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Campaigns and Advocacy - Middle East

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Bahrain

ARTICLE 19's submission to the Universal Periodic Review

ARTICLE 19 has called on the UN member states to urge the authorities to commit to preventing harassment of journalists and human rights defenders, stop controlling and censoring the media, increase internet freedom and end violations of the right to peaceful protest.

Joint action - Bahrain

One hundred organisations call to end assault on freedom of speech, and to free all detained human rights defenders and netizens

One hundred organisations appeal to authorities to release human rights activists in Bahrain from prison. They include Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, founder of IFEX member BCHR, his daughter Zaynab Al-Khawaja, and Nabeel Rajab, President of BCHR. Al-Khawaja’s life is at risk after more than three months on hunger strike.

Iran

Authorities urged to free students jailed for speaking out

A joint campaign initiated by Iranian and international student and rights groups calls for the unconditional and immediate release of the 32 students in prison on various national security-related charges.

Palestine / Israel

World Press Freedom Day: an occasion to defend freedom of expression

For Palestinian journalists, the day highlights the daily challenges they face, with increasing violations against media freedoms by the Israeli forces and Palestinian parties in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Saudi Arabia

Authorities urged to abolish terrorism court

The Specialized Criminal Court, set up in 2008 to try terrorism cases, is increasingly used to try peaceful dissidents and rights activists on politicized charges and in proceedings that violate the right to a fair trial and the rights to freedom of expression.

Syria

Rights activists brought to trial, others still held incommunicado

Nineteen rights organisations condemn the ongoing secret detention of Mazen Darwish and four of his colleagues from the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, after seven of their colleagues and one visitor began trial under the military penal code.

Joint action - Bahrain

Fifty IFEX members and partners call for freedom for Bahraini human rights defenders, bloggers and activists

In advance of the Formula 1, 50 IFEX members and partners call for detained activists and human rights defenders to be freed, including blogger and activist Abduljalil Al-Singace and human rights activist Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, founder of IFEX member the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, who is ailing in prison since starting a hunger strike on 8 February.

Bahrain

Grand Prix decision ignores abuses, says Human Rights Watch

The decision to go ahead with the Grand Prix on April 22, 2012, gives the country's rulers the opportunity they are seeking to obscure the seriousness of the country’s human rights situation, says Human Rights Watch.

Joint action - Iraq

Forty-four IFEX members and partners call proposed cyber crimes law a setback to free speech

An open letter by 44 organisations calls Iraq's proposed Information Technology Crimes law a threat to the fundamental freedoms necessary for the evolution of free speech and a vibrant press. The law will come to vote in the Iraqi Council of Representatives in April.

Take action! - Bahrain

Join our call to save human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja

Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, renowned human rights advocate and past president of IFEX member BCHR has been on hunger strike in prison since 8 February to protest a life sentence for peacefully expressing his right to freedom of expression. He pledged to continue his protest until “freedom or death.” His life is now in serious danger and there may be irreparable damage to his health. Join the call to save Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja.

Joint action - Bahrain

Nine human rights organisations raise freedom of expression demands with Arab League

Among the demands expressed by the rights organisations is the immediate release of human rights activist Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, whose health is severely compromised after 50 days of hunger strike.

Israel

IPI expresses support for journalist facing seven years in prison

Uri Blau faces charges under the country’s Espionage Act and seven years in prison over articles he wrote for the newspaper Haaretz using classified military documents passed to him by an Israeli conscript in 2009.

Syria

Russia urged to back UN action to stop bloodshed, grant access to journalists

A coalition of 200 NGOs from 27 countries is demanding that the UN Security Council immediately unite and pass a resolution calling on the government to bring an immediate end to its indiscriminate shelling and attacks on peaceful protesters.

International / Awards / Syria

Syrian citizen journalists and activists awarded Google-sponsored RSF Netizen Prize

Nominees came from around the globe at the ceremony, from Russia to Syria to Brazil, China and beyond, a geographic diversity that reflects the growing impact of the Net.

Bahrain

On World Day Against Cyber Censorship, BCHR calls for action from authorities

Amid last year's events, many websites were reported blocked due to their reporting on casualties among protestors and uploading photos and videos of peaceful protests being brutally attacked by security forces.

