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Alerts - 2011 - April-June

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Burma

Publications exempt from prior censorship still receive warnings from Information Ministry

A division of the Information Ministry warned some newspapers and magazines, including a medical journal, that some articles were culturally inappropriate.

Malaysia

Arrests in advance of rally for electoral reforms raise deep concerns

On the morning of June 29, authorities raided the offices of the Coalition for Free and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0), a coalition of civil society organisations campaigning for electoral reforms, without a warrant. The organisation's materials were confiscated and six staff members and one volunteer were arrested.

Zimbabwe

Two "Standard" journalists arrested

Reporter Patience Nyangove and editor Nevanji Madanhire were detained after reporting on the arrest of an aide to the prime minister.

Iran

Sports journalist and photographer arrested

Maryam Majd's arrest was followed by the detention of two other female journalists and activists.

Ecuador

Fundamedios responds to President Correa's allegations over its funding

President Rafael Correa recently alleged that the organisation is financed by USAID and made other damaging remarks about the work of NGOs in Ecuador.

Malaysia

State should stop fuelling tensions over Bersih rally, says CIJ

Since 22 June, at least 81 persons have been arrested for their support of the movement campaigning for free and fair elections.

Egypt

ANHRI obtains acquittal for journalists in defamation suit

Four journalists at the newspaper "Al-Fajr" were acquitted of criminal charges but have been ordered to pay fines amounting to 10,000 pounds.

Mexico

Threats continue as authorities fail to protect investigative journalist Lydia Cacho

The latest threats made direct reference to Cacho's journalism and are evidence of the continuing surveillance and risk she faces, ARTICLE 19 says.

The Gambia

Islamic preacher held incommunicado for four days, released without charge

Alhaji Ismaila Manjang was subjected to a lengthy interrogation on a wide range of issues, including his recent address to students at a graduating ceremony.

Sudan

Contrived legal proceedings mounted against journalists

Due to be released on 3 July 2011, Abu Zir al-Amin has instead been transferred to the custody of State Security Prosecution for further investigation.

Egypt

Auditor placed under investigation for disclosing corruption case

Ahmed Al Sandawini informed the media about corruption linked to a case of contaminated wheat.

Argentina

Neuquén radio journalist under threat

There are concerns for the safety of Mario Sánchez and his family following a number of incidents of threats and intimidation.

Peru

Journalists attacked by police while covering protest

Víctor Munive and Junior Meza were assaulted by police officers, who also took Meza's camera and deleted all his photographs of a demonstration in Huancayo.

Afghanistan

French journalists, interpreter released after being held hostage for 18 months

"We hail the efforts undertaken by the French and Afghan governments, which led to Ghesquière and Taponier and their interpreter being freed safe and sound as a result of negotiation," said RSF.

Somalia

NUSOJ concerned by partisan use of media

"The way the TFG and Al-Shabaab media cover the current conflicts degrades the quality, critique and objectiveness of the media they control," said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

Israel

Authorities should not intimidate journalists covering flotilla, says CPJ

"Israel must ensure that all journalists can report on the flotilla freely and without the threat of confiscation of recordings and equipment," CPJ said.

Colombia

"El Espectador" journalist in Medellín receives death threat

Mary Luz Avendaño has been reporting on an ongoing turf war between drug trafficking groups and the gangs' links to the police.

Malaysia

State government urged to not restrict media access

The Kelantan state government has barred "Utusan Malaysia" journalists from state assembly proceedings and other official functions.

Azerbaijan

Newspaper editor receives threatening phone call

Avaz Zeynalli claims he was threatened by police chief Agalar Maharramov, following a critical article published in the newspaper "Khural."

Ukraine

Parliament refuses to provide information on MPs' incomes

The "Stop Censorship!" movement objected to the Parliament's refusal to comply with this access to information request.

Turkey

University students charged with "praising crime" after calling for their peers' release from prison

Seven students are facing charges of "praising crime and a criminal" after they voiced support for two other students who were arrested in 2010 for demanding free education.

Guatemala

Congressional candidate dismisses journalist, attempts to intimidate television correspondent

Franciso Pérez was dismissed after he refused to support the election campaign of the congressional candidate, who is the director of the agency that administers Radio Ixcán.

India

Suspects arrested in Mumbai journalist's murder

IPI welcomes the arrests made in the case of the murder of Jyotirmoy Dey, while recognising that all those responsible must be held accountable.

Colombia / Argentina

IAPA condemns censorship of Colombian daily, attempt to search Argentine newspaper's offices

The organisation calls on the Colombian authorities to investigate the purchase by unidentified individuals of all copies of an edition of the "El Heraldo" newspaper.

Ethiopia

Two journalists detained, held without charge

Reeyot Alemu is the second journalist picked up and held without charge in less than a week, following the earlier arrest of Woubshet Taye.

Tajikistan

Imprisoned BBC reporter faces up to 15 years in jail

The authorities have indicted Urinboy Usmonov on charges of making "public calls to forcibly change the constitutional system of Tajikistan."

Ecuador

Camera operator attacked during anti-drug operation

Tony Quishpe was attacked by unidentified individuals during a police operation carried out in the coastal city of Guayaquil.

Turkey

Fifty writers of satirical online dictionary summoned to prosecutor's office

The writers were questioned based on religious topic headings in the user contribution-based "Sour Dictionary", which aims to entertain rather than give correct definitions.

Jordan

IFJ urges review of press law after minister's resignation

Former minister Taher Adwan said he opposed repressive laws being debated by Parliament and called for press freedom to enable credible political reforms.

Yemen

New Zealand journalist detained

Glen Johnson, a freelancer who was investigating a people-smuggling ring, is being held for allegedly entering the country illegally from Djibouti.

Nepal

Editor receives death threat after writing story about irregularities in export trade

Uday Singh Shrestha received a death threat from a trader who said the story jeopardised his business.

Somalia

Militias shut two radio stations

"Armed groups on all sides of the conflict must stop using the media as pawns," said CPJ.

Yemen

Human Rights Watch calls for probe into deadly attack on marchers

One person was killed and 11 others wounded when troops fired on a funeral march in which members of a group that opposes President Saleh's regime participated.

Indonesia

Former "Playboy" editor freed after eight months in prison on indecency charge

Erwin Arnada was jailed as a result of pressure from Front Pembela Islam (Front of Islamic Defenders), which objected to the magazine's publishing of photos of a bikini-clad model.

Uganda

Television journalist assaulted, detained by police

An eyewitness said Kigongo Ssebalamu was assaulted by a group of police officers after he refused to stop filming a village meeting.

Brazil

Blogger and politician Ednaldo Figueira gunned down, motive unclear

The tensions in the town where Figueira was shot suggest that politics may have been the motive, but keeping a blog and discussing corruption are also risky, says RSF.

Venezuela

Armed men chase photographer, attempt to seize his camera

A group of armed men on motorbikes pursued César Pérez and attempted to seize his camera when he was covering the alleged kidnapping of a regional government representative.

Turkey

Prison administrators order "withdrawal of communications" after political prisoners celebrate Labour Day

An order for the punishment of 63 prisoners at the Sincan No. 1 F Type Prison in Ankara was issued after they celebrated Labour Day by marching and chanting slogans.

Namibia

MISA condemns suspension of "Informante" newspaper journalist

Brigitte Weidlich was suspended without pay after writing a story about the termination of an agreement between the company that owns "Informante" and another company.

Senegal

Human rights activists brutally attacked during demonstration

Following the attack on Alioune Tine and Oumar Diallo, Human Rights Watch calls for the government to allow peaceful demonstrations and end threats against activists.

China

Amid prison releases, journalist's sentence extended

A second prison sentence was handed down to freelance journalist Qi Chonghuai just days before the end of his term.

The Gambia

Missing former minister found, treason charges laid against him and three others

Amadou Scattered Janneh and three others have been charged with treason for allegedly distributing materials demanding an end to the rule of President Yahya Jammeh.

Syria

Authorities urged to produce evidence that jailed blogger is alive and well

Reports questioning whether Tal al-Mallohi is alive emerged after Khalid al-Khalaf, a human rights defender, stated that a "sympathetic Syrian judge" had said the blogger had died in prison.

Malaysia

Blogger on migrant workers' treatment faces company's defamation claim

Charles Hector is facing a US$3.3 million suit for his criticisms of the treatment of Burmese migrant workers at a Japanese company's facility.

Ecuador

President requests more than 150 reports about directors and feature writer in connection with lawsuit against newspaper

According to an expert in jurisprudence, some of the information included in the request is not relevant to the lawsuit, calling into question the legitimacy of the request.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Opposition journalist suffers machete attack

JED is stunned by the authorities' silence almost one week after the attack on Baby Balukuna, which is sadly emblematic of the climate of political intolerance that has taken hold in the country in the run up to presidential elections.

Middle East and North Africa

Irish journalist deported from Bahrain; reporter kidnapped in Yemen

Finian Cunningham, who has been living in Bahrain for years, was "invited to leave" by the state authorities.

Tajikistan

Call for improvements to draft mass media law

ARTICLE 19 welcomed the government's efforts to amend the law but noted that the current text needs significant revision to comply with international freedom of expression standards.

Yemen

IFJ warns official media management over plans to sack journalists

The Yemeni TV board reportedly instructed the managing director to take disciplinary measures, including dismissals, against media personnel suspected of supporting the protests.

China

Journalists and Internet users face retribution

Online journalist and activist Wang Yuqin was punished with two weeks' detention after she appealed for medical treatment for her detained husband Yang Qiuyu, also an online journalist and activist.

Venezuela

Regional newspaper journalists threatened and assaulted

Journalists from the "Correo del Caroní" newspaper have been subjected to insults, attacks and threats while covering violent incidents at a state-owned company's facilities.

Guinea

Newspaper suspended for criticising the country's ombudsman

"Le Défi" had condemned General Facinet Touré and demanded his removal from the position of ombudsman over his alleged recent divisive statements against the Peulh ethnic group.

Brazil

Supreme Court defends right to freedom of expression

ARTICLE 19 welcomes a Supreme Court ruling that upholds the right of citizens to disseminate controversial ideas about the decriminalisation of marijuana.

Sudan

More journalists hounded, prosecuted for covering human rights violations

According to RSF, around 10 journalists and media contributors have received court summonses or have been the subject of judicial investigations that are almost certainly the result of complaints brought by the security forces.

Philippines

Supreme Court allows live coverage of Ampatuan massacre trial

Court Administrator Marquez said it was the first time the Supreme Court had granted a media request for live coverage of a court trial.

Uzbekistan

Call for release of ailing rights defender

Norboi Kholjigitov is a longstanding member of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, who defended farmers' rights in the Samarkand province, helping farmers fight expropriation of their farms.

Lebanon / Iran

Authorities ban Iranian documentary from Lebanese film festival

"Green Days", a documentary on the 2009 protests in Iran, was scheduled to screen as part of the "Banned Movies Festival" in Lebanon.

Pakistan

Camera operator detained and assaulted by police in Lahore

Waheed Butt was detained and assaulted by police as he was filming the arrest of a 12-year-old boy.

Ukraine

State media journalists complain of rise in censorship

The editorial offices of several state-affiliated media outlets have reportedly received directives listing events that should and should not be covered.

Kenya

Hospital staff said to attack journalist

Abdi Hassan Hussein told CPJ he had visited the hospital with three colleagues to investigate complaints from patients.

Vietnam

Press decree part of crackdown on freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19's key concerns with the decree include unnecessary restrictions placed on journalists, media workers and bloggers, which further undermine media freedom.

Sierra Leone

Police arrest two suspects in murder of newspaper journalist

The two arrested men, Victor Haffman, headman of Kossoh town, and Musa Samura, a police constable, are expected to soon appear in court.

Palestine / Israel

Israeli Occupation Forces detain camera operator, interrupt filming

While filming officers detaining students, Moáyad Alashkar was approached by an officer who confiscated his camera, and identification.

Egypt

Teachers arrested at sit-in acquitted

According to ANHRI, "The acquittal proved that the law criminalising sit-ins is unfair, and that a peaceful sit-in is a legal way to express opinions."

Iraq

Camera operator killed in suicide bombing

Alwan al-Ghorabi died in the southern city of Diwaniyya when a car bomb exploded in the city center.

China

Reports of Health Ministry media blacklist create concerns among journalists

The director of the China Health Education Center reportedly said the list is designed to prevent the public being misled with malicious information.

China

Censorship risks fueling public unrest, says IFJ

"Depriving people of accurate and up-to-date information about public unrest risks placing members of the public in harm's way," IFJ noted.

Nepal

Police raid radio station in search for journalist's attacker

The police had received information that the prime suspect in the attack on journalist Khilanath Dhakal was being interviewed at Saptakoshi FM.

Bahrain

Extraordinary tribunal sentences bloggers to life

Among the 21 men convicted are two bloggers, Abduljalil Alsingace and Ali Abdel Imam, as well as prominent human rights activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja.

China

Ai Weiwei released from detention in Beijing

PEN American Center urged the government to restore the artist's full rights to speak and create.

Philippines

Murder complaint against two former governors, four others dismissed

A panel of public prosecutors found probable cause to file murder charges against the person who allegedly hired the gunman and his accomplices in the killing of broadcaster Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega.

Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)

Photojournalist shot in Northern Ireland violence

"It is vital that the perpetrators of such violence be brought to justice, so that we don't have an environment in which people feel that they can get away with this kind of act," states IPI.

Zimbabwe

Newspaper offices ransacked

"We suspect the break-in was intended to spy on us and intimidate us from carrying out our duties," the paper's acting editor said.

Equatorial Guinea

Authorities delete German TV crew's footage

The journalists and their fixer were held for five hours while authorities deleted any footage deemed to show in the country in a bad light, including an interview with an opposition leader and pictures of children playing in slums.

