| Study shows increase in government censorship of Internet Vietnam filtering, monitoring Internet more, says study The Open Net Initiative (ONI), in a recently released study on Vietnam, is reporting an increase in Internet censorship in the country. The research finds that Vietnamese officials are particularly bent on filtering content that questions the country's one-party system. |
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Friday, August 11
Study shows increase in government censorship of Internet - IFEX
by
Liu Yong
on Sat 12 Aug 2006 08:35 AM CST
Internet censorship in Uzbekistan is worsening - Ferghana.ru
by
Liu Yong
on Fri 11 Aug 2006 07:00 PM CST
Pakistan - List of websites blocked by authorities gets longer
by
Liu Yong
on Fri 11 Aug 2006 06:44 PM CST
Pakistan - List of websites blocked by authorities gets longer - 10.08.2006
Reporters Without Borders today condemned the decision of the Pakistan
Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on 26 July to add 34 new web
addresses to the list of sites to which it blocks access. For the most
part they were Baluch nationalist sites, online radio stations and
sites relating to the Sindhi minority. “We deplore these latest filtering
measures and we insist, yet again, that it is not the PTA’s job to
decide whether websites should be blocked,” the press freedom
organisation said. “We believe that such decisions should be taken by a
judge, after equitable legal proceedings, and definitely not by an
entity under government control.” Thursday, July 20
Human Rights Leadership Training Program
by
Liu Yong
on Thu 20 Jul 2006 05:52 AM PDT
Human Rights Leadership Training Program
"A Capacity Building Program for Activists and Community Advocates" Date: October 2 - December 9, 2006. Course Outline & Objectives The Human Rights Leadership Training Program provides understanding
and skills which will equip potential human rights educators and
advocates to: The programme will consist of 7 different modules: Participants will be empowered to emerge as human rights educators themselves. The programme will give participants creative, concrete knowledge of how to use international and regional human rights treaties and enforcement mechanisms in their work. Methodology: For further information about the course or request for application form please contact Margaret Abiagam at training@justicegroup.org, or call +234-8034923400. Wednesday, May 10
Call for Papers: SUR - International Journal on Human Rights
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 10 May 2006 09:27 PM PDT
Sur - International Journal on Human Rights welcomes contributions to be published in its coming issues. The Journal is published twice a year, distributed free of charge to approximately 3,000 readers in over 100 countries. It is edited in three languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish and can also be accessed through the internet at http://www.surjournal.org. The journal is especially aimed at academics and activists dedicated to the study and the defense of human rights. Our main purpose is to divulge the viewpoints of the Global South, stressing their specificity, and facilitating the contact among its members, without ignoring the important contributions of the more developed countries. The journal is published by SUR HUMAN RIGHTS UNIVERSITY NETWORK (www.surnet.org). The issues of the journal are not thematic, thus permitting the publication of articles dealing with human rights from multiple perspectives. For our next issue - No. 5 - however, we will prioritize articles which, preferentially - not exclusively - deal with the following topics: * Innovative mechanisms to protect HR in countries with federative systems In cases of countries that have a federative system, the "union" or the "federal government" is responsible at the international level for human rights violations. Some countries have created mechanisms to prevent and solve at the national level potential cases that could be brought to the international arena. Ways to nationally implement decisions of international bodies are also in debate in many countries. Sur invites authors to submit articles that provide for a deep analysis of these mechanisms. Comparative articles are especially welcomed. * Racism and the impact of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and related Intolerance (WCAR) - Durban In September 2001, in the third World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (WCAR), States adopted concrete commitments for ending racism. UNLIKE other World Conferences, Durban will not have an official UN global +5 event, although Chile and Brazil will organize a regional follow up Conference in July 2006. Sur invites academics, activists and specialists to submit articles that analyze the impact of the conference on the definition racial discrimination, continuing manifestations around the world, and the implementation of commitments adopted by the States at Durban. * UN Reform: New Human Rights Council and the OHCHR Last March 15, the UN General Assembly approved the main characteristics of the new Human Rights Council. The new Council will develop the modalities of the new "universal periodic review" within a year of its first session. It will also review and rationalize the system of special procedures of the Commission on Human Rights in the same time period. Concomitantly, the OHCHR has gone through a deep reform and has decided to produce yearly a "Global Report" about human rights in the world. Sur invites authors to submit articles that identify new ways for governments and NGOs to influence the human rights organs and activities of the UN, such as by making proposals about the characteristics of this new global report, or to identify the weaknesses and strengths of the "old" Human Rights Commission. These themes, as has been pointed out, are not exclusive - they are preferential. Format Contributions should be sent as electronic files in the MS Word format, to surjournal@surjournal.org containing: -Between 7,000 and 10,000 words. Articles can be sent in at any time, though only submissions received before June 30, 2006, may be included in issue number 5. Articles received after that date will be considered for subsequent issues. Ideally articles should be original and unpublished. Exceptionally, however, relevant contributions already published elsewhere may be accepted, provided the required authorizations are granted. Please inform if, where and when the paper has been published before. The selection of articles and all other editorial matters are the exclusive responsibility of the Editorial Board made up of the following members: Contributions will be evaluated by at least two members of the Editorial or Consultative Board and, whenever necessary, also by external specialists. Any suggested changes will be submitted to the authors and published only with their express authorization. Since the journal is distributed free of charge, unfortunately we are unable to remunerate our contributors.
Call for Nominations: The Reebok Human Rights Award Program
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 10 May 2006 06:21 PM PDT
PURPOSE OF AWARD ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARD GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATIONS
* If any of the nomination components are to be sent separately, please note which ones on the application form. NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 31, 2006. PLEASE SEND THE COMPLETED NOMINATION TO: FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE REEBOK HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM AT:
Call for Proposals: The Fund for Global Human Rights
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 10 May 2006 05:57 PM PDT
Overview
The Fund for Global Human Rights is founded on the belief that securing basic freedoms worldwide requires effective frontline organizations challenging abuse wherever it occurs. Despite their importance, many on-the-ground human rights groups have woefully little access to the financial resources and support that would amplify their voices and increase their impact. The Fund for Global Human Rights was founded by a group of U.S. and Europe-based foundations in 2001 to respond to this funding gap. The Fund aims to bring new financial support to struggling, often isolated human rights organizations. The Fund’s ultimate goal is to promote a strong, effective human rights community in every country around the world.
Organizations requesting funding must be working to defend, protect or promote human rights. This work could include mobilizing popular opinion through human rights skills-building and organizing; exposing abuse through documentation; addressing violations through direct action, policy/legal reform and litigation; networking and coalition building to further the effectiveness of human rights work; and capacity building. Request for Proposals Organizations seeking grants from the Fund for Global Human Rights must download, complete, and return the forms available here. Eligibility requirements for grants are clearly outlined in the Request for Proposals. Please read these guidelines carefully before you apply to determine whether your group is eligible for funding. At this time, the Fund accepts proposals in English, Spanish, French and Arabic.
The Fund for Global Human Rights staff reviews hundreds of proposals each year, of which the Fund is able to support just a small number. The Board of Directors reviews recommendations made by staff and makes all final grant decisions.
» Check the Eligibility Requirements
Position Announcement: Director, Science & Human Rights Program at the American Association for the Advancement of Science
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 10 May 2006 05:35 AM PDT
The AAAS Science & Human Rights Program (SHR) is seeking a director. SHR, a unit of the AAAS Directorate for Science & Policy Programs, focuses its activities in two main areas: (1) defending the human rights of scientists throughout the world and (2) applying scientific knowledge and methodologies to the promotion and protection of the human rights of all people. Program staff run the AAAS Science & Human Rights Action Network, which uses e-mail to inform AAAS members and other subscribers of cases in which scientists human rights are being violated and coordinates scientists' efforts to appeal to national governments on behalf of these individuals. The Program also leads a coalition of other scientific and engineering societies working in the human rights area. Current and recent projects include an effort to apply high-resolution satellite imagery and related geospatial technologies to human rights issues; provision of scientific and technical assistance to truth commissions and other transitional justice mechanisms in countries that are seeking to consolidate democracy while confronting their pasts; a major effort to explore the intersection between traditional ecological knowledge, intellectual property, and human rights; and the development of methodologies and tools for monitoring economic, social and cultural rights, including a thesaurus of economic, cultural and social rights. Founded in 1977, SHR receives core support from AAAS, but depends largely on funding from foundations, individuals, and other organizations, including the Ford Foundation; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; the Goldman Fund; the General Services Fund; and the John Merck, Robert Wood Johnson, and Mertz Gilmore Foundations. Reporting to the director of Science & Policy Programs, the director of SHR is responsible for program development and management; fundraising; oversight and mentoring of staff; monitoring of trends, developments, and major issues in science and human rights; financial oversight and budget management of SHR; and representation and liaison with both the human rights and scientific communities. He or she serves as the AAAS spokesperson on human rights issues. Candidates should have graduate-level training, preferably including a Ph.D., in a field related to science and/or human rights. Experience working in a nonprofit organization and working with NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, and government agencies would be helpful. AAAS, located in downtown Washington, DC, is the world's largest general scientific organization and publisher of the journal Science. The position offers a competitive salary, an excellent benefits package, and a congenial working environment. For additional information, please see the SHR web site (http://shr.aaas.org) and the Science & Policy Programs web site (http://www.aaas.org/spp), or contact Al Teich, director of Science & Policy Programs at ateich@aaas.org.
