About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

Alerts - 2012 - Asia and Pacific

---

Vietnam

Call for release of Catholic activists

The four were arrested for allegedly distributing pro-democracy leaflets and are accused of conducting propaganda against the state.

Cambodia

Boeung Kak lake residents arrested by police while on peaceful protest

The activists were met by more than one hundred policemen and private security guards each armed with hammers and other construction tools.

Pakistan

Cameraman, reporter shot while covering protest rally; journalist detained and beaten in Wana

Muhammad Khalil Adil and Aslam Khan were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a political rally in Sindh province.

Kiribati

Government encouraged to set end-date for newspaper ban

"The order to cease publishing of the Kiribati Independent as per the Newspapers Act would avoid perceptions of political interference by clarifying to all what the steps are, and how long it will all take," says PFF.

Nepal

Attacks on the press continue during NEFIN protests

FNJ recorded more attacks on the press during the second and third days of the three-day nationwide shutdown.

Burma

Sorting out sanctions, censorship, sincerity

The Burmese government has flip-flopped on media regulations in the past few days, a troubling indicator that there might be no media policy at all in place, CPJ notes.

Nepal

FNJ condemns anti-press attacks during NEFIN's nationwide protests

FNJ condemns the government and the police administration who failed to prevent attacks on journalists and the vandalisation of press vehicles.

Bangladesh

Journalist brutally attacked

Unidentified assailants hacked the right arm of journalist Fazlur Rahman, allegedly for reporting on an obscene dance performance on a college campus.

Pakistan

Abducted journalist found dead in Balochistan

Many journalists refused to comment on the killing of Razzaq Gul owing to security reasons.

Mongolia

Member of Parliament files civil lawsuit against two newspapers

Kh. Battulga of the Democratic Party claims his honour was offended by articles published in the Mongoliin Unen and Ugluunii sonin daily papers.

Bangladesh

Journalists attacked, injured in intensifying political conflict

Police baton charged a protest organised by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party in Dhaka, injuring several participants and at least five journalists.

North Korea

Signs of change

CPJ has found that cracks in the North's information wall are beginning to appear.

Sri Lanka

IFJ disappointed by Supreme Court decision on Internet restrictions

The court declined leave to proceed in a case filed under the country's fundamental rights provisions against the blocking of certain websites.

Malaysia

Media freedom is far from assured, open letter tells prime minister

The media are exposed to censorship and violence and their independence is severely curtailed by the ruling coalition's political meddling, said RSF.

Burma

Government to end prior censorship

The government will form a press council to advise on media laws and ethnics, Information Minister Kyaw Hsan told journalists on 14 May.

India

Two cyber-activists end hunger strike but campaign against IT Rules gathers pace

Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi and citizen journalist Alok Dixit were forced to end a 10-day hunger strike after their health deteriorated considerably and they were hospitalised.

Pakistan

Three injured as police beat up journalists

Sher Ali Khan, Siraj Ali and Shabir Ahmed were assaulted while covering a demonstration against electricity load-shedding.

Philippines

Another Mindanao radio anchor receives threat over mining stories

Lito Labra has been receiving death threats since he started discussing illegal mining and logging issues on his radio program in early 2012.

Philippines

Radio commentator in Mindanao receives death threat

This is the first threat Michael James Licuanan has received since an attempt on his life in November 2011.

India

Call for end to intimidation of peaceful protesters at nuclear site

The use of the sedition law to silence dissent undermines free expression, said Human Rights Watch.

Nepal

Media threatened, some newspapers closed

The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities recently threatened to boycott media outlets that negatively report on federalism.

Pakistan

Journalist kidnapped and killed

The bullet-riddled body of journalist Tariq Kamal was found on 9 May, three days after he had been reportedly kidnapped.

India

AMARC urges spectrum fee roll back

As a result of a recent spectrum fee hike, "genuine and grassroots communities will be excluded . . . and community radio will be a mockery of the stated policy objectives of the government of India, " said AMARC.

Pakistan

Office of television station attacked, journalist killed

Journalist Aurengzeb Tunio's colleagues allege that the attacks were retaliation for his reporting, which had angered certain local tribal groups.

China

Microblog regulates, suspends users - again

A Weibo moderator posted a draft document outlining new guidelines for users of China's popular microblog platform, Sina Weibo.

Thailand

"Uncle SMS" dies after serving 3 months of his 20-year prison sentence

Amphon Tangnoppaku died in prison whilst serving a 20-year prison sentence for sending four text messages deemed as insulting against the Queen of Thailand.

Pakistan

Two journalists injured in blast at poet's shrine

Mehmood-ul-Hassan Khan and Waheed-ur-Rehman were at the site of the explosion when a second blast occurred.

Philippines

Sometime weather reporter killed

Two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle shot dead Rommel Palma, a radio station employee who also did weather and other reports.

Nepal

Journalists intimidated, harassed while covering protests

With the 27 May 2012 deadline for the constitution promulgation fast approaching in the country, individuals in various regions have mounted pressure programs in a bid to have their demands addressed in the new constitution.