Peru

University students attack and threaten journalist

The students threatened to retaliate against Ángel Montenegro Guanilo if he continued criticising the university students' actions.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper editor attacked by ruling party militants

The editor believes his ordeal is related to his newspaper's recent articles about the Ministry of Health.

Jordan

Offices of Agence France Presse attacked in Amman

Some 300 Jordanians demanded the bureau's closure after the release of a news report saying that the king's motorcade had been attacked during his visit to the southern governorate of Tafileh.

Middle East and North Africa

Crackdown continues in Bahrain; Libyan camera operator released

Regime officials have reportedly taken over the Facebook and Twitter pages of Rasad News, a major source of news about human rights violations in Bahrain, and are posting anti-protest and pro-regime material.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist gunned down steps away from his home

The killing of Kambale Musonia brings the tally of journalists killed to six since 2007.

Ethiopia / China

EFJA urges China to stop complicity in jamming Ethiopian satellite TV transmissions

The Chinese government must realise that collaborating with African tyrants and exporting tools of repression to countries like Ethiopia is an inexcusable act that will further tarnish its image as a sponsor of oppression, EFJA said.

Venezuela

Armed youngsters attack and threaten journalists

Naiyelis Garcés and Jesús Bastidas, of the newspaper "De Frente", were attacked by about 50 young people who burst into a public university in the state of Barinas in western Venezuela.

South Africa

Concerns mount about parliament's rush to pass Protection of Information Bill

Former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils noted that the bill "will undermine public trust in the intelligence and security services at a time when confidence needs to be built".

Namibia

Reporter fined for alleged biased reporting

The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation's Rundu-based reporter Wilfred Nyambe was fined N$2,000 (approx. US$295) by the Hambukushu Traditional Authority for allegedly reporting a biased story about the traditional authority.

Sri Lanka

Tamil journalist bound, shot, during civil war

Video footage of the journalist apparently executed in the final stages of Sri Lanka's bloody civil war underscores the need for an urgent international inquiry, says CPJ.

Pakistan

Journalist arrested, threatened by police in Quetta

Jamal Tarakai is apparently being targeted because of evidence he presented to a tribunal regarding an incident involving the security forces firing on five Chechens.

Mongolia

ARTICLE 19 welcomes adoption of freedom of information law

The adoption of the Law on Information Transparency and Freedom of Information is an important milestone for enhancing public participation and government transparency, ARTICLE 19 said.

Pakistan

"Guardian" journalist assaulted by police

Waqar Kiani was attacked five days after a news report was published in "The Guardian" about abduction and torture by suspected Pakistani intelligence agents in July 2008 in Islamabad.

Mexico

Journalist and his family killed in Veracruz

Miguel Ángel López Velasco was known for his investigations into drugtrafficking in the 1990s; his son Misael had begun a career as a photographer.

Pakistan

Union wins government backing for murder inquiry

The government said it would appoint a Supreme Court judge to lead the inquiry into the murder of journalist Syed Saleem Shahzad.

Angola

Army generals launch lawsuit against editor

William Tonet, editor and owner of the "Folha 8" weekly, appeared before a court on charges related to an article published in 2008.

Pakistan

Injured journalist dies of blast wounds

Shafiullah Khan, a young trainee reporter at "The News", succumbed to critical wounds he received a week earlier during two deadly blasts that ripped through the military cantonment's Khyber Supermarket, in Peshawar.

United States

State of Florida urged to reconsider media restriction measure

RSF called on Florida Governor Rick Scott to urgently withdraw or amend a measure curbing access to details of murders.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Private television network raided by militia members linked to provincial governor

Recent incidents in Lubumbashi resulted in the raid on JUA TV and an assault on its journalists, leaving two severely injured.

Brazil

IAPA concerned over Senate actions that could slow or result in the shelving of access to public information bill

According to the institutional relations minister, President Dilma Rousseff is sympathetic to calls for unending protections to be maintained on confidential information.

Mauritania / United Arab Emirates

ANHRI condemns blocking of newspaper's website after UAE intervention

The website of "El Badil Al Thalith" was blocked as a result of pressure from Emirati authorities on the hosting company after it published a series of articles criticising Arab leaders.

Venezuela

Television station taken off the air, radio programme cancelled allegedly on mayor's orders

According to personnel affected by the actions, Pedraza TV and the "Contrapunto" radio programme were taken off the air due to pressure exerted by the mayor of Pedraza.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Group of journalists threatened while attempting to cover funeral procession

Two civilians approached Vladimir Mitric, a journalist for the Belgrade-based "Vecernje Novosti", who is stationed in Loznica in Western Serbia, and threatened to come to his home town and kill him.

Yemen

ANHRI condemns storming of "Al-Adwaa" newspaper headquarters, hacker attack on website

Gunmen stormed the headquarters of the newspaper, which has taken a stance against the policies of President Ali Abdullah Saleh's regime.

Turkey

Human rights defender receives death threat from Turkish Revenge Brigade

While the TIT has threatened Baskin Oran four times so far, the lecturer at the Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences has also received countless threats from so-called "sensitive citizens".

Pakistan

Seven journalists injured in attack by students during protests

Ayaz Ali Sheikh, Iqrar, Zafar Iqbal, Zafarul Islam, Suhail Qureshi, Tariq Nazir Chaudhry and Shahzad Anwar were attacked by students and sustained injuries; two of the journalists were rushed to the hospital.

Turkey

Court orders seizure of magazine, suspension of publication

The magazine, which began publishing in April, has already been suspended twice before.

Ecuador

President calls for sanctions against journalists who commit errors

Correa said the press is carrying out a systematic campaign against him, but that the National Assembly is in the process of crafting the Communication Law, which will play a "key" part in curbing what he calls "the corrupt press".

Azerbaijan

IRFS employee, American journalist beaten in Baku

Celia Davies and Amanda Erickson had earlier noticed four men watching them. The men apparently followed them home, where they then held them down and proceeded to beat them, without explanation.

Tajikistan

BBC correspondent detained on extremism charges

The BBC World Service denies allegations that Urinboy Usmonov belongs to the banned Islamic group Hizb-ut-Tahrir.

Peru

Court revokes ruling that had exonerated radio station director

Aurora Doraliza Burgos de Flores, director of La Voz de Bagua, is facing accusations in connection with the station's coverage of riots in June 2009.

Bahrain

Three activists released after arrest at UN building

Zaynab Alkhawaja, Asma Darwish and Sausan Jawad were released after being arrested and detained by Bahraini police while carrying out a protest at a UN office.

Russia

Human rights defender acquitted

The slander case stemmed from Oleg Orlov's statement suggesting that Chechnya's leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, was responsible for the murder of the human rights advocate Natalia Estemirova in July 2009.

Sudan

ANHRI condemns attack on Al Jazeera team in South Kordofan

The Al Jazeera team was heading to Deling city in South Kordofan to cover news when they were stopped by local soldiers at a checkpoint.

South Africa

Journalists' organisation condemns government's plan to bribe newspapers

According to a press release issued by SANEF, the Cabinet approved a plan that would involve bribing newspapers into publishing only the government's view of news and affairs.

Turkey

"Azadiya Welat" newspaper suspended over alleged PKK support; newspaper distributor sentenced

Police raided the daily's printing house in Diyarbakir on 13 June; by the afternoon, printing of the newspaper had stopped and nine "Azadiya Welat" employees were in prison.

Ghana

National security officials raid movie distribution company, seize copies of film

The movie was suspected of discrediting President John Evans Atta Mills.

Syria

Keep supporting the real bloggers who are taking real risks to inform, says RSF

In a 12 June post, Tom MacMaster, an American student based in Scotland, admitted to having been the sole author of "A Gay Girl in Damascus," a blog in which he pretended to be Amina Abdallah, a young woman with US and Syrian dual nationality.

Iraq

New concerns over bill proposing creation of media council in Iraqi Kurdistan

While applauding the government's professed desire to encourage media diversity and respect for freedom of expression, RSF is of the view that, in its present form, the proposed law would not help achieve these goals.

Peru

Journalists request protection after being targeted by Áncash regional president

Journalist Miguel Alcántara was assaulted while he was covering a protest outside the regional president's house by neighbours who had not been paid for some public work.

Sri Lanka

FMM condemns arrest of journalist, two others by Borella Police

The journalist and her friends were putting up posters advertising an open forum to discuss several contentious issues.

Iran

Journalists remain in government's crosshairs with arrests, sentences and death of an editor while in custody

Hoda Saber died after suffering a heart attack, Kavyan Mehregan was arrested at Saber's funeral, while bloggers Sakhi Rigi and Hossein Derakhshan were sentenced to 20 and 19 and a half years in prison, respectively.

Rwanda

Glimmer of hope as Cabinet approves Access to Information Bill

The bill seeks to entrench the practice of transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

Swaziland

MISA applauds registration of Media Complaints Commission

The media self-regulatory framework was set up to deal with media complaints and to build a better relationship between the media and the public.

United Arab Emirates

Call for end to trial of five pro-democracy activists

The charges of "humiliating" top officials relate solely to the defendants' peaceful use of speech to criticise the UAE government and therefore violate their freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said.

Philippines

Broadcaster claims governor attacked him

Jerome Tabanganay plans to file charges against the governor of Kalinga province for allegedly attacking and threatening to kill him.

Mexico

Another journalist's body found

Pablo Ruelas Barraza was apparently executed by two gunmen who first tried to kidnap him.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper journalist stabbed to death

Ibrahim Foday's death may be linked to a series of articles he published on an ongoing land dispute between the towns of Grafton and Kossoh.

Kuwait

Blogger detained for criticising Saudi and Bahraini governments on Twitter

Authorities accused Nasser Abul of insulting allied countries, offending the prince, and exposing national unity to danger.

Uganda

Radio talk show hosts questioned after opposition leader appears on show

Charles Mwanguhya Mpagi who hosts KFM's "Hot seat" and his co-host Bernard Tabaire were interrogated at the Naguru Special Investigation Unit.

Djibouti

Six contributors to opposition radio station held in Gabode prison for past four months

The journalists are charged with "participating in an insurrectional movement", which carries a maximum 15-year sentence.

China

Hu Jia's wife threatened with eviction as harassment campaign continues

Zeng Jinyan is threatened with eviction from her Shenzhen home, where she moved with her daughter in April 2011 following ongoing harassment and surveillance by police who were stationed outside her Beijing apartment.

Guinea

Three journalists suspended for their alleged support of opposition party

Ibrahima Ahmed Barry, Louise Sanoussi, and Ciré Dieng, all journalists with the state-owned broadcaster RTG, were suspended indefinitely for allegedly having sympathies for the Union of Democratic Forces of Guinea.

Bahrain

Military tribunal tries opposition politicians and defense lawyer, convicts peaceful protesters

(Human Rights Watch/IFEX) - Beirut, June 14, 2011 - Bahraini authorities should immediately halt all proceedings before the special military court and free everyone held solely for exercising their rights to free speech and peaceful assembly, Human Rights Watch said today. Civilians charged with genuine criminal offenses should be tried in an independent civilian court that meets international fair trial standards, Human Rights Watch said.

Colombia

Supreme Court's decision on criminal defamation undermines free speech, says ARTICLE 19

The court found that the crimes of defamation and slander are not in disaccord with the country's Constitution and its international obligations under human rights treaties.

Nepal

Journalist receives death threat; newspaper offices vandalised; copies of dailies burned

Bijay Chauhan, the publisher of the daily "Ankush", received a death threat in connection with a story about transactions involving counterfeit Indian currency.

Turkey

Journalist sentenced to over a month in prison for publishing statement by PKK leader

According to the convicted journalist, Ercan Atay, "The prison sentences handed down by the courts are meant to intimidate journalists."

Guatemala

RSF expresses serious doubts about abduction charge against detained journalist

Vasni Vásquez, who has been held in detention for two months, described the actions against him as an "attempt to intimidate the press."

Burma

Over 175 publications free to publish without prior approval

A newly announced policy will allow 178 journals and magazines, in six categories, to publish stories without prior submission to the censorship board for approval.

Mexico

Reporter goes missing in Guerrero

"Novedades" newspaper editor Marco Antonio López Ortiz was abducted by a group of unidentified individuals and his whereabouts are unknown.

Nepal

Freedom Forum welcomes life imprisonment ruling for killers of journalist Uma Singh

Singh, a radio journalist who reported mainly on women's rights issues and spoke out against the dowry system, was hacked to death in January 2009 in Janakpur.

Philippines

Radio commentator killed in Camarines Sur

Romeo Olea often discussed issues relating to the governance of Iriga City on the commentary and news editorial programme he anchored.

Syria

Crackdown on dissent continues in spite of selective presidential amnesty

According to WiPC information, several writers arrested in the recent crackdown on anti-government protests were reported to have been released as part of a presidential amnesty.

Pakistan

Pakistani journalists receive threats after covering controversial killings

Abdul Salam Soomro and Jamal Tarakey captured images of apparent military violence against unarmed foreigners and a local man being threatened, their colleagues told CPJ.

Russia

Activists targeted on eve of EU Summit

"EU leaders should make it clear they won't tolerate threatening activists for their legitimate human rights work," says Human Rights Watch.

Kazakhstan

Link to victim's work ignored in trial of Kyrgyz journalist's accused killers

"Justice will not be done without further investigation into the possibility that the murder was linked to the victim's professional and political activities," RSF said.

Morocco

Casablanca court sentences newspaper editor to one year in prison

Rachid Nini, who has been detained since 28 April, was tried on charges of disinformation and attacking state institutions, public figures and the "security and integrity of the nation and citizens".

India

Shock and outrage at murder of senior journalist in Mumbai

Jyotirmoy Dey, a veteran of the crime beat in Mumbai, recently published several exclusive reports that may have earned the ire of powerful organised crime syndicates.

