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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***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 condemn the murder of Arun Singhaniya, who was fulfilling an important
role in the development of a dynamic information service,” UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova stated in a news release.

She stressed that in Nepal, as elsewhere in the world, a pluralistic media
serves as a vital pillar for freedom of expression, and voiced her
conviction that the Nepalese authorities should do everything possible to
ensure that this crime does not go unpunished.

***03.03.10. PHILIPPINES: Statement of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility and theSoutheast Asian Press Alliance on the 100th day of the Ampatuan Massacre

A hundred days have passed since the massacre of 32 journalists and media workers in Maguindanao, Southern Philippines, together with 26 others. The principal suspect has been indicted.
But the petition for bail of the alleged mastermind has been the subject of
several postponements, in a portent of things to come that’s not encouraging
for the demand for justice for the victims.

The urgent demand for justice is in danger of foundering on the shoals of the technicalities that—together with police collusion at the local levels in the killing of journalists, overworked prosecutors who fear for their safety, and the involvement of local officials and warlords—constitute the many weaknesses of the Philippine justice system.  Equally distressing is the information, relayed by one of the private lawyers helping prosecute the case, that witnesses are being bought if not threatened, and that relatives are being offered amounts that few mortals in the Philippine community setting can refuse in exchange for withdrawing their complaints.

Add public indifference and resignation, and the mass media’s own short attention span and susceptibility to the lure of reporting those events that help boost ratings and circulations to these problems and issues, and we have the potential for the massacre’s  not only going unpunished, but even forgotten.

Forgetfulness is among the worst vices of a people whom the media have failed to provide information crucial to their lives. And yet, forgetfulness is the sure guarantee for the repetition of such atrocities as the Ampatuan massacre, the human rights violations that continue to haunt this country, and the constant peril of authoritarian rule. Only by remembering the past can we prevent its repetition.

The media are among the institutions crucial to the fostering of the imperative of keeping in the public mind the need for justice in the Ampatuan massacre and for the making of a culture of remembrance. But the public as a whole needs to support the campaign to keep the Ampatuan massacre in the national agenda as an issue that needs resolution. As we enter the fourth month since that atrocity, the undersigned media and journalists’ organizations renew their pledge never to forget and to continue to remind the Philippine public and the international community that the pro-active engagement of a militant people and a truly free and responsible press can prevent the many crimes and atrocities that haunt this country, among them the killing of journalists, from going unpunished and even repeated. 

***03.03.10. MEXICO: PUBLIC OFFICIALS BEHIND CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS

Mexico is the deadliest country in the Americas for journalists trying to do their job. Organised crime is often perceived as being predominantly behind attacks on the press, but a new report by ARTICLE 19 and the National Center for Social Communication (CENCOS) points to public officials as the main perpetrators. And there is a movement to challenge this culture of impunity with newspaper editors and journalists joining forces to urge the government to take action, reports the Inter American Press Association (IAPA).

ARTICLE 19 and CENCOS recorded 244 cases of attacks and intimidation against journalists and media workers in 2009. Within that number of attacks, 11 journalists were assassinated and one more has disappeared. More than 65 percent of assaults on press freedom came from political authorities or individuals linked to political parties, compared to six percent from criminal gangs, with the Mexican army cited in 26 abuses.

The report examines the lack of political will to deal with the issue, along with severe corruption. Governments at all levels and security services are failing to protect media workers, which leads to a culture of impunity, allowing attacks on the press being carried out to eliminate unwanted reporting or dissident voices.

In a separate statement, ARTICLE 19 called on Gustavo Salas Chávez, the newly appointed Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against the Media, to be independent, impartial and to protect the rights of victims and avoid re-victimisation. The previous prosecutor was widely seen as ineffective at controlling attacks on the press and claimed that the murders of journalists were not work-related. As well, the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against the Media (FEADP), established in 2006, has lacked the political will to investigate crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.

In addition, the Center for Journalism and Public Ethics (CEPET) recorded 183 attacks on journalists and 19 attacks on media in 2009, a 10 percent increase from the year before. According to CEPET's annual report, the attacks include threats, arbitrary detention or intimidation, injuries and disappearances. CEPET records the murders of 13 journalists, although not all were linked to their work. CEPET's research concurs that most attacks are connected to the state, and most take place with impunity.

A forum held last month by IAPA, in Durango, Mexico, brought together newspaper editors and publishers from the Mexican states of Durango, Coahuila, Sinaloa and Sonora, to discuss the self-censorship that is routine as a result of violent reprisals from organised crime. It called on federal and state authorities to make crimes against journalists a federal offense and for the creation of a united front among police, public prosecutors' offices and the army, to give journalists timely and transparent access to information about acts of violence.

***18.02.10. CPJ LAUNCHES SURVEY OF ATTACKS ON THE PRESS AT EVENTS WORLDWIDE
 
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released its worldwide survey on press freedom violations, "Attacks on the Press," in six countries in different regions on 16 February. Drawing on CPJ's own investigations as well as information gathered by other IFEX members, the 360-page book details the struggles and threats journalists face and how these press freedom violations corrupt the flow of information, undermining democracy. The survey provides a factual, systematic analysis of the media environment in more than 100 countries, with information on journalists killed, imprisoned, and the repercussions of forcing journalists into in exile.

In Africa, dozens of journalists have gone into exile because of intimidation and violence, especially in Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea. And with this exodus of reporters, local communities no longer have a reliable source of information, governments or political factions take over control of formerly independent news outlets, and there are fewer journalists who have the professional standards and training to carry out independent news gathering. Many journalists remaining in Ethiopia and Eritrea have been imprisoned. In Somalia, English-speaking journalists are targeted. This means that without reliable local reporters, international reporters no longer get news. In exile in Nairobi, separated from loved ones, living on the streets, Somali journalists encounter arbitrary harassment and detention. At the Nairobi launch of the CPJ survey, Somali journalists pointed to the risks local journalists face in the war-ravaged country; nine journalists were killed in 2009.

In the Americas, unlawful spying by national intelligence agencies has created a chill with sources becoming increasingly reluctant to talk to journalists. Cuban state security agents have kept journalists and dissidents under constant surveillance for decades. In Colombia in 2009, agents subjected journalists, politicians, judges and human rights defenders to illegal phone tapping and e-mail interception. And in Argentina, there has been a federal investigation examining whether agents tapped the phones and hacked the e-mail accounts of critical journalists, politicians, judges, and artists as part of a strategy to discredit and stop their work.

On 16 February in Bogotá, CPJ and the local Foundation for Freedom of the Press (FLIP) launched their annual reports together. They also met with authorities, including President Alvaro Uribe Vélez, to discuss the findings of the reports. The delegates called on the Colombian government to prosecute all those responsible for illegal spying and to refrain from accusing members of the media of having connections to armed groups, without any evidence, as it puts their lives in danger.

The CPJ survey points to the power of the Internet in the Middle East in bringing human rights reporting to a mass audience by bloggers, despite brutal attacks on critics by the state, and the resilience of Arab journalists. "A 2008 survey of 600 journalists in 13 Arab countries by the American University in Cairo found that most believed their primary mission was to drive reform."

At a press conference in Cairo, Naziha Rejiba, editor of the Tunisian online publication "Kalima" and a 2009 CPJ International Press Freedom Awardee, offered a stark description of the harassment Tunisian journalists face. "They don't kill us physically... but they assassinate our characters." At the United Nations in New York, Canadian-Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari, who was detained and tortured for 118 days in Tehran's Evin prison, asked the secretary-general to prioritize free expression.

For Asia, the book includes a special section on the culture of impunity in the Philippines with a detailed account of the massacre of 32 journalists last November in election-related violence. For the international launch of the book, in Tokyo, CPJ led a panel discussion on how technology and the rise of social media is changing the press freedom landscape, with discussion on citizen journalists sending photos of street demonstrations in Iran, and other examples that highlight the worst abusers.

More on the web:
- Attacks on the press 2009 (CPJ): www.cpj.org/attacks/

***17.02.10 IRAN: IFEX MEMBERS SPEARHEAD CAMPAIGN TO RELEASE IMPRISONED IRANIAN JOURNALISTS

A coalition of IFEX members launched a campaign last week on the 31st anniversary of the Iranian revolution, to pressure the government of Iran to release journalists and activists imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression. The "Our Society Will Be a Free Society" campaign is named for a pledge that Ayatollah Khomenei made during the 1979 Iranian Revolution to protect freedom of expression and the press.

But in the last 31 years, thousands of newspapers have been shut down, hundreds of journalists arrested and hundreds more sentenced to long prison terms, and dozens executed. In the days leading up to the anniversary, in an effort to stop opposition protests and control the flow of information in and out of the country, authorities suspended Google Mail (saying they would soon create a national email service), blocked text messaging, slowed connectivity to the Internet and arrested several journalists, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Meanwhile, foreign journalists were invited to Iran to cover pro-government celebrations, says RSF.

The coalition is a joint initiative of CPJ, RSF, International PEN, PEN American Center, English PEN, Index on Censorship, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and the International Publishers Association (IPA). It is acting out of "a sense of shared, urgent concern for the welfare of journalists, writers and bloggers and a profound alarm over the situation for free expression in Iran." The campaign runs up to 20 March, the Iranian New Year, with events aimed at increasing pressure for the release of writers and journalists in prison. It then continues in North America and Europe through the spring. The group is also urging world leaders to apply pressure on Iran to release jailed dissidents. Some of the most distinguished journalists and leading bloggers are behind bars.

In an open letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the coalition asks him to respect the spirit of the 1979 revolution to "protect human rights and celebrate the Iranian people's freedom of expression" by releasing the more than 60 writers, journalists and bloggers in prison. "This list constitutes the largest number of our colleagues jailed by any country on earth at one time in over a decade," says the letter.

In an op-ed published on 10 February in the "International Herald Tribune" and addressed to Ayatollah Khamenei, Iranian-Canadian journalist and documentary filmmaker Maziar Bahari, who is working with the coalition, said: "The only accusation against many reporters who are languishing in Iranian jails at the moment is that they held a mirror to the actions of the Iranian government. They did not want to overthrow it. They never took up arms. All of them did their job as peacefully as journalists elsewhere around the world." Bahari was arrested while reporting on demonstrations in Tehran in the aftermath of the disputed June 2009 election. He also says, "I was unfortunate enough to know firsthand how your agents treat journalists. I was kept in your jail for 118 days simply for being a reporter. For much of that time I was tortured."

The Human Rights Council of the United Nations met on 15 February to examine Iran's human rights record. The Council has "more than 200 reports documenting the arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detentions and torture, often for the purposes of extracting false confessions, of intellectuals, students, artists, human rights defenders, journalists and others after the disputed presidential elections last year," says the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC).

"The countries that say nothing about the bloody crackdown that has been taking place in Iran for the past eight months are accomplices to these crimes," RSF said. "When the UN Human Rights Council conducts its Universal Periodic Review of Iran, it must show that it is up to the task."

On 17 February, the coalition called for UN special rapporteurs to be sent to Iran. UN human rights experts have already brought attention to the mass arrests and abuse of dissidents, said Index on Censorship, "but independent investigation on the ground is crucial."

Iranian human rights organisations and activists and international labour groups protested outside UN offices in Geneva this week, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Two weeks ago, IFJ participated in a meeting at the European Parliament on "Human, Journalists and Trade-Union Rights in Iran: the New State of Emergency." The group is calling for the reopening of the Iranian Association of Journalists (AoIJ).

Sign a petition to free Kian Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-American scholar sentenced in August 2009 to 15 years in prison after a mass trial of 140 activists, intellectuals and writers. Please visit: Free Kian ( www.freekian09.org/tag/our-society-will-be-a-free-society/ )

Related stories on ifex.org:
- Iran attempts to stifle Internet on anniversary of revolution:
www.ifex.org/iran/2010/02/12/internet_stifled/

- Human Rights Watch report documents mounting rights violations as government celebrates revolution's anniversary:
www.ifex.org/iran/2010/02/16/post_election_crackdown/

More on the web:
- IFJ backs UN protest and calls on Iran to Set Journalists Free:
www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-backs-un-protest-and-calls-on-iran-to-set-journalists-free

- Groups join forces, urge Iran to free journalists (CPJ):
www.cpj.org/2010/02/organizations-to-iran-release-journalists.php

- Bahari to Iran: Let my colleagues go (CPJ):
www.cpj.org/blog/2010/02/bahari-calls-on-iran-to-free-colleagues.php

- International community urged to face up to responsibilities during UN Human Rights Council's review of Iran (RSF):
www.rsf.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=36451

- Open letter to Ayatollah Khamenei:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2010/02/open-letter-to-ayatollah-khamenei/

- Free press and free expression organisations to Iran: Release jailed journalists, writers (CJFE):
www.cjfe.org/releases/2010/11022010irancampaign.html

***16.02.10. COLOMBIA. Informe sobre el estado de la libertad de prensa en Colombia en 2009

En el 2009 el estado de la libertad de prensa en Colombia no varió significativamente en comparación con años anteriores. Sin desconocer los
logros que se han obtenido en materia de seguridad física de los
periodistas, preocupa que desde hace dos años las cifras se mantienen
estables, lo cual, aunque denota que la situación no tiende a empeorar,
tampoco mejora.

La estabilidad de las cifras se presentó en la mayoría de indicadores de
libertad de prensa con respecto al año anterior, sin embargo, en 2009 hubo
un incremento en el total de las violaciones. Esto se debió a que el
indicador de obstrucción al trabajo periodístico tuvo un aumento dramático
a raíz del escándalo de las interceptaciones y seguimientos ilegales
contra periodistas por parte del Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad
(DAS), agencia de inteligencia adscrita a la Presidencia de la República.

El total de violaciones a la libertad de prensa registradas en 2009 fueron
157 los cuales dejaron 258 víctimas mientras que durante 2008 se
reportaron 129 casos que dejaron 180 afectados.

Del escándalo del DAS se han confirmado 16 casos de periodistas, no
obstante, se cree que el fenómeno es muchísimo mayor, pues según la
Fiscalía, no se ha analizado el total del material incautado. Los primeros
hallazgos de la investigación de la Fiscalía empiezan a evidenciar que
desde el DAS no sólo se hacían interceptaciones ilegales a las
comunicaciones y seguimientos a las actividades de los periodistas, sino
que además se diseñaron manuales para amenazar, como lo demuestra la
investigación de la Fiscalía en el caso de las interceptaciones a la
periodista Claudia Julieta Duque, corresponsal de Radio Nizkor en
Colombia.

Por otra parte, la FLIP registró con preocupación el asesinato de un
comunicador por razones de su trabajo periodístico en 2009. Se trató de
José Everardo Aguilar, de Radio Súper, en Patía, Cauca. Según
investigaciones de la FLIP en zona, las constantes denuncias sobre
corrupción e informaciones sobre política local habrían sido el motivo de
su crimen, ocurrido el 24 de abril. Es el primer homicidio de un
periodista por razones de oficio en Colombia luego de 20 meses. El único
sindicado fue absuelto.

En cuanto a las amenazas, éstas continúan siendo una de las formas más
frecuentes de coartar la labor de los periodistas y de silenciarlos. En
2009 se presentaron 74 casos, cifra que se mantiene estable en comparación
con años anteriores. Sin embargo, la FLIP considera que el fenómeno es aún
mayor, pues existe un alto subregistro de intimidaciones que no son
reportadas.

Las regiones del país donde se registraron más ataques a la prensa fueron
el Distrito Capital de Bogotá (39 casos) y los departamentos de Valle del
Cauca (22), Atlántico (13), Antioquia (7), Caldas (7), Tolima (7) y Huila
(7). En el caso de Bogotá, las altas cifras no significan que sea la zona
del país de mayor riesgo para los comunicadores. Su alto registro de casos
se explica porque es la ciudad de Colombia con mayor concentración de
medios y mayor número de periodistas activos.

Respecto a los autores de las violaciones, durante 2009 se mantuvo la
tendencia al incremento de los casos cometidos por parte de funcionarios
públicos (26% de los casos). De hecho, el escándalo de las
interceptaciones y seguimientos ilegales cometidos por funcionarios del
DAS incrementó las cifras en este sentido. No obstante, en la mayoría de
los casos reportados el autor de la violación es desconocido (32%) pues
las amenazas, por ejemplo, son realizadas generalmente a través de
llamadas o mensajes anónimos. Hay una tendencia decreciente de las
violaciones cometidas por los grupos armados ilegales en los últimos años:
las FARC pasaron de cometer 14 violaciones en 2008 a 5 en 2009 y los
paramilitares bajaron de 13 a 10 casos en el mismo periodo.

Como hecho positivo por destacar, fueron condenados a los autores
intelectuales del asesinato del periodista José Emeterio Rivas, ocurrido
en Barrancabermeja, Santander, en abril de 2003. La Fiscalía encontró que
Julio César Ardila Torres, ex alcalde de esa ciudad; Fabio Pajón Lizcano y
Abelardo Rueda Tobón (ex funcionario de la misma entidad), planearon y
ordenaron el homicidio en alianza con paramilitares de la zona. El fallo
estableció una pena de 28 años de cárcel para Ardila y 26 para Pajón y
Rueda. 

***15.02.10. NEPAL: UN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE CONDEMNS THREATS TO JOURNALISTS AFTER KILLING

New York, Feb 15 2010 6:10PM
United Nations human rights officials in Nepal voiced alarm today over the threats made against journalists reporting on the recent murder of the media entrepreneur Jamim Shah, stressing that freedom of expression must be upheld in the Asian nation.

Richard Bennett, the Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights in Nepal, issued a statement condemning the threats against editors and publishers and describing them as sending "a chill through the entire community."

The threats follow the murder of the television channel operator Mr. Shah,
who was shot dead in the capital, Kathmandu, on 7 February.

"Unfortunately violence against the media is not rare in Nepal and has been witnessed especially against journalists working in the Terai," said Mr. Bennett, referring to the region that runs along the length of southern Nepal.

"I urge State authorities to ensure a secure environment that facilitates full enjoyment of rights of freedom of expression as guaranteed by national and international human rights law."

Mr. Bennett's office emphasized that "freedom of expression, including freedom of the media to publish news fairly and honestly, is fundamental in a society that respects human rights and thrives alongside the rule of law and good public security."

The independent Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that at least 13 journalists have been murdered in Nepal over the past decade.

***05.02.10. International Special Rapporteurs for Free Expression Highlight Critical Ten Challenges

The four international special rapporteurs on freedom of expression have released their tenth annual Joint Declaration on *Ten Key Challenges to Freedom of Expression in the Next Decade*. Brought together by ARTICLE 19 and the Centre for Law and Democracy in February 2010, the special rapporteurs have issued a Joint Declaration each year since 1999.

The 2010 Joint Declaration, which reaffirms all the previous declarations, acknowledges important advances made for free expression over the past decade, especially regarding the enormous potential of the Internet as a tool for realising the rights to freedom of expression and information. At the same time, the Joint Declaration notes both the long-standing and emerging challenges to the full realisation of freedom of expression and identifies ten key threats as follows:

1. Increasing government control over the media through a range of mechanisms, including political influence over public media, punitive registration and licensing requirements, political ownership, and the use of antiquated rules.
2. Criminal and civil laws on defamation, slander and insult, which penalise
statements which are factual or opinions, or which protect the reputations of symbols, state institutions or religions, or allow for overly harsh penalties.
3. Violence against journalists and the failure to prevent and investigate such attacks, and bring those responsible to justice.
4. The failure by a majority of states to adopt laws guaranteeing the right of access to information, and the weak implementation of such laws in many states which have.
5. Discrimination against historically disadvantaged groups who struggle to
exercise their right to freedom of expression.
6. Commercial pressures, including a growing concentration of media ownership and the risk that public broadcasters will lose out during processes of digital switchover in many countries.
7. Challenges to the public funding support for public service and community
broadcasters.
8. National security interests being used to justify unduly broad limitations on freedom of expression.
9. Government restrictions on the Internet, through the imposition of firewalls and filters, or the blocking of websites and web domains.
10. The limited access to the Internet by vulnerable people, such as the poor, and rural or elderly populations.

*“These Joint Declarations elaborate on the meaning of freedom of expression
according to different thematic areas,” *says Dr Agnès Callamard, ARTICLE 19
Executive Director. * “Collectively, the Declarations provide important
guidance to those wishing to understand international human rights standards
on freedom of expression.”
*
The four special mandates on freedom of expression are Frank La Rue, United
Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression; Miklos
Haraszti, the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organisation for
Security and Cooperation in Europe; Catalina Botero, Special Rapporteur on
Freedom of Expression for the Organisation of American States; and Pansy
Tlakula, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to
Information for the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights..

• The full text of the Joint Declaration is available here:
www.article19.org/pdfs/standards/tenth-anniversary-joint-declaration-ten-key-challenges-to-freedom-of-express.pdf

***02.02.10. IFJ Marks 'End of Deadly Decade' With Report on Journalists and Media Staff Killed in 2009

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today issued its report on journalists and media workers who died in the exercise of journalism in 2009. The report provides detailed information of media killings, including 32 victims of a single massacre in Manguindanao, the Philippines, last November.
"The report is more than just a record of the death toll of journalists and media workers killed in 2009," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "More importantly, it provides a chilling account of risks and dangers which continue to claim our colleagues' lives in the four corners of the world."
The IFJ says that 2009, one of the worst years for journalists' killings, capped a violent decade which put journalism to the sword and left record numbers of murders of media people. According to the report, the death of Michelle Lang, the Canadian reporter killed in Afghanistan on 30 December and the confirmation of murder of photographer Jepon Cadagdagon in the Manguindanao massacre brought the 2009 total of media killings to 139.
The Asia Pacific region recorded the highest death toll with 52 followed by the Americas with 30 killings, including 13 murders of journalists in Mexico alone.
The IFJ reports warns that the levels of violence against media witnessed
last year raise the likelihood of another massacre in places like lawless Somalia and gangster-ruled parts of Mexico.
"The failure of governments to take seriously the issue of media protection plays in the hands of men of violence," added White. "This can only be tackled by an unwavering commitment to end Impunity for journalists' murderers."

The IFJ full report on journalists and media staff killed in 2009 is
available on the IFJ website: www.ifj.org

***30.01.10. SOLIDARITE AVEC LES JOURNALISTES HAITIENS. SOLIDARITY WITH THE HAITIAN JOURNALISTS. Ecoutez le témoignage du journaliste haïtien Jean-Edouard Rigaud, correspondant de Radio-Métropole à l'ONU: 

http://www.rhonefm.ch/fr/informations/temps-arret/haiti-apres-le-chaos-la-reconstruction-0-25804 

27.01.10 Haïti. Media casualties, damages mount: at least 11 journalists died in the January 12 earthquake

By Carlos Lauría/Americas Senior Program Coordinator (CPJ)

Working in an atmosphere of great confusion and grief, our sources in Haiti are compiling preliminary lists of media casualties, documenting damages to news facilities, and examining the challenges ahead. SOS Journalistes, a press advocacy group led by the prominent Haitian journalist Guyler Delva, reports that at least 11 journalists died in the January 12 earthquake outside Port-au-Prince. CPJ continues to investigate their identities and the circumstances in which they died.

Delva told CPJ that the three-story building that housed SOS Journalistes has collapsed, and all of its equipment has been destroyed. He said the premises of Radio and Tele Ginen, TV Channel 11, Radio Magik 9, Energie FM, and Radio Vasco were also severely damaged.

The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters reports that at least 12 community radio stations in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, and Petit Goave were extensively damaged and their operations interrupted. The two Port-au-Prince-based dailies, Le Matin and Le Nouvelliste, are still not circulating, according to news accounts and CPJ interviews.

“The small society of Haitian journalists has been dealt a tough blow from the earthquake,” wrote Trenton Daniel in Monday’s Miami Herald. He noted that it comes at time when the “independent press had made significant strides … after reporters struggled to do their jobs under decades of despotic rule."

The task is enormous, said Delva, who described it as “starting from zero.” He noted that local reporters must deal with their own personal challenges—grieving the loss of loved ones, taking care of injured relatives, rebuilding their homes, and addressing basic needs such as feeding their families. Delva has launched a campaign to help feed and shelter numerous displaced local journalists; he is also looking for help in rebuilding SOS Journalistes.

CPJ is working with local groups such as SOS Journalistes to identify needs and help direct assistance. 

 22.01.10. HAITI. THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) EXPRESSES ITS  SOLIDARITY WITH THE HAITIAN JOURNALISTS. La Presse Emblème Campagne (PEC) exprime sa solidarité avec les journalistes haitiens

Not only did the devastating earthquake on 12 January in Haiti leave survivors with no food, no water, no shelter and no place to bury the dead, but it also left them with little or no information, report IFEX members. The media have also suffered great losses at a time when people urgently need aid information.

The death toll for journalists is unknown. Surviving Haitian journalists are unable to work because they have lost family and homes, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) after talking to Haitian journalist Guylar Delva. Delva, 43, is the founder of SOS Journalistes, created to protect local reporters and promote professional journalism. The SOS offices have been reduced to rubble. "An experienced reporter who has covered both natural disasters and political violence, Delva said he has never seen anything like this."

CPJ is attempting to find out what Haitian journalists need right now and beginning to collect funds. RSF and AMARC are asking for donations for media reconstruction, including equipment.

The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) notes that media and communications following the earthquake were almost entirely cut off, with the exception of Skype.

Coordinating disaster relief is impossible without accurate news and information being relayed by a functioning news media. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is working with Canadian media group Quebecor to set up a media centre for Haitian journalists in Port-au-Prince, so they can report on the situation and contribute to the process of providing humanitarian aid to the population.
The centre will also service international news media searching for information on Haiti, and will eventually be used to produce and disseminate news and information by employing Haitian print journalists. It will also have facilities for journalists in distress.

The premises of Port-au-Prince-based TV stations Tele Ginen and Canal 11 and radio station Magik 9 have been destroyed, reports RSF. A Tele Ginen cameraman was killed, says CPJ and RSF. According to RSF, Radio Ibo is damaged and unable to broadcast, but three other radio stations continued to function after the earthquake. The offices of newspapers "Le Nouvelliste" and "Le Matin" are still standing and the staff survived, but the editor of "Le Nouvelliste" is missing. A journalist who writes for "Ticket Magazine" is believed to have been killed.

A week after the earthquake, 20 radio stations are operating again, including the UN mission's station, due to the help of foreign technicians and Radio France, reports RSF. Other radio stations in the country survived but their equipment was seriously damaged. Many community radio stations were completely destroyed.

The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) is carrying out an urgent assessment of the status of community broadcasting in the crisis areas and is working to mobilise resources and technical assistance. AMARC is calling on community broadcasters to support the international relief effort by organising airtime appeals.

An Internews team of media specialists, radio technicians and humanitarian liaison experts is heading to Haiti to determine the damage to the media infrastructure. They are also taking portable broadcast equipment that can be used to quickly broadcast emergency information. Internews recently worked on a project with 40 community radio stations throughout the country.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) is mobilising its members in the Americas to provide assistance to media workers in Haiti. The "Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Prensa" (SNTP), an IFJ affiliate in the Dominican Republic, is helping investigate the status of journalists in Haiti.

RSF "hopes to get news media in countries that are providing significant amounts of aid to Haiti, such as Canada, Brazil, the United States and France, to become financial and logistic sponsors of Haitian media that need rebuilding."

***22.01.10. PHILIPPINES. International Mission Demands Arroyo Protect Media as Elections Loom

Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her Government must take
all necessary measures to provide local media with protection ahead of upcoming elections, says the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and other members of an international solidarity mission that investigated the November 23 massacre of 57 people in the southern Philippines.

Among those killed were 32 journalists and media workers.

"The massacre underlines the terrible dangers that Filipino journalists face. It also highlights the inability and unwillingness of the State to ensure the protection and safety of journalists who are seeking to perform their duties," the mission members say in their report, Massacre in the Philippines: International Solidarity Mission Rapid Assessment, released today.

The mission conducted its investigations in the Philippines from December 5 to 10 in association with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an affiliate of the IFJ. The team included representatives from leading journalists' rights and press freedom organisations, including the IFJ, Indonesia's Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ),
International Media Support (IMS), International News Safety Institute
(INSI), the Institute for Studies on the Free Flow of Information (ISAI),
Australia's Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the Southeast Asia Press
Alliance (SEAPA), the Thai Journalists' Association (TJA), and Union Network International (UNI).

"Power-holders in the Philippines must act urgently on all the recommendations of the mission's report to reverse once and for all the country's shameful culture of impunity for the murders of journalists, tragically underscored on November 23," IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said.

As the mission report went to press, the toll of media personnel killed in the massacre was revised up to 32, as it was confirmed that Saksi News photographer Jepon Cadagdagon was among the victims in Maguindanao province, Mindanao. The toll of 32 media personnel includes 31 whose bodies were recovered, as well as Reynaldo"Bebot" Momay who remains missing.

The mission team says that it holds grave concerns for the safety of Filipino journalists as the investigation and prosecution of the accused take place in a tense environment ahead of national and presidential elections due on May 10.

"This massacre, coming at the very beginning of the 2010 election process,
not only undermines that process but has dealt a cruel blow to democracy
and free media in the Philippines," the mission members say in their report.

They call on the Government to ensure media is able to report fairly and freely on the election campaign without undue risk. It also stresses concerns about judicial and forensic processes in view of the political ties between the Arroyo administration and the Ampatuan family in Mindanao.

Although at least 100 gunmen are believed to have been involved in the
massacre, Andal Ampatuan Jr, the son of the clan patriarch, is the only person to be charged and brought before a court in direct connection to the massacre. He is pleading not guilty.

Among other significant concerns highlighted in the report is the role of Major General Alfredo Cayton, the Commander of the 6th Infantry Division in Maguindinao at the time of the massacre. The mission urges a full investigation into Cayton's role and actions preceding the massacre.

Cayton, who denied requests for a military escort to accompany the convoy
that was attacked on November 23, was stood down immediately after the
massacre. However, he has since been promoted to Vice Commander of the
Philippine Army.

The mission further calls for an investigation into reports that several members of the Philippine National Police were involved in the massacre.

It stresses that under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1738 (2006), the Government of the Philippines is required to ensure its security forces provide the protection due to citizens in areas of conflict within national borders, including media personnel.

The mission, which Arroyo declined to meet, further recommends:

­ The Government and local authorities must undertake all necessary measures to fully investigate the massacre and to ensure all evidence is properly preserved and available.

­ The Government and local authorities must provide all necessary measures for the protection and safety of witnesses, investigators, prosecutors, lawyers and judges.

­ Families must be provided with legal support to pursue the prosecution of perpetrators.

­ Observers and human rights groups must have full open access to legal proceedings.

­ The Government is urged not to reimpose martial law ahead of the May 10 elections.

The mission report will be officially released in the Philippines today at the launch of an organisation of families of journalists killed in the massacre, Justice NOW! The NUJP and Justice NOW! will conduct a press conference in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, where many of the families live.

In Quezon City, the November 23 Movement, which has been convened by the
NUJP, will hold a candle-lighting vigil, among other activities to mark two months since the massacre.

The report is available at:
http://asiapacific.ifj.org//assets/docs/203/037/15d11cb-013d725.pdf

***22.01.10. AFGHANISTAN. La FIJ appelle à la libération des deux journalistes français enlevés en Afghanistan
La Fédération Internationale des Journalistes (FIJ) fait part de son inquiétude sur le sort des deux journalistes français de France Télévisions enlevés depuis le 30 décembre en Afghanistan et appelle toutes les parties concernées à tout faire pour obtenir leur libération immédiate.
« Les récentes déclarations des autorités françaises selon lesquelles elles ont reçu l'assurance que les deux journalistes étaient "en vie" sont encourageantes », a affirmé Aidan White, Secrétaire général de la FIJ. « Mais le temps passe et nous exhortons toutes les parties concernées de redoubler d'efforts pour leur libération". Selon la presse française, les deux journalistes de la chaîne publique française ont été enlevés avec trois ressortissants afghans qui les accompagnaient le 30 décembre dernier sur la route entre Surobi et Tagab, dans la province de Kapisa, sous contrôle sécuritaire des troupes françaises.
La FIJ soutien les efforts des gouvernements français et afghan en vue de la
libération de deux journalistes et leurs collègues afghans mais s'étonne toutefois des propos tenus par le secrétaire général du Président français, M. Claude Guéant, le 17 janvier devant la presse pour évoquer le "coût considérable" de l'opération de recherche des deux journalistes. La Fédération regrette également les propos du président français Nicolas Sarkozy rapportés par M. Guéant selon lesquels le chef de l'Etat a accusé les deux journalistes d' "imprudence vraiment coupable" et qui font suite aux propos rapportés par le Ministre de la Défense selon lequel M. Sarkozy a fustigé « l'inconscience » des journalistes.

« Il est inacceptable d'accuser les journalistes d'imprudence, d'inconscience ou d'être coupable de quoi que soit alors qu'ils cherchent simplement à travailler de façon indépendante pour informer le public », a ajouté M. White. « Cela est d'autant plus vrai dans un pays comme l'Afghanistan où l'insécurité règne partout. Cela reviendrait à interdire la présence des médias étrangers dans tout le pays ».
La FIJ rappelle que les journalistes en Afghanistan comme ailleurs dans le monde font leur métier en étant présents sur le terrain pour informer les citoyens et qu'il n'est pas adéquat de parler de "recherche du scoop" quand on connait les risques d'exercer ce métier dans des zones aussi dangereuses que l'Afghanistan.
« De telles déclarations sont infondées et mal avisées d'autant plus que les deux journalistes sont toujours détenus », a conclu M. White.

***11.01.10. IFJ Mourns Latest Media Death in Afghanistan, Warns of Risks for "Embedded" Reporters

The International Federation of Journalists said the death of a British journalist in Afghanistan, who was travelling with United States marines when he was caught in an explosion, was further evidence of the high risks involved in "embedding" journalists with soldiers.
He was the second reporter to die travelling with the military in recent weeks. Rupert Hamer, the defence correspondent of the Sunday Mirror, died of his wounds at the scene of the blast north-west of Nawa in Helmand Province His colleague, photographer Philip Coburn, was critically injured in the blast. Two soldiers were also killed.
"We are shocked by this incident and send our sincere condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of Rupert Hamer," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "His death shows that Afghanistan remains one of the world?s most dangerous reporting assignments. Travelling with the army does not lessen the risk to reporters. Indeed, as this tragedy shows, it can put journalists directly in the firing line."
The two journalists were accompanying a patrol by the marines when their vehicle was caught in a bomb blast. Hamer was a distinguished journalist and a veteran of conflict reporting who had served in Iraq and was on his fifth trip to Afghanistan. He was married with children aged six, five and 19 months.
He is the second foreign journalist embedded with troops to be killed in
Afghanistan in recent weeks. Michelle Lang, aged 34, working for the Calgary Herald, in Canada, died along with four Canadian soldiers in another roadside bomb attack in December.
"These terrible tragedies show that telling the story of conflict remains the most perilous of tasks for media staff," said White. "As we mourn and wish those injured a swift recovery we must redouble our efforts to reduce the risks that journalists face, even when we know that casualties are unavoidable."
Ten days ago, the IFJ released its annual statement on journalists killed in 2009 providing details of 137 deaths of media staff, including around 113 targeted killings, one of the highest numbers ever recorded.
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207 or +32 478258669
(GSM)

***07.01.10. UNESCO DEPLORES RECENT KILLING, ABDUCTION OF JOURNALISTS IN AFGHANISTAN

New York, Jan 7 2010 11:10AM
The head of the United Nations agency charged with defending the freedom
of the press today condemned last week’s killing of a Canadian journalist and kidnapping of two French television reporters in Afghanistan.

“Violence against journalists constitutes an attack on the fundamental
human right of freedom of expression; it is therefore a direct threat to
democracy,” said UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Director-General Irina Bokova.

Calgary Herald journalist Michelle Lang, 34, was killed in a bomb blast on 30 December while traveling with four Canadian soldiers in the volatile Kandahar province after spending less than three weeks in Afghanistan.

A reporter and cameraman for France 3 television were taken hostage by
gunmen on the road near Omarkhil, north-east of the capital, Kabul, on 29
December while working on the current affairs programme “Pièces à conviction,” and there has been no word from them since.

“The fates of these three media professionals cruelly underline the dangers that journalists face when they go into areas of conflict to provide news coverage,” said Ms. Bokova in a statement condemning the killing and abduction.

“I call on the Afghan authorities to do their utmost to obtain the release of the French journalists, and to take measures to increase press security in the country.”
Jan 7 2010 11:10AM 

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

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned recent arrests of journalists and media union leaders following the civil unrest which gripped Tehran and the country last week with demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces.
The IFJ says that at least 12 journalists were arrested, including Badralsadat Mofidi and Mashaalah Shamsolvaezin, respectively General Secretary and Vice President of the Association of Iranian Journalists (AoIJ), an IFJ affiliate.
"We condemn the Iranian Government's kneejerk reaction of blaming the media over legitimate public protest," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "There is systematic repression and brutal intimidation of media and journalists under the cloak of restoring public order."
According to media reports, authorities in Iran carried out a number of arrests of prominent independent journalists in the wake of last week's demonstrations which pitted protesters against security forces in Tehran and other cities in the country. Violence erupted when the authorities tried to ban a procession to mark the Muslim festival of Ashura which coincided with the death of Ayatollah Hossein Montazeri, a senior Iranian cleric who had criticized the government for its handling of the post June presidential election protests.
Reports say Shamsolvaezin, AoIJ Vice President was arrested at his home on
28 December by plain clothes officers while its General Secretary Bradralasad Mofidi was detained on 28 December along with her husband Kayvan Mehregan, editor of the political section of the reformist daily Etemad. Syrian reporter Reza al-Basha who works for state-owned Dubai TV was reportedly also arrested on Sunday 27 December and detained in Tehran.
The AoIJ says that at least eight more journalists were arrested last week, including Nasrin Vazere (Ilna news agency), Morteza Kazemeyan (freelance), Mostsfa Ezade (freelance), Emadoddin Baghe (freelance), Mohammad Nazere( freelance), Mohammadjavad Mozaffar(freelance), Ali Hegmat (freelance) and Mohammadreza Zohde (freelance).
The IFJ has also described as "absurd" the sentence of a seven year and
four month jail term handed down to Iranian journalist Bahman Ahmadi Amoui. The journalist, a critic of President Ahmedinajad's rule, also faces 34 lashes, according to media reports.
"The international community of journalists will stand by their colleagues in Iran" added White. "The government will not restore order or end this crisis without respect for the rights of people to protest and of journalists to tell the story. There must be an end to the reign of terror that is being unleashed against free speech and journalism in Iran."
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207

***05.01.10. World death toll for journalists shoots up in 2009 despite safety calls (INSI)

Brussels, January 5 - More than 130 journalists and support staff died trying to cover the news in 2009 despite repeated international calls for action to constrain the bloodshed.
 
The worldwide total of 132 dead in 35 countries, recorded by the International News Safety Institute, was one of the worst yearly tolls on record.

It was boosted by the slaying of 31 people in a politically-motivated ambush in the Philippines on 23 November, the bloodiest single incident ever recorded for the news media. That made the Philippines by far the most dangerous country in the world for the news media with a total of 37 dead over the year

More than 400 news media have now died trying to cover the story since the
end of 2006 when the UN Security Council unanimously passed landmark
Resolution 1738 http://tinyurl.com/yclyba2 which demanded greater safety
for journalists in conflict areas and called for an end to impunity for their killers. Similar appeals have been made time and again by UNESCO and the Council of Europe.

By far the greatest number of those who died last year -- 98 -- were targeted, murdered because of their work. Over the past decade fewer than 8 out of 10 of the killers of journalists have been brought to justice.

As always, the great majority of the casualties in 2009 were not international war correspondents but local journalists working in their own countries, mostly in peacetime, covering dangerous stories such as high level crime and corruption.

"Journalists continue to die because they dare to shine a light on the darkest corners of societies," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. "This is the shocking price we pay for our news.

"And this unacceptable situation will persist as long as killers of journalists walk free.

"Again, we call on the United Nations to help enforce Resolution 1738 and on all member states to respect its provisions and prosecute the murderers. http://tinyurl.com/ya68s6f

"Free societies everywhere are undermined whenever a journalist is slain because of their work."

After murder, the biggest cause of death for news personnel in 2009 was accidents with 23 fatalities, the INSI figures show. Eleven news men and women died in "crossfire" incidents such as random shootings, roadside bombings and aerial bombardment which did not appear to be directed specifically at them.

After the Philippines, the bloodiest countries in 2009 were Mexico with 11 killed, Somalia and Russia with 9 each, Pakistan with 8 and Iraq with 5.

"The one encouraging statistic over the past couple of years has been the dramatic fall in killings in Iraq," Pinder said.

"It was the most dangerous country in the world for the news media for five years after the US-led invasion in 2003, but journalists are now benefiting from a general reduction in violence there. This demonstrates that even the direst situations can improve."

Nevertheless, INSI now counts 257 news media dead in the Iraq conflict --
the bloodiest for news men and women in modern times.

The year had barely begun when the first journalist fell. Radio Shabelle reporter Hassan Mayow Hassan was gunned down by a member of a pro-government militia in Somalia. Hassan was covering clashes between Islamist militants and armed groups supporting the federal transitional government when a militiaman confronted him.

Hassan identified himself as a journalist and the militiaman shot him twice in the head.

The year also ended badly. On 30 December, Canadian journalist Michelle Lang, 34, was killed along with four Canadian soldiers by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan and Indian freelance photojournalist Aman Kashyap was run over by a train in Ghaziabad while taking pictures of fog-bound rail services.

INSI's detailed list of fatal incidents in 2009 can be found at http://tinyurl.com/mtkgkn

As a safety organisation, INSI records all causes of death, whether deliberate, accidental or health-related, of all news media staff and freelancers while on assignment or as a result of their news organisation being attacked because of its role.

***04.01.10. Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe denuncia:
TREINTA PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS EN AMÉRICA LATINA DURANTE EL 2009

Treinta periodistas fueron asesinados en América Latina y el Caribe durante el 2009. México con 13 víctimas se convierte en el país más riesgoso para el ejercicio periodístico en la región. A la lista se suma Colombia, con seis asesinados, Guatemala con cuatro, Honduras y Brasil con dos, El Salvador, Venezuela y Paraguay con uno.

En Latinoamérica, en los últimos doce meses, se registraron retrocesos en
materia de libertad de prensa y derechos laborales de los trabajadores de medios, en un contexto de crisis económica global que ha significado despidos masivos en algunos países.

La grave crisis humanitaria en México, se ha profundizado con los 13 crímenes de periodistas, donde se confabulan el narcotráfico y la impune inactividad del Estado. Esto en medio de una avalancha de agresiones y amenazas contra periodistas críticos e independientes que ha obligado a buena parte de la prensa a la autocensura, como mecanismo de protección.

En Colombia el gobierno minimiza los crímenes de periodistas (seis en el 2009), el crecimiento geométrico de los ataques violentos contra los comunicadores y el acoso judicial, mediante una sugestiva campaña internacional que ha dado engañosos frutos.
Lamentablemente, en dicho país un proyecto de ley para despenalizar la injuria y la calumnia, presentado por la Federación Colombiana de Periodistas, fue eclipsado por los debates por una segunda reelección del actual gobierno.

En Venezuela las agresiones vienen principalmente del Estado, mediante ataques de simpatizantes del gobierno a periodistas (en un solo hecho fueron golpeados y heridos 12 colegas) y a través de la no renovación de licencias a medios de comunicación de oposición o simplemente críticos de políticas oficiales. Esta situación adversa a la libertad de prensa, está acabando con la diversidad informativa que caracteriza a cualquier sociedad democrática para darle paso a un sistema informativo afecto al gobierno.

En República Dominicana las agresiones físicas contra periodistas suman en el 2009 casi un centenar. Esta realidad se agrava al verse invisibilizados los países caribeños en todos los registros de violaciones a la libertad de expresión.

Honduras se vio ensombrecida por un golpe de Estado, con la consecuente
represión contra los medios de comunicación críticos, periodistas independientes y corresponsales internacionales.

Brasil, el único país que contemplaba jurídicamente la exigencia de título profesional para el ejercicio del periodismo, perdió esta prerrogativa que
garantizaba un mínimo en la calidad de la información, tras un fallo del Tribunal Supremo Federal. La sentencia se produjo bajo un fuerte looby de los empresarios de medios.

En Perú, aunque no se producen crímenes de periodistas, las agresiones superan a las de cualquier país de la región, con 180 casos en el 2009. El caso más emblemático, sin duda, el silenciamiento de Radio La Voz, de Bagua, emisora independiente “castigada políticamente” por haber dado a conocer la verdad de lo ocurrido durante la matanza criminal de policías y nativos selváticos (5 de junio 2009).

En Argentina se logró la aprobación de una Ley de Medios –de especial acento contra la propiedad monopólica de los medios de comunicación-, presentada por el gobierno, pero redactada por una coalición de sindicatos, ONG y organizaciones sociales, liderada por la Federación Argentina de Trabajadores de la Prensa (FATPREN).

En Uruguay, la Asociación de Prensa Uruguaya consiguió la despenalización
de los delitos de prensa, en el mes de junio.

Los asesinatos, y las agresiones en general, han estado, la mayoría de las veces, vinculados a destapes de casos de corrupción, en la escena local, nacional o continental. Las víctimas de las agresiones no suelen ser, por regla general, directivos o trabajadores de los grandes medios escritos o audiovisuales. Salvo en casos excepcionales, las muertes tienen por escenario pequeñas poblaciones y alcanzan a comunicadores de medios locales y comunitarios o a corresponsales de grandes medios en ciudades menores.

La consigna durante el 2009 en América Latina-Caribe ha sido eliminar el
mensaje. Para ello, en México, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Brasil Paraguay y Venezuela se decidió por “matar al mensajero”, con el consiguiente drama que ello arrastra para las familias, los colegas y la organización en sí misma. Se ha matado al mensajero, desapareciéndolo físicamente o silenciándole la voz. . 

Celso Schroder
Presidente FEPALC
Zuliana Lainez
Secretaria de Derechos Humanos FEPALC

PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS
Enero-Diciembre 2009

Brasil (2)
José Givonaldo Vieira
Dalvison Nogueira de Souza

Colombia (6)
María Eugenia Guerrero
José Everardo Aguilar
Hernando Salas Rojas
Diego Rojas Velásquez
Ferney Henao
Harold Humberto Rivas Quevedo

El Salvador (1)
Christian Poveda

Honduras (2)
Osman López
Gabriel Fino Noriega

Guatemala (4)
Rafael Murguía
Rolando Santis
Jorge Mérida Pérez
Marco Antonio Estrada Orla

México (13)
Jean Paul Ibarra Ramírez
Luis Daniel Méndez Hernández
Carlos Ortega Melo Samper
Eliseo Barrón Hernández
Martín Javier Miranda Avilés
Ernesto Montañez Valdivia
Juan Daniel Martínez Gil
Norberto Miranda Madrid
Gerardo Esparza Mata
Fabián Ramírez López
Bladimir Antuna
José Emilio Galindo Robles
Jorge Alberto Velásquez López

Venezuela (1)
Orel Zambrano

Paraguay (1)
Martín Campos Páez

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).

***01.01.10. SOMALIA. Death, Displacement, Detention and Violence perpetrated against Somali media 

The 2009 is a year of darkness, death, displacement, detention and violence against journalists and the entire media fraternity in Somalia, according to the annual report unveiled today by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

In the year alone, a total of nine (9) journalists were killed either in the line of duty or in targeted brutal attacks by enemies of media freedom, making Somalia the most dangerous place for a journalist in Africa.

According to the report, also, a total of 12 journalists were wounded and 15 others arrested in a systematic and well coordinated affront against the media in the horn of African country. Another 100 journalists received death threats.

The Annual Report on Press Freedom Violations, Somalia's most authoritative publication produced in Somalia on the state of media freedom and rights of journalists, covers southern and central regions, Puntland and Somaliland. The report, this year, documents media deaths, journalists wounded, media practitioners arrested, ransacking of media houses and constant death threats which have sometimes led to journalists fleeing into neighbouring countries in fear of their lives.

“2009 became an outlandish and harrowing year as a wave of fiendish killings, arrests, death threats and intimidations against journalists reached incomparable level in the known history of Somali journalism,” the NUSOJ Annual Report on Press Freedom Violations, says in part.

The ensuing oppression and viciousness claimed the lives of media executives, reporters, photojournalists and cameramen who were all working with electronic media and also resulted in unparalleled level of journalists wounded and arrested, continues the report titled “War on Journalism in Somalia: Death, Displacement and Desolation”. Seven out of the nine journalists killed were murdered in Mogadishu. One was killed in Afgoye and another one in Beledweyne towns.

“Assassins’ bullets are felling journalists in cold-blooded murder while anger from warring sides is increasingly directed against journalists and media outlets for their coverage of events and issues related to the political and security situation,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

“The past twelve months stand out as the darkest and deadliest period for
journalism Somalia. The work and life of journalists have become worthless and dispensable while attacks against journalists continue unrestrained. Many of the killers are known but there is no justice for their victims,” Omar added.

Besides the targeted assassinations, media professionals were also caught
in the middle of combat zones. Warring sides in southern Somalia regard professional journalists who are dedicated to reveal the truth as either double agents or sympathizers of insurgents or radicals. Journalists in southern regions are unwilling to step into many parts of the south for fear of their safety. This has blacked these areas from news, allowing untold atrocities to go on unreported. Journalists are exposed to numerous risks in travelling to these areas on authentic reporting assignments.

With all these painful statistics, the question is why the media in Somalia is targeted. “The death-dealing attacks on the media are happening as a result of their fierce desire for professionalism and independent reporting and their refusal to kowtow to the authorities and insurgents who are hell-bent on bringing about all sorts of heartbreak,” said Omar.

Media deaths, threats and wounds had driven many journalists outside the
country or have turned many into internally displaced people while those that remain in the country, especially in the southern and central regions, were forced to practice self-censorship. Many journalists in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Jowhar, Kismayu and Beledweyne hardly question the information provided by particularly armed groups. “Several media houses have taken refugee in entertainment, steering clear of airing news and current affairs programming,” he said.

“Continuing fighting between the Transitional government forces and Islamic insurgents, lack of capacity of the Transitional Federal Government to ensure law and order as well as peace and stability; political wrangles within the TFG, elections crisis in Somaliland, selective exercise of rule of law in both Somaliland and Puntland, undue misuse of power by the Puntland administration, the fragmentation of insurgent forces, and Al-Shabaab consolidation of control in at least 10 regions have all contributed considerably to the deepening crisis against
the media,” Omar added.

This fierce cruelty against media community has “resulted in a steady stream of journalists escaping from Mogadishu in search of safety elsewhere. Independent-minded and reputable journalists face a stark choice to either flee the country for their security or risk death for their journalism work.

In Puntland, physical violence and misuse of law caused speedy increase of
media attacks. Journalists are accused and attacked for threatening security or propaganda against the leaders of the Puntland. Critical and independent reportage was branded as a danger to “security”, “rule of law”, and the “dignity of leaders”. Journalists complained of the total disrespect of Puntland constitution law by the Puntland Intelligence Service and police forces.

NUSOJ states that overt and covert repressions against the media in Puntland are well orchestrated. With all the efforts to make peaceful transfer of power to the new president of Puntland, attacks and intimidation remain common in these northeastern regions of Somalia.

In the course of 2009, repression and violence against media in Somaliland
persisted and multiplied. The suppression reached its peak during the elections crisis, when Somaliland authorities and their cronies intensified stamping out journalists who file unfavourable reports.

“Last year’s monstrous crimes against journalists in Somalia are a constant reminder to us and to the world community of journalists that we must redouble our efforts in the fight against wanton violence and injustice. We will persevere in our struggle for change, to secure respect for media rights and for the protection of journalists,” Omar said.

“We will continue to call on governments as well as international and regional partners to take urgent action to stem the tide of severe crimes by pressurising local authorities to recognise and live up to their human rights obligations. Our aspirations are clear – we will continue to rally our journalists, media executives and wider civil society in order to seek justice, challenge repressive acts, name and shame perpetrators and, above all, give a voice to all journalists, in particular those living and working under conditions of unfairness, fear and constant cruelty,” Omar declared.

For More information, please contact:
Mogadishu: Mohamed Ibrahim Isak
Mobile: +252-1-5889930 / +25250491999
Nairobi: Ahmednor Mohamed
Mobile: +254 711 867202

***09.12.09. IFJ International Mission Demands Justice for Philippines Massacre

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for urgent action to provide legal support for the families of victims of the massacre in Maguindano province in Mindanao, the Philippines, on November 23.
The call comes as the preliminary report of an IFJ international mission currently in Manila raises concerns over the commitment and capacity of Philippine authorities to guarantee a full and independent prosecution of the killers of 31 journalists and media workers and at least 26 other victims of the massacre.
"The international community must heed the urgent appeal for help from
journalists in the Philippines and across the world to take all necessary measures to pressure the Philippine Government into action and support the victims of this atrocity", said IFJ President Jim Boumelha.
The report of the mission, conducted at the request of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), an IFJ affiliate, further calls for urgent counselling and humanitarian support to the families of the victims, including at least 75 children who have lost a parent. In many cases the victim was the sole breadwinner for families now facing an uncertain future.
Thirdly, the report underlines the need for the protection of witnesses and a comprehensive safety program for journalists in Mindanao as tension rises further ahead of national elections in May 2010.
"Our Philippine colleagues have suffered not only a brutal and ruthless assault on their profession and livelihood, but also incomparable personal losses", said Mike Dobbie, an IFJ representative on the mission.
"Today we pay tribute to their extraordinary courage and determination to tell the world their story and, in the face of enormous personal risks, to make sure the perpetrators are brought to justice."
The mission report has been produced following four intensive days of meetings with the families of those killed, witnesses, the local media community, lawyers and government officials in Manila and General Santos City.
The mission team comprises representatives from leading journalists'rights and press freedom organisations including the IFJ, the Southeast Asia Press Alliance (SEAPA), the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Indonesia's Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), Australia's Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance, the Thai Journalists' Association (TJA), International News Safety Institute (INSI), International Media Support (IMS), the Institute for Studies on the Free Flow of Information (ISAI) and Union Network International (UNI).
The mission is an expression of global solidarity with journalist colleagues in the Philippines. It is being hosted by the NUJP, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ).
"This massacre coming at the very beginning of the 2010 election process,
has dealt a cruel blow to democracy and free media in the Philippines" the report said.
IFJ affiliates and partners around the world are joining an International Day of Solidarity today, December 9, to pressure their home governments and the Government of the Philippines to assure justice for the victims of November 23 and to end to the long-running culture of impunity for the murders of journalists in the Philippines.
To see the IFJ International Solidarity Mission preliminary report, go to:
IFJ International Solidarity Mission Preliminary Report 091209.pdf

***03.12.12. SOMALIA. NUSOJ Expresses Anger, Condemnation over the Killing of Two Journalists in Mogadishu 

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) expresses anger, outrage and condemnation at the killing of two journalists in Mogadishu today (3 December 2009) morning.

Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, 24 years, who is a reporter with Radio Shabelle
and Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, a cameraman working with Al-Arabia TV were
killed in an explosion at Hotel Shamo in Mogadishu, where a graduation ceremony for the Banadir University was taking place.

Three ministers of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia, including those of Health and Education Ministers who were attending the ceremony and nine students were also killed in the attack.

“This is a monstrous murder. The shocking murder of Mohamed Amin and Hassan Zubeyr is coming after the murder of six journalists early this year. A circumstance where members of the Fourth Estate are murdered in cold blood is an attack on the nation, and the murderers and masterminds of this heinous acts must be condemned for their existence and acts signify severe risk for the existence of the people of Somalia,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

With the death of Hassan and Mohamed Amin, the number of journalists killed in Somalia this year hits the eighth mark, making 2009 another deadly year for media professionals in Somalia.

“This is an ominous reminder of the fact that this is not only a tragedy for the journalists but an assault on the peace and stability of Somalia and a threat to the security of its people," added Omar Faruk Osman.

UPDATE (Dec 4) Death of 3rd Journalist in Mogadishu Blast Confirmed 

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) confirms the death of a
third journalist, Yaasir Mario, in Thursday’s suicide attack in Mogadishu,
Somalia, which claimed nearly 50 lives, including three government
ministers.

Yaasir has been operating in the recent three months as a fixer and a
cameraman. Yaasir is remembered for his coverage of violence and
danger-prone events in Mogadishu where foreign journalists working for
foreign media organizations dread to go. He was admitted to Medina
hospital while in critical condition and later died in the hospital,
according to his family.

At the time of his death he was no attached to any specific media house.
His death brings to nine, the number of journalists killed in Somalia
since January this year.

SOMALIA: At least two journalists killed and seven others wounded in Mogadishu suicide bombing (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders is stunned and saddened by today’s suicide bombing in a Mogadishu hotel that killed more than a dozen people including at least two journalists, three government ministers and nine students.

The explosion occurred during a ceremony at which Banadir University students were being awarded graduation diplomas. At least seven other journalists were wounded. The figures for dead and wounded are only provisional.

“We condemn this attack with the utmost firmness and we express our solidarity with the two news media whose journalists were among the fatalities,” Reporters Without Borders said. “One of these news media, Radio Shabelle, has already seen two of its directors killed in the past two years, while other Radio Shabelle journalists have been killed this year.”

The press freedom organisation added: “With violence at a peak in Somalia,
journalists who try to cover the country’s chaotic political situation are living a nightmare. Those who masterminded this cowardly bombing are responsible for the deaths of these two journalists. The use of blind violence must stop and should be condemned by all parties to the conflict.”

Radio Shabelle reporter Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, 24, and Al-Arabia TV cameraman Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan were the two journalists killed in today’s bombing, which occurred at the Shamo Hotel in a district known as “Kilometre 5” on one of Mogadishu’s main avenues.

Three ministers in the transitional government were also killed while a fourth, the sports minister, who is a former journalist and founding member of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), was badly injured and was reported to be in a critical condition.

According to the information obtained by Reporters Without Borders, at least seven journalists were injured by the blast, including Agence France-Presse photographer Mohamed Dahir.

No group has so far claimed the bombed but the Islamist militia Al-Shabaab
was widely suspected. A hotel employee said one of the students participating in the ceremony detonated an explosive vest that he was wearing.

“We cannot cope with this level of violence anymore,” a former Radio Shabelle journalist based in Mogadishu told Reporters Without Borders. “Most of my colleagues now want to stop working because it has become too dangerous.”

Radio Shabelle was one of the nominees in the Media category for the 2009
Reporters Without Borders - Fnac Press Freedom Prize, which was awarded
yesterday in Paris. The capital’s most respected privately-owned radio, it is also the one that has been targeted most. Its director, Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, was fatally shot four times in the head in the centre of Mogadishu while on his way to work on 7 June. Two of his employees were killed earlier this year while his predecessor, Bashir Nur Gedi, was himself murdered in 2007.

Concerned by the growing violence to which journalists are exposed in Somalia, Reporters Without Borders awarded a grant of 2,000 dollars last July to send 20 bullet-proof vests to journalists there.

With eight journalists killed so far in 2009, Somalia is the world’s second deadliest country for journalists, after the Philippines. It was ranked 164th out of 175 countries in the 2009 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. 23

***23-30-11.09. SPECIAL REACTIONS MASSACRE IN THE PHILIPPINES*** (UN, IFJ, HDC, HRW, RSF, INSI, OHCHR, Art 19, Freedom House) 

UN EXPERTS: MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE MUST BE THE START OF A MAJOR REFORM PROCESS IN THE PHILIPPINES (Dec 2) 

GENEVA -- The brutal killing of 57 people in Maguindanao, including some 30 journalists, should be seen as a watershed moment for the Philippines, according to two United Nations human rights experts. Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, and Frank La Rue, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, said that “the pre-meditated killing of political opponents, combined with a massive assault on the media, must be tackled at various levels that go well beyond standard murder investigations.”

In a statement, the two UN experts indicated that the initial responses of the Government had been encouraging. “The first step”, they noted, “is to ensure that the police investigation is comprehensive and independent, and employs the highest professional standards. It must also be followed by effective prosecutions of all those responsible for the killings.” They added, however, that the massacre also demanded a more extensive reflection on the elite family-dominated manipulation of the political processes and the need to eliminate such practices in order to assure the future of democracy in the Philippines.

“This will require a thorough-going investigation of the broader context to be undertaken by a credible and independent body, appointed with full legal powers to carry out an effective inquiry and make recommendations.” The UN experts expressed their particular dismay at the wholesale killings of journalists and emphasized that any broader inquiry into the political system would need to focus on the ways and means of enhancing protection for journalists in the future.

A third, but even more urgent step is also required according to the UN experts. “Elections in the Philippines have traditionally become occasions for widespread extrajudicial executions of political opponents. There is every indication that the run-up to the May elections will sound the death knell for many political activists.” Mr. Alston and Mr. La Rue added that “the Government should acknowledge this likelihood and immediately establish a high-level task force, with broad political support, to identify the measures that should be taken to prevent killings that occur in the lead-up to the elections”.

“The Maguindinao killings are a tragedy of the first order”, said the experts. But the challenge now is to go beyond a criminal law response and to take measures designed to protect the media in particular, and freedom of expression in general, and to prevent election-related violence in the months ahead. “The international community will be monitoring the Government’s response very carefully”, they added.

IFJ Urgent Appeal (Nov 28)

Media suffered an unprecedented attack with the terrible tragedy that struck the Philippines on Monday 23 November 2009 . The news is unfolding on a daily basis, but the latest information today is that 30 journalists and media workers have been confirmed killed with an expectation that this will rise to at least 34, the total number of journalist and media workers reported to have set out on the convoy that was subsequently ambushed and massacred.

This is the biggest single atrocity against journalists in recent history.

The IFJ is working very closely to support our colleagues at the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) who immediately sent a mission to the scene of the massacre, arriving Wednesday. According to the NUJP 59 bodies have now been found in shallow graves, often beheaded and heavily mutilated.

Prior to this attack at least 75 journalists had been killed under the Arroyo government and only four cases have seen successful prosecutions. Outside of Iraq, the Philippines has become the most dangerous country for journalists this century.

A clear culture of impunity has been allowed to flourish under this government which must no longer be tolerated.

The IFJ is sending an international mission to Manila, 7 - 10 December, to support the NUJP, provide solidarity to journalists and the families of the victims, and to send the clearest message possible to the government that this is an outrage they will not be allowed to forget.

We need your help to reinforce this message, to demonstrate our sorrow, our anger, and our determination that such a crime will not go unpunished.

To do this the IFJ is calling on all affiliates to join a global day of solidarity on 9th December to coincide with the mission press conference on the 9th, the day before International Human Rights day.

UNESCO Director-General urges full investigation into Philippines massacre (Nov 27)

UNESCO Director-General Irina BokovaUNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova urged the Government of the Philippines to carry out a full and swift investigation into a murderous attack on a convoy in the Minguindanao Province on 23 November, in which more than 55 people, including at least 27 journalists, were killed.

“This monstrous crime must not go unpunished,” Ms Bokova said. “I condemn this outrage and urge the Government of the Philippines to act swiftly, using all the resources at its disposal to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The barbaric killings of the people in the convoy – journalists and citizens alike – were clearly an attack against democracy and democratic processes. Furthermore, the killing of journalists violates the rights of the Philippine people to be freely and fairly informed of political developments.”

According to news reports, the journalists were travelling with politicians and political supporters to file nomination papers for a gubernatorial candidate in Maguindanao Province in the southern Philippines, when the convoy was ambushed.

Their deaths bring to 34 the number of journalists killed in the Philippines this year.

HD Centre condemns brutal massacre in Mindanao (Nov 27) 

The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Centre), a Swiss-based organisation with offices in Mindanao, strongly condemns the brutal massacre of 57 persons in Maguindanao province, Mindanao, this week.
The slaying of woman, children, journalists and passers-by in an act perpetrated by one rival clan against another underscores the need for urgent action. For too long, clan violence has been tolerated and allowed to undermine development, governance, and security for the people of Mindanao and the rest of the country.
“Too often focused on the war on terror, the international community has
overlooked the fact that violent clan politics is the principle contributor to the cycle of poverty, marginalization, and insecurity that has created a breeding ground for Islamic extremists and separatists,” said David Gorman, the HD Centre Representative in the Philippines.
While this latest act was unprecedented, it was not entirely unpredictable
considering the extent of clan violence throughout Mindanao.
The Government of the Philippines must take immediate steps against those
responsible, employ measures to prevent a reoccurrence and identify ways to eventually disarm and disband all clan-led armed civilian groups.
In particular, the HD Centre calls on the Government to:
1. Launch an inquiry not just into the massacre but into the role, chain of command and lack of accountability of all armed groups operating outside the framework of the official security forces;
2. Suspend the operations and licenses to carry firearms of all armed groups currently supported by the military, the police and the local government until the elections are complete;
3. Develop a longer term plan for the eventual phasing out of private armed groups complemented by the development and improvement of the regular armed forces and the police;
4. Enforce the current election gun ban and suspend all candidates, whose
supporters violate it, from running for office.
Unless these steps are taken, the HD Centre believes there will be continued clan-related violence and the people of Mindanao will never be safe or secure.
***END***

RSF - Number of journalists killed in massacre rises to 29 (Nov 26)

Reporters Without Borders notes that the authorities have finally arrested Andal Ampatuan Jr, the leading suspect in the 23 November massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao province. Local reporters have meanwhile told Reporters Without Borders that the toll of journalists killed in the massacre has risen to 29.

“All the bodies have been located and identification is almost complete,” a reporter based in the nearby city of Koronadal said. “According to the local media’s tally, we lost 29 colleagues in this tragedy.” The local authorities are preparing a funeral service to pay tribute to the victims. And the government has provided financial assistance to families.

November 25th

A total of 26 journalists were among those killed in the 23 November massacre in Maguindanao province (on the southern island of Mindanao) by alleged supporters of the province’s governor, Andal Ampatuan Sr, according to journalists who have gone to the massacre site.

“This bloodbath is beyond human understanding,” a journalist from the nearby city of Koronadal told Reporters Without Borders, adding: “I have lost 12 of my colleagues in this massacre.”

“The toll from this massacre keeps rising but the governor’s son, the leading suspect, still has not been questioned by the police,” Reporters Without Borders said. “President Gloria Arroyo says those responsible will be arrested and tried but all the information coming from the field so far indicates the contrary.”

The press freedom organisation added: “Why have the governor’s son and the governor himself not been arrested? Are Mindanao Island’s power barons more powerful than the law itself? The Philippine government’s credibility is at stake.”

Nonoy Espina of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), who is in Mindanao, told Reporters Without Borders: “Tallying and identifying the bodies is slow, but it now seems that 26 journalists from several towns were killed (…) The government is not doing enough to arrest those responsible. How can the president’s adviser be pleased about obtaining undertakings from the governor when his son, the leading suspect, is still free? Settling for mere promises is unacceptable after this massacre.”

Victims: At least 57 civilians, including 26 reporters, who were mostly from General Santos and Koronadal (two cities in the nearby province of South Cotabato). The journalists worked for local or national newspapers, radio stations and TV stations.

The murdered journalists include Alejandro “Bong” Reblando of Manila Bulletin, Henry Araneta of radio DZRH, Bart Maravilla of Bombo Radyo Koronadal, Nap Salaysay of DZRO, Ian Subang of Pilipino Star Ngayon and Dadiangas Times, and freelance reporters Humberto Mumay, Ranie Razon, Noel Decena, John Caniba, Joel Parcon, Marife Montano, Art Belia and Jun Legarta.

The fatalities could include four UNTV reporters – Joy Duhay, Victor Nuñez, Macario Ariola and Jimmy Cabillo. Philippine news media have also named Leah Dalmacio of Mindanao Focus, Gina de la Cruz and Marites Cablitas of Today, Andy Teodoro of the Mindanao Inquirer, Bienvenido Lagarte of the Sierra News, Neneng Montaño of the weekly Saksi and Rey Merescon of MindaNews.

Suspects: A group of gunmen and policemen led by the governor’s son, Andal Ampatuan Jr, who is a mayor of Datu Unsay (a municipality in Maguindanao province) and a member of the ruling party. He has not been arrested and is believed to be at the family home in the provincial capital. According to witnesses and army officers, the governor gave the go-ahead for his leading rival’s supporters to be ambushed while travelling in convoy.

The attackers reportedly raped, tortured and beheaded some of the victims. Most of the bodies have been found in mass graves.

Where? The convoy’s members were ambushed and kidnapped at around 9 a.m. on the road to Shariff Aguak, one of the province’s main towns. The massacre took place near the villages of Salman and Malating, about 10 km from the main road.

Why did this massacre take place? To prevent Esmael Mangundadatu, a political rival of the Ampatuan clan, from running for governor in next year’s local elections. His wife, who was one of the victims, was leading a convoy that planned to register him at an electoral office.

Why were the journalists murdered? According to local reporters, about 30 journalists were accompanying the convoy in order to cover this political initiative. It is believed there were killed in order to eliminate all the witnesses of the massacre of Esmael Mangundadatu’s supporters. Lawyers and local officials were also among the victims.

Actions of police and army: Several members of Maguindanao police have been arrested and are being held in a barracks. The army has announced that the Ampatuan clan’s private militia will be disbanded.

After decreeing that tomorrow will be a day of national mourning, President Arroyo today said: “This is a supreme act of inhumanity that is a blight on our nation. The perpetrators will not escape justice. The law will hunt them until they are caught.”

Massacre Shows Arroyo's Failure to Address Impunity (HRW) (Nov 25)

(New York) - The massacre of at least 47 people in Maguindanao in the southern Philippines tragically shows the failure of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's administration to hold accountable perpetrators of extrajudicial killings, Human Rights Watch said today.

Given allegations of involvement by members of the security forces and local militias, Human Rights Watch urged the government to initiate a fully independent investigation led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

"Far too many people have been gunned down in the Philippines while President Arroyo has sat on her hands," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The possible involvement of state forces in the Maguindanao massacre means that security personnel shouldn't be allowed to interfere in an independent investigation."

On November 23, 2009, a dozen family members of Vice Mayor Ishmael Mangudadatu of Buluan and about 40 others travelled to the government Commission on Elections office in Maguindanao, in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, to file Mangudadatu's candidacy for governor in the May 2010 elections. Witnesses told the media that before 10 a.m., approximately 100 armed men stopped the group's convoy on a remote section of highway near the town of Ampatuan. The armed men abducted the group, which included at least 12 Mangudadatu family members, 12 journalists and two lawyers.

The authorities reported finding 47 bodies, including Mangudadatu's wife and two sisters. The bodies, bearing gunshot wounds, were found in the victims' vehicles and buried in shallow graves.

Mangudadatu told the media that because he had been receiving threats, he had sent his wife and other female family members to file his certificate of candidacy because he felt they would be safe. According to local media, he said, "I was expecting they will not harm them because they were all women." No security escorts were sent to accompany them as I trusted the police and military could protect them."

There are reports that the women were raped before they were killed. Police Chief Superintendent Felicisimo Khu told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that "all the women had their pants unzipped."

There are indications that the killings were politically motivated. A military spokesman, Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner, was quoted in news reports as having said, "The suspects are bodyguards of [Maguindanao Governor Andal] Ampatuan, local police aides, and certain lawless elements."

Gov. Ampatuan, patriarch of the powerful Ampatuan family, cannot run for re-election in the May 2010 elections because of a three-term limit.  His son Andal Ampatuan Jr. is expected to run in his place. The governor has a paramilitary force that is estimated to number 500.

Philippine National Police Chief Jesus Verzosa ordered that the deputy provincial police chief of Maguindanao, Chief Inspector Sukarno Dicay, be relieved of his duties while the killings are investigated after witnesses reported seeing him with the armed men during the abduction. Concerns have also been raised about the slow response by the police and military to the abductions.

Arroyo condemned the killings in the "strongest terms" and vowed that "no effort will be spared to bring justice to the victims." However, today the presidential adviser on Mindanao affairs, Jesus Dureza, met with members of the Ampatuan family and told the media that, "They have assured us that they will cooperate fully in the investigation."

Human Rights Watch expressed deep concern that the administration's personal relationships with the Ampatuan family were likely to hinder rather than aid an impartial investigation into all those responsible for the killings.

"Ampatuan family members should be questioned by the National Bureau of Investigation, not having chats with senior presidential advisors," Pearson said. "President Arroyo's words on justice will ring hollow so long as the perpetrators of this terrible massacre remain unpunished."

Arroyo declared a state of emergency today in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato City, giving greater powers to the armed forces, which have been implicated in numerous extrajudicial killings. Human Rights Watch called on the Arroyo administration to ensure that the armed forces uphold and protect human rights in securing these areas.

"Extrajudicial killings will continue to be a serious problem in the Philippines until they are competently, transparently, and impartially investigated, and perpetrators including members of security forces are fully prosecuted," Pearson said. "The history of election-related violence in the Philippines makes the lead up to the May 2010 elections a period of special concern."

Background on extrajudicial killings in the Philippines

Since 2001, when President Arroyo took office, hundreds of left-wing political party members, human rights activists, journalists, and outspoken clergy have been killed or forcibly disappeared, but only six cases have been successfully prosecuted. Although the military has been implicated in many of the crimes, none of the 11 persons convicted in these cases were active military personnel at the time of the killing. The killings surged after Arroyo's declaration in June 2006 of an "all-out war" against the communist New People's Army insurgency.

The Arroyo administration has not sufficiently investigated numerous extrajudicial killings in which the military has been implicated. It has yet to take strong action against local government-backed "death squads" in Davao City and elsewhere, and has tolerated unnecessary delays in investigations into these killings.

Filipino Massacre Reflects Climate of Impunity (Freedom House) (Nov 25)

The massacre of civilians and journalists that occurred on Monday in the Philippines is a shocking symptom of the country’s climate of impunity and the government’s inability to protect freedom of expression, Freedom House said today. The organization condemned the killings in the strongest terms possible. In some of the worst violence in recent Filipino history, almost 60 people, including at least 26 journalists, were killed and buried in shallow graves in the province of Maguindanao. The victims were accompanying supporters of a gubernatorial candidate as he filed nomination papers for elections scheduled to be held in May 2010. “These killings are of the most shocking and brutal nature and must be addressed immediately and thoroughly by the government,” said Jennifer Windsor, Freedom House’s executive director. “The country is becoming known for a culture of impunity and the government has a responsibility to demonstrate a commitment to reversing this trend.” The gubernatorial candidate, Ismael Mangudadatu, had received death threats as a result of challenging the rule of the long-term regional leader, Andal Ampatuan, Jr. As in other regions of the Philippines, local “bosses” control many areas in Maguindanao, one of the poorest areas of the country, limiting accountability and encouraging abuses of power.  During the past several years, Freedom House has noted significant declines in the Philippines, both in terms of freedom of expression, as well as in political rights resulting from electoral fraud, corruption, and government intimidation of political opposition.  Killings of journalists, human rights defenders, and other activists have increased dramatically, and in the majority of cases, these crimes have gone unpunished. The central government, which has close ties to the Ampatuan family, has imposed a state of emergency in two provinces and has promised to investigate the killings.  "The foundations of a strong and healthy democracy are under grave threat," Windsor noted. "As the country heads toward another election season, it is vitally important that the government demonstrate that it is willing and able to do everything in its power to bring the perpetrators of the recent carnage to justice as quickly and effectively as possible.” The Philippines is ranked Partly Free in both the 2009 editions of Freedom in the World, Freedom House's annual survey of political rights and civil liberties, and Freedom of the Press, Freedom House’s annual survey of media independence. 

INSI calls on UN to act on safety of journalists following Philippines
massacre

Brussels, 24 November - The horrifying massacre of journalists in the
Philippines underlines the need for the UN Security Council to implement fully the terms of its landmark resolution on the safety of journalists, the International News Safety Institute said today.

INSI meanwhile was preparing an emergency safety training project for news
media staff in that country -- now the most dangerous in the world for
journalists.

Gunmen on Monday kidnapped and killed around 46 people, including at least
12 journalists and 8 media staff, after an ambush in the southern region
of Maguindanao, according to the National Union of Journalists of the
Philippines (NUJP). Details suggest the abductions and murders were politically-motivated in connection with the national elections next May.

If the death toll is confirmed it will be the bloodiest day for the world's news media since 2005 when 48 journalists and support staff were killed in Iran when a military plane taking them to cover exercises in the Gulf crashed near Tehran.

Recognising the deadly dangers facing journalists in many countries, the
UN Security Council in December 2006 unanimously passed Resolution 1738 on
the safety of journalists in conflict. It called on member states to end
impunity for the killers of journalists.

"Deeply concerned at 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, the Security
Council ... condemned such attacks and called on all parties to put an end
to such practices," the preamble to the resolution said.

"In that connection, the Council recalled its demand that all parties to
armed conflict 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," it said.

Broadcasters attending the fourth World Electronic Media Forum (WEMF4) in
Mexico City earlier this month called for sustained and concrete
international action to address the murder of journalists. In a unanimous
declaration, sent to the UN Secretary General, the President of the UN
Security Council, the UN Commissioner for Human Rights and UNESCO, they
urged UN member states to respect the terms of Resolution 1738 "in letter
and spirit".

Journalist support organisations around the world have called on the government of Gloria Arroyo to launch a full investigation to bring the perpetrators of the massacre to justice and to address the crisis of impunity in the murder of journalists and media staff over recent years.

The Philippines is now the most dangerous country in the world for the
news media. At least 74 journalists have been killed during the eight years of the Arroyo government and only four convictions had been secured at last count.

With elections due in six months, INSI plans to hold emergency safety training sessions for journalists in the Philippines in coming weeks.

"These elections undoubtedly will be dangerous for the news media, yet the
citizens of this great democracy must be kept informed. Pending concrete
action by the authorities to secure the safety of all involved, INSI will do all it can in practical ways to help Filipino journalists protect themselves," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder.

INSI is a non-governmental organisation devoted to the safety of journalists and other news media in dangerous situations around the world.

Any questions on this news release should be address to Rodney Pinder,
email rodney.pinder@newssafety.org or tel: +44 7734 709267

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEPLORES ‘BRUTAL’ POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES
New York, Nov 24 2009 2:10PM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today deplored the recent violence in the
southern Philippines, in which more than 40 civilians have been killed in
the context of a local election campaign, and called for the perpetrators
to be brought to justice.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao province, among other areas, following Monday’s killings which have been described as the worst election-related violence in the nation’s history.

Mr. Ban condemned “this heinous crime,” in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4252">statement issued by his
spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General extends heartfelt condolences to the families of
the victims and hopes that no effort will be spared to bring justice and
to hold the perpetrators accountable,” the statement added.
Nov 24 2009 2:10PM 

Interview of the spokeperson of the Office of the High Commissionner for Human Rights (OHCHR) by the PEC Secretary-General Blaise Lempen

Le Haut Commissariat de l'ONU aux droits de l'homme s'est déclaré mercredi "profondément choqué" par le massacre de 57 civils, dont au moins 21 journalistes, aux Philippines. Il a appelé les autorités à poursuivre et juger les responsables d'un "crime terrible"."C'est un événement atroce. Non seulement des journalistes ont été tués alors qu'ils faisaient leur travail, mais aussi des femmes et des enfants", a déclaré le porte-parole du Haut Commissariat, Rupert Colville.

"Il faut absolument qu'une enquête approfondie ait lieu sur ce massacre et que les responsables soient jugés et condamnés", a affirmé le porte-parole. "Nous faisons confiance aux autorités philippines pour qu'elles le fassent, mais nous suivrons de près la situation", a précisé M. Colville.

Pas d'impunité

"Il est très important que ces meurtres ne restent pas impunis. Car cela pourrait encourager d'autres à suivre cet exemple. C'est essentiel que les responsables soient traduits en justice", a poursuivi le porte-parole de la Haut Commissaire Navi Pillay.

Les autorités philippines ont confirmé mercredi que 57 corps ont été découverts au total. Les corps de 21 journalistes philippins ont été identifiés jusqu'ici. Il s'agit, selon les ONG de défense de la liberté de la presse, du massacre de journalistes le plus grave jamais recensé dans les annales de la profession.

De plus en plus visés

"Clairement, les journalistes comme les employés humanitaires de l'ONU sont de plus en plus visés. C'est particulièrement choquant parce que les Philippines ne sont pas la Somalie et l'Irak. Malgré les problèmes dans le sud, c'est un pays démocratique", a souligné le porte-parole.

"Les journalistes ont un rôle très important à jouer dans le processus électoral. Un tel massacre pourrait contribuer à intimider les medias et c'est très préoccupant. Les autres journalistes pourraient réfléchir à ce qu'ils font et à ce qu'ils disent, ce qui minerait le débat démocratique", a ajouté Rupert Colville.

Interrogé sur une réaction du Conseil des droits de l'homme, le porte-parole a expliqué que c'est d'abord aux autorités nationales d'agir. "La communauté internationale doit intervenir lorsque les autorités nationales ne font rien. Pour l'instant, la présidence philippine a exprimé son intention d'agir. Mais cela ne veut pas dire qu'il n'y aura pas de réaction au niveau international, notamment si les intentions de Manille ne se traduisent pas en actes concrets", a conclu le porte-parole.

Article 19 - Philippines: Brutal Killing Undermines Freedom of Expression

ARTICLE 19 joins the international community in condemning the Maguindanao
attack and calls on local and international authorities to take swift action to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

At least 39 people were viciously killed when a convoy they were
travelling in was attacked in the Philippines on 23 November. The convoy
was intercepted by approximately 100 men in Ampatuan town whilst on its
way to register Ishmael ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu as a candidate for provincial
governorship elections, Ampatuan is the home town of the incumbent
governor Andal Ampatuan, and there are strong indications that the attack
was politically motivated. According to the local media, Mangudadatu
belongs to a clan that has been engaged in a long-running feud with the
Ampatuan family, which has intermittently governed the region since 2001.
This attack represents a troubling development in the Mindanao region,
where Muslim rebels have been fighting for self-rule in the predominantly
Roman Catholic nation.

As many as 13 journalists that were reporting on Mangudadatu’s
registration are feared dead. If confirmed, this would be the largest group of journalists killed in a single event ever.

The killing of so many journalists will have a major chilling effect on free expression during the upcoming elections and in the future. There are already reports that some journalists have refused to travel to the area to report on the incident, for fear of further violence.

Free and fair elections cannot take place when the right to free expression is seriously threatened. This includes the right of everyone to express their political viewpoints and of journalists to report on political activities without intimidation.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the local authorities to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation, with a view to identifying and prosecuting those responsible, as well as to ensure that the election can take place safely and freely. We also call upon the international community to assist in these efforts.

IFJ Fears for Media Staff in Philippines Danger Zone As Massacre Toll Grows

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today pledged its full support to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in an urgent campaign on news safety as reports emerged that up to 20 media people died in yesterday?s massacre of journalists and political campaigners in the Philippines.
Some 46 people were killed in the atrocity in the troubled Maguindanao
province in the south of the country, among them at least 12 journalists
and around eight media staff, according to the latest information from the
NUJP branch in Mindanao. It is reported that 22 bodies have been recovered
so far.
The NUJP is sending an immediate mission to Maguindano to investigate the
circumstances around the killings, to provide immediate support to the families of the victims, and to assess the security failings and safety needs for the region. The IFJ has made available its International Safety Fund to provide humanitarian support.
The IFJ has criticised the failure of the Government of Gloria Arroya, which today announced a state of emergency in the Maguindano province, to tackle the crisis of impunity in the killing of journalists and media staff in recent years.
"The Arroyo administration must make a clear and unequivocal commitment to
an immediate, independent and effective inquiry into this atrocity," said IFJ General Secretary Aidan White. "With elections due in six months time the authorities must act now to guarantee the safety of journalists throughout the country."
Under the current government the Philippines has become the most dangerous
place in the world for media workers. At least 74 journalists have been killed during its eight-year tenure, yet the Government has not acted to end the culture of impunity. At last count, only four convictions had been secured.
The journalists slaughtered on Monday were part of a convoy led by Genalyn
Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, who was on her way to file her husband?s nomination
as a candidate for the forthcoming election for governor of Maguindanao.
Around 100 armed men ambushed the convoy and took them to a remote
location before executing them.
The NUJP, which has a long history of investigating murders of journalists and campaigning against the culture of impunity for killings, will conduct its own investigation in Mindanao.
The IFJ is considering next steps and is supporting plans by the International News Safety Institute to organise urgent safety training for local journalists. "We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and colleagues of all those killed in Maguindanao," said White.
"And we are determined to keep an international focus on this crisis. It is a traumatic and horrifying incident that means all journalists must now take even greater care."

IFJ Calls for Urgent Action over Massacre of Philippine Journalists

The IFJ has called for the international community to intervene to demand
a full investigation to bring to justice those responsible for the biggest single massacre of working journalists in recent history.

The IFJ call came after at least twelve journalists were murdered when a
political convoy of over 36 persons was ambushed and slaughtered by gunmen
in the Maguindanao province of Southern Philippines.

"This is an event which shocks journalists around the world to the core,"
said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "We need a strong and urgent
response from the Philippine government and the international community."

The political convoy was led by Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, who was on
her way to file her husband'snomination as a candidate for the forthcoming election for governor of Maguindanao province. Journalists were part of the convoy along with several members of her family.

The convoy was ambushed Monday morning by around 100 armed men, who took
them to a remote location before massacring them all. Most were shot; some
were beheaded and driven over by vehicles.

According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) among the victims were at least 12 journalists covering the political development who were accompanying the political convoy.

This is the darkest day in the history of journalism in the Philippines, which, outside of Iraq, has topped the tables of countries where journalists are most at risk in recent years.

***19.11.09. MEXICO. Article 19 Releases Report Documenting Aggressions
Against Journalists

ARTICLE 19, in conjunction with its partner Cencos, has launched a report
pointing to a continuing deterioration of freedom of expression in Mexico and stating that the authorities remain the principal perpetrators of aggressions against journalists.
This is the third quarterly report detailing a total of 59 attacks against
journalists and the media, including the killing of three journalists, from July to September 2009. ARTICLE 19 and Cencos have recorded 201 aggressions so far this year, as well as eight deaths.

In Mexico, journalists work in an evironment where organised crime and drug traffickers operate largely with impunity, often colluding with the authorities. Usually the most serious violations, such as assassinations and forced disappearances, can be attributed to organised crime.

However, ARTICLE 19’s figures continue to point to state authorities as the principal aggressors in nearly 72 per cent of cases. The deployment of the military and police in many parts of the country have not only resulted in an escalation of violence but, in some cases, new human rights violations committed by security forces. The ARTICLE 19 report also details several serious incidents involving government officials, including the harassment of staff at the political magazine Proceso by officials of the Ministry for Public Security.

The report further emphasises an increased number of aggressions commited
by supporters of political parties, during recent elections at state level and in Congress. Local police forces and municipal officials are also responsible for attacks against media workers in various states, including Sinaloa, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Guerrero and Mexico City.

Dario Ramirez, ARTICLE 19 Director for Mexico comments: “An assassination
constitutes the most severe form of aggression and is an indicator of the
adverse environment in which journalists and media workers are currently being forced to operate. Many of these cases have not been effectively investigated or resolved, and this constitutes a real and sustained campaign against the right to freedom of expression in this country.”

ARTICLE 19 and Cencos calls on the authorities to make a serious effort to
tackle these violations of fundamental human rights and bring Mexico into line with international standards. This includes developing prevention policies, including adequate and effective human rights training for security forces, at all levels of national, state and local government.

ARTICLE 19 and Cencos reminds the Mexican State that the right to freedom
of expression, which is established in the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights implies a double obligation. The state is not only obliged not to violate the right, but also to protect it and promote an environment in which free expression is allowed to flourish.

ARTICLE 19 and Cencos reiterates its call on the Mexican State to tackle the impunity that is being allowed to prevail in the majority of cases of violations of the right to freedom of expression. This can only be achieved through the effective investigation of such crimes and the sanctioning of those responsible, as well as the strengthening of the bodies that are responsible for dealing with crimes against freedom of expression. 

• To view the full report Attacks on Freedom of Expression in Mexico:
Third Quarterly Bulletin go to:
http://www.article19.org/pdfs/publications/mexico-attacks-on-freedom-of-expression-3rd-quarterly-report-.pdf

***18.11.09. SOMALIA: 2 journalists wounded

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in strongest possible terms targeted shooting of two Somali journalists working for international news media organizations in Galkayo and Mogadishu.

Mohamed Yasin Isak , the reporter of Voice of America (VOA) Somali Service
in Mudug region of Somalia by was wounded after when police officer of
Puntland Semi-autonomous administration opened fire on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 around 8:00 PM local time.

The journalist, who was driving his car on his way to his office in the evening, was shot on the shoulder at checkpoint after another police man released the journalist’s car from the checkpoint. The Assailant opened fire on him in his car and one of the targeted bullets hit his shoulder where other bullets penetrated the car’s body and shattered the car’s glasses. He was immediately rushed to privately owned hospital in Galkayo. According to doctors, his situation is stable and the bullet went through his left shoulder.

The motive behind this targeted attack remains unclear, but journalist was a target for the police and the Government’s high profile members including the vice president of Puntland administration, the deputy minister of information and the police commanders.

The second journalist was wounded in less then 24 hours. Abdirahman
Warsame, corerspednt of Xinhua news agency was today (18 November 2009)
shot at left shoulder while he was standing before Banadir Hospital in Madina district of Mogadishu city. Abdirahman told NUSOJ that he doesn’t know who shot him and which armed group was he allied, as there was a fighting between government forces with African union troops against insurgents today in the area.

“I am in good health, only I am suffering from pain of the bullet which is
still in my shoulder” said Abdirahman Warsame who spoke to NUSOJ.

Mr Isak reportedly received threats from the commander of Mudug Region Police Division Colonel Muse Ahmed Abdirahman who yesterday attended without invitation a meeting by the journalists in Galkayo city. The commander said that they are following what journalist Mohamed Yasin Isak is doing in recent days. "We know what you are disseminating these days through media" said the commander attacking the journalist. The journalists were discussing in their meeting the souring attacks and pressures from regional administration of Mudug region of Puntland after the journalists were mistreated by the police officers and some of the officers of the regional administration at meeting on regional security,
which was convened by Governor and deputy Governor. When journalists came
at this meeting venue at Police Division Headquarters in Galkayo some police officers started beating the journalists with the bats of AK47 and some regional officers including the regional finance secretary insulted the journalists calling them "rubbish" and “useless”.

In the evening of 25 August 2009 Journalist Mohamed Yasin Issak and his
colleague journalist Abdullahi Hersi Adde were briefly arrested by the police in Galkayo. The order to arrest the journalist was issued by the deputy commander of Puntland Police. The police said journalist Mohamed was accused of sending provocative report to his V.O.A Somali section but the police did not justify their arrest of the other journalist. The two journalists were released few hours later in the same evening.

“While we wish full recovery for Mohamed Yasin and Abdirahman Warsame, we
categorically denounce these horrendous crimes against media professionals
and the continued bloody violence against journalists. The wounding of
two colleagues demonstrate the enormous danger against journalist with
which complete impunity is continuously committed”, said Omar Faruk Osman,
NUSOJ Secretary General.

For further information, contact:
Burhan Ahmed Dahir, NUSOJ Puntland Coordinator
Email: burhaandaahir@gmail.com
Mobile: +2525 75 19 75
Mohamed Ibrahim Isak, NUSOJ Press Freedom Coordinator
Email: mohamed.ibrahim@nusoj.org
Mobile: +252-1- 5 88 99 30

***17.11.09. UN REPORT CONDEMNS TRIAL IN DR CONGO MILITARY COURT OVER KILLING OF JOURNALIST
New York, Nov 17 2009 2:10PM
A United Nations report released today criticizes the judicial process in a Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) military court in connection with the trial of a murdered Congolese journalist, including the alleged bribery of the presiding judges.

