Read on this page some of the last news received by the PEC from other concerned organizations (PEC members, RSF, IFJ, IFEX, INSI, CPJ, IPI, UPF, UNESCO, UN, OSCE, Freedom House, Article 19, MADA, JED) - in connection with PEC activities - Direct LINKS on our page CONTACT-  for PEC statements, please click (left) on PEC NEWS - Notice: the views expressed in this page do not necessarily represent the views of the PEC

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***29.01.2012. SOMALIA. NUSOJ and Somali Media Fraternity Grieve As They Take Part The Burial Ceremony On Sunday

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) organized the member journalists and Somali media fraternity to gather at Madina hospital
on Sunday morning to attend the funeral and show solidarity to our slain colleague who was killed in Mogadishu on Saturday evening,
meanwhile the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) welcomes the government’s probe into the killing of the Radio Director.

Late Hasan Osman Abdi (Fantastic), the director of Shabelle Radio, was killed by two unknown assailants armed with pistols, near his
home near his home in Nasteeho neighborhood of Wadajir district in Mogadishu on Saturday evening January 28, 2012, according to
witnesses.

The gunmen immediately fled from the area, according to Shabelle radio. It is not yet clear the reason behind his killing.He was rushed
to Madina Hospital, where he was declared dead, where his body has been kept in the overnight. It is not yet clear the reason behind his
killing and no group claimed the responsibility of the attack. NUSOJ officials and Somali media fraternity, some of the Shabelle
Radio staff, where Hassan has worked, and family members took the body to a cemetery at Baqdaad village, in the outskirts of Mogadishu,
almost 10km Southwest of Mogadishu, where late Hassan Osman Abdi’s burial took place. The burial took place at around 10:00am Sunday
morning.

NUSOJ Treasurer, who is also the union’s press freedom coordinator, Abdirashid Abdulle Abikar, spoke to the local and international media 
soon after the burial ended and extended condolences to the families, friends and colleague of late Hassan. Mr. Abikar also called the
journalists and media workers to be vigilant and take safety measures following this murder.

“We pray Almight Allah to remain his soul in Paradise.” Abdirashid Abdulle Abikar, NUSOJ Treasurer and Press Freedom Coordinator said
urging that the journalists should take urgent safety measures to ensure their safety in the wake of this horrendous murder.

Mr. Abikar also stressed such killings could only mean to silence the voice of the voiceless and called the journalists to continue their
normal work they serve to the public, while he thanked to the journalists in general for their bravery in continuing providing
accurate and balanced information to the public in line with the rules and regulations of journalism, which going against such rules could be
disastrous and unprofessional, which has nothing to do with journalism.

On Sunday, Somalia government condemned the brutal murder of the radio director pledged urgent investigations into the killing, according to
a statement.

Late Hassan Fantastic, 30yrs, is survived by a wife and three children - two girls and a boy and was the third Shabelle director killed since
2007. Three journalists have been killed in Mogadishu last alone Journalists in Somalia who are working in one of the most dangerous
environments in the world to be journalists lack the appropriate safety trainings and as well as need their level of professionalism to
be upgraded.

SEE HERE FUNERAL PHOTOS:
http://www.nusoj.org.so/alerts/2012/Jan2012/NUSOJ_and_Media_Fraternity_grieve_as_they_take_part_the_burial_ceremony_on_Sunday.html
 
***27.01.2012. INSI attends Doha conference on journalist safety

LONDON - The International News Safety Institute welcomes the recommendations of this week's international conference in Doha for the
Protection of Journalists in Dangerous Situations as an important contribution to the debate on safety standards. INSI hopes the
recommendations will help supplement international frameworks to protect journalists and media staff, and highlight the urgency of improved access
to safety training for all journalists around the world.
"This international conference is an important part of the safety jigsaw. We are pleased that safety is now forming part of the conversation in the
Middle East, which has provided the focus of so many of the major challenges to news crews in the past year. It's vital that the organisers
of this conference continue to build on the momentum created here and help make safety a part of the culture in every newsroom throughout the region and beyond," said INSI Deputy Director Hannah Storm, who attended the conference.
The conference called on the United Nations and its agencies to work with non-governmental organisations in promoting the issues of journalism
safety for all those working in dangerous situations, be they conflict or non-conflict. It urged governments to respect pre-existing conventions and
discussions focussed on journalism safety and recommended a strengthening of national laws to end impunity, which means that the majority of those
who target journalists never get prosecuted.
"By supporting international attempts to raise the awareness of safety issues, we hope this conference can put pressure on those governments
which are not yet doing enough to identify and prosecute the killers and attackers of journalists. We hope this will also help persuade news
organisations that they have a duty of care to all their news media employees and freelancers - be they reporters, fixers or drivers - and
they should provide them with adequate training, equipment and support wherever they are working - be that in areas of conflict, civil unrest,
organised crime or disaster zones."
The meeting was part of a jigsaw of international conferences aimed at addressing journalist safety issues. UNESCO last September organised a
meeting of relevant UN agencies, funds and programmes to design a joint UN strategy on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity. INSI and
other journalist support groups spoke up at the conference, highlighting the issues before an audience of UN and other world agencies and
governments. Conclusions drawn from the meeting will be contained in an inter-agency plan of action, due by March, which will formulate a
"comprehensive, coherent and action-orientated UN-wide approach".
In November, News Xchange 2011, a global convention of broadcasters from around the world, passed a landmark resolution proposed by INSI and the
European Broadcasting Union demanding action by world bodies and governments to stop the killing and end impunity. More than 99 per cent of
the 440 delegates from 168 media organisations in 56 countries also pledged to research suspicious deaths, creating maximum exposure for each,
and report back to News Xchange 2012.
Later the same month the Austrian government, working with the International Press Institute, staged a conference of experts from UN
agencies, journalist support groups and governments to address means of establishing a more effective international framework for journalist
safety. INSI presented the News Xchange resolution to the conference, which concluded with a pledge by Austria to carry the issue forward during
its term on the Human Rights Council of the United Nations, to which it was elected earlier this year.
Sadly there were far fewer active journalists at the Doha event than there might have been. However, as the sole organisation run by journalists
focussing on journalist safety, INSI was able to share its expertise at the conference, and INSI's Hannah Storm was rapporteur for a workshop on
safety standards, the conclusions of which will feature separately on the INSI website. It will be a part of a delegation that represents the future
activities of the conference.
The conference, which was organised by the National Committee for Human Rights in Qatar, was attended by more than 100 delegates from countries as far afield as the Philippines and Pakistan, Mauritania and Mexico, representing media support groups, unions and human rights bodies.

***26.01.2012. PALESTINE. MADA and DCAF hold workshop on access to information in Bethlehem

Ramallah – 26 January 2012: The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) and the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) held a workshop for journalists on the right of access to information at Maan News Agency headquarters in Bethlehem, on Thursday 24 January 2012.

The workshop – which was conducted over four hours – covered important topics such as the concept of the right of access to information, local
legislation ensuring this right - particularly Palestinian draft law - as well as international standards and best practices regarding the right of
access to information, relevant international initiatives in this field, and compared them with the Palestinian legal status.

The journalists, who came from various media outlets in Bethlehem, spoke about the most prevalent obstacles facing them in their quest for
information and discussed methods for overcoming these obstacles.

MADA and DCAF will hold a series of workshops in the different cities across the West Bank and Gaza Strip to promote journalists’ knowledge about
access to information draft law, and to collect their notes and recommendations on this draft law to develop it.

Please visit www.marsad.info

***19.01.2012. SOMALIA - NUSOJ annual report says 2011 even worse for journalists

The annual report of the National Union of Somali Journalists paints a worrying picture of abuses suffered by the media in 2011 and condemns the silence and impunity that surround crimes against journalists.

The report on the state of press freedom, published yesterday, said 2011 was worse than 2010 and lists four journalists killed, seven wounded and 19 arbitrarily arrested, as well as seven attacks on media organizations and at least five prosecutions for criminal defamation.

The organization deplores the fact that journalists were targeted by the authorities and the security forces, and also by militias and individuals. It says attacks were not only politically motivated and systematic but also institutionalized, depriving journalists of the ability to carry out their work without fear.

The report, entitled “Lives and Rights of Journalists Under Threat”, notes an increase in prosecutions of journalists in the semi-autonomous north-eastern region of Puntland and the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland in the north, as a new means of clamping down on the media and restricting the flow of information.

The Mogadishu region, which is in the hands of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was the most dangerous part of the country for freedom of information, it said. It was followed by Somaliland, where the number of prosecutions for criminal defamation, slander and false news has escalated.

In third place was Puntland, where there were closures of media organizations, criminal prosecutions and other mistreatment of journalists. 

The report says the NUSOJ considers impunity “the foremost, albeit silent, enemy of journalists and press freedom”.

It appeals to the TFG, Somaliland and Puntland authorities:

- To adopt and implement a consistent policy of zero-tolerance for crimes against journalists and media organizations as the only way to ensure reliable practice to respect, protect, defend and promote press freedom.

- To bring police and other security forces under control by immediately stopping the harassment, brutality, arbitrary arrests, and even killing, regularly perpetrated against journalists and media organisations and to ensure full accountability for previous violations.

- To promptly cease violations of journalists’ right to freedom of association and to stop threats of criminal prosecution against journalists, including their organisations and leaders.  

The NUSOJ calls on the international community to make their support of, and cooperation with, Somali authorities conditional on respect and protection of the fundamental rights of journalists, and of the people of Somalia in general.

NUSOJ annual report : http://en.rsf.org/somalia-nusoj-annual-report-says-2011-even-19-01-2012,41703.html

***18.01.2012. TURKEY. Hrant Dink Killing Verdict "Contradictory and Shocking" Says the EFJ

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), today expressed its surprise at the contradictions in the verdict concerning the murder of Turkish author and journalist Hrant Dink as his colleagues commemorate the fifth anniversary of the killing.

"The Court announced that the premeditated killing of a journalist was not an "organised" crime, while nearly a hundred Turkish journalists are currently in jail charged with organised terroristic activities. We are shocked by such a contradictory verdict" said the President of the EFJ Arne König.

Yesterday the "specially authorised" 14th High Criminal (Penal) Court in Istanbul found Yasin Hayal guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. Erhan Tuncel, accused of planning Dink's murder, was not found guilty but was instead sentenced to 10 years and 6 months for his involvement in the bombing of a McDonalds restaurant before Dink's death. The actual gunman, Ogün Samast, was first sentenced to life imprisonment which was then reduced to 22 years and 10 months because he was a minor when he committed the crime.

Astonishingly, the court also ruled that Dink's killing was not an "organised crime": meaning the criminals did not act as an "organised group" but were assumed to have acted in a private capacity. For this reason, Erhan Tuncel is free today, following the normal criminal law procedure, because he had already spent five years in jail prior to the trial.

Tomorrow, the EFJ and some of its affiliates in Europe will commemorate the 5th anniversary of the killing of Hrant Dink, with celebrations or messages to their government in defence of press freedom in Turkey.

Currently 97 journalists are in jail in Turkey and many of them accused of being members of "terrorist organisations".  In November 2011 the EFJ led an international mission, in co-operation with other international press freedom groups, with the aim of showing support for the immediate release of all Turkish journalists who appear to have been jailed because of their work. The EFJ President was in Istanbul twice in the past weeks to witness the continuation of the trials.

***16.01.2012. SOMALILAND. IFJ Condemns Crackdown on Media in Somaliland

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the arrest of twenty five journalists in Somaliland recently, accusing the
authorities of waging a campaign of intimidation to silence independent reporting.

Reports say that 21 journalists were detained over the weekend by security forces and held in Hargeisa, Borame and Las Anod police stations. They
were released today, according to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, but four who had been arrested earlier remain
in custody.

"We welcome the release of the journalists but remain concerned by the crackdown on media in Somaliland," said Jim Boumelha, President of the
IFJ. "These are wanton acts of intimidation against the journalists and the media in Somaliland. We support the right of journalists to report
independently and call for the release of the four colleagues still in detention."

On Saturday, 14 January, police in Somaliland stormed the main headquarters of HornCable TV in the capital town Hargeisa, threw out the
staff and sealed off the offices. Two production studios of the television network in Haregisa, which were not in the same building of the
headquarters, were also closed down.

According to NUSO, the authorities in Somaliland were angered by the channel's report on a tribal meeting in Taleeh district of Sool region, in
which tribal politicians and elders announced the establishment of an autonomous administration". The TV station also reportedly aired views of
people criticising Somaliland administration for not preventing this meeting from taking place, reports said.

On Sunday, 15 January, journalists organised a peaceful protest demonstration in front of Somaliland State House. The Presidential guard
attacked protesters, beating up journalists and arresting 18 journalists working for HornCable TV. Police also hunted down other journalists who
took part in the protest and arrested journalists and media practitioners.


According to NUSOJ, a total of 21 journalists, including 6 female, were arrested over the weekend and detained. They were Mohamud Abdi Jama,
editor-in-chief (Waaheen ), Mohamed Omar Abdi, editor-in-chief (Jamhuuriya ), Ahmed Aden Dhere, reporter (Haatuf ), Mohamed Said Harago,
head of news (Berberanews), Najah Adan Unaye, director (Hadhwanaagnews), Suhur Barre, reporter (HornCable TV), Abdiqani Abdullahi Ahmed, reporter (Hadhwanaagnews), Mohamed Ahmed Muse, reporter (HornCable TV), Mohamed Fayr , reporter, (Geeska Africa ), Saleban Abdi Ali Kalshaale, reporter (Waaheen), Khalid Hamdi Ahmed, reporter (Waaheen), Nimo Omar Mohmed Sabriye, presenter (HornCable TV), Hamsa Ali Bulbul, reporter (HornCable TV), Mohamed Ahmed Muse Kurase, reporter (HornCable TV), Abdirahman Sheik Yunes, newscaster (HornCable TV), Ayan Diriye, reporter (HornCable TV), Nimo' Diriye, reporter (HornCable TV), Hodan Ali Ajabi, reporter (HornCable TV), Safiya Nuh Sheikh, presenter (HornCable TV), Ahmed
Abdirahman Hersi, news editor (HornCable TV), Jama Omar Abdullahi, reporter (Waaheen).

Farhan Haji Ali Ahmed, owner of HornCable TV, was also summoned to report today at the Somali Presidency for questioning but the 21 journalists were released today.

NUSOJ also condemned the arrests and called for the release of the four journalists who are still held.

"The release of these journalists is good news but we also demand the immediate release of four colleagues who have no case to answer," said
Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of NUSOJ who called for their immediate and unconditional release. "This systematic harassment and
intimidation of journalists and media workers by the police and Somaliland security forces must end."

***06.01.2012. PHILIPPINES - THE PERSISTENCE OF IMPUNITY A BAD START FOR THE NEW YEAR
Statement of the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) on the killing of Christopher “Cris” Guarin
                                                                                                        
THE KILLING of General Santos newspaper publisher and RMN blocktimer Christopher Guarin hardly a week since the new year began is one more indication of the persistence of the culture of impunity that encourages the killing of journalists and media workers in the Philippines.

Unless the necessary steps are taken to speed up the ongoing trials of the accused in the killing of journalists as well as the masterminds , and to investigate, arrest, and try those involved in the killing of Guarin, as well as that of six other journalists in 2011, the killings are likely to continue in 2012 and the coming years.

Among the steps journalists and media advocacy groups including the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) proposed to the Aquino administration  as early as August 2010 are strengthening the Witness Protection Program; rehabilitating the criminal investigation units of law enforcement agencies; organizing multi-sectoral Quick Response Teams; and reviewing the Rules of Court to speed up court trials. None of these proposals have so far been acted upon except that on the Witness Protection Program, the budget of which the government has increased.

The killing of Guarin demonstrates the urgency of the government’s acting on these proposals. FFFJ urges all media advocacy and journalists’ groups to intensify the campaign for government to do so, and calls upon civil society to add its voice to the imperative of punishing the guilty so as to end the culture of impunity that has claimed the lives of 124 journalists and media workers since 1986 to the detriment of the right of the people to information in a democratic regime. 

***30.12.2011. IFJ Presses UN for Action on Media Killings after Violence Claims 106 Lives of Journalists and Media Staff in 2011 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today urged the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to take drastic action against governments of the most dangerous countries for media after it published its annual list of 106 journalists and media personnel killed in 2011. The Federation says 2011 has been another bloody year for media and blames governments’ failure to uphold their international obligations for the ongoing violence targeting media. In a letter to the UN Secretary General, the IFJ calls for effective implementation of international legal instruments to combat the prevailing culture of impunity for crimes against journalists.

“It is abundantly clear that deadly violence against journalists is not just a blip due to conflicts around the world but has become a regular cycle in many countries where journalists are hunted down, targeted and murdered by the enemies of press freedom,” said the letter signed by IFJ President, Jim Boumelha. “In a situation where governments are in denial or indifferent to what has become a regular pattern of targeted killings of journalists, it is incumbent upon yourself and the United Nations to remind them of their responsibility to protect journalists.”This year’s list confirms that journalists are among the primary victims of violence in armed conflict, ethnic and religious tensions as well as political upheavals which erupted in many countries during the past twelve months. Media professionals are exposed to serious risks, often with tragic consequences, as they report from the frontline of conflicts such as in Pakistan and the Arab world or crime prevention in the lawless parts of Mexico where they are considered unwelcome witnesses.

The IFJ list of work related media killings is coordinated with the International News Safety Institute (INSI) and contains 106 journalists and media personnel who died during 2011, up from 94 killings recorded in 2010. An additional 20 journalists and collaborators also died in accidents and natural disasters incidents.

The IFJ says that violence targets not just journalists but also colleagues from all sectors of the industry, including cameramen, drivers and fixers and other support staff which are all recorded to underscore their crucial role in news gathering and reporting.

The systematic failure of governments to protect journalists and punish those who are responsible for violence against them has entrenched the culture of impunity in most parts of the world and contributed to ever rising numbers of journalists’ killings. This prompted the IFJ and the press freedom community to hold for the first time the International Day against Impunity for Crimes against journalists on 23 November 2011.

"This year’s numbers just prove that violence targeting media workers continues unabated,” added Stephen Pearse, IFJ Deputy General Secretary. “We need to send out a strong message that action is needed to stop the violence and the bloodshed.”

As of 31 December, the IFJ recorded the following information on killings of journalists and media staff in 2011:

Targeted killings and homicides incidents        : 106
Accidental deaths                                             : 20
Total Deaths                                                     : 126

The deadliest region in 2011 was the Middle East and Arab World with 32 journalists and media personnel killed. Iraq had the region's highest death toll with 11 dead.

Among countries with high numbers of media fatalities are:

Iraq                  11
Pakistan           11
Mexico              11
The Philippines    6
Libya                    6
Yemen                 6
Honduras            5
India                   5                                                                                                                 

The list of journalists and media personnel killed in 2011 is available on this link: http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-presses-un-for-action-on-media-killings-after-violence-claims-106-lives-of-journalists-and-media-staff-in-2011
                                                                                                 

***23.12.2011. SOMALIA. Somali Journalists Walk to mourn for their murdered colleague for Justice in Hamarjajab neighborhood

Mogadishu, 23, Dec. 2011 - A walk event, co-organized by the campaigning team of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the commissioner of Hamarjajab district, started from the scene where the late Abdisalan Hiis was shot at Hamarjajab district in Mogadishu and ended at the Horn Cable Television station where the journalist had worked on Thursday, December 22, 2011

At least 100 journalists attended the walk event which was part of the NUSOJ campaigns to combat impunity and ask for justice to the killers
of our slain colleague late Abdisalan Sheik Hassan (Hiis).

All journalists and media officials and members of the Hamarjajab community wore red and white clothes on their heads, which they vowed
they will not put off until the killer is brought to court, portraits written on "The killing of Abdisalan Hiis is brutal, journalists are
non-combat civilians.". Women from Hamarjajab neighborhood also joined the walk wearing red, yellow and white dresses dressed in white scarf,
the same as the female journalists expressing sadness and solidarity for the death of the journalist held portraits written, "Don't kill
your Muslim brother, Respect the journalists, respect the non-combat civilians."

Abdirashid Abdulle Abikar, NUSOJ treasurer who addressed the mourners said that Somali journalists are waiting from their government to
immediately bring to fair court the killer of our colleague/friend late Abdisalan Sheik Hassan, who was killed on 18 December, 2011 at
this neighborhood where the event is taking place.

"We want action!" Abdirashid Abdulle Abikar, NUSOJ official who was delegated to speak on behalf of the union in his opening remarks said,
"We want from our government that they immediately bring the killer to court."

Mr. Abikar later thanked to the journalists for the solidarity, courage and bravery they have shown in search for the justice.
The union campaigners also spoke at the event reiterated that the government must take action.

Mohamed Ali Ahmed, Hamarjajab district commissioner, where the crime has taken place, condemned the shooting incident, while he pointed out
the necessity to work closely with the security services, which will ease the capture of the killer and promised that he will give all
necessary help in this case.

The chief of the Somali Military court, Hassan Mohamed Hussein (Muun Gaab) who attended the walk event said that he was surprised by the
unity among the journalists who have been protesting since the journalist was murdered and vowed that the military court will take
action as soon as the murderer is brought to court.

"The targeted assassinations are the worst crimes among the society." Mohamed Hussein (Muun Gaab), The chief of the Somali Military court
said, "On behalf of the Somali military court, I promise that the killer will be brought to court and will be charged according to the
law."

Somali journalists with the help of the Somali media community has been launching campaigns for justice for the murdered journalist and
campaigns to support the family of the slain journalist late Abdisalan Sheik Hassan.

Somali Journalists vowed that they will not throw away the red and white signs and will not stop campaigning for call to justice until
the murderer is found and brought to court.

FOR THE STORY READ THIS LINK AND FOLLOW UP MORE UPDATES ABOUT OUR
CAMPAIGNS FOR JUSTICE TO COME SOON:
http://www.nusoj.org.so/alerts/Dec2011/Somali_journalists_walk_to_mourn_for_their_murdered_colleague_for_justice_in_Hamarjajab_neighborhood.htm

***22.12.2011. Journalists Dismiss as ‘Travesty of Justice’ Conviction of Swedish Reporters on Terror Charges in Ethiopia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for the reversal of the ruling by a court in Ethiopia which found Swedish reporters, Johan Persson and Martin Schibbye, guilty of “supporting a terrorist organisation and illegally entering Ethiopia”. The pair, who was arrested in July while reporting on a project to exploit oil and its impact on the regional environment, faces up to 15 years in prison.
“We are outraged by this ruling which amounts to a travesty of justice,” said IFJ President, Jim Boumelha. “Journalists’ contacts with organisations do not in any way represent support for whatever causes they defend. This verdict will not only severely undermine press freedom in Ethiopia but also adversely impact on the country’s good standing and we
look to the higher court to set it aside and order the journalists’ release.”
Media reports say that the judge in the case of the two reporters accepted that they were “esteemed journalists” but held that “They have not been able to prove that they did not support terrorism.”
The IFJ voiced its grave concern over this finding which shifts the burden of proof from prosecution to the accused, noting that the standards of due process have been affected by a clear bias against the two reporters.
Today’s verdict has been widely criticised by journalists’ organisations in Africa and beyond. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) accused the Ethiopian authorities of engaging in a campaign of intimidation to suppress independent reporting on the country’s affairs.
“This is a political verdict intended to deter journalists from covering events in a major conflict zone,” EFJ President Arne König said. “We call on the Ethiopian authorities to respect the freedom of the press and release these two journalists who were clearly in the country for genuine journalistic reasons. We also call on the government to act to ensure that
all journalists in Ethiopia are free to do their job and not be suppressed through legal actions designed to silence critical voices.”
The Eastern Africa Journalists’ Association (EAJA) has also condemned the ruling, calling on the Ethiopian Government to release the two reporters and to respect the right of journalists, including foreign reporters, to report independently on Ethiopian matters.
“Our Swedish colleagues, Schibbye and Persson, cannot conceivably be considered terrorists or supporters of a terrorist group,” said EAJA General Secretary, Omar Faruk Osman. “They have suffered enough in detention and we call for their immediate release.”

***21.12.2011. 'Journalists are not Terrorists' Says EFJ ahead of Verdict for Swedish Journalists Arrested in Ethiopia

Today the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) renewed its call for the release of two Swedish photojournalists Johan Persson and reporter Martin Schibbye in Ethiopia. They were arrested on 27 June 2011 while reporting on the rebel movement, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), which is fighting the Ethiopian government in the region. The two journalists were also injured after coming under fire from the Ethiopian military.

"These colleagues are clearly not terrorists, and should be released immediately", says EFJ President Arne König. "This is what the EFJ has claimed since the first day, and we see that Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson have been able to show that without a shadow of a doubt in the court".

They will be in court again on Wednesday 21 December for what is expected to be the final day of the trial and also the day on which the court will present a verdict on their case. The journalists are said to be risking up to 15 years imprisonment, in a worst case scenario. They were originally accused of also working with ONLF guerillas in the Ogaden area. These charges were dropped, but the two journalists are still being accused of supporting the guerilla movement.

The Swedish Union of Journalists has had two representatives in Ethiopia since Monday this week. They will talk to the families of their colleagues and be in the Court to offer support on the 21 December.

According to Swedish media reports, the two colleagues were successful in the last parts of the Court hearings, as they were able to tell the court of the working methods of the media with help of American and British war correspondents. Two Swedish editors also acted as witnesses to support the statements of Schibbye and Persson that they were in Ethiopia only for a journalistic purpose. Both men deny any terrorist accusations but admit they entered Ethiopia without permission.

The aim of the two journalists was to investigate how the oil industry exploiting resources in Ethiopia is behaving in connection with human rights. They were specifically interested in Lundin Oil, a company in which the Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt was on the board, and had investments, before becoming a minister.

"We expect our colleagues to be able to enjoy Christmas at home with their families", said König.

Since June this year, eleven journalists have been accused of terrorist activities in Ethiopia, most of them locals. In November alone, six journalists were charged with terrorism.

***20.12.2011. UN CALLS ON RUSSIAN AUTHORITIES TO PROBE KILLING OF DAGESTAN JOURNALIST

New York, Dec 20 2011 10:10AM
Two United Nations agencies today called on Russian authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the recent murder of journalist Khadzhimurad Kamalov in Dagestan and to bring the perpetrators
to justice.

Mr. Kamalov, the founder and editor of the independent weekly newspaper Chernovik, was shot dead on 15 December as he was leaving his office. He was also the executive director of the Svoboda Slova (freedom of
expression) organization.

His killing is the latest in a series of attacks against journalists, human rights defenders and lawyers in Russia, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Mr. Kamalov had reported extensively on alleged abuses by the police and other human rights violations in Dagestan, OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva.

“His murder sends a chilling message to journalists seeking to cover such issues,” he added.

Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), condemned the killing and urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to trial.

“Fear must not be allowed to muzzle media professionals, deny reporters the basic human right of freedom of expression and bar citizens from accessing information,” she stated in a news release.

Mr. Kamalov is reportedly the fourth journalist killed in Russia this year, according to sources quoted by the International Press Institute.
Dec 20 2011 10:10AM

***19.12.2011. SOMALIA. IFJ Condemns ‘Cold Blood’ Murder of Prominent Journalist 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today urged the Somali Transitional Federal Government to launch an immediate investigation to identify the killer - and whoever ordered the murder - of Abdisalan Sheik Hassan, a prominent Somali journalist who was gunned down in Mogadishu on Sunday. The IFJ says that this incident will serve as a test case for the Government’s commitment to combating the impunity for crimes targeting media in Somalia.
“We are appalled by this cold blood murder of a journalist which has shocked the journalists’ community in Somalia,” said IFJ General Secretary, Beth Costa. “The authorities must do their utmost, including seeking outside help, to ensure this crime does not go unpunished. Their claim to respecting press freedom and restoration of rule of law will not
survive failure to bring to justice our colleague’s killers.”
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, said in a statement that the journalist, who was shot after getting out of his car at the gate of HornCable TV offices, was rushed to Madina hospital where he was declared dead.
According to NUSOJ, the slain journalist feared for his life after receiving a string of death threats in recent weeks due to his reports.
Hassan recently filmed a meeting at the Somali Transitional Federal Parliament where a group of members sought to remove the Speaker. The footage of the proceedings was aired on HornCable TV which attracted unwelcome interest from some political forces within the Transitional Federal Institutions, his colleagues say.
“We strongly condemn this atrocious killing of Abdisalan Sheik Hassan. This murder is a massive loss for journalists and media in Mogadishu, the most dangerous place for Somali journalists in their country,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
The IFJ has learnt that journalists working in the private media are facing campaign of intimidation in Somalia and is concerned that such an environment can expose them to mob violence and acts of retaliation as a
result of their work.
“Somalia is already one of the toughest countries for journalists and any attempts to introduce political rivalries in the country’s media are bound to make the situation even more explosive,” added Costa. “We urge all
political forces to refrain from any undue interference in journalists’ affairs.”
Hassan becomes the fourth journalist to be killed in Somalia this year, making the war ravaged country a permanent feature on the list of the most dangerous countries for journalists in Africa since 2006.

***19.12.2011. Conference organized by The Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) in Amman

The Center for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ organized a conference earlier this month during which key media
participants squarely ejected charges they were contributing to the ongoing revolts with their coverage http://www.huffingtonpost.com/magda-abufadil/www.cdfj.org> 

"Media did not foment Arab revolutions," headlined the English-language *Jordan Times * <http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=44036>  quoting former Al Jazeera director general Wadah Khanfar at the CDFJ's Media Freedom Defenders in the
Arab World Forum (#MFD2011), who added that "creating the revolutions would be an honor."

Participants agreed that freedom of expression isn't a luxury, it's a right, with CDFJ head Nidal Mansour insisting that "the era of oppression is over."

A major challenge facing the forum was the inability of Syrian blogger Razan Ghazzawi <http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/dec/05/syria-arrested-blogger-razan-ghazzawi> 
to attend because she was stopped at the Syrian-Jordanian border and arrested for her opposition to the regime of President Bashar Al Assad. Mansour drew heated applause when he saluted those who were absent and
barred from attending.
A Syrian activist who made it to the conference told me that if a blogger or journalist traveling with a colleague is nabbed by security forces or border police crossing into a neighboring country like Jordan, the other person pretends not to know the detainee so that at least one of them can report the incident to the outside world and bear witness.
So are online activists and citizen journalists setting the media agenda? Said Emna Bin Joum'a from Tunisia, where the first spark of the so-called "Arab Spring" began: "I've become a blogger to whom journalists listen, although I'm a journalist."
Meanwhile, veteran Egyptian journalist-turned-activist Hedayat Abdel Nabi promoted the need for better protective measures for journalists in conflict zones.

She has been very involved with the Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), an NGO with U.N. consultative status dedicated to combatting impunity, bringing perpetrators of crimes against journalists to trial and providing better protection. 

The campaign began following the U.S. invasion of Iraq when Reuters cameraman Mazen Dana was killed by American troops while on assignment there, she said.
Abdel Nabi called for an end to targeting journalists, the investigation of recent anti-media crimes, and asked that the CDFJ monitor violations. "International laws don't protect journalists," she said. "We need an international convention to protect them and must join forces with other organizations to do so."
The three-day event (two in Amman and one at the Dead Sea) ended with a workshop that drafted recommendations including creating an Arab network to monitor press freedom violations, an annual report, a training manual on
journalists' rights, establishing a legal team to pursue media freedom violators, and a unified model for documenting violations.

***09.12.2011. OSCE media representative urges Russian authorities not to harass journalists covering protests

VIENNA, 9 December 2011 -- The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, urged today Russian authorities to protect journalists reporting from the scene of protests from detention and police harassment.

On 5, 6 and 7 December police apprehended about two dozens reporters covering post-election demonstrations in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

“Journalists must be free to report on public events including protests and demonstrations. The duty of the police is to protect journalists, not harass and detain them. The Russian authorities should investigate all these incidents and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly prosecuted, ” Mijatović said.  

At least two journalists, Forbes.ru editor Aleksei Kamensky and FORUM.msk editor Anatoly Baranov, were charged with refusing to comply with the lawful demands of police officers. Kommersant newspaper correspondent Aleksandr Chernykh said he was beaten by a law enforcement officer during his detention.

Other detained journalists included Bozhena Rynska, a columnist with the Gazeta.ru online newspaper; Timur Zaynullin of the Interfax news agency; Ilya Barabanov, the deputy chief editor of the New Times/Novoye Vremya magazine; Ilya Vasyunin, a reporter with the Dozhd television station; Yana Makarova of the RIA Novosti news agency; and Aleksandr Komelkov of the Arsenevskie Vesti newspaper. Most of them were released after a few hours.

“My Office will continue to follow the situation and the response by the authorities,” said Mijatović. She expressed hope that Russian authorities would recognize the important role journalists play in reporting on matters of public interest. “Safety of journalists throughout the OSCE region remains a major concern and a priority of my work. We are ready to support and assist Russian authorities in ensuring full implementation of their OSCE media-freedom commitments.”

***08.12.2011. CPJ report - 179 journalists behind bars

The number of journalists imprisoned worldwide shot up more than 20 percent to its highest level since the mid-1990s, an increase driven largely by widespread jailings across the Middle East and North Africa, the Committee to Protect Journalists has found. In its annual census of imprisoned journalists, CPJ identified 179 writers, editors, and photojournalists behind bars on December 1, an increase of 34 over its 2010 tally.

Iran was the world’s worst jailer, with 42 journalists behind bars, as authorities kept up a campaign of anti-press intimidation that began after the country’s disputed presidential election more than two years ago. Eritrea, China, Burma, Vietnam, Syria, and Turkey also ranked among the world’s worst. (Read detailed accounts of each imprisoned journalist.)

More on: www.cpj.org

***25.11.2011. EGYPT. As the world watches Egypt, the threat to journalist safety grows (INSI)

The eyes of the world are once again on Egypt - nine months after violent protests brought down the government of Hosni Mubarak. In the run-up to parliamentary elections next week, violence between protesters and security forces has spiralled, particularly in Cairo. And now, as in February, journalists are faced with a changing and challenging
safety situation.
The International News Safety Institute is particularly concerned at the apparent extent of the targeting of journalists, with reports of dozens injured, beaten, sexually assaulted and arrested. INSI is also worried that news teams are not able to protect themselves adequately as the Egyptian authorities are impounding equipment such as flak jackets and
helmets.
INSI has made a formal request on behalf of its members to the Egyptian authorities, asking that news teams are allowed to bring flak jackets and helmets with them to protect themselves, as the situation constantly changes.
As in February, Cairo's Tahrir Square has seen some of the most intense violence, with the capital's Mohammad Mahmoud Street the site of vicious protests too.
Ahram Online, Egypt's largest news organisation, has reported that security forces are ignoring journalists' credentials and are attacking them with what it calls excessive force.
There are individual tales of serious injury too. Ahmed Fiqqy, a journalist from independent media organisation Hoqook.com, was shot in the eye with a live bullet on Monday night and is in urgent need of medical attention.
And on Thursday, US-based Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy tweeted that she was sexually and physically assaulted while being detained for 12 hours in the interior ministry in Cairo.
There have been many more reports of journalists being shot with rubber bullets, beaten, arrested, detained and having their equipment seized or destroyed by security forces.
Several journalists have lost their eyes, while others have been shot with live ammunition. A journalist in Alexandria was stripped naked and tortured for five hours by police officers.
Almost thirty media workers have reportedly been attacked or harassed in the past week.
Many more have suffered the effects of tear gas - severely burning eyes and skin, temporary blindness, choking, dizziness, nausea and disorientation. INSI has specific advice regarding working in such conditions at the link below. In addition to this journalists should never touch discarded tear gas canisters, as this can be extremely painful.

SAFETY ADVICE: INSI urges any journalists attempting to cover the clashes to follow its safety advice on civil unrest, here
http://www.newssafety.org/page.php?page=5925&Itemid=100505
Because of the levels of uncertainty and confusion, we are advising journalists to establish a ‘buddy' system with colleagues. INSI wants to hear from operational journalists and news teams on the ground in Egypt or news desks and security managers with more information about the changing threats there.

***23.11.2011. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN JOINS INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST IMPUNITY. End of Impunity Is Only Deterrence against Violence Targeting Journalists, Says IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said that the International Day against Impunity which is celebrated for the first time today is a wake- up call for governments around the world to prevent and
punish violence against journalists, thus help making journalism safer.
The IFJ and its affiliates are taking part in the global event which is celebrated today to mark the second anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines of 23 November 2009 which claimed 32 lives of journalists and many other civilians.
“From Somalia to Sri Lanka, Mexico to The Philippines and Pakistan through Iraq and Eritrea, journalists continue to be put to sword in total impunity,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “The overwhelming majority of victims are local and national journalists who are denied both the protection and justice by their own governments. Today, we are honouring
their memory but also making a determined statement of intent to make the end of impunity the lasting legacy of their sacrifice.”
The IFJ said in a letter to embassies of the most dangerous countries for journalists, including Iraq, Mexico, the Philippines, Pakistan and Somalia that the culture of impunity is the single biggest factor at the root of violence targeting media.
“Such crimes carry no risk of serious investigations and prosecutions, exposing in many cases the absence of the rule of law, whether due to police corruption, judicial incompetence or political indifference,” said the IFJ letter.
The Federation’s affiliates around the world echoed the message and have urged governments in their countries and regions to take urgent remedial action, pointing to cases of journalists’ murders which remain unresolved
in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Arab world and Latin America.
The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) highlighted the way the civil war has wrecked Somalia and continues to cost journalists’ lives while their colleagues in countries such as Gambia and Eritrea fare no better.
The affiliates in Asia Pacific focused on the need to achieve justice for killed journalists such as the victims and the Maguindanao massacre and Lasantha Wickeramatunga in Sri Lanka. In the Middle East and Arab world, where at least 30 journalists have died in 2011 most of them while covering the events of the Arab Spring, IFJ affiliates are calling for
killings of journalists in Iraq, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt and Lebanon to stop and their perpetrators to face justice. The IFJ regional organisation in Latin America, FEPALC, is also demanding justice for killed journalists, focusing on Mexico and Honduras. The Colombian affiliate, FECOLPER, has arranged for a minute of silence in memory of killed journalists to be observed on Colombian broadcast media throughout the day.
Their European colleagues are also taking part in the activities to end impunity and to show solidarity with killed journalists and those forced into exile to save their lives. The main European event is taking place in
London, co-sponsored by the IFJ, the National Union of Journalists of Great Britain and Ireland (NUJ) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines. The focus of the event will be on the horror of the Maguindanao massacre in particular, and on the prevailing culture of impunity in the country, in general.
In the meantime, the Norwegian Union of Journalists is organising a debate in Oslo with exiled journalists to share experiences of their forced exile and their ongoing struggle to speak out for their less fortunate
colleagues who were silenced for good.
On their part, IFJ affiliates in Russia and CSI countries are calling for successful prosecutions of killers of their colleagues, including Anna Politkovskaya in Russia, Georgy Gongadze in Ukraine and Elmar Huseynov in Azerbaijan.
“It is time to lift the shadow of impunity which has prevented these journalists’ families and colleagues to get justice for their loved ones,” added Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary. “Today’s message is that the
status quo is not an option in the face of the tragedy which continues to befall our colleagues.”

PHILIPPINES. A TURNING POINT AND A TEST. Statement of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility on the second anniversary of the November 23, 2009 Ampatuan Massacre

The international press freedom and media advocacy groups may have designated November 23rd as the International Day to End Impunity. But there in the Philippines, on this, the second anniversary of the foul deed now known as the Ampatuan Massacre, the glacial progress of the trial of those accused of planning and carrying it out has become so much a cause for distress because the possibility that it may drag on for years bodes ill for press freedom, human rights and the quest for justice in Philippine society.

A year ago the pace of the judicial proceedings had already set off alarm bells among journalists’ and media advocacy groups, the kin of those killed, and anyone else who still cared about the future of the free press and democracy in this country.

The Massacre was after all a brutal attack on the free press as an institution necessary in any country with any pretense at democracy, and on the people’s right to choose their leaders. By murdering 58 men and women, among whom were the lawyers, relatives and allies of a candidate for provincial governor, and 32 journalists and media workers, the killers set
back press freedom and free elections by so many years, and earned for the country the dubious distinction of being the site, not only of the worst attack on the press in history, but also of a fraudulent democracy.

Both political and media killings have a long and brutal history in this country. Politicians, their allies and their campaign workers are killed so routinely in the Philippines that every election is always declared peaceful, no matter the casualties. On the other hand, the Massacre was a crime waiting to happen. The persistence of warlordism, the antipathy of
local tyrants towards the press, and the many weaknesses of the justice system made it inevitable.

The Massacre, however, was also a turning point, and a test of the will and capacity of the Philippine State not only to assure the safety of its citizens, but also of its ability to provide them justice.

The journalists and media advocacy groups knew a year ago, and know it even more now, that unless the Massacre trial is credibly concluded, with the killers and masterminds convicted and sentenced to the prison terms they so
richly deserve, not only will the killing of journalists and those of human rights workers, political activists, environmental advocates, judges, lawyers, students, farmers and workers continue; the killings will even escalate.

That distinct possibility makes the Massacre trial so crucial to the life and future of this country. And yet, judging by its laid-back response to, among others, the suggestions for reforms in the rules of court media groups and the Free Legal Assistance Group of lawyers have proposed, the Philippine government does not seem to be in any hurry to address the
urgent concerns—for press freedom, democracy, and the country as a whole—the Massacre has triggered.

This simply won’t do. The Aquino government must not only take the steps necessary to speed up this trial; it must also demonstrate, when journalists are killed, that it has put in place the means to punish the killers and masterminds. To do nothing or little can only lead to more deaths, adding to the six already killed in the line of duty since Mr.
Benigno Aquino III took office.

FEPALC DEMANDA ACCIÓN DE LOS ESTADOS TRAS DENUNCIAR 32 ASESINATOS DE PERIODISTAS EN LATINOAMÉRICA

FEPALC demanda acción de los Estados tras denunciar 32 asesinatos de periodistas en Latinoamérica

Un enérgico reclamo de justicia en los casos de los 32 periodistas y trabajadores de los medios asesinados en la región demandó la Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (FEPALC). Dicho listado lo hizo público en ocasión del 23 de noviembre, Día Mundial contra la Impunidad, en recuerdo a los 34 periodistas masacrados en
Filipinas, en el 2009, en lo que se recuerda como la mayor masacre contra periodistas sucedido en la historia reciente.

La FEPALC exigió, de manera particular a los Estados de México (11), Brasil (6) y Honduras (5) garantizar justicia a las familias de los colegas. Ello porque son estos tres países los que concentran casi el 70 por ciento de los crímenes.

LA FEPALC recordó que América Latina es la región más peligrosa para el ejercicio periodístico. A la fulminante violencia contra quienes ejercen la labor de informar, le sigue la inacción de las autoridades de los Estados que intentan, prioritariamente, deslegitimar la causa de los asesinatos argumentando con frecuencia que responden a la delincuencia
común o razones de "índole pasional", descartando cualquier conexión con el trabajo periodístico.

Para la FEPALC la impunidad en la que se mantienen los crímenes está institucionalizando una cultura de la autocensura y el silencio, propia de aquellas sociedades en las que no hay garantías a la vida, integridad física ni condiciones de trabajo dignas para las y los trabajadores del sector.

Por ello, la FEPALC recordó a la opinión pública mundial, en fechas como esta, que los periodistas no nos hemos olvidado de nuestros colegas. La deuda que la justicia tiene en el continente con las familias de los 32 periodistas asesinados tiene que saldarse. En esta tarea la FEPALC respalda y acompaña la acción de sus 14 sindicatos de periodistas afiliados en el continente que no cesan en su búsqueda incesante de justicia.

