ARTICLE 19

Yusuf Getachew was charged with plotting acts of “terrorism, intending to advance a political, religious or ideological cause” by force; and the “planning, preparation, conspiracy, incitement and attempt of terrorist acts,” after reporting on anti-government protests.

Leading international rights organisations have called for the postponement of the adoption of the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration, pointing out that the Declaration risks creating a sub-standard level of human rights protection in the region.

In its October 2012 “Artist Alert” summary, ARTICLE 19 reports on the banning of a Ugandan play, the conviction of a Turkish pianist and other instances of artistic censorship.

The constitution could violate the right to freedom of expression. Provisions in the constitution to protect “sacred values” are worrying and plans for media freedom are woefully inadequate and must be changed.

ARTICLE 19 makes a plea for greater awareness and more involvement in the Americas on plans to reform the Inter-American System for the Protection of Human Rights.

The report demonstrates the gulf that exists between legal protections for free expression at the international level and the realities for journalists on the ground in Eritrea.

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the Inter-American Court of Human Rights’ decision in the case of Vélez Restrepo et al. vs Colombia which held the government responsible for a climate of impunity in crimes against free expression.

Journalists Marilena Katsimi and Kostas Arvanitis were dismissed from their positions at the state broadcaster ETR after discussing the reaction of the Public Order Minister to police torture allegations.