The report concluded that the judicial process was “interspersed with several irregularities suggesting that the judiciary authorities lack the will to establish the truth” behind the June 2007 killing of Serge Maheshe, who was working for UN-sponsored Radio Okapi.

Mr. Maheshe was shot dead while entering a UN-marked vehicle in Bukavu, the capital of volatile eastern province of South Kivu. In August 2007 four civilians were initially sentenced to death on the basis of confessions, which were subsequently retracted.

Military magistrates were accused at the time of obtaining the confessions
under duress, but no independent inquiry was carried out to investigate
these allegations.

The report stressed that “certain violations noticed in the Maheshe case
are frequently observed in other trials before military courts.”

The report on the trial – produced jointly by the UN mission in DRC (<"
http://monuc.unmissions.org/">MONUC) and the UN Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights (<"http://www.ohchr.org/">OHCHR) – noted
that the guarantees for a just and fair trial were not respected by the
South Kivu Military Court.

It spotlighted the court’s refusal to investigate other credible leads and motives likely to shed more light on the murder among the persistent inadequacies in the criminal inquiry.

In addition, the report underscored the absence of an independent and impartial inquiry into subornation charges brought against two military magistrates and a climate of intimidation and threats against the defence lawyers among the barriers to a fair process.

Echoing the report, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay urged the Government “to guarantee the protection of lawyers and human rights defenders, including journalists, to allow them to perform freely their duty, without risk of interference, discrimination, threat or reprisal.”

Ms. Pillay also called on the international community to help strengthen technical and logistical support to the Congolese judicial institutions and reinforce resources for all the members of the judiciary, civilian and military.

“We all must pursue, with the Congolese political and judiciary authorities, the independence and integrity of justice, the strict compliance with the principle of the right to a fair trial,” said Ms. Pillay, highlighting the need to adopt “a law for the protection of human rights defenders, including journalists, that complies with relevant international norms.”
Nov 17 2009 2:10PM 

***15.11.09. UN-BACKED MEDIA FORUM CALLS FOR CONCRETE ACTION ON MURDERS OF JOURNALISTS

New York, Nov 14 2009 12:10PM
Broadcasters attending the United Nations-backed fourth World Electronic Media Forum (WEMF 4) have called for sustained and concrete global action to address the murder of journalists in peacetime and in war.

"Most journalists are killed not in war zones but in their own countries as they try to shine the light of the truth into the darkest recesses of their societies," they said in a declaration adopted unanimously at the end of a two-day meeting in Mexico City.

More journalists have been killed in Mexico this year than in any other country in the Western hemisphere, many of them for reporting on drug trafficking and related corruption.

According to the International Press Institute (IPI), seven media professionals have been murdered in Mexico this year, the most recent being a journalist whose body was found earlier this month, as well as a radio presenter killed last month.

The murders were strongly condemned by the UN Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization UNESCO), which is tasked with defending press freedom, and which called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The declaration adopted at the Forum put the onus on governments, which it
stated "are primarily responsible for the safety of all their citizens, including those in the news media. They have a responsibility to protect those citizens, pursue their killers and ensure freedom of expression."

During the Forum, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public
Information Kiyo Akasaka voiced the UN's concern for the safety of journalists worldwide, while stressing the need to ensure freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

"Your continued vigilance in this area -- and the safeguarding of this human right -- is essential to the future and expansion of an information-based society," he
stated.

Like its three predecessors -- in Geneva (2003), Tunis (2005) and Kuala Lumpur (2007) -- WEMF 4 was organized by the world's eight regional broadcasting unions.

Apart from the safety of media professionals, the meeting also addressed the relation between broadband and broadcasting, electronic journalism and citizen reporters, and the value of archives and the cost of preserving them.

***11.11.09. PAKISTAN: JOURNALISTS TARGETED BY INSURGENTS AND DRACONIAN STATE CENSORSHIP

As the Pakistani state combats different insurgent groups, increased violence this year has led to a crackdown on media. Some radio stations have been ordered to not broadcast BBC Urdu-language programs and parliament is ratifying severe regulations to control how the conflict is covered, report the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) and other IFEX members. Journalists are also caught between the military and extremists as they struggle to practice their profession.

On 29 October, changes were made to the Pakistan Electronic Media
Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) law, introducing clauses that ban the broadcast of statements from militants, live footage of a suicide bomber or terrorist attack, as well as news that is counter to the ideology of Pakistan and state sovereignty. Broadcasts are also banned that defame or ridicule the head of state, armed forces, or the executive, legislative or judicial branches of the state, report IFEX members. PPF reports that lawmakers from the ruling party and the opposition supported the amendments.

The government is combating extremists in many parts of the country under
their control, but introducing a system of censorship will only obstruct
plural voices and media development. "It's unacceptable for a democratic,
civilian-led government to propose legislation that is essentially censorship," said Freedom House.

At the same time, PEMRA told 15 FM radio stations to stop broadcasting BBC
news bulletins because of technicalities over the terms of their licenses,
reports PPF, calling this international ban a "serious breach of freedom of
expression."

Meanwhile, in Quetta, Baluchistan, a respected newspaper "Asaap" was shut
down by a paramilitary group in August. There has been no reaction from the
government, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

A recent situation report by the International Federation of Journalists' (IFJ) Asia-Pacific branch describes Pakistani journalists under threat from separatist groups, nationalist forces, political parties and paramilitary actors. The report focuses on the media environment in Balochistan, where journalists struggle with low wages, lack of training and resources, as well as frequent threats and violence with no protection offered by employers. Those who try to practice journalism in this tense environment tend to practise self-censorship. Some journalists must work for more than one media outlet to earn an income, says IFJ. In fact, one journalist told
IFJ that he works for 11 media outlets. Others become journalists because
they can find no other work; they only wish to acquire a press card to take
bribes for stories, undermining the profession.

Local journalists, who work with international organisations like BBC, Reuters, and others, enjoy a better working environment but face threats from separatist groups who feel they have a right to international media space to air their views, says the report.

When it comes to security concerns, journalists are cautious not to offend
any of the armed groups, says IFJ. But journalist Chisti Mujahid was murdered in February 2008 for writing about a chief of Balochistan's powerful Murree tribe who had been killed and buried in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"The Baloch nationalists often dictate to us that their reports should be
published in such and such a manner," Razaur Rahman, editor of the "Daily
Express", told IFJ. Journalists have been shot at, bombed, beaten and detained. Because of their writing, some have had their equipment seized; others have been told to leave Balochistan or be killed.

Despite tensions in Balochistan, Pakistan's media environment has flourished in recent years with the expansion of television and radio, providing live domestic and international news coverage, commentary, and call-in talk shows, giving diverse and critical viewpoints, says Freedom House. But the recent clampdown on independent media is a serious setback, and restricting press freedom during periods of unrest is a disservice to the Pakistani people.

***10.11.09. IFJ Endorses Joint Russian and Georgian Demand to End Media Restrictions

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today endorsed a joint declaration by the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ) and the Independent Association of Georgian Journalists (IAGJ) that demands an end to all restrictions to reporting of the Georgian/ Russian conflict. They call for an end to war propaganda and concrete actions to promote dialogue and confidence between Russian and Georgian journalists.
"This joint declaration is a major step towards ending the unjustified and
enduring restrictions on journalists," said Aidan white, IFJ General Secretary. "In the face of government obstruction, the professional journalists' communities are leading the demands for mutual respect for their rights."
Since the conflict of summer 2008, Georgian journalists have been prevented from accessing the conflict zones of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, while Russian journalists are denied access to the rest of Georgia. Meanwhile both governments continue to block the transmissions of media from either country.
The declaration calls on both governments to respect their obligations under UN security Council Resolution 1738, that obliges governments to protect journalists in conflict zones. Both unions also demand an independent review of the misuse of media to promoting war propaganda and hate speech.
The IFJ says that the long term resolution of the conflict and reconciliation between communities in the region can only be achieved when journalists are allowed to report independently, honestly and free of all restrictions.
"I welcome the readiness of our Russian colleagues to develop these crucial joint mechanisms to help journalists from Georgia, Russia and other countries report freely," said Zviad Pochkhua, President of the IAGJ, "Society inside and outside of militarized regions need to receive information free of state propaganda as part of the resolution of the conflict."
"The Russian Union of Journalists has frequently expressed concerns about
the media coverage of the Russian Georgia conflict in August 2008. Now we
have a serious partner for dialogue in Georgia in the Independent
Association of Georgian Journalists and we believe that our co-operation
will be useful for developing of mutual understanding between our people
as a whole and our journalists in particular," added Mikhail Fedotov,
Secretary of the Russian Union of Journalists.
The IFJ, RUJ and IAGJ call for the urgent organizing of a meeting between
professional journalists on both sides to examine the obstacles and challenges in greater depth that can map out a concrete plan to build dialogue and long term confidence between professional journalists.
The declaration emerged from a meeting of IFJ affiliates from Eastern Europe and the Caucasus in Berlin to discuss the progress of journalism since the fall of the Berlin wall and ongoing obstacles to professional journalism in the region. Participants highlighted the poverty conditions and lack of minimum working rights under which journalists are forced to work, the levels of corruption in the media that force journalists to produce stories to order, increasing government interference and control, the on-going scandal of impunity for the killers of journalists, and the twin impact of the financial crisis and media restructuring that is undermining the economic model of journalist across the globe.

***06.11.09. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) - Israeli violatiOns Against journalists were esclated specialy in jerusalem during last month

There have been disturbing violations of media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories during October 2009. The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) monitored many of the Israeli violations against journalists, especially incidents in Jerusalem and Hebron committed by Israeli occupation forces. These included attacks on: Alquds Net reporter and photographer Dyala Jwayhan, Palestinian News Network (PNN) correspondent Mays Abu-Ghazaleh, and AP photographer Mahfouz Abu Turk as well as attacks on photographer Abdul Hafiz and Najeh Hashlamoun and the arrest of journalist Iyad Srour in Hebron.

In addition, Israeli occupation forces disguised themselves as photojournalists in Ras Alamoud, and the crew of Aljazeera was prevented from entering Jerusalem.

On the Palestinian side, the Palestinian police attacked AlQuds TV correspondent Ayman Salameh in Khanyounis city, the Palestinian intelligence services arrested journalist Sedki Mousa in Nablus city, some of Palestinian people assaulted the journalists Fayez and Bassam Abu-Oun in Gaza city, and Palestinian youth hurled a stone at photographer Atta E'ouisat in Jerusalem city. 

 MADA also expressed concern of a renewed campaign of incitement against al-Jazeera TV against the backdrop of Palestinians applaud (Kan Mawtini). These negative campaigns against the news agencies may lead to attacks on the press offices and crews, as happened more than once in the past. 
 
MADA expresses its strong condemnation of attacks on journalists, particularly by the Israeli occupying forces. These attacks are a blatant violation of freedom of expression guaranteed in international laws and conventions, especially the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. MADA demands the international community to pressure Israel to stop its attacks on journalists.

The OPT ranked very low rank in the rankings of press freedom in 2009 (161 out of 175), according to a report recently published by Reporters without Borders.  This low rank is a serious and worrying indication of the reality of media freedoms in Palestine. Thought the rank is slightly better than last year (ranked 163 out of 173), it still represents limited press freedoms due to frequent and serious attacks on journalists and media outlets by Israeli occupation forces and the Palestinian security apparatuses in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Details of violations

(3 Oct.) – “Falestinue 48” news website photographer Abdullah Fathi Zidan, was attacked by Israeli occupation forces in Jerusalem. Zidan said that he was beaten on the face by Israeli occupation forces when he was filming in the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Zidan added: "At about ten o'clock in the morning the Israeli occupation forces began the attack on the protestors in the Aqsa Mosque, some of them fled, and the rest stayed with Sheikh Kamal Khatib. During the attack, one of the soldiers hit me on my face causing bleeding and swelling." 

 (8 Oct.) - Aljazeera TV crew (correspondent Walid al-Omari, cameraman Majid Al-Safadi, and assistant cameraman Abdel Nasser Deirat) were prevented from entering Jerusalem at a checkpoint in north of Jerusalem. According to al-Omari, who is also director of Aljazeera's bureau in Jerusalem, the occupation soldiers on the checkpoint near Hizma village stopped the crew and took their identities and prevented the cameraman from filming.  AL-Omari added: "We thought that they prevented all Palestinians and the Arab and foreign journalists from entering Jerusalem, and then we noticed that they allowed everyone to pass except us. The crew of Aljazeera was heading to Jerusalem to cover the events in Al-Aqsa Mosque, which was surrounded by Israeli occupation forces worshipers were prevented from entering.

(9 Oct.) - The occupation forces disguised as photojournalists in Ras al-Amoud in Jerusalem, The chairman of the Palestinian Journalists Committee, photographer Awad Awad, said that a group of citizens confirmed the involvement of a number of “musta’rbeen”(Israeli security forces unit usually dressed like Arabs) in the middle of the Palestinian demonstrators who were protesting against the Israeli practices against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday and Friday (8-9/10), and that they dressed as uniformed photojournalists and have cameras and arrested a number of young people.

(10 Oct.) – “Al Ayyam” newspaper reporter Faiz Shukri Abu Aoun (49) and the Executive Director of the Radio “Sawt Al Sha’b” Bassam Abu Oun (47) were attacked by group of people during their coverage of a sit-in near Al-Aqsa University in Gaza. They were protesting because the municipality demolished their stores. This is what transpired, according to Fayez Abu-Oun: "We has heard about a sit-in protest and when we went to the area to cover the event, a number of citizens told me that the police arrested three of their children, so I registered the feedback on my notebook. Then one of the people there tried to take my notebook I refused to give it to him and I went to the car. He followed me there and tried again to take it by force, but I refused so he hit me on the right side of my head. A large number of people gathered –there were about twenty, and six of them participated in the attack on us and on the car. After the attack we went to the Shifa Hospital for treatment, and then we went to the police station to report them, and we saw the main aggressor complain to the police, alleging that we were writing reports and sending them to “Fatah “in the West bank. Fortunately I have had contacts with a number of journalists’ colleagues, who confirmed that am an independent journalist and worked for the last 18 years in the press, so the police arrested the assailant.”

(10 Oct.) – Al Quads TV correspondent Ayman Mohamad Salameh (35years) was attacked by Palestinian police in Gaza. Salameh said that there was a problem between some citizens and police so I Went to investigate the matter to tell Al Quds TV if they want to cover the event, but the police officer prevented him from entering the area.  Salameh added: “then I told him that I’m a journalist, so He aimed his weapon at me and a verbal argument sparked between us. another policeman, without knowing why we argue, he beat me with his blackjack despite that I told him that I am a journalist and the TV I work with, then a number of citizens took me to the hospital where I have suffered from bruises on my left hand and my left leg, after that I went to the police station and filed a complaint against the policeman whom hit me, so the police arrested him and released me after two days.

(15 Oct.) - Jaffa office director Iyad Sha’ban Srour (36years) was arrested by the Israeli occupying forces in Hebron. His mother said that the Israeli occupation forces knocked at their door at about 1:30 am and asked everybody to leave the house,” we asked Iyad to wake up because he was sleeping, when he was out they arrested and cuffed him, and he was taken away to unknown place, later we heard that he was transferred to Ofer detention camp near Ramallah”. Srour was arrested by Palestinian Intelligence on 14october 2008 and was released on the ninth of last September.

(21 Oct.) – The freelance journalist Sidqi Mohammed Salameh (25 years) was arrested by Palestinian intelligence in Nablus.  Salameh’s father said that Palestinian intelligence called him as part of an investigation throughout the four days preceding his arrest.  On 21 October he went to the interview and was arrested that day. Sidqi had returned from Jordan lately, after he finishing the preparation of a master degree in the media.

(25 Oct.) – Alquds Net news website correspondent and photographer Dyala Jwayhan was attacked by Israeli police in Jerusalem. Jwayhan reported that members of the police assaulted and beat her after she took a picture of an Israeli police officer assaulting an elderly man. So one of them beat her, pressed his leg on her foot strongly, and ripped her T-shirt. Jwayhan added: "There was a group of women who tried to protect me, but the Israeli police started to shout, saying they would get out of the mosque only if I was arrested. After that the women called the ambulance, and when the ambulance came the police left. They took me to hospital in Jerusalem, and the doctor diagnosed my case, saying that I was suffering from severe bruises in the neck and back and a torn muscle in my foot”.
 
(25 Oct.)- Palestinian News Network correspondent (PNN), Mays Abu-Ghazaleh, was assaulted by Israeli police in Jerusalem as she tried to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque. According to Abu-Ghazaleh, one of the soldiers closed the metal barrier on her right leg resulting in a slight injury, bruises, and swelling. Mays added that the soldier tried several times to close the barrier on her body but she was got away at the right moment, but the last time when she was turning back, the police quickly closed the barrier on her leg, and he said to her in a bad tone: " Watch out. " Abu-Gazalah also said that she saw a member of the foreign press was beaten and some of her teeth were broken, but she could not identify her.

(25 Oct.)- AP photographer Mahfouz Mohammed Abu Turk (60 years) was attacked by Israeli special guards in Jerusalem; Abu Turk said that he was beaten severely by special guards before the noon prayer when he was in the old city. The guard pushed him into a corner and beat him with batons, feet and hands, but some Palestinian youth came and dragged him from the corner and gave him assistance. The attack caused him severe pain in the left foot and right knee and bruises in the back.

(25 Oct.)- “Yediot Aharonot” newspaper photographer Atta E’oissat was injured by a stone in Jerusalem. E’oissat said that he was wounded in his left leg by a stone thrown at him by Palestinian youth, as he tried to convince a number of young men that the foreign journalists who were accompanying him were not soldiers disguised as journalists. This followed the incident where Israeli occupation forces had disguised themselves as photojournalists in the neighborhood of Ras al-Amoud on (8-9 October).

(28 Oct.)) A for the European Agency (EPA) photographer, Abdel-Hafiz Hashlamoun, was assaulted by the Israeli occupying forces in Hebron. Hashlamoun reported that one of the Israeli soldiers beat him with the gun on his waist, and kicked his feet when he was filming the soldiers shoveling the Palestinians farms in the east of Hebron. He sustained injuries including bruises and scratches on his body and severe pain in his waist.

(28 Oct.) (ABA) agency photographer Najeh Hashlamoun was attacked by Israeli soldiers in Hebron. Hashlamoun reported that the Israeli Civil Administration workers hit him with his camera in his face when he was photographing them when they were destroying irrigation pipes to Palestinian farmers in the east of Hebron. The blows caused bleeding in his mouth. Hashlamoun added that the workers also tried to attack Reuter’s photographer Nayef Hashlamoun, but the Palestinian farmers protected him.
Contact: Riham Abu Aita
Public Relation Office               
Ramallah
info@madacenter.org
madapalestine@yahoo.com
www.madacenter.org
 

***05.11.09. PAKISTAN. TOP NEWS MANAGERS AGREE ON TV COVERAGE GUIDELINES

ISLAMABAD - Top news managers from Pakistan’s eight television channels
have evolved a first-of-its-kind voluntary framework to standardize
professional guidelines governing terrorism coverage.

Representatives of KTN, Samaa, DawnNews, Dunya, Express News & Express
24/7, ARY, Geo and Aaj television met in Karachi this weekend to
successfully conclude a two-week long internal debate on how best to
respond to viewer feedback on reporting incidents where large scale loss
of human life has occurred. The group, comprising key news decision-makers
in their respective organisations, recognized that the public’s abiding
trust in the media placed a heavy responsibility on news-managers to
further improve the quality of news product.

Applying their collective experience and judgment, they agreed on
harmonizing existing professional methods to perform the task of honest
reporting in these times of extreme crisis and national danger.

Members of the group, a voluntary gathering open to all, agreed among
themselves that formalization of policies on reporting and news gathering
in terrorism-related cases was needed.

The areas where the agreement was reached pertained to field and live
reporting, viewer exposure to extreme and disturbing visuals, dead bodies,
badly injured people, accounts of the emotionally-distraught as well as
eye-witnesses, and real-time decisions on releasing information during
war or in the case of hostage-situation.

The news managers decided that they will desist from showing graphic and
disturbing images on the screen, and as and when required, utilize a delay
mechanism in their transmissions. This will enable the channels to edit
out undesirable footage. The news managers also developed a consensus on
putting greater efforts to check information before flashing breaking news
about bomb blasts etc.

The news managers also agreed to exercise extreme caution when covering
incidents involving hostages. They decided that in such situations they
will take all steps necessary to ensure that information being relayed
through the channels does not, in any way, help the hostage-takers.

Better training for camera crew, safety orientation of reporters were
other areas where the group agreed to implement swift measures in line
with the potential and constraints of each channel. They also agreed to
introduce strict safety measures for their crews covering disaster
situations.

They also requested all TV channels to cooperate with them in following
these voluntary guidelines, and welcomed suggestions to further improve
their coverage.

The news managers agreed among themselves that more discussions of this
sort with their colleagues from other channels were required to further
elaborate this framework. Through such discussions, Pakistan’s news
channels would be able to honour the faith hundreds of millions of viewers
have reposed in them, and who look up the Pakistani media as the most
trustworthy institution central to the struggle for a better, prosperous,
democratic and secure Pakistan.

The news managers reiterated that these voluntary guidelines drafted by
them would further enhance the professionalism of Pakistani channels. They
resolved to implement these decisions to the best of their abilities. The
Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) has already given its voluntary
Code of Conduct on coverage of terrorism to the government. Now since the
news managers have also agreed to voluntarily follow their own set of
guidelines, they called upon the government to desist from imposing any
guidelines formulated by official functionaries, as such guidelines would
be seen as restrictions that would run counter to the spirit of freedom of
expression. They also called upon the government and the military to stop
pulling channels off-air as such moves are counter-productive.

The top news managers also decided to hold such meetings on a regular
basis with the aim to review such matters, and improve and revise these
guidelines if and when the need is felt.

The news managers who formulated these guidelines included the following:
Azhar Abbas (Managing Director, Geo News); Syed Talat Hussain (Executive
Director Aaj News); Abbas Nasir (Editor, DawnNews & Dawn); Ali Qazi (CEO,
KTN); Tariq Wasi (Head of Operations, ARY Digital Network); Mohsin Raza
(Director News ARY News); Fahd Husain (Director News, Express News &
Express 24/7); Owais Tohid (Director News, Dunya TV); Nasim Zehra
(Director Current Affairs, Dunya TV); Amir Zia (Director Current Affairs,
Samaa TV)

***30.10.09. PAKISTAN. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) is very concerned by the ban on media. Information is crucial for the
respect of international humanitarian law in a conflict zone. Pakistan is the second most dangerous place for journalists around the world. See below the latest information of our correspondent in Pakistan. 

URGENT - Standing Committee of National Assembly on Information headed by the
ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), MNA Ms Beelum Hassnain on Thursday,
has recommended restrictions on media including ban on live coverage of
events, suggesting issuance of notices and sentences upto three years,
fined up to 10 milion. Its almost the revival of PEMRA amended Ordinance,
2007 imposed by former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on November 3, 2007
when he had imposed emergency in the country.
Under the recommendations, which government will now move in the form
of Bill in the NA, no channel will be allowed to broadcast footage of a
suicide bomber, bodies of victims of terrorism, any criticism on
President, defame the PM or the army. Anchors will not say anything which
can create confusion or hatred.
No ancherperson, moderator or host will propagate anything against
ideology of Pakistan or sovereignty or security of the country or anything
which can create law and order. They will not be allowed to say anything
against the judiciary or do a programme which defame or bring to ridicule
the head of the State, armed forces or the executive or legislative or
judicial organ of the State.
Surprisingly, all the political parties in the Parliament, who have
representation in the committee backed the recomendations. It was proposed
unanimously.
If enforced into a law, Its nothing but complete ban. The news has come at
a time when the country will observe November 3, 2007 as "Black Day."
against the impoisition of emergency in the country two years back and
against the ban on media.
Mazhar Abbas, Ex-Secretary General, PFUJ

***29.10.09. TUNISIE - Mise à exécution des menaces présidentielles à l'encontre de journalistes indépendants 

Paris-Genève-Copenhague, le 29 octobre 2009. L’Observatoire pour la
protection des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme, un programme conjoint de
la Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l’Homme (FIDH) et de
l’Organisation mondiale contre la torture (OMCT), et le Réseau euro-méditerranéen des droits de l’Homme (REMDH) expriment leur plus vive inquiétude suite aux actes de harcèlement à l’encontre des journalistes tunisiens MM. Taoufik Ben Brik, Slim Boukhdir et Mouldi Zouabi.

Ces trois journalistes se sont particulièrement mobilisés ces dernières semaines afin de dénoncer les pratiques et actes contraires aux normes internationales qui se sont multipliés dans le contexte électoral, et nos organisations craignent que les actes de répression dont ils sont l'objet fassent partie "des mesures" annoncées par le Président Ben Ali "contre quiconque émettra des accusations ou des doutes concernant l’intégrité de l’opération électorale, sans fournir de preuves concrètes". Le Président tunisien a par ailleurs stigmatisé, à la veille du scrutin du 25 octobre
2009, ceux qu’il avait qualifié de "minorité infime de Tunisiens qui dénigrent leur pays en s’appuyant sur des parties étrangères".

Ainsi, le 29 octobre 2009 vers 13h00, M. Taoufik Ben Brik, journaliste et membre fondateur du Conseil national pour les libertés en Tunisie (CNLT), a été écroué au centre de détention préventive de Bouchoucha, suite à sa convocation au commissariat un peu plus tôt dans la matinée. Il comparaîtra le 30 octobre devant un juge pour "agression". Cette accusation aurait été formulée sur la base d'une plainte déposée par une femme affirmant s'être faite agresser suite à un accrochage entre son véhicule et celui de M. Ben Brik. Selon les informations reçues, l'auteure de la plainte a en réalité embouti la voiture de M. Ben Brik le 22
octobre, avant de l'insulter, de le violenter et de lui déchirer ses vêtements, cherchant manifestement à le faire réagir. M. Ben Brik ne se serait quant à lui rendu à aucun moment responsable d'actes de violence.

Par ailleurs, le 28 octobre, M. Slim Boukhdir, journaliste et membre fondateur de l’association de défense des libertés “Liberté et équité”, a été victime d'un enlèvement devant chez lui par des inconnus en civil, qui lui ont bandé les yeux, l'ont forcé à monter à bord d'un véhicule puis l'ont conduit sur la colline du Belvédère (hauteurs de Tunis) où ils l'ont passé à tabac. M. Boukhdir, dépouillé de ses vêtements, de son portefeuille et de son téléphone, a été laissé sur les lieux, souffrant d'une fracture au nez et de plusieurs hématomes.

Le même jour, des inconnus ont tenté à trois reprises de forcer la porte du domicile de M. Moudi Zouabi, correspondant du journal panarabe basé à Londres Al Quds Al Arabi, du site Internet de la chaîne de télévision satellitaire Al-Arabiya. M. Zouabi a fait appel à la police qui s'est rendue sur les lieux, mais n'a rien constaté de préoccupant. M. Zouabi serait en outre suivi de très près par des policiers depuis plusieurs jours.

En outre, M. Zouhair Makhlouf, membre de l’association "Liberté et équité", membre dirigeant du Parti démocrate progressiste (PDP) et ancien candidat aux élections législatives du 25 octobre 2009, incarcéré depuis le 21 octobre 2009 à la prison de Mornaguia près de Tunis, comparaîtra devant le tribunal de première instance de Grombalia le 3 novembre 2009.

L'Observatoire et le REMDH dénoncent la poursuite des actes de harcèlement
extrêmement préoccupants à l'encontre des défenseurs des droits de l'Homme
tunisiens, et appellent la Délégation de la Commission européenne à Tunis
ainsi que les ambassades d'Etats-membres de l'Union européenne en Tunisie
à rendre visite à MM. Ben Brik et Makhlouf en détention, et à observer les
audiences à leur encontre, conformément aux Lignes directrices de l'UE
relatives aux défenseurs des droits de l'Homme.

Nos organisations appellent également la Délégation et les ambassades
mentionnées ci-dessus à faire un rapport public, et si possible conjoint, sur les violations des règles relatives à un procès équitable et sur tout autre sujet de préoccupation constatés lors des audiences.

L’Observatoire et le REMDH demandent par ailleurs aux autorités tunisiennes de :

· Garantir en toutes circonstances l’intégrité physique et psychologique de MM. Taoufik Ben Brik, Slim Boukhdir, Mouldi Zouabi et Zouhair Makhlouf, ainsi que de l’ensemble des défenseurs des droits de l'Homme tunisiens ;

· Procéder à la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle de MM. Taoufik Ben Brik et Zouhair Makhlouf, arbitrairement détenus ;

· Mener sans délai une enquête indépendante, impartiale et transparente sur les actes de harcèlement et de violence mentionnés ci-dessus, et en rendre les résultats publics, afin d’identifier les responsables, de les traduire devant un tribunal garantissant un procès équitable conformément aux principes de droit international ;

· Veiller à ce qu’un terme soit mis à toute forme de menaces et de harcèlement - y compris judiciaire - à l’encontre de MM. MM. Taoufik Ben Brik, Slim Boukhdir, Mouldi Zouabi et Zouhair Makhlouf, et de l'ensemble des défenseurs des droits de l’Homme tunisiens;

Plus généralement, nos organisations appellent la Tunisie à se conformer aux dispositions de la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’Homme et aux instruments régionaux et internationaux relatifs aux droits de l’Homme et particulièrement l’article 1 de la Déclaration sur les défenseurs des droits de l’Homme, adoptée par l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies le 9 décembre 1998, “chacun a le droit, individuellement ou en association avec d’autres, de promouvoir la protection et la réalisation des droits de l’Homme et des libertés fondamentales aux niveaux national et international”.

Pour plus d’information, merci de contacter :
• REMDH : Mathieu Routier +33 1 48 18 06 86
• OMCT : Delphine Reculeau : + 41 22 809 49 39
• FIDH : Gaël Grilhot / Karine Appy : + 33 1 43 55 25 18

***20.10.09. RSF INDEX HIGHLIGHTS ERITREA, NORTH KOREA AND TURKMENISTAN WORST PLACES FOR JOURNALISTS.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) released its latest press freedom index on
20 October, showing how European countries, Israel and Iran have all slid
in the rankings. The index ranks the degree of press freedom throughout the
world as well as efforts made by governments to protect journalists'
rights.

Although the first 13 places are held by European countries, many have
fallen in the index: "It is disturbing to see European democracies such as
France, Italy and Slovakia fall steadily in the rankings year after year,"
RSF said. "Europe should be setting an example as regards civil liberties..
How can you condemn human rights violations abroad if you do not behave
irreproachably at home? The Obama effect, which has enabled the United
States to recover 16 places in the index, is not enough to reassure us."

The United States now ranks at 20 because President Barack Obama is "less
hawkish" than his predecessor, says RSF. However, the U.S. also has an
additional ranking at 108 specifically for its extraterritorial actions.
Both the U.S. and Israel have rankings for their actions outside their own
countries.

Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip has affected its ranking as
it dropped 47 places to 93, falling behind several other countries in the
region. Journalists have been illegally arrested and imprisoned. Israel
received a second ranking at 150 for its extraterritorial actions. Around
20 journalists were injured by the Israeli military forces in the Gaza
Strip and three were killed while covering the conflict.

The main threat in Europe comes from new legislation that compromises the
work of journalists, says RSF. In Slovakia (44) the culture minister wields
great influence over publications. In the Western world, Canada also
dropped a few spots to 19.

Scandinavia comes out on top. Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway and Sweden
share first place as the five freest countries for the media.

In Iran, automatic prior censorship, state surveillance of journalists,
mistreatment, illegal arrests and imprisonment has now brought its ranking
close to the worst cluster of states for press freedom. It ranks 172,
followed by Turkmenistan (173), North Korea (174) and Eritrea (175). Burma
remains at the bottom, right behind Iran at 171. Laos, China and Vietnam
round out the cluster of Asian countries in the bottom ten.

In Sri Lanka (162), the state sentenced a journalist to 20 years in prison
while other journalists under threat are forced to flee the country, says
RSF. Pakistan came in at 159, "crippled" by murders of journalists caught
between the military and the insurgency. It shared a record with Somalia
for the world record of journalists killed during the RSF review period.

In Yemen (167) journalists continue to "pay for the government's
scorched-earth policies towards any form of separatism." A similar downward
trend has occurred in Syria (165). In Africa, violence takes the worst toll
in countries like Somalia (164) and Democratic Republic of Congo (146).

And in the Americas, Venezuela (124) is now among the region's worst press
freedom offenders, dropping down close to Colombia (126) and Mexico (tied
with Gambia at 137). Honduras comes in at 128 after the recent coup d'état.
Cuba, where RSF says "where press freedom is non-existent," holds a spot in
the bottom ten.

The index is drawn from a questionnaire completed by hundreds of
journalists and media experts around the world. Countries are given a
ranking and score based on press freedom violations from September 2008
through August 2009. It takes into consideration physical assault,
imprisonment and murder of journalists, as well as censorship, confiscation
of newspapers, harassment and the degree of impunity enjoyed by those
responsible for press freedom violations. It includes the measure of
self-censorship and the ability of media to investigate and challenge those
in power, among many more criteria.

Press Freedom Index 2009 (RSF): www.rsf.org/en-classement1003-2009.html

***10.10.09. Violations of media freedoms in the Palestinian territories continued during September 2009 (Mada)

Last September witnessed renewed violations of media freedoms in the occupied Palestinian territories, where Israeli occupation forces continued to target journalists who cover demonstrations against the construction of the separation wall and settlement expansion. Three journalists were wounded by shooting tear gas canisters and bullets. Those are the Reuters photographer Abd Al- Rahim Qousini, cameraman Hamouda A’mireh and the Israeli photographer David Reid.

In the Gaza Strip, security forces detained Maan Agency correspondent, Ibrahim Qanan, and its cameraman Mohammad Ghabayen, and prevented the editor in chief of Seyasat Magazine, Dr. Atef Abu Saif, from travel. In the West Bank, security forces arrested the former Al-Aqsa TV cameraman Osaid Amarneh.

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) welcomes the release of journalists Iyad Srour on 9 Sep. and Osaid Amarneh on 16 Sep. from the Palestinian Authority's prisons and the release of Mohammad Al-Qiq on 6 Sep. from the Israeli prisons. MADA demands the cessation of violations against journalists, the release of the prisoners of them, and respect the right to freedom of opinion and expression guaranteed in the Palestinian basic law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Details of violations

(1 Sep.) - Ma'an News Agency correspondent in the Gaza Strip, Ibrahim Mohammad Qanan (36 years), its cameraman Mohammad Ghabayen and their car driver, were detained by the Palestinian internal security force in the city of Khan Younis in the northern Gaza Strip. Qanan said that they were preparing a report in that morning on the suffering of people whose houses have been demolished in Khan Younis Refugee Camp. During conducting an interview with one of the citizens in his house, a group of internal security raided the house and asked them to stop filming, confiscated the camera and their mobile phones, and then asked them to accompany them to their headquarters. One of their vehicles was moving before our car and another vehicle following it. They interrogated us about the party for which we work and if we whether we prepare the report for the benefit of “Palestine Public TV”. They said that they work with Maan Agency and they have nothing to do with Palestine TV. Three hours later, they were released and returned them the camera and mobile phones. The Interior Ministry had banned the work of the official Palestine Public TV work in the Gaza Strip on March 4, 2008, and the Government of Dr. Salam Fayyad in Ramallah has banned the work of Al-Aqsa TV of Hamas in the West Bank on 16 September 2007.

(4 Sep.) Freelance cameraman Hamouda Saed A’mireh (29 years) and the Israeli photographer David Reed were injured by the Israeli occupation forces in the village of Ni'lin, west of Ramallah. Hamouda said that he was covering the weekly march against the Apartheid Wall in Ni'lin, with a number of photojournalists. After the march, clashes have occurred between some young men and the occupation soldiers in the village where eight military vehicles gathered, and suddenly one of the soldiers fired a volley of live bullets towards him, wounding by bullet shrapnel in his right foot. Reid, who was standing next to him, was also wounded by shrapnels in his right leg. Hamouda emphasized that the soldier was targeted them directly because "he saw us clearly and the distance between us was less than a hundred meters". Amireh is also working as a cameraman for the Popular Committee against the Wall in Ni'lin.

(4 Sep.) – Former Al-Aqsa TV cameraman, Osaid Amarneh, (24years) was arrested by the Palestinian intelligence force in Bethlehem. Amarneh said that he received a call at about 10:00 pm from the headquarters of the force and they asked him to come to headquarters for a short time. When he arrived, he was questioned whether he returned to work with the Al-Aqsa TV and he was also asked about the work of some correspondents of Al-Aqsa TV in the West Bank. The interrogation continued until about one o'clock in the morning, and then they told him that they will release him the same day, but he remained detained until 16 Sep. Amarneh was arrested several times by Palestinian security forces and he was forced to sign a pledge not to work with Al-Aqsa TV.

(8 Sep.) - Ma'an News Agency correspondent in the Gaza Strip, Ibrahim Mohamad Qanan, and its cameraman, Mohammad Ghabayen, were detained by the Palestinian internal security force. Qanan said that they were preparing a television report about Khan Yunis refugee camp (Gaza strip) and the services provided by UNRWA to the population of the camp, when a vehicle of internal security stopped near them, and its members questioned him about the party to which he works and whether he works for “Palestine Public TV”, and he will be harmed if he works with it.

(14 Sep.) – Periodic Seyasat Magazine editor in chief, Dr. Atef Abu Saif, was prevented from traveling by Palestinian security forces in the Gaza Strip. Abu Saif said that he went to the Rafah crossing; however, the internal security force told him that he is forbidden to travel. He repeated trying for the next two days, but he again faced prevention. The security forces have also prevented him from traveling through the Erez crossing on 12August. He confirmed that his prevention from traveling was because of the political comment he made for Palestine Television which raised the ire of the Internal Security Force. This was evident when they spoke to him on the subject and told him that this will probably negatively affect him. Abu Seif, who wrote four novels and short stories and works as a lecturer in political science at Al Azhar University intended to travel to Britain and the United States on a tour of literary and academic purposes.

  (25 Sep.) – Reuter’s photographer Abd Al-Rahim Omar Qousini (36 years) was injured by gas canisters fired by Israeli occupation soldiers in Iraq Burin village near the city of Nablus (West Bank). Qousini said that he was covering an anti-settlement march in the village with a group of photojournalists (Chinese agency photographer Ayman Noubani, the Associated Press cameraman Aref Toffaha and Reuter’s cameraman Ashraf Abu Shawish), when the Occupation soldiers fired tear gas canisters against the demonstrators, and suddenly the soldiers turned towards them where were standing about fifteen meters distant to their side and they asked them to leave the area, but they refused and they have fired three tear gas canisters at them . “Although I put on an anti-gas mask, I felt I was unable to breathe due to the density of gas. I took off the mask and ran away, but I fell on a stone wall and I was faint for half an hour”. The ambulance crew in the location provided first aid for him and he returned to his normal situation after about an hour.

Contact:
Mousa Rimawi
MADA coordinator
Ramallah
info@madacenter.org/ madapalestine@yahoo.com
www.madacenter.org

***06.10.09. Human Rights Council Adoption of Freedom of Expression Resolution - (US press release)

U.S. Department of State
October 6, 2009
"The governments of the United States and the Arab Republic of Egypt take this opportunity to underscore the constructive partnership between our two nations in sponsoring the landmark resolution on the freedom of expression passed October 2 by the UN Human Rights Council. The United States and Egypt further note that this important resolution, the first of its kind in many years, enjoyed the co-sponsorship of 49 nations from around the world.
The resolution, through which consensus was restored in the Human Rights
Council on an issue marred by controversy in recent years, is a reflection of an open and genuine dialogue on freedom of expression. It unequivocally supports free speech and recognizes the central role open debate plays in combating racism, xenophobia, and other forms of intolerance.

In adopting this resolution, the Human Rights Council gives clear voice to
a shared international understanding of the responsibilities of governments to condemn and address hate speech and to promote respect and tolerance."

02 October 2009 United States Working to Bridge Gaps in U.N. Human Rights Council

  Assistant Secretary Brimmer says it is important for the United States to be part of the council charged with defending human rights.

By Stephen Kaufman
Staff Writer

Washington — The first session of U.S. participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council has been “a terrific learning experience,” and although the United States will not always agree with the body’s opinion, “it’s important that we’re in there defending the values we hold dear,” says Esther Brimmer, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for international organization affairs.

Speaking at the State Department October 2, Brimmer highlighted a resolution the United States co-sponsored with Egypt that affirms “the fundamental universal values of freedom of speech, opinion, expression and freedom of the media.”

The measure addresses free speech interference practiced against journalists, writers, Internet users and human rights activists and “confirms the central role of free speech, open debate and the battle of ideas in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance,” she said.

In co-sponsoring the resolution, the Obama administration “thought it was important to bridge gaps that have appeared in the past in the Human Rights Council, and to bring together Western states, [Organization of the Islamic Conference] member states, and to transcend previous gaps here,” she said.  (See “U.S. Emphasizes Freedom of Expression at Human Rights Council.”)

The resolution is significant for setting the norms by which all countries are judged on free speech issues, and Brimmer said the Human Rights Council is also implementing a mechanism known as the Universal Periodic Review that requires all U.N. member states to regularly discuss their human rights records.

Along with reinforcing human rights standards, the resolution and the periodic review will provide support to human rights defenders who can use those standards to “support the human rights they’re trying to claim at home.”

The council’s three week-session, which concluded October 2, also discussed human rights in Burundi and Cambodia, and strengthened the mandate of the U.N.’s independent expert on Somalia.  It also adopted a U.S. co-sponsored resolution on judicial independence and passed other measures including resolutions on HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty, Brimmer said.

The United States often has been critical of the Human Rights Council, describing it as a “flawed” institution that spends a disproportionate amount of its time condemning Israel.  (See “Obama Administration Seeks Greater Involvement with U.N.”)

The Obama administration did not agree with all of the council’s actions, but “that was not our expectation,” Brimmer said.  “We have, however, launched an effort to build new partnerships and strengthen dialogue to transcend some of the common impediments to multilateral effectiveness,” she added.

“It's important that we're in there defending the values we hold dear. That's why we wanted to rejoin the council. We wanted to be part of making the case of why human rights are important, [to] be the ones who are standing up for universality and standing with those who share those values, and we have to be in the body in order to do that,” she said.

Asked about the Goldstone report which reported on alleged Israeli and Palestinian human rights violations during the December 2008-January 2009 violence in Gaza, the assistant secretary said the United States has “serious concerns about the report’s unbalanced focus on Israel, its sweeping factual and legal conclusions, and many of its recommendations.”

However, the report contains “serious allegations” concerning violations of international human rights and humanitarian law which “need follow-up.”  Both sides are encouraged to undertake domestic investigations by the report and “look at their responsibilities in that regard,” she said.

Brimmer also said the United States appreciates the U.N.’s decision to defer consideration of the report for an additional six months.

What foreign affairs decisions should President Obama consider? Comment on America.gov’s blog Obama Today.

***02.10.09. United Nations: ARTICLE 19 Cautiously Welcomes New Resolution on Freedom of Expression

ARTICLE 19 welcomes the Resolution on the Right to Freedom of Expression
adopted by consensus today at the UN Human Rights Council (HRC). We regret
however that ARTICLE 19’s recommendations to strengthen the protection of
freedom of expression were not incorporated in the final text.

“The adoption of the Resolution by consensus is a breakthrough. Especially
so given the tensions and conflicts that have accompanied recent
discussions on freedom of expression within the Human Rights Council and
its predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights” comments Dr Agnes
Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.

The Resolution insists on the importance of freedom of expression,
dialogues and debates, and the role of the media in combating racism,
xenophobia and related intolerance. It includes specific paragraphs on the
media and armed conflicts, and protection of journalists. Most
importantly, the draft resolution omits reference to defamation of
religion, a concept against which human rights activists had virulently
campaigned.

Unfortunately however, the Resolution makes reference to “religious
stereotyping”, a vague and difficult concept which suggests that
religions, religious ideas and religious symbols (rather than believers)
may be protected by international human rights law.

The Resolution also makes specific reference to another resolution against
which human rights advocates around the world have advocated: HRC
Resolution 7/36, which unnecessarily diluted the mandate of the UN Special
Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression.

“Unfortunately, the resolution does contain two viruses. It will be
incumbent upon member states of the HRC and civil society to ensure that
these viruses are not allowed to flourish, multiply and gangrene the text
and commitments. Instead, they shall be contained, by and through
international human rights standards and principles, so that the
resolution can best function and offer the maximum protection to freedom
of expression,” continues Dr Callamard.

***25.09.09. FELATRACS INDIGNADA POR CRÍMENES DE PERIODISTAS EN COLOMBIA Y MÉXICO

La Federación Latinoamericana de los Trabajadores de la Comunicación Social (FELATRACS), expresa su profunda indignación y repudio ante el cobarde asesinato de Diego Rojas Velásquez, reportero y camarógrafo colombiano de la cadena Supía TV, así como, de Norberto Miranda Madrid, más conocido como “El Gallito”, locutor y columnista mexicano de la estación local Radio Visión.

Rojas Velásquez, de 52 años de edad, fue cruelmente acribillado la noche el martes 22 de setiembre, a las 18:30 horas, en el municipio de aramanta, en Antioquía, departamento colombiano de Caldas, tras recibir na llamada telefónica que le informaba de una noticia de última hora. El reportero al trasladarse al lugar, fue abordado por desconocidos, quienes e dispararon cuatro tiros que acabaron con su vida.

