About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

IFEX Member Campaigns

---

Azerbaijan

A visit with journalist Idrak Abbasov

On 18 April, journalist Idrak Abbasov was brutally attacked while he reported on the demolition of houses in his village. Rebecca Vincent recently visited him at his home outside Baku.

Russia

Punk collective Pussy Riot gives exclusive interview to IFEX member Index on Censorship

Members of the band who have not yet been arrested are now in hiding, but they responded to interview questions by email.

International / Awards

34 Multimedia Magazine from Belarus to receive IPI's 2012 Free Media Pioneer Award

Founded and published by Belarusian journalist Iryna Vidanava, the magazine is a revived multimedia version of Studentskaya Dumka, a banned, Belarusian-language youth magazine.

Thailand

Two years after crackdown, still no justice

In a video, victims and their family members from both sides demand justice and tell Human Rights Watch that the failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible for abuses during the 2010 violence would lead to a cycle of violence and impunity.

Indonesia

Rights record under scrutiny at UN

UN members states should push for the adoption of specific measures to ensure free expression and accountability for abuses, said Human Rights Watch.

International / Awards

CRNI announces winners of 2012 Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award

The winners are Ali Ferzat from Syria and Aseem Trivedi from India.

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.

Asia and Pacific / Indonesia

AMARC calls for legislative reform and equitable frequency distribution

The AMARC regional coordinator mentioned the lack of proper enabling legislation as the single principal barrier to community radio sustainability and called for a fair, open, transparent, and efficient process of awarding and regulating broadcasting licences for community radios.

Africa

ARTICLE 19's oral statement to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the inclusion by the Special Rapporteur in her agenda of future activities of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa.

International

Panel discusses effective mechanisms to ensure safety of journalists worldwide

Panelists stressed that cooperation with local media, as well as publicity and advocacy efforts are key means to end attacks against journalists.

Egypt

ARTICLE 19 outlines how to protect free expression and information in new constitution

The new Constitution is on the verge of being drafted and ARTICLE 19 has produced a comprehensive policy brief outlining how the new Constitution should protect the right to freedom of expression and freedom of information In order to support the forthcoming work of the drafters.

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.

Thailand

TJA highlights new challenges for press freedom

Amid divisive ideas and political ideologies that have led to the use of violence, the local media are now having difficulties, as several conflicting political parties have started their own media businesses including newspapers, satellite-broadcast televisions and social media.

Awards / Zimbabwe

Publisher Trevor Ncube wins inaugural MISA-Zimbabwe Press Freedom Award

The AMH publisher was presented the award for continuing to provide platforms and access to critical alternative views and ideas on Zimbabwe's socio-economic and political issues.

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.

Pakistan

IFJ launches mission reports

PFUJ and IFJ deployed four missions to assess the situation on the ground in some of the most dangerous and under-reported provinces in the country - Balochistan, Interior Sindh, the Khyber-FATA region and Punjab.

Azerbaijan

European Broadcasting Union should speak out on government's appalling record on freedom of expression, says Human Rights Watch

On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the EBU held a workshop in Geneva on media freedom in Azerbaijan but failed to use the opportunity to call the government to task and to speak out about Azerbaijan’s abysmal record on freedom of expression.

International

Media freedom in the spotlight "as rarely before", says Index on Censorship

The last year has seen tumultuous shifts for media freedom. But core problems still remain in the world’s troublespots, says Index on Censorship's news editor, Padraig Reidy.

International

CRNI pays tribute to editorial cartoonists on World Press Freedom Day

One of the most troubling trends today in many countries is the use of technological advancements to imprison for long terms not only cartoonists, but also non-media individuals who do nothing more than post a cartoon on a blog or Facebook page, says CRNI.

Malaysia

Time to rally for free and fair media, says CIJ

On World Press Freedom Day 2012, the Centre for Independent Journalism renews its call to the people to reclaim their right to a media that can play its role of bearing witness and informing society.

Nigeria

MRA celebrates World Press Freedom Day with YouTube videos on free expression

MRA has uploaded five videos in which the group talks briefly on the significance of World Press Freedom Day in Nigeria.

Europe and Central Asia

"The struggle for press freedom is a continuing endeavour," says IPI affiliate

SEEMO noted that a number of journalists' murders remain unsolved and the media face ongoing physical and verbal threats, especially during pre-election periods.

Canada

CJFE reflects on the state of rights on World Press Freedom Day

"If we value press freedom, we all need to take a closer look at the state of these rights here at home. When we look beyond the words of the Charter to the daily reality for working journalists, we see a gradual erosion of freedoms. And our government is a contributing factor, " said CJFE.

Somalia

IFJ welcomes landmark ACHPR resolution on protection of journalists

The resolution calls on authorities and armed groups to end ongoing violations against journalists, media practitioners and organisations.

Azerbaijan

IRFS highlights sustained, aggressive suppression of the media

Jailings, smear campaigns, trumped-up charges against journalists and unsolved murders: the free expression situation in Azerbaijan

International

IPI marks World Press Freedom Day 2012

Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie issued a statement to commemorate the day.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG launches new initiatives on World Press Freedom Day

The new work includes a literary anthology edited by the president of PEN Tunisia Naziha Rejiba, a training manual on online advocacy, a workshop for cartoonists, and a national newspaper and billboard campaign championing free expression rights as Tunisia’s Constituent Assembly continues to negotiate a new national constitution.

Philippines

CMFR creates special web page to highlight press freedom and freedom of expression

The site calls attention to three major issues: the rampant killing of journalists which demonstrate the prevailing culture of impunity in the Philippines; the use of criminal libel to stifle dissent; and the failure to pass a freedom of information law.

Asia and Pacific

World Press Freedom Day: Online media is the space to watch in Southeast Asia

SEAPA marks World Press Freedom Day with the release of 10 country reports on the situation of press freedom in the region.

Indonesia

AJI calls on authorities to shed light on cases of eight murdered journalists

AJI stated that the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2012 has to be the drive for law enforcers to end the practice of impunity that benefits journalists' killers.

Tunisia

Workshops on "Internet serving freedom of expression" conclude ahead of World Press Freedom Day

The workshop included theoretical, technical, and practical training on blogging, social networks, photography, and filming in support of freedom of expression.

Tunisia

World Press Freedom Day highlights lack of progress on media reform, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 calls on the government to make use of the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day event held in Tunis as a golden opportunity to advance the media reform package.

Asia and Pacific / Papua New Guinea

PNG media pioneer honored on WPFD day

A minute of silence before a WPFD Editors Forum will honour the late Yehiura Hriehwazi, one of Papua New Guinea's leading journalists, who died suddenly on 8 January 2012.

International / Awards

Bangladeshi and Tibetan bloggers win Best of Blog "RSF category" awards

Bangladeshi journalist Abu Sufian's blog is the jury choice in the "RSF category" of this year's BOBs.

Caribbean

On World Press Freedom Day ACM urges affiliates to promote reform of media-related laws

"Though we have generally escaped the worst impacts of impunity, violence and official aggression, Caribbean social communicators and journalists have not eluded the potentially muting impacts of self-censorship, unenlightened regulation and challenging economic, social and political circumstances," said ACM.

International

Every five days, a journalist is killed: RSF

To mark World Press Freedom Day, RSF has also named new six members to its infamous list of press freedom predators.

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.

Philippines

US urged to press for justice, keep aid conditional on holding rights abusers accountable

The US recently missed a key opportunity to engage publicly with the Philippine military about the need to end impunity for serious human rights abuses, Human Rights Watch notes.

International

Reporters targeted in record numbers and brutal ways

The current treaties, action plans and standards to protect journalists aren't working, says IPI. It's time we looked at other means to keep our reporters safe.

International

IFJ marks World Press Freedom Day by calling for release of jailed journalists

"We are witnessing unprecedented levels of criminal litigation against journalists in many countries. Governments must repeal criminal defamation laws and review anti-terror laws, which represent a major obstacle to genuine press freedom,” said IFJ.

International

Make a free press the "headline for democratic transition"

WAN-IFRA releases exclusive interviews, photos and materials about the importance of press freedom and the risks facing professional and citizen journalists.

Europe and Central Asia

World Press Freedom Day: In Europe, Turkey still in focus

As part of the IFJ's Turkish campaign, the organisation has encouraged its affiliates to "adopt" a journalist in prison. This involves following news on the journalist's case, corresponding with the journalist in jail, and highlighting the case to other members.

International

PEN International celebrates rights of all citizens to access information and truth

These rights are persistently denied by repressive regimes often in collusion, implicit or otherwise, with powerful non-state players.

Americas

IAPA reflects on media issues while celebrating World Press Freedom Day

IAPA voices concerns on the direct and subtle economic, legal, and judicial means used against the news media in a number of countries in the region that result in prior restraint and self-censorship, harming not only the news media itself, but most importantly, weakening the public’s right to receive information.

Canada

Federal government continues to receive failing grade on issue of free expression

Examining issues including privacy and anonymity on the Internet, cyber surveillance, whistleblowers, access to information, and collaborative journalism, CJFE's third annual Review of Free Expression in Canada provides an overview of issues facing Canadians from coast to coast.

Tunisia

Regional cartoonists at IFEX-TMG workshop in Tunisia express “hope and resolve”

"This workshop has demonstrated clearly that in Tunisia editorial cartoonists will be on the cutting edge of free speech," said CRNI Executive Director Robert Russell.

West Africa

MFWA salutes journalists on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day

MFWA notes with special concern the harrowing experience of media rights defenders in countries like Guinea Bissau and Mali who have had to perform their duties under harsh conditions imposed as a result of the recent coups in both countries.

Indonesia

AJI calls for support for campaign against impunity

World Press Freedom Day will be commemorated on 3 May 2012 in Indonesia with the theme "Against Impunity - Put Killers of Journalists on Trial."

Philippines

Attacking press freedom while "enhancing" it - a statement by the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists

When Congress re-convenes on 7 May it will be discussing a Freedom of Information (FOI) bill that, while not perfect, is generally acceptable to the media and civil society groups that have been working for the passage of an FOI act since the 1990s.

South Africa

Panel issues recommendations to improve media self-regulation

Nearly 200 journalists gathered to hear the much-anticipated findings of the organisation charged with designing a “gold standard” regulatory system for print media.

Southern Africa

MISA concerned by growing intolerance of media freedom in the region

Even in so-called progressive countries like South Africa, MISA has witnessed deliberate assaults on journalists, media practitioners and media houses.

Indonesia

EU-Indonesia dialogue should address restraints on free expression

A new trend in Indonesia is the use of criminal defamation laws targeting religious minorities, Human Rights Watch has found.

United States

California Legislature recognises World Press Freedom Day

The resolution recognizes the role a free press plays within California and throughout the world in sustaining and monitoring democracy, contributing to greater accountability in government, and promoting civic participation and economic development.

Mexico

Journalist Marcela Turati sheds light on the social effects of drug trafficking violence

"The majority of Mexican journalists have become war correspondents in their own country ever since President Felipe Calderón launched his war against drug trafficking and the battles spilled out into the streets," says Turati.

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.

Joint action - Ethiopia

Thirty-two IFEX members urge authorities to release journalist Eskinder Nega

On 1 May, jailed journalist Eskinder Nega, facing the death penalty, receives in absentia the 2012 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award. Thirty-two IFEX members are calling for his release, and an end to the use of national security legislation against all writers and journalists.

Somalia

World Press Freedom Day 2012: The story of Mohamed Ibrahim

In Somalia, a nation of ever-shifting fortunes, the first few months of 2012 have been particularly deadly for the media.

Pakistan

Investigative journalist Umar Cheema recounts struggle for freedom

"Instead of bowing to tyranny, I decided to stand brave and firm", said this award-winning journalist.

International

Mitigating risks to report safely, CPJ launches Journalist Security Guide

The interactive guide covers topics such as protecting digital information, preparing for armed conflict, covering organised crime and corruption, and mitigating the risk of sexual violence.

Joint action - Kazakhstan

Twenty-seven IFEX members call for investigation into brutal attacks on journalists

Twenty-seven IFEX members appeal for end to impunity in recent brutal attacks on journalists in Kazakhstan, including near-fatal attack on Luqpan Akhmedyarov in April.

Vietnam / Australia

Australia urged to press for human rights improvements in Vietnam

Vietnam should be urged to release all political prisoners and to end restrictions on the freedoms of expression, association, peaceful assembly, belief, and religion when the two sides meet for their annual bilateral human rights dialogue, Human Rights Watch said.

International

Media Rights Agenda welcomes UN plan for journalists' safety

The plan, which is promoted by UNESCO, calls for governments and inter-governmental agencies to create a free and safe environment for media workers in both conflict and non-conflict zones.

Joint action - Africa

APAI calls on ACHPR to advance the right to access information

The APAI working group called on the Commission to recognise 28 September as International Right to Know Day.

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.

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.

Ethiopia

IPI World Press Freedom Heroes condemn imprisonment of journalist Eskinder Nega

Renowned journalists call for an end to the persecution of journalists in Ethiopia.

Canada

Bill C-11 casts shadow over World Book Day celebrations

IPA is sending a letter to Canadian ministers about proposed legislation that poses a serious threat to educational publishing and creativity in general.

Tunisia

Workshop on "Internet and Free Expression" held in Sidi Bouzid

The workshop, organised by ANHRI and the Tunisian Center for Freedom of the Press, included practical training on new media and social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Flickr) and techniques of live broadcasts using mobile devices in addition to using the Internet to design campaigns.

Africa

MISA stresses need for access to information in Africa

Referring to the African Platform on Access to Information campaign initiated in 2011, MISA said access to information is a right that many African citizens were still struggling to realise.

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.

Ethiopia / Awards / International

PEN awards top prize to jailed journalist Eskinder Nega

Nega, who was arrested in September 2011, is being tried under the country's sweeping anti-terror legislation and faces the death penalty if convicted.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG alarmed by ongoing attacks targeting demonstrators, media, performers and academics

The IFEX-TMG is alarmed at attacks and prison sentences based on religious morality charges, as well as the use of force by police on demonstrators.

Nepal

Government urged to adopt free press recommendations

The International Fact Finding and Advocacy Media Mission to Nepal has finished its review of specific provisions from the country's draft constitution that the Constituent Assembly will finalize by 28 May.

International

Journalists provide global prescription for fighting violence and impunity

The participants pointed to cases in Mexico, Pakistan and Russia to highlight the urgent need for effective government measures to protect journalists worldwide.

Belarus

New campaign highlights free expression abuses in "Europe's last dictatorship"

The campaign includes suggestions for a strategy of targeted sanctions against the regime and a need to reach out to and engage civil society.

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.

Ukraine

International delegation expresses concern about press freedom

Representatives from several rights organisations welcomed a law guaranteeing access to information and the establishment of a presidential interagency working group on media freedom, but expressed concerns about impunity, lack of media independence and an environment of corruption and lack of transparency in general.

Pakistan

Global coalition of NGOs calls for official withdrawal of censorship plans

A letter by the coalition comes as a follow up to a verbal commitment by the Secretary IT that the plan for a national URL filtering and blocking system, announced earlier this year, has been withdrawn.

Burma

Role of freedom of expression in democratisation processes: an ARTICLE 19 presentation

During a conference on media development, ARTICLE 19's executive director spoke about the place of freedom of expression / media laws and legal reforms in the country's democratisation process.

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.

Djibouti

RSF asks UN rapporteur to help end journalist's torture

Mendez was urged to intervene on behalf of radio journalist Farah Abadid Hildid, who works for the Europe-based station La Voix de Djibouti.

International

On the 36th anniversary of the ICCPR, an opportunity to protect free speech

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights imposes legally binding obligations on states to respect a number of human rights, including the right to freedom of expression.

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.

Ecuador

IFEX-ALC acknowledges Ecuadoran president's decision

IFEX-ALC values the pardon granted by President Rafael Correa, exempting three directors of the daily "El Universo" and a former feature writer from a sentence of three years in prison and a US$40 million fine, and refraining from pursuing further judicial action against the authors of the book "El Gran Hermano".

Azerbaijan

International groups show solidarity with Khadija Ismayilova in the face of escalating harassment

The International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan, a coalition of international NGOs working to promote and protect freedom of expression in Azerbaijan, has condemned the blackmail and continued harassment of Ismayilova, one of the few independent investigative journalists working in the country.

Joint action - Vietnam

Government urged to release bloggers, dismiss all charges

SEAPA joined the Media Legal Defence Initiative and other human rights organisations in calling for the release of five bloggers arbitrarily detained for more than seven months.

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

RSF keeps UNESCO consultative status, condemns defamatory attacks

In a recent UNESCO executive council meeting, several countries blocked RSF's promotion to associate NGO status and accused the organisation of "spying" and "activities on behalf of the US government" – accusations that RSF says are typical of repressive regimes and their supporters.

Turkey

Six months later, Nobel Peace Prize nominee still behind bars

Following the release of four prominent journalists, IPA urges the Turkish authorities to also release publisher Ragip Zarakolu, who is being held on pre-trial detention and has not been allowed access to his lawyers.

Uganda

Government paying lip service to UPR mechanism, deplores HRNJ-Uganda

It is over 120 days since the government pledged to implement 170 recommendations in the area of human rights during the review at the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva in October 2011, but Uganda still falls well short of implementation.

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.

Canada

CJFE marks World Day Against Cyber Censorship by highlighting concerns with internet regulations

"Although Canada does not face the same type of Internet blackouts or direct online censorship and takedowns as many other countries, this does not mean that we can be complacent, or that we do not have reason for concern," said CJFE.

Egypt

Authorities urged to close case against foreign NGOs, hold ministers accountable

CIHRS, ANHRI, EOHR, and other rights organisations applaud the Supreme Judicial Council for instigating an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, and recommend that the findings of the investigation be made public.

