About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

Alerts - 2011 - January-March

---

Burma

Authorities announce lifting of censorship among certain publications

The press censorship policy has been relaxed in accordance with the new Constitution although news and articles about politics and business will still be subject to the censorship board's approval.

Libya / Syria

Reuters journalists come under attack in Syria and Libya

Citing diplomatic sources, Reuters said correspondent Suleiman al-Khalidi, a Jordanian national, had been detained in Damascus.

Argentina

WPFC condemns blocking of papers' Sunday editions

Workers at the Artes Gráficas Rioplatenses printing and distribution plant kept the edition of "Clarín" from being distributed for 12 hours, effectively preventing the newspaper from reaching its readers.

Iran

Imprisoned journalist denied right to visitors

CJFE condemns the violation of imprisoned journalist Bahman Ahmadi Amouyi's right to visitors, specifically those by his wife, journalist Jila Baniyaghoub.

Ecuador

Journalists attacked and prevented from covering event by indigenous community

The group included David Torres, of Gama TV, Washington Benalcázar, a correspondent for the newspaper "El Comercio Imbabura"; Christian Tinajero, of Ecuavisa TV station; and Enrique Portilla of RTS.

Honduras

National police detain Radio Progreso journalist

National police apprehended Pedro López, a Radio Progeso correspondent, while he was covering a take-over of a road in the community of Triunfo.

Solomon Islands

PFF welcomes prompt police action over torching of journalist's car

"In an environment where the professional and personal lives of those in the media can often be closely linked to the communities they cover, it's important that journalists are able to work without concerns for their safety," says PFF.

Ecuador

Journalist receives death threat after publishing article

Antonio Medrano received a phone call from an unidentified person who threatened to kill him, saying he would have to "face the consequences" for an article he published about constant complaints from Provincial Transportation Council users.

Middle East and North Africa

Journalists detained in Bahrain; repression in Egypt, Syria, Libya continues

A CNN crew was detained at the home of Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR).

Egypt

Appeals court upholds journalist's sentence

In 2009, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal filed a complaint against journalist Ahmed Hosni Wadee in connection with an article published in "elShorouk" newspaper.

Burma

Australian editor released on bail, faces trial

Ross Dunkley was released on US$11,780 bail because he required treatment for a heart condition, news reports said.

Iraq

Two journalists among scores killed in insurgent operation in Tikrit

Sabah al-Bazi and Muammar Khadir Abdelwahad were covering a meeting taking place at the Salahadin provincial council's headquarters.

India

Violence against journalists continues in Chhattisgarh state

Journalists seeking to travel to the scene of a purported armed encounter have been repeatedly blocked and assaulted, reportedly with the sanction of the police.

Lebanon

Protester assaulted, journalist harassed during peaceful demonstration

Wael Ladki was participating in the protest when he was assaulted by members of the Union of Lebanese Democratic Youth.

Cameroon

Newspaper banned, editor given suspended prison sentence

"Paroles" editor Jean-Marie Tchatchouang was convicted of defamation, and given a six-month suspended prison sentence and a fine.

Uganda

Photojournalist assaulted at court by district councillor

Kanungu town councillor Emmy Magezi Byarugaba was reportedly angered by media reports on his court case and the fact that photojournalist Patson Baraire was photographing him without permission.

Palestine

Journalist harassed by Hamas police

Quds Radio correspondent Mohammed Abdul Nabi was detained and assaulted by police officers while covering a story at a hospital.

Somalia

Director and editor of prominent station detained

Abdi Mohammed Ismail and Abdirashid Omar Qase were arrested upon their arrival at security agency headquarters in Mogadishu and were denied access to food, legal representation, and family.

Thailand

Erratic investigation into Japanese cameraman's death yields "utterly unsatisfactory" findings, deplores RSF

The provisional conclusion that the security forces did not fire the shot that killed Hiro Muramoto betrays a reluctance to shed light on the circumstances of his death and identify those responsible, RSF said.

Belarus

Increased harassment of journalists on eve of Freedom Day

Aleksandr Lomashkin was arrested for insulting a customs officer and sentenced to three days in prison; Ales Asiptsu was arrested for for allegedly "urinating in a public place."

Zimbabwe

Reporter attacked as newspaper resumes publishing after seven-year ban

"The Daily News" said it will continue to denounce abuse of authority and bad governance while journalist Xolisani Ncube was attacked by MDC supporters.

Mexico

Double murder in Nuevo León; Guerrero newspaper suspends publication following threats

Organised crime appears to have been behind the murders of TV presenter José Luis Cerda Meléndez and reporter Luis Emanuel Ruíz Carrillo.

Lesotho

High-ranking police officer sues Harvest FM and radio presenter

Assistant Police Commisioner Thakane Theko has accused journalist Relebohile Moyeye and the radio station of defaming her by alleging that she was involved in fraudulent activities.

Jordan

Authorities urged to set independent inquiry in attacks on protesters

The investigation should include the security forces' failure to prevent violence by government supporters against protesters demanding reform, Human Rights Watch said.

China

Online writer indicted, another missing

Blogger Ran Yunfei has been indicted on anti-state charges while Yang Hengjun went missing on 27 March 2011.

Swaziland

Government threatens online activists with prosecution

The prime minister assured Parliament his government would track down and prosecute Gangadza Masilela over his critical Facebook posts.

Bahrain

Human Rights Watch urges authorities to investigate deaths linked to crackdown

Security forces were implicated in at least 18 killings since the protests began on 14 February 2011, according to Human Rights Watch.

Azerbaijan

International organisations condemn abduction and beating of journalist Seymur Khaziyev

The "Azadliq" newspaper correspondent was abducted by six masked assailants who warned him to "be clever" and not mention President Ilham Aliyev in his articles.

Middle East and North Africa

Syria cracks down on news coverage; attacks in Libya and elsewhere

The repression in Syria came on the same weekend that Libyan security agents forcibly barred a woman in Tripoli from giving journalists her account of being raped and abused by Qaddafi's militiamen.

Cameroon

Author jailed for insulting president's wife

Bertrand Teyou has been detained since November 2010 for "insulting" President Biya's wife in a book published in 2010 and for attempting to hold a public reading of the offending text.

Honduras

Journalists injured while covering protest

Richard Cásula and Salvador Sandoval were reporting on the police's attempts to suppress a protest at the Honduras Media Education College.

Ecuador

Sports journalists harassed by football fans

Fans of the Portoviejo University Sports League shouted obscenities and lunged at Pedro Anibal Fernández, Ramón Morales Verduga and Héctor Barre after a football match.

Egypt

Human Rights Watch calls on cabinet to revoke ban on strikes, demonstrations

The new law's attempt to criminalise speech calling for demonstrations is an unlawful restriction on the internationally protected right to free expression, says Human Rights Watch.

Kosovo (Serbia)

Journalist threatened by supermarket security

"Lajm" reporter Fatos Shala was taking photographs at a supermarket for an article when he was assaulted and threatened by a security guard.

Syria

News blackout continues

Physical attacks, arrests, bans on visiting certain regions, deportations and disappearances all seem to be among the measures being used by the authorities to intimidate journalists trying to work in an independent and professional manner.

Turkey

Police raid daily in search of unpublished book

Police searched the office of the "Radikal" newspaper in connection with an unpublished book by detained journalist Ahmet Sik.

Saudi Arabia

Arrests for peaceful protest on the rise

More than 160 protesters and critics are being held without charge, in violation of their rights to peaceful expression and assembly.

Philippines

Reporter arrested on libel charges

Edgardo Maliza was arrested on libel charges based on two articles he published in the "Azilam Review" in 2009.

Kazakhstan

Investigators cast robbery as motive for Pavlyuk murder

CPJ is concerned that the murder of Gennady Pavlyuk has been classified as a robbery without an exhaustive investigation into the possibility it was related to his journalism work.

Iraq

Death threats followed by shooting attacks on journalists

Two Kurdish opposition journalists have escaped murder attempts while others have been briefly detained or targeted in kidnapping attempts.

Russia

Hearings continue in Markelov-Baburova murder trial

Hearings in the murder case of lawyer Stanislav Markelov and newspaper intern Anastasia Baburova are ongoing at the Moscow city court.

Indonesia

Local radio station manager facing possible six-year jail term

Gatot Machali is charged with "broadcasting without authorisation and disrupting neighbouring frequencies" under the Telecommunications Law and could be sentenced to six years in jail if found guilty.

Venezuela

Police hinder television crew's work, accuse journalist of organising demonstration

Gina Caldera and Johan Gómez, of the Televen television station, were assaulted by police officers while they were covering a student protest.

China

Democracy activist sentenced for online writing

Liu Xianbin was sentenced to 10 years in prison for inciting subversion of state power through articles published on overseas websites.

Syria

IPI alarmed at reports of bloggers, journalists detained

IPI calls on the authorities to immediately release all journalists, bloggers and writers in its custody, so that they may report freely on the developments in the country.

Burkina Faso

Mob prevents state TV journalists from covering labour meeting

A large crowd prevented Arsène Evariste Kabore and Issa Kafando from covering a meeting between Burkinabe labour unions and the government.

Tibet (China)

Authorities censor Tibetan websites

Wangchuk Tseten, one of the founders of Chinese-language Tibetan affairs website TibetCul, said on his personal microblog that the website went offline without explanation.

India

Journalists' free movement restricted in Chhattisgarh state

Journalists were prevented from visiting the site of a major security operation against Maoist insurgents, to report on its aftermath.

United States

Court rules NSA surveillance suit brought by PEN, partners can proceed

An appeals court ruled that PEN and its co-plaintiffs can challenge the constitutionality of the FISA Amendments Act, legislation that granted the executive branch the power to carry out illegal eavesdropping activities.

Philippines

Broadcaster shot dead in capital

Len Flores-Sumera may have been targeted in connection with a land dispute that she was involved in and had discussed on her radio programme.

Cameroon

Editor charged with criminal libel

The charges against Jean-Marie Tchatchouang are based on a complaint by the CEO of Douala's main bus company following allegations that he and his wife had embezzled public subsidies and employed abusive labour practices.

Yemen

Authorities shut Al-Jazeera offices; journalists beaten, threatened

"You and the others at Al-Jazeera deserve to be slaughtered," the attackers told cameraman Walid al-Miqtari in front of the channel's Sana'a office.

Brazil

Critical blogger shot in Rio

According to police reports, Ricardo Gama was shot in the head, neck, and chest by an unidentified gunman.

Syria

Security forces kill dozens of protesters; activists and journalists detained

Security forces have detained journalists and online activists who have reported on the protests or called for further protests.

Ukraine

Former president indicted in journalist's murder

Eleven years after the murder of online journalist Georgy Gongadze, prosecutors indicted former President Leonid Kuchma on abuse-of-office charges in connection with the slaying.

Cameroon

Government blocks Twitter via SMS service

RSF is having difficulty establishing whether Cameroonian mobile phone operator MTN's Twitter via SMS service has finally been restored after being blocked for about 10 days.

Egypt

Students at Cairo University calling for dean's resignation attacked by his supporters

Dean of Mass Communications Samy Abdulaziz, a known supporter of former president Hosni Mubarak and his son Gamal, is widely resented by students and staff, ANHRI notes.

Honduras

Journalists attacked by National Police officers in separate incidents

The journalists were covering the forcible removal of professors from the Honduras Media Education College (COPEMH).

Middle East and North Africa

Journalists targeted by governments desperate to control news coverage of unrest

RSF has learned that Fatma Ben Dhaou, a Tunisian journalist who had travelled to Libya for the newspaper "Le Quotidien", is missing.

Mexico

AMARC condemns policy of targeting radio stations

This policy of criminalising unauthorised radio broadcasting has been deemed disproportional by both the UN and IACHR freedom of expression rapporteurs.

Uganda

Journalist detained for 48 hours after exposing wave of break-ins

Central Broadcasting Service (CBS FM) correspondent Yoweri Musisi was arrested after filing a series of stories on home break-ins in areas of Luwunga, Nkozi and Bwere.

Colombia

New e-mail threat against journalists' association and four reporters

Journalist Eduardo Márquez told FLIP that he is concerned the message refers to reports filed with the Attorney General's Office especially since there has been no progress in the investigation of the previous threat.

Ecuador

President files US$10 million lawsuit against two investigative journalists

Juan Carlos Calderón and Christian Zurita are being sued over their book "Gran Hermano", an investigation into contracts signed between the president's brother and the State.

Burkina Faso

Angry university students attack state TV crew

Ahmadou Dicko and Urbain Somé were violently attacked by a group of angry students who accused the RTB of censoring their previous protests about the death of their colleague.

Malaysia

Authorities urged to withdraw reprimand to newspaper, repeal Printing Presses and Publications Act

"The Star" paper was reprimanded for an article on the impounding of 5,000 Malay Bibles.

Azerbaijan

CPJ concerned about Fatullayev's safety, calls for his release

The editor has bronchitis, as well as skin and urinary tract infections and his weight has significantly dropped, according to IRFS.

Somalia

Radio journalist detained in Puntland

Liban Abdi Farah was arrested when he attempted to report on a bomb blast in Galkayo.

Ethiopia

Newspapers and journalists face threats and legal pressure

"By taking legal action against news media that criticise its policies or simply dare to ask awkward questions, the government is trying to suffocate them," RSF said.

Somalia

TV journalists targeted by Somaliland troops

Mohamed Abdinur Hashi was arrested while Mohamed Shaqale is in hiding but his laptop computer, camera and recorders were confiscated.

Côte d'Ivoire

Clampdown on pro-Ouattara newspapers intensifies; journalists targeted by pro-Gbagbo forces

"Le Jour Plus" was suspended for 26 days for publishing statements by top officials of the government of Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognised president of Côte d' Ivoire.

Pakistan

Journalist abducted for four hours

Muhammad Rafique Balouch was on his way to the Sindh High Court when four unidentified men stopped him, forced him into a car and blindfolded him.

