tunisia

CPJ condemns police harassment of journalist Taoufik Ben Brik

Ben Brik was leaving his home when police officers threatened him, saying "the day will come when we will kill you".

Russia

TV director shot and injured

Mark Minin, the director of a local television company, was shot at with rubber bullets while leaving his apartment.

Turkey

Another DİHA reporter attacked

Reporter Ömer Çelik had recently written about the increasing number of attacks against Kurdish students in the eastern provinces.

Italy

After high-profile corruption probe, draft bill "gagging" media due to go before senate

Italian media outlets have united to decry this latest assault on media freedom.

Zimbabwe

Three independent dailies allowed to resume publishing after almost seven years of censorship

"The decision to grant licences to these three newspapers is a major advance for a country that has been without independent daily newspapers for more than six years," RSF says.

Peru

Journalist fined, harassed in run-up to appeal hearing in defamation case

Herbert Mujica had accused the Lima Airport Partners company of irregularities in the management of the Lima airport.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two journalists interrogated by police for several hours

"L'Expression" publisher Diarrassouba Youssouf and reporter Dembele Al Seni were questioned for over 10 hours in relation to a newspaper article.

Brazil

Kidnapped journalist accuses politicians of being behind attack

Journalist Gilvan Luiz Pereira, founder and editor of "Sem Nome" newspaper, was kidnapped and tortured by four men on 20 May.

Burma

Poet Saw Wei released from prison

The poet was freed nearly five months after his sentence expired and two and a half years after he was sent to prison for one of his poems.

Mexico

Escalating harassment of reporter is cause for concern

The recent break-in at journalist Laura Castellanos's house marks a long line of intimidation acts, which includes phone tapping, email intervention and constant surveillance of her living premises.

United States

Eritrean journalist attacked at public seminar in Houston

CPJ calls for a thorough investigation into an attack on Tedros Menghistu Wondefrash by supporters of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at a public event.

Gabon

Newspaper suspended for six months

"Ezombolo" newspaper was suspended for "persistently insulting the head of state."

Ghana

Opposition party sympathiser arrested for calling President Mills a "chimpanzee"

After the intervention of President John Atta Mills, all charges against NPP sympathiser Alexander Adu Gyamfi were dropped.

Philippines

Local police chief threatens radio journalist

The Pola town chief inspector was temporarily relieved from his duties after he and his men threatened to arrest and shoot reporter Noel Alamar.

Venezuela

Journalist's detention extended

The 20th Caracas Trial Court decided to extend journalist Leocenis García's detention by one more year.

Moldova

Journalist confesses to espionage amid fears he was coerced

Vardanyan's lawyer believes that the journalist was forced to confess in exchange for a meeting with his wife.

Israel / Palestine

Two more Palestinian journalists attacked by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank

"More than 30 journalists have been physically attacked and injured by members of the Israel Defence Forces since the start of the year," RSF reports.

Belarus

Writer Vladimir Neklyayev and editor Sergei Voznyak released

The charges of "spreading false information" remain.

Somalia

Insurgent group arrests three radio journalists in Afgoye

Witnesses say the journalists were not questioned and no arrest warrants were presented when they were taken.

Bahrain

Authorities ban import and sale of historical book

The authorities banned the diary of a former British adviser to the government of Bahrain.

Vietnam

Government crackdown on bloggers and websites

The government is detaining and intimidating independent bloggers while also permitting cyber attacks from Vietnam to disable websites critical of the government.

Serbia

ANEM urges government to appoint director of company tasked with assisting transition to digital broadcasting

ANEM appealed to the authorities to appoint the director without further delay in order to safeguard the media and protect citizens' right to access information.

Mexico

Journalist assaulted by political party supporters

Supporters of the PRI assaulted journalist Alexis Uicab Panti, of the "Diario de Yucatán", and damaged his camera.

Sudan

WiPC concerned by detained editor's reports of torture

Abu Zar al-Amin has reportedly been transferred to police custody after being given electric shocks; the whereabouts of colleagues arrested with him remains unknown.

Turkey

Two reporters harassed in separate incidents

DİHA reporter Pınar Ural was attacked on a bus in Istanbul while reporter Murat Altunöz was threatened by security guards while covering a university boycott.

Venezuela

Reporters detained, photos deleted

The journalists were accused of "violating the confidentiality of the investigation" in the case of the disinterment of boxer Edwin Valero's body.

Colombia

Investigation stalls in journalist's murder

The journalist's daughter, and a witness in the case, fled Montería after several episodes in which she and her family had been followed.

Yemen

Press Court gives five journalists suspended jail sentences

The sentences come just a few days after the president reportedly pardoned all journalists being tried or convicted of press offenses.

Peru

IACHR to consider petition by families of Uchuraccay massacre victims

The journalists' families argued that the state is responsible for the deaths by virtue of the military's alleged involvement in the events.

Burma

Censors suspend two journals' publishing licences

"The Voice" and "The First Music" had reported on the filing of an assault case against actress Htet Htet Moe Oo by a reporter from the "Seven Days" journal.

Yemen

Presidential pardon on 20th anniversary of country's reunification

The president's decision to pardon journalists being prosecuted or those convicted on non-criminal charges was announced at a reunification anniversary ceremony in Taez province on 22 May.

Yemen

UN Committee against Torture deeply concerned about attacks against human rights defenders

In an effort to prevent the organisation from publicising human rights violations internationally, the authorities have subjected Sisters' Arab Forum for Human Rights to various attacks.

Uzbekistan

Tashkent journalist receives death threats over critical article

Iskander Arifzhanov claims he was threatened over an article he wrote criticising the head of a joint stock company, despite the fact that the article was never published.

Mexico

Riot police assault journalists during protest

Most of the photographers received medical attention from Red Cross personnel, but Marcelo López, who sustained a brain injury, was hospitalised and kept under observation.

Ethiopia

Pressure on media heightened in weeks before elections

Government and ruling party officials intimidated voters and unlawfully restricted the media ahead of the 23 May parliamentary elections, Human Rights Watch said.

Turkey

Reporter released pending trial after five months in detention

İsmail Eskin, a journalism student, was arrested at his home on 1 December 2009 after covering a protest.

Egypt

Drop charges against human rights defenders, blogger, Human Rights Watch urges

Human rights advocates Ahmad Saif al-Islam and Gamal Eid and blogger Amr Gharbeia are facing charges of defamation, blackmail, and misuse of the internet.

Turkey

Telecommunications authority accused of concealing information on blocked websites

"More transparency from the authorities about website blocking is essential," RSF says.

Liberia

Newspaper website hacked

The website of the privately-owned "New Democrat" newspaper was hacked into for the second time by unknown individuals.

Egypt

ANHRI calls for release of eight activists

The activists had gathered to discuss the need for democratic reforms in Egypt.

Pakistan

Political party supporters ransack media group building

The protesters broke through security barriers, snatched weapons from security guards and fired shots in the air during the attack on Jang Group.

Venezuela

CPJ hails conviction in journalist's murder

A court sentenced Rafael Segundo Pérez, a former Carabobo police sergeant, to 25 years in prison on conspiracy charges related to the murder of journalist Orel Sambrano.

Pakistan

Access to up to 1,000 websites blocked

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority claims that many of the websites may not be accessible because of technical problems.

Malawi

Sentence against gay couple appalling, says ARTICLE 19

Steven Monjenza and Towonge Chimbalanga were found guilty of "gross indecency" and "unnatural acts" and condemned to 14 years of hard labour.

Mozambique

Prominent journalist receives death threats

The threats follow the publication of an editorial written by Salomao Moyana in which he criticised the "political inconsistency" of Renamo party leader Afonso Dhlakama.

United Kingdom

Coalition government promises major reforms for freedom of expression and information

The new government has published its "Programme for Government" plan, which includes commitments to a number of reforms that will impact on freedom of expression and freedom of information.

