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Alerts - 2011 - July-September

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Serbia

IPI condemns physical attack on TV Tutin crew

A two-member TV crew was filming the construction of a local cultural center when four individuals approached and started beating them.

Tajikistan

Journalist faces 16 years in jail if convicted on defamation charges

CPJ condemns the ongoing imprisonment of journalist Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov and is dismayed by prosecutors' call for a hefty prison term on defamation and other charges.

Egypt

Police raid Al-Jazeera offices again

Some 25 plainclothes police entered the new office of Al-Jazeera Mubasher Misr, roughed up staff members and detained journalist Mohamed Suleiman.

Spain

WPFC-FH applauds court decision declaring lawsuit against "Leer" magazine null and void

The plaintiff invoked the repressive 1966 Press Law, a relic from the Franco dictatorship.

Bahrain

Photographers brought to trial

Mohamed Al-Aradi and Zuhair Aoun Al-Shama'a are to be tried for covering an authorised demonstration and for "inciting hatred of the government by posting photos on the Internet."

International

Countries start signing anti-counterfeiting accord that was negotiated secretly

RSF condemns elements of the accord that have the effect of banning censorship circumvention resources that are indispensable tools for ensuring the flow of news and information in countries such as Iran and China.

Ecuador

"El Universo" threatened with two more lawsuits

President Rafael Correa announced that the newspaper may face legal action for having published a letter written by a member of parliament for the Madera de Guerrero movement.

Cuba

IAPA condemns increased harassment of dissidents

IAPA laments the absence of solidarity of Latin American governments with the Cuban people.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Cameraman attacked while filming opposition demonstration

John Kinkendu was severely beaten and had his camera confiscated by a group of youths while covering an opposition rally that was dispersed by police.

Iran

More arrests, threats and sentences for journalists

Arrested while filming a street protest shortly after President Ahmadinedjad's disputed re-election in June 2009, Chari Mohammad Moradof has been sentenced to 21 years in prison on charges of spying and anti-government propaganda.

Senegal

Three "La Tribune" journalists detained over story on police violence

Félix Zalé, Ahmet Bachir Ndiáye and Mamadou Diowere were accused of "discrediting the police" in a front-page story that accused them of using violence to quell a demonstration.

Vietnam

Dissident writers amnestied

Tran Duc Thach and Nguyen Van Tinh were included in an amnesty celebrating Vietnamese National Day.

Sudan

A newspaper closed, others suspended or seized, journalists physically attacked

Despite President Omar al-Bashir's announcement more than a month ago that he would release all imprisoned journalists, Abdelrahman Adam, a Radio Dabanga journalist detained since 30 October 2010, has not been freed.

Bahrain

Sentences upheld against jailed human rights defenders, writers and bloggers

WiPC supported a trial observation mission to the country for the verdict, in partnership with IFEX, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those currently detained for the peaceful exercise of their opinions.

China

State secrecy laws used to intimidate journalists

After Ji Xuguang published a story about a civil servant charged with imprisoning six women, the journalist said he was threatened and interrogated by two unidentified men.

China

Authorities arrest South Korean journalists near North Korean border

Press visas are hard to get and, when journalists lack them, the authorities often use this as grounds for preventing them from working in this sensitive border area, said RSF.

Uganda

Journalist harassed over political talk show

Samuel Kajumba has been harassed since discussing on his show the manner in which the army arrested an alleged deserter.

Malaysia

Broadcast ban placed on video aimed at increasing voter registration

The video was banned just days after Prime Minister Najib Razak promised renewed efforts toward creating a more democratic and liberal Malaysia.

Peru

Journalists receive death threats via leaflets left at their homes

Segundo Alvines and Braulio Rojas received the threats after reporting on corruption allegations involving the municipality of Bagua.

Malawi

Journalist threatened after allegedly publicising conversation involving presidential candidate

One of the threatening text messages received by Joseph Mwale said, "How dare you shame our next president? . . . We will make you a villain because you will soon die."

Middle East and North Africa

Bloodbath in Yemen, violence throughout the region

RSF is very concerned about the surge in violence against journalists in Yemen since President Ali Abdallah Saleh's return from Saudi Arabia on 23 September.

The Gambia

Lawyer jailed for defending his client

Moses Richards was sentenced to a total of two years and six months' imprisonment for a letter written on behalf of his client which mentioned the Office of the President.

Jordan

Parliament criminalises reporting on corruption

ANHRI is concerned that the new law will protect corrupt officials and penalise journalists who try to uncover it.

Eritrea / Sweden

Journalists face threats in covering Dawit Isaac's imprisonment

Journalist Meron Estefanos, an activist in the campaign to release Isaac, was threatened by the imprisoned journalist's brother, who is a strong supporter of Eritrea's president.

Egypt

ANHRI concerned over sharp decline in freedom of expression

A well known writer was briefly detained at the Cairo airport, while a French journalist was deported and an edition of the "Sawt Al-Ummah" newspaper was seized.

Palestine

One journalist detained; security forces storm another journalist's home in Nablus

"Al-Hal" newspaper journalist Mohamed Mona was summoned for an investigation by intelligence services on 22 September 2011 and remains detained.

Somalia

AU forces say four soldiers responsible for journalist's death

The African Union soldiers deployed in Somalia have been suspended and returned to their home country of Burundi for potential trial after an internal investigation found them responsible for the shooting death of a Malaysian journalist.

Thailand

Journalist dies from bomb blast injuries

Phamon Phonphanit, a reporter with the local "Sue Samut Atyakam" newspaper, died from severe burns he suffered while covering a series of bomb blasts in Sungai Kolok town.

Bahrain

Human Rights Watch calls for reinstatement of expelled students, faculty

Earlier in 2011, universities dismissed faculty and staff and expelled students for expressing critical opinions or attending overwhelmingly peaceful demonstrations.

Venezuela

Hackers use Twitter to intimidate reporters

Journalist Berenice Gómez noted that the hackers now "know who gives me information. They could take advantage of that and intimidate, prosecute or even kill my sources."

Burundi

Authorities urged to lift news blackout imposed after Gatumba massacre

The authorities have banned all live broadcasts of a political nature for one month and forbidden the media from covering the official inquiry launched into the massacre.

Mexico

IAPA highlights absence of government action following assassination of yet another journalist

The body of María Elizabeth Macías Castro was found along with a note saying, "I am here because of my reports . . . this happened to me because of my actions."

Mexico

Journalist reported missing in Veracruz

Reporter Gabriel Manuel Fonseca Hernández, who covers the police beat for "El Mañanero" newspaper, went missing on 18 September.

Yemen

Sniper fire claims life of cameraman

Hassan al-Wadhaf died in a Sana'a hospital five days after being struck by sniper fire while covering an anti-government protest in the capital.

Israel / Palestine

French journalist wounded in grenade attack while covering march

Chris Hoby told MADA that he had gone to cover a march northwest of Ramallah and was standing approximately 50-60 meters from the Israeli forces when a soldier threw a metal grenade to the ground beside him, causing severe contusions on his right leg.

Zambia

Injunction on private media houses lifted

As election results are expected, IPI calls on future government to respect press freedom.

Peru

Newspaper editor, correspondent given two-year suspended prison sentences

Fritz Du Bois and Gessler Ojeda Mercado of the newspaper "Perú 21" were charged with defamation for publishing allegations linking a politician's family to the prostitution business.

Egypt

Jailed blogger's brother harassed for supporting him

After visiting his brother in prison on 20 September, Mark Sanad says he was threatened with detention if he did not keep quiet and stop defending him. The authorities also allegedly hid drugs in his bag with the apparent aim of charging him with drug trafficking.

Rwanda

Rugambage murder trial verdict raises more questions than it answers, says RSF

Just before his death, the journalist published an article blaming the Rwandan authorities for the attempted murder of exiled army general Kayumba Nyamwasa on 19 June 2010 in Johannesburg.

Honduras

Armed men threaten journalist, steal his laptop

Two heavily armed men stopped Edgardo Antonio Escoto Amador in the early morning hours, threatened him and stole his bag, which contained important information of national interest.

Turkey

RSF alarmed over premature closure of prosecution case in Dink murder trial

The family and lawyers of slain journalist Hrant Dink walked out of the Istanbul courtroom in protest when the prosecutor began reading his closing speech during the 20th hearing of the case on 19 September.

Lebanon

Two lawyers face disciplinary measures for publishing article

The lawyers' syndicate in Beirut is investigating two lawyers who criticised a proposed project that would restrict its members from speaking to the media about human rights cases.

Zambia

"Zambia Daily Mail" crew attacked

The three-person news crew and driver were violently assaulted as they were covering elections in the Kanyama constituency.

Afghanistan

Iranian journalist dies of injuries sustained in Kabul attack

Farhad Taqaddosi is the 21st journalist to be killed in Afghanistan since the 2001 U.S. invasion, CPJ research shows.

Colombia

Journalist informed of plan to attack her, asks president to intervene to ensure her safety

The authorities have been silent since Claudia Duque sent a letter to the president requesting his intervention and the journalist has every reason to be worried, says RSF.

Pakistan

Journalist attacked, seriously injured in tribal area

Khalil Khan Afridi, a senior journalist and former president of the Tribal Union of Journalists, was attacked with a hand grenade as he was returning home in Landikotal.

Oman

ANHRI condemns suspension of "Al Zaman", imprisonment of its editorial team

Ibrahim Al Moamari and Yusuf Al Haj were convicted fpr publishing a grievance from an employee at the Ministry of Justice.

Thailand

RSF calls into question responsibility of army in fatal shooting of cameraman

The Department of Special Investigation chief told Agence France Presse that the army was responsible for the fatal shooting of Japanese cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist held in police detention for 17 days

Dédé Ilunga was accused of "inciting rebellion" and working for the opposition after he criticised President Joseph Kabila's public works programme on his radio programme.

Somalia

Radio journalist shot, critically wounded

Radio Voice of Peace journalist Hassan Mohamed, better known as Anteno, was shot by unidentified gunmen in the coastal town of Bosasso.

Zimbabwe

Freedom House condemns crackdown on peaceful WOZA protest

The organisation was distributing leaflets and flowers to commemorate the International Day of Peace when they were interrupted by nearly 50 riot police, who rounded up the group and beat them with batons, claiming they had "no permission" to march.

Nicaragua

Journalist flees country after death threats

Soon after the publication of a series of articles on a former guerrilla member, Silvia González began receiving anonymous threatening phone calls.

Russia

Editor attacked in his home over anti-corruption reports

Alexander Singurov believes the attack was aimed at killing him. He links the incident to stories published in his newspaper just two days prior to the attack.

Palestine

MADA welcomes acquittal of journalist Alaa Al-Titi

A Hebron judge acquitted journalist Alaa Al-Titi on all charges of "breaching the peace" and "inciting sectarian violence" via his work at Aqsa TV.

Uzbekistan

Human rights activist attacked over critical online publications

Gulbakhor Turayeva was taking a walk near her house with her children when she was approached by two women, accompanied by two men. One of the women asked her if her name was Gulbakhor; when the journalist said yes, the woman attacked her.

Ecuador

Tribunal upholds sentencing of newspaper, its directors and former feature writer on defamation charge

The sentence issued previously by provisional judge Juan Paredes in a defamation case filed by President Rafael Correa was upheld in its entirety.

Sudan

Human Rights Watch calls for end to clampdown on opposition party members, government critics

The authorities have reportedly arrested more than 100 real or perceived opponents of the government, including well-known writer, artist and activist Abdelmoniem Rahma.

Uganda

Author arrested for publishing book that called for president to step down

Vincent Nzaramba is being detained at the Rapid Response Unit headquarters in Kampala and has reportedly gone on a hunger strike to protest his treatment.

Vietnam

Activist and Internet writer sentenced to four years in prison

Lu Van Bay, a prominent pro-democracy activist, wrote and published articles online calling for the end of one-party rule and the introduction of a multiparty political system.

Middle East and North Africa

Journalists continue to be targeted while covering Arab Spring

Hassan Al-Wadhaf sustained a serious eye injury while covering attacks by security forces and militiamen on demonstrators in Sanaa; he is reported to be on life-support equipment with no chance of recovery.

South Africa

Ruling ANC pulls secrecy bill

Critics of the Protection of Information Bill note that its repressive clauses criminalise investigative journalism and allow officials to classify any information in the name of "national interest".

Philippines

Broadcaster's daughter abducted

Journalist Louie Larroza of dyEC radio said his daughter's abduction may have been a warning to stop his broadcasts on corruption and other illegal activities in the province.

United Kingdom

IFJ joins protest against threat to confidentiality of sources from police

The Metropolitan Police are considering invoking the Official Secrets Acts to force journalists to reveal their sources.

Oman

Two activists detained after participating in peaceful protest

ANHRI was informed that Ammar Al-Hanai and Ibrahim Al-Balushi have been tortured and kept in solitary confinement; their health is deteriorating as a result.