Mexico

IAPA asks authorities to show more political will to end impunity

The organisation called on federal and state governments to put more effort into resolving cases involving the murders of journalists in Baja California, Coahuila and Veracruz.

Kosovo (Serbia)

ANEM condemns attack on Radio Kontakt Plus journalist

Zeljko Tvrdisic was assaulted while reporting on the demolition of illegally constructed buildings in Kosovska Mitrovica.

Côte d'Ivoire

Pro-Gbagbo journalist kidnapped, released

Serge Grah was abducted by six armed men believed to be elements of the Côte d'Ivoire Republican Forces (FRCI) loyal to President Alassane Ouattara.

Pakistan

Journalist killed, eight others injured in Peshawar blasts

Journalist Asfandyar Abid Naveed was killed and eight others were injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives at the Khyber Supermarket in Peshawar.

Egypt

Journalist fined after publishing article about worker safety issue at factory

Ahmed El Gamal was fined for insult and libel after publishing an interview with a prominent labour leader about safety issues at a paint factory.

Ukraine

"Stop Censorship" movement prevented from holding rally

IMI was unconvinced by the court's argument that the anti-censorship rally may have resulted in a public disturbance.

The Gambia

Former minister missing following arrest by security agents

Amadou Janneh recently gave lectures on a wide range of issues in The Gambia, and had notably condemned the frequent disappearances in the country and the blocking of online news sites.

Egypt

ANHRI voices concern over military role in new media council following TV programme's suspension

The National Media Council was set up to replace the Egyptian Radio and Television Union, with Tarek El Mahdi, a military general, as its head.

France / Israel

French judge dismisses journalist's complaint against Israeli military

Jacques-Marie Bourget was seriously injured while covering the Second Intifada in October 2000, sustaining a gunshot wound that was operated on locally after the Israeli military refused to transfer him.

Vietnam

IPA condemns detention, ongoing harassment of Freedom to Publish awardee

Bui Chat was again temporarily detained on 5 and 6 June 2011, the day he was invited to attend the Swedish National Day Celebrations at the invitation of the Swedish Embassy.

Central African Republic

Journalist detained despite decriminalisation of press law offences

Faustin Bambou is charged with "inciting violence and hatred" following publication of several articles about embezzlement.

Afghanistan

Religious threat to media intensifies

"Hasht-e-Subh" daily and Tolo Television were criticised for "immorality" and "animosity against Islam", according to media owners.

Russia

Human rights defender attacked near residence, injured

The beating by unidentified men on the stairway of his Moscow apartment building was the second recent attack on Hamroev, a longtime human rights defender who works on issues related to Central Asia and Islam with the Memorial Human Rights Center.

Tunisia

Call for release of would-be whistle-blower police officer

In a letter, Samir Feriani named high-level interior ministry officials whom he said bore responsibility for killing protesters during the revolution.

Ecuador

Journalist harassed, threatened by unknown individuals

Iván Quezada believes he is being targeted because of his investigations and opinions expressed on his radio programme.

Bangladesh

Nine journalists attacked in two separate incidents

Photographers and TV crews, who are more visible because of their equipment, are often exposed to violence by political party supporters.

United Arab Emirates

ANHRI condemns blogger's extended detention

Ahmed Mansour has been illegally detained since he was picked up by secret police in April 2011.

Argentina

Journalist's son eludes kidnap attempt

Sergio Schneider believes the incident is related to his professional activities, as he had recently received threats.

Iran

Imprisoned journalists subjected to abuse

Prison, security, and judicial officials regularly harm and punish journalists who demand their rights or shed light on rampant prison abuse, according to CPJ research.

Syria

Woman blogger abducted in continuing crackdown on coverage of protests

Amina Arraf, who blogs under the name of Amina Abdalla and who holds dual US and Syrian citizenship, was kidnapped by three gunmen as she was going to a meeting in Damascus.

Russia

WAN-IFRA welcomes reopening of printing house

The weekly "Krestyanin" won a court hearing to reopen the printing house and printing presses, averting a financial crisis that would have threatened the paper's existence.

Colombia

Provincial journalist escapes being doused in gasoline

Mario Esteban López Ortega, known for his criticism of local authorities, escaped an assassination attempt after he was abducted in the city of Ipiales.

Mexico

Authorities urged to investigate raid on Juarez human rights organisation

Staff of the organisation told Human Rights Watch that they saw the raid as retribution and harassment for documenting cases of alleged abuse by federal police.

Sudan

Journalists who report on rape and torture charged with crimes

"Rather than address the systematic failures that enable torture and rape, the Sudanese government has chosen to subject journalists who cover them to politicised legal proceedings," said CPJ.

Nepal

Journalist brutally assaulted by members of ruling party's youth wing

Members of the Youth Force were angered by the journalist's coverage of an attack by the group on a police team.

The Gambia

Dismissed state TV journalist arrested, charged

Dodou Sanneh was illegally detained for three days at Banjul police headquarters and later arraigned and charged before the Banjul Magistrates' Court.

Egypt

Newspaper's website hacked, reporter and cartoonist accused of "defaming Islam"

Members of the Salafist movement were angered by a cartoon that mocked individuals who hide behind religion for personal and political gain.

Philippines

Cotabato City-based reporter threatened with death

In an interview, Vern Simon told CMFR that while he believes the threat may be due to his work as a journalist, he could not think of any specific reason for which he might be targeted.

Peru

IPYS denounces access to information breach as TV stations fail to broadcast public service announcement

The public service announcement was aimed at informing the public about the infringement of women's reproductive rights under the former Fujimori government.

Guinea

Soldiers raid newspaper office, threaten publisher; presidential security officers assault TV journalist, destroy equipment

The raid on "L'Indépendant-le Démocrate" followed the publication of an article in which the paper alleged that President Condé had doubled the soldiers' salaries.

Nigeria

Freedom of Information Act: A ray of hope for democracy, says ARTICLE 19

After a decade of consistent and fearless advocacy by civil society and media practitioners, the president has acceded to the legitimate demands and aspirations of the people by signing the long-awaited right to information law.

Bahrain

Student faces trial for reciting poems during protest

Ayat Al Cormozy was arrested in March and detained in an undisclosed location until her indictment in early June.

Sri Lanka

FMM condemns attack on "Uthayan" journalist

S. Kavitharan had written critical reports about the security situation in Jaffna and the activities of pro-government paramilitary groups.

Liberia

Journalists forcibly removed from House Chamber, equipment seized

A member of the House of Representatives was angered when journalist Roland Perry took his photograph without asking permission.

Turkey

Journalist attacked while covering prime minister's visit to Diyarbakir

Ahmet Yukus was trying to take photographs when he was assaulted by individuals he believes were the prime minister's bodyguards.

Ghana

Police detain Ivorian journalist

Gooré Bi Hué had gone to the Ivorian Refugee Camp in Elubo, a border town in Ghana, to prepare a report, when he was assaulted and detained by local police.

Ecuador

Government media outlets attempt to link founder and owner of newspaper to corrupt businesses

The state-owned newspaper "El Telégrafo" has been publishing articles attempting to link the Pérez family, owners of "El Universo", to the construction of the Guayaquil bus terminal three decades ago.

Rwanda

Exiled journalist gets 30-month prison sentence

Jean Bosco Gasasira risks arrest if he returns to his country.

Syria

Freedom House condemns latest attacks on protesters, shutdown of Internet

Security forces opened fire on demonstrators in Hama, killing at least 40, according to Syrian human rights observers.

Liberia

Sports reporter beaten by footballers

Roland Mulbah had to be rushed to hospital by his colleagues after suffering severe pain from the assault by the Lone Star players.

Guatemala

Environmental issues reporter receives threats

Eduardo Villatoro has been receiving threats that appear to be linked to articles he wrote about resource exploitation and the construction of a liquid gas storage plant.

Angola

Journalist beaten and arrested

Koqui Mukuta was reporting on a peaceful anti-governement demonstration when he was dragged into a police vehicle and taken away.

Uganda

Journalist released on bail after brief detention

Timothy Kalyegira was released on bail after pleading not guilty to a charge of having defamed President Yoweri Museveni.

Mexico

Missing journalist found dead

Noel López Olguín's body was found after a drug gang leader arrested by the Mexican army confessed to killing the journalist.

Russia

Suspected gunman indicted in Anna Politkovskaya's murder

Rustam Makhmudov, the suspected gunman in the 2006 murder of the investigative journalist, was indicted in Moscow, according to Russian press reports.

Turkey

Journalist sentenced to 20 months under anti-terror law

Irmak Saader was found guilty of "making propaganda for the PKK" in connection with a number of articles and news items he had published.

Belarus

Russian journalist deported and banned from reentering country

Police in Minsk detained Rodion Marinichev after he interviewed Irina Khalip, a prominent Belarusian journalist who had been handed a suspended two year prison term then was deported from Belarus.

Cuba

Six dissidents sentenced in summary trials

Four people have been sentenced in Havana for distributing pamphlets criticising Raúl and Fidel Castro, while two human rights defenders have been sentenced for "insulting national symbols" and "disorder" for public acts that they denied had taken place.

Europe and Central Asia

IPI calls for respect for public broadcasters in south, central and east Europe

Public broadcasters often tend to be used as government mouthpieces rather than as sources of information for the public at large, IPI said.

Nepal

Suspects in journalist's killing sentenced to life imprisonment

With the court decision, a bold step has been taken by the state authority to put an end to the culture of impunity in the country and promote press freedom, said Freedom Forum.

Philippines

IFJ welcomes arraignment of key Ampatuan massacre suspects

The IFJ remains concerned, however, that another 21 suspects have yet to be arraigned, including five other members of the Ampatuan clan, who are accused of plotting the massacre.

Iraq

Protest organisers beaten, detained

Several activists in the capital told Human Rights Watch that they believed that the increased security and recent arrests were an attempt to head off reinvigoration of public protests, amid efforts by various small protest groups to work together.

Egypt

Journalists, judges under martial investigation for criticising military council

Blogger Hosam El Hamlawi had called for an investigation into violations of detainees' rights by the military police.

Middle East

Attacks on journalists and the media in Iraq and Yemen, two bloggers freed in Saudi Arabia

The authorities are resorting to every kind of method to censor the news, including physical attacks, lawsuits and raids on news media offices, according to RSF.

Peru

Photojournalist assaulted by party official; hospital guard attacks several journalists

Miguel Mejía was trying to corroborate allegations that medical prescriptions being handed out to low-income citizens had an image of presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori printed on them.

Nepal

Freedom Forum condemns spate of attacks on the press

In one incident, a police official assaulted a group of journalists who were reporting on the abduction of an American citizen.

Ethiopia

Ghanaian journalists prevented from covering African Union Summit

Cameras belonging to the state-owned Ghana Television (GTV) and privately-owned Television 3 (TV3) were seized by officials who claimed the group had no permit to send "professional video cameras" into the country.

Mexico

IAPA protests attack on paper, calls on authorities to ensure safety

Unidentified persons threw a hand grenade at the "Vanguardia" newspaper plant in Coahuila state, damaging the building.

Burkina Faso

Radio host suspended for attending opposition meeting

Sam K. Le Jah's suspension coincided with his attending a meeting organised by an opposition political party demanding the resignation of President Compaoré.

Bahrain

France 24 correspondent tortured for covering pro-democracy demonstrations

RSF accounts Nazeeha Saeed's ordeal while in detention.

Dominican Republic

Judge jails TV host after defamation trial opens

TV presenter José Agustín Silvestre de los Santos, also known as "Gajo," was arrested on a judge's order when he appeared in court at the start of his trial on a criminal defamation charge.

Russia

Court suspends private weekly's printing house for 90 days

WAN-IFRA is concerned that the closure is politically motivated and part of a campaign by local officials to silence critical voices in the run-up to elections.

Uganda

Police storm printing press

The police raided and searched the premises of Prime General Supply, which prints the "Ggwanga" paper, hours after the paper's offices were raided.

Moldova

Transport minister files lawsuit against two media outlets

"Unimedia" and "Timpul de dimineata" are being sued in connection with a report on a conflict between the Ministry of Transport and an airline company.

Philippines

IFJ rejects dismissal of journalists' complaint

In addition to dismissing the journalists' complaint, the prosecutors also questioned the legitimacy of the four men's status as media workers, calling them "guns for hire".

China

Blanket bans cloak reports of deaths, protests and explosions

Bloggers were unable to discuss the death of an activist in chat rooms and on other social networking services and media barely reported the incident or its aftermath.

The Gambia

Court exonerates sports presenter in criminal suit

Bakary B. Baldeh was exonerated on a criminal charge brought against him after he hosted two golf workers on his radio programme.

Pakistan

Body of missing journalist found with torture marks

Syed Saleem Shahzad was abducted while on his way to participate in a television talk show to discuss an investigative report.

United States

Congress fails to protect reader privacy again

Congress has decided to re-authorise the expiring provisions of the USA Patriot Act for four years without restoring safeguards protecting the privacy of bookstore and library records.

Uzbekistan

Activist fined, ordered to apologise to community organisation

Tatyana Dovlatova had assisted Russian journalists in the preparation of a news item on the life of Russian people in the former Soviet Republics, which had angered the Uzbek authorities.

Namibia

Football association head assaults journalist

Andreas Novotny, a freelance journalist, was punched by NFA Secretary General Barry Rukoro after he insisted on getting questions answered by the soccer official.

Saudi Arabia

Authorities block online forum expressing support for detained activist

The authorities blocked a blog by Omaima Al Najjar after she expressed support for a woman activist detained for driving and posting information on her experience on the Internet.

Yemen

Security forces storm Al Horriya Square, killing at least 20 demonstrators

Forces used tanks and armored vehicles in the attack, torching the tents of the protesters and detaining hundreds of them, including 37 wounded who were being treated in a field hospital.