Israel

Noam Chomsky denied access to West Bank

"The Israeli government's decision to exclude a renowned, committed and controversial intellectual who disagrees completely with its policies reflects poorly on its respect for freedom of expression," RSF says.

Sudan

Two newspapers censored, two radio stations threatened with closure

RSF is concerned that prior censorship could be restored after security forces raided several newspapers.

Kazakhstan

Draft administrative code props up harsh penalties against media, ARTICLE 19 warns

ARTICLE 19 calls on the government to ensure the draft code meets international freedom of expression standards.

Cayman Islands

Premier threatens local media with $100,000 in "business fees"

Failure to pay would result in fines and imprisonment, the premier told media at a press conference.

Guinea-Bissau

Pioneer of independent journalism attacked in his newspaper's offices

"I know this attack was due to the fact that my newspaper had published several articles about drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau," said publisher João de Barros.

Egypt

Journalist Hamdi Kandil faces defamation charge

CPJ condemns a criminal defamation lawsuit filed by Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit against the independent journalist.

Russia

Television director killed in Dagestan; journalist assaulted in St. Petersburg

Sayid Ibragimov was ambushed by gunmen as he was traveling with a team of repairmen on their way to restore a TV re-transmitter.

Vietnam

Isolated political detainees at risk of torture

Human Rights Watch calls for an end to the detention of three peaceful activists held since February.

Iraq

Spate of physical attacks on Iraqi journalists

RSF stressed that passage of the protection of journalists bill currently before Parliament would improve conditions for the media.

United States

RSF concerned over possible postponement of Bailey trial

The "Oakland Post" editor was gunned down while walking to work on the morning of 2 August 2007.

Kuwait

Critical journalist ordered detained for 21 days

Opposition journalist Mohammed Abdulqader al-Jassem is charged with "instigating to overthrow the regime", among other accusations.

Bahrain

Al Jazeera's activities suspended indefinitely

The Culture and Information Ministry announced that it had temporarily frozen Al Jazeera's activities for "breaching professional media norms."

Pakistan

Pakistan blocks Facebook over caricatures of Prophet Muhammad

The Ministry of Information Technology has asked people to inform the government of any information relating to objectionable caricatures displayed on any other website so that they can also be blocked.

Brazil

"Diário do Grande ABC" forbidden from reporting on case implicating town mayor

In February, the newspaper reported that furniture from the São Bernardo do Campo municipality's schools was being donated to recycling centers, even though it was in good condition.

Burundi

Government cancels work permit of Human Rights Watch researcher

The government made its decision following Human Rights Watch's publication of a report on pre-election violence in the country.

Honduras

Radio station staff receive death threats after commenting on aftermath of the coup

The owner of La Voz de Occidente radio station and the director of the news programme "Sucesos" have been receiving threatening calls.

Russia

Reverse conviction of activist, Human Rights Watch urges

Aleksei Sokolov, a prisoners' rights advocate who exposed corruption and torture in the prison system, was sentenced to five years in a maximum security prison.

Venezuela

Former governor granted parole after two months in detention

Oswaldo Álvarez Paz must appear before the court every 15 days; he cannot leave the country and has been also forbidden from making public statements about his case.

Macedonia

IFJ condemns television call for violence against journalists

A broadcaster issued a list of targeted journalists, accusing them of being traitors and calling for their "liquidation".

Belarus

Poet and Belarusian PEN president Vladimir Neklyayev detained in Minsk

According to PEN's information, Belarusian officials were specifically targeting the "Speak the Truth" campaign. Its offices were searched, and all computers, books and leaflets were confiscated.

Honduras

Judge dismissed for publicly criticising Supreme Court ruling that validated coup

Firings undercut judicial independence, says Human Rights Watch.

Cuba

Dissident journalist freed pending trial on charges of insulting and attacking police officers

Calixto Ramón Martínez Arias was arrested while covering an activity commemorating the death of imprisoned dissident Orlando Zapata Tamayo.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist released on bail after more than one month in detention

Popol Ntula Vita was arrested following a defamation complaint brought by the town mayor, Marie Josée Niongo Nsuami.

Iran

Kurdish teacher and writer executed at Evin prison

In a letter to Ayatollah 'Ali Khamenei, WiPC condemned the recent execution of five Kurdish activists, including teacher and writer Farzad Kamangar.

Thailand

Journalist killed, TV station torched, reporters threatened as Thai government moves against Red Shirts

Photojournalist Fabio Polenghi of the Italian news agency ANSA was shot in the chest and four other media workers were injured as they covered the military operations.

Philippines

Journalist injured in attempt on his life

A gunman shot DzRK Radyo ng Bayan-Kalinga journalist Jerome Tabanganay four times. Initial police investigations said the incident was work-related.

Latvia

Police search journalist's house, confiscate computer and other data

IPI is alarmed by the apparent disregard for source protection laws and press freedom demonstrated by the police in the course of their investigation.

Egypt

Human rights activist summoned over comments regarding eligibility of female judges

Nasser Amin was called to the Prosecutor General's Office to defend statements he made to the press in the debate over the eligibility of women for judicial posts.

Jordan

Activist arrested, beaten after criticising minister

The arrest of Mohammed Al-Sunaid is aimed at silencing him, as he often defends labourers' rights against abuse, says ANHRI.

Indonesia

Media groups denounce civil suit filed against eight media outlets

AJI and two other media organisations express concern over the multi-million dollar defamation charges filed by businessman Raymond Teddy.

Mexico

Nayarit TV station targeted in gunfire attack

"This could be a result of violence, or it could be a warning to all of us in the media. I don't know," said the station's management.

Iraq

IFJ condemns growing levels of violence against journalists

Raheem Al-Shamry became the latest victim of the violence after he was killed in an explosion at a factory in Al-Hella city, which also injured three other reporters.

Madagascar

Soldiers vandalise radio station studios, brutally assault three staff members

"Malagasy journalists and media should not be made the victims of score-settling between politicians," said RSF.

Turkey

Suspects in murder of editor Hrant Dink released by court

BIA notes disturbing developments in trial of suspects in 2007 murder of editor Hrant Dink.

Jordan

Egyptian reporter held for seven hours at Amman airport

Abdel Halim Kandil was surprised when airport security officials stopped him, seized his passport and detained him without reason.

Sudan

Sudan shutters opposition paper, arrests three journalists

The raid came after "Rai al-Shaab" published a report alleging that Iran built some kind of weapons factory in Sudan to supply insurgents in Africa and the Middle East.

Iran

French teacher freed after paying heavy fine as crackdown against press continues

In an unrelated development, journalist Henghameh Shahidi was sentenced to six years in prison on charges that include "propaganda against the regime".

Turkey

Kurdish daily's former editor convicted on terrorist propaganda charge

Vedat Kursun was sentenced to 166 years and six months in prison.

Argentina

Canal 5 journalists harassed, prevented from attending governor's press conference

Camera operator Fabio Guardone, of the Canal 5 TV station in Catamarca, was assaulted by the provincial governor's security guards.

Ecuador

Member of Andean parliament sues journalist

Fausto Lupera, a member of the Andean Parliament, has filed a legal action against Carlos Ochoa of "La Entrevista" programme.

Venezuela

Journalist detained for two years without trial

Leocenis García was detained in 2008, on charges of illegally carrying weapons, resisting authority and causing damage to private property.

Israel / Palestine

Journalists targeted by Israeli soldiers in separate incidents

Newspaper editor Ahmad Farraj was headed to Ramallah when he was stopped at a checkpoint and beaten by Israeli soldiers.

Chile

Documentary maker assaulted by mayor's security guards

Jaime Díaz Lavanchy was verbally assaulted by the mayor of Ñuñoa and attacked by his security guards and supporters while filming a municipal council meeting.

Thailand

Safety issues raised as casualties among journalists covering Bangkok clashes increase

In the latest incident, a PTV cameraman's life was saved by the bulletproof vest he was wearing while lying on the ground near the Lumpini Tower.