China

TV journalist killed; IFJ worried by recent spate of attacks

Questions have been raised by Li Xiang's colleagues about a possible connection between his reporting and his death.

Burma

Many news websites unblocked; 17 journalists and three netizens still held

With the Democratic Voice of Burma and "Irrawaddy" now accessible, RSF calls for the release of their imprisoned reporters.

Pakistan

Bomb blast targets market selling music and video CDs

Militants had earlier warned shopkeepers selling music and video CDs to shut their businesses, saying there was "no room for music in Islam."

Pakistan

Foreign journalists banned from town where Bin Laden was living

Noémie Karine Géraldine LeHouelleur and Olivier Joulie were arrested near the Bin Laden compound and were questioned for six hours by police and members of the Federal Investigation Agency for "travelling without valid documents."

Philippines

Appellate court denies petition of alleged masterminds in Esperat case

For the media community, the decision represents a battle won in the war against the culture of impunity that has encouraged the continued killing of journalists.

Iran

Six documentary filmmakers arrested

The six were arrested on vague accusations that they engaged in a foreign conspiracy in connection with a critical new documentary about Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Peru

Suspects arrested in journalist's murder

Nevertheless, IPYS insists that the police continue the investigation and arrest the people behind the murder of all three journalists.

Turkey

Journalist and human rights defender acquitted

Baris Yarkadas and Sebnem Korur Fincanci were cleared of insult charges; they had earlier published an article about a physician who refused to recognise signs of torture in detainees.

Ecuador

Seven radio stations face sanctions for airing free expression programme

Seven radio stations in Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca are facing steep fines for jointly broadcasting a special show on freedom of expression in honour of the country's independence day.

Malaysia

PM's promise of sweeping reforms does not extend to media freedom, says CIJ

The prime minister's minor concession in removing the requirement for an annual publishing permit in the PPPA does not address other infringements on freedom of expression within the act itself, CIJ noted.

Turkey

Protesting students face possible 10-year prison sentences

The students were demonstrating against the Higher Education Council and the ruling Justice and Development Party and were faced with massive police intervention using tear gas and water cannons.

Nepal

Journalist's attackers in custody

The suspects are facing five to 15 years' imprisonment if convicted for their attack on journalist Kishor Budhathoki.

Yemen

ANHRI condemns killing of peaceful protesters

The attack claimed the lives of an estimated 28 protesters and injured 700 who were demanding the ousting of Ali Abdullah Saleh's oppressive regime.

Zimbabwe

Former minister sues "Daily News" over stories quoting WikiLeaks cables

Jonathan Moyo is demanding US$100,000 in damages for stories by Thelma Chikwanha quoting comments which, according to US diplomatic cables released a few days before by WikiLeaks, Moyo made to US diplomats in Harare.

Malawi

Arson attacks target rights activists

Following an alleged arson attack on McDonald Sembereka's house, civil society groups have accused President Bingu wa Mutharika's administration of muzzling freedom of expression.

Turkey

Court orders one-month suspension of newspaper under anti-terror law

The court ruled that articles published in "Halkin Gunlugu" contained propaganda for a terrorist organisation.

Ethiopia

Authorities detain two more journalists on vague terrorism accusations

Shortly after Sileshi Hagos and Eskinder Nega were arrested, state television portrayed them as "spies for foreign forces" and accused them of harboring links with the banned political group Ginbot 7.

Palestine

Radio director faces trial after criticising Health Directorate

George Canawati posted a message to his Facebook page criticising Bethlehem's Health Directorate and lamenting the presence of Israeli products on the table at a recent department managers' meeting.

Mexico

IAPA outraged at murder of young couple targeted for using Twitter

The two young people, whose identities have not been disclosed, were killed in apparent reprisal for their comments on drug trafficking.

Argentina

Attack forces community-based radio station off the air

FM Pajsachama programming focuses on defending indigenous peoples, and for this they have often received criticism from other social and political groups.

Australia

RSF questions motives behind new commission of inquiry

RSF is concerned by the possibility that too much power will be given to the Australian Press Council, a regulatory body that monitors conduct and responsibility in the print media.

Chile

Mounting abuses and violence against journalists amid continuing student protests

Concerned about the explosive social climate, RSF urges the security forces to ensure control within their ranks and calls on the protesters to refrain from dangerous excesses.

Ghana

Journalists intimidated, prevented from covering trial

A crowd of sympathisers of Abubakari Nallah intimidated and prevented a group of journalists from covering the trial of Nallah and nine officials of the Narcotic Control Board at an Accra High Court on 9 September.

Somalia

Attackers shoot Radio Galkayo journalist

Hurriya Abdulkadir had complained of repeated threats by unknown callers over her coverage of the conflict between government troops and militias.

Peru

Journalist killed in Chincha

José Oquendo Reyes had not received any death threats but had been critical of the provincial mayor on his programme.

Serbia

Media associations' statement on Draft Media Strategy

While the groups welcomed certain provisions in the document, they stressed that the section on regional public service broadcasters remains problematic.

Middle East and North Africa

Crackdowns on pro-democracy protests continue to affect journalists

Reuters photographer Hamad Mohamed was struck by a rubber bullet fired by a member of the security forces while covering a demonstration in A'ali, southwest of Manama.

Honduras

Journalist receives death threats

Mario Castro Rodriguez has also been followed several times by heavily armed men who cover their faces with balaclavas and drive a white car with tinted windows and no licence plates.

India

Vendetta feared in arrest of journalist in Chhattisgarh state

The IFJ is worried that the special security laws in force in Chhattisgarh state, which has for long been in the grip of a Maoist insurgency, have been used to crack down on free and fair reporting.

Georgia

IPI demands release of Serbian journalist detained in South Ossetia

Viktor Lazic was detained on 3 September on the border between Georgia and South Ossetia and is now being held in solitary confinement.

Ethiopia

Journalist identified in WikiLeaks cable flees country

Argaw Ashine fled after police interrogated him and gave him 24 hours to reveal the identity of his government source or else face "unspecified consequences."

Burma

Jailed photojournalist sentenced to 10 more years in prison

Sithu Zeya, 23, has already been sentenced to eight years in prison for taking pictures of a bomb explosion at the Rangoon water festival in 2010.

India / Bangladesh

Journalist beaten and detained in Srinagar; media workers assaulted in Dhaka

Several policemen approached journalist David Devadas and assaulted him with "fists and metal batons", then took him to the police station, where the beatings continued.

Philippines

Justice department creates new panel to reinvestigate murder of Palawan-based broadcaster

A panel previously created by the justice department dismissed the case against the alleged masterminds behind the murder of Gerardo Ortega.

Angola

Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to release unfairly convicted demonstrators

A police court in Luanda sentenced five organisers of the 3 September demonstration to three months in prison and fines and damages totalling US$1,400 for the crimes of disobedience, resistance, and "corporal offenses".

Nepal

Newspaper editor threatened; police attack journalists

Narendra Nath Yogi, editor of the "Karnali Sandesh" weekly, received a threatening phone call after publishing an article about a dispute between two local organisations.

Azerbaijan

Journalist's relatives beaten, home attacked with excavator

Security personnel working for the state-owned oil company attacked members of Idrak Abbasov's family and partially destroyed their home in a Baku suburb.

Somalia

Journalist beaten by police in Somaliland

A police officer warned other journalists that they too should be assaulted if they published unflattering reports about government officials.

Hong Kong (China)

IFJ fears erosion of editorial independence at Radio Television Hong Kong

A civil servant was appointed director of the publicly-owned broadcasting station, despite having little experience in the media sector.

Turkey

Prison managers destroy manuscript

The prison management destroyed an unpublished book by Halil Gundogan because it supposedly "contained objectionable expressions that praised a terrorist organisation."

Lesotho

High Court judge sues Harvest FM radio station

According to a letter from her lawyer, Justice 'Maseforo Mahase has claimed that a programme aired by the station contained defamatory remarks against her.

Brazil

Radio journalist shot to death

"Given the journalist's critical reporting on local government, authorities must launch a timely and thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice," said CPJ.

Uganda

Local council leaders move to bar media activities in Kalangala district

If the resolution is passed it will automatically become a by-law under which journalists could be arrested and prosecuted for trespassing.

Indonesia

Radio Era Baru forcibly closed by police

Despite last week's conviction of its manager still being subject to appeal, the station was shut down and its transmission equipment was confiscated.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns cleric's "deadly threat" to journalists

After a prominent cleric linked to the Al Shabaab leadership condemned journalists as "apostates" who should be sentenced to death, NUSOJ voices concern for journalists' safety.

Malawi

Journalist arrested for photographing presidential property without permission

Ernest Mhwayo was reportedly pursuing a story about the property, which recently came under scrutiny when commentators asked the president to explain his wealth.

Saudi Arabia

Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to drop charges against human rights lawyer

The charges against Walid Abu al-Khair include "communicating with foreign agencies" and "participating in media [programmes] to distort the country's reputation".

Egypt

Authorities raid news channel's offices; concern over increasing assault on media freedom

The attack on the broadcaster comes amid a concerted security campaign against mass media and freedom of expression, says ANHRI.

Thailand

New cases suggest no change in lèse-majesté policy

One of the latest cases is that of Surapak Phuchaisaeng who was arrested on lèse-majesté charges in connection with photos, videos and messages he posted on Facebook.

Uganda / Kenya

Charges against human rights defender dropped

Al-Amin Kimathi had been charged with terrorism, as well as murder and attempted murder, and was held in pre-trial detention for nearly a year.

Peru

Demonstrators beat journalist, confiscate camera

Weston Jacson Ibarra Méndez was attacked while covering a judicial procedure involving the mayor of the town of Chiquián.

Liberia

Reporters attacked by political partisans

The Liberty Party partisans assaulted the RCI reporters for attempting to report on the former party chairman, who was being released from prison.

Kenya

CPJ condemns break-in at "Nairobi Law Monthly"

Thieves broke into the magazine's second-story office, attacked two security guards with machetes and stole computers containing critical information for the magazine's October issue.

Afghanistan

IFJ mourns BBC journalist killed by NATO forces

The International Security Assistance Force has admitted that Ahmed Omed Khpulwak was killed by a US soldier who mistook him for an insurgent during a firefight.

Bolivia

Journalist who exposed corruption threatened

Mónica Oblitas has received repeated death threats after publishing an exposé on corruption within the Institute of Forensic Investigations.

Turkey

Eleven detained, including two journalists, during raid by authorities

Hamdullah Kesen and Sehmus Kabak were arrested by officers from the Anti-Terror Unit, who raided several homes on 7 September 2011.

Honduras

Pro-Zelaya journalist killed in Bijao

Medardo Flores was part of a Radio UNO collective, which analysed current sociopolitical and cultural issues in Honduras.

Ethiopia

Two Swedish and three Ethiopian journalists charged with terrorism

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's government is using the anti-terrorism law against journalists who dare to criticise authorities or carry out investigative reporting in remote areas where rebels are active, says RSF.

Cameroon

Journalist detained, asked to reveal sources

Authorities pressed François Fogno Fotso to reveal the sources for a story, published in August 2010, detailing alleged corruption by a tax official.

Cambodia

Armed police, officials disrupt human rights training event

After a two-hour standoff between the authorities and participants, the event was allowed to proceed.

Namibia

Ten-year-old advertising ban on "The Namibian" lifted

In a two-paragraph statement, the minister of Information and Communication Technology confirmed a recent cabinet decision that effectively ends the government-imposed ban.

Somalia

Two journalists arrested in Somaliland

Sources indicate that Ahmed Muse Mohamed was arrested without a court warrant on the orders of the local governor.

Nepal

Journalist taken hostage, receives death threat

Paras Timsina was held by unknown assailants who warned him that he would be killed if he reported on the abduction.

Lebanon / Egypt

Lebanese blogger arrested in Egypt, deported to Beirut

Imad Bazzi was detained for over 10 hours and questioned by Egyptian officials over an award he had received and about his relations with Egyptian bloggers.

Iraq

New law fails to protect journalists, creates new problems, says RSF

The new media law's vagueness and many serious omissions are all the more incomprehensible for the fact that many NGOs offered detailed critiques and proposed specific recommendations for ways to better protect journalists and combat impunity.

Yemen

Journalists continue to be targeted

Correspondent Abdul al-Hafeez al-Hatami and camera operator Raafat al-Amiri were covering the rising oil prices in the Al-Duha district in the western province of Hobeidah when they were attacked by a group of armed men.

Sierra Leone

Presidential guards attack four journalists

Following the attack, Mohamed Fajah Barrie lost consciousness and was hospitalised; he has since been discharged.

Iraq

"Lvin" magazine editor beaten by special forces, held for three hours in Iraqi Kurdistan

A representative from Kurdistan's intelligence agency said he had filed a defamation suit against "Lvin" in response to the report about the incident posted on its website.

Angola

Journalists beaten, equipment seized

Police beat and intimidated four journalists while they were covering a major anti-government demonstration in Luanda.