Middle East and North Africa

Al-Jazeera office raided in Sana'a; anti-press attacks in Libya, Syria, Bahrain

Around 20 armed men, their faces obscured by head scarves, forcibly entered Al-Jazeera's Sana'a bureau, confiscating equipment and obstructing operations, while attacks on the press were reported elsewhere in the region.

Turkey

Appeals against journalists' detention rejected

Appeals filed against the detention of journalists Ahmet Sik and Nedim Sener were dismissed by the Istanbul 10th High Criminal Court which issued a ruling that did not mention reasons related to their particular situation.

Nepal

Journalist threatened, harassed at construction site

Lav Dev Dhungana of "Kantipur Daily" had gone to the Jorpokhari-Yoyam roadway construction site to prepare a report on alleged financial irregularities surrounding the project.

Syria

Government crackdown leads to protester deaths

According to Reuters, security forces fired on and killed Wissam Ayyash, Mahmoud al-Jawabra, and Ayham al-Hariri; a fourth protester, Adnan Akrad, died from wounds also sustained by live ammunition used by security forces.

Liberia

Monrovia mayor threatens CEMESP with libel suit

Mary Broh was angered by criticism in CEMESP's 2010 free expression report.

Palestine / Yemen

Hamas attacks Gaza news bureaus; Yemen ousts reporters

Yemeni authorities expelled Al-Jazeera correspondents Ahmad Zeidan and Abdel Haq Sadah, who were covering the spreading social unrest and the government's violent response.

Palestine

MADA condemns free expression violations perpetrated by security force personnel in Gaza

Hamas security force personnel have carried out numerous violent attacks on journalists covering youth protests in the Gaza Strip.

Bahrain

Security personnel incite violence against journalists, opposition figures

Outspoken journalist and commentator Lamees Dhaif recently reported that her home was attacked with a Molotov cocktail.

Honduras

Community radio correspondent receives death threat

The individual who issued the death threat against Ethel Corea had, just hours before, shot at the president of the radio station's administrative board.

Bahrain

New arrests target rights activists, doctors who criticised government

"The state is now unabashedly terrorising anyone, including doctors, who dared to support pro-democracy protesters during the past several weeks," says Human Rights Watch.

Libya

Four journalists detained, three missing, another killed

Mohammed al-Nabbous was killed by sniper fire while he was covering a battle in the vicinity of Benghazi, The Associated Press and regional news websites reported.

Venezuela

Distribution of weekly newspaper prohibited in municipality of San Fernando

The owner of "Notillanos Plus" believes the actions against the newspaper are related to its frequent publication of citizen complaints against the mayor.

Sudan

Security forces hound journalists who cover their abuses

Faisal Salih, Amal Habbani and Faiz Alselaik were interrogated by the attorney general about their coverage of rape allegations by women activists.

Togo

Regulatory authority closes down another radio station

The community radio station Radio Carré Jeunes has been accused of "non-adherence to professional standards".

Bahrain

Protest leaders arbitrarily detained

"The government is depriving them of their liberty in a completely arbitrary manner, apparently for their leading roles in peaceful protests demanding democracy," said Human Rights Watch.

Yemen

Journalist fatally shot, another injured

The death of photographer Jamal al-Sharaabi is the first confirmed media fatality in Yemen since political unrest began in January, CPJ said today.

China

Beijing censors site after claim of health scandal cover-up

Authorities ordered the Aizhi site shut down after it published an open letter from a retired senior official concerning news restrictions placed on a 20th-century public health scandal.

Belarus

Prominent human rights defender expelled

"Andrei Yurov is being punished for doing nothing more than monitoring human rights in Belarus," said Human Rights Watch. "His expulsion is part and parcel of the government's post-election crackdown on civil society."

Bangladesh

Opposition editor released after nine months in prison on contempt charge

Mahmudur Rahman, the editor of the opposition daily "Amar Desh", was held for a total of nine months and 17 days.

Zimbabwe

Bulawayo man denied bail in Facebook case

Vikazi Mavhudzi had been arrested in February 2011 for expressing his approval of the citizens' uprising in Egypt.

Ghana

Newspaper editor detained, released without charge

Prince Prah was interrogated on a wide range of issues, including the source for a story he published on an alleged massive shake-up at the top hierarchy of the military.

Malaysia

Case against blogger withdrawn, but disturbing message prevails

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's actions appear to be sending a disturbing message to bloggers that satire will not necessarily be tolerated.

Bahrain

Activist Abdul-Jalil Alsingace re-arrested, fears for his safety

Dr. Alsingace was among 23 leading Shia activists freed in February 2011 following widespread calls for political reform and the release of political prisoners.

Angola

Ruling Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola obstruct independent reporting

Police officers and clerks at the National Assembly arbitrarily denied reporters access to a public hearing of the chamber's Ethics Committee, according to local journalists.

Benin

Media regulatory body suspends nine newspapers for one week

The newspapers include "Le Clairon", "Le Béninois", "L'Engagement", "Les Scoops du jour", "L'Audace Info", "La Suite", "La Nouvelle Tribune", "Actu Express" and "Le Béninois Libéré".

Middle East and North Africa

Bahrain expels CNN reporter, detains newspaper correspondent

CPJ has also documented recent attacks on journalists in Yemen and Morocco.

Peru

Prosecutor calls for four-year prison sentence for owner of Radio La Voz

The Utcubamba Provincial Criminal Prosecutor's Office lodged an accusation of aggravated theft of the radio spectrum against the owner of radio station La Voz de Bagua, Aurora Burgos de Flores.

Turkey

Twenty former DTP members convicted on propaganda charges

The charges stem from their attendance at a sit-in organised by the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) in Batikent, Diyarbakir in 2008.

Armenia

International reporters denied entry

Immigration authorities at the Zvartnots International Airport refused to issue visas to four reporters with the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, and forced them to leave the country.

Czech Republic

IPI condemns military police raid on Czech Television offices

Czech daily newspaper "Právo" reported that masked military police carrying automatic weapons entered the station with a court order to secure a recently declassified document, and took away seven bags of documents and three computers.

Azerbaijan

Radio Free Europe journalist reportedly beaten covering demonstration in Baku

Abbas Atilay said he was covering a protest when he fell down and a police captain began beating him.

Ghana

Police arrest five demonstrating teachers, thwart demonstration

Five members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers were detained and released the same day, after protesting a new pay policy for public service workers.

Honduras

Community radio station director threatened, shot in the leg

Franklin Melendez was shot during a confrontation about the radio station's coverage of local land disputes.

Côte d'Ivoire

Investigative journalist in hiding after escaping kidnap attempt; radio station ransacked, set ablaze

André Silver Konan says he believes Laurent Gbagbo's militiamen are behind this latest attack.

Indonesia

AJI condemns bombing aimed at activist

"Based on the package sent, the suspect clearly aims to silence Ulil Abshar Abdalla through murder," said Nezar Patria, president of AJI.

Uzbekistan

Government shuts down local Human Rights Watch office

For years the government has obstructed the organisation's work by denying visas and work accreditation to staff, and has now moved to liquidate its office registration, forcing Human Rights Watch to end its presence in Tashkent after 15 years.

Syria

Peaceful demonstration violently dispersed; 34 reported detained, including prominent activists

The government should respect the right of people to assemble peacefully and release all prisoners detained for peaceful political activity or for exercising their right to free expression, Human Rights Watch said.

Libya

Four "New York Times" journalists missing; "The Guardian" correspondent released

The government gave its assurance that if the journalists were captured, they would be released unharmed, Bill Keller, executive editor of the "New York Times", is quoted as saying.

Palestine

MADA demands investigation into attacks on journalists covering protest

Police officers and members of the internal security forces attacked several journalists covering a protest on 15 March 2011 in the Gaza Strip.

Thailand

Web designer sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for lese majeste, cyber-crime law violation

Thantawut Thaweewarodomkul was charged by the Technological Crimes Suppression Division (TCSD) for posting offensive messages and for failure to immediately remove an offensive message.

Vietnam

Authorities urged to overturn labour activists' harsh prison sentences

Nguyen Hoang Quoc Hung, Do Thi Minh Hanh, and Doan Huy Chuong were arrested in February 2010 for distributing leaflets and helping to organise a strike at a shoe factory.

Turkey

Journalist faces complaint for interview with PKK leader

"Radikal" newspaper reporter Ertugrul Mavioglu is accused of "spreading propaganda for an illegal organisation" based on the publication of an interview with PKK leader Murat Karayilan.

Uganda

Demonstrating students assault two journalists

Brian Luwaga, of "Kamunye" newspaper, and Edward Bindhe, a stringer with Uganda Radio Network, were invited by the Mutesa I Royal University guild president to cover the demonstration.

Comoros

Two journalists charged over coverage of presidential handover

Editors Ali Moindjié and Hadji Hassanali could face up to six months in prison if convicted.

Syria

Journalist Ali al-Abdullah gets 18-month sentence

The sentence stemmed from an article published by Abdullah while in prison in 2009, criticising Syrian-Iranian relations.

Bahrain / Saudi Arabia

Mob damages press in Bahrain; Saudis oust international reporter

Armed assailants stormed the Manama printing facility of the Bahraini independent daily "Al-Wasat", damaging the press and hindering production of the 15 March 2011 edition.

Iran

Journalist sentenced to six years in prison, another one expelled amidst crackdown on media professionals

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated that he was "deeply troubled by reports of increased executions, detentions, arbitrary arrests, unfair trials and possible torture and ill-treatment of human rights activists, lawyers, journalists and opposition activists."

Uganda

Two journalists injured during a demonstration

David Lukakama, of the Voice of Busoga radio station, and Hasfa Nakyanzi, of Top Television, were covering the violently dispersed demonstration in Jinja town.

Nepal

Journalist receives death threats from government representative

Pawan Yadav said he had reported on CA Member Shiva Chandra Kushwaha's attempts to forcefully seize land in Bariyarpur.

The Gambia

Two family members of exiled opposition leader arrested for displaying political campaign materials

Mohammadu Fatty, a relative of the exiled opposition leader, claimed he was responsible for displaying the campaign materials and was arrested and detained after being summoned.

Côte d'Ivoire

Radio station suspends normal programming for fear of attacks by Gbagbo's forces

The decision by Al-Bayane followed a visit to the Islamic radio station by armed personnel of the pro-Gbagbo Defence and Security Forces.

Niger

WAN-IFRA welcomes commitment to free press

Both Mahamadou Issoufou of the Social Democratic Party and Seini Oumarou of the National Movement for a Developing Society have committed to promoting freedom of expression and review existing media laws if elected.

Pakistan

Camera operator struck by stray bullet at Punjab Assembly premises

Mohammad Fayyaz Qamar, of Dunya News TV, was shot while reporting on the Punjab Assembly's 23rd session.

Azerbaijan

Dozens of peaceful protesters convicted

Courts have sentenced at least 30 people who took part in peaceful protests to between 5 and 8 days in prison in late night trials that were closed to the public.

Bahrain / Yemen

As unrest bubbles, Bahrain and Yemen obstruct press

"We are alarmed by the expulsion of foreign journalists and fear that it may be the prelude to intensified repression of local journalists seeking to cover the protests in Yemen," said CPJ.

Egypt

Human rights organisations condemn break up of peaceful protest, mistreatment of demonstrators in Cairo

Protesters gathered at Cairo's Tahrir Square were reportedly attacked by thugs armed with sticks and swords before being detained by the army.

Côte d'Ivoire

Newspapers back on newsstands following three-day suspension

RSF remains deeply concerned about the media situation as around 10 members of the Defence and Security Forces raided the offices of the daily "Nord-Sud".

Côte d'Ivoire

Pro-Gbagbo forces hold newspaper distribution workers hostage

The hostage-taking was reportedly carried out to prevent the circulation of Pro-Outarra newspapers reaffirming Alassane Ouattara as the country's president following a meeting of the African Union's Peace and Security Council.

Ghana

MP who threatened editor summoned by police

Opposition politician Kennedy Agyapong was reportedly asked to submit a written statement to police.

Azerbaijan

Government continues crackdown to prevent protests

The authorities have detained dozens and suspended a human rights organisation that assisted local groups with international human rights advocacy work.

Cameroon

Freedom House calls for release of political and civil society activists

The arrests of eight political and civil society activists were triggered by calls for demonstrations on the anniversary of riots that took place in February 2008.

Libya

Al-Jazeera journalist killed, another wounded

Ali Hassan al-Jaber was struck three times by bullets and died in hospital after the vehicle he was traveling in was fired upon by unidentified gunmen.

Lebanon

Television correspondent receives death threats

Ibrahim Dsoki was threatened after he wrote an opinion piece on his Facebook page criticising the speaker of the Lebanese parliament.

Turkey

Publisher and writer convicted on charges of "spreading propaganda" for an illegal organisation

Publisher Ragip Zarakolu was ordered to pay a fine of more than 8,000 Euros, while writer Mehmet Guler was given a 15-month suspended prison sentence.

Palestine

Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to investigate claims that security officials tortured blogger; journalists threatened

Ahmad Arar had called for demonstrations in favour of ending the split between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas.

China

Uighur website editor sentenced in secret

Tursunjan Hezim, who edited a well-known Uighur website, Bilik, was sentenced to seven years in prison on unknown charges in a trial closed to observers.

Honduras

Prominent rights defender threatened

Leo Valladares Lanza told Human Rights Watch that he has received intimidating phone calls, and noticed people monitoring his home and following him, after he questioned the increasing power of the military since the 2009 coup.

El Salvador

RSF reacts to guilty verdict for filmmaker's killers with mixture of relief and frustration

TEASER: "This verdict marks a victory in the fight against impunity but as an attempt to establish the truth [in the Christian Poveda case], it may have been too hasty," said RSF.

Indonesia

Court acquits three defendants accused in journalist's murder

The public attorney could not prove that the defendants had killed TV journalist Ridwan Salamun, according to a district court judge.