Vietnam

Attack on state media reporters shows all journalists are at risk

Nguyen Ngoc Nam and Han Phi Long, both reporters with the official Radio Voice of Vietnam, were severely kicked and beaten while covering the forced eviction of around 1,000 villagers from their farmlands.

China

Chen Guangcheng reporting censored, obstructed

Security officials' ongoing obstruction of foreign and domestic journalists covering the dissident is a worrying sign for supporters trying to secure his safety, CPJ said today.

Philippines

Radio broadcaster shot dead in Davao Oriental

Nelson Libaton and his companion, reporter Eldon Cruz, were on their way home from an interview when a man riding on a motorcycle with two other unidentified men shot him in the back.

China

China shuts out Al-Jazeera English in Beijing

Al-Jazeera English didn't comment on the decision, but the channel covers topics censored domestically by the Communist Party.

Philippines

Columnist killed in Laguna province

Police have yet to identify suspects in the killing of columnist Michael Calanasan in San Pablo City, Laguna.

Thailand

Court should release journalist prosecuted under lèse majesté law

ARTICLE 19 has submitted an amicus brief to a Bangkok criminal court arguing that the criminal prosecution of Somyot Pruksakasemsuk under the lèse-majesté law violates his right to freedom of expression.

Malaysia

Journalists assaulted, arrested while covering protest

CIJ says this attack on nine journalists is an ongoing trend to prevent the media and citizen activists from reporting on police brutality.

China

Government urged to protect blind human rights defender from extrajudicial violence

Chen Guangcheng and his family are at risk of violent reprisals after the activist's escape from unlawful detention, Human Rights Watch said.

Cambodia

Activist killed over possession of logging photos

Chut Wutty, president of the Natural Resource Conservation Group, was reportedly taking two journalists to a site in a protected forest in Koh Kong province where logging was taking place.

China

Writer imprisoned for defamation amid rumor crackdown

Hu Lianyou accused two police officers in his native Dong'an county of beating him during interrogation, corruption, and other abuses in September 2010.

Philippines

Columnist, editor post bail re libel case

The libel complaint was in response to an article by Manuel "Boy" Mejorada which accused the Iloilo City mayor of misusing some funds.

China

Boxun, U.S.-based news site, attacked amid Bo Xilai coverage

The crippling denial-of-service attacks forced Boxun to change its hosting company twice.

Sri Lanka

Hearings into disappearance of opposition journalist continue

The Prageeth Eknelygoda family's attorney may have to press Sri Lanka's Appeal Court to order former Attorney General Mohan Peiris to testify about the comments he made at the U.N. Committee Against Torture in relation with the case.

Afghanistan

French former hostage ready to go back to the front line

In the months since his release, Hervé Ghesquière, a seasoned reporter for the French public TV channel France 3 and a veteran of many wars, has been drawing and sharing the lessons from his abduction and captivity.

Philippines

Accused gunman has ordered broadcaster's widow, two others killed, says radio exec

The former police inspector reportedly wants to stop station manager Alex Josol, Gloria Cuesta and a Department of Justice employee from campaigning for justice for broadcaster Dennis Cuesta's death.

Afghanistan

Journalist's death must lead to better combat rules

The Afghanistan Analysts Network recently released its report on the July 2011 shooting death of journalist Omaid Khpalwak.

Bangladesh

Editor receives threat

Golam Sarwar was threatened after reporting on negotiations between the government and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party over the case of a missing politician.

China

Journalist removed for voicing food safety fears

Zhao Pu, a host of CCTV's news bulletin program, was suspended from his position after forwarding a message using his Weibo microblog account which advised parents not to feed their children unsafe food products.

Papua New Guinea

Journalist assaulted by police

NBC journalist Mark Kayok was stepped in to stop a fight and when he identified himself as a journalist to police, they turned on him too.

Pakistan

Court says website blocking violates constitution

The result of the high court order should be that the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority will not be able to block a site without first informing the site administrator of its intention, and giving them the opportunity to be heard.

Pakistan

Journalist tortured, killed in Karachi

Murtaza Razvi, senior editor and head of magazines at Dawn Media Group, was found dead in a friend's apartment; his body bore torture marks and his hands were tied.

India

IFJ welcomes quashing of sedition charges in Gujarat state

In 2008, a police commissioner had filed the criminal complaint against Bharat Desai and Prashant Dayal, journalists with the city edition of the Times of India.

India

Media freedom threatened by violence, censorship and curbs on access to information

In the past few weeks, journalists and netizens have been physically attacked, prevented from covering military activity and arrested for disseminating information online.

Palau

Journalist jobs, media freedoms face the axe under new bill

Any proposed legislation which takes jobs away from Palau's citizens, and impacts on the independent flow of news and information to the public, raises the question of the agenda behind the changes, says PFF.

Malaysia

Press still shackled despite amendments to law

The amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 only abolished some of the heavy-handed provisions that placed too much power in the executive's hands, which should never have been allowed in the first place, CIJ argues.

Mongolia

Leader of Republican Party interferes with activities of daily newspaper

The night before an interview with the party leader was to be published in the paper, the politician and his representatives exerted pressure on a journalist and seized and bought the paper's edition from some postal offices.