Peru

Journalist shot dead in Nuevo Chimbote

Pedro Alonso Flores Silva had been receiving threats from unidentified persons that may have been connected to his investigations into corruption.

Nepal

Newspaper office vandalised in Kathmandu

Nine unidentified people barged into the "Naya Patrika" office at 10:30am, cut the telephone wire, smashed a computer and broke an editor's desk, all in retaliation for a crime story the paper had recently published.

Zimbabwe

Journalists detained at Libyan embassy

AP journalists Farai Mugano and Gillian Gotora were briefly detained at the Libyan Embassy in Harare where they had gone to cover the deportation story of Ambassador Taher Elmagrahi.

Zimbabwe

Attorney general reduces charges against "Standard" journalists

While part of the criminal charges against Patience Nyangove and editor Nevanji Madanhire were withdrawn, the state is said to be proceeding with the charge of criminal defamation.

Iraq

Radio personality shot dead

Hadi al-Mahdi had been critical of government corruption and social inequality and was involved in Iraq's protest movement.

Sudan

Security forces seize copies of "Al-Jarida" and "Al-Midan" newspapers

"Al-Jarida" believes the confiscation is linked to its initiative to invite journalists from a banned paper to share their writings.

Cambodia

Voice of America faces contempt of court proceedings for revealing "confidential information"

While contempt of court proceedings are important in ensuring the sanctity of an ongoing investigation, the court's decision comes amid allegations that the Office of the Co-Investigating Judges is bowing to political pressure in the investigation into certain cases.

Iran

RSF calls on regime to end repression, free all detained journalists and bloggers

Since demonstrations in the province of Azerbaijan began, around 100 people have been arrested including netizens and journalists.

Cuba

Authorities refuse to renew Spanish correspondent's work permit

Mauricio Vicent, correspondent for the Spanish newspaper "El País" and the Cadena Ser network, was told that the government would not renew his work permit because of his portrayal of a "partial and negative" image of the country.

Indonesia

Six months in jail for radio station manager who covered rights violations in China

According to the station's president, Raymond Tan, the prosecution is the result of direct pressure by the Chinese government on the Indonesian authorities with the aim of preventing the station from broadcasting its programmes.

Azerbaijan

Stepping up harassment of media, Nakhchivan expels reporter

Yafez Hasanov was abducted on 31 August by three unidentified men who drove him to the Iranian border and told him to return to Baku via Iran.

Azerbaijan

European Court to examine case of two bloggers who were unjustly jailed

Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizade are seeking official recognition that the authorities violated their rights during their detention from July 2009 to November 2010.

Ecuador

President's attorney asks public prosecutor to initiate additional legal action against "El Universo" newspaper

Lawyer Alembert Vera characterised an article published by the paper as disrespectful of the "right to honour, good name, prestige, privacy and intellectual property."

Turkey

Detained student no longer allowed visitors

Ferhat Tuzer has been banned from receiving visitors for six months because he sang a folk song.

Brazil

IAPA condemns media censorship

The news media conglomerate Grupo RBS has been ordered to refrain from publishing reports about cases of alleged corruption involving a Rio Grande do Sul legislator.

Russia

Retired police official charged in Politkovskaya murder

The Investigative Committee brought charges against Lt. Col. Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov in connection with the journalist's 2006 murder and named a convicted criminal as an organiser of the slaying.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Opposition television station targeted in arson attack

Radio Lisanga Television was attacked by a group of armed men who set fire to the premises in what JED believes was a premeditated attack.

Azerbaijan

Head of Nakhchivan-based organisation receives death threat

Malahat Nasibova was told she would be killed if she continued to publish information about a National Security Ministry employee.

Syria

Journalist arrested, held without charge

Prior to his arrest, Amer Matar e-mailed a copy of his will to a friend and said, "I may not come back from Friday prayers."

Venezuela

Editor detained pending trial

Leocenis García has been accused of defamation and "incitement to hatred".

Peru

Journalist informed of plan to kill her

Ketty Vela said that a hit man told her that he had been hired to kill her, but that he refused to carry out the hit.

Pakistan

Journalist assaulted by former government minister's guards

Farhan Effendi was injured when Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Mirza's guards turned on him during a press conference in Hyderabad.

United Kingdom

Blanket ban on marches in six London boroughs violates freedom of speech, says ARTICLE 19

The 30-day ban applies to any organisation planning to march in the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Islington and the City.

France

European Union's Telecoms Package incorporated into French law

"The Telecoms Package has been adopted at the national level without any parliamentary debate although it changes the concept and vision of the Internet in France," RSF said.

Somalia

Journalist killed, another wounded in Mogadishu

Malaysian journalist Noramfaizul Mohd Nor was covering the activities of a humanitarian aid group when he was struck by a bullet allegedly fired by African Union troops.

Mexico

Two journalists killed in Mexico City

Marcela Yarce Viveros and Rocío González Trápaga were found dead in a park after they were reported missing the previous night.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Four journalists are victims of police violence during opposition protest

John Bompengo, Daudet Nzumbu, Papy Mulala and Bienvenu Kabamba were harassed and beaten by members of the national police and by individuals in civilian clothing.

Mexico

Twitter users accused of terrorism in Veracruz

The media reported that Maruchi Bravo Pagola and Gilberto Martínez Vera were arrested and taken to the state capital.

France

Investigative journalist receives death threat

Fabrice Arfi is involved in a sensitive investigation into armed attacks in Karachi.

Syria

Government announces new media law

Article 12 calls for "responsible freedom of expression" but provides no definition of the term, thereby allowing a great deal of scope for arbitrary interpretation.

Ethiopia

Call for release of detained opposition leaders as crackdown intensifies

The arrest of two ethnic Oromo leaders appears to be a prime example of the government using the anti-terrorism law to silence the opposition, Human Rights Watch said.

Kazakhstan

LiveJournal portal, several blogs suspended

Some of the blogs on the portal allegedly violated the law on "disseminating materials containing propaganda for terrorism, religious extremism, and incitement to commit acts of terrorism".

South Africa

Journalists attacked during ANC protest

Supporters of ANC youth leader Julius Malema hurled bottles, stones, and bricks at police and reporters.

Ukraine

Gongadze murder suspect admits to killing, names former president Kuchma as conspirator

"The authorities must follow up on the accused's testimony and find and prosecute all those, no matter how powerful and well-connected they are, who plotted the murder of Georgy Gongadze," said CPJ.

Burma

Suu Kyi withdraws article slated for publication following harassment from censorship board

The opposition leader withdrew the article after the censorship board asked that several paragraphs be deleted prior to publication.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Death threats against JED's two leaders

The organisation's president, Donat M'Baya Tshimanga, and secretary-general, Tshivis Tshivuadi, received a threatening email from a supporter of Yves Kisombe.

Egypt

Jailed blogger on hunger strike, moved to solitary confinement

Maikel Nabil Sanad has not been allowed to go to the hospital since his imprisonment; he recently stopped drinking water and refused to take his heart medication.

Rwanda

Newspaper receives threats, suspends publication

Fidèle Gakire, the publisher of "Ishema", decided to suspend publication for one month as a result of the serious threats he has reportedly been receiving.

Venezuela

News agency director assaulted, camera operator's equipment destroyed

Wilmer Solano and William Vegas were assaulted while they were covering an event in which the leader of the Primero Justicia political party was speaking.

Venezuela

Weekly allowed to reopen, executives still charged

The weekly "6to Poder" has been prohibited from referring to the case against it in print and from publishing anything deemed offensive to women or public officials.

Thailand

SEAPA expresses concern over government officials' comments on lese majeste cases

The ill-defined law, allowing anyone to file an accusation, and the government's tacit approval of it puts at risk the work of media practitioners and online commentators, and the sharing of information online, warns SEAPA.

Zimbabwe

Foreign newspapers instructed to register with media commission, face possible ban

Foreign papers risk being banned from Zimbabwe if they fail to register under the terms of the draconian Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Azerbaijan

Authorities in Nakhchivan impose news blackout on detainee's death

Journalists ran into problems when they tried to investigate the death in detention of Turac Zeynalov; while interviewing his relatives, they were accosted by security officials who tried to seize their cameras and microphones.

Côte d'Ivoire

Authorities to withdraw soldiers from "Notre Voie" newspaper premises

Since the soldiers' deployment, the paper's offices have been under lock and key and newspaper staff have been barred from accessing equipment and archival materials.

China

Microblog suspends accounts for allegedly spreading false rumours

The microblog's suspension of two accounts for a month may represent an attempt to rein in online news reporting, says CPJ.

Sudan

RSF calls for release of all imprisoned journalists in wake of president's announcement

President Omar Al-Bashir's recent announcement of his intention to free all jailed journalists was followed by the release of Gafar Alsabki Ibrahim, a journalist with the Arabic-language daily "Al-Sahafa", who had been detained since 3 November 2010.

Egypt

Jailed blogger's health deteriorating following hunger strike

Maikel Nabil Sanad began a hunger strike on 23 August in protest against the three-year jail sentence he was given by a military court.

Yemen

Security forces confiscate copies of newspapers

Security force personnel seized copies of the independent newspapers "Al-Omana'a" and "Al-Thawry" at government checkpoints.

United States

Four years after the crime, two men get life sentences for Chauncey Bailey's murder

Yusuf Bey IV and his accomplice, Antoine Mackey, were sentenced to life in prison without parole for their involvement in the murder of the "Oakland Post" editor.

Iraq

Prominent Kurdish journalist assaulted

"It is very clear that this attack is related to my job as an independent journalist and my vocal support for freedom," Asos Hardi told Human Rights Watch.

Ecuador

Faced with ongoing legal action, journalist decides to leave the country

Emilio Palacio, a former writer for the daily "El Universo", announced he "was forced" to leave the country due to "political persecution".

Democratic Republic of Congo

Politician taped threatening journalist

Member of Parliament Yves Kisombe stormed the studios of RTVS1, demanded to see Eugénie Ntumba and threatened to rape her for having recorded his comments in an earlier interview, according to the journalist.

Burma

Former military officer sentenced to ten years in prison under Electronics Act

In a 26 August closed hearing, Nay Myo Zin was sentenced to ten years in prison for alleged possession of an e-mail critical of the military.

Azerbaijan

Rights defender, six activists convicted

The six opposition activists were sentenced to prison terms of up to three years following unfair trials over their role in anti-government protests.

Ethiopia

RSF calls for release of two journalists, investigation into conditions of detention

Reyot Alemu is in very poor health while Wubeshet Taye says he has been mistreated.

Venezuela

Human Rights Watch calls on government to protect human rights defender

Humberto Prado, director of the Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons NGO, has been repeatedly threatened and publicly discredited.

Togo

Banned magazine back on sale amid tension over media freedom

"Tribune d'Afrique" will be back on newsstands on 29 August for the first time since a Lomé court banned its distribution and sale one year ago in a libel case brought by Mey Gnassingbé, the president's half-brother.

Thailand

Journalists subjected to intimidation tactics over Red Shirt coverage, interview with prime minister

Red Shirt movement members displeased with an interview with the prime minister are believed to be behind e-mails calling for readers to "take care of" a broadcast journalist.

Montenegro

Daily "Vijesti" attacked yet again

Despite the condemnation of prior attacks, the authorities have not created a setting in which the daily's journalists can work free from pressure, says IPI.

Nepal

Police arrest suspect accused of attack on journalist

Bikash Rai confessed to his involvement in an attack on journalist Kishor Budhathoki.

Ecuador

Photojournalist detained during police raid

Stalin Díaz was detained despite having told police that he had gone to an alleged illegal club to cover a story.

Ecuador

Authorities cancel TV station's licencing contract

An official in the province of Morona Santiago suspects the cancellation of Telesangay's frequency is a retaliatory move owing to political differences.

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns bomb attack on radio station

This is the second time the Daljir radio station has been attacked, and no action was taken against the perpetrators of the previous incident.

Uzbekistan

Regime steps up online control and media crackdown

The government approved on 5 August the setting up of a "committee of experts on information and mass communication" to monitor the country's media.

Libya

Six journalists still missing

The whereabouts of six Libyan journalists who have been missing for the past six months are still unknown.

Nepal

Daily threatened over satirical cartoon

Khagendra Basnet, a distributor for the daily "Nigarani" newspaper, was accosted and warned that the paper's offices would be burned down.

Mexico

Abducted journalist found dead

Humberto Millán Salazar had been missing for 24 hours after having been kidnapped by armed men in Culiacán, Sinaloa.

Brazil

Access to information bill at risk

ARTICLE 19 calls on the Senate to reject a proposal that would undermine the bill and pass it as it was approved by the Chamber of Deputies.

Syria

Critical cartoonist viciously attacked by armed men

Ali Ferzat had recently published a cartoon showing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad hitchhiking along a road trying to get a lift from a car driven by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Mongolia

Judge dismisses lawsuit against journalist

The district court judge in the case noted that Bolormaa Damdinsuren did not purposefully defame the company director and therefore the case could no longer be considered a criminal lawsuit.