Interights Central and Eastern Europe/ former Soviet Union Programme: Funded Internship 2006
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 10 May 2006 05:08 AM PDT
Interights is an international legal centre based in London which develops
and promotes the legal protection of human rights worldwide. Set up as a charity in 1982, in co-operation with lawyers, non-governmental organisations and judges, it has since promoted the effective use of human rights law by fully realising and exploiting all legal avenues available to protect these rights, and by providing greater global access to information on judicial decisions concerning human rights. Interights holds consultative status with the United Nation's Economic and Social Council, the Council of Europe and the African Commission for Human and Peoples' Rights, and is authorised to present collective complaints under the European Social Charter. A registered charity, Interights is dependent on grants from foundations and on donations from individuals. Interights' Programme for Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union is pleased to invite applications for an internship as part of the development and implementation its work. The three-month internship, for a lawyer from Central and Eastern Europe/ former Soviet Union, will begin in September 2006. The exact nature of activities will depend on organisational and programme priorities at the time of the placement, however, it is likely that the main areas in which experience will be offered will include: * Legal research on international and comparative human rights law and practice to support the preparation of briefs before domestic and regional courts; * Preparation of materials for Interights' training workshops on the European Convention of Human Rights * Assistance on Interights ' publications on the European Convention of Human Rights, * Programme administration and development; * Where possible, attendance at meetings with human rights practitioners, or at human rights lectures in London or other universities, or visits to other international or national human right organisations based in London Interights will arrange and pay for travel, travel insurance and visa costs, along with a monthly stipend of £1,100. Accommodation is not provided but Interights can advise on finding a suitable place to stay. Applicants should check the attached person specification to ensure that they fit the requirements. To apply please send by a covering letter, a curriculum vitae indicating two referees and a recent writing sample of no more than two thousand words. Short listed applicants may be interviewed by telephone. Applications should be sent to Beth Fernandez, Programme Coordinator (Central and East European Programme) by email only to bfernandez@interights.org. The closing date for applications is May 29 2006. Telephone interviews will be conducted during the week beginning June 5.
Fellowships at the National Endowment for Democracy
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 10 May 2006 01:21 AM PDT
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) welcomes applications to its Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program for the 2007-2008 fellowship year. Established in 2001 to enable activists, scholars, and journalists from around the world to deepen their understanding of democracy and enhance their ability to promote democratic change, the fellowship program is based at NED's International Forum for Democratic Studies, in Washington, D.C. Saturday, May 7
SUDAN: Journalist charged, threatened after story on prophet
by
Liu Yong
on Sat 07 May 2005 03:57 AM PDT
The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about official harassment and threats against Sudanese editor Mohamed Taha Mohamed Ahmed. Ahmed is being tried this month on criminal charges of insulting the Prophet Mohammed after publishing an April 21 article in the daily Al-Wifaq. The article, by the well-known Muslim historian Al-Maqrizi, called into question the Prophet Mohammed's lineage, according to a local source and press reports. Ahmed, himself an Islamist, claims he published the historian's account in order to rebut it, according to the BBC and a CPJ source. Newspapers and religious leaders attacked Ahmed following the publication of the article. The National Press Council, Sudan's official press regulator, imposed a three-day suspension on the paper, and the state prosecutor brought charges against Ahmed. The exact charges against Ahmed are unclear, although press reports said that Ahmed could face the death penalty if he is found guilty of apostasy. Press reports said that mobs of angry people called for Ahmed's death on Wednesday and clashed with police outside the courtroom. [CPJ]
INDONESIA: Media freedom under attack as newsmen jailed
by
Liu Yong
on Sat 07 May 2005 03:50 AM PDT
Media freedom in Indonesia is on the brink of ruin, with two senior journalists in Lampung being sentenced to nine months in jail for defamation. The verdicts on Wednesday are hurtful to democracy, moreover coming on the heels of government efforts to produce a new Criminal Code that will be detrimental to freedom of expression, a legal expert commented. The two journalists, Darwin Ruslinur and Budiono Syahputra, received the jail terms after they were found guilty of defaming Alzier Dianis Thabranie, chairman of Golkar Party's Lampung chapter. The case surfaced last year when defendant Budiono, the managing editor of Koridor weekly tabloid, was informed by an anonymous Golkar member that Alzier and his colleague Indra Karyadi had yet to disburse an amount of Rp 1.25 billion (US$131,500) to him. The money was supposed to have been distributed by the Golkar member to Golkar supporters. The supporters were to receive Rp 50,000 each during first round of presidential elections last year to encourage them to vote for the presidential candidate backed by Golkar. Darwin Ruslinur, the tabloid's chief editor, said that the case was newsworthy and that should be printed. The news article, printed on page 18 of the tabloid's July edition last year, was headed "Alzier and Indra Karyadi allegedly embezzle Rp 1.25b Golkar fund". At Wednesday's court session, presiding judge Iskandar Tjake found that the tabloid never confirmed the story with Alzier and Indra Karyadi, and on this basis he decided that the two journalists were guilty of defamation.[Asia Pacific Media Network]
Cyber-dissident gravely ill in prison; holy city of Qom is "hell for bloggers," says RSF
by
Liu Yong
on Sat 07 May 2005 03:34 AM PDT
RSF has condemned the latest crackdown on cyber-dissidents and bloggers in the southern city of Qom. Mojtaba Lotfi, who is serving a prison sentence in the city for articles he posted on the Internet, is gravely ill. Local courts in Qom are also harassing bloggers Farid Modaressi and Mohamad Reza Fathi.
Fathi, wh is a professor, was first summoned on 26 March by the Edareh Amaken (morality squad) and interrogated about his blog, http://www.savehjam.blogspot.com, in which he has criticised the provincial government and the mayor of Saveh, near Qom. In a letter to President Mohammad Khatami, he voiced exasperation at the "scant capacity of civil servants to accept criticism." Local police arrested Fathi nine days later in the street, in front of his students, and paraded him handcuffed through the city. He was held for three days and was questioned again in camera, without his lawyer being present. On his release, he was resigned to closing down his blog, despite its local popularity. Nonetheless, he will have to appear before the local judicial authorities again on various charges, including publishing false information, insults and disturbing the peace. Modaressi, a blogger who was previously imprisoned for one month in late 2004, has received a summons to appear before a Qom court on 14 May on charges of "insulting regime officials" in comments about the president and others in his blog, http://farid.blogset.com. He has also been summoned to appear before a Tehran court on 10 May on a charge of "attacking state security". RSF has learned that the health of Lotfi, a cyber-dissident and Qom resident, has seriously deteriorated since he was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison in February. Conditions inside the prison have reportedly aggravated a lung ailment he has suffered from since being exposed to chemicals during the Iran-Iraq war. In a recent international human rights report, the European Parliament condemned Iran's "abject policies" as regards the arrest and imprisonment of journalists and cyber-dissidents and violations of press and media freedom.[IFEX] Wednesday, May 4
Radio broadcaster dead in latest attack on media
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 04 May 2005 10:21 PM PDT
A broadcast journalist who was shot and critically wounded Wednesday in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, became the latest fatality in attacks that have prompted an international watchdog to call the Philippines the world’s "most murderous" country for reporters. Klein Cantoneros, 32, a radio broadcaster, succumbed to gunshot wounds around 11 p.m. Wednesday after being in critical condition for almost 24 hours. He was the 67th journalist killed since democracy was restored in the Philippines in 1986 and the fourth this year. He was the third journalist to be killed in Dipolog City after the assassinations of Jacobo Amatong in the 1980s and Ferdinand Reyes in 1995. [ABS CBN News ]
RSF condemns death threats against radio station manager; director fears end to government protection
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 04 May 2005 10:06 PM PDT
RSF has condemned a new death threat against Gilberto Martínez Prado, the manager of Colmundo Radio in Ibagué (in the center-western department of Tolima), as well as the threats and harassment to which he has been constantly subjected for years.
