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Campaigns and Advocacy - Western Europe

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United Kingdom

Queen announces a defamation reform bill

The bill, which will curb aggressive libel lawsuits and protect free expression for journalists, writers and scientists, is the first wholesale attempt at reform since 1843.

United Kingdom / Pakistan

CPJ calls on Cameron to address journalists' security in upcoming meetings

CPJ data show that the country has been ranked the deadliest in the world for journalists for two consecutive years.

Western Europe

Journalists regularly barred from immigrant detention centres, campaign shows

As the month-long campaign "Open the doors! We have the right to know" comes to a close, RSF and its partners attempt to shine a light on the conditions of migrants in detention facilities across Europe.

France / International

RSF releases press freedom index for 2011/2012

The Arab world was the motor of history in 2011 but the Arab uprisings have had contrasting political outcomes so far, with Tunisia and Bahrain at opposite ends of the scale.

Rwanda / France

RSF protests President Kagame's visit to Paris

RSF activists demonstrated outside the Hotel Ritz in Paris, where Kagame was scheduled to have breakfast with a delegation of French businessmen, in protest against his visit to France.

United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 calls for repeal of 100-year-old Official Secrets Act

The Act gives authorities broad powers to make information secret and prosecute those who release it without authorisation.

United Kingdom

Government urged not to undermine news media

CPJ urges the U.K. to distance itself from responses taken in repressive countries to social unrest and instead, reaffirm its historical commitment to freedom of expression and of the press.

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.

Take action! - France / Afghanistan

Campaign on Facebook for French journalists held hostage in Afghanistan

Reporters Without Borders wants you to remember that French journalists Stéphane Taponier and Hervé Ghesquière were kidnapped in Afghanistan nearly 500 days ago. Click here to contribute your Facebook profile picture that will help build a virtual mosaic of their faces.

United Kingdom

IFJ supports photojournalists' fight against arbitrary ban in London

London-based photographers staged a Flashmob outside City Hall to denounce arbitrary restrictions on their work in a city where the banning of photography in many public spaces is enforced by private security guards.

Italy

Digital switchover may not encourage pluralistic media landscape, IPI warns

IPI is also concerned that current defamation laws encourage self-censorship.

United Kingdom

Libel tourism case dismissed, a victory for freedom of expression

ARTICLE 19 welcomes a High Court decision to dismiss the defamation claim brought by the Ukrainian businessman Dmytro Firtash against the "Kyiv Post", an independent Ukrainian newspaper.

Cuba / Spain

Spain must press Cuba to keep promises to free journalists, says CPJ

Three months have passed since the November 2010 deadline for Cuban authorities to free the remaining dissidents.

Italy

Following mission, IPI launches press freedom report

Political influence and conflicts of interest are key issues, says the organisation

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.

United Kingdom

Call for judicial impartiality after Julian Assange's arrest

RSF addresses a letter to Kenneth Clarke, the British Secretary of State for Justice, calling for impartiality in Julian Assange's case.

Italy

Following press freedom mission to Italy, IPI highlights politicisation of the media

Media concentration and absence of effective conflict of interest laws are causes for concern, says IPI.

China / France

RSF calls for Liu Xiaobo's release as Chinese president makes state visit to France

Several RSF representatives were arrested near the Arc de Triomphe after opening umbrellas bearing the words "Free Liu Xiaobo" as the Chinese president passed by in a motorcade.

Turkey / Western Europe

IFJ members eye Turkey on "Stand Up for Journalism Day"

The "Stand Up for Journalism" campaign was launched in 2007 to defend ethical journalism, decent jobs and union rights.

Africa / France

Africa-France summit held against backdrop of two-speed press freedom development in Africa

The priority being given to economic and development issues should not eclipse the importance of reinforcing media freedom and free expression in Africa, said RSF.

Eritrea / France

Radio Erena: an independent news source for Eritrea

Based in Paris and run by exiled Eritrean journalists, Radio Erena has been operating for the past nine months.

United Kingdom / Afghanistan

CPJ calls on UK to investigate Munadi death during Afghanistan rescue operation

CPJ pointed out that many questions about the death of Afghan journalist Sultan Munadi remain unanswered.

Joint action - Turkmenistan / France

Human Rights Watch and RSF urge France to press Turkmen leader to end rights abuses

The Turkmen president's visit is a key opportunity to urge improvements on human rights, said Human Rights Watch, RSF and other human rights organisations.

Tunisia / France

Publishing groups call on France to pressure Tunisia on press freedom

In a meeting with an advisor to the French foreign affairs minister, a delegation of publishers addressed the systematic repression of free speech in Tunisia.

Afghanistan / United Kingdom

British probe urged in death of Afghan reporter

In a letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, CPJ called for a comprehensive investigation into the September 2009 military operation to rescue two journalists kidnapped by Taliban forces in Afghanistan.

Italy

IFJ hails "momentous success" in demonstration for "Right to Know, Duty to Inform"

Between 150,000 and 300,000 participants turned up for the massive protest to condemn the threats to press freedom following Berlusconi's recent onslaught on the media.

Italy

European journalists support demonstration for freedom of information in Italy

President Berlusconi's power to intimidate journalists and muzzle the media goes beyond any acceptable limits of democracy, says IFJ president.

Take action! - United Kingdom

Help save community radio stations in the U.K.

More than 200 community radio stations in the U.K. are under threat of closure because of a lack of funds. Join ARTICLE 19 and sign a petition calling for the U.K. government to commit to its promise of supporting and sustaining local stations.

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 - United Kingdom

ARTICLE 19 and Index on Censorship applaud prime minister's promise to implement proposals respecting free expression

(ARTICLE 19/Index on Censorship/IFEX) - The following is a 26 October 2007 joint statement by ARTICLE 19, Index on Censorship and English PEN: