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Reports 2011

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International

IPI reviews 10 states with poor press freedom records, on whose strategic support the West depends

In "'Friends' of the West, enemies of press freedom", IPI highlights the press freedom situations in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Hungary.

Somalia

NUSOJ annual review of crimes against journalists

According to NUSOJ research, four journalists were killed, seven wounded and 19 arrested in 2011.

International

RSF annual overview: 10 most dangerous places for journalists

The Arab Spring and protests in other countries were responsible for a dramatic surge in the number of arrests, from 535 in 2010 to 1,044 in 2011.

Syria

Brutal crackdown on media continues

Arrest, imprisonment and torture await journalists who dare to defy the regime, says IPI.

Egypt

Human Rights Watch documents pattern of sexual assaults on protesters

News reports have shown images of protesters in Cairo being stripped, beaten and dragged through the streets.

International

Unrest and impunity drive journalist deaths in 2011, according to CPJ's year-end survey

Political conflict and unrest proved deadly for journalists in 2011, while governments failed to prosecute those who targeted reporters for their work.

Tunisia

Human Rights Watch calls for dismantling of repressive Ben-Ali-era laws

The Constituent Assembly should urgently revise laws to ensure freedom of speech and the independence of the judiciary, Human Rights said in its report.

Middle East and North Africa

ARTICLE 19 highlights historic opportunity for freedom of expression

The organisation believes that integrating robust protections for the rights to freedom of expression and information is essential to guaranteeing democracy and protecting all human rights in the region.

Malaysia

Real legal reform needs free expression and public participation, says SEAPA

Rather than safeguarding the right to assemble, the Peaceful Assembly Act will greatly diminish people's ability to express their political opinions.

Middle East and North Africa

Crackdown on human rights defenders: seeds of repression planted in year of revolution

In new report, CIHRS hails the courageous work of human rights defenders in the region who were locomotives for change in 2011.

Serbia

ANEM's October 2011 media monitoring report

The free expression section of the report presents cases of physical attacks on journalists, threats and requests for disclosure of sources of information, and other violations.

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in November 2011

November has seen no improvement for Palestinian journalists or media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories, reminding those in the field of journalism of the high price paid for disseminating the truth.

Syria

'Shoot to kill' commanders named in Human Rights Watch report

Statements by former soldiers leave no doubt that the Syrian security forces committed widespread and systematic abuses, including killings, arbitrary detention, and torture, as part of a state policy targeting the civilian population.

Uzbekistan

Human Rights Watch report provides evidence of wide-scale rights abuses

Torture is a chronic problem, rights activists are languishing in prison and the government has disbarred some of the country's most outspoken lawyers, says the organisation.

International

Number of journalists in prison reaches 15-year high

Iran, Eritrea and China are among the leading jailers, according to CPJ's annual census; nearly half of those held were online journalists, while about 45 percent of the imprisoned were freelancers.

China

Launch of new book on regulating access to environmental information

The book examines the legal framework for accessing environmental information and juxtaposes the Chinese model with international standards and best practices from around the world.

Middle East and North Africa

Media in the eye of the storm as revolutions sweep the Arab world

In its report, RSF examines the methods used by the authorities to strangle the flow of information during popular uprisings in six countries - Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Syria and Yemen.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG UPR Submission to 13th Session

IFEX-TMG Contribution on Tunisia to the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism, 13th Session (21st May - 1st June 2012).

Turkey

BIANET releases second quarter media monitoring report

BIANET outlines the press freedom violations that took place from April to July 2011.

Russia

ARTICLE 19 outlines six reasons why defamation reform fails to protect free expression

While a reform of the country's defamation legislation was necessary, the organisation says the new amendments will not improve the right to freedom of expression or media freedom.

Philippines

IPI mission report points to continuing impunity in killing of journalists

Despite a relatively favorable attitude towards press freedom by the Aquino administration, the government has so far failed to implement the necessary political reforms that would lead to substantial improvement in the country's press freedom situation, says IPI.