El periodista radiofónico, Miranda Madrid, quien, además, publicaba en internet su columna ‘Cotorreando con el Gallito’, fue asesinado la noche del miércoles 23 de setiembre, a las 23:00 horas, en Casas Grandes, estado de Chihuahua. Tres sujetos encapuchados ingresaron violentamente a las oficinas de Radio Visión y dispararon al comunicador en presencia de sus compañeros. Miranda, había lanzado duras críticas por la ola de violencia que asola al estado de Chihuahua, donde se ubica la fronteriza Ciudad Juárez, considerada la zona más violenta del país.

La FELATRACS, en su férrea defensa y promoción de los derechos y libertades de los trabajadores de la comunicación social, ante estos nuevos crímenes, exige a las autoridades policiales y del Ministerio Público en Colombia y México, acciones inmediatas en la investigación para la claridad del móvil de los asesinatos, así como, para la identificación plena de los autores materiales y, de ser el caso, intelectuales, a fin de que sean procesados y sancionados conforme a ley.

La FELATRACS, rechaza, además, el nivel de impunidad existente en Colombia
y México, pues, muchos de los asesinatos de periodistas (8 en México y 5 en Colombia, en lo que va del año) ocurridos en estos escenarios de alta peligrosidad para el ejercicio del periodismo, aún no han sido esclarecidos, mucho menos, están penados los culpables. La FELATRACS, demanda por tanto, que la impunidad no continué siendo escudo del crimen organizado, grupos armados y paramilitares, y de miembros de la función pública, quienes han hecho del cobarde ataque y la amenaza, su medio más eficaz para silenciar e intentar intimidar a los periodistas.

Estas son circunstancias difíciles para la familia periodística en la región, mayor dolor el de los deudos, a quienes les expresamos nuestras sentidas condolencias. Y queremos recordarles a las autoridades y a la colectividad en su conjunto que cuando se calla a un periodista, lo que se silencia es el derecho de los pueblos a estar informados.

***18.09.09. DR CONGO: UN DEPLORES DEATH THREATS AGAINST JOURNALISTS 

New York, Sep 17 2009 1:10PM
The United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today denounced death threats against three journalists operating in the war-scarred country, warning that a free, diversified press is a prerequisite to the development of democracy.

“Death threats on journalists is an indication of a culture of impunity and intolerance likely to hamper efforts by the Congolese people toward a sustainable peace and sound democracy in their country,” the mission, known as MONUC, said in a statement, noting that three other reporters have already been murdered in the past two years.

“Ending impunity is the responsibility of the legitimate Government officials in place - nobody else. It is their duty and they are accountable before their people who have the legitimate right to demand access to reliable information which can only be made available by professional and responsible media.”

The three threatened journalists, all women - Delphie Namuto and Caddy
Adzouba of Radio Okapi, a partnership between MONUC and the Swiss
non-governmental Hirondelle Foundation, and Jolly Kamuntu of Radio Maendeleo – work in the South Kivu provincial capital of Bukavu in the DRC’s strife-torn east, where the other three journalists were murdered.

Secretary-General Ban-Ki moon’s Special Representative in DRC, Alain Doss,
today met with South Kivu Governor Louis Mudherwa, who “shared in my
worries and assured me of his personal commitment.

“I have been encouraged by his reaction and commitment by national
authorities in this regard,” Mr. Doss added. “I would like somehow to call
on the provincial and national judiciary officials to take the necessary
actions to guarantee the safety of the journalists facing death threats to
enable them to practice their profession without any obstacles,” he added.

Last month Bruno Koko Chirambiza, a journalist with Radio Star, was
murdered in Bukavu. Didace Namujimbo and Serge Maheshe, both working for
Radio Okapi, were killed in 2008 and 2007 respectively.

Mr. Doss said MONUC has always offered to assist the judiciary with
specialized services and its experts. This offer is still available, he added, calling on the authorities to speed up the legal proceedings in the three murder cases “so that those who committed these heinous crimes are found and punished with the maximum severity the law allows.” 

***09.09.09. IFJ Calls for Safety Review after Media Tragedy in Afghanistan
(see also on page PRESS)

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today welcomed the rescue of a British journalist in Afghanistan but called for a safety review after his Afghan interpreter was killed in the military operation.
According to reports from Afghanistan, Nato troops raided the place where
Taliban militants were holding Stephen Farrell and Sultan Munadi in the Char Dara district at dawn on 9 September. Farrell was rescued but Sultan, 34, died in the fire fight between Nato soldiers and the militants. One Nato soldier and two civilians were also killed.
"The good news of Stephen's successful rescue has been overshadowed by
Sultan's tragic killing," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It reminds us of the sacrifice that we all have to pay for media freedom."
Stephen, the New York Times reporter, was kidnapped with Sultan last week
as he was investigating the Nato air attack on two fuel tankers which had
been hijacked by Taliban militants. Media reports say the air strike killed many people, including civilians.
The IFJ says that journalists in Afghanistan should not be prevented from
reporting independently, provided that they are confident about their personal safety and that of their local colleagues.
"The killing of Sultan brings into sharp focus the issue of safety of local personnel who are employed by foreign media organisations in Afghanistan," added White. "We must ensure that, like all reporters, they are properly trained to work in dangerous conditions."
The IFJ further calls on Nato leadership in Afghanistan to investigate the
circumstances which led to Sultan's killing and engage with Afghan Association of Journalists on their safety needs.
"There is no faulting the intentions behind the rescue operation," said White. "But if lessons can be learned for the future, an investigation and review of what happened here will be helpful."

***08.09.09. Violations of media freedoms in the Palestinian territories during August 2009 (Mada) 

Violations of media freedoms in the Palestinian territories have increased last August, on the one hand the Israeli occupation authorities arrested the journalist writer Seri Sammour, prevented the journalist Sabrin Diab from entering the Al-Aqsa yards, confiscated the transmission equipment of Radio Bethlehem 2000 which resulted in the stopping of its broadcast, prevented two Swedish journalists from access to the Gaza Strip, and the settlers attacked the journalists Hasan At-Titi and Abd Al-Rahim Khabisah.

Meanwhile, the security forces in the Gaza Strip prevented journalists from covering Rafah events and tried to confiscate a cassette for Reuters on these events, detained Al-Ettejah Iraqi crew (the reporter Mazen Balbisi, cameraman Guevara Safadi and his assistant Abd Ar-Rahman Zaqqut) and damaged their tape. The Interior Ministry has also issued a statement against Al Arabiya television.

The security forces in the West Bank arrested the two journalists Mohammad Shtaiwi and Tareq Abu Zaid as well as columnist Esam Shawar in addition to the detention of Khaled Amayreh.
 
  The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) welcomes the release of the journalists Hasan Rjoub on 16 / 8, Seri Al-Qodwa, on 19 / 8 and Isam Shawar on 31 / 8, it condemns the continued arrests of journalists by the Israeli occupation authorities and Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and calls for the release of all arrested journalists.

On the other hand, MADA Center denounce the campaign being waged by the Israeli authorities against the Swedish newspaper, Aftonbladet, after publication of a report by the journalist Donald Bostrom on the theft of Palestinian organs after being killed by Israeli army.

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) expresses its condemnation of the closure of Radio Bethlehem 2000, and asks the international community to exert pressure on the government of Israel to return the confiscated broadcasting equipment, and to allow Swedish journalists to enter the Gaza Strip.

MADA expresses its concern over the intimidation facing a large group of journalists in the Gaza Strip, the last manifestation of which was the threat of death to three of them whom we had abstained to mention their names upon their request and for fear it will cause them further harassment and threats. Journalists have also been prevented from covering certain events in the Gaza Strip, the latest of which was the event of Rafah.

Details of violations:

(4 August) - Al-Ahram Weekly correspondent, Khalid Amayreh, was arrested by the Preventive Security Force in Bethlehem. Amayreh said, "I went to Bethlehem to cover Fatah Conference at about ten o'clock, members of the security held me at the entrance of the school at which the conference was held. They told me that I can’t enter because I did not get a special card from the Office of the President. I told them that none of the president's office contacted me in order to obtain a special card. They responded that this is not their business. When I was about to return to Hebron, one of the officials from the president's office voiced my name and asked to check the camera that I carry as well as my laptop. (He checked the pictures I have taken ... and I did not take more than one picture of the conference entrance). A few minutes later, members of the Preventive Security force attended and told me to accompany them in the car to the force’s headquarters in the city. After they took the personal details there, they told me that I am detained until the evening and that I am forbidden from entering Bethlehem for eight days. One of them said to me that I am being held because I don’t obtain a license to practice the profession, knowing that I have a license to practice signed by the former Minister of Information, Yasser Abed Rabbo.

At 3:00 pm, they allowed me to return to Hebron, but they handed me a summon to the Preventive Security headquarters in Hebron, where I went there on Sunday 9 August, one of the officials in the device blamed me and said (We'll break your legs if you go the Bethlehem during the Conference), and they set me free after five minutes.

(5 August) –columnist Esam Shawar was arrested by the Preventive Security Force in the city of Qalqilya (WB). Shawar said that one of Force’s officials had contacted him at evening and asked him about his location. He responded that he is in his parents’ house. He asked him to stay there until they arrive. They already arrived after short time, arrested him and took him to the headquarters of the Force in Qalqilya where he was simply investigated over some simple general cases and some articles written by him in the past, but he has not been charged. He was released on August 31. Shawar was arrested and called for investigation many times over the past few years by the Palestinian security Forces.

  (7 August) - Reuters News Agency photographers, Hassan At-Titi and Abd Ar-Rahim Qusini were attacked yesterday afternoon in A’raq Burin village (Nablus) by Jewish settlers while they were covering the march for the people of the village to protest against attempts by settlers to take on hundreds of Dunoms (acres) of their land. At-Titi, who also works as a correspondent for Al Jazeera TV, said that he was covering a march of the people of the village when he was attacked by three settlers and one of them tried to grab his camera resulting in a slight injury to his right hand. One of the settlers attacked Al-Qusini, while one of the Israeli occupation soldiers attacked his assistant Ashraf Abu Shawish. The Israeli soldiers asked them to stay away from the scene. The settlers used to attack Palestinian citizens, their properties and journalists for several decades. Last October they attacked five photographers in the Hebron area.

(12 August) - The of Al-Ettejah Iraqi Channel crew (the reporter Mazen Balbisi, cameraman Guevara Safadi and his assistant Abd Ar-Rahman Zaqqut) was detained by the Palestinian police in the Gaza Strip. Balbisi said "At 11:00am We were preparing the conclusion of a TV report for Al-Ettejah Channel on political prisoners in the West Bank and Gaza Strip near Ansar junction where the police stop us and asked us to wait a bit until they contact their officer. Minutes later they gave us permission to film at this junction. After we completed filming, two members of the police inside Ansar prison approached us and asked us to go with them to the prison director, Colonel Sami Noufal, who asked the photographer, Guevara Safadi, to give him the cassette inside the camera. When we told him that there are very important materials in the cassette that we were working for two weeks to complete, he put the cassette under his feet and then gave it to some police members to destroy it. When we told him that we are in contact with the police media spokesman, Islam Shahwan, he said that he has no relation with Islam Shahwan. When we objected to the way they treated us, they confiscated the camera which we got back after a discussion, but he threatened us with arrest and confiscation of all equipment and refused to hear any objection from us under threat and spoke to us in a non-decent way.

(14 August) – the journalists were prevented from covering the armed clashes between police and the supporters of Jund Ansar Allah group at Ibn Taimeyah mosque and the surrounding area in the city of Rafah. The Interior Ministry of the dissolved government prohibited filming the events or access to hospitals by declaring the city of Rafah and the hospitals as closed areas to media and journalists. France Press photographer, Said Al-Khatib, said that he and a number of photographers were prevented from filming after the outbreak of the clashes on Friday 14 august and the next two days in the area of Ibn Taimeya Mosque and they have been told that the situation there is danger.

(14 August) - Trying to confiscate a cassette from Reuter’s news agency office in Gaza City by the security forces. A group of security forces arrived to the agency's office after the publication of the speech of Abd Al-Latif Mousa announcing the establishment of the Islamic Emirate and filming the first clashes that followed. They asked for receiving the tape, but the staff told them that the Agency's policy does not allow it, so they left the headquarters.


(15 August) –A statement was issued by the Ministry of Interior of the dissolved Government in the Gaza Strip in which it accused Al Arabiya television of broadcasting a report on the events of Rafah area, full of lies and slanders and harms the Palestinian resistance, Al-Arabiya television has been subjected to accusations and campaigns by supporters of Hamas Movement, whereas it sometimes accused of being biased to Fatah and at other times to America and Israel. Its office in Gaza City had been exploded on 22/1/2007.

(20 August) - The journalist Sabrin Mohammad Diab was prevented from entering al-Aqsa mosque yards in Jerusalem by the Israeli police. Diab, who was preparing a report for "Al-Arabi An-Naseri," Cairo based newspaper, said: "When I tried to enter the Old City I was stopped by a number of occupation soldiers at Al-Asbat Gate and they asked for inspecting my bag and asked me not to film, because it is prohibited. I told them that I am in work mission and I will shoot some pictures in the markets. They took my camera fiercely and I was worried about some important pictures that did not move them from the camera, so I asked the officer whether he will return the camera to me. He bluntly said that I will get it back when I come out of the same point and he set a number on the camera and my hand. I continued walking until I reached the entrance of the Haram (Al-Aqsa) where two policemen stopped me and asked me for my ID card, although they saw the soldiers searched my bag and checked my ID and press cards. Then they rudely said (No entry). I asked about the reason and they said that entry is prohibited for women under the age of forty –fifth. I showed them my press card and told them that I am in a work mission and that the military permitted me to enter. They said that they have nothing to do with the army and that they are policemen who enforce the law. Then I went back to the market where I met a Belgian tourist and asked her to take some pictures in the market for me. She welcomed the idea after I explained to her what happened with me. While we were standing alongside one of the stalls, three policemen attended by and asked the tourist with a smile and quietly accepting the apology for the inconvenience I caused to her and asked her to continue her tour in the market. I told them that did not bother her and that taking the pictures based on willing and conviction. Then she turned to me and said in English: "I'm sorry, I wish you success," and then went. The policemen then dismissed me from the market and threatened to arrest me if I don’t obey the instructions of the police, so I went to get my camera back and I left the area.”

The occupation authorities prevent Palestinian journalists from filming inside Al-Aqsa Mosque and forbid Muslim men under the age of fifty years and women younger than forty-five years of access to it during the month of Ramadan.

(23 August) – The reporter and photographer of Aftonbladet Newspaper in Israel were prevented from entering the Gaza Strip, where they have been told by the Government Press Office that they should wait for three months, according to Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot. This comes after the newspaper published a report written by the journalist Donald Bostrom on the Israeli theft of organs of Palestinians killed by the Israeli army.
 
(25 August) – Radio Bethlehem 2000 broadcasting equipments were confiscated by the Israeli occupation forces in the town of Beit Jala southern Bethlehem. Station manager, George Qanawati, said that a troop of the Israeli army composed of five vehicles raided the broadcasting headquarters in Beit Jala at about six in the evening and asked the technician to disconnect the equipment (two transmitters) and confiscated them telling him not to try to re-broadcast "because we do not like to lessen to Bethlehem 2000", and it will be bombed if it re-broadcast. The radio station headquarters, which is located in the town of Beit Sahour and founded in 1996, was halted broadcasting.

(27 August) - Aqsa TV former reporter Tariq Abd Ar- Razzak Abu Zeid was arrested by the Palestinian intelligence force in the city of Jenin. His father said that Tariq was wanted by the Palestinian security forces seven months ago, where they attended to the house six times looking for him, and recently it was agreed with them to extradite him to them provided that he will not stay more than five days in prison. His father believes that the reason of chasing his son is back to the belief that he is still working with Aqsa TV. "They did not abide by the agreement and he is still under detention”. The government of Dr. Salam Fayyad has banned the work of Al-Aqsa TV in September 2007.

(30 August) – Mohammad Shtaiwi, Director of Aqsa Channel Office in the West Bank, was arrested by the Palestinian intelligence force. Shtaiwi, who lives in the city of Tulkarem (WB), said that Palestinian intelligence force has summoned him to its headquarters in Ramallah, where they arrested him. Few minutes after his arrival to the headquarters, they tied his hands and put the bag on his head pushing his head against the wall which resulted in falling down on the ground. Then they stopped him on his legs and tied him. Later they brought a doctor to examine him who seems to be recommended not to expose him to torture, which was stopped after that.(He was released on 2 September) . Shtaiwi has been harassed and detained several times by Palestinian security forces.

(31 August) – The journalist writer Seri Sammour was arrested by the occupation forces in the city of Jenin (WB). His wife said that an occupation army force raided their home at 2:30 am; they searched the house and confiscated the computer, laptop and three mobiles, then arrested Sammour to an unknown location. Sammour was arrested last month by the Palestinian Security Forces on July 20 and released on 11 august.

Contact: Mousa Rimawi
info@madacenter.org
madapalestine@yahoo.com
www.madacenter.org

***03.09.09. SALVADOR. Filmmaker who documented Salvadoran gang violence murdered

The bullet-ridden body of journalist Christian Poveda, whose new documentary on a violent Salvadoran street gang was scheduled for wide release this month, was discovered Wednesday afternoon just north of the capital, San Salvador, according to local and international press reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Salvadoran authorities to thoroughly investigate the slaying.

Salvadoran police found Poveda's body sprawled near his car on an isolated road in the town of Tonacatepeque, about 10 miles (15 kilometers) from the capital, according to local and international press reports. He had been shot in the face at least four times at close range. Witnesses told local reporters that they called police after hearing several gunshots. Authorities found an audio recorder and Poveda's press credentials at the scene, local press reports said.

Poveda, a 52-year-old Frenchman of Spanish descent, had documented violence in El Salvador as a filmmaker and photojournalist over the course of three decades. Throughout 2008, he worked on a highly anticipated documentary about one of the country's most violent gangs, Mara 18. During the filming of the documentary, Poveda lived with gang members for 18 months. Local press reports said Poveda had received death threats from angry gang members.

The documentary, "La Vida Loca," had already been screened at international film festivals and was scheduled for wide release on September 30. It showed brutal killings, rites of initiation, and the judicial system's ineffectiveness in combating gangs.

Tonacatepeque is controlled by Mara 18, local press reports said. At the time of the murder, Poveda was reportedly traveling from nearby La Campanera, a town controlled by Mara 18's main rival, Mara Salvatrucha. Confrontations between the two gangs have been extremely violent, Salvadoran press reports said.

Local authorities are investigating Poveda's killing, national police spokesman Hugo Ramírez told the local news Web site http://www.elfaro.net . According to press reports, authorities are investigating Poveda's documentary work as a possible motive. Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes issued a statement Wednesday condemning Poveda's killing and calling for an end to street violence.

"This brutal murder sends a chilling message to journalists in El Salvador, where rampant gang-related violence is the most sensitive issue for the press," said Carlos Lauría, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas. "Salvadoran authorities must ensure that this crime does not go unpunished."

A CPJ analysis published earlier this year found that journalists covering gang violence in El Salvador and other parts of Latin America had become targets themselves. Gang violence has become widespread in El Salvador, especially in the poor neighborhoods outside San Salvador, the analysis noted. Salvadoran journalists told CPJ that security concerns prevent in-depth reporting on the origins and causes of gang violence.

***02.09.09. SRI LANKA. Tamil journalist sentenced to 20 years of hard labour

Popular Tamil journalist J.S. Tissainayagam has been sentenced to 20 years hard labour on charges of supporting terrorism and inciting racial hatred, becoming the first journalist to be convicted under Sri Lanka's draconian anti-terrorism law, report Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other IFEX members.

An English-language columnist for the Sri Lankan "Sunday Times" and editor of the news website OutreachSL, Tissainayagam was arrested on 7 March 2008.

He spent five months in prison without charge before his indictment in August 2008 for promoting terrorism through the magazine "Northeastern Monthly", which he briefly published in 2006. The magazine criticised the government's role in the war against the Tamil Tiger rebels and accused authorities of withholding food and other essential items from Tamil-majority areas.

On 31 August, a High Court judge ruled that Tissainayagam's articles violated the law because they were aimed at creating "communal disharmony."

The court also found that he had received money from the LTTE to fund his website, but RSF has established that the site was funded by a German aid project.

"The imposition of this extremely severe sentence on Tissainayagam suggests that some Sri Lanka judges confuse justice with revenge," RSF said. "With the help of confessions extracted by force and information that was false or distorted, the court has used an anti-terrorism law that was intended for terrorists, not for journalists and human rights activists."

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), which has been campaigning tirelessly for his release, Tissainayagam was repeatedly tortured and denied medical treatment while in prison.

Despite the end of the war, the Sri Lankan state continues to attack journalists who do not support its policies.

According to the International Press Institute (IPI), 12 journalists have been killed in Sri Lanka since 2006, and many others have been harassed, threatened and arrested. RSF has reported that Sri Lanka is one of the worst-hit countries in the world when it comes to the kidnap, arrest and disappearance of journalists.

CPJ announced that it will honour Tissainayagam with a 2009 International Press Freedom Award. Meanwhile, the Globe Media Forum and RSF report that Tissainayagam will be the first winner of the Peter Mackler Prize, "a newly created award for journalists who display great courage and professional integrity in countries where press freedom is not respected."

***31.08.09. IFJ Welcomes End to US Media Vetting in Afghanistan

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and United States journalists' groups today welcomed a decision by the United States army to abandon vetting of journalists covering the Afghanistan conflict to see if they are sympathetic to the American cause.
The Reuters news agency has reported that the United States army is
cancelling a contract with a public relations firm after coming under criticism for using the company to provide profiles of journalists and rating their reporting on the Afghanistan war according to whether it was "positive", "neutral" or "negative".
The IFJ and its affiliates in the United States, the American Federation
of Radio and Television Artists (AFTRA) and The Newspaper Guild-CWA(TNG),
last week criticised a $1.5 million contract for The Rendon Group, a
controversial public relations firm, hired to screen journalists applying to be embedded with US troops in Afghanistan.
Now the contract first revealed last week in the military's own Pentagon-funded but editorially independent newspaper, Stars and Stripes, is to be scrapped. The paper said the profiles included suggestions on how to "neutralise" negative stories and generate favourable coverage. Although US commanders denied they used the profiles to discriminate against journalists, the IFJ General Secretary Aidan White roundly condemned the process saying: "It suggests the army is more interested in propaganda than honest reporting".
Welcoming the latest move, the IFJ says the army should focus on helping
journalists to cover the war without further interference.
"This is a small victory for press freedom and quality journalism," said White. "It underscores the importance of avoiding any suggestion of undue influence on the way media report and it is a sound message to send in Afghanistan where the battle for democracy is not yet won."

***24.08.09. SOMALIA. Anniversary of abduction of Canadian and Australian journalists

Two foreign freelance journalists are about to complete a year in captivity. Canadian reporter Amanda Lindhout and Australian photographer Nigel Brennan were taken hostage by an armed group as they were returning to Mogadishu from Afgoye refugee camp, 20 km west of the Somali capital, on 23 August 2008.

“We are very worried about these two hostages, given the length of their ordeal and the extreme dangers prevailing in Somalia,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We reiterate our support for their families and we hope they will be released without delay.”

At the time of their abduction, Lindhout and Brennan were being accompanied by Abdifatah Mohammed Elmi, a Somali freelance journalist who was their fixer and interpreter, and two Somali drivers, Mahad Isse and Marwali.

Elmi and the two drivers were released on the night of 15 January, after being held for 177 days. Elmi said he was separated from Lindhout and Brennan immediately after their capture.

A woman claiming to be Lindhout called CTV headquarters in Toronto on 10 June and appealed to the Canadian government to do everything possible to obtain her release. In tears, she said she was being held in appalling conditions.

“I’m being kept in a dark, windowless room in chains without any clean drinking water and very little food or no food,” the caller said. “I’ve been very sick for months without any medicine.” A similar call was made to OMNI Television, another Canadian TV station, at the end of July.

The kidnappers have been demanding a ransom, the size of which has changed over the months. Rumours have circulated about the hostages but Reporters Without Borders has been unable to confirm any of them. According to one rumour, Lindhout was pregnant and several Somali sources have said in the past two months that she gave birth to a boy.

Here is the statement of both families :

"Together, the two families continue to work tirelessly to secure Nigel’s and Amanda’s safe release. With little outside support, the families, who have been united as one throughout this horrendous ordeal, continue to do everything and anything to gain the earliest possible release for their loved ones Amanda and Nigel. Our thoughts and all our love are with Amanda and Nigel, today, just as they have been for the past 365 days, and just as they will be until they are safely home with us.

In issuing this brief joint statement the families hope that the media will respect their wishes to be left alone during this particularly emotional time.”

***14.08.09. FEPALC CONDENA VIOLENCIA CONTRA PERIODISTAS EN VENEZUELA: SITUACIÓN ES INSOSTENIBLE 

La Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (FEPALC)
condena enérgicamente los actos de violencia contra los periodistas
venezolanos y expresa su profunda preocupación por el inminente deterioro
de la libertad de expresión en ese país.

El ataque físico, con palos y objetos contundentes, a 12 periodistas de
los diarios Ultimas Noticias, El Mundo y Líder, de la cadena Capriles,
durante una movilización en defensa de la libertad de expresión el último
13 de agosto, no hace más que develar la intolerancia reinante entre los
sectores afines al gobierno que ven en la fuerza la única arma para
silenciar las voces críticas a la acción gubernamental.

A la medida que clausuró 34 radioemisoras, mediante el artilugio de
revocatoria de licencia aduciendo razones técnicas- le siguió el proyecto
de ley de los autodenominados “delitos mediáticos”, el ataque a la sede de
Globovisión, y se le suma este nuevo acto de violencia física que ha
consternado al gremio de los periodistas venezolanos. La disminución del
número de medios de expresión, que no es otra cosa que la violación del
derecho ciudadano a recibir información procedente de diversas fuentes,
preocupa de sobremanera a una organización como la nuestra.

La FEPALC expresa su solidaridad a los periodistas Marco Ruiz, Jesús
Hurtado, Uvaldo Arrieta, Octavio Hernández, Manuel Alejandro Álvarez,
Gabriel Irribaren, Fernando Peñalver, Mario Rondón, Greasy Bolaños,
Gleixys Patrán, César Batiz y Sergio Moreno, varios de ellos trasladados a
centros hospitalarios de Caracas a consecuencia de la feroz agresión de la
que fueron víctimas.

Para la FEPALC el gobierno venezolano es responsable de cautelar la
integridad física de los periodistas y garantizar condiciones para el
ejercicio de su labor. EN razón a ello le recuerda al Estado venezolano,
en su conjunto, que sin pluralismo en los medios informativos, sin reales
garantías para el ejercicio periodístico y sin un marco legal afín a los
estándares internacionales no puede haber libertad de expresión ni
democracia.

La FEPALC se declara, a partir de la fecha, en alerta permanente y
seguirá, cerca al Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Prensa, su
organización afiliada en Venezuela, lo que acontece en ese hermano país
con los periodistas, los medios y el principio de libertad de expresión
vapuleado por estas acciones y las registradas en las últimas semanas.

13 de agosto del 2009
Celso Schroder
Presidente FEPALC
Zuliana Lainez
Secretaria de Derechos Humanos FEPALC

***12.08.09. AFGHANISTAN. Two AP journalists badly injured by roadside bomb near Kandahar

Reporters Without Borders’s concern about the growing dangers for journalists in the run-up to the 20 August presidential election has been heightened by the news that two foreign journalists embedded with the US military were seriously injured by a roadside bomb today near the southern city of Kandahar.

“What happened today is very regrettable and our thoughts go out to the families of the injured journalists,” Reporters Without Borders said. “The mounting violence will result in restrictions on the quantity and quality of news coverage. The Afghan authorities and all parties to the conflict should ensure that respect for media freedom is a priority.”

Spanish photographer Emilio Morenatti and Indonesian cameraman Andi Jatmiko, both employees of the US news agency, the Associated Press, were travelling with a US military convoy when their vehicle was hit by roadside bomb. The AP said Jatmiko sustained leg and rib injuries while Morenatti sustained such severe leg injuries that a foot had to be amputated.

The situation in Afghanistan is worsening steadily for journalists, who are either the direct target of press freedom violations (see the report on our fact-finding visit) or fall victim to the mounting violence. When working on their own, they are targeted by the Taliban or criminal groups but they are just as vulnerable when embedded with the NATO military forces.

According to an independent NGO, the number of incidents involving IEDs (improvised explosive devices) increased to 828 in July. Ordinary civilians make up the bulk of the victims of the fighting, but a total of 17 journalists were reportedly killed since 2001.

***30.07.09 FEPALC CONDENA ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA EN MÉXICO
Y HACE LLAMADO ENÉRGICO PARA QUE NO QUEDE IMPUNE

La Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (FEPALC) hace
un llamado enérgico a las autoridades de justicia en México para que el
crimen del periodista radial Juan Daniel Martínez Gil, asesinado el 28 de
julio último, no quede impune. Con igual energía demandó se implementen,
de una vez por todas, mecanismos adecuados para proteger a los
periodistas.

Martínez Gil, periodista de W Radio y de Radiorama Acapulco, fue hallado
muerto en el estado de Guerrero, México. El cadáver de Martínez Gil
estaba semienterrado, presentaba señales de golpes por diferentes partes
del cuerpo y tenía el rostro cubierto con cinta adhesiva.

La FEPALC, al demandar una inmediata investigación que permita identificar
los móviles del crimen, recuerda que México es en la actualidad el país
más peligroso para el ejercicio del periodismo. Esta situación se acentúa
por el grado de impunidad garantizada a los victimarios. A la fecha en el
96% de los casos de crímenes contra periodistas no se ha hecho justicia.

Martínez Gil es el sétimo periodista asesinado en México en el 2009. Le
antecedieron el periodista Ernesto Montañez Valdivia (14 de julio), Martín
Miranda Avilés (12 de julio), Eliseo Barrón Hernández (26 de mayo), Carlos
Ortega Melo Samper (3 de mayo), Paul Ibarra Ramírez (13 de enero) y Daniel
Méndez Hernández (23 de febrero).

La FEPALC, consternada por este nuevo crimen contra un comunicador en
México, expresa su incondicional respaldo al Sindicato Nacional de
Redactores de la Prensa (SNRP), su organización afiliada, y ratifica junto
a ella su voluntad de no cesar en la lucha por la justicia en este y
anteriores asesinatos contra periodistas mexicanos.

30 de julio del 2009
Celso Schroder
Presidente FEPALC
Zuliana Lainez
Secretaria de 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).

***21.07.09. RUSSIA. HR/09/121: UN EXPERTS READY TO ASSIST RUSSIA IN INVESTIGATING SERIES OF KILLINGS OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

HR/09/121
21 July 2009 

GENEVA – Seven UN human rights experts* reiterate their request to the
Russian authorities to extend an invitation to visit the country to assist
the authorities in conducting an independent investigation into a series
of killings of human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists in recent
years, many of them related to the human rights situation in Chechnya and
other Republics of the North Caucasus, including the latest killing of
Natalia Estemirova.

The experts acknowledged the expressions of outrage and assurances by the
Russian leadership that all necessary steps will be taken to apprehend and
punish Estemirova’s killers. “However, these assurances will be worth
little unless the authorities take steps that go beyond what has been done
in the past, which has all too often led to a cycle of impunity”, a group
of UN independent human rights experts said today in a joint statement.

“We offer our assistance to the Russian authorities in light of the
failure to effectively and impartially investigate the killings and
attacks on a number of human rights defenders in recent years and to
prosecute and bring the perpetrators to justice”, said the experts. “This
would break the cycle of prevailing impunity surrounding the killings of
other high profile human rights defenders and contribute to the prevention
of further violence and harassment against human rights defenders”,” they
added.

The independent experts also reminded that “the Government of the Russian
Federation has a prime responsibility under international human rights
instruments to ensure the protection of human rights defenders against any
violence, threats, retaliation, pressure or any other arbitrary action as
a result of their human rights work.”

Natalia Estemirova, a member of the Russian NGO Memorial, was found
murdered on 15 July 2009. She had been abducted from her home in Grozny
and bundled into a car. Her body was later found in woodland in
neighbouring Ingushetia with two bullet wounds to the head and chest.

As a researcher with Memorial she had tirelessly documented cases of
abductions, torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killings
allegedly committed by government-backed militias in the Chechen Republic.

(*) The Special Procedures mandate holders are Philip Alston, Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Frank La
Rue, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to
freedom of opinion and expression; Manfred Nowak, Special Rapporteur on
torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment;
Margaret Sekaggya, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights
defenders; Leandro Despouy, Special Rappporteur on the independence of
judges and lawyers; Yakin Ertürk, Special Rapporteur on violence against
women, its causes and consequences; and Santiago Corcuera Cabezut,
Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary
Disappearances.

For more information on the mandate and work of the Special Rapporteurs,
please visit: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/chr/special/index.htm

For further queries on the Special Rapporteurs’ Joint Statement, please
contact: Orlagh McCann (Tel.: +41 (0)22 917 9738 / omccann@ohchr.org) 

***16.07.09. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF URGES “TRANSPARENT
AND INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION OF ESTEMIROVA KILLING”

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, today
urged the Russian authorities to conduct a “thorough, transparent and
independent investigation into the kidnapping and shooting of Russian
human rights activist Natalia Estemirova”.

Welcoming the announcement that a top-level investigation has been ordered
by Russian President Dimitry Medvedev, the United Nations Human Rights
chief urged the authorities “to do all they can to ensure that the
perpetrators are prosecuted and brought to justice.”

Ms. Estemirova, a prominent human rights activist who had been
investigating alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya for the prominent
Russian non-governmental organization, Memorial, was kidnapped on
Wednesday near her home in the Chechen capital of Grozny. Her body was
found later in the day in neighbouring Ingushetia with bullet wounds to
the head and chest.

“This case sadly underlines once again the need for Governments to do much
more to protect human rights defenders”, said Ms. Pillay, noting that the
work of human rights defenders in Russia, in particular in the North
Caucasus, is precarious. Ms. Estemirova’s death is the latest in a series
of killings or attacks against human rights defenders, journalists and
lawyers in the country.

Natalia Estemirova had worked with dedication for many years to promote
human rights in the North Caucasus. She was awarded the Anna Politkovskaya
Prize from the Nobel Women's Initiative and received several other awards,
including from the Swedish and European parliaments.

In the past, Ms. Estemirova had worked with the activists Anna
Politkovskaya, who was shot dead in 2006, and Stanislav Markelov, who was
murdered in January this year.

***14.07.09. Albanian journalist BESAR LIKMETA wins the CEI SEEMO Award for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism

Trieste/ Vienna, 14 July 2009

The Central European Initiative (CEI) and the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) are pleased to announce that the young investigative journalist Besar Likmeta from Albania is the winner of the CEI/SEEMO Award for Outstanding Merits in Investigative Journalism.

On 29 June 2009, the International Jury met in Trieste, at the CEI Headquarters. The Jury was composed of Mr. Norbert Mappes Niediek, free-lance South East Europe correspondent based in Graz (Austria); Ms. Franca Roiatti, deputy editor, foreign affairs desk, Panorama weekly, Milan (Italy); Ms. Marina Constantinoiu, editor-in-chief, Jurnalul National daily, Bucharest (Romania); Mr. Milorad Ivanovic, deputy editor-in-chief, Blic daily, Belgrade (Serbia); Ms. Angelina Soldatenko, director of the International Institute for Regional Media and Information, Kharkiv (Ukraine).

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Hari Stajner (Serbia), CEI expert in media issues, acting as advisor together with Mr. Oliver Vujovic (SEEMO Secretary General), Amb. Pietro Ercole Ago (CEI-ES Secretary General) and Ms. Barbara Fabro (CEI-ES Senior Executive Officer).

The Jury examined a total of 26 nominations from 12 CEI Member States. The personal risks taken while performing the duty, the quality of reporting as well as the impact on society of the message conveyed were the main criteria taken into account by the Jury.

It was unanimously decided that the Award should go to Besar Likmeta, young investigative journalist from Albania. With this selection, the Jury intended to "promote the good investigative journalism carried out by a very young journalist and, more in general, to convey a signal of support to the development of investigative journalism in Albania, which is particularly significant for this country".
Besar Likmeta will receive the Award of 5.000 EUR, offered by the CEI Executive Secretariat, on the occasion of the traditional "CEI Journalists Forum", to be held in Warsaw, Poland, in September 2009.

Besar Likmeta, born in Durres in 1983, is currently editor and project manager of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN). Likmeta investigative work has streched from fake degrees to consumer protection and fraud by large state corporations. In 2008-2009, Limkmeta has produced several significant investigative reports that were widely republished and have made an impact in the Albanian society as well as regionally: "Albania Ignores Trade in Fake Degrees", "Wind Farm Threatens Albanian Paradise", "World Bank Demolished Albania Village"

Likmeta has worked as professional journalist for various print publications, electronic media and television. He started his career reporting for the Florida Times Union in Jacksonville, Florida. He moved to Albania in 2005 where he has been a features editor for the Tirana Times, a world news editor for the 24 hour news channel, TV Ora news, and lately as BIRN Albania editor. He has also contributed stories to various publications such as Jane's Intelligence Review, Businessweek and World Politics Review.

Moreover, the Jury decided to award a special mention to Esad Hecimovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina and to Stefan Candea from Romania, in recognition of their valuable contribution to investigative journalism. For that, they will receive a CEI SEEMO diploma during the "CEI Journalists Forum".

***13.07.09. IRAN. IFJ Condemns Latest Clampdown on Journalists

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today expressed deep concern over continuing harassment of media in Iran amid signs of growing opposition from independent journalists to censorship and manipulation in the country's mainstream media.

"There is evidence of strong pressure on independent journalism from outside and inside the newsroom. Even some media owners inside the profession are bullying their journalists who refuse to toe the official line," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "Journalists are arrested, sacked or forced to resign for standing up for ethical journalism."

According to the Association of Iranian Journalists (AoIJ), an IFJ affiliate, 39 journalists and media workers have been sacked or forced to resign from the conservative news agency Fars News, a number of them in recent weeks following clashes with management over the agency's editorial line.

The IFJ recently denounced the Iranian government's attempts to control and manipulate the content and the flow of information from international news outlets following the country's disputed presidential elections last month which sparked unprecedented levels of civil unrest.

The IFJ has also learned about three latest arrests of journalists in Iran: Mohammad-Reza Yazdanpanah, a journalist and blogger was arrested on July 8 in Tehran.  Madjid Saeidi, a photo journalist who has worked for conservative journals for the last five years was arrested on 10 July in Tehran while Mehdi Mahdavi-Azad, editor of Shahab news, a reformist daily, was arrested on June 23.

"These latest arrests are yet more stains on Iran's already poor record on press freedom," added White. "The clampdown on media is a reflection of the perilous situation for democracy in the country."

***07.07.09. Violations of media freedoms in oPt during June 2009
The Palestinian territories witnessed an escalation in violations of media
freedoms during last June

The last June has witnessed an escalation in violations of media freedoms
in the occupied Palestinian territories compared to the previous month,
where the district court in Jerusalem sentenced Al-Alalam TV correspondent,
Khader Shahin, and producer, Mohammed Sarhan, for two months imprisonment.
The occupation soldiers have also attacked the photographer journalists
Nayef Al-Hashlamoun and his brothers, Najeh and Abd Al-Hafiz, Hazem Bader,
Iyad Hamad, Yosri Al- Jamal and his assistant Maa’moun Wazwaz.

The Palestinian security forces in the West Bank have arrested the
journalists: Awad Rjoub, Dr. Farid Abu Dhair, and Alaa’ Altiti, Qays Abu
Samrah, Younis Hasasneh and the journalist writer Seri Sammour. They have,
moreover, stopped Al-Jazeera Television staff (Wael Shioukhi, Zeiad
Al-Aqrat and Mohammad Salameh) and deleted the material from the camera.
The security forces in Gaza have also arrested Seri Qudwah and attacked
Mohammad Mashharawi.

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) expresses
its deep concern for the ongoing arrests of journalists and writers by the
Palestinian security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the
continued detention of a number of other journalists in their prisons who
were arrested in the past months (Iyad Srour, Mustafa Sabri, Murad Abu
Al-Bahaa’). MADA also denounce the rejection by the Preventive Security
force to release the journalist Mustafa Sabri, despite the decision issued
by the Supreme Court of Justice to release him.

MADA expresses condemnation of all violations committed by Israeli
occupation forces and the Palestinian security forces against the
Palestinian journalists, which is a rude violation of the freedom of
opinion and expression, and so MADA asks for stopping the attacks against
journalists and releasing the arrested ones.

Details of violations:

(1 June) - Aljazeera Net correspondent Awad Rjoub was arrested by the
Palestinian Military Intelligence Force. Rajoub said that he received a
phone call from the mentioned force asking him to come to their
headquarters in Hebron. He went there at around 12:00 pm, where they asked
him to hand over his personal possessions and to sign an arrest warrant,
and then they started to investigate him for an interview he made with one
of Hamas leaders to be included in a report to Al-Jazeera Net. He was
released at 4:00pm of the same day. Rajoub was arrested by the Preventive
Security Force on 29 July 2008 and released a month later.

(2 June) - Iqra’s TV correspondent, Younes Ibrahim Hasasneh (31 years
old), was arrested by the Palestinian Preventive Security Force. His wife
reported that a force from the above mentioned Force raided their house in
the town of AlShioukh (Hebron) at about 3:30 pm and asked him to accompany
them to their headquarters in Hebron to be asked a few questions and then
return home the same day. Twenty six days after arrest, his wife has
visited him whereas he told her that he was tortured the first five days
of his arrest and then transferred to regular rooms, and he was questioned
about the nature of his journalistic work , but with no charges. Hasasneh
was arrested by the Palestinian Intelligence Force on 3 November 2008 and
released six days later.

(10 June) - Quds Television correspondent Mohamed Zuhdi Mashharawi (23
years old) was attacked, by the Palestinian police in the Gaza city.
Mashharawi said that he was covering the visit of a Qatari delegation to
Alshifa Hospital in Gaza city at about 12:00 pm when he was informed by the
hospital administration that the coverage of the visit is limited to one
television channel. There was a discussion between him and the hospital
administration on this issue and then the police of the hospital security
intervened and told him that photographing is prohibited. There was a
debate with them since this is not their competence. They attacked him by
beating and detained him for one hour at the hospital security room. Later
he protested to the Police Department, which has promised to investigate
the incident. At night, they apologized to him and stressed that the attack
was a personal decision.

(10 June) –Alnajah Press Office Director, Dr. Abd Al-Fattah Abu Dhair
(47 years old) who is a lecturer at the media section at Alnajah
University, was arrested by the Palestinian Intelligence Force in Nablus
city. His wife said that the security force surrounded their house about
3:00 pm and knocked the door. When she opened they asked about her husband.
She told them that he is inside, and then they asked her to call him to
come. During this time his son, Baraa’ was returning home. When he asked
about the situation, they attacked him and detained him in one of their
car. Afterwards they have arrested Dr. Abu Dhair and released his son. Abu
Dhair reported, after his release on June 15th, that he was interrogated
for his journalistic work and the office ownership.

(14 June) – Alalam Television correspondent, Khader Shahin and the
producer, Mohammad Sarhan, were sentenced by the district Court in
Jerusalem. The Director of Alalam Office in the West Bank, Fares Sarafandi,
reported that the court sentenced Shahin and Sarhan for two months
imprisonment and six months imprisonment with a stay of execution, but the
their defense attorney appealed against the court decision to the Israeli
Court of Justice whereas they will remain under house arrest until pending
the appeal. The Israeli occupation authorities have arrested Shahin and
Sarhan, on 5 last January under the pretext of publishing information on
the movements of the Israeli occupation army prior to the ground war in the
Gaza Strip, at the beginning of this year, and released them on the
fifteenth of the same month on bail, and imposed house arrest on them since
that time, and prevented them from journalistic work based on the district
Court decision. The same court had overturned the decision of imposing
house arrest on them on the twenty-second of June.

(15 June) - Aljazeera Television correspondent Wael Ash-Shioukhi, cameraman
Zeyad Al-Aqrat and his assistant Mohammed Salameh were stopped by a barrier
of the Palestinian Preventive Security on the entrance to the town of Dura.
Ash-Shioukhi reported that they were returning from the village of Beit
Ar-Roush after preparing a report on the death of Haitham -Amr, who had
been detained at the prison of the Palestinian Intelligence Force, when
they were stopped by members of the Force who confiscated their cameras and
equipment and asked them to receive them from the Force headquarters in the
city of Hebron as a routine procedure. The staff actually went there and
waited for about an hour and a half to meet the Director who returned the
camera and equipment to them, where it was found that that the intelligence
erased the filmed material.

(15 June) - The rejection of releasing freelance journalist, Mustafa Sabri,
by the Palestinian Preventive Security Force. His wife said that the
Supreme Court of Justice issued a decision to release Sabri on 15 June, but
he is still detained so far and she still unable to visit him at the
Preventive Security prison in Beitunia town near Ramallah. Sabri was
arrested on 21/4/2009 and before that he was arrested several times by the
Palestinian security forces.

(19 June) - Palestine Website for Media and Information Network was
penetrated by Israeli hackers. The Network General Supervisor, Azmi
Shioukhi said that the ten news sites of the network were penetrated and
all the material contained in these sites were deleted, but the technical
staff was able to regain control of the sites after two days and re-publish
the material that was deleted from the WebPages except for "Palestine
Sport" and materials that have been published in the period between 30
April -1 June2009. He stressed that the reason for targeting and
destruction of the web site is the desire to withhold the fact of the
Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

(20 June) - Journalist writer, Abd Al-Fattah Seri Sammour (35 years old),
was arrested by the Palestinian Military Intelligence service. His wife
said that her husband had been arrested when he was summoned through
telephone to the headquarters of the above mentioned force in the city of
Jenin. His wife believes that the arrest came as a result of his articles
published by a number of news sites, such as Al-Haqaeq and the Arab Times
in addition to his blog, but with no charge.

