Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)

Articles by Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)

Link to: Radio broadcaster gets death threats in Philippines

Radio broadcaster gets death threats in Philippines

A radio broadcaster in Kalibo town, Philippines, has been receiving threatening text messages since February 2014 when he began criticising the town mayor for alleged corruption.

Reporters shout as they march to demonstrate for press freedom in Yangon, 7 January 7, 2014, after a journalist was sentenced on defamation charges, REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

What does the state of media freedom tell us about Burma’s “transition to democracy”?

Three years after Burma embarked on a path toward democracy and away from its history of military rule, assessments of its success vary, especially around media freedom and free expression.

Men arrange stacks of papers at a newspaper wholesale market in Yangon, 6 September 2013, REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

Regional perspective on media reforms in Burma

The landscape of media freedom in Southeast Asia shows a mix of government regimes and media systems. To provide a regional perspective on Burma’s media reforms is therefore a complex task, says the executive director of CMFR, a Filipino press freedom group.

Link to: Philippines government prosecutors rest case against 28 accused in Ampatuan Massacre

Philippines government prosecutors rest case against 28 accused in Ampatuan Massacre

Government prosecutors in the Philippines rested their case against 28 accused of masterminding and carrying out the Ampatuan Massacre of 2009, more than four years since the trial started in January 2010.

Link to: Editor charged with libel in Philippines for publishing ad

Editor charged with libel in Philippines for publishing ad

A newspaper editor in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines has been charged with criminal libel for publishing allegedly libelous advertisements in 2012.

Protesters raise their fists with a blue ribbon during the "Standing in Silent Action" event in support of the Hong Kong Journalist Association (HKJA) at Tamar Park in Hong Kong, 2 March 2014, REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Chief Executive of Hong Kong urged to protect freedom of expression

After a series of increasingly violent events, IFEX members and supporters call on Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying to take clear and deliberate steps to defend press freedom.

Link to: Suspect in shooting of radio reporter gunned down in Philippines

Suspect in shooting of radio reporter gunned down in Philippines

One of two suspects in the January shooting of radio broadcaster Jonavin Villalba was gunned down in the Philippines. The other suspect is still unidentified.

Demonstrators pictured during the "Black Tuesday" protest against the Cybercrime Law, 25 February 2014, CMFR

Criminal libel is unconstitutional, CMFR stresses in response to Philippines ruling

The idea of press freedom and free speech requires a real understanding on the part of lawmakers that criticism of public officials and public figures is protected or privileged communication, says CMFR in response to the Philippines’ deliberations on the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Criminal libel is legislation that favors the political class; which is an insidious spirit that is inimical to democracy.