Russia

CJES report highlights ongoing impunity in attacks against journalists

In honour of the International Day to End Impunity, CJES has published a report outlining the challenges faced by journalists in Russia.

Pakistan

PPF report highlights cases and causes of impunity

The report reveals that while formal criminal complaints are lodged for cases where media workers have been killed, the murders not seriously investigated or prosecuted.

Bahrain

BCHR releases report on the price of freedom and social justice

The report gives background to the situation, then identifies and documents all the types of violations that took place, with the aim of putting out recommendations to the Bahraini government, as well as the EU, US, UN OHCHR and the ICC.

International

IPI report surveys the consequences of impunity

"Impunity is a particularly difficult evil to counter because it is self-reinforcing," says the report.

Egypt

Concern over lack of transparency in military investigation of Maspero killings

The military prosecutor's failure to identify the soldiers driving the military vehicles that crushed 13 Coptic protesters on 9 October has eroded public confidence that there will be a transparent investigation of those responsible for the deaths, says Human Rights Watch.

China

Human Rights Watch warns of growing threat of enforced disappearances

Despite the expression of support by elements within the government to end black jail-related abuses, the authorities failed to stop the practice.

Bahrain

Freedom House reports on brutal crackdown in the country

Despite the regime's brutality, the United States recently signed a multimillion-dollar arms deal (currently on hold) with the country and has remained largely silent amid a crackdown that proportionally surpasses the magnitude of any other in the region.

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in October 2011

Palestinian journalists faced a difficult month in October, with MADA monitoring an increased number of violations committed by the IDF and settlers across the West Bank.

Middle East and North Africa / International

Freedom House report cites rule of law, anti-corruption as keys to Arab Spring success

The "Countries at the Crossroads 2011" report concludes that success in the Arab democratic revolution will require major reforms in government institutions that had been seriously undermined during previous authoritarian regimes.

United States

Domestic reality does not match bold words on Internet free expression, says RSF

Although the government has defended Iranian bloggers, Chinese activists and Arab Spring netizens, it has also been responsible for initiatives that have harmed online free speech and has displayed a hostile attitude to online activities.

Cambodia

CCHR Institutions Fact Sheet: the National Assembly and freedom of expression

The ruling Cambodia People's Party has imposed arbitrary administrative requirements that are used to stifle opposition and minority party opinions in parliamentary debates, says CCHR.

Russia

Impunity reigns in province killings, says CPJ report

The murders in Togliatti of journalists Valery Ivanov and Aleksei Sidorov illustrate systemic problems that afflict another 15 unsolved murders, nearly 70 percent of them in the Russian provinces.

China

Respect for free speech continues to deteriorate

The US ambassador to the World Trade Organization says that China's "national firewall" and website blocking violate WTO rules.

Turkey

Journalists under pressure as government pursues military offensive against PKK

Nese Düzel and Adnan Demir are being prosecuted for two April 2010 reports containing interviews with former PKK leaders Zübeyir Aydar and Remzi Kartal.

International

Freedom House report finds governments restricting media through regulation

The report shows that governments are becoming increasingly savvy in maintaining control over content, says the organisation.

Tunisia

Report on IFEX-TMG Strategy Workshop: Campaign for Free Expression (September 2011)

Report on IFEX-TMG strategy workshop bringing together three working groups composed of media professionals and civil society participants who shared their assessment of the media landscape nine months after the revolution and formulated recommendations and action plans to guide the reform of the media sector. (Tunis, 27 and 28 September 2011)

Bahrain

Regime continues to target free expression by bringing journalists and photographers to trial

A number of media professionals have recently been summoned to appear before criminal courts, according to BCHR.

Thailand

Media independence curtailed by political and commercial pressures

In an example of the ostracism of the media, a hard-hitting political and current affairs program host was forced to resign following criticisms that he favoured a political party leader in an interview broadcast prior to the elections.