Bermuda

Flawed media bill infringes on press freedom, says IPI

If enacted, the bill will have a detrimental impact on the media environment in Bermuda as well as the reputation of the Bermudan government, IPI stressed.

Honduras

Canal 6 journalist receives death threats

Journalist Jessica Johana Pavón Osorto received a number of threatening messages on her mobile, referring to an attempted attack on journalist Carol Cabrera.

Thailand

Fourth journalist wounded while covering clashes between Thai soldiers and anti-government protesters

Veteran photojournalist Chaiwat Poompuang was shot in the leg as he was covering the fighting at the Din Daeng intersection.

Guinea

Newspaper intern arrested and detained at military prison

Mohamed Fofana was arrested while covering the bankruptcy of Soguitrans, the national transport company.

Thailand

Three journalists injured in Bangkok clashes

IPI asked soldiers and protestors to respect the independence of the media and to ensure that they do not become targets for violence in the current volatile environment.

China

RSF concerned over spate of sanctions against business media

There is an urgent need for the Propaganda Department to stop obstructing investigative reporting by the business media," said RSF.

Cuba

Opposition journalist Dania García freed while awaiting appeal hearing

In April, García was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison, officially in connection with a family quarrel.

Kuwait

Journalist goes on hunger strike to protest harassment by authorities

Prosecutors are reportedly going through every article that Mohammed Abdel Qader al-Jassem has posted on his blog in the last five years.

Israel

End detention of activist and stop gagging media, ARTICLE 19 urges

ARTICLE 19 believes that Ameer Makhoul was targeted because of his work as a human rights defender.

Argentina

Journalist harassed, threatened in Tartagal

José Piedra was reporting on allegations that the police had mistreated and pressured several suspects in a murder case.

Pakistan

CORRECTION: Asad Qureshi remains in captivity, contrary to previous IPI statement

Fears persist over journalist's safety

Yemen

One journalist sentenced to prison term, two others released as crackdown on media continues

Hossein Al-Leswas was given a one-year sentence for publishing articles about alleged corruption within the Al-Bayda province power company.

Côte d'Ivoire

Newspaper reporter summoned for questioning

Diarra Youssouf filmed a demonstration during which security forces shot into a crowd of protesters, killing five people.

Cambodia

Press council to request pardon for imprisoned journalist

In 2009, journalist Ros Sokhet was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for spreading disinformation through text messages.

Egypt

Cosmetic changes cannot justify keeping emergency law, says Human Rights Watch

The law gives the executive powers to suspend basic rights by censoring newspapers, monitoring personal communications, and detaining people indefinitely without charge.

Venezuela

Soldiers, electoral council officials prevent the press from reporting from polling stations

Franklin Vivas and Eleonora Delgado said they had not been physically harmed, but that their right to keep the public informed was restricted.

Eritrea

Prominent journalist arrested, ex-prison guard reveals fate of other detained journalists

Around 30 journalists are currently held incommunicado and more arrests are still occurring, including the recent arrest of Said Abdulhai, one of the country's most famous journalists.

Brazil

Journalist detained during council meeting

Edmundo Moreira da Silva was detained by municipal police while he was recording a session of the Municipal Councillors' Assembly.

Thailand

US citizen interrogated by Thai officials for his online activities

Anthony Chai, an American citizen, was interrogated by Thai officials in Thailand and again later in the US for allegedly insulting the monarchy in 2006.

Sudan

Newspaper journalist, editor face legal action over critical article

Journalist Haj Warraq and editor Fayez Al Sheikh Al Saleek have been accused of "humiliating the state and publishing false news".

Indonesia

Court officers attack journalist

The incident happened after journalists in Ambon had covered a court session where one photographer was prohibited from taking photos.

Russia

Media director shot to death

Shamil Aliyev, the founder of two radio stations and director of a television network, was shot and killed along with his bodyguard.

Argentina

Journalists assaulted, harassed in Salta

Photojournalist Rolando Díaz, who often reports on conflicts and disputes, has been the victim of police harassment since 2005.

Kenya

Proposed constitution welcome but access to information must be implemented, says ARTICLE 19

Unlike the existing constitution, the proposed text contains separate sections for the Right to Freedom of Expression and the Right to Information.

Turkey

"Express" journalists face legal action for "pro-Kurdish" article

Journalists Irfan Aktan and Merve Erol have been accused of "spreading propaganda for an illegal organisation" under the Anti-Terror Act.

Panama

"La Prensa" convicted of libel, ordered to pay US$300,000 in damages

The newspaper published a story on a former public prosecutor who was dismissed over ethical issues.

Israel / Palestine

Human rights defender prevented from leaving Palestine to attend Cairo meeting

Shawan Jabarin was prevented from attending a regional meeting at the Cairo Centre for Human Rights.

Nepal

Journalists attacked by Maoist supporters

Two journalists and a camera operator were harassed and attacked while covering anti-government demonstrations led by Maoist party supporters.

China

Government to force Internet users to identify themselves in online forums; RSF calls for release of three prisoners on humanitarian grounds

After preventing anonymous posting on news portals and commercial websites, the move would now extend the system to online forums and chat websites.

Pakistan

Journalist's mutilated body found by police

Ghulam Rasool Birhamani had reportedly received threats from members of the Lashari tribe after reporting on the marriage of an underage girl.

Sri Lanka

Opposition journalist released on bail

The judge nonetheless ordered Ruwan Weerakoon to present himself to police every week.

Iran

"Newsweek" journalist Maziar Bahari sentenced to 13 years in prison, 74 lashes

Authorities interrogated Maziar Bahari for four months in 2009 and coerced him to "confess" to a host of serious criminal acts on Iranian television.

India

Journalist assaulted for reporting on corruption

Violence against journalists in the eastern state of Orissa is increasing, a local journalists' body warned.

Palestine

Political tensions between Hamas and Fatah continue to take a toll on Palestinian journalists

In one recent incident, a correspondent from Sawt Al-Aqsa radio station was arrested by Palestinian Authority security forces at his home in Hebron.

Kuwait

Media prevented from covering dismantling of Iranian spy ring

"This ban constitutes a serious obstruction of investigative reporting, an essential component of quality journalism in a country that claims to be democratic," said RSF.

West Africa

ECOWAS champions regional right to information agreement

To date, none of the countries in West Africa have adopted comprehensive right to information laws.

Burma

Final condemnation for upcoming elections as NLD ceases to exist as political party

The National League for Democracy decided not to contest upcoming elections in Burma because of the absence of a free and fair environment.

Vietnam

Overturn conviction of peaceful democracy activists, Human Rights Watch urges

Three democracy advocates who were accused of colluding with activists abroad to organise an opposition political party are appealing their sentences.

Turkey

Court rules newspaper must pay heavy fine

An Ankara criminal court decided that "Vakit" newspaper must pay compensation to 308 generals who were insulted.

Azerbaijan

Norwegian filmmakers' footage, equipment confiscated by airport security guards

Erling Borgen and Dag Inge Dahl were in Azerbaijan to make a documentary about imprisoned editor Eynulla Fatullayev.

India

Ensure free expression and opinion for Maoist supporters, Human Rights Watch urges

"The Indian government should think twice before trying to silence political discussion," the organisation warned.

Iran

Concern over new arrests

The third in a series of updates on ARTICLE 19's work to combat censorship in Iran.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio station manager held for broadcasting controversial song

The song criticises the Angolan president and praises the merits of the Cabindan leader, Nzita Henriques Tiago.

Nigeria

Cameraman found dead in suspicious circumstances

Jerry Usanga's body was found on the roadside by passers-by on 4 May 2010.

United States

Pentagon bars four reporters from Guantanamo Bay proceedings

The U.S. military should allow four banned reporters from different Canadian and U.S.-based media outlets to cover military commission proceedings in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, CPJ said.

Turkey

Student gets suspended jail time for posting caricature of mayor on Facebook

Erdem Büyük, a student at Osmangazi University, posted the caricature of Mayor Büyükerşen on Facebook after local elections on 29 March 2009.

Belarus

Police seize computers from four journalists

Police recently searched the journalists' residences as part of the investigation into a slander case involving a former State Security official.

Australia

Expedite new freedom of information law, says RSF

In an open letter to Special Minister of State Joe Ludwig, RSF urges the Australian government to pass important legislation on freedom of information.

Canada

Mixed result in Supreme Court source protection case holds some good news, says CJFE

"Although not a win for the 'National Post' on the facts of the case, this decision is the strongest statement yet by our courts as to the basis on which the law protects journalists' confidential sources," said CJFE.

Saudi Arabia

Egyptian academic detained for almost one year without due process

Dr. Abdul Aziz Kamel has been in custody since 13 June 2009 and has yet to be brought to trial.

Sri Lanka

RSF concerned about new media minister appointment

Keheliya Rambukwella, a former government spokesman on defence issues, was named media minister on 5 May.

Philippines

Journalist missing, others attacked, harassed in election-related incidents

Rolando Gono went missing shortly after reporting to police that a provincial governor and his followers had assaulted a TV news crew.

Ukraine

Four television reporters attacked in two separate incidents

Two journalists with Channel 9 in Dniepropetrovsk and two others from the national television station 1+1 were attacked in separate incidents on 30 April.

Azerbaijan

Disturbing plan to introduce Internet TV licencing in run-up to legislative elections

"The authorities keep on making dramatic statements about their desire to protect the country's morals, but in practice what they want is to maintain their monopoly of news and information," RSF says.

Côte d'Ivoire

Le Réveil media group threatened

The threats come at a time when a coalition of the four main opposition parties is preparing for a peaceful march dubbed Liberation of Côte d'Ivoire, scheduled for 15 May 2010.

Ukraine

STB TV journalists denounce censorship

Journalists from the "Vikna" programme began gathering evidence of censorship at the time of the presidential campaign.

Pakistan

TV reporter's residence attacked again in Islamabad

On 7 May 2010, unidentified gunmen fired seven shots at the home of investigative reporter Azaz Syed.

Pakistan

Kidnapped journalist freed

Please note that a correction to this alert was issued on 14 May 2010.

Ukraine

Journalists denounce censorship on news programme

The journalists claim the news director has forbidden them from covering politically-charged content on the TV programme TSN.

Bulgaria

Journalists from Republic of Macedonia/FYROM denied entry into Bulgaria

Several journalists from TV Sonce were on their way to cover a celebration until customs officials stopped them from crossing into Bulgaria.

Egypt

Activist detained after peaceful protest

EOHR calls on the government to change the way it deals with demonstrators who express their views in a peaceful, non-violent manner.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Three suspects in journalist's killing sentenced to death

Radio Okapi journalist Didace Namujimbo was gunned down in Bukavu on 21 November 2008.

Iraq

Second journalist killed in Iraqi Kurdistan

Sardasht Osman was reportedly killed because of an article he wrote about a senior member of the Kurdistan regional government.

Iraq

Parties in ruling coalition have "tacit agreement" to gag press, says RSF

Security forces operated by the KDP and PUK do not hesitate to use force to prevent journalists from covering street demonstrations.

Ecuador

Journalist murdered by intruder, motive unknown

The alleged killer was arrested by the police but the motives for the murder are still unknown.

Mongolia

Journalist, newspaper face legal action for reporting on alleged embezzlement case

A lieutenant colonel sued journalist Kh. Namuun-Uyanga after she published an article entitled, "Police Colonel Embezzles MNT 20 million".

Egypt

Author of popular novel faces legal action

Youssef Zeidan has been accused of defaming Christianity in his novel "Azazel".

Brazil

French documentary maker faces a slew of lawsuits in bid to censor his film

José Huerta is facing a total of eight legal proceedings, including one criminal charge, along with a 60,000 euro fine for damages.

International / World Press Freedom Day

ARTICLE 19 welcomes UNESCO declaration on right to information

The Brisbane Declaration sets out principles for national governments, media professionals and UNESCO to promote the right to information.

Honduras

Two TV reporters receive death threats

Ricardo Oviedo and Jorge Ott Anderson had both covered the March 2010 murder of colleague Nahúm Palacios Arteaga in the Aguán region.

Philippines

Kidapawan journalist receives death threat

Radio broadcaster Williamor Magbanua found a funeral wreath with a threatening note accusing him of "peddling lies which trampled on the rights of women".

Somalia

Veteran journalist assassinated in Mogadishu

Colleagues believe Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey was murdered because of his work with Radio Mogadishu, which is owned by the Transitional Federal Government.

Venezuela

Journalist dies of heart failure while covering press conference

The photojournalist's death could have been avoided, said a representative of the National Journalists Association.

Bangladesh

RSF troubled by government's decision to close private television station

In an open letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, RSF expressed concern about two serious matters that cast doubt on the government's desire to guarantee a favourable environment for the media.

Israel / Palestine

IDF bars Al-Jazeera from covering West Bank rally

Israel Defense Forces arrested Al-Jazeera cameraman Majdi Bannoura and assistant Nader Abu Zer when they tried to cover the protest in the village of Bil'in.

Israel / Palestine

Photographer injured while covering protest in West Bank

Muammar Jameel Awad was covering a protest in Biet Jala when he was hit in the head by a tear-gas bomb launched by Israeli soldiers.

Sri Lanka / World Press Freedom Day

Pardon of journalist welcome, needs clarification, says CPJ

Tissainayagam's attorneys were not notified of the pardon prior to the announcement, leaving several questions about the official details.

Pakistan

Abducted journalist's fellow hostage executed

Khalid Khawaja, a retired Inter-Services Intelligence official, who was abducted along with documentary filmmaker Asad Qureshi, was found dead of multiple bullet wounds.

Egypt

Blogger Karim Amer harassed in jail

"Egyptian authorities seem intent on degrading critics even when they are in prison," says CPJ

Thailand

Media groups slam Red Shirts for intimidating journalists

UDD leader Jatiporn Promphan challenged and threatened a journalist at a 29 April press conference.

United Arab Emirates

Authorities plan to monitor cybercafé Internet users

"The real reason for this decision is obviously the desire to keep files on the country's netizens, watch them and push them into self-censorship," notes RSF

Ethiopia

Two state TV journalists under arrest

Editor Haileyesus Worku and reporter Abdulsemed Mohammed are accused of allegedly misusing state property.

Pakistan

Twenty-four FM radio stations prevented from broadcasting BBC news

PEMRA claims the stations violated the terms of their licences.

Nigeria

Four journalists receive death threats

The journalists received identical text messages after covering the recent dismissal of the electoral commission chairman.

Malaysia

"Shun self-censorship, public needs information during election," says CIJ

A daily TV programme about the social and economic plight of indigenous people was shelved after just two episodes because of an impending by-election in the state.

Russia

Draft bill gives FSB authority to arrest critical journalists

The proposed amendments introduce penalties that range from a fine of up to US$1,710 to a 15-day detention for noncompliance.

China

Internet companies enlisted in protection of state secrets

Under an amendment, companies will be required to block transmission of state secrets over their networks, keep records of client activity and alert authorities to possible violations.

Mexico

Two journalists found alive two days after armed ambush

Ericka Ramírez and David Cilia sustained injuries when they fled into the mountains.

Mexico

International mission attacked in Oaxaca; human rights defenders, activists and journalists killed or missing

Among the missing are two journalists from the magazine "Contralínea".

Kazakhstan

State-owned Internet provider blocks critical news websites

News portals Respublika and Respublika-Delovoye Obozreniye often criticize Kazakh authorities for corruption and human rights violations.

Burma

Court upholds journalist's 27-year prison term

"My client did not commit any illegal act," says Hla Hla Win's lawyer.

Awards / International

Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho named IPI Press Freedom Hero

Lydia Cacho will be honoured at World Press Freedom Hero Ceremony during the IPI World Congress in September 2010.