23 de noviembre 2011
Celso Schroder
Presidente FEPALC
Zuliana Lainez
Secretaria Derechos Humanos FEPALC

Periodistas asesinados en Latinoamérica-Caribe 2011 (32)

México (11)
Brasil (6)
Honduras (5)
Perú (3)
Colombia (1)
El Salvador (1)
Guatemala (1)
Haití (1)
Panamá (1)
Paraguay (1)
República Dominicana (1)

MEXICO (11)
Rodolfo Ochoa - (Técnico de TV Canal 9) - 9 de febrero Luis Emanuel Ruiz Carrillo (La Prensa) - 24 de marzo
José Luis Cerda Meléndez (Televisa) - 30 de marzo Noel Lopez Olguín, (Noticias de Acayucan/DiarioLa Verdad) - 31 de mayo Pablo Ruelas Barraza, (El Diario del Yaqui-El Regional de Sonora) - 13 de junio
Miguel Angel López Velasco, (Notiver) - 20 de junio Yolanda Ordaz de la Cruz (Notiver) - 26 de julio
Humberto Millán Salazar (Radio Fórmula Diario digital A-Discusión) - 24 de agosto Marcela Yarce Víveros (Revista Contralínea) - 1 de setiembre Rocío González Trápaga (Ex reportera Televisa) - 1 de setiembre
María Elizabeth Macías Castro (Primera Hora y Nuevo Laredo en vivo) - 24 de setiembre

BRASIL (6)
Luciano Leitao Pedrosa (TV Vitoria-Radio Metropolitana) - 9 de abril Valério Nascimento (Panorama Geral) - 3 de mayo
Edinaldo Filgueira (Jornal da Serra) - 15 de junio Auro Ida (Olhar Direto) - 22 de julio Valderlei Canuto Leandro (Programa Señal Verde - Radio Frontera) - 1 de setiembre Gelson Domingos (TV Bandeirantes) - 6 de noviembre

HONDURAS (5)
Héctor Francisco Medina Polanco (TV Omega Visión) - 10 de mayo Luis Ernesto Mendoza Cerrato (Canal 24) - 19 de mayo
Adán Benitez (Canal 45) - 4 de julio Nery Jeremías Orellana (Radio Comunitaria Jocondera) - 14 de julio
Medardo Flores (Radio Uno) - 8 de setiembre PERÚ (3) Julio César Castillo Narváez (Radio Ollantay) - 3 de mayo
Pedro Alfonso Flores Silva (Canal 6) - 8 de setiembre José Oquendo Reyes (BTV Canal 45) - 14 de setiembre

COLOMBIA (1)
Luis Eduardo Gómez (El Heraldo de Urabá) - 30 de junio

EL SALVADOR (1)
Alfredo Hurtado (TV Canal 33) - 25 de abril

GUATEMALA (1)
Yansi Roberto Ordoñez Galdámez (Canal 14 - TV Municipal) - 19 de mayo

HAITÍ (1)
Louis-Charles Jean-Richard (Radio Kiskeya) - 9 de febrero

PANAMÁ (1)
Darío Fernández (Radio Mi Favorita) - 6 de noviembre

PARAGUAY (1)
Merardo Alejandro Romero Chávez (Radio La Voz de Itakyry) - 3 de marzo

REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA (1)
José Agustín Silvestre de los Santos (Revista y programa TV La Voz de la
Verdad) - 2 de agosto

***15.11.2011. SYRIA. RSF urges foreign media to protect their Syrian sources

Reporters Without Borders calls on the foreign media to take greater care to protect the Syrian journalists who work for them and to protect their other sources in Syria. Fixers, interpreters, drivers, interviewees and all others in Syria who provide them with information take great risks to do so. This should be kept in mind.
"We know of dozens of Syrians who have been arrested and tortured after giving interviews to foreign media about the repression in their country," Reporters Without Borders said. "Others have been arrested for working for foreign journalists in Syria or abroad. The Syrian security agencies are making unprecedented efforts to identify those who help foreign reporters or talk to them. International media must use the utmost prudence in their contacts with Syrians. Whenever Syrians give an interview about the situation in their country, they and their families are exposed to serious
reprisals.
"While the media must continue to provide coverage of the situation in Syria that is as detailed and complete as possible, it is also crucial to carefully evaluate the risks taken by those who supply this information. The duty to provide coverage should not be satisfied at the expense of the sources' safety."
A Syrian fixer recently complained to Reporters Without Borders about reckless foreign reporters who "seek their 15 minutes of fame by getting themselves arrested" without weighing the consequences for the people who
have helped them or accompanied them.
If a foreign reporter is arrested in Syria, he faces a few days in detention and then deportation. But Syrians pay a much higher price for their involvement. Reporters Without Borders is aware of dozens of cases of people whose current whereabouts is unknown after they worked for a foreign journalist or just answered a foreign media's questions.
Representatives of the exile Syrian National Council and local journalists asked Reporters Without Borders to make it clear to foreign journalists that they should stop visiting Syria until the situation has evolved.
"They should leave the country ASAP and stay out," one local journalist said.
"This is not our message," Reporters Without Borders added. "But we do urge all journalists to take the utmost care, especially as many of them do not know the country and are unaware of the methods used by the
mukhabarat (intelligence services) to identify those who cooperate with foreign media."

***09.11.2011. BRAZIL. IFJ Urges Greater Protection for Media on Perilous Assignments in Brazil after Cameraman Dies in Crossfire

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the shooting in which cameraman Gelson Domingos da Silva was killed on Sunday 6 November 2011. Gelson, who worked for several TV stations, including Andeirantes TV, was shot in the chest while covering the police operation against drug dealers in Antares, a slum area of the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
“We mourn the tragic death of Gelson, a consummate professional, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the job he loved and convey our sympathy to his family and colleagues,” said Beth, Costa, IFJ General Secretary. “But we
also urge media owners in Brazil to review all measures taken to provide the safety and security of journalists who are sent to dangerous assignments in order to prevent the repeat of such tragedy.”
Media reports say that the fatal shooting came when elements of the Special Operations Battalion of the federal police in City of Rio were pursuing armed groups involved in drug dealings deep inside the slum of Antares. A fire fight broke up and Gelson was hit in the chest by a bullet which pierced his flak jacket as he stood filming behind the police.
The Death of Gelson, an award winning cameraman, has sparked a debate in Brazil about the working conditions of journalists, including their safety following reports that many media had voiced concerns over the risks of
embedding journalists with police to report on their operations.
In a statement, the Federaçao Nacional do Jornalistas (FENAJ), an IFJ affiliate, paid tribute to Gelson who last year with his team won the Vladimir Herzog and Human Rights Prize for their report on killings in northeastern region of Brazil. The Federation called on the government to hunt down Gelson’s killers and bring them to justice while ensuring that
journalists are provided with adequate protection.
FENAJ says that Gelson’s killing should serve as a wake-up call for all media companies to review their existing protocol for the safety of journalists and work with the Federation to agree on the credible measures to provide media with a safer environment and better working conditions.
The IFJ supports FENAJ which has also asked the authorities to investigate the circumstances of the cameraman’s death after TV companies in Brazil were accused of resorting to pooling in news gathering and sharing of material on dangerous activities which allows them to deploy fewer journalists and pay them less. It was reported that Gelson was also
driving his TV van, something FENAJ considers to be a breach of safety standards in high risks situations while a colleague is quoted as saying that the flak jackets available to Brazilian journalists are of inferior quality.
“The loss of Gelson is made much worse by claims of lack of adequate preparation for dangerous reporting,” added Costa. “We support FENAJ’s call for a thorough examination of all the facts of this tragic death in full transparency to provide answers which should serve as a lesson for the future.”

***04.11.2011. News organisations demand global action to stop killing of journalists

Cascais, Portugal, 4 November - More than 400 representatives of global news organisations today issued a call for global action to halt the killing of journalists.
Gathered at the News Xchange 2011 convention in the Portuguese resort, they backed a resolution demanding the killers of journalists be brought to justice and committed themselves to "create maximum exposure" for each
and every death.
The motion, proposed by the International News Safety Institute and supported by the European Broadcasting Union which runs News Xchange, noted that more than 1,100 news media staff have been killed in the past
10 years. Over 100 have died this year alone, with Libya being the worst killing ground.
Nine out of 10 killers of journalists are never held to account, "fueling a culture of impunity that helps encourage more deaths," the resolution said.
Backed by more than 90 percent of the 440 news executives from major world news organisations at the conference, it stated: "We, the News Xchange community, call on the authorities and governments whose jurisdictions are
involved in any unresolved cases to bring the killers of journalists to justice.
"We are also committed to reaearching these suspicious deaths through journalistic endeavour, wherever possible, and creating the maximum exposure for each death. Any developments will be reported back to News
Xchange 2012."
INSI said it will put the resolution before the United Nations and other concerned governments and world bodies.

Resolution:
"In the past 10 years more than 1,100 news media workers have been killed. Most were murdered or died in suspicious circumstances.
"Nine out of 10 killers of journalists around the world escape justice, creating a culture of impunity that helps encourage more deaths.
"We the News Xchange community call on the authorities and governments whose jurisdictions are involved in any unresolved cases to bring the killers of journalists to justice.
"We are also committed to researching these suspicious deaths through journalistic endeavour, wherever possible, and creating the maximum exposure for each death.
"Any developments will be reported back to News Xchange 2012."

***31.10.2011. LIBYA. Reporting conflict: competition, pressure and risks (Frontline Club)

By Helena Williams

In a year where 100 journalists have been killed so far while trying to tell the story, and as the media’s coverage of events rocking the Middle East have been brought into sharp relief, it seems high time to examine the delicate relationship between ensuring the safety of journalists and being able to break the story first.

“Libya has been a very traumatic year for journalists, especially for freelance journalists. We lost three good friends,” muses Inigo Gilmore, an award-winning freelance journalist who has worked in conflict zones across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

“No one even imagined Libya would turn to this. How could we [journalists] predict what would happen on the frontline?”

Last night’s talk at The Frontline Club, ‘Reporting Conflict: Competition, pressure and risks’ highlighted the risks that journalists out in the field and news editors back in London face while attempting to break news to an increasingly demanding audience.

Chaired by former BBC executive Vin Ray, and with international editor for ITV news Bill Neely, head of international news at Sky News Sarah Whitehead, and BBC’s world news editor Jon Williams sitting on the panel alongside Gilmore, the debate was able to focus on the difficulties of conflict reporting from opposing sides of the industry – both those commissioning journalists to go to the frontline, and the journalists themselves.

Neely, who previously worked as a journalist in conflict zones, was adamant that the first and constant pressure of covering war did not come from newsrooms in London, but rather from the competitive nature of journalists who want to go and get the story.

As international editor for ITV, Neely said that old pressures from the newsroom no longer exist, and journalists must travel to hotspots on a voluntary basis.

But he says that although journalists have to be savvy while out in the field (“don’t stay anywhere for longer than 20 minutes in a warzone”), it is also up to the editors to monitor the situation.

“Over the past 10 years editors in London understand that it’s people on the ground who have to make the decision not to go those 100 metres up the road.”

Whitehead, whose Sky news teams were hailed for their incredible coverage of Green Square in Libya earlier this year, agreed.

“You’re not there and you have to make sure they [the journalists] can make the decision. This year has been one of the most extreme and dangerous that I’ve known.

“This year I have taken people off air who have been in the middle [of reporting]. One afternoon, when a team was watching a fire fight in Tripoli, snipers opened up behind them and I pulled them off air and asked what their exit route was.

“You have to be there to be the stops if they are taken over by the story.”

While some news agencies were criticised for their less dramatic coverage of the events unfolding in Libya, Whitehead was adamant that a lot of her team’s reporting was down to luck.

“They [Sky News] were at the right place at the right time, and in the right frame of mind. They didn’t know where they were going to end up. A lot of people made other decisions and it was the right decisions for them.”

Williams, who has also had his fair share of managing journalists in hostile environments, said “risk must outweigh return, but it is a very fine balance. It’s a difficult call to go forward, and it’s just as difficult to go back. If you have the balls to go back because you don’t think it’s safe I take my hat off to you.”

“It’s risk and reward. You have to ask yourself, ‘is it really worth that extra shot?’” added Neely.

“War reporting is a mixture of judgement and luck – but you can be unlucky. For those 100 journalists this year, for one reason or another, their luck ran out.” 

***07.10.2011. RUSSIA: FIVE YEARS AFTER POLITKOVSKAYA'S ASSASSINATION, IMPUNITY STILL REIGNS

With the five-year anniversary of the murder of investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya on 7 October, the recent arrest of the alleged gunmen and conspirator bring little hope to numerous IFEX members, including Russian members the Glasnost Defence Foundation (GDF) and the Center for Journalism in Extreme Situations (CJES).

"We again hear that the case has almost entirely been solved," GDF said. "We hear that new conspirators gave testimony and will be charged, but these 'new' conspirators were mentioned in the previous trial."

Indeed, alleged gunman Gustam Makhmudov's two brothers were acquitted of murder charges after the last flawed trial in 2009. The other conspirator facing trial, Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov, Moscow's former police head of surveillance, was called as a witness in the previous trial.

Makhmudov fled the country with the help of high-up accomplices and was a fugitive for many years before his arrest in May of this year, reports RSF, while Pavlyuchenkov was arrested this August.

IFEX members report that Payvlyuchenkov is alleged to have ordered members of his staff to track Politkovskaya's movements. He's said to have named other individuals involved, and called Lom Ali Gaitukayev, the ringleader of an organised crime group that performed the contract killing.

The individuals who ordered the crime still remain free, however, covered by a "veil of secrecy," as CJES puts it. CJES says it is unconvinced by the theory of the prosecutor - that the killing was perpetrated by exiled oligarch and Putin enemy, Boris Berezovsky, in an attempt to discredit the then-President and now Prime Minister of Russia.

Five years ago, Politkovskaya was gunned down in broad daylight in the stairwell of her apartment building by an individual wearing a baseball cap, who was captured on security cameras.

Politkovskaya authored three books and wrote for the newspaper "Novaya Gazeta". Her in-depth investigations into Russian violence in the North Caucasus, including Chechnya, exposed the human rights violations there for the world to know, says the International Press Institute (IPI). She was critical of both Putin and current president of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov.

In the past decade, 17 journalists have been murdered with impunity in Russia, reports CPJ. On 23 November, IFEX members will be commemorating the inaugural International Day to End Impunity to raise public awareness of how prevalent impunity is in the free expression field, as well as to showcase the important work IFEX members have been doing to fight against it. Find out more at: http://www.daytoendimpunity.org

Related stories on ifex.org:
- Five years on, writers continue to call for justice for Anna Politkovskaya:
http://www.ifex.org/russia/2011/10/11/appeal_for_justice/

More on the web:
- Dangerous Profession Weekly (CJES):
http://www.cjes.ru/bulletins/?bid=4455&lang=eng

- Call for more effort, more vigilance five years after Politkovskaya murder (RSF):
http://en.rsf.org/russie-call-for-more-effort-more-06-10-2011,41143.html

- A former police officer detained for murdering Anna Politkovskaya (Index on Censorship):
http://www.indexoncensorship.org/2011/08/a-former-police-officer-detained-for-murder-of-journalist-anna-politkovskaya/

***07.10.2011. YEMEN. IFJ Welcomes Nobel Peace Prize Award to Yemeni Journalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today welcomes the news of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize which was awarded to Yemeni journalist Tawakkul Karman. She shares the prize with Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her fellow Liberian Leymah Gbowee “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.” 

“This is excellent news and we warmly congratulate Karman whose tenacity, courage and humanity have been deservedly rewarded,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “This is also the recognition of her remarkable campaign for press freedom in Yemen which the IFJ and our Yemeni affiliate, the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate of which she is a member, have always supported.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the prize to Karman, noting that “In the most trying circumstances, both before and during the “Arab spring”, Tawakkul Karman has played a leading part in the struggle for women’s rights and for democracy and peace in Yemen."

Karman leads the Yemeni organisation of Women Journalists without Chains which campaigns for press freedom and she supports anti-government protests for democratic change in the country. She was arrested and detained on many occasions as a result of the outspoken criticism of the President Saleh’s rule.

The IFJ says her award shows that the Yemeni journalists don’t stand alone and that their call for a tolerant and open society in Yemen has strong international support.

“This is an outstanding personal achievement for Kamar as the first Arab woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize,” added Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary. “But her goal to secure peace and fundamental rights to her fellow citizens is an inspiration to journalists and peace loving people across the world.”

***05.10.2011. RUSSIA. Crimes against journalists must not go unpunished, says OSCE media
freedom representative on fifth anniversary of Politkovskaya murder 

STRASBOURG, France, 5 October 2011 – Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today presented her latest assessment of threats and responses to attacks against journalists in the OSCE region.

“The right of journalists to carry out their work in safety, without fear of being harassed, attacked, beaten or killed is fundamental to the protection of all other human rights,” said Mijatović at an event organized by the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Thomas Hammarberg, on protection of journalists from violence. “As long as
journalists are afraid for their lives and the lives of their families while doing their job, we do not live in a free society.”

She highlighted the fact that in the last five years only three out of almost 30 murders of journalists in the OSCE region have been sucessfully prosecuted. "This casts serious doubts on the effectiveness of law-enforcement bodies and the judiciary in dealing with such crimes."

“Governments and political leaders can help by publicly defending journalists’ rights and resisting any attempts to silence journalists. They can also demand that there is no impunity for the perpetrators and instigators of these murders,” said Mijatović.

The Representative’s report, in English and Russian, can be accessed at www.osce.org/fom/83569

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: http://www.osce.org/fom/83564

***30.09.2011. MEXICO. UN deeply concerned about the recent killings of, and other brutal attacks against, journalists in Mexico - Statement by Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Rupert Colville

"We are deeply concerned about the recent killings of, and other brutal attacks against, journalists in Mexico, illustrating increasing insecurity in general and the exceptionally vulnerable situation of journalists in particular, as well as the deteriorating situation of freedom of expression in the country.
The most recent journalist to be killed was María Elizabeth MACÍAS, an employee of the Nuevo Laredo newspaper Primera Hora, whose decapitated and mutilated body was found last Saturday (24 Sept). Her postings on internet-based social networks were often critical of violent groups. Alongside her body was a handwritten message allegedly signed by the Zetas drug cartel saying that she had been killed in retaliation for her postings. Eleven days earlier (13 Sept), a man and a woman were found dead, hanging from an overpass in Nuevo Laredo with a handwritten message saying "this is what will happen to internet users.” It is clear that such killings are designed to send a chilling message to silence reports on
drug gang violence and to challenge campaigns led by the authorities to promote anonymous reporting of criminal activities.
In September alone, in addition to the above, the UN human rights office in Mexico has publicly condemned three other murders of journalists. Other gruesome killings have also continued to take place in Mexico. On 27 September, five severed heads were found inside a bag alongside boards with messages on them in Acapulco, Guerrero. On 20 September, two trucks containing the bodies of 23 men and 12 women, who had been tortured and murdered, were abandoned in a busy street in Veracruz City. The UN human rights office in Mexico is monitoring this case and checking into reports that journalists were threatened at gunpoint at the Veracruz morgue.
We understand the challenge the Mexican Government is facing in its fight against rising violence. However, we are also extremely concerned at the prevalent impunity regarding these killings, and the many other similar crimes committed in recent years. We are particularly concerned that some of these crimes appear to have been committed with the cooperation or acquiescence of state agents.
We urge the Mexican authorities to launch immediate full and impartial investigations into these events. We also remind them of their obligation to protect all people in Mexico from the threats to the enjoyment of their fundamental rights, particularly their right to life, to security and integrity of the person, and to freedom of expression."

***29.09.2011. RUSSIA. Safety of journalists remains top priority, OSCE media freedom representative tells Russian journalists 

SOCHI, Russia, 29 September 2011 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, said today that urging governments to ensure the safety of journalists, which is threatened by a climate of impunity,
will continue to be her top priority. Mijatović spoke on a panel discussion on journalists’ safety and impunity
in the OSCE region at the 15th annual convention of the Russian Union of Journalists "All Russia" in Sochi.
The panel included, among others, Russian Presidential Adviser Mikail Fedotov, Glasnost defence foundation president Alexei Simonov and Gazeta Wyborcza editor-in-chief Adam Michnik.
“This impunity from prosecution is caused by a system where government and legal authorities are unwilling or unable to condemn, let alone successfully investigate, these criminal acts,” she said. “This, of course, causes further violence.”
“The wave of violence ripples across many OSCE countries,” she said.
Mijatović estimated that in the OSCE region alone more than 30 journalists had been killed in the past five years, with many more beaten or threatened with their lives.
Citing recent progress in the Anna Politkovskaya and other murder cases achieved by Russia’s Investigative Committee, led by Alexander Bastrykin, Mijatović noted that the situation is improving in Russia, but much more needs to be done.
“Here, in Russia, where many problems have festered over the past 20 years, it is especially encouraging to see that authorities at the top of government are beginning to take a proactive role in solving murder cases against journalists, but much more needs to be done, ” she said.
While attending the conference, Mijatović discussed possible areas of further co-operation with Fedotov, who is the chair of Russia’s Presidential Council for the Advancement of Civil Society and Human Rights.

***27.09.2011. YEMEN – Third journalist killed since start of protests (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders has learned that that Al-Hurra TV cameraman Hassan Al-Wadhaf died a few days after being hospitalized in a critical condition on 18 September as a result of a serious injury to the left eye.

He received the injury while covering attacks by security forces and baltajiyas (militiamen) on demonstrators in Sanaa, in which 26 people were killed. Journalists who were with Wadhaf on 18 September said men in civilian dress deliberately fired rocket-propelled grenades at the crowd.

Wadhaf is the third journalist to be killed since the start of the protests in Yemen. The first two were Jamal Al-Sharabi of Al-Masdar and Mohamed Yahia Al-Malayia of Al-Salam, who were killed on 18 March.

Reporters Without Borders, which offers its sincere condolences to Wadhaf’s family, friend colleagues, urges the United Nations Human Rights Council to appoint a special rapporteur to investigate all the violations against the civilian population, including journalists, since the start of the protests.

Reporters Without Borders is very concerned about the surge in violence against journalists in Yemen since President Ali Abdallah Saleh’s return from Saudi Arabia on 23 September. The atrocities against the civilian population are on the increase.

Security forces fired on the Sanaa homes of two journalists on 23 September – Rashida Al-Qiyali, who is also a writer, and Mujib Al-Hamidi, who works for the newspaper Al-Sahwa. As Abdul Salam Mohamed, a journalist with the Saba news agency, left his home on 23 September, he was fired on by a sniper who fortunately missed his target.

The headquarters of the Union of Journalists came under fire on the evening of 23 September as government forces and pro-government militiamen (baltajiyas) tried to take control of Change Square. TV journalist Abdel Majid Al-Samawi was injured by sniper fire on the afternoon of the same day as he was leaving 60th Street, where government opponents had gathered. He was admitted to a hospital where doctors said his injury was not life-threatening.

Access to the independent news website Yemen Nation was blocked on 25 September for the second time since the start of the protests.

***18.09.2011. PARIS FORUM ADOPTS DRAFT UN ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF JOURNALISTS

New York, Sep 18 2011  7:10PM
Participants at a United Nations forum that met in Paris have drafted an action plan to improve the safety of journalists and ensure that crimes committed against them do not go unpunished.

More than 500 media professionals have been killed in the course of their duties over the past decade, according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which hosted last week's forum.

It points out that many more have been assaulted, abducted, sexually violated, intimidated, harassed, arrested or illegally detained.

In addition, the vast majority of these crimes did not concern international war correspondents but journalists working in their home countries, often in times of peace, and covering local stories. The instigators for the most part, remain unpunished.

The draft plan adopted by the forum, which brought together representatives of UN agencies, progra
mmes and funds, envisions the establishment of a coordinated inter-agency mechanism to handle issues connected to the safety of journalists and impunity.

Safety and impunity are also to be incorporated into UN contributions to national strategies, notably development assistance programmes and the possible inclusion of media stakeholders in some of the preparatory processes of the UN's development projects.

The draft also foresees the extension of work already conducted by UNESCO to prevent crimes against media workers, including assisting countries to develop legislation and mechanisms favourable to freedom of expression and information.

Awareness-raising campaigns will also be conducted with Member States, civil society, non - governmental organizations and concerned bodies about issues of freedom of expression, journalists' safety and the danger of impunity to democracy, UNESCO stated.

The draft plan will be presented to UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of C
ommunication (IPDC) at its next session in March 2012 and will then be submitted to the bodies in charge of UN-wide coordination.

Sep 18 2011  7:10PM

***14.09.2011. UN conference on journalist safety hears concerns of news community - action promised (INSI) 

Paris, 14 September - A UN conference on news safety and impunity heard the concerns of major journalist support organisations on Tuesday as the world body sought to draw up a coordinated plan to tackle the issue.

    The inter-agency conference, involving relevant UN agencies and attended by Under-Secretary-General for Communications Kiyotaka Akasaka, was organised by UNESCO following a decision by its International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) in 2010.

    It sought an inter-agency meeting to formulate "a comprehensive, coherent and action-oriented approach to the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity."

    The action emphasises growing concern at the rising number of attacks on journalists around the world. INSI counts more than 1,000 deaths over the past 10 years with many more physical attacks. Fewer than 2 out of 10 killers of journalists around the globe are brought to justice, fuelling a climate of impunity that produces more of the same.

    Leading journalist support groups and other concerned organisations were invited to submit views and proposals.

    INSI and others urged measures to give teeth to UN Security Council Resolution 1738 on the safety of journalists in conflict and on the end to impunity.
  
    Director Rodney Pinder also called for UN media development to provide for safety training and said donor nations should  consider a nation's record on impunity when considering whether to grant development aid.

     INSI also submitted a detailed analysis of worldwide casualties in 2010 contained in its annual Killing The Messenger report. 

    The all-party conference on Tuesday was followed by a UN agency meeting on Wednesday charged with drafting a concrete plan of action.

    Other journalist support groups participating in the conference included the International Press Institute (IPI), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Article 19, the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), the Media Foundation of West Africa, the Southeast Asia Press Alliance (SEAPA), the Arabic Network of Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Centre for Freedom of the Media (CFOM), the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC).

    International organisations included the UNDP, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe and the International Red Cross (ICRC).

    Other speakers included Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, Frank La Rue, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and Pansy Tlakula, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression for the African Union.

    More details of the conference and related documents are on the UNESCO website.

***13.09.2011. UN FORUM HEARS CALLS FOR GREATER PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS

New York, Sep 13 2011 2:10PM
Top United Nations officials today urged better protection of journalists and greater efforts to ensure that those who kill or intimidate them are brought to justice, stressing that freedom of the press is a basic
foundation of peace and democracy.

An inter-agency forum on the safety of journalists, hosted by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, heard calls for UN offices and entities to work more closely together to protect
media professionals and fight impunity for their killers.

“Let us do our utmost to ensure that the media can do its indispensable work on behalf of humankind,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=5508">message to the forum,
delivered behalf by Kiyo Akasaka, the Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information.

He noted that cyber-surveillance, digital harassment and censorship of the Internet had emerged as new barriers to media freedom.

“The press can never be free if journalists and media workers are under attack. Those who murder, kidnap, harass, arrest or intimidate journalists not only stop the free flow of information, they stifle the ability of millions of people to have their stories told.

“Quite apart from the violence and the suffering such crimes bring, I am also dismayed when they are not thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. Only by putting an end to impunity can we break this vicious cycle,” said
the Secretary-General.

Mr. Akasaka, for his part, highlighted the role the UN has played to uphold the freedoms of information, expression and association, which he described as fundamental principles in democratic societies.

The UN Department of Public Information (DPI), he said, uses mass communication tools – such as the Internet, television, photography, radio, print and social media – to uphold the principle of freedom of the
press and to raise awareness on the issue.

The meeting was also addressed by the Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Irina Bokova, the UNESCO Director-General.

Separately, Ms. Bokova issued statements condemning the recent killings of journalists in Peru and Honduras and demanding that the culprits brought to justice.

Peruvian journalist Pedro Alfonso Flores Silva <"http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_condemns_murder_of_peruvian_journalist_pedro_alfonso_flores_silva/
">died last Thursday from injuries sustained when he was shot by masked gunmen in the city of Casma the previous day. As the programme director of the local Canal 6 television, Flores Silva, 36, had been the target of
repeated threats, according to the press freedom advocacy Reporters without Borders.

In Honduras, radio journalist Medardo Flores was <"http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_condemns_assassination_of_honduran_journalist_medardo_flores_and_calls_for_investigation/ ">gunned down near his home overnight on Thursday, bringing to 15 the number of media professionals murdered in that country over the past 18 months.

***11.09.2011. Declaration Adopted by IFJ/EFJ Conference on ‘Journalism in the Shadow of Terror Laws’

The international conference organised by the International Federation (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) on ‘ Journalism in the Shadow of Anti-Terror Laws’ has concluded today in Brussels by calling for a review of anti –terror legislation which undermines journalists’
independence .
The following is the Declaration which was adopted after two days of debates on the impact of anti-terror legislation on journalism following the 9/11 attacks in America:
We, the participants at the IFJ/EFJ Conference “10 years after 9/11, Journalism in the Shadow of Terror Laws”, held in Brussels on 10th-11th September,
Noting that since the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, the response by governments to the threat of terrorism had been massively disproportionate, resulting in
· fundamental rights being routinely violated and undermined,
· a raft of mass surveillance measures targeting journalists and media organisations being introduced,
· laws and regulations that undermine almost half of the minimum standards set out in the 1948 UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights being enacted by governments, often in the absence of scrutiny and debate, and
· media and independent journalism suffering in a “pervasive atmosphere of paranoia” which is leading to dangerous levels of self-censorship,

Recognising that these laws, when adopted in democratic states, are used by authoritarian regimes to reinforce their oppressive systems, and in most instances have served to restrict dissent inside and outside media and to curtail free speech,
Believing that all forms of indiscriminate violence and terrorism are unacceptable and threaten journalism and press freedom,
Concerned that the majority of counter-terrorism measures adopted by states over the past decade have helped usher in a ‘surveillance society’ with new high-tech forms of ‘dataveillance’ been used to monitor journalists’ activities, with spies and undercover agents been active in
newsrooms, and with phones and computers been tapped and movements recorded,
Rejecting the message that fundamental rights can be sacrificed to fight terrorism and further concerned that ‘national security’ interest continues to enable governments to withhold information or override the constitutional and legal protections that should be afforded to citizens,
journalists and whisteblowers alike,
DECLARE
1. That governments must not sacrifice civil liberties under the pretext of security;
2. That all counter-terrorism and national security laws, among them those hastily enacted immediately after September 11, should be reviewed to ensure compliance with international human rights and freedom of expression norms and prevent the misuse of anti-terror laws against
journalists;
3. That mandatory data retention regimes must be repealed, and that restrictions and controls on the use of surveillance powers and new security technologies, as well as robust new mechanisms to protect personal privacy be established;
4. That journalists and editors must maintain editorial independence and guard against self-censorship, and that media need more than ever to be active in the scrutiny of the actions of government;
5. That independent journalism’s vital role in investigating and exposing the impact of changes in national and global security policy on society at large is crucial to the future of democratic society;
6. That independent organisation of journalists in unions and associations is an essential safeguard for press freedom, self-regulation and editorial independence;
7. That all forms of violence against media and targeting of media workers are completely unacceptable;
8. That all restrictions on journalists’ freedom of movement, pressure on them to reveal sources of information, and manipulation of media by political leaders on security issues are unacceptable,
9. That the IFJ/EFJ should a) strengthen their campaign among journalists’ unions everywhere to
raise awareness of security policies and their impact on the right to report,
b) reiterate IFJ policy on the importance of pluralism, diversity, press freedom and open government at national and international level, and the need for tolerance in journalism, as adopted at the Bilbao international conference in 1997, and reiterated in 2005,
c) build the wider coalition with other trades unions, human rights campaigners, employers, whenever appropriate, other media organisations and relevant civil society groups against further attacks on civil liberties and democratic rights,
d) advocate for the introduction of freedom of information laws that guarantee citizens the right of access to public information and restrict the application of national secrecy provisions and for the
elimination of all laws that criminalise journalism, or restrict the protection of sources,
e) promote debates at national and international level on the need for professional vigilance, ethical conduct and improvement of journalists’ capacity to work and investigate without undue pressure from whatever source, and the need for tolerance in journalism.
Adopted in Brussels on 11 September 2011
For more information, please contact Ernest Sagaga (ernest.sagaga@ifj.org
) on + 32 2 235 2207) or Yuk Lan Wong (yuklan.wong@ifj.org) on + 32 2 235
2226)

***08.09.2011. AFGHANISTAN. IFJ Mourns BBC Journalist Killed by Nato Forces in Afghanistan

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said that the killing of BBC reporter Ahmed Omed Khpulwak, who was shot dead by a member of Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) in Afghanistan, is a reminder of the risks to journalists who are working in conflict
zones. Isaf has admitted that the journalist was killed in July by a US soldier who mistook him for an insurgent during a firefight at the Afghan Radio Television (RTA).
“We note Isaf’s admission but urge all sides to the conflict to ensure that media facilities are not turned into combat zones,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “This tragic incident must be properly assessed to serve a lesson for future interventions on premises where journalists and media staff work.”
In a statement, Isaf said Omed of the BBC Pashto service was shot by a soldier who feared he was an insurgent about to set off a device. The shooting occurred as soldiers were clearing the RTA building of militants, two of whom had detonated bombs injuring soldiers. According to some
reports, the journalist was attempting to produce his press card when he was killed.
The BBC reacted to the admission, recognising that “Isaf had provided clarification, ending a period of uncertainty, but it would study the details of the findings on receiving the full report.”
The IFJ says that this latest deadly incident shows the urgency in finding ways to provide journalists with adequate protection. The Federation plans to push for concrete measures and governments’ commitment to protecting media during the forthcoming United Nations Inter-Agency Meeting on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity which will take place next
week in Paris.
“The death of Omed in such violent circumstances is one too many and we must resolve to act in the defence of journalists’ safety with more vigour and purpose than ever before,” added Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary.

***04.09.2011. SOMALIA. Malaysian journalist killed, another wounded in Mogadishu Shoot Out

The National Union of Somali Journalists condemns the shooting incident that left a Malaysian cameraman dead and another wounded in Mogadishu's KM4 area on late Friday afternoon.

Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, 41, a cameraman for the Malaysian National News Agency was shot to death and Aji Saregar Mazlan, A TV3 journalist was wounded after shooting incident took place in KM4 area on late Friday afternoon, journalists and witnesses reported.

"This tragedy took place when the convoy of cars carrying the Malaysian aid workers met a convoy from the Ugandan contingent of AMISOM ( The AU peace-keeping force in Somalia ), which then opened fire." The Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunication said
in a statement.

The death of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor was confirmed by Malaysian National News Agency, where he was working for. The Journalists were accompanying Putera 1 Malaysia Club, a 2 month humanitarian mission to Somalia.

Noramfaizul leaves behind a wife Norazrina Jaafar, 37, and two sons, Mohd Irfan, 8, and Mohd Naufal, 3.

"There was a Somali technical vehicle and African Union convoy following behind the car in which the journalists were traveling with." said a journalist who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "

An eyewitnesses interviewed said the African Union Mission in Somalia fired at the journalists.

The African Union mission in Somalia has not commented the shooting incident yet.

"We send our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Noramfaizul Mohd and ask Allah to reward him paradise." Mohammed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General said, "We Condemn the shooting incident while we call for the African Union Mission and the Transitional Federal Government to investigate the shooting incident immediately and bring the killers to justice." said
Mohammed Ibrahim, NUSOJ Secretary General

Foreign journalists and Aid workers have been pouring into the Somali capital Mogadishu in recent months in response the severe droughts that hit the country.

Last month, Radio SIMBA staffer, Farah Hassan Sahal, was killed by sniper fires at the radio compound in Mogadishu's Bakara market, apparently from the African Union Mission in Somalia or the Government forces.

For further information, contact:
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
Human Rights House, Taleex Street, KM4 Area, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia, Tel: +252 1 859 944,
e-mail: nusoj@nusoj.org.so / newsletter@nusoj.org.so
Internet: http://www.nusoj.org.so

***01.09.2011. SYRIA: SENIOR UN OFFICIAL VOICES ALARM AT ONGOING ABUSES AGAINST
JOURNALISTS

New York, Sep 1 2011 10:10AM
The head of the United Nations agency defending press freedom has voiced her alarm at continuing abuses committed against journalists in Syria and called on authorities to respect basic human rights, including the right to freedom of expression.

The concern expressed by Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), comes amid a number of “disturbing” reports, the Paris-based agency said in a <"http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_voices_alarm_at_continuing_abuse_against_journalists_in_syria/
">news release.

These include news that Syrian caricaturist Ali Ferzat had been beaten by armed men on 25 August, and concern for freelance journalist Hanadi Zahlout, who has been in jail since her arrest on 25 July.

“I am alarmed at continuing reports of detention and physical abuse against journalists,” said Ms. Bokova. “Torture and detention will never convince the people of Syria that might is right.

“It is essential for the future of the country and its people that the authorities respect freedom of expression and listen to what their critics have to say,” she stated.

As many as 2,000 Syrians have been killed in the past five months since the start of the pro-democracy protests, which are part of a broader uprising across North Africa and the Middle East that has led to the toppling of long-standing regimes in Tunisia and Egypt and conflict in Libya.

A recent UN report found that the Syrian Government’s “widespread and systematic” attacks against its own people may amount to crimes against humanity and possibly warrant an investigation by the International Criminal Court.

***26.08.2011. LIBYA. Six Libyan journalists still missing (CPJ)

New York, August 25, 2011--The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of four Italian journalists kidnapped Wednesday, but remains concerned about the safety of at least six Libyan journalists who have been missing since the start of the uprising in February. The whereabouts of the six Libyan journalists who have been missing for the past six months are still unknown. Two of them were detained in late February, but are still unaccounted for.

"The events of the past week show how dangerous Libya remains for all journalists," said CPJ Deputy Director Robert Mahoney. "We hope that as the hostilities subside, the whereabouts of the Libyan journalists who are still missing become clear."

Atef al-Atrash, a contributor to local news outlets in Benghazi, disappeared on February 17 after speaking on air on Al-Jazeera. Mohamed al-Sahim, a blogger and critical political writer, Mohamed al-Amin, a cartoonist, and Idris al-Mismar, a writer and the former editor-in-chief of Arajin, a monthly culture magazine, have also been reported missing. Two Tripoli-based journalists--Salma al-Shaab, head of the Libyan Journalists Syndicate, and Suad al-Turabouls, a correspondent for the pro-government Al-Jamahiriya--were detained in late February, but have not been heard from since. All six journalists' whereabouts are still unknown.

Four Italian journalists kidnapped on Wednesday were released after a raid on the apartment in which they were being held captive, the BBC reported. Their driver, however, was killed during their abduction, news reports said. The journalists had been captured by forces loyal to Col. Muammar Qaddafi, Italy's Corriere della Sera reported.

Matthew VanDyke, a U.S. journalist who had been missing in Libya since March 13, was freed from Abu Salim prison in Tripoli with several inmates on Wednesday after the prison was seized by rebel forces. His mother told CPJ that he had been held in solitary confinement for most of his imprisonment.

On August 11, Tracey Shelton, a freelance Australian journalist, was brutally attacked by two armed men in her Benghazi hotel room and escaped by jumping to a nearby balcony. She is recovering in another Benghazi hotel with rebels protecting her. 

On Wednesday, two French journalists were shot and wounded in Tripoli while covering the fighting around Muammar Qaddafi's Bab al-Azizya compound, Agence France-Presse reported. A French cameraman for France 2 network, Bruno Girodon, was hit by a bullet, and Paris Match photographer Alvaro Canovas was shot in the thigh by an assault rifle. They were both taken to a hospital on Wednesday and are recovering from their wounds.

***25.08.2011. LIBYA. INSI Safety Advisory 1700 GMT August 25

Four Italian journalists kidnapped in Libya on Wednesday have been released unharmed, although their driver was killed. The four are reported to have been freed after a raid on a house in Tripoli were they were being held.

The situation for news crews in the country remains extremely precarious. The International News Safety Institute is coordinating an email forum, for the exchange of confidential and sensitive information between journalists on the ground and news desks. Those interested in participating should contact Hannah Storm at hannah.storm@newssafety.org

INSI is issuing this safety advisory for news crews at 1700 GMT on August 25, but advises journalists that because the situation is constantly changing, teams and desks should be constantly assessing the situation and, where possible, have exit plans in place.

Large parts of Tripoli now appear to be under opposition control, however there are still pockets of fighting between the two sides. Across the capital and the remainder of the country, frontlines are extremely fluid and changing rapidly.

News teams have come under fire moving across Tripoli and live positions are also reported to have been fired upon. Snipers and rocket explosions also pose a threat and journalists should be aware of the possible danger of celebratory gunfire.

Earlier on Thursday, there was a firefight in the vicinity of the Corinthia Hotel, where a number of journalists had been based. There are reports that journalists were evacuated from the hotel by rebels. Some journalists are believed to have returned after the fighting stopped. At least one road nearby that was being used by news teams was temporarily inaccessible because of the fighting.

The route from Tunisia via the border at Dehiba remains the entry point for the majority of journalists from the west and those making the transit should be aware of the possibility of the security situation deteriorating without notice, with routes -- previously regarded as safe -- possibly becoming dangerous. News crews have been using the main road between Zawiya and Tripoli, but INSI urges them to exercise extreme caution.
 
Journalists should also be aware of uncomfirmed reports that Gaddafi has called on his supporters to use the opportunity to seize foreigners, including journalists. Armed gangs and small pockets of those still loyal to Gaddafi continue to operate.

Communication and supplies remain precarious, and INSI advises all news teams to take fuel, food and water with them.

Rebel forces have been moving towards Gaddafi's hometown of Sirte, and there are reports that they have been exchanging heavy gunfire with loyalists on the  road into the city. In the town of Bin Jawad, they are also facing stiff resistance from Gaddafi supporters.

***24.08.2011. LIBYA. Libya: ICRC evacuates journalists from Rixos Hotel

Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) helped journalists leave the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli today and led them to safety. The reporters had been unable to leave the hotel for several days.

"We have taken 33 journalists and two other foreign nationals from the Rixos Hotel to a safe place," said Georges Comninos, the head of the ICRC delegation in Libya. "Our recognized role as a neutral intermediary enabled us to carry out this operation. We are glad that everything went
smoothly, but we remain concerned about other civilians and journalists who may find themselves in danger."

At around 4.30 p.m. local time, six ICRC staff arrived at the hotel with four vehicles and helped transfer the journalists and the two other foreign nationals to a safe location in Tripoli. They expressed joy and relief at having left the hotel.

Journalists are protected under international humanitarian law. "Media professionals are entitled to the same protection as civilians. They must be protected and respected," said Mr Comninos.

The ICRC, which operates a hotline for journalists on dangerous assignments, had been contacted by several news organizations concerned about the safety and well-being of their staff. Since the beginning of the year, the organization has received around 50 requests for help from media
organizations and families of journalists.

***17.08.2011 Egypt: Military Intensifies Clampdown on Free Expression
Youth Leader, Protesters Charged With ‘Insulting the Military’ (Human Rights Watch) 

(Cairo, August 17, 2011) – The military prosecutor’s decision to prosecute the youth leader Asamaa Mahfouz for “insulting the military” is a serious escalation of efforts by military leaders to silence critical voices, Human Rights Watch said today.

The prosecutor has this week alone summoned both Mahfouz and Maha Abu Bakr, a lawyer, on charges related to speech protected by the right to freedom of expression. They are among a large number of protesters and other civilians facing trials in Egypt’s military courts. Civilians should not be prosecuted before Egypt’s military courts, which do not meet basic due process standards, Human Rights Watch said.

“The decision to try Asmaa Mahfouz is a major attack on free expression and fair trials, using the same abusive laws the Mubarak government used against its critics,” said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The military is using her to silence
potential critics, sending the message that criticizing the current military government will land them in jail.”

The Mahfouz case is the latest in a series of moves prosecuting critical expression by the military, which is increasingly setting narrower and narrower limits on what it permits, Human Rights Watch said.

Mahfouz, a former leading member of the April 6 Youth Movement, received a summons at her home on August 13, 2011, to appear before the military prosecutor the next day for questioning. The military prosecutor questioned her for over three hours about her comments on Twitter and
media interviews during protests on July 23 in which she criticized the military for failing to intervene to protect protesters.

He then charged her with “calling for threats to social peace,” “spreading false information,” and “insulting the military,” but allowed her release on 20,000 Egyptian pounds ($US3,400) bail, an extremely high sum for most Egyptians. On August 16 Egypt’s official news agency MENA quoted a
military justice official saying the prosecutor had decided to refer Mahfouz’s case to court on charges of insulting the military, dropping the other charges.

On August 14 the head of the military justice system, Gen. Adel Morsi, in a news release, started by affirming the important role of expression in society and then invited the public to look at Mahfouz’s Facebook profile to see for themselves “whether [her comments were] an opinion or an
inappropriate violation of the law and incitement.” The comment in question, which Mahfouz posted on Twitter and Facebook, was: “If the judiciary doesn’t restore our rights then nobody should be surprised if we then see armed groups and assassinations taking place... if there is no law and no justice system, no one should be surprised.”

“Asmaa Mahfouz’s comments reflect her concerns about the need for justice and are fully protected by freedom of expression,” Stork said. “Yet the military is prosecuting her under a blatantly abusive law. This charge should be dropped immediately.”

Abu Bakr, a lawyer representing victims in the Mubarak trial and a Kifaya activist, received her summons to appear before the military prosecutor on charges of “insulting the military” on August 16. During the questioning, the prosecutor showed her video footage from the July 23 demonstration in Abbasiya, Cairo, of a protester who, the prosecutor told her, was “insulting” the military. The prosecutor dropped the charges against her when he realized the footage was not of her. Lawyer Ahmed Ragheb told Human Rights Watch that this footage was not filmed by the media, which would suggest that the military is filming protesters during demonstrations.

Military courts are currently trying numerous protesters. In an August 15 case, six protesters faced charges of “insulting the military” before a military tribunal for chanting “antagonistic” slogans about Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the de facto ruler of the country, in addition to
charges of assaulting a police officer. The military court sentenced Hassan Bahgat to six months in prison in another case, 3779/2011, for insulting the military in Tahrir square on August 6.

Military courts are also currently trying groups of protesters arrested in Cairo in late June and early August around Tahrir Square and in Alexandria on July 22. These include a group of 43 protesters arrested during a June 28 and 29 protest outside the Interior Ministry in downtown Cairo. One of
them is the activist Loai Nagaty, whom military police arbitrarily arrested on June 29 on Falaky Street, near the Interior Ministry. They detained him for eight days in the military prison but then released him on health grounds. He faces charges of “assaulting a public officer” and "causing disturbance.” The next session of his trial is scheduled for August 23.

Military courts have sentenced at least 10,000 civilians since January 2011 after unfair proceedings, Human Rights Watch said. All of them should be retried before regular civilian courts.

The Military’s Red Lines The Mubarak government frequently used overly broad provisions in the
penal code to crack down on legitimate criticism of the government’s human rights record or criticism of the political situation, trying editors, opposition leaders, and activists on charges of “insulting the president” or “insulting public institutions.” The military government and courts are
using the same provisions.

On April 11 a military court sentenced a blogger, Maikel Nabil, to three years in prison for “insulting the military establishment,” under article 184 of the penal code, and “spreading false information,” under article 102. The evidence presented against him consisted solely of a CD with details of Nabil's blog postings and commentary on Facebook over the previous months. Nabil’s lawyers have appealed his sentence but the court has not scheduled a date to hear his appeal.

Military prosecutors have summoned at least seven activists and journalists, including Mahfouz, to question them on charges of criminal defamation after they publicly criticized the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), the military leadership, or alleged abuses by the army. The
labor activist and blogger Hossam al-Hamalawy was summoned after he said on television that he held the head of the military police, Gen. Hamdy Badeen, personally responsible for acts of torture by the military police.

A member of the military leadership told Human Rights Watch in June that military prosecutors “offered [Hamalawy and the others] American coffee and discussed the different issues with them. This did not take longer than one hour.” On another occasion, on June 19, the military prosecutor
summoned a journalist, Rasha Azab, and an editor, Adel Hammouda, for questioning about an article Azab had written about alleged human rights abuses by the military.

A Human Rights Watch delegation met with a member of the SCAF on June 6 and voiced concern about the chilling effect that summoning people on criminal charges has on freedom of expression generally. One of the SCAF officers at the meeting responded:

We do not question everyone for criticizing the military, we only ask those who accuse, who defame the military or those who spread inaccurate information in order to spread suspicion about the armed forces to present their evidence. We summoned four journalists only to question them about their information and their sources since [what they said/wrote] involved the behavior of the armed forces and has serious implications for the perception of the armed forces.

In his August 14 news release Morsi said that there were “many who abused freedom of expression in the media in order to promote armed militias' plans for assassinations,” referring to Mahfouz’s tweet, and to “cross the limits of freedom of expression to insult and defame the armed forces and the SCAF.” He added that the SCAF does not limit freedom of expression but only investigates what Egypt’s penal code prohibits and that the military justice system was conducting the investigation based on the jurisdiction granted by the Code of Military Justice.

The broad jurisdictional basis of the Code of Military Justice is incompatible with international human rights standards because it allows for military trials of civilians without any subject-jurisdiction limitations, Human Rights Watch said.

Penal Code Is Incompatible With International Law The United Nations Human Rights Committee, the expert body that provides authoritative interpretations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Egypt is a party, states categorically in its recently-issued General Comment No. 34, on Article 19 on Freedom of Expression, that, “States parties should not prohibit criticism of institutions, such as the army or the administration.” By this standard, article 184 of the Egyptian penal code, which criminalizes “insulting the People’s Assembly, the Shura Council or any State Authority, or the Army or the Courts,” is incompatible with international law and should be amended accordingly, Human Rights Watch said.

Egypt’s penal code includes numerous provisions that violate international law by providing criminal penalties of imprisonment for “insulting” public officials and institutions, including the president (article 179), public officials (article 185), “foreign kings or heads of state” (article 180),
or foreign diplomats (article 182). The Human Rights Committee further elaborated in General Comment 34: “The mere fact that forms of expression are considered to be insulting to a public figure is not sufficient to justify the imposition of penalties, albeit public figures may also
benefit from the provisions of the Covenant. Moreover, all public figures, including those exercising the highest political authority such as heads of state and government, are legitimately subject to criticism and political opposition.”

“Egypt needs to urgently review the legal framework which Mubarak used for years to silence his critics,” Stork said. “It is unacceptable for the military to be using these laws to clamp down on speech, especially as elections near.”

For more Human Rights Watch reporting on Egypt, please visit:
http://www.hrw.org/middle-eastn-africa/egypt

***01.08.2011. LIBYA: NATO LAUNCHES AIRSTRIKES AT MEDIA OUTLET

Three unidentified journalists were killed and 21 others injured in Tripoli after North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) warplanes bombed three transmission towers on 30 July in an effort to take Libyan state television off the air. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have condemned the attack.

According to NATO, "TV was being used as an integral component of the regime apparatus designed to systematically oppress and threaten civilians and to incite attacks against them. [Libyan leader Muammar] Qaddafi's increasing practice of inflammatory broadcasts illustrates his regime's policy to instill hatred amongst Libyans, to mobilise its supporters against civilians, and to trigger bloodshed."

In a letter to NATO, CPJ has asked for a more detailed explanation for the motivation behind the attack, saying "we are concerned any time a media facility is the target of a military attack. Such attacks can only be justified under International Humanitarian Law if the media facility is being used for military purposes or to incite violence against the civilian population."

CPJ is asking for evidence of specific broadcasts intended to incite violence. The letter also asks if more airstrikes are being planned since the initial strike failed to halt state television.

IFJ says the bombing is in contravention of UN Security Council resolution 1738, which condemns attacks against journalists, clearly establishing media equipment and installations as civilian locations that should not be considered a target for military reprisals.

"Our concern is that when one side decides to take out a media organisation because they regard its message as propaganda, then all media are at risk," said IFJ. "In conflict situations, international law is clear that unarmed journalists cannot be treated as combatants, irrespective of their political affiliations."

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has also spoken out against the strike on Al-Jamahiriya and its installations: "The NATO strike is also contrary to the principles of the Geneva Conventions that establish the civilian status of journalists in times of war even when they engage in propaganda."

More on the web:
- Request to NATO for clarification on Libya TV attack (CPJ):
http://cpj.org/blog/2011/08/request-to-nato-for-clarification-on-libya-tv-atta.php

- IFJ condemns NATO bombing at Libyan television (IFJ):
http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-condemns-nato-bombing-at-libyan-television

- Director-General deplores NATO strike on Libyan state television facilities (UNESCO):
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/director_general_deplores_nato_strike_on_libyan_state_television_facilities/back/18256/

- NATO airstrikes target Libyan state TV transmitters (AP):
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/nato-airstrikes-target-libyan-state-tv-transmitters/article2115328/

***28.07.2011. Freedom of opinion and expression – how far the protections go: the UN Human Rights Committee

GENEVA – Blasphemy laws, “memory” laws, laws on such matters as treason,
counter-terrorism, lese majeste, desacato, defamation of the head of state, the protection of honour of public officials…the UN Human Rights Committee today share with the media its new General Comment on the rights to freedom of opinion and expression which sets out just how far such restrictions on these fundamental human rights can go.

“This constitutes the most authoritative interpretation of one of the most
challenged and sensitive topics in international human rights law,” said committee member Michael O'Flaherty, who guided the General Comment through the Committee.

“It is a comprehensive response to numerous requests from lawmakers,
judges, prosecutors, lawyers, rights defenders and even journalists asking
for clarification on many of the issues covered by the rights to freedom
of expression and opinion.”

Among other issues, the Human Rights Committee states in its General
Comment that freedom of expression protections extend to new media and
information platforms. It also offers the most comprehensive analysis yet
in international human rights law of a right of access to information held
by public bodies.

Download the Committee’s General Comments on freedom of expression:
www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/GC34.pdf or
www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/comments.htm

***25.07.2011. OPT. The Palestinian Center for Development & Media Freedom (MADA): 113 attacks on the freedom of the press in the first half of this year in oPt

Ramallah - Attacks on journalists continue to hinder their work and endanger their lives. In the first 6 months of 2011 MADA has monitored 113 violations on press freedom in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), including 68 committed by the security services of the West Bank and Gaza and 45 committed by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) continue to defy international standards of human rights law by supressing the work of Palestinian journalists in addition to causing frequent bodily harm. Despite however the brutality of IOF attacks, for the first time in over three years Palestinian Security Service attacks have surpassed their numbers.

Total The Palestinian side Israeli
occupation The
violator Year
122 35 87 2008
87 33 54 2009
98 19 79 2010

Analysis has shown that the increase in Palestinian Security Service violations is proportionate to the increased number of youth rallies, demanding an end to the internal Palestinian political divisions, and their coverage by journalists, which began and have continued since 15 March 2011. 30 violations committed by Palestinian Security Services against journalists were committed in March alone, with the majority occurring in the Gaza Strip.

The Murder of Vittorio Arrigoni - A Crime that Shocked the Palestinian Community

The most serious and heinous violation of the past year came with the brutal murder of freelance Italian journalist and activist Vittorio Arrigoni by an armed militant group in the Gaza Strip.

"The body of Arrigoni was found on the morning of Friday 16/4/2011, in an abandoned house north of the Gaza Strip. The armed group had announced kidnapping him the day before his death, and demanded in a video the release of detainees from the" Salafist jihadi group "of the security services of the Hamas Government in two days, but they had to kill him before the end of the announcement deadline."

Despite the passing of more than three months the circumstances and motive of the crime are still unknown. The Hamas government of Gaza has not released the official report of its investigation following a raid that ended with the suspect Abdel-Rahman Mohammad Breizat throwing grenades at his two accomplices before turning a gun on himself.

Arrigoni - who was granted Palestinian citizenship in honour of his solidarity activities - was one of the most active individuals in the Palestinian solidarity movement. Arrigoni lived in Gaza and aided its people for 3 years before his death and through his writings and participation in numerous international solidarity and advocacy events shed light on the suffering of the Palestinian people as a result of the Israeli siege and blockade. Arrigoni was a loved member of both the
solidarity and Palestinian communities with which he was unwaveringly
involved.

Israeli forces committed serious violations against journalists

Despite the increased number of violations committed by Palestinian Security Services since the beginning of the year, Israeli occupation forces remain a real threat to the lives of journalists. Since January 2011, MADA has monitored a total of 49 incidences of physical attacks against journalists, including 24 IOF perpetrated attacks and 25 committed by the security services of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Below is a summary of the most brutal attacks monitored since the start of the year:


• Pal Media and German television photographer Abdul Ghani Natshe was severely injured after being struck on the hand by a rubber coated bullet then targeted with tear gas projectiles fired by Israeli forces while he was covering the weekly march in Hebron, on 25/02/2011. The injuries sustained by Natshe necessitated immediate evacuation from the scene and emergency medical treatment.
• WAFA news agency correspondent Tha’er Fakousa was beaten by IOF soldiers while covering the weekly Beit Omar march in Hebron city on Saturday 5 March 2011. The beating caused contusions and also caused his camera to break, Fakousa then required hospitalization after he lost consciousness when soldiers fired tear gas projectiles at him.
• Freelance photographer Mahfouz Abu Turk was attacked by the IOF whilst covering clashes between the IOF and Palestinians in Silwan on 25 March 2011. Abu Turk required treatment at Almaqased hospital after a gas projectile thrown by IOF solders struck his left eye causing abrasions and burns.
• al-Bayader al-Siyas magazine correspondent Muhammad al-Madhoun sustained severe head injuries following an Israeli military strike in the Gaza Strip. In a statement to MADA, al-Madhoun said that on the night of the 7th he was in his cousin’s home when Israeli’s shelling began. Because of the severity of his head wounds al-Madhoun had to be taken for immediate treatment to Shifa’ Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
• Israeli Occupation Forces opened indiscriminate fire on the participants of a peaceful demonstration in commemoration of al-Nakba. Dozens of unarmed civilians suffered moderate to severe injuries, including freelance photographer Mohammad Othman (25 years). Othman was covering the March of Return, proceeding towards the Beit Hanoun crossing in northern Gaza Strip when Israeli Occupation Forces began firing live bullets at demonstrators. Osman was hit with live rounds to his chest and right hand and had to be evacuated to Kamal Adwan hospital
for emergency treatment before being transferred to Shifa Hospital for surgery. Othman is currently suffering from paraplegia and is receiving physiotherapy in preparation for his transfer to a specialist medical center in Jordan. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has stated that the Palestinian National Authority will cover all the costs of his treatment.
• Israeli Occupation Forces attacked APA Agency photographer Najih
Al-Hashlamoun while covering clashes between Israeli occupation forces and residents of the Shalalah neighbourhood in the city of Hebron.
Al-Hashlamoun reported that he was filming Israeli soldiers firing tear gas at demonstrators from the gate of one of the houses, and was standing away from demonstrators when he was struck by a rubber-coated steel bullet, wounding his left foot. Al-Hashlamoun went to the Hebron public hospital, where staff found he was suffering from severe contusions and swelling.

Decline in the number of violations in the past three months

An improvement in freedom of expression has been seen in the last three months (April-June) in comparison with earlier in the year. This decline can be attributed in part to the signing of the Fatah-Hamas reconciliation agreement on 4 May 2011, which has allowed for the return of Palestine TV broadcast from the Gaza Strip, and and Al-Aqsa TV from Ramallah.

Despite this welcome improvement, more steps need to be taken to ensure
the safety and respect of journalist’s rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. The journalists in region had previously paid a high price for the political division, where the number of violations increased dramatically and self-censorship was enhanced, that’s had very negative impact on the level of Palestinian media.

Conclusion and recommendations:

Freedom of opinion and expression is guaranteed under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Palestinian basic law, however because of the political situation journalists still struggle to operate freely and safely within the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Since the beginning of the year journalists have faced numerous incidences of harassment, humiliation and abuse while trying to perform their work by both Israeli occupation forces - who never miss an opportunity to suppress journalists and prevent them from documenting current events and violations against the Palestinian people - and the Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The unrest and calls for unity which escalated in March caused a steep increase in the violations against journalists by Palestinian Security Services,
particularly in the Gaza Strip, during that period.

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) reiterates its condemnation of all violations committed against journalists regardless of type or perpetrator, and calls once again upon the international community to apply serious pressure on Israeli occupation authorities to end their aggression against journalists, which both limit their ability to perform their professional duty and
cause a very real threat to their physical and psychological wellbeing.

In regards to the Palestinian Authorities, MADA calls upon the security services of the West Bank and Gaza Strip to end their attacks against journalists, and in particular, end their campaigns of harassment through repeated summons for investigation. Since the beginning of this year 14 journalists have been interrogated. MADA additionally urges the Hamas government to fully disclose all of the evidence obtained regarding the murder of Vittorio Arrigoni so his family and friends may finally have closure on his tragic death and begin the process of
healing.

The Center also wishes to reiterate the necessity for those responsible for violations to be held accountable, and suitable mechanisms to be employed by which journalists can receive compensation and justice for the violations they suffer.
-----------------------
For more information:
Riham Abu Eita
Coordinator of Public Relations
riham@madacenter.org
www.madacenter.org
00970 2 2976519

***15.07.2011. SYRIA. Silencing global coverage, Syria detains, expels reporters (CPJ)

The Syrian government has detained a local journalist who contributes to pan-Arab news outlets and expelled an international reporter, according to news reports, continuing a crackdown designed to silence global news coverage of the nation's political crisis.Omar al-Assad, a Syrian online journalist and blogger who works for multiple news organizations, was detained on July 3, according to local and regional news outlets. His condition and whereabouts are unknown. Al-Assad contributes to the Lebanese daily As-Safir, the pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat, and the broadcaster Al-Jazeera, news reports said.  

Maarten Zeegers, a Dutch national who writes for the Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad and the Belgian Flemish-language daily De Standaard, was detained on Monday in Damascus when he went to renew his residence permit, Radio Netherlands Worldwide reported. Zeegers was informed his name was on a list of "undesired foreigners," he told the radio station. He said he was held for about five hours before being expelled to Turkey.

Zeegers, who had been living in Syria for two and a half years, had been studying Islamic jurisprudence at Damascus University and anonymously writing news reports for the two newspapers. Zeegers' articles were labeled as having been written by a "staff writer" in an effort to obscure his identity and prevent authorities from harassing him. Since mid-March, when civil unrest erupted throughout the country, the government has expelled more than a dozen international journalists, leaving a void in global news coverage, CPJ research shows.    

 "The Syrian authorities are systematically detaining local journalists and expelling foreign reporters in a ruthless attempt to stifle coverage of political protests," said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Mohamed Abdel Dayem. "We are concerned for the wellbeing of Omar al-Assad who has disappeared into the black hole of the Syrian security apparatus. We call on the government to release him immediately."

***30.06.2011. GAZA - IFJ Welcomes Israel U-turn on Warning to Media over Gaza Aid Flotilla

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today welcomed the decision of the Israeli Government to reconsider the warning to slap a ten year ban on foreign reporters who plan to board the new aid flotilla bound for Gaza ,in defiance of the blockaded imposed by Israel. The decision also threatened to seize journalists’ equipment.
The government announced on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
had ordered a review of the measure after widespread criticism in media circles and representation from the Journalists’ Association in Jerusalem (JAJ), a branch of the IFJ affiliate in the country, the National Federation of Israeli Journalists (NFIJ). “We welcome the review of the measure and urge the government to restrain
from any action against media covering the event,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “We should not have the repeat of last year’s heavy handed intervention of Israeli navy who failed to distinguish between journalists
and activists. Our members in Israel are to be commended for their staunch
defence of the rights and safety of journalists now just as they acted with speed to assist colleagues caught in violent clashes aboard the first Gaza aid flotilla.”
According to media reports, the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon
said that senior government officials were unaware of the warning which was issued on Sunday by the head of the Government’s press office, Oren Helman, to media organisations. The Deputy Prime Minister reportedly told media that the government is anxious to avoid clashes with media.
The warning provoked an outcry among journalists’ organisations led by the
Foreign Press Association in Israel which described it as "a chilling message that raised questions about Israel's commitment to freedom of the press.”
In a statement, the Journalists’ Association in Jerusalem called on the
Government of Israel to cancel the decision to punish journalists who will
be on board the second Gaza flotilla. The JAJ also requested Prime Minister Netanyahu to order the Israel Defence Forces to enable free coverage of the event.
Last year, the IFJ condemned the brutal attacks on civilians, including
journalists, by Israeli forces in the assault on a flotilla that tried to breach the military blockade of the Gaza coastline in Palestine. One media staff was among the nine people killed by Israeli soldiers during the raid and many journalists were detained and had their equipment confiscated by Israeli authorities. The JAJ coordinated the IFJ efforts to recover the equipment.

***22.06.2011. YEMEN. IFJ Warns Official Media Management in Yemen over Plans to Sack Journalists

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today joined its affiliated organisation in Yemen, the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate (YJS) in warning the management of Yemeni State Television that massive sackings of journalists who defied orders to censor reporting on recent anti-government protests will not go unchallenged.

The warning follows the revelation of a memo sent by the Yemeni Television board to the managing director, Abdallah El Harazi, including a list of some 30 journalists who should be fired on the grounds that they allegedly supported the uprising.

“The Yemeni Television management is trying to make our colleagues scapegoats because they refused to compromise their professional ethics,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “We stand by their side and support our affiliate’s defence of journalists’ freedom from undue interference from politicians of all sides.”

According to the JYS, the Yemeni TV board instructed the director to take disciplinary measures, including dismissals, against media personnel suspected of supporting the protests. The memo also called for denying these employees access to the television premises as well as withholding their wages and benefits entitlements.

The JYS has condemned the action against journalists at Yemeni Television and other official media, vowing to protect their rights and interests.

The news of the campaign against journalists working for state controlled media coincides with reports of a vigilante group in Yemen which has threatened attacks on media that do not support Yemeni President Saleh.

The so-called ‘Revenge Brigades to protect Yemen and President Saleh’ warned that they will assassinate President Saleh’ opponents and attack newspapers, online website and media connected to members of the political coalition in Yemen, the Al Liqa al Mushtarak.

The group claimed the responsibility for breaking into the weekly “Al Adwa al Mustaqilah” newspaper and beating its staff last Tuesday. It said this was a warning from the ‘Brigades’ to all newspapers and websites supporting the revolution and threatened to assassinate and bomb all opposition newspapers and reporters of foreign Television stations.

“We condemn this vigilante attacks on media and hold Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour al-Hadi and his government responsible for the safety of journalists in Yemen,” added Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary. “They have to shoulder their responsibility, reign in and disband these violent groups.”

***14.06.2011. PAKISTAN. Two journalists among 36 killed in Peshawar blast (see update and safety tips below)
 
PESHAWAR: Khyber Union of Journalists has strongly condemned the suicide attack in Peshawar that killed two journalists among 36 other people and injured over hundred including five media persons.
A minor blast took place at a local restaurant in the Khyber Super Market in the military cantonment area at 11.45 pm on the night between Saturday and Sunday. Hearing the bang, the people, media persons and police rushed to the spot, when a suicide bomber on a motorbike struck causing huge losses.
Located just next to the Army Flats, the area is dominated by newspaper offices. Office of The News, Geo television, Daily Times, Pakistan Today, Khyber News, Akhbar-e-Khyber, Kawish television network, Independent News Pakistan, Online news agency, NNI news agency, Frontier Star, Afra Tafreeh magazine and others. The journalists, who work in the nearby offices and reside there as well, rushed to the spot and two among them lost their lives, while five others injured.
The deceased included Asfandyar Khan, who worked with different media organizations and had recently joint Akhbar-e-Khyber, and Shafiullah, a young graduate, who had recently joint The News, International as a trainee reporter.
The injured were Safiullah Mehsud, bureau chief Dunya News, Barakatullah Marwat, sub-editor, The News International, Mohammad Tufail of The News, Hashim Ali of Khyber News and Sheheryar and Riaz of Akhbar-e-Khyber. The injured were, however, in stable condition after receiving first aid.
In a press statement President Khyber Union of Journalists Arshad Aziz Malik and Yousaf Ali strongly condemned the incident and urged the government to take steps for protection of the media people.
They said that this was the second incident in the past one month exactly at the same area where journalists were targeted. On May 10, they said, Nasrullah Afridi was attacked in his own car at the same location.
They informed that some of the newspaper and television offices had received threats of attack and the employees working there have been asking their management repeatedly to shift the offices from the area but to no avail.
 
Yousaf Ali
General Secretary
Khyber Union of Journalists

15.06 UPDATE PAKISTAN

The young Shafiullah is still in critical condition. He has got 70 percent of his body burnt. He has been shifted to a burn center near pindi as unfortunately we don't have any burn unit here in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Let's pray for his recovery.
Also let me inform you that yesterday Khyber Union of Journalists convened a meeting of all the bureau chiefs of the broadcast media here in Peshawar to adopt some SOPs for the media staff that works in field. below are the points, which we finalized. we would send them to all our colleagues and media owners and editors with the strong urge to strictly follow them as the situation has gone the worst here...

Khyber Union of Journalists convened a meeting of the bureau chiefs of all the television channels to finalize standard operation procedures (SOPs) for the field staff to minimize risk. Chaired by Arshad Aziz Malik, president KhUJ, the meeting was attended by president Peshawar Press Club Saiful Islam Saifi, Abdullah Jan of Geo TV, Jamshed Baghwan of Express TV, Zahir Shah Sherazi of Dawn TV, Waqas of AVT Khyber, Iqbal Khattak of Daily Times and Yousaf Ali, general secretary Khyber Union of Journalists. Safiullah of Dunya News could not attend the meeting because of the injuries he had sustained in the June 11 blast. Shokat Khattak of Samaa, Ziaul Haq of ARY and Fakhar of Aaj were out of the town, they however committed to follow strictly whatever decided by the meeting. The meeting thoroughly discussed the threats faced by journalists and finalized safety tips. The safety tips are as follow:

 Do go closer to the spot - Use zoom cameras - Check the distance from where your camera can zoom and cover an incident from that distance - Check the surrounding buildings - If there is any tall, but safe building in the nearby location, go to its rooftop to cover have a better footage - Use of safety equipment should be made compulsory - The organizations must provide safety equipment - Take precautionary measures as soon as you come to know about a happening - Take bullet proof jacket, helmet, etc. - The bullet proof jackets and helmets should be there in vehicle. Locally manufactured safety jackets can also be used - Do have first aid box in your vehicle - First aid training should be made compulsory for the entire field staff - At the spot avoid going near a crowd - Media people themselves should avoid standing in group - DSNGs and other vehicles should be parked at the maximum possible distance from the spot - DSNG guards/drivers should keep an eye on their vehicles and surroundings - Minimum distance from spot for covering an incident should be determined in consultation with the bomb disposal unit - Never go beyond that distance - Be cooperative and polite at the spot with the security personnel as well as common people - Never violate security forces’ guidelines - Field staff should not be forced by their bosses for covering a specific incident that may cause some risk to them - Willingness of the field staff should be sought before sending them for coverage - Avoid going out of the city jurisdiction after 10 in night - Life insurance of the field staff should be ensured - The organizations must arrange life insurance of the staff - Efforts should be made at individual and union level to press the organizations to ensure insurance of the journalists and other media workers - Trainees should never be allowed to go to conflict zones, risky areas, as they are neither registered with their organizations nor properly trained for the situation - DSNGs and other vehicles should be plain-colored instead of having prominent colors and logos - Prominence as media people should be avoided - Identification signs and boards should be used only at the time of the need - Apart from news collection somebody from the office should remain in constant touch with the field staff - Avoid rumors mongering

How to implement These tips should be emailed repeatedly to the staff and management with attractive messages - Informal awareness sessions should be held with the field staff - Alert messages should be sent to the field staff - Give proper space to the safety tips on the union’s web-page

***30.05.2011. GEORGIA. Independent Association of Georgian Journalists deeply concerned over the violence against journalists in Tbilisi 

Independent Association of Georgian Journalists, member of IFJ, is deeply concerned over the violence against journalists in Tbilisi. On May 26, during the opposition rally, journalists were beaten by police, many of them were detained. 

Journalists representing different media channels were covering anti-government protests that have started on May 21. The police fired tear-gas and rubber bullets and used batons to disperse the protesters. Journalists were verbally and physically attacked. Cameras and video cameras were seized or destroyed. And some reporters were arrested without justification.
 
Violence against journalists was recorded from on May 22-26 in Tbilisi and Batumi. Reporters were threatened from both sides: Anti-governmental protesters and Georgia’s Special Forces. 
 
Netgazeti journalist Nino Kakhishvili was detained by policemen in the Tbilisi Main Police Department. After the May 26 raid the riot policemen took Kakhishvili out of an ambulance vehicle and took her with other detained to the Main Police Department.

Camera was seized by riot policemen from Netgazeti editor Nestan Tsetskhladze also. According to Tsetskhladze her camera was damaged during the police raid.
 
According to the Internet television Palitra TV, early morning May 26, during the raid of the protest rally in Rustaveli Avenue the riot policemen broke one camera and seized another from the Palitra TV cameraman Avtandil Surmava. Flip-cameras have also been seized from Mediapalitra journalists.
 
A RIA Novosti said, it’s correspondent Andrei Malyshkin was beaten and detained by Georgian riot police on Thursday while covering mass opposition protests.
 
Journalists of the Asaval-Dasavali newspaper have been severely injured during the last night riot police raid. Beka Sivsivadze has been shot several times with rubber bullets in the back.  Giorgi Mamatsashvili was beaten with rubber truncheons; he has trouble moving himself. Pictures of insured bodies were published on front pages of newspapers next day.

According to the journalists later they were released by help from a journalist of one of the "governmental TV-channels."
 
Journalist of Guria News newspaper Nato Gogelia was physically and verbally abused during the dispersal of protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue in the early morning of May 26.

Several police officers held the journalist, removed the memory card from the photo camera and broke it, they also damaged the camera. 
 
News agency Expressnews said that on May 26 during raid at the protest rally at Rustaveli Avenue a correspondent of the agency Ana Gabulia was detained; she was released in the morning.

On May 22 late night incident that took place in the Kostava Street, when the protesters insulted physically and verbally the itv.ge journalist Nino Kekelia and cameraman Irakli Khizanishvili and damaged the video camera.
 
May 22 Netgazeti journalist Tamaz Kupreishvili was hit in the stomach with a flag-stick by Anzor Bitsadze, son of the former chairman of Georgian parliament Nino Burjanadze when he was trying to get a comment from Burjanadze on the incident taken place in front of the public broadcaster building.
 
News agency Interpressnews reported May 22 that an unidentified person in civil clothing took away the video-recording of the clash that took place at the Kostava Avenue in front of the public broadcaster building from their correspondent.  
 
In Batumi, Eter Turadze said in a telephone interview that up to 20 policemen did not allow her to leave the Ajara TV-Station territory, claiming the reason for her own safety.
 
Amnesty International says that during a May 26 demonstration Georgian police clubbed unarmed and peaceful demonstrators and fired rubber bullets and tear gas at bystanders and journalists. Some 90 people have been detained.
 
An OSCE statement says at least 10 reporters were verbally and physically abused by police officers. Some were detained for questioning; others had their press cards taken away, and their equipment damaged or confiscated.
 
In a letter to Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, said: "The fact that the police would abuse, detain and question reporters engaged in their professional duties is worrisome."
 
Independent Association of Georgian Journalists is demanding unbiased and urgent investigation of violence against journalists. Association believes that people who prevented professional activity of media representatives must be adequately punished. Freedom of media must be guaranteed and respected. At the same time, IAGJ is concerned over polarization of Georgian media. Unfortunately majority of TV channels are divided into anti-governmental and pro-governmental groups. This is damaging the main principles of media – to be independent and unbiased.
 
Contact:
Zviad Pochkhua
editor@finchannel.com
+995 99 96 52 52  

***26.05.2011. BAHRAIN. IFJ Condemns Brutal Assault of Journalist by Police in Bahrain

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today joined its affiliate in Bahrain, the Bahrain association of Journalists (BJA) in condemning the savage beating and inhuman treatment of reporter Nazeeha Saeed who was arrested on 22 May over the story she had filed about the repression of anti-government protesters.
The female reporter, who was covering the uprising for France24 and Radio
Monte Carlo in the of Douar el loulou area , suffered severe injuries at the Rafa police station where she was badly beaten by her interrogators. She also bore torture marks, according to the reports.
“We are appalled by this senseless and cruel treatment of a working journalist and we urge the Bahraini authorities to hold accountable the officers involved,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “The brutal behaviour of security forces towards Saeed shows there is no end to media repression in Bahrain and the world must make it clear that these gross violations of peaceful protesters’, women’s and journalists’ rights will not go unpunished.”
Media reports say that Saeed was summoned to the Rafa police for questioning over her report on the death of Ali Abdelhassan who was allegedly killed by security forces during the anti-government protests of 17 February 2011. She was detained for 12 hours during which she reportedly was savagely beaten up and tortured. After her release, the French consulate arranged for the journalist to receive medical treatment in France due to the gravity of her condition.
The BJA has also called for a full investigation into the allegations of torture and requested from the authorities a copy of the complaint made by the reporter, stressing the need for transparency and independence in the investigation in this case.
The IFJ has accused the Bahraini government of widespread intimidation and
systematic harassment against journalists which have already led to the arrests and sackings of at least 68 media personnel in the country since the start of the protests for political reforms.
The Federation is taking part in a protest visit to the embassy of Bahrain in Brussels today. The protest, jointly organised by the IFJ, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Education International (EI) and the Belgian trade unions ACV/CSV, ABCC/FGTB and ACLVB/CGSLB. The organisers will deliver a letter calling, among other measures, for the immediate release of all detained trade unionists, teachers, journalists and workers as well an end to all harassment against trade unions leaders and activists and respect for press freedom.

***19.05.2011. BAHRAIN. IFJ Calls for End to Intimidation Campaign against Journalists in Bahrain

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the widespread intimidation campaign targeting journalists who work for newspapers which are critical of the Bahraini government. The IFJ accuses the authorities of systematic harassment of media in the wake of recent anti-government protests and says that at least 68 journalists working for two leading Bahraini newspapers, Al Wasat and Al Bilad, have been singled out for sacking, arrests and charges for treason. Others were forced into exile to escape arrest in the on-going clampdown.
“There is an appalling campaign to silence dissent in Bahrain and journalists have become the prime targets,” said Jim Boumelha. “The authorities are resorting to interference in media affairs and blatant intimidation to control information and stifle independent reporting. This must be exposed and resisted.”
Reports say that the Bahraini authorities have embarked on a hunt of the
government’s critics and arrested several journalists, on allegations of betraying the country. One report on the media crackdown in Bahrain entitled ‘ Journalists in Bahrain: The murder of Free Speech and the Siege of Freedom’ says that those arrested include the Al Wasat reporter Haidar Mohammad and blogger Zakariya Al Oushayri who is reported to be one of the two journalists who died while in detention.
More journalists were sacked from their jobs after management of public and private media in Bahrain, particularly Al Wasat and Al Bilad newspapers, came under severe political pressure, including banning advertising in Al Wasat, to get rid of staff members who opposed political interference. Senior journalist Mansour Al Jamry, editor –in-chief of Al Wasat and his colleagues Walid Nuwayhid, the paper’s editing manager and Akil Mirza, member of the Bahraini Journalists Association (BJA), an IFJ affiliate, lost their jobs in this campaign which affected at least 68
media staff, according to the report.
Mansour will go on trial this week along with three other senior staff charged with publishing false information about the police crackdown, a charge which carries a one-year prison sentence, media reports say.
The IFJ is deeply concerned by the situation of the Bahraini journalists who have been caught up in this crackdown, whether they are in detention, awaiting trial or on the run in exile and calls on the government to rescind all measures which violate the rights and the independence of media.
“We urge the authorities to re-establish the climate of respect for press freedom which the right of the public to accurate information requires, “added Boumelha.
“This won’t happen unless and until all detained journalists are set free,
outstanding warrants of arrest and charges cancelled, the ban on advertising in Al Wasat lifted, journalists who have been unfairly dismissed reinstated and an independent commission of inquiry set up to investigate reports of journalists’ deaths in detention.”
In the meantime, the massive dismissals of workers suspected of involvement in the anti-government protests have prompted the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to warn the Bahraini government that these measures threaten to tarnish the country’s record of “progressive policies towards labour in the Gulf region”. The organisation has, however, welcomed the decision to establish a joint committee to review all dismissals.
“Bahrain stands out as a country with an independent trade union movement,” ILO Deputy Director General Guy Ryder told Al-Jazeera. “The ILO is doing whatever it can with the government and other social partners to find a way forward so that people can return to their jobs.”

***14.05.2011. BAHRAIN. IFEX MEMBERS APPEAL TO WORLD LEADERS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST RIGHTS ABUSES

Even as the King of Bahrain promises to end the state of emergency he imposed in mid-March to quell anti-government demonstrations, journalists, rights activists and opposition leaders continue to be arrested, with dozens of them hastily tried. Forty-two IFEX members and 15 partners are appealing to the international community to end their silence and demand that the Bahraini government take action against the rights abuses.

In a letter addressed to U.S. President Barack Obama, EU Vice-President Baroness Catherine Ashton and UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, the members point to cases of journalists, bloggers and rights activists being arrested, tried in military courts and tortured, with some even dying in custody. The joint action was led by the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), which has been engaged in campaigning and trial monitoring in Bahrain.

Founding member of "Al Wasat" newspaper, Karim Fakhrawy was declared dead on 12 April under suspicious circumstances - two days after he was arrested. On 18 May, three of the paper's senior editors are to be tried for "publishing fabricated news and made up stories . . . that may harm public safety and national interests," reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Zakariya al-Aushayri, an online activist, founder and manager of the online forum Al Dair, died on 9 April under mysterious circumstances while in government custody.

Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) notes that four people have recently died in police custody, and 35 have been killed in the protests so far - in a country whose population is only 570,000.

Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, former president of BCHR, was beaten unconscious when 15 masked men raided his daughter's home on 9 April. Human Rights Watch and BCHR report that while in detention, Al-Khawaja has been beaten to the point of being unrecognisable. He and blogger Abduljalil Al-Singace, along with 13 other detainees, were suddenly brought to trial on a dozen charges, including attempting to "overthrow and change the country's constitution and Royal rule by force" and organising rallies without permission. Seven others were tried in absentia. The trial has been adjourned until 12 May. BCHR is appealing for international observers to attend.

Current president of BCHR, Nabeel Rajab, is being prosecuted for alerting readers through Twitter about pictures of the tortured body of a man who died in custody, which the government alleges are "fabricated." He recently found out he is still banned from leaving the country.

Meanwhile, dozens of journalists have been subjected to lay-offs, arrests and threats because of their work. According to ANHRI, 30 journalists from "Al Watan", "Al Ayam" and "Al Bilad" newspapers have been laid off, while numerous reporters have been arrested or gone into hiding for fear of arrest.

Foreign reporters have had restrictions placed on their movements. This week, the authorities decided to expel German journalist Frederik Richter, the Reuters correspondent in Manama since 2008, for alleged bias in his coverage of the protests, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF). He has been given a week to leave.

"We are dismayed at the silence of governments across the world in the face of ongoing violations, which seem particularly difficult to comprehend given the widespread condemnation of human rights abuses in Libya, in the face of pro-democracy demonstrations," the members said in the letter.

The members are asking the world leaders to urge Bahraini authorities to investigate the deaths in custody; unconditionally release political prisoners; drop the politically-motivated charges against "Al Wasat"; and allow journalists and rights workers, whether local or international, to freely carry out their work.

According to "The New York Times", the King's announcement that the state of emergency will end on 1 June is a sign that Bahrain is seeking to assure banks and foreign governments that the chaos is over and that the kingdom, which depends heavily on financial business, is trying to return to normal.

"It is also a sign that the numerous arrests and rushed trials of opposition figures in military courts could be running their course. Some leading opposition figures went on trial as the announcement was being made," the "Times" said.

"This is a cosmetic step trying to show the international community that everything is back to normal when it is not," Rajab told the "Times". "I don't see it as a real initiative that will solve problems. Otherwise they would release political prisoners. The dispute is wider now than it was one month ago between the ruling elite and the people."

Related stories on ifex.org:
- BCHR statement: "Journalists in Bahrain - the murder of free speech and the siege of freedom":
www.ifex.org/bahrain/2011/05/04/murder_of_free_speech/

- IFEX defends member BCHR in light of free expression abuses:
www.ifex.org/bahrain/2011/04/13/ifex_defends_bchr/

More on the web:
- Bahrain says it will end state of emergency (The New York Times):
www.nytimes.com/2011/05/09/world/middleeast/09bahrain.html

***13.05.2011. AFGHANISTAN. Journalistes otages en Afghanistan : 500 jours sont autant de jours de trop, selon la FIJ

La Fédération internationale des journalistes (FIJ) et son groupe européen la Fédération européenne des journalistes (FEJ) s’associent aujourd’hui aux manifestations marquant les 500 jours de captivité des journalistes français Hervé Guesquières et Stéphane Taponier détenus avec leurs accompagnateurs en Afghanistan.

« Cinq cents jours de captivité sont autant de jours de trop », a déclaré le président de la FIJ Jim Boumelha. « Nous sommes préoccupés par l’état de santé, physique et mentale, de nos collègues après tout ce temps passé. Malgré les appels de la famille, des collègues et des organisations de journalistes, rien ne filtre de la part des autorités françaises ou afghanes. Nous appelons solennellement à ce que les choses changent, vite ».

Hervé Ghesquière et Stéphane Taponier, ainsi que leurs trois accompagnateurs afghans (Mohamed Reza, Ghulam et Satar) ont été enlevés le 29 décembre 2009 dans la vallée de la Kapisa, au nord-est de Kaboul, alors qu’ils réalisaient un reportage pour France 3.

La FIJ et la FEJ redoutent la radicalisation des groupes alliés au mouvement terroriste d’Al Qaeda en Afghanistan après la mort d’Oussama Ben Laden il y a quelques jours. De concert avec leurs  membres en France, le Syndicat National des Journalistes (SNJ), le Syndicat National des Journalistes-CGT (SNJ-CGT) et la section journalistes de la CFDT, les deux organisations  appellent les autorités françaises et afghanes à redoubler leurs efforts de négociations pour la libération des otages et à mettre fin au silence qui règne à ce sujet.

La FIJ rappelle aussi qu’en vertu de la résolution 1738(2006) du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies, les gouvernements sont tenus de garantir la sécurité des journalistes en zones de conflit.

Elle a réitéré l’obligation des employeurs des journalistes de s’assurer que leurs journalistes soient  bien préparés, formés et bénéficient de la protection nécessaire pour travailler dans les zones de conflit.

***11.05.2011. MEXICO. Violence and Press Freedom in Mexico: Still in the Line of Fire (Article 19)

ARTICLE 19’s latest report on violations of press freedom in Mexico in 2010 highlights yet again an appalling level of violence and attack perpetrated against journalists and media workers over the year, along with a marked increase in self-censorship on the part of journalists and editors.
In a report released in Mexico City on the occasion of World Press Freedom day on May 3rd, ARTICLE 19 and its partner Cencos document a total of 155 attacks against journalists, media facilities and media workers. This is the third year in a row that ARTICLE 19 undertakes such an exercise, allowing it to monitor trends in Mexico and to identify key patterns and changes.

“A disturbing level of violence against journalists in Mexico has continued throughout 2010. 8 journalists were killed in 2010 simply in the exercise of their profession. It makes for a total of 44 journalists killed and 8 still missing during the period of the administration of President Felipe Calderon Hinojosa,” says Dr. Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.

However, ARTICLE 19 found a decline in the overall number of attacks against journalists. There were 155 attacks in 2010 down from 244 in 2009. This does not reflect significant improvement in the situation for media workers in Mexico. Instead, ARTICLE 19’s and CENCOS’ research finds that this decline was linked primarily to a marked increase in self-censorship by journalists and editors, taken as a protective measure against possible future attack.

Statistical analysis undertaken by ARTICLE 19 and Cencos demonstrates that the majority of the attacks against journalists were carried out by government agents. In 49.03% of the assaults, the evidence pointed directly to government agents whereas 26.45% of the assaults could be attributed to organized criminal groups. Nevertheless, since 2009 there has been a drop in the proportion of these assaults committed by government authorities, down from 65% to 49.03%.

The research also found that there had been 6 cases of kidnapping of journalists in 2010, up from just one in the previous year. Five of these victims in 2010 worked for national media companies, including Televisa and Multimedios, and were covering local issues of national interest.

The report on the state of freedom of the press in 2010 also includes for the first time an index of the most dangerous states for journalists in the country which are found to be Guerrero, Michoacan, Coahuila, Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon and Sinaloa. Attacks in these states represented 41.9% (65) of all attacks nationwide and included 8 homicides, and 13 violent attacks against media workers. 

• For more information please contact: Mona Samari, at mona@article19.org
or at +44 20 7324 2500. For interviews in Spanish, please contact Ricardo
Gonzales Bernal, at +52 55 1054 6500.
• For a copy of the executive summary of the report in Spanish, please click on the following link:
http://www.article19.org/pdfs/reports/mexico-resumen-ejecutivo-2011.pdf
• For a full copy of the report in Spanish, please click on the following link:
http://www.articulo19.org/articulo/sites/default/files/documentos/ARTICLE19%20Informe%202010(1).pdf

***04.05.2011. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2011: 21ST CENTURY MEDIA - NEW FRONTIERS, NEW BARRIERS (IFEX)

Last month, Egyptian blogger and activist Maikel Nabil Sanad was sentenced to three years in jail for insulting and publishing false news about the military. His crime was writing a recent blog post that criticised the lack of transparency in the military.

This month, more than 800 participants from around the world are converging in Washington, D.C., to explore the idea that just as new media is being used to promote freedom, regimes are creating ways to suppress online voices. The occasion is UNESCO's World Press Freedom Day, held annually on 3 May, and the theme this year is "21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers". Many IFEX members are in attendance.

"We enjoy unprecedented opportunities for expression thanks to new technologies and media. More and more people are able to share information and exchange views, within and across national borders. This is a blessing for creativity, for healthy societies, for including everyone in new forms of dialogue," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, and Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General, in a joint statement.