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.

International

In honour of World Day against Cyber-Censorship, RSF releases new list of internet enemies

Bahrain and Belarus have been added to the "Enemies of the Internet" category, and India and Kazakhstan have been classified as "countries under surveillance."

Equatorial Guinea

Disappointing vote by UNESCO on Obiang prize

An 8 March decision by the executive board to change the controversial award's name and press UNESCO's Director General Irina Bokova to implement it was due to be formally adopted in a plenary session.

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.

Southern Africa

MISA celebrates women journalists on the occasion of International Women's Day

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, MISA salutes and appreciates the efforts all women, especially the journalists, media professionals and media scholars who continue to make immense contributions to the growth and development of journalism and media in the Southern African region.

Bangladesh

International Women's Day 2012: Writing wrongs against women

ARTICLE 19 has implemented a pilot project in Bangladesh on the issue of women's participation in the media, and has found evidence of gender-based discrimination and censorship.

Venezuela

Freedom of expression continues to decline following government's rejection of UN recommendations

IFEX-ALC calls for and invites the government to accept its responsibilities with respect to freedom of expression by accepting the UPR recommendations, and to comply with all international freedom of expression standards.

Ethiopia

Ban Ki-moon should speak out on imprisoned journalists, says IPI

In an open letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, IPI asks him to speak out against the use of anti-terrorism legislation against media members.

Joint action - Equatorial Guinea

Twenty-three African press freedom groups and journalists urge UNESCO to abolish Obiang prize

The signatories noted that while President Obiang has offered to remove his name from the prize, this does not erase the concern that his US$3 million donation links him and the abuses of his government to UNESCO, thereby undercutting the organisation’s worthy mission.

Egypt

Multinational telecoms colluded with state during revolution, says CIHRS

"A clear policy of zero tolerance should be adopted by the international community and private companies concerning the cutting off of communications systems at anytime, for any reason," argued CIHRS.

Somalia

"Stop the bloodbath, protect journalists and free expression," UN Human Rights Council told

At a side event held at the 19th session of the UNHRC in Geneva, NUSOJ, IFJ, ITUC and RSF highlighted attacks on journalists' rights and free expression, and exposed authorities' inability to prevent, investigate and punish perpetrators of crimes against journalists.

Turkey

One year on, prominent reporter and IPI World Press Freedom Hero languishes in prison

"The fact that Nedim Sener has been taken away from his family and locked up for a year on allegations that this journalism was a sham designed to protect those whose wrongdoing it exposed is both tragic and absurd," says IPI.

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.

Ghana

MFWA-MUSIGA statement marking Music Freedom Day

In Ghana, musicians have faced threats, insults and intimidation from opposing political party activists for composing songs for political parties of their choice during election campaigns.

Azerbaijan

Seven years on, still no justice for Elmar Huseynov

The editor of "Monitor" press agency was murdered in Baku in 2005; the killers have not been brought to justice.

Bangladesh

IPI completes press freedom mission

Mission delegates urged authorities to address the impunity related to attacks on, and killings of, journalists in the past 15 years, and to improve the legal framework affecting the media.

Awards / International

Golden Pen of Freedom awarded to Anabel Hernández

The Mexican journalist and writer said she was driven to focus on investigative journalism after the kidnapping and murder of her father in December 2000. Police investigators told the family that they were only willing to investigate the crime if the family paid them.

Ecuador

Fundamedios welcomes "El Universo" pardon, but calls for continued monitoring of government's actions

"We prompt the international community to remain alert of any attempt to take down or weaken a scheme for the protection of rights," said the organisation.

Montenegro

IPI releases report on press freedom mission

The mission concluded that quality journalism is scarce, competition between media outlets is fierce, and content is determined by media owners and powerful individuals.

Sri Lanka

RSF calls on UNHRC to condemn violations of freedom of information

The organisation feels that an immediate reaction is needed to stem the obstruction of journalists who want to cover the activities of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission.

Nepal

Mission finds worsening law reform, impunity and self-censorship

The International Fact Finding and Advocacy Mission to Nepal visited the country from 23 to 27 February 2012 to assess the media freedom situation.

Middle East and North Africa

CIHRS submits interventions to UNHRC to bring attention to struggle for democracy in the region

CIHRS is concerned that despite the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in some Arab states such as Egypt and Bahrain, the UN Human Rights Council did not set aside separate sessions for these countries on the agenda.

International

RSF supports demand to open detention centres to the media

RSF has joined a campaign - launched by European Alternatives and Migreurop - aimed at claiming the right of citizens to know what happens in centres where migrants are held.

Uganda

Admit UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression, urges HRNJ-Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda is shocked by the government's rejection of recommendations made to it during the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism to admit the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression to visit the country and assess the human rights situation.

Equatorial Guinea

Eliminate Obiang Prize, urge seven civil society groups

Critics oppose President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo's proposal to rename the award.

Côte d'Ivoire

Media practitioners and associations adopt new code of ethics

The new code of ethics is an outcome of the first phase of a media sector reform project undertaken by MFWA in partnership with IMS.

Morocco

Clinton urged to pressure reform of repressive speech laws

Human Rights Watch also urges the US Secretary of State to pressure authorities to free leading journalist Rachid Nini, who is serving a one-year sentence for articles he wrote.

Serbia

IPI challenges authorities to solve journalist murder cases, protect journalists under threat

Currently, five journalists in Serbia specialised in reporting on corruption have been given 24-hour police protection by the Ministry of the Interior but police have been unable to eliminate the sources of threat, which come mostly from mafia-like organisations.

Ecuador

Fundamedios condemns brutal blow against fundamental freedoms

Fundamedios believes that the sentence against "El Universo" will have calamitous consequences, not just for the exercise of the freedom of expression, but also for the effectiveness of democracy in Ecuador.

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.

Canada

CJFE calls on government to stop muzzling scientists and researchers

In an letter to Prime Minister Harper, CJFE and their campaign partner organizations urge the government to implement a policy of transparent and timely communication to allow scientists to speak to the media.

Trinidad and Tobago

IPI writes open letter to commissioner of police about recent media raids

IPI addressed an open letter to Dwayne Gibbs, Trinidad & Tobago’s Commissioner of Police, regarding recent intimidation tactics against journalists and media houses perpetrated by the police force.

Ecuador

IFEX-ALC concerned over recent developments that undermine and jeopardise fundamental freedoms

The first incident involves the onerous, disproportionate and unjustified sentence handed down against journalists Juan Carlos Calderón and Christian Zurita, writers of the book "El Gran Hermano" (Big Brother), which highlights lucrative government contracts obtained by President Rafael Correa's brother.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG concerned by series of setbacks, calls on authorities to consolidate free expression in the country

The IFEX-TMG calls on the government to immediately pass the application decrees regarding the establishment of the HAICA – a regulatory body consisting of experts and representatives of all stakeholders to protect media against all forms of corruption and abuse.

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.

Senegal

RSF monitors freedom of information, media behaviour during presidential election campaign

During his five-day visit, RSF's representative is due to meet with government officials, journalists and news media.

Zimbabwe

MISA publishes position on inclusion of media freedoms in draft constitution

The proposed draft constitution explicitly guarantees not only media freedoms and access to information, but also protects journalists and their sources.

International

AMARC celebrates first World Radio Day

The day's goals are to raise awareness about the value of radio and encourage the development of sustainable community radio as a voice for marginalized members of society.

Eritrea

RSF lawyer pleas on behalf of imprisoned journalists

The plea demonstrated that national laws and international treaties should provide protection to Dawit Isaac and his detained colleagues.

International / Chechnya (Russia) / Sri Lanka

RSF to create mirror sites to fight censorship

The organisation will host mirror sites of the Sri Lankan online newspaper Lanka-e-News and the Chechen magazine Dosh.

China

IFJ Press Freedom in China Campaign Bulletin - February 2012

IFJ issues its February 2012 bulletin on the state of press freedom in China.

Tunisia

Confirmation of court order could lead to return of Internet censorship

As the Tunisian Internet Agency has neither the financial resources nor technical capacity to establish a filtering system, it did not comply with the August 2011 court decision and referred the case to the country’s highest appeal court.

Joint action - Kazakhstan

Twenty-nine IFEX members call for release of independent newspaper editor

Twenty-nine IFEX members have signed a letter to the Prosecutor General about the detention of editor Igor Vinyavsky, whose detention is believed to be politically motivated, calling for him to be released and for the evidence leading to his arrest to be made public.

Americas

Civil society organisations call for careful evaluation of OAS Working Group recommendations

The IFEX-ALC and the Regional Alliance for Freedom of Expression and Information call for a careful evaluation of certain recommendations that could impact the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.

Philippines

CMFR hails UNHRC recommendations

The United Nations Human Rights Committee declared that the provisions of the country’s Revised Penal Code (RPC) penalizing libel as a criminal offense is “incompatible with Article 19, paragraph three of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)” to which the Philippines is a signatory.

