Articles by International Publishers Association (IPA)
Call for release of publisher detained in China since October
The IPA has called on China to immediately release Yao Wentian, a 73 year-old publisher who has been detained without trial for nearly three months. Police have not revealed the nature of the charges against him. Yao’s wife has said that the elderly publisher is suffering from heart problems and that he has fainted repeatedly during his detention.
Failing Cambodia human rights record reviewed at UN as crackdown on protests continues
A coalition of human rights groups urged the international community to address the increasingly severe crackdown on free speech in Cambodia, during the country’s Universal Periodic Review at the UN in Geneva.
Hungary nationalises its school textbook market
Hungary’s Parliament has adopted a law to nationalize the school textbook market. From 1 September 2014, a state-owned body will create and publish school books which will be provided free of charge to primary schools. From now on, only two books will be available per subject and class.
Turkish publisher’s acquittal plea thrown out in Apollinaire case
A Turkish court has thrown out Irfan Sancı’s acquittal appeal in a case against his having published Guillaume Apollinaire’s 1911 novel, Les Exploits d’un jeune Don Juan. Prosecution has merely been suspended for three years, meaning the publisher must live under constant threat of imprisonment.
In an attack on free expression, libel may be recriminalised in Romania
IFEX members are calling on the president of Romania to veto proposed changes to the penal code passed by Parliament that would recriminalise insult and libel.
Worldwide condemnation for brutal attacks on over 50 journalists in Ukraine
IFEX members strongly condemn recent attacks on journalists during public demonstrations in Kyiv and call for those responsible to be held accountable.
Tunisia’s constitution should be a model to protect free expression in the region, say rights groups
Over 50 IFEX members and partners appeal to the civil society groups assisting in a consultation process with elected representatives to protect freedom of expression in the new Tunisian Constitution.
Somali government urged to rescind Radio Shabelle’s eviction order
Dozens of media freedom groups are calling on the Prime Minister of Somalia to rescind the arbitrary eviction order currently faced by the Shabelle Media Network. The eviction would place Radio Shabelle staff in immediate physical danger.