Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)

Articles by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)

Link to: “Charlie Hebdo” attack resonates in Southeast Asia

“Charlie Hebdo” attack resonates in Southeast Asia

The murderous attack on “Charlie Hebdo” must be seen primarily as an attack on press freedom and the diversity of thought, says SEAPA. And it should resonate with Southeast Asians, who are familiar with experiences of attacks to free expression and press freedom.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo talks to reporters at the presidential palace in Jakarta, 3 November 2014, REUTERS/Beawiharta

Press freedom, free expression still under threat in Indonesia, says international delegation

Criminalisation of online speech, a climate of impunity for attacks against journalists, the concentration of media ownership and the politicisation of media outlets are all current areas of concern.

Link to: Journalist killings heighten security awareness in the Philippines, elsewhere in the region

Journalist killings heighten security awareness in the Philippines, elsewhere in the region

The 2009 carnage in Maguindanao, Philippines was an eye-opener not only for media people in the field but also for their desk-bound editors and publishers. Oftentimes taken for granted, journalist safety has become a concern and a priority.

SEAPA

Press alliance members pledge to work for media freedom, realisation of human rights

Members of SEAPA mark International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9) and Human Rights Day with the resolve to reorganise and strengthen the alliance to make it more capable to meet regional press freedom and freedom of expression challenges.

Reporters take pictures of a woman protesting against military rule in Bangkok, 26 May 2014, REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Martial law must be lifted to address impunity in Thailand

The abuse of powers by politicians and the unjustified use of security-related laws in the aftermath of Thailand’s military coup d’etat in May characterises impunity in the country, leading to the general worsening of freedom of expression over the past year.

Journalists pray for their colleagues who were either killed or imprisoned during a protest to mark a global day against impunity in Yangon, Burma, 2 November 2014, REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun

Will Southeast Asian governments respond to the challenge of investigating media killings?

Let us begin addressing the issue of violence against journalists by bringing closure and justice to families of the 58 Ampatuan Massacre victims, SEAPA stresses.

Burma's Ministry of Information is pursuing legal action against the "Myanmar Thandawsint" (Myanmar Herald) for the paper's scathing commentary about the words of President Thein Sein, Myanmar Thandawsint/Facebook

Burmese government using new Media Law to stifle criticism

SEAPA views with utmost concern the latest move of the Ministry of Information in Burma to pursue legal action against “Myanmar Thandawsint” for publishing scathing commentary about the words of President Thein Sein.

Facebook/CCHR

Rights groups call for freedom of expression protections in Cambodia

As violent crackdowns on freedom of expression have increased in Cambodia over the last year, rights groups and media are disturbed to observe a coinciding increase in impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes.