Articles by ARTICLE 19
Faraj Sarkoohi sentenced to one year in prison
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – On 18 September 1997, Faraj Sarkoohi, editor of the literary monthly “Adineh”, was sentenced, in camera, to twelve months’ imprisonment. The sentence is to run from 27 January 1997 to 27 January 1998. Sarkoohi was charged with slandering the Islamic Republic of Iran by writing an open letter, published internationally (see also […]
Police raid and shut down Kurdish television station
On 18 September 1996, Belgian police raided the offices and homes of several Kurdish institutions and people in exile in Belgium. Among the raids was that of the licensed Kurdish MED-TV television station in Brussels. Police confiscated archival material and closed down the station’s office, forcing it to discontinue broadcasting. Recommended Action Send appeals to […]
ARTICLE 19 expresses concern over possible inclusion of Myanmar in Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
The following is the full text of a letter sent by ARTICLE 19 to the Foreign Ministers of the seven member nations of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in which it expresses concern over Myanmar’s possible inclusion as a member and how it could negatively affect democratic and human rights development in […]
Report looks at “Freedom of Expression in Hong Kong: China’s Challenge”
With just under 365 days before the United Kingdom cedes sovereignty of Hong Kong to the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and ARTICLE 19 assess the state of freedom of expression in the territory in a report published on 30 June 1996. For the first time since this collaborative effort […]
Artist Ahmed Sanoussi assaulted by police
On 4 June 1996, the Moroccan artist Ahmed Sanoussi (previously written as “Snoussi”) was physically assaulted by police in Rabat as he was getting set to perform before a group of striking graduate university students. Sanoussi had to be later taken to hospital after being seriously wounded and left unconscious. Recommended Action Send appeals to […]
Journalist Erion Brace assaulted
On 26 May 1996, Erion Brace, a journalist with the newspaper “Zeri I Popullit” who is also standing as an election candidate for the Socialist Party, was beaten up in the town of Berat by two unidentified assailants. There is speculation that the two may have been associated with the ruling Democratic party. Recommended Action […]
Appeal to Nigerian leader General Sani Abacha on 12 June to mark anniversary of annulled elections
The following is a letter ARTICLE 19 is sending to Nigeria, with copies to the United Nations, the European Union, Commonwealth leaders and the Organisation of African Unity, among others, to mark the anniversary on 12 June of the annulled elections in Nigeria. ARTICLE 19 encourages others to copy, adapt or modify this letter in […]
ARTICLE 19 calls on UN Security Council to hold emergency session over wave of arrests, threats and curbs on media’s access
Following is the full text of a letter sent by ARTICLE 19 to the current President of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, urging that the Security Council call an emergency session on Myanmar (Burma), even though China, a close ally of Myanmar’s ruling State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC), currently holds the chair. […]