Philippines

On Philippines' canvas of injustice, anything goes

Ten months after Romeo Olea's murder, police authorities who initially said the killing was likely related to his journalism have failed to make any arrests or identify any suspects.

Indonesia

IFJ condemns sacking of journalist by broadcaster

It is believed that the sacking of journalist Luviana followed her and some of her co-workers raising concerns with their employer regarding the company's management.

Hong Kong (China)

IFJ urges Hong Kong police to end discrimination and harassment of media

Journalists have complained of police discrimination in media access to an area allocated for reporting on the commemoration of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

Nepal

Editor and photojournalist receive death threat

Rajendra Adhikari and Bandu Raj Parajuli were threatened by a member of a workers' union after reporting on a transportation syndicate.

India

Journalist assaulted after reporting on illegal clearing of forests

Kamal Shukla was attacked late on the evening of April 11 at his office by a local political activist who entered his office and repeatedly hit him with an iron rod, and broke his laptop and computer.

Vietnam

Three journalists handed anti-state charges

Nguyen Van Hai, Phan Thanh Hai, and Ta Phong Tan were charged with anti-government propaganda concerning a total of 421 articles they had posted on their blogs that "denigrated the state".

China

Internet crackdown on Bo Xilai rumors continues

Internet officials in China have deleted at least 210,000 online posts and shut down as many as 42 websites since mid-March for allegedly spreading rumors, the state-run news agency Xinhua.

Malaysia

Security bill threatens basic liberties

The law which would replace the infamous ISA offers some reform but opens the door to a range of future abuses, Human Rights Watch said.

Philippines

Radio blocktimer killed in ambush

Some news reports indicate that Aldio Layao's radio commentaries may have triggered the attack but police have yet to establish the motive.

Laos

Government orders radio show off the air

"Talk of the News" was the only live-broadcast program that enabled the public to phone in and comment on current news and voice their problems.

Indonesia

Journalist killed in armed attack on plane

Leiron Kogoya was travelling to Mulia to cover local elections in Jayapura when an unidentified armed group opened fire on the plane.

Philippines

Town mayor sues broadcaster for libel

The complaint was based on Rogelio Sending Jr.'s commentary on an anti-mining rally.

Burma

By-election shows greater respect for press freedom, says IPI

IPI said it welcomes civil society's participation in the media reform process.

Nepal

Journalist murdered

Yadav Poudel died after succumbing to multiple injuries resulting from sharp weapons.

Pakistan

A "sword of Damocles" in the making?

Zaid Hamid has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, calling on it to try several journalists, a leading human rights activist, the South Asian Free Media Association, as well as several government ministries, for treason.

Nepal

Journalist receives death threat

Umesh Mehta was threatened after reporting on a local citizen's attempt to influence voters by inviting them to a feast.

China

Six netizens arrested, sixteen websites shut down

According to the Xinhua News Agency, sixteen websites were shut down by Chinese authorities following their reports claiming military vehicles entered Beijing in response to political conflict associated with the dismissal of the former Governor of Chongqing City.

Cambodia

CCHR deplores curtailment of freedoms, silencing of civil society during ASEAN Summit

Pressure from the authorities led to the severe disruption of four workshops, while a demonstration by garment factory workers was violently repressed earlier in the week.

Philippines

Police try to arrest editor out on bail

Guindulman Mayor Piezas filed two separate libel complaints against editor Alfredo Amora in 2011 for allegedly libelous statements in his columns.

Burma

Wary about Burma? So are others

Amid the rush to see changes in Burma as an inexorable move toward full democracy CPJ has maintained a healthy skepticism about media reform.

China

Journalist and critic reportedly jailed

According to an online appeal, Gao Yingpu was sentenced in a secret trial in 2010 to a three-year prison term for criticising disgraced Chongqing city Communist Party Secretary Bo Xilai.

Papua New Guinea

Comments by government information advisor raise concern

Communications department secretary Paulius Korini initiated a heated discussion amongst regional journalists with his claims that media controls and regulation would help the industry towards balance in reporting.

Tibet (China)

Authorities openly threaten to "torture" those who circulate information

Police in Gan Lho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture have posted public notices in which "criminals" who circulate certain views and information are threatened with "torture".

Thailand

Government urged not to bury truth about political violence

To end the cycle of impunity, the prime minister and her government should promptly bring charges against those responsible for crimes committed during the 2010 political upheavals, whatever their political affiliation or official position in the military or government, Human Rights Watch said.

Cambodia

Phnom Penh police chief says demonstrations will not be allowed in city centre during ASEAN Summit

Police chief Touch Naruth also denied claims that his officers had beaten three female garment factory workers with batons and shields during a protest on 27 March.

India

Mumbai police, media have reportedly failed Jyotirmoy Dey

"Tehelka" magazine has published a scathing indictment of both the police investigation into the 2011 killing of the crime reporter and the media coverage of the case.

Philippines

CPJ draws attention to two unsolved murders

The investigation into the murder of journalist Marlene Garcia-Esperat is seven years old, while the hunt for conspirators in the 2011 killing of radio journalist Gerardo Ortega is just starting.