Albania

Alleged political pressure at public broadcaster Radio Televizioni Shqiptar

Diana Kalaja was dismissed from her position as deputy director-general without advance notice.

Belarus

Police experts given access to several journalists' e-mail and instant messaging accounts

Prosecution of Charter 97 website continues.

Thailand

Thai authorities train sights on Facebook

The Facebook page of online news site Prachatai.com has been shut down and two other websites blocked following clashes between security forces and protesters.

China / Tibet (China)

Writer arrested; Propaganda Department sets rules for covering Shanghai Expo and Qinghai earthquake

The media are asked to reduce their coverage of the consequences of the Qinghai earthquake and increase their reporting on the Shanghai exhibition.

Argentina

Photographers threatened, harassed in Chaco and Santa Cruz

Journalist Gustavo Torres was insulted and detained by provincial police when he tried to take photos of an unconscious woman lying in a public street.

Bangladesh

AMARC welcomes community radio breakthrough

The government has granted permission to 12 applicants to operate community radio stations.

Honduras

Community radio station in Zacate Grande faces criminal action

Members of La Voz de Zacate Grande are accussed of appropriating land and of operating the radio station without the proper authorisation from CONATEL.

Thailand

Media threatened from all sides of unfolding crisis

News organisations are working to provide independent news and commentary, while struggling to reduce tendencies toward self-censorship.

Venezuela

Newspaper receives threats from groups linked to ruling party

The "La Prensa" editor-in-chief said that a source inside the "guerrillas" advised her about some of its members' interest in "teaching the paper a lesson."

The Gambia

Tortured journalist to appear before ECOWAS court

MFWA lodged a complaint against the Gambian government on behalf of Musa Saidykhan before the court in 2007.

Pakistan

Taliban issue "final" warning to news media

The e-mail message accused the media of not reporting the Taliban's version of clashes with Pakistan's armed forces.

Turkey

Journalist sentenced, another on trial after publishing critical articles

Journalist Tayyar Şamil was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment and journalist İsmail Saymaz will stand trial on 29 April, both in connection with critical news items.

Saudi Arabia

Authorities block website in record time following launch

Saudi Arabia beat the record set by Tunisia by blocking a site just 15 hours after it had been launched.

Turkey

Court sentences mayor to one year in prison for "Kurdistan" reference

The court accused Selim Sadak of "using arguments of an illegal organization towards the organization's aims".

Russia

Independent editor brutally beaten in Sochi

Arkady Lander was hospitalised with a broken skull and a concussion after the assault which he believes is related to his work as a journalist.

Azerbaijan

Several journalists assaulted by police during demonstration

An action conducted by the Azadlig bloc to protest against the violation of freedom of assembly is marked by violence against journalists.

Venezuela

Mayor's office confiscates, suspends weekly paper for allegedly failing to pay taxes

The editor suspects the charge is in retaliation for articles it published about municipal mismanagement.

India

Police beat reporter on Srinagar street

In photos taken by a colleague, one can see a dozen police officers smiling as they beat Gowhar Bhat with their batons.

Pakistan

Police detain, assault journalist for "negative" reporting

Journalist Mustafa Tarin was detained and beaten by Quetta police for allegedly reporting on a police rally in a "negative way".

Palestine

MADA calls for end to harassment of "Alhayat Aljadedah" correspondent

MADA strongly condemns the raid on the home of correspondent Nufouth Al-Bakri, by a group of civilians who said they were with the Ministry of Information.

Bahrain

Authorities impose publication ban on the case of minister accused of money laundering

The ban took place after the defense lawyer requested to summon one of the members of the ruling family to testify in the case.

International

Potential threats to online free expression seen in draft trade treaty

"Some of the provisions threaten the protection of personal information and, in repressive countries, would endanger dissidents, journalists and human rights activists," says RSF

Cuba

Blogger arrested, sentenced to 20 months in prison

IAPA condemns the prison sentence against Dania Virgen García and the arrest of a second journalist, Yosvani Anzardo Hernández.

Sri Lanka

Gang boss known for hostility towards journalists appointed deputy media minister

Mervyn Silva's appointment comes at a time of considerable hostility towards press freedom, said RSF.

Palestine

Two journalists briefly detained in the West Bank

MADA strongly condemns two incidents in which the Israeli army detained Najeh Hashlamoun and Muheeb Albarghouti and prevented them from taking photographs.

Rwanda

Editor of bi-monthly acquitted on appeal

A judge quashed Niyonambaza's two-year jail sentence and ordered his immediate release.

Tunisia

Journalist beaten by police

Eight plainclothes police officers arrived at the home of Zuhair Makhlouf and informed him that he was under arrest.

United Arab Emirates

Website blocked for two days by Ministry

The Save Egypt Front website manager received a message from the Ministry of Communication informing him that the blocking was due to technical glitches that had been resolved.

Philippines

Bomb blast rocks radio station; media workers attacked

One person was injured after two men riding on a yellow bicycle hurled an explosive object at Magic 103 FM radio station.

Iraq

Several journalists attacked during student demonstration, others arrested or threatened

RSF reiterates its appeal to Parliament to pass a law protecting journalists.

Egypt

Lawyers petition government to censor classic book, imprison publishers

A group of lawyers has filed a motion to confiscate "A Thousand and One Nights", claiming that it is "offensive to public decency."

Thailand

Media beset by violence and state of emergency

"The violence and the state of emergency are exposing Thai and foreign journalists to a level of threats that is without precedent since the return to democracy," says RSF.

Egypt

Call for release of blogger held under emergency law; Interior Ministry renews detention order

The government is exploiting the law to silence controversial figures, says Human Rights Watch.

Honduras

Journalist receives death threat

Gerardo Chévez has received threatening messages on his mobile phone that are apparently linked to his work for Radio Progreso.

Pakistan

Police illegally detain journalists in Naushehro Feroze

The incident happened shortly after the journalists reported on police harassment of a female artist.

Nigeria

Three journalists killed in Lagos and Jos

One of the journalists, Edo Sule-Ugbagwu, was gruesomely murdered in his home.

Azerbaijan

Authorities urged to comply with ECHR order and release editor Eynulla Fatullayev

As a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, Azerbaijan is bound to comply with the rulings of the European Court, CPJ said.

Serbia

Court dismisses all charges against football hooligans who threatened B92 journalist

Disregarding serious threats to journalists' safety endangers freedom of expression and democratisation of society, says ANEM.

Azerbaijan

European Court of Human Rights orders journalist's release

The ECHR ruled that Article 10 (freedom of expression) and 6 (right to a fair trial) of the European Convention on Human Rights had been breached in the case of journalist Eynulla Fatullayev.

Malaysia

TV station censors own programme after getting SMS message forwarded by PM's office

"NTV7 should explain the editorial restriction", CIJ said.

Yemen

Soldiers raid newspaper offices

"Not a day goes by without a news media outlet being attacked or a journalist being kidnapped, arrested or convicted," notes RSF.

Peru

Journalist denounces alleged plot to kill him

Jaime Bayly, writer and presenter of the "El Francotirador" programme, has received information about an alleged plan by the Venezuelan government to "kill him."

Mexico

Another journalist missing; police may be implicated in his disappearance

In a series of text messages, Evaristo Ortega Zárate told his sister that the police were taking him to Veracruz, and his family has not been able to find him.

Burma

Journalist and son arrested for allegedly taking photos of bombing sites

Sources told RSF that the police targeted Maung Zeya because he is a former political prisoner.

Tibet (China)

China "jamming" quake condolences, Oslo-based radio station says

In recent days, the Voice of Tibet radio service had been broadcasting messages of support and grief from exiled Tibetans over the deadly earthquake in northwest China.

Serbia

Novi Pazar mayor's office interfering in TV station's editorial stance

ANEM protest pressure being brought on TV Jedinstvo by the municipality of Novi Pazar.

Cameroon

Two years on, songwriter remains imprisoned

Lapiro de Mbanga's appeal is still pending before the Supreme Court following numerous delays.

