Human Rights Watch

A global campaign for journalist safety, Malaysia’s clampdown and female journalists as human rights defenders in Burma are among the top stories in our monthly round-up of Asia Pacific news.

“At a time when it has never been more important, independent journalism is up against the wall in the Western Balkans,” said Lydia Gall, Western Balkans researcher at Human Rights Watch. “That won’t change unless the EU makes absolutely clear…that their European aspirations depend on a thriving and free media.”

The law grants the government and ruling party expansive power to interfere with the work of journalists, and potentially to prevent reporting on corruption or human rights abuses.

The government called it “social discord”, “knowingly spreading false information” and “violating the law regulating public assemblies”. To the people who organized it, it was just a peaceful gathering.

Human Rights Watch takes a look at Fidel Castro’s record on free expression in Cuba.

Former aide to opposition leader shocks Kenyans on national TV with “socialite bimbo” comments about a possible Nairobi election rival.

Former aide to opposition leader shocks Kenyans on national TV with “socialite bimbo” comments about a possible Nairobi election rival.

The blasphemy law has been used to prosecute and imprison members of religious minorities and of traditional religions.