Bahrain

Academic and human rights activist released after seven months in detention

Before his release, Dr. Abdul-Jalil Alsingace had been asked to sign a document promising not to criticise the government but he declined to do so.

Swaziland

BBC programme banned for being critical of government

The government has not only banned the BBC programme but has also banned all state media from covering demonstrations and strikes currently taking place in the country.

Hungary

IPI renews objections to media law following amendments

The OSCE said on Thursday that the legislation could still be misused to curb alternative and differing voices, despite modifications adopted following a request from the European Commission.

Uganda

Journalist grilled over opposition leader story

"Daily Monitor" journalist Tabu Butagira was questioned by the Special Investigation Unit over a story he had written on opposition leader Kiiza Besigye.

Libya

Seven journalists unaccounted for, three others abused

"The abuse inflicted on international journalists raises serious concern about the welfare of Libyan journalists unaccounted for since the start of the conflict," said CPJ.

Yemen

Soldiers allegedly shoot dead two people during peaceful march

"We were walking toward the military post, just chanting slogans and holding banners, and the soldiers just started shooting at us," one of the protesters said.

Peru

Threats and attacks against journalists who criticised mayor

The journalists blame the attack on individuals linked to the Alto Amazonas Provincial Municipality.

Philippines

Radio broadcaster threatened following reports on illegal fishing

Armand Reyes says he was threatened by the husband of a local councilor after he was named on Reyes' radio programme in connection to illegal fishing activities.

Papua New Guinea

PFF welcomes fair use ruling on mining photos

"The judiciary in Papua New Guinea deserves praise for refusing to gag the use of photos," said PFF.

Bolivia

Journalists assaulted while reporting on land dispute in Lomas de Andalucía

Journalist Jaqueline Rojas was pulled out of her vehicle and kicked to the ground while reporting on illegal land claims.

Angola

Death threats against opposition; arbitrary arrests of activists, journalists

Human Rights Watch expressed concern at anonymous death threats against opposition politicians and human rights lawyers, arbitrary arrests of journalists and activists, and misuse of the state media for partisan political purposes.

Lebanon

Military intelligence detains six Syrians calling for democratic change in their country

"If the members of the Jasem family were arrested for distributing pamphlets calling for a peaceful demonstration, authorities should release them and discipline the officials who ordered their arrest," Human Rights Watch said.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Media Commission announces intention to form statutory media complaints body

Most democracies consider self-regulatory mechanisms to be the only form of media regulation that does not impinge on press freedom.

Middle East and North Africa

CPJ condemns continued attacks on press in Libya, Yemen, and Egypt

Unknown assailants threw an explosive device into the Ouzo Hotel, which has been the primary residence for journalists in Benghazi, Libya.

Cuba

Last of Black Spring journalists freed; one reporter still jailed

Pedro Argüelles Morán, 62, is the third journalist of the Black Spring detainees to be permitted to remain in Cuba after rejecting exile to Spain as a condition for his release.

Turkey

Court orders arrest of journalists

Journalists Nedim Sener and Ahmet Sik were questioned for hours by the lead prosecutor investigating the alleged Ergenekon plot before being sent to court.

Pakistan

Camera operator attacked by police in Peshawar

Zahid Hussein was injured by police officers in Peshawar while filming a violent crackdown by security forces after a clash between two armed groups.

Azerbaijan

Outspoken youth activist arrested for criticising authorities

Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, a former parliamentary candidate in the 2010 parliamentary elections, was sentenced to 1-month's pre-trial detention.

Ecuador

Individual assaulted by presidential guard for referring to president as a "fascist"

Marcos Luis Sovenis was assaulted by members of the Presidential Guard after he shouted "fascist" at the presidential convoy during the chief of state's visit to the city of Babahoyo, 340km west of Quito.

Côte d'Ivoire

State-owned newspaper targeted in rocket attack, pro-Ouattara newspapers destroyed

The National Union of Ivorian Journalists expressed deep concern about the continuing deterioration of journalists' working conditions since the beginning of the current political crisis.

Egypt

Military Council urged to end attacks on protesters, preserve state security records

Demonstrators gathered in response to reports that state security officers had been destroying documents, including records that might be used to hold former officials accountable for human rights violations.

Palau

PFF cites media freedom concerns following journalist's termination, newspaper closure

A suit filed by "Palau Horizon" journalist Bernadette Carreon led to a Supreme Court ruling that a registration fee scheme by President Johnson Toribiong's government was unconstitutional.

Saudi Arabia

Interior ministry reiterates ban on all protests, arrests protesters

The government should rescind its categorical ban on peaceful demonstrations and release the more than 20 protesters detained in the eastern town of Qatif, Human Rights Watch said.

Mexico

WiPC calls for justice for poet and activist Susana Chávez Castillo

Authorities were quick to deny that Chávez's murder was related to her activism and poetry highlighting femicide in Ciudad Juárez.

Turkey

Sociologist and lawyer convicted of "making propaganda for the Kurdistan Workers' Party" in magazine article

Sociologist Ismail Besikci was sentenced to one year and three months in prison, while lawyer Zeycan Balci Simsek was ordered to pay a fine.

Iran

Authorities urged to allow women's march for equality, respect protesters' right to express demands for change

Thousands of people were expected to demonstrate in Tehran and other cities on 8 March to demand democratic reforms, including full legal equality for women.

Argentina

Supreme Court urges government to avoid bias in allocating state advertising

In a case involving the publisher Editorial Perfil, the court upheld an earlier ruling that stated that withholding state advertising violates constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

Middle East and North Africa

Overview of recent media freedom violations

Jean-Marie Lemaire, a French journalist working for the 24-hour TV news station France 24, sustained a gunshot wound to the calf while covering clashes between rebels and pro-Gaddafi forces in Ben Jawad, Libya.

Vanuatu

Publisher assaulted following controversial article on cabinet minister

Marc Neil Jones was left shaken and with visible injuries after he was struck to the head from behind, kicked, and strangled by his assailants during the assault, according to PFF.

United States

NGO gains access to Guantanamo documents; 22 new charges laid against soldier accused of providing information to Wikileaks

The public interest group Judicial Watch managed to gain access to documents about the Bush administration's policies regarding the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay.

Senegal

Film crew detained by Casamance gendarmes for three days

liou Dabo, Boubacar Dabo and Mamady Daffe, who are members of a Dakar-based sports and cultural association, and their French colleagues David Perez and Franck Gerard Marie Bourel were arrested for filming a mock rebel attack.

Zimbabwe

MISA condemns assault on pregnant journalist

Paidamowo Chipunza was punched in the stomach while covering a story at the Harare Central Hospital.

Yemen

Authorities urged to halt attacks on peaceful protesters

Officials and security forces have facilitated attacks by armed gangs on peaceful anti-government protesters in places away from Sanaa, or stood by while such attacks occurred.

Angola

Journalist gets one year in prison for defamation

Armando José Chicoca was sentenced over his coverage of a sexual harassment scandal that implicated Namibe province's top judicial official.

Equatorial Guinea

Journalist suspended over Libya reference

Equatorial Guinea is among a few governments in Sub-Saharan Africa that have imposed a total news blackout on events in North Africa and the Middle East, according to CPJ research.

Peru

Daily newspaper attacked with Molotov cocktails

The attack may be linked to the publication of a story that reported negatively on the conduct of a national congressional candidate.

Qatar

Blogger and human rights activist arrested

Sultan Khulaifi's arrest is reportedly related to his activities in support of freedom and democracy.

Turkey

Journalist and newspaper executives sued by former prosecutor

Bayram Bozkurt is suing journalist Ismail Saymaz and newspaper executives Vuslat Dogan Sabanci and Hakan Kilic over two articles published in the daily "Radikal".

France

Criminal defamation case threatens academic freedom

The trial of two professors highlights the challenges posed by France's criminal defamation law to academic freedom and freedom of expression in general.

Sudan

Human Rights Watch urges government to investigate and prosecute abuse of protesters by national security officials

"Sudan's abusive national security apparatus is using torture and harassment to silence dissent," said Human Rights Watch.

Indonesia

Government support for ban on minority Islamic sect poses threat to freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19

The government support follows on the heels of a decree banning the sect and prohibiting adherents from using the media to spread their beliefs in the province of East Java.

Sudan

Three journalists freed, five others still detained

Khalid Tawfig was released after almost a month in prison; Ashraf Abdelaziz and Altahir Ibrahim were released after one year in detention.

Sierra Leone

Journalists' association to sue opposition politician over attacks on two journalists

The SLAJ has decided to initiate legal action against an opposition presidential aspirant who allegedly masterminded attacks on two "Awareness Times" newspaper journalists.

Côte d'Ivoire

Three foreign media disappear from Abidjan airwaves

The French television France 24 and the two radio stations, BBC and RFI, went off air on 2 and 3 March 2011.

Turkey

Writers and journalists arrested following police raids

WiPC considers that writers Ahmet Sik and Nedim Sener are held solely for their writings and calls for their release.

Libya / Iraq

Journalists prevented from covering protests in Libya; Iraqi forces beat journalists

In southern Iraq, anti-riot police attacked at least five local journalists covering protests in Basra, according to news reports.

Cameroon

Editor charged over leaked official document

Raphaël Nkamtchuen is free pending trial but he told CPJ he has gone into hiding after receiving threatening phone calls.

China

Foreign correspondents threatened with visa cancellation for "jasmine" protests reports

Police officers reportedly demanded that the journalists stop reporting on another "jasmine" protest anticipated for 6 March 2011.

Nepal

Two journalists receive death threats

Prakash Singh said he was threatened after taking a photograph of the Sports Committee office and inquiring about sports activities.

Egypt

Authorities urged to halt detention, abuse of peaceful demonstrators

"Egypt should also stop arbitrarily arresting peaceful demonstrators in the name of enforcing curfews," Human Rights Watch said.

Turkey

Journalist sentenced to 11 months in prison for criticising mayor

Ahmet Topcu criticised a proposal by Mayor Halil Bakirci suggesting that Kurds should have "co-wives".

Russia

Investigations re-opened into the murders of five journalists

Valery Ivanov, Natalia Skryl, Aleksei Sidorov, Yuri Shchekochikhin and Vagif Kochetkov were all killed - or are suspected to have been killed - in connection with their journalistic activities.

Kosovo (Serbia)

RSF condemns US ambassador's "unacceptable attack" on journalists

"Express", "Koha Ditore" and Koha Vision TV used blown-up photos of text messages on a smartphone screen to show that the US ambassador provided the country's new president with last-minute advice in parliament before a vote that secured him the presidency.

Uganda

Radio presenter suspended over critical report

Ssozi Lyazi Ssekimpi of Top Radio was reportedly suspended as a result of government pressure over comments made during a talk show on electoral malpractice.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper faces criminal prosecution

Authorities have threatened to prosecute publisher Sylvia Olayinka Blyden over an "Awareness Times" article criticising the president.

Côte d'Ivoire

Pro-Ouattara newspapers stop publishing in protest against "serious threats to free press"

A group of nine newspapers decided to suspend publication indefinitely to protest constant harassment and intimidation by pro-Gbagbo forces.

Iran

Security forces suppress protests, dozens arrested

Witnesses told Human Rights Watch that most of the security forces attacks appeared to be efforts to prevent crowds from forming and chanting slogans.

Oman

Authorities urged to investigate use of force in quelling demonstration

"Omani citizens should be able to peacefully assemble and petition their government for positive change," Human Rights Watch said.

Indonesia

Journalist survives stabbing

Though there was no clear motive for the attack, the "Jakarta Post" quoted sources as saying that it might be connected to a sex scandal involving several police officers that journalist Banjir Ambarita had reported on.

Turkey

Police raid newspaper offices, detain two journalists

The "People's Daily" newspaper is highly critical of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Pakistan

Freedom House condemns assassination of outspoken politician

Federal Minister of Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti may have been killed for his vocal opposition to the country's harsh blasphemy laws.

Turkey

Two journalists sentenced to more than seven years in prison for covering banned demonstration

Vedat Yilidiz and Lokman Dayan, who were at the protest to cover the story, were beaten and subsequently taken into custody.

Cyprus

IPI condemns gun attack, death threat against Turkish-Cypriot journalist

Attackers opened fire on the door of "Afrika" newspaper and left a warning that next time the shots would target editor Sener Levent.

Libya

Journalists detained, broadcasts jammed

"We are deeply concerned for the welfare of six Libyan journalists who have either been detained or gone missing since the unrest began," said CPJ.

Côte d'Ivoire

Printer violently killed by suspected pro-Ouattara militants

Marcel Legré had just returned from a night shift at La Refondation Printing Press, printers of the pro-Gbagbo newspaper "Notre Voie".

Ukraine

CPJ concerned by irregularities in Gongadze case

CPJ is disturbed by efforts to derail progress in the investigation and peg the ultimate responsibility for journalist Georgy Gongadze's murder on a dead suspect, while other leads in the case languish.

Canada

CJFE calls for public inquiry into free expression violations at G20 summit

Despite numerous calls for a public inquiry into the policing and governance of the summit, no such investigation has been conducted.

Turkey

Book on "Return to Life" operation banned in prisons

The book has been banned in certain prisons because it "might encourage convicts to undertake death fasts."

Zimbabwe

Journalists' case referred to Supreme Court

A magistrate approved an application for referral to the Supreme Court submitted by Nevanji Madanhire and Nqobani Ndlovu, who are facing charges based on an article they published.

Mexico

Media personnel attacked by armed individuals in Morelos

Although a link to their work has not been confirmed, one of the two journalists attacked has reported on security issues in the region.

Zimbabwe

Defamation charges against journalist dropped for lack of evidence

Golden Maunganidze, accused of defaming ZANU PF Masvingo provincial chairman, was freed by the courts after the state declined to prosecute him.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two detained TV journalists charged, denied bail

Ladji Aboubacar Sanogo and Kangbé Yayoro were returned to prison custody after being denied bail in connection with alleged terrorists activities.