Iraq

Newspaper editor seized; whereabouts unknown

Armed men entered al-Aossi's home in central Baghdad, seized his computer and took him to an unknown location.

Peru

Smear campaign started against journalist who reported on corruption

IPYS condemns the campaign against journalist Mary Pérez and demands that the authorities clarify the allegations published by the journalist.

Brazil

Television presenter targeted in gunfire attack

TV Mearim presenter and radio host Handson Laércio was attacked while leaving his home on 14 April 2010.

Pakistan

Reports of video of kidnapped journalist spark fears for his safety

"Qureshi's kidnapping is part of a growing trend of violence and attacks against the media in the Northwest Frontier Province," said IPI.

Cameroon

Journalist dies in detention

Ngota Ngota Germain, editor of the weekly "Cameroun Express", had been held in Kondengui jail in Yaoundé for nearly two months.

Ukraine

Journalist harassed, assaulted by police in Kyiv

Journalist Serhiy Kutrakov was forcibly removed by security guards from an exhibition centre where he was covering a photo exhibit.

Honduras

TV host murdered; sixth Honduran journalist killed since March

Jorge Alberto Orellana, host of the program "En vivo con Georgino" at Televisión de Honduras, was shot to death in San Pedro Sula.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Military court hands down death sentence to two soldiers accused in journalist's murder

JED is supporting the defence's call for an appeal in the case and reiterates its demand for a full investigation into the incident.

Peru

Journalist assaulted by street market vendors

Edwin Azaña was taking pictures of a scuffle between the vendors and a municipal worker when approximately 200 vendors surrounded him and beat him.

United States

CIA destruction of interrogation videos threatens US credibility on human rights

Emails released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that the CIA destroyed dozens of videotapes of brutal interrogations carried out in Thailand in 2002.

Sudan

Authorities block elections monitoring website

The first multiparty general elections since 1986 have been marked by allegations of irregularities.

Equatorial Guinea

AFP correspondent held for five hours by police in Malabo

Samuel Obiang Mbana was arrested at Malabo international airport where he had gone to cover arrivals for a summit of CEMAC heads of state.

Nepal

CEHURDES condemns torching of newspaper copies

Activists of the Hindu Yuva Sangh organisation set fire to copies of "Kantipur", "Annapurna Post" and "Pratik" newspapers.

China

Uighur PEN member barred from travel outside China

Two days before Ilham Tohti was scheduled to arrive in Turkey for an international conference, police reportedly went to his home in Beijing and warned him against making the trip.

Peru

Journalists investigating corruption assaulted by police officers

Lenin Quevedo and Andrés Velarde had gone to the Morales police station to investigate a bribery case that allegedly involves police officers.

Somalia

Transitional government threatens to close down radio stations for complying with insurgents' ultimatum

Four stations stopped playing music out of concern for their safety and subsequently they have been accused of working with Hisbul Islam.

Bulgaria

Journalist sues Council of Ministers over refusal to disclose information

Ministers had previously refused to provide information on expenses during trips abroad by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.

Liberia

Mayor attempts to have reporter arrested

On 15 April 2010, Acting Monrovia Mayor Mary Broh ordered her bodyguards to re-arrest and jail Love FM reporter Nimpson Todd.

Venezuela

TV station correspondents detained

The two journalists were prevented from taking photographs and then held for two hours at a local police station.

Ukraine

Authorities replace owners as greatest threat to media in 2010, says IMI

Such was the conclusion arrived at by several experts at a round table entitled: "From Mass Media 2009 to Mass Media 2010: Chronic Diseases and New Epidemics".

Honduras

Canal 40 journalist followed, threatened

Journalist Ricardo Emilio Oviedo Reyes said that since the 28 June 2009 coup d'état he has been followed by two people.

Indonesia

Blasphemy law violates freedom of expression of religious minorities

Recent court ruling is a setback for religious freedom, says Human Rights Watch.

Iran

CPJ denounces Iranian threats against Maziar Bahari

The "Newsweek" correspondent told CPJ that family members in Iran had received a threatening phone call from a man who identified himself as an Iranian court official.

Mexico

Municipal and state police assault journalists in Chihuahua

In separate incidents, two journalists were threatened and assaulted by police officers in Chihuahua.

Philippines

Political interference suspected after charges against alleged masterminds of Maguindanao massacre are dropped

"The press needs to support public prosecutors and engage law groups and the rest of civil society in reversing the order," says CMFR.

Ecuador

Journalist dies as result of suspicious accident

Journalist Jorge Santana Carbonell was traveling on his motorcycle when he was hit by a car and later found unconscious.

Cambodia

Opposition editor freed, pledges to continue fight for press freedom

Editor Hang Chakra was released after 10 months in prison on a "disinformation" charge.

Moldova

Independent journalist held incommunicado in breakaway Transdniester region

Ernest Vardanian was accused of committing treason against the PMR for Moldova; he faces from 12 to 20 years if convicted.

Libya

Dissident released after acquittal by state security

Jamal al-Haji's case highlights the need for penal code reform on free expression, says Human Rights Watch.

Pakistan

Journalist injured in attempted kidnapping

Din news channel and NNI news agency journalist Imran Khan told PPF he believes he was targeted because he is a journalist.

Pakistan

Journalist killed in suicide blasts in Kohat

Reporter Azmat Ali Bangash was killed along with 41 other people when two suicide bombers blew themselves up amidst a crowd of displaced persons collecting relief supplies.

China

Bloggers who exposed gang-rape sentenced in Fuzhou

The bloggers took up the case of a mother who was calling on the authorities to reopen the investigation into her daughter's death.

Somalia

Mogadishu radio station temporarily shut down by insurgent group

Hisbul Islam militias stormed the premises of GBC Radio and Television on 14 April, ordering the station off the air.

Pakistan

One cameraman dead, several others injured in Quetta suicide bomb

TV crews and journalists were covering a Shiite demonstration after the assassination of a prominent local Shiite bank manager, who had been taken to a Quetta hospital earlier.

Peru

Radio station director facing 10 years in jail

The journalist is accused of disrupting public tranquility and disturbances to the detriment of the State, by instigating the public to commit the crime of rebellion.

Cuba

Journalist's release leaves 24 others waiting to be freed

Oscar Sánchez Madán, who was one of the 25 journalists imprisoned in the country, was released on 11 April after completing a three-year jail sentence.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Wave of interrogations, harassment sparks new concerns for press freedom

JED is calling on security officials and judicial authorities to show restraint and refrain from inflaming an already tense situation for media professionals.

Turkey

One-month publishing ban imposed on "Yürüyüş" magazine

The magazine was banned after it published an article about a 1972 massacre in the village of Kızıldere.

Turkey

Reporter dies under suspicious circumstances, MP calls for inquiry

The body of 34-year-old Metin Alataş, distributor of the Kurdish "Azadiya Welat" newspaper, was found on 4 April 2010.

Mexico

"Contralínea" offices ransacked; magazine's director suspects it was an intimidation tactic

The thieves took some of the magazine's accounting, administrative, and investigative files.

Azerbaijan

Authorities clamp down on protesters in first election-related demonstration

Government officials forced demonstrators into vans and buses, clamping their hands over the protesters' mouths as they shouted slogans for freedom, equality and free elections.

Russia

Police try to search Moscow weekly's offices for information on sources

The search relates to a libel action over a story in "New Times" about alleged corrupt practices within an elite unit.

Honduras

Sixth journalist killed since start of year, robbery ruled out

Radio W105 presenter Luis Antonio Chévez Hernández was gunned down in San Pedro Sula.

Bahrain

Authorities ban Blackberry users from sending news bulletins

BCHR expressed concern over the ban, which was issued by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

Ukraine

Provincial journalist who was the victim of a beating may have been targeted for his work

"'Provincial Chronicles' is an analytical programme which deals with serious issues and it is quite possible that some people may not like that," said Boris Braguinskiy.

