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Articles - Europe and Central Asia

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Azerbaijan

Eurovision 2012: Five things the hosts don't want you to know

Behind the Eurovision glitz is an "alarming" free expression situation, says a coalition of international rights groups. Plus:- Take action! Support human rights in Azerbaijan- Video petition: Sing for Democracy - Human Rights Watch Azerbaijan Eurovision page- Amnesty International Azerbaijan Running Scared campaign

Kosovo (Serbia)

President rejects bill that criminalises libel

Following a public outcry, Kosovo's President last week rejected a proposed law that would have criminalised libel and allowed journalists to be jailed if they didn't reveal their sources, report the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), and Human Rights Watch.

Europe and Central Asia

Does your country support free expression?

Index on Censorship has analysed the voting patterns of the delegates of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly to show who protects free expression and who hinders it.

United Kingdom

Queen announces major libel reform bill

Thanks largely to Index on Censorship's libel reform campaign, the government will introduce a law "to protect freedom of speech and reform the law of defamation" in the next parliament.

Russia

Activist fined for speaking out in support of gay community

A Russian gay rights activist is believed to have become the first person to be punished under a municipal law for distributing "gay propaganda", report Index on Censorship and news reports.

Belarus

Popular opposition activists released, campaign to free all political prisoners goes on

Belarusian opposition activists Andrei Sannikov and Dzmitry Bondarenko have been released from detention and pardoned by President Alexander Lukashenko, report Index on Censorship and ARTICLE 19, along with a coalition of groups which had been lobbying for their freedom.

United Kingdom

Proposed snooping law: What you need to know

IFEX's guide to the government's plan to introduce more monitoring of people's emails, phone calls and web usage in the U.K. - and what it means for free expression.

Cuba / Spain

Dissident journalist takes own life after year in exile

A dissident Cuban journalist who was released last year and forced into exile has committed suicide, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Kazakhstan

IFEX members help get editor out of jail

Independent editor Igor Vinyavsky, who was jailed on politically motivated charges of inciting hatred in Kazakhstan, has been released - in large part due to the efforts of IFEX members, reports the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech in Kazakhstan (Adil Soz).

Europe and Central Asia

Reporters Without Borders demands access to Europe's migrant detention centres

What do the insides of migrant detention centres look like, and what actually happens in them? Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has teamed up with migrant rights groups in the "Open Access" campaign, demanding that the right of access to Europe's detention centres be granted to journalists and civil society.

Europe and Central Asia / Awards and other opportunities

South East and Central Europeans invited to submit best human rights photo

The South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is calling for submissions for its 2012 Human Rights Photo Award - a part of the BETA news agency's Photograph of the Year competition. All professional photojournalists in South East and Central Europe are eligible to participate. The closing date is 22 April 2012.

Azerbaijan

As host of 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, Baku should let all voices be heard

This May, Azerbaijan gets to play host to one of the most watched non-sporting events in the world, the Eurovision Song Contest. The popular competition - which gave birth to ABBA - pits artists from 56 countries in and around Europe vying to release the next big hit. So why are IFEX members up in arms?

Russia

Kremlin silenced critics before and during elections, say IFEX members

Journalists were among more than 500 arrested during Moscow protests after Vladimir Putin declared victory in Russia's presidential elections on Sunday, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members. Since the parliamentary elections in December, the authorities have used a range of tactics to harass and discredit their critics, say CPJ and Human Rights Watch.

Belarus / Russia

Man jailed for copycat "toy protest"

A man in Belarus was sentenced to 10 days in prison in February for staging a toy protest, echoing recent rallies using teddy bears to challenge Vladimir Putin in neighbouring Russia, reports Index on Censorship.

Kazakhstan

Editor's detention exposes regime's crushing of dissent in wake of December violence

Igor Vinyavsky, the editor-in-chief of one of the last remaining independent national newspapers in Kazakhstan, has a long history of being a thorn in the side of the Kazakh government. So IFEX members called his detention last month by Kazakhstan's security services "politically motivated." Adil Soz and 28 other IFEX members are rallying together for his release - and to draw attention to the growing trend of silencing those critical of the government in the wake of violent protests in Zhanaozen last December.

Turkey

Justice not served in Hrant Dink's case

A Turkish court this week sentenced a man to life in prison for inciting the murder of prominent ethnic Armenian journalist Hrant Dink five years ago, but cleared all 19 suspects of belonging to a terrorist organisation, reports IFEX member in Turkey the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET), along with other IFEX members.

Ethiopia / Sweden

Swedish journalists given 11 years on terrorism charges

Ethiopia sentenced two Swedish journalists to 11 years in jail last week on charges of supporting terrorism after the pair illegally entered the country with a Somali rebel group, report IFEX's international members. Photojournalist Johan Persson and reporter Martin Schibbye were arrested by Ethiopian security forces in July during a gunfight between Ethiopian soldiers and rebels in the no-go region of Ogaden, and were put on trial in October.

Russia

Free expression activist gunned down on Memorial Day for slain journalists

On 15 December - a day to commemorate assassinated journalists in Russia - a newspaper publisher and free expression activist was shot 14 times by a masked gunman, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF), the International Press Institute (IPI), Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and ARTICLE 19.

Turkey

Morning raids sweep up pro-Kurdish journalists nationwide

At least 25 journalists were among more than 40 people arrested in a nationwide sweep in Turkey yesterday, allegedly for having links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), report the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The arrests bring the number of journalists in Turkish jails to more than 90, making Turkey one of the world's worst for detaining journalists, says BIANET.

Africa / Mexico / Russia

Recent advancements in criminal defamation laws in Africa, Mexico offset by setbacks in Russia

IFEX members have noted some significant advancements in the criminal defamation field these past weeks: the President of Niger has become the first head of state to endorse the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls for repeal of criminal defamation and insult laws in Africa, and Mexico's Senate has unanimously approved to decriminalise slander and libel. But although Russia recently amended its defamation legislation, critics say it did not go far enough.

Russia

Election marred by free expression violations

As Russians voted this week in parliamentary elections, censorship, coordinated cyber-attacks, and arrests of journalists and bloggers were carried out in an apparent bid to suppress allegations of electoral fraud and criticism of the ruling party, report the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) and the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), among other IFEX members.

Turkey

Delegation of free expression organisations witnesses political trial

As the trial began for 10 journalists accused of an anti-government conspiracy, free expression organisations visited Turkey to witness the case and investigate the deteriorating state of press freedom, which has led to a total of 64 imprisoned journalists, say IFEX members.

Azerbaijan

IFEX members outraged by death of prominent journalist in hospital

IFEX members are demanding answers from the Azerbaijani government after outspoken journalist and writer Rafiq Tagi died in hospital on 23 November following a stabbing attack. The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan (IPGA) issued a joint statement condemning his murder and calling for an end to the impunity that threatens Azerbaijani journalists.

Hungary

International mission blasts unjust media legislation and regulation

The South East European Network for Professionalization of Media (SEENPM) and 11 other IFEX members and partners conducted an international mission in Hungary on 14 to 16 November, just weeks after nearly 100,000 gathered in the streets demanding media pluralism.

Kyrgyzstan

Media owners sentenced in absentia to whopping 20 and 14 years

Two former media owners, Khalil Khudaiberdiyev of Osh TV and Dzhavlon Mirzakhodzhayev of Mezon TV, were found guilty in absentia of incitement to ethnic hatred on 28 October, after fleeing their country in 2010, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports.

France

Weekly firebombed over edition satirising Islamists

The office of a satirical French weekly was firebombed just before an edition that pokes fun at Islamists was due for release, report IFEX members. At 1am on 2 November, unidentified attackers threw a Molotov cocktail through a window of the "Charlie Hebdo" offices, acting on rumours about the issue.

Turkey

Dozens arrested in government crackdown on free speech

A professor and a well-known publisher and his son were arrested as part of a recent crackdown on dissent and free speech, report the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET), Initiative for Freedom of Expression (Antenna-TR) and other IFEX members. Around 50 people have been detained in the past week.

Tajikistan

Reporters freed after highly unjust convictions

Two journalists have been freed in Tajikstan after separate trials, but their convictions are symbolic of the government's tightening control over the media, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). They had been facing up to 16 years in jail. One of them is banned from reporting for three years.

Russia

Five years after Politkovskaya's assassination, impunity still reigns

With the five-year anniversary of the murder of investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya on 7 October, the recent arrest of the alleged gunmen and conspirator bring little hope to numerous IFEX members, including Russian members the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) and the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES).

United Kingdom

Police drop attempt to use Official Secrets Act against journalist in phone hacking scandal

After threatening to use the retrograde Official Secrets Act to force a "Guardian" journalist to reveal her sources in the phone hacking scandal, the Metropolitan Police is holding a closed-door meeting with members of parliament to explain the move, report Index on Censorship and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Europe and Central Asia / Awards and other opportunities

Eastern Europeans invited to apply for the Gerd Bucerius Free Press award

Journalists and media in Eastern Europe that support press freedom are invited to apply for the Gerd Bucerius Free Press award. The deadline for applications is 24 October 2011.

Russia

Retired police officer charged in connection with Politkovskaya's murder

Five years after journalist Anna Politkovskaya was shot dead in the elevator of her apartment building, retired police officer Lt. Col. Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov has been charged for spearheading the criminal group that carried out her murder, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Convicted criminal Lom-Ali Gaitukayev was also named for organising the slaying.

Belarus

Royal Bank of Scotland pulls out of country thanks to campaign

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has announced that it will no longer engage in "any type of capital-raising" on behalf of the government of Belarus after an Index on Censorship and Free Belarus Now campaign.

Spain

Police assault journalists covering protests

Journalists covering anti-corruption protests as well as demonstrations against Pope Benedict's four-day visit to Madrid have been met with police violence, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

United Kingdom

Prime Minister considers banning social media, interferes with journalists' editorial independence

On the heels of riots in England this month, Prime Minister David Cameron's government is looking at banning the use of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook in order to stop suspected rioters from sharing online messages to foment violence. Cameron has also called on broadcasters to hand over unused footage of the riots to police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warn that censorship does not prevent social unrest, and that sharing personal data with police is a disturbing precedent.

Uzbekistan

Dismissed state TV journalists continue fight against censorship

Two women journalists protesting media censorship in Uzbekistan ended their hunger strikes last week due to poor health, report Index on Censorship and news reports. Saodat Omonova and her colleague, Malohat Eshonkulova, had started their hunger strike after being arrested and fined for protesting against censorship and corruption in Uzbekistan's state television. Their case is emblematic of Uzbekistan's "atrocious human rights record, including repression of free speech," says Human Rights Watch.

United Kingdom

IFEX members weigh in on fallout of phone hacking scandal

Last week, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron announced not one but two inquiries into the phone hacking scandal. While IFEX members Index on Censorship, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI) welcomed the inquiries, they warn that the fallout from the scandal raises wider questions about media ethics, press regulations and the relationship between politicians and journalists.

Montenegro

Government decriminalises speech offences

Last week Montenegro became the latest country in the world to decriminalise libel, reports the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI).

Belarus

Authorities celebrate independence by cracking down on protesters

Here's how Belarus's Independence Day on 3 July was marked this year: the authorities used tear gas and arrested more than 300 journalists and anti-government protesters in Minsk and other cities, and blocked access to Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites used by the organisers, say Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Human Rights Watch and Index on Censorship. The day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from German occupation in 1944.

Europe and Central Asia / Awards and other opportunities

Apply now for Council of Europe Youth Media Award

Are you a young journalist (aged 18-30) in Europe dedicated to a free press? Then apply now for the second Council of Europe Youth Media Award, the theme of which is media freedom this year. The deadline for entries is 1 August 2011.

Afghanistan / France

French reporters freed after 18 months

Exactly 18 months after they were abducted in northeastern Afghanistan, French journalists Hervé Ghesquière and Stéphane Taponier and their Afghan interpreter have been released, say Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and news reports.

Azerbaijan

IRFS staffer, freelance journalist attacked

Earlier this month, many IFEX members met Celia Davies, a British staffer at the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) in Azerbaijan, for the first time at the IFEX conference in Beirut. It hit that much closer to home when last week, Davies and U.S. freelance journalist Amanda Erickson were badly beaten while on their way home - likely in connection with their human rights work, says IRFS.

Georgia

Tear gas and rubber bullets fired at protesters, journalists

Ten thousand Georgians hit the streets on 21 May in the capital, Tbilisi, demanding that President Mikheil Saakashvili step down. But with protests showing no signs of abating, security forces dispersed hundreds of opposition demonstrators using water cannons and teargas on 26 May, beating and detaining many, report Human Rights Watch, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship. Several journalists were brutally targeted in the attack.

Azerbaijan

Eynulla Fatullayev free at last

Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev's imprisonment became emblematic of the battle for free expression in the country. After four years in prison on politically motivated charges, Fatullayev was released on a presidential pardon on 26 March. He endured years of threats, attacks and prosecution in retaliation for his writing, even before his imprisonment in 2007. After years of intensely campaigning for his release, the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members are thrilled with the news that he is now free. His release was part of a general amnesty for political prisoners, marking 28 May, Republic Day.

Belarus

Dissidents sentenced in connection with election protests

Last week journalist Irina Khalip was given a two-year suspended sentence for "organising and participating" in the December protests against the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, while her husband, opposition candidate Andrei Sannikov, was sentenced to five years for his part in the election protests, report Index on Censorship, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members. While Lukashenko ramps up his attack on pro-democracy forces, the U.S. and EU have joined IFEX members in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.

Russia

Convictions of ultra-nationalists for murdering lawyer and journalist a victory for justice, say IFEX members

Two ultra-nationalists have been convicted and sentenced to long prison terms for the January 2009 double murder of human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov and "Novaya Gazeta" trainee reporter Anastasia Baburova - a landmark victory against impunity in Russia, say the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF), the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES) and other IFEX members.

Bulgaria

Amendments to penal code threaten free expression, says IPI

Bulgaria's Parliament has adopted changes to the penal code that have introduced jail time for journalists and writers who instigate hatred, discrimination or violence - and could be used to impose controls on the media, says the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI).

Palestine / Italy

Italian journalist kidnapped and killed in Gaza

Hamas officials have found the body of an Italian journalist and activist who was kidnapped last week in Gaza, report the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) and the International Press Institute (IPI). Vittorio Arrigoni was affiliated with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a pro-Palestinian rights group, and reported on Palestinian issues for the Italian newspaper "Il Manifesto" and online paper Peacereporter, and also wrote a blog.

Azerbaijan

IFEX members urge Council of Europe to condemn crackdown

Protests in Azerbaijan inspired by pro-democracy uprisings across the Arab world have led to hundreds of bloggers, journalists, civil society activists and opposition party members being harassed, arrested and beaten, report the Institute for Journalists' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), ARTICLE 19 and other IFEX members who make up the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan. Members of the Partnership Group, a coalition of 20 organisations working to defend free expression in Azerbaijan, are in Strasbourg, France, this week to urge the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly to condemn the ongoing crackdown and call for an end to the abuse.

Hungary

Repressive media law muzzles press; thousands protest

The law came into force on 1 January, the same day Hungary took over the presidency of the European Union. That day, prominent Hungarian daily "Népszabadság" published only one sentence on its cover in the 22 official languages of the European Union: "The freedom of press in Hungary ceased to exist," writes Péter Zilahy in "The Guardian". On 14 January about 10,000 protesters came out against the media law, say news reports.

Azerbaijan

Social networking call to protest; activists detained

Several hundred Azerbaijani protesters took to the streets in the capital, Baku, last week, determined to demand their rights after watching uprisings in the Middle East. They called for the resignation of President Ilham Aliyev. The Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members report that authorities arrested activists who urged fellow citizens to protest government policies and corruption, detained numerous demonstrators and evicted several non-governmental organisations from their offices.

Turkey

IFEX members join thousands protesting detention of journalists

Thousands of people protested in Turkey on 4 March calling for an end to the repression of Turkish journalists in reaction to last week's detention of at least nine journalists and writers for their alleged links to the "Ergenekon" coup plots, report local IFEX members IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and the Initiative for Freedom of Expression (Antenna-TR), as well as other IFEX members.

Serbia

Independent station threatened after airing show on mining abuses

Posters calling for the death of B92 were plastered around a town in Serbia last week, the day after the independent broadcaster aired a show reporting on irregularities at the local coal mine, report the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

Belarus

Heavy restrictions for released journalists

The Belarusian security service (KGB) has released women journalists Natalya Radina and Irina Khalip, but has upheld criminal charges against them and has severely restricted their activities, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International (WiPC).

Hungary

Europe protests against new media law

As Hungary assumes the rotating presidency of the European Union, EU politicians, journalists and a number of IFEX members have banded together against the country's steadfast refusal to scrap its new media law, report the International Press Institute (IPI), its affiliate the South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), and other IFEX members.

Ukraine

Parliament says yes to access to info law

Ukraine is the latest European country to adopt an access to information law, report the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), ARTICLE 19 and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

United Kingdom

Government vows to reform "laughing stock" libel law

The U.K.'s coalition government has promised sweeping changes to England's much-criticised libel laws, paying tribute to Index on Censorship's libel reform campaign which has "led the debate on this issue for so long."

Turkey

Kurdish editor gets 138 years

Turkey continues to use jail sentences to silence Kurds, handing down an outlandish prison sentence of 138 years to the former editorial manager of Turkey's only Kurdish daily on charges of "spreading propaganda for the PKK", the militant Kurdistan Workers Party, report IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Belarus

Journalists charged, police raids continue in post-election crackdown

Dozens of journalists arrested in a police crackdown on demonstrations that followed the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko last month remain in jail, some of whom could face 15 years in jail for organising public disorder, report IFEX members and the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). Since the election, security forces have also raided the homes and offices of critical Belarusian journalists and confiscated equipment.

Europe and Central Asia / Events

UNESCO holds journalism ethics in Europe conference this month

To what extent is a newspaper editor responsible for information made available on the paper's website, such as videos, tweets or comments by readers? UNESCO is hosting a conference on "Journalism Ethics and Self-regulation in Europe: New Media, Old Dilemmas" on 27 January 2011 in Paris to answer this question and more. The challenges for media accountability in emerging democracies, and the opportunities and obstacles posed by the digital revolution, will also be on the agenda.

Belarus

Journalists and candidates beaten and arrested on election day

Tens of thousands of opposition supporters gathered in central Minsk on 19 December protesting fraud in Belarusian elections, and calling for authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko to step down after his re-election victory that day. The demonstration was rapidly smothered by police, with hundreds of activists, journalists and opposition candidates bludgeoned with truncheons and arrested, report IFEX members and the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ).

Hungary

IFEX members protest new media laws

Hungary's parliament approved a contentious new media law on 21 December that grants the government strong influence over key media outlets, thereby returning the former Soviet satellite to the "dark days of free media repression," says the International Press Institute (IPI). IPI and its affiliate, the South and East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), have just returned from a two-day press freedom mission to Hungary.

Azerbaijan

"Donkey bloggers" released

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members welcomed Azerbaijan's decision last week to release two opposition bloggers whose jailing sparked an international outcry. But more activists and journalists are still in prison and they should be released immediately too, say the IFEX members.

Russia

Journalists assaulted, convicted after covering controversial highway projects

Khimki Forest, which covers 1,000 hectares of land near Moscow, is home to foxes, elks, wild boars and a number of insect and plant species that are considered endangered. So when local authorities started building a new $8 billion dollar high-speed road to go through the forest to connect Moscow and Saint Petersburg, it didn't sit well with the local community. A journalist who covered the project was brutally assaulted earlier this month, while another was convicted for defaming the mayor who ordered the highway, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), the Glasnost Defense Foundation (GDF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) and other IFEX members.

Italy

Media concentration in hands of Berlusconi "cause for concern," says IPI mission

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's ownership of Italy's most powerful private broadcasting company - and willingness to use his power to influence the country's public broadcaster - are severe blows to the diversity of Italy's television news, the International Press Institute (IPI) found on a recent press freedom mission to the country.

Croatia

Six jailed for Pukanic's murder

A court in Croatia has convicted six men for the mafia-style murder of high-profile journalist Ivo Pukanic, say international news reports. Pukanic, editor of the magazine "Nacional", was killed in October 2008, alongside his marketing manager, Niko Franjic, when a car bomb went off near their Zagreb office.

Azerbaijan

Government defies international duty to uphold free expression ahead of elections; take action for jailed editor

Azerbaijani editor Eynulla Fatullayev has been in prison since April 2007 on trumped up charges - despite a European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judgment this year that demanded his release, reports the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS). His case exposes the Azerbaijani government's failure to comply with its international commitments to free expression - and threatens to undermine the legitimacy of the 7 November elections, say IFEX members, six of whom have recently returned from a joint free expression mission to the country.

Kazakhstan

Government's promise of press freedom reforms rings hollow

Kazakhstan is planning to make good on improving the country's free expression situation - a promise it made to secure the 2010 chairmanship of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE), an OSCE politician told a delegation from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) last week. But with free expression having actually deteriorated in the past few years, the outlook is bleak, say CPJ and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Turkey

Jail time used to silence Kurds

Despite the Turkish Prime Minister's renewed interest in a permanent peace with the country's Kurdish population, anyone who speaks out on behalf of the ethnic minority continues to be faced with incredible jail sentences, report the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and other news sources.

International / Awards / Chechnya (Russia) / Turkey

Russian magazine editor wins IPA's Freedom to Publish Prize

A Russian editor who has valiantly addressed the conflicts in the Caucasus - despite a recent kidnapping attempt - is this year's winner of the International Publisher Association (IPA) Freedom to Publish Prize. Israpil Shovkhalov, editor-in-chief of the quarterly magazine "Dosh", won the 2010 prize for his "exemplary courage in upholding freedom to publish." A special award will also go to Turkish publisher Irfan Sanci.

Russia

Investigations reopened into journalists' murders thanks to CPJ

Top authorities at the Kremlin have vowed to pursue 19 cases of unsolved, work-related murdered journalists following an appeal by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Last week officials at the Investigative Committee in Moscow, who are directly responsible for investigating the most serious crimes in Russia, met with a visiting delegation from CPJ and pledged to aggressively look into the murder cases, including at least five that had been previously closed or suspended.

Europe and Central Asia

Human rights panel will answer your questions

Want to know how a recent European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling protects media sources? Or which free expression cases the court is currently reviewing? Now's your chance to ask. To mark the 60th anniversary of the European Convention of Human Rights, the Council of Europe has set up a panel of high-level personalities to answer all your questions related to the challenges facing human rights protection.

Europe and Central Asia

Major victory for press freedom, protecting journalist's sources

The European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) ruled on 14 September that police cannot search media premises or seize journalistic material - upholding the rights of journalists to protect their sources, report ARTICLE 19, the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Kyrgyzstan

Rights defender sentenced to life in prison

A Kyrgyz court has sentenced an Uzbek human rights defender and journalist to life in prison, charging him with hostage-taking, inciting ethnic hatred, participation in and organisation of mass disorder, and complicity in murder, report Human Rights Watch, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Freedom House.

Ukraine

Politicians continue to obstruct justice for murdered journalist

On 16 September, journalists in Ukraine and around the world marked the 10th anniversary of the murder of journalist Gyorgy Gongadze. His murder is emblematic of the impunity that permits Ukrainian politicians and other powerful figures to silence critical journalists. Last week, after an investigation riddled with errors and the death of key witnesses, prosecutors announced that the late general Yuriy Kravchenko ordered Gongadze's 2000 murder, report the Kiev-based Institute of Mass Information (IMI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and ARTICLE 19.

Kazakhstan / Kyrgyzstan

PAJ and Adil Soz build solidarity between journalists of opposing political affiliations

IFEX members in Central Asia marked the International Day for Solidarity of Journalists on 8 September with a variety of events, including a sports competition, a report on press freedom and a candle-lighting ceremony to honour fallen journalists. In Kazakhstan, Adil Soz, the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech, attempted to unite government and opposition journalists and challenge public officials with a report of attacks on the press. And in Kyrgyzstan, Public Association "Journalists" (PAJ) also focused on strengthening ties between government and opposition journalists to counter divisions created by the newspapers that are linked to different political parties.

Belarus

BAJ member and leading rights activist found dead

Belarusian journalist and human rights activist Aleh Byabenin was found hanged in his country house outside of Minsk on 3 September. Police claim it was a suicide but colleagues say it was a politically motivated killing, just months before elections take place in 2011, report the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), Index on Censorship, ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The government has carried out numerous orchestrated attacks on journalists throughout 2010.

Azerbaijan

IFEX members spotlight decline of press freedom

The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan, including six IFEX members and four other organisations, launched a three-day mission on 7 September to shed light on the current state of freedom of expression in the country. The Group called on authorities to release those imprisoned for expressing critical opinions and to decriminalise defamation. With Azerbaijan's parliamentary elections slated for 7 November, the mission aimed to press for the necessary improvement of the poor situation for freedom of expression, "which has been unfolding with little attention from the international media spotlight."

Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia / Awards and other opportunities

Eastern Europe press freedom awards 2011

The Norway-based Fritt Ord Foundation (Freedom of Expression Foundation) and the German-based ZEIT Foundation have put out a call for nominations for awards to support press freedom and independent media in Eastern Europe. Newspapers, Internet media and journalists from Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus who strive to promote a free press, free speech and liberal civil societies are eligible to apply.

Russia

Journalists routinely slain in deadliest region

Dagestan has become the most dangerous place in Russia for journalists, reports the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF). In May 2010, the director of two radio stations was shot and killed. A few days later, the director of a television station was killed. This month, the editor-in-chief of another television station was shot to death.

Ukraine

Journalist missing; critical media under attack

A Ukrainian journalist who covers corruption, local politics and social injustice has disappeared, report the Kiev-based Institute of Mass Information (IMI), the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI). They say press freedom has been deteriorating in Ukraine since President Viktor Yanukovych came to power in February 2009.

Kyrgyzstan

Uzbek journalists imprisoned and on the run

Two imprisoned Kyrgz journalists have been charged with extremism, incitement to ethnic hatred, calls to mass disorder and complicity to murder, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Both men were arrested in the aftermath of ethnic violence that scorched southern Kyrgyzstan in May and June. According to Public Association "Journalists" (PAJ), many journalists have been targeted based on their ethnicity.

Awards / Turkey

BIANET honoured with press freedom prize

The Journalists Association of Turkey (TGC) has honoured IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) with a Prize for Press Freedom for "its work in the field of alternative and rights-based journalism and for its efforts in the fields of developing democracy, the right to be informed and establishing greater awareness among the public." BIANET used the opportunity to emphasise that the number of Turkish people facing sanctions under the Anti-Terror Law is rising every day, adding that 45 journalists are currently detained under allegations of having committed crimes on behalf of an illegal organisation in the scope of their journalistic work.

Kosovo (Serbia)

A nascent state is crippling its own press, and its future

More than two years after declaring independence, Kosovo urgently needs a free press to expose "the ills that are undermining" the country, says a new report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "Kosovo: Still not too late for press freedom" says journalists in the new country are under threat from nationalist militants and financial pressures, and barred from accessing information, with every sphere of government attempting to control editorial decisions. RSF met with journalists and new bloggers trying to work within an ethical framework, despite the numerous political and criminal elements working against them.

Belarus

Internet freedom under attack

The Belarusian government is rigidly monitoring every element of Internet use and tightening its grip on independent news of any kind, report the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Authorities have established new legislation for extensive control over Internet content and access - and censorship at the highest level.

Turkey

Government shuts down access to YouTube; citizens protest Internet restrictions

Turkish Internet law permits authorities to block access to thousands of websites. After blocking access to YouTube in 2008, the Turkish government recently shut down 44 IP addresses that offered alternative ways to access the Google-owned video-sharing website, report the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). In response, two thousand people took to the street in protest against Internet restrictions.

Greece

Political blogger and radio journalist slain

A Greek radio journalist and blogger who was about to publish results of an investigation into corruption in the country was lured out of his home in Athens and shot dead on 19 July, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). This is the first murder of a journalist in Greece in more than 20 years.

Serbia

New law violates security of journalists' sources; B92 reporter receives death threats

Serbian national security and police forces have been given the power to view the contents of citizens' personal email accounts without permission as a result of a new law adopted by parliament on 29 June, reports the International Press Institute (IPI). The legal system has also left journalists vulnerable to attacks with a recent court decision to reject charges against six people who allegedly threatened to murder a B92 reporter, says the Belgrade-based Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM).

Italy

Journalists strike back at gag law with silence and empty newsstands

Journalists across Italy refused to work on 8 July to protest a wiretapping bill that bans reporting on judicial investigations, say the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Index on Censorship. Criticism of the law has also come from outside Italy's borders.

Azerbaijan

Jailed journalist sentenced on "bogus" heroin charges

Well-known Azeri journalist Eynulla Fatullayev, serving over eight years in jail on trumped up charges of terrorism, defamation, incitement of ethnic hatred and tax evasion, just got another charge – illegal possession of a narcotic – added to the list. The Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other IFEX organisations expressed their indignation over Fatullayev's latest charge, which IRFS is calling "bogus".

Iceland

Authorities create a safe haven for press freedom

On the cutting edge of press freedom, Iceland's parliament has approved a resolution known as the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative (IMMI) to protect journalists and their sources, and shield reporters from foreign libel judgments, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Freedom House.

Kyrgyzstan

Media outlets incinerated; too dangerous to report

An estimated 2,000 have been killed in interethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan since 10 June, say news reports. In response to the unrest, authorities in the southern city of Osh ordered local television stations to cease transmission, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The Public Association of Journalists (PAJ), based in Bishkek, is currently working to provide humanitarian assistance to journalists in the southern part of the country.

Turkey

Two acquitted while free expression violations pile up

Critical journalists, writers and opposition voices in Turkey are being gagged by a barrage of threats. They are facing long prison sentences simply for reporting on any content linked to the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), say the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and other IFEX members. Free expression and press freedom violations also include speaking the Kurdish language, carrying out investigative reports critical of private sector companies, and anti-terror laws used to imprison journalists. But amid all the violations, a prominent publisher and an author were acquitted in separate cases.

Italy

Journalists furious over gag law

Despite massive protest from both independent Italian journalists and those close to Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Senate approved a gag law on phone taps on 10 June. The "legge bavaglio" criminalises journalists found guilty of publishing the contents of phone taps, serving them with huge fines and harsh prison terms, report Index on Censorship and the International Press Institute (IPI). The law limits journalists' ability to provide vital information to the public.

Israel / Palestine / Turkey

Journalists on raided flotilla speak out; one journalist killed in attack

In the aftermath of Israel's raid on the flotilla delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza on 31 May, journalists released from custody are providing first-hand accounts of abuse, interrogation and confiscation of equipment by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). One journalist was killed in the deadly attack. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have edited and distributed portions of video footage taken from foreign journalists.

Azerbaijan

Jailed journalist carries out hunger strike; European Court orders his release

An imprisoned Azerbaijani journalist began a hunger strike on 2 June to draw attention to a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in April saying he should be immediately released, report the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The ECHR stated the journalist had been wrongfully imprisoned for exercising his right to free expression. Last week, Index on Censorship and ARTICLE 19 joined other rights groups at a demonstration calling for an end to his persecution. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC) and other IFEX members have urged the Azerbaijani government to follow the ECHR's decision.

Russia

More media workers killed in Dagestan

A director of a local television station in Dagestan who was on his way to repair television equipment was shot dead on 13 May, reports the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF). TBS director Sayid Ibragimov was ambushed by gunmen as he was travelling with a team of repairmen on their way to restore a TV re-transmitter damaged by militants a day earlier. Ibragimov's car and an accompanying police jeep were attacked near the village of Ayazi. Gunmen set off a bomb in front of the vehicles and then opened fire on them, killing five men and wounding four others.

Macedonia

Authorities ignore broadcaster's call for violence against journalists

A popular Macedonian broadcaster caused waves across the country when it issued a list of targeted journalists, accusing them of being traitors and calling for their "liquidation", reports the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European group of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). What's worse is that the Macedonian authorities failed to intervene, says EFJ.

Ukraine

Escalating censorship cause for concern, say 23 IFEX members

A drastic decline in the state of freedom of expression has taken place in Ukraine since President Victor Yanukovych came to power in February 2010, says Kyiv-based the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), and it's raising alarm bells around the globe. In a joint letter led by IMI on 12 May, 23 IFEX members called on government authorities and media management to restore confidence in the country's free press.

Turkey

Editor sentenced to 166 years in prison

A Turkish newspaper editor accused of being a member of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was sentenced to 166 years and six months in prison on 13 May, and charged with spreading PKK propaganda, report the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). He had been facing an equally absurd 525 years in prison. The disturbing sentence comes on the heels of a new BIANET media monitoring report, which reveals that 216 people, including 69 journalists, were tried in free expression-related cases during the first three months of 2010.

Kyrgyzstan

Interim Government threatens press freedom

Twenty-five press freedom and human rights groups, including nine IFEX members, are calling on the Interim Government in post-revolutionary Kyrgyzstan to respect freedom of the press, and ensure that all media outlets are unrestricted in their reporting of events in the country. Thousands of protesters took to the streets on 7 April in an uprising which lead to the fall of the government.

Europe and Central Asia

World Press Freedom Day in Europe and Central Asia

Exhausted from recent political shocks, journalists in Kyrgyzstan gathered on World Press Freedom Day to discuss the challenges they face after the revolution. Dedicated to 3 May, Public Association Journalists (PAJ) showcased its Caricature Exhibition in a museum in Bishkek, a humorous and satirical way to draw attention to free expression violations in the country. The recent overthrow of the regime was reflected in the caricatures. The contest is aimed at reviving a dying art form in Kyrgyzstan and to strengthen solidarity between journalists. PAJ also carried out a tree-planting campaign on 24 April in honour of World Press Freedom Day, with the support of IFEX. Local and foreign journalists remembered colleagues killed in conflict as they planted 144 ash and catalpa seedlings in the Alley of Journalists.

Ukraine

Journalists hunted down for sources, assaulted and arrested

Police searched the homes of two Ukrainian journalists and seized their equipment this month, while authorities have cracked down on other critical journalists in an escalation of press freedom violations since presidential elections in February 2010, report the Kiev-based Institute of Mass Information (IMI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Also in recent weeks, a newspaper editor and television reporter were savagely assaulted.

Latvia

Media owner slain

A media owner and publisher of a newspaper in Latvia known for its investigative coverage of political and local government corruption was murdered in a carefully planned contract killing on 16 April, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Kyrgyzstan

Media freedom trampled amid clashes between protesters and government

Massive protests have overthrown the government of Kyrgyzstan today after thousands of protesters enraged over state corruption, increases in utility prices and restrictions on the flow of information stormed government buildings and looted state-run radio and television headquarters in the capital, Bishkek, say news reports. At least 41 people were killed and hundreds wounded in clashes with police. In recent months, the government has retaliated against independent media for reporting on widespread anti-government protests, for being critical of the government, and for covering other politically sensitive issues, report the Kyrgyzstan-based Public Association Journalists (PAJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Kazakhstan

Independent newspaper punished with draconian fine

A Kazakh newspaper routinely harassed for its coverage of government policies, human rights abuses and corruption has been fined US$400,000 and handed a distribution ban, report the Almaty-based Adil Soz - International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech, the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Belarus

Authorities seek to eradicate independent journalism; BAJ under attack

In the latest offensive to quash dissident Belarusian journalists, police conducted raids on independent newspapers and the homes of prominent journalists, report the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Furthermore, in a campaign to eliminate BAJ, authorities have ordered the press freedom organisation to revoke membership cards, stop providing independent journalists with legal aid, and alter language on its website.

Azerbaijan

Dissident editor freed; other journalists and bloggers remain behind bars

An Azerbaijani editor imprisoned for his critical journalism was released on 18 March after serving more than half of a four-year term, report the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). But another journalist and two bloggers remain in detention, simply for expressing themselves and challenging the government.

Turkey

Editors face jail terms of 10 to 525 years

A Turkish newspaper editor accused of spreading propaganda for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was hit with a prison sentence on 2 March that is close to 11 years, reports the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET). He and another journalist were also charged for writing critically about public officials. Meanwhile, another editor is facing a 525-year prison sentence for publishing information about the PKK, reports the International Press Institute (IPI). And even outside its borders, Turkish authorities wield influence in curbing press freedom, says BIANET.

Turkey

Security law used to punish editor with 21-year prison sentence

A Kurdish editor was sentenced to over 21 years in prison on 9 February by a Turkish court for publishing reports and pictures of the banned Turkey Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), report the Istanbul-based IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET), the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Russia

Journalist dies after being savagely assaulted by police

A Russian journalist was recently beaten to death in police custody, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Cyprus

Media executive slain

The chief executive officer of a leading Cypriot media company was shot dead on 11 January in the capital, Nicosia, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

United Kingdom

Libel law reform needed

Libel law in the United Kingdom has been used to protect the wealthy and powerful from criticism as the "high costs involved and the scale of damages have chilled free speech," says a recent report by English PEN and Index on Censorship. The cost of libel action in England and Wales is 140 times higher than the European average.

Bulgaria

Notorious crime journalist slain

A journalist who had written articles and a book on crime figures was gunned down on 5 January in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Index on Censorship and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Kyrgyzstan

Journalist hurled out six-story window

A prominent Kyrgyz journalist highly critical of the government died on 22 December, days after being thrown out the sixth-story window of an apartment building in Kazakhstan, report the International Press Institute (IPI) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Turkey

Editor killed; reporter on trial

A Turkish editor was gunned down last week after leaving his office, report the IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and the International Press Institute (IPI). The editor had already received several death threats related to his coverage of local corruption.

Lithuania

New law censors information about homosexuality

Lithuania's parliament (the Seimas) has introduced a new law created to censor information available to children, reports Human Rights Watch. The rights group called on parliament to repeal an amendment forbidding public information encouraging "homosexual and bisexual relations".

Russia / Awards

WPFC award honours President of Glasnost Defense Foundation

The World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC) honoured Alexei Simonov, President of the Glasnost Defense Foundation (GDF), with its 2009 Dana Bullen Press Freedom Advocacy Award on 4 December.

Russia

Broadcast journalist killed

A Russian journalist allegedly committed suicide by falling out of a 14th-floor window to her death on 16 November in Kaliningrad. But outraged opposition critics and colleagues believe she was murdered, report the Centre for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CEJES) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Azerbaijan

Democratic ideas forbidden; bloggers punished

An Azeri court sentenced two bloggers to prison on 11 November in a politically motivated decision aimed at censoring young activists critical of the government, report the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members. This conviction sends a clear message about the cost of democratic debate in Azerbaijan.

Ukraine

Politicians abuse power, attack journalists

Ukrainian politicians are targeting journalists and editors in order to quash criticism. A newspaper editor was recently assaulted by a member of parliament (MP) for publishing stories critical of the MP's performance, reports the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF). Meanwhile, another journalist was beaten up allegedly on orders from an MP on 14 October, reports the Institute of Mass Information (IMI) in Ukraine.

Bulgaria / Awards

Bulgarian journalist given new WAZ-IFJ award for her courage

The WAZ Media Group and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is honouring Bulgarian journalist Lidiya Pavlova with the "WAZ-IFJ Prize for Courage in Journalism". The award emphasises the role of independent media in "scrutinising" abuses of power.

Russia

Rights activist murdered in Ingushetia

A human rights activist from Ingushetia, a republic in Russia, was killed on 25 October when his car came under attack from another vehicle, reports ARTICLE 19.

Belarus

Greater reform needed, says mission

A delegation of press freedom organisations, including seven IFEX members, met with media groups and authorities in Minsk, on 20 to 24 September 2009, to determine the current environment of press freedom, freedom of expression and access to information, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Czech Republic

Journalists condemn new law on police wiretaps

In a new report published this month on the press freedom climate in the Czech Republic, the International Press Institute (IPI) says many Czech editors voiced strong concern about a recent law which makes it illegal to publish any information acquired from police wiretaps.

Italy

Right to know; thousands protest

Thousands marched the streets in Rome on 3 October to defend press freedom and freedom of information in the face of continuous attacks by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, reports the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European group of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Russia

No understanding of press freedom, says IPI

On a five-day advocacy mission to Russia last week, the International Press Institute (IPI) investigated the murder of journalists, impunity of killers and self-censorship of the press that continues.

Europe and Central Asia / Awards and other opportunities

Eastern European press freedom awards 2010

The Norway-based Fritt Ord Foundation (Freedom of Expression Foundation) and the German-based ZEIT Foundation have put out a call for nominations for awards to support press freedom and independent media in Eastern Europe.

Azerbaijan

Three journalists still imprisoned years later

After several years, two editors and a journalist remain imprisoned in Azerbaijan for their relentless criticism of the government, report the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members. In an open letter to President Ilham Aliyev, IRFS has demanded an end to the persecution of journalists and mass media, saying it is an impediment to the democratic development of the country.

Turkmenistan

EU trade agreements ignore media repression

As a gas-rich country, Turkmenistan has used this leverage to secure preferential trade agreements with the European Union. As it charms the international community with the promise of new pipelines, it maintains a culture of fear with absolutely no criticism of the government in the media, report Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The regime also refuses to let journalists go abroad, says RSF.

Azerbaijan

Bloggers assaulted and on trial for being "hooligans"

The trial of two young bloggers in Azerbaijan facing charges of "hooliganism" and "deliberate physical violence," in a hearing on 16 September, was marked by irregularities and the arrest of supporters, report the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Azerbaijan

Editor dies in detention

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Human Rights Watch and ARTICLE 19 are questioning the death of an Azeri journalist while in custody, saying inadequate medical attention may have contributed to his demise.

Russia / Chechnya (Russia)

Murders in south suggest systemic rights violations

The bullet-riddled bodies of a Chechen activist and her husband were found in the trunk of their car in Grozny last week, a day after they were kidnapped. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Dagestan, a well-known investigative journalist was killed. IFEX members ARTICLE 19, Human Rights Watch and others say that the violence is a sign that in Russia today, especially in Chechnya, independent voices continue to be ruthlessly silenced.

Ukraine

General arrested for murder of journalist in 2000

Nine years after the barbaric beheading of prominent Ukrainian journalist Georgy Gongadze, a general has been arrested, report IFEX members. General Oleksiy Pukach was arrested this month for the murder - a case which has been riddled with high level cover-ups. But IFEX's Ukrainian member, the Institute of Mass Information, warns the upcoming trial of Pukach is unlikely to lead to the arrests of the more powerful officials responsible.

Chechnya (Russia)

Human rights defender brutally murdered

Natalia Estemirova, an award-winning activist and journalist dedicated to exposing the human rights abuses of Russian authorities and security forces in Chechnya, was brazenly abducted and shot to death last week. The assassination was reported on by the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES) Human Rights Watch (HRW), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and several other IFEX members.

United Kingdom

Sedition law to be scrapped, finally

After years of lobbying the UK government to remove repressive defamation and sedition laws from the books, it appears ARTICLE 19's campaigning has paid off.

Russia

Editor succumbs to head injuries

A leading editor who reported on corruption in southwestern Russia succumbed to head injuries he suffered in an attack in April, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Azerbaijan

Parliament drops most contentious changes to NGO law

Azerbaijan's parliament adopted a new law on non-governmental organisations on 30 June, but eliminated several controversial amendments that were widely opposed by IFEX members and other international human rights groups, the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and RFE/RL's Azerbaijan Service report.

Kazakhstan

Parliament adopts bill curbing online expression

Kazakhstan's parliament has passed amendments to its communications law that would make it possible for bloggers to be jailed for their work and online media to be shuttered, report Adil Soz, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other concerned organisations.

Lithuania

President vetoes anti-gay law

The President of Lithuania has vetoed a new law that would have banned the discussion of homosexuality in schools and other public places, report Human Rights Watch and news reports.

Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)

Court issues landmark ruling on protection of journalists' sources

A Belfast journalist in Northern Ireland last week won the right to withhold material relating to the Real IRA from the state, in a landmark ruling on press freedom, say the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and ARTICLE 19.

Europe and Central Asia

Twelve countries sign world's first treaty on access to information

Twelve European countries have signed the world's first treaty on access to information, report ARTICLE 19 and Access Info Europe.

Russia

More than 300 journalists killed in Russia since 1993, says joint report

The murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya in October 2006 shocked the world. "Yet for every Anna, there have been many less widely known journalists killed for their work across Russia," says the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in a groundbreaking report on the 313 Russian journalists killed since 1993.

Serbia

Radio B92 celebrates 20 years of social responsibility

Radio B92 - a Belgrade local radio station that blossomed into a national media network famous for its staunch independence and commitment to social responsibility - celebrates its 20th birthday this month.

Uzbekistan

Thirty-two IFEX members demand release of reporter serving 10 years

An Uzbek journalist who dared to cover some of his country's worst environmental disasters was arrested last year on trumped-up drug charges and is now serving 10 years in jail. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Freedom House and 30 other IFEX members have sent a joint letter to the Uzbek authorities to demand that Salijon Abdurahmanov is freed and that journalists are never imprisoned for their work.

Europe and Central Asia

World Press Freedom Day 2009 events in Europe and Central Asia

It looks like a bullet-proof vest, but it's made of newspaper so doesn't offer any protection at all. That's the image in an ad aimed at raising awareness of the dangers journalists face in many countries as they go about uncovering corruption, organised crime, government incompetence, financial wrongdoing and more. The ad, along with a package of other materials like interviews, articles and essays, is being offered by the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) on the theme "Journalists in the Firing Line", and is yours for publishing on 3 May. The free materials can be downloaded in five languages - English, French, Spanish, German and Russian, at: http://www.worldpressfreedomday.org

Slovakia

Civil defamation a worrying trend in Slovakia, says IPI

Civil defamation lawsuits are being disproportionately slapped onto critical journalists and media organisations in Slovakia, which could have the added effect of self-censorship, says the International Press Institute (IPI) in a new report.

Moldova

Twenty-five IFEX members condemn post-election media crackdown

Since the eruption of mass opposition protests after election results were announced in Moldova on 6 April, journalists reporting for international and Romanian media outlets have been refused entry into the country; various news websites and stations have been censored and media workers reporting from within Moldova have been arrested, harassed and assaulted.

Azerbaijan

Two journalists freed from prison

After serving two years and nine months of his three-year prison sentence, Azerbaijani journalist Sakit Zahidov was pardoned and released last week, report the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Russia

PERIODISTAS Y DEFENSORES DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS ATACADOS

Russia

LES JOURNALISTES ET LES DÉFENSEURS DES DROITS SONT EN BUTTE AUX ATTAQUES

Russia

JOURNALISTS, RIGHTS DEFENDERS UNDER ATTACK

The Russian authorities should investigate the recent string of violent attacks on journalists and human rights defenders, IFEX members say.

Turkey

¡ACTÚE! EXIJA LIBERTAD PARA LA TURCA LEYLA ZANA

Turkey

AGISSEZ ! EXIGEZ LA LIBERTÉ POUR LEYLA ZANA DE TURQUIE

Turkey

TAKE ACTION! DEMAND FREEDOM FOR TURKEY'S LEYLA ZANA

Leyla Zana, a well-known political spokesperson for Kurds in Turkey, was sentenced to 10 years in jail last December for violating the penal code and the anti-terror law in nine different speeches. She is accused of having supported the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party) and spreading propaganda. IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) is asking you to join some of Turkey's highest profile activists and sign a petition for her release.

Moldova

L’IJC FAIT RAPPORT SUR LA SITUATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE EN 2008 EN MOLDAVIE

Moldova

IJC INFORMA SOBRE SITUACIÓN DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EN 2008 EN MOLDOVA

Moldova

IJC REPORTS ON 2008 PRESS FREEDOM SITUATION IN MOLDOVA

Attacks on journalists, the increasing domination of Russian language and ruling party-controlled broadcasters and laws that threaten media rights in the country - this was the press freedom situation in Moldova in 2008, says a new report by the Independent Journalism Center (IJC).

Turkey

MENORES ENCARCELADOS POR LEYES ANTITERRORISMO

Greece

GRUPOS ARMADOS SILENCIAN A CRÍTICOS

Turkey

DES ENFANTS SONT EMPRISONNÉS EN VERTU DES LOIS ANTITERRORISTES

Greece

DES GROUPES ARMÉS FONT TAIRE LES CRITIQUES

Turkey

CHILDREN BEING JAILED UNDER ANTI-TERROR LAWS

A 15-year-old boy will spend more than three years in prison for taking part in a protest organised by the Kurdish militant group the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a Turkish court ruled last month. He's just one of the dozens of children who has been tried or sentenced under anti-terrorism laws, report IFEX members in Turkey the Initiative for Freedom of Expression (Antenna-TR) and IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET).

Greece

ARMED GROUPS SILENCING CRITICS

Armed groups in Greece are resorting to attacking media houses, non-governmental organisations and reporters themselves to silence them, report the Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM), the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) - an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Russia

LE JURY ACQUITTE LES SUSPECTS AU PROCÈS POUR LE MEURTRE DE POLITKOVSKAÏA

Belarus

LA FIJ DEMANDE UNE RÉFORME DES MÉDIAS AU MOMENT OÙ ENTRE EN VIGUEUR UNE NOUVELLE LOI

Russia

RUSIA JURADO ABSUELVE A SOSPECHOSOS EN JUICIO POR ASESINATO DE POLITKOVSKAYA

Belarus

FIP PIDE REFORMA DE LOS MEDIOS CON OCASIÓN DE ENTRADA EN VIGOR DE NUEVA LEY

Russia

JURY ACQUITS SUSPECTS IN POLITKOVSKAYA MURDER TRIAL

A Moscow jury last week acquitted all three men charged in the killing of journalist and Kremlin critic Anna Politkovskaya, exposing Russia's inability to find and prosecute the perpetrators behind one of Russia's most infamous assassinations, say IFEX members.

Belarus

IFJ CALLS FOR MEDIA REFORM AS NEW LAW TAKES EFFECT

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is supporting the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) in its call for the Belarus government to bring in radical media reforms and overturn a "divisive new law."

United Kingdom

DES PHOTOGRAPHES PROTESTENT CONTRE UNE NOUVELLE LOI ANTITERRORISTE

United Kingdom

FOTÓGRAFOS PROTESTAN POR NUEVA LEY ANTITERRORISMO

United Kingdom

PHOTOGRAPHERS PROTEST NEW ANTI-TERROR LAW

Hundreds of photographers descended on New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the British Metropolitan Police, in London on 16 February to protest against an amendment to the Counter-Terrorism Act that could criminalise anyone taking a photograph of a police officer, report the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the regional arm of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and news reports.

Russia

FAITES PARVENIR UN MESSAGE DE CONDOLÉANCES POUR LE JOURNALISTE RUSSE ET L'AVOCAT DÉFENSEUR DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

Russia

ENVÍE MENSAJE DE CONDOLENCIA POR PERIODISTA Y ABOGADO DE DERECHOS HUMANOS RUSOS

Russia

SEND CONDOLENCE MESSAGE FOR RUSSIAN JOURNALIST AND HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER

Last month, renowned human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov who was associated with the investigative newspaper "Novaya Gazeta", and Anastasia Baburova, a reporter for the paper, were assassinated in broad daylight by a lone gunman a few blocks from the Kremlin. International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) is asking you to send condolence messages to the editor of "Novaya Gazeta" and take other action to protest their murders.

Russia

UN DOUBLE MEURTRE BRAQUE LES PROJECTEURS SUR LA « CULTURE DE L'IMPUNITÉ »

Russia

DOBLE ASESINATO SUBRAYA "CULTURA DE LA IMPUNIDAD"

Russia

DOUBLE MURDER HIGHLIGHTS "CULTURE OF IMPUNITY"

A double murder in Russia this week of a lawyer and journalist highlights Russia's ongoing culture of impunity, said ARTICLE 19, Index on Censorship and English PEN in a joint statement and echoed by other IFEX members.

Kazakhstan

MIEMBROS DE IFEX HACEN LLAMADO A PARLAMENTO PARA QUE REFORME LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Azerbaijan

GOBIERNO PROSCRIBE NOTICIAS EXTRANJERAS DE RADIO FM

Kazakhstan

LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX LANCENT UN APPEL AU PARLEMENT POUR QU'IL RÉFORME LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Azerbaijan

LE GOUVERNEMENT INTERDIT LES NOUVELLES ÉTRANGÈRES À LA RADIO FM

Kazakhstan

IFEX MEMBERS APPEAL TO PARLIAMENT TO REFORM MEDIA LAWS

Twenty-two IFEX members led by Kazakh member Adil Soz have written to Kazakhstan's Parliamentarians urging them to decriminalise libel and adopt other amendments to the country's media laws.

Azerbaijan

GOVERNMENT BANS FOREIGN NEWS FROM FM RADIO

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members have condemned the Azeri government's decision to cease the FM broadcasts of major international news organisations the BBC, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and the Voice of America in Azerbaijan.

Germany

PARLAMENTO DERROTA LEY ANTITERRORISMO

Azerbaijan

ÚNASE A LOS MIEMBROS DE IFEX Y REPUDIE LA EXPULSIÓN DE DIFUSORES INTERNACIONALES POR EL GOBIERNO DE AZERBAIYÁN

Germany

LE PARLEMENT REJETTE UNE LOI ANTITERRORISTE

Azerbaijan

JOIGNEZ-VOUS AUX MEMBRES DE L'IFEX ET PROTESTEZ CONTRE L'EXPULSION, PAR LE GOUVERNEMENT AZERBAÏDJANAIS, DE RADIODIFFUSEURS INTERNATIONAUX

Germany

PARLIAMENT DEFEATS ANTI-TERRORISM LAW

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European body of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), welcomed last week's defeat in the upper house of Germany's Parliament of an anti-terrorism law that would have given the federal police unprecedented spying powers.

Azerbaijan

JOIN IFEX MEMBERS AND PROTEST AZERBAIJANI GOVERNMENT OUSTER OF INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTERS

If the Azeri authorities have their way, this New Year's Eve (31 December) will be the last time major international news organisations the BBC, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and the Voice of America (VOA) will be broadcast on FM radio in Azerbaijan. Join the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and 24 other IFEX members in condemning the decision, and show your protest by adding a banner to your website.

Croatia

BOMBARDEO A DOS PERIODISTAS AMENAZA INTENTO DE CROACIA DE UNIRSE A LA UE

Italy

ITALIA: HABLE CONTRA LA CAMORRA

Croatia

LA MORT DE DEUX JOURNALISTES DANS UN ATTENTAT À LA BOMBE MENACE L'ENTRÉE DE LA CROATIE DANS L'UE

Italy

ITALIE : DÉNONCEZ LA CAMORRA

Croatia

BOMBING OF TWO JOURNALISTS THREATENS CROATIA'S BID TO JOIN EU

It has been called one of the most serious attacks on press freedom in years in the entire South East European region, one that could seriously damage Croatia's bid to join the European Union: two journalists were killed in a car bombing in Croatia, report the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), and other IFEX members.

Italy

ITALY: SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE CAMORRA

If the mafia gets its way, Italian writer Roberto Saviano has only weeks to live. The Camorra, an Italian mafia group that Saviano denounced in his bestselling book "Gomorra", has ordered him killed before Christmas. Saviano has since announced he is fleeing the country. Join more than 200,000 others, including International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), and sign a "La Repubblica" appeal urging the Italian authorities to take up Saviano's case.

Uzbekistan

L'UNION EUROPÉENNE ASSOUPLIT LES SANCTIONS CONTRE L'OUZBÉKISTAN EN DÉPIT DE L'EMPRISONNEMENT D'UN REPORTER

France

AGISSEZ ! EXIGEZ LA REMISE EN LIBERTÉ D'UN JOURNALISTE INNOCENT INCARCÉRÉ EN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Uzbekistan

UE RELAJA SANCIONES A UZBEKISTÁN A PESAR DE ENCARCELAMIENTO DE REPORTERO

Uzbekistan

EU RELAXES UZBEK SANCTIONS DESPITE REPORTER'S JAILING

An Uzbek journalist who wrote on issues of social and economic justice, human rights and corruption has been given 10 years in jail on fabricated charges, report ARTICLE 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members. Ironically, his weighty jail sentence came just days before the European Union (EU) decided to ease sanctions against Uzbekistan for alleged progress on human rights issues.

Kyrgyzstan

UNE ÉTUDE DE L'IMS MONTRE COMMENT LES MÉDIAS D'ASIE CENTRALE COUVRENT LE TERRORISME

Kyrgyzstan

ESTUDIO DE IMS REVELA CÓMO LOS MEDIOS DE ASIA CENTRAL CUBREN EL TERRORISMO

Kazakhstan

IMS STUDY REVEALS HOW CENTRAL ASIAN MEDIA COVERS TERRORISM

How do the media in Central Asia cover acts of terrorism? There's a widespread belief that they act as a "dangerous liaison", spreading fear by publicising terrorists' demands, and making gains in circulation by reporting in a sensational manner. But this is not the case, says a pioneering study by the International Media Support (IMS) and its partners, the International Foundation for the Protection of the Freedom of Speech in Kazakhstan (Adil Soz) and the Public Association "Journalists" in Kyrgyzstan.

Azerbaijan

IRFS DA A CONOCER CHALECOS PARA PERIODISTAS

Azerbaijan

L'IRFS LANCE DES VESTES POUR LES JOURNALISTES

Azerbaijan

IRFS UNVEILS VESTS FOR JOURNALISTS

The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS) has got their journalists' backs covered - literally. Last week, they unveiled 105 special press vests made to help journalists be identifiable as members of the media during social events and protests.

Russia

PROPIETARIO DE SITIO WEB INGUSHETIYA.RU MUERE BALEADO EN CUSTODIA POLICIACA; MÁS PERIODISTAS AGREDIDOS EN EL CÁUCASO

France

SARKOZY DEBE UTILIZAR SU VISITA A SIRIA PARA HABLAR DE DERECHOS HUMANOS, DICEN MIEMBROS DE IFEX

Russia

LE PROPRIÉTAIRE D'UN SITE WEB INGOUCHE EST ABATTU PENDANT QU'IL ÉTAIT EN GARDE À VUE; D'AUTRES JOURNALISTES SONT ATTAQUÉS DANS LE CAUCASE

France

SARKOZY DEVRAIT PROFITER DE SA VISITE EN SYRIE POUR SOULEVER LA QUESTION DES DROITS, DISENT LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX

Russia

OWNER OF INGUSHETIA WEBSITE SHOT DEAD IN POLICE CUSTODY; MORE JOURNALISTS ATTACKED IN CAUCASUS

An opposition news website owner in Russia's conflict-ridden Ingushetia region was fatally shot on 31 August soon after being detained by police, report Glasnost Defense Foundation (GDF), ARTICLE 19 and other IFEX members.

France

SARKOZY SHOULD USE SYRIA VISIT TO RAISE RIGHTS, SAY IFEX MEMBERS

In a joint action, 26 IFEX members appealed to French President Nicolas Sarkozy to demand the release of hundreds of political prisoners and raise the issue of Syria's dire free expression record with President Bashar al-Assad during his visit to Damascus on 3 and 4 September.

Turkey

PROTESTAN CONTRA LA CENSURA 412 SITIOS DE INTERNET Y BLOGS

United Kingdom

LIBRE EXPRESIÓN RESTRINGIDA, ENCUENTRA COMITÉ DE ONU

Turkey

412 SITES ET BLOGUES DÉNONCENT LA CENSURE SUR INTERNET

United Kingdom

LA LIBRE EXPRESSION EST SOUMISE À DES CONTRAINTES, CONSTATE UN COMITÉ DES NATIONS UNIES

Turkey

412 INTERNET SITES AND BLOGS PROTEST CENSORSHIP

Website owners and users in Turkey got so fed up with Internet censorship that they censored themselves in protest in August. IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) reported that 412

United Kingdom

FREE EXPRESSION CONSTRAINED, UN COMMITTEE FINDS

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has criticised Britain's 2006 Terrorism Act and other laws and practices as unduly restricting freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19 in an August report. In its sixth periodic report on the United Kingdom, released in July, the committee said the Terrorism Act's definition of the "encouragement of terrorism" offence was "broad and vague," including no requirement of intent for the offence to be committed.

Greece

DEFENSOR DE DERECHOS DE LAS MINORÍAS ACOSADO Y PERSEGUIDO

Greece

LES DÉFENSEURS DES DROITS DES MINORITÉS SONT HARCELÉS ET POURSUIVIS

Greece

MINORITY RIGHTS DEFENDERS HARASSED AND PROSECUTED

Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM) released on 17 August 2008 a report on harassment, defamation and prosecution of minority rights defenders - including GHM - in Greece.

Georgia

CUATRO PERIODISTAS MUERTOS, OTROS LESIONADOS EN CONFLICTO EN OSETIA DEL SUR

Belarus

A PESAR DE MANIFESTACIONES, LUKASHENKO FIRMA LEY QUE RESTRINGE A LOS MEDIOS

Georgia

QUATRE JOURNALISTES SONT TUÉS, D'AUTRES SONT BLESSÉS DANS LE CONFLIT EN OSSÉTIE DU SUD

Belarus

EN DÉPIT DES PROTESTATIONS, LUKACHENKO RATIFIE UNE LOI RESTRICTIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Russia

FOUR JOURNALISTS KILLED, OTHERS INJURED IN SOUTH OSSETIA CONFLICT

Four journalists were among hundreds killed in fighting between Russia and Georgia that began on 8 August 2008. Meanwhile a fierce cyber-war between the two countries resulted in blocked websites and television stations.

Belarus

DESPITE PROTESTS, LUKASHENKO SIGNS RESTRICTIVE MEDIA LAW

President Alexander Lukashenko has signed into law a media bill that Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls "extremely restrictive" and will lead to "total eradication of the independent media." Rushed through the Belarusian parliament before it adjourned in late June, the bill will take effect in six months.

Serbia

MANIFESTANTES ATACAN A PERIODISTA QUE CUBRÍA ARRESTO DE KARADZIC

Serbia

DES MANIFESTANTS S'EN PRENNENT À DES JOURNALISTES QUI COUVRAIENT L'ARRESTATION DE KARADZIC

Serbia

PROTESTERS ATTACK JOURNALISTS COVERING KARADZIC'S ARREST

Journalists covering the arrest of the Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic are continuing to be harassed and attacked, say the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Romania

DECLARAN INCONSTITUCIONAL CUOTA DE BUENAS NOTICIAS

Romania

LE QUOTA DE BONNES NOUVELLES EST JUGÉ INCONSTITUTIONNEL

France

IFEX MEMBERS URGE MEDITERRANEAN LEADERS TO CONSIDER RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Eight Reporters Without Borders (RSF) activists who used the occasion of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's launch of the Union for the Mediterranean were arrested for protesting against Syria's dire free expression record.

Romania

GOOD NEWS QUOTA RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Good news for Romanians - the constitutional court blocked a government move demanding that the media broadcast positive and negative news in equal proportions.

Azerbaijan

¡ACTÚE! CAMPAÑA POR LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EN AZERBAIYÁN EL 17 DE JULIO

Azerbaijan

CAMPAGNE EN FAVEUR DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE EN AZERBAÏDJAN LE 17 JUILLET

Azerbaijan

CAMPAIGN FOR PRESS FREEDOM IN AZERBAIJAN ON 17 JULY

This year was supposed to be different for Azerbaijani journalists. Late in December, President Ilham Aliyev pardoned five journalists who were behind bars. But press offences still count as crimes, four journalists are still wrongfully in jail and the killers of beloved journalist Elmar Huseynov are still free. The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS) wants you to voice these wrongs on 17 July, Huseynov's birthday, at your Azerbaijani embassy or online with banners on your website.

Belarus

GOBIERNO ATACA NOTICIAS EN INTERNET Y MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

Romania

CINCUENTA POR CIENTO DE LAS NOTICIAS DEBEN SER POSITIVAS, DICE PROYECTO DE LEY

Belarus

LE GOUVERNEMENT S'EN PREND AUX NOUVELLES SUR INTERNET ET AUX MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS

Romania

50 POUR 100 DES NOUVELLES DOIVENT ÊTRE POSITIVES, DIT UN AVANT-PROJET DE LOI

Belarus

GOVERNMENT CRACKS DOWN ON INTERNET NEWS, INDEPENDENT MEDIA

Dozens of rights groups are urging the President of Belarus not to sign in a new media law that will impose curbs on the Internet, one of the few remaining sources of independent information left in the country.

Romania

50 PERCENT OF NEWS MUST BE POSITIVE, SAYS DRAFT LAW

Apparently, no news is not enough good news in Romania. Last week, the Romanian Senate adopted a law that forces radio and television stations to air positive and negative news "in an equal proportion," report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Romania's Media Monitoring Agency (MMA).

Azerbaijan

AMNESTY AWARDS RECOGNISE PERSECUTED JOURNALISTS

Amnesty International UK recognised persecuted journalists around the world at its annual media awards in London on 17 June.

Azerbaijan

PRESIDENTE DE IRFS ATACADO POR LA POLICÍA

Italy

PERIODISTAS ITALIANOS ATACADOS POR LA MAFIA DURANTE MÁS DE 40 AÑOS, DICE ORGANISMO DE VIGILANCIA DE LOS MEDIOS

Azerbaijan

LE PRÉSIDENT DE L'IRFS EST ATTAQUÉ PAR LA POLICE

Italy

LES JOURNALISTES ITALIENS SONT ATTAQUÉS PAR LA MAFIA DEPUIS 40 ANS, DIT UN CHIEN DE GARDE DES MÉDIAS

Azerbaijan

CHAIR OF IRFS ATTACKED BY POLICE

The chair of IFEX's Azerbaijan member the Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS) was detained and beaten while in police custody - the second time in two days he faced off with police, reports IRFS.

Italy

ITALIAN JOURNALISTS UNDER ATTACK BY MAFIA FOR 40 YEARS, SAYS MEDIA WATCHDOG

For more than 40 years, the Mafia has been targeting journalists who try to expose the organisation's criminal activities, says an Italian media watchdog.

Uzbekistan

ACTIVISTA DE DERECHOS LIBERADA

Uzbekistan

UNE CHAMPIONNE DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE EST LIBÉRÉE

Uzbekistan

RIGHTS ACTIVIST FREED

Last week Uzbek human rights defender Mutabar Tojibaeva was released from jail, where she was serving an eight-year prison sentence for her outspoken criticism of the government following the Andijan massacre, says Human Rights Watch.

Russia

MEDVEDEV DONNE DES SIGNES D'APPUI À LA LIBERTÉ DES MÉDIAS

Moldova

À LA VEILLE DES ÉLECTIONS, LE GOUVERNEMENT FAIT TAIRE LES MÉDIAS D'OPPOSITION

Russia

MEDVÉDEV MUESTRA SIGNOS DE APOYO PARA LA LIBERTAD DE MEDIOS

Moldova

GOBIERNO SILENCIA A MEDIOS DE OPOSICIÓN ANTES DE ELECCIONES

Russia

MEDVEDEV SHOWS SIGNS OF SUPPORT FOR MEDIA FREEDOM

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called on parliament to scrap a bill that would have given the authorities the power to close down media outlets suspected of libel, a move welcomed with cautious optimism by the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) and other IFEX members.

Moldova

GOVERNMENT SILENCES OPPOSITION MEDIA AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

With just a year to go before parliamentary elections, the government is trying to silence the opposition media, says a group of media organisations, including local IFEX member the Independent Journalism Center (IJC).

France

PROYECTO DE LEY SOBRE PROTECCIÓN DE FUENTES DE PERIODISTAS NO VA LO SUFICIENTEMENTE LEJOS, DICE RSF

Uzbekistan

TRES AÑOS DESPUÉS DE ANDIJÁN, PRENSA INDEPENDIENTE SIGUE AMORDAZADA

Romania

LOS POLÍTICOS SIGUEN SIENDO EL PRINCIPAL PERPETRADOR DE ATAQUES CONTRA LA PRENSA EN RUMANIA, DICE INFORME

Turkey

EDITOR TURCO GANA PREMIO LIBERTAD PARA PUBLICAR DE IPA

France

UN PROJET DE LOI SUR LA PROTECTION DES SOURCES DES JOURNALISTES NE VA PAS ASSEZ LOIN, DIT RSF

Uzbekistan

TROIS ANS APRÈS ANDIJAN, LA PRESSE INDÉPENDANTE EST TOUJOURS ÉTRANGLÉE

Romania

EN ROUMANIE, LES POLITICIENS SONT LES PRINCIPAUX AUTEURS DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LA PRESSE, DIT UN RAPPORT

Turkey

UN ÉDITEUR TURC REMPORTE LE PRIX INTERNATIONAL DE LA LIBERTÉ DE PUBLIER, DÉCERNÉ PAR L'UIE

France

BILL ON PROTECTING JOURNALISTS' SOURCES DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH, SAYS RSF

The French government introduced a bill last week that says reporters may have to reveal their sources when "a pressing imperative requires it" - wording that Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other press freedom organisations say is too vague.

Uzbekistan

THREE YEARS ON FROM ANDIJAN, INDEPENDENT PRESS STILL STRANGLED

Three years after civilians were killed by Uzbek security forces in the city of Andijan, Uzbekistan, the government continues to persecute journalists, activists and human rights defenders who spoke out against the massacre, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Human Rights Watch.

Romania

POLITICIANS THE MAIN PERPETRATOR OF ATTACKS ON PRESS IN ROMANIA, SAYS REPORT

Romanian President Traian Băsescu was the "undisputed champion" of insults and attacks against journalists in 2007, says a new report by Romania's Media Monitoring Agency (MMA).

Turkey

TURKISH PUBLISHER WINS IPA'S FREEDOM TO PUBLISH PRIZE

A Turkish publisher who refused to abandon his campaign for freedom of thought - despite being given a three-year jail sentence - is this year's winner of the International Publishers' Association (IPA) Freedom to Publish Prize.

Turkey

LES MODIFICATIONS APPORTÉES À L'ARTICLE 301 « NE VONT PAS ASSEZ LOIN »

Azerbaijan

DES JOURNALISTES AZERBAÏDJANAIS INCARCÉRÉS REMPORTENT DES SUBVENTIONS HELLMAN/HAMMETT

Turkey

ENMIENDAS AL ARTÍCULO 301 "NO VAN SUFICIENTEMENTE LEJOS"

Azerbaijan

PERIODISTA AZERÍES ENCARCELADOS GANAN BECAS HELLMAN/HAMMETT

Turkey

ARTICLE 301 AMENDMENTS "DON'T GO FAR ENOUGH"

Reforms made last week to an article of Turkey's penal code that makes "insulting Turkishness" a crime punishable by prison terms do not go far enough, say free expression groups worldwide.

Azerbaijan

JAILED AZERBAIJANI JOURNALISTS WIN HELLMAN/HAMMETT GRANTS

Three journalists in jail in Azerbaijan on spurious charges have been awarded Human Rights Watch's Hellman/Hammett Grants for persevering in their work despite being politically persecuted.

United Kingdom

TESCO CONTINUES SPREE OF LIBEL SUITS

One of Thailand's retail giants has filed an exorbitant defamation suit against a business journalist, the latest in a string of lawsuits by private companies to intimidate their critics and the press in general, say the Thai Journalists Association (TJA), the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) and ARTICLE 19.

Belarus

OFENSIVA DE AUTORIDADES CONTRA PERIODISTAS INDEPENDIENTES

Belarus

LES AUTORITÉS S'ABATTENT SUR LES JOURNALISTES INDÉPENDANTS

Belarus

AUTHORITIES CRACK DOWN ON INDEPENDENT JOURNALISTS

Press freedom groups worldwide have condemned the sudden, "unprecedented" crackdown on independent journalists by the Belarusian authorities. Reporters have been arrested and beaten and have had their homes raided in recent days, which critics term a "gross violation" of the right to free expression.

Russia

DOS PERIODISTAS DE DAGESTÁN ASESINADOS EN ATAQUES SEPARADOS

Russia

DEUX JOURNALISTES DU DAGESTAN TUÉS DANS DES ATTENTATS SÉPARÉS

Russia

TWO DAGESTANI JOURNALISTS KILLED IN SEPARATE ATTACKS

Two journalists who covered the volatile North Caucasus were brutally murdered in Russia, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), along with other IFEX members and news reports.

Azerbaijan

UN REPORTER D'UN QUOTIDIEN D'OPPOSITION EST POIGNARDÉ

Azerbaijan

ACUCHILLAN A REPORTERO DE DIARIO DE OPOSICIÓN

Azerbaijan

REPORTER FOR OPPOSITION DAILY STABBED

A reporter working with Azerbaijan's opposition daily "Azadlig" was stabbed as he was leaving his office last week, the latest in a series of violent attacks against the journalist and the newspaper, report the Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and other IFEX members.

Azerbaijan

EDITOR ENCARCELADO POR CARGOS ESPURIOS

United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 ELOGIA VOTO PARA REVOCAR BLASFEMIA

Azerbaijan

UN RÉDACTEUR EN CHEF EST INCARCÉRÉ À LA SUITE D'ALLÉGATIONS FALLACIEUSES

United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 SE RÉJOUIT DU VOTE QUI ABOLIT LE BLASPHÈME

Azerbaijan

EDITOR JAILED ON SPURIOUS CHARGES

An editor of an opposition daily in Azerbaijan has been sentenced to four years in prison on politically motivated charges, say the Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 COMMENDS VOTE TO REPEAL BLASPHEMY

In an historic break with tradition, the U.K. House of Lords has voted to abolish laws that make it a crime to commit blasphemy against Christianity, report ARTICLE 19 and news reports.

Armenia

PRENSA SILENCIADA EN ESTADO DE EXCEPCIÓN

Belarus

LIBERAN A EDITOR QUE REIMPRIMIÓ LAS CARICATURAS DE MAHOMA

Armenia

LA PRESSE EST MUSELÉE PAR L'ÉTAT D'URGENCE

Armenia

PRESS MUZZLED IN STATE OF EMERGENCY

Regional and international press freedom groups are demanding that the Armenian government immediately lift the state of emergency that bans all demonstrations and independent news reports, imposed after police used excessive force to break up opposition protests in the capital.

Belarus

EDITOR WHO REPRINTED MOHAMMED CARTOONS FREED

The Belarus Supreme Court has reduced the jail sentence from three years to three months for an editor who reprinted the controversial Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed.

Serbia

EMISORA INDEPENDIENTE AMENAZADA Y SITIADA

Montenegro

UN RADIODIFFUSEUR INDÉPENDANT EST MENACÉ ET ASSIÉGÉ

Montenegro

INDEPENDENT BROADCASTER THREATENED AND BESIEGED

A popular independent media outlet has come under attack in Serbia following Kosovo's declaration of independence, report the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Denmark

LA CONTROVERSE ENTOURANT LES CARICATURES DE MAHOMET REFAIT SURFACE

Romania

PRIX « UN SIGNAL POUR L'EUROPE » DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE, DE RSF

Denmark

RESURGE POLÉMICA POR CARICATURAS DE MAHOMA

Romania

PREMIO A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA SEÑAL PARA EUROPA 2008 DE RSF

Denmark

MOHAMMED CARTOON CONTROVERSY RESURFACES

More than a dozen Danish newspapers last week reprinted a drawing of the Prophet Mohammed that caused worldwide controversy in 2006, in protest at a newly discovered plot to kill the cartoonist, according to Cartoonists Rights Network International (CRNI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and news reports.

Romania

RSF'S SIGNAL FOR EUROPE 2008 - PRESS FREEDOM AWARD

Reporters Without Borders - Austria invites journalists from Bulgaria and Romania to apply for this year's "A Signal for Europe" press freedom awards, worth a total of 15,000 Euros (US$22,100).

Uzbekistan

TRES DEFENSORES DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS LIBERADOS

Uzbekistan

TROIS DÉFENSEURS DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE REMIS EN LIBERTÉ

Uzbekistan

THREE HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS RELEASED

The Uzbek government has released three human rights activists ahead of a meeting with the European Union (EU), but at least a dozen more remain in jail, reports Human Rights Watch.

Russia

DIEZ PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS POR CUBRIR MANIFESTACIÓN

Russia

DIX JOURNALISTES ARRÊTÉS POUR AVOIR COUVERT UNE MANIFESTATION

Russia

TEN JOURNALISTS ARRESTED FOR COVERING PROTEST

Ten journalists were arrested on Saturday for covering a protest that turned violent in Nazran, the capital of the southwestern Russian republic of Ingushetia, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Turkey

ANIVERSARIO DE DINK ES UN RECORDATORIO DE QUE EL PAÍS DEBE REFORMAR EL CÓDIGO PENAL, DICEN MIEMBROS DE IFEX

Belarus

EDITOR ENCARCELADO POR CARICATURAS DE PROFETA MAHOMA

Greece

MIEMBRO DE IFEX SE VUELVE BLANCO DE CAMPAÑA DE ODIO

Azerbaijan

TRIBUNAL DE APELACIÓN CONFIRMA FALLO JUDICIAL EN CASO FATULLAYEV; OTRO PERIODISTA ENCARCELADO

Turkey

L'ANNIVERSAIRE DE LA MORT DE DINK RAPPELLE À TOUS QUE LE PAYS DOIT RÉFORMER SON CODE PÉNAL, DISENT LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX

Belarus

UN RÉDACTEUR EST INCARCÉRÉ EN RAPPORT AVEC LES CARICATURES DU PROPHÈTE MAHOMET

Greece

UN MEMBRE DE L'IFEX FAIT L'OBJET D'UNE CAMPAGNE DE HAINE

Azerbaijan

LA COUR D'APPEL CONFIRME LE VERDICT DANS L'AFFAIRE FATULLAYEV; UN AUTRE JOURNALISTE EST EMPRISONNÉ

Turkey

DINK'S ANNIVERSARY A REMINDER THAT COUNTRY MUST REFORM PENAL CODE, SAY IFEX MEMBERS

IFEX members in Turkey and around the world commemorated the first anniversary of the murder of Armenian editor Hrant Dink on 19 January, while reminding the Turkish government that true justice for Dink must include urgent reform to its penal code.

Belarus

EDITOR JAILED OVER PROPHET MOHAMMED CARTOONS

An editor in Belarus was sentenced to three years in jail last week for reprinting the controversial Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Organization for Security and Cooperation and Europe (OSCE) and the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ).

Greece

IFEX MEMBER BECOMES TARGET OF HATE CAMPAIGN

An anti-racism activist has become the target of a hate campaign after giving evidence in the trial of a Greek author who denies the Holocaust, reports the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT).

Azerbaijan

APPEALS COURT UPHOLDS VERDICT IN FATULLAYEV CASE; ANOTHER JOURNALIST JAILED

The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemn an appeals court ruling to uphold the eight-and-a-half-year jail sentence of the editor of Azerbaijan's two largest independent papers.

Azerbaijan

CINQ JOURNALISTES LIBÉRÉS DE PRISON

Azerbaijan

CINCO PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS DE PRISIÓN

Azerbaijan

FIVE JOURNALISTS RELEASED FROM PRISON

The President of Azerbaijan has pardoned and released five jailed journalists, reports the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), but at least three journalists remain behind bars.

Belarus

LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN SE DETERIORA EN BIELORRUSIA, ENCUENTRA MISIÓN

Belarus

LA LIBRE EXPRESSION SE DÉTÉRIORE AU BÉLARUS, CONSTATE UNE MISSION

Belarus

FREE EXPRESSION DETERIORATING IN BELARUS, MISSION FINDS

The government of Belarus has failed to make progress in improving free expression conditions over the past two and a half years, even further stifling journalists and writers, Norwegian PEN and the International Publishers Association (IPA) found on a mission to the country last month. And the European Union should not engage with Belarus until improvements have been made, the mission report says.

Georgia

PRENSA SILENCIADA EN ESTADO DE EXCEPCIÓN

Georgia

L'ÉTAT D'URGENCE RÉDUIT LA PRESSE AU SILENCE

Georgia

PRESS SILENCED IN STATE OF EMERGENCY

Regional and international press freedom groups are demanding that the Georgian government immediately restore all news broadcasts and lift a state of emergency imposed after police violently broke up anti-government protests in the capital last week.

Azerbaijan

IMPONEN GRAVE SENTENCIA A EDITOR; 27 MIEMBROS DE IFEX APOYAN MONUMENTO EN MEMORIA DE PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Azerbaijan

UN RÉDACTEUR REÇOIT UNE LOURDE PEINE; 27 MEMBRES DE L'IFEX APPUIENT L'IDÉE D'UN MONUMENT COMMÉMORATIF POUR UN JOURNALISTE ASSASSINÉ

Azerbaijan

EDITOR SLAMMED WITH SEVERE SENTENCE; 27 IFEX MEMBERS SUPPORT MEMORIAL FOR SLAIN JOURNALIST

The editor of Azerbaijan's two largest independent papers was sent to jail for eight and a half years on terrorism and other charges, reflecting the government's increasing hostility towards free expression, say the Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety (IRFS), the Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, the International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Kyrgyzstan

UN REPORTER OUZBEK DISSIDENT ABATTU

Kyrgyzstan

REPORTERO UZBEKO DISIDENTE BALEADO Y MUERTO

Kyrgyzstan

DISSIDENT UZBEK REPORTER SHOT DEAD

A well-known journalist with close ties to the opposition in neighbouring Uzbekistan was shot dead last week in Kyrgyzstan, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), Adil Soz, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other press freedom groups and news reports.

Bulgaria

BULGARIAN JOURNALIST WINS 2007 DR. ERHARD BUSEK-SEEMO AWARD

Bulgarian Milena Dimitrova, commentator for the Sofia newspaper "Trud", is this year's winner of the Dr. Erhard Busek-SEEMO 2007 Award. Dimitrova, who holds a PhD in journalism and teaches investigative journalism at a Sofia university, has also been a reporter and presenter of a TV programme dedicated to exposing corruption, and has written for the Bulgarian weekly "168 Hours" and the daily "Debati".

Turkey

DOS SENTENCIADOS POR 'INSULTAR EL ESPÍRITU TURCO' MIENTRAS TRIBUNAL EUROPEO FALLA CONTRA TURQUÍA

Turkey

DEUX PERSONNES SONT CONDAMNÉES POUR « INSULTE AU CARACTÈRE TURC », TANDIS QUE LA COUR EUROPÉENNE TRANCHE CONTRE LA TURQUIE

Turkey

TWO SENTENCED FOR 'INSULTING TURKISHNESS' AS EUROPEAN COURT RULES AGAINST TURKEY

On 11 October 2007, an Istanbul criminal court sentenced Arat Dink, editor of the Armenian-Turkish magazine "Agos", and Sarkis Serkopyan, the magazine's licence owner, to one-year suspended prison terms. They were convicted under the notorious penal code Article 301 of "insult to Turkishness" for a 2006 report in which Dink's father, Hrant Dink, had referred to the mass killings and disappearances of Armenians in Turkey around 1915 as genocide.

France

RESTRICTIVE COURT RULING SPURS DEMAND FOR RIGHT TO PUBLISH PHOTOGRAPHS

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), an International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) affiliate, is supporting a petition for the right to information through pictures and the right to publish news photographs.

Russia

DEFENSORES DE LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN CONMEMORAN PRIMER ANIVERSARIO DE ASESINATO DE POLITKOVSKAYA

Slovenia

UNO DE CADA CINCO PERIODISTAS FIRMÓ PETICIÓN CONTRA RESTRICCIONES A MEDIOS

Russia

LES DÉFENSEURS DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION SOULIGNENT LE PREMIER ANNIVERSAIRE DE L'ASSASSINAT D'ANNA POLITKOVSKAÏA

Slovenia

UN JOURNALISTE SUR CINQ SIGNE LA PÉTITION CONTRE LES RESTRICTIONS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Russia

FREE EXPRESSION ADVOCATES MARK FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF POLITKOVSKAYA'S MURDER

Free expression advocates in Russia and around the world held tributes and protests on 7 October to mark the first anniversary of the brutal slaying of crusading journalist Anna Politkovskaya, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontieres, RSF) and news reports.

Slovenia

ONE IN FIVE JOURNALISTS SIGNS PETITION AGAINST MEDIA RESTRICTIONS

Nearly one in five professional journalists in Slovenia has signed a petition against censorship and political pressures in the country, report the International Press Institute (IPI), the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ).

Turkey

PROPIETARIO DE PERIÓDICO BALEADO; "INSULTAR AL ESPÍRITU TURCO" SIGUE SIENDO UN CRIMEN

Turkey

LE PROPRIÉTAIRE D'UN JOURNAL EST ABATTU; L'« INSULTE AU CARACTÈRE TURC » TOUJOURS UN CRIME

Turkey

NEWSPAPER OWNER GUNNED DOWN; "INSULTING TURKISHNESS" STILL A CRIME

A newspaper owner was shot to death in southeastern Turkey on 22 September, reports IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET).

Sweden

DEFENSORES DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN MARCHAN PARA PROTEGER A CARICATURISTA

Sweden

LES DÉFENSEURS DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION SE RASSEMBLENT AUTOUR D'UN CARICATURISTE

Sweden

FREE EXPRESSION ADVOCATES RALLY AROUND CARTOONIST

The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) have strongly condemned a US$150,000 bounty on a Swedish artist who drew the Prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog.

Russia

RUSIA Y HAITÍ INTENSIFICAN LUCHA CONTRA IMPUNIDAD AL CONDENAR A ASESINOS DE PERIODISTAS

Russia

SOSPECHOSOS DEL ASESINATO DE POLITKOVSKAYA ARRESTADOS; "SE NECESITAN MÁS ACCIONES"

Russia

ARRESTATION DE SUSPECTS EN RAPPORT AVEC LE MEURTRE DE POLITKOVSKAÏA; « IL FAUT DAVANTAGE D'ACTION »

Russia

SUSPECTS IN POLITKOVSKAYA MURDER ARRESTED; "MORE ACTION NEEDED"

Ten people, including government officials, have been arrested in connection with Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya's murder, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). But the press groups say there is a long way to go before "justice will be delivered."

Tajikistan

ASIE CENTRALE : UN RÉSEAU RAVIVE SA CAMPAGNE DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE ; UN JOURNALISTE KAZAKH PERD LA VIE

Germany

DE NOMBREUX JOURNALISTES RISQUENT DES POURSUITES PÉNALES

Tajikistan

RED INTENSIFICA CAMPAÑA POR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA; PERIODISTA KAZAKO MUERE

Germany

NUMEROSOS PERIODISTAS SE ENFRENTAN A INVESTIGACIÓN PENAL

Tajikistan

NETWORK REVS UP PRESS FREEDOM CAMPAIGNING; KAZAKH JOURNALIST DIES

Press freedom advocates and journalists in Central Asia have called on their governments to abolish criminal defamation and insult laws, and vowed to step up campaigning against free expression violations and restrictions in the region.

Germany

NUMEROUS JOURNALISTS FACE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Germany recently launched criminal proceedings against 17 journalists who published information related to U.S. prisoner rendition flights and German secret service activities in Irag during the 2003 invasion, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).A German committee investigating the renditions (movements of prisoners by the Central Intelligence Agency with layovers in Germany) and suspected misconduct of the domestic intelligence service, the BND, was trying to keep documents cited by the reports classified.

United Kingdom

PERIODISTA GANA LUCHA POR PROTEGER FUENTE

United Kingdom

UN JOURNALISTE GAGNE SA BATAILLE POUR PRÉSERVER UNE SOURCE

United Kingdom

JOURNALIST WINS FIGHT TO PROTECT SOURCE

A freelance journalist's marathon legal fight to protect a confidential source has finally ended in victory, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Russia

POUTINE RATIFIE DES MESURES DRACONIENNES POUR LUTTER CONTRE L'EXTRÉMISME

Tajikistan

LE PRÉSIDENT EST PRIÉ D'OPPOSER SON VETO À LA LOI SUR LA DIFFAMATION SUR INTERNET

Russia

PUTIN APRUEBA MEDIDAS ANTIEXTREMISMO DRACONIANAS

Tajikistan

INSTAN A PRESIDENTE A VETAR LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN EN INTERNET

Russia

PUTIN SIGNS IN DRACONIAN ANTI-EXTREMISM MEASURES

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hastily passed into law legislation to combat "extremism" the effect of which will be to muzzle critical voices, several IFEX members say.

Tajikistan

PRESIDENT URGED TO VETO INTERNET DEFAMATION LAW

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is calling on the Tajik President to veto amendments passed by Parliament on 19 July that would include Internet publications in the country's defamation laws.

Azerbaijan

PRESIDENTE IGNORA PETICIONES DE INDULTAR A PERIODISTAS

Azerbaijan

LE PRÉSIDENT NE TIENT AUCUN COMPTE DES APPELS AU PARDON POUR DES JOURNALISTES

Azerbaijan

PRESIDENT IGNORES PLEAS TO PARDON JOURNALISTS

President Ilham Aliyev did not pardon the seven journalists jailed in Azerbaijan as was anticipated on National Press Day (22 July).

Turkey

LE PAYS SE SERT DES TRIBUNAUX POUR LIMITER LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Georgia

UN RAPPORT D'ARTICLE 19 MET L'ACCENT SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION DANS LES SOCIÉTÉS QUI ÉMERGENT D'UN CONFLIT

Turkey

PAÍS USA TRIBUNALES PARA LIMITAR LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Georgia

INFORME DE ARTICLE 19 DESTACA ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN EN SOCIEDADES POSTCONFLICTO

Turkey

COUNTRY USING COURTS TO CURB FREE EXPRESSION

Three journalists working at slain editor Hrant Dink's newspaper are back in court this week for "insulting Turkishness," a high-profile example of Turkey continuing to use the judicial system to curb free expression, report IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and other press freedom groups.

Georgia

ARTICLE 19 REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN POST-CONFLICT SOCIETIES

Access to comprehensive and accurate information increases people's sense of safety while the lack of reliable information fuels insecurity, an ARTICLE 19 report on post-conflict societies has found.

Armenia

LEYES QUE RESTRINGEN MEDIOS PRIVADOS NO PASAN

Azerbaijan

TRIBUNALES CONTINÚAN OFENSIVA CONTRA MEDIOS; PRESIDENTE APOYA GOLPIZAS DE POLICÍA A PERIODISTAS

Armenia

LA LOI PRÉVOYANT DES LIMITES AUX MÉDIAS PRIVÉS N'EST PAS VOTÉE

Azerbaijan

LES TRIBUNAUX POURSUIVENT LA RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS; LE PRÉSIDENT APPUIE LES PASSAGES À TABAC DE JOURNALISTES PAR LA POLICE

Armenia

LEGISLATION CURBING PRIVATE MEDIA FAILS TO PASS

Legislation that would have restricted broadcasts of foreign media failed to pass the Armenian parliament on 2 July 2007. The bill would have banned foreign broadcasts on Armenian public television and radio and heavily taxed their retransmission on private stations. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a private service funded by the United States Congress, would have been particularly affected.

Azerbaijan

COURTS CONTINUE CRACKDOWN ON MEDIA; PRESIDENT SUPPORTS POLICE BEATINGS OF JOURNALISTS

A Baku appeal court on 6 July 2007 upheld prison sentences imposed on two journalists for an article critical of Islam, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Azerbaijan authorities also charged an independent journalist who is already serving a 30-month sentence for defamation with inciting hatred. Meanwhile, the country's president told police they will not be punished for beating up journalists

United Kingdom

NUEVO PREMIER DEBERÁ HACER MÁS PARA PROTEGER LA LIBERTAD DE PALABRA

United Kingdom

LE NOUVEAU PREMIER MINISTRE DOIT FAIRE PLUS POUR PROTÉGER LA LIBERTÉ DE PAROLE

United Kingdom

NEW PM SHOULD DO MORE TO PROTECT FREE SPEECH

Free expression groups in the U.K. are demanding that newly crowned Prime Minister Gordon Brown protects whistleblowers, respects the right to protest and scraps proposals to restrict the Freedom of Information Act - and ultimately does a better job than outgoing Tony Blair in defending free speech.

Uzbekistan

UNE MILITANTE DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE EST LIBÉRÉE APRÈS AVOIR FAIT DES AVEUX DEVANT LE TRIBUNAL

Uzbekistan

TRABAJADORA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS LIBERADA DESPUÉS DE CONFESAR EN TRIBUNAL

Uzbekistan

HUMAN RIGHTS WORKER FREED AFTER CONFESSING IN COURT

An Uzbek human rights defender was released on parole last week after she confessed to her "crimes", report Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Kazakhstan

KAZAJASTÁN Y TURKMENISTÁN ACUERDAN INTERCAMBIO DE MEDIOS

Turkmenistan

LE KAZAKHSTAN ET LE TURKMÉNISTAN S'ENTENDENT SUR UN ÉCHANGE DE MÉDIAS

Kazakhstan

KAZAKHSTAN AND TURKMENISTAN AGREE TO MEDIA EXCHANGE

Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan have agreed to a media exchange that may prompt the Turkmen authorities to relax tight media controls, reports News Briefing (NB) Central Asia, as service of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR).

Russia

LES JOURNALISTES SE JOIGNENT AU COMBAT POUR DÉFENDRE LEURS COLLÈGUES RUSSES

Russia

AGISSEZ ! SAUVEZ L'EDUCATED MEDIA FOUNDATION DE RUSSIE

Russia

PERIODISTAS SE UNEN A LUCHA PARA DEFENDER A COLEGAS RUSOS

Russia

¡ACTÚE! SALVE A LA FUNDACIÓN DE MEDIOS EDUCADOS RUSA

Russia

JOURNALISTS JOIN FIGHT TO DEFEND RUSSIAN COLLEAGUES

Journalists from all over the world who gathered in Russia last week expressed outrage at the killings of their Russian colleagues and at recent government attempts to evict the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) from their Moscow headquarters, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Russia

TAKE ACTION! SAVE RUSSIA'S EDUCATED MEDIA FOUNDATION

Media professionals, unite! Sign a solidarity letter to support a popular independent Russian media organisation that has been forced to shut down.

Russia

UE ES TESTIGO DE "CAMPAÑA DE ACOSO" CONTRA DISIDENTES

Russia

L'UE EST TÉMOIN D'UNE « CAMPAGNE DE HARCÈLEMENT » CONTRE LES DISSIDENTS

Russia

EU WITNESSES "CAMPAIGN OF HARASSMENT" AGAINST DISSIDENTS

The European Union (EU) glimpsed first hand President Vladimir Putin's human rights crisis at an EU-Russia summit last week in the south of Russia when anti-Kremlin protesters were prevented from attending a rally near the summit site. IFEX members have been reporting for some time on Russia's crackdown on dissent, especially around the roaming "Marches of Dissent" across the nation.

Uzbekistan

23 MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXIGENT L'ACQUITTEMENT D'UN MILITANT DES DROITS

Uzbekistan

23 MIEMBROS DE IFEX EXIGEN ABSOLUCIÓN DE ACTIVISTA DE DERECHOS

Uzbekistan

23 IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND ACQUITTAL OF RIGHTS ACTIVIST

Twenty-three members of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) are calling for the full acquittal of Uzbek journalist and human rights activist Umida Niazova.

Uzbekistan

UNE CHAMPIONNE DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE EST LIBÉRÉE APRÈS AVOIR INTERJETÉ APPEL

Azerbaijan

DES REPORTERS SONT EMPRISONNÉS À CAUSE D'UN ARTICLE CONTROVERSÉ SUR LA RELIGION

Spain

LES GROUPES DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE APPUIENT UN JOURNALISTE QU'ON TRAÎNE DEVANT LES TRIBUNAUX

Kazakhstan

LA RECTITUDE POLITIQUE EST ABSENTE DES MÉDIAS DU KAZAKHSTAN, CONSTATE ADIL SOZ

Uzbekistan

DEFENSORA DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS LIBERADA EN APELACIÓN

Azerbaijan

REPORTEROS ENCARCELADOS POR POLÉMICO ARTÍCULO SOBRE RELIGIÓN

Spain

GRUPOS DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA RESPALDA A PERIODISTA LLEVADO A RASTRAS POR TRIBUNALES

Kazakhstan

FALTA CORRECCIÓN POLÍTICA EN MEDIOS KAZAKOS, ENCUENTRA ADIL SOZ

Uzbekistan

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER FREED ON APPEAL

As the "Communiqué" went to press, an Uzbek journalist and human rights defender was freed after an appeals court reduced her prison term to a suspended sentence.

Azerbaijan

REPORTERS JAILED FOR CONTROVERSIAL ARTICLE ON RELIGION

Journalists who said Islam was hampering economic and political progress were given lengthy prison sentences in Azerbaijan last week, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Spain

PRESS FREEDOM GROUPS BACK JOURNALIST DRAGGED THROUGH COURTS

On World Press Freedom Day (3 May) in Colombia, the Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations (CCPFO) of nine press freedom groups unanimously approved a resolution supporting a Spanish journalist who has been the target of judicial harassment for more than a decade in Spain's courts.

Kazakhstan

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS LACKING IN KAZAKH MEDIA, ADIL SOZ FINDS

A lack of professional training and a fear of being punished for their writing remain serious problems for journalists in multicultural Kazakhstan, says Adil Soz in a new book.

Turkey

TROIS PERSONNES SONT TUÉES DANS UNE MAISON D'ÉDITION CHRÉTIENNE

Turkey

TRES MUERTOS EN CASA EDITORIAL CRISTIANA

Turkey

THREE SLAIN AT CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING HOUSE

Employees of a Christian publishing house in Turkey were found slain last week, adding to a trend of attacks on free expression in the country, report the International Publishers' Association (IPA) and IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET).

Russia

ENCUENTRAN MUERTO A CAMARÓGRAFO; SUPRIMEN PROTESTAS

Russia

UN CAMÉRAMAN EST TROUVÉ MORT; LES PROTESTATIONS SONT RÉPRIMÉES

Russia

CAMERAMAN FOUND DEAD; PROTESTS SUPPRESSED

Local journalists and family members believe that a cameraman found dead on 5 April was murdered, report the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), who are calling for a full investigation.

Poland

UNE LOI AURAIT POUR EFFET D'INTERDIRE DE PARLER D'HOMOSEXUALITÉ DANS LES ÉCOLES

Poland

LEY PROHIBIRÍA HABLAR SOBRE HOMOSEXUALIDAD EN LAS ESCUELAS

Poland

LAW WOULD BAN TALK OF HOMOSEXUALITY IN SCHOOLS

The Polish government's proposed legislation to censor all discussion of homosexuality in schools would "deny children free speech and lifesaving information on HIV/AIDS," said Human Rights Watch.

Belarus

JÓVENES AMORDAZAN ESTATUAS EN TODA EUROPA PARA APOYAR LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN BIELORRUSIA

Belarus

À TRAVERS L'EUROPE, DES JEUNES BÂILLONNENT DES STATUES POUR ATTIRER L'ATTENTION SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION AU BÉLARUS

Belarus

YOUTHS GAG STATUES ACROSS EUROPE FOR FREE EXPRESSION IN BELARUS

20 March 2007

Uzbekistan

CATORCE MIEMBROS DE IFEX EXIGEN LIBERACIÓN DE DISIDENTES ENCARCELADOS

Uzbekistan

14 GROUPES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXIGENT LA LIBÉRATION D'UN JOURNALISTE

Uzbekistan

14 IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND RELEASE OF IMPRISONED JOURNALIST

The International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech (Adil Soz), the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES) and 12 other IFEX members have joined in protest against ongoing harassment of independent journalists in Uzbekistan and to campaign for the release of Umida Niyazova.

Turkey

BIANET PUBLIE UNE ÉTUDE SUR LA SITUATION DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION EN TURQUIE

Turkey

BIANET INVESTIGA ESTADO DE LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Turkey

MIEMBROS DE IFEX PIDEN REVOCACIÓN DE LEY PENAL DE DIFAMACIÓN

Turkey

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXIGENT L'ABROGATION DE LA LOI SUR LA DIFFAMATION CRIMINELLE

Turkey

BIANET SURVEYS STATE OF FREE EXPRESSION IN TURKEY

The IPS Communication Foundation (Bianet) has issued a report on the state of free expression in Turkey in 2006, noting that the number of journalists, publishers and civil society activists prosecuted under Article 301 of the penal code more than doubled compared to the previous year.

Turkey

IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND REPEAL OF CRIMINAL DEFAMATION LAW

Twenty-one IFEX members, led by the International Publishers Association (IPA) and International PEN, have joined the growing number of Turkish and international organisations that are calling for legal reform in the wake of the murder of prominent editor Hrant Dink.

Tajikistan

LIBRE EXPRESIÓN MUESTRA UNA LIGERA MEJORA; SIGUE HABIENDO SERIAS INQUIETUDES

Tajikistan

LA LIBRE EXPRESSION MONTRE DES SIGNES D'AMÉLIORATION; DE GRAVES PRÉOCCUPATIONS PERSISTENT

United Kingdom

LA LOI D'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION EST MENACÉE

United Kingdom

LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN AMENAZADA

Tajikistan

FREE EXPRESSION SHOWS SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT; SERIOUS CONCERNS REMAIN

Free expression conditions in the Central Asian country of Tajikistan appear to have improved in 2006, says the Tajikistan's National Association of Independent Mass Media (NANSMIT), a partner organisation of Adil Soz. However, the group cautions that serious problems remain, echoing the recent findings of reports by the Committee to Project Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

United Kingdom

ACCESS TO INFORMATION ACT UNDER THREAT

Barely two years after the United Kingdom enacted a Freedom of Information Act guaranteeing citizens the right to access government-held information, the legislation is under serious attack, warn ARTICLE 19, Index on Censorship and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Turkey

LE MEURTRE D'UN JOURNALISTE ÉBRANLE LE PAYS

Turkey

ASESINATO DE EDITOR CONMOCIONA AL PAÍS

Turkey

EDITOR'S MURDER SHOCKS A NATION

Tens of thousands of mourners poured into the streets of Istanbul, Turkey, on 23 January 2007 to mark the death of editor Hrant Dink, whose murder last week stunned the country.

Russia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX EXIGEN JUSTICIA EN CASO DE ASESINATO DE POLITKOVSKAYA

Russia

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXIGENT QUE LA JUSTICE SOIT RENDUE À LA SUITE DU MEURTRE DE POLITKOVSKAÏA

Russia

IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND JUSTICE IN POLITKOVSKAYA MURDER

Eleven IFEX member organisations, led by the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), have called on the Russian government to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya. In a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the free expression groups said resolving the crime is "vital to enable journalists, who are experiencing persecution, to feel safe."

Uzbekistan

LES DÉFENSEURS DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE COURENT DES RISQUES

Uzbekistan

DEFENSORES DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS EN RIESGO

Uzbekistan

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS AT RISK

The international community must act urgently to help stop the persecution of human rights defenders in Uzbekistan, Human Rights Watch says. In the 18 months since security forces massacred peaceful protesters in Andijan on 13 May 2005, Uzbek authorities have unleashed a brutal crackdown on civil society.

Turkey

LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX FONT PRESSION EN FAVEUR DE L'ABOLITION DES LOIS PÉNALES SUR LA DIFFAMATION

Turkey

MIEMBROS DE IFEX INSTAN A ABOLICIÓN DE LEYES PENALES DE DIFAMACIÓN

Turkey

IFEX MEMBERS URGE ABOLITION OF CRIMINAL DEFAMATION LAWS

As Turkey seeks to join the European Union (EU), IFEX members are adding their voices to the growing international chorus calling on Turkey to reform its controversial defamation laws in order to meet the EU standards on freedom of expression and freedom of the press

Russia

LE SECRET ENTOURE LES AFFAIRES DE POLLUTION QUI METTENT EN DANGER LA SANTÉ PUBLIQUE

Russia

SIGILO SOBRE CONTAMINACIÓN PONE EN RIESGO SALUD PÚBLICA

Russia

SECRECY OVER POLLUTION ENDANGERING PUBLIC HEALTH

The Russian government's unwillingness to properly inform citizens about pollution, food contamination and nuclear waste and radiation is endangering thousands of lives, a new report by ARTICLE 19 reveals.

Tajikistan

CONTROL DE HIERRO DE ESTADO SOBRE MEDIOS DEBILITÓ LA EQUIDAD DE LAS ELECCIONES

Tajikistan

LA POIGNE DE FER DE L'ÉTAT SUR LES MÉDIAS COMPROMET L'ÉLECTION

Tajikistan

STATE'S IRON GRIP OVER MEDIA COMPROMISES ELECTION

Unequal access to state media and the repression of opposition and independent news sources undermined the fairness of Tajikistan's presidential election, say Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontieres, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Turkey

UN AUTEUR TURC, DÉFENSEUR DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION, REMPORTE LE PRIX NOBEL DE LITTÉRATURE

France

L'ASSEMBLÉE NATIONALE ADOPTE UN AVANT-PROJET DE LOI QUI CRIMINALISE LA NÉGATION DU GÉNOCIDE ARMÉNIEN

Turkey

AUTOR Y DEFENSOR DE LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN TURCO GANA PREMIO NOBEL DE LITERATURA

Russia

¡ACTÚE! RUSIA: PETICIÓN DE RSF PIDE INVESTIGACIÓN INTERNACIONAL DE ASESINATO DE POLITKOVSKAYA

France

ASAMBLEA NACIONAL APRUEBA LEY QUE PENALIZA LA NEGACIÓN DEL GENOCIDIO ARMENIO

United Kingdom

FALLO HISTÓRICO PROTEGE A MEDIDOS DE DEMANDAS POR CALUMNIA

Ireland

LEYES PROPUESTAS DE DIFAMACIÓN Y PRIVACIDAD CAUSAN INQUIETUD

Ireland

DES PROPOSITIONS DE LOIS SUR LA DIFFAMATION ET LE RESPECT DE LA VIE PRIVÉE SOULÈVENT L'INQUIÉTUDE

Azerbaijan

FUNCIONARIOS USAN TRIBUNALES PARA SILENCIAR PERIODISTAS CRÍTICOS

Belarus

FIP INICIA CAMPAÑA PARA PONER FIN A IMPUNIDAD EN ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

Azerbaijan

DES OFFICIELS UTILISENT LES TRIBUNAUX POUR FAIRE TAIRE LES JOURNALISTES

Belarus

LA FIJ LANCE UNE CAMPAGNE POUR METTRE FIN À L'IMPUNITÉ ENTOURANT LE MEURTRE D'UNE JOURNALISTE

Ireland

PROPOSED DEFAMATION, PRIVACY BILLS DRAW CONCERN

In Ireland, the government has tabled two new bills aimed at bringing the country's defamation and privacy laws more in line with European human rights standards. However, ARTICLE 19 and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) have expressed concern that some of the provisions in the bills still pose a threat to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Azerbaijan

OFFICIALS USE COURTS TO SILENCE CRITICAL JOURNALISTS

A widespread attempt to silence opposition media is taking place through the courts in Azerbaijan, where public officials have filed at least a dozen lawsuits against journalists in the past three months, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontieres, RSF).

Belarus

IFJ LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO END IMPUNITY IN JOURNALIST'S MURDER

Two years after Belarusian journalist Veronika Cherkasova was brutally stabbed in her Minsk apartment on 20 October 2004, her murder remains unsolved. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) have now launched a campaign to end the impunity surrounding her case.

Turkey

TURKISH AUTHOR AND FREE EXPRESSION ADVOCATE WINS NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE

Author Orhan Pamuk was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature on 12 October 2006. The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN expressed delight at the choice, calling Pamuk a "writer of extraordinary merit" and "a great advocate for freedom of expression."

Russia

TAKE ACTION! RUSSIA: RSF PETITION CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL INQUIRY INTO POLITKOVSKAYA MURDER

17 October 2006

France

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PASSES LAW CRIMINALISING DENIAL OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

France's National Assembly has approved on first reading a draft law that would make it a crime to deny the 1915 Armenian genocide. Both Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and ARTICLE 19 called on the French Senate to reject the proposal as an unjustified limit on free expression.

Russia

L'ASSASSINAT D'UNE JOURNALISTE COURAGEUSE SOULÈVE L'INDIGNATION À TRAVERS LE MONDE

Romania

AGISSEZ ! BURKINA FASO : L'ASSASSIN D'UN JOURNALISTE COURT TOUJOURS

Romania

LES MÉDIAS NE FONT PAS LA PROMOTION DE LA TOLÉRANCE

United Kingdom

DES JOURNALISTES REÇOIVENT DES MENACES DE MORT

Romania

MEDIOS NO PROMUEVEN TOLERANCIA

United Kingdom

PERIODISTAS SE ENFRENTAN A AMENAZAS DE MUERTE

Romania

MEDIA FAILING TO PROMOTE TOLERANCE

Romania's media touts itself as an important player in the fight against corruption, but when it comes to promoting tolerance, it plays to the prejudices of its consumers and does a poor job of fighting racist attitudes, argues the head of the European Roma Grassroots Organisation in a recent issue of "Index on Censorship".

United Kingdom

JOURNALISTS FACE DEATH THREATS

Five years after investigative reporter Martin O'Hagan was gunned down in Northern Ireland, his killers remain at large and threats of violence against journalists have quadrupled, a new report by Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) has found.

Turkey

PEN INTERNACIONAL APOYA ESCRITORES QUE SE ENFRENTAN A JUICIOS

Turkmenistan

INDIGNACIÓN INTERNACIONAL POR MUERTE DE PERIODISTA

Turkey

LE PEN INTERNATIONAL SOUTIENT DES ÉCRIVAINS QUI RISQUENT D'ÊTRE POURSUIVIS

Turkmenistan

TOLLÉ INTERNATIONAL APRÈS LA MORT D'UNE JOURNALISTE

Turkey

INTERNATIONAL PEN SUPPORTS WRITERS FACING TRIALS

Representatives of International PEN will be traveling to Istanbul, Turkey this week to lend support to dozens of writers who have been charged for "insulting Turkishness" under a provision in the Criminal Code that has been widely criticised for being draconian.

Turkmenistan

INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY OVER JOURNALIST'S DEATH

Many IFEX members have expressed outrage at the death of a journalist and human rights activist in a Turkmenistan prison and have called for an independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy. Turkmen authorities revealed on 14 September 2006 that Ogulsapar Muradova, a reporter for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and an activist associated with the Turkmenistan Helsinki Foundation, died while in custody.

Armenia

Se requiere más diversidad en sector de radio y televisión de Armenia: OSCE

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 INVESTIGA LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN EN BIELORRUSIA, MOLDOVA Y UCRANIA

Russia

LIBRE EXPRESIÓN ARTÍSTICA AMENAZADA POR INTOLERANCIA RELIGIOSA

Armenia

Il faut plus de diversité dans le secteur de la radiodiffusion en Arménie, dit l'OSCE

Russia

L'EXPRESSION ARTISTIQUE MENACÉE PAR L'INTOLÉRANCE RELIGIEUSE

Armenia

More Diversity Needed in Armenia's Broadcast Sector: OSCE

22 August 2006

Ukraine

ARTICLE 19 SURVEYS DEFAMATION LAWS IN BELARUS, MOLDOVA, UKRAINE

ARTICLE 19 has published a new report, "Defamation Law and Practice in Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine", which measures each country's laws against international standards and treaties on freedom of expression.

Russia

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION UNDER THREAT FROM RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

Artistic expression in Russia is becoming increasingly restricted, fueled by rising nationalism, the increasing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church on national politics and the virtual absence of a free media, warns ARTICLE 19.

United Kingdom

FILMACIÓN DE NOVELA PROVOCA PROTESTA COMUNITARIA

United Kingdom

CERTAINES PRODUCTIONS CULTURELLES PROVOQUENT DES PROTESTATIONS DANS CERTAINES COMMUNAUTÉS

United Kingdom

FILMING OF NOVEL PROVOKES COMMUNITY PROTEST

Protests by community groups in the United Kingdom against cultural productions deemed offensive or insulting are raising questions over whether the freedom to write or express art is being compromised in the name of cultural sensitivity, reports Index on Censorship.

Russia

REPORTERO ESTRANGULADO Y MUERTO

Russia

REPORTER TROUVÉ ÉTRANGLÉ

Russia

REPORTER STRANGLED TO DEATH

Since Russian President Vladimir Putin came to power in 2000, at least 12 journalists have been murdered in contract-style killings, and none of the cases have been solved, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Turkmenistan

SIGNEZ UNE LETTRE DE PROTESTATION POUR AIDER À FAIRE LIBÉRER DES JOURNALISTES ET DES MILITANTS

Turkmenistan

FIRME UNA CARTA DE PROTESTA PARA AYUDAR A LIBERAR A PERIODISTAS Y ACTIVISTAS

Turkmenistan

TAKE ACTION! TURKMENISTAN: SIGN PROTEST LETTER TO HELP FREE JOURNALISTS, ACTIVISTS

26 July 2006

Turkey

LEY CONTRA EL TERRORISMO AMENAZA A PERIODISTAS Y MEDIOS PROKURDOS

Turkmenistan

TEMORES POR SUERTE DE PERIODISTA DETENIDO Y ACTIVISTAS DE DERECHOS HUMANOS

Russia

LEY SOBRE EXTREMISMO AMENAZA LIBERTAD DE PALABRA; PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS EN CUMBRE DE G-8

Turkey

UNE LOI ANTITERRORISTE MENACE LES JOURNALISTES ET LES MÉDIAS FAVORABLES AUX KURDES

Turkmenistan

ON S'INQUIÈTE DU SORT D'UN JOURNALISTE ET DE MILITANTS DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE QUI SONT DÉTENUS

Russia

UNE LOI SUR L'« EXTRÉMISME » MENACE LA LIBERTÉ DE PAROLE; DES JOURNALISTES SONT ARRÊTÉS AU SOMMET DU G-8

Turkey

ANTI-TERROR LAW THREATENS JOURNALISTS AND PRO-KURDISH MEDIA

Turkey's parliament has approved changes to an anti-terrorism law despite concerns that they will place new limits on free expression, according to IPS Communication Foundation (BIANET) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). The measures must still be ratified by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.

Turkmenistan

FEARS OVER FATE OF DETAINED JOURNALIST AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

Press freedom and human rights groups are increasingly concerned about the fate of journalist Ogulsapar Muradova, a correspondent for the US-funded radio station Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), and human rights activists Annakurban Amanklychev and Sapardurdy Khajiev, who were arrested in Turkmenistan between 16 and 18 June. The three are associated with the Turkmenistan Helskinki Foundation for Human Rights.

Russia

EXTREMISM LAW THREATENS FREE SPEECH; JOURNALISTS ARRESTED AT G-8 SUMMIT

As Russia prepared to host the G-8 summit of leading industrialised democracies from 15-17 July, its upper house of Parliament approved a bill broadening the definition of "extremism" to include media criticism of state officials, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Concerns about the bill's impact on freedom of expression have also been raised by the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), ARTICLE 19, and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Switzerland

INVITAN A PERIODISTAS A TALLER SOBRE DERECHO HUMANITARIO 11 DE JULIO DE 2006

Kazakhstan

GRUPOS DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN ARREMETEN CONTRA LEY DE MEDIOS ENMENDADA

Switzerland

LES JOURNALISTES SONT INVITÉS À UN ATELIER SUR LE DROIT HUMANITAIRE 11 JUILLET 2006

Kazakhstan

DES GROUPES DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION CRITIQUENT VERTEMENT LA MODIFICATION DE LA LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Kazakhstan

FREE EXPRESSION GROUPS SLAM AMENDED MEDIA LAW

The President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, has signed into law a bill that gives the government vast powers to shut down independent and opposition media outlets, a move harshly criticised by Adil Soz, ARTICLE 19, the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), Freedom House, the International Press Institute (IPI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Russia

RUSIA CJES INSTA A REFORMA DE LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN

Russia

RUSSIE :LE CJES DEMANDE AVEC INSTANCE UNE RÉFORME DE LA LOI SUR LA DIFFAMATION

Russia

RUSSIA: CJES URGES DEFAMATION LAW REFORM

The Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES) invites free expression advocates to sign an online petition urging the Russian government to abolish laws that criminalise defamation.

Azerbaijan

IMPUNIDAD PREVALECE EN VIOLENCIA CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Azerbaijan

L'IMPUNITÉ RÈGNE DANS LA VIOLENCE CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES

Azerbaijan

IMPUNITY PREVAILS IN VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS

In Azerbaijan, there is more violence against journalists than in any other former Soviet state, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). In 2005, the press freedom organisation recorded more than 50 attacks, including two murders that remain unsolved.

Spain

SUPREMA CORTE CONFIRMA CONDENA DE PERIODISTA DE AL YAZIRA

Spain

LA COUR SUPRÊME CONFIRME LA CULPABILITÉ DU JOURNALISTE D'AL JAZIRAH

Spain

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS CONVICTION OF Al JAZEERA JOURNALIST

Spain's Supreme Court has upheld a lower-court ruling sentencing former Al Jazeera correspondent Tayseer Allouni to jail for collaborating with Al-Qaida, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Turkey

DES PROCUREURS TURCS SE PENCHENT SUR LE CODE PÉNAL ET LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Germany

UN SERVICE DE RENSEIGNEMENTS A PAYÉ DES JOURNALISTES POUR ESPIONNER LEURS COLLÈGUES

Turkey

ABOGADOS TURCOS EXAMINAN CÓDIGO PENAL Y LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Germany

ORGANISMOS DE INTELIGENCIA PAGARON A PERIODISTAS PARA ESPIAR A COLEGAS

Turkey

TURKISH LAWYERS EXAMINE PENAL CODE AND FREE EXPRESSION

The IPS Communication Foundation brought together dozens of lawyers from across Turkey last week for a workshop to discuss the potential impact of the country's new Penal Code on freedom of expression and the media.

Germany

INTELLIGENCE AGENCY PAID JOURNALISTS TO SPY ON COLLEAGUES

The German government has promised to launch a special inquiry into a scandal involving journalists who were paid by the federal intelligence agency to spy on their colleagues, say Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Macedonia

REVOCAN LEY DE DIFAMACIÓN PENAL

Macedonia

ABROGATION DE LA LOI PÉNALE SUR LA DIFFAMATION

Ukraine

PROYECTO PARA FACULTAR CIUDADANOS EN TEMAS AMBIENTALES

Macedonia

CRIMINAL DEFAMATION LAW REPEALED

Journalists in Macedonia can no longer be jailed for defamation offences, thanks to an amendment to the criminal code passed by Macedonia's parliament on 10 May 2006, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Ukraine

PROJECT TO EMPOWER CITIZENS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Twenty years after an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine unleashed one of the world's worst environmental disasters, the effects of radiation pollution on local populations continue to be felt.

Montenegro

Un donateur néerlandais administrera un Fonds pour les médias serbes

Serbia

Donante holandés administrará Fondo de Medios de Serbia

Turkey

PERIODISTA BALEADO EN MANIFESTACIONES A FAVOR DE LOS KURDOS

Belarus

FIP DOCUMENTA REPRESIÓN DE MEDIOS EN BIELORRUSIA

Bulgaria

ATAQUE CON BOMBAS CONMOCIONA COMUNIDAD DE MEDIOS

Montenegro

Dutch Donor to Manage Serbia Media Fund

18 April 2006

Turkey

JOURNALIST SHOT IN PRO-KURDISH DEMONSTRATIONS

Turkish authorities are being urged to investigate the death of a young journalist in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir, who was shot in the head two weeks ago during violent clashes between Kurdish demonstrators and security forces, report BIAnet, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Belarus

LA FIJ DOCUMENTE LA RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS DU BÉLARUS

Bulgaria

UN ATTENTAT À LA BOMBE ÉBRANLE LA COMMUNAUTÉ DES MÉDIAS

Belarus

IFJ DOCUMENTS REPRESSION OF BELARUSIAN MEDIA

In the decade since Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko assumed power, his government has created a climate of repression that has all but stifled the country's independent media, a new report by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) concludes.

Bulgaria

BOMB ATTACK LEAVES MEDIA COMMUNITY SHAKEN

In Bulgaria, a bomb attack against a journalist known for investigating corruption has shaken the country's journalism community, report the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Belarus

UN GRAND NOMBRE DE JOURNALISTES SONT DÉTENUS APRÈS LES ÉLECTIONS

Turkey

DES NATIONALISTES TURCS CHERCHENT À MUSELER LA LIBERTÉ DE PAROLE

Belarus

VEINTENAS DE PERIODISTAS AGREDIDOS DESPUÉS DE ELECCIONES

Turkey

NACIONALISTAS TURCOS BUSCAN SILENCIAR LIBERTAD DE PALABRA

Belarus

SCORES OF JOURNALISTS DETAINED AFTER ELECTIONS

In Belarus, at least 20 local and foreign journalists are being held in jail after covering opposition protests in the wake of the recent presidential elections, report Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), the International Press Institute (IPI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Turkey

TURKISH NATIONALISTS SEEK TO MUZZLE FREE SPEECH

In Turkey, political and economic reforms aimed at bringing the country closer to the European Union (EU) have sparked a nationalist backlash that is targeting journalists, writers and academics who favour EU membership, says a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Moldova

IJC EVALÚA CONDICIONES DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Moldova

L'IJC ÉVALUE LES CONDITIONS DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Turkey

LA CONFÉRENCE DU PEN BRAQUE LES PROJECTEURS SUR LES LOIS PÉNALES EN MATIÈRE DE DIFFAMATION

Belarus

À L'APPROCHE DU SCRUTIN, LES MESURES DE RÉPRESSION CONTRE LES MÉDIAS PRENNENT DE L'AMPLEUR

Moldova

IJC ASSESSES FREE EXPRESSION CONDITIONS

The Independent Journalism Center (IJC) has published its 2005 annual report highlighting the major challenges facing freedom of expression in Moldova.

Turkey

DES JOURNALISTES TURCS SE PARTAGENT UNE RÉCOMPENSE POUR LA DÉFENSE DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

Turkey

PERIODISTAS TURCOS COMPARTEN PREMIO DE DERECHOS HUMANOS

Belarus

LAS RESTRICCIONES CONTRA LOS MEDIOS SE INTENSIFICAN A MEDIDA QUE SE ACERCA VOTACIÓN

Russia

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Russia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Belarus

CLAMPDOWN ON MEDIA INTENSIFIES AS VOTE NEARS

IFEX members are calling attention to escalating repression against the media in Belarus as the country's voters prepare to head to the polls to elect a new president on 19 March 2006. They say the government under President Aleksandr Lukashenko is depriving voters of independent news about candidates by confiscating opposition newspapers, intimidating local reporters and photographers, and preventing foreign journalists from reporting.

Russia

JOURNALIST MURDERED

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Russian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of Ilya Zimin, a 33-year-old correspondent for the national television station NTV, who was murdered in his Moscow apartment on 26 February 2006.

Turkey

MIEMBROS DE IFEX MONITOREAN JUICIOS POR DIFAMACIÓN

Turkey

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX SUIVENT DE PRÈS LES PROCÈS EN DIFFAMATION

Turkey

IFEX MEMBERS MONITOR DEFAMATION TRIALS

While free expression advocates hailed a Turkish court's decision in January to throw out defamation charges against author Orhan Pamuk, a dozen other court cases involving journalists and publishers who face similar charges are ongoing. This month, IFEX members are helping to focus international attention on their cases by sending observers to the trials.

Denmark

CARICATURAS CAUSAN DISPUTA DIPLOMÁTICA

Denmark

DES CARICATURES QUI PROVOQUENT UN AFFRONTEMENT DIPLOMATIQUE

Denmark

CARTOONS CAUSE DIPLOMATIC ROW

The reproduction of cartoons in several European newspapers depicting the Prophet Muhammad has ignited a storm of controversy in Europe and the Middle East over freedom of expression, media ethics and religious fundamentalism.

Turkey

ABANDON DES ACCUSATIONS CONTRE UN AUTEUR

Turkey

RETIRAN CARGOS CONTRA ESCRITOR

Turkey

CHARGES AGAINST AUTHOR DROPPED

A Turkish court has thrown out defamation charges against internationally acclaimed author Orhan Pamuk, reports International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC). While the move has been welcomed by free expression advocates, WiPC says another dozen or so writers and journalists are on trial for similar charges in Turkey, a country where criticism of the government carries serious consequences.

Macedonia

INSTAN A MACEDONIA A FORTALECER PROYECTO DE LEY DE TRANSPARENCIA

Uzbekistan

CRISIS DE DERECHOS HUMANOS EMPEORA

Macedonia

LA MACÉDOINE EST PRIÉE DE RENFORCER SON AVANT-PROJET DE LOI SUR LA TRANSPARENCE

Uzbekistan

LA CRISE DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE EMPIRE

Macedonia

MACEDONIA URGED TO STRENGTHEN DRAFT TRANSPARENCY LAW

ARTICLE 19 is putting pressure on the Macedonian government over a proposed law it says contains "serious flaws" that must be speedily addressed if citizens are to gain the right to access information held by public bodies.

Uzbekistan

HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS WORSENING

The Uzbek government is escalating its campaign of harassing and threatening human rights activists and international organisations as part of an attempt to smother civil society and eliminate non-governmental organizations (NGO), reports Freedom House.

Belarus

LOUKACHENKO RESSERRE SON ÉTREINTE SUR LES CRITIQUES

Russia

PROTESTATIONS INTERNATIONALES AU SUJET D'UNE PROPOSITION DE LOI SUR LES ONG

Belarus

LUKASHENKO ESTRECHA CONTROL SOBRE CRÍTICOS

Russia

INDIGNACIÓN INTERNACIONAL POR PROYECTO DE LEY DE ONG

Belarus

LUKASHENKO TIGHTENS GRIP ON CRITICS

Belarus is widely regarded as one of the last remaining outposts of authoritarianism in Europe, ruled since 1994 by President Aleksander Lukashenko. The press is tightly controlled by the state and independent media are frequently harassed, legally sanctioned and attacked for criticising the president.

Russia

INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY OVER PROPOSED NGO LAW

In Russia, where the media has come under increasing state influence since President Vladimir Putin took office in 2000, non-governmental organisations are some of the only remaining independent voices that can criticise the government.

Turkey

NUEVO CÓDIGO CASTIGA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Turkey

LE NOUVEAU CODE PÉNALISE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

United Kingdom

MEDIA GAGGED OVER AL-JAZEERA MEMO

The leaking of an alleged memo revealing U.S. President George W. Bush's apparent plan to bomb the Qatar headquarters of Arab satellite channel Al-Jazeera has ignited a storm of controversy and raised concerns among IFEX members about a possible backlash on the media.

Turkey

NEW CODE PENALISES FREE EXPRESSION

Turkey's bid to join the European Union has come under renewed criticism following reports that legal reforms aimed at satisfying EU standards on human rights are failing to safeguard freedom of expression and press freedom.

Belarus

CERTAINS MEMBRES DE L'IFEX INSISTENT POUR QU'ON OUVRE UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LA MORT D'UN JOURNALISTE

Belarus

MIEMBROS DE IFEX PIDEN INVESTIGACIÓN DE MUERTE DE PERIODISTA

Belarus

IFEX MEMBERS URGE PROBE OF JOURNALIST'S DEATH

The International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have called on Belarusian authorities to investigate whether the death of a journalist last week was linked to his work.

Kazakhstan

GOBIERNO AMORDAZA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN PERIODO PREVIO A ELECCIONES

Kazakhstan

LE GOUVERNEMENT MUSÈLE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION À LA VEILLE DES ÉLECTIONS

Azerbaijan

Des journalistes azéris et géorgiens forment un réseau d'enquête

Georgia

Periodistas azeríes y georgianos forman red de investigación

Azerbaijan

ATACAN A PERIODISTAS Y OPOSICIÓN MIENTRAS SE ACERCAN ELECCIONES

Kazakhstan

GOVERNMENT MUZZLING FREE EXPRESSION IN RUN-UP TO ELECTIONS

Prospects for free and fair presidential elections in Kazakhstan in December are waning amid moves by authorities to quash freedom of expression and silence independent media and civil society groups, warns Human Rights Watch.

Azerbaijan

LES JOURNALISTES ET L'OPPOSITION SONT ATTAQUÉS À L'APPROCHE DES ÉLECTIONS

Azerbaijan

Azeri, Georgian Journalists Form Investigative Network

Investigative journalists from Azerbaijan and Georgia have launched a new initiative aimed at using cross-border collaborations to expose human trafficking, corruption and other pressing issues in the region.

Azerbaijan

JOURNALISTS, OPPOSITION ATTACKED AS ELECTIONS NEAR

IFEX members are expressing grave concerns about attacks by Azerbaijani authorities on journalists and demonstrators as the country's citizens prepare to head to the polls in November for parliamentary elections.

Moldova

L'IJC-MOLDOVA ANALYSE LA COUVERTURE DE L'ÉLECTION PAR LES MÉDIAS

Moldova

IJC MOLDOVA ANALIZA COBERTURA DE ELECCIONES DE MEDIOS

United Kingdom

LES MESURES ANTITERRORISTES CONTREVIENNENT AUX NORMES INTERNATIONALES EN MATIÈRE DE DROITS

United Kingdom

MEDIDAS ANTITERRORISMO VIOLAN NORMAS JURÍDICAS INTERNACIONALES

Moldova

IJC MOLDOVA ANALYSES MEDIA'S ELECTION COVERAGE

The Independent Journalism Center (IJC) in Moldova has published a report analysing media coverage of the country's general and presidential elections last March and April.

Tajikistan

LES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS DISPARAISSENT

Tajikistan

TAYIKISTÁN MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES EN PROCESO DE DESAPARICIÓN

Uzbekistan

AGRESIÓN "MASIVA" EN CURSO PARA ENCUBRIR MASACRE

Tajikistan

INDEPENDENT MEDIA DISAPPEARING

In Tajikistan, independent media, it seems, are being squeezed out of existence. In the past year, four major opposition newspapers have closed and authorities have refused to issue new licences for broadcasters, prompting the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) to express alarm at the situation.

Uzbekistan

"MASSIVE" CRACKDOWN UNDERWAY TO COVER UP MASSACRE

Human Rights Watch is calling on the European Union to suspend its ties with Uzbekistan, saying it has strong evidence to prove that Uzbek authorities are conducting a massive crackdown to conceal the truth about the killing of hundreds of civilian demonstrators in Andijan last May.

Ukraine

UCRANIA OBSTRUYE LA JUSTICIA EN CASO DE ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

Ukraine

L'UKRAINE FAIT OBSTRUCTION À LA JUSTICE À PROPOS DU MEURTRE D'UN JOURNALISTE

Ukraine

UKRAINE OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE IN JOURNALIST'S MURDER

Powerful political figures in Ukraine who authorised the assassination of investigative reporter Gyorgy Gongadze in 2000 are eluding justice, according to a new report by four journalists' organisations, including the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Russia

LE KREMLIN ÉTOUFFE LA COUVERTURE CRITIQUE DE LA SITUATION EN TCHÉTCHÉNIE

Belarus

LOUKACHENKO S'ATTAQUE AUX JOURNALISTES À L'OCCASION D'UN DIFFÉREND AVEC LA POLOGNE

Russia

KREMLIN AMORDAZA COBERTURA CRÍTICA DE CHECHENIA

Belarus

LUKASHENKO INICIA OFENSIVA CONTRA PERIODISTAS EN PELEA CON POLONIA

Belarus

LUKASHENKO CRACKS DOWN ON JOURNALISTS IN ROW WITH POLAND

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Committee to The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute, (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) have condemned the Belarusian government for targeting journalists of Polish origin amid an escalating diplomatic row between Belarus and Poland.

Chechnya (Russia)

KREMLIN STIFLES CRITICAL COVERAGE OF CHECHNYA

The Russian government's control of national television and its use of repressive rules, harassment, and attacks on journalists covering the conflict in Chechnya are depriving the Russian public of information about atrocities being committed there, a year-long investigation by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has found.

Ukraine

LES MÉDIAS METTENT À L'ÉPREUVE LES LIMITES DES NOUVELLES LIBERTÉS

Ukraine

MEDIOS PONEN A PRUEBA LÍMITES DE NUEVAS LIBERTADES

Ukraine

MEDIA TEST BOUNDARIES OF NEW FREEDOMS

Six months after people power brought down a corrupt, repressive regime in Ukraine and elected Viktor Yushchenko as the country's new president, journalists in the country are enjoying a new spirit of cooperation with the government, writes Ukrainian journalist Vakhtang Kipiani in "IPI Global Journalist," the magazine of the International Press Institute.

United Kingdom

PROYECTO DE LEY CONTRA ODIO RELIGIOSO ATRAE POLÉMICA

United Kingdom

LA PROPOSITION DE LOI SUR LA HAINE RELIGIEUSE SUSCITE LA CONTROVERSE

United Kingdom

PROPOSED RELIGIOUS HATE LAW DRAWS CONTROVERSY

Britain's plan to introduce tougher laws criminalising religious-inspired hatred is being challenged in a forthcoming book published by English PEN.

Russia

CAMARÓGRAFO ASESINADO

Russia

UN CAMÉRAMAN PERD LA VIE

Russia

CAMERAMAN KILLED

For journalists in Russia, there is often a high price to be paid for those who report on illegal activities. Sometimes, it can mean death. On 21 May 2005, the body of Pavel Makeev was found by a road outside the town of Azov in the southern region of Rostov, reported the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Russia

POUTINE EST PRIÉ DE FAIRE CESSER L'IMPUNITÉ QUI ENTOURE LES MEURTRES DE JOURNALISTES

Russia

INSTAN A PUTIN A TERMINAR CON IMPUNIDAD EN ASESINATOS DE PERIODISTAS

Russia

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ AU DAGESTAN

Russia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN DAGESTÁN

Serbia

PERIODISTA MUERE POR HERIDAS DE BALA; EDITOR RECIBE AMENAZA DE MUERTE

Russia

PUTIN URGED TO END IMPUNITY IN JOURNALISTS' MURDERS

The unsolved murders of twelve journalists in Russia since Vladmir Putin became president in 2000 have sown fear and self-censorship among independent media, says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Russia

JOURNALIST KILLED IN DAGESTAN

A prominent journalist and political analyst known for criticising the political opposition in Dagestan, Russia, was murdered on 28 June 2005 - the victim of a contract-style killing, reported the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES), the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Turkey

UN CARICATURISTE TURC EST HONORÉ POUR SON COURAGE

Montenegro

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT DES SUITES DE BLESSURES PAR BALLES;

Turkey

TURKISH CARTOONIST HONOURED FOR COURAGE

Cartoonists Rights Network (CRN) has awarded its 2005 Annual Award for Courage in Editorial Cartooning to Musa Kart of the Turkish daily newspaper "Cumhuriyet".

Montenegro

JOURNALIST DIES FROM GUNSHOT WOUNDS, EDITOR RECEIVES DEATH THREAT

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) is calling on the UN Mission in Kosovo to investigate the slaying of Bardehul Ajeti, a journalist for the leading Albanian-language daily newspaper "Bota Sot" who died on 25 June 2005.

Italy

LA LOI ITALIENNE NE PARVIENT PAS À LIMITER LA CONCENTRATION DE LA PROPRIÉTÉ DES MÉDIAS, DIT L'OSCE

Italy

LEYES ITALIANAS NO RESTRINGEN CONCENTRACIÓN DE MEDIOS: OSCE

Italy

ITALIAN LAW FAILS TO CURB MEDIA CONCENTRATION: OSCE

Italy's broadcasting market remains highly concentrated despite a law passed last year to regulate television, says the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of the Media.

Uzbekistan

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH DEMANDE AVEC INSISTANCE UNE ENQUÊTE INTERNATIONALE SUR LE MASSACRE

Uzbekistan

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH PIDE INVESTIGACIÓN INTERNACIONAL DE MASACRE

Uzbekistan

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH URGES INTERNATIONAL INQUIRY INTO MASSACRE

A Human Rights Watch investigation has concluded that the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators by Uzbek authorities in the city of Andijan in May was a massacre. The IFEX member has released a new report, "Bullets Were Falling Like Rain: The Andijan Massacre", which documents the Uzbek government's indiscriminate use of force against unarmed people on 13 May 2005, and its efforts to silence witnesses. It provides the most extensive independent review thus far of the tragedy.

Romania

RUMANIA MANIOBRA PARA RESTRINGIR LA INTERFERENCIA ESTATAL EN MEDIOS

Romania

LA ROUMANIE ENTREPREND DE LIMITER L'INGÉRENCE DE L'ÉTAT DANS LES MÉDIAS

Romania

ROMANIA MOVES TO CURB STATE INTERFERENCE IN MEDIA

The Romanian government has adopted legislative amendments aimed at discouraging official interference in the media and improving transparency, report the Open Society Institute (OSI) Justice Initiative and the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

Kazakhstan

ADIL SOZ MET SUR PIED UNE RESSOURCE POUR LES JOURNALISTES DU KAZAKHSTAN ET LES DÉFENSEURS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Kazakhstan

ADIL SOZ PRESENTA MATERIAL DE CONSULTA PARA PERIODISTAS KAZAKOS Y DEFENSORES DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Kazakhstan

ADIL SOZ LAUNCHES RESOURCE FOR KAZAKHSTANI JOURNALISTS AND PRESS FREEDOM ADVOCATES

Journalists and press freedom advocates in Kazakhstan who face legal harassment because of their work now have access to an important reference tool, thanks to the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech (Adil Soz).

Turkey

UN EXPERT DE L'OSCE PROPOSE DES MODIFICATIONS AU CODE PÉNAL DE LA TURQUIE

Uzbekistan

EMBARGO SUR LES NOUVELLES CONCERNANT LES SANGLANTES MANIFESTATIONS DE PROTESTATION

Turkey

EXPERTO DE OSCE PROPONE CAMBIOS AL CÓDIGO PENAL DE TURQUÍA

Uzbekistan

SANGRIENTAS MANIFESTACIONES IMPONEN APAGÓN INFORMATIVO

Turkey

OSCE EXPERT PROPOSES CHANGES TO TURKEY'S PENAL CODE

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has urged the Turkish government to amend its new Penal Code to bring it in line with international standards on free expression.

Uzbekistan

NEWS BLACKOUT IMPOSED ON BLOODY PROTESTS

As reports emerge about the killing last weekend of hundreds of protesters in Uzbekistan's northeastern city of Andijan, IFEX members say authorities are maintaining an information blockade by expelling journalists from the town and obstructing foreign television news broadcasts.

Turkey

TURKISH PUBLISHER HONOURED FOR COURAGE

Abdullah Keskin, a publisher who has been legally persecuted in Turkey for publishing books in Kurdish, has won the 2005 Jeri Laber International Freedom to Publish Award. The annual prize honours book publishers outside the United States who show courage in the face of political persecution and restrictions on freedom of expression.

Georgia

ARTICLE 19 SURVEYS ACCESS TO INFORMATION IN ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN, GEORGIA

ARTICLE 19 has published a new report highlighting the need for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to implement laws enabling the media and citizens to better access public information. The report assesses media laws and media ownership in each country and concludes that media in all three countries face significant barriers in accessing government information.

Turkey

DES JOURNALISTES PROTESTENT CONTRE LE NOUVEAU CODE PÉNAL

Kyrgyzstan

LA LIBRE EXPRESSION AU COEUR D'UNE RÉVOLTE POPULAIRE

Russia

LES NATIONS UNIES REGARDENT AILLEURS PENDANT QUE LA CRISE EN TCHÉTCHÉNIE SE POURSUIT

Turkey

PERIODISTAS PROTESTAN CONTRA NUEVO CÓDIGO PENAL

Turkey

IFEX MEMBERS PROTEST NEW CRIMINAL CODE

The Turkish government has delayed implementing a controversial new criminal code following vocal opposition from local journalists and international free expression groups who say it will lead to more restrictions on press freedom.

Kyrgyzstan

LIBERTAD DE PALABRA EN EL CENTRO DE REVUELTA POPULAR

Russia

ONU SE HACE DE LA VISTA GORDA MIENTRAS CONTINÚA CRISIS EN CHECHENIA

Kyrgyzstan

FREE SPEECH AT THE HEART OF POPULAR REVOLT

The popular movement in Kyrgyzstan that toppled President Askar Akayev last week was an expression of anger not only about the vote-rigging, corruption and nepotism committed by the government but also about the suppression of free speech in the Central Asian country, report IFEX members.

Russia

UN LOOKS THE OTHER WAY AS CHECHNYA CRISIS CONTINUES

As the UN Commission on Human Rights continues its annual session in Geneva, Human Rights Watch, Freedom House and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are sounding the alarm on Chechnya, where widespread violations make it the single largest human rights crisis in Europe.

Belgium

LA LOI PROTÈGE LES SOURCES DES JOURNALISTES

Belarus

LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE SE DÉTÉRIORE AU BÉLARUS, DIT L'OSCE

Belgium

LEY PROTEGE FUENTES DE PERIODISTAS

Belgium

LAW PROTECTS JOURNALISTS' SOURCES

Belgium's Parliament has passed a law that protects the confidentiality of journalists' sources and bars authorities from monitoring their phones or searching their homes, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Belarus

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA IN BIELORRUSIA SE DETERIORA: OSCE

Belarus

PRESS FREEDOM IN BELARUS DETERIORATING: OSCE

Press freedom conditions in Belarus have been deteriorating in recent years due to government pressure on independent media, according to a new report by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) media watchdog.

Azerbaijan

ANALYSE PAR ARTICLE 19 DE CERTAINES LOIS DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE D'AZERBAÏDJAN RELATIVES À LA LIBERTÉ D'EXPRESSION

Azerbaijan

LE MEURTRE D'UN DIRECTEUR DE PUBLICATION SUSCITE UN TOLLÉ DE PROTESTATIONS

Azerbaijan

ASESINATO DE EDITOR CAUSA INDIGNACIÓN

Azerbaijan

EDITOR'S MURDER PROMPTS OUTCRY

International press freedom groups have called for an inquiry into the murder of prominent editor Elmar Huseynov, who was gunned down in front of his home on 2 March 2005 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

United Kingdom

LA COUR EUROPÉENNE DES DROITS DE L'HOMME DONNE RAISON À DEUX PERSONNES POURSUIVIES EN DIFFAMATION PAR MCDONALD'S

Kyrgyzstan

LE PRÉSIDENT RECOURT AUX MÉDIAS POUR DISCRÉDITER SES ADVERSAIRES ÉLECTORAUX

Russia

LES MÉDIAS NE SONT PAS LIBRES, DIT UN JOURNALISTE

United Kingdom

TRIBUNAL EUROPEO VINDICA A PAREJA DE JUICIO POR MCDIFAMACIÓN

Kyrgyzstan

PRESIDENTE USA MEDIOS PARA DESACREDITAR A OPONENTES ELECTORALES

Russia

MEDIOS SIN LIBERTAD, DICEN PERIODISTAS

United Kingdom

EUROPEAN COURT VINDICATES MCLIBEL PAIR

In what ARTICLE 19 is calling a groundbreaking judgment, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that a libel trial launched by McDonalds against two environmental activists in the 1990s was unfair and violated their right to freedom of expression.

Kyrgyzstan

PRESIDENT USES MEDIA TO DISCREDIT ELECTORAL OPPONENTS

As Kyrgyzstan prepares for legislative elections on 27 February 2005, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) is warning that President Askar Akayev is using his control of the media to smear the opposition and ensure his re-election.

Russia

MEDIA NOT FREE, SAYS JOURNALIST

More than a decade after the introduction of democracy in Russia, the media is far from free, says journalist Grigory Pasko.

Turkey

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX SUIVENT DE PRÈS LES PROCÈS METTANT EN CAUSE DES AFFAIRES DE LIBERTÉ DE PAROLE

Turkey

MIEMBROS DE IFEX VIGILAN JUICIOS DE LIBERTAD DE PALABRA

Turkey

IFEX MEMBERS TO MONITOR FREE SPEECH TRIALS

International free expression groups will be watching Turkey closely in March when a writer and a publisher accused of insulting the government and inciting hatred go on trial. The International Publishers Association (IPA), Norwegian PEN, the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) and Human Rights Watch will be sending observers to Turkey to monitor the trials of Fikret Baskaya and Ragip Zarakolu.

Poland

LES LOIS PÉNALES SUR LA DIFFAMATION ENTRAVENT LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Tajikistan

LA SITUATION DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION S'ENVENIME À LA VEILLE DES ÉLECTIONS

Poland

LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN PENAL OBSTACULIZAN LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Tajikistan

LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EMPEORA EN PERIODO PREVIO A ELECCIONES

Poland

CRIMINAL DEFAMATION LAWS HAMPER FREE EXPRESSION

Poland's criminal defamation laws have come under heavy criticism from the International Press Institute (IPI), ARTICLE 19 and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), who say recent court decisions could set a dangerous legal precedent for freedom of expression in the country. They argue that the laws conflict with the European Convention on Human Rights, a treaty to which Poland became a signatory when it joined the European Union in 2004.

Tajikistan

FREE EXPRESSION WORSENING AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

Press freedom conditions in Tajikistan are worsening as the country prepares for parliamentary elections on 27 February 2005, according to Adil Soz and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Azerbaijan

AGISSEZ ! AZERBAÏDJAN : DEUX JOURNALISTES SONT INCARCÉRÉS

Ukraine

IOUCHTCHENKO EST PRIÉ INSTAMMENT DE « ROMPRE AVEC LE PASSÉ »

Azerbaijan

¡ACTÚE! AZERBAIYÁN: DOS PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS

Ukraine

INSTAN A YUSHCHENKO A "ROMPER CON EL PASADO"

Azerbaijan

AZERBAIJAN: TWO JOURNALISTS IMPRISONED

25 January 2005

Ukraine

YUSHCHENKO URGED TO "BREAK WITH THE PAST"

As Ukraine's newly elected president Viktor Yushchenko celebrates his inauguration this week, IFEX members are urging him to break with the country's past and fulfill his promises of fostering an environment that promotes press freedom and ends restrictions on journalists.

Azerbaijan

L'IIP APPUIE UNE CAMPAGNE EN FAVEUR DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Azerbaijan

IPI APOYA CAMPAÑA DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Azerbaijan

IPI SUPPORTS PRESS FREEDOM CAMPAIGN

The International Press Institute (IPI) is launching a campaign with a coalition of 15 journalist associations in Azerbaijan aimed at focusing more international attention on deteriorating press freedom conditions in the country.

Belarus

LE PEN DE NORVÈGE PRÉPARE UNE MISSION AU BÉLARUS

Belarus

PEN NORUEGO PLANEA MISIÓN A BIELORRUSIA

Belarus

NORWEGIAN PEN PLANS MISSION TO BELARUS

Norwegian PEN is planning to lead a delegation of writers and publishers to Belarus in February 2005 to strengthen support for colleagues in the former Soviet republic. The IFEX member will visit the country from 15 to 20 February and meet with representatives from the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) and the Belarusian PEN Centre.

Turkey

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXPRIMENT LEUR PRÉOCCUPATION CONCERNANT LA LIBRE EXPRESSION DANS LES DISCUSSIONS AVEC L'UNION EUROPÉENNE

Turkey

MIEMBROS DE IFEX DESTACAN INQUIETUDES SOBRE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN MEDIO DE CONVERSACIONES DE UE

Turkey

IFEX MEMBERS HIGHLIGHT FREE EXPRESSION CONCERNS AMIDST EU TALKS

As Turkey took one step closer toward membership in the European Union (EU) with the agreement last week to begin formal accession talks, IFEX members focused attention on the need to continue pressing the Turkish government on its free expression record.

Russia

L'AMJ TIENDRA SON CONGRÈS DE 2006 À MOSCOU

Azerbaijan

DES JOURNALISTES ARMÉNIENS ET AZÉRIS ÉTABLISSENT UN DIALOGUE EN PLEIN CONFLIT

Russia

WAN CELEBRARÁ CONGRESO 2006 EN MOSCÚ

Azerbaijan

PERIODISTAS ARMENIOS Y AZERÍES CONSTRUYEN DIÁLOGO EN MEDIO DE CONFLICTO

Russia

WAN TO HOLD 2006 CONGRESS IN MOSCOW

The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) aims to focus international media attention on press freedom in Russia when it holds its 2006 congress in Moscow, saying it will be an opportunity to gauge the state of democracy a decade after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Azerbaijan

ARMENIAN, AZERI JOURNALISTS FORGE DIALOGUE AMIDST CONFLICT

Nagorno-Karabakh, an enclave in the Caucasus region that has seen heavy fighting in the past between Armenia and Azerbaijan, is a place that provokes fiery debate and even deep-seated hatred among citizens of both countries. Local journalists compare it to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and governments on both sides use the media to stoke fear and fan the flames of ethnic tension.

Ukraine

DES JOURNALISTES SE RÉVOLTENT CONTRE LA COUVERTURE TENDANCIEUSE DES MÉDIAS

Ukraine

PERIODISTAS SE REBELAN CONTRA COBERTURA DE MEDIOS TENDENCIOSA

Ukraine

JOURNALISTS REVOLT AGAINST BIASED MEDIA COVERAGE

As hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians continue to demonstrate in Kiev in support of opposition leader Viktor Yuschenko, a growing number of journalists are criticising the censorship and intimidation that has marked media coverage of the presidential elections, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Russia

Le Kremlin étouffe la couverture des violations des droits en Tchétchénie, dit Amnistie Internationale

Russia

Kremlin silencia informe sobre abusos en Chechenia: Amnistía Internacional

Chechnya (Russia)

Russian Army Muzzles Reporting on Chechnya Abuses: Amnesty International

Journalists and human rights activists who are trying to inform the international community about abuses in Chechnya are increasingly under attack, says a new report by Amnesty International.

Russia

CONFÉRENCE DE LA FAIFE/IFLA POUR EXAMINER LA CENSURE EN RUSSIE

Ukraine

UN RAPPORT DE LA FIJ DEMANDE INSTAMMENT LA FIN DU PARTI PRIS DANS LA COUVERTURE DES ÉLECTIONS

Russia

FAIFE/IFLA EXAMINARÁN CENSURA EN RUSIA

Ukraine

INFORME DE FIP INSTA A PONER FIN A COBERTURA ELECTORAL TENDENCIOSA

Russia

FAIFE/IFLA TO EXAMINE CENSORSHIP IN RUSSIA

Censorship in Russia, and the role of libraries and journalists in promoting access to information, will be the subjects of a conference in March 2005 sponsored by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).

Ukraine

IFJ REPORT URGES END TO BIASED ELECTION COVERAGE

As Ukrainians headed to the polls on 21 November 2004 for the second round of presidential elections, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) called on authorities to give journalists full access to polling stations and the counting process, and to stop interfering with the media.

Azerbaijan

GOBIERNO PARALIZA LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Netherlands

POLÉMICO CINEASTA ASESINADO

Azerbaijan

LE GOUVERNEMENT FAIT OBSTACLE À UNE LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Netherlands

UN CINÉASTE CONTROVERSÉ EST ASSASSINÉ

Belarus

PERIODISTAS DE BIELORRUSIA GANA PREMIO SAJAROV

Ukraine

PERIODISTAS ASUMEN POSTURA CONTRA CENSURA

Belarus

DES JOURNALISTES DU BÉLARUS REMPORTENT LE PRIX SAKHAROV

Ukraine

DES JOURNALISTES PRENNENT POSITION CONTRE LA CENSURE

Netherlands

CONTROVERSIAL FILMMAKER MURDERED

Dutch filmmaker and newspaper columnist Theo van Gogh was no stranger to controversy. His films provoked outrage from Muslims in the Netherlands and he received death threats. Last week in Amsterdam, he was murdered in broad daylight.

Belarus

BELARUSIAN JOURNALISTS WIN SAKHAROV PRIZE

The European Parliament has awarded the 2004 Sakharov Prize to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) in recognition of the organisation's work in championing independent media.

Ukraine

JOURNALISTS TAKE STAND AGAINST CENSORSHIP

As Ukrainians prepare for a second round of voting this month to determine who will become the next president, local journalists are taking a stand against efforts by media to censor coverage of opposition candidates.

Belarus

REPORTERA ASESINADA, OTROS GOLPEADOS

Belarus

UNE JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉE, D'AUTRES SONT PASSÉS À TABAC

Belarus

REPORTER MURDERED, OTHERS BEATEN

A week after the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, won a controversial referendum that allows him to extend his term in office, IFEX members are raising serious concerns over press freedom conditions in the country. Last week, a journalist was stabbed to death in her home and several others were beaten while covering demonstrations against the government.

Azerbaijan

ARTICLE 19 ASSESSES FREE EXPRESSION CONDITIONS

On 9 June 2004, ARTICLE 19 published a "Statement on Certain Laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan Relating to Freedom of Expression."

United Kingdom

LE FBI ORDONNE UN RAID CONTRE LES SERVEURS D'INDYMEDIA

Belarus

LOUKACHENKO SERRE LA VIS AUX MÉDIAS

Belarus

LUKASHENKO APRIETA TORNILLOS A MEDIOS

United Kingdom

FBI ORDENA OPERATIVO CONTRA SERVIDORES DE INDYMEDIA

United Kingdom

FBI ORDERS RAID ON INDYMEDIA SERVERS

Free expression advocates are calling on authorities in Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to explain why police in London have confiscated two Internet servers used by Indymedia, the alternative independent news service.

Belarus

LUKASHENKO TIGHTENS SCREWS ON MEDIA

As Belarusians vote in a referendum this week to decide whether President Alexander Lukashenko can seek a third term in office in 2006, IFEX members are calling attention to serious restrictions on press freedom in the country.

Turkey

IL FAUT DAVANTAGE DE RÉFORMES POUR SAUVEGARDER LA LIBRE EXPRESSION, DIT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Turkey

SE REQUIEREN MÁS REFORMAS PARA SALVAGUARDAR LIBRE EXPRESIÓN: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Turkey

MORE REFORMS NEEDED TO SAFEGUARD FREE EXPRESSION: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Political reforms in Turkey aimed at securing a coveted membership in the European Union have meant improved conditions for freedom of expression, but more needs to be done, says Human Rights Watch.

Russia

UN RAPPORT DE L'OSCE CRITIQUE LE TRAITEMENT PAR LA RUSSIE DE LA TRAGÉDIE DE BESLAN

Russia

INFORME DE OSCE CRITICA MANEJO DE RUSIA DE TRAGEDIA DE BESLAN

Russia

OSCE CRITICISES RUSSIA'S HANDLING OF BESLAN TRAGEDY

The Russian government has come under criticism from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) press freedom watchdog for failing to "provide truthful information" in a timely manner to news media and the public during the Beslan hostage crisis.

Ukraine

LA SITUATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE SE DÉGRADE À LA VEILLE DES ÉLECTIONS

Ukraine

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EMPEORA ANTES DE ELECCIONES

Ukraine

PRESS FREEDOM WORSENING AHEAD OF ELECTION

As Ukrainians prepare to head to the polls in October 2004 to elect a new president, IFEX members are warning that continuing attacks on independent media threaten the likelihood of a fair election.

Serbia

ARTICLE 19 PROMUEVE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN EN MONTENEGRO

Montenegro

ARTICLE 19 PROMOTES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN MONTENEGRO

ARTICLE 19 joined free expression activists from Southeast Europe last week for an international seminar in Montenegro aimed at supporting local efforts to push for more open governments.

Russia

IMPIDEN A PERIODISTAS CUBRIR TRAGEDIA DE BESLAN

Russia

ON EMPÊCHE DES JOURNALISTES DE COUVRIR LA TRAGÉDIE DE BESLAN

Russia

JOURNALISTS PREVENTED FROM COVERING BESLAN TRAGEDY

In the aftermath of the Beslan hostage crisis in Ossetia, Russia, IFEX members are raising concerns over several incidents in which journalists were prevented from reporting the tragedy. One included a well-known reporter who was poisoned under suspicious circumstances.

Russia

LE CPJ APPELLE DE SES VŒUX LA COOPÉRATION ENTRE LES ÉTATS-UNIS ET LA RUSSIE POUR METTRE FIN À L'IMPUNITÉ

Russia

CPJ HACE LLAMADO A COOPERACIÓN RUSO-ESTADOUNIDENSE PARA PONER FIN A IMPUNIDAD

Russia

CPJ URGES U.S.-RUSSIAN CO-OPERATION TO END IMPUNITY

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is stepping up efforts to challenge impunity in Russia, urging the U.S. and Russian governments to work together to investigate and prosecute the killers of "Forbes" magazine editor Paul Klebnikov and 14 other journalists killed since 2000.

Tajikistan

LES MENACES CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES S'ACCROISSENT

Tajikistan

AUMENTAN AMENAZAS CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Tajikistan

THREATS AGAINST JOURNALISTS INCREASING

Adil Soz and the National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT) are calling attention to increasing threats against journalists in Tajikistan in recent months, where 12 have been targeted since January 2004.