Ecuador

Newspaper faces lawsuit for publishing allegations against local prefect

The owner of "El Vocero" said that he has also been receiving threatening telephone calls in which he is told to refrain from publishing allegations against the prefect.

Maldives

Police interrogation of journalists sets unhealthy precedent, says IFJ

Two journalists from the daily "Haveeru" were summoned for interrogation after the newspaper carried a story about a pornographic video racket.

Panama

Expulsion of two Spanish journalists deals blow to freedom of expression

Spanish journalists Paco Gómez Nadal and Pilar Chato agreed under pressure to be repatriated 48 hours after being arrested during a demonstration.

Yemen / Iraq

Yemeni Journalists Syndicate stormed; Baghdad apologises

CPJ is alarmed by the ongoing attempts of governments in the Middle East to censor news coverage of protests.

Iran

Several journalists arrested, others based abroad receive death threats

RSF urged UNHRC to appoint a special envoy to investigate the human rights situation in the country.

Mozambique

Police officers threaten to kill journalist

Victor Muvale was threatened after he wrote an article about a police assault on a young man who had been caught for failing to carry his identity card.

Thailand

Concerns of whitewash in killing of Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto

Recent investigation department findings indicating that the journalist was apparently not shot by security forces contradict the state agency's preliminary conclusions.

Cameroon

Security forces obstructing journalists

Security forces detained a journalist after he interviewed a jailed former official and seized footage from reporters covering the brutal repression of a banned opposition march.

Nigeria

Senate must strengthen and adopt Right to Information Bill, says ARTICLE 19

If the bill is adopted, Nigeria will become the second country in West Africa, along with Liberia, to have a Right to Information Law.

Egypt

ANHRI condemns prime minister's media interference, attacks on demonstrators

Prime Minister Ahmed Shafik ordered the suspension of a TV show after the programme host and two of his guests criticised the prime minister and called for his dismissal.

Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda programmes coordinator briefly detained

The organisation believes the arrest was orchestrated to frustrate its efforts to uphold journalists' rights and freedoms.

Saudi Arabia

Authorities urged to free cleric who backs change

Shaikh Tawfiq al-'Amir was apparently arrested for calling for a constitutional monarchy and equal rights for Shia Muslims.

Venezuela

Newspaper intern receives death threat

Kervin García received a death threat from two individuals whom he identified as being affiliated with the mayor of the Municipality of Guacara.

China

Foreign journalists detained, assaulted during "Jasmine" protests

Police briefly detained more than a dozen foreign journalists and assaulted at least two at the site of a planned anti-government protest in Beijing.

Iraq

Several more journalists arrested, attacked, injured during "black day" for media freedom

Journalists were "attacked and illegally and summarily arrested" by police and soldiers during demonstrations to mark the 25 February "day of rage" in many cities.

Liberia

Court upholds fine against "Frontpage Africa" newspaper in libel case

Judge Yussif Kaba said sufficient evidence had been presented to support the verdict against the newspaper in the case launched by former agriculture minister Chris Toe.

Brazil

Local courts allow proliferation of lawsuits designed to censor journalists

It is baffling that some courts still issue jail sentences in defamation cases or impose preventive censorship on media, notes RSF.

Mexico

Puebla State decriminalises defamation

ARTICLE 19 hopes that the bill will persuade the remaining 15 states that still have criminal defamation laws in place to decriminalise defamation.

Yemen

Protester killed, at least a dozen wounded in shootings on peaceful protests in Aden

The security forces opened fire as protesters chanting "peaceful, peaceful," and carrying posters reading "peaceful" stopped about 100 metres from a line of military, police and other security forces.

China

Authorities crack down on dissidents

The wave of arrests, which includes lawyer Teng Biao and Ran Yunfei, is believed to be related to the "Jasmine Revolution".

Iraq

Death threats and targeted physical attacks against journalists on the rise in Iraqi Kurdistan

RSF voices concern to regional government president over deterioration in situation for journalists.

Iraq

At least eight protesters killed by security forces, dozens injured

As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the government is obligated to protect the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, Human Rights Watch said.

Middle East and North Africa

Iraq cracks down on media; violations ongoing in Yemen, Libya

"The media in the Middle East have long been under pressure from authoritarian governments but what we are witnessing now is a marked escalation in repression," said CPJ.

Bulgaria

Police confiscate Macedonian news bulletin

No official warrants were provided as security officers entered the printing house and confiscated all 2,500 copies of the recently printed issue of "Macedonia Voice".

Rwanda

ARTICLE 19 welcomes revised Access to Information Bill

The bill sets out progressive standards on access to information, including a strong public interest test and short time frames for government bodies to respond to requests for information.

Egypt

ANHRI calls on attorney general to investigate telecoms' responsibility in civilian deaths

In one tragic example, an 18-year-old protester was unable to get immediate medical attention after he was shot in the chest, because telecommunications services were interrupted for five days.

Syria

Several bloggers arrested or missing

"The regime treats bloggers as enemies and fears their ability to use the Internet to exchange information and organise protests," RSF said.

Nepal

Journalists arrested in Tarai region

Freedom Forum is concerned over the news that Ram Pukar Raut and Pravin Sharma Jha were detained by police and accused of reprinting a press release by an armed group.

Uganda

Local council chairman and entourage turn on journalist

Arinaitwe George Sidel is the seventh journalist to be assaulted during the widespread violence that has characterised the local Council Five polls for district chairpersons and councillors held this week.

Yemen

Attack on rights group's guard raises broader concerns for the security of human rights defenders

Members of the group, which have been collecting data on casualties resulting from the daily anti-government protests, received threatening phone calls in days prior to the attack.

Bahrain

Government urged to ensure rights of freed political prisoners

Authorities reportedly demanded that the activists each sign a document promising to refrain from criticising the government after they had been released.

Libya / Iraq

Journalists missing in Libya; one journalist killed in Iraq

CPJ is concerned by reports that a number of Libyan journalists have not been heard from for several days; meanwhile a suicide bombing in Iraq has claimed the life of at least one journalist.

Iraq

Police allow gangs to attack peaceful protesters

Security forces have an obligation to protect the right to assemble peacefully and to use only the minimum necessary force to protect lives if violence erupts, Human Rights Watch said.

Malaysia

Human Rights Watch urges authorities to end harassment of peaceful demonstrators

"Malaysian government opposition to peaceful marches results in three big losers: the rights to free expression, freedom of association, and peaceful assembly," said Human Rights Watch.

Vietnam

New media decree will force journalists to publish sources or face fines

The decree, which fines journalists for vague infractions and requires them to publish sources, is a further blow to freedom of expression in Vietnam, says Human Rights Watch.

Cambodia

Authorities order popular blog blocked

Local Internet service providers have been ordered to block a number of sites, including the KI Media news aggregator and commentary blog, considered critical of the government.

Afghanistan

Journalists detained at scene of alleged civilian deaths

Syed Abdullah Nezami, Sadullah Sahil and Zabihullah were released after being detained in Kunar province where a NATO air strike had reportedly killed up to 50 civilians.

Fiji

Regime intimidation of journalists continues

Felix Chaudhary, a journalist for the "Fiji Times", was taken in for questioning by military officers while covering a public function.

Iraq

Authorities prohibit live satellite TV coverage of demonstration

RSF is concerned about a spate of attacks by security forces on news media and NGOs in the past 48 hours.

Zimbabwe

Editor detained, questioned over satirical article

Golden Maunganidze was detained on allegations of criminally defaming a senior ZANU-PF politician.

Zimbabwe

Forty-six activists arrested for viewing video on events in Egypt and Tunisia

"Arresting people for watching a video on the historic events in the Middle East is a transparent pretext to block peaceful criticism of the government," Human Rights Watch said.

Mexico

Attacks on rights defenders underscore need for federal protection system, says Human Rights Watch

Several human rights defenders told Human Rights Watch that attacks on rights workers have generated considerable fear among their peers, leading some members of their organizations to take a lower profile in public activities.

Philippines

Death threats made against several journalists

Three journalists based in Tarlac City were threatened after writing a series of articles on alleged scams related to the ongoing construction of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

Cuba

Human Rights Watch urges government to stop arbitrary arrests of dissidents

The government arbitrarily detained at least 50 people leading up to the one-year anniversary of Orlando Zapata Tamayo's death, according to dissidents who spoke to the organisation.

Côte d'Ivoire

Six pro-Ouattara dailies probed over electoral crisis coverage

Journalists and editors from the newspapers have been accused of "inciting the public to civil disobedience" and "insubordination with regard to the authority of the State," among other charges.

Middle East and North Africa

Libya calls foreign journalists "outlaws"; attacks continue in Iraq, Syria, Egypt

In Iraq, gunmen raided the office of a local press freedom group; in Egypt, a mob attacked a group of local journalists; and in Syria, a young blogger was arrested, according to news reports.

Yemen

Protesters should be allowed to air grievances without risk of death, says Human Rights Watch

Pro-government armed groups killed at least one anti-government protester and injured 38 others, according to witnesses.

Turkey

Oda TV journalists arrested on dubious evidence, says lawyer

Documents found on the Oda TV computers which led to the arrest of three employees of the news portal were copied to the computers by hackers, says a lawyer for the accused.

Ghana

Politician threatens to kill newspaper editor over drug trafficking allegations

The opposition MP made the remarks on a local radio station after he was implicated by Alhaji Bature Iddrisu in a 2006 narcotics case.

China

Journalists blocked while reporting on "jasmine revolution" protests

Many non-mainland journalists were blocked or harassed when covering the protests in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The Gambia

Taranga FM resumes broadcasting after 32 days off air

The authorities issued a warning to the station's managers to stop reviewing what they described as "opposition" newspapers.

Uganda

Television journalist beaten by mob while covering alleged election irregularities

Gerald Mutembu was beaten by a mob believed to be comprised of supporters of the State Minister for Housing, Michael Werikhe.

Uganda

Journalists assaulted, injured while covering local election

Thugs with links to the Kampala mayoral candidate for the National Resistance Movement party assaulted journalists at the Kakeeka polling station.

Hungary

Authorities urged to protect demonstrators from violence, guarantee rights to expression during gay pride march

"Instead of trying to obstruct the fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression, the police authorities should fulfill their obligation to protect the demonstrators," said Human Rights Watch.

Ukraine

IFJ calls for change of investigators in unsolved murder case

Six months after the disappearance of investigative journalist Vasyl Klymentyev no progress has been made in the "premeditated murder" investigation.

Venezuela

American journalist harassed by intelligence service

John Enders has alleged that members of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service have been following him and subjecting him to pressure tactics.

Hungary

IFJ calls for "radical surgery" not cosmetic changes in media law

The European policymakers and media leaders want the media law to be in line with international standards of press freedom and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Swaziland

Victory as Health Ministry opens up to media

Health Minister Benedict Xaba ordered his staff to cooperate at all times with journalists seeking information from the ministry.

Middle East / North Africa

Libyan journalist missing as crackdown continues in Libya, Yemen, and Iraq

Atef al-Atrash, a critical Libyan journalist, disappeared after reporting live on Al-Jazeera from demonstrations in Benghazi.

Pakistan

Another journalist's murder underlines safety crisis in Balochistan

Abdost Rind was shot by unidentified assailants on motorcycles as he was returning home from work.

China

Human Rights Watch calls for release of unlawfully detained legal activists, relatives

The detention of at least two lawyers appears to be linked to recent developments regarding the blind, self-taught legal activist Chen Guangcheng.

Zambia

Opposition leader disrupts editorial meeting, threatens editors

The leader of the Patriotic Front, Michael Sata, threatened editors at the "Zambia Daily Mail" over a story the newspaper published about him.

Cuba

Two journalists still held after "Black Spring" journalist Iván Hernández's release

Iván Hernández is the second of the "Black Spring" journalists to be allowed to stay in the country following their release.

Russia

Polish reporters detained twice in three days

Petr Falkowski and Marek Borawski were detained while attempting to obtain information about an investigation into the plane crash that killed Polish President Lech Kachinski.

Iraq

Raid prevents Kurdistan's first independent TV station from covering unrest

Fifty masked gunmen carried out a raid on the headquarters of Naliya Radio and Television (NRT), in northern Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.

Nicaragua

Journalist receives death threat

Luis Galeano is apparently being targeted in reprisal for his investigative reporting.

Uganda

Journalist shot by soldiers, faces possible arrest

Julius Odeke was shot by military personnel while covering an elections-related scuffle and was subsequently threatened with arrest while recovering in hospital.

Kuwait

Dozens injured, arrested in Bidun crackdown

"The government should allow demonstrators to speak and assemble freely - as is their right," said Human Rights Watch.

Saudi Arabia

Detained critics released, other activists still being held

"The message to Saudi Arabia's critics seems clear: Don't speak out or you will stay behind bars until you have learned your lesson and can be released," said Human Rights Watch.

Turkey

Newly passed bill a threat to press freedom, says BIANET

Parliament passed the Draft Bill on the Establishment of Radio and Television Enterprises and their Broadcasts despite warnings about press freedom restrictions.

Libya

Information blackout won't hide massacre, says Human Rights Watch

As security forces use live ammunition against protesters, internet services have been shut down and Libyans who give interviews to the media are being arrested.

Middle East

Journalists targeted in Bahrain, Yemen and Libya

CPJ calls on the authorities in all three countries to cease their attempts to prevent media from reporting on anti-government demonstrations.

Colombia

Threatening e-mail targets Colombian Federation of Journalists and four journalists

An email was circulated that contained death threats against political leaders, non-governmental organizations, as well as four journalists.

Egypt

IFJ calls for probe into serious attack on CBS reporter

"This is a shocking attack which must not go unpunished. The Prime Minister has promised to investigate attacks on media during the protests and this is one the most serious incidents which need to be looked into," said IFJ.