Moldova

Journalist arrested, charged with treachery

Well-known journalist Ernest Vardanian was arrested in front of his house by secret service agents.

Iraq

Journalist injured in targeted car-bombing

A total of 15 people were injured and three killed when the bomb exploded as Omar Ibrahim Al-Jabouri set off for work with two neighbours in the south Baghdad suburb of Doura.

Afghanistan

Growing concern as Taliban demand prisoners for journalists

CPJ called for the release of two French television journalists, their translator and driver, held since December 2009.

Mexico

Reporter receives death threats

Jade Ramírez Cuevas Villanueva from Radio Universidad de Guadalajara was reporting in Jalisco when several men threatened her.

Brazil

Congress passes Right to Information Bill

Despite being a landmark development for the right to information in Brazil, the bill still has some shortcomings, ARTICLE 19 noted.

Nigeria

Journalist attacked during political clash

Channels Television cameraman Felix Vincent sustained a deep cut to the head and was taken to hospital.

Venezuela

Photojournalists injured while covering protest

The two journalists were wounded while covering a protest at the central bus station in the city of Mérida.

Ukraine

Newspaper journalists complain of police harassment, intimidation

Police have also arrested the director of "Express" newspaper for alleged tax evasion.

Azerbaijan

IRFS concerned over decision to transfer bloggers to different prisons

Imprisoned blogger Adnan Hajizade has been transferred to Prison #14, in Gizilbash settlement, while Emin Milli is expected to be transferred to Prison #5 in Salyan region.

Rwanda

Rwanda shuts critical papers in run-up to presidential vote

On 13 April 2010, the Media High Council announced an immediate six-month suspension of the private Kinyarwandan-language weeklies "Umuseso" and "Umuvugizi".

Mexico

Fifth Mexican journalist killed this year

Columnist Enrique Villicana Palomares was found with his throat slit on 10 April 2010 in Morelia, Michoacán.

Yemen

CPJ condemns assault on imprisoned editor

According to reports, Fuad Rashid, editor-in-chief of the news website Mukalla Press, was beaten by four prisoners in the Central Prison of San'aa on 8 April 2010.

Ukraine

TVi urges president to address pressures exerted on channel

In an open letter to President Victor Yanukovich, TVi journalists expressed concern that the Security Service of Ukraine is backing the personal and business interests of its director.

Honduras

Judge rules that closure of media outlets did not violate free expression

Judge Martha Murillo ordered a "definitive stay of proceedings" in the case against the former president of the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL).

Romania

IFJ backs journalists in row over prime minister's attack on media

Prime Minister Emil Boc reportedly wrestled the microphone from a Realitatea TV reporter and then publicly accused the network of "misinforming and distorting Romanian reality".

China

China issues new wave of censorship orders

"China's continuing bans refuse to recognise the important social role of the media as a watchdog on corruption and accountability," said IFJ.

United States

Net neutrality in great danger, says RSF

A US Appeals Court has ruled that the Federal Communications Commission lacks the authority to prevent ISPs from blocking or slowing specific websites.

Pakistan

IFJ concerned by threats to Khuzdar journalists

The threats were allegedly issued by the Baloch Musallah Difah Tanzeem (BMDT), a separatist organisation angered by local journalists' coverage of nationalist parties and politics.

Palestine / Israel

Journalist arrested, others shot at while covering protests

"The journalists were stuck between soldiers and demonstrators, we were only 50 metres from the Israeli army," said BBC correspondent Shahdi Alkashif.

South Africa

BBC journalist expelled from South Africa press conference

African National Congress (ANC) Youth League leader Julius Malema referred to journalist Jonah Fisher as a "bastard" after the reporter interrupted him.

Thailand

Japan urges investigation of cameraman's death; PTV broadcasts restored

Both soldiers and protestors were armed and had opened fire, and as a result it is unclear who fired the fatal shot that killed Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto.

India

Activist arrested for organising people's tribunal on torture

"Arresting people who are performing a public service by highlighting human rights violations can only be aimed at stifling the truth," said Human Rights Watch.

Vietnam

Independent magazine continues to publish despite harassment

"Eliminating 'To Quoc' seems to be part of the conservative plan before the party's 11th congress," according to the magazine's founder.

Kuwait

State Security arrests, deports Egyptian opposition supporters

Kuwait's State Security forces should stop arresting and deporting expatriate supporters of Egyptian opposition candidate Dr. Mohammad al-Baradei, says Human Rights Watch.

Guatemala

Journalist shot in Guatemala City

Felipe Valenzuela was shot in the head during an attempted car robbery, but CERIGUA is not ruling out the possibility that the attack was related to his work as a journalist.

Argentina

FOPEA condemns threats made towards journalists in Córdoba

Journalists Juan Federico, Tomás Méndez, and Guillermo Bahr were threatened and intimidated in connection with their coverage of drug trafficking in the city of Córdoba.

China

Activist Hu Jia's health worsening, eligibility for medical parole ignored

The government should immediately grant parole to the imprisoned rights advocate, who suffers from serious and chronic illnesses, Human Rights Watch said.

Peru

Radio station manager censors programme

The manager of Radio La Mega pulled the plug on "La Voz del Pueblo" after its hosts criticised the mayor's administration.

Peru

Journalist beaten, knocked unconscious by local police

"They beat me so hard I thought they were going to kill me", said Orlando Rucana Cuba.

Thailand

Reuters journalist killed, freelance photographer hurt in clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters

Reuters said its TV cameraman, Hiro Muramoto, died from a bullet wound in the chest.

China

Two young Tibetan writers arrested in raid on university in Gansu

Tashi Rabten and Druklo were arrested when armed policemen raided their hostel at the Northwest National Minorities University, where they are students.

Egypt

CPJ urges Egypt to free blogger with 18 release orders

CPJ has written to the Minister of the Interior to protest the continued detention of Mosad Soleiman, a blogger, novelist, and activist who writes about social and political issues.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns Al-Shabaab ban on BBC

Al-Shabaab called on radio stations that have a contract to re-broadcast BBC and VOA programmes to cease doing so on 9 April, otherwise they would be raided and plundered.

Turkey

Journalist assaulted by bodyguards

Cenker Tezel was outside a nightclub trying to snap pictures of Libyan leader Muammer al-Gaddafi's son when he was assaulted by bodyguards.

Thailand

Government blocks satellite TV channel, online news site following declaration of state of emergency

Bangkok and several outlying provinces have been placed under a state of emergency to better control the situation in the capital.

Iraq

Urgent need for Parliament to debate protection of journalists bill, says RSF

In a recent incident, Al-Hurra TV correspondent Munir Assa'd survived a murder attempt when gunmen threw a grenade at him in Mosul on 5 April 2010.

Burma

Commentary on electoral laws censored ahead of elections

Opinions and comments by political parties on electoral laws are being targeted by the Censorship Board.

Mexico

Soldier threatens photojournalist with gun

The photojournalist was trying to take pictures of an attack on a local police station when the soldier demanded that he stop using his camera and then pointed a gun at him.

Guatemala

Journalists, newspapers subject to smear campaign

The Guatemala City mayor is allegedly behind the campaign to discredit three journalists and two newspapers after the journalists reported on irregularities in the way transit passes are issued.

Fiji

Media decree must be opposed, says IFJ

According to IFJ, the decree strictly limits the media's ability to regain its role as a critical watchdog on the accountability of power-holders.

Mexico

A fourth journalist goes missing in Michoacán State

Ramón Ángeles Zalpa, a a correspondent for the local newspaper "Cambio de Michoacán", was last seen on 6 April 2010.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Soldiers suspected in cameraman's murder

CPJ is also investigating unconfirmed reports that Chebeya had been receiving threats from a group of soldiers prior to his death.

Turkey

Judicial harassment continues as two more journalists sentenced

Two journalists have been convicted and sentenced on charges of "spreading propaganda for an illegal organization" and "insult via the media".