Palestine

MADA calls for an end to all forms of discrimination against women journalists

To mark the occasion of International Women’s Day, MADA congratulates Palestinian women and women around the globe, especially journalists, on their accomplishments in all professional fields.

Joint action - Bahrain

Fifty rights groups call on King to free Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, whose life is at risk in prison

Fifty IFEX members and other rights groups call on the Bahrain authorities to release from prison human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, whose life is at risk since beginning a hunger strike on 8 February.

Joint action - Syria

Authorities urged to immediately and unconditionally release Mazen Darwish and other detained activists

Mazen Darwish, as well as seven of his colleagues and a visitor, remain under arrest following a recent raid on the Damascus offices of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression.

Bahrain

One year on, authorities urged to address abuses, implement comprehensive reform

For months the government has made token gestures rather than implement reforms that address the root causes of the grievances of the protestors, says Freedom House.

Take action! - Bahrain

Send flowers to the people of Bahrain

On 14 February, post a virtual flower for peace in solidarity with the people of Bahrain as they mark the one-year anniversary of their uprising.

Bahrain

BCHR concerned about Bahrain's election to UNESCO education bureau

BCHR demands that Bahrain's membership in the UNESCO IBE be frozen, and contingent on the authorities taking steps to put an end to the targeting of members of the education sector.

Bahrain

Freedom House opposes US arms sale

Because the new arms sale is being broken up into multiple small pieces, it does not fall under Congressional notification requirements and details do not have to be made public. 



Joint action - Bahrain

International Mission to Bahrain Report says promises for reform unfulfilled, while situation deteriorates

A report from a six-member mission of international organisations to Bahrain last November called out Bahraini authorities for failing to deliver on promises of reform, with rights violations continuing on a daily basis and rights activists jailed for life.

Yemen

IFJ cautiously welcomes statements by authorities, calls for implementation

Authorities promised to restore press freedom in the country and guarantee the safety of journalists, and assured journalists’ leaders and the IFJ that the government will review the restrictions on media, including the ban on Al Jazeera and the "Al Ayyan" newspaper.

Yemen

Parliament urged to reject immunity law for President Saleh and aides

The sweeping measure could result in impunity for serious international crimes such as deadly attacks on anti-government demonstrators in 2011, says Human Rights Watch.

Syria

RSF launches parody video on censorship

The video shows Siri, whose answers to queries are not always relevant, being completely stumped by questions about current events in Syria because of the government’s news blackout.

Syria

Syria must release imprisoned journalists, says CPJ

in an open letter, CPJ urges the Syrian government to end the harassment and intimidation of journalists and to disclose the names, health status, and location of all the journalists in prison.

Palestine

MADA, Palestinian journalists meet with UN free expression rapporteur

A MADA representative stressed the need for urgent international intervention to end violations against journalists and media institutions.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

Expunge activists' convictions, says coalition of rights groups

The authorities should conduct an independent judicial review of the arrests and trial of five activists, says coalition of seven IFEX members and partners after sustained campaign leading to their release on 28 November.

Bahrain

International delegation calls for end to free expression violations and human rights defenders to be freed

Six groups, including three IFEX members visited Bahrain this past week to investigate freedom of expression, and attended the launch of reports by human rights groups and an independent commission of inquiry.

Syria

Civil society organisations call on UNHRC to convene special session on Syria

Five IFEX members and other organisations called on the Council to consider the findings of the Syrian Commission of Inquiry and ensure accountability for attacks on peaceful protesters.

United Arab Emirates

Investigate threats against "UAE 5", say rights groups

Authorities ignored an intimidation campaign against jailed activists, says a new report on the eve of a verdict on 27 November. IFEX members and partners have been lobbying for the release of the five men.

Palestine

MADA and DCAF sign partnership agreement on access to information rights

The project's goal is to increase journalists' awareness of their rights and to push for the adoption of laws protecting access to information.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

Trial observer finds flagrant due process flaws in "UAE 5" case

Coalition of 7 international rights groups calls for independent judicial inquiry, while launching trial observation report.

Iraq

Draft Informatics Crimes Law fundamentally flawed, says ARTICLE 19

The Draft Law cites, as its basis, multiple negative consequences of the "information revolution" without acknowledging the positive role technology performs in today's society, not least of all in enhancing the enjoyment of fundamental human rights. The Draft Law provides no guarantees for the right to freedom of expression or freedom of information.