Sudan

Media freedom worsens steadily in south, old problems recur in north

Mohammed Arku was arrested by South Sudan's security services for taking photos without government permission, although the area where he was arrested is not a militarised one.

Colombia

Journalist targeted by hired assassins

Héctor Rodríguez Castro believes the attack may be linked to his reporting on the interference by FARC guerillas in municipal elections or his exposés on local corruption.

Bahrain

Internet "the biggest victim" in authorities' war on freedom, says ANHRI

The move to block the Al-Qudus Al-Arabi news website is only the latest in a series of measures taken to suppress general freedoms in the kingdom in the wake of peaceful protests that began in February.

Indonesia

Million-dollar defamation award to Suharto's son a setback for free expression, says ARTICLE 19

The youngest son of former president Suharto was awarded damages for a magazine article which described him as a "convicted murderer".

Singapore

Appeals court upholds ruling against government critic

The court's decision to uphold Alan Shadrake's contempt of court sentence for "scandalising the judiciary" is a major setback for free expression and the charges should be dropped, Human Rights Watch said.

Peru

Journalist threatened after criticising presidential candidate; Gana Perú party supporters assault reporters

TV journalist Elvis Italo Guillermo Espinoza believes that the threats he has received are linked to his criticism of presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori.

Georgia

At least a dozen journalists attacked by police dispersing protesters

Journalists were verbally and physically attacked in the ensuing melee, cameras and video cameras were seized or destroyed and some reporters were arrested without justification.

International

Deauville Declaration on the Internet fails to recognise importance of freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19

In asserting that "the exercise of individual rights and responsibility have to be achieved simultaneously", the Declaration ignores the legal obligations that states owe under international human rights treaties, says the organisation.

United States

Department of Justice asks reporter to betray source but spares one of its own whistleblowers

James Risen was served with a subpoena which says he is a witness in the case of a former CIA officer and must reveal his sources to the jury; if he refuses, he could go to prison for contempt of court.

Nepal

Party supporters angered over press coverage, vandalise press vehicle

A group of about 30 CPN-M party cadres smashed the windshield and headlights of a Kantipur Publications vehicle and beat the driver and distributors, according to "The Kathmandu Post".

Nepal

Censor Board move curtails freedom of expression, says Freedom Forum

The Censor Board expressed concerns over some of the scenes and narratives of the film "Khagras" which uses metaphor to criticise the political chaos and curtailment of free expression in the country.

Yemen

Government forces shell TV station, news agency, and online newspaper

"All sides in this conflict must understand that the intentional targeting of journalists and media installations is a serious offense-and potentially a war crime," said CPJ.

Ecuador

Camera operators for state-owned TV station attacked during police operation

Mario Crespo and Felipe Jurado were assaulted while covering a police operation to control the sale of alcoholic drinks in the city of Guayaquil.

Azerbaijan

Journalist Eynulla Fatullayev granted amnesty in honour of 28 May holiday

"This is a great day for press freedom and so many organizations have fought hard over the past several years to secure his release, especially those on the ground in Azerbaijan," IPI said.

Bolivia

Several laws restricting press freedom raise IAPA concern

One of the laws being debated would require media outlets to broadcast every speech by President Evo Morales and another would ban media from conducting interviews or voicing opinions concerning the appointment of judges.

Morocco

Cultural television programme suspended

The decision to suspend the "Masharif" programme may be linked to the fact that a series about the political movement in Morocco and the 20th February Movement has been in the works.

Burma

Five journalists among political prisoners amnestied by government

Many journalists continue to be held in appalling conditions in jails throughout the country however, including 17 from the Democratic Voice of Burma.

Uzbekistan

Embattled reporter prevented from leaving the country

Authorities barred Abdumalik Boboyev from traveling to Germany by denying him the exit visa required for travel outside Uzbekistan.

Philippines

Authorities must investigate bombing of radio station, says IFJ

Jerome Tabanganay, a local announcer who hosts the program Agenda on dzRK, believes the station's reporting on an illegal lottery game known as "jueteng" may be the motivation for the attack.

Uganda

Security forces raid newspaper's offices, detain staff

"The arrest of our colleagues is part of a wider campaign to harass journalists and silence voices who are critical of the government of president Museveni," said HRNJ-Uganda.

Honduras

Newspaper manager shot by unknown assailants

The general manager of "La Tribuna" newspaper, Manuel Acosta Medina, was intercepted on the street as he was heading home.

Argentina

Photographer assaulted by security guards

Julián Herr was taking photographs for a story on food, restaurants and clubs linked to embassies when he was accosted by two men.

Mongolia

Editor held on spurious charges

Chuluunbaatar Dolgor has been indicted for "illegal privatization and serious damage to public property"; if found guilty, he faces 15 years' imprisonment.

Côte d'Ivoire

Opposition press resumes publishing; newspaper executive questioned amid reprisals against pro-Gbagbo media

"Notre Voie", a daily that supports former President Laurent Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), is in newsstands again for the first time since Gbagbo's ouster on 11 April 2011.

Burma

Video coverage of Rangoon regional government press conferences banned

The ban was probably imposed as a result of actions by the Norway-based media group, Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), which broadcast the government's first press conference on 10 May 2011, according to Mizzima News.

Ghana

Four lawyers blacklisted over judicial corruption allegations

At a recent round table discussion, Raymond Atuguba, David Annan, Abraham Amaliba and Larry Bimi gave credence to several research findings claiming the judiciary was one of the most corrupt institutions in the country.

Iraq

Star journalist sued by head of electoral commission

Hashem Hassan is being sued for 1.2 million euros in damages over an article in which he questioned the commission's legitimacy and professionalism and accused it of wasting public funds.

Ecuador

Journalist released

Walter Vite Benítez had been accused of slandering the mayor of Esmeraldas, via comments made on his radio programme.

Guatemala

"Los Zetas" gang allegedly behind threatening messages directed at the press

The threats may be related to the media's coverage of a recent massacre of 29 peasants, believed to have been carried out by the criminal gang.

Vietnam

CJFE condemns continued detention of blogger Nguyen Van Hai

CJFE has urged the government to immediately provide information on the blogger's whereabouts and condition, and allow his family access to him.

Uzbekistan

Dissident freed but unjust conviction intact

Yusuf Jumaev was arrested in the weeks before the December 2007 presidential election after he called for President Karimov's resignation.

Ecuador

Camera operator detained, assaulted by police

José Rivera, of the Teleamazonas TV station, was covering a story outside the offices of the National Electoral Council in Guayaquil.

Venezuela

Authorities attempt to seize warehouse owned by newspaper critical of the government

The officials tried to impound a warehouse which houses a printing press owned by the newspaper "El Nuevo País".

Côte d'Ivoire

One journalist killed, several others in hiding

The bullet-ridden body of Radio Yopougon assistant editor-in-chief Lago Sylvain Gagneto was found among dozens of bodies buried in mass graves in Yopougon, an Abidjan neighborhood.

Bahrain / Yemen

Violent media intimidation in Yemen and Bahrain

In Yemen, journalist Hasaan Saeed Hasaan was recently attacked and repeatedly stabbed by unidentified assailants, while in Bahrain the authorities continue to detain and abuse journalists.

Iraq

Concern over growing effort to silence media in Kurdistan

The Kurdistan Regional Government promised a new era of freedom for Iraqi Kurds, but it seems no more respectful of Kurdish rights to free speech than the government that preceded it, said Human Rights Watch.

Zambia

IPI urges government to stop stalling on self-regulation

Despite recent promises, the government is trying to control the flow of information ahead of elections, IPI says.

China

Journalist sanctioned, activist disappears

The recent sidelining of an outspoken journalist in Guangzhou and the disappearance of a Beijing lawyer and activist known for his blog writings are the latest signs of China's deteriorating press freedom, CPJ said.

Somalia

Offices of journalists' union robbed by armed men, staff threatened

IFJ is concerned about consistent politicised actions against NUSOJ members and its leadership aimed at preventing them from carrying out their legitimate activities.

United Kingdom

Panel review calls for limits on "super-injunctions"

The review, chaired by the most senior civil law judge in the UK, provides new procedures on how to balance open justice and the right to privacy.

Israel / Palestine

Writer and academic detained without charge

Dr Ahmad Qatamesh has been held without charge by Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank since 21 April 2011.

India

Journalist arrested for revealing poor security storage of weapons

Tarakant Dwivedi was arrested by the Government Railway Police and charged with criminal trespass under India's Official Secrets Act.

Russia

Dagestan court acquits "Chernovik" journalists

CPJ welcomes the ruling, which acquitted editor Nadira Isayeva and four reporters with the Makhachkala-based independent weekly of long-standing, politicised extremism charges.

Cyprus

IPI condemns continuing violence against journalists in Northern Cyprus

Journalists reporting on the violent dispersal of a protest in North Nicosia were beaten and their cameras were broken.

Peru

Radio journalist "invited" to step down temporarily; programme host condemns censorship at TV station

Yuri Castro Sánchez was "invited" by the programme director to step down temporarily and return after the elections' second round because of his criticisms of presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori.

Uganda

Court dismisses case against radio journalist

In 2004, Supreme Court Judge J.N. Mulenga declared the law on "publishing false news" unconstitutional, saying it exerted an unacceptable chilling effect on freedom of expression.

Uganda

President identifies news media as "enemies" of the state

President Museveni's remarks come one week after he announced a constitutional amendment that implicitly threatens journalists who cover protests.

Guatemala

Provincial TV journalist found dead

Yensi Roberto Ordoñez Galdámez, a television journalist and teacher, had received threats in relation to his reporting.

France / Uzbekistan

Uzbek president's daughter sues French news website for libel

Lola Karimova was described in a Rue89 article as a "dictator's daughter" who uses charity events to "whitewash her country's image."

Honduras / Venezuela

IAPA angered by journalists' murders, calls for prompt investigations

In Honduras, Luis Mendoza, owner of Canal 24 and a coffee grower, was killed by unidentified masked assailants who intercepted him near the television station.

Turkey

Websites targeted by cyber attacks after supporting anti-censorship demonstrations

More than 10,000 people took part in demonstrations against online censorship that were held in Istanbul and 30 other Turkish cities on 15 May.

China

Journalist faces sacking for editorial endorsing Ai Weiwei

Song Zhibiao, a commentator at "Southern Metropolis Daily", is facing punishment after penning an editorial that obliquely endorsed the actions of detained artist Ai Weiwei.

Libya

IFJ blasts Libya over "cruel" cover up of journalist's killing

Authorities had maintained that photojournalist Anton Hammerl was alive and detained along with three other foreign reporters who were recently released.

Philippines

Radio anchor threatened over commentaries

Jun Albino received the first threat after commenting on the alleged smuggling activities of one Lynard Allan Bigcas.

Mexico

Journalist acquitted after three years in prison; fears for safety

WiPC is alarmed that Jesús Lemus Barajas reportedly fears for his safety to the extent that he is planning to go into exile.

Azerbaijan

Activist sentenced in political trial, beaten in police custody

According to his lawyer, police severely beat Bakhtiar Hajiyev while he was in custody and the Prosecutor's Office failed to investigate the abuse.

Nepal

Journalist threatened in Kanchanpur

An official was angered after news of his involvement in a corruption case and his allegations that the Buddha was corrupt, were reported on ABC Television and the "Janakranti" daily.

Uganda

Four journalists beaten by police, camera confiscated

The journalists were covering the eviction of Lubigi wetland encroachers carried out by police.

Egypt

EOHR calls for immediate release of protesters

The army and police forces used excessive force against individuals who were peacefully demonstrating in front of the Israeli embassy in Giza.

Liberia

Police detain, reportedly assault radio journalist

Franklin Doloque had gone to a school to inquire about pregnant candidates who had been denied the opportunity to write certificate exams.

Chile

Photographer arrested while covering protest against major hydroelectric project

Mapuexpress website staff told RSF that Marcela Rodríguez was mistreated by police.

Australia

Journalist arrested following report on Facebook security flaw

Technology reporter Ben Grubb reported on a Facebook privacy vulnerability test conducted at an Internet security conference which revealed that IT experts were able to access photographs protected by Facebook's privacy settings.

Ecuador

Prosecutor asks for prison sentence and US$1.5 million from journalists and directors of Manabí media group

Prosecutor Gloria Alexandra Bravo Cedeño was angered over the media group's coverage of an allegation that she had received a bribe.

Middle East and North Africa

Iran frees Parvaz, Libya frees four other journalists

Al-Jazeera journalist Homa Dorothy Parvaz, who disappeared on arriving at Damascus airport on 29 April, was reportedly held for "verification" of her passport.

Turkey

Journalist given suspended 10-month sentence

As part of his sentence, Erkan Capraz will be deprived of certain civil rights until his release, including voting or running for office, and managing a foundation, association, union, company, co-operative or political party.

Iraq

Ruling party lawsuit could force independent Kurdish news magazine to close

The lawsuit follows an article which quotes an unnamed senior member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan as evoking the possibility of assassinating three opposition leaders as the only way to end a wave of pro-democracy protests in the region.

United States

Book community urges Congress to restore safeguards for bookstore and library records

The Campaign for Reader Privacy is asking supporters to urge their members of Congress to reject an extension of a Patriot Act provision that gives the government intrusive powers to search library and bookstore records.

Malawi

Photojournalist roughed up at former president's memorial service

Jacob Nankhonya was manhandled by a man identified as Lawrence Mlambwaza who reportedly stopped Nankhonya from taking pictures at the memorial service and attempted to seize his camera.

Burma

Surveillance of media and Internet stepped up under new civilian president

Thein Sein promised to "respect the role of the media" but heavy jail sentences for journalists, the suspension of newspapers and police raids on Internet cafés show that there has been no let-up in controls and intimidation.

Turkey

Journalists attacked in Edirne and Malatya

The journalists in Malatya were attacked while reporting on an event organised by the Republican People's Party.

