23 May 2012
IFEX Communiqué Vol 21, No 21
Sudan

In the wake of recent fighting with South Sudan, IFEX spells out five key ways that Sudan has stepped up its crackdown on critics.
Syria
A citizen journalist was sentenced to death last week in Syria after giving a series of interviews to Al Jazeera, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). To help protect sources, CPJ lists four precautions international journalists should take.
Nepal

Ethnic and religious groups hoping to get their demands reflected in the new constitution have been repeatedly attacking journalists who might stand in their way, report the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Freedom Forum and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Colombia
A radio talk show host who used to be a government minister was injured in a bombing in Bogotá shortly after he criticised a constitutional amendment that would open the doors to peace talks with rebel groups, report the Fundación para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP) and other IFEX members. There has been no bombing in the capital since 2003.
South Africa

See for yourself the painting that sparked a national debate on artistic expression in South Africa and prompted vandals to deface it to "prevent civil war." Plus, read what IFEX member in South Africa Free Expression Institute (FXI) had to say (English only).
Bahrain

Take action! The president of IFEX member Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), Nabeel Rajab, remains in prison along with BCHR's founder Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and other human rights defenders. It's not too late to join the call to free them. Share this letter and image on Twitter and Facebook, and ask your friends to do the same. Organisations can be added to the appeal by sending their names to campaigns (@) ifex.org.
International / Awards and other opportunities
Freelance cameramen and women from around the world are invited to submit entries for the 2012 Rory Peck Awards, which honour the best freelance footage in news and current affairs, especially in regions where it is difficult to gather news. The closing date for entries is 11 June 2012.