Syria

Human Rights Watch calls on Arab League to deploy civilian monitors

At least 186 protesters and residents have been killed since the Arab League's October 16 meeting, according to Syrian human rights activists.

Yemen

IPI interviews "Yemen Post" editor on reporting on the uprising

IPI spoke with the publisher and chief editor of the Yemen Post, Hakim Almasmari, about the censorship, violence and intimidation that any independent Yemeni media outlet must contend with.

Oman

CPJ concerned over politicised trial of journalists, civil servant

The organisation urges the Sultan of Oman to instruct judicial authorities to respect the letter of the law in the case of two journalists sentenced to imprisonment on defamation charges.

Joint action - Syria

Human rights groups voice need for strong and urgent Security Council action

Since mass protests began, the UN has estimated at least 2,600 civilians have been killed, the majority of them protesters and local residents shot with live ammunition by the security forces and army.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

Trial of activists "fundamentally unfair," say rights groups

Amnesty International, ANHRI, Front Line Defenders, and Human Rights Watch call on the authorities to drop the charges and free the accused activists.

Iran

UN member states should challenge Ahmadinejad as campaign to crush dissent continues, says Human Rights Watch

Lethal force has reportedly been used against protesters, while opposition leaders, lawyers, journalists and rights activists have been detained on politically-motivated charges.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

Free activists before elections, say four rights groups

International rights groups seek to monitor trial of 5 activists during 26 September trial appearance.

Bahrain

CIHRS hosts panel discussion, film screening on free expression crisis

CIHRS screened the Al Jazeera documentary "Shouting in the dark" and hosted a panel discussion on Bahrain in parallel with the recent meeting of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva about the situation in Bahrain.

Palestine / Israel

Israeli and Palestinian journalists forum calls for press freedom ahead of possible UN recognition of Palestine

In a joint open letter, the forum stated that journalists must be kept safe so that the public in Israel and the Palestinian Territories have access to news from all sides, and to a wide array of political opinion.

International / Syria

Human Rights Watch presses OIC to rein in Syria

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation should immediately take action against Syria for violating the organisation's charter by systematically and brutally suppressing peaceful civilian protests, Human Rights Watch said.

Palestine / Israel

MADA launches campaigns calling for end to attacks on press freedom

Campaigns launched by MADA call for a halt to Israeli attacks on press freedom, as well as an end to the influence Palestinian internal political divisions have on the media.

Joint action - United Arab Emirates

End trial of activists charged with insulting officials

UAE authorities should drop charges against five activists arrested after they called for democratic reforms, four international human rights organizations said today.

Germany / Saudi Arabia

Proposed sale of tanks to repressive regime sends wrong signal, says Human Rights Watch

Germany is considering a deal to sell tanks to Saudi Arabia despite the latter's dismal human rights record, including severe restrictions on freedom of expression.

Palestine

MADA holds workshops on freedom of expression legislation in Tulkarem and Jabalia

The workshops, which have been offered with the support of Foundation for the Future, come as part of a series of sessions held by MADA to inform and assist journalists in the various cities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Take action! - United Arab Emirates

Call for end of trial of democracy petitioners

Five pro-democracy activists are on trial in the United Arab Emirates for signing a petition demanding free elections for all citizens. The verdict is expected on 27 November. Join Human Rights Watch in calling on U.A.E. ambassadors to ensure the trial is halted and the activists are freed.

Bahrain

IFEX calls on Bahrain's rulers to end detention and torture of those jailed solely for peacefully expressing themselves

IFEX is alarmed at the life sentences handed down last week to human rights and political activists and bloggers, including founder of IFEX member BCHR.

Iran

Rampant impunity continues to claim victims, say human rights organisations

Political prisoner and women's rights activist Haleh Sahabi was attacked during the funeral procession of her father, Ezatollah Sahabi, a prominent politician, who had died of natural causes two days earlier.

Joint action - Bahrain

Thirty IFEX members protest travel ban on Nabeel Rajab and other threats to BCHR

On 1 June, the King of Bahrain has promised to end the state of emergency he imposed in mid-March to quell pro-democracy demonstrations. This would be a welcome occasion for the Bahraini government to end human rights abuses including lifting the travel ban on Nabeel Rajab so that he can join us in Beirut.

Syria

Twenty-three days in a detention facility: Q&A with journalist Khaled Sid Mohand

IPI reiterates calls for the immediate release of journalists in custody.

Joint action - Bahrain

Fifty-seven IFEX members and partners call on world authorities to help stop human rights violations and free expression abuses

Forty-two IFEX members and 15 partners appealed for global attention to stop detention, torture and threats to journalists and free expression activists, including to IFEX member Bahrain Centre for Human Rights.

Iraq

One year since his murder, RSF pays tribute to Kurdish journalist Sardasht Osman

The anniversary of Osman's murder comes at a time of tension as journalists are constantly the targets of death threats, acts of intimidation, physical attacks and murder attempts.

Bahrain

BCHR statement: "Journalists in Bahrain - the murder of free speech and the siege of freedom"

Bahraini journalists call for a helping hand and for the adoption of measures to ensure their safety.

Palestine / Awards

MADA announces free expression award recipients

During a ceremony marking Word Press Freedom Day, MADA's chairman highlighted the major violations committed against journalists in 2010.

Syria

Syria should not be allowed on UN Human Rights Council, rights groups urge

In a letter of appeal, Syrian and Arab NGOs expressed alarm about Syria's candidacy for membership in the HRC.

Iran

UN High Commissioner urged to intervene to stop persecution of independent publishers, writers

A blacklist issued in January 2011 lists, among others, those publishers who are allegedly attempting to overthrow the "Islamic establishment".

Joint action - Bahrain

Human rights organisations express concern over targeting of rights defenders

Nineteen organisations expressed concern for the safety and well-being of human rights defenders Abdulhadi AlKhawaja and Nabeel Rajab.

Bahrain

IFEX gravely concerned for safety of IFEX member and BCHR President Nabeel Rajab

IFEX is concerned over the recent intensification of arrests and threats against free expression advocates in Bahrain, including the military investigation against Nabeel Rajab, president of IFEX member BCHR.

Syria

President Al-Asad fails to deliver reform

Human Rights Watch urges the government to abolish the emergency law and introduce new laws to broaden political and civil society participation and guarantee freedom of expression.

Joint action - Yemen

Thirty IFEX members call on authorities to respect and protect free expression as the country descends into further uncertainty

The implications for journalists covering demonstrations are unclear, and their ability to move around freely and safely cannot be guaranteed.

Iran

UN Human Rights Council votes to send special rapporteur to Iran

The authorities have been persecuting the political opposition, human rights activists and journalists ceaselessly ever since President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's reelection in June 2009.

Palestine

MADA hosts two free expression workshops in Gaza

The first workshop, "Freedom of Expression in Local and International Legislation", was part of a series aimed at raising journalists' awareness of the laws relating to their work and guaranteeing them the right to free expression.

Take action! - Iran

Stop the executions and release prisoners of conscience

Join Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi and Amnesty in calling on the Iranian authorities to institute an immediate moratorium on all executions and release the thousands who have been jailed for peacefully speaking out. Sign the petition here.

Palestine

MADA hosts workshop aimed at enhancing lawyers' ability to handle cases involving freedom of expression

The workshop was held as part of MADA's programme designed to enhance freedom of expression, in cooperation with the lawyers' syndicate, and funded by the UNESCO office in Ramallah.

Yemen

International partnership denounces systematic attacks on press freedom

The Partnership, a coalition of press freedom and human rights organisations including ARTICLE 19, IFJ, IMS and WAN-IFRA, visited Yemen in a week-long advocacy mission in November 2010.

Palestine

NGOs form coalition to defend freedom of expression

Brought together by MADA, the participating organisations agreed to form a coalition after holding a number of preliminary meetings in Ramallah and Gaza in early 2011.

Iran

More than 1,000 press freedom supporters urge Iran to end crackdown

As Iran marks the 32nd anniversary of the country's revolution, Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei was urged to free all imprisoned journalists.

Yemen

RSF urges French foreign minister to press Yemeni counterpart to free journalist

Although President Ali Abdullah Saleh announced the release of Abdul Ilah Haydar Shae, he continues to be detained unjustly, RSF said.