UN offers Press Freedom award
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 04 May 2005 09:52 PM PDT
During commemorations in Beirut for World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced the creation of a Press Freedom Award for 2005. Falling within UNESCO's mandate to promote press freedoms in the service of human rights and democracy, the award aims at "fostering pluralism and independence of media." The head of UNESCO's offices in Beirut, Georges Awad, said: "This award encourages institutions and people in Lebanon to work toward the dissemination of a culture of good governance, which will lead to an enhanced quality of life for individuals and society." UN spokesperson Najib Friji added: "Journalists work on the frontline of every event in order to provide us with live feedback of it. Their sole tools are pictures and words, and their joint works give us more power and knowledge." Many journalists, he noted, have been subjected to torture and imprisonment for the sake of "spreading the word." Friji said: "This award salutes the courage of such journalists, who would put their lives on the line with no hesitation, for the sake of their profession."
Muslim journalist freed from prison
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 04 May 2005 01:28 AM PDT
A Muslim journalist who spent 17 months behind bars in Bangladesh, accused of spying for Israel, has been released on bail. Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury – who was jailed after publishing articles that urged his nation of Bangladesh to recognize Israel, advocated interfaith dialogue and condemned terrorism and radical Islam – was freed Saturday. [WorldNetDaily]
Student forced to shut down blog following libel threat
by
Liu Yong
on Wed 04 May 2005 01:08 AM PDT
The threat of prosecution came from Philip Yeo, chairman of the government's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), which grants research scholarships. The agency claimed it was libelled in a blog (http://www.scs.uiuc.edu/~chen6/blog) run by Jiahao Chen, a Singaporean student who is presently finishing his studies in the United States. Under the pseudonym "Acid Flask", Chen criticised Yeo and the A*STAR scholarship system. He also agreed to have his remarks appear in the online newspaper "Electric New Paper" (http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg). Yeo sent Chen several e-mails demanding that he delete from his blog all references to him and A*STAR, and threatening legal action if he did not. A few days later, Chen shut down his blog and posted a message of apology to Yeo in its place. Other Singaporean blogs that had reproduced the remarks quickly posted apologies or closed down as well. [IFEX] Tuesday, May 3
Incitement law will 'chill freedom of expression'
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 09:04 PM PDT
The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is deeply alarmed at government "threats" to introduce legislation to make individuals and organisations ... more »
CHINA: CPJ protests harassment of exiled journalist
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 08:59 PM PDT
May 3, 2005 TO: His Excellency Hu Jintao Via facsimile: (202) 588-0032
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply troubled by the ongoing harassment of acclaimed poet and freelance radio journalist Liu Hongbin. Liu, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, has been banned from returning to China to visit his mother, who has fallen seriously ill. On an October 2004 visit, Liu and his 3-year-old daughter were detained upon arrival in Beijing. He and his daughter were held in a detention center for three hours before being transferred to a hotel, where they were held incommunicado overnight before being allowed to continue on their journey to visit his mother in the city of Qingdao. Liu's daughter was distraught and suffered insect bites on her face and legs. Liu, who has been in exile since 1989, recently learned that a ban on his return to China was renewed on March 15, 2005. He is therefore barred from again visiting his mother, who has been hospitalized. Liu's writings became well known during the pro-democracy demonstrations at Tiananmen Square. As well as being a prominent poet and literary figure, Liu has worked as a journalist for the Chinese service of Radio France International since 2000. He has also made freelance contributions to independent magazines in Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United States. In articles and in interviews that have appeared in the Western media, Liu has spoken out for democratic reform in China. His criticisms and his work as a journalist have contributed to his ongoing harassment at the hands of officials. As an independent organization of journalists dedicated to defending our colleagues worldwide, CPJ appeals for the ban on Liu's return to China to be revoked and for an end to his harassment. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We await your response.
