Articles by Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.