Libya

Security forces fire on "Day of Anger" demonstrations

"Using security forces and armed thugs to deny people the right to express their opposition to the government increasingly looks destined to fail," noted Human Rights Watch.

Iraq

Security guards open fire on protesters

"As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iraq must protect and promote freedom of expression and association, and the right to assemble peacefully," said Human Rights Watch.

Kenya

New media laws must meet international standard, ARTICLE 19 says

ARTICLE 19 launches two legal analyses on two important laws relating to media freedom: The 2010 Media Bill and the 2010 Independent Communications Commission Bill.

Mexico

Radio news host rehired two weeks after controversial dismissal

Carmen Aristegui was accused of violating professional ethics by "broadcasting rumours" of allegations by opposition legislators that the president had a drinking problem.

Iraq

Journalist gunned down in Mosul

The 50-year-old journalist wrote for several newspapers and was well known for his critical views, according to the Iraqi Journalist Syndicate (IJS).

Middle East

Targeting of the media continues during protests in Bahrain, Yemen, and Iraq

Authorities in Bahrain and Yemen have escalated their attacks on the press in order to censor coverage of spreading anti-government protests, CPJ said.

Bahrain

Authorities urged to halt deadly attacks on peaceful protesters

"Bahrain must protect and promote the right to life, freedom of expression and association, and the right to assemble peacefully," Human Rights Watch said.

China

PEN American Center decries thuggery in attacks on foreign press

Foreign journalists seeking to visit dissident Chen Guangcheng, who is living under house arrest, were confronted by groups of men who harassed and threatened them.

Serbia

ANEM condemns campaign of intimidation against local television station

"Death notices" and posters attacking the RTV B92 television station have been appearing in the town of Lazarevac.

Turkey

Journalist to remain in prison pending trial

Suzan Zengin's lawyer has stated that the journalist's continued detention constitutes a violation of press freedom.

Zimbabwe

Newspaper vendors harassed

Vendors selling newspapers published by the Alpha Media Holdings company have reportedly been harassed by state agents and suspected Zanu-PF supporters.

Philippines

Attacks on journalists continue in wake of second work-related killing

In one case, a community newspaper editor suffered a head injury when he was attacked outside his paper's offices.

Turkey

Police in Istanbul raid dissident website's offices, journalists' homes

The police seized documents as well as computers in the raid on OdaTV, which was ordered by prosecutors investigating the "Ergenekon" conspiracy.

Equatorial Guinea

Blogger and magazine editor starts hunger strike to protest against lack of freedom

Three days after starting a hunger strike to protest against the regime of Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel left the country saying he had been "harassed".

Middle East

Attacks on media across the Middle East as demonstrations continue

In recent days, journalists have been obstructed, assaulted, or detained in Libya, Bahrain, Iran, and Yemen.

Peru

LGBT activists attacked by police

Members of several LGBT associations were attacked by police during the celebration of a symbolic act in support of the LGBT community's rights.

Mexico

Journalist injured while covering protest in Oaxaca

Gildardo Mota was wounded while he was covering a confrontation between the National Education Workers Union and the federal police.

Iran

Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi and rights groups demand moratorium on executions

Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Ja'fari Dowlatabadi announced that the death sentences of two unnamed "administrators of obscene websites" had been sent to the Supreme Court for review.

Burma

Government ally takes over newspaper after arrest of publisher

A former pro-government political party candidate replaced Ross Dunkley less than a week after he was arrested on immigration-related charges.

Somalia

NUSOJ concerned over attacks on journalists

Reporters Mustaf Mohamed Ali and Sadam Adan Mohamed were wounded after Al-Shabaab Islamists shelled the scene of a press conference.

Liberia

Newspaper found guilty of libel, slapped with US$1.5 million fine

In a unanimous verdict, the jury found that a former minister should be awarded damages because "Front Page Africa" had not provided evidence to back up corruption claims.

Liberia

Journalist brutalised for videotaping police attack on soccer fans

Journalist Fumbah Kanneh reported that he was attacked and flogged for filming an incident involving police officers manhandling spectators.

Syria

Journalist remains detained on new charges despite expiry of sentence

Ali al-Abdullah now faces new charges of "disseminating false information" for an article he wrote in prison.

Turkey

Magazine issue removed from bookstore shelves following customer complaint

The D&R bookstore chain received complaints about a poem contained in the current issue of "Bir+Bir" magazine, which was deemed denigrating to the national anthem.

Guam (United States)

PFF commends lifting of gag rule

The lifting of gag rules is aimed at freeing up media and public access to government documents as well as allowing public employees to share their opinions about their work.

Middle East

Journalists in Yemen, Iran and Algeria face multiple attacks

As protests spread from Tunisia and Egypt to other countries in the region, journalists have been targeted by security forces, in Yemen, Iran, and Algeria, says CPJ.

Burma

Australian publisher detained on immigration-related charges

Ross Dunkley's detention comes amid tense negotiations over future ownership and leadership of the "Myanmar Times".

Mexico

Assailants raid premises of two media outlets in Torreón, kill an employee

The individuals burst into the transmission facilities of Radiorama and Channel 9, destroyed equipment and shot and killed engineer Rodolfo Ochoa Moreno.

Cuba

Journalist released on parole, allowed to stay in country

Press reports indicate that Héctor Maseda Gutiérrez had balked at the government's offer to be released on parole, asking instead for a pardon.

Sudan

Three employees of opposition weekly freed, three others still held without charge

Kamal Karar, Ibrahim Mirghani and Moawya Abu-Hashim were released after 10 days in detention.

Zambia

Government refuses to allow community radio station to go back on air

The government will not re-open Radio Lymabai until investigations into its alleged involvement in the broadcast of seditious materials are completed.

Hungary

Change the law now, says IFJ, as government targets bloggers

Media watchdog orders blogs to register under the new law.

Belarus

Journalist sentenced to prison term

Andrzej Poczobut was sentenced to 15 days in jail on charges of "participation in the unsanctioned protest rally" that followed the December 19 presidential elections.

Haiti

Radio journalist gunned down in Port-au-Prince, motive unclear

Jean Richard Louis-Charles, a journalist working for Radio Kiskeya was fatally shot in the head near the capital's central Champs-de-Mars square.

Syria

Security court sentences young woman blogger to five years in prison

Nineteen-year-old high school student Tal Al-Mallouhi is convicted of "divulging information to a foreign state".

Libya

Gaddafi warns against use of Facebook, activists arrested

Many Internet activists have created groups on Facebook to call for political and economic reforms in the country.

Turkey

Editor sentenced to six months in prison, faces another trial

An Istanbul court convicted Erdal Güler, owner and editor-in-chief of the "Devrimci Demokrasi" newspaper, of "making propaganda" for the Maoist Communist Party.

Philippines

Journalists targeted for assassination

The IFJ affiliate in the Philippines has received information that two more journalists have been targeted by those behind the murder of broadcaster Gerado Ortega.

Bulgaria

Bomb explodes in front of weekly newspaper building

"Galeria" is known for reports that have criticised the government, and the publication has reported on wiretaps dealing with alleged corruption among high-ranking officials.

Afghanistan

IFJ praises courage of photojournalist severely wounded while reporting Afghanistan war

Giles Duley was on a foot patrol with soldiers in rural Kandahar Province when he stepped on a pressure-plate that detonated a hidden explosive charge, "The New York Times" reported.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio station allowed back on air

Radio du Peuple Oïcha was allowed to resume its broadcasts following a meeting of the provincial security council.

Philippines

Authorities file charges against alleged gunman, four others for murder of Palawan broadcaster

Marlon Recamata, Romeo Seratubias, Dennis Aranas, Armando Noel Loria and Rodolfo Edrad Jr. were charged for alleged involvement in the murder of Gerardo Ortega.

Rwanda

Prison term for opposition leader

Bernard Ntaganda was sentenced to four years in jail on charges of endangering national security, "divisionism" and attempting to organise demonstrations without authorisation.

Burma

Video journalist sentenced to 13 years in prison

Maung Maung Zeya was sentenced to five years under the Unlawful Association Act, one year for illegally crossing the border and seven years under the Electronics Act.

Egypt

Extraordinary historical moment and opportunity for Egypt, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 calls on the transitional government to instigate swift democratic reforms, including an immediate end to censorship of the media and the release of political prisoners.

Uruguay

IAPA protests intimidation of journalist through Facebook

Roger Rodríguez wrote about retired military officers who founded an organisation to defend fellow officers on trial for torture and murder from 1973 to 1985.

Azerbaijan

Fatullayev fears for his safety in prison

In a letter to the justice minister, Fatullayev says he fears his life is in danger because he is imprisoned with criminals he may have written about.

Togo

News magazine's appeal hearing adjourned, ban remains in place

"Gnassingbé's lawyers are stalling in order to win more time and meanwhile the magazine continues to be banned in Togo," said RSF.

Uganda

Special Forces rough up journalist, seize camera

Correspondent Issa Aliga was detained for filming a scuffle involving MP Theodore Ssekikubo ahead of President Museveni's campaign rally.

Venezuela

Provincial journalist prosecuted on dubious criminal libel charge

The case against Gustavo Azócar was prompted by an article he wrote in 2004 about alleged trafficking in identity papers at the National Office for Identification and Foreigners.

Côte d'Ivoire

Media freedom set back 20 years, says RSF

The communication minister set the tone by saying "the end of tolerance was a self-defence measure" and calls for sedition or insurrection would henceforth be "punished harshly."

Nicaragua

IAPA criticises legislative bill that would make "media violence" a new criminal offence

IAPA said the bill would result in "absurd censorship, self-censorship and serious repression of journalists and the news media."

Ecuador

Authorities release former radio director accused of terrorism and sabotage

José Acacho, former director of La Voz de Arutam station and an indigenous leader, was released from prison after a writ of habeas corpus was accepted by the court.

Bahrain

Authorities block YouTube access to BCHR documentary on torture

The BCHR documentary included testimonies from victims of systematic torture in Bahraini prisons.

Uganda

Sixteen anti-corruption advocates interrogated; journalists harassed

A coalition of nongovernmental organisations and anti-corruption activists issued a statement questioning the reason behind a large disbursement of money to government officials just a few weeks before the elections.

Fiji

IFJ calls for censors to exit newsrooms

The regime pledged to lift the regulations when the Media Industry Development Decree was gazetted on 25 June 2010 but the censors remain.

China

Dissident writer He Depu completes eight-year sentence

Shortly after He Depu walked out of prison, he was beaten by four police officers when he resisted being shoved into a police vehicle.

Jordan

News website hacked after publishing sensitive statement

Ammon News published a joint statement by 36 powerful tribal figures calling for democratic and economic reforms and warning of civil unrest if they were not implemented quickly.

Iran

Taghi Rahmani, country's most frequently jailed journalist, arrested again

Several journalists and bloggers have been summoned for questioning by the Revolutionary Guards and the Intelligence Ministry.

Russia

Editor beaten up in Severo-Kurilsk

Alexander Chernega, editor and publisher of the newspaper "Paramushir-Vesti", was ruthlessly beaten after some of his critical stories about the local governor were published.

Mexico

Prominent journalist fired, attempt to suppress rumour suspected

Carmen Aristegui was fired two days after referring to claims by opposition legislators that President Felipe Calderón has a drinking problem.

Egypt

Government obstruction, intimidation continues in Cairo

Authorities are obstructing international news coverage of the country's political crisis by withholding press credentials and, in one instance, invading the home of a foreign journalist.

United Arab Emirates

Civilian detained for speaking out in support of Egyptian revolution

The authorities detained Hasan Mohamed elHamady after he spoke out in support of Egyptians' demands that Mubarak step down.

Palestine

Quds TV correspondent detained in Bethlehem

An officer of the Preventive Security Service referred to the station as "illegal" and threatened to arrest Mamdouh Hamamrah if he continued to work there.

Nepal

Displaced journalists continue to receive death threats

Arjun Jamneli Rai and Bibek Bhattarai have been receiving death threats after they wrote about illegal resource extraction taking place at Sunjora River.

Mexico

IAPA urges Supreme Court to respect free speech in relation to constitutional amendment

According to Article 41 of the Constitution, currently under review, private individuals are prohibited from purchasing space on radio or television for political propaganda.

Mongolia

Government minister brings criminal defamation charges against journalist

Journalist A. Baatarkhuyag is accused of defaming Minister of Nature, Environment and Tourism L. Gansukh by accusing him of corruption.

Liberia

Former minister seeks substantial damages from newspaper for alleged "publication of false news"

Chancellor Chris Toe requested that a civil court in Monrovia fine the privately-owned newspaper "FrontPage African" US$2 million in damages for alleged defamation.

Singapore

Opposition leader faces prison for conviction violating free speech rights

Chee Soon Juan, secretary-general of the Singapore Democratic Party, has been convicted of "making an address in a public place without a licence".

Côte d'Ivoire

Three journalists receive death threats from pro-Gbagbo militia group

Madeleine Tanou and Kesy B. Jacobs allegedly wrote critical comments about Laurent Gbagbo.

Thailand

Spotlight on controversial cyber crime law as trial of webmaster underway

Chiranuch Premchaiporn, executive director and moderator of the Prachatai website, faces 10 counts of violating the Computer Crime Act.

Pakistan

Shots fired at TV news crew

The Dawn News reporting team was attacked while investigating a story on an illegal land seizure.

Ghana

Police manhandle members of Right to Information Coalition during protest

The protesters were demonstrating over the long delay in passing the RTI bill into law.

Nepal

Journalists assaulted

Milan Pariyar, a correspondent for the daily "Naya Patrika", was assaulted in Silgadhi in connection with a news story he had published.

Azerbaijan

Youth activist arrested after posting critical comments online

IRFS believes that Jabbar Savalanli's arrest is politically motivated, the consequence of his political beliefs and his criticism of the ruling regime on social networking sites.

Bahrain

Authorities block page of online group calling for demonstrations

Despite its claims, the government is using censorship tools to suppress the voices and opinions of those who oppose and defy its policies, says BCHR.