In a new report for 3 May, ARTICLE 19 runs with UNESCO's theme and gives us stories of how barriers have crumbled when it comes to free speech and information flow.

For example, 2010 was the year of WikiLeaks, which "revolutionised transnational whistleblowing," said ARTICLE 19. Yes, Twitter was used to organise protests in Tunisia and Egypt, but ARTICLE 19 also points to a group of journalism students in a favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who used Twitter to tell the world that 42 people died in a recent drug raid. @vozdacomunidade provided the only reporting from within the favela.

Thanks to new media, "outrage and embarrassment spread in equal measure, corruption is magnified, people-power amplified, and governments fall," said ARTICLE 19.

But at the same time, "many governments, fearful of this lack of control, are trying hard to restore or fortify barriers to trace, block, target and censor those who champion the truth," said ARTICLE 19. Its report also highlights cases of governments fighting back, from the authorities banning YouTube in Turkey to controlling mobile phone ownership in North Korea.

In a special World Press Freedom Day report, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) assessed the 10 prevailing strategies for online oppression and named which countries lead the way. The techniques go well beyond web censorship. There's state-supported email designed to take over journalists' personal computers in China, the shutting down of anti-censorship technology in Iran, monopolistic control of the Internet in Ethiopia, and carefully timed cyber-attacks on news websites in Belarus.

CPJ says what is most surprising about the 10 online oppressors is not who they are - they are all nations with long records of repression - but how swiftly they adapted old strategies to the online world, like Syria jailing online writers, and violence against bloggers in Russia. As of 1 December, 69 journalists whose work appeared primarily online are in jail, constituting nearly half of all journalists in prison, reports CPJ.

According to Human Rights Watch, Nabil's three-year sentence may be the worst strike against free expression in Egypt since the Mubarak government jailed its first blogger, Kareem Amer, for four years in 2007. The sentence is not only severe, but it was imposed by a military tribunal after an unfair trial.

A new coalition of rights groups in Egypt, including the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), hopes the transitional government will break with these kinds of military trials and other repressive practices of the past. The National Coalition of Media Freedom is using the occasion of World Press Freedom Day to unveil a "Declaration of Media Freedom" - its vision on how to develop and liberate the Egyptian media.

Preparing a defence is the right thing to do, according to Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, especially as we savour recent advances. "For the moment, the forces of freedom have the upper hand. But vigilance is essential before the inevitable reaction," he said.

Roth is urging Facebook and Twitter to join the Global Network Initiative, a voluntary code of conduct developed by Google, Yahoo! and Microsoft in conjunction with Human Rights Watch and other nongovernmental organisations, including IFEX members CPJ, Index on Censorship and the World Press Freedom Committee. The initiative makes it easier for companies to resist demands from governments to reveal the identities of anonymous users or to block discussion of certain topics.

Sympathetic governments also have a role. "Social media companies could better resist repressive demands if acquiescence were prohibited by law," said Roth."These governments should also fund a broad range of technologies and initiatives for circumventing censorship."

"Governments might also look for creative ways to fight censorship, such as including Internet freedom in trade agreements, much as labour rights are now," he added.

On this World Press Freedom Day, "the media revolution is triggering new debates about freedom of expression, about the nature of regulation, about the balance between expression and responsibility," said the UN."We must not shy away from exploring all angles of these questions. We must all rise to the occasion and accept the responsibility of change."

Find out on IFEX's special 3 May website how IFEX members accepted the responsibility and commemorated World Press Freedom Day.

Related stories on ifex.org:
- Human rights defenders, journalists come together to form National Coalition for Media Freedom:
www.ifex.org/egypt/2011/04/13/national_coalition/

- Blogger sentenced to three years in military prison:
www.ifex.org/egypt/2011/04/13/blogger_sentenced/

More on the web:
- IFEX World Press Freedom Day site:
www.ifex.org/wpfd/

- World Press Freedom Day: No Frontiers, New Barriers (ARTICLE 19):
www.article19.org/pdfs/press/world-press-freedom-day-no-frontiers-new-barriers.pdf

- The 10 Tools of Online Oppressors (CPJ):
www.cpj.org/reports/2011/05/the-10-tools-of-online-oppressors.php

- New laws needed to protect social media (Human Rights Watch):
www.hrw.org/en/news/2011/04/15/new-laws-needed-protect-social-media

- Global Network Initiative:
www.globalnetworkinitiative.org/

***03.05.2011. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY. US Ambassador Donahoe Hails Importance of New Media on World Press Freedom Day, Announces Internet Freedom Fellows Program

Statement by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe - U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council
May 3, 2011
The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day – “21st Century Media – New Frontiers, New Barriers” - could not be more appropriate to the transformative crossroads in history at which we stand today. Social media users are playing a major role in the demand for democracy unfolding across the countries of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Around the world, the Internet is a vital medium through which journalists, activists and citizens connect with each other and share stories in ways that are changing their societies. As Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has put it, the Internet is “the public space of the 21st Century.”

This World Press Freedom Day highlights the role of new media at a moment of great challenges but also of much hope and promise. That is why I am particularly proud to announce today the creation of a new program to highlight the innovative use of the Internet in promoting and defending human rights. In June this year, the United States Mission will invite a group of Internet Freedom Fellows to visit Geneva and Washington. The Internet Freedom Fellows will meet with key government, United Nations, and civil society representatives and participate in public discussions to demonstrate at the global level the importance of internet freedom.
The Internet Freedom Fellows program follows up on Secretary Clinton’s pledge to find innovative ways to promote the use of the Internet in support of human rights. It is funded by the Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission in Geneva in cooperation with the Institute for Media Global and Governance (IMGG), a Geneva-based NGO.
Around the world people are using new media in the call for freedom, transparency and greater self determination. We must always remember that it is not the tools, but the courageous people who use them - journalists and reporters and individual citizens – who are the human voice of freedom. In recent weeks we have seen the detention of prominent activists around the world who have made bold and creative use of new media to expose problems in their own societies.
On World Press Freedom, and every day, the United States stands with those
exercising their universal rights and calling for democracy and greater respect for human rights.
(end text)

***02.05.2011. "At this historic juncture, Governments must choose reform over repression”, state UN expert on World Press Freedom Day

The following statement was released by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Frank La Rue, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day (3 May 2011).

We commemorate the World Press Freedom Day* this year against the backdrop of extraordinary events in the Middle East and North Africa. People from all walks of life, in particular the youth, have peacefully and collectively stood up against decades of oppression and denial of basic human rights.

I commend and stand in solidarity with these courageous individuals, including journalists, bloggers, and activists, who have risen above fear to express their legitimate grievances and to demand reforms, democracy and transparency, using at great risk their freedom of expression and new information communication technologies.

At the same time, I am deeply shocked and saddened that thousands of individuals have lost their lives, and journalists, human rights defenders and opposition leaders in particular continue to be targeted in countries such as Libya, Syria, and Yemen. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims and urge authorities to immediately stop any further bloodshed. I call on the international community to respond urgently and effectively to these human rights and humanitarian crises.

I believe that we are currently in a historic moment. Never in the history of humankind have individuals been so interconnected across the globe. Social networking platforms have given individuals the means to share and disseminate information in “real-time”, and have played a key role in the recent demonstrations. As one activist tweeted during the protests in Egypt, “we use Facebook to schedule the protests, Twitter to coordinate, and YouTube to tell the world.”

Indeed, the Internet has become an essential tool to exercise the right to freedom of expression, a topic which is discussed further in my next report to the United Nations Human Rights Council to be presented on 3 June 2011.

At the same time, the power of the Internet to awaken individuals to question and challenge the status quo and to expose corruption and wrongdoing has generated fear among the powerful. As a result, Governments are increasingly censoring information in cyberspace and, in some cases, disconnecting users from Internet access entirely.

Such censorship measures are often combined with age-old tactics of harassment and intimidation, arbitrary arrests, torture and other cruel or inhuman treatment, enforced disappearances and even killings – not only to directly silence dissent, but also to generate a climate of fear within society. I remain deeply concerned about such practices around the world, and in particular the continuing persecution of journalists, bloggers and activists covering the ongoing demonstrations.

On this World Press Freedom Day, I would like to remind all States that the strongest governments are those that allow democratic participation of citizens, and diverse views to be expressed openly. The events in the Middle East and North Africa have shown that it is never a viable long-term option to suppress the voices of the people. They have also served as a reminder that the role of the Government is to serve the people, not those in power.

I therefore call upon all Governments to choose reform over repression, to embrace diverging views, to listen to the people, and to build a strong society based on the consent of the governed, whose freedom of opinion and expression must be upheld.

(*) 3 May was proclaimed World Press Freedom Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. It is a day to commemorate the fundamental principles of press freedom and to assess the state of press freedom worldwide.
For further information on the Special Rapporteur’s mandate, please visit:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/issues/opinion/index.htm
For press inquiries and additional information regarding the visit, please
contact Ms. Momoko Nomura (Tel: +41 22 917 9304 / email: Mnomura@ohchr.org

***02.05.2011. PHILIPPINES. Statement of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day

AS IN THE PAST, WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2011 is being commemorated
after a year (May 2010-May 2011) of global and national turmoil.

Iraq and Afghanistan continued to occupy media attention and to subject journalists to the usual perils of covering conflict areas. Five journalists were killed in Iraq in 2010, and two in Afghanistan.  And while the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa was among the unique characteristics of 2010-2011, the political crises in Egypt, Tunisia. Yemen, Bahrain, Syria and Libya did subject journalists to the same perils of being killed, threatened, harassed or abducted while doing their jobs. Four journalists were killed in Libya, two in Egypt, and several others abducted.

The Philippine media situation has resisted change despite the change of administration in July, 2010.  The Ampatuan Massacre trial  is continuing, but in terms of results has virtually come to a standstill, bogged down in the tedious processes involved in resolving technical issues, even as the killing of journalists has continued, with  eight cases of journalists killed, of which five were work related.

The same ethical and professional shortcomings that have made the media the subject of citizen skepticism and even scorn still haunt media practice, with the performance of the media, whether print, broadcast or online, being uniformly problematic.  Plagiarism was a nagging problem, together with sensationalism, lack of fairness and balance, biased reporting, and corruption.  Problems related to job security, as well as the usual issues of low salaries and limited or non-existent
benefits were also prominent during the May 2010 to May 2011 period.

Attempts to legislate a freedom of information act are continuing even as the 15th Congress pursues efforts to pass a right of reply law initiated by the 14th Congress despite media and press opposition.

While the Aquino administration had pledged to respect press freedom and to stop the killing of journalists, Mr. Aquino has not taken the concrete steps needed to create the conditions necessary to end the culture of impunity. Neither has he been reticent in criticizing the media, at one point accusing them of criminal behavior, later of sensationalism, focusing on his love life,  and  ignoring the
achievements of his administration, while at the same time urging advertisers to advertise only in “responsible media organizations”.

In these circumstances, the tasks of the media advocacy and journalists’ organizations remain as urgent as ever: it is to defend press freedom in difficult circumstances through self-examination, self -regulation and reform.  The process has been difficult and as glacial in pace as everything else has been in the Philippine setting, but it is essential that the effort at self criticism and self regulation for the sake of better media and the defense of press freedom are pursued with renewed vigor and commitment.

***13.04.2011. SYRIA. IFJ Raises Concerns over Arrest of Journalist amid Media Clampdown in Syria

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Syrian authorities to release journalist Mohamad Zaid Mastou, who was arrested on 6 April in Damascus by security agents and taken to an undisclosed location.

“The manner of his arrest and the lack of information about his whereabouts raise concerns for his safety and wellbeing,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. “The Syrian regime must be in no doubt that the world is watching and this latest case of repression of press freedom will not go unnoticed.”

The IFJ has learned that Mastou, a Norwegian national of Syrian Kurdish origin, was in Syria covering the anti-government protests for the Arabic TV Al Arabiya’s website, Arabiya.net when he was arrested last Wednesday. The government agents reportedly used violence to arrest the journalist who was sitting in a cyber café in Damascus before bundling him in a car and driving away. Attempts by his family to find out where he is detained have been in vain as the authorities are refusing to provide any information thereabout.

The IFJ says the arrest of Mastou comes in the wake of a major crackdown on media in Syria as the government attempts to stifle reporting on the widespread protest movement in several cities which have led to clashes between security forces and protesters.

Media freedom organisations reported cases of threats, disappearances and arrests targeting journalists and bloggers who were covering the protests. These include Reuters producer Ayat Basma and cameraman Ezzat Baltaji who went missing on 26 March while journalists Doha Hassan, Zaher Omareen and Mohamed Dibo were arrested over the protests and remain in detention.

The IFJ calls on the international community to monitor violence against media by the Syrian authorities in a desperate attempt to resist the popular uprising demanding political changes in the region and which has already toppled regimes in Tunisia and Egypt.

“The world needs to challenge the Syrian leadership over its brutal repression of democratic debate and press freedom,” added Boumelha. “Journalists must not be scapegoats for the government’s brinkmanship.”

***12.04.2011. SYRIA. The HIGH COMMISSIONER DEEPLY CONCERNED 

We are deeply concerned about reports of the intensification of killings of protestors by security forces in Syria, as well as mass arrests of human rights defenders and the harassment of journalists. A number of journalists, international and Syrian, as well as Syrian bloggers have reportedly been arrested and TV signals suspended of at least one private TV station. Syrian authorities must immediately release journalists detained for doing their jobs and to respect the right to freedom of expression.

The High Commissioner has emphasized to the Syrian authorities that the use of force against peaceful protestors has not quelled discontent anywhere in the region. We urge the authorities to take immediate action to stop the excessive use of force, particularly the use of live ammunition against peaceful protestors.

***31.03.2011. SYRIA UPDATE. The situation for journalists working in Syria continues to be extremely precarious (INSI).

Two Reuters journalists are missing in the country.

Correspondent Suleiman al-Khalidi, a Jordanian national based in Amman, is believed to have been detained by the Syrian authorities in Damascus on Tuesday.
 
Photographer Khaled al-Hariri, a Syrian based in Damascus, has not been in contact with colleagues since Monday. A Syrian official said authorities were working to establish what had happened to the two men.

Their disappearance follows the detention in Syria of two other Reuters journalists, television producer Ayat Basma and cameraman Ezzat Baltaji.

The two, who are both Lebanese, were released and expelled to Lebanon on Monday after being held by Syrian authorities for two days. 

***26.03.2011. SYRIA - Authorities impose news blackout on crackdown in Deraa (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns the censorship that the Syrian authorities have imposed on national and foreign news media seeking to cover events in the southern city of Deraa. The security forces have blocked access to the city so that there is no one to witness their ruthless crackdown on the protests that have been taking place there during the past few days.

Ahmed Hadifa, a 28-year old blogger better known by the blog name of Ahmad Abu Al-Kheir, was arrested again by the security services in Damascus yesterday “because of his activities on Facebook in support of the protests in Deraa.” He was previously held for several days in February without being formally charged.

Maan Aqil, journalist, was detained yesterday after being constantly harassed during the preceding days. Mazen Darwish, the head of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression, was released last night after after being summoned for questioning on 23 March for making statements about the crackdown in Deraa and the recent wave of arrests.

Darwish had already been held for several hours on 16 March after being arrested while attending a peaceful sit-in outside the interior ministry headquarters in Damascus as an observer.

Writer and political activist Louay Hussein was also released last night after being arrested at his home on 22 March because of his online activities in support of the demonstrations and calls for reform.

The authorities blocked distribution of the leading pro-government daily Al-Watan yesterday without giving explanation although it is owned by Rami Makhlouf, a cousin of the president. Media sources blamed the move on an article headlined “The Syrian media are lying to us.” The ban was issued at 6 a.m., just after yesterday’s issue had been printed. The information ministry lifted the ban later in the day, again without any explanation.

The same newspaper had itself been criticising the international media’s coverage of the events in Deraa, accusing them of lying and insisting that everything was calm in Syria. An article in the 24 March issue questioned the peaceful nature of the protest movement and voiced support for the crackdown on the demonstrators.

Reporters Without Borders has learned that a photographer and a freelance video reporter working for Agence France-Presse and an Associated Press photographer were briefly held and roughed up while covering the demonstrations in Deraa on 22 March. Their equipment was seized and was handed back a few hours later. When the AFP journalists tried to return to Deraa the next day, their equipment was again seized. They have not yet been able to recover it.

***23.03.2011. YEMEN. IFJ Blames State Violence over Killing of Journalist in Yemen

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the use of violence which led to the killing of freelance journalist Jamal Shar’abi who was killed on Friday in Taghier Square when gunmen fired on the protesters in the capital Sana’a.
“This killing is the inevitable and tragic end to a terrible seven days for media in Yemen,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “The Government bears a heavy responsibility because of its heavy handed tactics in dealing with protesters that has increased the risks for journalists.”
The news of the journalist’ death followed the expulsions last week of six foreign reporters amid escalating anti-governments protest. Italian photojournalist Marco Di Lauro and his American colleague Patrick Symmes who writes for US travel magazine Outside were detained at the airport in Sana’a as they returned from visiting historic sites and the Socotra Island before being expelled from the country.
In a targeted sweep on foreign reporters, four other journalists were ordered to leave -- Oliver Holmes, a stringer for the Wall Street Journal and Time, Portia Walker, a correspondent of the Washington Post, Haley Sweetland Edwards, of the Los Angeles Times and AOL News and Joshua Maricich, a contributor to various newspapers. According to the international broadcaster Aljazeera, two of its reporters were also deported on Sunday and its office in Sana’a was ransacked by attackers with police looking on.
The IFJ says the attacks on media are also directed at Yemeni journalists
following an attack on the offices of its affiliated organisation in the country, the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate (YJS) by a group of thugs who threatened to burn it down. The Federation wrote on 14 March to President Ali Abdallah Saleh of Yemen to request his urgent intervention to end systematic attacks on journalists.
“The Government has declared war on media and their attacks on journalists
during the unrest signals signal that they are aiming to shut down media and stifle dissent in all its forms,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “Journalists are targets and government scapegoats to cover their own failure to contain the wave of popular protest in favour of political reform. This is a dangerous and ultimately futile policy which will only lead to yet more tragedy unless it is ended now.”

***20.03.2011. IFJ Appoints Female Union Rights Campaigner from Brazil as New General Secretary (see PEC statement on PEC NEWS)

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) this weekend formally endorsed the appointment of Brazilian journalist and union activist Elizabeth Costa as the new General Secretary to replace Aidan White who is standing down at the end of this month after 24 years in the post.
Elizabeth Costa is a veteran campaigner for union rights and press freedom in Latin America and has been a leading force for international solidarity in the Brazilian Federation of Journalists’ Associations (FENAJ). She emerged as the unanimous choice from a strong field of candidates who were interviewed in Brussels last month.
“I welcome the appointment of Beth Costa as the new General Secretary,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. “This is the first time in the history of the IFJ that its General Secretary comes from outside Europe. It is also the first time that the IFJ secretariat is led by a woman. This is indeed proof of the impact of the change and recognition of the IFJ as a truly global federation of unions.”
Beth Costa has a strong background in trade unionism and journalism. She worked as a Television journalist in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo for over twenty years. She also held senior positions in the FENAJ where she served as President from 1998 to 2004, becoming the first woman President of the Federation since its inception in 1946. She was also a member of the IFJ Executive Committee from 2001 to 2004.
“The IFJ is in a transition to a more inclusive organisation which empowers its regions in its projects work and representation,” said Elisabeth Costa, the new IFJ General Secretary. “ I look forward to implementing the resolutions from the World Congress in Cadiz and to further strengthening the reach of the IFJ as a global voice of journalists.”
The outgoing General Secretary, Aidan White, said the challenges for journalists across the globe have intensified, especially in the Middle East and called for renewed solidarity in addressing them.
“The period we are now entering is a challenging endeavor but, with a new
dynamic General Secretary, staff and the Executive working hand in hand, I hope very much that the IFJ will respond to show that our leadership of the global journalism is in good hands.”
For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents more than 600.000 members in 125 countries

***16.03.2011. BAHRAIN. IFJ Concerned over New Media Crisis in Bahrain

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the
escalation of violence against media in Bahrain after photographer Mohammed Almoukhraq was assaulted by security forces while covering anti-government protests in the capital, Manama on Sunday. Last night, the Al–Wasat newspaper headquarters were also attacked.
“These incidents illustrate a crisis for media and democracy in Bahrain,” said IFJ President, Jim Boumelha. “The government must give guarantees that journalists will be able to operate freely and safely despite the Declaration of a State of Emergency.”
According to Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA), an IFJ affiliate, photographer Almoukhraq was set upon on Sunday by security forces and plainclothes officers who beat him up and broke his camera and mobile phone.
In a separate incident, the headquarters of the Al-Wasat newspaper in Manama came under attack last night by unknown assailants.
The BJA condemned the assault on Almoukhraq and the attack on offices of
Al –Wasat newspaper and demanded a thorough investigation into these incidents to hold perpetrators accountable. In a statement, the BJA leadership called on “all stakeholders to allow the press to perform its mission.”
The IFJ backs the BJA demands and says the Government of Bahrain has the
primary responsibility to protect journalists who are covering an increasingly violent situation.
“We call on the authorities to order security forces to stop attacking journalists and to protect all media professionals from violent groups,” added Boumelha. “Journalists must not be targeted and media must not be made scapegoats for this political crisis.”

***15.03.2011. TURKEY. UN RIGHTS OFFICE CALLS ON TURKEY TO ENSURE PRESS FREEDOM AFTER JOURNALISTS’ ARREST
New York, Mar 15 2011 10:10AM
The United Nations human rights arm today called on Turkey to guarantee
freedom of opinion and expression, voicing serious concerns at the recent imprisonment of journalists on charges of involvement in a conspiracy allegedly designed to overthrow the Government.

“If there are genuine reasons to suppose that any journalists have committed crimes outside the scope of their journalistic work, then those reasons should be transparent to the journalists themselves, to their defence lawyers and to the rest of us,” UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesperson Rupert Colville told a news briefing in Geneva, noting the secrecy order surrounding the investigation.

“Otherwise, inevitably, suspicions will continue to mount that these arrests are politically motivated,” he said, calling on the Government to comply with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and ensure that journalists are not prosecuted and imprisoned because of their journalistic work and critical reporting.

On 3 March, nine Turkish journalists and writers were detained by the police on accusations of involvement in a conspiracy and detained under an order from an Istanbul court authorizing their police detention for questioning “on suspicion of being members of the Ergenekon terrorist organization and of spreading hatred and enmity among the population.”

Those detained included Ahmet Sik and Nedim Sener, two prominent journalists known for critical reporting on the Turkish criminal justice system and police. Mr. Sener works for the daily newspaper <em>Milliyet<./em>, and Mr. Sik is the co-author of a book about the Ergenekon investigation and trials.

The others detained were Professor Yalçin Küçük, a writer and a prominent
critic of the governing party, who is already on trial for alleged connections with Ergenekon, and six employees of odaTV.com which is an opposition news website – Sait Çakir, Dogan Yurdakul, Mumtaz Idil, Coskun Musluk, Müyesser Yildiz and Iklim Bayraktar.

After being brought before prosecutors and formally charged with being members of the Ergenekon organisation, Mr. Sik and Mr. Sener were imprisoned on 6 March, to await trial. Mr. Küçük and four more journalists were imprisoned on the following day.

“The investigation is subject to a secrecy order, so the full details of the alleged evidence justifying the investigation and detention of the journalists is not publicly available,” Mr. Colville said. “It is not yet clear whether those detained are under investigation for their legitimate activities relating to their professional duties as journalists and broadcasters, or whether there is other evidence against them unrelated to their work as journalists.”

***14.03.2011. LIBYA. IFJ Warns over Safety as Journalist is Killed in Libya

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today warned that journalists working in Libya are facing acute dangers after an Al Jazeera cameraman was killed in what appears to have been an ambush near Benghazi, the country’s second city which is held by rebels opposed to the Government.
The death was reported as a Brazilian reporter who was freed from detention in Libya urged Mohammar Gaddafi's government to release a colleague from a British newspaper who is still held. Andrei Netto, a correspondent for Brazil's Estado de S. Paulo, fears for the fate of his colleague Ghaith Abdul-Ahad, an Iraqi national working for The Guardian who was detained with him.
The IFJ and its Iraqi affiliate are calling for the Gaddafi government to release the journalist who has been missing since March 6.
The first media death reported in Libya is that of Ali Hassan Al Jaber who was shot while returning to Benghazi from a nearby town after filing a report for Aljazeera from an opposition protest. Unknown fighters opened fire on a car he and his colleagues were travelling in.
“The crisis in Libya is intensifying and the risks to journalists are increasing by the hour,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “As government forces turn their fire on Benghazi we can expect that journalists reporting from the city will face extraordinary threats. It’s important that media act to protect their staff.”
The IFJ says that media must heed warnings being issued by the International News Safety Institute which yesterday warned that journalists need to be increasingly aware of the risks to them particularly as there is antipathy towards foreign news crews.
“We see hostility to journalists from all sides in this volatile situation,” said White. “All reporters are at risk, but foreign media staff face particular problems.”
Last week the IFJ condemned government attacks on media which may be contributing to a hostile atmosphere.
“We mourn the loss of our colleague in Benghazi and we do not want more casualties,” said White. “All sides must respect the rights of unarmed media staff that is why we urge the government to release the detained Guardian journalist and to allow all media to report freely.”

****02.03.2011. CHINA. More Crackdown Incidents; Authorities Use Force to Prevent Reporting of Jasmine Rallies (HRIC)

In an effort to stamp out any possible Jasmine Rally activities, the Chinese authorities continue to crack down on Chinese rights activists and lawyers, and resorted to violence against foreign journalists that marks an escalation of media censorship in China.

Since our February 23 press release, Human Rights in China (HRIC) has received information on 19 additional incidents of detention, house arrest, and other forms of harassment in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou. Many continue to be detained without any formal notification to their families of their detention.

In an episode that took place in Beijing last Sunday, February 27, which shook the foreign press community in China and the international community, police in the Wangfujing Street shopping district – a designated Jasmine Rallies location – roughed up, beat, kicked, and detained the reporters and camera crew members of at least 16 foreign media outlets, including Bloomberg, BBC, CNN, and Voice of America, and erased their photos and videos. 
 
On Tuesday, March 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) defended the police actions on Sunday. At a press conference, MFA spokesperson Jiang Yu (姜瑜) said that the journalists gathering in a busy business district “affected social order” and that “the police of Beijing properly handled the incident in Wangfujing.” 
 
The police brutality was accompanied by a series of official actions that undermine the relaxation of restrictions on foreign journalists begun at the end of 2008. In the press conference, Jiang pointed to a rule requiring that journalists seek approval from the local district authorities before reporting in the Wangfujing Street shopping district. The cited rule raises concerns about effectiveness of the 2008 regulations, which ended the requirement of official approval before foreign journalists could conduct interviews as long as they have the consent of the individuals interviewed. 
 
On Wednesday, March 2, the BBC Chinese language service reported that more than a dozen foreign journalists in Beijing were summoned to the Public Security Bureau earlier in the day. They were told that if they attempt to cover the Jasmine Rally this upcoming Sunday, March 6, they will have problems renewing their visas. They were also told that going forward they must seek approval before reporting in certain Beijing areas, including Wangfujing, so that the streets can be kept clear of congestion. 
 
Last week, Boxun, a major U.S.-based Chinese news website that had posted several notices about the Jasmine Rallies, announced that it had been attacked and that, “under tremendous pressure,” it would no longer post information relating to the Jasmine Rallies because “the dissemination of information about the Jasmine Rallies has brought harm to countless innocent Chinese activists and netizens.” 
 
“The police attack on journalists who were simply doing their jobs shows that the Chinese authorities are so fearful of losing control that they are willing to pay the price of exposing themselves as thugs and bullies in photos and videos that are going around the world,” said Sharon Hom, HRIC Executive Director. 
 
HRIC urges the international community to firmly support independence of the media in China. HRIC also urges the Chinese government to investigate the incidents of violence against foreign journalists, stop the intimidation of journalists, and release all persons taken into custody or detained as part of the efforts to prevent them from participating in the Jasmine Rallies.

For more information on the Jasmine Rallies, see: 

Videos of Reporters Being Beaten and Harassed

·         Damian Grammaticas, “Calls for Protests in China Met with Brutality,” British Broadcasting Corporation, February 27, 2011

·         Peter Simpson, “Heavy Police Presence Thwarts Call for Protests in China,” Voice of America, February 27, 2011

·         Eunice Yoon, “Getting Harassed by the Chinese Police,” Business 360 (Cable News Network), February 28, 2011
 
HRIC Press Releases

·         “Heavy Charges for Chinese Activists; HRIC Urges Support from International Community,” February 25, 2011

·         “Lawyers and Activists Detained, Summoned, and Harassed in ‘Jasmine Rallies’ Crackdown,” February 23, 2011

·         “Jasmine Organizers Call for Rallies Every Sunday,” February 22, 2011
 
HRIC Video Commentary

·         HRIC Guest Commentary: Wan Yanhai on Jasmine Rallies and 1989, March 1, 2011

·         HRIC Commentary: Gao Wenqian on "Subversion" Charges in Advance of February 27 Jasmine Rallies, February 27, 2011

·         HRIC Guest Commentary: Jerome A. Cohen on the Jasmine Revolution, February 24, 2011

·         HRIC Commentary: Gao Wenqian on the Jasmine Revolution, February 22, 2011
 

***01.03.2011. YEMEN. Yemen: UN human rights chief warns against use of force

GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Tuesday warned Yemeni authorities against violent repression of planned mass peaceful protests, and called on the Government to protect the rights of demonstrators and journalists under international law.

Noting reports that opposition protestors have called for a “Day of Anger” today, the High Commissioner urged all parties to exercise restraint and to respect the right to life and the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

“People have the legitimate right to express their grievances and demands to their Government,” she said, denouncing previous violence against protestors in Yemen which is reported to have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries.

“We have seen over and over again in the past few weeks that violent responses, in breach of international law, do not make the protestors go away and only serve to exacerbate their frustration and anger,” Pillay added.

The High Commissioner also cited reports of attacks, intimidation and harassment against local and international journalists covering the protests, as well as the arrest and detention of journalists and human rights defenders. She was particularly concerned about reports of enforced disappearances of political activists and called for immediate clarification on the whereabouts of individuals recently transferred to Sanaa from Aden.

“The authorities must release all individuals arrested for demonstrating peacefully, and human rights defenders and journalists must be protected as they carry out their important work,” she said.

“Those who are responsible for public security must understand that their actions are governed by international law and they can be held personally accountable for breaches. As a general rule, army units with no training or equipment to deal with street protests should not be deployed in cities. If there is no alternative, they should be under the tight control of qualified officers.”

Pillay also called on the opposition protestors not to resort to violence. She further expressed concern that medical personnel were allegedly denied access to treat injured protestors during earlier protests.

She called for a meaningful, broad and inclusive dialogue in Yemen to chart a way forward that respects the human rights aspirations of the people.

“Across the Middle East and North Africa, people have been taking their
governments to task. The only way forward is to listen to them and grant them their due rights to participate in the decisions that deeply affect their lives,” she said.

***01.03.2011. IRAQ. Action call after “black day” for media freedom (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders urged the Iraqi government today to allow journalists to do their job freely and to make every effort to ensure their physical safety after what it called “one of the blackest days for media freedom” in the country since US combat troops left last August.

Journalists were “attacked and illegally and summarily arrested” by police and soldiers who were “supposed to protect them” during demonstrations to mark the 25 February “day of rage” in many cities, including Baghdad, Karbala, Mosul and Basra, the organisation’s secretary-general, Jean-François Julliard, said.

He urged the government to investigate all the abuses and punish those responsible as a matter of course.

The army had two days earlier banned the live televising of the Baghdad protest. (http://en.rsf.org/iraq-authorities-prohibit-live-24-02-2011,39626.html)

Police sealed off Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, where the city’s demonstration took place, and helicopters were used to help block access.
 Cameramen from Al-Baghdadiya and d’Al-Sharqiya were arrested while filming security forces firing assault weapons and using tear gas to disperse protesters.
 A cameraman from the satellite TV station Faiha injured his hand when he was attacked by security forces.
 Journalist Seif Al-Khayat was run over by a police car.
 Police raided and searched the premises of the TV station Al-Diyar, which was covering the demonstrations from the roof of its building. Reporter Ali Al-’Ainbaki and nine technicians were arrested and the station went off the air.
 Two journalists from the satellite TV station Al-Sumariya, Idris Jawad and Sanan Adnan, along with cameramen Satar Muhammed Abdul and Safa Hatem, were arrested after reporting on the protest. They were accused of participating in and helping to organise it and were held for several hours at the Al-Rusafa operations centre (eastern Baghdad).
 Thaier Al-Sudani, a Reuters photographer, and Ahmad Al-Rubaie, of Agence France-Presse, were also arrested.
 Cameraman Imed Hamed, of satellite TV station Al-Hurra, and his assistant Mustafa Kazem were arrested by riot police in Baghdad and their cameras and recordings seized.
 After the demonstration, agents of the 11th intelligence police division burst into the Al-Taraf restaurant in central Baghdad and arrested four journalists – Hussam Serail (a reporter with Al-Sabah), Ali Abdul Sada (Al-Mada), Hadi Al-Mahdi (a presenter with Radio Demozy) and Ali Sumerian (of Al-Sabah). They were insulted and punched and then taken to division headquarters at the former defence ministry building. They were handcuffed, blindfolded, beaten and threatened for several hours before being released.

In Karbala, Reuters correspondent Mushtaq Muhammad was hospitalised with serious head injuries after a policeman clubbed him while he filmed the protests. His camera was destroyed. The provincial chief minister apologised to him and the news agency after investigating the incident. The journalist called for an example to be made of the policeman to ensure such an incident did not happen again.

Riot police in Karbala also beat and insulted crews from TV stations Afaq TV and Al-Salam TV and seized their recordings.   Reporter Ahmed Hiyali, of Radio Sawa, was badly beaten by a special police unit in Mosul and prevented from covering the protests there. A colleague, Adel Sayegh, of the TV station Al-Salah A-Din, said Hiyali was repeatedly hit before being taken to the provincial assembly building.

Soldiers confiscated cameras and recordings from several journalists covering the protests in Basra. Radio Dijla reporter Mohammed Al-Jabri was insulted and also beaten with a rifle butt.

The journalist Muntazer Al-Zaidi, famous for throwing a shoe at US President George Bush in 2008, was arrested on 24 February while trying to hold a press conference in front of the Abu Hanifa mosque in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah neighbourhood. He was subsequently released.

A total of 23 journalists jointly announced on 27 February they would boycott the offices of prime minister Nuri-Al-Maliki and the Baghdad military commander in protest against the violence against journalists by the security forces and their arbitrary attempts to prevent coverage of the demonstrations. In an open letter, they demanded official apologies and an immediate halt to attacks on the media.

Gen. Qassem Atta, spokesman for the Baghdad military chief, duly apologised and said the attacks on freedom of expression were “unintentional.” In response to a question from a cameraman with the satellite TV station Turkmen Illy during a news conference yesterday, Prime Minister Maliki apologized to journalists for the violence used by the security forces and promised both sanctions and reforms.

Mohammed Al-Hamdani, a correspondent for the satellite TV station Al-Itijah, was meanwhile killed in a suicide bombing in Ramadi, the capital of Al-Anbar province (110 km west of Baghdad) on 24 February. Ahmed Abdul Salam, a journalist working for the satellite TV station Al-Aan, was wounded by the same explosion. The bombing was at the House of Culture in the neighbourhood known as 17 Tammuz, where a religious festivity was being held. The overall toll was 14 dead and 23 wounded, including the journalists covering the event.

***26.02.2011. Iraq cracks down on media; violations in Yemen, Libya Military forces rounded up journalists in Baghdad's Tahrir Square.

(AP/Karim Kadim)New York, February 25, 2011--The Committee to protect Journalists documented additional attacks today in Iraq, Yemen, and Libya as journalists tried to cover anti-government protests.

Iraqi authorities cracked down on media: Security forces stormed a satellite TV office, detained dozens of journalists, and confiscated equipment, according to local journalists and news reports. In Yemen, at least four journalists were detained today, according to local journalists, and Al-Jazeera reported that its crew was prevented from covering demonstrations in Sana'a. Libyan border patrols confiscated cameras and SIM cards of journalists entering Libya from Tunisia, according to news reports. "The media in the Middle East have long been under pressure from authoritarian governments but what we are witnessing now is a marked escalation in repression," said Robert Mahoney, CPJ's deputy director. "We are particularly disturbed that a democratically elected government such as that of Iraq would attempt to quash coverage of political protests. We call on Baghdad to honor its commitments to respect media freedom."

Security forces prohibited cameras from entering Baghdad's Tahrir Square, where there were thousands of people protesting, according to news reports and local journalists. Police confiscated tapes that reporters managed to shoot in the square, according to Al-Jazeera.

Al-Jazeera reported that dozens of journalists were detained in central Baghdad today. Four journalists for Iraqi news outlets, Husam Serail, a reporter for Al-Sabah newspaper, Ali Abdul Sada, a reporter for Al-Mada newspaper, Hadi al-Mahdi, an anchor for Radio Demozy, and Ali Sumerian, an editor for Al-Sabah, were arrested, according to news reports. They were taken to an unknown location, local journalists told Al-Sumaria News website. The journalists said "a military force raided Al-Taraf restaurant in downtown Baghdad and arrested the four journalists after beating them."

Military and security forces detained Al-Sumaria News photographers Ali Jasem and Safa Hatim, and correspondents Sinan Adan and Idriss Jawad while they were covering demonstrations in Baghdad, according to Al-Sumaria News. Anti-riot forces also raided the offices of Al-Diyar satellite TV station in Baghdad and detained 10 of its staff members for three hours, according to Al-Diyar's website. In the afternoon, anti-riot police stormed the office for a second time, prohibited the staff from entering the building, and detained at least three more employees.

Niyaz Abdulla, a correspondent for Radio Nawa and a volunteer for Metro Center, a local press freedom group, was assaulted today while covering demonstrations in Erbil. "I was on the air when a plainclothes security officer came and started threatening me," she told CPJ. The officer threatened to call over men to attack her, alluding to a potential sexual assault. "I stayed calm but it was very disturbing," Abdulla said. She added that two of her colleagues had their cameras confiscated while they were covering the demonstration.

In Karbala, anti-riot forces attacked Afaq and Al-Salam satellite channels crews, according to news reports. "They were beaten and cursed at while they were covering the march in Karbala," Jihad Jaafar, a correspondent for Afaq channel told Noun. He added that the tapes of the crews were confiscated.

In Yemen, security forces attacked an unidentified cameraman for Suhail opposition TV channel and detained at least four journalists while they were covering demonstrations in Al-Mansoura in Aden Governorate, local journalists told CPJ. Security forces detained freelance journalists Marzouq Yasin, Abdel Rahman Anis, Bassim al-Shaabi, and Fares al-Jalal, while they were covering protests in Mansoura for various websites. Security forces also prevented an Al-Jazeera crew from reaching the demonstrations near Sana'a University, the Qatar-based station reported.

In Libya, foreign journalists entering the country from Tunisia tweeted that their cameras, hard drives, and SIM cards were confiscated by border patrol guards. Paul Danahar, a BBC journalist reporting from Tunisia-Libya border, said that Suresh Kothia, "an Indian who just arrived from Libya," told him that "at the last checkpoint the Libyan army took everyone's phone SIM cards and computer hard drives to stop images of the uprising getting out." Kothia told Danahar that equipment was broken and thrown to the ground. 

***15.02.2011. IRAN. IFJ Condemns New Wave of Journalists' Arrests in Iran

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused Iranian authorities of targeting media amid signs of solidarity in the country with protests which toppled regimes in Egypt and Tunisia. At least four journalists working for reformist newspaper were arrested last week ahead of demonstrations called by the opposition to support recent popular uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.

"The Iranian regime is attempting to intimidate journalists out of fear for the publicity anti governments protests have had in the Middle East," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Gagging media is further proof that the authorities are failing to heed calls for democratic change in the region."

According to the Association of Iranian Journalists (AoIJ), an IFJ affiliate, security forces arrested on Friday two journalists, Nazhat Amirabadian and Maziar Khosravi , working for Shargh, the only remaining reformist newspaper in Iran. On Sunday night, the authorities arrested Abodalah Naseri, former head of Iranian news agency(IRNA) under President Khatami's rule. Four more journalists, Omid Mohaddes, Taghi Rahmani, Meysam Mohammadi and Sadredin Beheshti Shirazi were detained early last week for questioning.

These arrests followed the call by Iranian political opposition for demonstration yesterday 14 February in solidarity with people in Tunisia and Egypt who have forced former presidents Ben Ali and Hosni Mubarak to step down. Media reports say the authorities have blocked access to internet sites and started jamming satellite news channels.

The AoIJ says that at least 34 journalists remain in prison, including two women Nazanin Khosravani and Hengameh Shahidi. Khosravani faces charges of "acting against national security, propaganda against the Islamic Republic and disturbing public opinion", says the AoIJ.

The IFJ accuses the Iranian authorities of seeking to blame the media for the public opinion which has largely been critical of the leadership since the disputed presidential poll of June 2009.

"The authorities must respect journalists' independence and stop making them scape goats," added White. "It is time to release all our colleagues."

***14.02.2011. AFGHANISTAN - IFJ Praises Courage of Photojournalist Severely Wounded While Reporting Afghanistan War

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), its European group the
European Federation of Journalists( EFJ) and its affiliate the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) are shocked and saddened to learn that a British photojournalist was severely injured after stepping on a makeshift bomb in southern Afghanistan.
Giles Duley, a freelance photographer associated with the Camera Press Agency in London, was on a foot patrol with Afghan and American soldiers on February 7 near the village of Sangsar, in rural Kandahar Province, when he stepped on a pressure-plate that detonated a hidden explosive charge, The New York Times reported today.
Duley, 39, suffered multiple amputations as a result of the blast, losing one leg below the knee, one leg above the knee and his left arm was severed above the elbow, the report said. He also suffered a range of superficial wounds and a finger on his right hand was fractured.
The photojournalist was working alongside soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment who were clearing a compound at the time of the incident. It was the first time Duley had covered military operations, having arrived in Afghanistan only two weeks earlier.
“The IFJ applauds the courage of Giles Duley and many others like him who
expose themselves to extreme personal risk in order to report the grim realities of war,” IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.
“The IFJ sends its best wishes to our colleague for as speedy a recovery as is possible, given the extent of his injuries.”
Duley spent a decade as an editorial photographer in the fashion and music
industries, with his exhibited and published around the world in publications such as Vogue, GQ, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Sunday Times and New Statesman. In recent years he has concentrated on humanitarian projects, working with charities such as Médecins sans Frontiers.
New York Times photographer Joao Silva stepped on an anti-personnel landmine in October in southern Afghanistan, losing both legs and sustaining other injuries in the blast.

***14.02.2011. 17 Palestinian NGOs announced yesterday that they are forming a coalition to defend freedom of expression in oPt

17 Palestinian human rights, women, media and youth organizations announced yesterday that they will be joining forces to form a coalition focused on defending freedom of expression in the occupied Palestinian territories, with press freedoms at the top of the agenda.

Initiated by the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA), participating organizations agreed to form a coalition after holding a number of preliminary meetings in Ramallah and Gaza in the start of 2011.

All of the involved organizations believe in the importance of a joint effort lead by civil society institutions to develop respect for freedom of expression in the oPt, as guaranteed by article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Palestinian Basic Law, in harmony with their role in enhancing democracy and human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories and preserving freedom of expression, especially in the continual violation against Palestinian rights and freedom of expression from the Israeli occupation forces and Israeli settlers who
committed the most of violations, in addition to the violations committed by several Palestinian parts in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The coalition will implement numerous initiatives to achieve its goals in cooperating with all concerned parties to advance freedom of expression in oPt. The coalition membership will be open to civil society organizations and active persons in this field.

Participating institutions in the Freedom of expression coalition:

1- Al- Haq-Law in the Service of Man
2- Aldameer Association for Human Rights
3- Creative Women Forum
4- Center for the Defense of Liberties and Civil Rights (hurryyat)
5- Media Development Center /Birzeit University
6- Observatory of the Arab World to Democracy and Elections(MARSAD)
7- Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA)
8- Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR)
9- Palestine News Network (PNN)
10- Pen Media
11- Palestinian Institute for Communication and Development
12- Ramallah Center for Human Rights Studies (RCHRS)
13- Women journalists South Forum
14- Sharek Youth Forum
15- Treatment and Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture (TRC)
16- Women’s Affairs Technical Committee
17- Hureya Media Center

***11.02.2011. Extraordinary Historical Moment and Opportunity for Egypt

London, 11.02.2011: As Hosni Mubarak’s resignation is announced, ARTICLE 19 calls on the transitional government to abide by the will of the Egyptian people and instigate swift democratic reforms, including an immediate end to censorship of the media and the release of political prisoners.