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 - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG delegation meets members of the Constituent Assembly

The delegation reaffirmed the necessity to enshrine the right to freedom of expression in the future constitution, to guarantee press freedom and the independence of public service media.

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.

International

IFJ welcomes call for greater protection of media at major conference in Doha

The conference participants agreed to submit to the UN General Assembly recommendations for the enforcement of legal instruments that bind national authorities to prevent and punish violence against journalists.

Sri Lanka

IFJ joins 'Black January' campaign against attacks on journalists

The campaign is a response to the attacks on the media that have occurred in the month of January in the past three years, and the failure of the government of Sri Lanka to bring to account those responsible for attacks on numerous journalists.

Ethiopia

Following fact-finding mission, RSF reports on press freedom situation in the country

in the course of its observations and the interviews it conducted during its visit, RSF confirmed that freedom of expression has been on the wane for some time.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

PACE urged to demand freedom for political prisoners

Member organisations of the International Partnership Group for Azerbaijan (IPGA) are deeply concerned by the continued politically motivated imprisonment of persons for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

Ecuador

WAN-IFRA denounces government's authoritarian turn

The WAN-IFRA report reveals that the Ecuadorean government is "establishing a strict control over all arenas of public debate, while couching this in a debate centred around media plurality".

International

UN agency's member states urged to guarantee freedom of information

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) member states are meeting in Geneva this week to adopt decisions about the agency’s future and about the development of information and communication technologies (ICTs) worldwide.

International / Awards

Oxfam Novib/PEN Awards celebrate writers against the odds

Iranian journalist, blogger and activist Asieh Amini was one of six writers who received the awards in a ceremony in The Hague as part of the Writers Unlimited Winter Nights Festival.

Burma

RSF releases video interviews with recently freed journalists and blogger

Journalists U Zeya and Sithu Zeya, and blogger Nay Phone Latt, all of whom were released from jail on 13 January, discuss their prison experiences.

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.

International

Columnist David Rohde is IPI’s 63rd World Press Freedom Hero

The committee noted that Rohde and his colleagues frequently reported “under perilous conditions”, a statement given further weight when it was revealed months later that Rohde, at the time of the award, was again being held in captivity.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG calls for recent public media appointments to be revoked and for journalists' protection

On the anniversary of the revolution, IFEX-TMG urges the Tunisian government to revoke controversial appointments giving media personnel close to the deposed President key posts in the public service media, and further calls for an end to attacks on journalists.

Tunisia

On the first anniversary of the revolution, RSF writes an open letter to the authorities

While some progress has been made as regards drafting legislation and creating new media, RSF is concerned to see an increase in pressure on journalists and media.

International

RSF revives tourist awareness campaign

With the backdrop of a simulated beach in Paris' main shopping area, RSF activists drew residents’ attention to the lack of freedom of information in popular tourist destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Mexico.

Turkey

Academics oppose Internet filtering in universities

A signature campaign launched by more than one hundred academics is opposing attempts to recognise universities as public places where the Internet may be filtered.

Vietnam / Europe and Central Asia

European Union urged to press Vietnam to respect human rights

EU officials should use a 12 January dialogue in Hanoi to press for progress in the area of respecting freedom of speech and association and releasing dissidents detained for exercising those rights, says Human Rights Watch.

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.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG concerned by attacks on journalists and academics

IFEX-TMG calls on authorities to do more to stop attacks on freedom of expression.

Americas

IFEX-ALC calls for withdrawal of three recommendations that impact on mandate of free expression rapporteur

The IFEX-ALC calls on members of the OAS Permanent Council, who will meet on 25 January 2012, to withdraw three specific recommendations proposed by a Special Working Group, which if approved could restrict the mandate of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression.

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.

Turkey

CPJ condemns journalist arrests

The organisation is deeply troubled by the arrests especially given allegations that a recent CPJ report may have emboldened the government to take action.

Libya

New rule halts delivery of journalist visas

In a letter to Libyan Prime Minister Abdurrahim al-Keib, CPJ expressed concern about the difficulties that many foreign journalists have been experiencing in obtaining a visa to the country.

Belarus

International NGOs stand up for human rights

Since the December 2010 presidential elections, an unprecedented wave of repression was unleashed, with the Belarusian KGB detaining and interrogating opposition activists, journalists, protesters and human rights defenders.

Joint action - Tunisia

Freedom of expression defenders emphasise the importance of media independence and integrity

IFEX-TMG meeting in Tunis on 12 and 13 December brought together journalists, bloggers, civil society, lawyers and academics to make recommendations on the realities and challenges of reforming the media sector.

Honduras

Honduras must investigate attacks on the press, says CPJ

In an open letter to President Porfirio Lobo Sosa, CPJ expresses its concern about the unrelenting violence against the local press.

Russia / Mexico

Meeting highlights common challenges faced by journalists, civil society activists

ARTICLE 19 and the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) held their first one-day meeting to share experiences of addressing violence against journalists, exchange best practices and strategies on protection, and learn from each other.

Turkey

OSCE media freedom representative expresses concern over detention of journalists and censorship

During her first official visit to Turkey, Dunja Mijatovic participated in a panel discussion entitled "Turkey and Freedom of Expression", organised by the Ankara University Faculty of Political Sciences.

Burundi

Three questions to Radio Publique Africaine manager Eric Manirakiza

RSF asked Manirakiza about the situation of journalists in Burundi, which has worsened markedly this year, and about the government's increasing harassment of the media.

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.

Americas

International press organisations review state of free speech and press freedom

The Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations warned of a progressive loss of fundamental rights in Ecuador, stressed the importance of the Inter-American system, and urged governments to combat physical violence against journalists and impunity.

Russia

Global journalists' community joins IFJ to mark memorial day for dead colleagues

As the Russian Union of Journalists prepares to host its annual commemoration of journalists who have died in the course of their work, IFJ expressed solidarity with its colleagues.

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.

Egypt

CPJ calls on government to investigate attacks on the press

The organisation has written to the prime minister, bringing to his attention 35 cases of journalists who were attacked when protesters clashed with the military and police.

Venezuela

Media Social Responsibility Law violates freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19

On the one-year anniversary of the amendments to the law, ARTICLE 19's analysis concludes that the law places illegitimate restrictions on freedom of expression and information.

Europe and Central Asia

Experts discuss current challenges faced by media in Europe

Thomas Hammarberg highlighted the role media plays in exposing human rights violations and in offering an arena for different voices to be heard in public discourse.

International / Awards

RSF-Le Monde Press Freedom Prize awarded to Syrian cartoonist, Burmese weekly

Ali Ferzat was chosen as 2011 Journalist of the Year for his commitment to defending media freedom, while "Weekly Eleven News" was honoured with the Media of the Year prize for daring to run stories on subjects regarded as sensitive by Burmese authorities.

Mexico

Civil society organisations to host forum: "Justice for murdered and disappeared journalists"

The forum will be held in Mexico City on the 63rd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Middle East and North Africa

MADA helps to establish Arab Network for Freedom of Expression

MADA General Director Mousa Rimawi stated that the network would focus on media freedoms in the Arab world and will work towards compiling clearly defined legislation protecting freedom of opinion and expression to be applied in new laws and constitutions.

Colombia

IAPA submits two cases of unpunished murders of journalists to IACHR

Julio Chaparro and Jorge Torres were killed on April 24, 1991 in Segovia, where they had been sent by their newspaper, El Espectador of Bogotá, to cover the consequences of a massacre there two years earlier, in which 43 people died.

Tunisia

IFEX-TMG Conference on Freedom of Expression in Tunisia to be held in December

Agenda and invitation to attend the IFEX-TMG Freedom of Expression Conference in Tunisia on 12 and 13 December in Tunis.

International

OSCE should adopt Draft Declaration on Fundamental Freedoms in the Digital Age, says ARTICLE 19

In adopting the declaration, the OSCE and its participating states will take a leading role in recognizing that human rights and fundamental freedoms do not change with new technologies and that they extend into the Digital Age.

Fiji

Rights groups call on government to end attacks on free expression

On the fifth anniversary of the coup d'etat by Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, the military government is continuing its aggressive attacks on free speech and critics of the regime.

Kyrgyzstan

CPJ Q&A: Osh TV owner Khudaiberdiyev on trial, press freedom

Khalil Khudaiberdiyev says he learned of the government's case against him from reports in the press when he was outside the country.

International / Awards

ANHRI, along with Tunisian lawyer and Syrian activist, receives human dignity award

ANHRI, Tunisian lawyer Radhia Nasraoui and Syrian activist Mazen Darwish were honoured for their stand against dictatorships and their support for the revolutions of the Arab Spring.

Afghanistan

Call for clear commitment from Bonn conference to support freedom of expression and information

Never before have Afghans had so much free access to information provided by their own compatriots. However, these gains are under daily threat, say RSF and Afghan organisations.

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.

Rwanda

President must reject draft penal code, says ARTICLE 19

The organisation is concerned about provisions that do not comply with international standards on freedom of expression, especially those relating to criminal defamation, protection of national security, access to reproductive health information and genocide ideology.