Israel / Palestine

Israeli soldiers attack six journalists in Jerusalem

The journalists were covering clashes between the soldiers and Palestinian youth when they were targeted with tear gas and sound grenades.

Ecuador

Municipality suspends advertising contracts with critical radio stations

The Wradio, K1 and Radio Splendid radio stations have been affected by the withdrawal of municipal government advertising following broadcasts of critical news items.

Russia

IFJ condemns return to state censorship after journalist's expulsion

Luke Harding was expelled from the country, apparently in retaliation for writing a story linked to material provided by the whistle-blowing site WikiLeaks.

Nicaragua

Customs officials block import of newsprint supplies

"El Nuevo Diario" newspaper said the customs officials' actions are a reprisal for media reports on alleged wrongdoing within the Revenue Office.

Turkey

Newspaper journalists, activist prosecuted for criticising judges

Charges have been pressed against Ridvan Kaya, president of Ozgur-Der, "Vakit" newspaper editor-in-chief Ahmet Can Karahasanoglu and journalist Kenan Kiran.

Bolivia

Journalist followed after interviewing key witness in Santa Cruz scandal

Journalist José Luis Patuy, of the Red Uno television station, was able to locate and interview a key witness who was believed to be out of the country.

Turkey

Journalist and lawyer face lawsuit

A member of the Judges and Prosecutors Supreme Council is suing lawyer Taylan Tanay and journalist Ertugrul Kurkcu, saying his "rights were attacked" in a July 2010 article.

Côte d'Ivoire

Detained journalists report torture, abuse in custody

Authorities have disclosed no formal charges against Aboubacar Sanogo and Yayoro Charles Lopez Kangbé and have provided no description or evidence of alleged wrongdoing.

Egypt

New bureaucratic obstacles for journalists; military obstructs press

Reporters in Egypt claim the government is confiscating press cards and other types of identification and are asking journalists to go to the Ministry of Information to apply for new temporary credentials.

Colombia

Threatening pamphlet directed at radio station appears in Barrancabermeja

The notice, which was found at the offices of Antena del Río, contained threats directed at the radio station's reporters.

Philippines

Suspect in journalist's murder surrenders to authorities

Marlon de Camata reportedly told police that he and an accomplice had been promised about 3440 USD to murder the broadcaster "to stop his criticism of unnamed powerful people."

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio station closed after phone-in programme angers local administrator

Beni's deputy administrator criticised the station for its coverage of the current insecurity in the region.

Colombia

Notice containing death threat against journalists distributed in Cartago, Valle del Cauca

On 4 February a notice containing a death threat against ten people, among them journalists Luis Fernando Gil, Raúl Parra y Héctor Fabio García, appeared in Cartago.

Turkey

Ailing author imprisoned

Turkish writers and publishers have issued a press statement criticising the arrest of author and human rights defender Hasan Basri Aydin.

Guatemala

Journalist receives threats, his brother attacked

Oscar de León has been receiving threats ever since he received a folder detailing accusations against the director of the Quetzaltenango Municipal Transport Police.

Egypt

Reforms must address press freedom issues, says ANHRI

Attacks on reporters and media employees are continuing in a systematic manner, ANHRI noted with concern.

Cuba

Jailed journalists begin hunger strikes

Pedro Argüelles Morán and Albert Santiago du Bouchet began their action nearly a year after the death in prison of dissident Orlando Zapata Tamayo following a hunger strike.

Rwanda

Seventeen years in jail for one woman journalist, seven years for another

Agnes Uwimana Nkusi and Saidath Mukakibibi are charged with inciting civil disobedience, causing divisions and denying the 1994 genocide.

Nepal

Journalists threatened and assaulted

A Constituent Assembly member threatened journalist Mohan Kaji Neupane, accusing him of writing news against her and the UCPN-Maoist party.

Egypt

Anti-press attacks continue in Cairo; reporter dies from earlier shooting

Journalists in Cairo faced assaults, detentions, and threats again as the president's supporters continued their efforts to obstruct news coverage of protests.

Sudan

Mass arrests of journalists, fears for safety

Nine journalists from the opposition newspaper "Al-Midan" were arrested for their coverage of street protests.

Egypt

Belgian journalist, others released, re-arrested

IPI is monitoring the unfolding situation and continually updating its website with reports on the violence against journalists.

Palestine

Protesters, journalists targeted during peaceful demonstration in support of Egypt protests

Palmedia journalist Ibrahim Hammad was dragged away while filming the demonstration with his video camera.

Turkey

Singer lands in jail for praising revolutionary leader, another sentenced on appeal

Pinar Sag was sentenced to 10 months in prison for having praised a leftist revolutionary at a 2009 festival.

United States

Reader privacy fight resumes in Congress

Just weeks before controversial portions of the USA Patriot Act are set to expire, a senator has reintroduced a reauthorisation bill that would restore protections for reader privacy that were eliminated by the Patriot Act in 2001.

Peru

Supreme Court overturns acquittal of former mayor implicated in journalist's murder

The Supreme Court overturned the acquittal of Luis Valdez, suspected mastermind in the murder of journalist Alberto Rivera.

Sudan

Two journalists facing death penalty acquitted

Abouicha Kazem and Abdelgader Bakash were accused of trying to overthrow the Constitution, a charge punishable by hanging.

Egypt

Human Rights Watch researcher, other activists, detained in Cairo

Researcher Daniel Williams was one of several international and Egyptian human rights activists picked up in a raid on the Hisham Mubarak Law Center.

Egypt

Mubarak intensifies attacks on press

"Egypt is seeking to create an information vacuum that puts it in the company of the world's worst oppressors, countries such as Burma, Iran and Cuba," says CPJ.

Ecuador

Former radio director and indigenous leader detained, accused of terrorism and sabotage

José Acacho was detained as part of legal proceedings being carried out against him after he was accused of using the La Voz de Arutam radio station to instigate public protests.

Palestine

Police attack journalists covering protest in Gaza

The group of journalists was attacked while covering peaceful marches in solidarity with the people of Egypt.

Nepal

Young Communist League members attack programme host, burn copies of newspaper

Members burned copies of the daily "Daraudi" because of a news item the paper had published, but gave no reason for their attack on programme host Hari Ghimire.

Honduras

Community radio station resumes broadcasting in tense environment

Radio Faluma Bimetu resumed broadcasting 12 days after being forced off the air due to threats.

Dominican Republic

Reporter wounded while covering funeral procession

Francisco Frías Morel said he believes police targeted him for his reporting on the case of a youth killed in a police shooting in the northeastern city of Nagua.

Burundi

Lifting ban on activist group a positive step, says Human Rights Watch

The ban on the Forum for the Strengthening of Civil Society was lifted after the government responded positively to the group's efforts to reengage in dialogue.

Tonga

Stronger complaints process will keep media out of court, says PFF

"A media industry which welcomes and responds to public complaints sets a standard of credibility because it helps raise public awareness of what a free and vibrant media achieves," said PFF Chair Susuve Laumaea.

Malawi

Government approves penal code amendment that threatens media freedom

According to MISA-Malawi, the amendment is inconsistent with the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

Azerbaijan

Baku Appeals Court denies Fatullayev's appeal, defies ECHR ruling

Eynulla Fatullayev, editor of two now-closed newspapers, was jailed in April 2007 on a number of charges, including libel, terrorism, tax evasion and incitement to hatred.

Egypt

Journalists under physical assault

"The situation is frightening not only because our colleagues are suffering abuse but because when the press is kept from reporting, we lose an independent source of crucial information," says CPJ.

Afghanistan

Radio station attacked and looted in Baghlan province

Radio Payam's facilities were damaged and the station's transmitter was reportedly removed by intruders during the raid.

Mexico

"El Diario" and "PM" newspaper distributor killed in Ciudad Juárez

Maribel Hernández was shot to death while riding in a vehicle owned by, and bearing the logos of, the media outlets.

Albania

IFJ condemns press freedom abuses against journalists

Ened Janina was beaten by a policeman who told him, "I do not give a damn that you are a journalist," and Fatos Mahmutaj was shot at by a police officer who opened fire from the Prime Minister's office courtyard.

Turkey

Author receives multiple threats in connection with book about Hrant Dink murder

Adem Yavuz Arslan received a parcel containing several rifle bullets less than two weeks after the release of his book on the assassination of journalist Hrant Dink.

Pakistan

Drop blasphemy charges against 17-year-old, says Human Rights Watch

The authorities arrested Muhammad Samiullah for allegedly including derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad in his answers on a written school exam.

Burma

Two publications suspended for publishing "indecent photos"

"Monitor" and "Hello" were suspended for two weeks and one week, respectively, after covering the wedding reception of popular film stars.

Burma

Publisher released from prison after serving full sentence

Aung Kyaw San had been sentenced to two years in prison in relation to his volunteer work helping search for and burying corpses in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

Egypt

Al-Jazeera's English-language service targeted

Five journalists working for the English-language service of the Qatar-based television station were briefly detained and had their equipment seized.

Bahrain

Journalist convicted and fined for violating gag order

Mohammed AlSawad, of "AlBilad" newspaper, was convicted for having reported on an investigation concerning former state minister Mansoor Bin Rajab.

Macedonia

IFJ calls for A1TV network to be allowed to continue broadcasting following political and judicial pressure

The station and the group's newspapers have long been targeted by the government for vigorous journalism exposing official corruption.

Belarus

Authorities free Radina, Khalip but impose severe restrictions

The Belarusian security service released journalists Natalya Radina and Irina Khalip but has maintained criminal charges against them and is severely restricting their activities.

Venezuela

Cartoonist threatened in Twitter message

A Popular Unity Party official threatened Rayma Suprani after the publication of a cartoon making reference to a new telecommunications project.

Turkey

Journalist convicted of "spreading propaganda", sentenced to jail

Berivan Eker's lawyer denied her magazine had any connections to an "illegal organisation."

Sudan / Yemen

Attacks on journalists in Yemen and Sudan amid street protests

According to CPJ, the governments of both countries are attacking journalists in an effort to disrupt the free delivery of news to local and international audiences.

The Gambia

Jailed human rights defender released and deported

Edwin Nebolisa Kwakaeme had previously been jailed for allegedly giving "false information" to the office of President Yahya Jammeh in 2010.

Turkey

Two more cases launched against journalist who faces up to 107 years in prison

Reporter Ismail Saymaz is facing allegations of "targeting people on anti-terror duties" in his book "The Postmodern Jihad".

Palestine

Authorities disrupt Egypt solidarity protest in Ramallah

Palestinian Authority security forces shut down a demonstration after calling in one of the organisers for questioning multiple times and ordered him to cancel the event notice that he had created on Facebook.

Turkey

Song lyrics prompt legal action against university students

Sixteen members of the Beyoglu Troupe of Actors face a criminal complaint filed by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Kazakhstan

Construction company withdraws lawsuit against independent newspaper

"Uralskaya Nedelya" had been facing a crippling fine after reporting that the company began preparations for a state project long before the tender was announced.

India

IFJ calls for debate following conviction of columnist

Anish Trivedi, a one-time columnist for "Mid-Day" daily, was convicted on charges of causing offence to communities disadvantaged by India's traditional caste hierarchy.

Nepal

Another journalist receives death threat in Terai area

Bishwanath Thakur, editor-in-chief of the "Madhesh Post", received a death threat from an individual who said he was infuriated by the daily's coverage of a Cabinet shuffle.

Sri Lanka

Arson attack destroys offices of independent news website

The IFJ has been informed that the attack on the LankaENews offices may have been provoked by two recent reports that it carried.

Turkey

News site owner shot in front of his home

Kazim Sen was shot three times in the leg by an assailant when he returned home with his wife.

Vietnam

Journalist succumbs to burn injuries

"Media killings are rare in Vietnam and authorities should act to ensure that a culture of impunity does not begin to take root," CPJ said.

Peru

Panamericana Television reporters assaulted

Renzo Santana and Juan Carlos Vera were assaulted while covering a demonstration in front of a law firm's offices.

Côte d'Ivoire

Pro-Ouattara journalists detained

Sanogo Aboubakar and Kangbe Yayoro Charles Lopez were described in pro-Gbagbo media as being rebels with the Forces Nouvelles, who control the northern part of the country.

Kazakhstan

Legislative amendments fall short of decriminalising defamation, says Adil Soz

Adil Soz believes recent Criminal Code amendments serve to diminish some penalties but do not sufficiently address the issue of criminalisation of defamation.

China

Veteran columnist dismissed for critical articles

Zhang Ping who has written about sensitive issues like political reform, told the "Guardian" newspaper that he had "been resigned".

Egypt

Authorities block Al-Jazeera transmissions, order bureaus shut

Nilesat, the satellite transmission company owned by government agencies, stopped transmitting the signal of Al-Jazeera's primary channel amid massive protests.

Canada

CJFE disappointed by Supreme Court ruling on electronic access to courts

"We believe this decision is a setback to the media's ability to gather news about what takes place in the courts," said CJFE.

Nicaragua

IAPA calls for return to air of censored television station

According to the director of Canal 15 Condega TV, the station received threats in the past saying it would be bombed if it continued criticising the government.

Philippines

IFJ demands swift justice for murder of journalist as killer explains motive

The gunman arrested at the scene of Gerardo Ortega's murder told police that he and an accomplice were to be paid for stopping the broadcaster's criticism of "powerful people."

Sudan

CPJ finds harassment, obstruction during referendum

Authorities harassed, obstructed, and censored local and international news media covering the referendum concerning independence for South Sudan, CPJ found.

Egypt

Nationwide Internet blackout endangers rights, Human Rights Watch stresses

Human Rights Watch said that the Internet and mobile communications are essential tools for rights of expression, to information, and of assembly and association.

Ecuador

Journalist's programme interrupted by official telecast

The morning programme "Desayunos 24 Horas", which is hosted by María Josefa Coronel and broadcast on Teleamazonas TV station, was interrupted by an official announcement.

