International Freedom of Expression eXchange: The global network for free expression
Asia and Pacific
Arrests and intimidation of Sri Lankan journalists continue in a post-election crackdown, especially on critics who sided with the opposition, report the Free Media Movement (FMM) and other IFEX members. Authorities have detained and questioned many journalists, blocked websites and expelled a foreign journalist, fostering a climate of fear.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has released a new report that highlights the arbitrary manner in which Chinese authorities forbid reporting on numerous issues, manipulating the flow of information. The Chinese media are routinely pummelled with restrictions, leaving very little room for independent news gathering.
Four Vietnamese bloggers, cyber-dissidents and human rights activists were sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison on 20 January, report the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and ARTICLE 19. The mock trial of dissidents occurred against a backdrop of relentless press freedom and free expression violations.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa won the presidential elections on 26 January after state-owned media took an extreme partisan approach and openly favoured him with its coverage, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). There was widespread election-related violence with supporters of both major candidates attacking journalists, including the abduction of a political reporter, say IFEX members.
The massacre of 32 journalists in the Philippines last year is the result of an established culture of impunity and a flawed political system that relies on warlords, says a new report from a fact-finding mission led by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The report paints a picture of a history of power struggles and political patronage that threaten the media environment.
From the Communiqué
4 February 2010
Sri Lanka
Attacks on journalists on the rise after elections
Arrests and intimidation of Sri Lankan journalists continue in a post-election crackdown, especially on critics who sided with the opposition, report the Free Media Movement (FMM) and other IFEX members. Authorities have detained and questioned many journalists, blocked websites and expelled a foreign journalist, fostering a climate of fear.
3 February 2010
China
Authorities ruthlessly censor independent reporting
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has released a new report that highlights the arbitrary manner in which Chinese authorities forbid reporting on numerous issues, manipulating the flow of information. The Chinese media are routinely pummelled with restrictions, leaving very little room for independent news gathering.
28 January 2010
Vietnam
Dissidents hit with severe prison terms
Four Vietnamese bloggers, cyber-dissidents and human rights activists were sentenced to a total of 33 years in prison on 20 January, report the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and ARTICLE 19. The mock trial of dissidents occurred against a backdrop of relentless press freedom and free expression violations.
28 January 2010
Sri Lanka
Propaganda and intimidation of critical media ensured President's victory
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa won the presidential elections on 26 January after state-owned media took an extreme partisan approach and openly favoured him with its coverage, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). There was widespread election-related violence with supporters of both major candidates attacking journalists, including the abduction of a political reporter, say IFEX members.
28 January 2010
Philippines
Impunity and corruption behind murder of journalists
The massacre of 32 journalists in the Philippines last year is the result of an established culture of impunity and a flawed political system that relies on warlords, says a new report from a fact-finding mission led by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The report paints a picture of a history of power struggles and political patronage that threaten the media environment.
28 January 2010
Asia and Pacific
SEAPA outlines press freedom battles for 2010
The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) released a new report covering press freedom vulnerabilities throughout the region. After the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) shifts from Thailand to Vietnam in 2010, its approach to press freedom will have a crucial influence on issues like impunity, election coverage and access to the Internet, says the report.
Campaigns and Advocacy
8 February 2010
China
IFJ Press Freedom in China Campaign Bulletin - February 2010
IFJ Asia-Pacific's monthly Press Freedom in China Campaign e-bulletin.
3 February 2010
Pakistan
RSF report finds minor improvement for press freedom after Taliban defeat
After months of curfew, journalists are once again carrying out investigative reporting and newspapers that were closed for months are being published.
29 January 2010
Sri Lanka
Concern over increasing media repression following election
FMM and four other media organisations issued a joint statement highlighting a number of incidents targeting the media.
29 January 2010
South Korea
Sign a petition to help save the Mediact media center
AMARC is concerned over the Korean Film Council's decision to dismantle the Mediact media center and force its staff to resign as of 1 February 2010.
28 January 2010
Burma
Blogger Zarganar turns 49 in jail, still has 34 years to serve
His sister-in-law has released a video about him to mark the occasion.
26 January 2010