Egypt

Twelve rights organisations condemn methods used to repress protests

Peaceful, unarmed protestors were met with excessive force by police and soldiers of the armed forces, leading to the deaths of dozens of protesters and the injury of more than 3000 others.

Liberia

Freedom of information conference brings together participants from Bomi and Cape Mount counties

Participants called for the progressive review of the Liberian FOI law and appealed for the decentralisation of the complaint and appeal channels in the event of refusal to disclose information.

Joint action - Azerbaijan

Groups call for justice for Rafiq Tagi

Rafiq Tagi died in Baku on 23 November from the injuries he sustained during a brutal knife attack four days earlier.

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.

Turkey

International mission delegates renew demand to release imprisoned journalists

The mission, on a visit to Turkey from 22-24 November to witness the deteriorating state of press freedom in the country, denounced the fact that 64 journalists are still in jail.

International

IFJ denounces extreme levels of violence faced by women journalists worldwide

Among the countries failing to protect women journalists adequately the IFJ points to Mexico, the Philippines, Somalia, Russia, Nepal and Israel.

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.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED warns of deteriorating media climate in open letter to broadcast regulator

JED accused the media council and electoral commission of indifference in the face of a "serious deterioration of democracy".

Philippines

CMFR statement on second anniversary of Ampatuan massacre, "a turning point and a test"

The glacial progress of the trial of those accused of involvement in the killing bodes ill for press freedom, human rights and the quest for justice in the country, says the organisation.

Philippines

SEAPA presents appeal letter calling for an end to impunity

SEAPA's letter urged President Benigno Aquino III to support the global campaign and ensure the Ampatuan trial marks a first step to ending journalists' killings.

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.

Ecuador

IFEX gravely concerned for safety of Fundamedios and others who attended IACHR hearing

IFEX is appealing to authorities to address the recent threats against IFEX member Fundamedios and its director, and the attempts by government supporters and state officials to discredit the organisation.

Turkey

RSF travels to Istanbul, monitors trial of leading investigative journalists

RSF travelled to Istanbul to attend the first hearing as part of an international delegation that includes representatives of the European Parliament, EFJ, IPI, the European Journalists' Association and Turkey's "Freedom for Journalists" coalition.

International / Awards

Veton Surroi wins 2011 SEEMO Human Rights Award

After the fall of communism, Veton Surroi founded the Koha Media Group and as a journalist he defended Kosovo Albanians against the policies of former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic.

International

ARTICLE 19 highlights problem of satellite jamming on World Television Day

To mark World Television Day, ARTICLE 19 calls on all governments and international organisations to condemn this violation of the rights to freedom of expression and information.

Macedonia

IPI releases report on press freedom mission

All media professionals interviewed by the delegation spoke of political, economic and legal pressure on media that induced self-censorship.

Turkey

Writers' and publishers' groups call for abolition of restrictive anti-terror laws on Day of the Imprisoned Writer

A total of 71 journalists are behind bars on the Day of the Imprisoned Writer, while the list of those convicted or awaiting trial continues to grow.

Egypt

International community urged to react as free expression situation worsens

As the country embarks on a series of elections that will continue until March, the Supreme Council is showing less and less ability to tolerate fundamental freedoms, says RSF.

Joint action - Egypt

Thirty-nine human rights and development organisations propose alternative NGO law

The proposed law follows a further deterioration of the situation of NGOs in the country, including the launch of a smear campaign aimed at damaging the credibility of groups critical of the human rights record of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and its government.

Americas / Awards

IAPA awards 2012 Chapultepec Grand Prize to Enrique Krauze

The prominent historian, essayist and editor has been a strong defender of freedom of expression and participated in the conference that gave rise to the Declaration of Chapultepec.

Turkmenistan

Open letter to German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle

On the eve of German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle's visit to Turkmenistan, RSF and the Turkmenistan Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights have sent him a joint letter about the state of freedom of expression in this Central Asian dictatorship.

Egypt

EOHR and ANHRI hold workshop on media in post-revolutionary transition

Website editor Khalid Al Balshi criticised the absence of an access to information law that would enable journalists to write stories of public interest.

Asia and Pacific

ASEAN should press government to free political prisoners, says Human Rights Watch

The government should release all those imprisoned on politically motivated charges, whether they have been convicted under Burma's repressive political laws or for common criminal offenses, said Human Rights Watch.

Ecuador

WPFC-FH submits amicus brief before Constitutional Court in support of decriminalisation of defamation sanctions

The brief is based on broad international jurisprudence - especially that of the inter-American justice system - that holds that defamation sanctions must be dealt with by civil, not criminal, courts.

Ecuador

Human Rights Watch calls for decriminalisation of defamation

Human Rights Watch submitted a joint amicus brief with the Center for Freedom of Expression and Information of the University of Palermo (Argentina) before the Constitutional Court of Ecuador, arguing that desacato norms violate Ecuador's international human rights obligations.

Mexico

IAPA calls on Senate to pass constitutional amendment on crimes against journalists

The amendment, which was passed by the Chamber of Deputies, would enable federal authorities to prosecute crimes against journalists and freedom of expression.

International

States should support draft UN resolution against belief-based discrimination, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the draft resolution's complete omission of the ambiguous "defamation of religions" – a term incompatible with international human rights standards on the right to freedom of expression - and the focus on combating discrimination against persons.

Joint action - Eritrea

Thirty-one IFEX members call on authorities to disclose whereabouts of journalist Dawit Isaak

After hearing rumours of the death of Dawit Isaak, an Swedish-Eritrean journalist held without charge for ten years, 31 members of IFEX are asking President Isaias Afewerki to confirm that he is still alive and if so, to release him from prison.

International / Awards

Stephen Ferry wins first Tim Hetherington grant

Stephen Ferry's project, "Violentology: A Manual of the Colombian Conflict," focuses on the history and current dynamics of the conflict in Colombia, exposing the roles of all parties involved and the impact of the violence on civilians.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG congratulates judge Kalthoum Kennou on her election as President of the Association of Tunisian Judges

Independent Judge Kennou suffered persecution for speaking in favour of an independent judiciary as the former Secretary-General of the AMT, under Ben Ali. She has now been elected AMT President.

Africa

ACHPR urged to endorse African Platform on Access to Information declaration

An NGO forum called upon the Commission to recognise 28 September as International Right to Know Day and to expand Article IV of the Declaration of Principles of Expression in Africa to incorporate the principles of the APAI Declaration.

Joint action - Democratic Republic of Congo

Attacks on journalists on the increase since start of election campaign

In a letter to the interior minister, RSF and JED expressed concern over the increase in violence against media workers since the start of the election campaign.

Tibet (China)

Human Rights Watch calls on government to address causes of self-immolation protests

Eleven Tibetans have set themselves on fire since March, apparently to protest restrictions on basic freedoms and punitive security measures imposed on a number of monasteries.

Colombia

President dedicates Chapultepec Declaration signing to murdered Colombian journalists

At the same time, President Juan Manuel Santos unveiled his plan to increase broadband internet access.

Ecuador

WAN-IFRA calls for dialogue amidst polarised media scene

The visit to assess the media situation in the country came as a follow-up effort after several expressions of concern by WAN-IFRA to the government in the past year, regarding a decline of freedom of expression in the country.

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.

Joint action - International

Seventy-seven civil society organisations call on UN to recognise importance of access to information and a free media to sustainable development

Prior to the UN summit of world leaders in Rio in June 2012 (Rio+20) to discuss the environment and sustainable development goals, 77 civil society organisations recommend the adoption of national laws on access to information, public participation and access to justice in the environment, a new UN convention on access to environmental information, and a UN Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Mexico

ARTICLE 19 highlights absence of protection of journalists before IACHR

ARTICLE 19's submission highlights how violent attacks against the press have resulted in a chilling effect on the media in several cities, especially those gripped by the ongoing public security crisis.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED announces media monitoring programme as presidential election campaign officially launched

In 2006, violent clashes between supporters of the two main presidential candidates were attributed - in some cases justifiably - to media outlets who inflamed tensions with incendiary comments and incitement to hatred and violence.

International

RSF campaign targets tourists

The campaign aims to draw the attention of vacationers to free speech and freedom of information problems in Thailand, Vietnam and Mexico.

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.

Asia and Pacific

IFJ welcomes strong regional support for press freedom at Pacific meeting

The roundtable discussions saw widespread support for continued efforts to protect and promote press freedom in the region. Codes of ethics, freedom of information laws, the growth of citizen journalism and the current situation for journalists in Fiji were all identified as areas of interest.

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.

Hungary

EU should heed call of "One Million for Press Freedom" in Hungary, says IFJ

A massive protest took place in Budapest as part of ongoing campaign waged by journalists and civil society groups for media pluralism in Hungary.

Eastern Europe, Caucasus, Central Asia

Respect for labour rights key for press freedom, says IFJ

At a meeting held in Skopje, Macedonia, trade union representatives spoke about the precarious situation of journalists in a context of politicisation and corruption.