Syria / France

Ahead of Assad's visit to France, RSF urges Sarkozy to address free expression situation in Syria

Assad has often spoken of political openings since taking office in 2000, but reforms are at a standstill, RSF said.

Palestine

On the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, MADA calls for respect for freedom of expression

According to MADA's monitoring, the number of media freedom violations in 2010 year will be more than 200.

Iran

Talks on nuclear programme cannot ignore terrible situation of human rights and free speech, according to RSF

RSF has written to the foreign ministers of the six countries conducting negotiations with Iran about its nuclear programme.

Joint action - Yemen

International partnership for Yemen reports on critical press freedom situation

ARTICLE 19, IFJ and WAN-IFRA note it appears the government is seeking the legal framework to legitimise its continued clampdown on press freedom, and self-censorship is rife in the official, opposition and independent media.

Joint action - Bahrain

Fifty human rights organisations, including four IFEX members, express solidarity with activists on trial on fabricated charges

The activists have not committed any offenses other than the peaceful expression of their views, the organisations said.

Iran

PEN Canada and CJFE call for help for Hossein Derakhshan from the Canadian government

Canadian media organisations are writing to Prime Minister Harper about concerns for the Canadian-Iranian blogger Hossein Derakhshan.

Iran

Human rights crisis requires international scrutiny, Human Rights Watch says

Human Rights Watch and a number of other international and Iranian groups have issued the following statement seeking action by the United Nations General Assembly in light of the human rights crisis that continues to unfold in the country.

Bahrain

Court holds mass hearing for human rights activists

ANHRI calls on the judiciary to drop the fabricated charges against the activists, who are calling for democracy and respect for human rights in Bahrain.

Iraq

WAN-IFRA expresses concern over pattern of media oppression

WAN-IFRA called on the Kurdistan Regional Government president to end what appears to be a campaign of harassment against the media.

Joint action - Iran

Thirty-three IFEX members condemn excessive prison sentence handed down to blogger Hossein Derakhshan

IFEX members condemned the 19-and-a-half-year prison sentence given to the Canadian-Iranian blogger and called for his immediate release.

Yemen

Authorities should free Shaea, repudiate abuse, CPJ says

Held incommunicado for 29 days before his first hearing, Shaea's detention has since been extended for an additional 30 days "to complete the investigation," according to news reports.

Joint action - Bahrain

Four IFEX members and other organisations highlight international community's worrying silence on growing campaign of repression

In the face of this security and media campaign, IFEX member BCHR has been compelled to temporarily relocate their operations to Europe.

Syria

Release detained blogger Tal al-Mallouhi, ANHRI tells Syrian president

In an open letter, ANHRI and other organisations demand that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad release the 19-year-old blogger.

Palestine

IFJ mission starts visit with meetings in Ramallah and Nablus

The aim of the mission is to investigate the continuing consequences of the Israeli occupation on the work of journalists and media workers and its impact on their safety, IFJ said.

Take action! - Bahrain

Appeal for urgent intervention as activists are tortured for speaking out

IFEX member Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) urgently called on concerned individuals to write to the Bahrain government to end the systematic torture and imprisonment of those expressing their views, including political, religious and human rights activists, as well as bloggers, who are currently detained while on trial. (UPDATE: Prisoners released on 22 February. Alsingace re-arrested on 16 March 2011.)

Take action! - Iran

Sign a petition for blogger facing execution

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is urging you to sign a petition to save the life of jailed Iranian blogger and human rights activist Shiva Nazar Ahari. She has been charged with assembly and collusion to commit a crime, propagating against the regime and, the heaviest charge of all, "mohareb", or rebellion against God. She is facing possible execution.

Bahrain

BCHR urges authorities to release activists and human rights defenders, respect right to free expression

BCHR believes the arrests are connected to the activists' engagement in peaceful and legitimate activities related to democratic reform and the promotion of human rights.

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-six organisations express grave concern for persecution of human rights defenders

The king, joined by the prime minister and interior minister, issued a sternly worded threat against activists and human rights defenders who have been accused of protesting against the government.

Jordan

CPJ asks King Abdullah to toss out cyber law

The law includes a number of broadly written provisions that could hinder online expression and restrict the ability of journalists to report the news, CPJ said.