Sudan

Editor freed on bail, still facing death penalty

The news of Abuzar Ali Al-Amin's release was overshadowed by the confiscation of all copies of the daily "Al-Jarida", the harassment of its staff and the possibility that the ruling National Congress Party will reinstate prior censorship.

Colombia

Former president Uribe labels journalists "terrorism sympathisers"

After the publication of the journalists' stories that alleged that Uribe may have been involved in illegal actions, the former president accused Forero and Duque of being sympathisers of terrorism and accomplices of leftist guerrillas.

Russia

New suspect detained in Anna Politkovskaya's slaying

The suspect, retired Lt. Col. Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov, is said to have formed a criminal group tasked with killing the journalist.

Libya

Four Italian journalists released after being held for 24 hours; two French journalists sustain gunshot wounds

The four journalists were abducted on the road between Zawiya and Tripoli. According to "La Stampa", their Libyan driver was killed in front of them.

Mexico

Armed men kidnap journalist

Humberto Millán Salazar, the editor of the online daily "A Discusión", was kidnapped by heavily armed men as he left his office.

Philippines

Radio commentator fatally shot

CPJ is investigating the killing of Niel Jimena to determine whether it was work-related.

Libya

American journalist escapes from prison after five months in captivity

Matthew VanDyke was captured in mid-March by forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi. The Libyan government only recently admitted to having him in custody.

Ecuador

Defence lawyers question judge's independence in case against newspaper; opinion editor faces new lawsuit

The "El Universo" defence team is concerned that a new judge appointed to the case against the newspaper may have ties to the plaintiff's lawyer.

Pakistan

ATV Khyber News team attacked

The team was returning after enquiring about the health of the Provincial Education Minister at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, when individuals travelling in a car and on a motorbike intercepted their vehicle.

Syria

UN team should insist on protection of protesters, says Human Rights Watch

The authorities have demonstrated with gunfire and bloodshed that their promise to allow the UN to conduct a humanitarian mission without hindrance is hollow, says Human Rights Watch.

Turkey

Police detain five journalists, raid newspaper and TV station

IPI condemns raids by police on the offices of "Aydinlik" newspaper and the Ulusal Kanal television station, reportedly in connection with the ongoing probe into the "Ergenekon" plot.

Venezuela

IAPA protests ban on weekly, calls for editor's release

Publication of "Sexto Poder" was banned after the magazine published photos depicting government officials as cabaret dancers.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Journalist violently attacked during ruling party congress

Serge Kembila was attacked by a group of men hired as security for Evariste Boshab, Secretary General of the ruling People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy.

Colombia

Journalist forced to leave country due to threats

Although the police have provided Mary Luz Avendaño with protective measures, due to continued fears for her safety the journalist decided to leave the country.

Rwanda

Two leading members of human rights group arrested, interrogated

The Regional Human Rights League in the Great Lakes Region is one of the few remaining independent human rights organisations in Rwanda - a country where reporting on human rights abuses invariably results in hostile reactions by the government.

Palestine

Hamas interrogates, detains young advocates, suppresses protests in Gaza

Hamas authorities are urged to halt actions aimed at intimidating civil society activists into silence and respect their rights to free expression.

Israel / Palestine

Palestinian journalists under fire again from Israeli troops

RSF was shocked to learn that IDF reservists deliberately fired on a group of journalists who went to cover the weekly demonstration in Nabi Saleh on 29 July, and calls on authorities to investigate this case.

Libya

Trapped journalists in Tripoli must be treated as civilians, says CPJ

Journalists in the hotel said that snipers were positioned around the property where pro-Qaddafi forces are still operating.

Sudan

Security services seize copies of "Al-Jarida" newspaper

The security services did not provide any explanation for the action, which was taken after the newspaper's edition had been printed.

Greece

IPI condemns detention of two journalists in Florina

Goran Momirovski and Milena Gjorgjievska were detained in a street and held for two hours while police reviewed their filmed material in order to make sure no public buildings were filmed.

Kashmir (India)

IFJ concerned by attack on journalists in Kashmir

Two journalists suffered serious injuries during a confrontation between political demonstrators and security forces.

Libya

Australian journalist brutally attacked by unknown assailants in Benghazi

Two armed men wearing military fatigues broke into Tracey Shelton's room at the Africa Hotel, tied her up, beat her, and attempted to kidnap her.

Middle East and North Africa

Arab governments target Twitter users; Bahraini rights activist summoned

Nabeel Rajab was summoned on allegations that he published false news on the situation in Bahrain and incited violence against a Special Forces police officer.

Middle East and North Africa

Anti-media violence, censorship and prosecutions continue

Driss Chahtane and Abdel Aziz Gogasse have been charged with publishing false information after publishing an article about close links between certain governors and the Authenticity and Modernity Party of Fouad Ali El-Himma, a close friend of the king.

China

Magazine president, editor punished for citing historian

"Nanfeng Chuang" magazine president Chen Zhong was removed from his post and editor Zhao Lingmin was suspended over an interview deemed critical of a Communist Party legend.

Honduras

Assassinated journalist's brother receives death threats

Carlos Alberto Medina Polanco has been told to stop calling for an investigation into the murder of his brother, or he will "meet the same fate".

Lesotho

Privately-owned radio stations off the air amid demonstrations

One of the stations' managers said a government official had told her station to "mend its ways" or face being shut down.

Guinea

Freelance journalist freed

El Bechir Diallo was picked up at a cyber café on August 11 and held incommunicado at a military camp in Conakry for more than 48 hours in connection with an assassination attempt on President Alpha Condé in July.

Nepal

Journalist manhandled by Maoist activist

The incident took place while Susilbabu Shrestha was covering a story about discussions between Moaist factions regarding a food transportation contract.

The Gambia

Radio ban on Islamic cleric lifted

President Yahya Jammeh, who is also the Minister of Religious Affairs, lifted the ban on Bakawsu Fofanah on June 7, 2011, according to a local newspaper.

Mauritania

Senegalese TV crew arrested, equipment seized

The crew had been in the country since August 13 on an assignment that included interviewing the leader of the opposition Democratic Party and the president of a local abolitionist movement.

Australia

PFF mourns media workers' deaths in helicopter crash

The ABC media tragedy is a loss for the Pacific, says PFF.

Liberia

Journalists harassed by party supporters

Reporter Nat Bayjay says he would have been lynched by partisans of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), had it not been for the intervention of a political candidate.

Cambodia

Authorities conduct mass detention of forest activists in Phnom Penh

Police and local officials descended on each of the locations where the activists had gathered, confiscated their leaflets and detained participants in local commune offices for questioning and "re-education."

Libya

Details of protesters' execution come to light

Government forces fired on apparently peaceful protesters, killing at least two and wounding 10, in the town of Bani Walid, on 28 May 2011.

Venezuela

Newspaper reporter beaten, briefly detained

Óscar Tarazona was assaulted after he identified himself as a journalist and questioned a group of police officers about what they were doing.

Malaysia

CIJ expresses concern over Home Ministry's reaction to newspaper's error

The ministry issued "The Star" a show-cause letter after the newspaper included some non-halal eateries in its "Ramadhan delights" food supplement.

Iraq

Editor released after 16 months in prison

Saad Al-Awsi was detained due to an article he published criticising deals that Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki had allegedly struck in order to secure his position.

India

Right to Information campaigner shot dead

Shehla Masood had campaigned for enforcement of the Right to Information Act for the past two years; she was on her way to a demonstration when she was shot in the neck by unknown assailants.

Palestine

Journalist detained; TV programme suspended

Hamas's security services in Gaza summoned Fathi Tbeil following his coverage of a sit-in in solidarity with Palestinian refugees in the Alrimal camp in Syria, which was shelled by Syrian forces.

Peru

Journalist assaulted by mayor and his bodyguards

Pompilio Peña Ríos sustained injuries to his ribs and wrist, inflicted by the Balsapuerto mayor and his bodyguards, after Peña Ríos asked him about unpaid bills for radio advertisements.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Community radio director released after four days in custody

Alpha Manzanza, director of the community radio station Etoile de Bolobo, was detained on the pretence that the station was broadcasting without proper documentation.

Vietnam

Human Rights Watch calls on authorities to free peaceful land rights activists

Defending people with grievances and peacefully criticising the government are activities that should be protected under the right of freedom of expression in international law, Human Rights Watch said.

Bahrain

Detained activists await trial, concerns over their well-being

There are concerns that Jalila al-Salman and Roula al-Saffar are being held solely because they took part in protests.

The Gambia

Authorities censor Taranga FM again

Ismaila Ceesay, managing director of the station, was summoned to the headquarters of the National Intelligence Agency and ordered to cease broadcasting of all press review programmes of privately-owned newspapers.

Hong Kong (China)

Police accuse reporters of attempting to "burglarise" Chief Executive's office

The three reporters, from "Ming Pao", "Sing Tao" and "Capital Weekly", were accosted by police even though they had registered at the reception office and had been given access passes.

Israel / Palestine

Israel extends Al-Jazeera journalist's detention; no charges filed

CPJ urged authorities to publicly explain and provide evidence as to why they continue to hold Samer Allawi.

Angola

Immigration authorities deny entry to Mozambican journalists, SADC activists

Angola has denied entry to at least 17 members of southern African NGOs seeking to participate in a civil-society forum ahead of the summit and has confiscated advocacy documents from Zimbabwean activists, according to news reports.

Egypt

Youth leader, protesters charged with "insulting the military"

"The military is using Asamaa Mahfouz to silence potential critics, sending the message that criticising the current military government will land them in jail," Human Rights Watch noted.

Nepal

Journalist receives death threat from police officer

Gambhira Sahani threatened to kill journalist Bikash Agrawal because of a news story he published in "Bypass", a local daily.

Syria

Journalists, bloggers arrested and beaten as information war continues

Isolated internationally, the authorities persist in censoring any discourse different from their own, jailing netizens and journalists who have witnessed violence against protesters, says RSF.

Tunisia

ANHRI condemns use of violence against peaceful protesters

Police assaulted protesters and used tear gas to suppress a demonstration in front of the Ministry of the Interior.

Ukraine

Trial of Gongadze murder suspect should be open to public, says CPJ

According to CPJ, "Ukraine must demonstrate that it has turned a new page in its historical development by choosing transparency over secrecy and justice over impunity in this flagship case."

Malaysia

Prime minister urged to repeal PPPA and work to regain public trust in media

CIJ welcomes Prime Minister Najib Razak's call to review existing media censorship laws.

Ecuador

Journalist sentenced to five years in prison in slander case

Freddy Aponte was sentenced after failing to pay damages to the former mayor of Loja, who had accused the journalist of having slandered him.

Tunisia

Court upholds order requiring filtering of porn sites

RSF reiterates its opposition to filtering, which has proved to be ineffective in other countries in the past and ends up blocking websites that are not targeted as well as those that are.

Ecuador

Journalist previously sentenced to time in prison for slander faces new lawsuit

Judge Ángel Rubio ordered a search of the home and the arrest of Peter Tavra Franco, who is facing a new US$10 million lawsuit.

China

Authorities should allow open reporting of environmental threat, says CPJ

Microblog services have deleted images showing demonstrations in the city of Dalian, where citizens are calling for the closure of a chemical plant due to safety concerns.

Fiji

Union members arrested for trying to publicly discuss new decree

Daniel Urai and Dinesh Gounder were arrested for trying to discuss the new Essential Industries Decree, which has roused international concern about workers' rights.

Egypt

ANHRI calls for end to military trials for civilians

The Military Council should abolish prison sentences for cases related to freedom of speech and civilians brought before military tribunals should be referred to civilian courts, ANHRI said.

Pakistan

IFJ condemns killing of journalist in Balochistan

IFJ's affiliate in Pakistan said the murder of Muneer Shakir exposes the failure of the government to protect media personnel.

Saudi Arabia

ANHRI condemns blocking of Radio Netherlands Wordwide Arabic website

Observers believe the interference is linked to the posting of information on the mistreatment of foreign workers, including a video of a Saudi man beating an Asian worker.

Kyrgyzstan

Independent journalist brutally attacked

Shokhrukh Saipov decided to become a journalist after authorities failed to properly investigate his older brother's murder and instead imprisoned a man who is largely believed to be innocent.

Nepal

Youth Association Nepal chairman threatens to shut newspaper and jail its editor

At a gathering in Biratnagar, YAN chairman Mahesh Basnet said, "The day a new constitution is drafted in our favour, we will close down 'Nagarik News' and send its editor, Narayan Wagle, to jail."

Indonesia

Military documents reveal unlawful spying in Papua; Human Rights Watch calls for free expression rights to be upheld

Approximately 500 pages of internal documents have come to light, exposing the military's surveillance of peaceful activists, politicians and clergy.

Côte d'Ivoire

State television resumes operation

The state-owned Ivorian Television resumed operations after almost five months of being off the air, following a clash over its control by the Ouattara and Gbagbo forces.