Tunisia

Draft election decree must protect freedom of expression, cautions ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19's analysis of the decree calls for an improved framework that would fully incorporate relevant international standards on freedom of expression and guarantee respect for freedom of expression and media freedom during the election process.

Nepal

Appointment of new information minister raises concerns for free expression

The newly appointed minister for information and communication, Maoist leader Agni Sapkota, is believed to have committed serious human rights violations.

Moldova

Police arrest two suspects in "fake newspaper" case

The police have identified a network of communication specialists, translators and printers who produced and distributed fake newspapers, reportedly, to manipulate public opinion ahead of local elections.

Venezuela

Journalist assaulted, presumably in retaliation for his critical reports

Manuel Isidro Molina believes the attack may have been prompted by his reports on alleged acts of corruption by government officials and their accomplices.

Cameroon

Human Rights Watch urges government to eliminate law used to entrap for sexual orientation

The arrest, conviction, and sentencing of Roger Jean-Claude Mbede to three years in prison for being homosexual is a gross violation of Mbede's rights to freedom of expression and equality guaranteed by the Cameroonian constitution, Human Rights Watch said.

Bahrain

Five journalists detained

The four photographers who were detained had taken pictures of civil unrest and of the government's violent crackdown.

Israel / Palestine

Photographer injured while covering demonstration

Mohammad Osman was hit with live rounds to the chest and right hand after Israeli soldiers opened fire on demonstrators.

Peru

Journalist sued over comments made on his programme; reporters attacked by presidential candidate's bodyguards

Journalist Hans Andrade Chávez is facing a defamation suit in connection with statements attributed to him by a Chepén municipal official.

Burundi

Online newspaper editor freed after 10 months in detention

Claude Kavumbagu was acquitted on a charge of treason for questioning in an article whether the country would be able to protect itself against a terrorist attack by Somalia's Islamist militia Al-Shabaab.

Uganda

Ten reporters injured by security forces while covering opposition leader's return

The violence was the latest round in a campaign to gag the media that has been waged ever since Museveni's election victory and the start of "walk-to-work" demonstrations.

Kazakhstan

Regional prosecutor refuses to probe threats against critical journalist

Alla Zlobina believes that recent threats and intimidation of her daughter stem from an article she wrote in which she accused regional authorities of being partially responsible for the floods that hit western Kazakhstan in April 2011.

China

Citizen journalists targeted amid ongoing clampdown

Wang Lihong, an activist who posted reports online and regularly provided information to media on the use of violent tactics by government officials, was charged with disrupting public order.

Ghana

Radio journalist harassed, prevented from working

In recent months there have been many cases of national security personnel interfering with journalists reporting on issues involving security agencies, according to MFWA.

Azerbaijan

Court executors inventory property of "Khural" newspaper editor-in-chief

Editor-in-chief Avaz Zeynalli explained to IRFS that the paper is facing financial difficulties and is unable to pay the amount in one instalment.

China

Media memorialising Sichuan earthquake harassed, censored

CPJ interviewed filmmaker Alison Klayman about activists imprisoned for documenting official negligence which contributed to the destruction, including detained artist Ai Weiwei, to mark the anniversary.

Belarus

Irina Khalip handed suspended two-year prison term

The Zavodskoi District Court in Minsk declared the correspondent guilty of "organizing and preparing activities severely disruptive of public order", according to press reports.

Syria

Security forces target activists; families and neighbours detained

"Syria's leaders talk about a war against terrorists, but what we see on the ground is a war against ordinary Syrians - lawyers, human rights activists, and university students - who are calling for democratic changes in their country," said Human Rights Watch.

Indonesia

Journalists denounce draft Intelligence Law as threat to press freedom

A group of organisations have issued a statement raising a number of fundamental flaws in the Intelligence bill.

Kenya / Uganda

Human rights investigator deported

The Clara Gutteridge case fits a trend of silencing critics of counterterrorism abuses, Human Rights Watch said.

Peru

Radio journalist denounces conspiracy against him

Adrián Bruno Silva did not only report on the actions of former mayor Pascual Vílchez Cárcamo, and some of the municipality's officials, but he also presented the cases to the Public Prosecutor in Paita.

Azerbaijan

Three additional suspects identified in Elmar Huseynov murder case

"Azadlig" newspaper alleges that investigative agencies are concealing information about additional suspects in the case.

Kyrgyzstan

Media owners criminally prosecuted, forced out of the country

Khalil Khudaiberdiyev and Dzhavlon Mirzakhodzhayev are being charged with separate counts of organising and participating in mass disorder; calls for separatism; incitement to interethnic and religious hatred; abuse of office; and the illegal creation of an armed group.

Afghanistan

Growing calls for French journalists to be freed

Hervé Ghesquière and Stéphane Taponier were kidnapped in the Kapisa region of northeastern Afghanistan, along with their three Afghan assistants, on 29 December 2009.

Angola

Human Rights Watch calls for withdrawal of cybercrime bill

The proposed legislation would undercut both freedom of expression and information, and pose a severe threat to independent media, whistleblowers, and investigative journalism.

Kazakhstan

New legislation aimed at protecting media from damage claims only "a first step", says Adil Soz

The new law stipulates that legal bodies suing mass media outlets and journalists "for the protection of honor, dignity, and business reputation" cannot claim financial compensation for moral damages.

France

Court cites need to protect confidentiality of journalists' sources as grounds for ruling in "Le Monde" reporters' case

The court ruled that a prosecutor acted illegally when he allowed the police to examine the phone records of two reporters who were covering a high-profile case involving a L'Oréal heiress.

Italy

Perugia prosecutor files defamation lawsuit, shutters blog

CPJ calls on Florence and Perugia authorities to drop the trumped-up defamation lawsuit against Perugia Shock, an English-language blog created by freelance journalist Frank Sfarzo.

Yemen

At least 21 more protesters killed by security forces, plainclothes gunmen in past week

In the latest attacks, security forces, along with pro-government gunmen in civilian clothing, have shot dead at least 21 people and wounded hundreds.

Panama

IAPA asks government to take action on campaigns to discredit journalists

A number of journalists have been the subject of insults and a campaign to slur their reputations in videos posted anonymously on YouTube and in television ads.

Ecuador

News crews harassed

An Ecuavisa TV news crew was prevented from filming outside the ruling party's headquarters in Quito, during a meeting held by Alianza País's executive committee with President Rafael Correa.

Indonesia

Four journalists attacked by police while covering peaceful rally

A police spokesperson said the Chinese ambassador had asked the Indonesian government to restrict the activities of the Falun Gong movement in the country.

Honduras

Journalist who had denounced corruption in Morazán gunned down

Francisco Héctor Medina Polanco had previously received death threats for his reports on corruption.

Thailand

History professor faces lèse majesté complaint

Somsak Jeamteerasakul has been criticised by the military and the Yellow Shirts royalist group for his statements about the monarchy.

Peru

Newspaper editor and owner receive funeral wreaths

The cards which accompanied the flowers sent to journalist César Lévano and businessman Arturo Belaúnde, alleged they had been sent by IPYS and the Peruvian Press Council.

Serbia

ANEM calls sentences for attackers of B92 camera operator "too light"

Bosko Brankovic was assaulted and seriously injured while reporting on a rally protesting the arrest of Radovan Karadzic in 2008.

Swaziland

Journalist attacked by singer over critical stories

Timothy Simelane said he was shopping with his wife when he was attacked by gospel singer Mzwakhe Myeni in full view of members of the public who were doing their evening shopping.

Pakistan

Media regulatory authority warns foreign channels over unauthorised satellite uplinking

According to Pakistani media law, any foreign channel must seek prior permission for temporary uplinking in order to directly air an event or incident from Pakistan.

Uganda

Journalist's home set ablaze

Goodluck Musinguzi has covered a number of controversial stories in recent weeks. No one has yet been arrested in connection with the attack.

Philippines

Four charged in Manila broadcaster's murder

The Department of Interior and Local Government announced that the Malabon City police had filed charges against four members of the Partisan Armed Operative of the Marxist-Leninist Party of the Philippines.

Bahrain

Activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja bears signs of abuse

Human Rights Watch expressed concern about the ill-treatment of 14 activists, most active with opposition political movements.

China

Wife and son of detained Mongolian human rights activist charged

The wife and son of Hada, who should have been released in December on completing a 15-year jail sentence, face charges of "illegal business activities" and "drug possession".

Syria

At least five journalists held in custody

CPJ called on the government to make public the names of all journalists currently in detention and release them without delay.

Russia

Two sentenced in Baburova murder

The conviction of two defendants in the 2009 double murder of journalist Anastasiya Baburova and human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov is a landmark victory in the fight against impunity in press killings, CPJ said.

Honduras

Globo TV camera operator brutally assaulted by national police officers

The incident occurred while Uriel Rodríguez was filming a protest by university students that was being dispersed by the police.

Ecuador

Government tries to discredit journalists and media during television broadcasts

The telecasts were broadcast a little less than a week before the referendum was scheduled to be held.

Pakistan

Tribal journalist killed in bomb blast

It is believed Nasrullah Khan Afridi was targeted because of his investigative reporting on militant organisations in Pakistan's Tribal region.

Mauritius

Prime Minister launches attack on independent media

Navin Ramgoolam accused the daily "L'Express" and the weekly "Week-End" of defending an opposition leader's interests.

Turkey

Government agency wants to install filtering software on every computer

Under new regulations announced by the Information Technologies Board, Internet users will have to choose between one of four Internet filtering options.

Moldova

Journalist pardoned in Transdniester region

Ernest Vardanian had served more than a year of jail time since the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic arrested him on treason charges in April 2010; he was accused of allegedly spying for Moldova proper.

United States

University trustees urged to grant honorary degree to playwright

After one university trustee objected to Tony Kushner's nomination based on the playwright's purported views about the state of Israel, the board removed his name from the slate of candidates who will receive the degrees.

Syria

Nationwide campaign of arrests continues

Human Rights Watch urged authorities to lift the siege of the southern town of Daraa.

Asia and Pacific

ASEAN urged to lead by example, place transparency at its core

"As a regional body with an increasing role in international politics, ASEAN must recognise and fulfill the right of its people to access information and enable greater participation in the making of decisions that will affect them," said ARTICLE 19.

Ecuador

Authorities detain individual accused of offending prosecutor on his blog

Víctor Vizcaíno Luzuriaga was detained in Guayaquil by police officers after being accused of having offended the Pichincha State Prosecutor General, through material that was posted on his blog.

Russia

Journalist beaten after photographing demolished house

Magomed Khanmagomedov reported the attack and threats to police but his assailants have not been detained.

Indonesia

Mob storms newspaper office, three reporters injured

The incident reprtedly stemmed from an article in "The Orbit" alleging that a company was engaging in gambling by offering lottery tickets to its customers. Gambling is prohibited in Indonesia.

El Salvador

Death squads threaten Radio Victoria journalists

A letter received by the radio station said that the journalists had to leave the Cabañas community before 4 May or they would be killed.

Uganda

TV journalist detained after filming MP's arrest

Two armed, plainclothes police officers arrested Williams Ntege after he was caught filming the arrest of Kampala MP Nabirah Ssempala and refused to leave the scene of the arrest.

Ghana

Police detain photojournalist, delete photographs

Takyi Boateng says he is shocked by the behaviour of the policemen who detained him at the station as he had produced his press card and sought permission from the court's registrar before he began photographing.

Tunisia

Journalists beaten by police in central Tunis

"The police violence against these journalists is like a bad memory," said RSF Secretary-General Jean-François Julliard. "It is as if the old methods are back just four months after President Ben Ali's fall."

Ukraine

Government urged to ensure draft election code protects free expression

The draft Code's most serious weakness is the failure of the authors to recognise that the participation of voters and candidates in election campaigns is an expression of their right to freedom of expression, ARTICLE 19 said.

Cameroon

Author jailed for insult released

Bertrand Teyou was accused of 'insulting' President Paul Biya's wife in his 2010 book "The Belle of the Banana Republic".

Iraq

Draft law on protection of journalists must meet freedom of expression standards, ARTICLE 19 says

The Draft Law's provisions are counterproductive to its apparent objectives of protecting journalists, says ARTICLE 19.

Ethiopia / World Press Freedom Day

Officials censor UNESCO World Press Freedom Day event

Officials installed government-backed journalists as speakers and nixed independent journalists slated to speak and there was no discussion of this year's global theme on new media and the Internet.

Uganda

Radio journalist shot by anti-riot police while covering opposition march

HRNJ-Uganda has learned that anti-riot police targeted journalists who were covering a brutal attack on Democratic Party supporters.

Brazil

Newspaper owner shot dead

"Authorities must thoroughly investigate Valério Nascimento's murder, determine if it was work-related, and bring those responsible to justice," said CPJ.

Democratic Republic of Congo / World Press Freedom Day

JED calls on government to halt security services' interference in journalists' work

As the midway point of the election campaign approaches, the press freedom situation remains worrisome, says JED.

Côte d'Ivoire

Local journalists prevented from covering Ouattara's visit to the Presidential palace

MFWA's correspondent reported that only foreign journalists were allowed to cover the president's inspection of the palace with the explanation that the palace could not accommodate a large number of journalists.

Azerbaijan

One activist sentenced, another detained

"These are two fresh examples of the government's efforts to silence critical voices," said Human Rights Watch.

Middle East and North Africa

Editor detained in Morocco; press violations continue across region

In Bahrain, "Al-Wasat"'s senior management decided that it would stop publishing the country's premier daily after 9 May, local reporters told CPJ.

Bahrain

Ex-members of parliament held without charge; activist reported tortured

"It seems that Bahrain's ruling family intends to punish any and everyone who criticizes the government," said Human Rights Watch.

Peru

Critical journalist killed

The police believe a government official from La Libertad region may be implicated in the murder of Julio Castillo Narváez.