Palestine

Crisis of local television and radio stations discussed at MADA consultative meeting

MADA director Mousa Rimawi talked about the important role of local media in calling for reconciliation, tolerance and dialogue.

Syria

Media suffering a decade into President al-Assad's rule, says CPJ

CPJ calls on the president to amend the country's repressive press law and ensure that no journalists are behind bars for doing their jobs.

Iran

Many journalists and other prisoners of conscience still detained despite being seriously ill

A year after President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's disputed reelection, more than 100 political prisoners are still being held in Iranian jails in inhuman and degrading conditions, RSF said.

Palestine

MADA holds workshop on "Freedom of Expression in International and Palestinian Legislation"

The workshop is part of a series that will be convened in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as part of a project on defending journalists' rights in Palestine.

Iraq

Al-Maliki questioned on missing Iraqi journalist

CPJ writes to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, calling on him to clarify the whereabouts of editor Saad al-Aossi and the reasons for his continued detention.

Palestine

Exposing free expression violations is key to combating them, stress participants at MADA workshop

Participants at a consultative meeting hosted by MADA discussed the media freedom situation in Palestine.

Iran

One year on, repression continues: RSF calls for release of prisoners of opinion

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the disputed re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, thousands of protestors took to the streets.

Kuwait

CPJ protests journalist's ongoing detention

In an open letter to the Emir of Kuwait, CPJ expresses concern about the extrajudicial detention of prominent journalist Mohammed Abdulqader al-Jassem.

Joint action - Syria

Human rights organisations express concern over lawyer's trial and call for his release

Attorney Muhannad al-Hassani was referred to a judge for questioning due to his human rights work, specifically his reports on exceptional trials before the High State Security Court.

Iran

One year after disputed election, Iran continues war on journalists

With 37 journalists in prison and another 19 free on short-term furloughs, Iran has the dishonourable distinction of being the world's worst jailer of journalists.

Israel

As Turkish photographer is buried, other journalists aboard flotilla speak out

Journalists who were aboard the humanitarian flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli naval commandos recounted their experiences.

Iran

Marking a year of struggle since controversial presidential elections

The fourth of a series of updates on ARTICLE 19's work to combat censorship.

Israel

Interview with flotilla journalist

Muna Shester of the Kuwait News Agency spoke to RSF about the raid.

Middle East / North Africa

Arab governments "All talk, no action" when it comes to free press, say participants at Arab Free Press Forum

Dozens of publishers, editors, journalists and press freedom advocates from 25 countries attended the conference organised by WAN-IFRA.

International / Iran

World's press calls for freedom for jailed Iranian journalists

At its meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany, WAN-IFRA called on several governments to uphold international standards of freedom of expression and freedom of the press.

Iraq

CPJ calls for action following spate of recent attacks on the press in Iraqi Kurdistan

In a letter to Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani, CPJ expresses its concern about deteriorating press freedom conditions in the region, including deadly violence and official harassment.

Joint action - Israel

CIHRS, BCHR and 22 other organisations demand the release of human rights defender Ameer Makhoul

Israeli authorities should stop silencing defenders of the rights of Arab Israelis, the organisations stressed.

Take action! - International / Iran

Sign electronic postcard to highlight struggle in Iran on World Press Freedom Day

IFJ calls on journalists around the world to send their electronic postcard to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, calling for the release of all detained journalists and the reopening of the AoIJ office in Tehran.

Palestine

Journalists pay a high price for freedom of expression, says MADA

Violations to freedom of expression are a daily occurrence for journalists in the West Bank and Gaza.

Joint action - Iran

More than 3,500 petition government to release journalists, writers

Petitioners' names were collected through the "Our Society Will Be a Free Society" campaign, a coalition project dedicated to winning the freedom of all journalists jailed in Iran.

Awards / Lebanon

Lebanese journalist May Chidiac named 54th IPI Press Freedom Hero

Chidiac, who is known for her criticism of Syria's political sway over Lebanon, nearly lost her life in an assassination attempt in 2005.

Yemen

In conversation with "Yemen Times" editor-in-chief Nadia al-Saqqaf

"It's not as easy as it used to be for the government to kill people. Journalists are making use of this small flexibility and they are pushing the envelope," said the editor.