United Kingdom

BlackBerry cooperation with police sparks concern over targeting of social networks

The provision of personal data to the police sets a disturbing precedent in a western country and could have significant consequences in terms of setting an example for other governments, says RSF.

Zimbabwe

Police search for "Zimbabwe Independent" journalists

Detectives said they want the journalists to assist in investigations into who "leaked" the details of a story that was allegedly based on Cabinet deliberations.

Oman

Newspaper threatened with closure for exposing judiciary corruption

The Sultanate of Oman is threatening to shut down the independent newspaper Al-Zaman for publishing an article alleging corruption in the Ministry of Justice; the article's author, Youssef al-Haj, could face prison time if convicted.

Nepal

Journalist attacked after reporting on domestic violence incident

Kishor Budathoki sustained a serious injury to his head and is currently undergoing treatment at Noble Hospital in Biratnagar.

Togo

Police clamp down on demonstrators

Media professionals, civil society groups and members of opposition political parties were attacked with tear gas by security forces as they rallied to demand an investigation into recent attacks on journalists.

Venezuela

Radio journalist kidnapped briefly, robbed

According to reporter Carlos Sánchez, his assailants told him repeatedly that the radio station for which he works should "stop broadcasting certain information".

Cambodia

Suspension of prominent land rights NGO confirms civil society fears over forthcoming NGO law

For several years, STT has spoken out against land evictions, having most recently criticised government plans to rehabilitate a dilapidated rail link connecting Phnom Penh with Thailand.

Guinea

Freelance journalist held incommunicado in military camp

El Bechir Diallo was abducted on the morning of 11 August 2011 by officials of the Criminal Investigations Department of the national police for unknown reasons.

Nicaragua

Reporter and her family receive death threats in polarised pre-election climate

Silvia González believes the threats are linked to articles about the activities of a former "Contra" commander who opposed the government of Daniel Ortega.

Pakistan

Journalist abducted in North Waziristan

Armed men abducted Rahmatullah Darpakhel from a market in the town of Miranshah in North Waziristan and drove him away, according to local media reports.

Vanuatu

State media must serve public, not politicians, says PFF

Minister Don Ken visited the newsroom of the state-owned Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation and demanded that a story covering his recent arrest be censored.

Ghana

Newspaper suspended, journalists and publishers fined in defamation case

"The Chronicle" had accused Prof. Nokoe and Daniel Gyimah, then Chairman of the University Council, of underhanded dealings in the acquisition of a hostel facility.

Burma

Imprisoned photojournalist faces extended jail term

A Rangoon court has rejected an appeal by Sithu Zeya and as a result the photojournalist faces another seven to 15 years in prison.

Venezuela

Journalist's programme cancelled because of political pressure; reporter faces defamation complaint

Henry Viola was the host of "Magazine Informativo", which was cancelled only 15 days after it premiered.

Peru

Huaraz journalist receives death threat

Humberto Espinoza Maguiña believes the threat is linked to his investigations and criticisms of the regional government, the judiciary and the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Burundi

Government critics face repeated arrests, questioning

Although the release of two of three lawyers arrested since mid-July was a positive step, the government should immediately end the harassment of both lawyers and journalists, Human Rights Watch and CPJ said.

Turkey

Government agency modifies proposed Internet filtering system, postpones its introduction

The original version of the agency's directive was referred to the Council of State by the human rights website Bianet.org, which questioned its legality.

Israel / Palestine

Al Jazeera journalist arrested by Israeli authorities

Samer Allawy's brother was informed that the journalist was in custody and would be moved to Aljalameh prison for four days of investigation.

Nepal

Journalist threatened on Facebook

An underground armed group posted a threatening message to Santosh Yadav on a Facebook page.

Ghana

Pastors assault radio journalists, vandalise station

The pastors stormed the studios of Hot FM to protest their exclusion from a current affairs programme.

Ecuador

Cyber activists hack municipality's webpage in protest against government's attacks on free expression

The "Anonymous" group criticised Rafael Correa's government for censoring the media and condemned the recent ruling against the "El Universo" newspaper.

Iran

Authorities continue to target critical journalists

Veteran journalist Issa Saharkhiz has just learned that his prison term will be extended by two additional years for "prior journalistic activities".

Dominican Republic

Police identify journalist's alleged killers, confirm reporting was motive

According to investigators, José Agustín Silvestre de los Santos was murdered in revenge for an article linking businessman Matías Avelino Castro to criminal activities.

United Arab Emirates

ANHRI urges authorities to investigate death threats against detained blogger, activist

The threats against Ahmed Mansoor followed the launch of an organised defamation campaign aimed at portraying him as a traitor to his country.

Thailand

Blogger released on bail, faces charges

Norawase Yospiyasathien faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail for the charge of lese majeste and another 5 years under the Computer Crimes Act.

Vietnam

French-Vietnamese blogger sentenced to three years in prison

Pham Minh Hoang has decided to appeal and asks the French authorities to pressure the Vietnamese government to review his sentence.

Ecuador

President urges legislators to file charges against journalist

Rafael Correa called for legal action against journalist Jeanette Hinostroza after she commented on negotiations for appointments with the National Assembly.

China

Blogger Ran Yunfei released from prison, placed under "residential surveillance"

Other cyber-dissidents arrested at the same time as Ran Yunfei are still detained, facing the same charges of "inciting subversion of state authority."

Turkey

University student imprisoned

Mehmet Adiguzel was convicted by the Ankara Special Authority 12th High Criminal Court for shouting a slogan in support of Dev-Sol, a revolutionary group that is no longer active.

Kazakhstan

Labour lawyer faces criminal charges for addressing workers on issue of wage disparity

Making such actions subject to heavy criminal penalties is an illegitimate interference with the right to freedom of expression, says Human Rights Watch.

Bolivia

Investigation points to suicide as reason for journalist's death

According to a Public Prosecutor's Office investigation, David Niño de Guzmán died as a result of injuries caused by the detonation of a bomb that he himself manufactured.

Kenya

Prison guards shoot camera operator, attack crew

Prison officials attacked three journalists from Nation Television who were covering an escape attempt by six inmates.

Guatemala

Journalists threatened by mayor of Mazatenango after reporting on corruption

Danilo López said the harassment began after he published a story detailing complaints accusing the mayor and his son of selling permits to illegal taxi operators.

Yemen

ANHRI condemns seizure of copies of "Ahdath Al-Madina" newspaper

The ongoing confiscation of newspapers and the suppression of journalistic and media freedoms are totally unacceptable, says ANHRI.

Mauritania

Police attack anti-slavery campaigners

Activists, under the banner of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement, were attacked with batons and tear gas, resulting in several injured.

Kosovo (Serbia)

IPI condemns latest attacks on journalists

Shkodran Gajrakuand, a journalist for TV Klan, and camera operator Veton Ethemi were beaten by firefighters when they tried to film a fire in a cemetery.

Brazil

Lobbyist threatens, assaults "Veja" magazine editor

Rodrigo Rangel was threatened and assaulted when he was interviewing lobbyist Júlio Fróes for a report about favours he receives from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Sudan

ANHRI condemns seizure of "Al-Ahdath" newspapers by security forces

The authorities have been known to confiscate copies of newspapers after they have been printed in order to inflict the heaviest possible financial loss on the publisher, stated ANHRI.

Côte d'Ivoire

Press council censors paper for column on Obama meeting

The National Press Council suspended "Le Temps" for 12 days for reprinting an opinion column criticising a meeting between President Obama and President Ouattara.

Philippines

IFJ demands safety guarantee at Ampatuan massacre trials

The IFJ and its affiliate have expressed concern about alleged threats against an interpreter and lawyer who were assisting in the trial hearings.

United States

Judge refuses to hold CIA in contempt of court for destroying torture tapes

A federal court judge ordered the CIA to pay all of the American Civil Liberties Union's attorney fees but refused to go any further, saying, "We need surveillance".

Angola

Authorities detain journalist over report on wave of mass fainting

Police officers in the capital picked up Radio Ecclesia reporter Adão Tiago over a report about the fainting of some 20 students at a local school where he teaches English.

Ecuador

Organisations join complaint against magazine for alleged electoral infraction

Several organisations issued a complaint against "Vistazo" magazine for an editorial stating a preference for the NO option in response to questions posed in a 7 May referendum.

Lebanon

Supporters of Syrian regime attack demonstrators in Beirut

Activists who gathered at the Syrian Embassy to show their support for the Syrian people were violently attacked while security force personnel looked on.

Burma

Political artist, hip hop singer banned from performing at charity event

Police from the township of Mingalar Taung Nyunt informed the event's organizer that if Zay Yar Thaw were to perform the permit for the event would be revoked.

Ghana

Police arrest ruling party demonstrators

A spokesperson for the group told MFWA that two of the protesters were roughed up by police for resisting the unlawful arrest.

Moldova

IPI condemns excessive fines imposed on daily

"Ziarul de Garda" is facing a 30,000 Euro fine in connection with a story on two district prosecutors allegedly involved in corruption.

Belarus

Leading rights defender detained

The investigation against Ales Belyatsky, allegedly for tax evasion, is a thinly veiled tactic to imprison a prominent human rights defender and should be discontinued, Human Rights Watch said.

Kyrgyzstan

Online news agencies denied accreditation

Barring online news agencies from fully covering the election is incompatible with Kyrgyzstan's obligations to respect freedom of expression because it places arbitrary limits on where and how Kyrgyzstan's voters receive information about presidential candidates, Human Rights Watch said.

Malaysia

Confiscation of journalist's notepad by police a serious "breach of media freedom"

If the police do not refrain from such actions in future, journalists may think twice about covering issues that may lead to them having their tools of the trade surrendered to the police, says CIJ.

Somalia

Radio presenter gunned down in Mogadishu

Farah Hassan Sahal, who works for Radio Simba, was shot outside the station by a soldier who is believed to either be with the African Union Mission or Transitional Federal Government.

Peru

Congressional Committee violated privacy of journalists who denounced corruption scandal

In 2008, telephone companies were asked to hand over the phone records of journalists Fernando Rospigliosi, Laura Puertas, Fernando Ampuero and Pablo O'Brien, who were reporting on the "Petroaudios" scandal.

Cambodia

Five men convicted of "provocation" for distributing anti-government leaflets

The men are accused of distributing leaflets between 2008 and 2011 that were critical of the government for its perceived ties with Vietnam.

Iraq

Alarming statement, constant harassment offer no respite for journalists

In an alarming statement, senior interior ministry official Adnan Al-Asadi stated that freedom of information could now pose "a threat to internal security" in the country, and that journalists must no longer publish information about murders or arrests without the ministry's consent because of the fragile security situation.

Democratic Republic of Congo

North Kivu provincial minister suspends radio host

Jacques "Djasadjasa" Nyamugenda has been suspended until further notice, following a request by Minister Naason Kubuya Ndoole who accused the host of having spread "defamatory and insulting comments about the local authorities."

Cambodia

Information Ministry repeals newspapers' licences

The ministry ordered "The Water and Fire News" and "The World News" to cease publication.

Ukraine

Claims worth millions threaten media, says IMI

The current law on court fees has prevented plaintiffs from bringing unreasonably high claims against media outlets but the new law will eliminate this protection, experts warn.

Lebanon

Human rights activist harassed for documenting torture

Saadeddine Shatila, of the international human rights group Alkarama, was summoned by the military intelligence and interrogated for more than seven hours.

Saudi Arabia

Journalist faces criminal defamation charges for web article alleging extortion

Fahd al-Juhani was charged with defaming a local health inspector after reporting that the official had attempted to extort money from shopkeepers in Huta.

Russia

Journalist attacked in Anapa

Vyacheslav Martynov's wife believes that the journalist may have been targeted for his critical publications about municipal corruption.

Syria

Government urged to heed UN Security Council's call, end attacks on peaceful protests

At least 100 residents were killed during a security forces' military assault on the city of Hama, according to local human rights groups.

Côte d'Ivoire

President Ouattara dismisses RTI director

A communiqué issued by the president's chief of staff said that what prompted the dismissal was RTI's failure to cover the president's return from a goodwill and working visit to the United States.

Vietnam

Blogger Paulus Le Son arrested again amid mounting tension

Son's arrest is suspected to be linked to his coverage of the proceedings against Cu Huy Ha Vu, a well-known cyber-dissident.

Middle East and North Africa

Authorities from Rabat to Manama continue to repress the Arab Spring

While Bahrain uses mainly technical means to obstruct media freedom, Syrian authorities continue to resort to violence and reporters covering pro-democracy demonstrations in Morocco have been roughed up.

United States

Lack of police transparency in Chauncey Bailey case hindered freedom of information, says RSF

With the upcoming fourth anniversary of the death of Chauncey Bailey, RSF calls upon the Oakland Police Department to apologise for its behavior during the investigation.

Sudan

ANHRI condemns ongoing trial of Radio Dabanga activists and media professionals

A number of the station's employees are accused of "affecting the reputation of the state" by reporting on the humanitarian situation in Darfur.