International

Impunity for killers of journalists threatens freedom of expression, says WAN-IFRA report

Assaults are daily - and often deadly - for those who challenge governments, report on conflict or investigate corruption and crime, WAN-IFRA said in its annual review of press freedom worldwide.

North Korea

RSF releases report on freedom of information under Kim Jong-il regime

Foreign radio stations continue to be the main source of independent information for the population.

Afghanistan

Each time a journalist is killed, the truth dies with them, says ARTICLE 19 report

Ten years on, targeted attacks against journalists, media workers and other civilians have increased, despite a number of measures by governments and organisations.

Cambodia

CCHR releases briefing book on law on associations and NGOs, shrinking space for civil society

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in September 2011

The state of media freedom in the Palestinian territories continued to decline in September, with an increase in the number of violations perpetrated against journalists, particularly by the IDF.

Americas

IPI concerned about safety after 12 journalists receive death threats

Governments and organised crime cartels remain the principal enemies of press freedom in the region, as they try to silence independent reporting through threats against journalists, legal action, physical aggression and murder.

Syria

ANHRI condemns targeting of pro-revolution artists

A number of singers, actors and artists have been harassed for participating in anti-regime demonstrations or criticising the president.

Burma

SEAPA report: "Burma in mid-2011: a contradictory landscape"

The report addresses the question of what can be expected from the new civilian government, and what are its reasons for the recent gestures toward liberalisation.

Serbia

ANEM's August 2011 media monitoring report

According to the findings of the legal monitoring team, the media scene was marked by the media community's anticipation of the adoption of the Media Strategy by the government.

Belarus

Freedom House and Center for European Policy Analysis release working group report on democratic transition

The report includes recommendations for breaking the information blockade in the country and galvanising the links between civil society organisations and the population.

Mexico

Prosecution and violence against Twitter users must stop, says ARTICLE 19

The climate of fear and distrust prevalent in the country has led many citizens to become increasingly reliant on social media as a source of news.

Eritrea

Human Rights Watch releases briefing paper on missing political prisoners

The fate of 21 senior government members and journalists who criticised President Isaias Afewerki is still unknown 10 years after they were arrested.

Burma

Press freedom vital to credible Burmese reform, says CPJ report

The government's reform rhetoric is contradicted by heavy censorship tactics that continue to make the country's media among the most restricted in the world, says CPJ in a new report.

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in August 2011

Israeli occupation forces arrested three journalists in the West Bank in August, two of which remain in custody, bringing the total number of Palestinian journalists incarcerated in Israeli jails to four.

Cambodia

CCHR review of 1995 Press Law

In the latest factsheet in its "Law Review" series, CCHR rates the Press Law as "yellow", meaning there are certain provisions that require review and amendment.

Ukraine

ARTICLE 19 policy paper on transparency of media ownership by off-shore companies

States have an obligation to set out a legal regime for transparency of media ownership by off-shore companies in order to avoid media concentration, says ARTICLE 19.

International

Companies that cooperate with dictatorships must be sanctioned, says RSF

RSF condemns the criminal cooperation that exists between many western companies, especially those operating in the field of new technologies, and authoritarian regimes.

Philippines

CMFR report: "Press freedom in Aquino's first year: unfulfilled promises and fading hopes"

The killing of journalists continued in the first year of the Aquino administration, and the prosecution of the alleged masterminds and killers has proceeded as slowly as it had under the Arroyo regime, CMFR notes.

Ecuador

CPJ special report: "Confrontation, repression in Ecuador"

Aggressive legal harassment and intimidation of the news media, led by President Rafael Correa, is weakening free expression, CPJ has found.

China

New developments in Internet censorship and control

The public's enthusiasm for the Internet and the government's fear of online protests has resulted in constant advancements in online censorship, reports RSF.

Bahrain

Authorities attempt to muzzle, intimidate independent broadcasters covering rights violations

Recent moves include the jamming of the opposition Lulu channel and pressure tactics used against Al-Jazeera to prevent the airing of a video on the situation in the country.

