CPJ calls on the UAE to end journalist’s 13-month ordeal
Freelance journalist Mark Townsend was charged with criminal defamation in relation to postings that appeared on a consumer review website criticising the “Khaleej Times” newspaper.
CPJ alarmed by UAE decision to suspend BlackBerry functionality
UAE says the issue is about bringing BlackBerry services in line with local telecom regulations, but many feel it’s an attempt to control and monitor the free flow of information.
Wave of arrests of BlackBerry Messenger users
The users of BlackBerry Messenger allegedly tried to organise a protest against an increase in the price of gasoline.
Telephone regulator issues threatening statement regarding use of BlackBerry smartphones
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority warned that the use of BlackBerry smartphones posed a potential threat to national security.
Authorities block access to online magazine
“The authorities are using illegal means to achieve their ends,” RSF said.
Authorities plan to monitor cybercafé Internet users
“The real reason for this decision is obviously the desire to keep files on the country’s netizens, watch them and push them into self-censorship,” notes RSF
Website blocked for two days by Ministry
The Save Egypt Front website manager received a message from the Ministry of Communication informing him that the blocking was due to technical glitches that had been resolved.
Access to independent online discussion forum blocked
Some contributors to the UAE Hewar forum believe authorities are blocking it in order to discover the identity of the site’s owners.
Court closes independent website for one month, upholds fine on editor
Case being used to intimidate others thinking of raising corruption issues, says RSF.
Activist dismissed from job for criticising human rights situation
ANHRI considers the dismissal of human rights activist Muhammad Ali Mansouri to be a serious violation of freedom of expression.
Pakistani government pressures UAE to block television programme
The popular programme was prevented from being telecast on the night of 23 November 2009 from the Dubai studios of Geo TV.
News website owner and editor fined in defamation suit
The owner and editor of the Hetta.com news website are appealing a fine imposed by the state-controlled Abu Dhabi Media Company.
Telecommunications company urged to restore access to newspaper website
RSF has written to Etisalat, a telecommunications services provider based in the United Arab Emirates, voicing concern about access to a newspaper website and alleged use of spyware on Blackberry phones.
Federal Court of Appeal upholds sentence against editor and newspaper
The Federal Court of Appeal has decided to uphold a conviction temporarily suspending “Emarat Alyoum” newspaper and fining editor Sami al-Araimi.
Two French magazines censored
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders condemns the distribution bans imposed on recent issues of two French magazines, “Jeune Afrique” and “Afrique Magazine”, at the behest of the information ministry in Abu Dhabi because of articles regarded as offensive or overly critical. “Such measures are both arbitrary and archaic, inasmuch as the content of these publications […]
Draft media law undermines free expression, says Human Rights Watch report
(HRW/IFEX) – The following is a 13 April 2009 Human Rights Watch press release: UAE: Media Law Undermines Free Expression Vague Content Restrictions, Strict Controls Hamper Independence of Press (Dubai, April 13, 2009) – A new draft law to regulate the news media unlawfully restricts free expression and will unduly interfere with the media’s ability […]