Social issues reporter detained in Turkmenistan

Rovshen Yazmuhamedov, a correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was arrested on 6 May for unreported reasons. The journalist had been questioned by the authorities at least twice earlier in 2013 after his articles generated active online reader response.

Journalists injured during police action in Nepal

One journalist's leg was fractured and others sustained minor injuries when security personnel barred reporters from staging a peaceful sit-in in Kathmandu, Nepal; the journalists were demanding the reinstatement of their colleague who had been dismissed from a radio station.

International and local human rights NGOs derided by Ecuador's president

President Rafael Correa has disparaged the human rights organization Freedom House and the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression for its recent reports on Ecuador, which he characterized as "manipulated".

China-led oil, gas projects spark arrests in Burma

Authorities in Burma are urged to drop charges against ethnic Arakanese activists who participated in peaceful protests against Chinese-led oil and gas projects, and to amend the law on assembly.

U.N. High Commissioner concerned about Egypt's draft law on civil society

High Commissioner Navi Pillay urged the Egyptian government to take steps to ensure that the current version of a draft law on civil society organisations is laid open to careful examination by Egyptian and international human rights experts, and, based on their advice, is brought into line with international standards.

Saudi cleric who backed protests goes on trial for his life

Nimr al-Nimr, 52, went on trial before Riyadh’s Specialized Criminal Court on 26 March 2013, accused of “sowing discord” and “undermining national unity.” Prosecutors called for his execution by “crucifixion,” a punishment of beheading followed by display of the decapitated body in public.

Journalists detained on World Press Freedom Day in Sierra Leone

Two journalists were detained on World Press Freedom Day, and are being charged with criminal defamation for publishing supposedly pornographic photographs of a lawyer.

Suspect arrested 13 years after murder of Russian investigative journalist

The arrest of Pavel Sopot, a businessman suspected of organizing a brutal attack that led to the death in 2000 of investigative reporter Igor Domnikov, is a long-overdue step toward justice, the Committee to Protect Journalists said.

In Honduras, journalists' access to information arbitrarily restricted

Honduran authorities have refused to provide journalists with lists of acts of violence committed in certain regions of the country, thereby violating their right to access information.

Belarusian authorities jail two independent journalists

Independent journalists Dzmitry Halko and Alyaksandr Yarashevich were arrested in Minsk on 6 May after covering the release of a group of jailed demonstrators.

Chadian editor accused of "inciting hatred", blogger in Senegal expelled

Newspaper editor Moussaye Avenir De la Tchiré is reportedly accused of “inciting hatred and a popular uprising.” The Chadian authorities are also seeking the extradition of Makaila Nguebla, a Chadian blogger who fled to Senegal, from where he was expelled to Guinea-Conakry.

Vanuatu urged to look into journalist's arrest over Facebook comment

Charges of terrorism laid and dropped against a journalist in Vanuatu who was held for 30 hours over a Facebook comment need independent investigation, states the Pacific Freedom Forum.

Journalists impose media blackout on Liberian presidency

The Press Union of Liberia has announced a news blackout on the Liberian presidency until journalists across the country can be guaranteed freedom and safety. The blackout is a response to threatening remarks made by the director of the Executive Protection Service.

Philippines court convicts broadcaster's killer, masterminds still at large

The family of broadcaster and environmentalist Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega welcomed the conviction of his killer by a Philippines court, but lamented the fact that the alleged masterminds, a former provincial governor and his mayor brother, remain at large.

Tunisia's draft constitution needs improving to further protect freedom of expression

In view of the forthcoming debate on the new draft constitution, ARTICLE 19 has developed this legal analysis aimed at supporting and encouraging discussions especially around the new constitutional provisions related to the protection of freedom of expression and freedom of information.

Violations of media freedoms in Israel, Palestine in April 2013

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) monitored a number of media freedom violations in Palestine during April 2013, noting that Israeli abuses against Palestinian journalists continue and violations still pose a threat to their lives preventing them from doing their work.

Ecuadorian journalist gets threats via Twitter after writing report

Martín Pallares received threats via Twitter after he published an article in which he questioned the government's media coverage of the launch of an Ecuadorian satellite.

Protesters shot, radio host arrested in West Papua, Indonesia

Shooting peaceful protesters in West Papua and arresting a radio host for comments made on a talkback show are clear attacks on human rights by Indonesia, says the Pacific Freedom Forum.

Bangladeshi reporters attacked by rioting Islamists during clashes with police

Around ten journalists covering Islamist rioting in Dhaka, Bangladesh were injured in attacks by protesters and two were hospitalised in a critical condition.

Zimbabwean journalists could face up to 20 years in jail for political story

Journalists for the Zimbabwe Independent were arrested and charged with "false statements prejudicial to the state" after they wrote about a meeting between politicians.