International Freedom of Expression eXchange: The global network for free expression
Americas
In Mexico, information can be fatal. Eight journalists were abducted in separate episodes between 18 February and 3 March, report the Center for Journalism and Public Ethics (CEPET), Inter American Press Association (IAPA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Three journalists were later released; one of them died as a result of being tortured. Mexican journalists in newsrooms remain silent about the kidnappings for fear of reprisals from drug traffickers. And in another part of the country also caught in the terror of drug cartels, another journalist was slain on 12 March.
From the Communiqué
17 March 2010
Mexico
Eight journalists abducted, two killed
In Mexico, information can be fatal. Eight journalists were abducted in separate episodes between 18 February and 3 March, report the Center for Journalism and Public Ethics (CEPET), Inter American Press Association (IAPA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Three journalists were later released; one of them died as a result of being tortured. Mexican journalists in newsrooms remain silent about the kidnappings for fear of reprisals from drug traffickers. And in another part of the country also caught in the terror of drug cartels, another journalist was slain on 12 March.
17 March 2010
Honduras
Two more journalists slain
Three Honduran journalists have been killed in deadly attacks this month. A radio journalist was shot and killed driving home on 11 March, report the Committee for Free Expression (C-Libre), the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). And on 16 March the news editor of a television station was riddled with bullets while driving, reports C-Libre, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other IFEX members. The recent assassinations come after a journalist was murdered on 1 March.
3 March 2010
Honduras
One journalist murdered, another seriously injured in attack
A Honduran journalist was shot dead in an attack that also injured another journalist on 1 March, report the Committee for Free Expression (C-Libre) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
3 March 2010
Mexico
Public officials behind crimes against journalists
Mexico is the deadliest country in the Americas for journalists trying to do their job. Organised crime is often perceived as being predominantly behind attacks on the press, but a new report by ARTICLE 19 and the National Center for Social Communication (CENCOS) points to public officials as the main perpetrators. And there is a movement to challenge this culture of impunity with newspaper editors and journalists joining forces to urge the government to take action, reports the Inter American Press Association (IAPA).
24 February 2010
Costa Rica
Prison terms removed from press law
In a press freedom victory, a Costa Rican court recently reformed a press law by eliminating a clause that imposed prison terms of up to 120 days for defamation in print, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
24 February 2010
Colombia
FLIP report highlights illegal espionage as a major threat to press freedom
Illegal espionage is one of the most serious threats to press freedom in Colombia, says the Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) in their 2009 report: "Interceptaciones y seguimientos ilegales: grave intimidación al periodismo colombiano" (Illegal wiretapping and monitoring: The severe intimidation of Colombian journalism).
Campaigns and Advocacy
3 March 2010
Haiti
Media ruins: video of second post-quake visit by RSF
RSF's footage shows the earthquake's impact on the media, which have a vital role to play in relaying information about relief operations and reconstruction efforts.
25 February 2010
International/United States
Human rights advocates present plan of action to Obama administration
President Obama was urged to prioritise freedom of expression and association, and support human rights defenders.
24 February 2010
Honduras
President Porfirio Lobo commits to press freedom
At a conference attended by Lobo, IAPA announced a contest on free speech for university students.
19 February 2010
Colombia
President Uribe to CPJ and FLIP, "Illegal spies are enemies of Colombia"
In a meeting with CPJ and FLIP, Uribe said that "those who restrict the freedom of a journalist must be fully prosecuted."
19 February 2010
Mexico
Mexican editors, publishers call for government action
The governor of Durango agreed to review investigations into the murder of four journalists in his state.
18 February 2010
RSS