West Africa

MFWA 2010 state of the media report

Nepal

RSF notes sharp fall in journalists' ability to work freely

Some political leaders are providing protection to people who are threatening and attacking journalists and media, thereby encouraging a climate of impunity, says RSF.

Chile

Citizen activism challenges protected media oligopoly, concludes RSF

During a visit to Chile in June for the 20th anniversary of community radio station Radio Tierra, RSF saw how the issue of news and information is playing a central role in this upsurge of citizen unrest.

Palestine

MADA issues original study on online media and freedom of expression

Among the key findings of the report is that Facebook enhances freedom of expression but fails to encompass or represent the diversity of heterogeneous societies and political movements.

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in July 2011

Numerous violations were committed against journalists during July 2011, particularly while journalists were covering peaceful weekly marches and activities regularly hosted in several locations across the West Bank.

Cambodia

CCHR Fundamental Freedoms Fact Sheet: freedom of expression and the distribution of leaflets

A trend toward convictions aimed at those involved in the distribution of leaflets criticising the Royal Government of Cambodia gives cause for concern.

Paraguay

RSF report on how organised crime impacts journalists

Journalists operate in isolation and with few resources, especially those based in border regions, trying to get information from authorities that are often poisoned by corruption or are themselves involved in the trafficking of drugs or arms.

Palestine / Israel

MADA issues 2011 mid-year report

In the first six months of 2011 MADA has monitored 113 violations on press freedom in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), including 68 committed by the security services of the West Bank and Gaza and 45 committed by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).

Lebanon

IPI calls for justice for murdered journalists in light of UN STL indictments

"The Special Tribunal for Lebanon should continue its investigations not only into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, but also into the murder and attempted murder of journalists in 2005," said IPI.

Azerbaijan

IRFS press freedom report for first six months of 2011

On a positive note, Eynulla Fatullayev, the former editor-in-chief of the "Realniy Azerbaidjan" and "Gundelik Azerbaijan" newspapers, was released after spending 4 years in prison, following the signing of a pardon decree by the president of Azerbaijan.

Philippines

Human Rights Watch report details military involvement in activists' murders, disappearances

The government's failure to investigate and prosecute extrajudicial killings fuels further military abuses, the report noted.

Cambodia

Restricting peaceful gatherings to "freedom parks" stifles freedom of expression, says CCHR

"Freedom parks" are designated locations where peaceful demonstrators can demonstrate on the condition of 12 hours' notice, instead of the five days' notice generally required; however, the number of demonstrators in "freedom parks" is limited to 200 people, while there is no limit for general demonstrations.

Bahrain

Foreign journalists face continued harassment, restrictions imposed by authorities

BCHR provides a synopsis of actions against foreign media personnel since the start of pro-democracy protests in February.

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in June 2011

MADA monitored 13 violations against journalists during the month of June, with a noted decrease in the number of attacks stemming from Palestinian security services.

Cuba

Independent press still under attack: CPJ report shows new repressive tactics

As Cuba implements economic reforms and prepares to introduce high-speed Internet, freedom of expression continues to be met with a policy of repression that stifles the free flow of information, according to CPJ's report.

Bahrain

Human Rights Watch documents unfolding rights crisis

There have been widespread arbitrary arrests and incommunicado detention, torture, and unfair military court trials since pro-democracy protests began, as well as summary dismissals of workers accused of sympathising with the protests.

Hong Kong (China)

Freedom of expression under threat, HKJA annual report notes

HKJA is not expecting real change from the current administration, under Donald Tsang, and is now looking to the next chief executive for a more positive approach towards free expression and press freedom.

International

Press freedom concerns grow around the world in first six months of 2011

IPI's report notes that there has been very little improvement in media freedom around the world, and in many parts, the losses far outweighed the gains.

Serbia

ANEM's May 2011 media monitoring report

Attacks on journalists and the media continued, as did the failure of the courts to adequately punish the perpetrators of these attacks.