Ann Cooper
New Code threatens media freedom
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 08:40 PM PDT
The Press Council again called for the government to revise the controversial draft of the new Criminal Code, which allows for the criminal prosecution of journalists who violate the law in the course of their jobs.[Jakarta Post ]
Sweden calls for release of journalist jailed in Eritrea
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 08:33 PM PDT
The Swedish government on Tuesday called for the release of a Swedish journalist jailed in Eritrea for four years as Sweden marked the 15th annual World Press Freedom Day. "Dialogue is a prerequisite for democracy, to exchange views with each other. Dawit Isaak knows this, and that is why he is in jail," Development Aid Minister Carin Jaemtin told a crowd holding a 24-hour vigil for Isaak in central Stockholm, news agency TT reported. Isaak, who holds both Swedish and Eritrean citizenship, was jailed in September 2001 after calling for democracy and press freedom in Eritrea. Eritrean police jailed him, along with 11 other prominent journalists, accusing him of violating national security laws for his criticism of the Asmara regime.
YEMEN: Journalists reject new draft of press and publications law
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 08:30 PM PDT
Journalists in Yemen have rejected a new draft of the press and publications law put forward by the Ministry of Information (MoI), saying it is even more restrictive than the existing bill which has been in force since 1990. [Reuters AlertNet]
Report lists worst censorship culprits
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 08:10 PM PDT
The Middle East, Africa and Asia are the most dangerous places to work if you are a journalist, according to a new report. Reporters Without Borders (RWB) said on Tuesday that press freedom "remains just a frustrated hope in Africa", and "informing the public in North Africa, the Middle East and Iran is a very risky business". The Paris-based organisation also said that many Asian journalists have been reduced to "propaganda". In a separate report, the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists (IJF) said the "war on terrorism amounts to a devastating challenge to the global culture of human rights and civil liberties". The reports coincided with World Press Freedom day which was marked by journalists around the world by a series of protests and sit-ins. In the Middle East, journalists work in fear of government repression, said RWB. Five countries in the region were particularly criticised for cracking down on the press - Tunisia, Libya, Syria, Iran and Saudi Arabia.[Aljazeera.net ]
Another journalist ambushed in Dipolog City
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 07:55 PM PDT
Just as Filipino journalists marked World Press Freedom Day on Tuesday, another broadcast journalist was shot and seriously wounded by gunmen in Barangay Santa Felomina, Dipolog City early Wednesday. Police reports said newsman Cline Cantoneros, a blocktimer at DXAA radio, was shot by three motorcycle-riding assailants wielding .45 caliber pistols at around 12:30 a.m. The victim has just stepped out of the radio station and was about to go home when attacked. Cantoneros was shot seven times and is currently in critical condition in a hospital.[ABS CBN News]
Tunisia under pressure from rights groups over censorship
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 07:38 PM PDT
Tunisia's strict censorship policy is so tough that even writing about onion prices can land a reporter in trouble, a ... more »
Crackdown launched on journalists on 'World Press Freedom Day'
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 07:32 PM PDT
The journalists observed "World Press Freedom Day" by taking out peaceful processions to press their demand of implementation of 7th ... more »
Group: Iraq worst for media since Vietnam
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 07:24 PM PDT
Iraq is now the most-deadly war for journalists since the Vietnam conflict ended 30 years ago, the media watchdog group Reporters Without Borders said Tuesday on the 15th commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. Iraq was singled out as "world's largest minefield" for journalists, where 19 journalists were killed last year and more than 15 were reported kidnapped. In all, 56 journalists have been killed since fighting began two years ago, seven less than the 63 killed during the two-decadelong U.S. involvement in Vietnam.[Washington Times ]
Nepal Journalists Rally for Press Freedom
by
Liu Yong
on Tue 03 May 2005 07:11 PM PDT
About 1,500 reporters marched through Nepal's capital Tuesday to mark World Press Freedom day and demand an immediate end to government censorship and the release of colleagues detained since King Gyanendra seized power in February. [Guardian Unlimited]
Monday, May 2
CAPSULE REPORT: State of emergency lifted but media censorship continues, says IFJ
by
Liu Yong