(23 June) - The Jordanian “alhaqiqa aldawliya" Newspaper correspondent,
Qays Abu Samrah was arrested, by the Palestinian Preventive Security Force.
His wife said that Abu Samrah received a summon by the Intelligence Force
for the next morning, however, members of the Preventive Security Force
came to his house in the village of Sennirya (Qalqilya-West Bank) at
approximately 12:15am, and have searched it and confiscated his computer
and then arrested him. Abu Samrah had been arrested on the twenty-second of
last February by the same force and was released after two days of
detention.

(23 June) - Alsabah Newspaper Site editor Seri Mohammad Qudwah (42 years
old) from his home in Gaza city by the security forces. His wife said that
a group of security forces in uniform and civil dress knocked at the door
of their home about 01:00 am, her husband opened the door to them, and then
they searched the house, confiscated two laptop, computer and fax, in
addition to his mobile phone, and then arrested him.

(23 June) - The trial of journalist Alaa’ Altiti in the Magistrate's
Court was resumed in the city of Hebron. Altiti said that the list of
charges against him included working for Aqsa Television which belongs to
Hamas Movement and sedition. The trial has been postponed to the thirtieth
of next September. Altiti was prevented from working as a correspondent of
Aqsa TV by the security forces last November on the basis of a decision
issued by the cabinet prohibiting Al-Aqsa work in the West Bank on 16
September 2007. The security forces have also arrested him several times
during the past two years.

(25 June) – Journalist Ala’ Altiti was arrested by the Palestinian
Intelligence Force in the city of Hebron. Altiti said that a group of
members of the above mentioned force arrested him as he stood in front of
the telecommunications company in the city of Hebron at about 02:30pm and
took him to the headquarters of the intelligence where they accused him of
having interview for Aqsa Television with Dr. Aziz Dweik, The Speaker of
the Palestinian Legislative Council who was released from the Israeli
prison a few days ago. He has denied having an interview with Dweik and was
released at about 06:30pm.

(27 June) – Reuter’s photographer Nayef Hashlamoun and a number of
Palestinian journalists were attacked in the village of Safa (Hebron) by
Israeli occupation forces. Hashlamoun said that he was covering a voluntary
work of Palestinian, Israeli and international supporters in the village
of Safa morning when one of the Israeli soldiers severely beaten his chest
and his right hand resulting in his fall to the ground and one of his
cameras was crashed. The occupation forces have prevented the access of the
ambulance to the place where he stayed about half an hour lying on the
ground suffering from severe pain in the heart area. His brother, Najeh has
succeeded with other journalists to transfer him to Alia Hospital in the
city of Hebron for treatment. Najeh, who works as a freelance photographer,
said that he and the other journalists in the place were exposed of to
pushing and kicking by the soldiers, particularly the France Press
photographer Hazem Bader, Reuter’s cameramanYosri Al-Jamal and his
assistant Maamoun Wazwaz, the Associated Press cameraman Fadi Hamad and the
European Agency (EPA) photographer Abd Al- Hafiz Al-Hashlamoun. 

Contact: Mousa Rimawi
Ramallah Mada Coordinator
info@madacenter.org
madapalestine@yahoo.com
http://www.madacenter.org

***22.06.09. IRAN. IFJ Demands Safety for Iranian Journalists as Union Leaders Go into Hiding

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the Iranian authorities to guarantee the safety and freedom of all journalists attempting to cover events in Iran following reports of journalists being arrested and union leaders going into hiding over the weekend.
"The Iranian authorities must immediately release all imprisoned journalists and send a clear signal that journalists are to be allowed to work freely and without fear of arrest or intimidation," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "We are particularly concerned about the fate of Ali Mazrooei, Chair of the Association of Iranian Journalists."
According to reports, Mazrooei and other leaders of the Association, an affiliate of the IFJ, have gone into hiding following the arrests of journalists and demonstrators over the weekend. Newsweek correspondent, Maziar Bahari, was arrested on Sunday, while John Leyne, BBC Tehran correspondent, has been asked to leave the country.
Further reports suggest that up to ten Iranian journalists have been arrested and many others have gone into hiding. Several foreign journalists such as Mikel Ayestarán from Spanish daily ABC have left the country after the refusal of the authorities to extend their temporary visas.
These developments follow widespread restrictions on foreign media in Iran
and the closing of many websites by the authorities.

***18.06.09 IRAN - THE PRESS EMBLEM CAMPAIGN (PEC) SUPPORTS CALLS FOR END TO GOVERNMENT CRACKDOWN ON MEDIA FOLLOWING ELECTION

Iranian authorities have censored independent media sources, both local and
foreign, as anti-government protests have raged in the country following
last Friday's presidential elections, report ARTICLE 19, the Committee to
Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other IFEX
members.

The security services have moved into the offices of newspapers where they
are censoring content before they go to print, reports RSF. The 15 June
front page of "Etemad Meli", the paper of candidate Mehdi Karoubi, shows a
photo of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at a rally with a column left blank
because of editing by the censors.

Meanwhile, "Kalameh Sabz", the paper of Ahmedinejad's main challenger Mir
Hossein Mousavi, has not been able to publish since 13 June.

According to ARTICLE 19, the intelligence ministry has reportedly ordered
all newspapers not to write anything which questions the legitimacy of the
elections.

Ahmadinejad lashed out at the media shortly after he claimed victory in the
election that critics contend was marked by widespread voter fraud. At a
news conference on Sunday, he accused international media of launching a
"psychological war" against the country.

Staff from several international news organisations, including Belgian,
Spanish, Canadian, U.S., Emirati and Italian newscasters, have had tapes
confiscated, been ordered to leave the country, been beaten while covering
public protests and have even been detained, says ARTICLE 19.

Following a massive opposition rally on 15 June, authorities restricted
foreign journalists - including Iranians working for foreign media - from
reporting about the protests on the streets, report CPJ and the
International Press Institute (IPI). They could effectively only work from
their offices, conducting telephone interviews and monitoring official
sources, such as state TV.

The BBC said that electronic jamming of its news report, which it said
began on election day, had worsened by the end of the weekend, causing
service disruptions for BBC viewers and listeners in Iran, the Middle East
and Europe.

On 14 June, the authorities ordered the Tehran bureau of the Arab satellite
TV news station Al-Arabiya closed for a week after it broadcast video of
the first demonstration following the announcement of Ahmadinejad's
re-election, reports the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information
(ANHRI).

A range of social communications has also been disrupted inside Iran since
election day, including text messaging, social networking sites and
official campaign websites of the opposition that were being used to
organise protests. At least 10 pro-opposition websites have been censored,
says RSF. Then on 16 June, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned online
media to remove all content that might "create tension," or face legal
consequences, reports IPI.

But some protesters in Iran are reaching out to the West using special web
servers, such as one developed at the University of Toronto, to circumvent
efforts to block websites.

Plus, Iranians abroad are using social networking tools to instantly spread
news about their homeland. For instance, on Twitter, Hamid Akbari, a
university student in Toronto, follows eight people in Iran he has come to
trust, reports the "Toronto Star" newspaper. They tweet about where
protesters are gathering for a demonstration, and what police are doing.
Akbari then feeds that information to his 500 contacts back home by email
or through Facebook.

Meanwhile, 11 Iranian journalists have been arrested since 12 June,
including Reza Alijani, winner of the 2001 RSF-Fondation de France press
freedom prize. He was released two days later. According to RSF, there is
no word from about 10 other journalists who have either been arrested or
gone into hiding.

RSF reiterates its appeal to the international community not to recognise
the election results. "A democratic election is one in which the media are
free to monitor the electoral process and investigate fraud allegations but
neither of these two conditions has been met for Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's
supposed re-election," RSF said.

Related stories on IFEX.org:
- Government cracks down on foreign news media:
http://www.ifex.org/iran/2009/06/17/media_crackdown/
- Authorities crackdown on media in election aftermath:
http://www.ifex.org/iran/2009/06/17/crackdown_on_media/
- News and information fall victim to electoral coup:
http://www.ifex.org/iran/2009/06/15/post-election_crackdown/

More on the web:
- Twittering Iranians tell the world (Toronto Star):
http://www.thestar.com/Article/651927
- The 15 June front page of Etemad Meli, with a photo of President
Ahmadinejad at a rally with a column left blank because of editing by the
censors (Roozna.com):
http://roozna.com/2009/6/15/EtemaadMelli/944/Page/1/EtemaadMelli_944_1.pdf
- Internet filtering in Iran (OpenNet Initiative):
http://opennet.net/research/profiles/iran
- International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran:
http://www.iranhumanrights.org/

***15.06.09. RUSSIA. IFJ Report Finds 'Partial Justice' in Hunt for Killers of Journalists in Russia

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today launched 'Partial Justice' report, a review into the deaths of more than 300 Russian journalists since 1993, at a conference in Moscow hosted by the Russian Union of Journalists.
"The murder of Anna Politkovskaya in October 2006 shocked the world. Yet for every Anna, there have been many less widely known journalists killed for their work across Russia," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President.
"For the first time this report and the accompanying database present a
comprehensive record of these murders, whether taking place in cross-fires
in conflict zones, or homicide and contract killings, whether journalists killed for their work or in unexplained accidents, or even for personal dealings."
The IFJ review shows that of the 313 journalists' deaths in Russia since
1993:
Up to 124 have died as a direct result of their journalism;
19 were clearly murdered for their journalism and another 19 cases reveal
strong evidence to suggest they were also killed for their work, most of hom died outside and far from Moscow ;
189 of the deaths appear to be unrelated to their work.
The report also reveals that the total impunity that existed for killers of journalists until 1997 has gradually receded and that an increasing umber of investigations have led to prosecutions and a form of 'Partial Justice'.
The ten cases brought to trial of journalists killed for their work since 1997 saw a 50 per cent conviction rate. Of these, however, only two led to the jailing of all those responsible for the murder.
Crucially, the report confirms that the masterminds of attacks on journalists are getting away with murder. Over the past 15 years those who ordered the killings and arranged for the hire of assassins and their payment have hardly ever been charged, let alone prosecuted.
The report examines six case studies of killed journalists in depth, reviewing the circumstances around the death, the response of the authorities and the reasons behind the failure of the investigation.
These analyses reveal the weaknesses of the investigations by police and the prosecutor's office, especially when dealing with the targeted killings of journalists.
A data base launched alongside the report details the circumstances surrounding the deaths of more than 300 journalists in Russia. The first of its kind http://journalists-in-russia.org/journalists/ classifies these eaths (and disappearances) into five different categories -, homicide, accident, crossfire, terrorist act, incident not confirmed and missing. The report includes the following recommendations to the Russian authorities:
Measures must be taken to tackle the total impunity that persists in parts of the country where no one has yet been prosecuted for the murder of a journalist, in particular the North Caucasus (including Chechnya) and St Petersburg.
Greater support should be provided for investigations and prosecutions where a journalist has been killed for their work.
Crimes against journalists often have distinctive features; the Prosecutor
General's office should establish a nationwide database on journalists' crimes to identify these features and develop guidelines to maximize chances of successful investigations.
Some crimes, particularly contract killings, would benefit from being investigated by teams from outside the region where they have been committed.
Findings of investigations should be accessible for review by victim's families and lawyers.
Consider making the killing of a journalist a more serious offence.
"The world journalists' community is grateful to all the monitors and researchers who worked hard to produce the most outstanding record of journalists killed in Russia," added Boumelha. "It is now up to government agencies, prosecutors and the police to act swiftly in bringing the killers to justice and to make journalism safer."
The review is an initiative of the International Federation of Journalists
in collaboration with the Russian Union of Journalists, the Glasnost
Defence Foundation and the Centre for Journalism in Extreme Situations.
This is part of world Congress in Moscow in 2007.

***12.06.09 INSI welcomes Daniel Pearl Act passed by US House

Brussels, 12 June  - The International News Safety Institute on Friday welcomed passage of the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act by the US House of Representatives and urged the Senate and President Obama to speed its progress into law.
   
The measure, passed late on Wednesday as part of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, expands the examination of press freedom worldwide in the State Department's annual human rights report and establishes a grant programme aimed at strengthening media independence internationally. It will now go before the Senate and, if approved, on to President Obama for signature.
   
"This Act aims to give real teeth to efforts to promote press freedom by ensuring protection against harm for journalists around the world," said INSI Director Rodney Pinder. "We hope the Senate and President Obama give it their full support.
   
"If the Act passes into law, countries where journalists are killed and persecuted for doing their jobs will be named and shamed".
   
"Our many colleagues working in fear of their lives then will know they have powerful friends who are watching over them."
   
The Daniel Pearl Act -- authored by Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Mike Pence (R-IN), co-chairmen of the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press -- is named after  the Wall Street Journal reporter who was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in February, 2002.
   
At least 34 news media who have died trying to cover the news this year, bringing the total since 1996 to more than 1,400.
   
INSI, a non-governmental organisation supported by news organisations,journalist support groups and humanitarian concerns worldwide, has now provided safety training at no cost to 1,223 journalists and other news media staff in 20 countries.

Any questions on this news release should be addressed to Rodney Pinder tel +44 7734 709267 or email rodney.pinder@newssafety.org

***10.06.09. GEORGIA. Russia Jams Georgian FM Radio Channels (from the Press Emblem Campaign Regional Representative)

The FINANCIAL -- Russian special services are using jamming machines to block Georgian radio channels in Shida Kartli region of Georgia, according to the information obtained by The Independent Association of Georgian Journalists. Zviad Pochkhua , Head of the association and Regional Representative of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) said the first signals were received from the local inhabitants of Gori region where the majority of IDPs are concentrated. They said radio signals are jammed time to time.

"We traveled through Gori region to be convinced of that news. Sounds of Georgian radio channels disappeared as we crossed the Shida Kartli Region,
places still controlled by Georgian authorities. All you can receive on FM is the Russian military channel, broadcasting news and patriotic songs".

Zviad Pochkhua condemned that fact and said international involvement is needed to stop jamming. "Shida Kartli region is mainly populated by Georgians. There are thousands of IDP-s from conflict zone for whom radio is the main source of information", IAGJ said.

Russia has been accused of attacking Georgian websites in a cyber war to accompany their military bombardment.

Georgian authorities have been blocking Russian news channels Rossiya, Channel One, and NTV, as well as Web sites ending in ".ru" since August 9.

Russian news sites were accessible only via proxy servers, and that Russian
news channels have been blocked since last week due to "biased reporting and
propaganda.

South Ossetia was the focus of war between Russia and Georgia in 2008. It declared independence from Georgia and was recognised by Russia and Nicaragua.

During the Cold War Soviet Union was well experienced in jamming of some
Western broadcasters.

Radio Free Europe and its sister service Radio Liberty were the main target of Soviet jammers followed by Voice of America and the BBC World Service.

Special equipments to jam radio signals were used by Russian authorities during the war in Chechnia.

***09.06.09. Somali journalists stop work to mourn and condemn ‘savage’ killing of their colleagues 

A somber mood engulfed Somali capital Mogadishu today after journalists downed their tools and shut down their broadcasting stations to mourn and to protest the latest killing of Radio Shebele director, Muktar Mohamed Hirabe. 15 senior radio journalists of editors, producers, reporters, and anchors held a press conference at Hotel Sahafi today and announced the work stoppage.

Muktar Hirabe who was in the company of his colleague Ahmed Omar Hashi, was on Sunday (7 June) shot five times by a gunman at Bakara market in Mogadishu. Ahmed Omar who described the attack and killing as “vindictive and barbaric” was also injured in the attack. Muktar is the fifth journalist to be killed in Somalia by gunmen this year alone, and according to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) the death is a confirmation that the Somali journalist has become a serious target of those who are averse to truth.

“We are sad but we won’t relent, we are concerned but won’t be afraid. We will march on as journalists despite the assassins' bullet that has been falling us one by one,” said NUSOJ secretary-general, Omar Faruk Osman, while supporting and commending the journalists decision to engage in the black-out picketing in protest to the killing of their colleagues.

But as the journalists carried on with their protests, six journalists have reported to NUSOJ having received death threats from named people, whom they said would be held responsible should they be killed.  

“We would go further than just to condemn this killing by calling on all parties engaged in the Somali conflict to respect the life and work of a journalist. Let the killing end. We condemn the continued murders with impunity in Somalia. We now demand that the international community should take serious attention in this Horn of Africa country that has been transformed into more or less a butchery of journalists,” Omar said.

He said the killing must be condemned with all the contempt it deserves. "We must not only stop at talking about senseless killings in Somalia but must do everything possible to bring to book the perpetrators of the killings. If we in Somalia are also part of the international community, then it is high time the international community intervened in solidarity with the people and journalists of Somalia,” he said.

“It was another savage killing of a journalist in Somalia; the fall of our beloved Muktar Mohamed Hirabe was dreadful, devastating and tragic. We are still mourning and sharing in grief with those he left behind (his family), may Allah bless his soul and give him a place in the JANNAH and also wish a better life hereafter, AMIN” said a weeping Mogadishu journalist, whose name cannot be identified because he fears for his life.

“Muktar Mohamed Hirabe was a dearly loved colleague who worked with dedication and a great sense of teamwork. He was not at any time deterred by danger and I still remember him joking in my office, a day before the merciless butchers shot him brutally, wounding our other colleague Ahmed Tajir, not too far away from my office. He was our elder brother in the profession, solver of our problems, and advice-giver as a qualified colleague,” the un-named journalist said.

“I heard gunshots and a friend came to me running to the office where I was busy writing saying: 'Hey did you hear the gunshots? He asked me and swiftly followed with an answer even before I said a word, ‘Two men were shot and one of them is dead out there,” he narrated.

“I pulled my drawer quickly and picked up my camera to reach the scene in order to take photos of the victims without knowing that two of my close colleagues had been shot. I got out running with the camera but before I reached the scene where the lifeless body of brother Hirable lay, another friend who saw him came to me and told me that the dead body is Hirabe's. ‘Hey! Get back to your office before you are found, there is the dead body of your friend Hirabe’ he told me. I was shocked and stopped on the spot without moving towards any direction for about several minutes. I could not move my legs for some minutes due to shock, and I later got back to my office without seeing the dead body of my colleague”.

“I was terrified and started thinking about what has happened to my colleague for a long time and my eyes started welling up in tears. On Monday, I went to attend a press conference held by Hassan Dahir Aweys but still I’m down in the dumps, vulnerable and doomed to failure and fear.”

“We know who killed Hirabe and other colleagues but we cannot speak. We can simply say the same oppressors that assassinated our late colleagues are the same ones who gunned down Hirabe. I believe that other fellow journalists like me are also kept in the waiting list of those enjoying committing crimes and killing journalists with the highest level of impunity. They keep killing the harmless journalists who have nobody to defend them but God.”

According to Ahmed Omar Hashi, They first shot Hirabe at the back of his head and he fell face down. I managed to escape with gunshots in my stomach. It was devilish assassination. I glanced back and saw a youth in his early 20s standing on Hirabe and shooting Hirabe in the head. It was the most savage and violent action I have ever witnessed,” Ahmed Omar Hashi said.

Abdriahman Yusuf, the editor of Shabele radio, also said that the killing of Hirabe resembles that of Said Tahlil Ahmed who was killed on 4 February this year.

“They Shot Hirabe in the head, just like they did to Said Tahlil. They are killing every journalist in this country and their aim is to eliminate us all,” Abdirahman said.

The burial ceremony of Hirabe was disrupted shortly after four hooded men appeared and scared away his journalist colleagues who fled in fear, leaving behind the body to be buried by some of his relatives and neighbors.

***07.06.09. SOMALIA. Fifth Journalist Assassinated, senior journalist seriously wounded

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is shocked by the attack and assassination of fifth journalists in Mogadishu.

Two men with pistols attacked Muktar Mohamed Hirabe, Director of Radio Shabelle and Ahmed Omar Hashi (Tajir), News Editor of Radio Shabelle, in Bakara Market. The attackers killed on the spot Muktar Mohamed Hirabe after shooting him at the head five times. They also wounded seriously Ahmed Omar Hashi after shooting at the stomach twice. Late Muktar and Ahmed, 41, were walking together when attacked.

“Assassination of Muktar Mohamed Hirabe is a premeditated and targeted killing. Muktar Mohamed Hirabe was experienced, well-respected and well-known journalist. Situation is beyond condemnation. Somali journalists are not dying because of the conflict,” Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

“Ahmed Omar Hashi is a living witness of serous crimes constantly committed against journalists. While hoping immediate recovery, colleagues who are committed to do their job in this extreme situation need to be protected”, Omar Faruk added.

Today, 7 June, is the first anniversary of the murder of Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists late Nasteh Daher Farah in Kismayu.

Muktar Mohamed Hirabe, 48, is the fifth journalist assassinated in Somalia in this year. He is also the third journalist murdered in this year from Radio Shabelle and in Mogadishu. NUSOJ and INSI trained Muktar Mohamed Hirabe in Djibouti on how to operate in unsafe environment in June 2008. Two wives and 5 children survived from Muktar Mohamed Hirabe.

On a separate case, Director of UNIVERSAL TV, Ibrahim Mohamed Ali, nicknamed "Jeekey", who was kidnapped in Garasbaley village on 2 June 2009 by four hooded and armed men was released today by the kidnappers.

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: http://www.nusoj.org

***06.06.09. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) - Media freedom violations in oPt during May 2009

Last May has witnessed a continuation of violations against the Palestinian journalists, especially by the Israeli occupation authorities, which included the arrest of journalists Azmi Ash-Shioukhi, Ahmad Jalajil and his assistant, Raed Sarhan, the injury of Abdel-Rahman Khabisah and the closure of a Palestinian media center in Jerusalem.

 The Israeli occupation authorities continued to impose house arrest and resumed the trial of the AlalamTelevision correspondent, Khader Shahin, and producer, Mohamed Sarhan, since the fifteenth of last December .

Security forces have arrested cameraman Osaid Amarneh and kept journalists Mustafa Sabri and Murad Abu Al-Baha under arrest since last April, There is information that those journalists were exposed to torture
 
MADA Center condemns all attacks against journalists by the Israeli occupation forces, and the arrests of journalists by the Palestinian security apparatuses, and it demands the cessation of allattacks against journalists, and the release of the detained ones.

 Details of Violations:
 
  (May 1) - General Supervisor of Palestine Media and information Network Azmi Ash-Shiukhi was arrested by the Israeli occupation forces. Ash-Shiikhi said that he was arrested with a number of participants in the weekly march against the apartheid Wall in Al-Mia'sara village south of Bethlehem, and that they were harrased during the arrest as well as after transferring them to the police station in Kfar Etzion. Ash-Shiukhi has been investigated for participating in the march and accused of incitement to organize demonstrations against the construction of the wall and settlements. The day following his arrest, he has been isolated in a solitary cell because of his call for the prisoners on hunger strike in protest against the ill-treatment, food and clothing. Ash-Shiukhi has been brought five times to the trial before Ofer court for charges of inciting for demonstrations. He was released on the thirteenth of May, after being sentenced for one year in prison with a stay of execution, and he was prevented from participating in marches, in addition to financial penalty of twenty thousand shekels (about five thousand dollars).
 
(May 11) - Palestinian Information Office was closed in the city of Jerusalem, by the Israeli occupation forces. Lawyer, Ahmed Ar-Rwaidi, said that an Israeli security force raided the Ambassador Hotel, at which the Center was established to cover the visit of Pope Benedict XVI and handed him an order from the Israeli Minister of Internal Security to close the Center. The force also confiscated the contents of the Center such as files, papers, and the sign. He indicated that the Hotel's Hall had been rented for the establishment of the Center, especially in light of preventing the Palestinians journalists from covering the visit of the Pope during his tour in Jerusalem, and to give the opportunity to the personalities and institutions of Jerusalem to express their opinions.
 
(May 18) – Cameraman Osaid Amarneh was arrested by the Palestinian Preventive Security in Bethlehem. His family said that he had received a notice from the above mentioned force and then he went at ten o'clock where he was arrested and exposed to torture in the first day. The day next, he was transferred to regular rooms in the prison and then his family has visited him. The family had been told by the Preventive security that there are no charges against him, but he was held due to the political situation. Osaid was arrested several times by the security forces and forced to sign a pledge not work for Al-Aqsa Television.

(May 29) - Associated Press cameraman Abd Ar-Rahman Khabisa was injured by the Israeli occupation forces in the village of Bil'in west of Ramallah. Khabisa said that he was covering the weekly march against the Apartheid Wall in Bil'in village when the Israeli soldiers fired a gas canister at him which hit him between his legs resulting in the burning of his clothes and a slight burnt at the top of the legs. Later he moved about ten meters away from the location in which he was filming. Ten minutes later the soldiers shot him with a sound grenade that burnt his abdomen; he was transferred to Skiek Zayed hospital in Ramallah for treatment. Khabisa confirmed that the bombs were fired at him by the soldiers deliberately.
 
(May 29) –Palestine Media and Communications Company cameraman Ahmed Jalajel, and his assistant, Raed Sarhan were arrested by the Israeli police in the city of Jerusalem. Jalajel said that he was filming inside Al-Aqsa Mosque on that day and when departed from Al- Asbat Gate at about one o'clock afternoon, approximately twenty policemen were waiting them. They confiscated the camera and cellular phones, arrest them and transferred them to nearby police station. They have been investigated how they passed the camera into the Mosque. One hour later, they were transferred to another police station in the old city where investigation was resumed on filming inside the Mosque which is prohibited unless by a permission by the police. He told the police, "we interred as journalists and it is our right to film". They have been released at around five o'clock in the evening after signing a financial guarantee of 3000 Shekels (about 750 dollars) and an order preventing them from entering the Mosque for a 15 day period. Moreover, they have been notified not to enter into Al-Aqsa during the period of prevention otherwise they will be arrested.

Contact: Mousa Rimawi
MADA Coordinator
Ramallah
info@madacenter.org
madapalestine@yahoo.com
http/:www.madacenter.org 

***29.05.09. PAKISTAN. Suicide car bomb injures 20 journalists, damages offices of newspapers, television stations

(PPF/IFEX) - Twenty journalists were injured in a massive suicide car bomb blast on 27 May 2009 that killed at least 30 people and injured over 250, in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province. Offices of a number of newspapers and television stations were also damaged in the blast.

According to the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ), more than 20 journalists and media workers suffered multiple injuries. The journalists, who were working in their offices at the time, represent the daily "Khabrain", the daily "Nia Akhbar", Channel 5, the daily "Nawa-i-Waqt" and "Daily Ausaf" newspaper, located near the site of the blast.

The names of injured journalists, listed by the PUJ are: Rana Muhammmad Azeem, Chief Reporter (Channel 5) and Secretary General of the PUJ, Ashraf Majjed ("Khabrain"), Raza Mughal ("Nia Akhbar"), Rafeq Naqshbandi ("Nia Akhbar"), Hafiz Tariq (Channel 5), Azeem Nazeer (Channel 5), Adnan (Channel 5), Irfan (Channel 5), Shahid (Channel 5), Shukat (Channel 5), Omer (Channel 5), Yasir (Channel 5), Sultan (Channel 5), Qazi Tariq ("Daily Ausaf"), Gulzar Chudhary ("Daily Ausaf"), Ghazanfar Awan ("Daily Ausaf"), Nadeem Aftab ("Islamabad Times"), Ghazanfar ("Islamabad Times"), Babar ("Islamabad Times"), Abdul Jabbar ("Nawa-i-Waqt") and Muhammad Kaleem ("Khabrain").

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the PUJ strongly condemn the blast and express sorrow over the loss of innocent lives.

In a press statement, the PFUJ urged the federal and provincial governments to take remedial measures for the safety and protection of journalists, who are facing insecurity in the wake of increasing terrorist activity.

***29.05.09. SRI LANKA. Journalists trying to cover fate of Tamils are threatened, obstructed

Reporters Without Borders is extremely worried by statements by Sri Lankan officials, including army commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka, that journalists who visited areas formerly controlled by the Tamil Tiger rebels will be prosecuted.

At the same time, access to refugee camps and Tamil areas in general is still severely regulated, preventing the press from obtaining information about the fate of the Tamil population. Journalists and witnesses who dared to speak out have been intimidated and arrested.

“The war is over,” Reporters Without Borders said. “There is no longer any reason for the army to impose so many restrictions on media working in the Tamil areas, including restrictions on access to refugee camps. The United Nations - which deliberately minimised the suffering of Tamil civilians, according to the French newspaper Le Monde - should make an effort to obtain unrestricted access to refugee camps for the press and humanitarian aid workers.”

A humanitarian aid worker said: “At the checkpoints installed on the roads leading to Tamil areas, soldiers always ask the same question: ‘What are you going to do there?’.” Journalists are turned back if they lack official authorisation. The few foreign journalists who have covered the Tamil camps have been targeted by the government. A TV crew working for Britain’s Channel 4 was expelled.

Most of the Sri Lankan media have not sent reporters to the Tamil areas. The press have only managed to get into these areas when there have been visits by Sri Lankan and international official such as UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has not been allowed to visit some detention camps.

Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for the release of three Tamil doctors - Thangamuttu Sathiyamorthi, Thurairaja Varatharajan and V. Sunmugarajah - who have been held since 18 may for providing the international media with information about the humanitarian situation in the Vanni district. ICRC representatives were allowed to see them in Colombo.

The army is trying to identify Tamils who provided information to the foreign press. A humanitarian aid worker who visited a camp near Vavuniya told Reporters Without Borders that members of Tamil paramilitary groups have been infiltrated into some camps with the aim of identifying those who are trying to get their stories to the media.

The army recently blocked the arrival of several dozen nuns who had obtained health ministry permission to visit camps to help refugees, especially those who have been psychologically traumatised.

Reporters Without Borders condemns the way Vavuniya-based journalist Mahamuni Subramaniam, a stringer for various news media including Reuters, has been treated. He was arrested on 14 May while covering the justice minister’s visit to the Ramanathan refugee camp.

Claiming that only journalists with the ITN and Rupavahini TV stations were allowed to film or take pictures of the minister’s meeting with a general, the police confiscated his expensive camera and still have not returned it to him, although he has petitioned the High Court for its return.

“During these inquiries once Major General Chandrasiri came out and verbally abused me saying I am a LTTE suspect and ordered the military to check me thoroughly.” Subramaniam said in a letter. “When I claimed that I am a reporter for Reuters, he vehemently said all foreign journalists are working against his homeland.”

A report in Le Monde yesterday accused the United Nations, especially the secretary-general’s chief of staff, Vijay Nambiar, of deliberately playing down the number of Tamil casualties during the fighting so as not to anger the government and thereby jeopardise the UN’s ability to continue operating in the country. An estimated 20,000 Tamils died in the fighting.

A resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 27 May praising the Sri Lankan government was an insult to the Tamil victims, Reporters Without Borders added.

***26.05.09. SOMALIA. Somali Journalists Shocked as Fourth Journalist Dies 

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is today shocked by the death of veteran journalist Nur Muse Hussein (Nur Inji) who died today from injuries he sustained from a targeted shooting in Beledweyne city of Hiran region in Central Somalia on 20 April 2009.

Nur Muse Hussein, 56, was wounded while he was trying to cover fighting in Beledweyn between militias loyal to Hiran Regional Administration and Hisbul Islam, an Islamic movement that operates in southern central regions of Somalia.

According to fellow journalists and his widow, Nur Muse Hussein who was with three other journalists when wounded by one of the fighters after they identified themselves as journalists, a Pedestrian walking behind the journalists reportedly died on the spot for the bullets that came through Nur’s leg, who worked for Radio Voice of Holy Quran in Mogadishu as their correspondent in Central regions. Bullets fractured his right leg. Nur Muse Hussein was in serious condition since the attack but his condition deteriorated in the last week, according to his widow.

“Nur Muse Hussein paid greatly for his dedication to journalistic profession. Today is another unforgettable and sad day for Somali journalists community,” Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “Nur is the fourth journalist that became victim in this year for the crimes committed by the gun carrying men in Somalia. The death of Nur Muse Hussein highlights the unacceptable, continuing and deliberate violence against journalists in Somalia”.

Nur Muse Hussein left 5 children and a widow.

Abdirisak Warsameh Mohamed, nicknamed Gadao, of Radio Shabelle was shot dead on the morning of 22 May 2009 by forces fighting in the neighbourhoods near Bakara Market in Mogadishu. He was killed as he was crossing the road near Wardhigley police station, according to the director of Radio Shabelle, Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe.

Three men with pistols assassinated the well-respected Said Tahlil Ahmed, director of HornAfrik Radio in Mogadishu, on 4 February 2009 at around 2:45 p.m. (local time).

On 1 January, Hassan Mayow Hassan, a reporter for Radio Shabelle, was gunned down by a member of a pro-government militia in Afgoye, 30 kilometers south of Mogadishu. He is the first journalist killed in 2009 in the world. 

--
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: http://www.nusoj.org

***26.05.09. FEPALC emplaza a Estado mexicano - CONSTERNACIÓN POR EL ASESINATO DE OTRO PERIODISTA EN MÉXICO
 
La Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (FEPALC) expresa su consternación por el hallazgo en un río del cuerpo del periodista Eliseo Barrón Hernández, reportero del diario La Opinión.
 
De acuerdo a las autoridades de la Procuraduría General de Justicia del estado de Durango, el cuerpo de Barrón Hernández, corresponsal de Milenio y reportero desde hace 11 años del periódico La Opinión, fue encontrado en el Ejido Eureka, en un canal de riego. Se presume que el cadáver presenta al menos cuatro impactos de bala.
La FEPALC, al tiempo de exigir la investigación de este nuevo crimen contra un comunicador social, expresa su honda preocupación por lo que está ocurriendo en el estado de Durango. Este es el segundo periodista victimado en esa zona en lo que va del año. El último 3 de mayo, irónicamente Día Mundial de la libertad de Prensa, victimaron al periodista Carlos Ortega Melo Samper. A la fecha se desconoce el avance de las investigaciones.
México a la fecha se ha convertido en el país más peligroso para el ejercicio del periodismo. Esta situación se acentúa por el grado de impunidad garantiza a los victimarios. A la fecha en el 96% de los casos de crímenes contra periodistas no se ha hecho justicia. 
Barrón Hernández es el quinto periodista asesinado en México en el 2009. Le antecedieron el periodista Carlos Ortega Melo Samper (3 de mayo), Paul Ibarra Ramírez (13 de enero), Daniel Méndez Hernández (23 de febrero) y Juan Carlos Hernández (28 de febrero).
La FEPALC, fiel a sus principios, expresa su solidaridad con su organización afiliada, el Sindicato Nacional de Redactores de la Prensa (SNRP), de México, con los compañeros y compañeras de trabajo del periodista asesinado y con sus familiares a quienes les expresa sus más sentidas condolencias y les ratifica que no cesará en interpelar a las autoridades para que se haga justicia.     26 de mayo 2009   Celso Schroder
Presidente FEPALC
Zuliana Lainez
Secretaria Derechos Humanos FEPALC  

***13.05.09. PAKISTAN. Journalists flee Swat valley en masse

Reporters Without Borders and the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) are alarmed by the situation in the Swat valley as the Pakistani armed forces step up their operations against the Taliban there. Newspapers had already stopped publishing after the military imposed a curfew. Now journalists are fleeing to safer areas. The Khyber Union of Journalists yesterday urged the government to allow the media access to Mingora, the largest city in the valley.

“It is now impossible to get independently-sourced information about what is happening in the Swat valley,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Journalists are fleeing en masse. None of them wants to stay there anymore. We urge the authorities to issue journalists with permits that allow them to circulate during curfew hours. We also call for immediate measures to guarantee the security of journalists, so that they can return to the valley and resume working there.”

Reporters Without Borders added: “The Swat valley has become a lawless area without news media and without journalists. This situation is unacceptable and must be remedied by the government at once.”

At a news conference, Khyber Union of Journalists president Mohammad Riaz said: “There is a complete blackout of news from Swat, Buner and Dir. There is no source of dissemination of news. No one is aware about the actual situation.”

Swat press club president Salahuddin Khan told Reporters Without Borders yesterday that all the journalists had left the valley and that it was “now without any news media.”

Veteran journalists such as Ghulam Farooq, the editor of Shamal, and Fayyaz Zafar, the editor of the online newspaper Zama Swat, left Swat on 7 May and moved to cities such as Peshawar. “I have just left with my family and I am staying with a friend a long way from Mingora as journalism is no longer an easy trade to practice,” Farooq told Reporters Without Borders by phone.

A few journalists such as TV reporter Shireenzada had been holding on despite the danger. He told Reporters Without Borders a few days ago: “Let’s hope nothing serious happens.” He said he had stockpiled fuel and food for the difficult days to come. He was the last reporter to try to provide information about what was happening in the combat zone.

Shireenzada finally pulled out for safety reasons yesterday. “I have also left Swat with my family because it is extremely hard to be a journalist in the current situation,” he said. “Swat is now without any journalists.”

Shireenzada said there were still several thousand inhabitants trapped in Mingora waiting for the end of the curfew in order to leave for safer areas. He added that they would soon run out of water and food because of the lack of electricity and the curfew.

***08.05.09. SRI LANKA: The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) supports the call launched by UN human rights experts for an urgent international scrutiny

GENEVA - The UN Human Rights Council experts dealing with summary executions, right to health, right to food and water and sanitation, Mr. Philip Alston, Mr. Anand Grover, Mr. Olivier De Schutter and Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque, released the following statement Friday:

The current humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka gives cause for deep concern, not only in terms of the number of civilians who have been and continue to be killed, but because of a dramatic lack of transparency and accountability. “There is good reason to believe that thousands of civilians have been killed in the past three months alone, and yet the Sri Lankan Government has yet to account for the casualties, or to provide access to the war zone for journalists and humanitarian monitors of any type”, said Philip Alston, the UN expert on summary executions.

The continuing catastrophic situation of civilians in Sri Lanka trapped in the midst of fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the LTTE, in an area measuring less than 10 sq km, must be immediately addressed. “These civilians do not have sufficient access to food, essential medical supplies or services and safe water and sanitation. Even if they do escape death or injury at the hands of the hostile parties, their continued presence in this area without access to these basic rights is an effective death sentence,” declared the Experts of the UN Human Rights Council. “The safety of civilians, including their safe passage out of the conflict zone, must be prioritized by all actors involved” said the Experts. While many thousands of civilians have now left this area, the Experts maintained their concern about the safety of more than 50,000 estimated by the UN to still remain.
Shipments of food and medicine to the “no fire zone” have been grossly insufficient over the past month and the Government has reportedly delayed or denied timely shipment of life saving medicines as well as to chlorine tablets. “As a result of the blackout on independent information sources, it is impossible to verify any of the Government’s claims as to the number of casualties to date or as to the steps that it says it is taking in order to minimize the further killing of innocent civilians, and ensure delivery of humanitarian assistance”, said the Experts.

“When people manage to escape, they reportedly continue to face scant supplies, entirely insufficient access to adequate medical treatment and severely overcrowded hospitals, providing no relief to the horrors they had been living,” remarked Anand Grover, the UN expert on the right to health. “Access to food has also been hampered by arduous and lengthy registration procedures for the internally displaced persons; the desperation and chaos witnessed in some cases show that the situation is critical,” said Olivier De Schutter, the UN expert on the right to food. Catarina de Albuquerque, the UN expert on water and sanitation, also expressed concern about “water shortages reported at Omanthai and at most of the transit sites as well as inadequate sanitation facilities, which put the health and lives of the population at further risk.” The Government must take urgent measures with the assistance of the international community to ensure that security concerns do not result in unjustifiable suffering.

The Experts called upon the Sri Lankan Government to provide convincing evidence to the international community that it is respecting its obligations under human rights and international humanitarian law. It is also clear that the LTTE, for its part, has acted in flagrant violation of the applicable norms by preventing civilians from leaving the conflict area and having reportedly shot and killed those trying to flee. "There is an urgent need to establish an international commission of inquiry to document the events of recent months and to monitor ongoing developments." The Experts called upon the UN Human Rights Council to establish such a commission, as a matter of urgency, to address the critical situation in Sri Lanka, and demand full respect for all human rights. Any such inquiry should study the conduct of all sides to the conflict.

***06.05.09. PAKISTAN: Media in danger in Swat valley

Reporters Without Borders deplores the deterioration in the media situation in the Swat valley since the military launched an offensive against the Taliban. The valley has been plunged into chaos, fighting is raging, the population is fleeing, and the media are all paralysed.

Local newspapers have stopped publishing for safety reasons. National newspapers are no longer being distributed. Cable television is not working. The authorities have introduced a curfew in Swat and neighbouring districts in a bid to stop the Taliban from reinforcing their positions in the region.

“Over the months, Swat had already become an area where rights were not respected, but the situation has become much worse since newspapers stopped appearing and cable television stopped working,” Reporters Without Borders said. “We urge the Pakistani authorities to give journalists better protection and to issue permits that allow them to circulate during curfew hours so that they are able to do their job.”

The press freedom organisation added: “Newspapers must resume publishing without delay. The population of both the Swat valley and the rest of the country must be able to follow what is happening in the Swat valley.”

Ghulam Farooq, the editor of the daily Shamal, told Reporters Without Borders: “All the newspapers based in Swat have stopped publishing for security reasons, because the situation is extremely dangerous. What’s more, the curfew makes it impossible for our staff to move about.”

Rashid Iqbal, the editor of the daily Chand, said he had not been sending any newspapers to Swat for the past two days. “We are no longer sending newspapers to Swat and we do not know when we will be able to resume distribution,” he told Reporters Without Borders.

Swat’s inhabitants no longer have access to satellite television since the Taliban damaged the district’s only cable distribution network.

“There are no newspapers and no TV stations to find out what is going on around us,” a Swat-based lawyer said. “It is as if we were living in the Stone Age. There is no news, no access to information.”

***06.05.09. MEXICO. Murder of Fourth Journalist in the Year Demonstrates Urgent Need for Legal Reform

On World Press Freedom Day, Carlos Ortega Melo Samper a journalist from the newspaper E l Tiempo de Durango in northern Mexico was assassinated. At the time of his death he had been undertaking investigations of alleged acts of corruption. ARTICLE 19 calls for immediate legal reforms to give the federal-level government the authority to investigate the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.

On Sunday 3 May at 5 o’clock in the evening, a pick-up truck intercepted Carlos Ortega Melo Samper outside his home in the state of Durango in northern Mexico. The perpetrator fired his 40 caliber pistol three times from the truck, hitting Ortega in the head and killing him. The journalist had been working as a correspondent for the local newspaper El Tiempo for two years; he also worked as a lawyer in the municipality.

In an interview with ARTICLE 19, Fernando Mendoza who works for El Tiempo said that: “ the first line of investigation for this assassination should be for the journalistic activity of Melo Samper and in particular his recent investigation of the sanitary conditions in the municipal slaughterhouse. ” Mendoza added that the staff of El Tiempo had held a meeting with the Governor of the State of Durango, Ismael Alfredo Hernandez Deras, to discuss the investigation.

Melo Samper had complained about threats by local authorities as recently as two weeks prior to his death, for a story he had written on the sanitary conditions in the local state run slaughterhouse. As a result of this incident, before he died he wrote an article in which he stated that mayor of the municipality Martín Silvestre Herrera and Juan Manuel Calderón Guzmán, in charge of federal programmes and the municipal slaughterhouse, were responsible should any harm come to him. This article was in the editorial department of the paper awaiting publication at the time of his murder.

“ Carlos Ortega’s case sadly underscores the need of providing federal authorities with the power and the capacity to investigate and sanction aggressions against journalists, particularly in cases, such as this one, where the local authorities are known to have previously harassed or threatened the victim ”, stated Dr Agnès Callamard, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19.

“ The Mexican authorities must immediately undertake the much required legal and policy reform that would at least address the salient problem of impunity for crimes against the media ”, Dr Callamard added.

The journalist had been at odds with local authorities for a number of years. In July 2005, following a formal complaint, the State Commission of Human Rights for Durango investigated high ranking members the of the local Public Security forces. The Commission concluded that elements of the public Security Forces had violated the journalist’s human rights.

Ortega was famous for his critical writing in the municipality. Since 2003, he worked on a number of local and regional newspapers, including El Sol de Torreón and El Siglo de Durango . Since 2008, he had been writing in El Tiempo as a correspondent and distributor. He contributed to the paper on a daily basis and was also writing for the weekly publication Expresión de Durango . Ortega had been living in the area for more than 10 years.

The assassination of journalists is the ultimate form of censorship. Local media and journalists play a pivotal role in informing society about subjects that are relevant to the local communities. Without a media able to operate freely and without fear, society is prevented from accessing information essential to decision-making and participating in the public life and local affairs.

ARTICLE 19 expresses its solidarity with colleagues, friends, and collaborators of the newspaper E l Tiempo , and with the journalists in the region.

ARTICLE 19 calls on the authorities, in accordance with their international obligations, to investigate effectively the murder and prosecute those responsible.

***06.05.09. PHILIPPINES. A Philippine court convicts one journalist’s killer; another acquits a suspect in a separate case

CMFR/PHILIPPINES—Two local courts recently decided two separate cases of work-related killing of broadcasters in Region XI (Davao Region). Eight out of the 78 work-related killing of journalists/media practitioners since 1986 happened in Region XI.

On 22 April 2009, Judge George Omelio of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 in Davao City acquitted a block-timer of the charge of murdering his fellow block-time radio broadcaster Fernando “Batman” Lintuan for lack of additional evidence to support the testimony of the prosecution’s lone witness. Davao City is approximately 978 kms from Manila.

Meanwhile, Judge Albert Axalan of Branch 20 of the Digos City RTC convicted on 24 March 2009 Joy “Tungol” Anticamara, who gunned down block-time radio broadcaster Armando “Rachman” Pace, for homicide instead of murder. Digos City, the capital of Davao del Sur province, is about 995 kms Southeast of Manila. Although it was promulgated 29 April 2009, the decision was signed 24 March 2009.

Since 2001, there have only been three convictions out of the 78 cases of journalists killed— the killers of Marlene Esperat, Edgar Damalerio, and now, Pace. Forty journalists or 51.28 percent of the 78 were killed after Gloria Macapagal Arroyo assumed the presidency in 2001.