Americas

IPI alarmed by press freedom developments in the Caribbean and Latin America

Statements by IPI were made in light of a new partnership forged with the Association of Caribbean Media Workers.

Bahrain

BCHR documents attacks on those who dare speak to the media

Many who have spoken to media have been subject to intimidation, violence, arrest, and prosecution, according to BCHR.

International

Imminent danger drives journalists into exile

According to CPJ information, nearly 70 journalists fled their homes in the last 12 months, more than half of them from Cuba and Iran.

International

World Refugee Day: Forced to flee but not silenced, exiled media fight on

To mark World Refugee Day on 20 June 2011, RSF is paying tribute to those journalists who manage to continue their work after being forced to flee their country.

Cambodia

CCHR releases report on ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression

The report provides an overview of the use of new media in Cambodia and recent trends toward Internet censorship, as well as the implications for freedom of expression.

Bahrain

BCHR releases report on government crackdown against photographers

The report documents the authorities' targeting of photographers, from dismissals to assaults and arrests, in response to their involvement in documenting the events of Bahrain's revolution.

Palestine / Israel

Violations against journalists continued in May 2011

MADA monitored 12 violations of media freedom in May 2011, including the near fatal shooting of Mohamed Othman.

International

New CPJ report documents sexual aggression against journalists

The report provides the most extensive documentation gathered thus far on how sexual assault threatens press freedom worldwide.

Afghanistan

New IFJ report assesses press freedom

IFJ and its affiliate, the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association, announce the release of a new report which outlines the challenges for journalists and press freedom since the lead-up to the country's elections in 2009 and 2010.

Mexico

Human rights groups expose government's complicity in violence against journalists

The government's repeated failure to protect the human rights of journalists, its complicity in a number of rights violations against them, and the web of laws that limit free expression and effectively gag journalists who seek to expose government corruption are examined in the report.

Mongolia

Globe International's 2010 Media Freedom Report

The report aims to highlight the current situation of how Mongolian journalists exercise their professional rights and what enabling environments exist for them to fulfill their duties to the public in a fair and responsible manner.

International

WAN-IFRA guide for social investment in media

The report outlines how socially conscious investors and donors can increase funding to news media in developing and emerging markets and contribute to media independence worldwide.

International

Freedom House exposes world's worst human rights abusers

The report identifies 17 countries and 3 territories whose citizens live in extremely oppressive environments, with minimal basic rights and persistent human rights violations.

Bahrain

BCHR documents attacks on organisation's president by security forces and sectarian media

BCHR reiterates its concern for the safety of organisation president Nabeel Rajab and that of his family.

International

Impunity plagues cases of slain journalists, says new CPJ index

More than 40 percent of the victims included in the index had been threatened prior to being murdered, while nearly 30 percent had covered politics, according to the report.

China

Attacks on free expression at a level not seen since Beijing games, says IFJ report

IFJ's report documents grave breaches of human rights occurring with increasing frequency and recommends urgent action be taken by international organisations to bring China's authorities to account.

Syria

Information blockade shields crimes against humanity, says Human Rights Watch report

Security forces have killed at least 418 people in the Daraa governorate alone, and more than 887 across Syria, according to local activists who have been maintaining a list of those killed.

Bahrain

BCHR report outlines misinformation campaign waged by the Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation

The Bahrain TV station has been broadcasting fabricated images and programs aimed at discrediting those who participated in the peaceful protests, says BCHR.

Rwanda

Serious miscarriages of justice need national court review, Human Rights Watch says

Community-based gacaca courts have helped communities confront the country's 1994 genocide but have failed to provide credible decisions and justice in a number of cases, Human Rights Watch said in a report.

Vietnam

Sentencing of high profile activist opens landmark struggle, says Human Rights Watch

The imprisonment of Cu Huy Ha Vu on anti-government propaganda charges has only raised the fervour of a remarkable outpouring of popular support for his release, Human Rights Watch says in a new report.