Americas

Government advertising, state-owned media are control weapons, says IAPA

IAPA research finds that in some countries in the Americas the authorities seek to manipulate information by using government advertising contracts to reward or punish media outlets.

International

UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression launches key report on Internet freedom

ARTICLE 19 hails the report as a milestone in the development of policy on freedom of expression as it relates to the Internet and urges all governments to fully implement its recommendations.

Americas

Attempts to silence independent press have increased, IAPA concludes during annual meeting

Press freedom violations include physical violence, the murder of journalists and the impunity surrounding these crimes, lawsuits, arbitrary arrests, verbal abuse, and restrictive laws.

Tunisia

Political parties' responses to Human Rights Watch questionnaire shed light on their human rights stances

Most of the parties feel that the new Constitution should protect freedom of expression and of the press, but they disagree on limits to free expression when it concerns the right to privacy, the protection of minorities against hate speech, and the "defamation of religions."

Burma / Japan

Human Rights Watch urges Japan to press Burma's foreign minister on human rights issues

Japanese officials were urged to press Burma to release all political prisoners and abolish laws used to repress the rights to freedom of speech, association and assembly.

Burma

Interview with newly-freed dissident comedian Zarganar

Zarganar talks about the political prisoners who have not been freed, including bloggers and writers such as Zaw Thet Htwe and Nay Phone Latt.

Asia and Pacific

SEAPA to coordinate research project on freedom of information in Southeast Asia

The end result of the project will be a publication that will serve not only as a resource for journalists, academics and civil society organisations, but as a reminder to governments of the region of the importance of freedom of information.

Asia and Pacific

Online expression forum highlights importance of free and open Internet

The forum, held on 12 October 2011, was jointly organised by the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), the Thai Netizen Network and iLaw, to discuss the state of online freedom of expression in Thailand.

Russia

Terror, threats and corruption: report of RSF fact-finding visit to Russian Caucasus

RSF representatives visited Chechnya and Dagestan from 9 to 13 September 2011, meeting with journalists, government officials and human rights activists.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED announces launch of "Rapid Alert Network" to prevent attacks on press freedom

At a meeting between media experts and public figures organised by JED, participants agreed to launch a Rapid Alert Network, aimed at preventing serious attacks on press freedom in the period leading up to elections.

International

Mumia still on death row, but executions of journalists on the wane

On the occasion of World Day Against the Death Penalty, RSF notes that being a journalist, editing a website or keeping a blog can still expose a person to the possibility of the death penalty in some countries.

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.

Uganda

Spotlight on human rights means no more hiding, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 urges Uganda to use the occasion of the Universal Periodic Review as an opportunity to review and repeal unduly restrictive freedom of expression legislation and address the issue of violence against journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents.

Venezuela

Venezuela rejects UN Human Rights Council freedom of expression recommendations

The final report presented at the conclusion of the Venezuela UPR process contained 148 recommendations, of which 95 were accepted, 15 deferred to the next stage and 38 rejected.

Joint action - Tunisia

Free expression groups call upon the government to act decisively on reforms ahead of historic elections

IFEX-TMG says time is of the essence to effectively support freedom of expression by adopting a series of positive measures and setting high standards for the future.

Russia

Five years on, writers continue to call for justice for Anna Politkovskaya

PEN American Center expresses concern that some of the people behind Politkovskaya's murder may still be at large, furthering a climate of impunity for crimes against journalists and writers.

International / Awards

Yemeni press freedom activist Tawakel Karman wins Nobel Peace Prize

Karman, along with Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and activist Leymah Gbowee, were recognised for their struggle "for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work."

China

Human Rights Watch calls for release of Nobel laureate and others wrongly jailed, disappeared

Since the announcement of the 2010 Nobel prize, Beijing police have clamped down on Liu Xiaobo's family, friends, and supporters.

Thailand

Freedom of expression record scrutinised, ARTICLE 19 calls on government to adopt UPR recommendations

During the UPR, widespread concerns were expressed about a sharp increase in lèse-majesté and computer crime charges.

International / Awards

Journalists from Bahrain, Belarus, Mexico and Pakistan to be honoured with CPJ's International Press Freedom Awards

Mansoor al-Jamri, Natalya Radina, Javier Arturo Valdez Cárdenas and Umar Cheema have faced recrimination for their work, including harassment, assault, kidnapping, torture and censorship.

Equatorial Guinea

UNESCO suspends Obiang prize again

Human Rights Watch, Committee to Protect Journalists and other organisations are urging UNESCO's executive board to cancel the prize outright.

Cameroon

RSF urges government to take action on media reform in mission report

RSF is calling on the government to enact a series of reforms that are needed to improve media freedom, including a new media law and the decriminalisation of press offences.

Joint action - Tunisia

Free expression groups celebrate freeing of whistleblower police commissioner

IFEX-TMG attends trial of Samir Feriani, acquitted of charges of leaking information about the destruction of evidence linking Tunisian secret police to torture and other crimes.

Venezuela

IFEX-ALC delegation submits recommendations on freedom of expression during Venezuela's UPR

IFEX-ALC calls on the UN Human Rights Council members to urge the Venezuelan government to uphold the right to free expression.

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.

Joint action - Equatorial Guinea

UNESCO director-general urged to cancel Obiang prize

The goal of "a free, safe and fair environment for journalists" would be greatly undermined should UNESCO's executive board move forward with an award named for and funded by Equatorial Guinean President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, say a group of organisations who participated in a UN consultative process on impunity last week.

International

ARTICLE 19 celebrates advancements in the right to freedom of information

In honour of International Right to Know Day, ARTICLE 19 highlights the progress made in access to information legislation in many countries, especially in Africa, but says that many proposed laws remain sluggish and weakened by inaction.

Asia and Pacific

Freedom of expression groups urge ASEAN to promote access to information

In honour of International Right to Know Day, ARTICLE 19 and SEAPA urge ASEAN to demonstrate its commitment to public participation by supporting access to information among its member states.

Uzbekistan / United States

United States urged to take tough stance on Uzbekistan

In a letter to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, human rights groups expressed concern over proposed legislation to permit military and other assistance to the Uzbek government, one of the most repressive in the world.

International

Resolutions issued by IPI membership at World Congress point to concerns over impunity, criminal defamation and restrictive legislation

Some of the resolutions included a condemnation of Turkey's imprisonment of journalists and a call on the Philippines government to end impunity in the killing of journalists.

Asia and Pacific

Conference participants discuss situation of online media in Southeast Asia

Online news content is developing rapidly and the Southeast Asian community needs to "look at democratisation of freedom of expression as a common agenda," said the SEAPA president.

Africa

MISA launches reports on most open and most secretive public institutions in southern Africa

The reports' release, timed in honour of International Right to Know Day, will be accompanied by an awards ceremony congratulating the most open institutions and shaming the most secretive ones.

North Korea

Panel participants highlight challenges of reporting on closed society

In a discussion at the IPI's World Congress, three journalists each provided different explanations of the same event, showing how information from North Korea is often tangential and unverifiable, and how difficult it is to find out what is actually going on.

Ecuador

Correa lambastes press in Columbia speech

In a near hour-long speech given in English, the president was in turn pugnacious, scholarly, and withering in critiquing the private press that he alleged "lies" and has a "lack of love for the truth."

Singapore

ARTICLE 19 disappointed by government's failure to commit to greater free expression during UPR process

While Singapore accepted 84 of the 112 recommendations made by Member States at its first UN Human Rights Council review, those regarding media freedom, and the protection and promotion of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and association were rejected.

Tunisia

ANHRI contributes to seminar on status of media, free expression

Seminar participants heard testimony from journalists and activists about the state of the media under former president Ben Ali and their recommendations for media reform.

Vanuatu

PFF welcomes UN concern over media freedom

PFF says the opinion expressed this week by the UN's Pacific Office for Human Rights regional representative Matilda Bogner is a welcome step by a key regional development partner on an issue that's usually left to journalists to handle.

Ecuador

IAPA calls attention to Correa's conflicting positions on press freedom

A speech by President Rafael Correa at Columbia University in New York, "will serve to expose the inconsistent thinking of one who claims to support freedom of the press and of expression yet whose actions are totally opposed to such freedoms," IAPA noted.

International

Freedom House releases report on growing challenges to internet freedom

Against the backdrop of growing restrictions by repressive regimes on online freedoms, government, business, and civil society representatives will gather to discuss the future of the global digital space.

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.

Brazil

Government must pass right to information bill, says ARTICLE 19

According to the original Open Government Partnership roadmap, Brazil meets the criteria to participate in the OGP except for the absence of an access to information law.

Africa

Landmark regional declaration paves way for access to information

The declaration sets out principles elaborating the right of access to information, including coverage of issues related to health, education, aid transparency and corruption.

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.

Middle East and North Africa

International "Day of Rage": UN Rights Council addresses situations in Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen

Human rights defenders converged on the Council to respond to an unprecedented number of UN reports addressing grave rights violations throughout the Arab region.