China

Jailed human rights lawyer allowed visit by brother

RSF is pleased to receive news of Gao Zhisheng, who has been the victim of a series of mysterious disappearances orchestrated by the authorities since February 2009.

Cambodia

Fifteen years on, no justice in grenade attack on opposition party rally

International donors who are pouring millions into the Khmer Rouge trials to end impunity should not ignore a more recent atrocity under the current prime minister, says Human Rights Watch.

Burma

Censors issue warnings to two political journals

The government's Press Scrutiny and Development Division summoned the editors of the journals after they published material said to be critical of the government.

Philippines

Arrest warrants issued against former Palawan governor, two other politicians in connection with broadcaster's murder

A court ordered the arrest of the alleged mastermind and accomplices in the killing of broadcaster Gerardo Ortega but has yet to issue warrants against two men who allegedly helped plan the murder.

China

Censorship around party leader's ouster contributes to misinformation

The Chinese government has been blaming the international media, not its own lack of transparency and comprehensive censorship apparatus, for the burgeoning rumors around the sacking of Chongking party leader Bo Xilai.

Nepal

Editor receives death threat

Sashi Bichitra believes the threats may be linked to his reports on organised smuggling in Sarlahi district.

Cambodia

Rights advocate faces slanderous denunciation charge

Tis case points to the pervasive impunity in Banteay Meanchey province and throughout the country, CCHR notes.

Sri Lanka

Eknelygoda's wife latest victim of intolerance

Sandhya Eknelygoda, who has been trying to gain any information about the whereabouts of her disappeared husband, Prageeth, came under harsh questioning from government lawyers about her presence at the UNHRC in Geneva.

Sri Lanka

Alarming increase in hostile rhetoric, threats of reprisals against journalists

Minister for Public Relations Mervyn Silva addressed a public demonstration against the UNHRC resolution, threatening to "break the limbs" of any of the exiled journalists if they dared set foot in the country again.

India

National media prevented from covering anti-nuclear protest in Tamil Nadu

The incident occurred in Idinthakarai, where the authorities are trying to remove entrenched protesters from their camp beside the Koodankulam nuclear power station.

Sri Lanka

Government calls journalists "traitors"

The government must halt its intimidation of journalists who supported a UNHCR resolution calling for an investigation into alleged abuses of international humanitarian law during the war with Tamil separatists, says CPJ.

Nepal

Journalists assaulted

Five journalists were beaten and verbally assaulted when they tried to cover a public event involving a religious figure.

Philippines

Poet, journalist and activist remains detained without trial

Ericson Acosta, who was reportedly arrested while conducting research on human rights and environmental issues, has been held without trial since February 2011.

Hong Kong (China)

Mainland interference in political reporting alleged in Hong Kong

IFJ is concerned by reports that the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong has interfered with reporting by the local media on the election of a new chief executive of Hong Kong.

Pakistan

TV channel's office and satellite van attacked in Karachi

While the attackers have not been identified, it is believed they were targeting the offices of the Jang Group.

Nepal

Writer under threat; fears for safety

Kanak Mani Dixit is one of three leading figures to be facing implicit death threats after being declared "People's Enemies" by the ruling Maoist party.

Bangladesh

Authorities turn up the heat on journalists

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission has threatened to shut down the ETV commercial satellite station for allegedly broadcasting illegally.

Indonesia

PFF supports no-treason call for West Papua

"There is no treason in freedom of expression shared peacefully," said PFF, while calling on Indonesian authorities to "follow through on the constitutional mandate to open up public spaces for all people of West Papua to share ideas safely with each other and their leaders."

Thailand

Four newspapers threatened with defamation

The papers are being targeted for publishing articles that accused the deputy prime minister of being drunk during the parliament's charter amendment debate on 25 February.

China

RSF condemns prior censorship and increased Internet control

"The government is attacking freedom of information from all sides," RSF says, adding that "the new restrictions are the complete opposite of what the public wants and even Prime Minister Wen had indicated this."

Nepal

Journalists threatened by timber smugglers

The smugglers detained the journalists for two hours and threatened to kill them if they reported on the smuggling and deforestation.

China

CPC attempts to block publication of book

Du Guang's book, titled "Getting Back to Democracy," will be published on 15 March 2012 in Hong Kong, where the CPC's order has no authority.

Burma

Mining ministry to sue "The Voice" weekly magazine

The weekly magazine is being targeted for having published a report on the misuse of funds in connection with the sale of a copper mine.

Tibet (China)

Four years on, wife calls for Tibetan filmmaker's release

Lhamo Tso has not spoken to her husband Dhondup Wangchen since 17 March 2008 and hears of him only when his sister visits the Xichuan Prison in Qinghai province, western China, where he is serving six years.

Indonesia

Five Papuans convicted for peaceful protest

Selpius Bobii, August Sananay Kraar, Dominikus Sorabut, Edison Waromi, and Forkorus Yaboisembut were convicted and sentenced to three years in prison for statements made at a Papuan People’s Congress in October 2011.

Sri Lanka

Media restrictions come amid rise in abductions

Even though restrictions on reporting on the military were formally lifted in August 2011, a journalist warned "if you write about them you have to be prepared to be abducted by a white van."

Bangladesh

Live telecast of opposition rally blocked in Dhaka

Three TV channels report that their transmission in the capital was suspended for several hours, coinciding almost exactly with a rally held by the opposition party leader.

Burma

New law on demonstrations falls short, says Human Rights Watch

The new law on assembly rejects the previous ban on demonstrations, but still allows the government to trump the people's basic rights based on vague criteria such as being " contrary to Union security, prevalence of law and order, community peace and tranquility or public order and morality."

China

New law sanctions covert detentions

China has approved revisions to its criminal code that grants police broad powers to hold journalists and others who discuss sensitive national issues without charge in secret detention for up to six months.

Sri Lanka

Censorship imposed on news alerts by military authorities

The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) has demanded that "any news related to national security, security forces, and the police should get prior approval from the MCNS before dissemination".

Philippines

Ex-official accused in journalist's murder

The Department of Justice has reviewed evidence in the 2011 murder of journalist Gerardo Ortega and recommended that murder charges be filed against ex-governor Joel Reyes in the local courts.

Philippines

Boxer-politician, former anti-smuggling official sue journalist for libel

The libel suits against journalist Edwin Espejo are based on his February 2012 story, describing how the former official allegedly evaded arrest through the help of a congressman.

Afghanistan

Ministry of Defense spokesman issues statement attacking "Wall Street Journal" reporter

CPJ urges President Hamid Karzai to publicly address Gen. Zahir Azimi's statement and ask all government officials to refrain from attacks on journalists.

Cambodia

Government urged to lead ASEAN by adopting Law on Access to Information

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the National Assembly's willingness to resume dialogue on access to information and strongly encourages the adoption of the Draft Law on Access to Information, including ARTICLE 19's recommendations.

Philippines

Journalist critically injured in shooting

CPJ called on authorities to apprehend the criminals responsible for the attack on Fernan Angeles and determine their motive.

India

Independent journalist's arrest in bombing case prompts scrutiny

Syed Mohammad Kazmi's colleagues and family have stressed his professional credentials and the unlikelihood of his being involved in any terrorist activities.

China

Legislature urged not to legalise incommunicado detentions

The legislation currently under consideration would empower the police to secretly detain government critics or anyone accused of "national security," "terrorism," or "bribery" crimes.

Nepal

Freedom Forum condemns break-in at newspaper office, attack on journalists

Assailants broke into the office of the "Dristhi" paper and stole a hard disk containing all of the weekly's documents.

Japan

A year after Fukushima explosion, authorities urged to disclose detailed information about health, food safety

Many residents of Fukushima prefecture still lack basic information and clear answers about the level of radiation in their food and environment, Human Rights Watch said, releasing a slide show of individuals affected by the Fukushima nuclear plant explosion in advance of the one-year anniversary on 11 March.

Papua New Guinea

Police officer threatens newspaper reporter

Patrick Talu was threatened by police officers brandishing guns and a hand-grenade at a meeting between officials and landowners opposed to a controversial gas pipeline project.

China

New detention law introduced; businessman harassed over blog entries

Chongqing police went to the Beijing apartment of property developer Zhang Mingyu, told him to return to the city of Chongqing and stop writing about the case of police chief Wang Lijun.

Burma

Government construction engineer sues "Modern Journal"

The libel suit was filed against the journal after it published a news article about damaged roads and bridges in Thabeikkyin Township.

Pakistan

Four CD shops destroyed by explosives in Takhtbhai

The president of the Tribal Union of Journalists said the owners of the shops had been threatened by militants, who told them to close their "un-Islamic" businesses.

India

Crowd attacks journalists during election violence

The journalists were reportedly forced to lock themselves in a school for several hours to protect themselves from the violence.

India

Journalist dies of injuries suffered in attack

Rajesh Mishra had reportedly received telephone threats over articles alleging "irregularities" in a chain of boarding schools.

China / Taiwan

IFJ urges lifting of ban on Taiwan media group at Chinese regional forum

The Next Media Group was barred from entering China to cover the Boao Forum for Asia, scheduled to take place in China's southern province of Hainan at the end of March.

China

Online editor detained for reposting

Shang Laicheng was jailed for 10 days after reposting an unconfirmed report that two local officials had been caught with prostitutes.

Malaysia

Ministry's show-cause letter to "The Star" unnecessary, says CIJ

The letter issued to the paper for publishing a photograph of singer Erykah Badu with body art that included markings with the Arabic word for "Allah", spotlights the draconian PPPA yet again.

China

IFJ urges government disclosure regarding attacks in Xinjiang province

According to official local news reports, 13 people were killed by nine attackers. However, further information has yet to be released by the local government, with only selected media outlets allowed to enter into the city of Kashi to report on the story.

Philippines

Radio journalist shot, wounded

Fernando Gabio, who was known for his sharp commentaries on election candidates, had reportedly received death threats from anonymous callers before the attack.

India

In Bangalore, journalists attacked outside courthouse

The journalists were reporting on a high-profile trial taking place at the courtroom that involved a former minister and allegations of illegal mining, news reports said.