Iran

Authorities continue to target journalists

Mehran Faraji was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of "propagating against the regime", while authorities summoned Saeed Jalalifar to prison.

Chechnya (Russia)

Chechen human rights lawyer threatened

Supyan Baskhanov, who runs the Committee against Torture's Grozny office, was warned that the police were planning to accuse him of collaborating with insurgents.

Turkey

Politician sentenced to two years in jail in connection with speech

Kurdish politician Aysel Tugluk, from Van, was handed a two-year prison sentence for "making propaganda for a terrorist organisation" in one of her speeches.

Dominican Republic

IAPA condemns journalist's murder

José Agustín Silvestre was known for his ongoing and controversial claims about drug trafficking in the province of La Romana.

Cambodia

Shot fired into home of community activist

Kun Eng has voiced his opinion about the adverse effects of a local reforestation scheme and has previously publically raised the issue of local villagers seeking to sell land to third parties for personal profit to the detriment of other villagers in the area.

Niger

Editor detained overnight, charged over false publication

While recognising the shortcomings of the media in the course of discharging their duties, MFWA nonetheless considers the sanction imposed on Modibo Oumarou Aliou as unduly harsh.

Saudi Arabia

Draft counterterrorism law places unwarranted restrictions on right to free expression, says Human Rights Watch

The proposal would create a "legal veneer" for unlawful practices and lumps peaceful political opposition together with violent acts, says the organisation.

Bangladesh

Editor arrested, faces extortion accusation

Sheershanews.com said its editor, Mohammad Ekramul Haq, is being victimised for his reporting, which has included stories about corruption in government ministries.

China

IFJ demands reinstatement of journalist suspended over disaster reports

Wang Qinglei, producer of "24 Hours", was suspended after he questioned the Railway Ministry's speedy resolution of a high-speed rail disaster.

Sri Lanka

Newspaper chairman threatened by President Rajapaksa

President Rajapaksa threatened Lal Wickrematunge in a phone call because of an article reporting that China had given the president and his son money to be used "at their discretion."

Russia

Human Rights Watch urges authorities to quash prosecution against rights lawyer

The charges against Sapiyat Magomedova appear to be in retribution for her efforts to obtain justice for the police beating she suffered in June 2010, Human Rights Watch said.

Venezuela

State-owned television station attacked

Vive TV-Occidente has broadcast reports about the exploitation of subsistence farmers and indigenous peoples that may have displeased organised crime groups.

Egypt

ANHRI condemns raid on Tahrir Square sit-in, calls on Military Council to release all detainees

The return of repression following a revolt against a dictatorial regime is very disappointing, says ANHRI, after a large number of people were detained in Tahrir Square.

Ghana

Newspaper journalist attacked

Felix Nyaaba was violently assaulted by supporters of King Latse II at the Accra High Court for photographing the king and his entourage.

Ukraine

Journalist's apartment set on fire

"I wrote several articles about the lives of authorities, their incomes and sources of financing. And officials may not like this," said journalist Oleksiy Matsuka.

United Arab Emirates

Concern for well-being of detained blogger

ANHRI has received information that Ahmed Mansour is being mistreated in detention and has recently faced attempts by fellow prisoners to incite him to violence.

Sri Lanka

IFJ outraged by brutal attack on senior journalist in Jaffna

The daily "Uthayan"'s editorial policy in backing the Tamil National Alliance appears to be the provocation for the near lethal attack on its senior news editor, says IFJ.

Burundi

Radio journalists repeatedly summoned, fuelling hostile climate for media freedom

Radio Publique Africaine (RPA) and Radio Isanganiro, which are critical of the government, are being singled out by the authorities, says RSF.

Argentina

FOPEA condemns attack on journalist in Mar del Plata

Carlos Walker was beaten, robbed and shot after taking photographs of political posters that were on display without a permit on a street in the city of Mar del Plata

Somalia

Puntland frees jailed Somali journalist

The president of Puntland granted a pardon to Faysal Mohamed Hassan, who was serving a prison sentence for publishing a "false news report".

Turkey

Lawyer sentenced for "spreading propaganda"

Mehmet Bayraktar, the lawyer for imprisoned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, was charged following a 2009 speech in which he passed on greetings from the imprisoned leader.

Thailand

Human Rights Watch calls for investigation into environmentalist's murder

Thongnak Sawekchinda had reportedly received anonymous calls threatening him with death if he continued to protest against the coal industry in Samut Sakhon province.

Slovakia

European Court of Human Rights overrules libel decision

Slovakian courts violated a publisher's rights by ordering it to issue a correction and pay compensation over reports of a police official's alleged drunken behaviour, the ECHR ruled.

Guinea

Communications council lifts ban on coverage of rocket attack on president's residence

Censorship of the press by the government threatens the democratic strides made by Guinea in recent months, says CPJ.

Greece

IPI condemns attack on SKAI TV in Piraeus

Representatives of taxi drivers' organisations, who have been protesting a decision to deregulate their profession, vented their anger against the TV channel.

Pakistan

Privately-owned television station's news team attacked

The SAMAA TV news crew was attacked while they were covering a police operation against a group of car thieves.

Lebanon

Maharat condemns brief detention of singer accused of defaming the president

Zeid Hamdan was detained for several hours based on an accusation that he had defamed the Lebanese president in a song entitled "General Suleiman".

Ecuador

President's lawyer takes preliminary steps to launch legal action against journalist

Diego Oquendo's article speculated on the amount in lawyers' fees that could be generated by the lawsuit filed by President Correa against "El Universo" newspaper.

Kosovo (Serbia)

ANEM condemns hacker attack on radio station website

A statement from the Radio City radio station said that an Albanian group hacked into the station's website and posted a message saying "Kosovo is Albanian".

Russia

Charges laid against official who attacked, injured reporter

Alexander Koltsov was attacked shortly after publishing a critical article about the collapse of a pedestrian overpass in the district of Naro-Fominsk.

Jordan

Renewed threats against AFP bureau in Amman

"The protests against AFP in Amman have taken a disturbing turn, with the demonstrators using threats and violence," RSF said.

Pakistan

Assailants open fire on TV host's car

The attack is believed to be in retaliation for Syed Sheryar Asim's recent reporting on criminal gang activities.

Afghanistan

BBC reporter killed during Taliban attack in Uruzgan province

Ahmed Omed Khpalwak is the first journalist to be killed in Afghanistan in 2011, according to IPI.

Honduras

Radio Progreso correspondent receives death threats

Roberto García Fúnez has been reporting on the construction of hydroelectric dams which are being built without the consent of the local community.

Syria

Writers released under amnesty

Those released include writer, journalist and activist 'Ali al-Abdullah, lawyer and writer Muhannad al-Hassani, novelist Raghdah Sa'id Hassan, poet and lawyer Mustafa Ismail, and writers Husam 'Ali Mulhim and Tarek Al-Gorani.

Guinea

Regulatory body gags media

For many Guineans, the National Communications Council's recent directives to media are merely an attempt to hide the truth behind a recent attack on the president's residence.

Thailand

Magazine editor charged with lese majeste

Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was formally charged in connection with two articles he published in the now-banned magazine "Voice of Thaksin".

Senegal

Musician briefly arrested for criticising President Wade

Oumar Cyrille Touré was released after about 24 hours in police custody, following remarks he made at a rally criticising President Wade's bid to run for a third term in office.

Vietnam

Blogger Nguyen Van Hai reportedly critically injured in prison; concerns for safety

Nguyen Van Hai's wife was told by a prison security guard that her husband had lost an arm or a hand in prison; no further details were given about his condition or how and when the accident happened, and the report has not been officially confirmed.

Mongolia

Journalist released on bail

IPI welcomes the release of Dolgor Chuluunbaatar but remains concerned at the apparent lack of transparency in the criminal proceedings.

Vietnam

Police return ailing dissident priest to prison

Father Nguyen Van Ly, who had been granted temporary medical parole in March 2010, must serve five more years behind bars followed by five years of probationary house arrest.

China

Journalist investigating child abduction targeted in hacking attack

"This attack on Zhao Hejuan's email account, which appears to be connected to her reporting, is deeply disturbing," said CPJ.

Kosovo (Serbia)

IPI calls on authorities to create environment in which media can operate freely

Recently the Ministry of Trade and Industry decided to cut all relations with Pristina daily "Zeri", while the imam of the main Mosque in Pristina publicly attacked "Koha Ditore" newspaper.

Mexico

Journalist murdered in Veracruz

Yolanda Ordaz de la Cruz, whose body was found a few days after she went missing, had been covering crime and security issues for "Notiver" newspaper.

Guinea

Offices of "Le Défi" newspaper attacked and ransacked

The attack is believed to be a reprisal after armed men attacked the residence of President Condé on 18 July.

Turkey

Shooter in Hrant Dink case sentenced to 22 years in jail

The Istanbul court decided on imprisonment of 21.5 years on charges of premeditated murder and an additional 16 months on charges of unlicenced possession of weapons.

Ghana

Police assault sports journalists

Police officers prevented a group of journalists accredited to cover a football match from entering the inner perimeter of the stadium, and went on to assault several of them.

Syria / Egypt

String of arrests in Syria; journalist dismissed in Egypt

Dina Abd-Al Rahman was fired following an on-air altercation with a former air force officer.

Saudi Arabia

Authorities block Amnesty International site

According to Amnesty International, its website was blocked following its criticism of a draft anti-terror law that would stifle peaceful protest in the kingdom.

Brazil

Political reporter murdered, motive unclear

While there are some indications that the incident was a crime of passion, others speculate that Auro Ida may have been targeted because of his journalistic investigations.

Malaysia

CIJ concerned over proposed media consultative council

"If the ruling government is serious about fostering media freedom, it should repeal all repressive laws and let the media self-regulate, with input from civil society and in the interest of the public," says CIJ.

Sudan

Journalist sentenced for covering assault case

Amal Habbani opted for a one-month prison sentence after being fined for reporting on the case of a political activist who was assaulted by the security forces.

China

Authorities obstruct train disaster reporting

Propaganda authority directives to news outlets ordering them not to send reporters to the scene of the accident were leaked online.

Zimbabwe

Journalists assaulted at parliament building

Aaron Ufumeli and Lev Mukarati were reportedly assaulted by suspected ZANU PF supporters who were participating in a public hearing on a human rights bill.

The Gambia

Ex-press union boss, six others accused of treason and sedition

The charges against the seven stem from allegations that they printed and distributed T-shirts for the Gambian Coalition for Change, a pressure group that is calling for an end to the dictatorship.

Peru

Electoral council sues newspaper editor

Uri Ben Schmuel is facing a lawsuit because allegedly he failed to include all the technical information associated with a survey published in his paper.

Ethiopia

Two journalists freed on bail; two others remain in detention

Haileyesus Worku and Abdulsemed Mohammed were released on bail on 22 July after being held for 15 months.

Serbia

IPI welcomes planned decriminalisation of defamation and libel

Justice Ministry State Secretary Slobodan Homen announced that defamation and libel will be removed from the criminal code in autumn 2011.

Montenegro

IPI condemns recurring attacks on daily "Vijesti"

"The recurrent attacks on 'Vijesti' lead us to believe that this daily is a deliberate target," says IPI affiliate SEEMO.

Zimbabwe

Police bar "Free the Airwaves" concert

"Free the Airwaves" concerts are used to build support for lobbying authorities regarding the need for broadcasting reforms that will open the airwaves.

Uganda

Kibaale journalist injured while covering student protest

Freelancer Ismail Kasooha was struck with stones in the chest and stomach while covering the protest.

Malawi

Human Rights Watch calls for investigation into killings of peaceful protesters

The deaths resulted from the security forces' apparent excessive use of lethal force during largely peaceful demonstrations and some rioting on 20 and 21 July.

Côte d'Ivoire

TV presenter charged for Gbagbo-leaning coverage

Hermann Aboa's arrest contradicts President Ouattara's public pledges that pro-Gbagbo journalists would not be persecuted, says CPJ.

Somalia

Al-Shabaab imposes severe restrictions on privately-owned radio station

Radio Jowhar has been forced to limit its reporting to news and information that is favourable towards the militant group.

Malawi

Journalists beaten, detained and prevented from covering protests

The journalists were covering demonstrations organised by civil society groups to protest against fuel shortages, price hikes and a general decline in the economy, and to demand more democracy.

Peru

Newspaper editor reports having received death threat

Jaime Quispe Olano believes the threat is linked to a story published by the paper that implicated a brother of the former head of the Ayacucho government in a blackmail scheme.

Malaysia

Opposition blogger ordered to pay exorbitant damages to minister

Political blogger Amizudin Ahmat was ordered to pay 400,000 ringit in damages and costs in a defamation suit brought by the minister of information, communications and culture over a blog entry suggesting that he raped his Indonesian maid.

Egypt

EOHR calls for investigation into disappeared journalist

New information regarding the forced disappearance of Reda Helal has emerged that could help lead investigators to a possible killer.

Zimbabwe

Journalist arrested in Kwekwe

Blessed Mhlanga was arrested while taking photographs of people that had converged for the launch of a youth organisation.