Bahrain

BCHR report documents government's attempts to stifle online free expression

A number of political affairs sites, discussion forums and activists' blogs have been blocked or shut down by the authorities, BCHR notes.

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedom in April 2011

There was a marked decrease in the number of violations in April, which was, however, negated by the increased brutality of the attacks.

Canada

CJFE's review of free expression 2010/2011

For the second year in a row, the Harper government has received a failing grade from CJFE in its Report Card on the state of freedom of expression in Canada.

Turkey

BIANET 2011 1st Quarter Media Monitoring Report

According to the report, by 31 March 2011, five journalists were in prison for their writings, and another 42 press members were imprisoned for involvement in operations like "Ergenekon" and other major trials and investigations.

Uganda / World Press Freedom Day

HRNJ-Uganda Press Freedom Index, November 2010 - April 2011

More than 55 journalists were subjected to different forms of violence in the last six months, says HRNJ-Uganda.

Africa

MISA briefing on the media freedom environment in southern Africa

MISA's Media Monitoring exercise in 2010 showed a skewed shift to legislative matters, where repressive laws seemed to take over the emblem of media freedom in the region.

Palestine / World Press Freedom Day

MADA releases first quarter report on World Press Freedom Day

According to the report, 2011 has brought with it an unprecedented increase in Palestinian-perpetrated violations against the media.

Turkey / World Press Freedom Day

BIANET 2010 Media Monitoring Report

According to BIANET's 2010 report, 220 people, including 104 journalists, were tried in court on free expression related charges in 2010.

Mexico / World Press Freedom Day

ARTICLE 19/CENCOS 2010 report: "Violence and Press Freedom in Mexico: Still in the Line of Fire"

The report highlights yet again an appalling level of violence and attacks perpetrated against journalists and media workers over 2010, along with a marked increase in self-censorship on the part of journalists and editors.

Asia and Pacific / World Press Freedom Day

IFJ press freedom report on South Asia: "Free Speech in Peril"

"On World Press Freedom Day, we salute courageous journalists and media workers across South Asia who work tirelessly every day to uphold press freedom at significant personal risk," IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

Thailand

Human Rights Watch report documents government crackdown on 2010 Red Shirt protests

The report documents government censorship and use of criminal charges to undermine media freedom and freedom of expression.

International / World Press Freedom Day

IPI releases "World Press Freedom Review 2010 - Focus on the Americas"

The Americas inched closer to becoming the most dangerous region in the world for journalists, with two countries - Mexico and Honduras - accounting for nearly a quarter of reporters killed in 2010, IPI said.

International / World Press Freedom Day

Digital censorship threatens press freedom, new CPJ report shows

CPJ's assessment of the 10 prevailing strategies for online oppression and the leading countries utilising such tactics shows that traditional mechanisms of repression have evolved into pervasive digital censorship.

International / World Press Freedom Day

Middle East in decline as global press freedom hits low point, according to Freedom House report

The number of people worldwide with access to free and independent media declined to its lowest level in over a decade, according to the study "Freedom of the Press 2011: A Global Survey of Media Independence".

Mongolia / World Press Freedom Day

Globe International releases 2010 annual report

The report outlines Globe International's 2010 projects and activities.

International

Freedom House study finds mounting threats to Internet freedom

Cyberattacks, politically motivated censorship and government control over Internet infrastructure are among the threats to Internet freedom, according to the study "Freedom on the Net 2011: A Global Assessment of Internet and Digital Media".

Palestine / Israel

Violations against journalists in March 2011

Numerous violations against press freedoms in Gaza were recorded as well as incidents of the targeting of women journalists.

International

ARTICLE 19 Artist Alert: March 2011

The March alert features cases from Tunisia, Pakistan, China and United Arab Emirates, among others.

Haiti

Human Rights Watch report underlines importance of investigating grave human rights violations

In one case, over 100 journalists and activists were arrested on November 28, 1980. Several were tortured and many were expelled from the country.

