Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)

Marking 500 days since the November 2009 massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers in Mindanao, the organisations expressed their outrage at the continuing delays in prosecuting key suspects.

Thantawut Thaweewarodomkul was charged by the Technological Crimes Suppression Division (TCSD) for posting offensive messages and for failure to immediately remove an offensive message.

At the 16th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council taking place from 28 February to 25 March 2011, groups urged their governments to support a resolution which omits “defamation” and “denigration” of religions and focuses on freedom of expression, freedom of religion and non-discrimination.

Despite having been imprisoned for a year because of his reporting, Hang Chakra told journalists gathered for a training that he will continue to practice critical journalism.

Internet experts from Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia participated in a forum entitled, “Internet freedom in Southeast Asia: New Frontier, New Barriers”.

Chiranuch Premchaiporn, executive director and moderator of the Prachatai website, faces 10 counts of violating the Computer Crime Act.

Freedom of expression continues to come under attack in the region where even the more established democracies are witnessing steadily increasing threats, says SEAPA.

The groups condemn the serious violations of human rights taking place at this critical moment in Egypt.