Russia

Freelance journalist reported missing

Yekaterina Silina wrote about new Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin's initiatives and was in charge of scanning government officials' blogs.

Cuba

Journalist arrested twice in less than 24 hours

Guillermo Fariñas was held for seven hours at a police station in Santa Clara province, accused of "public scandal" following a street protest staged in solidarity with a family that has been evicted from its home.

Spain

IFJ condemns attack against journalists' leader in Cadiz

Fernando Santiago had reported on the use of public funds to rescue a struggling company and was subsequently assaulted by a company employee.

Singapore

Government forces popular political website to register as a political group

"Forcing The Online Citizen to register as a political association distorts its role and threatens its ability to cover politics. The prime minister is clearly trying to tighten control of media outlets before calling elections," said CPJ.

Palestine

Al-Jazeera targeted after publishing documents detailing Palestinian-Israeli negotiations

Four youths raided the offices of Pal Media Agency after Al-Jazeera TV rented out the studios to interview an academic about the published documents.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two journalists flee after receiving death threats

Silué Kanigui and Tibruce Koffi fled after receiving threats from armed groups and hired assassins.

Italy

Prime minister interrupts talk show to insult host and guests

In an unexpected telephone call broadcast live during a television show that was reporting on an ongoing prostitution investigation, Silvio Berlusconi criticised the programme.

India

Journalist gunned down in Chhattisgarh

Police are interrogating a female health worker who had apparently threatened to kill journalist Umesh Rajput two weeks before his death.

Egypt

Foreign journalists arrested, Internet blocked

"The authorities are engineering an almost complete news blackout about the crackdown on the street protests now taking place," noted RSF.

Colombia

Journalist threatened in Valledupar, Cesar

Jaime José Daza is known in the region for his denunciations and critical reports on the local administration.

Brazil

Drug traffickers open fire on TV Globo helicopter

The TV crew was covering a police operation when it came under attack.

Cambodia

Official suppresses question on 1997 grenade attack

Officials reportedly deleted digital recordings and confiscated recording equipment from a number of journalists who covered a government press conference in Phnom Penh.

Brazil

Newspaper owner's house attacked in Paraná

Orley Antunes says he has been "bothering" local politicians through information published both in his paper and on his blog.

Egypt

CPJ condemns violence against journalists covering demonstrations

Plainclothes and uniformed security personnel have beaten at least 10 journalists and detained others.

Nepal

Reporter receives death threats

Shree Ram Rayamajhi says an unidentified caller threatened to kill him over his news coverage.

Lebanon

News teams attacked while covering protests

Journalists were covering incidents in Tripoli and two areas of Beirut.

Egypt

Journalists assaulted, websites blocked amidst crackdown on nationwide protests

Authorities blocked a number of websites that were transmitting live videos of the demonstrations while at the same time, several journalists were assaulted.

Tuvalu

Public order ordinance threatens freedom of expression, says PFF

PFF says says the invocation of the Public Order Ordinance, banning public gatherings or meetings on Funafuti, will have trickle down impacts on free speech and free expression.

Thailand

Two journalists facing deportation released, fined by authorities

John San Lin and Pascal Schatterman were reporting on a conflict between the Burmese junta and a faction of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army.

Venezuela

Press Workers Union secretary receives death threats

Nilo Jiménez says the threats are related to the union's attempt to document the risks that journalists face in Venezuela.

Turkey

Prime minister files lawsuit against writer and newspaper

The prime minister has accused writer Ahmet Altan of "attacking his personal rights" in a column which was published in "Taraf" newspaper.

Sudan

Security forces seize newspaper issue

Security force personnel seized the independent "Ajras elHoreya" newspaper's 20 January issue from the printing press, delaying its delivery and affecting its distribution.

Turkey

Journalist assaulted for second time in three months

Cetin Yilmaz was attacked by bodyguards for Necmi Kadioglu, the mayor of a district of Istanbul, after Kadioglu realised that a speech he was giving was being recorded.

Indonesia

Military officer sentenced for assaulting journalist

The IFJ welcomes the prosecution of the former military intelligence officer, but questions the relatively lenient 10-month prison sentence.

Cambodia

Conviction of Sam Chankea is an attack on freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19

The charges against Chankea are for expressing his opinion about a land dispute between the villagers of Lorpeang village and KDC International.

Uganda

Member of parliament assaults journalists at police station

Issa Aliga of NTV and Ssozi Ssekimpi of Top Radio were assaulted by MP Sauda Namagwa as she was recording a statement at the Masaka Central Police Station.

Uganda

Photojournalist assaulted by ruling party supporters

Michael Kakumirizi escaped with a deep wound to his forehead after being mobbed by suspected ruling party supporters while covering an opposition party campaign rally.

West Africa

Free expression legal framework adopted by ECOWAS information ministers

The framework will improve the media environment and ensure the rights of citizens are respected, according to MFWA.

Liberia

Editor detained, reportedly released after apologising to Supreme Court

The court had ordered Rodney Sieh to serve a 30-day prison term following the expiration of an ultimatum that demanded an apology for an item his newspaper published.

Guinea

Local authorities shut down radio station, arrest two journalists

The closure of Liberté FM followed the broadcast of a political programme that was deemed undermining to the constitutional government of newly sworn-in President Alpha Conde.

Kuwait

Blogger freed after Supreme Court overturns conviction

Mohamed Abdel Qader Al-Jassem was convicted over an entry in his blog in which he accused Iranian intelligence services of meddling in Kuwait's affairs.

China

Journalists sacked, fined without explanation

Seven staff members of Chengdu Commercial Newspaper, including its editor-in-chief, have been sacked or fined for allegedly misrepresenting the facts in a story.

Nicaragua

IAPA protests threats against journalist over reports on corruption

The "El Nuevo Diario" newspaper says one of its journalists was threatened after the publication of reports on "proven acts of corruption" in two government agencies.

Uganda

Police in Fort Portal assault radio journalist

Two police officers assaulted Voice of Tooro radio journalist Mutegeki Geoffrey when he went to cover a students' strike at a school in Fort Portal.

Yemen

Woman journalist freed but press freedom violations continue

Tawakkol Karman was arrested in Sanaa for organising unauthorised demonstrations and marches.

Somalia

Journalist sentenced to three years in prison in Somaliland

A judge found Mohamud Abdi Jama guilty of "defamation and spreading false news" against a Somaliland police chief and director of the Somaliland Electricity Agency.

Mexico

Radio journalist brutally assaulted in Tulancingo, Hidalgo

Daniel Martínez Martínez said the attack was not an attempted robbery as no valuables were taken from him and noted that his programme covers many sensitive topics.

Ghana

Anti-piracy task force seizes equipment from five radio stations

Five radio stations were forced off the air for several hours after their broadcasting equipment was seized by personnel from the Interim Copyright Management Team.

Philippines

Radio broadcaster killed in Palawan

Gerardo Ortega's lawyer told CMFR that the broadcaster was a "staunch critic" of illegal mining activities in Palawan and had reported on alleged corruption in the provincial government on his program.

Palestine / Israel

Israeli authorities bar Al-Jazeera correspondent from traveling to Jordan

Awad Alrjoub believes the restriction is an attempt by the Israeli authorities to pressure Al-Jazeera to alter its coverage of Israeli practices in the Palestinian territories.

Guatemala

Two journalists assaulted during political event in Quiché

Jorge Toledo and Norman Rodas were assaulted by two members of the Partido Patriota (PP) communications team after a press conference at the party's headquarters.

Honduras

AMARC concerned over restrictions against two radio journalists

Journalists Elia Hernández and Elba Yolibeth Rubio, of the radio station La Voz de Zacate Grande, were detained during an altercation while a family was being evicted.

Thailand

Photojournalists face deportation

John Sanlin, a Burmese passport holder, and Pascal Schatterman, a Belgian national, were arrested by authorities in the Thai border town of Mae Sot after re-entering the country from Burma.

Vietnam

Journalist critically injured in fiery attack

A fellow reporter at Le Hoang Hung's newspaper told the Associated Press: "He covers everything from land disputes and the police beat to health care and education. It could be revenge."

Bahrain

Internet activist arrested for expressing his views online

Mohammed Al-Rashid is being charged with "spreading false rumors and news with the intention of harming public security."

United States

IAPA concerned over tension between Florida's new governor and the press

Correspondents covering government events filed complaints citing unprecedented controls over access to the governor and discrimination in the distribution of information.

Mongolia

General prosecutor files criminal defamation case against journalist

The defamation case was filed after journalist B. Tsoojchuluuntsetseg published a series of articles focused on "Billionaires who swindle banks".

Colombia

IAPA welcomes legal reform facilitating battle against impunity

Law No. 1426 increases the statute of limitations in violent crimes to 30 years from the previous 20 years for kidnapping, torture and homicide cases.

Turkey

Academic faces 36 years in prison amidst fears she is being targeted for her research and commentary

Commentators believe that the renewed prosecution of Pinar Selek is linked to her work as a sociologist researching Kurdish issues in the mid-to-late 1990s, and to contact with the banned Turkish Workers Party (PKK).

Philippines

IFJ urges speedy resolution of journalist's murder

Lawyer Adel Tamano recently said there were concerns about potential delays or stalling tactics which might drag out the resolution of the Nestor Bedolido case.

China

IFJ urges medical parole for jailed writer Hu Jia

Hu Jia is reportedly suffering from severe and unexplained abdominal pain and IFJ is concerned that medical treatment may have been denied to him while he has been in prison.

Zambia

Police record statement from station manager over alleged broadcast of seditious material

Radio Lyambai Assistant Station Manager Nyambe Muyumbana, who was arrested and detained for allegedly running seditious material, was released on bail.

Afghanistan

Prominent reporter attacked with acid

Razaq Mamoon, who suffered burns to his face and hands, recently completed a book which criticises Iran for interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs.

Syria

Palestinian journalist goes missing in Damascus while doing research on Hamas

Muheeb Al-Nawathy was doing research for a book he is writing about Hamas.

Paraguay

IFJ rejects link between firing of union leader and bomb attack at television network

IFJ accuses authorities of a "scandalous smear" after police in Asunción claimed an explosion at Channel 9 TV could be linked to internal tensions at the station.

Liberia

Newspaper reporter barred from legislature

Boima J. Boima is facing repercussions for an article in the "New Democrat" newspaper in which he commented on the absence of most lawmakers from the legislature.

Mexico

Member of community radio station apprehended in Veracruz

The detention of José Maza is part of criminal proceedings against Radio Diversidad connected to allegations that the station has been operating without a license.

Honduras

Radio station forced off the air by threats

"The struggle against impunity requires protection for minority media and their representatives," RSF reiterated.

Argentina

IAPA concerned over blockade of papers' printing presses

About 50 demonstrators blockaded the printing presses of the Buenos Aires papers "Clarín" and "La Nación" for about six hours, hindering their distribution.

Switzerland

Former WikiLeaks informant due to appear before Zurich court

Elmer is charged with coercion and violating bank secrecy laws.

Belarus

Two more independent journalists jailed

Boris Goretsky was sentenced to 14 days in jail for his alleged participation in protest rallies and Yevgeny Vaskovich was sentenced to 10 days in jail for "hooliganism".

Nepal

Journalists harassed by political party cadres in Lalitpur

A number of reporters travelled to the area to attend a press conference organised by political parties to address a local conflict connected to stone mining.

Zimbabwe

Soldiers in Gutu prevent vendors from selling copies of "The Mirror" newspaper

The soldiers were angered by an article alleging that army personnel had beaten people up during an incident on Christmas Eve.

Zambia

Radio station effectively closed; "Post" newspaper journalist detained

Security forces reportedly seized a console and two computers from Radio Lyambai, halting the station's operations, IPI sources said.

Israel

CPJ condemns security personnel for humiliating inspections of journalists

A number of Al-Jazeera journalists who attended the annual meeting of the prime minister with representatives of the foreign press were forced to undergo a humiliating physical examination.

Bahrain

BBC correspondents prevented from reporting on situation in Bahrain

A BBC Radio and Television team was prevented from conducting interviews and was subjected to intense security controls.

The Gambia

Authorities shut down radio station

Without providing any reason, the authorities ordered the closure of the Taranga FM radio station after questioning the station's proprietor.

Argentina

IAPA insists on clear rules for the allocation of state advertising, protests discriminatory practices

The daily "La Nación" has reported that, of the public funds spent on advertising in the media in 2010, 67.5% went to a television station owned by a businessman with close links to the government.

Yemen

Reporter sentenced to five years in prison for alleged Al-Qaeda links

Illah Haydar Shae was also sentenced to two years of house arrest.

Malaysia

Auxiliary police allegedly assault, arrest photographer

Hairul Nizam Baharin was allegedly assaulted and brought to the police station after refusing to stop his motorcycle and provide his identification card to the police.

Canada

CJFE concerned that Vancouver journalist may be forced to reveal her source

A provincial supreme court judge ordered reporter Elaine O'Connor to name a confidential source used for a story about alleged election campaign overspending by a former MP.

Iraq

ARTICLE 19 and IFJ welcome appeal court victory for "The Guardian" in defamation case

The Baghdad Appeal Court overturned a prior defamation ruling, saying no harm had resulted from an article that quoted critics describing the prime minister as "increasingly autocratic."

Togo

Authorities shut down three radio stations

Local media groups view the move as an attempt to muzzle the stations, which were deemed critical of the administration of President Gnassingbé.

Ukraine

Access to information law adopted

"The new law contains several progressive provisions supported by ARTICLE 19, including a broad definition of public information," said the organisation.

United States

Obama administration to take steps to facilitate free exchange of ideas across borders, State Department says

The State Department said it would give "sympathetic weight" to those seeking to enter the US to fulfill speaking engagements, attend conferences and accept teaching positions.