Palestine

Human Rights Watch report documents rise in attacks, detentions of journalists in West Bank and Gaza

Human Rights Watch calls on Palestinian authorities to hold their security forces to account for abuses and urges foreign donors to condition aid to security forces on concrete accountability measures.

Lebanon

SKeyes Annual Report 2010

SKeyes has issued its annual report on the status of media and cultural freedoms in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Jordan in 2010.

Middle East and North Africa / World Press Freedom Day

Roots of Unrest - CIHRS 2010 report on human rights in the Arab region

Blocking outlets for peaceful expression, by placing pressure on freedom of expression and the media, was identified as one of the roots of unrest in the region.

Turkey / World Press Freedom Day

Legal landscape dominated by Anti-Terror Law in 2010, says BIANET media monitoring report

According to the report, 220 people, 104 of whom are journalists, stood trial in 2010 in cases linked to freedom of thought or expression.

Hungary

New media law substantially curtails press freedom, says SEENPM

Click below to read the SEENPM report:

Europe and Central Asia / World Press Freedom Day

IPI and SEEMO launch electronic version of flagship publication "South, East and Central Europe Media Handbook"

The online database includes an overview of the media landscape, media-related legislation and press freedom issues in the region.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabweans ready to risk lives to vote in 2011, says Freedom House poll

The large numbers of respondents who have experienced violence and who do not feel free to express political views is very troubling, said Freedom House.

Pakistan

Interviews with journalists shed light on dangers, difficulties of the profession

Journalists confront a daunting array of problems that include terrorist threats, police violence, the unbridled power of local potentates and dangerous conflicts in the Tribal Areas.

Liberia / World Press Freedom Day

CEMESP launches 2010 annual freedom of expression review

This is the fourth of such reports, and comes at a crucial point in Liberian history, when there is a great need for news that is impartial, fair and independent.

Palestine / Israel

Violations against journalists in February 2011

MADA monitored numerous violations against journalists in the occupied Palestinian territories during February.

Belarus

Authorities carrying out campaign to stifle free expression, says Human Rights Watch report

"Shattering Hopes: Post-Election Crackdown in Belarus" documents the human rights violations that have occurred since the re-election of President Lukashenka.

International

WiPC July-December 2010 caselist

Throughout 2010 the WiPC monitored over 730 cases of attacks against writers, journalists, publishers and others in 81 countries.

Yemen

Security forces killed at least nine, injured 150, at peaceful Aden protests

The 20-page report, "Days of Bloodshed in Aden," documents attacks on protesters in the strategic port city of Aden from 16 to 25 February.

International / Gender

RSF report marking International Women's Day

To mark International Women's Day, RSF releases a report on the problems facing women who work as journalists.

International

"Muscling in on the media": an RSF look at organised crime

Since the end of the Cold War, the media's leading predators have been mafias, drug cartels and paramilitary groups that have turned to large-scale smuggling, said RSF.

Malaysia / World Press Freedom Day

CIJ report on freedom of expression in 2010

According to the report, the Barisan Nasional federal government adopted a multi-pronged approach, using the myriad of laws at its disposal to curb expression in 2010.

Palestine / Israel / World Press Freedom Day

MADA report on violations of media freedoms in 2010

MADA monitored an increase in the number of attacks on journalists as a result of the continued Israeli occupation and internal Palestinian disputes.

Iraq

Human Rights Watch releases report on human rights situation, including conditions for journalists

The 102-page report calls on the government to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and amend laws that violate freedom of speech.

International / World Press Freedom Day

Global institutions lagging in defence of press freedom, says CPJ

Journalists worldwide continue to face threats, imprisonment, intimidation and killings, according to "Attacks on the Press", a yearly survey released by CPJ.

International / World Press Freedom Day

Roll call of loss and tragedy continues, says IFJ report of media staff killed in 2010

The 94 media fatalities in 2010 demonstrate the increasing risks facing journalists around the globe, said IFJ.