“Tunisia and Egypt have shown the way toward liberty in the Middle East. The people have spoken out – women, young people, men, overcoming fears, denouncing oppression, human rights violations and corruption, and demanding democratic reforms. This is an extraordinary moment for Egypt – it should quickly and swiftly be translated into an opportunity for real and in-depth reforms and changes. A pathway paved with full protection for human rights, including freedom of expression, is the only way forward for a stable, confident and just Egypt.” says Dr Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.

18 days of mostly non-violent protests have brought to an end the 30 year
dictatorship of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak who has finally step down as president of Egypt today. The Military Council is said to have provisionally taken power.

Triggered by protests in Tunisia, which resulted in the toppling of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, protesters across much of Egypt over the last 18 days have called for reform and for Mubarak to leave. Demonstrations have also taken place across the Middle East and North Africa.

There have been widespread allegations of human rights violations and disappearances during the protests, and many journalists and human rights
defenders have been detained. Accusations of torture of protesters are beginning to emerge, as more and more people feel safer to come forward to tell their stories.

ARTICLE 19 calls for the process of democratic and human rights reform to begin immediately. All imprisoned peaceful protesters and political prisoners, including journalists, should be released. The authorities should immediately investigate and disclose the fate and whereabouts all those who are missing, and immediately inform their families.

The transition and reform processes require, and should be based on, freedom of expression and freedom of the press, transparency, and the ability of all Egyptians, men and women, religious and other minorities and vulnerable groups, to speak out and participate equally and without fear in the reform process and the democratic running of their country.

ARTICLE 19 also urges Egypt’s neighbours to take heed of the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia and immediately begin a process of real democratisation. In the words of Polish Nobel peace prize winner Lech Wałęsa, “You have no chance to win. The only choice you have is between defeat with bloodshed and defeat without".

***09.02.2011. IFJ Condemns Internet Censorship in Jordan

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused the Jordanian government of stifling calls for democratic change after the country’s intelligence service disabled a news website and removed a letter to the King demanding political reforms.
The IFJ backed protests by journalists’ leaders and others who joined a protest after the country’s biggest news website http://www.ammonnews.net/
was hacked into and a report over the letter was taken down. Leaders of
the IFJ affiliate, the Jordanian Press Association(JPA), joined the demonstration which was held outside the union offices in central Amman.
“This is a sinister development that shows how vulnerable free speech on the internet has become to spooks and censors from inside government,” said Aidan White IFJ General Secretary. “We support the rights of journalists across all sectors of the media to publish freely. This incident is shocking evidence of political interference in the democratic process.”
The IFJ says that it will support the Jordan Press Association and its members who demand that journalists are allowed to work without restraint, particularly when voices calling for political change are being heard across the Arab world and in Jordan itself.
“This is a momentous time when the people have a right to know and a right
to participate in debates about the future,” said White. “It is not for government and their security people to try to censor legitimate comment.”

***04.02.2011. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) joigned the call of around 60 organisations worldwide on Egypt to protect freedom of expression and the right to information

Civil society organisations around the world are calling on Egyptian and international bodies to respect freedom of expression and the right to information.

We, the undersigned civil society organisations working to promote freedom of expression around the world, condemn the serious violations of human rights taking place at this critical moment in Egypt. Since pro-democracy activists first began popular protest across Egypt on 25 January, there have been at least three hundred deaths, incidents of physical attacks and brutality, often involving live fire, and arbitrary arrests and detentions of protestors and journalists. The government has also restricted access to the internet, withdrawn mobile phone services and placed restrictions on independent media.

These measures have had the effect of silencing and suppressing the speech of legitimate protestors and presented significant obstacles to many others, both inside and outside the country, who wish to access or share information about the demonstrations and the human rights abuses that have occurred during this period. Egypt's total censorship of the internet and mobile communications also stands to encourage other governments in the region and beyond to take similar action.

In our opinion, the Egyptian authorities are in violation of the state's
international human rights obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights with respect to the right to freedom of expression and the right to information as well as the right to freedom of assembly and association, the right to liberty, the right to life and the right not to be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

As massive rallies take place across Egypt, we call upon the Egyptian state authorities, including the national government, police, security and armed forces to:

• Remove any remaining limitations on access to the internet and mobile
communications and refrain from imposing any such restrictions • Remove all restrictions on independent media and release all journalists and lawful protestors who have been detained • Respect Egypt's international legal obligations in policing the protests and only use force that is reasonable, proportionate and genuinely aimed at preventing crimes • Ensure that there are independent and effective investigations into allegations of killings, attacks or threats by state agents • Immediately repeal state emergency laws.

We further call upon influential states, intergovernmental and regional organisations, including the United Nations, African Union and the European Union to:

• Condemn all violations of human rights by Egyptian state authorities
during this period of popular unrest in Egypt • Exert pressure on Egypt to remove any remaining limitations on access to the internet and mobile communications and refrain from imposing any such restrictions • Exert pressure on the Egyptian state authorities to respect human rights, in particular the right to freedom of expression and the right to information • Support a smooth transition in Egypt to a system that embraces democracy, the rule of law and human rights.

We will continue to closely monitor the events in Egypt as they unfold.
Signed,

Adil Soz - International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech
Andean Foundation for Media Observation & Study
Arab Archives Institute
ARTICLE 19
Association of Caribbean Media Workers
Association of Independent Electronic Media
Bahrain Center for Human Rights
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Cartoonists Rights Network International
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility
Center for Media Studies & Peace Building
Centre for Independent Journalism
Democracy Coalition Project (DCP)
Fojo Media Institute
Foundation for Press Freedom
freeDimensional and the Creative Resistance Fund
Freedom Forum
Freedom House
Free Media Movement
Globe International
Hong Kong Journalists Association
Human Rights Network for Journalists
Independent Journalism Center
Index on Censorship
Initiative for Freedom of Expression
Institute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information
Institute of Mass Information
Instituto Prensa y Sociedad
Instituto Prensa y Sociedad de Venezuela
International Federation of Journalists
International Media Support (IMS)
International Press Institute
International Publishers Association
Maharat Foundation (Skills Foundation)
Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Media Foundation for West Africa
Media Institute of Southern Africa
Mizzima News
National Press Association
National Union of Somali Journalists
Observatoire pour la liberté de presse, d'édition et de création
Observatorio Latinoamericano para la Libertad de Expresión
Pacific Freedom Forum
Pacific Islands News Association
Pakistan Press Foundation
Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms
PEN Canada
Privacy International
Public Association "Journalists"
Reporters Without Borders
SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom (Samir Kassir Eyes)
Southeast Asian Press Alliance
Thai Journalists Association
World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters
Writers in Prison Committee, PEN International

***02.02.2011. EGYPT - INSI Advisory - News crews in Egypt facing increasing threats to their safety

News crews covering the violent clashes in Egypt are facing increased threats to their safety, amid reports that a growing number are being targeted by protesters loyal to President Hosni Mubarak, angry at the foreign media's coverage of the situation in the country.

Al Jazeera has had its offices in the country closed, while Al Arabiya reported that one of its correspondents, Ahmed Bagatu, was injured.
But, even though some government supporters are said to have been carrying
placards saying 'Down with Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, other non-Arab news
organisations have been attacked.
The Associated Press said two of its correspondents had been "roughed up"
by the crowd.
A Belgian reporter on Wednesday was arrested, beaten and accused of being
a spy by men in plain clothes in the central Cairo neighborhood of Choubra.
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that four Israeli reporters had
also been arrested.
CNN reported that an Egyptian reporter for Al-Arabiya went missing. He was beaten and handed over to Egyptian military. It said that journalists from the BBC, ABC News and CNN were also attacked. Among them were CNN's Hala Gorani and Anderson Cooper, who said he was hit on the head by a protester.
Hala Gorani was quoted as saying, "I got slammed against the gates and was
threatened by one of the pro-Mubarak protesters who was ... telling me to
'get out, get out!' and saying it very close to my face. The pro-Mubaraks,
whoever they are, whoever sent them, are being threatening toward camera
crews, journalists, anybody who looks like they may be onlookers. Some of
the elements there are rather thuggish and they seem to be intent on
causing trouble."
NBC News' Richard Engel said, in a message on Twitter, that journalists in
Cairo had been "mobbed on the streets" by people angry with foreign press
coverage.
A spokesman for the US State Department PJ Crowley also took to Twitter to
say it was "concerned about detentions and attacks" on the media, saying
that "the civil society that Egypt wants to build includes a free press"

INSI advises all journalists covering civil disturbances to plan accordingly and take appropriate precautions. The following information may help:
CIVIL DISTURBANCE CHECKLIST
• Plan in advance
• Establish pre-arranged contact points with the rest of your team
(photographer, camera operator, producer, etc.) if you are separating
• Always carry press identification but conceal it if it attracts unwarranted attention
• Bring a cellular phone with emergency numbers pre-set for speed dialling
• Position yourself upwind if there is a possibility that tear gas will be used
• Bring eye protection such as swimming goggles or industrial eye protection
• Carry first aid kits and know how to use them
• Wear loose natural fabric clothing as this will not burn as readily as
synthetic ones; remember there is always the possibility of gasoline bombs
being exploded
• Carry a small backpack with enough food and water to last for a day in
case you are unable to get out of the area
• If you are a reporter you don’t have to be in the crowd as long as you
can see what’s happening
• If you are a photographer or camera operator, try to shoot from a higher
vantage point
The use of flats and buildings to report is common-place, but ensure exit
is possible and does not become obstructed.
• Work with the team and keep a mental map of your escape route if things
turn bad
• Have an immediate newsroom debriefing after the coverage to extract
lessons from the coverage
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
1. Baseball Bump cap (Head Protection in style of Baseball Cap)
2. Standard Eyeshields
3. Goggles (Protection against Tear Gas)
4. Footwear -- boots with non-stick sole and ankle protection
5. Personal First Aid Kit
6. Knee Pads
7. Ear Plugs

Also consider:
1. Stab Resistant Vest
2. Flame Retardant Spray
3. Flame retardant Underwear
4. Steel Toe Cap Footwear
5. Hi-Visibility Vest
6. Hand Protection

***31.01.2011. IFJ Condemns “Desperate Tactics” as Egypt Targets Media

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on Egypt to end the crackdown on journalism and media which has led to numerous beatings of media staff and censorship of television and communications networks. As the political crisis has intensified with renewed protests in the streets the regime of President Hosni Mubarak has become ever-more desperate to stop media coverage of the uprising.
Media reports say that the Government last week blocked websites and the
Qatari- based international broadcaster, Al-Jazeera has been taken off the air. Its office in Cairo has been shut down and staff were arrested, their film confiscated. The studios of the French public broadcaster, France 2 have also been shut.
“This targeting of media is desperation on the part of a regime that is in the brink of collapse,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “It makes a mockery of the Government’s talk of dialogue to restore calm.”
According to a statement from Al-Jazeera, five Cairo-based staff were arrested following the Government’s decision over the weekend to withdraw the broadcaster’s licence and its journalists’ accreditation in the country. They were released today.
The move against Al-Jazeera comes days after access to websites in Egypt was blocked ahead of the major streets protests of last Friday. Reports also say the studios of French TV, France 2, have been closed and one camera damaged, according to the SNJ-CGT, an IFJ affiliate in France.
The IFJ, which last week denounced police violence against journalists and
warned the authorities over their responsibility for media safety, says the latest measures cast doubt over the Government’s willingness to change.
“Shutting down media as a public space for dialogue is no way for showing
genuine commitment to tolerant debate on the country’s future,” added White. “The authorities are failing the basic test of open democracy by stifling free press.”

***28.01.2011. EGYPT - UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS URGES GOVERNMENT RESTRAINT AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN EGYPT

GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Friday urged the Government of Egypt to exercise restraint and protect the rights of its citizens to freedom of expression, information and assembly in line with the country’s legislation and international human rights law.

“It has been brought to my attention that since the street protests erupted, police have confronted protestors with rubber-coated bullets, tear gas, water cannons and batons, and arrested more than 1,000 people, including political opponents,” she said.

“While maintaining rule and order are important, the responsibility of the Government to protect the rights to life, liberty and security is paramount.”

Ms. Pillay also noted reports of blocked Internet access and mobile service interruptions, as well as harassment of journalists and photographers.

“I call on the Government to take concrete measures to guarantee the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, including by restoring free use of mobile phones and social networks,” she said.

The High Commissioner called on the Government to initiate investigations into reports of the use of excessive force, particularly the killing of at least five and possibly more civilians, and to ensure justice, truth and reparations for victims and their relatives.

Drawing attention to the fact that Egypt’s emergency law has been in force for almost 30 years, she called for it to be lifted, stressing the importance of accountability and the rule of law in creating a stable society.

“I believe the lifting of the emergency law is long overdue and it lies at the root of much of the frustration and anger that has now boiled over into the streets,” she said.

She welcomed calls by the Egyptian National Council for Human Rights for an open dialogue including all political parties and social groups to formulate steps to end poverty and fight corruption.

“People must be entitled to express their grievances against violations of their civil and political rights as well as their frustrations at lack of realisation of their economic rights, the right to work and the right to an adequate standard of living,” the High Commissioner added.

“And governments in the region and around the world must take heed. Suppressing citizens’ voices, silencing dissent and stifling criticism will not make the problems go away. Recent events in the region highlight the fact that tackling serious problems by resorting primarily to high-handed security measures only causes them to fester and eventually erupt on a large scale.”

For further information and media requests, please contact OHCHR spokesperson Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 9310)

***28.01.2011. IFJ Calls for End to Violence against Journalists in Egypt

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today accused security forces in Egypt of indiscriminate violence after scores of journalists were forcibly detained and beaten during recent protests in the capital, Cairo, calling for political change in the country. At least ten Egyptian journalists were detained during a protest held outside the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate (EJS) office in Cairo and foreign reporters were arrested and beaten while covering the protests.
“Journalists, the world over, are appalled by the thuggery of Egypt’s state security officers and riot police, beating and arresting protesters as well as journalists and photographers in Cairo,” said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President.” We hold the government primarily responsible for directing the police charge and call on them to order an immediate halt to these attacks.”
According to the Egyptian Journalists’ Syndicate, the journalists who were arrested on Wednesday have been released along with around 200 students after they insisted on the release of all detained protesters, especially university students who were due to sit their exams on Thursday.
The EJS says that journalists were demonstrating outside their offices when the security forces forcibly intervened to break up the protest and made several arrests among journalists and other protesters. The journalists who were detained included Karem Mahmmoud, former head of press freedom committee of the EJS and Abd Al-Qudus, both of whom were badly beaten by police.
The Guardian’s reporter in Cairo, Jack Shenker, was attacked by plain cloth officers while covering the protest in downtown Cairo who bundled him in a van with many other protesters. He managed to provide a live account of officers’ brutality against all detainees who managed to escape after overpowering the van’s guard outside Cairo, according to the Guardian’s website. Other foreign reporters were also targeted, including Associated Press TV News cameraman Haridi Hussein Haridi and his assistant Haitham Badry who were arrested but have now been released .
The IFJ defends the journalists’ rights to express their views in a peaceful way and warns that the authorities’ violent response is likely to escalate the protests and endanger the safety of media.
“Journalists have a job to do and they have the right to be able to report
safely on these demonstrations without being punched, kicked or arrested,”
added Boumelha. “The Egyptian government must be responsible for their safety.”

***27.01.2011. EGYPT. Journalists targeted by police violence, arrests (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders roundly condemns police use violence against journalists covering Egypt’s street protests. It is hard to establish exactly how many journalists have been arrested or physically attacked by police officers in the past 48 hours. According to the latest information obtained by Reporters Without Borders, more than a dozen journalists have been arrested.

We urge the Egyptian authorities to allow journalists to work without fear of being arrested or attacked by those who are supposed to protect them. We also call for the immediate release of all the media workers still being held and an end to the blocking of communications. It is essential for the Egyptian people to have access to reliable information about the events of the past few days.

Reporters Without Borders reminds the Egyptian authorities that the United States has urged them not to disrupt online social networks. US secretary of state Hillary Clinton also voiced concern about the arrests of journalists. France has called on Egypt to respect civil liberties including freedom of expression.

Here are details of some of the cases of arrests or attacks on journalists:

 Daily News reporter Mohamed Effat was arrested at around 6 p.m. yesterday and was taken to the Qasr el-Nil police station. He was then transferred to the Nasr City police station.

 Despite having press cards issued by the Egyptian authorities, Associated Press Television News cameraman Haridi Hussein and his assistant, Haitham Badry, were arrested at about 1 a.m. yesterday while filming clashes between protesters and police. They were released this morning.

 AP photographer Nasser Gamal Nasser was covering protests on the evening of 25 January when he struck in the face by a stone thrown by a policeman. His right cheekbone was fractured and his camera was broken.

 Guardian reporter Jack Shenker was detained after being beaten by plain-clothes policemen while covering demonstrations on the evening of 25 January (read his account: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/27/egypt-riot-security-force-action?&).

 Three journalists with the daily Ash-Shourouq – Ahmed Bihnassawi, Ahmed Abdel Latif and Imen Hilal – were roughed up by police officers on the evening of 25 January. Bihnassawi was hit on the head by a policeman who confiscated his camera. Hilal was attacked by a police officer while covering the protests outside the headquarters of the company Sidnawi. The policeman hit him in the face and smashed his photographic equipment.

  Amru Salaheddin, a photographer with the opposition daily Al-Wafd, was arrested today. So too were Ibrahim Mamdouh Siam of Radio Horytna, Samuel Al-Ashy of Reuters and Abdel Rahman Izz ad-Din Imam of Al-Doustour. The police today also arrested Sami Al-Belchy, the deputy editor of the magazine Al-Idhaa wa Al-Tilfaza, Sherif Arif, the deputy editor of Al-Ahrar, and two members of the Journalists’ Syndicate, Mohamed Abdul Quddus and Karim Mahmoud.

Facebook and Twitter are reportedly being blocked intermittently. Telephone communications were blocked today in Suez and the surrounding area because of the many protests being organized in response to the death of three demonstrators in yesterday’s clashes in this port city.

***26.01.2011. SRI LANKA. Press marks cruel anniversary

A year ago last January, Sri Lankan cartoonist Prageeth Eknelygoda mysteriously disappeared. Two years ago this month, independent TV station Sirasa was bombed with military precision - a couple of days before well-known editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, who was critical of his government's war against the Tamil Tigers, was killed.

Today, none of the cases have been solved, and no one has been brought to justice. Sri Lanka's Free Media Movement (FMM) and other IFEX members have launched a series of campaigns and actions to commemorate one of Sri Lanka's "cruellest months for journalists."

FMM joined an alliance of journalists and press freedom advocates on 18 January outside the Fort Railway Station in the capital, Colombo, demanding that the government expedite investigations into the series of attacks.

One of the protesters was Sandhya Eknelygoda, Prageeth's wife. Prageeth, the political cartoonist and columnist who supported the now-jailed opposition leader Sareth Fonseka, has not been seen by his family or colleagues since he left for work at the pro-opposition news website Lanka eNews on 24 January 2010.

Sandhya issued a public letter in December that pleaded for information about her husband's disappearance. Then, along with FMM and other press groups, she reiterated her demands to the UN country representative on 24 January 2011 - the first anniversary of Eknelygoda's disappearance. To date, she has not had any formal response or update from the police, the attorney general's office, the Sri Lankan government or even the UN.

CPJ has also put out a public appeal to help Eknelygoda's family and other journalists caught in similar straits around the world.

At the same time, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has teamed up with Cartooning for Peace and launched an international support campaign, using 12 cartoons by cartoonists throughout the world to symbolise each month that Eknelygoda has been missing.

Wickrematunge's case has fared no better. According to CPJ, on 13 January, President Mahinda Rajapaksa told Sri Lankan media his government had no evidence to continue an investigation into Wickrematunge.

"In the two years since Lasantha's murder on 8 January 2009, the government has stonewalled the investigation while it has been passed around like a hot potato from one investigating body to another," said Sonali Samarasinghe, Wickrematunge's widow.

FMM is holding a Wickrematunge memorial lecture in February.

Meanwhile, writers from Asia and all over the world are planning to gather in the southern city of Galle for a literary festival from 26 to 30 January, co-sponsored by Sri Lanka's leading tourism promotion agencies.

"We believe this is not the right time for prominent international writers… to give legitimacy to the Sri Lankan government's suppression of free speech by attending a conference that does not in any way push for greater freedom of expression inside that country," say Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS), a network of exiled Sri Lankan journalists, and RSF in an appeal asking for writers and intellectuals to endorse their campaign for more free expression in Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, RSF and JDS have come under fire for calling for a boycott, which critics say suppresses free speech. RSF and JDS refute the claim, saying that the appeal urges festival organisers and writers who are planning to attend to give some thought to the situation of dissident writers, journalists and cartoonists in Sri Lanka, like Eknelygoda and Wickrematunge.

***25.01.2011. NEPAL. UNITED NATIONS: International Community Urge Nepal to Address Impunity and Protect Journalists

Geneva. At the tenth session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group today, countries from around the world recommended the Nepali government immediately address the growing impunity in the country, and protect journalists and human rights defenders from attacks.

“The international community has come together during today’s review to
highlight the growing concern about impunity in the country and call for the government to address the worrying situation,” said Dr Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.

ARTICLE 19 attended the UPR of Nepal, during which impunity was by far the
most repeated issue by the delegates, with reference to the continuous attacks against media workers and human rights defenders in Nepal.

The Czech Republic, Canada, France and the United States of America recommended the government of Nepal safeguard the security of journalists and implement adequate measures for the protection and investigation of crimes against journalists and human rights defenders.

The Czech Republic specifically called for thorough investigation and prosecution into the case of the murder of female reporter Uma Singh in 2009. Norway also recommended the government to investigate attacks against female journalists and prosecute the perpetrators. France urged the government to address the lack of enforcement of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and information.

Impunity was also addressed by Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Switzerland and the UK.

In response, the government of Nepal pledged to tackle impunity and address the human rights concerns of the delegates. But the government was unwilling to accept the role of the Nepali Army in the continuation of widespread impunity, arguing that: “the Nepali Army are fully supportive of human rights and any issues are not supported by policy … The Nepali Army is the source of Nepali democracy.”
The recommendations made by the international community at the UPR of Nepal, were in line with those made by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stakeholders’ report, to which ARTICLE 19 and Freedom Forum jointly contributed.

In their joint submission in August 2010, ARTICLE 19 and Freedom Forum
highlighted five areas of concern, including (1) killing of and violent attacks against journalists and human rights defenders, (2) impunity for attacks and political protection, (3) freedom of expression in the Interim Constitution and overall legal framework fail to meet international standards, (4) regulation of the media fails to promote independence and transparency, (5) the government has failed to give a full effect to the right to freedom of information.

***21.01.2011. PAKISTAN. Reports of a journalist "hit-list" in Pakistan - INSI demands government action

London, January 20 - A "hit-list" of journalists targeted for murder is reportedly being circulated in Pakistan, currently the deadliest country in the world for the news media, informed sources have told the International News Safety Institute (INSI).
Sixteen journalists were murdered in Pakistan last year, and that pattern of violence seems to be continuing in 2011 with two journalists killed in the past two weeks.
Twenty-nine year-old Wali Khan Babar, shot dead in Karachi on 13 January, was one of 16 names on the hit-list, the sources said.
INSI called on the Pakistani government and police to intervene and stop the killing.
"The Pakistani authorities have a duty to protect all citizens, journalists included," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. "Pakistan already is number one in the world for journalist murder - it is beyond time now for real action.
"This list apparently identifies people lined up for murder. The government must act swiftly to protect them and arrest those responsible for this shocking state of affairs."
The shooting of Babar has spooked the media community in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. The journalist, who worked for the private television channel Geo News, was stuck in a traffic jam on his way home when a man stopped outside his car, pulled out his pistol and shot him several times in the head, according to police. They say they are treating the killing as premeditated murder.
Fifteen other names are reported to be on the hit-list, which is said to be comprised of mainly ethnic Pashtun journalists and is being attributed by many Karachi journalists to the militant wing of MQM, Pakistan’s third largest and most liberal political party.
INSI has not seen the list, but it is believed to be in possession of the authorities. INSI sources understand that one correspondent has gone into hiding after being told by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik that he was number two on the list behind the dead man, Wali Khan Babar.
In recent months, ethnic violence has spiralled in Karachi, with shootings and targeted killings increasing in frequency. And as the violence intensifies, so too does the political vitriol, with the MQM party remaining at loggerheads with the mainly Pashtun ANP, both of whom blame each other for undermining law and order in the city.
In Karachi, INSI’s sources say the military has been deployed – so far with limited result – but that is unlikely to be of much comfort to the city’s journalists.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) warned last week that the assassination of Salmaan Taseer, governor of the Punjab province in Pakistan, may open the door to a new wave of political intolerance and pressure on journalists across the country. It said that unless media and journalists isolate extremists and challenge incitement to violence the killing will lead to fresh attacks and the targeting of journalists who defend the right to free expression.
Any questions about this news release should be address to Hannah Storm
email hannah.storm@newssafety.org +44 7766814274

***07.01.2011. SOMALIA. NUSOJ releases Annual Report on State of Freedom of the Press in Somalia

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today releases the union’s annual report on state of freedom of the press in Somalia in 2010 summarising major press freedom violations and challenges in southern and central regions of Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland.

The yearly report, which describes cases of killings, arrests, injury, expulsion, death threats, imprisonment, looting of media houses, media houses taken over, court cases against journalists and journalists fleeing, arranges unequivocally the violations in the order of their occurrences.

The report, entitled “Mouth-murder” and Media Hijacking: A Year of Heartache and Fear for Somali Journalists, states that “the most attacks against journalists have been attributed to Islamist armed forces, followed by the Puntland administration and their security forces and the transitional federal government”.

“Killings of journalists have been a source of terrible pain in the hearts of journalists especially in the conflict-ravaged city of Mogadishu, which is still where most journalists were murdered in our beloved country,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

NUSOJ cited that since killing journalists has not been entirely effective in silencing independent journalism, the armed Islamist groups, al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam, have resorted to seizing private media houses from their legitimate owners, taking over a total of seven media houses to use them for war propaganda and hate campaigns against those who fail to promote their ideology.

“Independent reporting is no longer possible from places such as Baidoa, Jowhar, Beledweyne, Bardhere and Kismayo” declared Omar Faruk. “People in these towns are therefore suffering a total blackout of independent news. In defiance of atrocities, Radio Shabelle continues to brave the deadly al-Shabaab and has moved to a new location to broadcast independently in the capital city”.

With Islamists now in control of the majority of southern and central regions, including most of the capital, “the suffering of the media is unmistakable”. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) has failed to safeguard human rights, including the right to free expression and freedom of the press, NUSOJ stated.

“Young and unknown adults are increasingly appearing, claiming to be journalists but widely suspected to have another hidden and illicit agenda. This is another emerging threat to press freedom that reduces the space for professional and genuine journalists to operate”, said Omar Faruk Osman.

The National Union of Somali Journalists notes that Puntland, a semi-autonomous state in the northeast, has been experiencing a worsening press freedom climate. “The Puntland administration has increased suppression and attacks against journalists and the independent media in the last six months,” said Burhan Ahmed, NUSOJ Puntland Coordinator. A special section was first time dedicated in the annual report for the situation in Puntland.

The impunity with which journalists are attacked fuels further terrible crimes against journalists while in Puntland the judiciary has been hugely compromised, NUSOJ states. Lack of the rule of law in the southern regions continues to put the lives of journalists in danger. There are similar problems in Puntland where police and security agents operate at will with no respect for the work of journalists.

NUSOJ’s concern is that as the period of the transitional government ends in August 2011 without a viable political and security solution for the country, armed power struggles may increase and politicians as well as armed groups will turn their guns on journalists who refuse to be cowed by their intimidation and manipulation.
--
For further information, contact:
National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
Taleex Street, KM4 Area, Hodan District,
Mogadishu, Somalia, tel/fax: +252 1 859 944,
e-mail: newsletter@nusoj.org
Internet: www.nusoj.org

***03.01.2011. BELARUS: THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) CONDEMNS THE POST-ELECTION CRACKDOWN AGAINST JOURNALISTS 

Dozens of journalists arrested in a police crackdown on demonstrations that followed the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko last month remain in jail, some of whom could face 15 years in jail for organising public disorder, report IFEX members and the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ). Since the election, security forces have also raided the homes and offices of critical Belarusian journalists and confiscated equipment.

According to BAJ, an affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), 24 journalists were arrested in the crackdown, and 21 were physically assaulted. A number were sentenced to up to two weeks' detention and others remained "under investigation".

Irina Khalip, correspondent for the Moscow newspaper "Novaya Gazeta" and winner of last year's Central European Initiative (CEI) and the South East Europe Media Organisation (CEI SEEMO) Investigative Journalism Award, and Natalya Radina, editor of the pro-opposition news website Charter 97, have been charged with organising and participating in mass disorder, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). They have been held at a KGB detention centre since 20 December and face up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Radina suffered head and ear injuries when police violently dispersed a post-election demonstration that she was covering, but she has not received medical attention in custody, says CPJ. BAJ confirmed that Belarusian authorities are trying to place Khalip's three-year-old son in a foster home against the wishes of his grandparents.

Khalip's husband, opposition presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov, is also being held by the KGB, reports CPJ. Sannikov was tortured while in custody - his legs appear to be broken, and his speech and behaviour indicate head injuries, his lawyer told Amnesty International.

Meanwhile, KGB agents continued to raid the homes and offices of independent and pro-opposition journalists and seized equipment, apparently searching for photographs and video footage of the election protests.

On 28 December security agents raided the offices shared by "Nasha Niva" and the Belarusian PEN Center on suspicion of organising public disorder and desecrating national symbols, says BAJ. KGB agents confiscated a dozen computers and numerous digital storage devices. On the same day, security agents searched the home of "Nasha Niva" editor-in-chief Andrei Skurko, forced Skurko to sign a gag order and took his computer, says CPJ.

Similarly, government agents confiscated computers and other equipment on a 25 December raid at the Minsk offices of European Radio for Belarus (Evroradio), reports CPJ, halting news broadcasts from Minsk. Evroradio continued broadcasting from its headquarters in Warsaw. Local press reports said the raid might have been in retaliation for Evroradio interviews with Russian political analysts who were sharply critical of Lukashenko.

Agents also raided the premises of Belsat but weren't able to seize property; apparently apprehensive journalists had dismantled station equipment and taken it home for the holiday, says CPJ.

Several journalists working for these independent media outlets continue to have their homes searched and equipment confiscated, report BAJ, CPJ and Index on Censorship.

In a rare joint statement issued on 23 December, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton condemned the post-election violence and called for the immediate release of more than 600 political detainees rounded up after the election. "Respect for democracy and human rights remain central to improving Belarus's relations with the United States and the European Union. Without substantial progress in these areas, relations will not improve," said the statement.

Freedom House is calling on the EU to renew full sanctions against Belarus if Lukashenko fails to take restorative action. "The current situation is much worse than that in 2006, when the EU and U.S. together imposed sanctions against the regime."

According to CPJ, the Central Election Commission reported that Lukashenko won a fourth term in office with just under 80 percent of the vote. Observers with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) criticised the lack of transparency in the vote count and the suppression of the news media.

A defiant Lukashenko told a news conference on 20 December that post-election detainees were "pogromists and bandits." In an explicit threat against the press, he pledged to make journalists "answer for every word they write," reports CPJ.

***31.12.2010. IFJ Reports Heavy Media Loss to Violence after 97 Journalists Died in 2010

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today warned that journalists and media personnel remain prime targets for political extremists, gangsters and terrorists as it announced that at least 94 journalists and media personnel who were killed in 2010, victims of targeted killings, bomb attacks and crossfire incidents. Three other journalists lost their lives in accidents this year.

The IFJ list was issued just two days after police in Sweden and Denmark revealed they had foiled a potentially deadly bomb plot against Jyllens Posten, the Danish newspaper that in 2005 set off protests around the world when it published cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammed.

Elsewhere the IFJ list puts Pakistan top of the list of the most dangerous zones for journalists in 2010, ahead of Mexico, Honduras and Iraq.

"Nearly 100 journalists killed is a heavy loss which ought to stir the world governments into action to offer better protection to journalists," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "The sheer number of murders and conflict related incidents which claimed the lives of journalists and media personnel around the globe this year has brought into sharp focus the high risks associated with the practice journalism today."

The IFJ list of work related media killings is coordinated with the International News Safety Institute (INSI) and contains 94 journalists and media personnel who died during 2010, down from the 139 killings recorded in 2009. There were also three accidental deaths of journalists.

The IFJ says the majority were victims of violence connected to the insurgency war in Pakistan, the drug war in Mexico as well as the political unrest in Honduras. In these countries and others such as Somalia, The Philippines and Iraq, the rule of men of violence and the failure of governments to protect journalists are creating a climate of siege and despair.

"The threats to journalists are everywhere and once again the shadow of impunity falls across the world of journalism," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Governments must act now to hunt down the killers and make journalism safe, not just for the people who work in the industry but for democracy itself."

As of 31 December, the IFJ recorded the following information on killings
of journalists and media staff in 2010:

Targeted killings and homicides incidents : 94

Accidental deaths : 3

Total Deaths : 97

The deadliest region, for the third year running, was Asia Pacific with 38 journalists and media personnel killed. Pakistan had the region's highest death toll with 15 dead.

Every region was affected including Europe where on Wednesday the head of
the Danish Security Service said five suspects had been arrested over plans for a "Mumbai-style" attack on the Danish newspaper, referring to the 2008 assault by multiple gunmen around the Indian city that left 163 people dead.

Among countries with high numbers of media fatalities are:

Mexico : 10
Honduras: : 10
Iraq: : 6
The Philippines: : 5

In 2009, The Philippines, Mexico, Pakistan and Russia were the most dangerous countries in the world. The full IFJ report on journalists and media staff killed in 2010 will be published mid- January 2011.

***20.12.2010. WIKILEAKS: CPJ urges US not to prosecute Julian Assange, says historic principles & US image at risk

December 17, 2010
Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Via facsimile: +1 202-456-2461

Eric H. Holder Jr.
Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530
Via facsimile: +1 202-616-7290

Dear President Obama and Attorney General Holder:

We write because of deep concern about reports that you are considering the prosecution of WikiLeaks and Julian Assange for publishing classified cables and other documents. Based on everything we know about these events, we urge you to avoid such action. Our concern flows not from an embrace of Assange's motives and objectives.
Indeed, we wish that he would fully disclose his sources of financing and support. But the Constitution protects the right to publish information of important interest to the public. That right has been upheld through decades of American jurisprudence and has served the people well.

On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee held hearings on the implications of prosecuting Assange under the 1917 Espionage Act. We believe that such a prosecution could encourage the government to assert legal theories applying equally to all news media, which would be highly dangerous to the public interest. History shows that Congress didn't intend the law to apply to news reporting. Over
nearly a century, the government has refrained from using the act against the media. To reverse these long-standing positions would threaten grave damage to the First Amendment's protections of free speech and the press.

As CPJ seeks to defend freedom of expression and the safety and rights of journalists around the world, we find that by far the largest share of imprisoned journalists are jailed on antistate charges, including publishing information that governments deem secret. In the past, we have been proud to point to the United States as a place where journalists may not be jailed because they published something that offends government officials. It would be an incalculable loss to
freedom everywhere if America lost its role as a shining example, and authoritarian governments abroad could say they were only doing what the United States was doing in jailing reporters or editors for what they published.

CPJ urges the Justice Department to protect freedom of speech and the press, along with the country's global reputation as a beacon of those values, by standing back from any prosecution of WikiLeaks or Assange for publishing classified documents.

Sincerely,
Paul E. Steiger - Chairman
Joel Simon - Executive Director

***15.12.2010. PAKISTAN. Worst month for journalist's killing in 10 years

Senior journalist and President of Kuzdar Press Club, Mohammad Khan Sasoli, was shot dead by unknown assailants near his house. He is the second journalists killed in Baluchistan and fourth in a country in a month, raising the death toll of journalists to 14, this year amid reports that more journalists are on the hit list in the troubled province. According to details, Sasoli, who was associated with daily Baluchistan Times, was attacked by armed men, who were on motor-cycle fired the deceased from close range and remain there for sometime and then fledaway.

Early this month journalist Lala Hameed Baluch was killed in Gawadar while President of Mirpurkhas Press Club, Sultan Chandio was killed in Sindh province and two were killed during the sucide blast in the tribal area, bordering Afghanistan. Police have arrested one suspect in Chandio's case whereas no clue could be found in other cases while panic gripped in Baluchistan province.
Some 60 journalists had been killed in Pakistan since year 2000, but situation is getting deteriorated in the two most troubled province Baluchistan and Kyber Pakhtoonkhawan and in FATA.
Journalists working in Baluchistan, have been subjected to most serious threats allegedly from the intelligence agencies as well as from Baluch militant groups. Some of the journalists working in different Media groups revealed that not only reporter or correspondents faced threats but also those working in the newsroom including Editors, News Editors and even Sub-editors.
"There is no concept of freedom of the Press exist in these areas and we can't sent report with our free will or without keeping the possible consequences of the news particularly if relate to any operation in Baluchistan or forces action. We have to publish the Press Release sent by extremist groups or security forces and the desk left with no option but to print it or air it," said a senior journalist, who don't want to be named.
In the last three years five journalists had been killed in Baluchistan including three in Kuzdar and two in Gwadar. There have also been incidents in which journalists were detained, mainly by the intelligence agencies.
Baluchistan issue considered as most "sensitive" for the media for the past several years. Journalists, who covered the burring issue of the Province often faced harrassment at the hands of agencies and its not confined to the province. A young journalist of DAWN TV, was detained for several hours after he interviewed Baluch nationalist leader, last year.
During the period of General Pervez Musharraf, many talk shows on Baluchistan could not be aired and media owners were told to avoid discussion on the sensitive issues of the province. Even if any private channel record any show on the said issues they need to sent one copy to the "intelligence quarters."
Its not easy for organisations like Baluchistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) or Quetta Press Club, to organise protest rallies against these killings but the journalists held regular protest and condemned violence against journalists.
The recent wave of terror against journalists in Pakistan particularly in Baluchistan province is alarming and journalists all over the country must come forward in solidarity with their colleagues in Baluchistan.

Mazhar Abbas - Ex-Secretary General, pfuj

***DEC.2010. WIKILEAKS, the US Embassy Cables and the right to know (UN, IFJ, Article 19, RSF)

- NAVI PILLAY, UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER A journalist asked at a press conference in Geneva Dec. 9, if the High Commissioner believed that Wikileaks deserved the same whistle blower protection as journalists enjoyed?

The High Commissioner : “Of course, you asked me about Wikileaks, I think that, what is happening here, this is truly what the media would call a cyber war. It is just astonishing what is happening. Let me say that the Wikileaks case raises complex human rights questions about balancing freedom of information, the right of people to know, and the need to protect national security or public order. This balancing act is a difficult one. Let me say article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provides for the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds. Well the right to seek, receive and impart information may be restricted; restriction clauses must be a. necessary and b. proportional, and must be provided by law and should be justified strictly on the need to protect national security or public order. So who is best to judge or strike at the balance but courts of law. Courts
of law are equipped to address the delicate issue of balancing competing rights and values. If Mr. Assange has committed any recognized offense, then the judicial system following fair procedures should be able to address how these rights can be balanced. It is important to note that the current charges against him do not relate to leaked information. I am concerned about the reports of pressure exerted on private companies, including banks, credit card companies and internet service providers, to close down credit lines for donations to Wikileaks, as well as to stop hosting the website or its other sites. While it is unclear whether the individual measures taken by private actors directly infringe on States’ human rights obligations to ensure respect of the right to freedom of expression, taken as a whole, that could be interpreted as an attempt to censure the publication of information. That is potentially violating Wikileaks right to freedom of expression. If Wikileaks has committed any recognizable illegal act, then this should be handled through the legal system, and not through pressure and intimidation, including on third parties.”

- IFJ Condemns United States “Desperate and Dangerous” Backlash over
WikiLeaks
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the political backlash being mounted against the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks and accused the United States of attacking free speech after it put pressure on the website’s host server to shut down the site yesterday.
The website’s host Amazon.com blocked access to WikiLeaks after United States officials condemned the torrent of revelations about political, business and diplomatic affairs that has given people around the world unprecedented access to detailed information from United States sources, much of it embarrassing to leading public figures.
“It is unacceptable to try to deny people the right to know,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “These revelations may be embarrassing in their detail, but they also expose corruption and double-dealing in public life that is worthy of public scrutiny. The response of the United States is desperate and dangerous because it goes against fundamental principles of free speech and democracy.”
The IFJ has taken no position on the justification for the release of hundreds of thousands of internal documents which have made headlines around the world in the last few days, but it has welcomed the decision of WikiLeaks to use respected channels of journalism including Der Spiegel, The Guardian, the New York Times and El Pais to filter the information.
“This information is being processed by serious, professional journalists who are well aware of their responsibilities both to the public and to people implicated in these revelations,” said White. “It is simply untenable to allege as some people have that lives are being put at risk here. The only casualty here is the culture of secrecy that has for too long drawn a curtain around the unsavory side of public life.”
The IFJ is also concerned about the welfare and well-being of Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder and Bradley Manning, the United States soldier in Iraq who is under arrest and suspected of leaking the information. Both men are the target of a growing political campaign mounted by government officials and right-wing politicians.
Assange has been forced into hiding and is the subject of an international police investigation over allegations concerning sexual offences in Sweden. The IFJ says that calls by right wing commentators for Manning to be executed and that Assange be hunted down as a spy, as demanded by former Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, show a mood of intolerance and persecution that is dangerous not just for the two men but for all journalists engaged in investigating public affairs.
“The IFJ and its members support the rights of whistle-blowers and the responsible reporting of information in the public interest,” said White. “This over-reaction by politicians and their allies illustrates that they have not understood the historical significance of these events. The people’s right to know is not something that can any longer be willfully ignored. They have to adjust to the fact journalists have a duty to report, fairly and accurately and with due respect for the rights of all
parties in the public interest.”

ARTICLE 19 - WikiLeaks and Internet companies

ARTICLE 19 is extremely concerned by the political pressure governments and elected officials are exerting on internet companies, to force them to deny provision of services to WikiLeaks without prior authorisation from a court. Recent actions by a number of internet companies against WikiLeaks raise several issues about the rights of free expression on the internet, which is largely controlled by private companies but still subject to state threats.
Intermediaries, such as internet companies, facilitate connections between the providers of information and the users of that information.
Increasingly, they are the subject of legal and other actions whose actual end targets are their service-users. Where these companies can do so lawfully, they should resist such interference.

Any removal of information on internet, or blocking of internet access to information should be authorized only by a court. Actions that seek to limit freedom to donate to their service-users should only be allowed after a finding by a court that a service-user has violated the law. Internet companies in turn should be transparent in actions affecting users of their services.
1. Denial of Services and Arbitrary and Non-Transparent Actions by
Intermediaries

To date and without any legal justification, a number of companies have stopped providing services to WikiLeaks because of pressure from governments and elected officials. This has made it more difficult for individuals to access the site, which in turn restricts their right to freedom of information. ARTICLE 19 believes that in the absence of any legal authority or court ruling finding WikiLeaks’ activities to be
illegal, this pressure is unlawful and is in violation of national constitutions and international laws protecting freedom of expression.

ARTICLE 19 believes that blocking or removing information from sites, restricting domain names, limiting donations and other restrictions on access to information should be based only on a court order approved by a judge taking into account domestic and international laws on freedom of expression. Such action should not be based on extra-legal government pressure. The actions of government officials in placing such pressure on companies and companies’ compliance by removing access or information without legal authority are characteristic of life under authoritarian regimes. Companies based in the United States, with its long and proudly claimed history of freedom of expression and in Western Europe, with the
protections afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights, have no need to submit to such pressure in the absence of a court ruling.

ARTICLE 19 is also concerned that many of the companies have acted non-transparently. Instead they have offered contradictory, shifting and non-credible excuses for their conduct. For example, Amazon dropped WikiLeaks after communications from a US Senator. Amazon has since claimed that WikiLeaks had violated their terms of service because it "doesn’t own or otherwise control all the rights to this classified content." However, at the same time, Amazon continues to sell numerous books containing classified information including an e-book with excerpts from the cables themselves. Other books with similar material include those containing the text of the Pentagon Papers (released this year in Kindle edition) which have never been declassified, and unauthorised memoirs from former spies including Phillip Agee’s Inside the Company: CIA Diary, Spy Catcher by
former British spy Peter Wright, and The Mitrokhin Archive by former KGB agent Vasili Mitrokhin, all ! of whom were strongly criticised if not threatened by their governments.

Amazon also sells many books that US government officials have claimed reveal sensitive classified information, including Bob Woodward’s series of books on the Iraq war under the Bush and Obama administrations, James Risen’s book on the CIA, and James Bamford’s book on the National Security Agency. Amazon also continues to partner with the New York Times, which is one of the primary publishers of the cables.

ARTICLE 19 calls on Amazon to issue a public explanation regarding their
contradictory stance on the publication of classified materials.

Equally concerning has been the refusal by financial intermediaries and banks, including Paypal, PostFinance, Visa and Mastercard, to process donations for WikiLeaks. ARTICLE 19 notes that WikiLeaks has not been formally charged in any country with any crime and there is no legal authority for these companies to refuse lawful payments.

Paypal, initially claimed that they were asked to drop the processing of donations by the US Government. This was later denied by the later and Paypal now says that it based its decision on a public letter sent to WikiLeaks from a US State Department legal advisor. In no way does this satisfy the requirement that restrictions on speech are based on the rule of law. Paypal's owner Ebay facilitates the selling of many of the same books that Amazon does. Mastercard and Visa’s decision-making is similarly unclear.
2. Lack of Legal Authority

As ARTICLE 19 commented earlier, we do not believe that recent releases of
documents by WikiLeaks violate US national law or the law of any other nation. We recall that it is an obligation of governments - not of media and private individuals - to protect the confidentiality of official information, if necessary under legitimate interests. Furthermore, the US Espionage Act has never been used against a media organisation since its inception in 1917. At the time it was written, the Congress rejected amendments that would have expanded its scope in areas that were
considered unconstitutional restrictions on the press. In this respect, ARTICLE 19 calls against the adoption of legislation, such as the recent bill introduced by Senator Lieberman and others, to criminalise further disclosures as these would violate international and American freedom of expression standards.

In the absence of legal authority, governments and other elected officials
must cease the unlawful harassment of the companies with which WikiLeaks
does business.

Under US law, internet intermediaries are not liable for WikiLeaks activities. The Communications Decency Act, §230 states that “No provider … of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.” Thus, they are protected from liability for the speech of their clients as a means for encouraging more speech and commerce.

This approach is also widely supported in international law. The special rapporteurs on freedom of expression for the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Organization of American States stated in 2005: “No one should be liable for content on the Internet of which they are not the author, unless they have either adopted that content as their own or refused to obey a court order to remove that content.”

Intermediaries’ unfortunate caving in to the WikiLeaks-related pressure is in direct contradiction to the protections internet intermediaries should enjoy.
3. Blocking by Governments

ARTICLE 19 opposes various attempts by the US authorities to restrict access to WikiLeaks, in violation of their legal obligations to protect free expression. The prohibition of access to the WikiLeaks websites by US government branches, including by the Library of Congress, is foolish and irrational given how widely available the information is. Furthermore, the prohibition of access significantly weakens the role of Congress and its respected research arm, the Congressional Research Service, which, as an independent body, is responsible to oversee the actions of the executive.
The unofficial warnings made to students that their future potential government careers may be imperilled if they discussed or linked to the WikiLeaks documents amount to intimidation. They are also counterproductive since a review of the documents will give students a far more accurate picture and understanding of their potential future roles than many other reference materials available.

ARTICLE 19 is also concerned that websites and discussion forums about the
WikiLeaks documents were subsequently blocked in many countries including
China, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, we believe that the statements made by French Industry Minister Eric Besson calling for the blocking of the sites in France to be in full violation of free expression as guaranteed by the French Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights and international law. ARTICLE 19 welcomes the refusal by French ISP hosting company OVN to drop WikiLeaks and their referral of the question of legality to a court to determine. So far, the Court has refused to make a judgment, citing the need to adequately
consider the issues. US officials should take this under advisement.

The attempt to takedown or block the entire WikiLeaks website is also overbroad and violates international human rights law. The website includes many documents on a variety of issues. To block an entire domain removes access to a considerable amount of lawful materials and is not justifiable. It would not be attempted in an offline environment.
Bookstores and libraries are not closed and burned to the ground based on the publication of a single or multiple books. Internet speech deserves the same respect.

ARTICLE 19 notes that these efforts to take the site offline have been
ultimately counterproductive, with over 1,000 sites now mirroring the
WikiLeaks cables.
4. Whistleblower Protection

ARTICLE 19 would also like to reiterate our call for governments to adopt adequate protections for whistleblowers in this case and others. The UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights have stated that under international human rights law, Official Secrets Acts cannot be used to suppress secret information that is of public interest. States should adopt and implement a legal and policy framework that protects whistleblowers from prosecution, and allow for public interest exemptions to secrets laws for revealing information such as corruption or human rights abuses.

Having reviewed a selection of the current releases of the US Embassy cables, ARTICLE 19 maintains that the documents reveal information of great public interest to citizens around the world, including on issues such as corruption in Afghanistan, Kenya, Tunisia, and Nigeria, and censorship in China and Russia. Other issues covered include efforts by the US government to pressure the Spanish government to limit prosecutions of the American military officials who killed a Spanish journalist in Iraq, and pressure on French parliamentarians to adopt a controversial intellectual property law cutting people off of the internet. We note that a number of public figures including US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
and former Australian Prime Minister John Howard have said that in their opinion no significant long-term damage would be done from the release of the cables.
5. Denial of Service (or DDOS) Attacks

ARTICLE 19 does not condone the denial of service attacks on Mastercard, Visa and other companies. However, we also note that there seems to be little effort made by authorities to identify and prosecute those who have conducted the attacks against WikiLeaks resulting in the website being taken offline, which also constitutes a violation of criminal law and a violation of freedom of expression.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
• For more information please contact: David Banisar, Senior Legal Counsel, ARTICLE 19, banisar@article19.org +44 20 7324 2500
• ARTICLE 19’s previous statement on WikiLeaks are available at:
www.article19.org/pdfs/press/wikileaks-and-internet-disclosures.pdf

- Reporters Without Borders condemns the blocking, cyber-attacks and political pressure being directed at cablegate.wikileaks.org, the website dedicated to the US diplomatic cables. The organization is also concerned by some of the extreme comments made by American authorities concerning WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange.

Earlier this week, after the publishing several hundred of the 250.000 cables it says it has in its possession, WikiLeaks had to move its site from its servers in Sweden to servers in the United States controlled by online retailer Amazon. Amazon quickly came under pressure to stop hosting WikiLeaks from the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and its chairman, Sen. Joe Lieberman, in particular.

After being ousted from Amazon, WikiLeaks found a refuge for part of its content with the French Internet company OVH. But French digital economy minister Eric Besson today said the French government was looking at ways to ban hosting of the site. WikiLeaks was also recently dropped by its domain name provider EveryDNS. Meanwhile, several countries well known for for their disregard of freedom of expression and information, including Thailand and China, have blocked access to cablegate.wikileaks.org.

This is the first time we have seen an attempt at the international community level to censor a website dedicated to the principle of transparency. We are shocked to find countries such as France and the United States suddenly bringing their policies on freedom of expression into line with those of China. We point out that in France and the United States, it is up to the courts, not politicians, to decide whether or not a website should be closed.

Meanwhile, two Republican senators, John Ensign and Scott Brown, and an independent Lieberman, have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to publish the names of U.S. military and intelligence agency informants. This could facilitate future prosecutions against WikiLeaks and its founder. But a criminal investigation is already under way and many U.S. politicians are calling vociferously for Assange’s arrest.

Reporters Without Borders can only condemn this determination to hound Assange and reiterates its conviction that WikiLeaks has a right under the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment to publish these documents and is even playing a useful role by making them available to journalists and the greater public.

We stress that any restriction on the freedom to disseminate this body of documents will affect the entire press, which has given detailed coverage to the information made available by WikiLeaks, with five leading international newspapers actively cooperating in preparing it for publication.

Reporters Without Borders would also like to stress that it has always defended online freedom and the principle of “Net neutrality,” according to which Internet Service Providers and hosting companies should play no role in choosing the content that is placed online.

***11.11.2010. RUSSIA. EBU shocked by attacks on Russian journalists

Geneva, 11 November 2010 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) expressed
shock and alarm at recent attacks on Russian journalists. The EBU urged the Russian authorities to ensure that all journalists working in Russia are allowed to carry out their professional duties without risk of violence.

Oleg Kashin of the Kommersant newspaper was attacked outside his home in
Moscow on Saturday. Anatoly Adamchuk a reporter for the Zhukovskie Vesti was attacked by two men as he was leaving his newspaper's offices on Monday.

The EBU’s News Assembly* welcomed President Medvedev's condemnation of the
attack on Mr Kashin. However, it noted with concern that 19 journalists have been killed in Russia since 2000 and 18 of these cases remain unsolved.

“[The EBU ...] condemns violence against journalists and calls upon governments everywhere to investigate all instances of violence against journalists and bring to justice those responsible”. 

The annual EBU News Assembly meeting brings together all major European
public service broadcasters.

***08.11.2010. MEXICO. Government Launches Protection Mechanism for Journalists

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the Mexican Federal Government’s long awaited decision to create a mechanism for the protection of journalists. However we are concerned that the mechanism as planned will not protect journalists at risk.
“Whilst the belated mechanism is sorely needed, this version has limitations that will severely curtail trust between the government and media workers,” says Dario Ramírez, Director for Mexico and Central America of ARTICLE 19. “Despite the expertise of civil society and journalists, they are excluded from effectively taking part in the mechanism, and this means the mechanism may fail to take account of the environment of violence against journalists and not properly address it.”

In August 2008, ARTICLE 19 called for the Mexican government to establish a mechanism that would protect journalists from increasingly targeted violence. Despite the clear pattern of attacks, it has taken until now for the Mexican government to accept the need.

The National Commission on Human Rights and the Ministry of Interior, along with other governmental institutions will now agree the mechanism, and draft the operational guidelines. Journalists and civil society will not be invited to participate.

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the mechanism, which will assess journalists at risk and define prevention and protection measures on a case-by-case basis, but it is concerned by serious limitations:

1. Lack of resources. The decision does not allocate resources for the mechanism’s implementation, relying on the resources and political will of the authorities involved. ARTICLE 19 has found that political will is lacking so far, and the lack of resources will restrain the mechanism’s capacity to protect

2. Lack of coordination between federal and local levels. The decision relies on local authorities for the implementation of protection measures. ARTICLE 19 has found that local authorities are often involved in violence against journalists, and lack of trust in the local authorities will undermine local protection

3. Lack of civil society participation. The decision excludes civil society organisations from participating in the development of the mechanism and the Risk Evaluation Committee, despite their years of experience in the protection of journalists. ARTICLE 19 believes that this will result in an inadequate analysis of the causes and protection of journalists, poor transparency in the mechanism, and the absence of proper evaluation from a technical and human rights perspective

4. Restricted participation of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The decision does not allow for the participation of the OHCHR as a full member in the Committee. It is only foreseen as an occasional guest. ARTICLE 19 believes that the OHCHR’s participation is vital in the assessment and decision-making process to ensure a human rights and gender perspective and build trust within the journalism community.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the Mexican Federal Government to take account of the observations made by civil society and journalists, and to ensure their participation in the formulation of the Operational Guidelines of the Mechanism for the Protection of Journalists.

ARTICLE 19 further urges the government to comply with its international human rights obligations and commitments, including the recommendations formulated by the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council and the UN and OAS Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression related to the creation of a mechanism for the protection of journalists.
• For more information please contact: Carla Aguirre, carla@article19.org; +52 55 1054 6500

***08.11.2010. RUSSIA. IFJ Calls for Swift Action in Russia after Murderous Attack on Journalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned a brutal attack on a leading Russian journalist and has urged the Russian authorities to act quickly to find the attackers and bring them to justice.
Moscow journalist Oleg Kashin, an investigative journalist with Kommersant, one of Russia’s best-known national dailies, was set upon on the night of 5-6 November. His attackers, waiting outside his apartment block, beat him so severely that his jaw was broken and both legs fractured. After emergency hospital treatment doctors put him in an induced coma for the next few days.
“Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “Our research shows that over 100 journalists in Russia have been targeted in exactly the same way since 2005.”
The IFJ says that there is a pattern to these warning attacks – often the use of iron bars by the attackers. In very few cases have investigations, for the most part led by the police, led to any prosecutions. The killings of high-profile journalists such as Anna Politkovskaya in 2006 remain unsolved and suggest a lack of political will to respond to violence against reporters.
However, in this latest incident the IFJ welcomes the decision by the authorities to treat the attack seriously. The assault on Kashin has been classified as attempted murder and the inquiry is being led by Moscow city investigative committee, a newly-independent body.
“This is good news, but it is only a start,” said White. “If the high level of impunity for such assaults is to be tackled, the investigation must be sustained and far more determined than the failed previous efforts to establish who is behind this sustained campaign of violence against journalists.”
The IFJ is also joining Kommersant’s chief editor Mikhail Mikhailin and the Russian Union of Journalists in calling for the authorities to recognise that there is a link between the attack and the investigations conducted by Kashin and his reporting over recent months.
“This is the key element in the inquiry and only in that way can the people who ordered the attack and those who carried it out be identified and brought to justice,” said White.
The IFJ has also called for the international community to call on Russia to act more effectively to find those responsible for attacks on journalists. “So far the response of many governments, including the European Union, appears feeble and suggests that they are holding back because of strategic self-interest to do with protecting access to Russian energy supplies,” said White. “If this is so, it’s a shameful betrayal of fundamental rights they claim to defend at home and abroad.”

***29.10.2010. UN EXPERT DESCRIBES PRISON SENTENCES FOR PANAMANIAN JOURNALISTS AS A “WORRYING PRECEDENT”

GENEVA – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of
opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, expressed his concern regarding the sentencing to prison of two Panamanian journalists, who had been absolved
in the first instance, for slander and libel. According to the information received, they were also prohibited from carrying out activities related to their profession for a year.

“This judicial decision represents a worrying precedent for the efforts being made to decriminalize such incidents, especially in cases such as this, wherein the act which led to the punishment relates to information about the actions of public officials,” Mr. La Rue stressed.

Although the sentence was commuted to a fine, and faced with the possibility of a pardon being granted to the journalists for the same crime, the UN independent expert reiterated his position concerning the importance of the right of citizens to be fully informed about the activities of public officials.

“Despite the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” said Mr. La Rue, “States frequently limit or restrict freedom of expression arbitrarily, even resorting to criminal laws or civil actions, in order to silence dissent or criticism.”

The Special Rapporteur urged the State to take account of international
instruments related to the exercise of this right, particularly the International Covenant.

***25.10.2010. CUBA: CUBAN DISSIDENT WINS EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT'S SAKHAROV PRIZE

The European Parliament has awarded its Sakharov human rights prize to Guillermo Fariñas Hernandez, the Cuban dissident whose four-month hunger strike ultimately led to the release of numerous political prisoners in Cuba.

Fariñas, a psychologist, journalist and former soldier, ended a hunger strike in July after the Cuban government agreed to release 52 political prisoners.

"Fariñas's hunger strike made it impossible for the world to ignore the dissidents imprisoned in Cuba," said Human Rights Watch. "The Sakharov prize highlights Cuba's responsibility to free every last political prisoner and dismantle the laws that punish dissent."

During his campaign for human rights he has staged more than 20 hunger strikes and spent more than 11 years in prison.

Speaking to the BBC, Fariñas said he thought the honour could make his campaign for greater freedom in Cuba more difficult. "Anyone who is familiar with the Cuban regime understands that as a dissident becomes more well known the attacks against him become more sophisticated, more bloody and more inhuman," he said.

The IFEX members are calling on the Cuban government to allow Fariñas to receive the award in person in December and to release all remaining political prisoners, estimated to be around 100.

Named after former Russian physicist and human rights advocate Andrei Sakharov, the 50,000 Euro (US$68,800) award is given each year to an exceptional individual or organisation fighting "to protect freedom of thought and expression against intolerance, fanaticism and hatred." This marks the third time that the award has been made to Cuban dissidents since it was first presented in 1988.

Related stories on ifex.org:
- Cuban dissident wins human rights prize:
www.ifex.org/international/2010/10/22/sakharov_prize/

More on the web:
- Cuba dissident Farinas awarded Sakharov Prize by EU (BBC): www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11594804

- Sakharov Prize for freedom of thought (European Parliament):
www.europarl.europa.eu/parliament/public/staticDisplay.do?language=EN&id=42

***29.09.2010. SOMALIA. Crucial Call for Dedicated Collective Action to End the Violations of Freedom of Expression and the Culture of Impunity in Somalia

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
15th Session 

Statement by Mr. Omar Faruk Osman
Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) on 
Stand Alone Interactive Dialogue for Somalia

Geneva, 29 September 2010

"Mr. President

Honourable Abdirahman Aden Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of
Somalia
Madame Navi Pillay, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Excellencies
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a great honour for me to speak to you here today for this stand-alone interactive dialogue for Somalia during which I seek to put under the spotlight, the deteriorating human rights situation in Somalia, particularly the right to freedom of expression. This state of affair has been occasioned by the unremitting deadly and deliberate violence that has led to the total collapse of respect for civilians’ rights as enshrined in international humanitarian law.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the relevant conventions call upon member States of the United Nations to protect and promote universal and indivisible human rights. The members of this Council must, therefore, not turn away their eyes from Human Rights situation in Somalia.

The scope of the term legitimate targets as well as the rule of the proportionality has been widened to suit the interests of the warring parties in Somalia. This has resulted in unacceptably high numbers of civilian victims of the conflict and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including journalists and their media houses. The actions targeting media in this bloody conflict seek to entrench and enforce a culture of silence, as one way of sapping the social energy of
Somali society.

Excellencies,

Somali journalists, who risk life and limb in their work, continue to pay a heavy price for playing their role as the public’s messengers. The violence directed at them undermines their capacity to fulfil this duty. Dozens of journalists have been assassinated while many other dozens daily face threats, intimidation, physical harassment and dislodgement from their workstations.

Twenty-two journalists were murdered since 2007, making them the most
victimised group among the foremost defenders of human rights. 3 journalists were killed so far this year. Abdifatah Jama Mire, Director of Horseed Radio in Puntland, is currently serving 6 years jail sentence. This sentence is the most outrageous and the harshest punishment given to a journalist in recent times in this semi-autonomous region of Somalia.

The private media houses were hit hard after Al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam seized control of 5 radio stations in South-Central regions in the last 6 months. The Islamists have since banned the broadcast of music and songs. All sides in the conflict wanted journalists to favour them in their reporting. These forces also confiscated equipment from journalists. Reporting the truth has become a dangerous business in Somalia, and as a result Journalists have started practicing self-censorship.

Private media is on the verge of total collapse and there is a fear that there could be a total reversal of whatever progress has been made over the past few years. The economic and social consequences of sophisticated restrictions on media have been heavy and have resulted into loss of business and gradually, the media industry is also becoming as sick as the country.

It is of particular concern that media professionals continue to be targets of deadly violence in the southern and central regions of Somalia, and in particular in the capital city. The top priority of the world community must be to end the vicious cycle of violence and impunity directed against journalists and the news media organizations that are being targeted because of their legitimate role of facilitating exchange of news and opinion.

Human rights could not be guaranteed in Somalia in the absence of press freedom and freedom of expression, while freedom of expression could not exist when journalists were not protected and suffered death or violence for telling the truth.

Mr President,

The degree to which human rights are respected and protected serves as a
benchmark for a Country’s stability and sustainable development. To secure peace and protect human rights in Somalia, we need a strong and efficient government that lives up to its human rights obligations.

The world community must quickly come to the aid of the survivors of these
gruesome violations, and ensure punishment for the perpetrators of human rights violations as a deterrent to future acts of impunity. For the journalists who continue to endure this hell that defies precedent, justice delayed is more than justice denied – it is terror sustained.

Failure to address these violations of human rights against journalists, if left to continue, gives an incentive to the perpetrators to continue their macabre trade.

The UN HRC must impose targeted measures against persistent violators of the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press by setting up a mechanism for prevention, deterrence and rapid response to the widespread and systematic violence against the right to free expression. We see this as an important step on the road to providing incentives for the protection of civilians.

I thank you Mr. President"

***27.09.2010. MEXICO: Newspaper’s Call for Truce Sign of Government Failing to Protect

Due to the recent assassination of Luis Carlos Santiago Orozco, photographer of El Diario, in Ciudad Juarez, ARTICLE 19 undertook an emergency mission to assess the situation and to express solidarity with journalists working in the city.

Ciudad Juarez is one of the largest cities on Mexico’s northern border with the United States. Since 2006, organised crime groups have been fighting for control of the city due to its strategic location for smuggling goods and migrants. The conflict has resulted in an exponential increase in violent deaths: according to official figures, more than 500 murders have taken place so far in 2010, the majority of which were of women and young people. The majority of people killed are women and adolescent, and journalists and human rights defenders also targeted due to their work.

Over the last three years, ARTICLE 19 has documented the deterioration of
freedom of expression in Ciudad Juarez, highlighting violence against the media in the city, and in the wider state of Chihuahua, in its 2009 report on attacks against freedom of expression, Attacks on Freedom of Expression in Mexico.

Josefina Reyes, a human rights defender working on the disappearance of women in Ciudad Juarez, was shot dead in January 2010. In November 2008, Armando Rodriguez, a veteran crime reporter from El Diario, was shot in front of his daughter. In both cases, the criminals remain unpunished, without attackers remain without any significant development in the investigations. In September, two photographers working as interns for El Diario, Luis Carlos Santiago Orozco and "Carlos" were shot in a shopping centre car park just 200 metres from the newspaper headquarters, and Orozco died. During ARTICLE 19’s visit, a small device exploded outside the offices of the newspaper Norte. Fortunately no one was injured.

The local authorities are responsible for investigating all the above ases. In 2010, the state government of Chihuahua adopted a series of actions to protect journalists, such as the creation of an emergency protection system and legal reform to better tackle attacks against the media. However, such achievements are being consistently undermined by local members of the local authorities spreading misinformation, delaying investigations and denying that journalists and human rights defenders are targeted because of their work.

President Felipe Calderon’s policy to combat organised crime includes the
deployment of the army and latterly the federal police in Ciudad Juarez and other cities in Chihuahua. However, without a code of conduct for the treatment of the media during operations, deployment of the army and police have resulted in more threats, physical attacks, destruction of equipment and illegal detentions.

“I am more afraid of the federal police than the organized crime, at least you know exactly where you stand ”, explained a reporter during an interview.

On 1 July, federal police broke into the office of the Journalists and Communicators Association without a warrant, claiming they had information that the building was a secure house for kidnappers and the storage of weapons. The illegal entry has not been investigated by the authorities.

The absence of proper legal remedies to investigate cases of attacks on journalists and human rights defenders sends the wrong message to future perpetrators, including those involved in organised crime.

After repeated attacks against its staff, El Diario published a front-page editorial on 19 September asking for a truce with organised crime groups. The government accused the newspaper of negotiating with the groups but the editorial sent a clear sign that the newspaper feels the government is failing in its duty to protect the media.

ARTICLE 19 reiterates its strong appeal to the Mexican authorities to guarantee the safety security of those who are exercising their right to freedom of expression, in accordance with Mexico’s international obligations. In particular, ARTICLE 19 appeals to Chihuahua state authorities and federal authorities to undertake prompt and effective investigations into the crimes and make information about the investigations available. ARTICLE 19 expresses its solidarity with the relatives, friends and colleagues of Luis Carlos Santiago Orozco, Armando
Rodriguez and Josefina Reyes. 
• For more information please contact: Ricardo Gonzalez Freedom of Expression Programme Officer ricardo@article19.org, +52 55 1054 65 ext 102.

***08.09.2010. The Iraq War: The Heaviest Death Toll for the Media Since World War II, March 2003 – August 2010 (RSF)

Riyad Assariyeh, a 35-year-old journalist working for state-run Al Iraqiya TV, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen as he was leaving his home in Baghdad this morning (Sept 7). This clearly targeted murder brings to 15 the number of Al Iraqiya journalists who have been killed since Saddam Hussein’s removal.

Reporters Without Borders calls for a proper investigation capable of identifying and arresting both the perpetrators and instigators of this murder and bringing them to justice. It would be deplorable it this killing were to go unpunished, which unfortunately has been the case in 99 per cent of the 230 murders of journalists and media workers since the US-led invasion in 2003.

Two weeks after the U.S. Army’s last combat brigade withdrew from Iraq, Reporters Without Borders surveyed the country’s seven years of occupation by the coalition forces and their impact on press freedom. The aim of this report is to pay homage to all of the media professionals who gave their lives in order to keep the public informed, despite the risks they were taking.

Although the U.S. intervention in Iraq put an end to Saddam Hussein’s regime and paved the way for a major expansion of the Iraqi media, the human toll of the war, and the years of political and ethnic violence which followed, were nothing short of disastrous – too many people died.

The second U.S. war with Iraq was the most lethal for journalists since World War II. Reporters Without Borders tallied 230 cases of journalists and media staff killed in the country since the conflict broke out on 20 March 2003. That is more than those killed during 20 years of the Vietnam War or the civil war in Algeria.

In this report intitled “The Iraq War: A Heavy Death Toll for the Media,” Reporters Without Borders focuses on those journalists who were killed during the conflict simply because they wanted to do their jobs. Who were they? Which media outlets did they work for? Under what circumstances were they killed? Were they deliberately attacked? This is the third time that Reporters Without Borders has conducted such a study. The last one was released on 20 March 2006, on the occasion of the third anniversary of the American invasion of Iraq.

In this study, Reporters Without Borders also re-examines the issue of journalist abductions during the war: Iraq, with its more than 93 abducted media professionals, was for several years the biggest market for hostages in the world.

Suspected of collaborating with insurgent groups, Iraqi journalists were also frequently arrested during the war, either by the newly established Iraki administration, or by the U.S. Army. Some 30 journalists were arrested by the U.S. Army between March 2003 and August 2010, mainly in 2008. By early January 2006, Camp Bucca, the American detention centre in southern Iraq between the cities of Basra and Uum Qasr, had become the biggest prison for journalists in the Middle East.

To obtain a better grasp of the factors which contributed to this death toll, Reporters Without Borders produced several graphs showing diverse trends with regard to attacks on the media in Iraq since 2003 (Read the report on: www.rsf.org)

***02.09.2010. Palestinian Media in Gaza Strip was able to continue performing his duties despite the Israeli blockade

Ramallah- A study issued by the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) showed that despite the serious consequences of the continuing Israeli blockade effects on all aspects of the Palestinian life, including the media; however the media outlets were able to continue performing its duties.

The goals of the study which is entitled “The impact of the Israeli siege on media outlets in Gaza Strip”, prepared by Dr. Ahmad Hammad are to identifies the impact of the Israeli blockade on the performance of the Palestinian media, and the methods used by the occupation forces to prevent journalists and media institutions covering the events.

The study included the legal status of journalists and media institutions working in the Palestinian territories, and their right to be protected during the war.

The study stated that the media institutions in Gaza Strip suffer from the lack of press equipment by the non-entry of the necessary equipment for broadcasting, and other requirements for the journalistic work, as the embargo affects the printing and publishing as because of the shortage in inks and papers needed for printing, after the Israeli occupation forces prevented its entry into Gaza Strip.

The Israeli occupation forces also prevent the entry of the Palestinian newspapers issued in Ramallah and occupied Jerusalem for long periods; in addition, the prevention of fuel has affected the ability of journalists and media workers in mobility and movement.
------------------------------
Contact: Riham Abu Aita
Public Relation Officer
Ramallah
riham@madacenter.org
www.madacenter.org

***27.08.2010. THREATS AGAINST JOURNALISTS IN EASTERN NEPAL ALARM UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICIALS

United Nations human rights officials in Nepal are voicing concern over continued reports that journalists operating in the country’s eastern Terai districts are facing serious threats and intimidation.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (www.ohchr.org/EN/Pages/WelcomePage.aspx) in Nepal issued a
press statement yesterday from Biratnagar in which it said it had received at least nine reports of threats against journalists in that region since the start of May.

Many journalists have also told OHCHR that they increasingly feel insecure in Nepal, where a decade-long civil war that killed an estimated 13,000 people ended in 2006 with a peace accord. Political tensions still persist in the South Asian country.

“The situation jeopardizes the right to freedom of expression and the right to liberty and security of journalists, who are at the forefront in defending the rights of other peoples,” according to the press statement.

“Freedom of expression is fundamental in a society that respects human rights and is a core element of a democratic society.”

The office stressed the need for State authorities in Nepal to build an environment in which media professionals can feel they can carry out their work free of threat or intimidation. 

***13.08.10. Mexico: Special Mandates Make Landmark Visit to Mexico

Following rigorous campaigning by ARTICLE 19, two Special Mandates on freedom of expression are currently in Mexico on a joint official visit. Catalina Botero, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression for the Inter American Commission of Human Rights, and Frank la Rue, the UN’s Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression, are the first Special Mandates ever to visit Mexico. This unprecedented envoy is a severe indictment of the rapidly deteriorating freedom of expression situation in Mexico, which has witnessed increasing impunity to the
violence being perpetrated against its media outlets. In the light of this
international attention, ARTICLE 19 calls on the Mexican government to protect media workers throughout the country and ensure freedom of expression can be exercised by journalists.

The visit, petitioned for by ARTICLE 19 alongside a collective of national and international organisations, follows months of delays by Mexico’s government in effectively tackling the worsening situation. In spite of numerous statements and assurances, attacks against journalists have continued to increase and impunity has become the standard response.

August has been mired by several violent attacks on the media. At the beginning of the month, four journalists were kidnapped following their exposé of a corrupt penitentiary. Two were later liberated following an intense public outcry and the others rescued by federal police. Last week saw yet another brutal attack against a media outlet and there is no sign of a government response.

“The joint visit of the Special Mandates comes at a crucial time for Mexico” explained Dario Ramirez, Director of the Mexico and Central merica Office of ARTICLE 19. “We hope their visit will induce the State to provide the answers that have been constantly denied to victims and their relatives.”

ARTICLE 19 recommends that the Special Mandates address the following
specific issues, pertaining to the protection of freedom of expression,
during their mission:

• Protection: The urgent need to implement a policy to prevent aggressions
against journalists, including the creation of a Protection Committee to
provide emergency measures in a timely and diligent manner to journalists
at risk.

• Impunity: All cases of aggression should be investigated fully; currently the majority of incidents fail to reach a Court of Law.

• Legal Reforms: Pending reforms, requesting all cases of aggressions against journalists are investigated at the federal level, should be passed immediately. In addition the Especial Prosecutor Office responsible for investigating aggressions must be strengthened.

• New Media Law: Crucially, a new media law is needed to effectively promote and protect diversity in all its forms and ensure a pluralism of voices.

• Defamation: A total of 16 local legal frameworks, out of 32, still punish defamation with jail. The full decriminalisation of defamation in Mexico must be made a priority.

ARTICLE 19 hopes that the Special Mandates will engage with these critical
issues and that the Mexican government will respond quickly, and effectively, to the deteriorating situation.

***06.08.10. FIRST JOINT MISSION BY EXPERTS ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES TO VISIT MEXICO

GENEVA – The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, Frank La Rue,
will undertake an official visit to Mexico from 9 to 24 August 2010 in what will be the first joint mission with the Organization of American States’ Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, Catalina Botero.

“We will carry out a wide-ranging assessment of the situation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression in Mexico, in particular issues related to the protection of journalists,” said Mr. La Rue, noting that no UN independent expert on freedom of expression has officially visited the country to date.

The main purpose of the mission is to “engage constructively with the
Government to identify ways to ensure that all individuals can exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression without fearing for their safety,” he added.

During their 16-day visit, the experts will visit Mexico City and the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Guerrero. They will meet with representatives of the Government, both at Federal and local levels, and with members of the legislature and the judiciary, as well as with non-governmental organizations, journalists, and other organizations and individuals working in areas related to their mandates.

The Special Rapporteur’s findings and recommendations will be reflected in his final report, which will be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2011.

A press conference will be held at 4 p.m. on 24 August 2010, at Centro de
Cultura Casa Lamm (Álvaro Obregón 99, Colonia Roma, Mexico City).

***04.08.10. IFJ Mourns Loss of Journalist Killed in Lebanon Border Clash

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said that the killing of a journalist in clashes between Israeli and the Lebanese troops has highlighted the continuing dangers facing journalists trying to cover the world’s longest-running conflict.
Assaf Abu Rahhal, working for Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper, was reportedly killed today in the fighting which erupted along the Israel-Lebanon border. He was killed when a shell landed next to him.
A journalist working for the Lebanese TV outlet Al-Manar was wounded in the exchange of fire which left three Lebanese soldiers dead.
“After years of relative calm, this outbreak of violence illustrates just how dangerous covering any corner of Arab-Israeli conflict can be,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “Journalists and media can never be safe as long as governments fail to respect their rights to report freely.”
The media casualty is the first since freelance photographer Layal Najib was killed in the war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006.
“This killing is another tragic moment for media in a conflict that has provided many examples of the sacrifice that journalists make to cover this story,” said White. “It is ever-more important that all sides take note of the need to respect international law and the rights of non-combatants, including journalists.”

***27.07.2010. ICRC. How does international humanitarian law protect journalists in armed-conflict situations? Media professionals are increasingly at risk of being wounded, killed, detained or kidnapped while reporting in armed-conflict situations. Robin Geiss, an ICRC legal expert, talks about the protection to which they, as civilians not taking part in the fighting, are entitled under international humanitarian law.

Please go to the following link for the interview:

 www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/protection-journalists-interview-270710?opendocument

***26.07.2010. IRAQ. IFJ Condemns Impunity as Iraq Suicide Strike on Al-Arabiya Kills Six

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned a suicide bomb attack in Baghdad on the Arab satellite channel Al-Arabiya in which four employees and two members of the public were killed.
The Federation says journalists remain prime targets for terrorists in Iraq and the government must act now to counter impunity in the killings of journalists.
The suicide bomber blew up a vehicle at around 9.30am local time in front
of the station's bureau in Baghdad's city centre, leaving a massive crater. Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said three guards and a cleaning woman were killed in the blast that left another 10 injured.
"This attack comes after clear threats from terrorists that they intend to target media," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It is a shocking incident that reinforces the concern over the dangers faced by journalists and media. More must be done to ensure the safety of all media personnel."
The attack occurred a month after officials warned that insurgents opposed to the channel, which is funded from Saudi Arabia, planned to strike against the network.
"This attack is a further challenge to the authorities," said White.
"Previous killings of journalists have not been investigated or have been dealt with casually, creating an intolerable regime of impunity. The government must change its approach and ensure that the killers of journalists and media staff will be brought to justice."
This is the latest in a series of attacks on Al-Arabiya. In September 2008, its Baghdad bureau chief, Jawad Hattab, escaped unharmed after spotting a bomb, which would-be assassins had attached to his car, before it was detonated by remote control.
In October 2006, a car bomb targeting the channel's then bureau killed seven people and wounded 20. And in February 2006, Al-Arabiya presenter Atwar Bahjat and two colleagues were kidnapped and murdered in Samarra north of Baghdad over coverage of the bombing of a Shiite shrine, an attack by al-Qaeda that sparked a new round of sectarian bloodshed.
"This attack puts a media perspective on the recent falling levels of violence against civilians," said Aidan White. "For all journalists and media staff, the dangers in reporting Iraq's tense political situation remain as great as ever."

***22.07.2010. SOMALIA: AMNESTY REPORT. Journalists under attack in Somalia as government steps up media crackdown

Amnesty International has called on Somali authorities and armed opposition groups in the country to respect freedom of expression amid a growing government crackdown on independent journalism.

A campaign of harassment and intimidation has seen a spate of arrests and
interrogations of journalists since June. Media workers already face serious threats from armed groups, with 10 reporters killed in the last 18 months.

Amnesty International's new briefing paper, Hard News: Journalists' lives in danger in Somalia, launched on Somali Human Rights Day (22 July), documents the targeting of journalists in the country.

"Somali journalists are being prevented from informing the local population about daily violence that affects their lives - a service that is particularly vital in a conflict too dangerous for consistent international media reporting," said Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International's Africa deputy director.

"Somalia's authorities must investigate the attacks and harassment of journalists, both by armed groups and members of their own government, and ensure that freedom of expression is respected."

Somalia's internationally backed Transitional Federal Government (TFG) controls only a small part of the capital Mogadishu, while the rest of southern and central Somalia is under the control of armed groups.

The two largest are al-Shabab and Hizbul Islam, which are allied against the TFG but have also engaged in fighting against each other. While the armed groups are the most deadly threat to journalists in the country, media workers have come under increased pressure from the TFG in a recent clampdown on independent journalism.

On 26 June, New York Times correspondent Mohammed Ibrahim fled Somalia
after threats from government security forces, following the publication of an article alleging that government forces included child soldiers.

On 29 June, several journalists were wounded when missiles were fired on a press conference being held by Al-Shabab in Mogadishu. Local journalists at the scene believe they were indirectly targeted by the TFG, who did not want the press conference to go ahead.

On 1 July, police detained journalist Mustafa Haji Abdinur and freelance cameraman Yusuf Jama Abdullahi for taking pictures of their colleague, photojournalist Farah Abdi Warsame, who had been hit in the crossfire during fighting in Mogadishu.

The journalists were interrogated and forced to delete their photographs.
Warsame was only able to get medical treatment after being interrogated.

"Rather than protecting journalists from feared armed groups such as al-Shabab, the Somali authorities are increasing the problems for media workers by adding to the harassment they face," said Michelle Kagari.

Armed groups opposed to the Somali government now control many towns in the country. They have killed, harassed and intimidated journalists, shut down radio stations, restricted what local media can report on and frequently prevent journalists from publishing information which they believe is unfavourable towards them. This makes it almost impossible to disseminate vital information on the situation in Somalia.

On 5 May - the most recent journalist killing - three gunmen shot dead
broadcast journalist Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey as he was returning home from
the state-run Radio Mogadishu.

He was abducted by the gunmen near his home in southern Mogadishu and then
shot repeatedly in the head. Members of al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the killing.

In 2009, nine journalists were killed, the highest total in any one year since 1991, when armed conflict broke out after the collapse of ex-President Siad Barre’s government.

In the first five months of 2010, in addition to the killing of one journalist, many more were abducted and harassed by armed groups.

The TFG was backed militarily by Ethiopian troops who remained in Somalia until early 2009. TFG officials and institutions are now protected by the African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM.

The TFG is opposed by a number of armed Islamist groups. Groups on both sides of the conflict often overlap, forge or shift alliances, or divide into separate groups.

***18.07.2010. ISRAEL. MADA condemns the Israeli attacks against journalists, and the security services raid of WATAN TV

The Israeli occupation forces continued their attacks on Palestinian journalists, whom covering the peaceful marches, where they threw tear gas and sound bombs at a group of journalists, on Friday, 16 July 2010, they include: Associated Press photographer Abdul Hafiz Hashlamoun, France Press Agency photographer Mousa Alshaér, Pal Media cameraman Samer Hamad, Maan News Agency photographer Luay Sababa, and Al-Quds TV cameraman Akram Natshe; while they were covering a peaceful march in the village of Alma’sara near Bethlehem city. Yesterday, 17 July 2010 The Israeli occupation forces attacked the photographers of: Agency France Press Hazem Bader, Reuters Agency Abdul Rahim Al-Aqusini, and Associated Press Abdul Hafiz Hashlamoun, as they also detained Associated Press photographer Iyad Hamad, while they were covering a peaceful march in the town of Beit Omar Near Hebron.

Hashlamoun said he went on Friday with a group of journalists to cover the
weekly march of Alma’sara near the city of Bethlehem, where the Israeli army started throwing sound and gas bombs between the legs of journalists, causing them not to focus in photography and a serious bottleneck from gas smell. Hashlamoun added: "There were a group of Israeli soldiers their mission was to impede the journalist’s work and to evacuate them from the area."

"Yesterday was the fiercest against journalists", Al-Aqusini said - who is still lying in Al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron – who also said that he was standing with a group of photographers to cover the march of Beit Omar, during that time one of the Israeli soldiers throw a sound bomb from a close distance at him, so it hit him under his left ear, which caused him the loss of consciousness and a hole in his left eardrum and his main auditory nerve. Al-Aqusini added: "I’m still hearing a sensation in my ears and sometimes I feel the inability to focus".

Bader said: "Yesterday was very bad for journalists; we were targeted irectly by the officer and soldiers. Personally the officer threatened me then he beat me with a stick on my face and legs, causing me a wound in my nose and cheek and bruises on my left leg, and I wasn’t able to stand, the harder thing was when the officer prevented my colleagues from helping me. The officer also struck my colleague Hashlamoun with iron sound bomb on his back causing him bruises in the back. "

Form his part, Hamad said that the Israeli soldiers arrested him because he protested about the beating of his colleague Bader, where the soldiers took him and made him sit on the ground for two hours under the sun. During that the Israeli settlers who were in the area insulted and provoked him. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) condemns the Israeli continued targeting of Palestinian journalists, especially during their coverage of the weekly marches in the West Bank. Since the violations have become a major threat to the lives of journalists and their safety. MADA also demands the international community and human rights organizations to intervene immediately to stop these attacks.

On the other hand MADA strongly condemns the raid of WATAN TV headquarters
by members of the Palestinian security forces yesterday in Ramallah, after the television broadcast images of Hizb Al-Tahrir political party march, which was yesterday in Ramallah. WATAN director Muammar Orabi said that armed individuals in civilian clothes who identified themselves as security and intelligence members raided WATAN headquarters yesterday around 5:00 PM, demanding the arrest of the journalists who covered the march of Hizb Al-Tahrir, they also wanted to confiscate the tape that they have recorded. Orabi added: "After a verbal argument and some calls they have gone back and evacuated the building."

Contact: Riham Abu Aita - Public Relation Officer - Ramallah
riham@madacenter.org www.madacenter.org

***29.06.2010. SOMALIA. NUSOJ Condemns bomb attack on 8 Journalists in Mogadishu 

At least 8 journalists have been critically wounded in a bomb attack today
Tuesday, 29 June 2010, which occurred at a police school in Abdiasis district of northern Mogadishu. The journalists were wounded after a bombardment in the police training facility where an Al-Shabaab spokesman was holding a press conference after they took over the base yesterday. The wounded journalists were covering the press conference.

Four of the wounded journalists have been identified as: Muse Mohamoud Jisow, Ilyas Ahmed Abukar, Abdinasir Idle, and Abdirisak Elmi Jama. One of the wounded journalists told the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) that the people who bombed the scene knew that a press conference was taking place and that journalists were in attendance.

NUSOJ has condemned the attack as wasteful and cowardly act that only targets the harmless journalists who are only armed with pens and cameras and notebooks. NUSOJ promised to soon distribute the complete list of names of the journalists injured in the blast and their respective media houses.

NUSOJ called on all parties in the conflict in Mogadishu to cease hostilities and to desist from taking their bloody conflict to the journalists and un-armed civilians.

“Warring sides have made it their habit to bombard or attack places with a
congregation of journalists ostensibly to eliminate their enemy’s claims of political gains. But we must remind them of their responsibility to protect journalists and civilians. Once they commit such otherwise avoidable atrocities they then take their war to the people,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary-General.

***29.06.2010. Rwanda: Pre-Election Violence and Intimidation Must Stop

ARTICLE 19 calls upon the Government of President Kagame to investigate all incidents of violence against activists, journalists and human rights defenders, in the lead up to Rwanda’s August elections, and ensure they are able to carry out their legitimate activities in safety.

Following the killing of Leonard Rugambage, deputy editor of “Umuvugizi”
newspaper, on 24 June 2010, ARTICLE 19 is greatly concerned by increasing
threats to activists and media workers in Rwanda, particularly those perceived to be critical of the Government. On the morning he was killed Rugambage published an online article alleging that the Rwandan Government was behind the attempted murder of one of their most outspoken critics, former General Faustin Kayumba, who is now lying critically injured inside a South African hospital. Shortly after 10 pm Rugambage was shot dead in his car.

“We condemn the killing of the late Leonard Rugambage and call upon the  
Government to ensure that those who committed this heinous act face justice. At the same time we wish to remind the authorities of their primary responsibility to provide security for the people of Rwanda” says Dr. Agnes Callamard, Executive Director, ARTICLE 19.

“The loss of life, under whatever circumstances, is deplorable and particularly troubling during what should be a democratic election. The continued intimidation of dissenting voices in Rwanda shows the extent of the current regime’s intolerance and prevents political commentary, directly limiting the ability of opposition parties to participate” adds Dr. Callamard.