Hong Kong (China)

HKJA concerned over implications of proposed anti-stalking legislation

While the HKJA holds that innocent people should be protected from harassment in the form of stalking, it is worried about the implications for legitimate journalistic activities and the way any new law could be abused to block genuine investigative activities by journalists.

Pakistan

CPJ comments on Pakistan's excessive Internet censorship plans

An unchecked, centrally-controlled, censorship regime with such vast capacity is a recipe for disaster for local online press freedom, CPJ warns.

Nepal

Two years after newspaper owner's murder, no progress, mission finds

Questions about who committed Arun Singhaniya's murder and why remain unanswered, and his family, which lives in fear, is increasingly desperate to see the case solved.

Malaysia

Journalists assaulted while covering rally

CIJ urged law enforcers to investigate the fracas at the anti-Lynas rally in Penang, and protect the right to peaceful assembly.

Tibet (China)

"Invisible Tibet" blogger elicits China's extra-judicial ire

Beijing-based blogger Woeser reported on her website that she has been confined to her residence by Beijing public security officers who are stationed outside her home.

Malaysia

Government opposes judicial review of ban on sexual diversity festival

The government should drop its objection to a judicial review of the 2011 ban on the festival, which violated principles of freedom of expression and association, says Human Rights Watch.

Pakistan

Government seeks to escalate censorship online

Efforts to increase internet censorship have reached worrying heights with the release of a request for proposals to build a system capable of blocking millions of URLs, says Freedom House.

China

IFJ urges free reporting of Wukan village elections

The authorities were urged to investigate the case of interference with journalists reporting on the elections in Wukan, and ensure that no similar interference interrupts the work of Mainland, Hong Kong and Overseas media reporting on the upcoming election in Wukan village.

Thailand

Courts denying bail in lese majeste cases

The glaring injustices of the cases are being made even worse by the denial of bail for apparently political reasons and long periods of pre-trial detention, says Human Rights Watch.

India

Government launches broad new offensive against electronic communications

Instructions have been given to e-mail service providers telling them to route all e-mails accessed in India through servers based there to facilitate monitoring by security agencies.

Papua New Guinea

IFJ concerned over announcement of new "monitoring" committee

A government press release stated that anyone found using a mobile phone, e-mail or Facebook to spread information considered "malicious" will be deemed to have committed a crime.

Afghanistan

Local radio station manager decapitated in Urgun, Paktika

The body of Sadim Khan Bhadrzai, the manager of a popular local radio station, was found on the day after he was kidnapped.

Tibet (China)

Writer arrested in ongoing crackdown

The WiPC urgently seeks information about the whereabouts of writer Gangkye Drubpa Kyab, who has been held incommunicado at an unknown location since 15 February 2012, his wellbeing and any charges against him.

Pakistan

Copies of newspaper torched; transmission of TV channel suspended

The incidents were prompted by a talk show aired by Express News, in which two politicians debated the cause of a Balochistan leader's murder.

Hong Kong (China)

IFJ urges Fire Services Department to review media policy

Reports from the HKJA that the delayed release of information by the Fire Services Department may have endangered people's safety are a cause for genuine concern, says IFJ.

Thailand

Website editor's trial resumes, court hears defence witnesses

At the end of the 16 February hearing, the court announced that it would issue its verdict in the trial of Chiranuch Premchaiporn, editor of the Prachatai news website, on 30 April.

India

IFJ shocked at brutal murder of journalist, his family

Chandrika Rai may have been murdered by elements involved in coal mining activities or because of his comments on the recent abduction of a government official's son.

China

International journalists attacked while covering land dispute

The attacks appear aimed at suppressing coverage of land-related protests in Panhe.

Mongolia

State investigator files criminal lawsuit against TV9 channel

The TV station and an investigative team are being targeted in connection with a documentary that disclosed allegations of corruption.

India

Old issues, new debates on Internet freedom

Executives from 22 social networking sites, including some run by Google, Facebook, Yahoo and Microsoft, face criminal charges, punishable by seven years imprisonment, for violating Sections 292 and 293 of the Indian Penal Code, which relates to the sale of obscene materials to minors.

Pakistan

Threats to journalists don't let up

Threats against Wajahat Khan, host of the political interview show "Ikhtilaf", started coming while his most recent show was being re-aired on 11 February.

Bangladesh

Two journalists killed in Dhaka

The motive for the killing of Sagar Sarwar and his wife, Mehrun Runi, is unknown and police have yet to determine whether it is related to their work.

Saudi Arabia / Malaysia

Writer faces apostasy trial after Malaysia deports him back to Saudi Arabia

Hamza Kashgari was preparing to seek political asylum in New Zealand in light of the likely death sentence he faces in Saudi Arabia for expressing his religious views.

Indonesia

Reporter found dead; Czech journalist arrested; young TV journalist assaulted by motorcycle gang

RSF urged authorities to shed light on the death of Darma Sahlan and not rule out the possibility that he was murdered in connection with his work.

India

Court forces web firms to remove "objectionable" content

Authorities were urged to cease forcing sites to set up a filtering system and not take further steps that would be harmful to online free expression.

