Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)

Articles by Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)

Zulkiflee ‘Zunar’ Anwar Haque

Ahead of cartoonist’s trial, NGOs call on Malaysian government to drop charges

Charged under the Sedition Act in Malaysia, internationally known political cartoonist Zunar could face 43 years in jail for a tweet.

Right to Know! Right Now Coalition

FOI bill well positioned for passage by Philippines Congress

While the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill is well positioned for passage, Congress will be working within a very tight timetable. The Right to Know. Right Now! Coalition has set up an online Congress Action on FOI tracker to monitor developments in the coming days, weeks, and months.

REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer

Not in our name: World Press Freedom Day 116 days after Charlie Hebdo

On World Press Freedom Day, organisations from around the globe commit to defending the right to freedom of expression, even when that right is being used to express views that may be offensive.

Malaysian lawyers hold a protest calling for the repeal of the Sedition Act in Kuala Lumpur, 16 October 2014, REUTERS/Olivia Harris

Groups call for end to crackdown on free expression

Concerns include the use of Malaysia’s Sedition Act to suppress legitimate criticism of government and courts.

https://www.facebook.com/mei.magsino

Former journalist killed in the Philippines; had received death threats

If proven to be work-related, Melinda Magsino’s would be the 148th case of a journalist killed in the Philippines in the line of duty since 1986, the 27th under the Aquino administration, and the second this year.

Link to: Filipino columnist arrested on libel charge

Filipino columnist arrested on libel charge

A Filipino publisher and columnist facing two counts of criminal libel for his column on a drug pusher says his recent arrest was “a clear attack” on press freedom.

Syrian lawyer and human rights defender Mazen Darwish, in an undated photo taken from the website of the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM), https://scm.bz/

NGOs to Bashar al-Assad: Implement your amnesty decree and free Syrian activist Mazen Darwish

The International Press Institute and 23 IFEX members sent a letter to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad calling for the release of lawyer and human rights defender Mazen Darwish ahead of his court hearing on 25 March 2015.

Screenshot of a CMFR interactive infographic on the killing of blocktimers and volunteer broadcasters in the Philippines, CMFR

Blocktimer killed in Bohol, Philippines; 146th since 1986 if work-related

Filipino radio blocktimer Mauritio Lim was shot by an unidentified man and later died in hospital. Lim and his lawyer cohost had recently discussed the involvement of local officials in the illegal drug trade.