Moldova

DES JOURNALISTES PROTESTENT CONTRE L'INGÉRENCE DU GOUVERNEMENT

Azerbaijan

LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE SE DÉTÉRIORE, DIT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Moldova

PERIODISTAS PROTESTAN POR INTERFERENCIA GUBERNAMENTAL

Azerbaijan

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EN DECADENCIA: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Moldova

JOURNALISTS PROTEST GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE

In Moldova, the Independent Journalism Center (IJC) is raising concerns over the future of the country's state broadcaster, following protests by 100 staff who say the ruling Communist party is trying to prevent TeleRadio Moldova from becoming an independent news provider.

Azerbaijan

PRESS FREEDOM DETERIORATING: HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Press freedom in Azerbaijan has deteriorated since the October 2003 presidential elections, marked by the government's refusal to prosecute police responsible for attacks on journalists, says a new report by Human Rights Watch.

United Kingdom

LES LOIS SUR LA DIFFAMATION JETTENT UN FROID SUR LES

United Kingdom

LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN LANZAN ONDA GÉLIDA SOBRE EDITORES

United Kingdom

LIBEL LAWS CAST CHILL OVER PUBLISHERS

London is known as the "libel capital of the world," a haven for rich and powerful claimants from other countries who are using the courts to stifle scrutiny of their dealings, reports "Index on Censorship" magazine. With financial factors increasingly determining whether publishers choose to defend their writers in English courts, there are fears that the country's libel laws are casting a chill over freedom of expression.

Kazakhstan

RSF DEMANDE AVEC INSTANCE UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LA MORT D'UN JOURNALISTE

Russia

UN DEUXIÈME JOURNALISTE ASSASSINÉ EN UNE SEMAINE

Kazakhstan

RSF PIDE INVESTIGACIÓN DE MUERTE DE PERIODISTA

Russia

SEGUNDO PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN UNA SEMANA

Kazakhstan

RSF URGES PROBE INTO JOURNALIST'S DEATH

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontierès, RSF) has urged the government of Kazakhstan to launch an investigation into the death of Askhat Sharipzhanov, a journalist for an independent online news publication who was hit by a car on 16 July 2004.

Russia

SECOND JOURNALIST KILLED IN A WEEK

Barely a week after Russian-American journalist Paul Klebnikov was murdered in Moscow, another journalist in the Russian capital has been found dead. The body of Payl Pelovan was discovered on 17 July 2004 bearing knife wounds, reports the International Press Institute (IPI).

Russia

L'ÉDITEUR DE FORBES EST ASSASSINÉ

Russia

EDITOR DE FORBES ASESINADO

Azerbaijan

UNE POURSUITE EN DIFFAMATION EST ABANDONNÉE APRÈS AVOIR SOULEVÉ UN TOLLÉ DE PROTESTATIONS DANS LE MONDE

Poland

LES LOIS SUR LA DIFFAMATION INQUIÈTENT LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX

Russia

FORBES EDITOR MURDERED

A chilling message has been sent to journalists in Russia following the murder of Paul Klebnikov, the editor of the Russian edition of "Forbes Magazine" who was shot and killed in Moscow on 9 July 2004.

Azerbaijan

RETIRAN DEMANDA DE DIFAMACIÓN TRAS INDIGNACIÓN MUNDIAL

Poland

MIEMBROS DE IFEX PLANTEAN INQUIETUD POR LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN

Azerbaijan

DEFAMATION CASE DROPPED AFTER WORLDWIDE OUTCRY

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members were pleased to learn this week that criminal charges against a journalist who criticised the mayor of Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, have been dropped following international pressure.

Poland

IFEX MEMBERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER LIBEL LAWS

Poland's libel laws are coming under greater scrutiny in the free-expression community, with four IFEX members voicing concerns in the past week over at least 20 legal actions launched against journalists and independent media in the country.

Russia

ARTICLE 19 LANCE UN GUIDE SUR LA LOI RELATIVE À LA DIFFAMATION EN RUSSIE

Russia

ARTICLE 19 PUBLICA GUÍA DE LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN EN RUSIA

Russia

ARTICLE 19 LAUNCHES GUIDE TO DEFAMATION LAW IN RUSSIA

In Russia, where 60 per cent of all defamation lawsuits are launched by State officials and the majority of defendants are journalists, free-expression advocates face a tough battle.

Azerbaijan

ANÁLISIS DE ARTICLE 19 DE MEJOR APOYO DE AZERBAIYÁN A LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Turkey

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH INFORMA DE PROGRESO LENTO EN REFORMAS

Turkey

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH SIGNALE PEU DE PROGRÈS DANS LES RÉFORMES

Turkey

AGISSEZ! TURQUIE: HAKAN ALBAYRAK

Montenegro

LA FIJ CRITIQUE UN RAPPORT DE L'OSCE SUR LE KOSOVO

Turkey

L'AMJ ENCOURAGE LE PROGRÈS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Montenegro

UN RÉDACTEUR EN CHEF EST ASSASSINÉ

Serbia

SEENPM presenta investigación de propiedad de medios de comunicación

Serbia

FIP CRITICA INFORME DE OSCE SOBRE KOSOVO

Turkey

WAN ALIENTA AVANCES EN LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Serbia

EDITOR ASESINADO

Montenegro

IFJ CRITICISES OSCE REPORT ON KOSOVO

A report by the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which criticises Kosovo's media for inflaming ethnic conflicts last March, sends the wrong message to governments and risks damaging the efforts of press freedom advocates, says the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Turkey

WAN ENCOURAGES PROGRESS ON PRESS FREEDOM

Turkey's efforts to change its laws in conformity with European standards on freedom of expression can set a positive example for Islamic countries where these rights are outlawed, says the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Montenegro

EDITOR MURDERED

Five IFEX members are calling on authorities in Serbia and Montenegro to pursue a thorough investigation into the murder of Dusko Jovanovic, the editor-in-chief of the opposition newspaper "Dan" who was shot and killed in the city of Podgorica on 28 May 2004.

Ukraine

FIP CONFRONTA A PRIMER MINISTRO POR HISTORIAL DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Serbia

OSCE critica "informes sensacionalistas" de medios de Kosovo

Ukraine

LA FIJ CONFRONTE LE PREMIER MINISTRE SUR SON BILAN EN MATIÈRE DE LIBERTÉ DE PRESSE

Montenegro

L'OSCE critique le « sensationnalisme » des médias au Kosovo

Ukraine

IFJ CONFRONTS PRIME MINISTER OVER PRESS FREEDOM RECORD

On a visit to Belgium last week, Ukraine's prime minister, Viktor Yanukovych, hadn't expected to answer questions about threats to press freedom in his country. These came after the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) confronted him on 19 May 2004 with a "catalogue of concerns," including the unsolved murder of leading journalist Gyorgy Gongadze and some 40 cases of intimidation against journalists and independent media outlets in the past year.

Montenegro

OSCE Criticises Kosovo Media's "Sensationalist Reporting"

Broadcast media in Kosovo did a great disservice to peace and democracy efforts by partly fueling the ethnic violence which saw 19 people killed in March 2004 and hundreds of Serbian homes set ablaze, says the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) Representative on Media Freedom.

Romania

LOS HÁBITOS ADQUIRIDOS TARDAN EN DESAPARECER: INFORME DE RSF

Russia

CAMARÓGRAFO DE REUTERS ASESINADO

Romania

RAPPORT DE RSF : LES VIEILLES HABITUDES SE PERDENT DIFFICILEMENT

Russia

UN CAMÉRAMAN DE REUTERS PERD LA VIE

Romania

OLD HABITS DIE HARD: RSF REPORT

Fourteen years after the fall of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's regime and the reintroduction of democracy, press freedom is still fragile, says Reporters Withou Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). The organisation issued a report on the country last week following an investigative mission to Romania in late March 2004.

Russia

REUTERS CAMERAMAN KILLED

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is mourning the death of Reuters cameraman Adlan Khasanov, who was killed by a bomb attack on 10 May 2004 in the Chechen capital of Grozny.

Armenia

ARTICLE 19 PLAIDE POUR DES GARANTIES JURIDIQUES EN FAVEUR DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Uzbekistan

CITANT LA SITUATION DÉPLORABLE DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE, UNE BANQUE EUROPÉENNE RETIRE SON AIDE

Armenia

ARTICLE 19 INSTA A ESTABLECER SALVAGUARDAS LEGALES PARA LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Uzbekistan

BANCO EUROPEO DE DESARROLLO RETIRA AYUDA Y CITA EXPEDIENTE DEFICIENTE DE DERECHOS HUMANOS

Armenia

ARTICLE 19 URGES LEGAL SAFEGUARDS FOR FREE EXPRESSION

ARTICLE 19 has joined press-freedom organisations in Armenia in urging the government to bring its laws in line with European standards on freedom of expression. The IFEX member says while Armenia has made progress in guaranteeing legal protection for free expression, serious concerns remain.

Uzbekistan

EUROPEAN BANK WITHDRAWS AID, CITING POOR HUMAN RIGHTS

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has decided to scale back aid to Uzbekistan because of the country's poor human rights record, following the publication of a major report by Human Rights Watch.

Romania

RSF DÉPÊCHE UNE DÉLÉGATION EN ROUMANIE

Romania

RSF ENVIARÁ DELEGACIÓN A RUMANIA

Romania

RSF SENDS DELEGATION TO ROMANIA

A Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) delegation is visiting Romania from 24 March to 1 April, 2004 to investigate threats to press freedom and journalists' safety.

Uzbekistan

UZBEKISTÁN: ESCRIBA UNA CARTA DE APOYO A PERIODISTA ENCARCELADO

Uzbekistan

OUZBÉKISTAN : ENVOYEZ UNE LETTRE D'APPUI À UN JOURNALISTE EMPRISONNÉ

Georgia

TRATO SEVERO A PERIODISTA; LEYES SEVERAS

Ukraine

¿MUERTE DE PERIODISTA Y ALLANAMIENTO DE ESTACIÓN DE RADIO SON PARTE DE UN PATRÓN?

Georgia

LES JOURNALISTES SONT TRAITÉS DUREMENT, LES LOIS SONT DURES

Ukraine

LA MORT D'UN JOURNALISTE, UNE DESCENTE DANS UNE STATION DE RADIO : UNE TENDANCE?

Georgia

HARSH TREATMENT OF JOURNALISTS, HARSH LAWS

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported on 5 March, 2004, that Vakhtang Komakhidze, a reporter for the "60 Minutes" programme on independent television station Rustavi-2, was brutally attacked that day in the autonomous republic of Ajaria in southern Georgia.

Ukraine

JOURNALIST'S DEATH, RADIO STATION RAID PART OF A PATTERN?

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) questioned whether the death on 3 March 2004 of Yuriy Chechyk, director of Radio Yuta in Poltava, is part of a pattern.

Ukraine

MIEMBROS DE IFEX SOLICITAN PAPEL DE VIGILANCIA EN INVESTIGACIÓN DE ASESINATO

Ukraine

LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX DEMANDENT À JOUER UN RÔLE DE SURVEILLANCE DANS UNE ENQUÊTE SUR UN MEURTRE

Ukraine

IFEX MEMBERS REQUEST MONITORING ROLE IN MURDER PROBE

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), ARTICLE 19 and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have urged Ukraine's attorney general to give civil society groups a supervisory role in monitoring a government inquiry into the murder of journalist Georgiy Gongadze.

Kazakhstan

DES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX TIRENT LA SONNETTE D'ALARME À PROPOS D'UN AVANT-PROJET DE LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Kazakhstan

MIEMBROS DE IFEX DAN LA ALARMA POR PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS

Kazakhstan

IFEX MEMBERS RAISE ALARM OVER DRAFT MEDIA LAW

Amidst deteriorating press-freedom conditions in Kazakhstan, four IFEX members are warning that a draft media law being considered by the country's Senate will give the government greater powers to clamp down on the independent media.

Azerbaijan

GOBIERNO COMETE GRAVES VIOLACIONES A LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS

Azerbaijan

LE GOUVERNEMENT COMMET DES VIOLATIONS GRAVES DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE

Azerbaijan

GOVERNMENT COMMITTING GRAVE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

Azerbaijan is suffering its worst human rights crisis in a decade, with government forces committing torture, beatings and widespread arrests against the country's political opposition, Human Rights Watch says in a new report.

Ukraine

LE DIRECTEUR D'UNE PUBLICATION EST TROUVÉ PENDU

Ukraine

ENCUENTRAN A EDITOR

Ukraine

EDITOR FOUND HANGED

Volodymyr Karachevtsev, the deputy editor-in-chief of the weekly Ukrainian newspaper "Kurier," was found dead in his home in the city of Melitopol on 14 December 2003, prompting Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI) to demand an immediate investigation.

France

RSF OUVRE UN REFUGE POUR JOURNALISTES EXILÉS

Romania

LA SITUATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE SE DÉTÉRIORE, DIT FREEDOM HOUSE

Italy

VETO À UNE PROPOSITION DE LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

France

RSF ABRE REFUGIO PARA PERIODISTAS EXILIADOS

Romania

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EMPEORA, DICE FREEDOM HOUSE (CASA DE LA LIBERTAD)

Italy

VETAN PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS

France

RSF OPENS REFUGE FOR EXILED JOURNALISTS

Journalists forced into exile in France because of their work now have a temporary refuge upon arrival in Paris, thanks to Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and 20 media companies and organisations.

Romania

PRESS FREEDOM WORSENING, SAYS FREEDOM HOUSE

In Romania, 13 journalists have been physically attacked this year, reports Freedom House. On 3 December, Ino Ardelean became the 14th. A journalist for "Evenimentul Zilei," a newspaper in Timisoara, Ardelean was beaten unconscious by unknown thugs while walking home.

Italy

PROPOSED MEDIA LAW VETOED

Numerous IFEX members have welcomed a move by Italy's President, Carlo Ciampi, to veto a proposed bill that would have given Prime Minister and media magnate Silvio Berlusconi greater control over the country's media markets.

Croatia

Des bibliothécaires croates font la promotion de l'accès à l'information

Croatia

Bibliotecarios croatas promueven acceso a la información

Croatia

CROATIAN LIBRARIANS PROMOTE ACCESS TO INFORMATION

To mark Human Rights Day on 10 December, the Croatian Library Association Committee for Freedom of Expression and Free Access to Information is hosting its third annual round table discussion in Zagreb on improving public access to library services.

Azerbaijan

LA CAMPAGNE DU GOUVERNEMENT CIBLE LA PRESSE D'OPPOSITION

Ukraine

LA FIJ OUVRE UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LE MEURTRE DE GONGADZE

Azerbaijan

CAMPAÑA DE GOBIERNO ATACA PRENSA DE OPOSICIÓN

Ukraine

FIP INICIA INVESTIGACIÓN DE ASESINATO DE GONGADZE

Ukraine

IFJ LAUNCHES INQUIRY INTO GONGADZE MURDER

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has launched an inquiry into the murder of Ukrainian journalist Gyorgy Gongadaze aimed at shedding light on the legal and institutional barriers to press freedom in the country.

Kyrgyzstan

OUVERTURE DE LA PREMIÈRE IMPRIMERIE INDÉPENDANTE

Belarus

LE PEN LANCE UNE CAMPAGNE ÉPISTOLAIRE

Kyrgyzstan

SE ABRE PRIMER TALLER DE IMPRESIÓN INDEPENDIENTE

Belarus

PEN INICIA CAMPAÑA DE ENVÍO DE CARTAS

Kyrgyzstan

FIRST INDEPENDENT PRINTING PRESS OPENS

Freedom of expression in Kyrgyzstan has taken a small step forward with the opening of the country's first independently owned printing press, reports Freedom House.

Belarus

PEN LAUNCHES LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGN

The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) has launched a campaign to focus attention on the deterioration of free-expression conditions in Belarus. From 12 November to 10 December, 2003, the organisation is calling on PEN Centres and free-expression supporters to write letters to the Belarusian government.

Montenegro

« PLUS ÇA CHANGE... »

Serbia

"CUANTO MÁS CAMBIAN LAS COSAS"

Montenegro

"THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…"

Three years after the fall of former dictator Slobodan Milosevic and the introduction of democracy, the ghosts of Serbia and Montenegro's repressive past still appear to be haunting the country's media, says a new report by the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM).

Turkey

Expertos en derechos humanos de ONU visitarán Birmania y Turquía

Russia

PERIODISTAS HACEN LLAMADO POR LIBERACIÓN DE REPORTERO SECUESTRADO

Ukraine

MEDIOS "ATACADOS", DICE INFORME DE FREEDOM HOUSE

Russia

DES JOURNALISTES LANCENT UN APPEL POUR FAIRE LIBÉRER UN REPORTER ENLEVÉ

Ukraine

LES MÉDIAS « SONT AGRESSÉS », DIT UN RAPPORT DE FREEDOM HOUSE

Russia

JOURNALISTS APPEAL FOR KIDNAPPED REPORTER'S RELEASE

Ten Agence-France Presse (AFP) journalists, themselves former hostages in Lebanon, Philippines and Colombia, have petitioned Russian president Vladimir Putin for the release of their colleague Ali Astamirov, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) has learned.

Ukraine

MEDIA "UNDER ASSAULT," SAYS FREEDOM HOUSE REPORT

Freedom House, Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) are urging the international community to exert pressure on the Ukrainian government, whose president, Leonid Kuchma, is tightening his grip on freedom of expression.

Montenegro

DES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS OUVRENT UNE PREMIÈRE PRESSE À IMPRIMER

Serbia

MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES ABREN PRIMER TALLER DE IMPRESIÓN

Montenegro

INDEPENDENT MEDIA OPEN FIRST PRINTING PLANT

Serbia and Montenegro's fledgling media now have a printing plant to call their own, thanks to support from the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). The Association of Private Media, a local consortium of 12 independent newspapers, has recently opened a new printing plant in Belgrade - the first in the country owned by independent media.

Azerbaijan

AZERBAÏDJAN : UN GRAND NOMBRE DE JOURNALISTES ATTAQUÉS PENDANT LES ÉLECTIONS

Azerbaijan

VEINTENAS DE PERIODISTAS AGREDIDOS DURANTE ELECCIONES

Azerbaijan

SCORES OF JOURNALISTS ATTACKED DURING ELECTIONS

Dozens of journalists in Azerbaijan have been injured covering presidential elections and post-electoral clashes between opposition protesters and authorities, prompting calls of concern from IFEX members.

Uzbekistan

LE WIPC LANCE UNE CAMPAGNE POUR FAIRE LIBÉRER LES ÉCRIVAINS EMPRISONNÉS

Russia

LE RÉDACTEUR EN CHEF D'UN JOURNAL EST ASSASSINÉ

Uzbekistan

WIPC INICIA CAMPAÑA PARA LIBERAR A ESCRITORES ENCARCELADOS

Russia

EDITOR DE PERIÓDICO ASESINADO

Uzbekistan

WiPC LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO FREE JAILED WRITERS

The Writers in Prison of International PEN (WiPC) is launching a campaign this week to draw international attention to free-expression conditions in Uzbekistan, where it says a government crackdown on journalists and human rights defenders is intensifying.

Russia

NEWSPAPER EDITOR ASSASSINATED

"Tolyatinskoye Obozreniye" (Togliatti Review), the largest circulation daily in Togliatti, Russia, lost its second editor-in-chief in 18 months to homicide last week, following the assassination of Aleksei Sidorov on 9 October, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Moldova

MOLDOVIE : L'IJC ET ARTICLE 19 FONT ÉQUIPE POUR UN PROJET SUR LA LIBERTÉ D'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Moldova

IJC Y ARTICLE 19 FORMAN EQUIPO PARA PROYECTO DE LDI

Moldova

IJC, ARTICLE 19 TEAM UP FOR FOI PROJECT

The Independent Journalism Center (IJC) is teaming up with ARTICLE 19 to expand free-expression training and research in Moldova this year.

Kyrgyzstan

FREEDOM HOUSE ET L'AMJ DEMANDENT AVEC INSISTANCE LA TENUE D'UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LA MORT D'UN JOURNALISTE

Russia

LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX DÉNONCENT L'« AGRESSION » CONTRE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Kyrgyzstan

FREEDOM HOUSE Y WAN INSTAN A INICIAR INVESTIGACIÓN DE MUERTE DE PERIODISTA

Russia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX DEPLORAN "ATAQUE" A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Kyrgyzstan

FREEDOM HOUSE, WAN URGE PROBE INTO JOURNALIST'S DEATH

Freedom House and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) are calling on the government of Kyrgyzstan to launch an independent investigation into the death of journalist Ernest Nazalov, whose body was reportedly found in a river on 15 September in the region of Osh Oblast.

Russia

IFEX MEMBERS DECRY "ASSAULT" ON PRESS FREEDOM

As Russia looks ahead to parliamentary elections in December, Freedom House and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are drawing attention to press-freedom conditions in the country, warning that President Putin's "alarming assault" on the country's independent press is jeopardising Russia's future stability and prosperity.

Turkey

MIEMBROS DE IFEX PARTICIPAN EN CONFERENCIA DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN TURQUÍA

Belarus

RSF ADVIERTE DE EMPEORAMIENTO DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Turkey

LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX PARTICIPENT EN TURQUIE À UNE CONFÉRENCE SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Belarus

RSF MET EN GARDE CONTRE LA DÉTÉRIORATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Turkey

IFEX MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN TURKISH FREE-EXPRESSION CONFERENCE

Human Rights Watch, ARTICLE 19 and International PEN will be participating in a conference in Istanbul, Turkey from 23 to 26 October, bringing together local and international human rights groups to assess the state of free expression in the country.

Belarus

RSF WARNS OF WORSENING PRESS FREEDOM

Press-freedom conditions in Belarus are worsening, with independent newspapers under threat as never before, warns Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). The organisation says at least 10 publications have been suspended, prevented from publishing or refused official registration since January 2003.

Moldova

L'IJC LANCE UN NOUVEAU NUMÉRO DE SON MAGAZINE

Moldova

IJC PRESENTA NUEVA EDICIÓN DE REVISTA

Moldova

IJC LAUNCHES NEW ISSUE OF MAGAZINE

The Independent Journalism Center (IJC) in Moldova has released the latest issue of its bi-annual magazine "Mass Media in Moldova," which includes articles on how local media covered the country's recent elections, the state of Internet journalism and media ethics. A special section of the magazine examines Moldova's new access-to-information law.

Ukraine

Internews vient en aide aux médias indépendants d'Ukraine

Ukraine

Internews Assists Independent Media in Ukraine

Internews has announced the launch of a major program to support independent media in Ukraine, following the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)'s awarding of a five-year grant to the media development organisation.

Tajikistan

LE CPJ DEMANDE AVEC INSTANCE UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LES ASSASSINATS DE

Tajikistan

CPJ INSTA A INVESTIGACIÓN SOBRE PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS

Tajikistan

CPJ DELEGATION URGES PROBE INTO MURDERED JOURNALISTS

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) sent a delegation to Tajikistan last week and expressed concerns over the unsolved murders of journalists and the government's "culture of secrecy." After meeting with government officials, journalists and diplomats, the delegation urged the government of Tajikistan to investigate and prosecute those responsible for murdering dozens of journalists during the 1992-1997 civil war.

Ukraine

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT DANS UN ACCIDENT DE VOITURE

Ukraine

PERIODISTA MUERTO EN ACCIDENTE DE AUTOMÓVIL

Ukraine

UKRAINE: JOURNALIST KILLED IN CAR CRASH

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are calling on the Ukrainian government to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the 14 July death of journalist Vladimir Efremov. Efremov, a correspondent for the press freedom organisation, Institute of Mass Information, died when his car collided with a truck near the eastern town of Verkhnyodniprovsk, RSF reports.

Kazakhstan

UN RAPPORT DE L'IIP SOUTIENT QUE LE PROJET DE LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS EST PROFONDÉMENT DÉFECTUEUX

Ukraine

LA LOI MENACE LA PROTECTION DES SOURCES DES JOURNALISTES, DIT LA FIJ

Kazakhstan

IPI REPORT SAYS DRAFT MEDIA LAW DEEPLY FLAWED

A proposed media law introduced by the Kazakhstani government contains provisions that stray so far from international standards on press freedom that it is difficult not to see it as an attempt to control and intimidate the media, warns the International Press Institute (IPI). In a report released on 14 July, IPI says the "Law Concerning Mass Media" is flawed and should be reviewed in an open process involving local journalists and international organisations.

Ukraine

LAW THREATENS PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS' SOURCES, SAYS IFJ

Calling it "one of the greatest threats on press freedom in the post-Soviet era," the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the Ukrainian Parliament for adopting legislation outlawing journalists' rights to protect their sources. Passed on 9 July, the law gives authorities powers to detain journalists suspected of revealing State secrets.

Belarus

WAN AWARDS GOLDEN PEN OF FREEDOM TO JOURNALISTS

The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) presented its 2003 Golden Pen of Freedom award last week to the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), praising the organisation for its courageous resistance to President Aleksandr Lukashenko's repression of the media. The presentation was made at WAN's 56th World Newspaper Congress in Dublin.

Turkey

PEN CAMPAIGN URGES TURKEY TO GO "ONE STEP FURTHER"

Turkey may finally be on its way to joining the European Union (EU), but freedom of expression in the country is a long way from being respected, says the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC).

Russia

TV STATION OWNER MURDERED

Dmitri Shvets, co-owner and deputy managing director of an independent television station in Murmansk, northwest Russia, was shot and killed outside his offices by an unknown assailant on 18 April, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Italy

UNE LOI « MONSTRUEUSE » SUR LES MÉDIAS PERMET LA PROPRIÉTÉ CROISÉE DES MÉDIAS

Russia

RATIFIENT UN ENGAGEMENT DE RESTREINDRE LA COUVERTURE DES ATTENTATS TERRORISTES

Italy

"MONSTRUOSA" LEY DE MEDIOS PERMITE PROPIEDAD CRUZADA DE MEDIOS

Russia

MEDIOS FIRMAN PROMESA DE RESTRINGIR COBERTURA DE TERRORISMO

Italy

"MONSTROUS" LAW ALLOWS MEDIA CROSS-OWNERSHIP

The International Federation of Journalists' (IFJ) regional body in Europe has raised concerns over what it calls a "monstrous and dangerous" new media law in Italy that will endanger pluralism and reinforce media concentration.

Russia

MEDIA SIGN PLEDGE TO RESTRICT TERRORISM COVERAGE

In a sign that the Russian media's ability to report on terrorism could be weakened further, the directors of several leading national broadcasters have signed a voluntary agreement to restrict coverage of terrorism, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Ukraine

FIP Y HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH CONDENAN AMORDAZAMIENTO DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Ukraine

LA FIJ ET HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH DÉNONCENT LE MUSELLEMENT DE LA PRESSE

Ukraine

IFJ, HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH CONDEMN MUZZLING OF PRESS FREEDOM

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has released a report condemning the Ukrainian government for failing to meet European standards of press freedom and stalling an investigation into the murder of a leading journalist.

Romania

DÉCOUVERTE DU CADAVRE D?UN JOURNALISTE DISPARU

Romania

ENCUENTRAN CUERPO DE PERIODISTA DESAPARECIDO

Romania

MISSING JOURNALIST'S BODY FOUND

Romanian authorities have discovered the body of Iosif Costinas near the village of Pischia nine months after the journalist disappeared, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Ukraine

DES TESTS D?ADN CONFIRMENT L?IDENTITÉ D?UN JOURNALISTE ASSASSINÉ

Norway

UN NOUVEAU CENTRE DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION POUR SOUTENIR LES ÉCRIVAINS EN EXIL

Montenegro

DES MÉDIAS SONT INTERDITS APRÈS L?ASSASSINAT DE DJINDJIC

Norway

NUEVO CENTRO DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN APOYA A ESCRITORES EXILIADOS

Ukraine

PRUEBAS DE ADN CONFIRMAN IDENTIDAD DE PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Serbia

IMPONEN PROHIBICIÓN DE MEDIOS TRAS ASESINATO DE DJINDJIC

Norway

NEW FREE-EXPRESSION CENTRE SUPPORTS EXILED WRITERS

The city of Stavanger in Norway has opened a new centre to support exiled writers and promote and monitor freedom of expression, Norwegian PEN has announced. Xpress will support writers who have sought asylum in Norway by helping them use their newly acquired freedom of expression through writing, films or theatre.

Ukraine

DNA TESTS CONFIRM IDENTIFY OF SLAIN JOURNALIST

More than two years after the body of Georgiy Gongadze was found in a forest near Kiev, the disappeared journalist's mother can now bury him knowing he is her son, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). DNA tests conducted by an independent team of Swiss experts have confirmed that the body found on 2 November 2000 is Lessia Gongadze's son.

Montenegro

MEDIA BAN IMPOSED AFTER DJINDJIC ASSASSINATION

In the wake of the assassination of Serbian prime minister Zoran Djindjic last week and the imposition of a state of emergency, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Serbian government to maintain the free flow of information following news that restrictions have been placed on the media.

Serbia

CONFERENCIA EXAMINA LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN

Montenegro

UNE CONFÉRENCE SE PENCHE SUR LA DIFFAMATION

Montenegro

CONFERENCE EXAMINES DEFAMATION LAWS

Serbia's defamation laws and their impacts on journalists will come under the microscope this week when legal experts, journalists, judges and government officials meet in Belgrade for a conference promoting legal reform.

Spain

FERMETURE D?UN JOURNAL BASQUE

Spain

PERIÓDICO VASCO CLAUSURADO

Spain

BASQUE NEWSPAPER SHUT DOWN

The only daily newspaper in Spain published in the Basque language has been shut down after being accused of supporting the armed separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA), eliciting calls of concern from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Poland

WAN NOMBRA EXPERTOS LEGALES PARA VIGILAR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Azerbaijan

CONGRESO ANALIZARÁ CONSEJO DE PRENSA Y CÓDIGO DE ÉTICA

Georgia

"GRAVE PREOCUPACIÓN" POR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA: CONSEJO DE EUROPA

Georgia

INQUIÉTUDE » AU SUJET DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE, DIT LE CONSEIL DE L?EUROPE

Poland

DES EXPERTS JURIDIQUES POUR SUIVRE LA SITUATION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Azerbaijan

LE CONGRÈS S?APPRÊTE À DISCUTER CONSEIL DE PRESSE ET CODE D?ÉTHIQUE

Russia

RUSSIAN JOURNALIST WINS OSCE JOURNALISM PRIZE

Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya has been awarded the 2003 OSCE Prize for Journalism and Democracy in recognition of her courageous and professional reporting on human rights abuses in Chechnya, reports IJNet (

Azerbaijan

CONGRESS TO DISCUSS PRESS COUNCIL, CODE OF ETHICS

More than 500 journalists in Azerbaijan are expected to attend a congress in the capital Baku next month to discuss the formation of a press council and adoption of a new code of ethics, reports the Journalists' Trade Union (JuHI). The purpose of the Press Council would be to resolve problems, such as accusations of libel or defamation, before they are taken to the courts.

Georgia

"SERIOUS CONCERN" OVER PRESS FREEDOM: COUNCIL OF EUROPE

Harassment and physical attacks against journalists, and a government proposal to stiffen penalties for the defamation of public officials, are giving rise to serious concern about press freedom in Georgia, says a new report released by the Council of Europe.

Poland

WAN APPOINTS LAW EXPERTS TO MONITOR PRESS FREEDOM

In Poland, where the publisher of independent newspaper "Rzeczpospolita" is facing increased legal harassment from authorities, the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has appointed two international media law experts to pay closer scrutiny to the press-freedom situation there.

Azerbaijan

RSF DÉNONCE LE HARCÈLEMENT JUDICIAIRE DES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS

Azerbaijan

RSF DEPLORA ACOSO LEGAL A MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

Azerbaijan

RSF DECRIES LEGAL HARASSMENT OF INDEPENDENT MEDIA

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) has expressed alarm at the government's harassment of independent media in Azerbaijan, where more than 30 formal complaints have been filed against the private press in the past year, most of them by government employees.

Turkmenistan

L?OSCE DÉNONCE AVEC VIGUEUR LES MÉTHODES DE PROPAGANDE STALINIENNES

Russia

GRIGORY PASKO EST REMIS EN LIBERTÉ

Turkmenistan

OSCE CRITICA MÉTODOS DE PROPAGANDA "ESTALINISTAS"

Russia

LIBERAN A GRIGORY PASKO

Russia

GRIGORY PASKO RELEASED

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) have welcomed the release of jailed Russian journalist Grigory Pasko, who was granted parole on 23 January. The journalist has served two-thirds of his four-year sentence and was granted parole for 16 months. State prosecutors are considering appealing his release, notes WiPC.

Turkmenistan

OSCE BLASTS STALINIST PROPAGANDA METHODS

Freimut Duve, the Organization for Security and Co-operation's (OSCE) Media Freedom Representative, has condemned the government of Turkmenistan for using the media to humiliate and terrorise political opponents and critics.

Germany

LA LIBRE EXPRESSION MENACÉE SUR INTERNET?

Romania

NAISSANCE D?UN NOUVEAU GROUPE DE DÉFENSE DE LA LIBERTÉ D?EXPRESSION

Romania

CREAN NUEVO GRUPO DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Germany

¿LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN INTERNET AMENAZADA?

Romania

NEW FREE EXPRESSION GROUP LAUNCHED

Twenty six media organisations and journalist associations in Romania have come together to form a common front aimed at strengthening the promotion and protection of free expression in the country, reports the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ).

Germany

INTERNET FREE EXPRESSION THREATENED?

There are worrying signs that Internet free expression in Germany may not be so free, reports Index on Censorship (INDEX). Last week, a German judge acquitted an individual of charges of "endorsing criminality" after he posted a deliberately sarcastic note on a German website about the 11 September attacks on the United States.

Kazakhstan

JAILED KAZAKHSTANI JOURNALIST WINS HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD

A jailed Kazakhstani journalist was among five individuals honoured last month by the International League for Human Rights (ILHR) for reporting in the face of danger. At an awards ceremony on 9 December, ILHR saluted the individuals "who day-in and day-out choose to do the right thing against all odds."

Armenia

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Armenia

JOURNALIST KILLED

Armenian authorities have launched an investigation into the death of journalist Tigran Nagdalian who was shot and killed outside his parents’ home in Yerevan on 28 December, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontieres, RSF) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Ukraine

HRW EXIGE LA FIN DE LA CENSURE DES NOUVELLES TÉLÉVISÉES PAR L?ÉTAT

Ukraine

HRW INSTA A PONER FIN A CENSURA ESTATAL DE NOTICIAS DE TV

Ukraine

HRW URGES END TO STATE CENSORSHIP OF TV NEWS

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for an end to state censorship of television news broadcasts, following revelations that the office of President Leonid Kuchma routinely instructs news editors on what to report in their programs.

Russia

POUTINE OPPOSE SON VETO À LA LÉGISLATION ANTITERRORISTE

Russia

PUTIN VETA LA LEGISLACIÓN ANTITERRORISMO

Russia

PUTIN VETOES ANTI-TERRORISM LEGISLATION

Russian President Vladimir Putin has vetoed amendments to two laws that, if signed, would have posed a "grave danger" to press freedom in the country, report the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Ukraine

ENCUENTRAN COLGADO A PERIODISTA DESAPARECIDO

Ukraine

UN JOURNALISTE PORTÉ DISPARU EST TROUVÉ PENDU

Ukraine

MISSING JOURNALIST FOUND HANGED

The body of Ukrainian journalist Mikhail Kolomiyets, missing since 21 October, has been found hanged in Belarus, report the World Association of Newspapers and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). A Ukrainian government spokesperson said the cause of death was suicide.

Romania

LES CARICATURISTES RENFORCENT LEURS RÉSEAUX EN EUROPE DE L?EST

Romania

CARTONISTAS FORTALECEN REDES EN EUROPA ORIENTAL

Romania

CARTOONISTS STRENGTHEN NETWORKS IN EASTERN EUROPE

Amongst journalists, cartoonists are often overlooked, isolated, and more prone to attacks because of their higher public profile, participants at a recent Cartoonists' Rights Network (CRN) workshop heard. "Cartoonists clearly need their own professional organisations," CRN said at the conclusion of the workshop, which ran from 19 to 21 October in Sinaia, Romania, and brought together cartoonists from nine countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia and Ukraine.

Uzbekistan

ON CONNAÎT LA CHANSON, DIT UN RAPPORT DU CPJ

Russia

UNE NOUVELLE LOI ANTITERRORISTE RESSERRE L?ÉTAU SUR LES MÉDIAS

Uzbekistan

TODO SIGUE IGUAL, DICE INFORME DE CPJ

Russia

NUEVA LEY ANTITERRORISMO ESTRECHA CONTROL SOBRE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Uzbekistan

SONG REMAINS THE SAME, SAYS CPJ REPORT

Don't be fooled by Uzbek President Islam Karimov's recent gestures to improve freedom of expression in the country and his declaration that the press is "free." It's all part of a media strategy aimed at silencing Western critics while continuing to repress journalists and human rights activists, says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Russia

NEW ANTI-TERRORISM LAW TIGHTENS GRIP ON MEDIA

Amidst the fallout from last week's hostage crisis in Moscow, which killed 117 people, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) are calling attention to growing restrictions on Russian media, including a new law restricting the media from reporting on anti-terrorist operations and publishing statements by terrorist groups.

Belarus

NUEVA LEY RESTRINGE PUBLICACIONES RELIGIOSAS

Belarus

UNE NOUVELLE LOI RESTREINT LES PUBLICATIONS RELIGIEUSES

Belarus

NEW LAW RESTRICTS RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS

ARTICLE 19 and Freedom House have expressed concern over a law the Belarusian government passed earlier this month giving the state powers to shut down religious publications and impose tighter restrictions on the publication and distribution of religious material.

Ukraine

INICIATIVA AGREDE REFORMA DE LEY DE MEDIOS

Ukraine

DES INITIATIVES VISENT À RÉFORMER LA LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Ukraine

INITIATIVES TARGET MEDIA LAW REFORM

ARTICLE 19 has been selected to sit on the board of a new council the Ukraine government has established to look at reforming media laws and gathering public input on the process, reports the International Journalists' Network (www.ijnet.org). ">http://www.ijnet.org">www.ijnet.org).

Russia

VAGUE D?AGRESSIONS CONTRE LA PRESSE

Russia

OLA DE ATAQUES CONTRA LA PRENSA

Russia

WAVE OF ATTACKS TARGET THE PRESS

An "unprecedented" wave of attacks on journalists in Russia's southern city of Penza has left one publishing house employee dead, another abducted and at least eight journalists attacked and threatened in the last six weeks, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Ukraine

DANS L?ENQUÊTE SUR LE MEURTRE D?UN JOURNALISTE

Ukraine

POR FALTA DE AVANCES EN INVESTIGACIÓN DE ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

Ukraine

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED OVER LACK OF PROGRESS IN INVESTIGATION OF MURDERED JOURNALIST

More than two years after the disappearance of Ukrainian journalist Georgy Gongadze, on 16 September 2000, both the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) have openly criticised the Ukrainian government for its lack of progress in identifying those responsible for the crime.