ARTICLE 19 calls on Rwanda’s Government to bring those responsible for
Rugambage’s death to justice without delay. In addition ARTICLE 19 appeals to the authorities to ensure that opposition voices are not excluded from Rwanda’s political process, compromising freedom of expression during a pivotal period in the country’s development.

***27.06.2010. RWANDA. JED demande aux autorités de lancer une enquête impartiale suite à l'assassinat de son correspondant. 

Journaliste en danger (JED) condamne l'assassinat de Jean Léonard Rugambage, rédacteur en chef adjoint de "Umuvugizi", un journal paraissant à Kigali, capitale de la République du Rwanda et correspondant de JED au Rwanda. JED demande instamment aux autorités rwandaises de diligenter une enquête impartiale et crédible afin de faire toute la lumière autour de ce crime. En effet, JED craint que ceux qui auraient commis le forfait soient justement ceux-là qui conduisent les enquêtes.

JED estime que ce meurtre d'un journaliste courageux et respectable qui a refusé maintes fois de partir en exil en dépit de menaces sérieuses est un signal négatif de trop à l'approche des prochaines élections présidentielles.

Selon les informations recueillies par JED, Jean Léonard Rugambage a été tué, dans la nuit du jeudi 24 juin 2010, par des inconnus qui lui ont tirés quatre balles à bout portant devant son domicile dans le quartier populaire Nyamirambo à Kigali alors qu'il revenait, au volant de sa voiture, d'une visite familiale en province. Le 25 juin au matin, selon un journaliste local contacté par JED, la police aurait ramassé sur le lieu du crime quatre douilles.

Correspondant de JED au Rwanda depuis plusieurs années, Rugambage avait, dans son humour légendaire, le courage de ses idées et n'avait pas sa langue en poche au sujet des dérives totalitaires du pouvoir à Kigali. À la veille de sa mort tragique, il a publié sur le site du journal "Umuvugizi" un article dans lequel il a cité un haut responsable des services de sécurité rwandais qui aurait demandé à son chauffeur d'achever, en échange de récompense, le général Kayumba Nyamwasa (en exil en Afrique du Sud), hospitalisé après une tentative d’assassinat.

JED note également que Rugambage et son journal était depuis plusieurs mois la cible des autorités rwandaises. Le Haut conseil des médias (HCM), instance de régulation des médias au Rwanda, avait suspendu, le 13 mars 2010, "Umuvugizi" et "Umuseso", deux principaux journaux indépendants paraissant à Kigali pour une durée de six mois pour "incitation de l'armée et de la police à l'insubordination aux ordres de leurs chefs, publication d'informations portant atteinte à l'ordre public, diffusion de rumeurs ainsi que pour diffamation et immixtion dans la vie privée des gens".

***20.06.2010. Journalists in Exile 2010 - At least 85 journalists fled their home countries in the past year in the face of attacks, threats, and possible imprisonment. High exile rates are seen in Iran and in the East African nations of Somalia and Ethiopia (CPJ)

At least 29 Iranian editors, reporters, and photographers fled into exile over the past 12 months, the highest annual tally from a single country in a decade, a new survey by the Committee to Protect Journalists has found. CPJ also found a significant spike in the number of journalists fleeing violence and harassment in East Africa.

“My photos were seen as political criticism of clerics in Iran,” said photographer Mohammad Kheirkhan, who, like other Iranian journalists, went into exile after being harassed and interrogated by authorities for coverage of the unrest that followed the disputed 2009 presidential election. “The punishment for criticizing clerics is prison, torture, and even execution.”

Worldwide, at least 85 journalists fled their home countries over the past 12 months, CPJ found in its annual survey, which marks World Refugee Day, June 20, and highlights the plight of journalists who are forced to leave their homes in the face of attacks, threats, or the possibility of imprisonment. This year’s total, which counts journalists who went into exile from June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010, is double the number recorded in the prior 12-month period. The tally is comparable to the decade’s previous high of 82, which CPJ recorded in 2007-08.
Data on exiled journalists closely track other press freedom indicators such as deadly violence and the threat of imprisonment. The countries with the highest exile rates over the past 12 months—which include Ethiopia and Somalia, along with Iran—have long records of press repression. 

“It wasn’t a single incident that pushed me to leave Ethiopia—it was numerous incidents over the course of several months,” said Mesfin Negash, who served as editor of the independent Ethiopian newspaper Addis Neger. Government security forces, intent on silencing criticism before the May 2010 elections, intimidated staff members and threatened criminal charges. Finally, Negash and several other staffers closed Addis Neger and fled the country. “We had hoped the harassment and intimidation would stop, but it never did because [the government] thought that if we stayed in Ethiopia we could influence the outcome of the elections.”

Hundreds of journalists in exile over the past decade

Since 2001, when CPJ began compiling detailed records on journalists in exile, more than 500 journalists have fled their homes. Illustrating the extraordinary dangers facing these journalists at home, 454 remain in exile today. 

African journalists have been at particular risk throughout the past decade, but the exile rate tripled over the past 12 months. At least 42 African journalists, most of them from Somalia and Ethiopia, fled their homes in the past year. A majority sought refuge in Kenya and Uganda, where they hoped to resettle to a third country through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The process can be lengthy as well as financially and emotionally grueling. “It is difficult to even plan when you are in this situation of exile and relocation,” said Negash, who has relocated elsewhere on the continent. “It is tormenting because everything is out of your control.”

Journalists find themselves in a legal limbo, unable to work and often the targets of ethnically motivated violence and police harassment. They live in a constant state of anxiety about the family members who are still back home. Negash’s exile has been devastating for his wife and mother, who depended on him but were forced to stay in Ethiopia when he fled. “It has been so difficult that sometimes I can’t even call them because they are so emotionally disturbed,” said Negash, who continues to help his family financially, sending whatever amounts he can spare from the small aid he receives from international organizations.

At least half of the Iranian journalists who fled this year are in a similarly precarious situation in Turkey. Several of those journalists told CPJ they have been approached by individuals they believe are working for the Iranian regime who have warned them that colleagues and relatives back home will suffer consequences if they discuss Iranian politics publically. Kheirkhan’s photographs of street protests were considered political criticism of Iranian clerics.

Kheirkhan, 24, whose photographs of the Iranian political unrest for United Press International were seen worldwide, had to travel through Afghanistan and Italy before resettling in the United States. “I wasn’t happy to be far away from my country, my family, and my friends,” he said when asked about his decision to petition for asylum. “But safety is the first thing that everybody must think about in his or her life.” He said he hopes to continue working as a journalist in California, where he now resides.

In exile, journalists face obstacles in continuing work

That will not be an easy path. CPJ research shows that less than a third of exiled journalists are able to continue to work in their profession. Throughout the world, exiled journalists face lengthy bureaucratic procedures as they establish their new legal status, along with significant language and cultural adjustments as they rebuild their lives. Many accomplished journalists are forced to take whatever employment opportunities are available.

Luis Horacio Nájera, a Mexican reporter with almost two decades of experience covering criminal gangs and political corruption, has been working as a janitor in Vancouver, Canada, since leaving his home country in 2008 in the face of death threats.

“It has been really hard to work here because no one recognizes my experience and I don’t speak English well,” he told CPJ in an interview conducted in Spanish. “There aren’t many opportunities, and you have to stand in a very long line of other refugees, so you end up doing things that you never thought you would have to—cleaning houses and washing bathrooms—because there is nothing else that you can do.” Nájera, above on assignment in Mexico, was an accomplished reporter in his home country. (Courtesy Luis Horacio Nájera)

Nájera and his family filed for asylum in 2009, and are awaiting an answer from Canadian authorities. If approved, Nájera said, he will study English, enroll in school, and find other work, although he does not think he will go back to journalism. Neither does he plan to return to Mexico. “I am very hurt with my country,” he told CPJ. “I did all that I could to help Mexico through my work as a journalist, and Mexico has not responded—it has not even been able to keep me and my family safe.”

Nearly 50 percent of journalists who have been forced into exile since 2001 have done so after being attacked or threatened with violence. Another 30 percent fled because of the possibility of imprisonment, while 20 percent left following prolonged harassment, CPJ research found.

Violence was the primary reason for an exodus of Iraqi journalists earlier in the past decade. As the death toll in Iraq has dropped to its lowest point since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, so too have the numbers of journalists seeking exile. CPJ documented just one Iraqi exile case in the past 12 months. Until this past year, Iraq had seen the largest single-year exodus of journalists.

CPJ’s survey counts only those journalists who fled due to work-related persecution, who remained in exile for at least three months, and whose current whereabouts and activities are known. It does not include the many journalists and media workers who left their countries for professional or financial opportunities, those who left due to general violence, or those who were targeted for activities other than journalism, such as political activism. Other groups using different criteria cite higher numbers.

***19.06.2010. PHILIPPINES - Two broadcasters killed in separate incidents (CMFR) 

As the Arroyo administration neared the end of its term this June 30, two other broadcasters were killed in separate incidents in the regions of Northern Luzon (Region I) and Southern Mindanao (Region XI). If found to be work-related, these will raise the number of journalists/media practitioners killed in the line of duty
during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's watch rise  to 78, more than
twice the combined number of journalists killed in the terms of the three
previous Philippine Presidents.

The Philippine National Police in both regions announced the formation of task forces to investigate the killing of radio broadcasters Desidario "Jessie" Camangyan in Manay town, Davao Oriental (June 14) and Jovelito Agustin in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (June 15).

Camangyan, a blocktimer at Sunrise FM-Mati City, was killed at around 10 p.m. (local time) while hosting a singing competition in Old Macopa village, Manay town. Manay is a town in Davao Oriental, approximately 1,021 kilometers south of Manila.

In a 15 June 2010 interview, Philippine National Police Southern Mindanao spokesman Superintendent Querubin Manalang said initial police investigation showed that Camangyan had just taken his seat after introducing a contestant when the gunman came from behind him and shot him in the head.

Manalang said the suspect came and fled through the cornfield/plantation behind the makeshift stage.

Sunrise FM station manager Bobong Alcantara said Camangyan and his two co-hosts in "Hotline Patrol" had been invited by the village captain f Old Macopa to host the competition. But only Camangyan came. Camangyan was with his wife and his six-year-old son when he was shot.

Manalang, in a phone interview with the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility last June 15, said Police Task Force Camangyan is still looking into the possible motives in the killing of the broadcaster.

But members of the local media community say they believe the killing was work-related. Alcantara said the killing could be due to Camangyan and his partners' commentaries on illegal logging activities in the "east coast" of Davao Oriental. He said they have been receiving threats. The threesome had been discussing the problems of illegal logging in the province for almost four weeks now, Alcantara said.

"Hotline Patrol" is a blocktime program hosted by Camangyan, and his colleagues Frank Gupit and Nonoy Bacalzo.

In the northern part of Luzon, police have yet to complete their investigation into the killing of dzJC Aksyon Radyo's (Action Radio) anchor Jovelito Agustin. Agustin died at a local hospital a few hours after two unidentified men on a motorcycle shot him four times in Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte.

Nick Malasig of dzJC said Agustin was driving home from the radio station on a motorcycle when the suspects intercepted and attacked him. Agustin had come from his daily public affairs show which usually dealt with problems in the province as well as election issues like the disqualification of some candidates. Ilocos Norte is a province approximately 402 kilometers north of Luzon.

The online news organization GMANews.TV reported that, according to Laoag City Police Chief Senior Superintendent Sterling Blanco, the nephew of Agustin who was riding home with him "could not give other details on the suspects."

Malasig told CMFR in a 16 June 2010 interview that Agustin said he ad received threats prior to the killing. In fact, some unidentified men shot at Agustin's house in Bacarra town during the campaign period for national and local elections last May. No one was hurt. Agustin had suspected a local politician as the one behind the shooting incident in May 2010.

Local and international media organizations have called for speedy investigations into the killings. Several groups also called on incoming Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to decisively act on the numerous killings and attacks against journalists, media practitioners and human rights activists.

***18.06.2010. UN EXPERT CALLS ON VENEZUELAN AUTHORITIES TO WITHDRAW ARREST WARRANT OF TV CHANNEL PRESIDENT AND SECURE THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

GENEVA – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, Frank La Rue, urged the Venezuelan authorities to withdraw the arrest warrants against Guillermo Zuloaga, president of the private TV news channel Globovisión, and his son. “No Government in the world has the right to silence critics or those who oppose the State with criminal proceedings,” Mr. La Rue said.

“This latest act of harassment against Mr. Zuloaga is symptomatic of the
continuous deterioration of freedom of the press in the country,” noted the independent expert mandated by the United Nations Human Rights Council to monitor the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.

The Special Rapporteur said that he is troubled by the arrest warrants issued on 11 June 2010 by a prosecutor in Caracas against Mr. Zuloaga and his son, allegedly for business irregularities. It is feared that these warrants are politically motivated, aimed solely at silencing Mr. Zuloaga who has been critical of President Hugo Chavez.

“This is not the first time that staff members of Globovisión, including Mr. Zuloaga, are criminally prosecuted because of the exercise of their right to freedom of expression,” he said. Since 2001, Globovisión’s personnel have been subject to acts of harassment and intimidation, which in 2008 led the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to order provisional measures to protect its employees.

“I urge the Venezuelan Government to take all necessary steps to secure the right to freedom of opinion and expression of all persons, in accordance with fundamental principles as set forth in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and recalled in article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights*, to which Venezuela is a party,” stressed the Special Rapporteur.

“I would like to reiterate my request to visit Venezuela in order to make an in-depth assessment on the ground of the state of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in the country,” Mr. La Rue said. “This request regrettably remains unanswered.”

***17.06.2010. KYRGYZSTAN: MEDIA OUTLETS INCINERATED; TOO DANGEROUS TO REPORT - PEC CONDEMNS ATTACKS AGAINST UZBEK MEDIA  (IFEX/RSF/PEC)

An estimated 2,000 have been killed in interethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan since 10 June, say news reports. In response to the unrest, authorities in the southern city of Osh ordered local television stations to cease transmission, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The Public Association of Journalists (PAJ), based in Bishkek, is currently working to provide humanitarian assistance to journalists in the southern part of the country.

Violence first erupted between Uzbek and Kyrgyz youth in Osh on 10 June, leading to major riots. Armed gangs drove through neighbourhoods in Osh and Jalal-Abad, setting houses and stores on fire and shooting at people trying to escape, report Human Rights Watch and CPJ. In response, the government declared a curfew and sent security forces to the region, granting shoot-to-kill authority. News reports say tens of thousands of ethnic Uzbeks have fled the two cities and crossed the border into Uzbekistan to escape the violence.

Meanwhile, local media are being trampled by the fallout of the revolution. Osh residents now only have access to state television channel KTR and several Russian television channels, reported the independent news agency Zpress. Mezon TV and Osh TV were stopped from broadcasting, says the independent news site "Ferghana". The buildings of Osh TV and JTR TV in Osh and Jalal-Abad were burnt down, reports International Media Support (IMS).

PAJ and IMS are working to deliver food and medical supplies to about 100 journalists and their families in the Osh and Jalal-Abad regions. Media coverage of events in the southern part of the country is limited as journalists fear attacks while reporting in the streets.

(RSF) - As violence continues, the media are increasingly being prevented from working in the south of Kyrgyzstan. News is being reported only sporadically as infrastructure is targeted and journalists obstructed by clashes.

Initially, local television stations in Osh were targeted. TV Osh, Mezon and Akhborot were ransacked, with the second two torched and wrecked, leaving computers and databases unusable. All three stations are Uzbek-language, targeted since the start of the clashes.

Before the events of 10 June, a large number of journalists were attending a seminar in Osh. In the current chaos, it is not known how many of them have been evacuated and which media they were working for. Concordant sources confirm that media in the south of the country have been advising their journalists to stay at home and not to put themselves in danger by covering the situation. Local and foreign journalists do not or rarely venture into the urban Uzbek areas for fear of being attacked.

Some news is filtering out however through journalists reporting from their windows on the current state of the troubles. They are also managing to send news to websites such as ferghana.ru, by telephone.

In Uzbekistan, on the other side of the border, which has now been closed, Reporters Without Borders voiced its relief at the news of the release on 16 June of prominent freelance Uzbek journalist, Alexei Volossevich.

Police arrested Volossevich on 13 June when he came to cover the arrival of hundreds of refugees of Uzbek origin, fleeing from neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. He was placed in a detention centre for people without ID or fixed address (His papers were in a bag that he did not have the time to grab at the moment of his arrest). The authorities said they would release him as soon as they had checked his identity. Although his colleagues brought his passport the following day, he was not freed until 16 June.

Reporters Without Borders welcomes the release of Alexei Volossevich, but regrets that the authorities prevented him from doing his work. Even in the current situation, the government of Islam Karimov has not let up in its attacks on journalists. The arrest and detention of Volossevich could be seen as a warning to all journalists seeking to cover these events. Could this be a continuation of the campaign against the press that saw an upsurge in January this year?

***04.06.2010. ISRAEL. IFJ Demands Inquiry as One Journalist Is Confirmed Dead in Gaza Ships Attack

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), with the backing of its affiliate in Israel, today called for a special inquiry into the killing of a journalist and injuries to others during the Israeli assault on a flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid which took place on June 1.
"We now know that one journalist died and at least one other is seriously injured in horrifying circumstances that remain unexplained," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "We are also gathering information about the treatment of journalists and the confiscation of their material, all of which raises new concerns about the violations of their rights."
The IFJ says that a specific inquiry into the treatment of journalists is required because around 100 of the people detained by the Israeli authorities were thought to be journalists from across the globe including Australia, Algeria, Jordan, Turkey, Greece, the UK, Italy, Iran, Germany, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia ,Pakistan and UAE.
The media victims are Turkish journalist Cevdet Kiliclar, killed by a shot in the head, and Indonesian cameraman Sura Fachrizaz who was shot in the chest and seriously injured. Fachrizaz is in a hospital in Haifa and his injuries are not considered life threatening.
The IFJ is in touch with reporters involved as well as a number of unions representing media staff and is compiling information on material that has been confiscated by the Israeli authorities.
Marcello Faraggi, a journalist who was on board the Mediterranean Sea, a cargo ship which was part of the aid convoy and was later detained in the Israeli prison of Bersheva, told the IFJ that journalists were subjected to body search and stripped of their equipment during their detention.
A special information collection point has been established to prepare a dossier on the incident which will form the basis of journalists' claims for compensation in the aftermath.
The IFJ affiliate in Israel, the National Federation of Israel Journalists (NFIJ), which has been assisting journalists and gathering information, should also be involved in any inquiry into the treatment of journalists, says the IFJ.
The NFIJ section in Jerusalem, the Journalists Association in Jerusalem, has specifically urged the Israeli government to give back immediately all the equipment that was confiscated from the journalists on the boats.
"Journalists on duty should be left out of any confrontation and should have the full freedom to cover the events in a professional way," they said in a statement.
Further concerns have been raised about the broadcasting by Israeli authorities of material confiscated from journalists which is being used to project their version of events.
"This is shocking disregard for the rights of journalists," said White.
The confiscation and then unauthorized use of journalists' footage shows
the contempt that the Israeli authorities have for journalism."

***02.06.2010. ISRAEL. At least 60 journalists were aboard flotilla, most still held (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders reiterates its urgent appeal to the Israeli authorities to release the journalists who were accompanying the Gaza-bound humanitarian flotilla that was intercepted on 31 May. According to the latest information available to the press freedom organisation, at least 60 journalists were aboard.

“We point out that the journalists were there to do their job, which was to cover what happened,” Reporters Without Borders said. “They should not be confused with the activists. Three hundred of the flotilla’s passengers are about to be deported but journalists are still being held. We call on the Israeli authorities to free all the detained journalists and return their equipment, which was seized by the military.”

Three hundred passengers are currently at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport, from where they are to be deported today. Some journalists are among them.

Reporters Without Borders has also learned that the Al Jazeera crew that was aboard the flotilla, including correspondent Abbas Nasser and cameraman Isaam Zaatar, was expelled yesterday.

Reporters Without Borders is aware of 16 journalists being held at Be’er Scheva detention centre. They are Svetoslav Ivanov and Valentin Vassilev of Bulgaria’s BTV, Muna Shester of the Kuwait News Agency, Talat Hussain of Aaj TV, Paul McGeough and Kate Geraghty of the Sydney Morning Herald, Mario Damolin of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, David Segarra of teleSUR, Ayse Sarioglu of Taraf, Murat Palavar and Hakan Albayrak of Yeni Safak, Sümeyye Ertekin, Ümit Sönmez and Ersin Esen of TVNET and Ashwad Ismail and Samsul Kamal Abdul Latip of Astro Awani.

Reporters Without Borders has tried repeatedly to get in touch with them, so far without success.

***01.06.2010. ISRAEL: Israel needs to heed international calls for free flow of information (Article 19) 

ARTICLE 19 is calling for an open, international, independent and impartial investigation into the use of lethal force by the Israeli Defence Forces which resulted in a number of deaths onboard the Gaza-bound flotilla on 31 May.

The blocking of all communication channels, including mobile phones, shortly after the assault, followed by the arbitrary detention of journalists, human rights monitors and others who were travelling onboard the flotilla, are evidence of censorship and a news blackout by Israeli state authorities. Such actions curtail the free flow of information, as protected by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil on Political Rights to which Israel is party.

The one-sided information originating from official Israeli sources on the
circumstances surrounding the assault and the deaths restricts the right to information and minimises the possibilities for international public scrutiny of the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces and thus for accountability.

As early as 1946, at its very first session, in the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 59(I) which states that “Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and ... the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated.”

Freedom of expression, including access to information, is also essential to the realization of what is commonly referred to as the “right to truth.” The UN Commission on Human Rights, at its 61st session, adopted Resolution 2005/66, which ‘‘Recognizes the importance of respecting and ensuring the right to the truth so as to contribute to ending impunity and to promote and protect human rights.’’

The investigation into the assault against the flotilla must be open, international, impartial and independent. It should focus on the legality of the Israeli assault in international waters and thus the legality of the blockade, and the proportionality of the use of force. An international investigation team should be allowed access to government-held information on the matter, as well as direct access to
those involved in the assault, witnesses and those subsequently detained.

***01.06.2010. IFJ Calls for Immediate Release of Journalists Detained by Israeli Military

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called upon the Israeli authorities to release without delay all journalists and media staff who were detained on board the Gaza bound aid convoy on Monday morning. Up to a hundred journalists are believed to be among the passengers currently being held by the Israeli Defence Forces.
"The Israeli authorities must not play cat and mouse with professional journalists who are doing their job, not just for the company they serve but in the service of a worldwide audience," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary.
The Israeli authorities have given reassurances that they will treat all professional journalists the same way as politicians who accompanied the flotilla and seek their early release and deportation.
Reports state that up to ten people were killed and many more injured during clashes between the military and passengers when the flotilla was boarded by the Israeli Defence Forces in the early hours of Monday morning.
" We are grateful for the tremendous efforts being made by leaders of the
National Federation of Israeli Journalists to defend the rights of working
professionals who have been caught up in this series of tragic events," added White. " We will continue to work with our Israeli affiliate and others who have expressed concern about the detention of their journalists and media staff."

***31.05.2010. IFJ Condemns Gaza Attack and Demands International Inquiry after Reports of Media Casualties

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today reacted with shock at the news of the brutal attacks on civilians, including journalists, by Israeli forces in the assault on a flotilla that yesterday tried to breach the military blockade of the Gaza coastline in Palestine.
The IFJ said that reports of casualties - including possible deaths of media staff - were unconfirmed and a curtain of secrecy drawn around the incident by the Israeli authorities was increasing anxiety among friends and relatives.
The IFJ is calling for an urgent and comprehensive international investigation into the incident and for the information blackout to be lifted.
"We join the European Union in demanding a full inquiry which must be independent in order to be credible. We condemn any attempt at the blackout and censorship of news by the Israeli authorities which is hindering journalists from giving an accurate account of what is happening," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President.
The IFJ believes that 20 journalists and media staff from a number of different countries were on board when the attacks took place, according to Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. He said the IFJ is fully investigating the incident and plans to raise the issue at a special meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council planned in Geneva on Wednesday.
The IFJ is also writing today to the Israeli government warning them about their responsibility vis-à-vis the security of the journalists on the flotilla and is asking its member union in Israel to take the matter up with the authorities.
"The international community must respond immediately to this outrage," said White. "The rights of journalists in conflict zones have been particularly highlighted by the United Nations and members states cannot stand by when one state acts in a reckless and dangerous manner."

***20.05.2010. Thailand: Attacks on Media Must Stop (Article 19)

Following the surrender of “Red Shirt” leaders and the imposing of curfew in Bangkok, all sides must stop attacking the media in order to allow the media to report freely on the development of the crisis. The media must also uphold the professional standards of objectivity to gain public trust and credibility.

Protests across Thailand have continued today following weeks of growing
conflict. Yesterday the Thai army surrounded and used live arms to disperse protesters calling for the dissolving of parliament and announcing early elections, killing many. Members of the Red Shirts, largely consisting of rural poor, have in recent weeks targeted national media houses claiming that they are biased towards the urban elite. The government, on the other hand, has blocked around 4,500 websites and former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s Twitter feed amongst other censorship measures.

On Wednesday, the Red Shirts stormed national TV station Channel 3 and set
cars on fire. Journalists at The Bangkok Post and The Nation also evacuated their building in fear of their safety. Following the crackdown, some protestors also turned on the media, threatening photographers taking pictures of retreating Red Shirts in particular.

The crisis has taken a heavy toll on journalists. International and national journalists have been killed and injured in the course of the crisis. In Wednesday’s army crackdown, Fabio Polenghi, an Italian photojournalist was killed by gunshot. He is the second journalist to have lost his life after Japanese cameraman for Reuters, Hiroyuki Muramoto, who was fatally shot on 10 April. At least five other international journalists from the Netherlands, USA, Canada and the UK, and a Thai photographer working for Australian Broadcasting Corporation have been injured thus far. Besides journalists working for foreign media, two local newspaper photographers - one working for Matichon and the other for The Nation – also suffered injuries in recent clashes.

“Such attacks, as well as threats to journalists and media censorship, seriously undermine a free media environment much needed at this critical moment when the public needs updated information from all sources to understand the situation,” says Dr Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.

ARTICLE 19 calls on both sides to end the attacks on journalists and media
censorship, and to ensure the right to information and right to expression are not compromised.

ARTICLE 19 also urges journalists to adhere to the professional standards of reporting, upholding objectivity and refraining from inciting violence.

***20.05.2010. THAILAND: BANGKOK ABLAZE; TWO JOURNALISTS KILLED AND SEVERAL OTHERS WOUNDED (IFEX)

Downtown Bangkok has spiralled into a flaming battleground after close to two months of anti-government protests, with at least 39 dead, including two journalists killed in clashes, and hundreds wounded. Thai troops broke through the encampment of red shirts today, cracking down on the movement and triggering more violence, report the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) and other IFEX members. The media have taken a heavy toll - several media outlets were targeted or closed down to protect staff, and other journalists have been shot and wounded. The government has imposed a night-time curfew across the country.

Although several red shirt leaders surrendered and called off the protests, protesters reacted by setting fire to the stock exchange, Southeast Asia's second-biggest department store complex, banks, and attacking newspaper offices and a television station. The protests have now spread to northeast Thailand where demonstrators torched more buildings.

Throughout this red shirt fury over social injustice, the media has been under constant attack from all sides. The government has tried to control the flow of information by blocking websites, and shutting down satellite TV channels that it claims were inciting violence and promoting red shirt propaganda. Journalists and media outlets have been attacked by protesters who accused the media of biased coverage.

Italian photojournalist Fabio Polenghi died after being shot in the chest during the recent offensive, and at least three demonstrators were killed. A Dutch reporter Michel Maas and a US documentary filmmaker suffered from gunshot wounds. The army shoots "everything that's moving and don't ask if you are a reporter before shooting," said Maas. Another journalist was wounded in a grenade attack in the capital on 19 May.

Rioters set fire to the Channel 3 building, a government TV station, and set 10 news vehicles ablaze, reports SEAPA. Several media organisations, including the "Bangkok Post" and "The Nation", sent staff home, fearful that mobs would attack the compounds.

"About 100 employees of the Channel 3 TV station were trapped on the roof of their high-rise office, but most were later rescued by helicopter," reports "The Guardian". Meanwhile, radio stations sympathetic to the red shirts have aired "incendiary commentary," says SEAPA.

After government troops cordoned off the protesters' site by cutting off water and electricity and setting up roadblocks to prevent red shirts from joining their comrades last week, three journalists were wounded in skirmishes on 14 May. Canadian journalist Nelson Rand, working for France 24 TV channel, was shot three times. Subin Namchan, a photographer for the Thai-language newspaper, "Matichon", and Supawat Wanchantha, cameraman for Thai Voice TV Channel, were both shot in the legs. The next day, Thai reporter Chaiwat Poompuang, working for "The Nation", was also shot in the leg while covering clashes.

On 13 May, "International Herald Tribune" reporter Thomas Fuller narrowly missed being killed when a sniper fired a bullet into the head of a red shirt rebel commander whom he was interviewing. On 10 April, Reuters journalist Hiro Muramoto was shot and killed while covering fighting between protesters and security forces.

Attacks on the press "will ultimately deprive Thais of the information, news and commentary they need to understand and navigate these perilous days," said SEAPA. The press freedom organisation is also urging journalists to not take sides and to provide reliable information.

***17.05.2010. ALERT THAILAND. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) GRAVELY CONCERNED: JOURNALISTS INJURED DURING BANGKOK CLASHES

Safety issues raised as casualties among journalists covering Bangkok clashes increase (SEAPA/IFEX/PEC - 17.05.2010) 

Journalists covering the renewed clashes between Thailand's security forces and the anti-government Red Shirt protesters have found themselves literally caught in the crossfire. 

SEAPA maintains its stand that the violence directed against the media in Thailand is indefensible. These attacks will victimize not only the press, but also the Thai public in general, which both need free media, unintimidated journalists, and a healthy environment for news, commentary, and information to help understand and determine their options especially in these days of crisis. 

As of Sunday, 16 May 2010, 33 people have already been killed with 239 injured, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Emergency Health Service Center.
 
Of this number, five journalists were wounded by gunfire as troops fought with protesters after the government gave out orders to cordon off the protesters' rally site in Ratchaprasong intersection on Thursday night. Power and water supplies were cut off, Skytrain and subway lines were stopped and roadblocks set up to prevent more Red Shirts from reinforcing their comrades in Bangkok's commercial district. The Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) also announced that soldiers are now authorized to fire live rounds one shot at a time in case the use of rubber bullets to dissuade armed protesters would prove to be ineffective. The troops, the government said, are to shoot only at the legs of any resisting protesters. 

However, three journalists on Friday, 14 May, found themselves shot in the leg when they covered the skirmishes in Wireless Road, Bangkok's Embassy Row, which runs parallel to Lumpini Park, occupied by the protesters since 12 March. 

Canadian national Nelson Rand, who works for France 24 TV channel, was shot three times - in the abdomen, in one of his legs and another in one of his wrists. He was rushed to Chulalongkorn Hospital where he underwent surgery. 

Subin Namchan, a photographer of the Thai-language newspaper, "Matichon", sustained a gunshot wound in the thigh at the Sarasin-Wireless intersection. He was brought to Bumrungrad Hospital. 
 
Meanwhile, Supawat Wanchantha, cameraman for Thai Voice TV Channel was also shot in the leg and was brought to Rama 9 Hospital. 
 
Witnesses said some of the injured journalists were covering the action near the lines of the protesters. It is not clear, however, if the three journalists - all sustaining a gunshot wound in the leg - were deliberately shot or were just victims of stray bullets. 
 
The following day, Chaiwat Poompuang, a veteran photojournalist of "The Nation" newspaper, was shot in the leg when he was covering the fighting at the Din Daeng intersection near Ratchapraprop Road between some 300 Red Shirts and the soldiers manning the barricade. 

On Sunday, 16 May, a PTV cameraman's life was saved by the bulletproof vest he was wearing while lying on the ground at around 4 pm near the Lumpini Tower in Rama 4 Road. Phutthapong Chusaeng said he felt a severe pain in his back when the bullet impacted his vest. His colleague from another TV station, Thai PBS, said the bullet did not pierce the vest. 
 
These incidents underline the physical dangers faced by journalists in the on-going political crisis in the Thai capital, which started on 12 March this year. 
 
On 13 May Thursday, a reporter for the "New York Times" came within a hair's breadth of death on Lumpini Park near Rama 4 Road when the man he was interviewing, renegade Maj. Gen. Katthiya Sawasdipol alias "Seh Daeng", was hit in the right temple by a bullet fired by a sniper. 

Thai reporters have started wearing safety equipment like ballistic helmets and bulletproof vests in the aftermath of the violent April 10 dispersal of the Red Shirts in Ratchdamnoen Road. Japanese journalist Hiro Muramoto, who worked as a cameraman for British news agency Reuters, was killed after he was shot in the chest. 

A freelance photographer for ABC news, Winnai Ditthajorn, suffered from a gunshot wound to his left leg in the same incident. 
 
Thai reporters and photographers have lobbied their respective media employers to equip them with these two items as fighting between the troops and the protesters continued to heat up. Sources said that it came to a point where some journalists even threatened to stop their news coverage if not issued a helmet and a vest. 

Prior to this, the only protection the journalists had was a green armband distributed by the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) identifying the wearer as a member of the media. 
 
The TJA has repeatedly issued statements the past months calling on both parties to spare journalists from threats, harassment and physical attacks while they are covering the political conflict. 
 
In the aftermath of these recent shooting incidents, the TJA and the Thai Broadcast Journalists Association (TBJA) called on journalists to exercise caution during coverage and urged them to look first after their own safety. 
 
SEAPA observed in a prior press statement that the attacks on journalists "serve no purpose but to intimidate all media practitioners, and will ultimately deprive Thais the information, news, and commentary they need to understand and navigate these perilous days". 
 
However, even the reporters' abode is increasingly at risk, too. An AFP photographer, Pedro Ugarte, said that the hotel he was staying in, the Dusit Thani Hotel on Rama 4 Road, sustained bullet hits and several rounds from what were believed to be rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at dawn of 17 May, forcing the hotel to ask its guests to check out at noon for their own safety. Foreign correspondents billeted in a nearby hotel had also reportedly checked out earlier due to increased dangers brought on by the fighting. 
 
As of press time, the CRES issued an ultimatum to the remaining protesters, especially women, children and the elderly, in Ratchaprasong to leave the area even as it braces for a determined resistance from the hardcore elements of the Red Shirts. The TJA and TBJA also called on the media to pull out of the protest zones and other areas declared as "illegal" by the CRES for their own safety. 

Three journalists injured in Bangkok clashes (IPI - 14 May 2010)

(IPI) - Vienna, 14 May 2010 - Three journalists have been injured in clashes between government forces and protesters in Bangkok, Thailand.

The injured journalists - Nelson Rand, a Canadian working for broadcaster France 24; a local journalist working for Thai newspaper Matichon and a cameraman working for Thai broadcaster Voice TV - were injured in separate outbreaks of violence in the Thai capital today, according to media reports. Rand was reportedly shot thrice, in the leg, abdomen and wrist, and is reported to be in "serious condition."

Thai news outlet The Nation reports that protesters briefly surrounded a mobile van belonging to broadcaster Channel 3, alleging that the station's broadcasts were biased against the protestors, called "Red Shirts." The protesters dispersed after a discussion with the news staff and no one was hurt in the incident.

Journalists on the micro-blogging site Twitter, which has emerged as one of the most current sources of information on the protests, warned of attempts being made to steal cameras from photographers.

On Thursday, Thomas Fuller, a reporter for the International Herald Tribune, described how opposition figure Maj. Gen. Khattiya Sawasdipol was shot in the head as Fuller was interviewing him. Fuller told CNN that he was standing only a few feet away from Sawasdipol when he was shot. Sawasdipol was transported to hospital and is in grave condition.

"Journalists covering the clashes in Thailand at the moment are extremely vulnerable to danger," said IPI Director David Dadge. "We ask soldiers and protestors to respect the independence of the media and to ensure that they do not become targets for violence in this volatile environment."

Earlier this week, IPI reported that over a month after Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto was killed in clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, officials have yet to identify his killers.

Citing the current political tension in Thailand, editor of The Nation, Tulsathit Taptim, suggested at the time that the government may have chosen to not yet reveal the results of any murder investigation to avoid inciting further violence and, possibly, because the information may be inconvenient or embarrassing for the government.

"It is very difficult for any independent investigation to be conducted under these circumstances," Taptim said. "Any outcome would be politicised and used by one side or the other."

The deepening political crisis in the country has resulted in at least four deaths today, according to media sources, and over 30 people are said to have died in the clashes between the Red Shirts and government soldiers.

The wave of protests against the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva began on 12 March when Red Shirt protesters took to the streets. Three days later, demonstrators splashed blood under the gates of Government House in a sign of protest against the current leadership.

The government responded by blocking several websites and an opposition broadcaster People TV.

The Red Shirts do not recognise Abhisit Vejjajiva's leadership, charging that the prime minister came to power illegitimately following the 2006 coup against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Who are firing the shots that are injuring journalists? (RSF 16.05.2010)

Reporters Without Borders called on the Thai Army and the Red Shirts to guarantee the safety of journalists covering ongoing clashes in Bangkok after three reporters were injured: a cameraman for France 24, a photographer for Thai newspaper Matichon, and a photographer for the Thai daily The Nation.

“The confusion reigning in various parts of Bangkok do not suffice to explain the shooting injuries sustained by several Thai and foreign journalists since April,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Both camps must comply fully with the requirements of international law, according to which journalists cannot be military targets. We also call for an investigation to establish who gave the orders to shoot a rebel general as he was being interviewed by journalists.”

The press freedom organisation added: “We note that Thailand has just got itself elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council, and we urge the government to guarantee the safety of civilians and put an end to news censorship, in particular, the blocking of the Prachatai website.”

Nelson Rand, a Canadian reporter employed by the French TV news station France 24, was badly injured today by automatic gunfire near the Suan Lum night bazaar. Cyriel Payen, France 24’s Bangkok bureau chief, said he was hit in an exchange of shots between soldiers and Red Shirts. A photographer with the Thai newspaper Matichon also sustained a gunshot injury in the same place.

“He underwent a very long operation and came out of the operating room at about 6 pm,” Payen said about Rand. “He is slowly recovering consciousness. He was hit three times by shots from an assault rifle. Once in the leg, causing the loss of a lot of blood. Once in the abdomen and once in the hand, causing multiple fractures. The doctors say his condition is now stable.”

A third journalist, working for The Nation, Chaiwat Pumpuang, was shot in the right leg on 15 May as the army tried to disperse Red Shirts blocked a road at Din Daeng in Bangkok. Continued shooting in the area prevented the photographer from being taken to hospital for half an hour.

A journalist working for Voice TV, a Thai cable station that supports the Red Shirts, was also reportedly injured in Bangkok. Red Shirt protesters harassed a TV crew working for Thailand’s Channel 3, accusing them of supporting the government. After an argument, the journalists were able to leave the scene.

Hiroyuki Muramoto, a Japanese cameraman working for the Reuters news agency, was fatally shot and a France 24 cameraman was injured in clashes in Bangkok on 10 April. The results of the official investigation into Muramoto’s death have still not been released.

Reporters Without Borders is also shocked by the methods used by the army to eliminate the pro-Red Shirt general Khattiya Sawasdipol, who was shot in the head yesterday while being interviewed by International Herald Tribune reporter Thomas Fuller. Another journalist who was there said the shot appeared to have been fired by a sniper.

Fuller told CNN: “I was facing him, he was answering my questions, looking at me and the bullet hit him in the forehead, from what I could tell. It looks like the bullet came over my head and struck him.”

***10.05.2010. HONDURAS. VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS: UNITED NATIONS EXPERTS CALL UPON HONDURAS TO PROTECT MEDIA STAFF

GENEVA – A group of United Nations human rights experts* called upon the Honduran Government to take urgent action to address the increasing vulnerability faced by journalists operating in the country. In the past six weeks, seven journalists have been killed, and several others have been threatened, reportedly for their activities in defence of human rights in the country.

“We urge the Government to take all necessary measures to thoroughly investigate these killings and threats, prosecute those responsible, and ensure the physical and psychological integrity of all journalists under threats”, the independent experts said. “In particular, we call upon the Government to establish an independent inquiry aimed at shedding lights on these issues, as well as at identifying measures that could be taken to better protect journalists and prevent the occurrence of such acts in the future”.

Journalists José Bayardo Mairena Ramírez, Manuel Juárez, Nahun Palacios
Arteaga, David Meza Motesinos, Joseph Hernández Ochoa, Luis Antonio Chévez
Hernández and Jorge Orellana “recently lost their lives while exercising their legitimate right to freedom of opinion and expression”, stressed the United Nations Special Rapporteurs.

Several journalists continue to receive death threats, despite precautionary measures ordered by the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights to protect journalists in Honduras.

“Journalists play a critical role in strengthening human rights through their work”, the independent experts said. “Silencing them not only curtails freedom of opinion and expression, but also jeopardizes the enjoyment of all rights and freedoms of society as a whole.”

“We call on the Honduran authorities to take all necessary steps to protect the right to life and secure the right to freedom of opinion and expression of all persons, including journalists and human rights activists, in accordance with articles 6 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights”, the Special Rapporteurs said. “The international community will closely scrutinize the response of the Government to this tragic situation.”

(*) Frank la Rue, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of
the rights to freedom of opinion and expression; Mr. Philip Alston,
Special Rapporteur on summary, extrajudicial or arbitrary executions; and
Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights
defenders.

***06.05.2010. PAKISTAN. Twenty-six IFEX members join the Pakistani Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) in condemning suicide bombings

Twenty-six IFEX members and the PFUJ appeal to the leaders of the Taliban, to the jihadist movements and to Al-Qaeda in Pakistan to put a stop to all further suicide bombings in public gatherings:

"We, the undersigned journalists of Pakistan and defenders of free expression around the world, condemn with the utmost firmness all recourse to suicide bombings in the middle of crowds of civilians that result in the deaths of innocent people including media workers.

In April, two fellow-journalists working for Samaa TV were killed in the space of two days in suicide bombings in Pakistan. They were both covering stories at the time and paid with their lives for doing their duty to report the news. These bombings have made Pakistan one of the world’s most dangerous countries for the press.

As the Pakistani Muslim scholar Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri said in March, there is no place for the martyr in Islam. In a 600-page fatwa, he did not hesitate to describe the perpetrators and instigators of suicide bombings as enemies of Islam.

"They cannot claim that their suicide bombings are martyrdom operations and that they become the heroes of the Muslim umma [Islamic community]," Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri said. "No, they become the heroes of hellfire and they are leading towards hellfire. There is no place for any martyrdom and their act is never, ever to be considered jihad [holy struggle]."

As journalists, we have to cover official events first hand but that does not mean that we support any specific politician or public figure. By targeting large gatherings, the organisations that use suicide bombings are endangering the lives of innocent civilians and reporters. This is not acceptable.

We appeal with the utmost urgency to the leaders of the Taliban in Pakistan, to the jihadist movements and to Al-Qaeda in Pakistan to put a stop to all further suicide bombings in public gatherings.

We can no longer accept that our fellow journalists lose their lives."

***05.05.2010. SOMALIA. NUSOJ Condemns Assassination of Veteran Journalist in Mogadishu

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today condemned the mindless and merciless targeted assassination of veteran journalist, Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey, in Mogadishu, on Tuesday night, 4 May 2010.

Hooded men with pistols followed the late journalist Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey, 52, who was working for Radio Mogadishu – Voice of Somali Republic, a government owned Radio station, and killed him near his home in Wardhigley district.

“We condemn the assassination of Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey who is another victim of mindless and merciless brutality against journalists” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “Somali journalists are being murdered for just reporting their stories independently or their journalistic work with particular media house”.

Journalists in Mogadishu believe that Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey was murdered
because of his leading role and journalistic work with Radio Mogadishu which is owned and managed by Transitional Federal Government. The government officially accused Al-Shabaab armed group for committing this heinous crime. “The loss of this experienced journalist is heartbreaking for his family and colleagues, but it is also a blow to the entire Somali people” Omar declared.

NUSOJ says the latest assassination shows how journalists continue to face
daily risks in Somalia where violence and terrorism has become an increasingly routine part of daily life. “We again call on all sides in the conflict to stop manipulating media to suit their own political interests which became major source of media victims” Omar Faruk added.

Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey joined the profession in 1988 as a reporter with former Somali National News Agency (SONNA), especially in the foreign news service. In the past ten years he worked for several media houses in Mogadishu such as HornAfrik radio, Somali Television Network (STN), East Africa Radio and recently radio Mogadishu.

Sheik Nur Mohamed Abkey didn’t move from his home when he started working for Radio Mogadishu as other journalists working for Radio Mogadishu moved to the premises of the Radio in fear for their security. The late Sheik Nur was well-skilled journalist who worked as producer, reporter, presenter and even technician.