Ecuador

Journalists face second legal action in connection with investigative book

Juan Carlos Calderón and Christian Zurita, authors of the book "El Gran Hermano", are facing a civil lawsuit filed by Minister of Transport and Public Works María de los Ángeles Duarte.

Thailand

Editor detained on lese majeste charges as opposition radio stations raided

Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was arrested at a border checkpoint while attempting to cross into neighboring Cambodia; he was escorted by police back to Bangkok, where he is being held without bail.

Somalia

Editor found guilty of defaming transport minister

Journalist Abdifatah Mohamud Aidid faces imprisonment if he is unable to pay a US$1,000 fine within 30 days.

Philippines

Court demands explanation for critical remarks by journalist, victim's widow, in Ampatuan trial

Rowena Paraan and Monette Salaysay face possible contempt charges for publicly criticising Court of Appeals justices before whom a petition connected to the Ampatuan multiple murder case is pending.

Saudi Arabia

Rights activist, bloggers arrested

Fadhil Makki Al-Manasif's arrest follows amendments to the Press and Publications Law that further restrict the right to free speech.

China

IFJ urges action to find missing journalist

Zhang Jialong has reported on some popular and sensitive subjects including missing artist Ai Weiwei and the aftermath of the 2008 Sanlu tainted milk scandal.

Armenia

Newspapers threatened by libel suits with sky-high damages awards

The disproportionate damages being demanded threaten the newspapers' survival and create a climate that encourages self-censorship.

Turkey

Telecommunications authority bans 138 words from the Internet

The list of banned words is the latest step in a series of oppressive actions that continue to increasingly restrict Internet freedom in Turkey, said BIANET.

Rwanda

Prosecutors seek 10-year sentence for exiled newspaper editor

Jean Bosco Gasasira is charged with "spreading rumours that incited civil disobedience", "insulting the president" and "deliberately violating the country's media law".

Ecuador

Radio journalist sentenced to one year in prison for malicious slander

Walter Vite Benítez told Fundamedios that he is being persecuted because of his criticisms of the Esmeraldas local government on his radio programme.

Vietnam

2011 IPA Freedom to Publish Prize recipient Bui Chat set free on conditions

Bui Chat was temporarily released on 2 May after having been arrested by authorities, but remains under surveillance and subject to continuing interrogation by the authorities in Vietnam.

Australia / United Kingdom

BBC and APTN block satire of royal wedding

"This interference with Australian broadcasting sends the wrong message to many countries where the right to caricature is constantly denied," RSF said.

Iran

PEN American Center mourns journalist's suicide

Siamak Pourzand reportedly committed suicide following years of house arrest in his apartment in Tehran.

Azerbaijan

Government claims to have complied with ECHR judgment on Fatullayev case

Azerbaijan's delegate to the ECHR said journalist Eynulla Fatullayev has an outstanding debt to the state for tax evasion.

Middle East and North Africa

From Tripoli to Manama, no let-up in abuses against news media

RSF highlights the most recent incidents that occurred in Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain and Libya.

Peru

Journalists resign after being pressured to stop criticising presidential candidate

Federico Rosaldo, Jesús Coa and Jorge Álvarez chose to resign from their positions at the Líder radio station, rather than comply with an order issued by the station's owner, Santiago Ortiz.

Belarus

Two newspapers threatened with closure

"Narodnaya Volya" and "Nasha Niva" learned about the ministry's motion to shut them down from press reports; they were not directly contacted, staffers at both papers told CPJ.

Egypt

Book considered "insulting" to religious beliefs

Lawyers have lodged a Hesba case with the Attorney General's Office, arguing that the book "Where is Allah" by Karam Saber contains statements "insulting to religious beliefs".

Honduras

Radio Uno director ambushed by armed assailants

Journalist Arnulfo Aguilar believes the incident was linked to his coverage of a Wikileaks report implicating the Honduran Armed Forces in illegal arms sales.

Vietnam

IPA condemns arrest of 2011 Freedom to Publish Prize recipient

Publisher Bui Chat was honoured on 25 April in Buenos Aires for courage under difficult conditions. He was arrested upon his return to Vietnam on 30 April and his award confiscated.

Sri Lanka

Authorities ban Lanka eNews

A Pugoda magistrate's court ordered the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission to suspend Lanka eNews while it tries the site's detained journalist, Shantha Wijeysooria, for contempt of court.

Vietnam

Online commentator receives harsh sentence

Vi Duc Hoi was given a five-year prison term for critical essays posted on the Internet.

Russia

Two suspects found guilty in Baburova murder

Anastasiya Baburova, a freelance reporter with the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta, was shot and killed in Moscow along with human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov in January 2009.

United States

Court decision ordering new sentencing for Mumia Abu-Jamal a "small victory", says RSF

The jury will only be asked to decide whether Abu-Jamal was given the right sentence, not whether he was rightfully convicted for policeman Daniel Faulkner's murder on 9 December 1981 in Philadelphia.

Zimbabwe

Independent newspaper's offices raided

A laptop belonging to editor Brian Mangwende, who writes a hard-hitting column for the paper, was among a number of items taken in the raid.

United States

WikiLeaks revelations about Al-Jazeera cameraman's detention in Guantanamo

Part of the US military's reasons for holding Sami Al-Haj was to obtain more information about an Al-Jazeera interview with Osama Bin Laden, a leaked US Defence Department cable reveals.

Liberia

Journalist flogged by political partisans

Kaipee Newray was flogged by NUDP supporters after he refused to hand over his tape recorder and other personal effects to members of the party during an event at the party's headquarters.

Uzbekistan

Activists harassed after TV broadcast

Groups of women accosted the activists at their homes, screaming insults at them for speaking on the Russian news programme "Special Correspondent".

Syria

EOHR condemns detention of human rights activist

The authorities reportedly forced two young men from Homs to say that activist Rasim Al Atasy urged them to start a riot during the demonstrations that swept Syria.

Turkey

Journalist assaulted by customs officer

Selahattin Kacuru was attacked when he went to the Turkish-Iranian border to investigate a story on smuggling and organised crime.

Yemen

Deadly attacks on protesters follow president's immunity pact

In the most recent incident, gunmen shot dead 11 more anti-Ali Abdullah Saleh protesters and wounded more than 130, marking the worst violence in more than five weeks.

Turkey

Publisher harassed over Turkish edition of Burroughs novel "The Soft Machine"

The Prime Ministerial Board for the Protection of Children from Harmful Publications deemed that the 1961 book, recently published in Turkey by the Sel Publishing Company, was "obscene."

Venezuela

Journalist receives death threats after revealing irregularities in health system

The threats were in response to Laura Domínguez's coverage of accusations regarding the use of allegedly expired H1N1 vaccines and contamination in the pediatric area of the Hospital Pedro Emilio Carrillo.

Ecuador

Radio journalists resign, denounce pressure to tone down their rhetoric

Pablo and Lindon Sanmartín Rodríguez resigned from Radio Satelital after being asked to censor information on certain topics.

United Arab Emirates

Detained activists face charges for signing petition demanding reforms

The activists are being held pending investigation on charges of "incitement to break the law, endangering the country's security, insulting the president and insulting the governor of Dubai".

Iran

Regime still targeting human rights lawyers and journalists

Mohammad Seifzadeh has defended several imprisoned journalists and Alireza Rajai writes for several reformist newspapers.

Turkmenistan

Activists arrested on eve of EU Parliament visit

The latest detentions underscore the unrelenting repression in the country and the need for a robust EU response, said Human Rights Watch.

Ecuador

Ecuadorian embassy official prevents distribution of book at Buenos Aires book festival

The official claimed the book "El Gran Hermano", was "full of lies, and against the government".

Zimbabwe

Student nurse fined for assaulting journalist

Paidamoyo Chipunza, a senior health reporter, was assaulted by Ignatius Zuze while she was investigating a story on water problems at Harare Central Hospital.

Belarus

After deadly metro blast, new crackdown on the press

Authorities must immediately stop harassing independent media outlets in retaliation for their critical reporting on the recent lethal bombing on the Minsk subway, CPJ said.

Syria / Lebanon

Al-Jazeera suspends Syria operations

In a separate incident in Lebanon, unidentified men poured gasoline on the broadcast truck belonging to the Beirut-based television station Al-Jadeed.

Guinea-Bissau

Newspaper given reprieve as suspension threat lifted

Recent remarks by a government minister constitute a form of intimidation that undermines media freedom and independence, says RSF.

Mexico

Italian journalist arbitrarily deported

Giovanni Proiettis says he believes his deportation is related to his journalistic activity.

Nepal

Journalists assaulted by police while covering vandalism story

Among the journalists injured was Chakra Pani Devkota, who is being treated in hospital for severe head injuries.

El Salvador

Murder of camera operator brings IAPA condemnation, call for investigation

While the reason for Alfredo Hurtado's death is unknown, Canal 33 said his murder could have been linked to his work for the "Teleprensa" programme, mostly covering the police beat.

Thailand

New cyber crime draft law shelved in face of civil society opposition

The bill, which was meant to replace the controversial Computer Crime Act of 2007, was put on hold by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva amidst strong criticism from civil society groups.

Bahrain / Yemen

Seizures of newspapers, smear campaigns against journalists in Yemen

Security forces surrounded the home of reporter Mohammed Al-Louzi for three hours because of his coverage of current events in Yemen.

Ecuador

Authorities use national telecast to attack two journalists

The government targeted Teleamazonas journalists Jeanette Hinostroza and Bernardo Abad, after the two questioned the detentions of two citizens accused of attacking the president.

China

Government bars writer Liao Yiwu from attending PEN festival in New York

Festival Chairman Salman Rushdie denounced the travel ban as "a blatant violation of China's obligations to guarantee freedom of movement and expression."

Thailand

Thirteen community radio stations ordered closed, three media workers arrested, for airing lese majeste speech

Four of the 13 stations were run by the Red Shirts, two of these were identified as 105.40 MHz channel and the 96.35 MHz "Red Skills" station, both in Pathum Thani, a province adjacent to Bangkok.

Hungary

New constitution poses serious threat to right to information, warn human rights and media freedom groups

The new Constitution replaces the independent Data Protection and Freedom of Information Commissioner with an administrative authority.

Honduras

La Voz de Zacate Grande journalist targeted

After someone sabotaged his vehicle by inserting nails into the car tires, Pedro Canales was intercepted by two men who threatened him and pointed their guns at him.

Haiti

Radio station destroyed in arson attack

The attack occurred after the station aired coverage of controversial legislative election results.

Côte d'Ivoire

Arsonists destroy Pro-Gbagbo printing press

The attack came despite the La Refondation media group contracting Republican Force soldiers to protect their properties.

Azerbaijan

"Bizim Yol" reporter assaulted during protest

Ramid Ibrahimov was assaulted by police while reporting on a demonstration in front of the Presidential Administration offices.

Bulgaria

Concern over growing restrictions on press freedom

Amendments to the Penal Code related to discrimination could mean an attempt to impose controls on media outlets and the Internet.

Bulgaria

Authorities urged to allow Macedonian journalists to enter the country

Three media outlets from Skopje - television channels TV Sonce and Kanal 5, as well as the daily Dnevnik - were prevented from entering Bulgaria to cover a commemoration in Melnik.

Sri Lanka

Another Lanka eNews journalist arrested

Five police officers arrested Shantha Wijeysooria at the website's Colombo offices. He faces contempt of court charges.

Middle East and North Africa

Bahrain detains columnist; journalists located in Libya; violations in Yemen

Roughly 30 uniformed and plainclothes police raided the family home of columnist Haidar Mohammed al-Nuaimi in Manama, Bahrain, dragging him into the street and beating him.

Iran

Authorities ban coverage of crackdown on Arab minority protests in Khuzestan

Those detained thus far include bloggers Ali Badri and Ali Torofi and poets Hamin Hairi and Shahid Amori, who also contribute to various media.

Liberia

Political candidate's supporters attack reporter

Solomon Ware, a legislative reporter for Truth F.M. station, was assaulted while trying to get the candidate's reaction to an accusation that he had raped a 15-year old girl.

Serbia

IPI condemns attack on journalist with Hungarian-language daily

Csaba Szögi was beaten by individuals who waited for him in front of public restrooms in Beèej, a town in the multiethnic Vojvodina province.

Pakistan

Tribal Areas correspondent shot in Rawalpindi

Abdullah Bhittani was shot three times by two men on a motorcycle as he was returning to his hotel on the evening of 12 April.

Peru

Journalist imprisoned after criticising district attorney

Paul Garay Ramírez, a correspondent for radio station La Exitosa, was sentenced to three years in prison for allegedly defaming the Coronel Portillo district attorney.

Uganda

ISPs harassed, told to shut down Facebook and Twitter for 24 hours

As activists and politicians intensify "Walk to Work" campaign actions, ISPs were instructed to shut down Facebook and Twitter platforms for 24 hours.

Vietnam

Government urged to free influential democracy activist

Writer Vi Duc Hoi was sentenced to eight years in prison after his articles and Internet postings advocating human rights and democratic reforms were deemed to constitute a national security crime.

Syria

Human Rights Watch calls for international inquiry after killings of protesters

On 22 April, security forces killed at least 76 protesters, and possibly as many as 112, according to lists compiled by local human rights activists.

Bolivia

Body of missing journalist found in La Paz

The body of journalist David Niño de Guzmán, news director at Agencia de Noticias Fides (ANF), was found on a street in the outskirts of La Paz on 21 April 2011.

Zambia

Government threatens to revoke radio stations' operating licences

The government has warned that it will revoke operating licences of all radio stations airing political campaign songs before the date of the tripartite elections is announced.

Iraq

Widening crackdown on protests

The authorities should hold accountable those responsible for attacking protesters and journalists in Arbil and Sulaimaniya, including opening fire on demonstrators and beating them severely, Human Rights Watch said.