Russia

LA GDF PARTICIPE À UNE VÉRIFICATION DES MÉDIAS RÉGIONAUX

Russia

FDG TOMA PARTE EN AUDITORÍA REGIONAL A MEDIOS

Russia

GDF TAKES PART IN REGIONAL MEDIA AUDIT

The Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) is teaming up with three other Russian organisations to conduct a one-year audit of regional media aimed at strengthening their independence and financial viability, reports Radio Free Europe's "Media Matters." Launched in August with support from the Open Society Institute, the project enables the organisations to provide advice to media outlets to ensure that their activities conform to Russia's existing laws.

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 TIENDRA UN SÉMINAIRE SUR LA SURVEILLANCE DE SCRUTIN

Turkey

INTIMIDE LES JOURNALISTES, SELON UN RAPPORT DE LA FIJ

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 CELEBRARÁ SEMINARIO DE VIGILANCIA DE ELECCIONES

Turkey

CONCENTRACIÓN DE MEDIOS INTIMIDA A PERIODISTAS: INFORME DE FIP

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 TO HOLD ELECTION-MONITORING SEMINAR

ARTICLE 19 is planning to hold a seminar in Belarus next month on the role of the media in local elections. Held jointly with the Council of Europe and the Belarussian Journalists Association, the seminar will take place in Minsk from 26-27 September. It will introduce local journalists to freedom-of-expression principles and international standards regarding election reporting.

Turkey

MEDIA CONCENTRATION INTIMIDATES JOURNALISTS: IFJ REPORT

Media concentration in Turkey, a country where three companies dominate the press, is under heavier scrutiny this week following the release of an International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) report demanding legal changes to protect press freedom. "The balance of power in the Turkish media industry is heavily weighted in favour of ruthless employers in a country where media concentration has reached intolerable levels," says IFJ.

Italy

BERLUSCONI BAJO PRESIÓN MIENTRAS SE CANCELAN PROGRAMAS DE TV QUE LO CRITICAN

Italy

SUITE DE L?ANNULATION D?ÉMISSIONS DE TÉLÉVISION CRITIQUES DE SON GOUVERNEMENT

Italy

BERLUSCONI UNDER PRESSURE AS CRITICAL TV SHOWS CANCELLED

Italian prime minister and media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi is facing mounting pressure from international free-expression groups over his attempts to influence the public broadcaster RAI following news that two television programs critical of Berlusconi will be cancelled.

France

RSF CRAINT QU?UN NOUVEAU PROJET DE LOI NE MENACE LES LIBERTÉS SUR INTERNET

Montenegro

DES PROJETS DE LOI SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION COURENT DE GRAVES DANGERS

France

RSF TEME QUE NUEVO PROYECTO DE LEY AMENACE LIBERTADES EN INTERNET

Serbia

PROYECTOS DE LEY DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN RIESGO

Montenegro

DRAFT FREE-EXPRESSION LAWS IN JEOPARDY

The Association of Independent Media (ANEM), ARTICLE 19, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have expressed concerns that a parliamentary coalition which controls two-thirds of Montenegro's municipalities is trying to scuttle three proposed media laws that would improve free expression in the fledgling republic.

France

RSF FEARS NEW BILL THREATENS INTERNET FREEDOMS

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) is voicing fears that a new bill on internal security passed by the French Senate gives police officers powers to access computer files and seize information stored on internet service providers' (ISP) computer servers. Adopted by the Senate on 31 July, the Loi d'orientation et de programmation sur la sécurité intérieure (LOPSI) sets out the government's new security policies.

Serbia

NUEVA LEY DE MEDIOS CREA DIFUSORA INDEPENDIENTE

Montenegro

LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS VOIT LA CRÉATION D?UN NOUVEAU RADIODIFFUSEUR INDÉPENDANT

Montenegro

NEW MEDIA LAW CREATES INDEPENDENT BROADCASTER

Almost two years after the fall of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic's regime, the Serbian parliament has passed a law that will transform the country's state-run radio and television network into an independent public broadcaster and give it the authority to issue licences to new media, report the Association of the Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Belarus

LES JOURNALISTES SONT LA CIBLE DES LOIS SUR LA DIFFAMATION

Tajikistan

ABANDON DES ACCUSATIONS PORTÉES CONTRE UN JOURNALISTE EN EXIL

Tajikistan

RETIRAN CARGOS CONTRA PERIODISTA EXILIADO

Belarus

USAN LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN PARA ATACAR A PERIODISTAS

Belarus

JOURNALISTS TARGETED BY DEFAMATION LAWS

The use of defamation laws to silence journalists critical of Belarusian president Aleksandr Lukashenko has come under scrutiny following the recent sentencing of two reporters from the independent weekly newspaper "Pahonya." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Press Institute (IPI) and ARTICLE 19 are drawing attention to the 24 June conviction of Mikola Markevich and Paval Mazheika for defaming the president. They were sentenced to up to 2 ½ years of hard labour.

Tajikistan

CHARGES AGAINST EXILED JOURNALIST DROPPED

The government of Tajikistan has dropped criminal charges against exiled journalist Dodojon Atovulloev, editor of the independent newspaper "Chiroghi Ruz" (Day Light), report Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Atovulloev, winner of CJFE's 2001 International Press Freedom Award, was charged in April 2001 for insulting Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov, supporting the violent overthrow of the state and inciting ethnic, racial and religious hatred.

Kazakhstan

DES RAPPORTS D?ARTICLE 19 ET DE L?OSCE ÉVALUENT LA SITUATION DES MÉDIAS

Russia

LA COUR SUPRÊME CONFIRME LA CONDAMNATION DE GRIGORI PASKO

Montenegro

DE RENSEIGNEMENT EST CONDAMNÉ À DIX ANS DE PRISON POUR UNE ATTAQUE CONTRE L?OTAN

Russia

SUPREMA CORTE CONFIRMA CONDENA DE GRIGORY PASKO

Kazakhstan

INFORMES DE ARTICLE 19 Y OSCE EVALÚAN SITUACIÓN DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Serbia

EX DIRECTOR DE RTS SENTENCIADO A 10 AÑOS POR ATAQUE DE OTAN

Montenegro

FORMER RTS HEAD SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR NATO ATTACK

The former head of Radio-Television Serbia (RTS) has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for failing to protect 16 staff killed in a NATO missile attack in 1999, report B92, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). On 21 June a district court in Belgrade ruled that Dragoljub Milanovic had caused "grave danger to public security" by failing to evacuate staff from the RTS building before it was hit by a cruise missile on 23 April 1999. Milanovic's lawyer plans to appeal the verdict.

Russia

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS GRIGORY PASKO'S CONVICTION

Russia's Supreme Court today rejected an appeal by journalist Grigory Pasko to overturn a previous ruling convicting him to four years in prison, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). The military division of the Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling on 25 December 2001 convicting Pasko of "high treason" on the grounds that he planned to leak state secrets to Japanese media about the Russian navy's dumping of nuclear waste in the Sea of Japan.

Kazakhstan

ARTICLE 19, OSCE REPORTS ASSESS MEDIA SITUATION

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) Media Representative, Freimut Duve, is calling on the government of Kazakhstan to investigate attacks on the media and ensure journalists' safety, amidst an increasing number of violent incidents against the press in recent months. In a special report delivered at a conference on press freedom in Almaty last week, the OSCE representative said conditions had "consistently deteriorated" in the last few months. He highlighted a series of incidents in which media and journalists have been attacked, and media outlets shut down [See IFEX "Communiqu%26#233;" #11-21]. ">http://communique.ifex.org/articles.cfm?system_id=4579">"Communiqué" #11-21].

Albania

MEDIOS ESTÁN "LEJOS DE SER LIBRES", DICE HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Albania

LES MÉDIAS ?LOIN D?ÊTRE LIBRES? DIT HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

Albania

MEDIA "FAR FROM FREE," SAYS HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

More than a decade after Albania's transition from hardline communist dictatorship to fledgling democracy, journalists still risk harassment, physical assaults and criminal defamation lawsuits, often by authorities, says Human Rights Watch (HRW). In a 60-page report released last week, the organisation says the media, haunted by the legacy of the previous regime, remain "far from free" in Albania.

Uzbekistan

WORLD MEDIA URGED TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON UZBEKISTAN

The international media should focus more attention on the state of press freedom in Uzbekistan, said journalists attending a conference last week sponsored by the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC) and Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF).

Turkmenistan

LIBRE EXPRESIÓN NO EXISTE, DICE ENVIADO DE OSCE

Russia

PROPIETARIO DE PERIÓDICO ASESINADO

Turkmenistan

LA LIBERTÉ D?EXPRESSION N?EXISTE PAS, DIT UN ENVOYÉ DE L?OSCE

Russia

ASSASSINAT DU PROPRIÉTAIRE D?UN JOURNAL

Turkmenistan

FREE EXPRESSION NON-EXISTENT, SAYS OSCE ENVOY

Turkmenistan lacks any freedom of expression. Censorship is total. Secrecy is becoming a nation-wide phenomenon and an "absolute state monopoly" exists over the media. This is the stark conclusion of the Organization for Security and Co-operation's (OSCE) Representative on Freedom of the Media, Freimut Duve.

Russia

NEWSPAPER OWNER MURDERED

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) is calling for an investigation into the murder of newspaper owner Alexander Plotnikov, shot and killed on 20 May. He was co-owner of "Gostini dvor," a regional newspaper based in Tumen, Siberia. Investigators suspect he was killed by hired assassins.

Kazakhstan

UNE STATION DE TÉLÉVISION ET DES JOURNAUX D?OPPOSITION SONT ATTAQUÉS

Kazakhstan

ATACAN A PERIÓDICOS Y ESTACIÓN DE TV

Kazakhstan

NEWSPAPERS, TV STATION ATTACKED

Concerns over press-freedom conditions in Kazakhstan have been raised following attacks against two opposition newspapers and an independent television station in the city of Almaty. On 22 May, individuals threw Molotov cocktails into the offices of "Delovoye Obozreniye Respublika" setting fire to the premises and destroying the newspaper's technical equipment, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports. No one was injured in the attack.

Kyrgyzstan

LES CONDITIONS D?EXERCICE DE LA LIBERTÉ D?EXPRESSION SE DÉTÉRIORENT, DIT HRW

Kyrgyzstan

LAS CONDICIONES DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN SE ESTÁN DETERIORANDO, DICE HRW

Kyrgyzstan

FREE-EXPRESSION CONDITIONS DETERIORATING, SAYS HRW

Human Rights Watch (HRW) is calling attention to the rapid deterioration of free-expression conditions in Kyrgyzstan, following last week's arrest of an estimated 90 protesters attempting to stage a peaceful demonstration in the capital, Biskek. The protesters, among them opposition parliamentarian Azimbek Beknazarov and his supporters, were detained on 16 May after gathering to demonstrate against the government's arrest of various opposition politicians and its decision to hand over disputed territory to China, says HRW. Several journalists were among those arrested, reports the BBC. HRW says the detainees may be "in danger of ill-treatment by police."

Russia

EDITOR DE PERIÓDICO ASESINADO

Uzbekistan

INSTAN A GRUPOS INTERNACIONALES A APOYAR A PERIODISTAS

Uzbekistan

LES GROUPES INTERNATIONAUX SONT INVITÉS À PRENDRE LA DÉFENSE D?UN JOURNALISTE

Russia

NEWSPAPER EDITOR KILLED

Police officials in the southern Russian city of Togliatti have opened a criminal investigation into the murder of newspaper editor Valery Ivanov, shot dead outside his home the evening of 30 April, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Ivanov, editor of "Tolyatinskoye Obozreniye," was shot eight times at point-blank range as he was entering his car. Colleagues say his murder is connected to the reporting he has done on local organised crime, official corruption and drug trafficking. Ivanov was also a deputy in the local Legislative Assembly.

Uzbekistan

INTERNATIONAL GROUPS URGED TO SUPPORT JOURNALISTS

Journalists in Uzbekistan, a country where freedom of expression is brutally suppressed by the government of Islam Karimov, needs more support from international groups, says the Journalist Trade Union (JuHI). JuHI President Azer Hasret has recently released a report on press freedom conditions in Uzbekistan following a week-long fact-finding mission to the country in April.

Azerbaijan

JuHI REMEMBERS JOURNALISTS KILLED

For the second year in a row, Journalists' Trade Union (JuHI) will commemorate World Press Freedom Day by staging a rally in Baku, Azerbaijan, in commemoration of journalists who have been killed world-wide for their work. In Azerbaijan, at least 13 media workers have been killed since 1990, says JuHI. Nine of those journalists died covering the war in Nagorno Karabakh, now under Armenian occupation.

Serbia

CPJ Y ANEM INSTAN A APROBAR LEY DE DIFUSIÓN

Azerbaijan

JUHI ENCOMIA NUEVA LEY DE MEDIOS

Azerbaijan

LE JUHI FAIT L?ÉLOGE DE LA NOUVELLE LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Montenegro

DEMANDENT INSTAMMENT L?ADOPTION D?UNE LOI SUR LA RADIODIFFUSION

Montenegro

CPJ, ANEM URGE PASSAGE OF BROADCASTING LAW

The Committee to Protect Journalists is urging the Serbian Parliament to pass a draft Broadcasting Law that would create an independent licensing agency and transform state-run Radio Television Serbia (RTS) into a public broadcasting service. The law was approved by the government on 4 April and has been passed to parliament for urgent consideration.

Azerbaijan

JUHI PRAISES NEW MEDIA LAW

Azerbaijan's revised Law on Mass Media, enacted on 16 March, is "very liberalised [and] is regarded by journalist unions as the best media law" among the Commonwealth of Independent States countries, says Journalists' Trade Union (JuHI). The organisation has recently posted the law (in English) on its website (www.juhiaz.org). ">http://www.juhiaz.org">www.juhiaz.org).

Serbia

LEY DE MEDIOS INCORPORA NORMAS DE UE

Romania

SE ADOPTA LEY DE SECRETO POR PRESIÓN DE OTAN

Montenegro

LA LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS INTÈGRE DES NORMES DE L?UNION EUROPÉENNE

Romania

ADOPTION DE LA LOI SUR LE SECRET SOUS LA PRESSION DE L?OTAN

Romania

SECRECY LAW ADOPTED UNDER NATO PRESSURE

A new secrecy law fast-tracked through Romania's Senate to facilitate the country's joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has "serious deficiencies" and fails to meet international standards on freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19. Enacted on 8 April, the Law for the Protection of Classified Information undermines existing legislation which guarantees the public's right to know, the group says. Romania enacted the law only three days after NATO approved a plan requiring acceding countries to implement secrecy laws before May this year.

Montenegro

MEDIA LAW INCORPORATES EU STANDARDS

A proposed media law currently being drafted by the government of Montenegro establishes an important statement of intent by incorporating the principles and legal precedents of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), says ARTICLE 19. The group has published a report suggesting further improvements to the law, which has recently been released for public comment and is slated to replace the 1998 Law on Public Information.

Russia

UN QUOTIDIEN INDÉPENDANT DOIT RÉPONDRE À DES ACCUSATIONS DE DIFFAMATION

Russia

REPORTEROS ASESINADOS; DIARIO INDEPENDIENTE SE ENFRENTA A CARGOS DE DIFAMACIÓN

Russia

REPORTERS MURDERED; INDEPENDENT DAILY FACES LIBEL CHARGES

Amidst ongoing concerns about free expression violations in Russia, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) called attention to the deaths of two journalists this week and the launching of a lawsuit against the editor of an independent newspaper.

Ukraine

VIOLENCIA CONTRA PRENSA EMPEORA EN PERIODO PREVIO A ELECCIONES

Turkey

LEY DE "MINIDEMOCRACIA" NO PROTEGE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Ukraine

À L?APPROCHE DES ÉLECTIONS, LA VIOLENCE CONTRE LA PRESSE S?AGGRAVE

Turkey

LA LOI ?MINI-DÉMOCRATIE? NE SUFFIT PAS À PROTÉGER LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Ukraine

VIOLENCE AGAINST PRESS WORSENS IN RUN-UP TO ELECTION

As Ukrainian voters head to the polls, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontierès, RSF) is calling attention to the worsening violence against the press. The group says attacks against the press have increased in the run-up to the vote, citing the 27 March confiscation of 100,000 copies of the newspaper "21st Century" in Lugansk and the destruction of most of "Svoboda" newspaper's print-run on 24 March. A driver distributing copies of "Svoboda" was also assaulted that day, says RSF.

Turkey

"MINI DEMOCRACY" LAW FAILS TO PROTECT FREE EXPRESSION

Turkey's "Mini Democracy Package," a set of legislative amendments designed to improve the government's commitment to human rights as it seeks to join the European Union, fails to adequately protect free expression, says the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC). The group has released a report on freedom of expression in Turkey analysing the impact of Law No. 4744 on writers, publishers and journalists.

Turkey

SUBISSENT UN PROCÈS À CAUSE D?UN OUVRAGE SUR LA LIBERTÉ D?EXPRESSION

Turkey

ESCRITORES ENJUICIADOS POR LIBRO DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Turkey

WRITERS ON TRIAL FOR FREE-EXPRESSION BOOK

In a case that the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) says reveals the extent to which Turkish laws are used to suppress legitimate criticism, six writers were to appear in court on 26 March for publishing a book on freedom of expression. The writers - Yavuz Onen, Cengiz Bektab, Mehmet Atilla Maras, Erdal Oz, Etyen Mahcupyan and Sanar Yurdatapan - are among 15 individuals who are being prosecuted for publishing FoX 2000 ("Freedom of Expression 2000"), a book that contains 60 articles which violate various free-speech laws. WiPC says four separate courts are hearing cases related to the articles. The group urges the government to drop the charges against the individuals and calls for a review of the laws under which the defendants are being tried.

Russia

PERIODISTA ASESINADA; OTRO PERIODISTA ESCAPA A INTENTO DE ASESINATO

Russia

UNE JOURNALISTE EST TUÉE; UN AUTRE ÉCHAPPE À UNE TENTATIVE D?ASSASSINAT

Russia

JOURNALIST KILLED; ANOTHER ESCAPES ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT

Natalia Skryl, a business reporter for "Nashe Vremia", was killed on the night of 8 March near her home in Rostov-sur-le-Don, southwestern Russia. Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) says Skryl was discovered unconscious with head injuries and taken to a hospital. She died shortly after arrival. The editor-in-chief of "Nashe Vremia", Vera Ioujanskaïa, believes that the murder is connected to Skryl's investigations into the business activities of several large companies in the region, says RSF. An investigation into her murder has been opened.

Italy

RSF Y FIP CONDENAN CONTROL DE BERLUSCONI SOBRE MEDIOS

Italy

RSF ET LA FIJ DÉNONCENT L?EMPRISE DE BERLUSCONI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Italy

RSF, IFJ DECRY BERLUSCONI'S GRIP ON MEDIA

Concerns about Italian prime minister Silvio Belusconi's potential conflict of interest over his extensive media holdings have flared up again, following the appointment of a new board of directors at Italy's public broadcaster RAI, according to INDEX on Censorship (INDEX), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Last week, the government appointed a new five-person board of governors for the public broadcaster RAI; INDEX says critics worry that a majority of board members have close ties to Berlusconi's ruling Forza Italia coalition, leaving the broadcaster vulnerable to government influence. RSF notes that Berlusconi already owns Italy's three biggest television channels (Rete 4, Canale 5, Italia 1) through Mediaset, as well as Italy's largest publisher (Mondadori) and largest advertising agency (Publitalia).

Belarus

GOBIERNO ADOPTA LEY ANTITERRORISMO

Belarus

LE GOUVERNEMENT ADOPTE UNE LOI ANTITERRORISTE

Belarus

GOVERNMENT ADOPTS ANTI-TERRORISM LAW

Belarus has adopted a new anti-terrorism law which gives its government powers to conduct raids on journalists, arrest demonstrators and prevent media from reporting on matters of public interest, warns ARTICLE 19.

France

L?UNITÉ ANTITERRORISTE MET DES JOURNALISTES SUR ÉCOUTE ÉLECTRONIQUE

Russia

GRIGORY PASKO FAIT UN PAS DE PLUS VERS LA LIBERTÉ

Moldova

L'IJC PROTESTE CONTRE LA CENSURE D'ÉTAT; ARTICLE 19 PROPOSE DES MODIFICATIONS À UNE LOI

France

UNIDAD ANTITERRORISMO INTERVIENE TELÉFONOS DE PERIODISTAS

Moldova

IJC PROTESTA CONTRA CENSURA ESTATAL; ARTICLE 19 PROPONE ENMIENDAS A LEY

Russia

GRIGORY PASKO ESTÁ UN PASO MÁS CERCA DE LA LIBERTAD

France

ANTI-TERRORISM UNIT BUGS JOURNALISTS' PHONES

Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) is calling on France's Justice Minister to amend the Criminal Law Procedure rules following revelations that a French judge ordered the government's anti-terrorist unit to monitor the phone conversations of six journalists as part of an investigation into the activities of a militant separatist leader in Corsica. The French daily "Le Monde" reported on 30 January that the French National Anti-Terrorist Service (DNAT) has been tapping the phones of Gamma reporter Jean-Pierre Rey, France 2 editor Michèle Fines, "Paris Match" reporter Delphine Byrka, Jean-Michel Verne of "France-Soir" and "Le Figaro" and freelance journalists Guy Benhamou and Roger Auque since 2000.

Moldova

IJC PROTESTS STATE CENSORSHIP; ARTICLE 19 PROPOSES LAW AMENDMENTS

As the government of Moldova considers tabling amendments to the country's press law, 23 civil society organisations, including the Independent Journalism Center (IJC-Moldova), have signed a declaration protesting the government's "censorship of state-owned broadcaster TV Moldova and other actions which aim to "destroy the democratic mechanisms in society." Entitled "The Civil Society Says No," the declaration says the Communist government has imposed censorship on TV Moldova, transforming it into an "instrument of Communist propaganda." The organisations say this "represents a flagrant violation of the citizens' right to free expression."

Russia

GRIGORY PASKO ONE STEP CLOSER TO FREEDOM

Jailed Russian journalist Grigory Pasko, convicted of allegedly leaking information about the Russian navy's dumping of nuclear waste in the Sea of Japan, could be set free as early as next week if two recent rulings by the Russian Supreme Court go unchallenged, report the Committee to Protect Journalists, Index on Censorship (INDEX), Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). Last week, the Supreme Court's Military Collegium struck down two decrees which the ministry of defence had used to convict Pasko last year.

Turkey

REFORMAS AL CÓDIGO PENAL ENDURECEN PENAS CONTRA MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Kyrgyzstan

NO HA DISMINUIDO ACOSO A MEDIOS PRIVADOS

Uzbekistan

PERIODISTA ATACADO BRUTALMENTE

Turkey

LES RÉFORMES DU CODE PÉNAL RENFORCENT LES PÉNALITÉS CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES

Kyrgyzstan

LE HARCÈLEMENT DES MÉDIAS PRIVÉS NE PERD RIEN DE SON INTENSITÉ

Uzbekistan

UN JOURNALISTE EST BRUTALEMENT AGRESSÉ

Turkey

PENAL CODE REFORMS TOUGHEN PENALTIES AGAINST MEDIA

A proposed bill aimed at reforming the Penal Code in Turkey will widen the number of press crimes punishable by law, warns Reporters Without Borders (RSF). On 24 January, the Turkish government released details of the proposed bill which is to be introduced in parliament shortly. RSF says a number of provisions in the bill "actually constitute a toughening of the legislation."

Kyrgyzstan

HARASSMENT OF PRIVATE MEDIA CONTINUES UNABATED

Government harassment of independent media and deterioration in respect for human rights in Kyrgyzstan continued unabated in 2001 despite initial improvements in press freedom, reports Human Rights Watch (HRW). In its recently released global survey of human rights, the organisation says progress in press freedom at the beginning of 2001 proved short-lived.

Uzbekistan

JOURNALIST BRUTALLY ASSAULTED

Warning that Uzbek President Islam Karimov is "using the excuse of the fight against terrorism to brutally repress all independent journalism in the country," Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling on the United States to press the government to improve its human rights record. The call follows a series of brutal attacks against independent journalist Ruslan Sharipov, a correspondent for Russian news agency Prima and president of the Uzbek Independent Journalists' Union (UIJU). In the span of one week, the journalist was attacked three times by unidentified men, says RSF. He was choked, hit on the head and stomach, and had his passport and press pass seized. RSF says Sharipov was due to travel to the United States at the invitation of the International Human Rights League to testify before a Congressional panel on human rights abuses in Uzbekistan.

Slovakia

TRIBUNAL SUSPENDE ESTIPULACIONES DE DIFAMACIÓN DE CÓDIGO PENAL

Slovakia

LE TRIBUNAL SUSPEND LES DISPOSITIONS DU CODE PÉNAL RELATIVES À LA DIFFAMATION

Slovakia

COURT SUSPENDS CRIMINAL CODE'S DEFAMATION PROVISIONS

Slovakia's Constitutional Court has temporarily suspended two sections of the country's Criminal Code until it examines them further, due to concerns that they may threaten freedom of speech, report ARTICLE 19 and Radio Free Europe. The 10 January decision came partly due to pressure from several members of parliament who sent a petition raising their concerns about Articles 102 and 103, says ARTICLE 19. Under Article 103, anyone found guilty of "publicly defaming the president for the performance of his duties or his activities in his public life" can be imprisoned for up to two years. Article 102 penalises those who "publicly defame the country and its officials."

Armenia

REUNIÓN DE OSCE DEFIENDE LA LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Spain

REINICIAN ATAQUES TERRORISTAS CONTRA MEDIOS

Armenia

UNE RENCONTRE DE L'OSCE DÉFEND LE PRINCIPE D'UNE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE L'INFORMA

Spain

REPRISE DES ATTENTATS TERRORISTES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

Armenia

OSCE MEETING ADVOCATES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW

A workshop convened last week by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Freedom of Information Center (FIC) has adopted a protocol calling for the creation of a law on freedom of information in Armenia, writes the Yerevan Press Club (YPC).

Spain

TERROR ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA RENEWED

Three journalists have been the targets of attempted assassinations two weeks ago, sparking fears that terrorist attacks against the media in Spain's Basque country are starting up again, observe Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Uzbekistan

PERIODISTA Y ESCRITOR LIBERADO POR AMNISTÍA PRESIDENCIAL

Azerbaijan

JUHI SE UNA A NUEVA CONFEDERACIÓN DE PERIODISTAS

Uzbekistan

UN JOURNALISTE ET UN ÉCRIVAIN BÉNÉFICIENT D?UNE AMNISTIE PRÉSIDENTIELLE

Azerbaijan

LE JUHI ADHÈRE À UNE NOUVELLE CONFÉDÉRATION DE JOURNALISTES

Uzbekistan

JOURNALIST, WRITER FREED UNDER PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY

Authorities in Uzbekistan have released Shodi Mardiev, a radio reporter, from prison following a 22 August 2001 presidential decree granting amnesty to 18,000 prisoners, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The journalist had been sentenced to an 11-year jail term in 1998 for slandering an official and attempting to extort money from him. CPJ says Mardiev was penalised for producing a radio programme that satirised the alleged corrupt activities of the deputy prosecutor in Samarkand. Mardiev's health has suffered greatly since his incarceration, says CPJ. As well as suffering two brain haemorrhages, he had been hospitalized twice for a heart condition.

Azerbaijan

JuHI JOINS NEW CONFEDERATION OF JOURNALISTS

Marking the "beginning of a new phase for expression and press freedom" in Azerbaijan, five journalist organisations, including the Journalists' Trade Union (JuHI), have formed a confederation aimed at strengthening co-operation among working journalists, co-ordinating research capabilities and improving links with international organisations. The Azerbaijan Journalists' Confederation (AJK) released a declaration on 15 January, stating that the founding of the organisation arose out of a need to "free the press from being subjected to politicisation and blackmail." The declaration also stressed the need to "co-ordinate the activities of free expression and press freedom groups" in the country. JuHI's chair, Azer Hasret, was named Secretary General of AJK.

Russia

: UNE STATION DE TÉLÉVISION INDÉPENDANTE PERD DEVANT LES TRIBUNAUX

Montenegro

DE LA STATION DE RADIO B92 EST BROUILLÉ; LE DIRIGEANT DE L?ANEM EST MENACÉ

Russia

ESTACIÓN DE TV INDEPENDIENTE PIERDE PLEITO JUDICIAL

Serbia

: INTERFIEREN SEÑAL DE RADIO B92; AMENAZAN A DIRIGENTE DE ANEM

Montenegro

RADIO B92'S SIGNAL JAMMED; ANEM LEADER THREATENED

Radio B92 is urging the federal government in Yugoslavia to pass legislation that would regulate broadcasting, after its radio signal was recently jammed for several days by another unlicensed station, reports the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM). Radio B92 broadcasts on 92.5 Mhz, which covers part of the city centre and a major portion of New Belgrade. According to ANEM, the interference is being caused by Radio Perper, a station which began broadcasting four months ago from New Belgrade. It broadcasts on a frequency of 92.8 Mhz, with its transmitters turned towards the city.

Russia

INDEPENDENT TV STATION LOSES COURT CASE

Russia's highest appeals court has ordered the country's only independent, nationwide television channel, TV-6, to close down, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). On 11 January, the Presidium of the Highest Arbitration Court upheld a lower court ruling ordering the television channel's parent, Moscow Independent Broadcasting Company (MNVK), to be declared bankrupt. In September 2001, a pension fund of LUKoil-Garant, a minority shareholder of TV-6, launched a suit to liquidate the television channel, claiming that the station had not posted a profit in two years. LUKoil-Garant is owned by LUKoil Corporation, a company with close ties to the Kremlin, says CPJ.

Armenia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Russia

ESTACIÓN DE TV INDEPENDIENTE SE ENFRENTA A FUTURO SOMBRÍO

Uzbekistan

LLAMADO POR ESCRITORES QUE SE ENFRENTAN A TORTURA Y MUERTE

Russia

DE BIEN SOMBRES PERSPECTIVES POUR UNE STATION DE TÉLÉVISION INDÉPENDANTE

Uzbekistan

LANCENT UN APPEL EN FAVEUR DES ÉCRIVAINS MENACÉS DE TORTURE ET DE MORT

Russia

INDEPENDENT TV STATION FACES BLEAK FUTURE

Russia's last independent, nation-wide television station, TV-6, could fold in six months, following a recent appeal court's decision ordering the station to declare bankruptcy, report the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF), the Committee to Protect Journalists and the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC).

Uzbekistan

GROUPS APPEAL FOR WRITERS FACING TORTURE, DEATH

With the media's attention currently focused on Central Asia amid the ongoing war in Afghanistan, free expression and human rights groups are stepping up efforts to secure the release of writers and political dissidents from Uzbekistan.

Moldova

PERIODISTAS EXIGEN TRATAMIENTO EQUITATIVO

Moldova

DES JOURNALISTES EXIGENT L'ÉGALITÉ D'ACCÈS

Moldova

JOURNALISTS DEMAND EQUAL TREATMENT

The Association of Independent Press (API), a network of 17 independent newspapers and news agencies in Moldova, has called on the government to allow all news media free access to information that is of public interest, reports the Independent Journalism Center of Moldova (IJC). At its annual conference earlier this month, API issued a declaration pledging to support the development of independent news media and defend the rights of journalists. API urged the government to create equal opportunities for both private and state-owned publications, noting that its members have been repeatedly denied access to various government events ever since the ruling Party of Moldovan Communists was elected into power in February.

Bulgaria

FIP INSTA A UNA REFORMA GENUINA POR DIFUSIÓN PÚBLICA

Bulgaria

LA FIJ DEMANDE INSTAMMENT UNE VRAIE RÉFORME DE LA RADIODIFFUSION PUBLIQUE

Bulgaria

IFJ URGES GENUINE REFORM FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING

Bulgaria's leaders "must move quickly" to create a genuine public broadcasting system, urges the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in a press release published on 7 November 2001. IFJ recently sent a delegation to the country to meet with local journalist unions and assess the current state of broadcasting.

Georgia

DANS LES BUREAUX D?UNE STATION DE TÉLÉVISION DÉCLENCHE DES PROTESTATIONS

Georgia

ALLANAMIENTO A ESTACIÓN DE TV CAUSA PROTESTA

Georgia

RAID ON TV STATION SPARKS PROTESTS

Street protests have gripped Georgia's capital Tbilisi, following an attempt by authorities to shut down the offices of independent television station Rustavi-2, report the Journalists Trade Union (JuHI), Index on Censorship (INDEX), the International Press Institute (IPI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). According to IPI, on 31 October, officials from the Ministry of Security attempted a raid on the offices of Rustavi-2. They were thwarted by a crowd of several hundred demonstrators who prevented them from entering the premises. CPJ says ministry officials claimed that the station had been avoiding payment of approximately 1 million laris (US$480,000) in taxes, though Rustavi-2 staff say officials conducted a tax audit a week ago and found no irregularities.

Czech Republic

PRIMER MINISTRO AMENAZA CON LLEVAR A REVISTA A BANCARROTA

Czech Republic

LE PREMIER MINISTRE MENACE D?ACCULER UN MAGAZINE À LA FAILLITE

Norway

"CITIES OF ASYLUM" NETWORK NEEDS CHANGE, SAYS NFFE; NFFE CLOSES DOWN

The International Parliament of Writers' (IPW) "Cities of Asylum" network - created in1994 to give safe refuge to persecuted writers - "does not work" and is in need of change, concludes a report recently released by the Norwegian Forum for Freedom of Expression (NFFE).

Czech Republic

PRIME MINISTER THREATENS TO BANKRUPT MAGAZINE

The prime minister of the Czech Republic, Milos Zeman, has threatened to bankrupt the independent weekly "Respekt" in retaliation for its reporting on government corruption, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and the International Press Institute (IPI). On 22 October, Zeman announced that he would begin filing a series of lawsuits against the weekly and its editor-in-chief Petro Holub "in order to make sure that "Respekt" finally ceases to exist," according to IPI.

Montenegro

UN JOURNALISTE PERD LA VIE

Serbia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Montenegro

JOURNALIST KILLED

Bekim Kastrati, a reporter for the Albanian-language newspaper "Bota Sot", was killed in an ambush on 19 October in Kosovo, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). According to RSF, the journalist was traveling in a car with two other men when they were overtaken by a jeep and fired upon. CPJ says the attack took place in the village of Lausa. One of the men with whom Kastrati was travelling, Besim Dajaku, also died from the attack. He is reported to be either the current or former bodyguard of Ibrahim Rugova, the leader of the Democratic Alliance of Kosovo (LDK), according to CPJ.

Azerbaijan

GOBIERNO INTENSIFICA SUPRESIÓN DE MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

Azerbaijan

LE GOUVERNEMENT ACCENTUE LA RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS

Azerbaijan

GOVERNMENT STEPS UP SUPPRESSION OF INDEPENDENT MEDIA

Government authorities used "violent force" to disperse a demonstration by 40 journalists in Baku who were protesting the continued detention of their colleagues and the poor state of freedom of expression, reports the Journalists' Trade Union (JuHI). Held on 10 October 2001, the demonstration coincided with an appeal by the Azerbaijani Council of Editors to President Heidar Aliev calling for the release of imprisoned journalists.

France

RSF CRÉE UN RÉSEAU INTERNATIONAL

France

RSF CREA RED INTERNACIONAL

France

RSF LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL NETWORK

Reporters sans frontières (RSF) has announced the formation of an international network of affiliated press freedom organizations, aimed at strengthening information exchange, battling impunity and focusing wider attention on countries where repressive laws and regimes infringe on journalists.

Russia

ASSASSINAT DE L?ÉDITEUR D?UN JOURNAL

Russia

DIRECTOR DE PERIÓDICO ASESINADO

Russia

NEWSPAPER PUBLISHER MURDERED

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that Eduard Markevich, editor and publisher of "Novyy Reft", in the town of Reftinskey, Sverdlovsk Region of Russia, was found dead the night of 18 September. The paper was often critical of local officials. The journalist's colleagues told the Itar-Tass news service that he received threatening telephone phone calls prior to the attack. Police have launched an investigation into his death. "The murder of Eduard Markevich highlights, yet again, the vulnerability of independent journalists working in Russia's provinces," says CPJ. "We call on the local and federal authorities to investigate this case aggressively."

France

PERIODISTAS OBLIGADOS A REVELAR INFORMACIÓN CONFIDENCIAL

France

DES JOURNALISTES SONT CONTRAINTS DE DIVULGUER DES RENSEIGNEMENTS CONFIDENTIELS

France

JOURNALISTS COMPELLED TO DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Reporters sans frontières (RSF) has expressed alarm at the increasing number of cases in France in which journalists have been arrested by justice officials and compelled to disclose confidential information and sources. According to RSF, five journalists have been detained and questioned in the past 20 months.

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 PUBLICA INFORME CON MALOS PRESAGIOS ANTES DE REELECCIÓN DE LUKASHENKO

Spain

CONFERENCIA PARA CONDENAR VIOLENCIA DE ETA; PERIÓDICO SUFRE OTRO ATAQUE

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 PUBLIE UN RAPPORT PRÉMONITOIRE AU MOMENT DE LA RÉÉLECTION DE LOUKACHE

Spain

CONFÉRENCE POUR CONDAMNER LA VIOLENCE DE L?ETA; UN JOURNAL SUBIT UNE NOUVELLE AT

Belarus

ARTICLE 19 ISSUES OMINOUS REPORT AS LUKASHENKO RE-ELECTED

A report released by ARTICLE 19 on the eve of the Belarus presidential election has proven to be prescient in its analysis of the country's press conditions. While 75 per cent of electors returned incumbent Alexander Lukashenko to power on 7 September 2001, observers said the electoral process "failed to meet international standards," reports the BBC.

Spain

CONFERENCE TO CONDEMN ETA VIOLENCE; NEWSPAPER SUFFERS ANOTHER ATTACK

The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) is convening a conference in Bilbao, Spain, this week to focus attention on the recent renewal of violence against journalists in the Basque region by the militant ETA group. Delegates from 22 countries will meet on 14 September 2001 to discuss and denounce ETA's campaign of terrorism, as well as discuss violence in other countries such as Northern Ireland, Algeria and Israel.

Serbia

ESTADO DE LOS MEDIOS DE CAÍDA DE MILOSEVIC

Montenegro

SITUATION DE LA PRESSE APRÈS LA CHUTE DE MILO

Montenegro

STATE OF THE MEDIA AFTER FALL OF MILOSEVIC

Since the fall of the Milosevic regime, some advances in Serbia's media sector have taken place, but high hopes were overly optimistic, reports the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM). In a detailed report entitled "Media in Serbia – Ten Months On" released on 27 August, ANEM states that "it appears that more substantial systemic changes have bypassed the media sphere."

Georgia

ASSASSINAT D?UN POPULAIRE JOURNALISTE DE LA TÉLÉVISION

Georgia

POPULAR PERIODISTA DE TELEVISIÓN ASESINADO

Georgia

POPULAR TELEVISION JOURNALIST MURDERED

Georgi Sanaia, a journalist with the independent Rustavi-2 national television station and one of Georgia's most popular television journalists, has been murdered, according to the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The 25 year-old journalist was found dead in his apartment by police and colleagues late on 26 July, after he failed to report to work, reports IPI. Police say he was shot in the back of the head with a single bullet. Sanaia presented the TV news and hosted "Night Courier", a daily programme of political analysis and interviews, notes RSF.