Ecuador

Journalist assaulted by civic council member

The incident took place while the reporter was covering demonstrations about the visit of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to Ecuador.

The Gambia

Journalist receives death threats

Yusupha Cham, now UK-based, has received death threats from persons suspected to be NIA agents.

Somalia

Mogadishu media houses ordered to stop broadcasting music and songs

A Somali insurgent group, Hisbul Islam, imposed oppressive edicts on radio stations, especially those based in the areas under their control.

Ukraine

Police question two journalists, search homes, seize files

The Kiev police conducted searches in a bid to obtain information about participants in protests.

Egypt

Police detain publisher, raid his house

Ahmed Mahana, CEO of Dawan publishing house, was targeted because of a controversial book he published on the former head of the UN International Atomic Energy Agency.

Peru

Journalist stabbed after making allegations against mayor

Journalist Ronald Escobar Alegría, director of the program "Vox Populi", was attacked with a knife by a worker of the Provincial Municipality of Urubamba.

Thailand

Webmaster charged for violating Computer-Related Crimes Act

The director of Prachatai.com is facing a criminal lawsuit for allegedly failing to remove from the site's discussion board readers' comments deemed offensive to the monarchy.

Mexico

Photojournalist assaulted as police officers stand by

The police officers defended themselves by saying that there were only four officers, and the assailants might have been armed.

Liberia

Journalist arrested, harassed on mayor's orders

Reporter Nixon Todd was investigating a story on a demolition by the Monrovia City corporation task force, which is headed by the mayor.

Israel

Palestinian journalists repeatedly targeted by IDF gunfire in March

At least eight journalists were injured by shots fired by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank and Jerusalem, says RSF.

Egypt

Peaceful protesters brutally treated, journalists assaulted

Human Rights Watch calls for the release of the more than 90 individuals detained at a march seeking the end of 29 years of "emergency" rule.

Pakistan

Freelance journalist missing, feared kidnapped from Northwest Frontier Province

Reporter and filmmaker Asad Qureshi was returning from a meeting with Taliban officials when he disappeared.

Peru

Journalist assaulted by city councillor

Journalist Florencio Rebata Reyes had criticised the councillor's administration on his radio show.

United States / Iraq

Wikileaks releases video of US military airstrike that killed two journalists

The video raises questions about the actions of US military forces and the thoroughness and transparency of the investigation that followed.

Morocco

Environmental journalist sentenced to two years in prison for exposing illegal cedar trafficking ring

Mohammed Attaoui was officially charged with extorting 1,000 dirhams, but his arrest appears to be part of a set up, says RSF.

Kyrgyzstan

Newspaper suspended, TV station raided

Authorities should halt their ongoing crackdown on independent and opposition news outlets, CPJ said.

Honduras

Journalist flees the country after threat and attack

CPJ calls for authorities to provide protection for journalist José Alemán that would allow him to return to the country and continue his work.

Fiji

PFF welcomes regime lifting of media ban, calls for open dialogue

"Fiji Times" and Fiji TV had previously been banned from participating in discussions over a proposed media decree.

China

Foreign Correspondents' Club of China website under attack

The FCCC said that it shut down its website because of denial-of-service attacks, and that the attacks apparently came from computers within China and in the United States.

Egypt

Cairo Security Directorate refuses to approve protest against emergency laws

The Cairo Head of Security refuses to allow a peaceful march to deliver a message to MPs disapproving of the extension of emergency laws for another two years.

Turkey

Kurdish newspaper's editor sentenced to three years in prison on propaganda charges

Vedat Kurşun is facing a total prison sentence of up to 525 years on 105 counts of "spreading propaganda for a terrorist organization" and "membership in a terror organization".

Pakistan

Media personnel assaulted by doctors in Lahore

The media workers were trying to cover a protest by the family of an elderly woman who died in Jinnah hospital, allegedly due to negligence.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist gunned down in North Kivu province

Patient Chebeya Bankome, better known as 'Montigomo', was shot dead at his home in Béni by three armed men in military uniform.

Iran

Jailed journalists' health raises alarm

At least one journalist held in Evin Prison is reported in deteriorating health, and two are under severe duress to "confess" to charges that could bring execution.

Bahrain

Live broadcast of parliamentary committee report intercepted

The official radio channel was broadcasting discussions of a report by a parliamentary committee investigating corruption and the use of state property.

Somalia

Kidnapped journalist freed after five days

"Journalists in Somalia are facing many difficulties," an Information Ministry official told IPI.

Thailand

Newspaper employee's car set ablaze in Bangkok

This incident is the latest in a string of attacks against media outlets.

Afghanistan

Japanese journalist reported kidnapped

Kosuke Tsuneoka had been covering the Taliban in Afghanistan and was last heard of in the northern city of Kunduz.

Dominican Republic

Controversy after broadcasting authority forces TV station off the air

Canal 53, a privately-owned television station, was accused of "illegal broadcasting" by the Dominican Telecommunications Institute (Indotel).

Brazil

Newspaper's offices attacked with Molotov cocktails

The owner of "Leia o Jornal" believes that the mayor of Barueri, Rubens Furlan, was behind the attack.

Ethiopia

ARTICLE 19 concerned about broad definition of terrorism in new legislation

The proclamation would undermine many legitimate acts of expression, says ARTICLE 19.

China

Yahoo email accounts of foreign journalists feared hacked

Several journalists have received error messages when attempting to log into Yahoo email accounts, leading to suspicions of government interference.

Kuwait

Journalist gets six-month jail term in continuing judicial harassment

Mohammed Abdel Qader Al-Jassem is currently the target of five lawsuits by the prime minister and information minister.

Turkey

Author and publisher each face seven-year prison sentences for "spreading propaganda"

A prosecutor has decided that the characters in N. Mehment Güler's novel are "dangerous" and "disruptive".

Philippines

Accused in Maguindanao massacre to remain in detention despite dismissal of rebellion charges

A judge issued the detention order after finding the "existence of probable cause" to hold the 196 accused named in the killing.

China

Journalists banned from reporting on trial of public health campaigner

The Central Propaganda Department banned reporting on the trial of public health campaigner Zhao Lianhai and prevented journalists from entering the court room.

Philippines

CPJ concerned over apparent lack of effective government response to threats against journalist

Supreme Court spokesman Midas Marquez told reporters that he found the threats against journalist Marites Vitug "funny" and "ridiculous."

Estonia

Press organisations condemn threat to independent reporting

Proposed legislation would significantly reduce the protection afforded to journalists' sources.

Thailand

Online censorship amid mounting political tension

More than 50,000 websites and web pages are currently blocked in Thailand.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist sentenced in absentia to one year in prison

JED demands his immediate release and reminds the county court judge of every defendant's right to a fair and lawful trial.

Argentina

Journalist's car set on fire

After this incident and a previous attack in 2007, radio journalist Adela Gómez is now considering leaving journalism.

Venezuela

Journalist attacked, threatened in Mérida

Approximately 20 men on motorbikes beat Rolando Hurtado while he was covering a protest.

Burma

Junta gets strict on literary and academic forums

Organisers of forums in Rangoon must submit applications that include the names of resource persons and the number of participants expected, along with other information.

Turkey

Kurdish newspaper suspended for one month

The "Azadiya Welat" daily, which is published in Turkey, has faced several publication bans in the past.

Mexico

Soldiers harass camera operator

The incident took place when the camera operator was attempting to film the arrest of several alleged criminals.

Bahrain

Government refuses to authorise discussion panels on combating terrorism

The panels, which were scheduled for 8 March 2010, were organised by the French non-profit organisation Kitson.

Oman

Government seizes books at international book fair

"The continued monitoring, controlling and confiscating of books will only result in the Omani government being criticised for its hostility to freedom of expression," said ANHRI.

Ecuador

Director, editor of state-run newspaper fired

Ruben Montoya and Mariuxi León of "El Telégrafo" were dismissed after they voiced their disapproval of a plan to use newspaper staff for a government project.