***03.05.2010. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) - International Press Freedom Day: 69 violations of media Freedoms in oPt since the beginning of the year

Let’s stand a minute of silence in respect to the souls of killed Journalists in Palestine and the whole world

Since Eighteen years ago, the world celebrates the Third of May as the International Press Freedom Day, which approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1993.The significance of the celebration is to highlight the violations practiced against Journalists and media institutions in all parts of the world, and promote freedom of expression culture. Especially; because the freedom of speech is missing in a lot of countries.

The occupied Palestinian territories are suffering from a lot Freedom of expression violations, where the media sector workers have been paying a high price for their hard insistence to cover events by word and image, which made them subjected almost to daily violations by Israeli occupation forces, and the Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on the other hand.

Palestinian Center for Development and media Freedoms (MADA) monitored 69 violations against Journalists in the first four months of this year; 57 violations were committed by the Israeli side, and 12 violations were committed by the Palestinian side.

This number is a serious and significant predictor at the low level of press freedom in the Palestinian territories. At the same period of the last year the number of violations was almost the same; 62 violations (41 were committed by the Israeli side, and 21 violations were committed by the Palestinian side). While on 2008 year witnessed 90 violations at the same period (64 were committed by Israeli side, and 26 by the Palestinian side). MADA monitored 173 violations during the last year.

Since the beginning of 2008, Five Journalists were killed by the Israeli occupation forces. Those are: Fadel Shana’a, Ihab Wahidi, Basil Faraj, A'la Murtaja, and Omar Silawi. As there have been no cases of murder were committed by the Palestinian side.

The continuing violations of media Freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories left negative effects on the Palestinian Journalists and the media landscape in Palestine, and the free access to information. The Palestine TV correspondent Haroon Amyreh, who had suffered from several violations by the Israeli occupation forces since the beginning of this year said: “The violations have a positive and negative impact on the Journalist, the positive effects that it increases the insistence of the Journalist to convey the truth to the whole world, and it gives him a greater motivation to continue covering the events, despite all the risks. While the negative effect is the feeling that there is no lasting security, where the beatings and insults by the Israeli occupation forces become as a routine for me.”

"The lack of security in the Journalistic work, make the journalist life like a hell and kill the motivation of work and creativity inside him”, said the freelance Journalist Mustafa Sabri, who expressed his feelings toward the multiple violations he had subjected by the security forces in West Bank. Where the several arrested times makes him living in state of fear and horror about his wife and his eight children.

Alhayat Aljadedeh correspondent in Gaza Strip “Nufouth Al-Bakri" has expressed her resentment from some officials who refused to give her information when they know that she is working with Alhayat Aljadedeh Newspaper ; Also, she complained about her permanent suffering from security agents in the dismissed government during her coverage of the press conference. It is worth mentioning that Al-Bakri home was raided two separated times by unknown individuals who said that they are belonging to the Interior Ministry and Ministry of Information.

In its efforts to develop its work to reduce the suppression of media freedoms in Palestine ,MADA will start in conjunction with the world press Freedom day, to defend Journalists by providing two lawyers in West Bank and Gaza Strip to defend them, and to give them legal consultancy. MADA will also work to increase the awareness of Journalists about their legal rights by holding workshops, printing a legal guide that related to the Journalist work in Palestine.

MADA will work to promote and to enhance freedom of expressions culture in the Palestinian society through the media .MADA will also launch an updated version of its website that contains new links about media freedoms violations.

MADA center calls the International community to exercise a real and effective pressure on Israel authorities to stop the continuing attacks on Journalists, and also demands the authorities in West Bank and Gaza to stop all forms of Suppression of media Freedoms. MADA also demands the release of all detained Journalists in Palestine and all over the world, and to provide a safe working environment for Journalists. And to respond to the UNESCO request to stand a minute of silence for the journalists who were killed, in order to show the truth, on Monday 3 May 2010, where 36 Journalists from all over the world had been killed since the beginning of 2010 according to Press Emblem Campaign press release.

MADA center offers warmest congratulations to fellow Journalists in Palestine and all over the world on the occasion of the International Press Freedom Day, hoping that Palestine and the entire world will witness a significant development to Freedom of opinion and expression.

Contact:
Riham Abu Aita
Public Relation Officer
Ramallah
info@madacenter.org
madapalestine@yahoo.com
www.madacenter.org

***03.05.2010. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY. IFJ Highlights Struggle in Iran on World Press Freedom Day

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has marked this year's World Press Freedom Day with a special focus on the situation of journalists in Iran where  dozens of journalists remain behind bars, newspapers closed and where the IFJ affiliate, the Association of Iranian Journalists has had its office closed down.

"The onslaught on media in Iran has been unrelenting since the disputed elections
in June, last year," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "The government has sought to suppress independent media and to shut down all contacts with outside following unprecedented show of public defiance to the regime."

The IFJ says there are still up to 35 journalists in prison since the mass trial of media last August and many more newspapers have been shut down. The office of the Association of Iranian Journalists (AoIJ), an IFJ affiliate, remains sealed since 5 August 2009 with no immediate prospect of being allowed to function again.

The IFJ Executive Committee decided in their meeting in Marrakech, Morocco on 20-21 March to focus World Press Freedom Day activities on raising awareness of the situation of media in Iran and support for the IFJ campaign to free Iranian journalists which has been running since September 2009. In particular, IFJ affiliates, their members and journalists around the world are requested to send the IFJ electronic post card to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, calling for the release of all detained journalists and the reopening of the AoIJ office in Tehran.

"We need to show solidarity with journalists in Iran all the time," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "But World Press Freedom Day provides the opportunity to focus the minds and send a message to the Iranian government about our determination to stand by our colleagues and fight for their freedom."

The IFJ has also called for global action to promote the safety of journalists following confirmed deaths of at least 27 journalists since the start of the year in countries such as Honduras, Thailand, Nigeria and Pakistan.

"This death toll after just four months ought to shock the world into action," added White. "We are well past the time of words alone in the face of utter indifference on the part of men of violence."

UN Secretary-General Ban KI-moon, in Remarks at World Press Freedom Day Event, Highlights Killings of 77 Journalists, Saying Governments Have Duty to Protect Media Personnel

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the observance of World Press Freedom Day, in New York today, 29 April:

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, enshrined in article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  But around the world, Governments and those who wield power use many different ways to obstruct it.
They impose high taxes on newsprint, making newspapers so expensive that people cannot afford to buy them.  Independent radio and TV stations are forced off the air if they criticize Government policies.  The censors are active in cyberspace too, preventing people from accessing websites for political reasons, and arresting citizen journalists.
In some parts of the world, journalists are imprisoned for years, on dubious or non-existent charges.  Elsewhere, they risk intimidation and harassment, and even their lives, simply for doing their jobs.  Simply for exercising their right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas, through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Last year, UNESCO condemned the killing of 77 journalists.  These were not high-profile war correspondents, killed in the heat of battle.  Most of them worked for small, local publications in peacetime.  They were killed for attempting to expose wrongdoing or corruption.

I condemn these murders and insist that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

All Governments have a duty to protect those who work in the media.  This protection must include investigating and prosecuting those who commit crimes against journalists.  Impunity gives the green light to criminals and murderers, and empowers those who have something to hide.  Over the long term, it has a corrosive and corrupting effect on society as a whole.
Our theme this year is “Freedom of Information: the right to know”.  The good news is that there is a global trend towards new laws which recognize the universal right to publicly held information.
But these new laws do not always translate into action.  Requests for official information are often refused, or delayed, for years.  At times, poor information management is to blame.  But all too often, this happens because of a culture of secrecy and a lack of accountability.

We must work to change attitudes and to raise awareness.  People have a right to information that affects their lives.  States have a duty to provide this information.  Such transparency is essential to good government.

The United Nations stands with persecuted journalists and media professionals everywhere.  Today, as every day, I call on Governments, civil society and people around the world to recognize the important work of media, and to stand up for freedom of information.

***29.04.2010. MEXICO. Mexico: International Mission Attacked in Oaxaca
Human Rights Defenders, Activists and Journalists Killed or Missing

Yesterday at 14h30, a convoy of over 40 international and local human rights defenders, activists and journalists were attacked by an armed group in the town of San Juan Copala, Oaxaca State.

Two human rights defenders were killed, Finnish citizen Jyri Antero Jaakkola, and Mexican Beatriz Alberta Carino Trujillo, member of the Centro de Apoyo Comunitario Trabajando Unidos (CACTUS), both died by gunshot wounds.

According to locals, 40 other people in the international human rights mission ran away and two journalists remain missing. The total number of people killed, wounded and missing is yet to be confirmed by Mexican authorities.

The two journalists, Erika Ramirez and David Cilia García are reporters for the journal Contralinea. According to the journal, Erika and David established contact for the last time with their colleagues in Mexico City yesterday at eleven in the morning.

Erika and David were travelling to Oaxaca to investigate the previous killings of Felicitas Martínez Sánchez and Teresa Bautista Merino. Felicitas and Teresa work for the Triqui community radio station “The voice that breaks the silence” in San Juan Copala and were killed on 7 April 2008. No one has been brought to justice for their murders.
According to local sources, one of the main concerns at the moment is that the Triqui region is more or less under siege, with no one allowed to leave, including those in need of hospital treatment.

The mission included human rights defenders coming from Finland, Italy, Belgium, and Germany, accompanied by representatives of local organisation the Red de Radios y Comunicadores Indígenas del Sureste Mexicano, Section 22 of the teachers union, the Asamblea Popular de los Pueblos de Oaxaca (APPO) and journalists, including Erika Ramirez and David Cilia García.

Yesterday’s attack adds to the atmosphere of insecurity and political confrontation that has been typical of the region since the beginning of 2007. This has been attributed in part to the declaration in January 2007 by the Triqui people of the creation of the autonomous municipality of San Juan Copala, 350 km away from the state capital. Furthermore, there is information that confirms the presence of paramilitary groups in the area.

ARTICLE 19 expresses its solidarity with the families and colleagues of the victims. We urge the local and federal authorities to undertake all necessary measures to find Erika Ramirez, David Cilia and others urgently and provide all necessary assistance, including medical and repatriation.

ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned about the escalating number of attacks against journalists and human rights defenders in Mexico, and especially about the evident pattern of violence in Oaxaca. We also urge the authorities to launch a proper investigation into the attack and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

***28.04.2010. AFGHANISTAN. Les journalistes de FR3 Hervé Ghesquière et Stéphane Taponier otages des talibans depuis 4 mois. La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) s'inquiète de leur sort et demande à nouveau leur libération immédiate. La PEC s'associe à la pétition lancée par RSF:

"Nous, amis et soutiens des deux journalistes et de leurs accompagnateurs afghans comprenons et respectons les consignes de silence et de discrétion autour de leur enlèvement afin de ne pas gêner les négociations qui s’engageraient avec les ravisseurs. Pour autant, nous ne pouvons pas admettre que des responsables politiques mettent en cause la probité professionnelle de nos confrères et amis.
Les journalistes de France Télévision enlevés sont tous deux très expérimentés, avec chacun plus de vingt ans d’expérience professionnelle sur de nombreux théâtres d’opération. Afghanistan, Proche Orient, conflit de l’ex-Yougoslavie, Rwanda, guérillas du Cambodge, ex-URSS, ils ont effectué de nombreux reportages dans des pays en guerre. C’est à ce titre que la rédaction de France 3 leur a confié cette mission d’information en Afghanistan.
Journalistes et amis, nous n’accepterons pas que la réputation de nos confrères soit salie et diminuée alors même qu’ils sont encore aux mains de leurs ravisseurs et qu’ils n’ont pas encore livré le récit de leur enlèvement. Les propos tenus sont outrageants au regard du parcours professionnel de nos confrères, des risques qu’ils ont encourus avec certains d’entre nous pour informer le public lors d’autres conflits et des motivations profondes qui les guident dans l’accomplissement de leur métier. Le dénigrement de nos confrères est en outre très blessant pour les familles. Et puisque la recommandation est à la discrétion, nous aurions souhaité que les responsables politiques soient les premiers à faire preuve de retenue. Loin des contre-vérités et des polémiques. L’Etat doit assistance à tout citoyen français, fût-il journaliste"

signez la pétition sur le site de RSF: www.rsf.org

***22.04.2010. CONSTERNACIÓN EN AMÉRICA LATINA POR SEXTO PERIODISTA ASESINADO EN HONDURAS

La Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (FEPALC) expresa su consternación por el asesinato del periodista Jorge Georgino Orellana, sexto asesinado en los últimos dos meses en Honduras.

La FEPALC denuncia a viva voz la escalada de violencia contra los comunicadores sociales registrada en Honduras, que aumenta de manera delirante el número de víctimas del sector en la región.

Orellana fue asesinado la noche del último martes 20 de abril al salir de las instalaciones del canal de televisión en el que trabajaba, en San Pedro de Sula.
El comunicador dirigía el programa "En vivo con Georgino", un programa de
debates que se emitía de lunes a viernes en Televisión de Honduras.

Lo que más reclama la FEPALC es la celeridad con la que los agentes oficiales descartan –y no sólo en Honduras- el móvil del trabajo periodístico como causa del asesinato. Siempre arguyen altos índices de criminalidad o móviles pasionales, lo que nos parece inaceptable en recogida de evidencias y análisis de circunstancias que no han tomado siquiera 24 horas.

La FEPALC recuerda que otros cinco periodistas fueron asesinados en marzo en la peor escalada de ataques de este tipo en Honduras: José Bayardo Mairena Ramírez y Manuel de Jesús Juárez, comunicadores de Canal 4 y Radio Excélsior de Juticalpa, Olancho (26 de marzo); Nahúm Palacios Arteaga, periodista, asesinado en Tocoa el 14 de marzo; David Meza, reportero radiofónico, asesinado el 11 de marzo en La Ceiba; y Joseph Hernández Ochoa, presentador de televisión, asesinado a balazos el 1 de marzo en Tegucigalpa en un atentado en el que una colega suya, también periodista, resultó gravemente herida.

A lo acontecido en Honduras, la FEPALC suma su enérgico grito de no a la
impunidad a los crímenes contra la periodista María Isabella Cordero, ex conductora de la cadena Televisa, en Chihuahua, en México y el reportero gráfico Arsenio Zambrano Ocampo, en Colombia, victimados en las últimas dos semanas.

Nuestra organización ante tan dramática situación demanda a los Estados
hondureño, mexicano y colombiano tomar medidas certeras que garanticen la
vida y seguridad de los periodistas.

Es terrible que a la fecha a consecuencia de la indiferencia y la ineficacia de los gobiernos sólo sumemos víctimas, una tras otra, sin que sea posible identificar a los culpables.

Honduras se ha convertido en el país con el mayor número de periodistas-víctimas en lo que va del 2010, seguido de México y Colombia.

Celso Schroder
Presidente FEPALC

Zuliana Lainez
Secretaria Derechos Humanos FEPALC

FEDERACIÓN DE PERIODISTAS DE AMÉRICA LATINA Y EL CARIBE (FEPALC)
Federación Argentina de Trabajadores de Prensa (FATPREN); Federación
Nacional de Periodistas (FENAJ); Sindicato Nacional de Periodistas de
Costa Rica (SNP); Federación Colombiana de Periodistas (FECOLPER); Federación Nacional de Trabajadores de los Medios de Comunicación Social de Chile (FENATRAMCO); Sindicato de Periodistas y Similares de El Salvador (SINPESS); Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Prensa y Similares de Honduras
(SITINPRES); Sindicato Nacional de Redactores de Prensa de México (SNRP);
Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay (SPP); Asociación Nacional de Periodistas del Perú (ANP); Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Prensa de la República Dominicana (SNTP); Asociación de Prensa Uruguaya (APU); Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Prensa de Venezuela (SNTP).

***21.04.2010. Appeal for Press Freedom Day silence to honour world journalist dead (INSI)

London, 21 April - The International News Safety Institute supports a call for a minute's silence in newsrooms around the world to honour more than 1,500 journalists and other news media who have died trying to cover the story over the past 14 years.

UNESCO has called for the gesture of respect to take place this and every year on World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, "to denounce the murder of journalists and to demand an end to impunity" for their killers.

An INSI global inquiry into the deaths of news professionals, Killing The Messenger, recorded 1,000 deaths between 1996 and mid-2006. A further 500 have died since then, maintaining an average of more than two deaths every week. Twenty-four are confirmed killed this year so far, with an additional 14 cases under investigation to determine whether the killings were connected with the victims' work.

INSI and other news support organisations have found than in more than eight out of 10 cases no one is ever brought to justice. In some countries the prosecution rate is virtually zero.

"This is the dreadful hidden price of our world news," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. "The death toll is a shocking indictment of States that fail in their duty to protect their journalist citizens -- and of other countries who profess a staunch commitment to freedom of expression but stand aloof when journalists die just trying to do their job.

"One minute's silence in newsrooms on World Press Freedom Day surely is the least we can do to remember our friends and colleagues who have fallen as well as those who still put their lives on the line daily to keep us informed."

The UNESCO proposal was adopted by the Intergovernmental Council of the
Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) at its 27th session in Paris last month. The IPDC aims to mobilise the international community in support of media development in developing countries.

A Decision adopted on the safety of journalists stressed the responsibility of States to comply with their obligations under international law to end impunity and prosecute those responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law.

It called on member States to inform the Director-General of UNESCO of actions taken to prevent impunity as well as the progress of judicial inquiries into the murders of journalists.

The Decision also sought to place a priority on projects that support local capacity building for the safety of journalists. (INSI noted in this regard that it had provided free safety training for more than 1,595 news media staff in 21 countries.)

The Decision concluded by proposing UNESCO convenes an inter-agency meeting of all relevant UN agencies to formulate "a comprehensive, coherent and action-orientated approach to the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity."

***20.04.2010. PHILIPPINES. Statement of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility on the Agra order to drop the multiple murder charges against Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Zaldy Ampatuan Zaldy and Mamasapano Mayor Datu Akmad Ampatuan in connection with the Ampatuan Massacre

THE ORDER of acting Justice Secretary Alberto Agra for state prosecutors to drop the multiple murder charges against Zaldy and Akmad Ampatuan in connection with the Ampatuan Massacre of 2009 has understandably aroused suspicions of political interference.

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar has described these suspicions and outright allegations as “an obscenity.” But the real and current obscenity in this country is the fact that the alleged president for whom Olivar speaks has become central to the major issues that beset this country, most particularly that of whether there will be a change in its putrid leadership rather than more of the
same despite the 2010 elections.

Why the country has reached this point is clear: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has demonstrated time and again that no method is too mean and no tactic too low for her to use in her drive to remain in power, and that includes committing the worst travesties against the very institutions—whether the police, the military or the justice system—that sustain State power.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo would rather that the public forget it, but there is no denying that the Ampatuans were, and could still be, her political allies, and that their help could be crucial in insuring the victory of the ruling coalition’s candidates at both the national and local levels.

The political imperative rather than the legal one is thus evident in Secretary Agra’s attempt to justify his order. His predecessor had ruled that there was “probable cause” that the two Ampatuans were involved in the conspiracy to waylay, abduct and kill the 57 men and women in the Mangudadatu convoy last November 23.

Whether either Ampatuan or both Ampatuans were actually present during the massacre is an incidental issue. If they were part of the conspiracy, their knowledge of and involvement in its planning constitutes the “probable cause” that Agra’s predecessor concluded existed as far as the two Ampatuans were concerned. It is that which must be established or proven false during the trial. Despite all this Agra still issued the order, thus the universal suspicion that
Malacañang had told him to do so.

But there is not much point in belaboring the obvious. In the face of this most recent outrage against both justice and democracy, the media need to take this issue to the rest of Philippine society, and to bring to the attention of the Filipino people the impending travesty the Arroyo regime is once more poised to commit. The press too needs to support the public prosecutors protesting Agra’s order, and it needs to engage law groups as well as the rest of civil society not only in
condemning the order, but even more importantly, in demanding that he
recall it. For this the press and everyone else must take to the streets if necessary.

***16.04.2010. SOMALIA. IFJ Challenges Somali Extremists and International Community over Independent Media

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the global voice of journalists, has expressed fresh concern over efforts on all sides in Somalia to wipe out independent media. The intervention follows a serious deterioration of the situation for private media outlets operating out of Somalia's densely populated and war-torn capital city of Mogadishu.

According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, the Somali Islamist insurgent group, Hisbul Islam, has imposed bans on radio stations instructing them not to air music and songs and to refer to foreign fighters fighting the country not as "foreigners", but as "Muhaajiriin". Some 14 radio stations in Mogadishu buckled under this pressure and implemented the Hisbul Islam edict after a ten-day ultimatum.

"This latest action coming after months and years of violent intimidation illustrates the wretched state of press freedom in Somalia," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Journalists are in the frontline of the struggle for peace and democracy in Somalia and they must be supported."

The IFJ says that the latest censorship is in line with similar actions been imposed on media stations in the southern Somalia regions held by Al-Shabaab Islamic extremists group. Many journalists fled or became Al-Shabaab hostages. This group took over Radio stations in Baidoa and Kismayu.

The IFJ says that media have also suffered as Somali extremist groups have put pressure on some trading companies not to place advertisements with particular media companies. Media and independent journalism have taken a hit too as donor support has diminished.

"The threats and bullying of journalists and the financial uncertainty surrounding private media have created a dangerous and despairing environment," said White. "More must be done to support media and to ensure the survival of independent journalism."

Radio Mogadishu, which is run and controlled by the Transitional Federation Government of Somalia (TFG), was launched to counter propaganda of Al-Shabaab. Newly established Radio Bar-Kulan, broadcasted in Nairobi but transmitted in strong FM station in Mogadishu, with the funding of the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA) is widely believed by the local media to support African Union Peace Keeping Troops in Mogadishu.

"The international community must not reduce its commitment to fund and to
support media nor should it show hesitation in backing the private sector," said White. "These are the vital outlets that reflect the independent voice of the Somali people. If international support is withdrawn it will open the door to new pressure from extremists and the enemies of press freedom."

***13.04.2010. AFGHANISTAN. In Video, Journalist Says French President ‘Must Negotiate Very Quickly, Otherwise We Will Be Executed Soon’ (IPI)

In a video released by the Taliban in Afghanistan on Monday, two French journalists who were kidnapped in December say they will be killed unless the Taliban’s demands are met. 
 
The two journalists, Stephane Taponnier and Herve Ghesquiere, both employed by France 3 television, were kidnapped in December in Afghanistan’s northeastern Kapisa province, along with their driver and Afghan translator.  

One of the kidnappers’ demands was that the video be broadcast on France 3 television.  

France 3 for the first time on Monday revealed the journalists’ names and images. The channel stated that it had so far protected the duo’s anonymity in the interest of their security, but that it had taken the decision to make the information public at the request of their family members.  
 
The video shows one of the journalists reading from a notebook, in English: “This message is the last message for the French government and my TV: France 3. After three months to be prisoner, the Taliban want absolutely that their (will) has to be accepted by French officials.” 

He adds: "The French president, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, must understand that we are now in danger of death. I repeat, the French president must negotiate very quickly, otherwise we will be executed soon." 
 
The French Foreign Ministry has announced that it is working to secure the journalists’ release. “Given that this could have a direct impact on the security of our two compatriots and the course of our action to secure their release, we prefer to exert the utmost discretion on this point,” spokesman Bernard Valero was quoted by AFP as saying.
 
The video was reportedly released on a Taliban website, alemarah.info, and was accompanied by a statement which announced that the Taliban had sent the French government a list of detainees who were to be released in exchange for the journalists’ safety. 
 
The area of Afghanistan where the journalists were kidnapped is primarily French-patrolled. 
 
In recent times, journalists have repeatedly been kidnapped or taken hostage by nations or non-state actors in hopes of ransom or political mileage. Earlier this month, two journalists of British origin were reportedly kidnapped when they were returning from an interview with Taliban representatives in Pakistan’s restive North West Frontier Province. Last year Iran arrested and tried an American journalist, Roxana Saberi, sentencing her to eight years on espionage charges. She was later released after her sentence was suspended. Also in 2009, North Korea detained two American journalists after it claimed that they had illegally crossed the border from China to North Korea. They were released after a visit to North Korea by former U.S President Bill Clinton. 
 
“It is unacceptable that journalists be used as pawns or as tools for political maneuvering,” said IPI Press Freedom Manager Anthony Mills. “Journalists are neutral observers and must be treated as such. They should be allowed to do their job freely and without fear of being kidnapped for political ends. The Taliban must release these journalists unharmed immediately.”

***08.04.2010. IRAQ: US MILITARY WHISTLEBLOWERS SHARE VIDEO OF REUTERS STAFF BEING KILLED

Chilling video footage of the US military killing a dozen Iraqis, including two Reuters staff, was released on 5 April by WikiLeaks, a website that publishes leaked information. The disturbing video was taken from a US Apache helicopter, and includes heartless commentary from soldiers as they fire on civilians in a Baghdad neighbourhood.

Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen, 22, and his assistant Saeed Chmagh, 40, are seen in the video walking with cameras slung over their shoulders when the voice of a US soldier identifies the cameras as "weapons." Prior to the attack, Chmagh is talking on the phone. Minutes later, a van appears; as two men start carrying a wounded Chmagh to the van, the helicopter fires on the van. Two children were hurt in the subsequent firing.

The US military claims fighting took place between US forces and insurgents. The video shows otherwise. WikiLeaks also spoke to witnesses and journalists directly involved in the episode. "The Guardian" reports the Pentagon has identified WikiLeaks as a threat to national security. Meanwhile, Reuters has been unsuccessful in its attempts to obtain a copy of the video through the Freedom of Information Act.

go to the WikiLeaks website: www.wikileaks.org 

REMEMBER: seven years ago the attack by US forces on Palestine Hotel in Baghdad 

The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) joins journalists and media workers from media organisations across the world and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in commemorating the seven-year anniversary of two attacks by the United States in Iraq which resulted in the deaths of several journalists.

On April 8, 2003, an attack by US forces on Baghdad’s Palestine Hotel killed José Couso, of Spain’s Telecinco and Taras Protsyuk, a Ukrainian cameraman working for Reuters. The hotel has long been known for hosting foreign journalists.
 
On the same day, US forces attacked the offices of the Al Jazeera broadcaster in Baghdad, killing reporter Tareq Ayyoub. 
 
The IFJ and other press freedom groups examined the Pentagon’s November 2004 report on the attack on the Palestine Hotel, concluding it was flawed and unconvincing. 
 
The IFJ calls on US President Barack Obama to now set up a thorough inquiry, in the spirit of his stated vision of hope for peace and stability in Iraq.
 
This year’s April 8 anniversary coincides with publication by Wikileaks on April 5 of a video which reportedly portrays a US military helicopter in July 2007 opening fire on and killing civilians in Baghdad, among them Reuters photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen and driver Sameed Chmagh.
 
Reuters has repeatedly requested this US military footage under US freedom of information laws, to no avail. The footage can be seen at the following link: www.collateralmurder.com

Today, the IFJ and its affiliates are writing to President Obama requesting that his administration take responsibility to explain the 2003 and 2007 attacks, especially to the families and colleagues of the victims.

In 2006, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1738, which calls on governments to protect journalists and media personnel working in situations of war and conflict, in accordance with their civilian status. 

At the most recent meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva last month, the IFJ alongside Article 19 and the International News Safety Institute (INSI) welcomed a draft resolution on protection of journalists in situations of armed conflict. 

The draft resolution recognises the “vital role played by the press in situations of armed conflict” and highlights “the large and increasing number of deaths and injuries among members of the press in armed conflict”.

***01.04.2010. FIVE JOURNALISTS KILLED IN HONDURAS IN MARCH, UNESCO REPORTS

New York, Apr 1 2010 10:10AM
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom today spoke out against the murders of two radio journalists ambushed last week, bringing the total number of media professionals killed in the Central American nation last month alone to five.

As José Bayardo Mairena and Manuel Juárez, who worked for the radio stations Excélsior and Super 10, drove from hosting a radio programme in Catacamas, in eastern Honduras, their car was sprayed with bullets by unidentified armed men, according to reports.

“Such despicable crimes against media professionals undermine the fundamental right of freedom of information, cornerstone of a democratic society,” said Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/).

Also killed last month were journalist Nahúm Palacios Arteaga in Tocoa on 14 March; radio reporter David Meza on 11 March in La Ceiba; and, on 1 March, reporter Joseph Hernández Ochoa in Tegucigalpa, in a shooting that seriously wounded another journalist.

“I call on the Honduran authorities to make every possible effort to arrest the perpetrators and put an end to this unprecedented and intolerable wave of violence,” Ms. Bokova said.

Reporters Without Borders, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has said that Honduras and Mexico are now the deadliest countries by far for journalists working in the Western Hemisphere.

A new report issued by UNESCO last week found that rising numbers of journalists are being killed worldwide, mostly in countries that are at peace, calling for an end to impunity in the murders of media professionals. Last year set a new record, with 77 murders reported by the agency. The high number is due in part to the murder of some 30 journalists in one day during an ambush in the Philippines on 23 November 2009, the publication says. Sadly, the frequency of acts of violence against journalists is increasing,” it notes. “In most cases, impunity precludes the way of justice, and if this trend prevails, journalists will remain easy targets.

“Needless to say this represents a severe threat to freedom of expression
and to our ability to seek the truth.” 

***26.03.10. UN Human Rights Council: ARTICLE 19, IFJ and INSI Back New UN Action over Safety of Journalists in Armed Conflict (see PEC NEWS)

ARTICLE 19, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the International News Safety Institute (INSI) have welcomed a draft resolution on protection of journalists in situations of armed conflict which has been proposed at the thirteenth session of the UN Human Rights Council by Bangladesh, Egypt and Mexico.

The draft resolution coincides with action at UNESCO where a request was made for an inter-agency discussion to promote a UN-wide action plan on the safety of journalists.

The draft resolution recognises the “vital role played by the press in situations of armed conflict” and highlights “the large and increasing number of deaths and injuries among members of the press in armed conflict”. It calls on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to organise a panel discussion on the issue with “all concerned parties and stakeholders, including relevant press organizations and associations”.

ARTICLE 19, IFJ and INSI welcome the spirit of the resolution, particularly the support from Mexico which has one of highest rate of journalists’ killings over the last three years. They are nevertheless concerned that the process suggested by the resolution (a panel discussion) is inappropriate in view of the gravity of the situation. The resolution also fails to make reference to, and build on, steps taken to date by the international community, and to enforce commitments by member
states which are still to be implemented.

In 2006, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1738 calling on governments to protect journalists in armed conflict situations. The resolution, recalling the frequency of acts of violence, including deliberate attacks in many parts of the world against journalists, media professionals and associated personnel in armed conflicts called on all parties to put an end to such practices.

The Security Council demanded that all parties to an armed conflict must comply with their obligations under international law to protect civilians in armed conflict. It also emphasized the responsibility of States in that regard, as well as their obligation to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for serious violations. All parties in situations of armed conflict were urged to respect the professional independence and rights of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel as civilians.

Some four years later, the recommendations still have to be fully implemented. Over the past 12 years, more than 1,100 journalists and media staff have been killed in the line of duty. Almost none of these crimes have been prosecuted and impunity for crimes committed against journalists is especially high.

ARTICLE 19, IFJ and INSI call on the three sponsors and all member states
to:
• Comply with their obligations under international law to protect civilians in armed conflicts and end impunity, as highlighted by UN Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006) on violence against journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel in armed conflicts; and other international agreements and initiatives;
• Ensure that a future panel discussion on the topic focuses on the implementation of existing international agreements and commitments, with the view of identifying the gaps and problems with violence and impunity, and effective ways of addressing them.

ARTICLE 19, IFJ and INSI encourage broad participation in this process and
accordingly offer their assistance to all interested parties.

***18.03.10. MEXICO: EIGHT JOURNALISTS ABDUCTED, TWO KILLED

In Mexico, information can be fatal. Eight journalists were abducted in separate episodes between 18 February and 3 March, report the Center for Journalism and Public Ethics (CEPET), Inter American Press Association (IAPA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Three journalists were later released; one of them died as a result of being tortured. Mexican journalists in newsrooms remain silent about the kidnappings for fear of reprisals from drug traffickers. And in another part of the country also caught in the terror of drug cartels, another journalist was slain on 12 March.

The abducted journalists work for both print and broadcast media and were kidnapped in Reynosa, northern Tamaulipas State. Sources declined to name the victims or file complaints with authorities due to fear of retaliation or further endangering the victims' lives. The abductions come at a time of bloody clashes between two drug cartels in the Reynosa border area, and the press has been intimidated into not reporting on the violence. Local journalists say the cartels are behind the kidnappings and corrupt police are protecting them. "An escalating internal dispute among drug cartel members has claimed over 200 lives in 14 days and contributed to a media blackout," reports the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).

Reporter Jorge Rábago Valdez, 49, who worked for the Reynosa-based daily "La Prensa" and broadcasters Radio Rey and Reporteros en la Red, was abducted on 19 February. He was dumped on a highway less than two weeks later, and was found alive, but unconscious with signs of torture. He died in a hospital on 2 March. Miguel Angel Domínguez Zamora, a reporter for the Reynosa-based "El Mañana", has been missing since 1 March.

Two reporters from the Milenio media group were assigned to cover drug-related violence in Reynosa. They were abducted on 3 March and freed the next day. A top editor at Milenio, Ciro Gómez Leyva, wrote an op-ed saying they had been injured and their abductors had warned them to avoid any reporting on them. "Journalism in Reynosa is dead. I have nothing more to say," he said.

"As drug trafficking, violence, and lawlessness take hold," said CPJ, "the Mexican media are forced into silence. This pervasive self-censorship is causing severe damage to Mexican democracy."

In a separate incident, Mexican reporter Evaristo Pacheco Solís was found shot to death last week in Chilpancingo, Guerrero State - another area convulsed with open warfare between drug gangs, report RSF, CPJ and the International Press Institute (IPI). A reporter with the weekly "Visión Informativa", Pacheco Solís is the second journalist killed in Guerrero this year. According to press reports, at least 15 people died in a series of violent attacks in Guerrero last week.

"As journalist after journalist is slain there, the Mexican population - who stand at the forefront of the government's violent conflict with drug cartels - are being deprived of their right to information, and courageous Mexican journalists are being brutally deprived of their right to inform," said IPI.

Related stories on ifex.org:
- Eight journalists kidnapped in two weeks :
www.ifex.org/mexico/2010/03/12/tamaulipas_violence/

- Journalist shot to death in Guerrero:
www.ifex.org/mexico/2010/03/16/pacheco_solis_killed/

***16.03.10. IFJ Condemns Spate of Journalists' Murders in Honduras

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today expressed fresh concern over the media crisis in Honduras following three murders in two weeks targeting media. The killings of Joseph Hernández Ochoa, a former TV presenter on 1 March, David Meza Montesinos, a radio reporter who died on 11 March and fellow reporter Nahum Palacios Arteaga murdered three days later were carried out in drive- by shootings.
"This spate of murders targeting journalists in Honduras shows the alarming level of increasing political violence in the country," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "There is a disturbing trend of targeting of journalists in a cold-blooded series of planned assassinations."
According to media reports, all three journalists were killed while driving their cars. Arteaga, 34, a radio reporter, was shot dead on Sunday 14 March in the coastal city of Tocoa. Gunmen blocked his car before firing a hail of bullets - 41 in all - into the car, killing him instantly.
Montesinos, a veteran reporter for El Patio radio station, was killed as he was driving home in the town of La Ceiba when armed men opened fire from another car. He had reportedly received death threats earlier over his coverage of the drug trade.
Ochoa, a former television presenter, also died in a drive-by shooting which also injured a passenger in his car, fellow journalist Carol Cabrera. Their car was sprayed with bullets by gunmen travelling in another vehicle, reports say.
The IFJ says journalists are victims of organised crime as the country struggles to restore political dialogue and law and order in the wake of last year's coup d'état which sparked political unrest in the country. The Federation accused at the time the coup leaders of attacking journalists and closing media in Honduras.
"Journalists are extremely vulnerable in Honduras as impunity is taking hold in the country," added White. "Every effort must be made to protect journalists and restore the rule of law and order to the streets."

***07.03.10. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) Annual report of violations of media freedoms in the Occupied Palestinian Territories: 173 violations of media freedoms in oPt during the year 2009 - 2009 was a bloody year for Palestinian journalists

Israel's continued occupation of the Palestinian lands has lead to continued violations of media freedoms during the past year (2009). The ongoing conflict between Fatah and Hamas was the main factor in the violations that took place by the Palestinian side, whereas the Palestinian territories are still characterized by the security control of several parties which leads to a multiplicity of actors that violate media freedoms. There are Israeli occupation authorities and settlers On the one hand and security apparatuses in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on the other, in addition to Palestinian armed groups which led to the continued decline of media freedom and freedom of expression available. The excessive practice of self censorship by journalists and media outlets have also led to a decline in the level and professionalism of Palestinian media.
 
In this context, the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) has monitored 173 violations of media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories during the past year 2009, 97 of which were committed by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers, and 76 were committed by the Palestinian security apparatuses in the West Bank and Gaza, and the Palestinian armed groups.
 
 Although the size of the violations against the Palestinian Journalists is large and it is considered one of the largest rates at the global level, but it marks a decline in the number of violations compared to year 2008, which witnessed 257 violations monitored by MADA Center. It was noted that despite this decline the past year was a bloody year for the Palestinian journalists who have lost four of their colleagues by the fire of the Israeli occupation forces during the aggression on the Gaza Strip. Those are: Omar Silawi, A'la Murtaja, Basel Faraj and Ihab Al-Wehaidi.

It was noted that violations against Palestinian journalists have been increasing when the inter-Palestinian disputes were escalating. The attacks by the Israeli side have also seriously increased during the aggression against the Gaza Strip during the month of January as well as during the coverage of peace marches against the Apartheid Wall in the West Bank. The Israeli security forces have escalated their attacks against journalists in the city of Jerusalem and banned their entry to the yards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in a clear violation not only to international conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but also to the Israeli law itself which occupation forces forcibly apply in the occupied East Jerusalem.

In the same context, Israel continued its policy of detaining journalists. The number of detainees among them has attained seven journalists. The same was repeated by the Palestinian side where thirty journalists have been detained. The same number was kept in custody by the Israeli and the Palestinian sides for different periods. However, the number of Palestinian journalists who were injured by Israeli occupation forces has attained 34, while the number of injuries due to beating attacks by the Palestinian side has attained six journalists.

In another corner of this scene, last year haunted bombing and destruction of a large number of media institutions and homes of journalists in the Gaza Strip during the Israeli aggression. The Israeli occupation forces have, moreover, prevented the entry of Palestinian newspapers over the past year, in addition to continuing its policy of restricting the movement of journalists from and to the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the occupation forces continued its old policy of preventing most of the journalists in the West Bank from freedom of movement to and from Israel and Jerusalem, as well as the denial of travel abroad to some journalists.
The Israeli systematic and continued measures against the entire components of the media sector in Palestine prevented many of our colleagues from traveling abroad to receive international and regional awards that were awarded to them due to their objectivity and professionalism in the coverage of the Palestinian reality with all its pains and hopes.

 The persistence of the political divide with all attendant sharpness and rift in the relationship between Hamas and Fatah led to further infringement on press freedoms by the Palestinian security apparatuses in both parts of the country. It also led to keeping many media institutions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip banned from functioning or halted as a result of their staff’s fear of prosecution and attacks, since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in mid-June 2007.

 The continued conflict between the two movements has also led to the promotion of self-oversight among the Palestinians journalist which negatively impacted on the productivity and professionalism of the Palestinian media. Tow concepts became dominating the mentality of a big number of journalists: fear or courtesy, the fear of Hamas or courtesy to it as well as the fear of Fatah or courtesy to it.
 
In regard to kidnapping of journalists, the Palestinian arena and for the second consecutive year did not see any cases of abduction of journalists, which predicts the demise of this phenomenon that prevailed in the Palestinian territories for several years, and produced very negative impacts on the work of the media outlets, especially the international ones. It is noted in this regard that such a phenomenon had also a negative and dangerous impact on the status of the Palestinian cause. When a foreign journalist is kidnapped, the international public opinion, especially the one of the country of the kidnapped, will retreat in its sympathy to the Palestinians and their just demands.

 While “MADA” is welcoming the decision of Dr. Salam Fayyad which prohibits torture in the prisons of the Palestinian National Authority, and the decision of the Director General of Police in the Gaza Strip not to abuse journalists, but to facilitate their mission, which will have positive impact on press freedom, we request that the decisions should be accompanied with a resolution by relevant authorities in the West Bank and Gaza  strip prohibits the arrest of journalists on the background of freedom of opinion and expression.
 
“MADA” Center condemns all attacks against journalists and media outlets which is a flagrant violation of freedom of expression guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Palestinian Basic Law and the Law on Press and Publication.

 MADA Center also expresses its appreciation to the colleague journalists who, despite the seriousness of the situation in the Palestinian territories and the magnitude of the repeated attacks on them, continued to do their full duty, risking their lives in many cases. The cheerful difference here is that many of them have received regional and international awards which indicate their high level of professionalism.
 
We confirm again that without the demise of the Israeli occupation and putting an end to the internal Palestinian conflict, it is difficult to talk about a dramatic drop in attacks on journalists and Palestinian media outlets.
 
Recommendations:

 Based on the details of the Palestinian media sector over the past year and due to the goals of the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) in terms of defending media freedoms and developing the Palestinian media, it recommends the following:

·      Respecting the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Palestinian Basic Law and the Law on Press and Publication.

·      Urging the international community to pressure Israel to stop its attacks on journalists and Palestinian media outlets.

·      Releasing the journalists detained in Israeli and Palestinian prisons.

·      Prohibiting the arrest of journalists by the Palestinian security apparatuses in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and not involving them in the internal Palestinian disputes.

·      Allowing all media outlets and journalists in the West Bank and Gaza to work freely and safely.

·      Commitment of the Palestinian journalists to professional standards, and not to resort to incitement.

·      Forming a supreme council for media to be responsible for the official media bodies to ensure their impartiality and objectivity.

·      Respecting the decisions of the judiciary, especially the rulings of the Supreme Court of Justice, related to journalists by the authorities responsible for law enforcement.

·      Prosecuting all those responsible for attacks on journalists and bringing them to justice.

·      Enacting a law on the right free access to information, and amending the Law on Press and Publications of 1995, in accordance with the Palestinian Basic Law and the international standards on freedom of expression. 

Full report on: www.madacenter.org

***03.03.10. KILLING OF NEPALESE MEDIA GROUP HEAD SPARKS UN ALARM 

The United Nations human rights office in Nepal today expressed its deep concern over the killing of the head of a media group, the latest in a string of murders of journalists in the Asian nation.

Arun Singhanyia, chairperson of the Janakpur Today Media Group in southern
Nepal, was shot dead on 1 March. According to media reports, he was killed
as he was traveling home after celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi.

His murder comes just one month after the killing of Jamim Shah, head of satellite TV station Channel Nepal and cable TV company Space Time Network, who was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle on a major thoroughfare in Katmandu, the capital. His driver Mathuraman Malakar was seriously injured in the attack.

Last year, Uma Singh, a reporter at Radio Today FM and a member of the Women’s Human Rights Defenders in the southern district of Dhanusha, was hacked to death in her own home by men armed with “khukhuris,” curved knives traditional to Nepal.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal stressed today that threats and violence against the media can jeopardize the right to freedom of expression, and that journalists must be able to carry out their profession safely and have their human rights fully respected.

The State must ensure the necessary security and intervene when appropriate for all journalists under threat, it added.

“The protection of journalists is of paramount importance in a democratic society and both State and non-State actors must show full respect for press freedom and support a free and independent media,” said Andrew Palmer, Officer-in-Charge of OHCHR-Nepal.

A decade-long civil war, claiming some 13,000 lives, ended in 2006 with
the signing of a peace accord between the Government and Maoists. After
conducting Constituent Assembly elections in May 2008, Nepal abolished its
240-year-old monarchy and declared itself a republic. 

UNESCO CHIEF DEPLORES KILLING OF NEPALESE MEDIA OWNER
New York, Mar 4 2010 11:10AM
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom
today condemned the murder of Nepalese media owner Arun Singhaniya, while
reiterating her concerns over the ongoing threats faced by journalists in
the South Asian nation.

Mr. Singhaniya was killed on 1 March in the south-eastern city of
Janakpur, the second such murder three weeks. According to local media
sources, he was shot by four men on motorbikes, and several armed groups
have claimed responsibility for the murder.

He was chairman of Janakpur Today Publications, which publishes Janakpur
Today and operates Radio Today. A journalist from the radio station, Uma
Singh, was murdered 12 months ago.

“I condem