Acting on the accused’s demurrer to evidence, the Davao RTC Branch 14 acquitted Leonilo Larosa in the Lintuan case (Criminal Case no. 63,537-2008) after the prosecution failed to present new evidence against him. A demurrer is an application to dismiss the case, which the court or tribunal may grant or deny. The party demurring admits the facts of the preceding pleading to be true, but questions the sufficiency of facts for the case to proceed.

Larosa through his counsel filed a demurrer to evidence last 12 March 2008.

In his decision, Judge Omelio said the testimony of the 19-year-old witness in the Lintuan case was “irreconcilable, contradictory, and incompatible with his statements on other occasions.” The inconsistencies “therefore made him ridiculous and unbelievable,” Omelio added.

Lintuan was shot dead on 24 December 2007 by a gunman riding tandem with an accomplice on a motorcycle. Lintuan was in his car with two colleagues and had just left the dxGO radio station premises.

Lintuan was critical of the local government and was known to be a hard-hitting commentator in Davao. He also criticized the involvement of Larosa in and his promotion of “Last Two”, an illegal numbers game where the winning combination is taken from the last two numbers of the winning combination of the Sweepstakes.

Lintuan had been a radio broadcaster since the 1980s and was also a columnist for Sun.Star Super Balita, a local newspaper in Davao. He was the first president of the Davao Sportswriters Association and was also a member of the Philippine Sports Commission.

In the other media murder case (Criminal Case no. 281-2006), the court sentenced gunman Anticamara to a maximum of 17 years in prison and to pay damages amounting to P151,500.00 for the killing of Pace.

Judge Axalan of the Digos City RTC in his decision said he was convinced that Anticamara killed Pace after the 16-year-old witness positively identified him as the gunman. But the court reduced the offense to homicide because “the evidence on record does not show that the motorcycle was purposely used to facilitate the commission of the crime” but “was used only in facilitating the escape.”

Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) legal adviser Prima Jesusa Quinsayas explained that “the act of escaping from the crime scene on a motorcycle is different from using a motorcycle to facilitate the crime.” The FFFJ is a coalition organized to address the killing of journalists. Its members are the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines), the Philippine Press Institute, the Center for Community Journalism and Development, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, the US-based newspaper Philippine News, and the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, which serves as its secretariat.

“Say a tricycle driver killed someone with a gun. After shooting him, he gets on his tricycle and escapes. That is simply using his tricycle to escape the scene of the crime. If the tricycle driver used his tricycle to get near someone on the pretext of getting the latter as a passenger so as not to arouse suspicion, then shoots him and leaves on the motorcycle, the motorcycle was used to facilitate a crime,” Quinsayas said.

Court records show that the witness saw Anticamara, who has been her neighbor for around 12 years, with a gun after she heard three gunshots and saw Pace dead on the cemented street. Anticamara had always maintained he was innocent.

Despite the decision, Quinsayas said a murder complaint can still be filed against the masterminds should the police or any other law enforcement agency identify them and gather sufficient evidence to establish probable cause, which is necessary for the filing of an information against the masterminds in the Pace case.

“…(J)ustice is never fully served if the mastermind is not identified, arrested, tried and convicted,” Quinsayas said. No mastermind has been convicted since 2001.

Pace was killed on 18 July 2006 minutes after he signed off from his dxDS-Radyo Ukay program Ukadyang, slang in Davao for “ukaya” which means “stir it up”. Pace was shot thrice with a .45-caliber gun by two men riding on a black motorcycle
along Rizal Avenue, Digos City. He died on the way to the hospital.

Three months before he was killed, Pace had received death threats through his mobile phone but chose to ignore them and to continue with his work.

Pace was known for his fiery commentaries and for mocking his subjects on the air. He also commented on his subjects’ personal problems, which his colleagues said led to the filing of about a hundred libel suits against him. His reporting style earned him the moniker “Rachman”, a term derived from the word “rak-rak” which means “firing indiscriminately at people”. #

(http://www.cmfr-phil.org/2009/05/07/a-philippine-court-convict-one-journalists-killer-another-acquits-a-suspect-in-a-separate-case/)

***05.05.09. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) - Media freedom violations in oPt during April 2009

The Palestinian Center for Development & Media Freedoms (MADA) expresses
concern over the escalation of Israeli violations against journalists in
the occupied Palestinian territories, and the continued Israeli occupation
forces targeting of Journalists who cover the marches against the Apartheid
Wall, especially in the villages of Bilain and Nea’lin.

MADA expresses its concern over the return of arrests among journalists in
the West Bank, where the independent journalist Mustafa Sabri, the writer
Dr.Abd Al-Sattar Qaesem and Murad Abu Al-Bahaa’ were arrested. And the
attempt to restrict the travel of some journalists in the Gaza Strip, as in
the case of the journalist Sakhr Abu Aoun whose  passport was held since
March 21st preventing him from traveling to Bahrain to participate in a
conference on media freedoms, and Khaled Bulbul, who was prevented from
traveling to participate in a training course on professional safety in
Cairo.

As MADA condemns all aggressions against journalists, which is considered a
gross violation of freedom of expression, MADA demands:

•     The international community to exert pressure on the Government of
Israel to stop its violations against journalists.
•     The dismissed government in Gaza strip to allow journalists to move
and travel freely.
•     Releasing all detainee journalists in the prisons of Israel and
Palestinian National Authority.

Details of violations:

(April 3) - Reuters photographer, Saed Fathi Hewwari (32 years old), was
injured by Israeli occupation forces. Hewwari said that he was covering the
weekly march with a group of journalists in Bilain village, when the
soldiers fired tear gas canisters at them. One of canisters hit him in his
right leg resulting in a wound, and he received treatment in the Al-Sheikh
Zayed Hospital in Ramallah. It was mentioned that the Israeli occupation
forces began, since a short period, using a new type of tear gas where
eight canisters are fired together by a cannon, and they are more dangerous
than the usual bombs. This kind of canisters has killed the citizen Basem
Abu Rahmeh, in the April 17th in Bilain village when hit him in the chest.

(April 4) –Maan News Agency and Farah TV cameraman, Yousef Mahmoud Ja'ss,
from Jenin Refugee Camp was arrested by the Israeli occupation forces. An
official of Farah TV said that Ja'ss was going to Ramallah city, when
Israeli occupation forces arrested him at Za'tarah checkpoint, between the
cities of Nablus and Ramallah, and transferred him the same day to Hewwarah
Detention Center near Nablus.

(April 10) - Ramattan Agency cameraman, Ata Mustafa Awad was injured by two
gas canisters fired by the Israeli occupation forces. Awad said that he was
covering the weekly march against the Apartheid Wall in the village of
Nea’lin (Ramallah), when occupation soldiers deliberately fired gas
canisters, one of them hit his back and the other hit his right shoulder
resulting in the loss of consciousness and falling to the ground. He was
treated at a field hospital in the area. Sound technician, Zakaria
Al-salhi, was also injured by dense gas inhalation which required
transferring him to Ramallah hospital for treatment.

(April 10) - The Associated Press Photographer, Mohammad Mheisen was
injured by two gas canisters fired by Israeli occupation forces. Mhaisen
said that the soldiers fired tear gas at the demonstrators and journalists
during the weekly march in Bilain village, where two of gas canisters hit
him, one in the left shoulder and the other in the face directly. He said
"if I have not wearing the anti-gas mask it would have burnt my face; the
mask and the camera, which was slightly burnt, have protected me."

(April 12) - Quds Net photographer and correspondent, Diala Jwaihan, was
detained by Israeli occupation forces for seven hours. Jwaihan said that
she was filming Jewish extremists inside Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem at
about 13:15pm, when she was stopped by Israeli police who confiscated her
camera, her bag and mobile phone, then they took her to the police station
at King David Gate in the Old City, and an hour later she was transferred
to the an investigation center in the Old City as well, where she was
investigated on her press job and that she breached the public order. They
told her that it not permitted to film inside Al-Aqsa Mosque and Um
Kamel’s Tent for fifteen days, and she was released at 8:00 pm after
returning her confiscated properties.

(April 19) - Khaled Jamal Bulbul (32 years old) was prevented from travel
to Egypt to participate in the professional safety training course in
Cairo, organized by the International Federation of Journalists. Bulbul
said that he went to the Rafah crossing on April 19th to travel to Cairo,
but the officials in charge of internal security at the crossing told him
that he is not permitted to travel, and told him" you have to go to the
internal security in Gaza to solve your problems with them". In fact, he
went the next day to their headquarters (Al-Mashtal), but they told him
that he has no problems, "you may have problems with other apparatuses".
The same day he went to the crossing and told the Chairman of the internal
security of what they said in (Al-Mashtal), however he told him that his
travel is still prohibited.

(April 20) - Ekhbareyyat News network photographer’s car, A’yed
Mohareb, was shattered by the settlers in the town of Hewwarah, south of
Nablus. Mohareb said that a group of settlers shattered his car windshield
and back glass at about 11:00pm. He came out of his house, located on the
main street of the town, after hearing a noise outside the house, and when
the settlers saw him, they fled by their Subaru yellow number-plate car.

 (April 20) - Journalist Murad Abu Al-Baha’, Information Coordinator at
the Office of the Islamic Parliamentary Bloc in Ramallah was arrested by
the Palestinian preventive security service. A statement by the Office said
that Baha’ was arrested from his home in the town of Beitunia, near
Ramallah, by the mentioned service, and that he was tortured during
interrogation.

(April 21) – Freelance journalist Mustafa Sabri, was arrested by the
Palestinian Preventive Security service in the city of Qalqilya. His wife
said that a group of the above mentioned force came to their house
afternoon, and asked for Mustafa who was in a nearby field outside the
house. They have taken his elder son to lead them to the place, but they
did not find him there, so she called him asking to come back home where
they arrested him. Then they came back at about 09:00pm and inspected the
house thoroughly for two hours, confiscated his computer and left the
house.
-----------------------------
Contact: Mousa Rimawi
MADA Coordinator -  Ramallah
info@madacenter.org
madapalestine@yahoo.com
http/:www.madacenter.org

***01.05.09. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2009. All events around the world. Visit the special World Press Freedom Day page on the IFEX website:

http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/242/

***01.05.09. New Study: Global Press Freedom Declines in Every Region for First Time (Freedom House report)

Journalists faced an increasingly grim working environment in 2008, with global press freedom declining for a seventh straight year and deterioration occurring for the first time in every region, according to Freedom House's annual media study. The rollback was not confined to traditionally authoritarian states; with Israel, Italy and Hong Kong slipping from the study's Free category to Partly Free status.

"The journalism profession today is up against the ropes and fighting to stay alive, as pressures from governments, other powerful actors and the global economic crisis take an enormous toll," said Jennifer Windsor, Freedom House executive director. "The press is democracy's first defense and its vulnerability has enormous implications for democracy if journalists are not able to carry out their traditional watchdog role."

Freedom House formally released the findings from Freedom of the Press 2009 in Washington in front of the organization’s giant Map of Press Freedom at the Newseum. The study indicates that there were twice as many losses as gains in 2008, with declines and stagnation in East Asia of particular concern. While parts of South Asia and Africa made progress, overall these gains were overshadowed by a campaign of intimidation targeting independent media, particularly in the former Soviet Union and the Middle East and North Africa.

There were some notable improvements. The Maldives made the study's largest jump, moving to the Partly Free category with the adoption of a new constitution protecting freedom of expression and the release of a prominent journalist from life imprisonment. Guyana regained its Free rating with fewer attacks on journalists and a government decision to lift a boycott on advertising in the main independent newspaper.

Out of the 195 countries and territories covered in the study, 70 (36 percent) are rated Free, 61 (31 percent) are rated Partly Free and 64 (33 percent) are rated Not Free. This represents a modest decline from the 2008 survey in which 72 countries and territories were Free, 59 Partly Free and 64 Not Free. The new survey found that only 17 percent of the world's population lives in countries that enjoy a Free press.

Key regional findings include:Asia Pacific: Cambodia dropped to Not Free status because of increased violence against journalists. Hong Kong slipped to Partly Free as Beijing exerted growing influence over media. China's media environment remained bleak. Media in Taiwan faced assault and growing government pressure. South Asia saw improvements in the Maldives, Bangladesh and Pakistan, while Sri Lanka and Afghanistan suffered setbacks. Central and Eastern Europe/Former Soviet Union: The region suffered the biggest drop in press freedom of any region, with journalists murdered in Bulgaria and Croatia and assaulted in Bosnia. Russia's score declined with the judiciary unwilling to protect journalists from attacks, as well as the frequent targeting of independent media by regulators. Middle East and North Africa: The region continues to have the world's lowest level of press freedom. Restrictions on journalists and official attempts to influence coverage during the Gaza conflict led to Israel's Partly Free status. The Israeli-Occupied Territories/Palestinian Authority saw declines with both Hamas and Fatah intimidating journalists. Iraq saw the security environment for journalists improve and new legal protections for media in the Kurdish areas. Sub-Saharan Africa: Press freedom suffered in Senegal with an increase in both legal and extralegal action taken against media. In Madagascar, media outlets critical of the government were targeted. Other declines were seen in Botswana, Chad, Congo (Brazzaville), Lesotho, Mauritania, South Africa and Tanzania. Comoros, Sierra Leone, Angola and Liberia improved. Americas: Guyana regained its Free rating, while Haiti and Uruguay saw significant improvement. However, Mexico’s score dropped again because of increased violence, the government’s unwillingness to make legal reforms, and pressure on media from local and state officials. Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Nicaragua registered major declines. Western Europe: The region continues to boast the world's highest level of press freedom. However, Italy slipped back into the Partly Free category with free speech limited by courts and libel laws, increased intimidation of journalists by organized crime and far-right groups, and concerns over the concentration of media ownership. Greece also suffered a significant decline.

Freedom House has assessed the degree of print, broadcast and internet freedom in every country in the world since 1980. The 2009 ratings are based on an assessment of the legal, political and economic environments in which journalists worked in 2008.

"The declines in East Asia are particularly disappointing, given the increased attention on the region because of the Beijing Olympics," said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Freedom House senior researcher and managing editor of the study. "China should have had a better record in 2008 and upheld its promise to ensure press freedom during the Olympics, but instead it chose to remain the world's largest repressor of media freedom."

Key trends that led to numerical movements in the study include:Fragile Freedoms: Declines in Israel, Italy and Taiwan illustrate that established democracies with traditionally open media are not immune to restricting media freedom. Over the last five years, a number of emerging democracies have also suffered considerable declines in press freedom including: Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Thailand, the Philippines and Senegal. Consolidating Control: Authoritarian states are increasingly consolidating control of the media. In the last five years, space for independent media shrunk significantly in countries like Russia, Ethiopia and The Gambia. Violence and Impunity: The level of violence and physical harassment directed at the press by both government and non-state actors continues to rise in many countries. Many of these cases go unsolved and these attacks have a chilling effect on media, contributing to self-censorship. Punitive laws: Both governments and private individuals continue to restrict media freedom through laws that forbid "inciting hatred," commenting on sensitive topics such as religion or ethnicity, or "endangering national security." Libel and defamation laws remain a widespread way to punish the press. New media: Freedom House’s recently released internet freedom index finds that new media outlets are often freer than traditional media and have the potential to open repressive media environments such as China and Iran. However, as new media gains influence, governments are beginning to crack down on internet users by employing traditional means of repression.

The world’s worst-rated countries continue to include Burma, Cuba, Eritrea, Libya, North Korea and Turkmenistan. The study found that the level of media freedom in these countries remained stagnant in 2008, despite hope that the internet and new media might provide openings in the media environment.

The methodology and graphics from the survey are available by contacting Laura Ingalls at ingalls@freedomhouse.org or by calling +1-202-683-0909. Full reports for select countries and territories in the study will be available in June. 

***29.04.09. INSI calls for practical action by governments to staunch news media bloodshed

Washington, 29 April - The International News Safety Institute on Wednesday laid out a programme of action for governments to help stop the killing of journalists worldwide.

INSI Director Rodney Pinder said too many journalists continued to die trying to provide the world with the news that sustained free societies everywhere.

"The time for more words has long since passed.We hear daily the cries for help and we need to respond with effective action," he told a meeting entitled Dangerous Truth: Safeguarding Journalism and Media Workers at the US Congress called to mark World Press Freedom Day.

"It is entirely appropriate that we take up this subject, of fundamental importance to our democratic freedoms, at the legislative heart of the country which stands before the world as a bastion of free speech..." Pinder said.

"Whenever a journalist dies in the course of their duty, another window closes on the flow of information which fuels good governance, politics and business in an interdependent world."

INSI counts more than 1,300 journalists and other news professionals who have died trying to cover the news in 105 countries since 1996.

Pinder proposed a four-point plan for governments to help staunch the bloodshed:

• Support for the letter and spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 1738 which addresses the safety of news media personnel in conflict and urges an end to impunity for the killers of journalists

• Democratic governments to take a country's record on the murder of journalists into account when deciding aid programmes. "Morally, democracies have no business supporting regimes that encourage or turn a blind eye to murder of journalists," Pinder said. "Practically, corruption negates the best aid programmes unless exposed."

• All government-funded media training projects should include safety training for journalists."Too often media development tax dollars are wiped out by the men with guns," Pinder said.

• Governments must develop a long-term strategic process that puts safety and security at the heart of media development work.

Pinder expressed INSI's support for the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act introduced by the Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press. It aims to establish an annual State Department report on the status of press freedom in every country in the world and create a grant programme aimed at broadening and strengthening the independence of journalists and media organisations.

Pearl, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in Pakistan in 2002.

"What better way to make the sacrifice of a thousand journalists worthwhile than to help save the lives of a thousand who will go into danger in our name in the years to come," Pinder concluded.

The World Press Freedom Day debate, Dangerous Truth: Safeguarding Journalism and Media Workers, was organised by the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). It was co-hosted by Senators Richard Luger and Christopher Dodd and Congressmen Adam Schiff and Michael Pence, co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press.

See Rodney Pinder's address to the United States Congress at: http://www.newssafety.org/images/stories/pdf/aboutinsi/INSI_USCongress.pdf

INSI is a non-governmental organisation established on 3 May 2003 by a unique coalition of news organisations, journalist support groups and humanitarian campaigners concerned by the rising numbers of journalists killed around the world.

Any questions on this news release should be addressed to Rodney Pinder, mobile +44 7734 70926, email rodney.pinder@newssafety.org 

***23.04.09. SEEMO/IPI marks tenth anniversary of NATO strike on Radio-Television Serbia (RTS)

Exactly ten years after NATO bombed the headquarters of Serbian state radio and television (RTS), the Vienna based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute, today calls for NATO to ensure an independent investigation into the attack.

On 23 April 1999, 16 media workers were killed when NATO bombs fell on the headquarters and studios of RTS in central Belgrade. Those killed were: Jelica Munitlak (28 years old), Ksenija Bankovic (28), Darko Stolmenovski (26), Nebojsa Stojanovic (27), Dragorad Dragojevic (27), Dragan Tasic (31), Aleksandar Deletic (31), Slavisa Stevanovic (32), Sinisa Medic (32), Ivan Stukalo (34), Dejan Markovic (39), Milan Joksimovic (47), Branislav Jovanovic (50), Milan Jankovic (59), Tomislav Mitrovic (61), and Slobodan Jontic (54).

According to Serbian sources, the media workers who died that day were ordered by the then-management of RTS to remain in the building despite a decision by the government that RTS should evacuate its staff and equipment to another location.
In the first step of an investigation by the authorities in Belgrade, Dragoljub Milanovic, the former director of RTS, was sentenced in 2002 to ten years in prison for failing to protect the lives of the 16 RTS employees killed in the NATO strike. However, to this day, NATO has failed to ensure full accountability for this unprecedented attack on a media outlet.

SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic said, "The fact that the Serbian state media was perceived by some as a propaganda tool in the war cannot be used as an argument to justify the bombing of RTS as a legitimate target." Vujovic continued, "SEEMO would welcome a full and transparent investigation by NATO, and urges NATO to admit it was mistaken to target a media outlet, in order to ensure that justice is administered and to finally bring some peace to the families and colleagues of the victims."

Ten Years On, IFJ Says NATO "Must Apologise" over Belgrade Media Killings

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today said that, ten years after NATO forces defied the protests of journalists and human rights groups and bombed a television centre in Belgrade killing 16 media staff, the damage from that unprecedented strike is still being felt. "When NATO forces decided to strike at the television of station RTS in Belgrade because they found its propaganda offensive they set a terrible precedent," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President. "That attack opened the door to a decade of attacks on media in conflict zones and has made journalism more dangerous than ever."

Boumelha says that NATO should admit its mistake on April 23rd 1999 when it targeted the Serbian state broadcaster in its struggle with the regime of Slobodan Milosevic. "The lives lost are gone forever, but an apology from NATO to the families and colleagues of those who died is long overdue," he said.

Only days before the attack, the IFJ had received an assurance from NATO officials that it would not attack media during the conflict over the future of Kosovo. Such an attack is in contravention of international law, warned the IFJ and other press freedom advocates, even if the media concerned are guilty of propaganda. Attacks are only permitted on media when they are actively engaged in the strategic process of war. 

But the NATO strike went ahead. Those who died were forced to stay at their posts despite warnings of the attack, raising claims that they had been deliberately placed in danger by the RTS bosses. Following the attack , other assaults on media installations - particularly by the Israeli military which attacked media in Lebanon in 2006 and in the Gaza Strip earlier this year - have been justified by NATO's action.

The IFJ pledged at this anniversary to support journalists in Serbia in their efforts to seek justice for their colleagues who died during the attack and to overcome the legacy of divisive politics which for so long has undermined the profession.

***18.04.09. IRAN. Iranian-American journalist gets eight years on spying charge

Reporters Without Borders “firmly condemns” the eight-year prison sentence which a Tehran revolutionary court passed today on Iranian-American journalist Roxana Saberi on a charge of spying for the United States.

“This conviction was unjust under the Iranian criminal code and the sentence was severe,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Saberi’s lawyer was not with her when she appeared before the judges for the single hearing on 13 April. Coming as it does in the run-up to elections, this sentence is a warning to all foreign journalists working in Iran.”

The Saberi case is the latest example of how the Iranian authorities arbitrarily use spying charges to arrest journalists and tighten the gag on free expression.

Aged 31, Saberi has been detained ever since her arrest in Tehran in late January. The trial opened before a revolutionary court on 13 April and only one hearing was held, lasting a day. Her lawyer, Abdolsamad Khoramshahi, confirmed today to Reporters Without Borders that she has been convicted and sentenced and said he was going to appeal.

Saberi’s arrest was revealed by National Public Radio (NPR) in the United States on 1 March following a call it received from her father on 10 February. The day after the NPR report, the Iranian authorities confirmed she was being held in north Tehran’s Evin prison. On 2 March, foreign ministry spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi said she had been working “illegally” in Iran. Judicial authority spokesman Alireza Jamshidi said on 3 March that she had been “arrested on the order of the Tehran revolutionary court and is now in detention in Evin prison.”

Born and brought up in the United States, Saberi has an Iranian father who became a US citizen. She moved to Iran six years ago, working as a stringer for NPR from 2002 to 2006. She also worked for the BBC and Fox News. The Iranian authorities do not recognise dual citizenship and regard her as an Iranian like any other.

Her father, Reza Saberi, told Reporters Without Borders that she had not worked for the media since 2006. She did not have access to news and information as she did not have press accreditation, he said. “Her writings were just personal notes and comments about cultural and literary subjects with a view to writing a book about Iran,” he said, adding that “she had been concentrating since 2006 on studying Farsi and Iranian culture at a Tehran university.”

***13.04.09. Somali Journalists receive bulletproof jackets and helmets

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), Thursday, distributed
some 20 bulletproof jackets and helmets to Somali journalists for a long time
endangered by the unending conflict in the country.

In a ceremony held at Hotel Sahafi in capital Mogadishu, which was attended by
Somalia’s first Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Abdirahman Haji Aden,
Minister of Sports who is also acting Minister of Information, Suleyman Olad
Roble, top leadership of the Somali Clerics Council and the Civil Society,
independent journalists and frequently targeted news media organisations in
Mogadishu were awarded the equipment- the kind of its nature in the country’s
history.

The gesture, in recognition of Somalia being the most dangerous country for
journalists in Africa, was courtesy of the Doha Centre for Media Freedom, which
had donated 100 bulletproof jackets and helmets to Somali media professionals.

Speaking on behalf of NUSOJ, Ali Moallim Isak, NUSOJ’s Organizing Secretary,
said today marked the beginning of the equipment distribution exercise
targeting journalists in Puntland and south-central regions of the country.

“These bulletproof jackets and helmets will improve the safety of Somali
journalists who are daily threatened by the dangers of flying shrapnel and
other dangerous objects as a result of war and violence. We must support our
journalists even morally, but above all this is practical solidarity for our
colleagues,” said the NUSOJ Organizing Secretary.

***13.04.09. FEPALC CONSIDERA HISTÓRICO FALLO QUE CONDENA
A 25 AÑOS DE PRISIÓN A ALBERTO FUJIMORI

La Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (FEPALC), en representación de las organizaciones más importantes del gremio de periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe, hace suya la declaración de su afiliada, la Asociación Nacional de Periodistas del Perú, en relación al fallo histórico resuelto por la justicia peruana, la misma que condenó a 25 años de prisión efectiva al ex presidente Alberto Fujimori Fujimori por delitos de lesa humanidad.

De manera singular, la FEPALC comparte con la ANP su dolor por las violaciones de derechos humanos que entre los años 1990 y 2000 causaron también el asesinato de 26 periodistas, la mayoría de ellos dirigentes y afiliados a la ANP.

La FEPALC considera que la declaración deja precedente de mantener en pie de alerta al gremio de la prensa mundial para combatir la impunidad, prevenir la discriminación, defender las libertades políticas y poner atajo a las atrocidades de toda forma de terrorismo. Celso Schroder - Presidente FEPALC

***08.04.09. The Palestinian center for development & Media freedoms (MADA) - Violations of media freedom in (OPT) during March 2009

The occupied Palestinian territories (OPT) witnessed a number of media freedom violations during the month of March. The Palestinian violations included putting a bomb in front of Al-Jazeera TV’s office in Gaza, firing at “Al-Hayat Al-Jadidah” Newspaper’s headquarters in Al-Berieh city, persecuting “Felesteen” newspaper columnist Isam Shawar as well as Sakher Abu Oun, head of AFP office in Gaza.

Violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces included the injuring of Maan News Agency photographer Khalil Rayash, and Reuters cameraman Bashar Nazzal, the detention of the Quds Net correspondent Mohammad Mahareeq, and attacking Reuters photographer Nayef Hashlamon.

The Palestinian Center for Development & Media Freedoms (MADA) expresses denunciation of all violations against media outlets and journalists, and considers them gross violations of freedom of expression.

MADA is expressing concern over the continuation of Israeli attacks against journalists and the continued house arrest imposed on Al-Alam correspondent Khader Shaheen and producer Mohammad Sarhan, since their release on 15 January, after 10 days under arrest.

MADA is expressing concern about an explosive device left in front of Al-Jazeera’s office and gunshots fired at “Al-Hayat Al-Jadidah” newspaper headquarters for the fourth time in the last few months, which endangers the lives of media workers.

MADA considers the persecution of Isam Shawar by the intelligence service in Qalqilia city for 28 days, as well as the persecution of Abu Oun, the head of AFP’s office in Gaza Sahker by the internal security service in Gaza city, to be a severe violation of freedom of expression. In addition, the expropriation of Abu Oun’s passport and Shawar’s ID card limits their freedom of movement and travel, which is considered a clear breaching of Article 13 of the International Declaration of Human Rights.

MADA demands:
The halting of journalists’ persecution and attacks, either by occupation forces or by Palestinian security services, in West Bank & Gaza Strip.The release of all arrested journalists.Journalists and media outlets to be allowed to work freely and safely.

Details of violations:
(March 2) - "Felesteen" newspaper columnist Dr. Issam Shawar was summoned by the Palestinian intelligence service in Qalqilia city. Shawar said that from 2 to 20 March he was detained daily for several hours from 10 a.m. until 5 or 7 p.m. in a building under construction. Then they released him and asked him to come back again the next day, at the same time without asking him anything. Since 20 to30 March, he was detained in a cell either individually or with another prisoner until 5 and sometimes to 7 or 9 p.m. On 30 March they gave him his ID card, but he was forced to sign an obligation "not to criticize the political line of the Palestinian authority and its figures".
(March 7) – An explosive device was put in front of Al-Jazeera TV’s office in Gaza city. Al-Jazeera correspondent Wael Dahdouh said that one of the office staff received a call from an unknown person at 9 p.m. saying "we want to bomb Al-Jazeera office – the ghosts of Samih Al-Madhoun". After searching they found the explosive device in front of the office, and they called the police, who dismantled it. They also found a written paper saying “If you are thinking of a solution, the solution is to leave - Samih Al-Madhoun ghosts”.
(March 19) - The Israeli occupation forces detained Quds Net correspondent Mohammad Ahmad Mahareeq (25 years), near Gilo checkpoint between Bethlehem and Ramallah city. He said that he was preparing a report about the Israeli checkpoints; where there were three checkpoints between Bethlehem and Gilo in that day .He was detained from 9.30 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. They questioning him about his work and the agency that he is working for. They informed him that checkpoints are a closed military area, and he cannot take pictures there. He told them that even according to the Israeli law they do not have the right to detain him, because he is doing his job as a journalist.
(March 19) - Sakher Medhat Abu Oun (44 years), AFP office head and the chief of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate in Gaza, was summoned by the internal security service, which belongs to the Interior Ministry in the dismissed government. Abu Oun said that they questioned him for two hours in the first session about his speech in a media conference in Dubai, and about a training course for journalists in Cairo, also about the financial and material assistance provided by the International Federation of Journalists for a number of journalists and their families in Gaza Strip. In addition, they questioned him about the elections of the Journalists Syndicate, then they asked him to come back again after two days, when they confiscated his ID card and his passport.
(March 20) - Maan News Agency photographer Khalil Mohammad Rayash (31 years) and Reuters cameraman Bashar Mohammad Nazzal (29 years) were injured by Israeli occupation forces in Jayous village (Qalqilia). Rayash and Nazzal said that they were deliberately injured in their upper left leg with a rubber bullet by the Israeli occupation forces, while they were covering the weekly demonstration against the apartheid wall in Jayous village. They were treated in UNRWA hospital in Qalqelia, and then they filed a complaint to the Palestinian police against the Israeli forces.
(March 27) - The Israeli occupation forces attacked Reuters photographer Nayef Hashlamon in Al-Ma’sara village south of Bethlehem. Hashlamon said that one Israeli soldier’s foot was placed on his leg, and he fell down. Also the soldier aimed his gun towards some journalists (Agence France Press photographer Mousa Al-Sha’er and Reuters cameraman Mohammad Abu Ghaneya) and pushed them back, but an officer got him away, while they were covering the weekly demonstration against the apartheid wall in Al-Ma’sara.
(March 30) - “Al-Hayat Al-Jadedah” newspaper’s headquarters was fired upon by an unknown gunman in Al-Berieh city near Ramallah. Its managing editor Bashar Barmawi said that an unknown person fired at the newspaper headquarters at 12:45 a.m., hitting the building without hurting anyone. The policemen who are guarding the building day and night called the security forces, which came at once and started the investigation. Barmawi confirmed that the repeated firing on the building is endangering workers’ lives, and leads to permanent anxiety among them. This is the fourth time that the headquarters was fired upon within the last three months; two of them were in last February.
Contact: Mousa Rimawi
MADA Coordinator
Ramallah
info@madacenter.org -madapalestine@yahoo.com
http/:www.madacenter.org

***08.04.09. IFJ Calls on Obama to End US Silence Over Injustice of Media Killings in Iraq 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on United States President Barack Obama to intervene over the injustice of journalists killed in Iraq at the hands of the US military. Marking the sixth anniversary of United States army attacks on media in Baghdad on April 8th 2003, in which three journalists died, the IFJ says President Obama must act to investigate a series of killings in the conflict which remain unresolved. In a  letter   to the US President, IFJ President Jim Boumelha, says the April 8th attack by US forces on Baghdad's Palestine Hotel, which was filled at the time with media staff, "has come to symbolise impunity over attacks on journalists and media staff in Iraq and around the world.

Two journalists, José Couso of Telecinco in Spain, and Taras Protsiuk, a Ukrainian cameraman who worked for Reuters died in the attack and on the same day, US forces attacked the offices of Al-Jazeera in Baghdad, killing reporter Tareq Ayyoub.

Boumelha told President Obama that these attacks have not been independently investigated or properly explained to the satisfaction of the victims' families, their friends and their colleagues. Reports published by US authorities, he said, had failed to thoroughly examine the evidence available and instead merely exonerated US personnel at all levels of command. The Pentagon's November 2004 report on the attack on the Palestine Hotel was, he said, "flawed and unconvincing."

The IFJ has catalogued 16 other cases involving journalists and media staff who have died since March 2003 at the hands of US soldiers. In all of them the families and friends of the victims "wait for credible investigations and honest reports about how and why their loved ones died" said Boumelha.

IFJ national affiliates have also sent letters to US embassies urging US authorities to take responsibility for their part in the deaths of journalists and media staff in Iraq. This year, Boumelha told Obama, journalists "will be encouraged by your vision and plans concerning Iraq which have given hope to millions in this country and across the world."

Boumelha says there should be a review of all the cases and a convincing process of investigation that would "honour your commitment to democracy, human rights and justice. " 

***06.04.09. The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) welcomes UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize 2009 awarded posthumously to Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge

  The late Sri Lankan journalist and editor of the Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickrematunge, who was assassinated on 8 January this year, has been named laureate of the 2009 UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize. The Director-General of UNESCO Koïchiro Matsuura today endorsed the choice of the Prizes jury of 14 professional journalists from all over the world.

  Jury members were moved to an almost unanimous choice by a man who was clearly conscious of the dangers he faced but nevertheless chose to speak out, even beyond his grave, said Joe Thloloe, President of the jury and Press Ombudsman of the Press Council of South Africa, referring to the laureates posthumous editorial in which he voiced his commitment for press freedom at the risk of his life. Lasantha Wickrematunge continues to inspire journalists
around the world, added Mr Thloloe.

  Mr Matsuura welcomed the choice of Mr Wickrematunge: In awarding the 2009 World Press Freedom Prize to a committed journalist who opposed war, UNESCO, along with media professionals from all over the world, recognizes the important role that freedom of expression can play in fostering mutual understanding and reconciliation, the theme of this years World Press Freedom Day celebration.

  The Director-General will present the World Press Freedom Prize in a ceremony on May 3, World Press Freedom Day, which UNESCO will celebrate this year in Doha, capital of Qatar.

  Born in 1958, Lasantha Wickrematunge trained as a lawyer and was a member of the Sri Lankan Bar Association. While working as an attorney-at-law, he began working as an investigative reporter for the Sun/Davasa newspaper.

  In 1994, Mr Wickrematunge started the Sunday Leader with his brother and used the publication to campaign vigorously against the war between Sri Lankas army and Tamil rebels.

  In 2000, Mr Wickrematunge secured a court victory which led to the abolition of the law that allowed the government to curb the media. In November 2007, the Sunday Leader was damaged in an arson attack that Mr Wickrematunge said resembled a commando action.

  Mr Wickrematunge expected to be assassinated and went so far as to write an editorial for publication after his death. It appeared in the Sunday Leader on 11 January 2009, three days after he had been murdered. In his editorial, Mr Wickrematunge voiced his commitment and readiness to die for press freedom: [] there is a calling that is yet above high office, fame, lucre and security. It
is the call of conscience.

  Created in 1997 by UNESCOs Executive Board, the Press Freedom Prize is awarded annually to honour the work of an individual or an organization defending or promoting freedom of expression anywhere in the world, especially if this action puts the individuals life at risk. Candidates are proposed by UNESCO Member States, and regional or international organizations that defend and promote
freedom of expression.

  Since its creation, the US $25,000 prize - financed by the Cano and Ottaway family foundations, and by JP/Politiken Newspaper LTD - has been awarded to the following laureates: Lydia Cacho (Mexico, 2008), Anna Politkovskaya (Russian Federation, 2007), May Chidiac (Lebanon, 2006), Cheng Yizhong, (China, 2005), Raúl Rivero (Cuba, 2004), Amira Hass (Israel, 2003), Geoffrey Nyarota (Zimbabwe,
2002), U Win Tin (Myanmar, 2001), Nizar Nayyouf (Syria, 2000), Jesus Blancornelas (Mexico, 1999), Christina Anyanwu (Nigeria, 1998), Gao Yu (China, 1997)

**03.04.09. PAKISTAN - Fact-finding visit by Reporters Without Borders to Swat “valley of fear” - Reporters Without Borders is alarmed about the impact that the imposition of the Sharia (Islamic law) in Pakistan’s northern Swat valley is having on press freedom. Following a fact-finding visit, the press freedom organisation urges both the authorities - federal and provincial - and Taliban leaders to guarantee the freedom and safety of journalists in the region (Read this very interesting report on: www.rsf.org )

***02.04.09 AMERICA LATINA - FELATRACS CONDENA ASESINATO  DE PERIODISTAS EN CENTRO AMÉRICA Y EXIGE INVESTIGACIÓN INMEDIATA  
 
La Federación Latinoamericana de Trabajadores de la Comunicación social –FELATRACS,  expresó hoy, en un comunicado, su condena a los asesinatos de los periodistas Rafael Murguía de Honduras y Rolando Santos, de Guatemala. El comunicado expresa lo siguiente:  "La Federación Latinoamericana de Trabajadores de la Comunicación social - FELATRACS,  condena de forma enérgica los asesinatos de Rafael Murguía, corresponsal de Radio Cadena Voces, en Honduras,  y de Rolando Santiz, periodista de la televisora Telecentro Trece, en Guatemala.   Rafael Murguía, fue victimado a balazos por desconocidos, la noche del 31 de marzo. En tanto, elementos no identificados asesinaron la tarde del 1 de abril,  a Rolando Santiz, dejando al camarógrafo que lo acompañaba gravemente herido. La FELATRACS, organización comprometida en la defensa y protección de los derechos humanos de los trabajadores  de la comunicación social, solicita de de las autoridades judiciales  de Honduras y Guatemala, la investigación inmediata  para dar con los responsables de tan execrables crímenes. Asimismo,  advierte del peligro cada vez más latente de quienes tienen la noble misión de informar en América Latina. 
La FELATRACS, se encuentra en estos momentos al lado de su afiliada el Sindicato de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Prensa, renovando su voluntad de no cesar en esta lucha por la verdad hasta que no se haga justicia". 

GUATEMALA: ASESINAN A  PERIODISTA DE TELEVISIÓN EN CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA
 
Desconocidos asesinaron ayer de varios disparos al periodista guatemalteco Rolando Santiz, quien falleció en un ataque en Ciudad de Guatemala en el que también resultó herido de gravedad el camarógrafo Antonio de León, según informó el portavoz de Bomberos Voluntarios, Mario Cruz. 
El reportero, empleado de la cadena Telecentro 13, se dirigía hacia su lugar de trabajo cuando varios hombres le dispararon por causas desconocidas. "Falleció de forma inmediata debido a que las heridas fueron en órganos vitales", lamentó Cruz, mientras que el camarógrafo fue trasladado al hospital San Juan de Dios. 
Santiz perdió el control del vehículo en el que viajaba como consecuencia de los disparos y, además, arrolló algunos puestos callejeros, según informaciones de 'Prensa Libre'. El subdirector de la Policía, Rember Larios, prometió que las autoridades trabajarían para esclarecer el caso, después de que los periodistas se enfrentasen contra las fuerzas de seguridad para pedir una investegación a fondo. 
Por su parte, el director de Telecentro 13, Juan Carlos Lange, condenó el asesinato de Santiz y dijo de él que era "un buen amigo, un gran compañero". "Una persona incapaz de causarle daño a alguien y que cumplió hasta el final con su tarea periodística", recordó, al tiempo que insistió en frenar la ola de delincuencia que azota al país iberoamericano. 

IFJ Condemns Spate of Journalists' Killings in Latin America

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today joined its Latin American regional group, the Federation of Journalists for Latin America and the Caribbean countries (FEPALC) to express its absolute dismay following two murders of journalists in as many days in Central America. According to FEPALC, Rafael Munguia, a correspondent of Radio Cadena Voces in Honduras was shot dead on 31 March by gunmen who fired at him several rounds of bullets, killing him instantly.

The next day on 1 April in Guatemala, Rolando Santis, journalist for Telecentro Trece , was also killed by unknown assailants. His cameraman was seriously wounded in the attack.

  "Unfortunately, we are witnessing once again the extreme vulnerability of those who have the mission to inform Latin America citizens," says Celso Schroeder, President of FEPALC. "We demand that governments of this region, especially those of Honduras and Guatemala, conduct a rapid investigation until those who are responsible are identified and their motives discovered. Unless these crimes are solved quickly, impunity will continue to undermine justice in both countries."

  FEPALC commits to using all the resources of its affiliates in the region to continue fighting against this type of killings in Latin America, which are as much attacks against the rights of citizens as they are to press freedom and freedom of expression.

"It is the time for solidarity and this demands that all together, we raise both our voices and actions," says Zuliana Láinez, Secretary for Human Rights in FEPALC. "We should stand in front of diplomatic buildings and embassies of the countries concerned to make their governments know, once for all, that when a journalist is killed, the thirst for truth and justice remains".

The IFJ and FEPALC express their total solidarity with colleagues in Honduras and Guatemalan, as well as with the families of the two victims brutally murdered. Our two organizations declare their firm will not to allow these deaths to go unpunished. 

***01.04.09. Rapport du représentant régional de la PEC pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest Ibrahima Cissé  

Le mois de mars 2009 a été marqué par la nomination du représentant régional en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale. La presse sénégalaise, en particulier, s’est montrée très intéressée à cette nomination. Le communiqué de presse annonçant cette nomination a été très largement repris dans les médias (papiers et électroniques : voir recherche dans google.com) de la région, et de nombreux messages de félicitations et de soutien ont été adressés au représentant. Ce qui traduit un intérêt manifeste de la corporation à la PEC.

Activités : La nomination du représentant régional est intervenue dans un contexte de campagne électorale pour les élections locales (élections des maires, président de conseils régionaux et présidents de conseils ruraux) du 22 mars 2009. A cause de la forte mobilisation de la presse (organisations de journalistes, responsables et journalistes reportes) pour l’observation et la couverture de cette campagne, puis du scrutin et de la période post-électorale, le représentant régional n’a pas eu les rencontres de prise de contacte et de courtoisie nécessaires. Il est prévu de relancer les demandes de rendez-vous durant la seconde semaine du mois d’avril, devant coïncider avec la fin du long processus électoral.
 
Situation des journalistes et des médias : La situation de la presse est restée globalement calme en Afrique de l’ouest et centrale, sauf en Côte-d’Ivoire et en Mauritanie. 
 
En Côte-d’Ivoire : un journaliste de l’hebdomadaire «Le Repère» (proche de l’opposition), Nanankoua Gnamanteh, a été emprisonné du 19 au 31 mars 2009 à la prison centrale d’Abidjan, la Maison d'arrêt et de correction  (MAC) pour «Offense au chef de l’Etat». Toutefois, le tribunal a condamné le journaliste à une amende de  20 millions de francs CFA (30.488 euros). La même amende a été infligée au directeur de  publication de l'hebdomadaire, Eddy Eugène Péhé. En outre, le juge a prononcé la suspension de l'hebdomadaire Le Repère, proche de l'opposition, pour huit  semaines. L’incarcération du journaliste Nanankoua Gnamanteh faisait suite à un article paru dans l’édition du 6 mars dernier sous sa signature, et sous le titre : «Ali Baba et les 40 voleurs». Dans l’article incriminé, il dénonce «neuf ans d'escroquerie politique», «le vol caractérisé, la filouterie et la cleptomanie au sommet de l'Etat ». Le texte est accompagné d’une photo du président Laurent Gbagbo et de plusieurs de ses proches.
 
Par ailleurs, le quotidien ivoirien, « Nord-Sud », a rapporté dans son édition du 30 mars 2009, avoir « reçu des menaces de morts à travers des appels téléphoniques anonymes », à la suite d’une enquête qu’elle mène sur le meurtre, mercredi 25 mars 2009, d’un enquêteur (auditeur) «dans la filière café cacao». Des mouvements suspects de quatre individus ont été notés le dimanche 29 mars, entre 11h50 et 12h05 à 20 mètres du siège du journal.
 
Au Sénégal : un seul cas isolé d’agression de journaliste a été rapporté. Ousmane Baldé, correspondant à Kolda (sud-est) de la RTS (Radio télévision sénégalaise, radio nationale) a été agressé par un candidat du Parti démocratique sénégalais (PDS, au pouvoir) à l’élection de maire à Médina-Yoro Foulah (nouveau chef lieu de département situé à 66 km au nord de Kolda). L’agresseur, Amadou Baldé, n’a pas apprécié que le journaliste ait dit dans l’un des reportages la veille du scrutin du 22 mars, qu’il était cultivateur de profession. L’Association régionale des correspondants de presse de Kolda a porté plainte contre le politicien-agresseur.     
 
Durant la campagne électorale, Le Conseil national de régulation de l'audiovisuel (CNRA) avait suspendu deux radios communautaires : « radios Oxy-Jeunes et Afia FM » pour avoir violé la loi électorale, en diffusant des émissions politiques, alors qu’elles n’en ont pas droit, en tant que radios communautaire et non radios commerciales. La mesure de suspension a été levée une semaine après.
 
Côté mesures : le président Abdoulaye Wade, a annoncé, lors d’une rencontre avec des correspondants régionaux, basés à Tambacounda (Est), son intention de proposer une loi dépénalisant les délits de presse au Sénégal. Cela rendra encore «davantage libre» le journaliste pour son appréciation, a-t-il souligné, indiquant que son souhait est «qu'il n'y aura plus de prison pour les journalistes».
 
Au Mali : Les organisations professionnelles de travailleurs et d'employeurs du Mali ont signé, jeudi 26 mars, une convention collective fixant désormais les conditions de travail et de rémunération des professionnels des médias, dans le pays.
 
En Mauritanie : l'Initiative pour la Défense des journalistes (IDJ) a salué la libération d’un journaliste, Abou Abbas Barham, la levée de l'interdiction qui frappait son site d’information en ligne, Taqadoumy. Dans un communiqué, les membres de l’IDJ ont aussi apprécié «positivement les excuses présentées», mardi 17 mars 2009, par les autorités, ainsi que leurs «regrets» exprimés «publiquement», par rapport aux traitements «inconcevables», dont avaient fait l'objet des journalistes de la part des services de l'ordre, au cours d'un sit-in de protestation pacifique contre l'arrestation de Ould Barham, lundi 16 mars devant le siège de la représentation de l’ONU à Nouakchott.
 
Au Cameroun : Le gouvernement a décidé de la création d’une agence de presse nationale, sous l’appellation de : « Agence Virtuelle Presse » (AVP). La phase pilote durera deux ans : 2009-2010.
 
En RD Congo : la deuxième édition de la grande conférence des journalistes francophones d'Afrique centrale s’est tenue à Kinshasa, les 20 et 21 mars. Organisée conjointement par la Délégation générale à la Francophonie (DGF) de la RDC,  l'Union nationale de la presse congolaise (UNPC) et le Secrétariat général des médias francophones à l’OIF, la rencontre a regroupé les responsables des organes de presse et des professionnels des médias de six pays francophones de l’Afrique centrale : Burundi, Cameroun, Congo, Gabon, République Centrafricaine, Tchad, RDC. Elle avait pour but de réfléchir sur les voies et moyens, susceptibles d’aider à rendre fiables, les entreprises de presse confrontées à d'énormes difficultés.
 
Perspectives/Agenda :   Le 7e congrès de l'Union nationale des journalistes de Côte-d'Ivoire (UNJCI) se tiendra à Abidjan les 4 et 5 avril prochains. Quelque 500 journalistes sont attendus à cet évènement. 

***01.04.09. North Korea Must Release Detained Journalists, Says IFJ

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins international calls for the immediate release of two American journalists currently detained in North Korea. Laura Ling and Euna Lee, reporters with San Francisco-based Current TV, were arrested on March 17 and accused of illegally entering North Korea by crossing the border from China, local media reports said.

The journalists were in China to report on refugees who had fled the North Korean regime, news reports said.

North Korean's state-run Korean Central News Agency accused the journalists of "illegal entry" and perpetrating "hostile acts" within the boundaries of North Korea.

If convicted, the journalists could face up to 10 years in a labour camp, local media reports said.

"North Korea is a black hole for independent local and foreign media," IFJ General Secretary, Aidan White said.

"The elusiveness of North Korean authorities regarding details of the arrests, detention and welfare of Laura Ling and Euna Lee only underscores the despotic manner in which closed regimes seek to restrict the media and maintain a tight control over information.

"The difficulties in reporting on North Korea, in the interests of its citizens and the wider international community, are echoed in the heavy restrictions on journalists reporting on events in other closed societies such as Burma and Zimbabwe", added White. "But, North Korea is the worst country for freedom of the press, according to Freedom House's 2008 global ranking report."

Some international groups believe the motivation for the detentions is heightened tensions between the United States and North Korea about a proposed test of North Korea's long-range missile technology.

The IFJ urges the international diplomatic community and press freedom and human rights groups to work together for the immediate release of Lee and Ling.

***25.03.09. Getting Away With Murder 2009 CPJ’s Impunity Index spotlights countries where journalists are slain and killers go free

New York, March 23, 2009 -- The already murderous conditions for the press in Sri Lanka and Pakistan deteriorated further in the past year, the Committee to Protect Journalists has found in its newly updated Impunity Index, a list of countries where journalists are killed regularly and governments fail to solve the crimes. Colombia, historically one of the world’s deadliest nations for the press, improved as the rate of murders declined and prosecutors won important recent convictions. The Index | Methodology | Statistical Table | Español | усский “We’re distressed to see justice worsen in places such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Our findings indicate that the failure to solve journalist murders perpetuates further violence against the press,” said Joel Simon, CPJ executive director. “Countries can get off this list of shame only by committing themselves to seeking justice.”

CPJ's Impunity Index, compiled for the second year, calculates the number of unsolved journalist murders as a percentage of a country’s population. CPJ examined every nation in the world for the years 1999 through 2008. Cases are considered unsolved when no convictions have been obtained. Only those nations with five or more unsolved cases are included on this Index, a threshold reached by 14 countries this year.

Iraq, Sierra Leone, and Somalia—countries racked by armed conflict—top the Impunity Index. But most of the list encompasses peacetime democracies with functioning law enforcement, nations such as Russia, the Philippines, and India.

Brazil is the sole newcomer to the 2009 index. Although Brazilian authorities have succeeded in prosecuting some journalist murders, those efforts have not offset the nation’s high rate of deadly violence against the press.

CPJ began compiling the index in 2008 to raise awareness about a disturbing pattern of impunity in countries across the world. The organization has undertaken a Global Campaign Against Impunity to seek justice in journalist murders, the world’s gravest threat to free expression, and has focused particularly on unsolved killings in Russia and the Philippines.

This year’s report is being released in Manila to mark the fourth anniversary of the murder of Marlene Garcia-Esperat, a Philippine columnist who reported on corruption in the government’s agriculture department. Garcia-Esperat was gunned down in her home in front of her family in a case that has become emblematic of the struggle against impunity. Two government officials are accused of ordering her murder.

“Philippine journalists are clamoring for justice in at least two dozen unsolved cases, and they need government protection from the murderous thugs who are killing their colleagues year after year,” said Elisabeth Witchel, CPJ’s impunity campaign coordinator. “We call on the Philippine government to take the hard steps needed to gain convictions: assigning sufficient prosecutors and investigators to these cases, moving trials to safe and impartial venues, protecting witnesses, and providing high-level political backing for all of these efforts."

Among the other findings in CPJ’s Impunity Index:All of the countries included in the 2008 Index remained on the list this year. Only slight changes were seen in the rankings and ratings of most countries. Unsolved murders were reported in both Russia and the Philippines in 2008. Both countries have had stubbornly high rates of impunity in journalist slayings over the past decade. South Asian journalists face particularly severe risks. The region’s nations make up nearly half of CPJ’s index. Six are included on the 2009 list: Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Even in wartime, journalists are more likely to be targeted and murdered than killed in combat. In Iraq, for example, murders account for nearly two-thirds of all media fatalities. Although conditions in Iraq improved in 2008, authorities there have yet to solve a single murder case involving a journalist. Worldwide, the vast majority of victims are local reporters covering sensitive topics such as crime, corruption, and national security in their home countries.

***24.03.09. THE PHILIPPINES: International journalists' mission tells Arroyo: Stopping killing of journalists could be your legacy

A multinational Southeast Asian journalists’ mission has called on the
Arroyo government to intensify efforts to prosecute the killers of
journalists and to arrest the suspected masterminds in the 2005 killing of a
woman journalist.

“We are alarmed by the continuing killing of media workers in the
Philippines and the inadequate measures the government is taking to stop
them,” the group said in an end-of-mission statement.

“Given the prevailing sense of urgency in the impunity issue and in
anticipation of an increase in the number of journalists being killed as the
2010 presidential election draws closer, we call upon President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo to take the steps necessary to prevent that unfortunate
development. Madame President, a halt to the killing of journalists as well
as political dissenters would be one the enduring legacies you can leave the
Filipino people as your term ends.

“We note with concern that despite intensified efforts by civil society and
Philippine media groups themselves to convince the government, its law
enforcement agencies and the judiciary to address the issue of impunity and
the killings, the murders, a majority of which occur in the provinces, have
been continuing. An average of five journalists has been killed in the line
of duty in the Philippines since 2001 when the Arroyo administration came to
power. By the end of February 2009, the count of slain journalists had gone
up to 78 since the end of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, according to
statistics compiled by the Philippine-based Center for Media Freedom and
Responsibility.”

The Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) mission, which visited the
Philippines from March 21 to 24 to mark the fourth anniversary of the
killing of Sultan Kudarat journalist Marlene Esperat, said that while it
welcomed the creation of “tracker teams” in the Philippine National Police,
the Arroyo administration could still do much more by tracking down the
killers of journalists and arresting suspected masterminds.

The tracker teams, said the Philippine National Police in a meeting with the
mission, are charged with speedily locating and arresting suspected killers
of journalists.

Esperat, who exposed corruption in the regional office of the Department of
Agriculture (DA) and in local government, was killed in her home in Tacurong
City on March 24, 2005. Her expose of DA wrongdoing has been linked to the
2004 fertilizer scam scandal in which DA funds were allegedly used for the
elections that year.

The SEAPA mission was composed of Doung Hak Samrithy, vice president of the
Cambodian Association for the Protection of Journalists; Jajang Jalamudin,
secretary general of the Alliance of Independence Journalists, Indonesia;
Pradit Ruangdit , secretary general of the Thai Journalists Association; V
Gayathry, executive director of Center for Independent Journalists,
Malaysia; and Kulachada Chaipipat, campaign and advocacy officer, Southeast
Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA), Bangkok, Thailand, the Head of the Mission.

Based in Thailand, SEAPA member-organizations include the Philippine Center
for Investigative Journalism and the Manila-based Center for Media Freedom
and Responsibility, in addition to Indonesian and Thai journalists’ groups.

The team members expressed fear that the killing and harassment of
journalists in the Philippines could spread to other countries unless
stopped.

“One of the reasons we came to the Philippines on the eve of the 4th death
anniversary of Marlene Esperat was because we believe that the culture of
impunity that is deeply-rooted in the Philippines could be replicated in
other countries in the region unless there is a common effort to dismantle
it in the Philippines. We note an increase in the violence against
journalists and media workers in Malaysia and Thailand including
browbeating, harassment and mob attacks on individual journalists;
surrounding media premises; and the killing of journalists in addition to
the use of legal sanctions to silence the media and suppress on-line free
expression in 2008.”

“The culture of impunity” refers to the seeming immunity from prosecution
and punishment of most of the killers and suspects in the killing of
journalists. Only two out of the 78 cases of journalists killed while on
duty since 1986 have been partly resolved in that the killers have been
tried and convicted. No mastermind, however, has been prosecuted.

Journalists groups worldwide believe that this immunity from punishment
encourages further killings.

The SEAPA mission called on media practitioners to adhere to the ethical and
professional standards of journalist so as to eliminate one excuse for the
killings, and to assure the outrage of the citizenry whenever a journalist
is killed. It also called on Filipinos to be involved in the campaign
against impunity because every journalist killed deprives citizens of their
right to information.

The mission met with the state prosecutor handling the Esperat case; the
secretariat of the Philippine National Police’s Task Force Usig (Prosecute);
lawyer Nena Santos, private counsel of the Esperat family; some Filipino
legislators; and the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists.

CMFR/PHILIPPINES--As the year 2008 ended, another radio broadcaster in Northern Samar was killed by unknown assailants. The killing of Leo Mila of dxSY brought to six the number of journalists/media practitioners killed in the line of duty in 2008. Aside from killings and physical attacks, the Philippine press also
faced legal suits and other harassment from government officials and powerful personalities.

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) reviewed the state of press freedom in the Philippines, focusing on the killing of journalists and other attacks on the press from January to December 2008. CMFR’s 2008 Press Freedom Report, the third since 2006, also looked at the legal environment for press freedom; problems in prosecuting suspects in the killing of journalists; and the state of media ownership in the country.

The Report looks into these threats as part of the effort not only to record the
details of a deteriorating press freedom situation that needs exposure,
but also as part of CMFR’s contribution to the campaign to improve respect for and observance of press freedom in the Philippine setting..

www.cmfr-phil.org/2009/03/24/another-bad-year-for-the-press-media-group-releases-2008-press-freedom-report/

***22.03.09. PAKISTAN. Kidnappers threaten to kill journalist Khadija Abdul Qahar if ransom of $2 million is not paid

  (PPF/IFEX) - On 18 March 2009, kidnappers holding the Canadian woman journalist, Khadija Abdul Qahar, in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal agency threatened to kill her if their demand of a $2 million ransom is not met by 30 March.

  Qahar, the publisher of a Canadian web magazine, and her two Pakistani guides, Salman Khan and Zar Muhammad, were kidnapped on 11 November 2008 in the town of Miranshah, in the North Waziristan tribal agency of Pakistan that borders Afghanistan, where she was gathering material for a documentary.

  A video sent to the Miranshah Press Club on 18 March showed Qahar pleading: "Please help me. Please help me . . . I request the Canadian government, human rights organizations and media associations to accept their demands and get me released otherwise they will kill me."

  In previous footage released around the end of February, two militants carrying AK-47 assault rifles were shown standing behind Qahar. On that occasion, she had pointed to the two armed men saying they would kill her if their demands were not accepted.

  In the new video, which has been shot in a dark room with a dagger hanging on the wall, the 55-year-old Canadian said: "I am Khadija Abdul Qahar. I am a convert to Islam. I am a Canadian national and am currently being held by the Taliban in some place near the Afghan border, either in Pakistan or Afghanistan, I am not
quite sure. I was captured by the Taliban four months ago."

  "The previous video was made and distributed to my embassy and the Pakistan government, NGOs and other organisations to try and meet the demands of the Taliban for my release but unfortunately nothing has happened," she added.

  "We have a very short time now. I am going to be killed at any time as you can see by the dagger. I am going to be beheaded like the Polish engineer, probably by the end of the month." She was referring to the gruesome beheading of Polish geologist Piotr Stanczak by the Darra Adamkhel-based Taliban on 7 February 2009.

  Sher Khan, president of the Tribal Union of Journalists in Bajaur agency, told PPF that they would discuss the matter with the Khyber Union of Journalists (KHUJ) and other media organisations on the line of action they should adopt to help the captive website publisher.

***19.03.09. RDC "Bukavu, la cité des meurtres" : rapport d’enquête sur les assassinats de journalistes dans la capitale du Sud-Kivu (RSF)

Le 18 mars 2009, soit près de quatre mois après l’assassinat de Didace Namujimbo à Bukavu, Reporters sans frontières rend public un rapport d’enquête dénonçant les assassinats de journalistes dans la capitale du Sud-Kivu, à l’extrémité orientale de la République démocratique du Congo.

Le 21 novembre 2008, vers 21 h 30, Didace Namujimbo, journaliste au bureau local de Radio Okapi, a été abattu d’une balle dans la tête, tirée à bout portant, à quelques dizaines de mètres de son domicile. Dix-sept mois auparavant, son collègue Serge Maheshe, secrétaire de rédaction, avait été assassiné, en pleine rue, de plusieurs balles dans la poitrine. Avant ces deux journalistes, dans la nuit du 31 juillet au 1er août 2005, Pascal Kabungulu Kibembi, secrétaire exécutif de l’association Héritiers de la justice et vice-président de la Ligue des droits de la personne dans la région des Grands lacs (LGDL), avait été tué par des hommes armés qui venaient de faire irruption dans son domicile.

Le rapport de Reporters sans frontières identifie les failles du système judiciaire congolais. Enquêtes bâclées, droits de la défense bafoués et procès grotesques garantissent l’impunité aux criminels. En outre, ce document montre que Bukavu est devenue en dix ans de guerre une "favela" des Grands Lacs, où circulent librement armes et trafiquants, et où personne, sauf les potentats locaux, n’est en sécurité. Personne, encore moins les journalistes, dont les enquêtes sensibles ou la réussite perçue comme "insolente" attirent les jalousies et les haines.

Au cours de sa mission menée à Kinshasa, Goma et Bukavu, du 16 au 24 décembre 2008, la délégation de Reporters sans frontières a rencontré des responsables de la Mission des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (Monuc), les autorités civiles et militaires du Sud-Kivu, le personnel de Radio Okapi à Bukavu, des journalistes locaux ainsi que plusieurs avocats, dont celui de la famille Namujimbo.

En conclusion de son enquête, Reporters sans frontières recommande notamment au gouvernement de la République démocratique du Congo de prendre enfin la mesure de l’échec qu’a constitué le traitement des affaires Kabungulu et Maheshe, et des inquiétudes entourant la manière dont est menée l’enquête sur l’assassinat de Didace Namujimbo. L’organisation demande à l’armée congolaise de se refuser à confisquer les investigations et invite les autorités de Kinshasa à mettre sur pied une commission judiciaire spéciale chargée de faire la lumière sur les assassinats de journalistes et de militants des droits de l’homme à Bukavu.

***16.03.09. TOP UN OFFICIAL CALLS FOR IMPROVING SAFETY FOR IRAQI JOURNALISTS AFTER RECENT ATTACK

New York, Mar 16 2009 10:10AM
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom has condemned the recent suicide attack in Baghdad that killed 33 people, including two journalists, and called for measures to ensure safety for media professionals in Iraq.

“Such indiscriminate killings are contrary to every law,” Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said in a news release issued today.

Haider Hashim, a correspondent for private TV broadcaster Al-Baghdadia, and cameraman Suhaib Adnan were among the victims of the 10 March attack. Ibrahim al-Katib, a reporter for Iraqi state television, Iraqia TV, was gravely wounded.

“I must, once again, urge the authorities to improve the safety of journalists, a profession of brave women and men whose work is important for society as a whole as it seeks to restore democracy and rule of law. The toll paid by the profession in Iraq is shocking,” the Director-General stated.

The attack brings to 295 the number of Iraqi journalists killed in the country since April 2003, according to the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate.

***12.03.09. IFJ Condemns Jail Term for Shoe-Throwing Iraqi Journalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has protested over the disproportionate decision of an Iraqi court which sentenced television journalist Muntadhar al-Zeidi to three years in jail for throwing his shoes at former American president George W. Bush in December last year.

"This sentence is hugely out of proportion," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "The journalist made a serious mistake, but it was something that should have been properly dealt with internally and not brought before the courts at all. The Iraqi response is regrettable and we urge that there is clemency and he is released on appeal."

According to media reports from Baghdad, the judge ordered the jail sentence after finding the journalist guilty of assault on a foreign leader. The defence had argued that the charge was inadmissible since Bush was not on an official visit when the journalist hurled his shoes. Their application for reducing the charge to insult also failed.

Muntadhar al-Zeidi, aged 30, a correspondent for the Iraqi-owned al-Baghdadiya TV television station based in Cairo, Egypt, shot to fame in Iraq after he removed his shoes and threw them at President Bush during a press conference in Baghdad with the country's Prime Minister Al-Maliki on 14 December. He has been in  detention since he was detained by American security staff and later handed over to Iraqi security services.

The IFJ has called for his release, saying his action was a desperate act to protest over injustice suffered by Iraqi citizens, including journalists, since the US-led invasion and subsequent occupation by the coalition forces. The Federation hopes al-Zeidi will be freed as soon as possible.

"He has already been in custody too long over a matter which is more of embarrassment than of seriously violent behaviour," said White. 

***12.03.09. Internet monitored and controlled, even in democracies (RSF)

Reporters Without Borders today issued a report entitled “Enemies of the Internet” in which it examines Internet censorship and other threats to online free expression in 22 countries.

“The 12 ‘Enemies of the Internet’ - Burma, China, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam - have all transformed their Internet into an Intranet in order to prevent their population from accessing ‘undesirable’ online information,” Reporters Without Borders said.

“All these countries distinguish themselves not only by their ability to censor online news and information but also by their virtually systematic persecution of troublesome Internet users,” the press freedom organisation said. Reporters Without Borders has placed 10 other governments “under surveillance” for adopting worrying measures that could open the way to abuses. The organisation draws particular attention to Australia and South Korea, where recent measures may endanger online free expression.

“Not only is the Internet more and more controlled, but new forms of censorship are emerging based on the manipulation of information,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Orchestrating the posting of comments on popular websites or organising hacker attacks is also used by repressive regimes to scramble or jam online content.”

A total of 70 cyber-dissidents are currently detained because of what they posted online. China is the world’s biggest prison for cyber-dissidents, followed by Vietnam and Iran.

***11.03.09. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada) - Violations of media freedoms in OPT during February 2009

There has been a marked decrease of media freedoms violations during the past month in the occupied Palestinian territories (OPT), compared to the precedent month, due to the start of internal dialogue between Palestinian factions, and the non-declared truce between Hamas and Israel.
 
Violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces included the detention of the Russia Today TV crew in Salfit, and raiding Asia local TV in Nablus.
 
The Palestinian violations included: the deportation of the Al-Arabiya TV envoy from the Gaza Strip, the arrest of journalist Qais Abu Samra, and firing twice at the "al-Hayat Al Jadidah" newspaper headquarters.
 
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada) expresses condemnation of all attacks against journalists and media outlets, calls on the perpetrators to stop them, and asks the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
 
Details of violations:
 
(Feb. 2) – Russia Today TV crew was detained in Salfit city (WB), by Israeli occupation forces. Its correspondent Yafa Mohammed Stety (24 years) said that they were preparing a report about the confiscation of land in the Salfit area, by the occupation authorities for annexation to Ariel, a nearby settlement. An Israeli army patrol stopped them and asked for their identity cards. They were told that photography is prohibited there because it is a closed military zone. They handed the cameraman’s assistant, Ayman Louzi, notification to go to the Israeli Administration in Beit El near Ramallah for investigation. They detained the crew for three hours, and then released them.
 
 (Feb. 7) – Al-Arabiya TV envoy Wael Esam was expelled from Gaza Strip by the Palestinian police. An Al-Arabiya source said a group of Palestinian police officers went to Al-Dira hotel in Gaza city, where Esam were staying, and asked him to leave the Strip immediately. According to Al-Arabiya they threatened to harm him if he did not leave immediately. He left Gaza strip the same day, through Rafah crossing. Al-Arabiya TV was exposed to a campaign by some Palestinians and Arabs on the Internet during the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, accusing it of "cooperation with Zionists to uncover the resistance missiles". In addition, its office in Gaza city was bombed on 22 January 2007, by an armed Palestinian group.
 
(Feb. 8) – "Al Hayat Al Jadidah" newspaper headquarters was fired upon by unknown gunmen in Albireh city (near Ramallah). The newspaper's editor Hafez Barghouti said that two gunmen opened fire on the door of the printing press and the windows of the headquarters from the garden of a nearby house, at about 12:15am, then they fled, and no one was hurt. The newspaper headquarters was fired upon also on 26 December 2008. 

(Feb. 20) - "Al Hayat Al Jadidah" newspaper was fired upon by unknown gunmen in Albireh city. An official in the newspaper said that unknown gunmen fired on the headquarters at 11:15 pm from a relatively long distance. No one was hurt or injured. This was the third time in which the building was fired upon in the last three months.
 
(Feb. 22) - Jordanian "Alhaqiqah Aldawleya" newspaper correspondent Qais Omar Darwish (aka "Abu Samra") was arrested, by the Palestinian Preventive Security Service in Qalqilya city. Abu Samra said that he was summoned by the service the previous day. He went to their headquarters in Qalqilya at 10 am, and he was investigated five times about his work as a journalist and whether he is working for Aqsa TV, as well as personal and general matters. He was forced to open his email for them. He was released on February 24 in the afternoon.
 
(Feb. 24) - Asia local TV headquarters was raided by the Israeli occupation forces in the old city of Nablus (WB). Its director Ayman Alqadiri said that a large group of soldiers stormed his home and the TV headquarters in the same building at 12:30 am, and detained his wife and children in a room, while he, his brother and two of the TV workers were detained in another room until 5:15 am. The soldiers closed all the transmitters after breaking into the headquarters, and used the apartment and the headquarters, which are located on the fourth floor of the building, as a point to control the surrounding area. Asia TV was established in 1997.
--------
Contact: Mousa Rimawi - Mada Coordinator - Ramallah
info@madacenter.org - madapalestine@yahoo.com
http/:www.madacenter.org 

***06.03.09. SRI LANKA: Free Journalist Detained on Terrorism Charges

365 days after Sri Lankan journalist J.S. Tissainayagam was detained under Anti-Terrorism legislation, ARTICLE 19 joins many people and organisations around the world calling for his immediate release.
Tissainayagam, now an Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience, was detained without charge on 7 March 2008. Following international calls for his release the Sri Lankan authorities finally brought charges against him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act on 25 August 2008 for a series of newspaper articles.

According to journalist and former Convener of the Sri Lankan Free Media Movement, Uvindu Kurukulasuriya, “ Tissainayagam was considered a kind of bridge between the north and south, or the Sinhalese and the Tamils. He has written many articles concerning the ethnic situation in Sri Lanka .”

Dr Agnes Callamard, Executive Director ARTICLE 19 adds “ over the past 3 years more than 14 journalists have been killed in Sri Lanka and many have escaped to India and the West, fearing for their lives. Tissainayagam’s case well demonstrates the threats that counter terrorism legislation and measures pose to freedom of the press, as they are so easily abused. His continued imprisonment for the peaceful expression of his opinion sadly constitutes one of the many violations that are common place in today’s Sri Lanka, including wide censorship, self-censorship, death threats, violence and arbitrary arrests. ”

Today ARTICLE 19 joins seven media rights organisations in demanding that the Sri Lankan government urgently review his case. To read the full statement, visit: http://www.article19.org/pdfs/press/international-press-freedom-groups-call-for-justice-for-jailed-sri-lankan-jo.pdf

***02.03.09. IRAN - U.S. journalist held in Iran without charge (CPJ)

The Committee to Protect Journalists called on the Iranian government today to explain why it has held American freelance journalist Roxana Saberi for over a month without revealing her location or charging her with a crime. Saberi, 31, was detained in late January and has not been heard from since, except when she placed a two-minute call to her father from an unknown location on February 10 to tell him that she had been arrested for buying wine, her father, Reza Saberi, told CPJ from his home in North Dakota. Saberi called back 10 minutes later, urging her father not to contact the press, adding that she would be released within days, according to her father and numerous news reports. Her father did not contact the press until Saturday.

"We are extremely concerned about the safety of Roxana Saberi," said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Mohamed Abdel Dayem. "She has been held for more than a month without charge, which is especially alarming in light of Iran's record of dismal treatment of detained journalists. We call on the Iranian authorities to disclose her location, provide access to an attorney, and explain why she is being detained. Otherwise, she should be released immediately."

In July 2003, Iranian-Canadian photojournalist Zahra Kazemi died in custody, after being detained for three weeks in connection with pictures she had taken during a student protest in Tehran.

Saberi's family and literary agent told CPJ that they believe that the wine merely provided a pretext for detaining the journalist. Press freedom advocates inside Iran echoed that sentiment. People found in possession of alcohol in Iran are usually released within a few days, they said. While the possession or consumption of alcohol is illegal in Iran, it remains widely available on the black market.

Although Tehran refused to confirm or deny that Saberi was being held, Hassan Ghashghavi, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, today implicitly acknowledged that Saberi was in custody, saying that her activities in Iran since 2006 (when her press credentials were revoked) have been "illegal" and "unauthorized," adding that the case was being handled by the Ministry of Justice, according to multiple international news sources. According to Agence France-Presse, the Iranian judiciary will release more information about the case on Tuesday.

Saberi, who has been living in Iran for six years, filed reports for NPR, Fox News, the BBC, and other international news outlets before her press credentials were revoked in 2006 by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which accredits reporters working for foreign news organizations. According to NPR, Saberi continued to file short news items with government permission despite the revocation. Since 2006, Saberi had been primarily involved in writing a book and pursuing a graduate education in Iran, the journalist's literary agent, Diana Finch, told CPJ.

Iran's press freedom record is one of the poorest in the region. At least five Iranian editors and writers, not including Saberi, are currently imprisoned. Detained journalists in Iran are routinely held in undisclosed locations, denied due process, access to attorneys, and timely medical treatment. 

***02.03.09. Palestinian Center for Development &Media Freedoms (Mada)
Annual Report-summary: 257 Violations of media freedoms in OPT during 2008
 
Palestinian territories are characterized by the security domination of many factions, which leads to a multiplicity of actors who violate media freedoms: the Israeli occupation forces, the Israeli settlers, the Palestinian security services in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in addition to armed Palestinian groups. This combination has not only led to a significant decline in the freedoms of expression and freedom of information landscape, but leads journalists and media outlets to practice too much self-censorship, therefore is a setback at the level of the media outlets themselves. 
 
The occupied Palestinian territories witnessed 257 violations of media freedom during the past year. Of those, 147 were committed by Israeli occupation forces and Israeli settlers, 110 by Palestinian security services and armed groups in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This flagrantly violates freedom of opinion and expression, as guaranteed in article 19 in both of the Palestinian Basic Law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international charters and resolutions of the United Nations, such as resolution 1738 of the UN Security Council in 2006. 
 
It should be noted that Israeli authorities have been committing violations against journalists and the Palestinian media since the beginning of its occupation of Palestinian territories on 5 June 1967, which had increased dramatically during the second uprising, beginning in 2000, during which they have killed more than ten journalists. 
 
The most serious Israeli violations during the last year were: the killing of Reuters cameraman Fadel Shana', who was deliberately shot by soldiers in an Israeli tank on 16 April; the injuring of Basil Faraj, who was seriously wounded on 27 December, which led to his death on 6 January 2009; and the attack on Mohamed Mughier, in which he sustained injuries for which he is still under treatment. Israeli authorities arrested and detained 51 journalists during their coverage of events in different areas.
 
The army destroyed Aqsa TV headquarters on 28 December, and closed the headquarters of Afaq TV on 10 July in Nablus, Almajd Radio on 11 March in Jenin, Ram FM radio office on 7 April in Jerusalem, and they confiscated their equipment, and equipment from a number of other radio stations which they raided. 
 
The Israeli government prevented journalists from entering Gaza Strip after imposition of the total blockade on 6 November (with the exception of a very limited number), and during the war, which started on 27 December 2008. It must be noted that the occupation forces routinely prevent most Palestinian journalists from traveling freely for more than four decades, which constitutes a continuing violation of article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 
 
They also continued their attacks on journalists covering the weekly anti-apartheid peaceful march in Bila'in for the past four years, and in Nea'lin village, and a number of other Palestinian villages during the last year.
 
Among various Palestinian elements, the most serious violations were the attempted assassination of “Felesteen” newspaper editor-in-chief Mustafa Alssawaf on 19 June, and the shots on freelance journalist Mustafa Sabri’s home on 6 December, and the headquarters of the “Al-Hayat Al-Jadidah” newspaper by armed Palestinians. These incidents are characteristic of the continuation of security chaos that has plagued the OPT although it was much less than in the past few years.
 
The Palestinian security services in WB and GS arrested and detained 60 journalists, some of them were arrested more than once such as Mustafa Sabri and Osaid amarneh, others were tortured.
 
Last year the Palestinian territories witnessed the emergence of legal proceedings, or detention of journalists, accusing them of libel, defamation, and incitement: Hafez Barghouti, Akram Haniyeh, Bahaa al-Bukhari, Isam Shawar, Imteyaz Moghrabi, A’la Taiti, and Osaid Amarneh. Haniyeh al-Bukhari and Barghouti were sentenced to jail, Taiti, Amarneh, and Moghrabi were acquitted, and Shawar was forced to apologize. 
 
Alwatan voice news website was blocked by the Palestinian general prosecutor on 3 November, which was the first Internet blocking in the Palestinian territories, where the Internet is an open space for all to express their opinions freely. 
 
Distribution of three daily newspapers was banned. “Al-Hayat Al-Jadidah”, “Al-Quds”, and “Al-Ayyam” were banned in Gaza Strip since 27 July (“Al-Quds” was allowed to distribute again on 23 August 2008, and “Al-Ayyam” on 12 February 2009, while the ban remained in effect on “Al-Hayat Al-Jadidah”.) Meanwhile “Felesteen” and “Al-Resaleh” newspapers are still banned from distribution in the West Bank since 14 June 2007.
 
It was observed that the security agencies ignored some the Supreme Court of Justice’s decisions concerning the release of journalists, and sometimes they used the policy of "revolving door", which means to release someone for a few minutes and then re-arrest him.
 
It should be noted that incitement in media outlets against other local media outlets, and Al-Jazeera TV as well, continued last year. Some public gatherings and marches were banned, and covering other internal events was banned, and some journalists who tried to cover them were attacked by the security services. 
 
The most positive thing during the past year in the area of media freedom was that no journalists were subjected to abduction, for the first time in four years in the Palestinian territories. 
 
All these attacks on journalists and media outlets resulted in a further decline in freedom of expression, which negatively impacted on the development of the Palestinian media and its ability to contribute meaningfully in the political, economic and cultural development, and its ability to shape public opinion in Palestinian society. 
 
We believe that without ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and without putting an end to the sharp differences between Fatah and Hamas, it is difficult to think about a dramatic decrease in violations of media freedoms. 
 
We hope that the dialogues between the Palestinian factions in Cairo will reach an agreement on the Palestinian national unity, which will be reflected positively on freedom of opinion and expression in the Palestinian territories. 
 
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada), as part of its objectives to defend media freedoms and the development of the Palestinian media, makes the following recommendations:

• Prohibition of journalists’ detention by the Palestinian security services, and not to involve them in internal Palestinian differences.

• The international community must pressure Israel to stop attacks on journalists and the media.

• Palestinian journalists must commit to professional standards, and not using the media for inciting.

• Formation of a higher council for information, which will be responsible for the official media, to ensure its neutrality and objectivity.

• Respecting the decisions of the judiciary, particularly the decisions of the Supreme Court of Justice on journalists’ issues, by the authorities responsible for law enforcement.

• Prosecuting all those responsible for attacks on journalists and bringing them to justice.

• Amendment of the Press and Publication law which was issued on 1995, to be in harmony with Palestinian Basic Law, and international standards on freedom of expression.

• Allowing all media outlets to work freely and safely in all Palestinian areas.

• Holding regular, democratic and transparent elections for the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. 

Finally, we wish to extend our sincere thanks to the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) MENA Outreach Programme and the Foundation Open Society Institute in Switzerland (FOSI), for their support of Mada’s media freedom program.

***20.02.09. PHILIPPINES. Warrant of arrest against suspects in journalist’s slay lifted (CMFR)

CMFR/PHILIPPINES – After losing jurisdiction over the case, a judge recalled the arrest warrant he issued against the suspected gunmen in the murder of a radio broadcaster in General Santos City last 12 February 2009. General Santos City is a province approximately 1, 049 kms southeast of Manila.

General Santos City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 36 judge Isaac Alvero Moran
revoked the 3 February 2009 warrant of arrest he had issued against Police Inspector Redempto “Boy” Acharon and several other suspects in the killing of Dennis Cuesta after the case (Criminal Case no. 20846) was transferred to another branch of the same court.

Cuesta died on 9 August 2008, five days after an unidentified gunman on a motorcycle shot him along a national highway near a shopping mall in General Santos City. Cuesta, program director and anchor at the local station of Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), was on his way home from an RMN-sponsored outreach program.

Cuesta sustained wounds in the head and near the spinal column after being shot five times with a .45 caliber pistol.

The case was removed from Branch 36 after the RTC Executive Judge ordered on 11 February 2009 the case be sent back to the Office of the Clerk of Court so that it will “be included in the regular raffling of cases on…February 12” and “be
considered as a newly filed case.” RTC Executive Judge Oscar Noel Jr. ordered the re-raffling of the case acting on the accused’s “Very Urgent Motion to Recall Case Raffled to Branch 35 (sic)”..

The case is now assigned to RTC Branch 37 under presiding judge Panambulan Mimbisa, who has yet to issue a warrant against Acharon and the other suspects.

Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) legal counsel Prima Quinsayas said that the Executive Judge’s decision “to re-raffle the case stripped RTC Branch 36 of its jurisdiction over it. Thus, the warrant of arrest cannot be enforced as it was issued by a judge (Moran) from a court with no jurisdiction.”

FFFJ is a coalition of six media organizations formed in 2003 to combat the killing of and other attacks against Filipino journalists. The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) is a founding member of FFFJ and serves as its secretariat.

Moran lifted the arrest warrant against the accused saying it was “to pave way for Hon. Panambulan M. Mimbisa, presiding Judge of RTC-37, to make his own finical and evangelical (sic) findings therein.” He further explained in his order that “…the legal basis of its (arrest warrant) issuance has been virtually stripped” since the case is no longer under Branch 36.

Acharon’s lawyer Rogelio Garcia filed the motion to re-raffle the case before the Office of the Executive Judge last 10 February 2009. Garcia claimed that a special raffle to give priority to the murder case filed against Acharon took place on 3 February 2009 even without the proper motion.

Despite disputing the claim of Acharon’s counsel that a special raffle had occurred and saying that there was “no cogent reason to disturb the raffling of the case to Branch 36”, Noel nevertheless ordered the re-raffling to give the accused “peace of mind” over the matter.

Gloria Cuesta, widow of the slain broadcaster, told CMFR that she was shocked by the lifting of the arrest warrant against Acharon. “It was unfair…. Are they trying to delay justice by recalling the warrant of arrest?” Cuesta asked.

Lawyer Quinsayas said the prosecutors need to “be vigilant in following up the issuance of the warrant of arrest.” But she is hopeful that “(t)he re-raffling has removed a possible legal loophole, which accused might take advantage of at a later stage in the criminal proceedings…. One less loophole for Acharon’s lawyer to play up is good for our case.”

The suspects in other media murder cases have used legal technicalities to evade arrest and trial.

The arrest of former police officer Guillermo Wapile, convicted gunman in the killing of Edgar Damalerio, in 2002 was delayed because of typographical errors in the warrant of arrest.

In 2008, the prosecution team handling the case against the alleged masterminds in the killing of Marlene Esperat had to re-file the case at the Tacurong City RTC after the suspects questioned the jurisdiction of the Cebu City RTC over the case.
Seventy-seven journalists/media practitioners have been killed in the line of duty in the Philippines since 1986. Only in two cases since 2001 have there been convictions against the alleged gunmen—in the killing of Pagadian journalist Edgar Damalerio and of Sultan Kudarat journalist Marlene Esperat. No mastermind has been convicted.

***20.02.09. GAZA. Journalists Call for Israel to Account for "Premeditated and Precise" attacks on Media in Gaza (IFJ)

The targeting of media by the Israeli military during last month's offensive in the Gaza Strip was "premeditated and precise" and in violation of international law, says the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in a report published today which calls on the United Nations to investigate the attacks and to take action against the Government of Israel. "There should be no double-talk about this," says Aidan White IFJ General Secretary who led a mission of journalists' leaders into Gaza on January 22. "Here was reckless intimidation of media on a shocking scale that should not go unpunished. If it does, it leaves journalists and media exposed to the threat of attack in any conflict at any time in the future." The mission of journalists' leaders from eight countries, was sponsored by the IFJ and the Federation of Arab Journalists (FAJ) and was joined by the FAJ General Secretary Makram Mohamed Ahmed. It was carried out immediately after the unilateral ceasefire declared first by Israel and subsequently by the Islamic movement Hamas The Mission report, ' Justice in the News: A response to Targeting of Media in Gaza', assesses the violations and threats to media workers covering the Gaza conflict and  finds that media were subject to intimidation, direct military assault and were deliberately prevented from working freely during the 22-day military offensive. The Mission report also condemns the blockade of foreign media which had been imposed by the Israeli military on November 5. The ban on foreign journalists was maintained despite an Israeli Supreme Court order of January 2 allowing access to Gaza to a limited number of journalists.

The report cites evidence of media targeting by Israeli forces on 28 December 2008 and the bombing of the offices of Hamas' TV station al-Aqsa in the al-Nasr district of Gaza City; 9 January 2009 and the attack on al-Johara Tower, in Al-Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City, which was hit twice by Israeli aircraft, even though the building was clearly marked as housing media staff; 15 January 2009 and the attack on the al-Shuroug Tower housing several media groups in Omar al-Mukhtar street , Gaza City, "These actions and the ban on access to Gaza by foreign journalists is evidence of concerted efforts by Israel to intimidate, control and manage media," says the Report which calls for an investigation into violations of Geneva conventions protecting journalists in armed conflicts and disregard for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1738 which in 2006 called on member states to protect journalists in conflict zones. But the report also condemns Hamas for its acts of intimidation of media during and after the conflict. "Threats and intimidation of media continue. There are political attempts to control media by Hamas amidst a continuing atmosphere of lawlessness and threats," says the Report. It further says that Hamas interfered in the work of the Mission. There have also been reports of humanitarian help to media being seized and confiscated by Hamas.  The Mission report also makes a series of urgent recommendations for practical humanitarian and professional actions to assist Palestinian journalists including safety training; humanitarian aid to the media families affected by the violence; new efforts to build solidarity between Palestinian journalists in Gaza and the West Bank; and a training programme to combat manipulation of media by Palestinian political factions.

Please click here to read the full report

***15.02.09. GAZA.  Operation “Cast lead” : news control as a military objective Palestinian journalists caught between Israeli firing and Hamas threats (RSF)

“Set against hundreds of casualties, including many civilians, the toll of violations of press freedom during operation ‘Cast Lead’ in Gaza, might appear small. But news was another casualty of this war. The sealing off of the Gaza Strip, which was the full responsibility of the Israeli authorities, is unacceptable and disturbing. Beyond this conflict, control of news in time of war has become a military objective throughout the world. Now it has become the norm”, said Reporters Without Borders, as it released its report on violations of press freedom during the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip, in January 2009.

“Hamas is also responsible for serious press freedom violations. Contrary to what its leaders say, journalists are not free to criticise the Islamist movement, to communicate the stance of other factions or simply to set forth divergent opinions. Most journalists who spoke to Reporters Without Borders in Gaza share this point if view, but none of them can express themselves publicly, so great is the risk of reprisals,” stressed the organisation, which has recorded 28 journalists arrested by Hamas forces for their political opinions, since it took control of Gaza in June 2007.

Reporters Without Borders went to Israel and the Gaza Strip at the end of January to establish a tally of press freedom violations during this conflict. After investigating on the spot, Reporters Without Borders puts at six the number of journalists who were killed, two of them while doing their job. Around 15 were wounded. And at least three buildings housing media were hit by Israeli fire.

In the report, Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns all attacks carried out by the Israeli Army against buildings housing Palestinian or foreign media and calls on the Israeli Army and government to rapidly provide detailed explanations for hits on these buildings.

“The United Nations should demand to take part in these investigations and non-governmental organisations should also be involved. Reporters Without Borders now expresses its wish to contribute to this independently. Other investigations carried out by the Israeli Army in the past into the deaths of journalists or bombing of media have had highly reprehensible results, in the process exonerating soldiers of all responsibility”, writes the organisation in concluding its report. Reporters Without Borders believes that, since the launch of the second Intifada in September 2000, the number of journalists killed has reached seven and more than 100 were wounded.

Reporters Without Borders maintains that the closing of the Gaza Strip to the press constituted a serious and unacceptable violation of press freedom. On this too, the organisation strongly urges the United Nations to adopt a resolution immediately calling on Israel to stop using such coercive methods to control news.

The organisation proposes that, with the agreement of the Israeli authorities, press equipment should be sent to the Gaza Strip. This equipment is today sadly lacking : film cameras, tapes, cameras, editing equipment, generators were all damaged or destroyed. Since Israel controls all goods that get into the Gaza Strip, Reporters Without Borders calls on the state of Israel to show discretion in its control of equipment entering the Gaza Strip. Equipment that is essential to the press should benefit from the same conditions as humanitarian supplies.

Download the report “Operation ‘Cast Lead’ : Control of information as military objective” on www.rsf.org

***11.02.09. GAZA. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada) - Violations of media freedoms in OPT during January 2009 - brutal Israeli violations against Palestinian media in Gaza

In January, Israel committed brutal violations against Palestinian media during the aggression on the Gaza Strip, killing four journalists: Basil Faraj, Ihab Wahidi, A'laa Murtaja, Omar Silawi, and wounding seven others: Ayman Alrozi, Mohamed Soussi, Khalid Abu-Shamalah, Mohamed Tanani, Mohammed Madi, Ehab Shawa, and Mannar Shalolah.
 
Israeli forces also bombed the headquarters of: Aqsa TV, Aqsa Radio, “Al-Resaleh” newspaper, the headquarters of Rantisi printing press, and “Alshouroq” and “Aljawharah”, towers, where a large number of local, Arab and international media offices are located.
 
The bombing also destroyed and damaged houses and apartments of journalists and media workers: Ashraf Kafarneh, Anas Rihan, Khalid al-Zahar, Adnan Alborsh, Ziad Abu Khoussa, Sameer Khalifah, Hussein Abdel-Rahman, Muhammad al-Jamal, Yusef Atwah, and Ismail Khadir Zanoun. 
 
The continued Israeli bombardment forced “Felesteen” daily newspaper, published in Gaza city, to suspend its publication from the third day of the war until January 19, and “Al-Resaleh” weekly newspaper during the three weeks of aggression. 
 
In addition, there were also violations in the West Bank, which led to the wounding of the journalists Khalil Ryash, Abbas Moumni, and Mohamed Muheisen. 
 
Throughout the war, Israeli occupation authorities prevented journalists from entering Gaza Strip, and even continued to ban entry about a week after the cease-fire, in clear violation of freedom of opinion and expression. The result was that crimes of war were blocked from international public opinion, which forced one-sided coverage, and the result was that coverage by most international media was not objective. 
 
A large group of Israeli journalists and the media played a part in inciting the war on Gaza and called for continuing it thereafter. They imposed a blackout on what is happening in the Gaza Strip, and excessive self-censorship was exercised, in addition to military censorship. This led eight Israeli non-governmental organizations, including B'Tselem and Kishv to send a message to all the Israeli media, criticizing that views critical of the decision to attack, or the conduct of the army during the war, were rarely heard.
 
More than that, the Israeli journalist Ehud Yaari made accusations against Al-A'lam TV reporter Khader Shaheen, which led to his arrest along with his producer Mohamed Sarhan. 
 
Mada welcomes the order issued by Interior Minister Abdel Razaq Al-Yahya on January 8, in which he stressed the need to respect journalists and facilitate their tasks during the coverage of various events.

