Articles by Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA)
New Internet law threatens free expression
(SEAPA/IFEX) – SEAPA is concerned by the passing of the Electronic Information and Transaction Law in Indonesia on 25 March 2008, which has been criticised by the Press Council as falling short of international trends and standards. The law, intended to combat online crime, pornography, gambling, blackmail, lies, threats and racism, also prohibits citizens from […]
Government blocks YouTube, file-sharing sites to stop viewing of anti-Islam film
(SEAPA/IFEX) – Major Internet service providers in Indonesia have reportedly blocked several file-sharing websites in adherence to a government order prohibiting people from viewing online a controversial short film that paints a demonic image of Islam. On 31 March 2008, the Information Ministry gave YouTube ( http://www.youtube.com ) a one-week deadline to remove “Fitna” (“strife” […]
Local free expression group calls for end to restrictive media laws, improved ethical standards and competition among media outlets
(SEAPA/IFEX) – The following is a SEAPA press release: Local free expression group calls for media reform following ruling government’s polls setback The unprecedented losses borne by Malaysia’s ruling coalition in the 8 March 2008 polls reflected not only the people’s disenchantment with the general state of affairs but also their rejection of the propaganda […]
Retail giant files absurdly large defamation lawsuits against columnist and former MP over criticisms
(SEAPA/IFEX) – Tesco Lotus, one of the biggest retailers in Thailand, has filed two staggering defamation cases against a Thai columnist and a former Member of Parliament, sending a strong message to civil society and the press to tread carefully before criticising the retailing giant in Thailand. Tesco Lotus is suing columnist/academic Kamol Kamoltrakul and […]
Election results reflect voters’ demand for democratic reforms and freedom of expression, says SEAPA
(SEAPA/IFEX) – The following is a SEAPA media statement: Malaysians win a chance at meaningful democratic reform Bangkok (12 March 2008) – The stunning setback to Malaysia’s ruling coalition in the country’s recent national elections underscores the people’s demand for political and democratic reforms, and the need for greater openness in the Southeast Asian country. […]
Problems with Internet access, international telephone communications coincide with UN mission, reports SEAPA
(SEAPA/IFEX) – Sources in Rangoon are reporting problems accessing the Internet in recent days. Exiled Burmese are also reportedly having a more difficult time than usual in calling into the country. Slower or unreliable Internet connections and the abnormal telecommunications problems coincide with what has now been a five-day mission into Burma by United Nations […]
Security forces beat, detain media worker overnight for breaking curfew
(SEAPA/IFEX) – The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) is alarmed to learn that East Timor security forces detained and assaulted a layout artist with a local daily, who violated the night curfew imposed after a state of emergency was declared following attacks on the country’s top two leaders. On 23 February 2008, at 1:00 a.m. […]
Newspapers compelled to engage in self-censorship of election campaign coverage by delays in licence approvals
(SEAPA/IFEX) – SEAPA is concerned that the fate of two newspapers in Malaysia is being left hanging by the authorities following the expiration of their licences, and that this has had a debilitating effect on their coverage of news in the run-up to the nationwide elections. The annual publishing permits for the Tamil-language “Makkal Osai” […]