Italy

VIOLENCIA SIN PRECEDENTES CONTRA LOS MEDIOS EN LA CUMBRE DEL G-8, DICE RSF

Italy

VIOLENCE SANS PRÉCÉDENT CONTRE LES MÉDIAS LORS DU SOMMET DES PAYS DU G-8

Italy

UNPRECEDENTED VIOLENCE AGAINST MEDIA AT G-8 SUMMIT, SAYS RSF

At the summit of G-8 leaders in Genoa on 21 and 22 July, at least sixteen journalists were seriously injured and a media centre was ransacked by police during a violent raid, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF). The organisation adds that some journalists were detained, threatened or had their material confiscated during the events.

Ukraine

DIRECTOR DE ESTACIÓN DE TV SUCUMBE POR LESIONES

Ukraine

TV STATION DIRECTOR SUCCUMBS TO INJURIES

A violent attack has claimed the life of another journalist in Ukraine. Igor Alexandrov, director-general of the TOR television station in Slaviansk in eastern Ukraine, was brutally attacked on 3 July, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Unidentified assailants attacked Alexandrov at the entrance to the building where he worked, hitting him on the head with baseball bats. He fell into a coma and died four days later, reports RSF.

Ukraine

EDITOR ASESINADO; REDACTOR CONDENADO POR DIFAMAR A EXPRIMER MINISTRO

Russia

DICE IPI; JUICIO PRÓXIMO SERÁ CASO DE PRUEBA DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Russia

DE L?ANNÉE ÉCOULÉE, DIT L?IIP; UN PROCÈS QUI SE TRANSFORMERA EN UNE CAUSE TYPE

Ukraine

UN CHEF DE RÉDACTION EST JUGÉ COUPABLE D?AVOIR DIFFAMÉ UN EX-PREMIER MINISTRE

Russia

LITTLE PROGRESS IN LAST YEAR, SAYS IPI; UPCOMING TRIAL A PRESS FREEDOM TEST CASE

One year after the International Press Institute (IPI) added Russia to its "Watch List," the organisation sees little sign of improvement in press conditions. "Indeed, it would appear that recent developments have further eroded the level of press freedom achieved by Russia since the break up of the Soviet Union in 1991," says IPI.

Ukraine

PUBLISHER MURDERED; EDITOR CONVICTED OF DEFAMING EX-PM

Oleh Breus, publisher of the regional weekly "XXI Vek" in the city of Luhansk, was shot dead outside his home on 24 June, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). As Breus was getting out of his car, he was shot four or five times at point blank range. The motive for the murder remains unclear, says CPJ. As publisher of "XXI Vek", Breus was mainly responsible for financial matters. He had other business interests apart from the newspaper and held a senior position in the regional Communist Party of Workers and Peasants. Breus had suffered at least one previous assassination attempt, in December 2000. In addition, his colleagues at the newspaper have received threats in recent months. Local police have launched an investigation into the murder.

Slovakia

DE DIFFAMATION PÉNALE MENACE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE, DIT L?IIP

Turkey

PRÉSIDENTIEL, UNE LOI RESTRICTIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS RESTE SOURCE D?INQUIÉTUDE

Slovakia

CRIMINAL DEFAMATION CHARGE THREATENS PRESS FREEDOM, SAYS IPI

A criminal defamation charge brought by Slovak President Rudolf Schuster against journalist Ales Kratky represents a threat to freedom of expression, according to the International Press Institute (IPI). The president is suing Kratky, a commentator with the Slovak daily "Novy Cas", under an article of the Slovak penal code which stipulates that anyone who "publicly defames the president for the performance of his duties or his activities in public life" can be sentenced for up to two years in prison. The lawsuit is in response to a 26 May commentary in which Kratky said Schuster's state of the nation address illustrated "signs of mental incapacity to lead a country that is trying to join modern and developed nations."

Turkey

RESTRICTIVE MEDIA LAW STILL A CONCERN DESPITE PRESIDENT'S VETO

On 18 June, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer vetoed a restrictive new media law after it had passed through parliament, reports the International Press Institute (IPI). However, the organisation notes that if parliament passes the law again, without any changes, then the president will be forced to ratify it. IPI says that introduction of the law "could cripple independent media in Turkey and poses a great threat to journalists." Among IPI's concerns are the limited representation of professional journalists on the media governing body (RTÜK), new restrictions on the publication of information on the Internet and dramatic increases in fines for press offences. There are also concerns that the new law will lead to an increase in the concentration of ownership of the Turkish media, notes IPI. For more information, see www.freemedia.at.">http://www.freemedia.at">www.freemedia.at.

Slovakia

CARGO DE DIFAMACIÓN PENAL AMENAZA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA, DICE IPI

Turkey

SIGUE SIENDO CAUSA DE INQUIETUD A PESAR DE VETO PRESIDENCIAL

Belarus

AL APROXIMARSE ELECCIONES; AUTORIDADES IMPLICADAS EN DESAPARICIÓN DE CAMARÓGRAFO

Belarus

LES AUTORITÉS SONT IMPLIQUÉES DANS LA DISPARITION D?UN CAMÉRAMAN

Belarus

AS ELECTIONS APPROACH; AUTHORITIES IMPLICATED IN CAMERAMAN'S DISAPPEARANCE

The deterioration of freedom of expression is a serious obstacle to free and fair elections in Belarus, according to a new report from ARTICLE 19. The document, entitled "The Mechanics of Repression", examines the prospects for a level playing field in the presidential elections scheduled for 9 September.

Serbia

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; ANEM CONDENA VENTA DE TRATADO ANTISEMÍTICO

Montenegro

UN JOURNALISTE ASSASSINÉ; L?ANEM DÉNONCE LA VENTE DE LITTÉRATURE ANTI-SÉMITE

Montenegro

JOURNALIST KILLED; ANEM CONDEMNS SALE OF ANTI-SEMITIC TRACT

Milan Pantic, a journalist with the Belgrade daily "Vecernje Novosti", was killed in a brutal 11 June attack in the central Serbian town of Jagodina, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Pantic was entering his front door, after fetching a loaf of bread, when attackers grabbed him from behind, broke his neck and struck him several times in the head with a sharp object, "Vecernje Novosti" told CPJ. He reported extensively on criminal affairs, including corruption in local companies, and had received numerous telephone threats in response to his articles, says CPJ. Pantic was the first journalist killed in Serbia since the fall of the Slobodan Milosevic's regime last October, notes RSF.

Cyprus

ATAQUE CON BOMBA A PERIÓDICO DE OPOSICIÓN

Cyprus

ATTAQUE À LA BOMBE CONTRE UN JOURNAL D?OPPOSITION

Cyprus

BOMB ATTACK ON OPPOSITION NEWSPAPER

An opposition newspaper in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has been targeted again, this time in a 24 May bomb attack, report the International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Serbia

POR DISCURSO DEL ODIO EN MEDIOS; CPJ PIDE MÁS APOYO PARA MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

Montenegro

HAINEUX; LE CPJ RÉCLAME UN PLUS GRAND APPUI AUX JOURNALISTES INDÉPENDANTS

Montenegro

ANEM PROTESTS HATE SPEECH IN MEDIA; CPJ URGES MORE SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENT MEDIA

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) has strongly protested the practice of making space available for hate speech in the print media "under the pretext of openness towards the readers and obligation to publish their letters." The association's remarks come in response to a letter by Borislav Bogdanov, published in the Belgrade daily "Glas javnosti" on 13 May, about a televised discussion of documentary films on the theme of "Truth, Responsibility and Reconciliation." According to ANEM, Bogdanov tried to discredit the programme's guests on religious and national grounds, declaring that Serbs were being "naive once again" for allowing a person of "Roma descent and Muslim religious background in the very capital of the Serb people" to dispute "the primacy of the Serbs in Kosovo." ANEM calls on the media in Serbia to adhere to professional and ethical standards, to prevent attempts to re-introduce hate speech as an acceptable mode of communication and to avoid participating in defamation or discrimination through publishing such letters. For more information, see www.b92.net.">http://www.b92.net">www.b92.net.

Norway

NFFE ASKS HOW TO BUILD ON EXISTING FREEDOMS

The Norwegian Forum for Freedom of Expression (NFFE) is encouraging the media in Norway, one of the world's most open democracies, to mark World Press Freedom Day. NFFE points to a recent International Press Institute (IPI) report that found that no serious press freedom violations took place in Norway in 2000, and says the question regarding freedom of the press and freedom of expression is how to improve and expand upon existing freedoms.

Kyrgyzstan

PARLAMENTO PUEDE ABOLIR LEY DE DIFAMACIÓN PENAL

Kyrgyzstan

LE PARLEMENT POURRAIT ABOLIR LA LOI SUR LA DIFFAMATION PÉNALE

Kyrgyzstan

PARLIAMENT MAY ABOLISH CRIMINAL LIBEL LAW

The Kyrgyz Parliament is considering the repeal of the republic's criminal libel statutes, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). A parliamentary committee recently circulated draft legislation that would exclude libel and insult from the Criminal Code, says CPJ. Although the Justice Ministry, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Supreme Court have stated that it is "too early" to repeal the laws, Kyrgyz legal experts have told CPJ that they expect the statutes to be amended in the next two to three months.

Uzbekistan

UN ÉCRIVAIN MEURT DANS DES CIRCONSTANCES SUSPECTES

Uzbekistan

ESCRITOR MUERE EN CIRCUNSTANCIAS SOSPECHOSAS

Uzbekistan

WRITER DIES IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES

Emin Usman, a prominent writer and head of the Uygur Cultural Centre in Tashkent, died on 28 February in suspicious circumstances while in detention, reports the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN. Usman was arrested on 11 February and held in the basement of the Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) headquarters. He was accused of "distributing materials considered to be dangerous to public security." According to human rights activists in Uzbekistan cited by WiPC, Usman was suspected of translating material for a banned Islamic organisation – an allegation denied by his associates. It is also believed that Usman's name appeared on the Uzbek security service's "black list" due to his religious beliefs and activity amongst ethnic Uygurs.

Serbia

IPI EXHORTA A REVOCAR LEYES DE DIFAMACIÓN, EX DIRECTOR DE TV DETENIDO EN CASO DE

Montenegro

IPI URGES REPEAL OF DEFAMATION LAWS, EX-TV DIRECTOR HELD IN NATO CASE

The Serbian government should repeal repressive defamation laws and amend Criminal Code provisions that restrict freedom of expression, say the International Press Institute (IPI) and its affiliate the South East European Media Organisation (SEEMO). In a new report, entitled "Articles in Bad Faith: Criminal Defamation Laws in Serbia," the organisations note that defamation should be dealt with under civil rather than criminal law. They add that so-called insult laws have been used by repressive regimes, including the previous Yugoslav administration, to silence critical reporting and stifle dissident views. According to SEEMO, "the first and most important step for the new administration is to create a climate in which a free and independent media can flourish." IPI adds that repeal of the defamation provisions would "send a strong message to other countries that there is no place for these repressive laws in a democracy." The report is available at http://www.freemedia.at/r_serbialegislation.htm.">http://www.freemedia.at/r_serbialegislation.htm">http://www.freemedia.at/r_serbialegislation.htm.

Romania

UNE NOUVELLE LOI SUR LE SECRET MENACE LA LIBERTÉ DE L?INFORMATION

Romania

NUEVA LEY DE SIGILO AMENAZA LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Romania

NEW SECRECY LAW THREATENS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

The Romanian parliament passed a worrying new state secrets law on 7 March, reports ARTICLE 19. In a February 2001 analysis of the draft law, ARTICLE 19 said the law's restrictions on freedom of expression "go far beyond what is necessary to protect state secrets in a democratic society" and conflict with international standards on freedom of expression and access to information. ARTICLE 19's main concern is the scope of the draft law, which restricts a wide range of information and uses definitions which are "overly broad and vague." The law also provides a blanket ban on certain categories of information, without taking into account whether the harm from disclosure outweighs the public benefit. Among other concerns is the lack of protection for source confidentiality.

Macedonia

LEY DE INFORMACIÓN PÚBLICA CAUSA ALARMA EN IPI, FIP Y ARTICLE 19

Austria

PERIODISTAS PRESIONADOS POR PARTIDO DERECHISTA, DICE RSF

Macedonia

LA LOI SUR L?INFORMATION PUBLIQUE INQUIÈTE L?IIP, LA FIJ ET ARTICLE 19

Austria

DES JOURNALISTES SUBISSENT DES PRESSIONS D?UN PARTI DE DROITE

Austria

JOURNALISTS UNDER PRESSURE FROM RIGHT-WING PARTY, SAYS RSF

Austrian journalists have been facing numerous personal attacks, an increase in interference in their work, and multiple lawsuits, according to a new report from Reporters sans frontières (RSF). The actions of the right-wing Freedom Party (FPÖ), which joined a coalition government in February 2000, are of particular concern. The FPÖ's leading figure, Jörg Haider, has generated international controversy over past pro-Nazi statements. RSF notes that denunciation of the media, which he considers to have a left-wing bias, has also been a constant feature of Haider's rhetoric since 1986.

Macedonia

PUBLIC INFORMATION LAW ALARMS IPI, IFJ & ARTICLE 19

Macedonia’s draft Public Information Law will have extremely negative consequences for press freedom, say ARTICLE 19, the International Press Institute (IPI), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The organisations see a number of serious problems with the text, starting with the conditions outlined for limiting freedom of expression. The European Convention on Human Rights does permit some restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and information. However, Macedonia's draft law fails to qualify these restrictions by making clear that they must be "necessary in a democratic society."

Georgia

PROYECTO DE LEY DE LIBERTAD DE PALABRA ES UN PRECEDENTE POSITIVO PARA VECINOS

Georgia

LA LIBERTÉ D?EXPRESSION CONSTITUERAIT UN HEUREUX EXEMPLE POUR LES PAYS VOISINS

Georgia

FREE SPEECH DRAFT LAW A POSITIVE PRECEDENT FOR NEIGHBOURS

Georgia's new draft law on freedom of speech could set a positive example for its neighbours, according to ARTICLE 19. The organisation says that the draft law, introduced to comply with Georgia's obligations as a member of the Council of Europe, is "broadly in line" with international law and, in particular, with the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The draft law has passed first reading in parliament and awaits second reading.

Azerbaijan

A LOS MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN CONTINÚAN AL ENTRAR EL PAÍS EN CONSEJO DE EUROPA

Azerbaijan

MENACES CONTINUENT AU MOMENT OÙ LE PAYS ACCÈDE AU CONSEIL DE L'EUROPE

Azerbaijan

THREATS TO MEDIA CONTINUE AS COUNTRY ENTERS COUNCIL OF EUROPE

ARTICLE 19 (A19) reports that in the three weeks prior to 25 January, the day Azerbaijan became a member of the Council of Europe, two independent television stations were closed. Mingechevir TV stopped broadcasting that very day, after being warned by police that continuing to operate would surely result in criminal charges. The order to close came directly from the State Radio Frequencies Commission and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who stated that the station was not operating on an official frequency. DMR TV saw a similar fate on 8 January, after station president Mustafa Dibirov was threatened and forced to write a letter promising that the station would not broadcast until it received an official licence.

Belarus

ALARMANTE NUEVA LEY ESTRECHARÍA CONTROL DE INFORMACIÓN

Turkey

ESCRITOR LIBERADO, OTRO EN PELIGRO ENTRE DISTURBIOS EN PRISIÓN

Serbia

¿FUERON SACRIFICADOS PERIODISTAS EN BOMBARDEO DE TV EN 1999?

Belarus

SUSCITE L?INQUIÉTUDE PARCE QU?ELLE RENFORCE LE CONTRÔLE DE L?INFORMATION

Turkey

UN AUTRE COURT DES DANGERS TANDIS QUE QUE LES PRISONS SONT EN EFFERVESCENCE

Montenegro

LES JOURNALISTES ONT-ILS ÉTÉ SACRIFIÉS DANS UN BOMBARDEMENT ?

Belarus

ALARMING NEW LAW WOULD TIGHTEN INFORMATION CONTROL

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and ARTICLE 19 are expressing alarm at a new draft law on information security in Belarus. "The law says very little about the citizen's right to access to information, but makes detailed and complex provisions on how to control information in all forms of media," states IFJ, whose member organisation in Belarus, the Belarus Association of Journalists (BAJ), also strongly opposes the law. Of particular concern to IFJ is a plan to establish special authorities with the power to deal with vaguely-defined "harmful information." IFJ fears that legitimate media criticism of the authorities and others could be stifled.

Turkey

WRITER RELEASED, ANOTHER IN DANGER AMID PRISON UNREST

While one prominent Turkish writer, Esber Yagmurdereli, has been released after an international campaign, there is concern over the fate of journalist Serdal Gelir who remains in prison. These developments take place against the backdrop of a large-scale amnesty of prisoners, a hunger strike by inmates over prison reforms, and government efforts to control reporting on violent events in the prisons.

Montenegro

WERE JOURNALISTS SACRIFICED IN 1999 TV BOMBING?

On 26 January, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) repeated its call for Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica to hold a "public and independent inquiry" into the deaths of media workers at Radio Television Serbia (RTS) during the war with NATO. On 23 April 1999, 16 media workers were killed when NATO forces bombed RTS. According to Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) and IFJ, on 23 January, UN war crimes prosecutor Carla del Ponte stated that Slobodan Milosevic's authorities knew in advance that Serbian state television would be bombed. IFJ reports that the families of the victims are taking legal action against the station's management on the suspicion that the latter knew the building was a target, but kept the station open anyhow. "If [del Ponte] is right, there is a scandal here that must be uncovered," says the IFJ. "The question must be asked whether the lives of TV workers were deliberately sacrificed to make a propaganda point for the Milosevic regime."

Ukraine

PERIODISTA ASESINADO POR SU TRABAJO, DICE RSF, MIENTRAS SE DETERIORAN CONDICIONE

Ukraine

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ EN RAISON DE SON TRAVAIL, DIT RSF, PENDANT QUE SE DÉGRADE

Ukraine

JOURNALIST KILLED FOR HIS WORK, SAYS RSF, AS PRESS FREEDOM DETERIORATES

Georgy Gongadze was killed because of his work as a journalist, concludes Reporters sans frontières (RSF) after a mission of inquiry to Kiev. "Everything seems to have been done to prevent that truth from being revealed," says RSF. Its 22 January 2001 report, entitled "Mutilation of the truth", found numerous problems with the official investigation into the cause of the journalist’s death. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Press Institute (IPI), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have also expressed concern over the Gongadze case, which occurred within the context of deteriorating press freedom conditions in Ukraine.

Czech Republic

PERIODISTAS DE TV HACEN HUELGA POR INTERFERENCIA POLÍTICA

Czech Republic

FONT GRÈVE À LA SUITE D?UNE INTERVENTION POLITIQUE

Czech Republic

TV JOURNALISTS STRIKE OVER POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

The appointment of a controversial new general manager for Czech public TV and the subsequent dismissal of journalists has provoked a strike by the station's journalists as well as protests from the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Freedom House, and the International Press Institute (IPI). The events have shaken the country, which freed itself from Soviet-style press controls only a decade ago. IFJ calls the strike a "moment of truth", while the WPFC says the situation is a "black mark for free speech and press freedom."

Serbia

ANEM PIDE REVISIÓN DE MEDIOS; OTRAS NOTICIAS

Montenegro

L?ANEM RÉCLAME LA RÉVISION DU STATUT DES MÉDIAS; AUTRES NOUVELLES

Montenegro

ANEM CALLS FOR REVIEW OF MEDIA, OTHER NEWS

The Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM) is calling on Serbian and Yugoslav authorities to carry out a legal audit of media outlets that demonstrated a Milosevic bias in their reporting. "Certain privately-owned quasi-state media were primary levers of Slobodan Milosevic's power during his autocratic regime," states ANEM. At a time when most independent media groups were banned or blocked from functioning, these media groups profited from enormous privileges which enabled them to build a strong national and financial base. These same groups have now "attempted to fawn on the new authorities as they did the previous authorities, while seeking to attract foreign investment by putting themselves forward as strategic partners for foreign corporations in order to use these connections to preserve their illegally achieved positions," warns ANEM. ANEM thus calls for "a complete review of the operation of these private telecommunications monopolies," and urges all foreign investors to "display extreme caution before investing in private companies and similar organisations whose power was built illegally under the protection of the autocratic regime."

Turkey

APPEL CONJOINT INTERNATIONAL EN FAVEUR DE LA REMISE EN LIBERTÉ D?UN ÉCRIVAIN

Turkey

INTERNATIONAL JOINT APPEAL CALLS FOR WRITER'S RELEASE

Eleven IFEX members and 267 writers from thirteen countries are supporting a joint action to free imprisoned Turkish playwright and human rights lawyer Esber Yagmurdereli. In an appeal to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the groups recount the many years that Yagmurdereli has been in prison for campaigning against human rights violations in Turkey in general and for highlighting the "plight of the Kurds" in Turkey. He was first arrested and sentenced to death in 1978, but his sentence was subsequently converted to a life-long sentence. Yagmurdereli was conditionally released from prison in August 1991, but ever since then, has undergone a series of court hearings due to his work. In October 1997, he was again imprisoned to serve the remainder of his life sentence in addition to a new ten month-sentence for a second "offense," for a total of 22 years and four months. Since this time, Yagmurdereli was temporarily released for health reasons from November 1997 to June 1998, when he was returned to prison.

Azerbaijan

CHEF D?UN JOURNAL EST REMIS EN LIBERTÉ À LA SUITE DE PRESSIONS INTERNATIONALES

Russia

BABITSKY EST CONDAMNÉ POUR UN REPORTAGE CRITIQUE, PUIS AMNISTIÉ

Russia

BABITSKY CONDENADO POR INFORME CRÍTICO, LUEGO SE LE CONCEDE AMNISTÍA

Azerbaijan

EDITOR LIBERADO DEBIDO A PRESIÓN INTERNACIONAL

Azerbaijan

EDITOR FREED AFTER INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

On 5 October, Rauf Arifoglu, the editor-in-chief of the opposition newspaper "Yeni Musavat", was released after more than six weeks of pre-trial detention, according to reports from the Journalists' Trade Union (JuHI) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). However, the charges against the journalist have not been dropped. CPJ reports that Arifoglu was required to submit a written assurance that he would not flee the city before the trial, the date of which has not yet been announced.

Russia

BABITSKY CONVICTED FOR CRITICAL REPORTING, THEN AMNESTIED

Journalist Andrei Babitsky was convicted on 6 October by a court in Russia's southern republic of Dagestan of using false documents, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The court sentenced him to pay a fine of 13,200 rubles (about US$475), but the fine was waived and the charges were immediately dropped under an amnesty program passed earlier this year by the Russian Duma. According to CPJ, Babitsky, a reporter for the U.S. government-funded Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe, had angered Russian military authorities with his critical reporting on the war in Chechnya. On 27 January, Babitsky was arrested in Chechnya for "participating in an armed formation", a charge which was later dropped. In February, he was arrested again on the charge of possessing a false Azeri passport, which Babitsky claimed had been forced on him.

Russia

REPORTERO DE RFE/RL ASESINADO, OTRAS NOTICIAS

Azerbaijan

: UN JOURNALISTE EST PASSIBLE DE 25 ANS DE RÉCLUSION

Russia

UN REPORTER DE RFE/RL EST ASSASSINÉ; AUTRES NOUVELLES

Azerbaijan

JOURNALIST FACES 25 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT

Azeri editor Rauf Arifoglu currently faces up to 25 years in prison for “appealing for a coup d’etat,” and “complicity in attempted hijack, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms,” reports ARTICLE 19. The heavy-handed approach to Arifoglu is part of a larger “pattern of intimidation of opposition and independent journalists and media,” which ARTICLE 19 believes is designed to suppress political criticism in the pre-electoral period. Elections are scheduled to take place in November. Other recent acts of intimidation in Azerbaijan have included the closures of an independent television station and an independent weekly publication, as well as recent criminal defamation cases against journalists and a newspaper. ARTICLE 19 confirms that on 18 August, Arifoglu was contacted by Mekhti Gusenli, “who was attempting to hijack an internal flight and has since apparently claimed sole responsibility for the incident.” Arifoglu had strongly advised Gusenli to cease the hijacking and immediately informed the authorities of the situation. Arifoglu claims that the firearm alleged to have been found in his apartment was planted by police, says ARTICLE 19.

Russia

RFE/RL REPORTER MURDERED, OTHER NEWS

On 21 September, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reporter Iskandr Khatloni died in hospital after being struck with an axe in his Moscow apartment by an unknown assailant, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI). Khatloni, who had worked for RFE/RL since 1996, was allegedly working on “stories about the Russian military's human-rights abuses in Chechnya” at the time of his death. Earlier this year, the Russian Media Ministry also stated that RFE/RL is "hostile to our state." This murder occurs amidst a worsening climate of media repression in Russia. On 21 September, CPJ, IPI, the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) were among those that signed a letter to President Vladimir Putin. The letter expressed alarm at the intensifying threats against press freedom and demanded that the government respect freedom of expression in Russia. The letter can be viewed at http://www.wpfc.org/. [Updates IFEX “Communique” #9-37.]">http://www.wpfc.org/Protest%20Letter%20frames%20page.htm">http://www.wpfc.org/. [Updates IFEX “Communique” #9-37.]

Russia

LES MÉDIAS SONT TOUJOURS CONFRONTÉS AUX MESURES DE CONTRÔLE DE L?ÉTAT

Russia

MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN SIGUEN ENFRENTÁNDOSE A CONTROLES GUBERNAMENTALES

Russia

MEDIA CONTINUES TO FACE GOVERNMENT CONTROLS

New restrictions have been placed on the media concerning coverage of developments in Chechnya, reports the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF). On 11 September, the Vologodskaya Oblast military district departments were instructed by the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Internal Affairs to “take under military control all local press publications about Chechnya affairs.” Meanwhile, media workers at "Novaya Zhizn"("New Life") in Babayevo were notified by the regional military registration office that they were not permitted to publish “any information concerning Chechnya” or “any information regarding the location of federal troops and their numbers.”

Azerbaijan

LES MÉDIAS DÉNONCE LA CAMPAGNE DE L?ÉTAT CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES

Azerbaijan

POR CAMPAÑA DE ESTADO CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Azerbaijan

MEDIA PROTESTS STATE CAMPAIGN AGAINST JOURNALISTS

From 24-26 August, members of the major independent and opposition mass media staged a three-day strike in protest of the "continuing state-sponsored violent attacks on free mass media and journalists" in Azerbaijan, reports the Journalists' Trade Union (JuHI). JuHI called upon international free expression supporters to join a campaign for a free press in Azerbaijan. The striking media workers also protested the recent arrest of Rauf Arifoglu, editor-in-chief of the opposition daily "Yeni Musavat". Arifoglu was arrested on 22 August after police allegedly found a gun in his apartment. The journalist's colleagues claim that the weapon was planted by the police and that the arrest is "an attempt by the authorities to cast slurs upon opposition journalists by accusing them of crimes they had not committed." On 21 August, Arifoglu was questioned in relation to the hijacking of a plane by a member of the Musavat party. The hijacker had phoned Arifoglu to have the editor publish a list of his demands, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Montenegro

FILIPOVIC EST CONDAMNÉ À SEPT ANS DE PRISON

Montenegro

FILIPOVIC RECEIVES SEVEN-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

Many members of the IFEX community have responded in outrage to the news that Serbian journalist Miroslav Filipovic has received a seven-year jail sentence for "espionage" and "spreading false information." On 26 July, Filipovic, a correspondent for the independent daily "Danas" and Agence France-Presse was sentenced by the Nis military court. The journalist was arrested and detained twice in the month of May by the security police. First charged on 13 June, "the indictment was based on articles about the activities of the Yugoslavian army," in which he "had notably gathered testimonies by members of the Yugoslavian army, condemning Serbian acts of violence in Kosovo," reports Reporters sans frontières (RSF).

Serbia

ESCALADA DE REPRESIÓN A MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES Y DE OPOSICIÓN, OTRAS NOTICIAS

Montenegro

DES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS ET D?OPPOSITION PREND DE L?AMPLEUR; AUTRE NOUVELLES

Montenegro

REPRESSION OF OPPOSITION AND INDEPENDENT MEDIA ESCALATES, OTHER NEWS

State violence against opposition activists is escalating, says Human Rights Watch (HRW). Whereas police harassment and beatings were previously "limited mostly to detention and interrogation," an increasing number of students and activists have been beaten in recent weeks by police or "thugs" believed to be acting on behalf of Serbian authorities. "Since June, opposition activists face not only detention but also physical violence," reports HRW. Representatives of Otpor (Resistance), an anti-government group which the government has repeatedly referred to as a "fascist" and "terrorist" organisation, are being beaten for carrying Otpor information or the Otpor symbol. Otpor, which has rapidly gained in popularity and support, "has repeatedly demanded free elections in Serbia and carried out street actions ridiculing the government's policies," says HRW.

Russia

PERIODISTA MUERE A CONSECUENCIA DE ATAQUE CON MARTILLO

Russia

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT DES SUITES D?UNE AGRESSION À COUPS DE MARTEAU

Russia

FDG PUBLICA INFORME ANUAL DE SITUACIÓN DE MEDIOS

Russia

LA GDF PUBLIE SON RAPPORT ANNUEL SUR LA SITUATION DES MÉDIAS

Russia

GDF RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT ON MEDIA SITUATION

The Glasnost Defense Foundation (GDF) has issued its annual "Analytical Report" on the media situation in Russia for 1999. The report by GDF legal experts analyses the conflicts the Russian media is involved in, the relations between Russian mass media and the government, and violations of media and journalists' rights. The authors also look at the new situation in Russian mass media following the recent elections to the State Duma.

Spain

DES JOURNALISTES DANS LA MIRE DE L?ETA

Spain

PERIODISTAS, EN LA MIRA DE ETA

Spain

JOURNALISTS IN ETA'S LINE OF FIRE

A new report by Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) documents the growing dangers faced by journalists in the Basque country of Spain. During its mission in the region from 31 May to 2 June, RSF met with journalists, unionists, media directors, leaders of the main political parties, and government officials. "Some fifty journalists and publication directors are under police escort in the Basque country and in Madrid. In total, nearly one hundred require official or private protection. Furthermore, a dozen information professionals have been 'exiled' from the Basque country to Madrid and certain media outlets are multiplying their security measures," says RSF. "In both the Basque country and elsewhere in Spain, media outlets and journalists who do not share the radical nationalist ideology are considered 'Basque traitors' or 'Spanish invaders' and are threatened by the armed independence organisation Euskadi ta Askatasuna (ETA)."

Serbia

FILIPOVIC RECIBE SENTENCIA DE PRISIÓN DE SIETE AÑOS

Moldova

LA COUR CONSTITUTIONNELLE MAINTIENT LES AMENDES IMPOSÉES À DES JOURNALISTES

Montenegro

S?ATTIRENT LES CRITIQUES À LA SUITE DU RENFORCEMENT DES CONTRÔLES SUR LA PRESSE

Russia

PREMIER PAYS À FIGURER SUR LA LISTE DE SURVEILLANCE DE L?IIP

Moldova

TRIBUNAL CONSTITUCIONAL DEJA MULTAS A LA PRENSA SIN CAMBIOS

Serbia

CRITICAN CONTROLES DE PRENSA DE ONU

Russia

PRIMER PAÍS EN APARECER EN UNA NUEVA "LISTA DE OBSERVACIÓN DE IPI"

Moldova

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT LEAVES FINES FOR THE PRESS UNCHANGED

In a decision reached in early June, Moldova's Constitutional Court left unchanged the Civil Code's Articles 7 and 7(1) under which journalists and media organisations can be fined "for the spread of information harming one's honour and dignity", according to Moldova's Independent Journalism Center (IJC). The fines range from 10 to 100 minimal salaries for individual journalists, and 75 to 200 minimal salaries for media institutions. (A minimal salary in Moldova amounts to 18 lei, or 1.4 dollars). If the court rules against the defendant, an official denial on behalf of the defendant must also be published within 15 days of the ruling.

Russia

FIRST COUNTRY TO APPEAR ON NEW "IPI WATCH LIST"

In a 23 June open letter to President Vladimir Putin, the International Press Institute (IPI) placed the Russian Federation on the newly created "IPI Watch List." Despite initial comments by the president that freedom of the press would be encouraged, IPI is disturbed by the apparent sea change in the new government's approach to the media. "The deterioration in press freedom is illustrated by a series of incidents including threats to block the renewal of licenses, the government's attempts to replace independent journalists with obedient political appointees and plans to require licensing of newspapers," says IPI. "These incidents appear to be calculated acts of intimidation designed to silence critical reporting."

Montenegro

UN PRESS CONTROLS CRITICIZED

The United Nations mission in Kosovo announced new media controls on 17 June, prompting criticism by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC). Bernard Kouchner, head of the UN Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), has appointed a Media Commissioner with a wide range of powers to fine, close or suspend publications.

Russia

FDG APELA A LOS MEDIOS; PERIODISTA EN CAUTIVERIO 250 DÍAS

Russia

GDF LANCE UN APPEL AUX MÉDIAS; JOURNALISTE EN CAPTIVITÉ PENDANT 250 JOURS

Russia

GDF APPEALS TO MEDIA; JOURNALIST IN CAPTIVITY 250 DAYS

The Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) appeals to local and foreign journalists to unite in protest against President Vladimir Putin's ongoing attack on the media. Putin's attack on the media and recent review of media laws is a threat to all of civil society and their rights, says GDF. "The struggle for civil rights in this country begins with a clampdown on one of the most essential civil rights, the right to information." Under the guise of "fighting terrorism," the Press Ministry issued warnings to several leading newspapers and television companies. In March, Press Minister Lesin cautioned that "any interview with Chechen officers would be regarded as collaboration with the terrorists." Authorities have also claimed that media laws are too liberal and have initiated a process which will "put the electronic media under the unrestricted control of the Press Ministry." The state has also moved to restrict Western media's access to information. In a bid for solidarity between press workers, GDF urges each mass media group to publish at least one article on this issue in Russia. For more information, contact GDF, Moscow, Russia; Tel: +7 095 201 4420 / 201 3242; Fax: +7 095 201 4947; E-mail: fond@gdf.ru; Internet: http://www.gdf.ru.">mailto:fond@gdf.ru">fond@gdf.ru; Internet: http://www.gdf.ru.

Russia

LE TRIBUNAL CONFIRME L?ACQUITTEMENT DE NIKITINE

Turkey

PROYECTO DE LEY PODRÍA LLEVAR A CENSURA, OTRAS NOTICIAS

Turkey

UNE LOI EN CHANTIER POURRAIT CONDUIRE À LA CENSURE; AUTRES NOUVELLES

Turkey

DRAFT LAW COULD LEAD TO CENSORSHIP

The Turkish parliament's Culture and Education Committee recently passed new legislation which requires all publishers and video-cassette producers to apply for an official sticker of approval from the Ministry of Culture, reports ARTICLE 19. Stores and outlets that sell books or videos that do not bear this sticker will face heavy fines and possible closure. The legislation, which currently awaits full parliamentary approval, "allows for the possibility of censorship should the Ministry of Culture decide to withhold or unduly delay approval," says ARTICLE 19.

United Kingdom

LEYES NUEVAS Y VIEJAS AMENAZAN LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Romania

WPFC SE OPONE A NUEVA LEY DE SECRETOS DE ESTADO

United Kingdom

D?ANCIENNES ET DE NOUVELLES LOIS MENACENT LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Romania

LE WPFC S?OPPOSE À LA NOUVELLE LOI SUR LES SECRETS D?ÉTAT

United Kingdom

OLD AND NEW LAWS THREATEN FREE EXPRESSION

The United Kingdom's Freedom of Information Bill, which goes before the House of Commons on 4 and 5 April, still contains some areas of concern for free expression, says ARTICLE 19. While the bill has undergone some positive amendments with respect to public interest disclosures, it still fails to meet international standards and best practice in this area. The bill extends the powers of the Information Commissioner, however, it also stipulates an "excessively broad regime of exemptions," which enables government officials to veto the Commissioner's decisions and to define what constitutes public interest. Moreover, according to ARTICLE 19, "several exemptions are not subject to any form of public interest override." In addition, the bill will be subject to "any secrecy, or other laws which may preclude disclosure."

Romania

WPFC OPPOSES NEW STATE SECRETS ACT

The Romanian parliament is presently considering the proposed "State Secrets Act", which the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC) says is reminiscent of policies under the long and repressive dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaucescu. WPFC, which recently co-sponsored a workshop on Romanian press law with the Center for Independent Journalism, states that the legislation clearly violates the European Convention of Human rights. This occurs at a time when the parliament is attempting to "harmonise" its national legislation with the European Union to meet membership requirements. According to WPFC, even the chair of Romania's Senate Committee on Arts, Culture and Mass Media has called the law "very bad." The legislation is expected to be voted on in April.

Montenegro

INTERNATIONAL PRESS FREEDOM CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SERBIA

On 30 March 2000, freedom of expression groups, journalists, publishers and broadcasters launched the international campaign "Prime Time for Freedom" for the defence of independent media and free journalism in Serbia, announced the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM).

Belarus

LA POLICE ARRÊTE DES DIZAINES DE JOURNALISTES ET DE MANIFESTANTS

Belarus

POLICE ARREST DOZENS OF JOURNALISTS AND DEMONSTRATORS

On 25 March, over 30 Belarusian and foreign journalists were arrested by riot police at a demonstration organised by the opposition in Minsk, say the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF) based on reports from the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). The demonstration commemorated the 82nd anniversary of the Belarusian National Republic in Minsk. According to BAJ, police destroyed equipment and exposed journalists' film, preventing the latter from reporting on the event. Police also illegally searched journalists, forbid journalists from contacting their offices or families while being detained, and gave no explanation for the arrests. Accredited journalists with Russian TV stations were treated with particular brutality, reports BAJ. 200 demonstrators, including three Polish parliamentary observers and a US OSCE representative, were also arrested.

Belarus

POLICÍA ARRESTA A DOCENAS DE PERIODISTAS Y MANIFESTANTES

Russia

DÉCÈS D?UN IMPORTANT JOURNALISTE D?ENQUÊTE

Moldova

ARTICLE 19 RECOMMANDE DES MODIFICATIONS À UN PROJET DE LOI

Moldova

ARTICLE 19 RECOMIENDA CAMBIOS A PROYECTO DE LEY

Russia

MUERE IMPORTANTE PERIODISTA DE INVESTIGACIÓN

Russia

LEADING INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST DIES

On 9 March, journalist Artyom Borovik died in an airplane crash while on his way from Moscow to the Ukraine, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The four other passengers aboard the plane, who were from the Russian oil company Alliance Group, also died in the crash. Officials are presently investigating technical reasons for the crash, says CPJ, but they have not ruled out "foul play." According to CPJ, passenger Zeya Bazhayev, chair of the oil company, had received death threats from Chechen rebels for "refusing to supply them with weapons."

Moldova

ARTICLE 19 RECOMMENDS CHANGES TO DRAFT LAW

The revised draft law on Access to Information which the Moldovan parliament is presently considering still contains three serious problems, says ARTICLE 19. While the current draft is a significant improvement of its previous version, ARTICLE 19 urges the parliament to consider three key issues. First, the vagueness of the exemption provisions would enable "too much scope for illegitimate withholding of official information," says ARTICLE 19. These provisions should be narrowly and explicitly drawn and should be subject to a public interest override.

Russia

UN TRAVAILLEUR DES MÉDIAS EST MORT; UN JOURNALISTE EST REMIS EN LIBERTÉ

Russia

SE INFORMA MUERTE DE TRABAJADOR DE MEDIOS; PERIODISTA LIBERADO

Russia

MEDIA WORKER REPORTED KILLED; JOURNALIST RELEASED

On 20 February, photojournalist Vladimir Yatsina was reportedly killed by gunman, says the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the World Association of Newspapers (WAN), and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), based on eyewitness accounts. According to a Kazakh businessman who was being held hostage with Yatsina, the latter was shot while the group was being moved to Shatoi, Chechnya. A photojournalist for ITAR-TASS, Yatsina was initially kidnapped on 19 July in the border town of Nazran, reports CPJ. His kidnappers then took him to Chechnya and contacted his family and employer demanding for 2 million dollars from each in exchange for his release.

Russia

IMPONEN REGULACIÓN DE INTERNET

Russia

INTERNET REGULATION IMPOSED

According to a report from early February by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the Russian government is proposing that Russian website content be regulated by the government. This regulation is one of several proposals in the last month which the government has tried to introduce but has been dissuaded from doing so by Internet specialists and Internet-based media, says RFE/RL. The legislation would force some Internet groups, defined as "mass media," to obtain licenses. According to the Center for Media Law in Moscow, the legislation lacks clarity and as a result, "could be broad enough to mount a serious challenge to freedom of speech in Russia."

France

JURIDIQUES QUI PÈSENT SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Montenegro

LE GOUVERNEMENT MENACE LES MÉDIAS

Serbia

GOBIERNO AMENAZA MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

France

RSF EXHORTA AL GOBIERNO A EVALUAR AMENAZAS LEGALES A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

France

RSF URGES GOVERNMENT TO ASSESS LEGAL THREATS TO PRESS FREEDOM

Clauses in the presumption of innocence bill may threaten freedom of information in France, says Reporters sans frontiPres (RSF) in a recent press release. While RSF reports that certain aspects of the bill are positive, it cautions that other clauses in the new legislation call for "sanctions in the form of fines of up to 100,000 francs (15,244 Euros) for the publication of photographs showing handcuffed or shackled individuals or the publication of images of victims of attacks or crimes." Stating that those clauses "run counter" to the European Convention on Human Rights and European Court case law, RSF urges Members of parliament to oppose all clauses in this bill that could restrict the right to inform and be informed. The legislation was to go before the National Assembly for a second reading on 9 and 10 February.

Montenegro

GOVERNMENT THREATENS INDEPENDENT MEDIA

On 10 February, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia Vojislav Seselj "threatened violence" against independent journalists in Serbia, accusing them of killing Yugoslav Defence Minister Pavle Bulatovic, report Human Rights Watch (HRW), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM). Bulatovic was killed in a Belgrade restaurant on 7 February, and no one has yet been convicted for the murder. Seselj accused independent journalists of being guilty of treason "worse than any criminals" and of being accomplices with the West, says HRW. ANEM reports that earlier this year the Federal Minister for Telecommunications Ivan Markovic also accused some of the most prominent independent media in Serbia of being "weapons in the hands of NATO." According to ANEM, Seselj "announced that the state would use all means at its disposal to do away with independent journalists." Specifically, Seselj targeted the radio station B292, claiming that the group had received American money and was hiding foreign spies, says IFJ. ANEM states that in addition to invoking various laws, the Deputy Prime Minister "warned of the possibility of summary executions."

Turkey

UNE ÉCRIVAINE EST ASSASSINÉE

Russia

LES MÉDIAS SONT VISÉS ET LA COUVERTURE MÉDIATIQUE EST BLOQUÉE

Turkey

ENCUENTRAN A ESCRITORA ASESINADA

Russia

MEDIOS ATACADOS Y COBERTURA BLOQUEADA

Russia

MEDIA TARGETED AND COVERAGE BLOCKED

By denying international and local journalists access to Chechnya, Russian authorities are blocking the international community from knowing what is happening in the region, states Human Rights Watch (HRW). Representatives of HRW have also been prevented from entering the region by the Russian military. "By keeping journalists out, Russia is trying to hide the evidence of its brutal campaign in Chechnya from the eyes of the international community," says HRW. These actions by the military occur at a time when the government has launched a new offensive against the independent media in Russia, says the Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM) based on an article by Charles Fenyvesi in Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Watchlist.

Turkey

WRITER FOUND MURDERED

On 22 January, the body of writer Konca Kuris was found tortured and killed in a mass grave with dozens of other bodies in Konya, 220 miles northwest of Mersin, Turkey, reports the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) based on a New York Times article by Stephen Kinzer. Police also found videotapes documenting the torture Kuris endured leading up to her death. Kuris' fate had been unknown ever since she was kidnapped in July 1998. Kuris' body was one of 33 bodies that were found buried "at properties used by Hezbollah (Party of God), a group dedicated to overthrowing the secular Turkish state and establishing an Islamic republic in its place," reports Kinzer. Kinzer clarifies that Hezbollah "is not believed to be connected to the similarly named group that has fought against the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon."

Greece

AUTOCENSURA DE MEDIOS CRECE

Greece

L?AUTOCENSURE PERSISTE DANS LES MÉDIAS

Greece

MEDIA'S SELF-CENSORSHIP CONTINUES

Although the Greek media were generally free in 1999, self-censorship continues to be a common practice among journalists in Greece, say the Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM) and the Minority Rights Group-Greece (MRG-G) in its annual report of human rights for 1999. The groups state that in 1999, self-censorship was evident in media coverage of "sensitive, national issues," but was also commonplace among journalists in the coverage of the NATO air strikes in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The report, entitled "Human Rights in Greece: Joint Concise Annual Report for 1999," details cases in which journalists were prosecuted and/or imprisoned for libel, defamation and "the publication of leaked confidential documents." A number of journalists also faced assault or lost their jobs due to their work, says GHM and MRG-G. The report, however, also addresses the media's participation in or propagation of "hostility and hate speech" towards some human rights and minority organisations.

Azerbaijan

PERO TAMBIÉN DE VÍNCULOS INTERNACIONALES CRECIENTES, DICE TUJO

Azerbaijan

PAR L?ACCENTUATION DE LA RÉPRESSION CONTRE LES MÉDIAS, DIT LE TUJo

Azerbaijan

1999 SAW CONTINUED MEDIA REPRESSION, BUT GROWING INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES, SAYS TUJO

Repression of the media continued throughout 1999, states the Trade Union of Journalists (TUJo) in its year-end report on press freedom in Azerbaijan. TUJo also reports that two journalists were killed in Azerbaijan in 1999 which has never happened in previous years, although their deaths are not necessarily linked to media repression. TUJo reports that local media in Azerbaijan say that in 1999, the Ministry of Press and Information placed numerous restrictions on media and prevented the printing and distribution of some newspapers. Fewer journalists faced violence in 1999 than in 1998, however, the repression and abuse of media workers, mainly at the hands of the police, continued. Moreover, TUJo reports that one of the possible reasons for this decrease was that the opposition was unable to organise as many rallies in 1999, where much of the violence against journalists occurs. Additionally, TUJo states that journalists were the victims of many unfair court trials, and that numerous newspapers and media stations were forced to reduce or cease distribution or broadcasting. New television and radio companies also faced barriers obtaining licenses, says TUJo, inhibiting the development of this sector.

Russia

ESCRITOR NIKITIN ABSUELTO DE CARGOS DE TRAICIÓN

Norway

PLAN DE DERECHOS HUMANOS CREA SUBSIDIOS PARA ESCRITORES PERSEGUIDOS

Russia

WRITER NIKITIN ACQUITTED OF TREASON CHARGES

On 29 December 1999, writer, environmentalist and former Soviet submarine captain Alexander Nikitin was acquitted of treason and espionage, according to news reports received by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). Geoffrey York writes in the 30 December edition of the “Globe and Mail”that Nikitin, who faced up to 12 years in prison, had his activities restricted since he was first arrested in February 1996 on charges brought against him by the Federal Security Service (FSB). Nikitin was tried by the FSB’s closed courts immediately after the publication of a report that he co-authored which revealed information about the role that Russian military submarines have played in producing nuclear waste. The report was subsequently banned and all copies of it seized. Nikitin has received a number of awards for his courageous journalistic work, including most recently from the Los Angeles-based PEN West Center.

Ireland

CONTINÚA CENSURA DE DIRECCIÓN DE PUBLICACIONES

Ireland

LE ?CENSORSHIP OF PUBLICATIONS BOARD? PERDURE

Ireland

CENSORSHIP OF PUBLICATIONS BOARD ENDURES

Ireland continues to employ its Censorship of Publications Board (CPB), a body created in 1929, reports Michael Foley in his article "In Dublin's Fair City," in the latest issue of Index on Censorship (vol 5, 1999). Created on the recommendation of the Committee on Evil Literature, the CPB, "hidden from public scrutiny," has been "quietly banning away for years," states Foley. Publications banned by the CPB include works by James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Walter Macken, Sean O'Faolain, Edna O'Brien, Kate O'Brien, and John McGahern.

Ukraine

ELECCIONES PRESIDENCIALES ARRUINADAS POR RESTRICCIONES A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Ukraine

EST ENTACHÉE PAR LES RESTRICTIONS À LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Ukraine

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS MARRED BY PRESS FREEDOM RESTRICTIONS

The second round of presidential elections in the Ukraine, set for 14 November, have been seriously jeopardised due to government violations of press freedom, state Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). President Leonid Kuchma, who won the 31 October elections, now faces a runoff against Petro Symonenko of the Communist Party. In the past two months of the electoral process, RSF reports that 25 media have been harassed, several journalists have received death threats, and many have been denied accreditation. Opposition candidates have received only very restricted access to state media, and the public television channel has openly supported President Kuchma's candidacy.

Serbia

DISCURSO DEL ODIO EN AUMENTO

Kazakhstan

ELECCIONES CONTAMINADAS POR INTERFERENCIA DEL GOBIERNO

Montenegro

LE PHÉNOMÈNE DU DISCOURS HAINEUX PREND DE L?AMPLEUR

Kazakhstan

LES ÉLECTIONS SONT ENTACHÉES PAR L?INGÉRENCE DU GOUVERNEMENT

Kazakhstan

ELECTIONS TAINTED BY GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE

On 5 October, Human Rights Watch (HRW) charged that the Kazakh government employed tactics

Montenegro

HATE SPEECH ON THE RISE

Hate speech is becoming increasingly prevalent in the media in Kosovo, Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Greek Helsinki Monitor (GHM) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)'s Representative on Freedom of the Media report. On 2 October, Veton Surroi and

Turkey

CONTINÚAN VIOLACIONES A DERECHOS HUMANOS

Turkey

LES VIOLATIONS DES DROITS DE LA PERSONNE SE POURSUIVENT

Turkey

HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS CONTINUE

Despite Turkey’s recent amnesty bill that has freed a number of writers and journalists, human rights abuses in Turkey continue, report Human Rights Watch (HRW), Reporters san frontières (RSF) and Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The amnesty bill, passed on 28 August and signed by

Bulgaria

DESAFÍAN CONTROL GUBERNAMENTAL SOBRE INTERNET

Bulgaria

ON CONTESTE LE CONTRÔLE DU GOUVERNEMENT SUR INTERNET

Bulgaria

GOVERNMENT CONTROL OF INTERNET CHALLENGED

There is growing fear within Bulgaria that the government is attempting to control use of the Internet, Peter Kanev reports in the International Press Institute’s (IPI) most recent “IPI Report.” According to Kanev, Bulgaria’s Committee of Posts and Telecommunications (CPT) proposed last December that a number of new requirements be placed on Internet service providers (ISPs), through whom thousands of Bulgarians access the Internet. The statutes require ISPs to pay a fee to the CPT, a ministry agency, and to use the state-owned Bulgarian Telecommunications Company’s lines. Further, contrary to earlier announcements, CPT’s Chief Executive, Antoni Slavinski, has announced that Internet content may be scrutinized by the CPT.

Czech Republic

NUEVO PROYECTO DE LEY AMENAZA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Czech Republic

UN PROJET DE LOI MENACE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Czech Republic

NEW DRAFT LAW THREATENS PRESS FREEDOM

The approval of a new draft law currently before the Czech Parliament would place press freedom at risk, ARTICLE 19 states. ARTICLE 19 claims that the law “will place the Czech Republic in breach of its obligations under international law to respect the guarantee of freedom of expression and will be a retrograde step in the development of democracy and media freedom in the Czech Republic.” The law, which is to replace the Czechoslovak Press Law of 1966 and its subsequent amendments, contains a number of articles that place new restrictions on publishers regarding

Lithuania

ON PROPOSE DE CRÉER UNE COMMISSION DE PROTECTION DES MÉDIAS

Montenegro

REAL RADIO B92 BACK ON AIR

On 2 August, the award-winning independent Radio B92 in Belgrade came back on the air under the new name of B2-92 four months after being taken over by the Serbian government, reports the Association of Independent Electronic Media (ANEM). Not only did the government take over the station after Yugoslav telecommunications authorities banned Radio B92 on 24 March, it began broadcasting on the same frequency and installed a government supporter at its head on 2 April. The station continued to broadcast on the Internet through ANEM's Radio and Television Networks until the takeover. According to B2-92, its news "is produced by the real team of Radio B92, all of whom refused to work for the new government management currently using the B92 name and frequency, and [B2-92] is broadcast on the third frequency 99.1 FM of the Belgrade municipal station Studio B." Actions against the real B92 led to a massive international campaign. The launch of B2-92 "is part of a broader campaign to restore Radio B92 to its listeners and its rightful owners - its staff," says B2-92. The campaign will continue with public actions in Belgrade, cyberspace and worldwide. For more information, visit B2-92's website at:

Azerbaijan

LIBERAN AL PERIODISTA FUAD QAHRAMANLI; MEDIOS ATACADOS

Moldova

MEJORAN PROYECTO DE LEY DE INFORMACIÓN

Azerbaijan

LE JOURNALISTE FOUAD QAHRAMANLI EST RELÂCHÉ; DES MÉDIAS SONT ATTAQUÉS

Moldova

AMÉLIORATION DE L'AVANT-PROJET DE LOI SUR L'INFORMATION

Azerbaijan

JOURNALIST FUAD QAHRAMANLI RELEASED; MEDIA ATTACKED

A journalist in Azerbaijan who was the subject of an international campaign, Fuad Qahramanli, was freed from jail after being pardoned by President Heydar Aliyev on 10 July, reports the International Press Institute (IPI). Qahramanli, a 24-year-old journalist working for the "Chag" newspaper, was arrested in June 1998 following a raid on the newspaper offices, and jailed for an article that was never published. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison in November 1998 for making a "call to social disorder," in an article reporting on the propaganda tactics of the opposition party in the run up to presidential elections. The Trade Union of Journalists (TUJo)/Azerbaijan and IPI, which together organised the international campaign to free Qahramanli, thank all the members of the IFEX community and others who took action on the journalist's behalf. The campaign was launched in April, and a statement of support calling for Qahramanli's freedom was signed by many participants at the IFEX Annual Meeting in South Africa in April. For more information, visit the TUJo website at http://members.xoom.com/Azer2013/camp.htm.">http://members.xoom.com/Azer2013/camp.htm">http://members.xoom.com/Azer2013/camp.htm.

Moldova

DRAFT FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LAW IMPROVED

Proposals for legislation on freedom of information in Moldova which gave rise to freedom of expression concerns have been revised by the parliament, reports ARTICLE 19. The changes reflect recommendations to bring the law into line with international standards which ARTICLE 19 provided to parliamentarians. The government had produced a draft law entitled "The Law on Freedom of Information", the second half of which ARTICLE 19 says "was more to do with media regulation than access to official information."

Hungary

GOVERNMENT INTERFERING WITH MEDIA

The International Press Institute (IPI) reports that there is "a growing trend of government interference in the media in Hungary". The most recent example occurred on 29 June when an editor and several staff members of a news programme on MTV1 were fired, according to IPI. The dismissal was connected to a story they had broadcast in which they indicated that "10 members of the FIDESZ ruling party had received preferential rates from the Postabank financial concern". IPI sources state that "a draft Press Law is being prepared which will oblige media outlets to publish a right of reply to anyone who feels harmed, even if the article in question is entirely accurate." Another prominent case which concerns IPI involves Kriminális magazine editor and TV host Lászlo Juszt, who is facing "possible charges of disclosing state secrets" which are tied to an article he wrote alleging that "the Prime Minister's claims that the former government were involved in illegal electronic surveillance of the FIDESZ party were unfounded".

Azerbaijan

A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Azerbaijan

SIX REPORTERS SONT AGRESSÉS

Azerbaijan

SIX REPORTERS ASSAULTED IN RECENT VIOLATIONS OF PRESS FREEDOM

Reporters sans frontieres (RSF) has expressed concern about the latest violations of press freedom in Azerbaijan as well as the current media bill which is being debated in the country's parliament.

United Kingdom

LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN NO ES SUFICIENTEMENTE ABIERTA

United Kingdom

LE PROJET DE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ D?INFORMATION N?EST PAS ASSEZ TRANSPARENT

United Kingdom

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL NOT OPEN ENOUGH

The United Kingdom's new Freedom of Information Bill is not open enough, says a report by ARTICLE 19, published on 22 June. The Report, "The Public's Right to Know: Principles on Freedom of Information Legislation", provides "a set of international and comparative standards on access to information held by public bodies." Andrew Puddephatt, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19, said, "The strength of the public's right to know is a good indication of the health of a democracy. International comparison shows that this Bill is overbroad and overcautious. It is even less progressive than draft freedom of information laws recently published by emerging democracies such as Moldova and Bulgaria. It includes broader exemptions than laws which have been operating successfully for almost 20 years in countries like Canada, New Zealand and Australia." The UK government purports that the Bill is "a radical measure containing clear and robust access rights for those requesting information and a strong enforcement regime," says ARTICLE 19.

Turkey

NUMEROSOS PERIODISTAS Y ESCRITORES ARRESTADOS

Turkey

ARRESTATION DE NOMBREUX JOURNALISTES ET ÉCRIVAINS

Turkey

NUMEROUS JOURNALISTS AND WRITERS ARRESTED

Numerous journalists and writers have been arrested and detained in Turkey recently, report several IFEX members. On 10 June, Istanbul-based British journalist Andrew Finkel was charged with "insulting state institutions" under Article 159 of the Turkish Penal Code, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The charge stemmed from a February 1998 article Finkel wrote for the daily newspaper "Sabah" about Turkey's ongoing military operations against the Kurds in the southeast. Another hearing is scheduled for 16 November. Finkel reports for "Time" magazine and "The Times of London" and also appears on CNN. If convicted, he faces up to six years in prison.

Montenegro

MENACER LES MÉDIAS ET LA LIBRE CIRCULATION DE L?INFORMATION

Serbia

AMENAZANDO A MEDIOS Y LIBRE FLUJO DE INFORMACIÓN

Montenegro

MILITARY CONFLICT CONTINUES TO THREATEN MEDIA AND FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION

Journalists from Kosovo, many of whom had fled after being expelled from their offices and homes, have reassembled to launch their professional association, the Alliance of Kosova Journalists, from headquarters in exile in London. Committees of Alliance members have also now been established in Albania and in the Republic of Macedonia. The International Federation of Journalists, which has set up a global appeal on behalf of Kosovar journalists and media staff, explains that "the Alliance will ensure that when the peace comes, journalists and independent media will be in the forefront of the campaign to bring democracy and respect for human rights back into Kosovo."

Bulgaria

COALICIÓN PIDE REVISIÓN DE LEYES DE MEDIOS

Bulgaria

UNE COALITION DEMANDE LA RÉVISION DES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Bulgaria

COALITION CALLS FOR REVIEW OF MEDIA LAWS

A coalition of journalists' unions and free expression groups in Bulgaria has called for a review of the country's media laws, reports the International Press Institute (IPI). Delegates at the "Bulgarian Free Press; Fair Press" conference in Sofia on 29 and 30 April adopted a resolution calling for a review of the defamation laws and outlining recommendations for the draft Freedom of Information Act. The Committee on Culture and Media of Bulgaria's National Assembly has already proposed amendments to Articles 146/7/8 of the Penal Code which remove the penalty of going to prison for libel and defamation. However, defamation remains under the jurisdiction of the criminal rather than the civil code. With regard to access to information, the Bulgarian Media Coalition recommends that "in all laws and decisions concerning the right to obtain information, the public interest in knowing the information shall be the primary consideration."

Turkey

PERIODISTAS TORTURADOS, DICE INFORME; FINALIZA JUICIO DE GÖKTEPE

Turkey

DES JOURNALISTES SONT TORTURÉS, SELON UN RAPPORT; LE PROCÈS DE GÖKTEPE PREND FIN

Turkey

JOURNALISTS TORTURED, SAYS REPORT; GÖKTEPE TRIAL ENDS

Fewer journalists were tortured in Turkey in 1998 than the year before, but it still occurred with impunity, says a report by Reporters sans frontières (RSF). RSF records nine cases of journalists tortured in 1998 and 16 in 1997. RSF reports, "Although the Ankara government has signed European documents proscribing torture, it is still practised on a large scale all over Turkey. As well as being frequently used by the police against common law prisoners, it is also practised against political activists, human rights campaigners and journalists." In its report, RSF says, "It is becoming more common for torture and ill-treatment to be exposed and condemned in Turkey, and for legal proceedings to be started against the police officers responsible. But the outcome of such cases depends to a large extent on the political willingness of the Turkish authorities to prosecute and punish members of the forces of law and order."

Montenegro

FREE B92 LIVE INTERNET BROADCAST PLANNED FOR B92 ANNIVERSARY

To promote democracy and the "enduring free spirit" of Radio B92 from Belgrade, a 24-hour live Internet broadcast called Free B92 - NetAid will take place on 15 May, on Radio B92's 10th birthday.

Serbia

ESTACIÓN DE RADIO Y TV BOMBARDEADA

Montenegro

DES INSTALLATIONS DE RADIO ET DE TÉLÉVISION SONT BOMBARDÉES

Montenegro

RADIO AND TV STATION BOMBED

Journalists, technicians and other staff were killed when the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) bombed the Belgrade premises of Radio Television Serbia (RTS) early on 23 April, report the Association of Independent Electronic Media in Yugoslavia (ANEM), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). ANEM notes that the bombing occurred when staff were carrying out their normal duties in the building and says "this attack on journalists is without precedent and is the most radical form of repression of the media." Furthermore, ANEM "reiterates its call for the earliest possible halt to the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and for a peaceful solution to the current crisis," and "calls for an end to attacks on journalists and the media."

Hungary

A BESOIN D?ÊTRE RAJEUNIE

Hungary

MEDIA LAW NEEDS REVAMPING

The media law in Hungary, passed by Parliament in February 1996, is undergoing "growing pains," writes freelance journalist Andrew Princz in the March 1999 of "Business Hungary". Princz, who is a part-time project manager with the Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ) in Budapest, writes that the broadcasting industry must join with the National Radio and Television Commission (ORTT), the nation's radio and television regulatory body, to revamp the media laws. At the moment, that is complicated by the fact that on 24 February, the Supreme Court found the ORTT guilty under the media law of having "undertaken unlawful tendering practices" in 1997 when it gave a commercial broadcasting license to RTL Klub, one of two national commercial broadcasters. The high court ordered RTL Klub to stop broadcasting, and the ORTT is appealing. There were allegations of "corruption, political pressures, and even elements of anti-Semitism in the decision making process."

Poland

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA LIMITADA, DICE ENCUESTA DE LEY Y MEDIOS

Russia

YELTSIN VETA PROYECTO DE LEY DE CONTROL ESTATAL DE MEDIOS ELECTRÓNICOS

United Kingdom

INFORMAR ACERCA DE IRLANDA DEL NORTE ES PELIGROSO, DICE INDEX

Turkey

DOS PERIODISTAS ENCARCELADOS MUEREN; CIERRAN MED TV

Russia

YELTSIN VETOES BILL ON STATE CONTROL OF BROADCAST MEDIA

President Boris Yeltsin vetoed legislation on 31 March that would have established a council of lawmakers to oversee ''the protection of morals in Russian TV and radio broadcasts,'' reports the International Press Institute (IPI). According to IPI, "The President said the legislation would be a form of censorship explicitly outlawed by Russian law." The law, "On the Supreme Council for the Protection of Moral Standards in Television and Radio Broadcasting in the Russian Federation," which was approved by both houses of Russia's parliament in early March, would have created a high council comprising of 12 members to protect moral standards in broadcasting.

Poland

PRESS FREEDOM LIMITED, SAYS SURVEY ON LAW AND MEDIA

Laws in Poland limit freedom of expression, reports the Press Freedom Monitoring Center (CMWP) of the Polish Journalists' Association in a survey on law and media. Many restrictions on freedom of expression are contained in the penal code, which came into force in September 1998, says the CMWP. The Center adds that the code of criminal procedure and civil code also "threaten the proper fulfillment of the principle of freedom of the press." Among possible "crimes" in the penal code is insulting the president, which incurs a penalty of up to three years in jail. Insulting or "abas[ing] a constitutional body" is subject to a fine or up to two years in jail, and insulting a public functionary will net up to one year in jail, says the report. The CMWP notes with alarm that these provisions "were transferred, with some modifications only, from the old penal code to the new one." Under the old penal code, "the ban on insulting the supreme authorities was used to limit freedom of expression and to victimise critics of state policies."

United Kingdom

REPORTING ON NORTHERN IRELAND DANGEROUS, SAYS INDEX

It can be dangerous to report on Northern Ireland, say two articles in the latest "INDEX on Censorship" (Vol. 2, 1999). John O'Farrell writes about the recent murder of Eamon Collins, a Irish Republican Army (IRA) informant and author who wrote about his experiences as a member of the IRA. Collins wrote "Killing Rage", published in 1997 by Granta, which "INDEX" says caused "storms of controversy... among republicans who objected to his portrayal of the 'struggle' as nasty, brutish and, occasionally, drunk." Some politicians and members of the public were outraged that Collins profited from his book, considering his connection to violence and murder. Collins was supposed to give evidence in a libel case against the "Sunday Times" around the time of his murder, another reason someone might want him dead, says "INDEX".">http://www.indexoncensorship.org">"INDEX on Censorship" (Vol. 2, 1999). John O'Farrell writes about the recent murder of Eamon Collins, a Irish Republican Army (IRA) informant and author who wrote about his experiences as a member of the IRA. Collins wrote "Killing Rage", published in 1997 by Granta, which "INDEX" says caused "storms of controversy... among republicans who objected to his portrayal of the 'struggle' as nasty, brutish and, occasionally, drunk." Some politicians and members of the public were outraged that Collins profited from his book, considering his connection to violence and murder. Collins was supposed to give evidence in a libel case against the "Sunday Times" around the time of his murder, another reason someone might want him dead, says "INDEX".

Turkey

TWO JAILED JOURNALISTS DIE; MED TV CLOSED

Two jailed journalists reportedly died in Turkey in March, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN. According to RSF, on 27 March, Çetin Günes, a columnist with the far-left periodical "Hedef" (Target), died at the Ankara hospital after succumbing to a serious heart condition. He had been transferred from the Ankara prison while on a hunger strike. Günes was detained for questioning in July 1998, and was sentenced last year to a 16-month prison term for "separatist propaganda" (in accordance with Article 8 of Anti-terrorist Law 3713.) The charge was related to an article published in September 1994 in the far-left monthly "Sosyalist Alternatif", entitled "The role and characteristics of a militant of the Turkish revolution." The journalist had suffered from a heart condition for some time, says RSF.

Serbia

MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN SENTENCIADOS CON NUEVA LEY

Montenegro

LES MÉDIAS SONT CONDAMNÉS EN VERTU D'UNE NOUVELLE LOI

Macedonia

SE INFORMA DE PREDISPOSICIÓN EN LOS MEDIOS DURANTE LAS ELECCIONES

Ukraine

AUMENTA LA REPRESIÓN A LOS MEDIOS

Germany

LIBERTAD DE PRENSA Y PERIODISMO DE INVESTIGACIÓN ESTÁN AMENAZADOS

Germany

LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE ET LE JOURNALISME D'ENQUÊTE SONT MENACÉS

Macedonia

ON RAPPORTE UN PARTI PRIS PENDANT LES ÉLECTIONS

Ukraine

LA RÉPRESSION CONTRE LES MÉDIAS PREND DE L'AMPLEUR

Macedonia

MEDIA BIAS REPORTED DURING ELECTIONS

The media in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) provided diverse coverage of the parliamentary elections in October and November 1998, but ethnic or political bias was prevalent, according to monitoring done by the European Institute for the Media (EIM). In its final report, issued in January 1999 and entitled "Monitoring the media coverage of the October-November 1998 parliamentary elections in FYROM", the EIM writes, "the FYROM electronic media outlets, through their diversity, provided the electorate with a reasonably complete picture of the issues, parties and candidates in the elections." However, the EIM noticed "a general tendency" for the electronic media "to focus on parties from their own ethnic community," so that Macedonian parties received substantially more coverage from Macedonian-language media and likewise with the Albanian parties. The EIM noted a similar tendency in the print media to show bias by focussing "on parties from the ethnic community of their readers." For example, the partly state-owned newspaper "Nova Makedonija" "showed a pronounced anti-opposition slant in spite of its obligation... to report without bias." The EIM concludes, "The new government should refrain from attempting to control or influence editorial and managerial decisions in "Nova Makedonija"."

Germany

PRESS FREEDOM AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM UNDER THREAT

A German Supreme Court decision in late February to give prosecutors the right to raid the homes and offices of freelance journalists and to seize materials without an official warrant is dangerous and threatens press freedom, says the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), in a report circulated by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Ukraine

MEDIA REPRESSION GROWS

Media repression has increased in the Ukraine in light of presidential elections in October, says Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Since the beginning of the year, four journalists have been attacked and one has been detained; two opposition newspapers are no longer being published; and two independent television broadcasters are being pressured, says RSF.

Poland

SELON UN SONDAGE SUR LA LÉGISLATION ET LES MÉDIAS

Russia

ELTSINE OPPOSE UN VETO AU PROJET DE LOI SUR LE CONTRÔLE DES MÉDIAS ÉLECTRONIQUE

Turkey

DÉCÈS DE DEUX JOURNALISTES EMPRISONNÉS; FERMETURE DE "MED TV"

United Kingdom

ÉCRIRE SUR L'IRLANDE DU NORD COMPORTE DES DANGERS

Azerbaijan

PERIODISTAS GOLPEADOS EN 1998, PERO CENSURA ESTA "ABOLIDA"

Bosnia and Herzegovina

CÓDIGO DE PRENSA LIMITARÍA LIBERTAD

Bosnia and Herzegovina

LE CODE SUR LA PRESSE POURRAIT CONSTITUER UNE LIMITE À LA LIBERTÉ

Azerbaijan

EN 1998, DES JOURNALISTES ONT ÉTÉ ROUÉS DE COUPS, MAIS LA CENSURE A ÉTÉ "ABOLIE"

Bosnia and Herzegovina

PRESS CODE COULD LIMIT FREEDOM

On 25 February, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) criticised the draft press code proposed by the Independent Media Commission of Bosnia-Herzegovina (IMC), saying it could be used to restrict journalists. The IFJ said it was "too proscriptive and failed to provide journalists with an adequate basis for resolving ethical problems." IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said, "The draft code is full of ambiguous and vague provisions, which could easily be used to restrict free journalism." He continued, "The code tells journalists 'not to offend broad sections of the public.' Some of the best journalism we know does precisely that and generates public debate which can bring about positive change. One must wonder why the international community wants to keep Bosnian journalists from doing the same?" Moreover, White said, the definition of "the public interest... was restricted to actions that expose crime, protect public health and prevent the public from being misled.... This excludes a wide range of information which the public is entitled to know," including corruption by public officials.

Azerbaijan

JOURNALISTS BEATEN IN 1998, BUT CENSORSHIP "ABOLISHED"

Although official censorship was abolished in Azerbaijan in 1998, the media were still subjected to violence and other threats, reports the Trade Union of Journalists of Azerbaijan in its "Report on the Media Situation in Azerbaijan for 1998". The report commends the abolition of a Value Added Tax on the mass media, but says journalists' salaries and working conditions deteriorated. Although the report says "relations between police forces and journalists were better than previous years," the year was still marked by some violent confrontations between police and demonstrators, in which journalists were injured. In addition, although censorship was officially abolished in August, some newspapers were still subject to censorship, and access to information was restricted. Authorities also prevented some newspapers from publishing, and police confiscated magazines such as the monthly "Monitor". A number of journalists were also arrested or taken to court. Journalists or media, including "Azaliq" and "Yeni Musavat", were found guilty of "insulting the honour" of officials such as the president were handed huge fines.

Belarus

LES JOURNAUX INDÉPENDANTS SONT MENACÉS

Turkey

DES JOURNALISTES SONT ARRÊTÉS ET BATTUS

Turkey

PERIODISTAS DETENIDOS Y GOLPEADOS EN ZONA DE EMERGENCIA

Belarus

PERIÓDICOS INDEPENDIENTES AMENAZADOS

Turkey

JOURNALISTS DETAINED AND BEATEN IN EMERGENCY ZONE

Local journalists were beaten in Diyarbakir in the emergency zone of Ohal, in the south-east of Turkey, and foreign journalists were banned from even entering it, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Foreign journalists attempting to enter the zone were detained, reports RSF, noting, "These arrests are taking place just one week after the arrest of Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and at a time when numerous arrests are taking place within the ranks of Kurdish militants and human rights workers." On 23 February, Ibrahim Atesoglu, a cameraman with the private television channel NTV, and Adnan Simsek, a reporter with the Ihlas (IHA) press agency, were beaten by police officers on their way to the scene of confrontations between police and shopkeepers who had organized a general strike to show solidarity with Ocalan.

Belarus

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS THREATENED

The independent media is under threat in Belarus, report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ), a member of IFJ. According to the IFJ, the State Committee for Press of Belarus has issued warnings to six independent newspapers, "Belorusskaya Delovaya Gazeta", "Nasha Niva", "Naviny", "Narodnaya Volya", "Pahonya" and "Svobodnye Novosti" for violating the press law, allegedly for "calling for the seizure of power." The allegations arise out of publications relating to presidential elections, scheduled for 16 May 1999. According to BAJ, none of the accused newspapers "published such information." On 17 February, BAJ organized a press conference in Minsk, at which editors from the independent media which were sanctioned "stated that despite the pressure, the newspapers will continue to inform the public about political developments, including everything which deals with presidential elections."

Serbia

FREE2000 HACE RECOMENDACIONES ACERCA DE MEDIOS EN KOSOVO

Russia

UNE ÉCOLE D?ÉTÉ ORGANISE UN COLLOQUE SUR LES MÉDIAS ET LES ÉLECTIONS

Montenegro

FREE2000 FORMULE DES RECOMMANDATIONS SUR LE KOSOVO

Kazakhstan

MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES AUSENTES DE LAS ELECCIONES RECIENTES

Turkmenistan

LIBERTAD DE EXPRESIÓN SIGUE REZAGADA

Turkmenistan

LA LIBERTÉ D'EXPRESSION TOUJOURS AU RALENTI

Kazakhstan

LES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS ÉTAIENT ABSENTS DES RÉCENTES ÉLECTIONS

Kazakhstan

INDEPENDENT MEDIA ABSENT FROM RECENT ELECTIONS

There was little evidence of an independent media during presidential elections in Kazakhstan on 10 January 1999, says the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) in a report issued on 25 January, which was prepared with a local NGO, the Kazakh International Bureau for Human Rights and International Law. President Nursultan Nazarbayev was elected once again. According to the report, there were no real opposition media in existence in 1998 in the country, because "opposition-orientated, non-governmental broadcast media outlets established during the first years of independence were eliminated as a result of frequency tenders" and likewise many independent newspapers were bought by pro-government owners and forced to change their allegiances.

Turkmenistan

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION STILL LAGGING

Freedom of expression suffers in Turkmenistan, where there are no independent newspapers, reports the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF). In a 25 January letter to President S. Niyazov, GDF writes, "Since October 1996, subscriptions to foreign, including Russian, newspapers and magazines are absolutely prohibited for private persons and non-governmental organisations." Along with the arrests of a number of journalists, GDF says, "these facts are evidence of the Turkmen authorities' unwillingness to observe principles of freedom of the press and freedom of expression."

Bulgaria

PERIODISTAS SE ENFRENTAN A CARGOS PENALES; INTERNET RESTRINGIDA

Bulgaria

RESTRICTIONS IMPOSÉES SUR L'INTERNET

Bulgaria

JOURNALISTS FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES; INTERNET RESTRICTED

Another journalist faces criminal charges based on accusations of libel and other "crimes" under Bulgarian law, report Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC). On 14 January, the prosecutor of the Republic, Ivan Tatarchev, opened a legal investigation of Tatiana Vaksberg, a journalist with the Bulgarian section of Radio Free Europe, accusing her of "attacking honour and dignity" and "insulting the authority of the state." If found guilty, the journalist faces two years in prison. Vaksberg broadcast a critical commentary about Tatarchev on 28 October 1998 suggesting he "was responsible for the impunity of many criminals in the country and might be prosecuted himself for failing to perform his duties," says RSF. WPFC says that prior to Vaksberg's report, Tatarchev had been "frequently discussed in similar terms by other news media" which were not prosecuted.

Serbia

PURGA EN UNIVERSIDADES SERBIAS

Montenegro

PURGE DES UNIVERSITÉS SERBES

Kazakhstan

MEDIOS ACOSADOS DURANTE CAMPAÑA PRESIDENCIAL

Kazakhstan

LES MÉDIAS SONT HARCELÉS AU COURS DE LA CAMPAGNE PRÉSIDENTIELLE

Kazakhstan

MEDIA HARASSED DURING PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

In a report released on 5 January 1999, Human Rights Watch states that coercion, threats and the

Azerbaijan

LIBERTAD DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN AMENAZADA

Azerbaijan

LA LIBERTÉ DES MÉDIAS EST MENACÉE

Azerbaijan

MEDIA FREEDOM THREATENED

Media freedom has suffered numerous attacks recently in Azerbaijan, report ARTICLE 19 and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Although official censorship was ostensibly lifted by presidential decree in August 1998, ARTICLE 19 notes that government controls on the media persist. According to ARTICLE 19 and RSF, about 20 editors of independent newspapers went on a hunger strike on 18 November to protest government repression. In particular, ARTICLE 19 says, they were protesting "the threat of huge fines being levied against them under criminal law for defamation of the President, and calls from parliament to exercise tighter control over the media."

Kazakhstan

À LA VEILLE DES ÉLECTIONS, LE GOUVERNEMENT ÉTOUFFE LES MÉDIAS PRIVÉS

Kazakhstan

GOBIERNO REPRIME MEDIOS PRIVADOS ANTES DE ELECCIONES