Egypt

Twenty-three NGOs call on transitional authorities to engage in dialogue, meet demands of civil society

In a statement released by CIHRS, organisations condemn the recent revival and expansion of the emergency law by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which constitutes a direct threat to freedom of expression.

Eritrea

No one can continue to ignore the regime's brutality, says RSF

RSF has launched an international ad campaign marking the 10th anniversary of the round-ups of journalists and closure of all the privately-owned print media.

Greece

RSF reports on outlook for media following five-day country mission

Many of the journalists interviewed by RSF viewed the economic crisis as a chance for the media to break with the patronage system that has prevailed since the 1980s.

Nepal

Killers of journalists could go free, warns CPJ

In a letter to the newly-elected prime minister, CPJ expressed alarm over the planned amnesty of criminal cases pending from past political violence.

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.

International

IAPA calls for political will to combat impunity at UNESCO conference

IAPA urged governments to reform public policies to effectively combat the impunity surrounding crimes against journalists and to create protection programmes.

Awards / International

Human Rights Watch honours writers for commitment to free expression

Forty-eight writers from 24 countries have received 2011 Hellman/Hammett grants for their commitment to free expression and their courage in the face of persecution.

Liberia

CEMESP holds freedom of information forum for local authorities, community radio journalists

Participants pledged to expedite and monitor the implementation of the freedom of information law and encourage the public to use it.

Argentina

CPJ submits brief to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights concerning lawsuit filed by former president

A lawsuit alleging invasion of privacy brought by Carlos Menem against two journalists violates Article 13 of the American Convention on Human Rights, says CPJ.

International

IFJ "Journalism in the Shadow of Terror Laws" conference urges restoration of journalists' role in terrorism discourse

Leading journalists and human rights advocates told the conference that legislation enacted in the aftermath of the attacks as part of the war on terror has had a chilling effect on journalism in many countries, allowing governments to evade public scrutiny.

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.

Ecuador

RSF calls on Correa to take a firm stance regarding privately-owned media

President Correa cannot continue to hope to create a new pluralist order while continuing to respond in such an intransigent manner to minor criticism against him in the media, states RSF.

Burma

SEAPA calls for release of Democratic Voice of Burma journalists

Hla Hla Win was sentenced to 27 years in jail on 11 September 2009 for interviewing a monk in a monastery on the 2nd anniversary of the monk revolution.

Tajikistan

President asked to intercede in detained journalist's case

A Sughd provincial court ordered Makhmadyusuf Ismoilov detained for the duration of the investigation, but there are continuing doubts about the court's impartiality.

International

PEN American Center welcomes Deji Olukotun as first Freedom to Write Fellow

"I have always believed that creative artists can effect change, and PEN proves that they can," Olukotun said. "It is truly an honor to have the chance to help advance the freedom to write around the globe through this fellowship."

Democratic Republic of Congo

IFEX calls on President Kabila to address recent death threats against JED

On 26 August 2011, Donat M'Baya Tshimanga and Tshivis Tshivuadi received an e-mail threatening them and their families.

Cambodia / Awards

Country's first human rights portal wins innovation award

The award was granted to the Sithi portal in recognition of the role it has played in advocating for social change and promoting the civil and political rights of Cambodian citizens, using ICTs in innovative ways.

Vietnam

Government urged to free seriously ill rights advocates as part of National Day amnesty

The blogger Dieu Cay is believed to have suffered a serious injury in prison, while Father Nguyen Van Ly, a veteran political activist who had been given medical parole because of three strokes and another serious illness, was re-incarcerated in July.

Americas

Following recent university conference, IAPA welcomes academic commitment to uphold battle against impunity

More than 60 representatives from 22 universities who attended the Mexico conference endorsed the Declaration of Puebla, committed to the creation of an inter-university network to exchange information and launch public awareness campaigns about impunity.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Media says no to abuse by politicians

Journalists' organisations and media executives in the Democratic Republic of Congo have imposed a six-month embargo on media coverage of a member of parliament for his violent behaviour against the media. It's just one tactic in their campaign against the "noticeable rise" in attacks against journalists ahead of the November elections, say Journaliste en danger (JED) and other IFEX members.

International

RSF calls for universal ratification of International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

As the world marks the International Day of the Disappeared, RSF notes that many countries are still violating international law on this matter.

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

Daniel Pearl, Raymond Louw named IPI World Press Freedom Heroes

IPI will present the awards during a special ceremony at its annual World Congress to be held in Taiwan in September.

Libya

ARTICLE 19 calls for freedom of expression to be protected in transitional constitutional charter

Provisions in the recently published Draft Constitutional Charter for the Transitional Stage do not fully guarantee the right to freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19.

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.

Egypt

Thirty-six NGOs condemn the campaign waged by the authorities against civil society organisations

In a press conference at CIHRS's office in Cairo, and following the submission of a complaint to the relevant UN Special Rapporteurs, the NGOs condemned what they perceived to be a defamation campaign in response to the role played by human rights defenders in exposing abuses committed by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

Awards / International

Honduran journalist Karla Rivas named 2011 winner of Peter Mackler Award

According to the project director for the award, "Ms. Rivas has shown enormous courage and integrity by asserting the right of the people of Honduras to receive fair, accurate news."

Sri Lanka

IFJ welcomes partner organisations' press freedom mission to Jaffna

A team of activists asked Jaffna journalists and media workers about the situation they face since the end of the civil war in May 2009 and the lifting of restrictions on movement.

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.

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.

Zimbabwe

SADC urged to reprehend Mugabe over surge in press freedom violations

In the past month alone, RSF has tallied more than 11 violations of the freedom or safety of journalists, all of which have remained unpunished.

Liberia

CEMESP launches legal defense programme for journalists

The program, funded by the UK-based Media Legal Defense Initiative, seeks to provide legal support to journalists who are threatened with legal action on account of their work.

Tunisia

Human Rights Watch questionnaire challenges candidates on human rights issues

The questionnaire invites all candidates - those running both on party lists and independent lists in the 23 October 2011 election - to state their positions on key human rights issues, such as eliminating criminal penalties for nonviolent speech.

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.

Burma

RSF interviews editor of exile news magazine

Founded in 1993 as a monthly news magazine by exiled journalists, "Irrawaddy" has become an essential source of independent news and information about the political and human rights situation in the country.

Awards / International

Human Rights Watch honours seven activists

Rights advocates from Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Russia, Tunisia and Zimbabwe will be awarded the 2011 Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism.

Vietnam

RSF urges authorities to release blogger

Pham Minh Hoang, who has been in pre-trial detention for a year, will be tried on charges of attempting to overthrow the government.

China

Citing UN ruling, PEN American Center urges China to release Liu Xiaobo immediately

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Liu has been arbitrarily detained on a number of counts and that his trial was a "breach of fairness."

Americas

IAPA announces winners of the 2011 awards for Excellence in Journalism

Distinguished journalist Robert Cox has been awarded the IAPA's Grand Prize for Press Freedom.

Americas

IAPA laments "tragic year for journalism", urges Ecuadorian president to respect press freedom

"The state of press freedom has further deteriorated this year" as a result of violence by organised crime and legal harassment of journalists and the media, says IAPA.

Americas

IAPA to hold conference on combating impunity

Participants will review research into the lack of punishment in cases of violence against journalists that interdisciplinary teams from 24 Latin American universities have carried out.

Peru

Open letter from RSF urges incoming president to ensure journalists "no longer fear imprisonment"

RSF's letter highlights the obstacles to media pluralism and freedom of information and urges the president to work towards their removal.

International / Awards

Tunisia's Radio Kalima wins IPI Free Media Pioneer Award 2011

Radio Kalima was founded by journalists Naziha Razjib and Sihem Bensedrine in 2000 and quickly became a target for repeated harassment by the authorities.

Guinea / Niger

RSF releases report on press freedom situation in Guinea and Niger

The result of recent fact-finding visits to Conakry and Niamey, the report describes recent transitions to democracy in these two countries as periods favourable to media freedom and evaluates the current situation and challenges ahead.

Joint action - Tunisia

Targeting of journalists and demonstrators alarming, says IFEX-TMG

The IFEX-TMG is urging action to prevent any repeat of recent violent crackdowns on demonstrators and journalists in the run up to scheduled constitutional elections in October.

Libya / Egypt

ANHRI celebrates conclusion of workshop on capacity building for young journalists and citizen journalism

The workshop was partially intended to provide young people with the necessary skills to contribute to media freedom in Libya.

Ecuador

IAPA urges Ecuadoreans to defend freedom of expression

Members of a delegation to Ecuador expressed their concern over concentration of the media in government hands and harassment of the independent press.

International

Amnesty International launches online TV show for 50th anniversary

To mark its 50-year anniversary, Amnesty International launched Amnesty TV last week - a biweekly, 15-minute, online show that mixes satire and stunts with documentaries, opinion and news about human rights stories around the world. Watch it here.

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.