Turkey

Political youth magazine suspended for a month

"Yeni Demokrat Genclik" has been suspended based on an accusation of "praising crime and a criminal" and "spreading propaganda for the PKK".

Ecuador

Minister plans to appeal judge's ruling in favour of newspaper

A judge ruled that the daily "Hoy" did not commit an infraction when it published a campaign for World Press Freedom Day in the days prior to a 7 May referendum.

Philippines

Mindanao broadcaster receives death threats

Ronnie Waniwan said he is unsure who is sending the threats, but he believes they are connected to local political issues he has discussed on his radio programmes.

Turkey

"Evrensel" newspaper threatened

The Turkish Revenge Brigade warned the employees of "Evrensel" to leave the country by 15 August or risk attacks.

Uganda

Radio presenter goes missing

HRNJ-Uganda fears that the disappearance of Augustine Okello could be related to his work on a morning call-in show which touches on political, social, economic and cultural issues.

United States

Call for removal of Global Gag Rule from House bill

"The Global Gag Rule has exacted a terrible cost in damage to the health of millions of women and the free speech rights of people around the world," noted Human Rights Watch.

Malawi

Radio station vehicles attacked

Masked men were seen throwing stones and petrol bombs at the ZBS branded vehicles; sources said the attacks could be connected to the station's coverage of recent political demonstrations.

Bahrain

Writer and journalist released

Abbas Al-Murshid had been held since 15 May for his peaceful dissident activities.

Bolivia

Police detain individual for selling video about President Evo Morales

Richard Romero Cossío was accused of "insult to authorities" for selling a video about the president's activities as the head of a coca growers association.

Ukraine

Journalist under police protection after receiving threat

A Kalashnikov cartridge was thrown under the door of journalist Oleksii Kutepov's apartment.

China

IFJ urges greater transparency from Xinjiang authorities

Authorities were urged to release all information and allow journalists to report on the latest deadly clash between police officers and rioters.

Bahrain

CPJ calls on authorities to end harassment of critical journalists

Journalist Reem Khalifa, who has been the target of harassment and intimidation, was recently charged with verbally abusing and physically assaulting a government supporter.

Malaysia

Human Rights Watch calls for the release of the "PSM 6"

Lawyers for the detainees told Human Rights Watch that the "PSM 6" have been held in solitary confinement, subjected to continual and intense interrogations, and blindfolded both in detention and during transport to meet with legal counsel.

Syria

Campaign of mass arrests intensifies; key opposition figure, activist detained

George Sabra was taken by plainclothes security forces from his home on the morning of 20 July; his family has not received any information on his whereabouts.

Paraguay

Concern over judicial harassment of "ABC Color" newspaper

In the most recent example, celebrity politician and entrepreneur Zunilda Castiñeira filed a criminal defamation suit against journalist Sandra López.

Croatia

IPI demands public prosecutor investigate top military officials over alleged death threats to journalist

According to information published by the the Zagreb daily "Jutarnji List", a detained general admitted to having discussed Drago Hedl's "liquidation" back in 2010.

Iran

Veteran journalist ordered to prison

Mashallah Shamsolvaezin has been summoned to serve a 16-month prison term that was unjustly levied in 2010.

Tajikistan

BBC journalist released on bail

Urunboy Usmonov was released on bail on 14 July 2011 after signing a written pledge to remain in the country to face criminal charges.

Zimbabwe

Four journalists detained, released without charge

The journalists were covering a story on a police officer who was reportedly being evicted from her house on grounds of her alleged affiliation with a political party.

Tunisia

Police attack journalists during Tunis demonstrations

RSF regards Prime Minister Essebsi's comments about journalists, portraying them as troublemakers and blaming them for the current unrest, as dangerous for the state of free expression in the country.

Ecuador

Newspaper directors, writer sentenced to three years in prison, US$40 million fine

Fundamedios expressed concern over the unprecedented sentence against "El Universo" paper which stems from a criminal complaint filed by President Rafael Correa.

Senegal

Walfadjri media group targeted as press freedom situation worsens

Four journalists were summoned to the Department of Criminal Investigations over an article critical of the president's aides and interrogated for more than 10 hours.

Zambia

Ruling party members charged in TV crew attack

Dainess Nyrienda, Annita Kalwani, Emmanuel Kaluba, and Edward Ntele were assaulted by a crowd of MMD supporters while investigating allegations of illegal land seizures by party cadres in Nakachenje.

China

"China Economic Times" dissolves investigative news department

A source, who did not wish to be named, told the IFJ that the decision was made by the "Times" publisher, Han Liyun, who wished to see less hard-hitting coverage in the pages of the newspaper.

Swaziland

Newspaper prohibited from writing about chief justice

The government has prohibited the "Times of Swaziland" newspaper from continuing to write about Chief Justice Michael Ramodibedi.

Honduras

Canal 36 television station journalists receive death threats

According to the newspaper "El Libertador", journalists Esdras Amado López and Mario Rolando Suazo received death threats after reporting on a potential scandal within the Catholic Church.

Honduras

Journalist dismissed after investigating irregularities in social security institute tender process

Lenis Fajardo was dismissed from her position at the Radio Globo radio station based on instructions given by the station's owner.

Nepal

District Court to refile case against suspected killers of journalist

The case filed by the victim's wife in 2007 was withdrawn by the then UCPN-Maoist government in 2009, under the guise that the case was of a political nature.

Liberia

Editor receives death threat

Editor-in-chief Rodney Sieh has been notified that former minister Willis Knuckles has put a hit on his life, following a series of critical reports published in his daily newspaper.

Bangladesh

Journalist in hiding following assault on home

The assault on journalist Imran Hossain's home came after he reported on corruption in the local police administration.

Azerbaijan

Journalists assaulted, threatened in Nakhchiyan

Journalists Elman Abbasov and Ilgar Nasibov were assaulted by Sharur district police officers while preparing a report about a previous assault on journalist Hakimeldostu Mehdiyev in the area.

Pakistan

Two journalists assaulted in Bahawalpur

Muhammad Yaseen Ansari and Khalid Sardar incurred injuries to their faces, shoulders, and arms following a mob attack.

Jordan

CPJ calls on authorities to prevent attacks on journalists covering protests

On 15 July, security forces beat and injured 16 journalists in identifying orange vests during a demonstration and planned sit-in, including two who suffered broken bones.

Syria

ANHRI condemns arrest of writer Ali Al Abdallah

A prominent political writer and opposition figure, Ali Al Abdallah was arrested at his home, while the armed forces were looking for his son Omar Al Abdallah.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Opposition television station resumes broadcasts after week-long ban

In an open letter to Media and Communications Minster Lambert Mende, JED called the accusations against Radio Lisanga Télévision baseless and warned against attempts to legitimise censorship for political ends.

Serbia

ANEM opposes cable operators' limits on local media content

ANEM considers it unacceptable for cable operators to limit the right to enjoy a wide range of media content, especially as regards the right to be informed via local media.

Montenegro

IPI condemns latest attack on daily "Vijesti"

"Vijesti" was the target of yet another attack as two of the daily's cars were torched when they were parked across from the National Security Agency's offices.

Venezuela

Opposition leader convicted for criticising government

The conviction of Oswaldo Álvarez Paz for disseminating "false information" is a move against free speech in Venezuela, says Human Rights Watch.

Bahrain

Poet released from prison but sentence still standing

No reason has been given for Ayat Al-Gormezi's release, although it is thought that international pressure may have been a contributing factor.

Syria

ANHRI condemns detention of intellectuals, media workers

"The Syrian regime is ignoring all moral considerations, and international covenants on human rights, violating all rights of citizenship, and using oppression and repression as a means to confront peaceful protestors," said ANHRI.

Pakistan

Civil servants ordered to refrain from providing information to the media

A letter sent to government servants said communication of any statement of fact, opinion or other information likely to embarrass the government is prohibited.

Syria

Dutch reporter briefly detained, deported to Turkey

Maarten Zeegers, a Dutch national who was told his name was on a list of "undesired foreigners", was detained for several hours when he went to renew his residence permit.

Cambodia

Appeal Court upholds prison sentence for human rights worker

Leang Sokchouen was tried under a penal code that did not exist at the time of his arrest.

Saudi Arabia

Islamic scholar detained for criticising interior ministry

Dr Yusuf al-Ahmad was arrested on 8 July for posting a video message on YouTube in which he criticised the long-term detention of security suspects without charge or trial.

Honduras

Radio director killed in Candelaria

Nery Geremias Orellana was shot by unknown assailants while driving his motorcycle from his home in the village of San Lorenzo to the radio station.

Singapore

British author Alan Shadrake freed and deported, status of his book remains unclear

The AFP news agency reported that Shadrake was taken to the Changi Airport and deported after having served five weeks of an eight-week jail term for contempt of court.

Iraq

Lawsuits, violence by security forces now daily events for journalists, says RSF

Politicians who have brought legal actions designed to gag the media include house speaker Osama Al-Nujaifi, who sued a local newspaper editor and two of his journalists over a series of articles criticising the maintenance of quotas in the selection of parliamentarians.

Iraq

Human Rights Watch calls on government to revise draft law that curbs protests, speech

The draft law would allow authorities to curtail rights to protect the "public interest" or for the "general order or public morals," without defining what those terms encompass.

Pakistan

Senior minister harasses, threatens TV team

Guards acting for the provincial minister for works and services obstructed a GEO TV team on assignment in Karachi, confiscating cameras, microphones and bulletproof vests.

Philippines

"Special court" designated to handle Ampatuan massacre case

The Supreme Court granted a petition asking for the designation of "a special court which should have no duties other than the trial of the Maguindanao massacre."

Israel

Anti-boycott bill stifles expression, says Human Rights Watch

Parliament has approved a law that penalises individuals and organisations that call for boycotting settlements in the West Bank.

Central African Republic

Judge fines and releases two journalists

"We felt the effect of the strong campaign on our behalf by international organizations, RSF, foreign ministries, the UN and local journalists," said Faustin Bambou, one of the the two released journalists.

Kuwait

Call for release of jailed Internet scribes

State security authorities reportedly arrested Lawrence al-Rashidi after he posted a YouTube video calling for the emir to step down and accusing him of violating Kuwaitis' rights.

Palestine

MADA condemns arson attack on Ma'an news agency's Gaza headquarters

The motive for the attack remains unclear as the agency has not received any complaints about its news reports or recent threats, according to their correspondent Ibrahim Mohammed Khalil.

Egypt

Four journalists arrested after filming anti-government protests in Suez

Producer and former Al Jazeera journalist Jason Mojica, Egyptian-American energy consultant Sherif Helwa and two unidentified crew members had been covering the unrest in Suez for "Vice" magazine when they were handed over to military intelligence by Egyptian citizens.

Burma

Traditional dance troupes face additional restrictions

All dance troupes who wish to make a video of a performance are now required to perform a full-dress rehearsal in front of censorship board officials.

Paraguay

SPP condemns death threats against journalists in Alto Verá

Both journalists have discussed cases of corruption, involving Partido Liberal Radical Auténtico (PLRA) members, on their radio shows.

Peru

Journalist sentenced to prison for accusation he did not make

Hans Francisco Andrade Chávez, former presenter of local news programme "América Noticias", was sentenced to two years in prison for alleged aggravated slander, in a controversial ruling issued by Judge María Elizabeth Zulueta Cabrera.

Montenegro

IPI welcomes decriminalisation of defamation

The decision marks a great advancement for free expression in the country, which is now one of the few in Europe where defamation is not a criminal offence.

Bangladesh

Reporters attacked in separate incidents

ETV correspondent Liakat Ali Badal was assaulted when his crew travelled to a village to report on the torture of two women.

Hong Kong (China)

HKJA condemns police action against demonstrators

At least 19 reporters were pepper-sprayed, and one was arrested, during a demonstration against the government that has been characterised as the second largest protest since 2003.

Sierra Leone

Newspaper reporter receives death threat

Ibrahim Kalokoh was threatened by two staff members of the Port Authority on 2 July regarding a report he published about corruption within the institution.

Morocco

Human rights provisions in revised Constitution should protect right to demonstrate, says Human Rights Watch

Since Moroccans began demonstrating in February to demand major political reforms, police have responded on several occasions with extreme brutality.

Saudi Arabia

Lebanese newspaper's website blocked

The "Al-Akhbar" site was blocked by Saudi authorities after it reported on demonstrations in Bahrain.

Vietnam

Journalists detained, released in clampdown

Police detained and interrogated three reporters who were covering anti-China protests in Hanoi where around a dozen demonstrators were arrested.

Nepal

Editor receives threatening phone call

A person representing a financial institution warned editor Krishna Gautam to only write positive stories about the institution or face the consequences.

Tunisia

New decree on access to information rolls back culture of secrecy

While Article 19 welcomes the adoption of the decree, it remains concerned that the exceptions to the right to access to information are overly broad and can largely undermine the impact of the Decree in assuring transparency and accountability.

Egypt

Appointment of information minister a setback for free expression, media coalition says

The National Coalition for Media Freedom is shocked by the move to overturn the decision, made at the onset of the revolution, to abolish the Ministry of Information and calls upon the government to reconsider.

Ecuador

Columnist resigns in attempt to stop president's lawsuit against paper

Emilio Palacio assumed all responsibility for the article that led to the lawsuit for aggravated slander filed by President Rafael Correa.

Syria

Young man killed after singing anti-Assad song during demonstration

Ibrahim Kashoush was reportedly killed by Syrian security forces in Hama, north of Damascus.

Mexico

UN human rights official voices dismay as third journalist is killed in a month

Ángel Castillo Corona was beaten to death by assailants who also killed his 16-year-old son; the exact motive for his death remains unclear, but RSF urges the authorities not to rule out the possibility of a link with Castillo's work as a journalist.

Venezuela

Photojournalist assaulted, briefly detained

José Altuve was assaulted by police while taking photographs of a student rally in Venezuela's capital.

Malaysia

Crackdown on electoral reform protesters violates right to free expression, says ARTICLE 19

Police arrested more than 1,600 protesters and fired water cannons and tear gas at Bersih 2.0 rally participants demanding electoral reforms.

Iran

Detained journalists abused

Blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki's father says his son is under sustained physical and psychological pressure in prison and solitary confinement has led to kidney complications.

Brazil

Five suspects arrested in murder of editor and politician

The police have said they believe Edinaldo Filgueira's murder was motivated by his journalism work and that the arrested suspects belong to a group of contract killers.

Georgia

Three photographers arrested, accused of espionage

IPI is concerned about the ambiguous circumstances surrounding the arrest of Irakli Gedenidze, Giorgi Abdaladze and Zurab Kurtsikidze, and calls on the government to lay out its evidence in a clear manner or release the photographers.

United Kingdom

IFJ welcomes inquiries into media ethics after closure of scandal-ridden tabloid

Trust in journalism cannot survive unless illegal practices involving corruption and violation of people's privacy are stamped out for good, says IFJ.

Pakistan

Top US military official says Pakistani government sanctioned journalist's murder

Saleem Shahzad was killed shortly after publishing a two-part article about alleged links between the Pakistani military and Al-Qaeda.

Ecuador

Journalist accused of terrorism threatened once again

Juan Alcívar has been receiving death threats after publishing articles that refer to a dispute between local authorities in the city of Concordia.

Turkey / Cyprus

IFJ condemns attack against Turkish Cypriot journalist

A gunman tried to enter the offices of "Afrika" newspaper, shot at editor Ali Osman and threatened the life of journalist and publisher Sener Levent.

Cambodia

Community activists detained overnight in police custody

Tep Vanny and Non Sok Kheng were arrested following a march by Boeung Kak Lake area community members who are embroiled in a conflict over land.

Thailand

Media targeted in political transition

Police and National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) officials justified the raids and seizures on charges that the stations targeted lacked proper operating licenses, according to local press reports.

Syria

Blogger arrested, held at unknown location

The reason for Anas Al-Marawi's detention has not been revealed, but it is believed to result from his support for democratic reform demands.

Maldives

IFJ concerned over police investigation into journalist's sources

The Maldives Journalists' Association has protested a decision by police to summon editor Mohamed Jinah Ali for questioning regarding the authenticity of a news report.

Macedonia

IFJ supports campaign for independent journalism and pluralism

Media freedom is seriously under threat and there is a risk of installing a culture of fear in the profession, says Tamara Chausidis, president of the IFJ affiliate SSNM.

United States

Court overrules anti-prostitution gag rule for US groups

Human Rights Watch urges the government to strike the "anti-prostitution pledge" entirely from US law, thereby ensuring that freedom of speech is safeguarded for both US and foreign organisations.

Nepal

Judge issues arrest warrant against alleged mastermind behind attack on journalist

Two individuals believed to have carried out the attack on journalist Khilanath Dhakal have been remanded in custody, while the alleged mastermind is still at large.

Central African Republic

Prosecutor seeks three-year jail terms for detained editors

Following a successful campaign to get a press law that ended prison sentences for journalists in defamation cases, the conviction of Faustin Bambou and Emmanuel Cyrus Sandy could mark a serious setback for civil liberties in the country, says RSF.

Belarus

Dozens of journalists detained as crackdown continues

These arrests are part of a disturbing pattern of censorship of protests, CPJ says.

Sierra Leone

Sports journalists under threat

Following a series of attacks by James Fofanah on journalists, the president of the Sports Writers Association, denounces attempts to instill fear and make sports journalists hesitate about conducting their regular activities.

Philippines

Kidapawan radio commentator threatened

Abner Francisco received a threat relating to his commentary on the arrest of a murder suspect.

Russia

Armed man pursues journalist in Moscow

CPJ calls for a thorough police investigation into the incident, including the possibility that the threat against Vadim Rechkalov was connected to his work as a journalist.

Azerbaijan / Armenia

Foreign reporters denied entry as territorial dispute escalates

Following a string of journalists denied entry, RSF reaffirms the need for journalists to be free to cover matters as sensitive as the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, while reminding the authorities that "compiling blacklists of journalists for exclusion is both unacceptable and ineffective."

Democratic Republic of Congo

Editor sentenced in absentia to one month in prison

Freddy Mulumba Kabwaya was named in a lawsuit by the secretary general of the Congolese Communist Party after his newspaper published an article claiming the politician had failed to uphold party values.

Vanuatu

Justice denied in assault case

A minimal fine given to a cabinet minister for his part in an assault on publisher Marc Neil-Jones represents a clear victory for "bush justice" over the rule of law, says PFF.

Honduras

Criminal investigations police arrest radio producer and environmental activist

Carlos Amador has supported the actions of a large group of residents in the municipality of El Porvenir who are fighting against a forestry development plan in their area.

The Gambia

President urged to disclose knowledge of journalist's fate

In public remarks during a meeting with representatives of the Gambian media in March, President Yahya Jammeh suggested he had knowledge of missing journalist "Chief" Ebrima Manneh's fate.

Tibet (China)

Tibetan magazine editor given four-year jail term

CPJ condemned the closed-door sentencing of Tashi Rabten, who had been jailed without charge for over a year.

Middle East and North Africa

Massacres continue far from cameras in Syria and Yemen; situation stabilises in Bahrain

RSF hails the end of military court hearings for protesters in Bahrain but concerns for freedom of movement for journalists remain.

Azerbaijan

Appeal of jailed youth activist rejected

The Ganja City Appeals Court denied Bakhtiyar Hajiyev's appeal, upholding the two-year prison sentence issued by the court of first instance.

Philippines

Broadcaster receives threatening messages while on air

Erin Lumosbog said the texter questioned his motive for criticising a Santa Cruz police officer.

Syria

Shootings, arrests follow Hama protest

A massive demonstration was allowed to proceed but the next day, security forces and pro-government armed groups raided homes, opening fire several times, and set up checkpoints encircling the city.

Belarus

Journalist given suspended three-year prison term

Convicted of libeling President Lukashenko, Andrzej Poczobut plans on appealing the decision arguing that he simply published his opinion on the president's policies.

Sudan

Journalist jailed for reporting on alleged rape

Fatimah Ghazali is the first of a group of journalists to be tried for publishing articles revealing the brutal treatment of activist Safiya Ishag by the National Intelligence and Security Services.

Italy

Telecommunications agency poised to assume arbitrary Internet filtering powers

Authorities are setting up a system for Internet filtering without referring to the courts, effectively acting as both plaintiff and judge, prompting fears of preventive censorship.

India

Criminal gang members kidnap, rape journalist's niece

A known member of a Bulandshahr-based gang has been arrested on information provided by the Bulandshahr police; the gang had reportedly threatened the journalist over his reporting and wanted to deter him from testifying in a murder case.

Uganda

Government passes Access to Information Act regulations

The regulations, which are meant to operationalise the Access to Information Act passed by parliament six years ago, were gazetted in April but kept from the public until recently.

Venezuela

Globovisión faces new accusation over coverage of a prison riot

The TV station is accused of having broadcast images that "incite hatred" during its coverage of a riot in El Rodeo prison.

Angola

Two journalists assaulted, threatened at gunpoint after conducting interview with provincial governor

Nelson Sul Angola of "Angolense" and Ismael Samalata of "Folha 8" were assaulted by Faustino Muteka while interviewing him about an ongoing investigation.

Yemen

Journalist abducted; authorities continue to block news coverage

Yahia Al-Thanaya was abducted at a checkpoint on the night of 19 June, while the government continues to seize newspapers in its ongoing campaign of press violations.

Honduras

Journalist assassinated in La Ceiba

Adán Benítez was stopped on the street by two unknown assailants who robbed him and shot him to death.

Bahrain

Disturbing wave of prosecutions on eve of national dialogue

Journalists and media are still being prosecuted before military courts, although the state of emergency was lifted on 1 June, notes RSF.

Peru

Magazine editor and TV programme director targeted

Benedicto Jiménez suspects the attack on a TV station van is linked to his investigations into land speculation and the activities of a local businessman.

Ethiopia

Authorities detain two Swedish journalists

Johan Persson and Martin Schibbey were reporting on the activities of armed separatists operating in an oil-rich province of eastern Ethiopia.

Palestine

France 24 journalist harassed by Hamas

Salama Atallah was interrogated by Hamas security officials for the fourth time in a month over a report about a clandestine Salafist group operating in Gaza.

Uzbekistan / France

French court dismisses defamation suit filed by Uzbek president's daughter

Lola Karimova had sought moral damages against online news agency Rue89 for a May 2010 article that called her the daughter of "dictator Karimov," and alleged she was "whitewashing Uzbekistan's image" through charity events.

Philippines

High Court grants request for transfer of venue for trial in broadcaster's murder

The trial of the alleged gunman in the 2010 killing of Desiderio Camangyan has been transfered from Mati City, Davao Oriental, where the alleged gunman might have political connections, to Davao City.

Zimbabwe

Journalists face criminal defamation charges

Detectives have charged "Standard" editor Nevanji Madanhire, reporter Patience Nyangove, and human resource manager Loud Ramakgapola with criminal defamation.

Thailand

Elected officials urged to make human rights a priority, address increasing media repression

During the election campaign, parties and candidates paid little attention to the country's deepening human rights crisis, Human Rights Watch said.

Turkey

Magazine fined, forced to shut down

The Children's Protection Board handed a large fine to "Harakiri" magazine over a number of cartoons deemed harmful to children.

Morocco

Information minister has two Dubai TV journalists fired

Omar and Jalal Makhfi were fired on 21 June because the latter referred on the air to opposition calls for protests against the Moroccan referendum on a proposed constitutional reform.

Iraq

Attacks by government-backed thugs chill protests

Human Rights Watch called for an inquiry into the role of state security forces in attacks by pro-government gangs against peaceful demonstrators in Baghdad on 10 June 2011.

Burma

Australian editor convicted, released

Ross Dunkley, founder and editor of the "Myanmar Times" newspaper, was convicted of assault and set free for time already spent in detention.

Vietnam

Writer Tran Khai Thanh Thuy released from prison, exiled to United States

"We are enormously relieved that Thanh Thuy is free, and extremely grateful to all who were part of the international campaign to win her release," said PEN American Center.

Somalia

Journalist sentenced to one-year prison term for "publishing false news", faces exile to Ethiopia

Following nationwide condemnation of the heavy sentence against Faysal Mohamed Hassan, Puntland authorities are reportedly threatening to exile him to Ethiopia.

Swaziland

Businessman seeks closure of newspaper in defamation claim

Boyce Magongo wants the High Court to issue an order directing the "Swazi Mirror" to stop publishing and distributing its copies until they are in compliance with the provisions of the Books and Newspaper Act of 1963.

Colombia

Journalist assassinated in Arboletes, Antioquia

The local authorities have said Luis Eduardo Gómez was on his way home when two unidentified men approached and shot him several times.

Tunisia

Police inaction allowed assault on film screening, says Human Rights Watch

"Secularism, If God Wills" was presented during an evening in support of Tunisians who have been assaulted, threatened, and denounced by persons who consider their artistic creations offensive to Islam.

Syria

Deaths of three protesters raise death toll in Homs

Three new deaths in recent crackdown on protesters bring the total to at least 21 killed since 17 June 2011.

Belarus

Minsk police detain and beat a dozen reporters, break equipment

Police briefly detained and beat more than a dozen reporters, and broke their equipment, at protest rallies in Minsk and Brest.

Haiti

Two Petit-Goâve radio journalists arbitrarily detained

Ernst Joseph and Wolf "Duralph" François have been held since 22 June 2011 and are facing defamation charges, which could result in jail sentences.

Lebanon

Another documentary banned from Beirut film festival

Authorities have cancelled licenses to screen the Lebanese documentary "What Happened" at the Banned Movies Festival, following a previous ban on the Iranian movie "Green Days".