Mada denounces the Palestinian security services’ prevention of Solidarity marches and prevention of journalists from covering some of those marches, and attacks on some of them, such as Majdi Ishtiyeh, Najib Farraj and Jamal Aruori. In addition to the campaign of arrests and summons among correspondents of Quds TV (Samer Khuerah, Ahmad Bikkawi, Ibrahim al-Rantisi and Mamdouh Hamamreh), and arrest of WAFA photographer Esam Rimawi, and “Al-Ahram Weekly” correspondent Khaled Amayreh , in the West Bank . 
 
Mada expresses appreciation to all colleagues in the Gaza Strip, who have worked in compelling circumstances, and in light of significant risks, and who were able to convey to the world by word and image over the course of the aggression on the hour. 

Mada expresses strong condemnation of the Israeli attacks against Palestinian journalists and media outlets.

Mada: Renews the call for the formation of an independent international commission to investigate the attacks on journalists and media outlets in Gaza strip, and to prosecute those responsible and bring them to justice. Calls upon the international community to put pressure on the government of Israel to stop ongoing violations of freedom of the press in the occupied Palestinian territories, and to force them to pay compensation to the media organizations whose headquarters were bombed, which exceeds  $6,000,000. Calls for the local media and international media to be allowed access to the Gaza Strip, completely and freely. Calls on the Palestinian security services to stop attacks on journalists and allow them to operate freely. 
 
Details of violations: 
 
(Jan.2) – Reuters photographer Yusri Al-Jamal was attacked by the Israeli occupation forces. Al-Jamal said that he went to cover a march in Biet Ommer town (Hebron). When he arrived there, he prepared his camera, then an Israeli officer rushed at him, pushed him with his hand and said, "Go away from here this is closed military area." Then he took the camera and threw it on the ground, and when Al-Jamal protested, the officer strongly hit him against a wall. Al-Jamal was transferred to the Ahli hospital in Hebron for treatment of bruises. 
 
 (Jan.2) – Agence France Press photographer Abbas Moumni was injured by the Israeli occupation forces. Moumni said that he was wounded during his coverage of a Palestinian march near Kalandia checkpoint, north of Jerusalem, by shrapnel from a bullet in the left leg; he was taken to the Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Ramallah to receive treatment.
 
(Jan.2) – “Al-Ayyam” photographer Jamal Aruori was detained by Palestinian police in Ramallah. Aruori said that he was covering a march in Ramallah city, when the police asked him to stop taking photos, and confiscated one of his cameras. Then he was taken to the police station, where they confiscated his second camera and mobile. After about a quarter of an hour they released him, apologized to him, and returned his confiscated equipment.
 
(Jan.2) – AP photographer Majdi Mohamed Ishtiyeh (26 years) was attacked by Palestinian military intelligence. Ishtiyeh said that that he was covering a march in Ramallah, when a security man in civilian clothing shouted at him, "stop taking pictures", then he was attacked by two of them, who took him by force to a nearby building, where one of them hit him by his head on his nose, and he lost consciousness. When he woke up shortly after that, they transferred him to the headquarters of intelligence. When bleeding from his nose was renewed, he told the officer in charge he needed treatment, so one of them took him to Ramallah hospital where he was given an initial treatment, and told him that he was suffering a broken nose and that he needed an operation. After several days later the operation to his nose was done in hospital in Nablus. 
 
(Jan.3) - Aqsa TV cameraman Omar Abdel-Hafiz Silawi (28 years) was killed in Beit Lahiya city (GS) after Israeli forces shelled Dr. Ibrahim Makadmeh mosque. His colleague Ibrahim Muslim said that they were covering the Israeli bombing in that area throughout the day, in particular, Kamal Adwan field hospital and the nearby areas. Silawi was filming and transferred videos to the place where the TV was broadcasting, then he transferred his wife to the hospital to give birth, then returned to take his camera and went to the mosque, which is 100m away from the hospital, and when it was bombed, he was seriously injured. "When I saw him on a stretcher sometimes I was filming him and sometimes helping they race him to the hospital,” said his colleague. “I was crying. They tried to treat him but without results. Our comfort is that his wife gave birth safely to a son." 
 
(Jan.3) – “Al-Resaleh” weekly newspaper headquarters was bombed by Israeli military aircraft in Gaza city. Its chief editor Waseem Afifah said that an Israeli Apache helicopter bombed the headquarters of the newspaper in the El Ajrami building with three rockets at about 4:30 pm, which led to extensive damage to the headquarters, the furniture, computers, and electrical appliances. He confirmed that an independent committee assessed the damage with an estimated amount of about $60,000. He mentioned that the paper ceased publication during the aggression. Israeli aircraft also bombed, shortly after that the Rantisi printing headquarters, in which the newspaper was printed. 
 
(Jan.3) – Al-Aqsa TV frequencies were penetrated by the Israeli occupation forces, where they broadcasted propaganda directed against Hamas and the Palestinian resistance factions. It was repeated several times during the aggression. The occupation forces destroyed the headquarters of al-Aqsa Television on December 28, 2008. Al-Aqsa TV head of programs Sameer Abu Muhsen said that the loss resulting from the destruction of the television is estimated at about six million dollars - five million was the price of appliances and equipment, and one million dollars for the construction cost of the five-floor building.
 
(Jan.4) – Al-Aqsa Radio headquarters was bombed by Israeli aircraft, in Gaza city. Its Director Ibrahim Thaher said that an Israeli Apache bombed the headquarters at around 7pm, which led to the destruction of the building that houses the store of fuel, equipment and standby transmitters. None of the employees was hurt, and the damage was estimated at $60,000. 
 
(Jan.4) – “Al-Ayyam” newspaper correspondent Mohammed al-Jamal’s house was destroyed in Yebna refugee camp south of Rafah city. Al-Jamal said that he was alone in the house when an Israeli drone aircraft fired missiles at around 10 am. "Suddenly I heard a huge explosion, and I felt as if someone threw me from the chair, and on the ground. My head hit the wall and I lost consciousness for a moment". He left the house after that, and the house area was bombed again by two missiles from an F-16, "Then I rushed to the house and found piles of stones and cracked walls and broken roofs." 
 
(Jan.5) Al-A'lam TV correspondent Khader Shaheen and producer Muhammad Sarhan were arrested by Israeli police on the pretext of violating military censorship. His colleague Fares Saraffandi said that journalist Ehud Yaari of Israeli Channel Two TV made allegations against Shaheen, on the grounds that he is an Israel citizen working with Iran (Shaheen has Israeli ID), and that he reported the movement of the Israeli army on Jan.3 at 6:30 pm, while claiming that the army announced the beginning of the operation at 8 pm. Israeli police searched for him the next day in Sederot town, but did not find him. When he learned about it, he went to the police station in Jerusalem on Monday, accompanied by his lawyer, cameraman Ahmad Jalajil and producer Mohamed Sarhan. After three hours of examination, the police asked them to go to the police station in Petah Tikva city (near Tel Aviv). They went there and after two hours of investigation, Shahin and Sarhan were arrested, and Jalajil was released, and they asked the lawyer to leave. They were released on Jan.15 on the basis of the Court's decision, on bail of 300,000 shekels (about $75,000). They are under house arrest and ordered to stop their journalistic work until trial.
 
(Jan.6) - Algerian TV assistant cameraman Basil Ibrahim Faraj (22 years) died due to a serious injury he suffered in the head on the first day of the aggression (Jan. 27), when Israeli aircraft bombed one of the towers in the Tal El-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza city. A correspondent of Channel Two Moroccan television, Khalid Saeed Abu Shammala (26), who was also with him, said Faraj lost consciousness and was transferred to Shifa hospital, and after several days was transferred to an Egyptian hospital, where he died on Jan. 7. 
 
(Jan.6) - Ramattan News Agency production director Yusef Ahmed Atwa’s house was occupied by the Israeli occupation forces. Atwah said that the Israeli soldiers turned the house in the Israa neighborhood in Gaza city into a military post, until their withdrawal on 18 January, where they vandalized the furniture. Also the house was damaged slightly as a result of the resistance men firing at the soldiers, who were inside the house.
 
(Jan.7) – “Al-Quds” newspaper correspondent Najeeb Farraj was threatened and verbally attacked by members of the Palestinian police. Faraj said that he saw a group of Palestinian police attacking a young boy, after chasing a group of youths who were demonstrating near Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem. He prepared his camera for filming, but one of them asked him to shut down the camera, so he closed it, but another one insulted him, then they left the scene, but one of them returned back and threatened him if he published any picture of the incident. 
 
(Jan.8) - Palestinian Public TV cameraman Ihab Jamal Wahidi (33 years), was killed by Israeli occupation forces in the Tower of doctors in Gaza city. His wife Ihsan Abu-Jaber Naja said that she was standing with her husband and her mother Ruqaya Abu Naja on the seventh floor apartment balcony. She said, “We were talking about general matters, when suddenly I heard my husband saying "look" and I saw a shell heading towards us." The shell hit her mother directly, and Ihab was killed immediately and fell from the seventh floor onto the ground. The medical report from the Red Crescent Hospital confirmed his death occurred before he fell from the balcony. She was injured by shrapnel in the lungs and suffered internal bleeding, and she was taken to the nearby Red Crescent hospital to receive treatment. She confirmed that they were targeted because a missile or a shell was fired at the apartment minutes after the first one, although the area had not witnessed any military activity in that period, and whomever shot them knew they were civilians, because they were standing in the open air on the balcony. 
 
 (Jan.8) – Editor for Saudi Ekhpareyah TV Manar Shalolah (26 years) was slightly injured in his head when Al-Jawharah (Jewel) tower was bombed by an Israeli airplane. The building is used by Media Group as a place for live broadcast for a number of TV channels, to whom it provides media services. Media Group Chairman Atef Isa said that the bombardment was during the live broadcast for Al-A'lam Iranian TV, and there were also more than twenty journalists on the roof. The bombing was about eight meters from the journalists. He stressed that the Israeli army knows that the surface is used for live broadcasts, where there are press signs, in addition they contacted Israeli army spokesman Afihai Adra’ei and told him about the place since the first day of the war, and he had confirmed that the place would not be bombed. 
 
(Jan.9) - Alwan Radio broadcaster A'la Hammad Murtaja (25 years) was killed after being seriously injured by the bombing of his house in the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza city, by an Israeli tank. His colleague Mazen Belbaysi said that Murtaja took leave for two hours and went to his home at approximately six pm when he was seriously wounded in the leg by the bombing of his home. He was taken to Shifa hospital, and died at about 10 pm, while an Aljazeera correspondent was preparing to interview him. His mother was seriously injured in the incident. 
 
(Jan.19) - BBC Arabic producer Ziad Taleb Abu Khoussa’s house was moderately damaged by an Israeli tank shell in the Atatra village (Beit Lahia). Abu Khoussa said that the Israeli occupation forces had shelled the houses adjacent to their home since the first day of the land offensive on 5 December. About a hundred relatives and neighbors had gathered in the shelter of the house, without food or water and, on 9 January, a nearby gas station was bombed, which led to the fire along the wall of the house. They fled it for fear of fire, then three artillery shells were shot at them, which led to damage to the house. 
 
(Jan.9) Maan News Agency photographer Khalil Ryashwas was wounded by Israeli occupation forces in Jayyous village (Qalqilya-WB), which led to injuries in his right leg, according to Maan. He was transferred to Dr. Darwish Hospital in Qalqilya city to receive treatment
 
(Jan.9) - Associated Press photographer Mohammed Muheisen was injured by the Israeli occupation forces while covering a demonstration near the Qalandya checkpoint north of Jerusalem. Muheisen said that he was hit by a gas bomb in the chest under the heart, and lost consciousness after the impact caused by inhalation of large quantities of gas. He was transferred to the Sheikh Zayed hospital in Ramallah, where the doctors diagnosed a fracture in a rib. 
 
(Jan.10) - Sudanese TV correspondent Sameer Khalifa’s apartment was shelled by the Israeli occupation forces in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza city. Khalifa said that one artillery shell fired by Israeli forces at around 6 am hit the apartment in the fourth floor of the building and caused large damage, but none of his family was hurt, because they had moved to live in his parents’ apartment on the second floor of the same building. 
 
(Jan.13) – The apartments of WAFA agency correspondent Khader Zanoun, and his brother Ismail Zanoun, a Ramatan News Agency photographer, were shelled by Israeli occupation forces in Tal El-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza city. Zanoun said that an Israeli Apache helicopter shelled the two apartments in addition to his parents’ apartment, in the same building on the fourth floor, at about 7:30 pm, causing major damage to the three apartments and furniture, in addition to burning the kitchen of his apartment. 
 
(Jan.13) – Al-Aqsa TV programs director Sameer Abu Mohsen’s apartment, was shelled by Israeli occupation forces in Gaza city. Abu Mohsen said that an Israeli tank shelled his apartment in Tel-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza city at around 4 am, causing significant damage to the apartment. No one was hurt because Abu Mohsen had sent his wife to her family home since the first day of the aggression, and he was at work during the shelling.
 
(Jan.15) – Abu Dhabi TV cameraman Mohamed Sobhi al Sosi (33 years) and montage technician Ayman Yousef Al-Rouzi (33 years) were injured The Israeli occupation forces shelled the Abu Dhabi TV office in Al-Shoruoq tower in Gaza city. Al -Rouzi said that they were in the office when an Israeli shell hit the office at 11:30 am. He was injured in the head, and Al-Sosi in his left hand, and they were transferred to Shefa hospital and received treatment. Abu Dhabi TV office operates through Gaza Center for Information, which provides media services to a number of Arab television channels and media outlets. The shell also led to the destruction of most of the television transmitters, TV cameras and production equipment, according to a Gaza Center for Information statement. In Al-Shoruoq tower there are also offices of a number of local, Arab and international media. 
 
(Jan.17) - Yemen TV correspondent Adnan Na'man Al-Borsh’s (29 years) home was shelled by the Israeli occupation forces in Jabalia town. Al-Borsh said that the Israeli occupation forces shelled the area with artillery and missiles, which led to partial damage. It is worth mentioning the Yemen TV receives Media services from Ramattan agency. 
 
(Jan.17) - Ramattan agency cameraman Anas Attallah Rihan’s (27 years) home was destroyed by the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza city. Rihan said that he went that day to cover the Israeli artillery bombardment of Al Isra neighborhood of Gaza city, and found that his house was destroyed by artillery shelling. No one of his family was hurt, because they left the house several days ago. 
 
(Jan.17) - Ramattan agency producer Khalid Mahmud al-Zahra's home was shelled by Israeli occupation forces in Mughraqa village south of Gaza city. Al-Zahra said that an Israeli tank fired two shells at the house, which led to significant damage, but no one of his family was hurt because they were sheltering in the next apartment. The house had been shot several times during the war. 
 
(Jan.17) - Ramattan agency cameraman Ashraf Kafarneh’s home was blown up by the Israeli occupation forces in Beit Hanoun city. Kafarneh said that the Israeli forces fired missiles and bullets at the house. His family fled from the house, then the soldiers raided it and then blew it up at about 11 am. The house is composed of four apartments for himself and his brothers. 
 
(Jan.18) – “Al-Ahram” Weekly correspondent Khalid Amayreh was arrested by Palestinian Preventive Security Service in Hebron city. Amayreh said that he was summoned to their office in Dura town. When he went there he was transferred to their headquarters in Hebron city, where he was arrested and interrogated about his recently published articles. The Preventive Security Service said in a statement that the cause of the arrest came because of Amayreh’s incitement and abuse of the Palestinian National Authority and the security services, as well as working on creating discord and differences between Palestinian factions and the Palestinian people, during the aggression on Gaza. He was released after two days of detention. 
 
(Jan.-) - Ramattan monitor Abdul Rahman Mohammed Hussein’s (24 years) house was burned by Israeli occupation forces. Hussein said that they left their home in al-Atatrah village, north of Gaza strip, since the first day of the war, and returned to it after the ceasefire on 18 January. They found the first floor of the house was burnt. It was clear that the soldiers were staying on the second floor. In addition the tanks had destroyed three of the family cars, which were parked in front of the house. 
 
(Jan.24) – Quds TV correspondent Samer Khuerah was arrested by the Palestinian Preventive Security Service in Nablus city. According to Quds TV sources in Ramallah, Khuyrah was arrested after he was summoned for investigation. Members of Preventive Security came to Quds TV office in Nablus two days before, and they interrogated him about his work in Quds TV. 
 
(Jan.26) – WAFA Agency photographer Esam Huda Rimawi was arrested by the Palestinian Preventive Security Service in Ramallah city. Rimawi’s family said that three security officers in civilian clothes and four in uniform came to his office, and asked him to accompany them for a little while. He went with them, where he was arrested. Rimawi works also for other media outlets. 
 
(Jan.26) - Quds TV correspondent in Jenin city Ahmed Ali Bikkawi (30 years) was arrested by the Palestinian intelligence service in Ramallah city. According to Quds TV sources in Ramallah, Bikkawi was summoned to their headquarters, while he was in work mission in Ramallah. he was arrested after arriving at the headquarters in Ramallah.
 
(Jan.27) - Quds TV correspondent in Ramallah Ibrahim A'hed Rantisi was summoned by the Palestinian military intelligence service. Rantisi said that he was summoned on the previous day by them. After his arrival at 9 am at the security headquarters in Ramallah he was placed in one of the offices for half an hour and then one of the investigators came and took him to another room and blindfolded him and asked him to stand and raise his hands up. After half an hour he brought down his hands because he was tired, but the investigator asked him to raise his hands again. He said he was tired and couldn’t lift them again. After that the investigation began, with him blindfolded, about his work in Quds TV and personal and public issues. He was released at about 2 m. 
 
(Jan.27) - Quds TV correspondent in Bethlehem Mamdouh Mahmud Hamamrah (24 years) was summoned by the Palestinian intelligence service. He went to their headquarters in Bethlehem city at 12 pm. They investigated him about his work in Quds TV, and many personal things. He was released at 2 pm.

Contact: Rimawi Mousa - Ramallah - Mada Coordinator
info@madacenter.org
madapalestine@yahoo.com
http/:www.madacenter.org 

***10.02.09. COLOMBIA. Report on the state of the Freedom of Press in 2008 (FLIP)

The Foundation for the Freedom of the Press (FLIP) presents its annual report ''The threat and the stigmatization: Invisible intimidations of the press'' about the state of the freedom of press in Colombia in 2008. The FLIP launches the report today on Colombia's National Day of the Journalist.

The report describes the landscape of the press in Colombia during 2008. In the past year there were 130 violations of press freedom. This represents a decrease of approximately 20 percent compared to 2007, the year in which the FLIP recorded 162 violations.

In 2008 there were no job-related murders of journalists. This is a fact worth emphasizing in a country like Colombia, where more than 130 journalists have been killed in the past 30 years. Despite this positive result, judicial investigations of crimes committed in previous years have made very little progress.

Compared to the prior year, 2008 saw a 15 percent reduction in threats made against journalists. Despite this, threat remains the main method of intimidation utilized against journalists, and the most effective mechanism to curtail the spread of information and prevent certain issues from coming into the public light. Together with the absolute impunity in which judicial investigations of threats against journalists remain, threats have become the silent enemy of freedom of expression.

In the report, FLIP presents some figures about the functioning of the Interior Ministry's Protection of Journalists Program during 2008 and especially emphasizes a recent ruling of the Constitutional Court -- following the lawsuit of one of the beneficieries of the Program -- about the conditions with which the State should proteect the journalist at risk. In short, the Court ruled that the protection of a journalist at risk can not affect his freedom of expression.

During 2008, there have also been some denouncements of journalists who consider themselves to be at risk because of remarks or statements made by public officials and individuals.

Aside the direct threats and other violations of press freedom, last year showed another, more indirect, form of censorship; the arbitrary distribution of state advertising to serve political objectives and exert financial pressure on journalists and media. The report provides an approach to the problem and some of the proposals that are being developed to deal with it.

Another factor that may lead to an indirect form of censorship is the restriction of access to public information. During 2008, FLIP announced certain actions aimed at promoting the right to petition. In one particular case, the Supreme Court of Justice referred to public information and information about military matters. In a ruling that was relevant for investigative journalism the high court ruled that when the Army refuses to give information on the grounds of maintaining national security, it should explain the way in which national security would be compromised by the answer.

Download the abstract of the report in: http://www.flip.org.co/veralertaeng.php?idAlerta=236
Download the complete report (only Spanish version available) in: http://www.flip.org.co/veralerta.php

***10.02.09. SOMALIA. NUSOJ Expresses Concern over Growing Intimidation and Pressure on Media in Southern Somalia

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is deeply concerned about the
disturbing acts from authorities in southern Somalia to restrict the work of
journalists and media houses in order to move ahead their political and armed
agenda.

In Gedo region, the Islamic administration banned journalists to use in the
region video and digital cameras, and warned that they would be
“prosecuted” for trying to breach this order. The media in the region was
also instructed not to say “Somalia has government”.

Armed politicians who are also against the Transitional Federal Government led
by President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed have been threatening journalists who
have been making extensive coverage of the peace talks and the arrival the
President in Mogadishu. These politicians are separately pressurising
journalists to give them equal coverage with the TFG, but the journalists have
been insisting that they cannot overstate individuals that are not familiar in
the society or not talking about significant issues for the people.

Radio Markabley, the only Radio station in Gedo region, is still not free to
function as directed by its administration and wanted by its journalists due to
interferences and restricts from authorities. Parents of women journalists in
Bardhere were advised to stop their daughters not to speak from Radio.    

The Al-Shabaab administration in Kismayo also imposed on journalists rules to
follow to report in Kismayo. Head of the Information of Al-Shabaab Sheik Hassan
Yaqub Ali and his deputy Abdifatah Mohamed Ali ordered recently that
journalists who report stories their offices are not aware of will be dealt by
arresting, expelling from the region or the media house he/she is working for
to be banned from the region. Due to stress on journalists, some of the
reporters in Kismayu joined the information service of Al-Shabaab as a form of
protection for themselves and their families.

“These acts of pressure, intimidations and interferences will hardly divert
the media to report important stories and no group or authority will do well to
conceal facts on ground,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.

“We urge the government of Sheik Sherif Sheik Ahmed to immediately establish
accountability and the rule of law in Somalia,” Omar Faruk added. “We
demand the TFG to make clear to members of its armed security forces that
discipline will be enforced and violators of media rights will be brought to
justice”.

***09.02.09. NEPAL. International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission: Rapid Response Assessment Mission to Nepal

The International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission (also known as the International Media Mission) visited Nepal from 5 to 8 February to undertake a rapid response assessment of the press freedom situation in the country. The International Mission was represented by ARTICLE 19, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International Media Support (IMS), International Press Institute (IPI), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), UNESCO and World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC). Press freedoms in Nepal continue to face serious threat despite the hope that restoration of democratic rule would improve the situation.

The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) recorded a staggering 342 press freedom violations in 2008 alone, including a significant escalation in the number of physical attacks on journalists and media houses. Four journalists - Uma Singh, J.P. Joshi, Birendra Sah and Pushkar Bahadur Shrestha - have been killed since 2006. The International Mission calls on the authorities to undertake prompt, independent and impartial investigation of these and all other cases of murder and disappearances of journalists.

Another journalist, Prakash Singh Thakuri, has been missing since July 2007. Late last year the Government withdrew charges against the accused, who was earlier released on bail. Prime Minister, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, assured the International Mission that the case would be reopened. The International Mission also calls for an investigation into killing of Dekendra Thapa, after his remains were found last year.

The International Mission is deeply worried over the attacks on media houses, including Kantipur, Himal Media, Ankush Daily, Ramaroshan FM and APCA Group. Such attacks on media workers, publications and property are unacceptable. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions. Any substantive grievances over work conditions must be addressed through dialogue and negotiation.

The International Mission is concerned that due process is not being observed in the cases against Rishi Dhamala, Ram Subhak Mahato, Birendra K.M., Manoj Mahato. The reported kidnapping of Pankaj Das in Birgunj whilst the International Mission was in the country must be swiftly followed-up by the authorities.

The ongoing attacks, threats and harassment of media personnel and organisations are having a chilling effect on press freedom. Free and open debate is being undermined with journalists and media being forced into self-censorship, seriously jeopardising the peace and democratisation process currently underway in the country.

A pattern in the attacks and harassment is discernible. Critical reporting is being met with violence and perpetrators go unpunished. The authorities are failing in their duty to prevent, punish and redress the harm caused by such attacks. The violations of journalists’ rights is a direct infringement of the public right to information. Furthermore, the links between political parties and some the perpetrators of these violent acts are a matter of serious concern and would indicate the acceptance, and possible complicity, of those political parties in the violence. The Nepali constitution and international covenants that Nepal is signatory to place a positive obligation on the State to prevent these abuses.

Conditions for women journalists, already seriously underrepresented in the profession, are of particular concern as they are more vulnerable to attack and harassment, and are being forced to leave their work and sometimes to move away from home due to such pressures.

The International Mission notes that as of now, not one person has been convicted for a criminal act against journalists and media houses, and calls on the Prime Minister and Government to follow-up their commitment to end impunity. Moreover, the International Mission demands that all acts of violence against journalists and the media end immediately.

The International Mission urges the Government and political parties to implement the recommendations for freedom of expression and press freedom outlined in the Agenda for Change document as swiftly and fully as possible. Specifically, the International Mission draws attention to the following six points, which should be addressed in accordance with international standards and best practice:

Guarantees of freedom of expression for all and press freedom must be enshrined in the new constitution; The Right to Information (RTI) Act should be properly enforced so as to give practical effect to the presumption in favour of disclosure; The Government should end control of media and introduce Public Service Broadcasting; An independent regulator for broadcasting should be created in place of direct government control; Criminal defamation should be abolished and defamation should be addressed only through civil law; The Working Journalists’ Act should be implemented and accompanied by regular dialogue between media workers and owners.
Furthermore, the International Mission urges the Constituent Assembly to form a committee to deal with the reforms outlines in the Agenda for Change , as well as to follow and respond to the press freedom situation in the country.

The International Mission is convinced that all media stakeholders must rally around the common goal of safeguarding freedom of expression. The International Mission urges the international community to support the national media community in its efforts to defend press freedom.

The International Mission remains committed to supporting and defending freedom of expression and press freedom in Nepal together with its national partners.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
• The International Mission travelled to Nepal in February 2009 with only two weeks notice on the request of the Federation of Nepali Journalists and other members of the Nepali media community. The International Mission met with the Prime Minister, Ministers, Constituent Assembly, leaders of Government and opposition political parties, heads of security agencies, media, and civil society organisations. Mission members also visited Janakpur in Dhanusha District, where the journalist Uma Singh was murdered on 11 January 2009.

The International Mission incorporates fifteen international organisations, including UN agencies, global media associations, freedom of expression advocates and media development organisations. This is the sixth visit of the International Mission to Nepal, the previous trips being in July 2005, March 2006, September 2006, January 2008 and April 2008.

***04.02.09. SOMALIA. Prominent Somali Journalist Assassinated in Mogadishu

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) strongly condemns today’s brutal assassination of Said Tahlil Ahmed, Director of HornAfrik Radio in Mogadishu at around 14:45 hrs local time.

Three men with pistols shot Said Tahlil Ahmed four times at the heard in Bakara Market while he was with other directors of Radio Stations in Mogadishu as they were summoned by Al-Shabaab Islamic group for a meeting, according to one of the Directors who did not want to be named for security reasons. Due to this killing the directors could not attend the meeting that they were summoned.

“This is a outrageous and appalling assassination” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General. “Said Tahlil Ahmed was assassinated because of his strong and professional commitment for independent journalism”.

Said Tahlil Ahmed was courageous, veteran and well-respected journalist. “Somali journalists community have lost today a leading journalist who was killed by enemies of press freedom with the intention of instilling fear in the hearts of journalists”, Omar Faruk declared.

“Enough is enough, the government of President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed and the International community have to act swiftly to end targeted violence against journalists” Omar Faruk appealed.

Said Tahlil Ahmed is the second journalist killed in Somalia since the start of the year. Hassan Mayow Hassan of Radio Shabelle was the first journalist killed in the world in this year as he was killed on 1st January.

***04.02.09. The IFJ Says Impunity and "Callous Indifference" Remain Threats as New Wave of Media Killings Wipes out Optimism Over Death Toll in 2008

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today issued its report on the killings of journalists in 2008 with a warning that 2009 could be the deadliest year yet for journalists. A wave of killings in the first days of the new year have undermined hopes that the falling death toll recorded in 2008 was the first sign of a change in the pattern of killings which have risen dramatically in recent years.

"The welcome relief brought about by the decline in the killings of journalists in 2008 has been shot lived;" said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary at a press conference to launch the report entitled ' Perilous Assignments: Journalists and media personnel killed in 2008'. "Ten colleagues died in January alone and from all regions of the world either in targeted killing or as a direct result of their work."

The IFJ recorded 109 deaths of journalists and media staff in 2008, marking a decrease from the 2007 all time record of 175 deaths.

The IFJ says that the international community still needs to step up to confront the challenge of impunity in the killing of journalists. "We often see politicians, even in democratic countries showing callous indifference to the threats posed by attacks on journalists and media. That must end," said White.

According to the report, Iraq remains the most dangerous countries despite a substantial drop of media casualties from 65 in 2007 to 16 last year. The other dangerous zones were Mexico and India with 10 deaths each.

The IFJ says the culture of impunity for crimes against journalists and the systematic failure to respect the rights of journalists deny journalists the protection they are entitled to in their work, especially during armed conflict.

"The recent conflict in Gaza provides a powerful example of the dangers facing journalists" added White. "Media personnel and installations were targeted by Israeli military, causing casualties, including two fatalities and extensive damage to property."

The IFJ was the first press freedom advocacy group to call for an investigation into the Israeli targeting of the media during the conflict in Gaza and is gathering information for a report on these attacks which will contribute to the investigation.

"Israel must be held accountable for the violations of international law and the international community, including the European Union, must enforce effectively provisions for the protection of journalists and media staff, especially Resolution 1738," White said.

The IFJ report also indicates that the organisation's Safety Fund contributed in 2008 over 100.000 Euro in humanitarian assistance grants to more than two dozens families of killed journalists and journalists in need. The Fund is also contributing to humanitarian efforts to help journalists as part of the IFJ Solidarity campaign launched in the wake of the Israeli attack on Gaza.

"The Safety Fund, created and funded by journalists to help colleagues in need is a shining example of solidarity in action," added White. "Through this Fund, journalists or their families, who otherwise would have been left to fend for themselves after tragedies such as accidents or the death of a bread winner, have been given a lifeline to help find their feet again."

IFJ report on journalists and media staff killed in 2008 is available here

***29.01.09. UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF DEPLORES DETERIORATING SITUATION FOR CIVILIANS IN SRI LANKA
GENEVA -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Thursday she was deeply concerned by reports of the rapidly deteriorating conditions facing a quarter of a million civilians trapped in the conflict zone in northern Sri Lanka, and of alleged human rights abuses and a significant number of civilian casualties, as well as the huge displacement.

Ms. Pillay also expressed concern at the highly restricted access to the Vanni region for aid agencies and impartial outside observers, including journalists and human rights monitors.

“The perilous situation of civilians after many months of fighting, multiple displacements and heavy rains and flooding is extremely worrying,” Ms. Pillay said. “The lack of access for independent monitors, humanitarian workers and the media only adds to concerns that the situation may be even worse than we realize,” she added.

The High Commissioner cited reports of forced recruitment, including of children, as well as the use of civilians as human shields by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). She also condemned the fact that safe zones promised by the Government have subsequently been subjected to bombardment leading to civilian casualties.

“People trying to flee the conflict areas are reported to have either been prevented from doing so, or to have been arbitrarily detained in special centres,” she said. “It seems there may have been very grave breaches of human rights by both sides in the conflict, and it is imperative that we find out more about what exactly has been going on. It is also urgent that civilians in the north can find safe shelter, away from the fighting.”

Ms. Pillay noted that along with the Secretary-General and other heads of UN agencies, she had already expressed her concerns directly to the Government of Sri Lanka. “We are all seriously alarmed by the situation,” she said, “as are many of the NGOs and other organizations operating in Sri Lanka.”

Ms. Pillay said the conflict had reached a critical stage: “While the Government has made military gains on one hand, the rule of law has been undermined on the other. The killing of the prominent newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunge earlier this month was the latest blow to the free expression of dissent in Sri Lanka. The searing article he wrote prophesying his own murder is an extraordinary indictment of a system corrupted by more than two decades of bloody internal conflict.”

The High Commissioner observed there had not been any successful investigations or prosecutions of political killings, disappearances and other violations committed in recent years.

“It is the Government's duty to provide safety to all Sri Lanka's citizens, whatever their ethnic origin or political views,” Ms. Pillay said. “That means not only protecting civilians during military operations in the north, but also ensuring space for journalists and human rights defenders to seek out the truth and expose abuses.”

Ms. Pillay added that “a strenuous effort needs to be made to tackle the core problems that have fuelled this conflict for a quarter of a century, in order to bring peace and prosperity and restore fundamental rights and freedoms for all Sri Lankans in all parts of the country.”

***27.01.09. Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada) demands a halt to the policy over the detention of journalists and demands, Sky and BBC to broadcast Gaza aid appeal

The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada) expresses
concern over the renewal of arrests of journalists in recent days by the
Palestinian security services in the West Bank, where they arrested today
morning Al-Quds TV correspondent in Ramallah Ibrahim Rantisi, its
correspondent in Jenin Ahmad dikawi yesterday, and its correspondent in
Nablus Samer Khuerah on January 24.

They also arrested WAFA Agency cameraman yesterday (January 26), Al-Ahram
Weekly correspondent Khalid Amayreh, was arrested on January 18 in Hebron
city, and was released two days later.

Mada Center condemns the renewable concedered violations of freedom of
opinion and expression, Mada demands the Palestinian national authority to
put an end to the policy of detention of journalists, and the release of
all arrested journalists in the past three days, in addition to Fareed
Hammad who was arrested on July 29, 2008, and Iyad Srour who was arrested
on October 14, 2008.

Meanwhile, Mada demands BBC and Sky News to broadcast Gaza aid appeal,
because the failure to broadcast the appeal raises big question marks over
their neutrality and impartiality.

***26.01.09. UNESCO CHIEF DEPLORES MURDERS OF JOURNALISTS IN RUSSIA, VENEZUELA
New York, Jan 26 2009  3:10PM
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with upholding press freedom condemned the killings of journalists and a lawyer in Russia and Venezuela, underscoring that these murders are a contravention of human rights.

Journalist Anastasia Baburova and human rights lawyer Stanislav Markelov were shot dead on 19 January while having a conversation outside a Moscow metro station. Mr. Markelov, who had just given a press conference, is believed to have been the target of the attack. Ms. Baburova worked for <i>Novaya Gazeta<./i>, the same newspaper as investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya, who was assassinated in 2006.

Also slain in Russia recently was Shafiq Amrakhov, owner and editor of the online regional news agency RIA 51 in Murmansk in the country’s north-west. He was shot inside his apartment and died six days later.

“These killings represent a tragic blow to the basic human right of freedom of expression and to all other human rights, which are essential if good governance and the rule of law are to be upheld,” said UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO

On 16 January, Orel Sambrano, editor of <i>ABC<./i>, a weekly magazine, was shot and killed in broad daylight as he got out of his car in Valencia, a city in north-central Venezuela.

The 62-year-old, who was also the vice-president of the privately-owned Radio America 890AM station and a columnist for the regional daily <i>Notitarde<./i>, had received death threats linked to his reports on drug trafficking.

The “deliberate targeting” of media professionals such as Mr. Sambrano is a setback to “democracy and rule of law which depend on the ability of the members of any society to hold free debates about issues of general concern and make informed decisions,” said Mr. Matsuura.
Jan 26 2009  3:10PM) Director-General Koïchiro Matsuura.

***25.01.09. IFJ and FAJ Call for Urgent Action to Protect Journalists after Tour of War-torn Gaza

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Federation of Arab Journalists and a number of journalists' leaders from Europe and the Arab world have concluded a two-day emergency mission to Gaza with a call for urgent action to improve the safety of journalists and media in the region.

"The Israeli army has left the scene after three weeks of turmoil and tragedy in which media have been in the firing line," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "But the threats and intimidation of media continue. We need to take urgent action to protect Palestinian journalists."

The mission met with local journalists' leaders, talked to media personnel injured and caught up in the fighting and toured media sites bombed by Israel during the conflict. The mission says a comprehensive package of measures is urgently needed including:

Safety training and material for the protection of journalists; Humanitarian aid to the media families affected by the violence; A full investigation by the United Nations of targeting of media by Israel in violation of international law; Measures to encourage solidarity among Palestinian journalists in Gaza and the West Bank and to assist the Palestine Journalists Syndicate; Support for professional actions to counter undue political influence of media in the region which are affected by sectarianism which has divided the West Bank and Gaza.

"Israel has much to answer for and must be held accountable by the international community," said White. "But we must take action now to ensure that journalists are protected and that political attempts to control media and journalism are ended."

The IFJ says that the Hamas and Palestinian Authorities must stop interfering with media and must allow journalists to work freely.

"In Gaza we found evidence of intimidation by Hamas. This is completely unacceptable. We understand that humanitarian help to media including safety vests for journalists in danger have been seized and confiscated. This is intolerable," said White. 

"All sides must take their hands off the media and allow journalists to work freely without any form of intimidation."

The IFJ and FAJ also decided to support a detailed investigation to determine whether Israel has violated international law, including Security Council Resolution 1738 on the protection of journalists in armed conflict.

The international mission was led by Aidan White and Federation of Arab Journalists General Secretary Makram Mohamed Ahmed, who is also President of the Egyptian Journalists' Union. Other members of the mission are: Nikos Megrelis(EIAS, Greece), Patrick Kamenka (SNJ-CGT, France), Kjetil Haanes (NJ, Norway), Paolo Serventi (FNSI, Italy), Omar Mousa Al Shnaikat (JPA, Jordan); Anne Poulsen (IMS, Denmark), Hatem Zakariya (FAJ, Egypt).

The IFJ and FAJ agreed to put in place mechanisms which will support and contribute to the unity of journalists in Palestine. "Journalists in Palestine have been victims of sectarianism and divisions," said White. "Now they must forge unity and harmony and keep self-serving politics out of the newsroom." 

The IFJ thanked the FAJ for their prompt response to an appeal for joint action over the Gaza crisis and said the two organizations are committed to building professionalism in journalism in the region. The two organisations also agreed to consult over plans for a second mission involving leaders of journalists' unions in the coming weeks.

***22.01.09. IFJ Praises Courageous Journalists as Mission Enters Gaza

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today led a multinational delegation of journalists' unions from Europe and the Arab world into Gaza, only hours before Israel finally opened the area to the world press  

The aim of the mission, says the IFJ, is to support local journalists and to investigate the problems facing media during the conflict.

The IFJ, which has condemned vigorously Israeli targeting of media and the blockade on journalists entering Gaza over the last month, today also condemned Hamas for its threats and intimidation of journalists.

"We commend local journalists for the courage they showed in the face of deliberate and, in many cases, deadly attacks," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary and head of the international mission to Gaza. "We strongly support the call of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the respect of international law during armed conflict and it is time for Israel and Hamas to be held to account for serious violations of international law in this conflict."

The IFJ also decided to support a detailed investigation to determine whether Israel has violated international humanitarian law, including Security Council Resolution 1738 on the protection of journalists in armed conflict.

The international mission was organised jointly with the Federation of Arab journalists, including its General Secretary Makram Mohamed Ahmed. Other members of the mission are : Nikos Megrelis(Greece), Patrick Kamenka( France), Kjetil Haanes ( Norway), Paolo Serventi(Italy), Omar Mousa Al Shnaikat (Jordan); Anee Poulsen ( Denmark, ) , Hatan Zakariya(Egypt), Mohamad Noul Farhat( Egypt), Imad Attiya(Egypt) and Salah Maqsud(Egypt)

"The last month has been hell for journalists working in Gaza, "said Aidan White. "It is impossible to properly investigate the media situation in Gaza without considering the difficulties facing journalists, particularly because of the Hamas regime. It is clear that Hamas are no friends of media freedom and have been ruthless in their intimidation and manipulation of the media. The situation of journalists in Gaza was already intolerable without military activity and this latest conflict has not made it any better.  Now that the violence has stopped, it is time for all sides, especially Hamas to allow journalists to work freely."

The IFJ is working with the Federation of Arab journalists to put in place mechanisms which will support and contribute to the unity among journalists in Palestine.

"Journalists in Palestine have been victims of sectarianism and divisions," said White. "They must stand aside these and forge unity and harmony for the good of journalism in Palestine."

***21.01.09. SRI LANKA. Global media rights groups condemn "culture of impunity and indifference" in Sri Lanka

The International Press Freedom Mission today condemned a "culture of impunity and indifference" over killings and attacks on journalists in Sri Lanka. Since the beginning of the New Year, both the killing of a senior editor and the attack on the facilities of a popular independent TV channel have led to a total paralysis of the media community.

Launching a new report, "Media Under Fire: Press Freedom Lockdown in Sri Lanka", the International Mission criticised the Government over its inaction and failure to take the attacks, murder and assassination of reporters seriously. This has in turn led to an almost total blackout of independent and objective reporting from the North and East of Sri Lanka, which have seen the worst of the country’s long-running civil war.

"In all the cases of attacks against media and assassinations of reporters there are few serious investigations by the authorities and none of the killers are ever brought to trial," said the International Mission. "A hostile environment of intolerance propelled forward by the top political leadership has created a culture of impunity and indifference making every day hunting season for attacks on media staff."

Based on its visit to Sri Lanka in October 2008, the International Mission noted three trends relating to the coverage of the conflict: lack of press access and independent information flow in the conflict zones; a wave of assaults and intimidation of journalists covering the conflict; and self-censorship by the media on the realities of the war.

Since the International Mission took place, the situation for media has continued to deteriorate in Sri Lanka. On 6 January this year the studio of the Maharaja Television/Broadcasting Network (MTV/MBC) was attacked by armed gunmen. On 8 January, Lasantha Wickrematunga, editor of the Sunday Leader, was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle as he drove to work in Colombo. On 15 January, police began a widespread search for MTV Channel 1 Chief Chevaan Daniel after accusations of him being behind the attack on his station.

According to the findings of the International Mission, reporters and editors conveying messages that are critical of the government’s war against the LTTE are labeled as "traitors" and "terrorists" where they work in an increasingly hostile environment of censorship and fear.

The International Mission is shocked at the repeated instances of elected representatives and Government Ministers using violent and inflammatory language against media workers and institutions. Not surprisingly this has led to widespread self-censorship among journalists in order to protect their lives.

"The killing of Lasantha and the deaths of at least 8 other journalists along with 2 disappeared since 2007 illustrates in painful detail just how journalists and media staff continue to suffer for their profession," said the International Mission. "Without a proper investigation into Lasantha’s assassination and the attack on MTV, there will be no chance at all for the government to claim that it assumes responsibility to guarantee the basic safety and independence of media," said the International Mission.

We urge the Government to accept the creation of an international and independent commission to investigate the two recent attacks in line with requests by Sri Lankan journalists and media institutions. As a group, the International Mission will offer its assistance to form this commission and to participate in the investigation.

***20.01.09. RUSSIA: double murder another blow for human rights

The shocking murders of the lawyer Stanislav Markelov and the young journalist Anastasia Barburova on Monday brings Russia’s human rights record to a new low. The crime is compounded by the knowledge that Russia has a culture where impunity reigns and murderers are rarely brought to justice. Even in the case of a journalist as famous as Anna Politkovskaya, after a rare two-year murder investigation it is the alleged accomplices who are on trial – while the murderer remains at large.
Stanislav Markelov was well known for his work as a human rights lawyer, particularly in Chechnya. Markelov represented the family of 18-year-old Kheda Kungayeva, who was murdered by Yuri Budanov - the first senior officer to be convicted of human rights abuse during the Chechen campaigns. Markelov had announced that he would be challenging Budanov’s early release last week.

Those who are brave enough to expose human rights abuses in Russia risk their lives. Over the past few months, victims have included Umar Israilov, a Chechen who claimed that he had been tortured by President Ramzan Kadyrov and had filed a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights. He was shot dead in Vienna last week. Last November, Mikhail Beketov, a local newspaper editor, was assaulted in the Moscow suburb of Khimki and left in a coma. Beketov had been a fearless critic of the local administration. Last summer, Magomed Yevloyev, who owned the website Ingushetia.ru and also bravely exposed abuses, was shot dead in a police car as he was being taken away for questioning.

All these cases represent a striking and widespread level of lawlessness. We would like to remind the Russian authorities that as a State Party to the European Convention on Human Rights, Russia has agreed to secure the human rights of all within its jurisdiction, including the right to life and to freedom of expression.

ARTICLE 19, English PEN and Index on Censorship call on the Russian authorities to do everything in their power to bring those responsible for the murders of Stanislav Markelov and Anastasia Barburova to justice – and to demonstrate the will to address the continuing culture of impunity.

***19.01.09. VENEZUELA - FEPALC EXIGE RESPUESTA CONTUNDENTE
ANTE ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

La Federación de Periodistas de América Latina y el Caribe (Fepalc) expresó su profunda preocupación por la seguridad física de los periodistas en Venezuela, tras el asesinato de Orel Sambrano, editor del semanario político ABC, vicepresidente de la estación regional Radio América 890AM y columnista del diario regional Notitarde, quien fue baleado a quemarropa por dos hombres que lo interceptaron en una motocicleta. Tras repudiar con energía el crimen ocurrido el último viernes 16 de enero, en Valencia, en el estado de Carabobo, la Fepalc instó a todas sus organizaciones afiliadas en la región a movilizarse solidariamente ante las dependencias diplomáticas de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela a fin de exigir al Estado venezolano asumir el compromiso de garantizar la libertad de expresión, como responsabilidad indelegable de los estados, en su condición de tales. La hostil relación del gobierno venezolano con l