Fiji

Defamation protections for regime unwelcome, says PFF

The country's new state proceedings decree grants Fiji's regime leader and his ministers exemption from defamation suits over anything they may say in public or private.

Burma

IFJ concerned that new media law may fail to ensure press freedom

The draft law was introduced in January at a media workshop although participants were not given the opportunity to thoroughly discuss the substance of the law.

Nepal

Journalist threatened over magazine article

Rupa Sharma "Neha" received the threat over her coverage of women's issues in a magazine.

South Korea

Reports of intimidation and editorial interference in public broadcaster

Employees at MBCTV, and their unions, are concerned by government controls on state media and their diminished independence due to strong ties between high-ranking government officers and media company managements.

Tibet (China)

PEN American Center concerned over "virtual lockdown" on freedom of expression

Foreign journalists have been prevented from covering police clashes with citizens in Sichuan Province and Tibetan-language print shops, blogs and websites have been shut down.

Saudi Arabia / Malaysia

Journalist flees country following detention order over tweets

Hamza Kashgari posted several tweets about the birth of prophet Mohamed, and was surprised to find severe attacks on him by clergymen and some Saudi citizens who were angered by what he had written.

Maldives

New government must guarantee safety and rights of journalists

After members of the police and army linked to the opposition staged a mutiny and forced President Mohamed Nasheed to resign, members of the police also stormed the headquarters of the state TV station and took control there.

Sri Lanka

FMM voices concern over allegations in "Dinamina" newspaper article

The article refers to an alleged conspiracy between the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the FMM and claims a joint delegation plans to mobilise agitations against the government and cause embarrassment for Sri Lanka during the upcoming UNHRC sessions in Geneva.

India

Danish journalists refused visas

While no explanation was provided for the Indian embassy's refusal to grant visas to Tom Heinemman and his wife and camera operator Lotte La Cour, it is believed that documentaries by the filmmaker aired on Danmarks Radio are behind the ban.

China

Senior newspaper staff fired for reporting inflation concerns

"Biancheng Evening Newspaper" reported that residents in Huaihua, Hunan province, were unhappy with inflation levels and the city's failure to host a celebration for the Lunar New Year.

Philippines

TV news crew allegedly threatened by village councillor

According to GMA News correspondent Nef Luczon, the Tuburan village councillor threatened to "behead" him and two cameramen after he inquired about the effects of mining on the area and the Iponan River.

China / Tibet (China)

IFJ urges authorities to uphold post-Olympic press freedom promises

Foreign journalists have reported being followed by unidentified people, being escorted by police back to the airport, being questioned for hours by police, being forced to delete images from their cameras and having their research and writing materials confiscated.

Malaysia

IFJ supports proposed electoral reporting reforms

The organisation supports a proposal put forward by its Malaysian affiliate in response to a call for public submissions issued by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Electoral Reforms.

Pakistan

Television stations in Balochistan suspended by cable operators following threats

Cable operators suspended Urdu-language broadcasts after being threatened by Baloch nationalists who accuse the news media of failing to provide coverage of their grievances.

Nepal

Government increases range of documents to be classified

The government issued directives to ministries and civil servants listing 140 categories of information that should not be given to news media, civil society organisations or members of the public.

Papua New Guinea

Soldiers threaten to shoot journalist

PFF is calling for an investigation into the incident and is warning media workers to be vigilant about their safety and their rights.

India

Media group targeted by violence

Dozens of supporters of the Shiv Sena, a rightwing Hindu nationalist party, attacked the Times of India building in Mumbai, protesting an article that ran in the Maharashtra Times, a Marathi-language daily that is part of the Times of India group.

Nepal

Journalists detained after protesting government's proposed restrictions

The journalists wore black armbands to symbolise their protest against the recent classification of information by the government.

Pakistan

Shahzad Commission fails to identify those responsible in killing of journalist

Despite strong indications of ISI involvement, the commission concluded that the state, militant groups including the Taliban and al-Qaeda, and unnamed "foreign actors" could all have had a motive to kill Saleem Shahzad on the basis of his writings.

Nepal

Journalists threatened by politician

A member of the Constituent Assembly warned a journalist and camera operator that their safety could not be taken for granted if they continued to report on him.

Maldives

IFJ deeply concerned by attack on broadcast studio

DhiTV was attacked on the early hours of 26 January after the station had broadcast live coverage of opposition protests at the recent arrest of a judge by the Special Forces the previous evening.

Nepal

Newspapers burned during nationwide strike

In separate incidents, protesting students burned copies of "Nagarik" newspaper and several journalists were threatened with physical aggression.

China / Tibet (China)

Authorities urged to refrain from using excessive force against protesters

Security forces opened fire on Tibetan protesters on 23 and 24 January, killing at least two people and injuring several dozen more.

Cambodia

Activist summoned on charges for unspecified actions

San Samneang believes the summons may be related to a gathering he organised in relation to a land dispute between a local business woman and community members from two villages.

Indonesia

State intelligence law challenged in court

AJI and its partners argue that the State Intelligence Law contains vague and broadly-defined articles. They have just filed a judicial review of the law at the Constitutional Court in Jakarta.

Cambodia

Arrests, intimidation of displaced activists continue

Activists working on behalf of the Borei Keila and Boeung Kak communities face police brutality, imprisonment, telephone threats, surveillance, legal charges, as well as threats to their families.

Nepal

Copies of newspaper set on fire by political party supporters

Members of organisations affiliated to Madhes-based parties set fire to copies of "Kantipur Daily" over an article published in the daily.

Mongolia

Church files lawsuit against television station, journalist

The World Mission Society Church of God filed a lawsuit against journalist J. Minjin and TV-8 after the journalist broadcast a news item about complains by former church members.

India

Salman Rushdie receives death threats, withdraws from literature festival

Rushdie reportedly was forced to cancel his trip after he was informed by Indian intelligence sources that "paid assassins" were on their way to Mumbai to "eliminate" the author.

Vietnam

Blogger released

Pham Minh Hoang, arrested in August 2010, was released on 13 January 2012.

China

PEN protests charges against Zhu Yufu, insisting "poetry is not a crime"

The long-time democracy activist was charged with "inciting subversion" nearly three months after the prosecution withdrew his case from the courts for lack of evidence.

Malaysia

Political satirist takes government to court over "Cartoon-O-Phobia"

Zunar (née Zulkifli Anwar Ulhaque) appeared at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today for the first hearing of a civil suit brought by himself against the government and the police, in which he challenges them for his wrongful arrest and detention in September 2010.

Thailand

Solution to journalist's murder within reach

A suspect, Noppadon “Pae” Praisri, has given himself up to the police after learning that they were on his trail. He has implicated two others in the killing of journalist Wisut Tangwittayaporn.

Philippines

Publisher threatened after condemning colleague's murder

Ronald Allan Mascardo, publisher of "Dadiangas Balita" newspaper, received a threatening text message after the called for the killers of fellow publisher Chris Guarin to be arrested.

Pakistan

Tribal journalist gunned down in Charsadda

The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the killing of Mukarram Khan Atif, in response to his refusal to give coverage to the Taliban on his radio station.

India

Start of 2012 marked by violations of freedom of information

A judge in the New Delhi High Court stated on 12 January he would not hesitate to block any sites that failed to crack down on offensive content, “like in China”.

Mongolia

Provincial TV journalist and cameraman assaulted, camera destroyed

Journalist T. Danaasuren and cameraman J. Tuvshintulga were assaulted while covering incidents between small local mining entrepreneurs and guards from the “Special Mines” company.

Philippines

Arson attack on radio station; journalist gets death threat

Just five days after the killing of a publisher in General Santos City, unidentified men tried to burn down a university-run radio station in Kabacan town, North Cotabato.

Thailand

Journalist shot dead by unidentified gunman

Police are investigating the motive for the killing of Wisut Tangwitthayaporn but have not ruled out the journalist's reporting on corruption in the management of the province's land encroachment problem as a major cause.

Burma

All DVB journalists, freelancers and blogger freed under amnesty

The amnesty, which includes the release of high-profile blogger Nay Phone Latt, appears to not have the approval of the influential National Defence and Security Council.

Philippines

Journalists, media workers harassed in Manila demolition

Members of the media group Tudla Productions reported that some police officers tried to stop them from taking video footage and photographs of a clash between the city demolition team and residents of a settlement in Corazon de Jesus village, San Juan City.

Maldives

Leading journalist released, his blog remains banned

Ismail Kilath “Hilath” Rasheed’s blog was closed on 19 November on the grounds that it contained anti-Islamic material.

Philippines

Tragic start to 2012 as media worker is murdered

Christopher Guarin's wife claimed that her husband had received several death threats in the days leading up to the murder.

Vietnam

Peaceful activist sent to "education center" for 24 months

Police arrested Bui Thi Minh Hang for conducting a silent protest and ordered her detained without trial.

Bangladesh

Ruling party MP assaults TV reporter

Kamal Ahmed Majumder assaulted Aparna Singha while she was attempting to obtain his comment on a school authority's decision to charge admission fees beyond the limit fixed by the government.

Nepal

Journalist attacked, robbed in Nepalgunj

A reporter with the local Bheri FM, Tirtha Jaishee, was beaten up and robbed by an unknown gang while he was on his way to the station's office.

Vietnam

Newspaper reporter arrested for undercover investigation of police corruption

Nguyen Van Khuong, who writes under the pen-name of Hoang Khuong, is to be held for four months while the authorities investigate his use of a bribe to expose traffic police corruption.

China

Cyber-dissident gets long jail term for "subversive" articles

Convicted of inciting subversion in a total of 36 articles posted on various websites, Chen Youcai was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment and three years without civil rights after his release.

Fiji

IFJ cautiously welcomes end of Public Emergency Regulations

During his New Year’s address to the nation, Commodore Frank Bainimarama announced that the regulations, in place since April 2009, will be removed to allow preparations for the drafting of a new national constitution.

Pakistan

Journalists threatened after questioning role of military

According to press reports, Sethi and Mohsin suspect the threats have emanated both from “non-state and state actors”. Threats came a week after journalist Hamid Mir, senior anchor of the Geo News TV Network, also claimed that he had received threatening messages from the “security establishment”.