Philippines / World Press Freedom Day

CMFR Philippine Press Freedom Report 2010 released

The report looked at the new Aquino administration's attitude and response to press freedom issues during its first six months.

Palestine / Israel

Violations of media freedoms in January 2011

MADA has documented numerous violations against journalists by both Israeli occupation forces and Palestinian security services.

Turkey

BIANET July - September 2010 media monitoring report

According to the report by the Independent Communication Network (BIA) Media Monitoring Desk, the judiciary persecutes independent media and media that voice different opinions on the "Kurdish Problem". Its justification is: "fighting against terrorism."

Asia and Pacific / World Press Freedom Day

SEAPA report: "Caught in the Crossfire: Southeast Asia's Press Freedom Challenges for 2011"

Freedom of expression continues to come under attack in the region where even the more established democracies are witnessing steadily increasing threats, says SEAPA.

China

New IFJ report outlines restrictions on journalists in 2010

The restrictive orders outlined in the report are a mere sample of the vast array of controls on information that journalists and media workers are known to grapple with.

Nepal

IFJ report outlines continuing challenges for journalists

The report, available in English and Nepali, is the result of a 12-month project conducted in partnership with IFJ affiliate the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).

Russia / World Press Freedom Day

Cases documented by GDF in Russia in 2010

Journalists and the media remained under intense pressure in 2010, according to GDF, being subjected to attacks, criminal prosecution, threats, censorship and detention.

Hungary

ARTICLE 19 issues statement on controversial new media laws

Changes to the legal framework include very restrictive content requirements for broadcasting, print and online media, says ARTICLE 19.

Palestine

Violations of media freedoms in December 2010

MADA documented 19 actions against journalists or their property in December 2010.

Bahrain

ANHRI announces release of Arab Working Group report on the media's performance during the elections

The report points to the media's bias towards government candidates and the effect of the detention crackdown on the media's performance.

International / World Press Freedom Day

Mexico, Pakistan most deadly places for journalists in 2010, WAN-IFRA says

Sixty-six journalists and other media workers were killed world-wide because of their professional activities in 2010 according to WAN-IFRA.

Somalia / World Press Freedom Day

NUSOJ releases annual report on state of press freedom

The report states that "most attacks against journalists have been attributed to Islamist armed forces, followed by the Puntland administration and their security forces and the transitional federal government."

China

Human Rights Action Plan fails to deliver, says Human Rights Watch

The government has undermined many of the key goals by tightening restrictions on rights of expression, association and assembly over the past two years, notes Human Rights Watch.

Thailand / World Press Freedom Day

Political troubles made 2010 a difficult year for media, according to journalists' group

It was a year in which the media faced a great challenge in committing itself to the principles of professional journalism, TJA said.

Sri Lanka / World Press Freedom Day

Less anti-media violence in 2010 but more obstruction and self-censorship, says RSF

RSF condemns the new forms of censorship being used to prevent diverse and freely-reported coverage of the situation in the country.

Nepal / World Press Freedom Day

Freedom Forum's 2010 Press Freedom Report

According to the Freedom Forum's information, impunity is behind the rising number of threats against the media.

International / World Press Freedom Day

CJFE reports that 87 journalists were killed worldwide in 2010

Three countries bore the brunt of the killings - Pakistan, Mexico and Honduras - which accounted for 43% of journalists murdered in 2010.

International / World Press Freedom Day

IFJ reports 97 journalists were lost to violence in 2010

"Nearly 100 journalists killed is a heavy loss which ought to stir the world governments into action to offer better protection to journalists," said IFJ's president.

Americas

IAPA president's year-end message

Gonzalo Fernando Marroquín presented a review of the advances and setbacks faced by the press in 2010.

International / World Press Freedom Day

Journalists in 2010: targets and bargaining chips

According to RSF, 57 journalists were killed in connection with their work in 2010, a 25 percent drop from 2009.