Vietnam

CPJ concerned as government plays "national security" censorship card

A new executive decree will give authorities greater powers to penalise journalists, editors and bloggers who report on issues deemed as sensitive to national security.

Tunisia

French photographer dies in hospital following tear gas attack

Lucas Mebrouk Dolega was covering demonstrations in front of the Interior Ministry building on 14 January when he was struck by a tear gas canister.

Ecuador

Judge rejects journalist's appeal, sends case to trial

An appeal filed by journalist Freddy Aponte was rejected and an order of committal to trial was instead confirmed after he failed to pay compensation to the former mayor of Loja.

Norway

Writer detained, faces deportation

Norwegian PEN condemns the arrest of Maria Amelie and fears she is being targeted by authorities because of her outspoken defence of asylum seekers' rights in Norway.

Uganda

Magazine editor and director detained over cartoon of President Museveni

Security personnel detained the "Summit Business Review" magazine's CEO and managing editor, Mustapha Mugisa, and co-director Samuel Ssejjaaka for over four hours.

Mongolia

Globe International dismayed over discrimination against journalists

The organisation says an amendment to the law on parliamentary session procedure will "shut the door on journalists" who want to attend Standing Committee meetings.

Brazil

TV station news crew threatened and assaulted

Reporter Frances Silvy and camera operators Márcio Ramos and Andrei Luiz, of RBS TV, were investigating a possible boycott of a shopping center by a group of businessmen.

Belarus

Journalists continue to be detained and tried

The KGB has detained journalist Andrzej Poczobut and freelance reporter Irina Charniauka; Poczobut was also summarily tried and fined.

Tunisia

President's promises must be followed by action, says RSF

Shortly after the president's address, websites that had been blocked for years became accessible.

Paraguay

IAPA condemns attack on TV station

A home-made bomb exploded near Canal 9's antenna, opening up a hole in the adjoining building.

Somalia

Fear for kidnapped journalist's life

Mohamed Ali Mohamud was allegedly kidnapped by Al-Shabaab militias who raided his home in November 2010 and accused him of spying for the "enemies of Islam".

Pakistan

Television channel reporter gunned down in Karachi

Wali Khan Babar was gunned down by unidentified armed men shortly after covering an operation against drug-traffickers in Karachi.

Mexico

"El Norte" supplement suffers grenade attack

Unknown individuals hurled two hand grenades at the offices of "La Silla", a supplement to the "El Norte" newspaper in Monterrey, Nuevo León.

Tunisia

IFJ backs journalists' strike against violence and press gag

"Journalists in Tunisia are right to show solidarity with citizens and to oppose violent repression of the people's right to express their legitimate concerns," said IFJ.

Nepal

Two journalists threatened in separate incidents

A ruling party cadre told journalist Padma Shrestha he would "convert (his paper) into ash."

Peru

Journalist held by demonstrators

Edixer Rivera Guerrero was held by members of the Front for the Defence of the Chirinos Municipality.

Bolivia

Journalist receives further threats

The threats against Carlos Torres, a correspondent with radio Panamericana, are similar to another death threat he received on 3 January 2011.

Belarus

More raids on journalists' homes amid KGB crackdown

In the last two weeks, at least five independent reporters and one newsroom had equipment taken during raids carried out by the Belarusian security service.

Panama

RSF welcomes withdrawal of proposal introducing jail terms for insulting the president

The proposed amendment to the criminal code would have made insulting the president or any other elected representative punishable by two to four years in prison.

Pakistan

CPJ concerned for safety of journalist Sherry Rehman, prominent supporter of new blasphemy law

In a sermon delivered during afternoon prayers, a leader of Karachi's Sultan Mosque said Rehman deserved to be killed for her role in introducing the blasphemy bill in the National Assembly.

China

Death of prominent writer Zhang Jianhong announced

Repeated calls for Zhang's medical parole were turned down by the authorities until he was finally released on 5 June 2010 in critical condition, after serving nearly four years in prison.

Yemen

News website editor arbitrarily arrested in eastern city

Fouad Rashid is the editor of the news website Al-Mukalla Press, which has regularly covered the unrest in the south of the country.

Haiti

Revival of journalism lags behind media reconstruction, says RSF

The earthquake highlighted the importance of the role the media play in humanitarian disasters, not only as news sources but also as vehicles for rallying and uniting the population, RSF noted.

United States

Justice department orders Twitter to disclose details of users linked to WikiLeaks

The subpoena requests information dating back to November 2009 about WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Iran

Prominent human rights lawyer, journalist and writer sentenced to 11 years in prison

Nasrin Sotoudeh's sentence includes one year for "propaganda against the regime" and 10 years for "acting against national security" and "violating the Islamic dress code in a filmed speech".

Azerbaijan

Parliament cancels plans to create information ombudsman

The authorities' turnaround represents a serious setback for the protection of the rights of media, RSF said.

Peru

Radio TV Oriente director acquitted

Geovanni Acate was acquitted of the crimes of disturbing the peace and instigating rebellion in a case linked to his coverage of protests by indigenous communities in May 2009.

United States

PEN American Center calls on Smithsonian institution to reinstate controversial video

The National Portrait Gallery pulled the video, which artist David Wojnarowicz created to commemorate a partner who died of complications of AIDS.

Vietnam

End chokehold on dissent before Party Congress, urges Human Rights Watch

The Communist Party should renounce its practice of tightening controls on peaceful dissent in the lead up to the 11th Party Congress and free those who have been imprisoned, detained and censored, Human Rights Watch said.

The Gambia

Justice minister threatens to prosecute exiled journalists and human rights defenders

According to Edward Gomez, the advocates are "putting every nonsensical story in newspapers and on radio to tarnish the good image of the government."

Rwanda

CPJ opposes demands for prison terms for journalists

The prosecutor has called for long prison terms for editors Agnès Uwimana and Saidati Mukakibibi on charges related to the publication of opinion pieces in the weekly "Umurabyo".

Tunisia

Censorship continues as more journalists are arrested

Nissar Ben Hassen was arrested after posting online video footage of events in Chebba, and Moez Jemai was sprayed with a disabling gas before being arrested.

Kosovo (Serbia)

Journalist threatened during interview

Visar Duriq was conducting an interview relating to an investigation into the usurpation of public property when the businessman he was speaking with told him he would break his arms and legs.

Liberia

Reporter receives death threat after publication of controversial story

Clara Mallah had been investigating allegations of child trafficking at a children's safe home in Monrovia.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns assault, threats against Radio Shabelle journalists

A regional government representative threatened to shoot reporter Abdirisaq Adan Qoslaye and photographer Adnan Mohamed Ali if they did not leave government premises.

Honduras

Community radio station personnel receive death threats

Personnel presumed to be from a utility company threatened members of a NGO and cut the electrical supply to their offices, leaving two community radio stations unable to broadcast.

United Kingdom

Government aims to "give people's freedom back" in 2011

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the coalition government's programme to restore civil liberties, including free expression and the right to information.

Pakistan

IFJ demands inquiry as another journalist is killed in Balochistan

The body of Ilyas Nazar, who had been abducted in December, was found on 5 January with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Kuwait

Information Ministry orders closure of two newspapers, satellite channel

The latest decision to close media outlets came only days after Al Jazeera's office was ordered closed, following broadcast of disputed material.

Egypt

Blogger loses job because of critical comments

Mohammed Maree was dismissed because he wrote articles and opinions critical of the government on his blog.

Bolivia

Journalist receives anonymous death threat

According to Carlos Torres, the threat he received is linked to a campaign that journalists initiated calling for modifications to an anti-discrimination law.

Sri Lanka

Newspaper editor's murderers still at large two years later

"By blocking the investigation and fostering a climate of impunity and indifference, the government has become an accomplice," said RSF.

Turkey

Cartoonist threatened for depictions of Ottoman figures

Bahadir Baruter claims he was threatened on the Internet after designing a deck of cards depicting Ottoman figures as insects.

Honduras

Minister insists no journalist was murdered in connection with their work in 2010

A probable or proven link to the victim's work as a journalist exists in three of 10 cases, none of which has yet been solved, RSF noted.

Turkey

Businessman sentenced after commenting on legal case

Ahmet Akyuz was sentenced after a public prosecutor overheard him commenting on a news report at a barbershop.

Hungary

Newly-constituted media authority takes over investigation into radio station

The inquiry relates to the station's broadcast of two songs by American rapper Ice-T of which the lyrics were deemed objectionable.

United Kingdom

Broadcaster banned from police press conference after criticising murder inquiry

Britain's ITV News criticised the police's handling of an investigation into the murder of a landscape architect whose body was found on the outskirts of Bristol in December 2010.

Honduras

Journalist gets death threats from Armed Forces lieutenant colonel

Esdras Amado López reported that a member of the Armed Forces threatened to kill him during a confrontation near the Honduran Institute for Social Security.

Saudi Arabia

Ministry of Culture and Information adopts regulation to restrict e-publishing

The regulation applies to all means of e-publications, including blogs, and imposes strict controls on freedom of expression on the Internet.

Tunisia

Wave of arrests of bloggers and activists

Police reportedly arrested the bloggers to question them about hacking into government websites by the militant group Anonymous.

Cambodia

Proposed NGO law a threat to civil liberties, free expression, say civil society groups

One organisation noted that the proposed law would make it harder for groups to form NGOs due to "onerous requirements" in the registration process.

Malaysia

Malaysian media groups express support for embattled journalists' union chief

Hata Wahari is being subjected to a "domestic inquiry" for statements he made about political interference in the newspaper "Utusan Malaysia," which is also his employer.

Turkey

Supreme Court overturns acquittal of Kurdish singer

Ferhat Tunc was previously tried and acquitted on charges of "spreading propaganda for the Maoist Communist Party" following a 2006 concert.

Nepal

Journalists assaulted by angry mob

Krishna Esmali and Chudamani Wagle were on their way home when an angry mob assaulted them, demanding to know why they had gone to the police station.

Nepal

Radio journalist attacked on his way home

Himal Chaudhary was admitted to Nepal Teaching Hospital with serious injuries after being attacked with a sharp weapon.

Pakistan

Television channel reporting team attacked

Mannan Ashraf, Salman Ashraf, Muhammad Sajid, Muhammad Saeed, Irfan Serwer and Mohammed Majeed were assaulted as they were filming a documentary.

Iran

Authorities use confession of sentenced woman against two imprisoned German journalists

Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani told a press conference that she was planning to sue the two German journalists for having interviewed her son.

Tunisia

Internet censors move into top gear in response to widespread unrest

Sensitive social and political topics were already heavily censored online, but the authorities have tried to impose even tighter controls, RSF noted.

India

Activist sentenced to life in prison on sedition charges

"Using sedition laws to silence peaceful criticism is the hallmark of an oppressive government," says Human Rights Watch.

Somalia

Puntland court releases reporter after six months in jail

Yusuf Ali Adan was released after being held for six months on defamation charges.

Thailand

Media activist, nine others arrested for entering parliament in 2006 rally to protest cyber-crime bill

If convicted of multiple offenses, the combined sentences of each of the accused would reach 20 years, SEAPA said.

Nepal

TV journalist receives death threat in Saptari

Baijanath Yadav was threatened after airing news about an Indian lawmaker entering Nepal with arms and armed security personnel.

Belarus

Journalists charged with mass disorder, police raids continue

CPJ called on the European Union to condition its diplomatic relations with Belarus on the release of all recently arrested journalists and the halt of Minsk's official crackdown on the independent press.

India

IFJ demands full details for arrest of journalist in Maharashtra State

According to police accounts, the basis for Sudhir Dhawle's arrest is the interrogation of a purported leader of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

Pakistan

Freedom House condemns killing of Punjab governor

Salman Taseer was murdered because of his support for the repeal of the country's archaic blasphemy law, Freedom House said.

Malaysia

CIJ condemns death threats against video project participant

CIJ is very concerned about the death threats against Azwan Ismail, a participant in the video project "It Gets Better in Malaysia".

Turkey

"Azadiya Welat" editorial manager sentenced to 138 years in jail; former "Heviya Jine" editor receives three-year prison term

Emine Demir and Gurbet Cakar, as well as two politicians, were convicted of "spreading propaganda for the PKK", the militant Kurdistan Workers Party.

Tunisia

Journalist in intensive care following attack by police

Nebrass Hedhili was beaten repeatedly by the police, who left him almost unconscious on the side of the road outside the city.

Ghana

Radio journalist assaulted, briefly detained by election security team

Issah Murtala Kpambe was violently assaulted while covering events at a polling station, then briefly detained without being told what offence he had committed.

Syria

Bar association brings disciplinary charges against human rights defender

Radeef Mostafa is being placed under tremendous pressure for defending human rights in general and the rights of the Kurdish minority in particular.

Uganda

Government blocks radio stations from live broadcasting Buganda Kingdom conference

The Broadcasting Council blocked privately-owned radio stations from live broadcasting a conference organised to discuss social, cultural, economic and developmental issues.

Egypt

ANHRI condemns fines against "Sout elUmmah" journalists

Editor Abdel Halim Kandil and journalist Ahmed Abulkheir were convicted of insult and libel in their reporting on a wedding party.

India

IFJ shocked at arrest of Manipur journalist in police "sting"

Ahongsangbam Mobi has reportedly been charged under India's Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for alleged contacts with a banned insurgent group.

Azerbaijan

Supreme Court rejects imprisoned editor's appeal

The court rejected Eynulla Fatullayev's motion to be freed pending his appeal of a conviction on a drug possession charge that CPJ has concluded was fabricated.

India

IFJ condemns death threats against journalists in Chhattisgarh State

Explicit death threats were made to three journalists by a vigilante group believed to be part of a covert operation to combat a long-running Maoist insurgency.

Indonesia

AJI calls on police to arrest perpetrators of attack on its office in Palu

Members of the Kaili Youth Front attacked the AJI office because they were dissatisfied with a report published by Beritapalu.com, which works out of the same office.