Cuba

News site journalists face arrest, intimidation during Communist Party Congress

At least 10 correspondents from the Havana-based news outlet Centro de Información Hablemos Press have been detained in police stations, put under house arrest or threatened with arrest.

Afghanistan

Government must respect right to report news, says RSF

Security services obstructed many journalists from covering a suicide attack on the Defence Ministry in Kabul.

Pakistan

In surge of violence, another journalist targeted in Karachi

Naveed Kamal, a news reporter with the local news channel Metro One TV, is in serious condition after being shot as he was returning home from work.

Guinea

Media regulatory body slams state media over unfair coverage of opposition parties

The National Communications Council reminded the state-owned media that "access by political parties, trade unions, NGOs and ordinary citizens to all public media is an inalienable right (. . .)"

Iraq

Journalist killed in double car-bomb attack

Sound engineer Abdul Rahman al-Kubaisi was killed on his way to work near a security checkpoint at a crowded entrance to Baghdad's Green Zone.

Pakistan

Radio station in Charsadda bombed

Suspected militants blew up parts of the privately-owned radio station FM 93 Dilbar Radio after planting explosives around the building.

Philippines

Libel charges against publisher and columnist dismissed

In 2007, a National Press Club member filed libel charges against "Daily Tribune" publisher Ninez Cacho-Olivares and columnist Louie Logarta.

Brazil

Power plant construction in Amazon violates freedom of expression and information of affected communities, says ARTICLE 19

The government is urged to enter into a good faith dialogue and consultation with the communities that will be affected by the Belo Monte Power Plant and to uphold their right to receive information and freely form their opinions about the project.

Guinea-Bissau

Government urged to lift suspension of newspaper

The suspension decision follows the paper's publication of a front page article which authorities charged "deliberately distorts the government's image."

Philippines

Broadcaster arrested for libel, released on bail

Albert Loyola, of radio station dxRJ, is facing two libel cases filed by Iligan City Councilor Chonilo Ruiz.

Qatar

Two Swiss journalists prevented from leaving the country for 13 days

CPJ is concerned by the detention and questioning of sports reporter Christophe Cerf and cameraman Yvan Thoribert, working in Qatar for the public Swiss broadcaster Radio Television Suisse (RTS).

Iraq

International community urged to press authorities to end abuses against demonstrators, journalists in Kurdistan

The Sulaymaniyah headquarters of Payam TV have been surrounded since 19 April by the security forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), one of the two main parties that form the government in Kurdistan.

Israel / Palestine

Israeli forces, settlers beat three photographers in Nablus

Ja'far Zahid Ashtiyeh, Nasser Ishtayeh and Wajdi Mohammed Shtayyeh were attacked by stone-throwing settlers; in their attempts to escape the attack, Ishtayeh and Shtayyeh were beaten by Israeli soldiers.

Italy

Journalists threatened for reporting on murders

CPJ is troubled by the manifest intolerance to criticism displayed by Perugia Public Prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, who has filed or threatened to file criminal lawsuits against individual reporters, writers, and press outlets, both in Italy and the United States.

Libya

Second photojournalist dies from injuries sustained in Misrata mortar attack

Chris Hondros, a former Pulitzer Prize nominee, also won the 2006 Robert Capa Gold Medal for his "exceptional courage and initiative" in Iraq.

Middle East

Journalists still being harassed in countries where protests getting stronger

Ali Salah Ahmed was arrested at Sanaa airport on his return from Germany and taken to an unknown location.

Libya

Photojournalist killed, three photographers wounded in explosion

British photojournalist and filmmaker Tim Hetherington was killed in an explosion in the western city of Misurata, believed to have been caused by a mortar round.

Jordan

CPJ condemns attack on news website

Six men raided the office of the Al-Muharrir website in Amman, threatening its staff and destroying equipment.

Nepal

Journalists assaulted in Sunsari; threats issued against the press in Mugu

Journalist Manoj Bhujel and camera operator Deepak Karki were assaulted while reporting on the fact that parents had gathered at a school in Sunsari to complain about exorbitant fees.

Saudi Arabia

Dissident writer arrested

European Union, US leaders should publicly condemn human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said.

Côte d'Ivoire

Journalists from two pro-Gbagbo newspapers fear for their lives

Journalists from "Le Temps" and "Notre Voie" are living in a state of fear after armed men believed to be linked to the Ouattara camp ransacked their offices.

Jordan

Government urged to strengthen free expression on campus

The rights of students to free expression have been violated by intelligence officers and university administrations applying repressive regulations, Human Rights Watch says.

Botswana

Member of Parliament sues Yarona FM for defamation

According to media reports, Yarona FM broadcast allegations that the MP was bribed while accompanying the under 23 national football team on a friendly match in China.

Middle East and North Africa

Summoned by Yemeni authorities, journalist is now missing

CPJ calls on Yemeni authorities to clarify the whereabouts of reporter Ahmad al-Mohamadi, who has been missing since being called for questioning by the Republican Guards.

Swaziland

Editor challenges prime minister on radio censorship

News editor Welile Dlamini challenged Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini on his assertion that press freedom exists when in fact the authorities regularly instruct the state radio station about its content.

Azerbaijan

Swedish television crew detained, deported

Journalists My Rohwedder Street, Charlie Laprevote and Charlotta Wijkström had arrived in Baku to film a documentary on human rights and freedom of speech.

Zambia

Opposition party supporters attack state media journalists

In one incident, camera operator Cuthbert Miti was surrounded, beaten and pushed around by a mob which attemped to confiscate his camera equipment.

Iraq

Physical attacks and arrests make it impossible for journalists to work in Kurdistan, RSF says

Several journalists were physically attacked or arrested while covering demonstrations in Kalar, Sulaymaniyah and Erbil while live rounds were used against protesters and journalists.

Nigeria

Marked increase in attacks on media as elections held

Threats, intimidation, physical attacks and unlawful arrests of journalists have reached alarming levels since the beginning of the year, says RSF.

Bahrain

Defense lawyer detained after night raid

Human Rights Watch is concerned that Mohammed al-Tajer's arrest is an effort on the part of authorities to intimidate and silence defense lawyers.

Bahrain

Attack on home of BCHR president

Unknown assailants lobbed teargas grenades at the home of leading Bahraini human rights defender Nabeel Rajab.

Argentina

Radio station closed in Roldán

FOPEA is concerned about the unusual measures carried out by a misdemeanours court judge in Santa Fe province, who decided to close local radio station Radio Total FM 97.7 and seize their broadcasting equipment.

Philippines

Alleged gunman in 2006 murder of Palawan radioman acquitted

A Palawan court acquitted and ordered the release of former police officer Aaron Golifardo in the 2006 murder of dyPR broadcaster Fernando "Dong" Batul.

Malaysia

Journalist found guilty of "tarnishing newspaper's image"

CIJ expresses concern over the guilty verdict handed down against Mohamed Ha'ta Wahari, a senior journalist with "Utusan Malaysia" daily, for allegedly tarnishing his employers' image and revealing their "secrets".

Uganda

Eight journalists injured in "walk-to-work" protest

The attacks appear to have been organised to prevent journalists from documenting the brutal attacks on protestors, says HRNJ-Uganda.

Middle East and North Africa

"Al-Wasat" founder dies in custody in Bahrain

Karim Fakhrawi died a week after he was apparently taken into custody.

Côte d'Ivoire

Ban on international media lifted by Ouattara government

The Gbagbo-controlled broadcast regulator announced the ban shortly after the 28 November 2010 presidential run-off, saying the move was intended to "maintain social peace that (had) been badly shaken."

Palestine

Italian journalist and activist reportedly killed in Gaza

Hamas officials have said they found the body of journalist Vittorio Arrigoni who was kidnapped in Gaza.

Burundi

State prosecutor seeks life sentence against online journalist

Journalist Jean-Claude Kavumbagu, who has been imprisoned since July 2010 over a column critical of the country's security forces, faces a life sentence on a charge of treason.

Malaysia

Control of information a concern in lead up to Sarawak elections

A number of serious incidents and factors ahead of the state elections are preventing Sarawakians from seeking, receiving and sharing vital information to help them decide representatives and the government, civil society organisations say.

Senegal

Another heavy fine and suspended jail sentence for investigative journalist

A Dakar court has handed down a three-month suspended jail sentence to Abdou Latif Coulibaly, editor of the weekly "La Gazette", and fined him for allegedly defaming a businessman close to the president.

Swaziland

MISA condemns targeting of activists, journalists during pro-democracy protests

According to media reports, riot police fired teargas and water cannons, assaulted demonstrators and confiscated journalists' equipment in an attempt to stop the three-day protests.

Egypt

Substantial setback for press freedom

A new requirement by the military that local print media obtain approval for all mentions of the armed forces before publication is the single worst setback for press freedom in Egypt since the fall of President Mubarak in February, CPJ said.

Venezuela

School headmaster dismissed after informing press of H1N1 flu cases

The measure was taken after Manuel Aldana told the "Correo del Orinoco" newspaper that two of the children in his Mérida-based school were carriers of the virus.

Benin

Media union slams broadcasting authority for gagging media

The High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication faced criticism after releasing guidelines regarding the media's coverage of upcoming elections.

Syria / Yemen

Journalist arrested in Syria as crackdown continues; camera operator assaulted in Yemen

Syrian authorities arrested Khaled Sid Mohand, a freelance journalist who works for France-Culture, a French public radio station, and "Le Monde", officials at the station told CPJ.

Benin

Police attack newspaper journalist, thwart opposition demonstration

A group of police officers slapped Séïdou Choubadé several times, while others beat him with clubs; the attack went on unabated despite the journalist showing them his press card.

Iraq

Journalists denied entry to Camp Ashraf after Iraqi army attack

An attack by the Iraqi army on 8 April reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 30 residents, with many more wounded.

Egypt

EOHR calls on Supreme Council of Armed Forces to investigate crackdown on protesters

Military police used electric batons and sticks to disperse protesters who had gathered in Tahrir Square.

Malaysia

IFJ welcomes move to establish media council

"An independent media council will act as a platform for redressing the widespread public distrust in the mainstream media which is constrained by punitive legislation," NUJM, the local IFJ affiliate, said.

Turkey

Newspaper and journalist fined for "attack on the Prime Minister's personal rights"

According to the prime minister, Bekir Coskun's article entitled "Why can't you destroy the republic?" "included insulting and invective statements with the intention of attacking his personal rights".

Uganda

Journalist detained, assaulted by police

Ssemakula Bambalazabwe was detained for 12 hours at the Mutundwe police post after covering a scuffle between Kampala University students and the university administration.

Honduras

Community radio stations still fighting to survive

Unidentified arsonists set fire to the home of Radio Faluma Bimetu director Alfredo López.

United Arab Emirates

Three outspoken rights activists detained

The Guggenheim, New York University and the French Museum Agency should urge the immediate release of the activists in what appears to be a politically motivated campaign of intimidation against political reformers, Human Rights Watch said.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist freed after being held three days on spurious charges

Samy Mbeto was arrested and taken into custody on 9 April on orders from the prosecutor's office following a complaint by a local politician.

Pakistan

Private TV station's broadcasts suspended by media regulatory authority

The Jang Media Group said the shutdown of AAG TV was part of the government's ongoing campaign against the group.

Ethiopia

Authorities urged to probe jamming of German radio broadcasts

In a press statement, the management of German state-funded Deutsche Welle accused authorities of involvement in recent jamming in response to Amharic-language news and coverage critical of the government.

Uganda

Journalist charged under abolished "false news" law

"It's unfortunate that individuals in legal institutions use illegitimate laws under the guise of bringing justice," said HRNJ-Uganda.

Cameroon

Songwriter released

Lapiro de Mbanga was freed on completion of a three-year prison sentence for allegedly instigating anti-government riots.

Brazil

TV host murdered in restaurant

Luciano Pedrosa was known for his critical coverage of crimes and local authorities.

Middle East and North Africa

Journalists under attack in Libya, Syria, and Yemen

At least 18 journalists and media workers are missing or in government custody in Libya, CPJ research shows.

Angola

After 33 days in prison, journalist freed on bail pending appeal

Armando Chicoca was released on bail of US$2,500 pending the outcome of an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Haiti

State TV chief fires three journalists, brings criminal defamation suit against them

Eddy Jackson Alexis, Josias Pierre and Jacques Innocent are accused of "grave insubordination" and alleged inability to prevent their political affiliations from affecting their professional duties.

Egypt

Blogger sentenced to three years in military prison

Michael Nabil, who was brought before a military court over his criticism of the junta, was sentenced after his lawyers were informed that the case had been adjourned to a later date and had left the courtroom.

Bahrain

Human Rights Watch urges authorities to drop charges against editor of independent daily

Following the harassment of editor Mansoor al-Jamri, "Al Wasat" newspaper is no longer presenting critical reports.

Azerbaijan

Family of imprisoned journalist receives threatening phone call

The caller claimed that Eynulla Fatullayev had already been killed, and that his parents would be killed next, reported his father, Emin Fatullayev.

Burundi

Two years after activist slain, justice stalled

The government refused to issue a permit to a group of Burundian organizations that requested authorization to hold a silent protest march on the anniversary of Ernest Manirumva's killing.

Syria

At least 28 killed in crackdown in Daraa, Harasta, and Douma

Security forces in at least two towns prevented medical personnel and others from reaching wounded protesters and prevented injured protesters from accessing hospitals, Human Rights Watch said.

Middle East and North Africa

No concessions to media as indiscriminate repression continues in countries with pro-democracy protests

RSF condemns Bahraini blogger Zakariya Rashid Hassan's death in detention on 9 April, six days after his arrest. His family rejected the Interior Ministry's claim that he died as a result of health complications.

The Gambia

Newspaper to resume publishing after five months of censorship

The privately-owned "Standard" newspaper, which was banned in 2010 by the authorities, has been given the green light to resume operations.