Tunisia

AMARC and IMS conclude mission on media development

The objective of workshops held in five cities in early July was to present the concept of community media and listen to the voices of local journalists and civil society actors.

Indonesia

IFJ backs calls for improved professionalism among journalists

"Some journalists continue to engage in questionable practices, such as accepting payments from interest groups or individuals," says IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park.

Hungary

IPI conducts six-month follow-up press freedom visit

Despite the passing of amendments, serious concerns about media legislation remain, says IPI.

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.

Philippines

At regional conference, 95 trade unions call for end to impunity

More than 600 participants unanimously adopted a resolution expressing deep concerns at the slow pace of the trials of suspects accused of the Ampatuan Town massacre, and urged the government to take immediate action to see justice is done.

Joint action - Burma

Twelve organisations call for release of Democratic Voice of Burma's video journalists

Seventeen video journalists for the Oslo-based exiled media organisation remain imprisoned; they are among nearly 2,100 political prisoners in Burma.

Joint action - Malaysia

Call for respect of free expression on eve of Bersih 2.0 rally

In a letter to the prime minister, free expression advocates and media practitioners expressed alarm over recent arrests of nationals and foreigners on trumped-up charges for supporting calls for electoral reform.

Venezuela

IAPA university forum highlights Declaration of Chapultepec principles

The Caracas mayor and the Carabobo state governor committed to the principles of press freedom emanating from the Declaration, which has also been signed by 59 Western Hemisphere heads of state.

China

IFJ calls for release of all journalists, writers and bloggers on Communist Party's 90th anniversary

Officials must recognise that increased media freedoms will assist China to become a transparent, accountable, fair and respectful nation, goals that match the party's future vision for the country, IFJ states.

Honduras

Community radio stations still denied access to airwaves, RSF and AMARC note

A RSF special representative was in the Zacate Grande peninsula on 14 April 2011, and reports on the state of community radios in the region.

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.

International

Mexican journalist Luis Horacio Nájera awarded journalism fellowship in Canada

The veteran journalist had been investigating politically sensitive issues ranging from government corruption to the trafficking of drugs, people and weapons, until fears for his life and his family's safety forced him to seek asylum in Canada.

Africa

Experts meet in Addis Ababa to discuss draft APAI declaration

The meeting consisted of 10 experts on freedom of information who make up the working group of the Windhoek +20 campaign on access to information in Africa.

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.

Libya

RSF releases mission report on the birth of free media in the east

"To consolidate any democratic future, an independent and professional press must emerge from all the media initiatives launched since the start of the war," noted RSF.

Senegal

Parliament commits to passing information law

Participants in a seminar organised by ARTICLE 19 and Forum Civil urge the government and other stakeholders to sensitise and train public servants to enable them to fully implement the access to information law and support the realisation of a transparent system of government.

Turkey

"A book is not a bomb," says RSF fact-finding mission

Despite significant advances in freedom of expression, journalists are still beingarrested and tried for doing their job or expressing an opinion, their documents seized and their sources tracked down, notes RSF.

Americas

International press organisations concerned at deterioration of fundamental freedoms

The Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations expressed concern at the undermining of press freedom and free speech in the Western Hemisphere.

International

IPI commemorates World Refugee Day 2011, journalists talk about life in exile

Accepting to live a life as a refugee might come with the benefit of safety and the opportunity to continue practicing journalism, but there is also a cost, says IPI.

Uganda

Civil society seeks independent inquiry into April killings

A broad coalition of 105 human rights, media, and development organisations urged the president to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions.

Kyrgyzstan

CPJ urges President Otunbayeva to halt persecution of media professionals

CPJ urges the government to carry out an investigation into the abuse of authority by local prosecutors against three media professionals and, based on the findings, to ensure the pending prosecutions are dropped and the conviction is vacated.

Nepal

Journalists plan nation-wide protests after latest attack

The events will begin with black-band protests all over the country and an active process of lobbying with national and international human rights bodies for their involvement in addressing the latest attack and the overall climate of impunity that prevails.

Tunisia

Scars of oppression run deep in the country's media

IFEX-TMG report calls for free and independent media and a strong, democratic and open civil society.

Egypt

Nineteen years after his assassination, ANHRI honours writer Farag Fouda

Writer Farag Fouda was assassinated in 1992 in connection with opinions he expressed calling for secularism and the exclusion of religion from public affairs.

Indonesia

Human Rights Watch calls for implementation of freedom of expression reforms

Indonesia should use its election to the UN Human Rights Council to implement rights reforms at home, says Human Rights Watch in a letter to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

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.

Sri Lanka

CPJ calls for UN action in case of journalist missing for over 500 days

Prageeth Eknelygoda has not been seen by his wife or the couple's two teenage sons since he left for work on the morning of 24 January 2010.

Honduras

Concern about future of civil liberties, human rights after OAS readmits Honduras

AMARC and RSF had repeatedly called for significant concessions from Honduras in return for its readmission to the OAS.

Europe and Central Asia

OSCE urged to prioritise protection of journalists in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine

A new report released by ARTICLE 19 and IMS shows that a lack of investigation into violence against journalists in the three countries has had a detrimental effect on freedom of expression.

China

IFJ Press Freedom in China Campaign Bulletin - June 2011

IFJ issues its June 2011 bulletin on the state of media freedom in China.

Joint action - Tunisia

IFEX-TMG members alarmed by resurgence of Internet censorship and arrests

IFEX-TMG calls for free speech rights of Tunisian citizens to be upheld in the run up to free elections.

Egypt

Human Rights Watch urges military to make clear break with past repressive policies

The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) should repeal laws that restrict free expression, association and assembly, and end trials of civilians before military tribunals, Human Rights Watch said.

China

Two decades after Tiananmen massacre, repression still trumps political reform, Human Rights Watch says

The government's refusal to take responsibility for the massacre of unarmed civilians in June 1989 laid the foundation for the state impunity behind the current crackdown on dissent, Human Rights Watch said.

Fiji

PFF invites information secretary to meet with Pacific journalists to discuss media freedom

The media monitoring group was responding to a statement by the information secretary urging journalists to "Think Fiji first" and report in a"fair and balanced way."

Peru

Attacks on the press rise in lead up to election

At least eight journalists have been physically attacked, threatened, or verbally harassed in response to their coverage of the presidential race.

Brazil

Forum participants oppose possible implementation of another press law

During a forum in Brasilia, several jurists, lawyers and journalists agreed that Brazil does not need a new press law to regulate the media.

Pakistan

Government urged to set up Shahzad judicial commission by 10 June

The president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said journalists from throughout the country would assemble in Islamabad and stage a sit-in at the Parliament if the commission was not set up by this date.

China

Human Rights Watch urges Facebook to safeguard users before entering Chinese market

The company's possible entry into China coincides with an aggressive effort by the government to silence dissent.

International

Special rapporteurs for free expression call for Internet speech rights

In their annual joint declaration, the rapporteurs called on national governments and other parties to respect freedom of expression in Internet communications.

Middle East and North Africa

Human rights organisations call on UN to urgently address killings of pro-democracy protestors

The statement denounced the current crackdown on protesters in al-Hureya square in Taiz, Yemen, which has killed more than 50 protestors, as well as the targeting of activists in Syria, which has resulted in the killing of between 1,000 and 1,200 protestors.

Uganda

ARTICLE 19 calls on East African Community to discuss Uganda's human rights record

During May 2011 alone, at least nine people died following brutal attacks by state security agents and many more were injured, including journalists.

Joint action - Philippines

Thirty-eight organisations call for freedom of expression and justice in the Ampatuan massacre trials

Thirty-six IFEX members, along with Centre for Law and Democracy and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, expressed concern about the 12 April resolution of the Court of Appeals, Manila Special Division of Five, requiring Monette Salaysay and Rowena Paraan to explain why they should not be held in contempt for comments attributed to them in a "Philippine Daily Inquirer" article regarding the Ampatuan Town Massacre trials.

Joint action - Pakistan

Thirty-four IFEX members call for murder investigations

Representatives from the international community of journalists' organisations and press freedom defenders gathered in Lebanon for IFEX's bi-annual conference and urged the Pakistani government and its law-enforcement and security agencies to take immediate action to implement all appropriate measures to protect media personnel and to prosecute murderers of journalists.

Joint action - Sri Lanka

Thirty-seven IFEX members urge authorities to accommodate visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression

The groups urged President Rajapaksa to invite the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, to Sri Lanka, while expressing deep concern for journalists who continue to be subjected to threats, harassment and assaults with alarming regularity.

Joint action - China

Thirty-three IFEX members express grave concern over restrictions on freedom of expression

IFEX members note with alarm the efforts of China's authorities to restrict freedom of expression in regard to debate on political reform in China, following reform movements in the Middle East and North Africa since late 2010.

Joint action - Eritrea

Thirty-three IFEX members condemn continued persecution of imprisoned journalists

The detained journalists are held without charges and forced to endure terrible conditions such as extended periods in the sun and denial of medication.