Joint action - Bahrain

Thirty-one IFEX members and 22 other organisations call on UN High Commissioner to support human rights activists, journalists and bloggers

Rights groups appeal to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to take up cases of free expression violations targetting Bahraini journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders in an upcoming visit to the country.

Iran

ARTICLE 19 highlights recent contributions to Azad Tribune

Among the new articles is a piece by Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi entitled: "Censorship in Iran and the World".

Yemen

Imprisoned journalists in deteriorating health

CPJ urges the Yemeni government to release two ailing journalists, one of whom has allegedly been tortured while in custody.

Syria

Repression grows as Europe, US avoid discussing rights, says Human Rights Watch

In her visit to Syria, the EU foreign relations chief should condemn the harassment and detention of activists and journalists, says the organisation.

Take action! - Iran

Help free imprisoned journalists

Leading press freedom and free expression groups are asking for your support to help free imprisoned journalists, writers and bloggers in Iran. Since the disputed June elections, there has been a brutal crackdown on dissent. In response, a coalition of free expression organisations has launched a petition drive calling for the release of those imprisoned. More dissidents are in prison in Iran than in any other country in the world: out of at least 60 political prisoners, 47 of them are journalists. Generally, prisoners are held incommunicado and some are tortured.

Joint action - Iran

Free expression groups call on Iran to open door to UN rights experts

Tehran's envoy backtracked on his invitation to the UN's special rapporteurs to visit and investigate claims of rights abuses.

Joint action - Iran

Free press and free expression organisations to Iran: release jailed journalists, writers

A coalition of international journalists', writers', and publishers' organisations has launched a campaign to press the government of Iran to release their imprisoned colleagues.

Iran

Campaigners call on Europe to press Iran over human rights abuses

In a meeting at the European Parliament, IFJ and other groups called for the release of jailed journalists, writers, trades unionists and dissidents.

Joint action - Iraq

IFJ and ARTICLE 19 pledge support for UK "Guardian" newspaper in defamation case

ARTICLE 19, IFJ and the affiliated Iraqi journalists' union have called on authorities to drop defamation charges against the "Guardian" and journalist Ghaith Abdul-Ahad.

Palestine

On Human Rights Day, MADA calls on international community to speak out against attacks on Palestinian journalists

At a time when the world celebrates the 61st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Palestinian journalists continue to be victims of various attacks.

Iran

ARTICLE 19 launches Azad Tribune - an online platform to encourage free expression

On International Human Rights Day, ARTICLE 19 launched an interactive website to encourage networking among bloggers, journalists and activists in Iran.

Awards / Palestine

Norwegian PEN to honour Palestinian journalist on Day of the Imprisoned Writer

Norwegian PEN's Ossietzky-prize for "outstanding achievements within the field of free expression" will be awarded to Palestinian journalist Mohammed Omer during the commemoration of the Day of the Imprisoned Writer.

Awards / Iran

Four journalists receive Hellman/Hammett grants

Four Iranians are among 37 writers receiving the Hellman/Hammett award, recognising their commitment to free expression and courage in the face of persecution.

Lebanon

IPI completes press freedom mission, urges respect for editorial independence and credibility

During its four-day press freedom mission, IPI held discussions with leading editors and journalists, as well as political leaders and government officials.

Iran

RSF announces launch of new website for media professionals as exodus of journalists continues

The organisation has helped launch a multimedia platform for disseminating information about the media and journalists, and for collecting articles, photos and videos provided by journalists themselves.

Yemen

IFJ launches ethical journalism campaign, calls for release of journalists

The launch ceremony was organised jointly with the Yemeni Journalist Syndicate and was attended by families and supporters of journalists who remain in custody.

Take action! - Yemen

Help free abducted journalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is asking for your support to call on Yemeni authorities to guarantee the safety of journalist Mohammed al Maqaleh. He was abducted by security forces on 18 September for reporting on the Sa'ada war.

Take action! - Bahrain

Save free expression on the Internet and help journalists under threat

The Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) is alarmed at the recent clampdown on the Internet by the government, which announced plans to block 1,040 websites. BCHR is also extremely concerned about the prosecution of journalists on charges of defamation, for reporting about government malpractice and corruption. Join BCHR and write to the authorities to support freedom of expression and the right to dissent.

Joint action - Iran

Five IFEX members and numerous other organisations condemn repression ahead of International Day of Solidarity

Human rights organizations from the Arab region express utter condemnation of the brutal repression undertaken by Iranian authorities against large masses of Iranian people involved in peaceful demonstrations.

Take action! - Iran

Join global day of action in a city near you

From Stockholm to Bogota to Ouagadougou, rallies will take place at Iranian embassies across the globe on 25 July to protest the regime's killing and jailing of political demonstrators who took to the streets after disputed elections on 12 June. Join the crowd in one of 55 cities listed on http://united4iran.org , to call for freedom and democracy in Iran.

Joint action - Iran

One hundred prominent journalists call for release of Maziar Bahari

More than 100 prominent journalists from 47 countries sent a petition to the Iranian government calling for the immediate release of Maziar Bahari, "Newsweek"'s Tehran correspondent, who has been held without charge since June 21.

Take action! - Iran

Help journalists in Iran

As journalists in Iran continue to be arrested in the aftermath of the country's disputed 12 June elections, Amnesty International is asking you to help seek their release. Also, join Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance (HAMSA), which has started up a petition protesting Telecom joint venture Nokia Siemens for providing the Iranian government with a "monitoring centre."

Joint action - Bahrain

Forty IFEX members protest attacks on free expression

Free expression advocates from around the world gathered this week in Oslo, Norway, at the IFEX General Meeting. Forty IFEX members signed the following statement, calling on the Bahraini authorities to address recent attacks on free expression in that country.

Iraq

Historic day in Baghdad as IFJ launches journalism support programme

Leaders of journalists unions from around the world travelled to Baghdad at the weekend for a conference on support for media in Iraq - the first international meeting of any kind in the city since the war began six years ago.

Yemen

Human rights organisations urge president to lift blockade on newspapers, websites

On the occasion of the 19th anniversary of Yemen's Unity Day, Egyptian human rights organizations urged Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to order the Ministry of Information to stop the siege imposed on Yemeni newspapers and remove the ban on blocked Yemeni websites.

Joint action - Iran

JOINT ACTION: Thirty-five IFEX members call for release of journalist Roxana Saberi

Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders lead appeal by 35 IFEX members expressing concern about Saberi's sentencing to eight years in prison

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty IFEX members around the globe denounce jailing of activists for expressing their views

(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 20 IFEX members:

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-four IFEX members and partners call for solidarity with human rights defenders at risk for speaking out about rights abuses

(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint action led by BCHR:

Joint action - Syria / France

Twenty-six IFEX members appeal to French President Sarkozy to raise issue of jailed journalists and rights activists in Syria

(WAN/IFEX) - The following is an appeal by 26 IFEX members to the French president regarding the free expression situation in Syria:

Joint action - Yemen

Twenty-seven IFEX members appeal to government to address free expression situation

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 27 IFEX members:

Joint action - Saudi Arabia

Four IFEX members, other organisations call for release of three activists detained for speaking out

(CIHRS/IFEX) - The following is a joint statement by CIHRS, ANHRI, BCHR, EOHR and other organisations:

Joint action - Syria

Thirty-five members and partners of IFEX and the Arab Working Group call for support for journalists and activists facing harassment and detention prior to trial of human rights activist Mazen Darwish

(EOHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter by 35 members and partners of IFEX and the Arab Working Group to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad:

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-one IFEX members, 34 other groups call for end to jailing and torture of demonstrators and human rights activists in Bahrain

(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint appeal from BCHR, 20 other IFEX members and 34 other groups to the king of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa:

Joint action - Bahrain

Twenty-six IFEX members and others call on Bahraini government to stop clamping down on freedom of expression

(BCHR/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 26 IFEX members and 21 other organisations:

Iran

Campaigning for the release of imprisoned Canadian-Iranian writer and scholar Ramin Jahanbegloo

PEN Canada is leading a campaign to free Ramin Jahanbegloo of Iran, a Canadian-Iranian academic currently imprisoned in Iran. Kristina Stockwood, IFEX Outreach Coordinator, spoke to David Cozac, PEN Canada’s Programmes Coordinator, and Morteza Abdolalian, Editor and Publisher of IRAN WATCH CANADA.