Pakistan

Arrests made in connection with journalist's murder

CPJ welcomes the development in the case of the murder of Geo TV reporter Wali Khan Babar in Karachi, and calls for a full prosecution to break a longstanding pattern of impunity in journalist murders.

Brazil

Photojournalist assaulted and threatened while reporting on fraud investigation

Victor Soares was attacked while photographing a Federal Police operation in Brasília.

Pakistan

Television network claims sports channel targeted by media regulatory authority

Geo Television Network accused PEMRA of refusing to grant its sport channel permission to transmit in Pakistan.

Iraq

Journalists still being arrested, harassed and intimidated amid continuing protests in Kurdistan

"Not a day goes by without a journalist being arrested, threatened or harassed," RSF reported.

Vietnam

Peaceful dissidents and bloggers arbitrarily locked up

"With a steady stream of people being locked up for nothing more than asking for their rights, the situation is critical," said Human Rights Watch.

Peru

Three dead, 31 injured as police use lethal force on protesters

The confrontations came during protests against the results of an environmental impact test of a potential mining project in the province of Islay.

Russia

Another journalist attacked after reporting on Khimki forest controversy

Vitaly Kuzmin's colleagues and friends link the assault with the newest issue of his paper, which featured a lengthy interview with Khimki forest defenders and a story denouncing the poor performance of Council members.

Turkey

Another "Azadiya Welat" journalist given prison sentence

Deniz Kilic is the second "Azadiya Welat" journalist to be given a prison sentence in the past week.

China

United States should press China on rights crackdown, detention of social critic

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton should follow the example of Britain and Germany and call for the immediate release of detained artist and social critic Ai Weiwei and other detained journalists and dissidents, CPJ said.

Cuba

Ending dark era, Cuba frees last jailed journalist

CPJ expressed relief that Albert Santiago Du Bouchet Hernández has been freed, a milestone in an intensive, international advocacy effort led by the Catholic Church, the Spanish government and international rights groups.

Zambia

IPI welcomes progress towards self-regulation

The vice president said the government does not want statutory regulation for the time being.

Ghana

Reporter detained, roughed up, after photographing crackdown on street vendors

"The Chronicle" reported that Nonor was roughed up by guards and dragged into their vehicle, along with street vendors, and taken to AMA offices, where they were detained.

Turkey

Court sentences journalist to six years in jail on propaganda charges

Ozan Kilinc was accused of "spreading propaganda for an illegal organisation" in two separate files heard by the Diyarbakir 5th High Criminal Court.

Belarus

Polish daily's correspondent arrested again

Andrey Pachobut was on his way to Minsk to take part in a videoconference about the persecution of journalists.

Sri Lanka

IFJ urges full investigation as editor granted bail

Bennett Rupasinghe was released on personal bail of US$2,700 after being detained at Welikada prison in Colombo since 31 March.

Middle East and North Africa

Journalist missing in Libya; another killed in Iraq; arrests in Yemen, Syria

Matthew VanDyke is among 15 reporters either missing or in government custody in Libya.

Cyprus

IFJ condemns brutal attack against journalist in northern Cyprus

The IFJ says that journalists working in the northern part of Cyprus face extremely difficult conditions with almost daily press freedom violations as well as intimidation against journalists who dare to report on controversial issues.

Turkmenistan

Activist confined to psychiatric hospital for talking to radio station

Amangelen Shapudakov accused a local government official of corruption in an interview for Radio Azatlyq, the Turkmen-language service of Radio Free Europe (RFE).

Cambodia

Authorities urged to withdraw flawed draft NGO and association law

New provisions that facilitate denial or delays of registration to those deemed critical of the government will allow an increasingly oppressive government to further restrict civil society activities, civil society groups stressed.

Colombia

Paramilitaries threaten 11 journalists and indigenous radio stations

Several news media outlets were declared "military targets" in a leaflet signed by the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia.

Vanuatu

PFF welcomes rule of law in publisher assault

A magistrates court hearing was expected to decide whether charges against Infrastructure and Public Utilities Minister Harry Iauko Iaris over his alleged rold in the assault of "Daily Post" publisher Marc Neil-Jones will proceed.

Liberia

Sports journalist assaulted by police

Reporter Sylvester Worwee was prevented by police from photographing two female fans who were engaged in a fistfight after a football game.

Morocco

Authorities urged to restore accreditation to Al Jazeera

The decision to withhold media credentials appears to have been motivated by government displeasure with the news organisation's coverage of the Western Sahara conflict.

Liberia

Newspaper alarmed over arson threats

The threats appear to be linked to a story about a controversial mining deal the paper had earlier reported on.

Lebanon

Protesters attack journalists, smash their equipment

Cameraman Ameen Chomar and journalist Mohammed Zaatari were targeted by protesters who wanted to prevent the media from covering the infighting among the demonstrators.

Middle East and North Africa

Journalists to be expelled from Libya; two deported from Bahrain

"The journalists in Tripoli are already operating under severely restricted conditions, and now the government is trying to remove them entirely at a time when the presence of the international press is crucial," said CPJ.

China / Vietnam

Two radio station operators to be tried for broadcasting to China

Vu Duc Trung and Le Van Thanh, members of the Falun Gong movement, are accused of broadcasting on short-wave without a permit to China.

Uganda

District commissioner threatens to file lawsuit against two journalists

Goodluck Musinguzi and Robert Muhereza reported that a Kabale official had threatened to shoot an electrical company employee.

Ethiopia

Following mass arrests of ethnic Oromo opposition members, concerns raised that Anti-Terrorism Law may be used to suppress legitimate criticism of government policy

While Ethiopia has valid security concerns related to sporadic bombings and other attacks, the government has routinely cited terrorism to justify suppressing nonviolent opposition and arbitrarily detaining peaceful government critics.

Vietnam

Conviction of human rights activist violates right to free expression, says ARTICLE 19

Prominent legal scholar and human rights activist Cu Huy Ha Vu has been sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of house arrest for "conducting anti-state propaganda activities".

Venezuela

Presidential decree grants vice-president additional powers over radio and television frequencies

The Vice-Presidency has now been granted the authority to grant, revoke and suspend frequencies and cancel administrative orders in matters related to radio and open television broadcasting.

Ecuador

Amazon-based radio station closed by police

Station owner Wilson Cabrera reported that during the police operation, cables were cut and the station's transmission equipment was removed.

Azerbaijan

In latest escalation of crackdown, opposition journalists are now being abducted and beaten

In one recent case, journalist Ramin Deco was forced into a car by three plainclothes men and taken to another village, where he was subjected to intense psychological pressure for eight hours.

Oman

Three poets detained amid crackdown on protesters

Poets Saleh elAmeri, Ali elMakhmari and Ahmed alShehhi were detained along with several activists and journalists and are being held in an undisclosed location.

Nepal

Journalists subjected to abuse, death threats over reporting

In one recent incident, Deula Singh Thakuri received a death threat after he reported on alleged irregularities in the administration of School Leaving Certificate examinations at some exam centres.

Jordan / Syria

Al-Jazeera staff threatened in Jordan; journalists detained and released in Syria

Yasser Abu Hilala, Al-Jazeera's Amman bureau chief, told CPJ that his office received death threats via telephone as well as on Facebook and email.

Pakistan

Journalist gunned down in Karachi

"The city's police must investigate the motive behind the killing of Zaman Ibrahim to counter the continued threat under which the city's journalists must work," CPJ said.

Sudan

Government of Southern Sudan seizes "Juba Post" copies

The paper may have been targeted for a recent article, in which a spokesperson for a southern rebel group claimed that forces loyal to General George Athor would attack Juba before July 2011.

Mexico

Newspaper pressured to fire two journalists in exchange for government advertising contract

Enrique Hernández Padrón and Graciela Castañon Aguilar were dismissed from their jobs at the weekly "El Portal", where they had been working as editor and journalist, respectively.

Cameroon

Reporter detained after questioning arrests

Lamissia Adoularc was detained for inquiring about the arrests of two employees of a state-run palm oil company.

Egypt

Blogger brought before military court over critical commentary

"We condemn the criminal prosecution of reporters and bloggers because of their opinions. We are against military trials, where minimum standards of due process are lacking," ANHRI, CIHRS and other groups said.

Serbia

Public official threatens to file lawsuit against Novi Sad-based radio station

Branko Bjelajac, director of a water utility company, is angered over comments posted on the Radio 021 website.

Djibouti

Government urged to end systematic crackdown on critics, allow peaceful protests

The government has repeatedly prevented protest rallies since it violently dispersed a peaceful demonstration on 18 February 2011 and arrested scores of demonstrators and bystanders.

China

Crackdown broadens as outspoken artist feared detained in Beijing

The reason for Ai Weiwei's apparent detention was not clear, but he is among the most prominent of the government's critics, and commented frequently on injustice on his widely followed Twitter page.

Azerbaijan

Activists jailed ahead of protest

"The government is using the flimsiest pretexts to silence critics. It is making a mockery of Azerbaijan's justice system. These arrests should stop immediately," said Human Rights Watch.

Azerbaijan

Journalists assaulted, rights defenders harassed by police while covering opposition protests

Turan News Agency employee Etmad Budagov and "Yeni Musavat" reporter Elshan Balakhanli were harassed by the police and undercover agents while taking photographs of the protests.

Iraq

More attacks on journalists covering demonstrations, TV cameraman missing in Iraqi Kurdistan

Dana Bakir has been missing since 1 April, when security forces attacked journalists who were covering a demonstration in Sulaymaniyah's Freedom Square.

Malaysia

Freedom of information law a breakthrough amid culture of secrecy

CIJ notes that while the enactment is an improvement from the watered-down version tabled for first hearing in July 2010, is still contains some glaring problems which will prevent people from enjoying the full benefits of a FOI law.

Middle East and North Africa

Attacks continue in Libya, Iraq and Yemen

Independent and critical media continue to be targets for government intimidation and harassment, CPJ research found.

Middle East and North Africa

Bahraini and Syrian authorities try to impose news blackout

The Bahraini authorities are resorting to all possible means to limit coverage of the ongoing protests and to smear their organisers and participants, said RSF.

Venezuela

CONATEL shuts down radio station, seizes its equipment

The National Telecommunications Commission imposed precautionary measures against the Musicable 93.7 FM station, which is accused of operating clandestinely.

Somalia

Private newspaper bombed, radio journalist wounded

NUSOJ expressed concern over the indiscriminate shelling in Mogadishu which resulted in the bombardment of the "Xog-Ogaal" private newspaper.

Somalia

Two journalists freed in Mogadishu, two others still held in north

Radio Shabelle manager Abdirashid Omar Qase and news director Abdi Mohamed Ismail were released unconditionally after being held for three days.

Honduras

Journalist grazed by bullet during dispersal of demonstrators

David Corea Arteaga suffered an injury to the face while covering a violent dispersal of demonstrators in Planes, Colón.

Côte d'Ivoire

RTI reportedly broadcasting from mobile truck

The state-owned television station resumed broadcasting on 2 April 2011 but it is believed that pro-Gbagbo forces are broadcasting its signal from a mobile broadcast truck.

Russia

Rights activist arbitrarily detained

Igor Kalyapin has done groundbreaking work on police torture cases throughout Russia, according to Human rights Watch. He was arrested for peacefully asserting his right to free assembly.

Kazakhstan

Publisher goes missing days after attack

The timing of Daniyar Moldashev's disappearance -- only days before Kazakhstan's presidential vote -- and the disturbing circumstances surrounding it have caused concern among colleagues.

Palestine

Journalists covering march attacked by security forces

The latest attacks further raise concerns about freedom of expression in Gaza, which has seen a rash of violations against journalists in the last month.

International

Writers hail UN accord ending push to ban blasphemy

"We couldn't be more pleased and relieved that the nations of the world have agreed on a framework that keeps intact the full range of free expression protections," said PEN American Center.

Colombia

Attorney General's Office orders preventive detention of two politicians in connection with journalist's murder

A Bogotá prosecutor ordered the arrest of Fernay Tapasco González and his son, Dixon Tapasco Triviño, "for their alleged involvement as masterminds in the murder of Orlando Sierra".

Ecuador

President demands US$80 million in case against newspaper, directors and feature writer

Three "El Universo" directors and journalist Emilio Palacio are being accused of "malicious slander" in connection with a February 2011 article.

Sri Lanka

Colombo diplomatic corps urged to act immediately to free ailing journalist

Lanka eNews news editor Bennet Rupasinghe was arrested by police after responding to a summons.

Israel

New laws threaten discrimination, chill freedom of expression

Two new laws affecting Palestinian Arab residents would promote discrimination and stifle free expression, Human Rights Watch said today.

The Gambia

Sports journalist in court after hosting aggrieved golf workers on his programme

Bakary Baldeh is facing a criminal trial over a sports programme that the authorities claim was meant to incite violence among Gambians.

China

Mainstream journalists also targeted in government's crackdown

CPJ is concerned by the dismissal of two Guangzhou-based journalists who advocate for political reform amid tightening restrictions on free expression.

Belarus

Authorities search home of Polish-Belarusian journalist Andrzej Poczobut

The raid followed news that the Grodno state prosecutor opened a criminal investigation against the journalist for allegedly insulting President Alexander Lukashenko.

Peru

Journalists attacked while covering protests against mining project

Photographer Manuel Berríos and journalist María Eugenia Salas were assaulted by individuals who oppose the proposed Tía María mining project.

Côte d'Ivoire

Control of news and information part of battle for Abidjan

"Amid a climate of confusion in which information is hard to confirm, the suspension or disruption of media activities is likely to encourage rumours and disinformation," RSF said.

Serbia

Journalist found guilty of defaming former minister

A Cacak court handed down a sentence against Radio Ozon director Stojan Markovic for satirical comments made against former minister Velimir Ilic.