on Mon 02 May 2005 09:42 PM PDT
Nepalese Government's grip on the media remains unrelenting The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) regards the removal of the state of emergency in Nepal as an attempt to hoax the international community into believing that human rights are improving in Nepal. "While the Nepalese Government appears to be giving lip service to its human rights obligations at the international level, its actions in Nepal are the exact opposite," said IFJ President Christopher Warren. On 29 April, King Gyanendra lifted the state of emergency which was declared on 1 February and included the suspension of human rights and press freedom. The IFJ had hoped that the Nepalese Government would begin to loosen its grip on the media after agreeing at the UN Human Rights Commission on 20 April to lift media censorship. However it is now clear that the Government is unwilling to restore press freedom as the strict censorship of the media continues. The Nepalese Government has refused to withdraw a six-month-long notice imposing newspaper censorship issued on 2 February. Newspapers are still banned from publishing any reports which go against "the spirit and letter of the 1 February royal proclamation and supports and encourages the activities of the terrorists directly or indirectly". "The Nepalese Government must restore press freedom; its stranglehold on the free and independent press is a blatant denial of press rights set out in its constitution." In addition to the continuing press censorship, the Kathmandu Chief District Officer, Baman Prasad Neupane, issued orders banning political activities at a number of major locations in Kathmandu on 30 April. According to the Asian Centre for Human Rights, more than 3,000 political activists have been arrested during the state of emergency and a number of journalists are still being held.
Truth and consequences
by
Liu Yong
on Mon 02 May 2005 09:35 PM PDT
Truth and consequences N.C. journalists see firsthand Jordan's struggle for free press AMMAN, Jordan -- Osama Al-Shareef, the American-educated editor of a Jordanian newspaper, was explaining to North Carolina journalists why his colleagues are often so timid, even though King Abdullah II encourages a free press.
"It's always a matter of Russian roulette," he said of his country's media laws. "You never know when you're stepping on a mine and someone will say you've gone too far." more »
Philippines judged 'most murderous' place for journalists
by
Liu Yong
on Mon 02 May 2005 09:23 PM PDT
The Philippines, which prides itself on having the freest media in Southeast Asia, has become the world's "most murderous" country for journalists, an international press group said on Monday.
With 18 journalists murdered since 2000, the Philippines is on top of the list of the five "most murderous countries for journalists" worldwide, the Committee to Protect Journalists, based in New York, said in a report titled "Marked for Death." The report was released on Monday in time for World Press Freedom Day on Tuesday. The other countries on the list, in order of rank, are Iraq, Colombia, Bangladesh, and Russia.[International Herald Tribune]
China journalist ordered not to receive press freedom award
by
Liu Yong
on Mon 02 May 2005 09:16 PM PDT
A Chinese editor whose newspaper broke stories about China's SARS outbreak and a fatal police beating has been ordered not to attend a ceremony to accept a United Nations press freedom award, a news report said Monday. Cheng Yizhong, former editor-in-chief of the Southern Metropolis News in China's southern province of Guangdong, was to receive the US$25,000 (euro19,000) award on Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, the South China Morning Post of Hong Kong reported. Citing an unidentified source, it said he was ordered not to attend the ceremony.[Santa Fe New Mexican] Saturday, April 30
Posthumous Award for Deyda Hydara
by
Liu Yong
on Sat 30 Apr 2005 08:17 PM PDT
At a ceremony presided over by Salman Rushdie, president of PEN, the largest center of the international literacy organization dedicated to defending freedom of expression in the world, the Gambian slain editor, Deyda Hydara was awarded at American Museum of Natural History in New York. Hydara who was killed last year by unknown assailants was awarded one of the2005 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Awards. 37 writers and journalists have received the award since it was established in 1987, but Mr. Hydara is the first to receive the honor posthumously. Historian and award sponsor Ms. Goldsmith underscored the importance of this unprecedented honor in NBC news video announcing the award, saying that it reflected PEN's growing alarm over the unpunished murders of journalists around the world and concern for the deterioration of press freedom in The Gambia, as well as the organization's great respect for Mr. Hydara, a leading champion of freedom of expression in that country.[AllAfrica.com] Friday, April 29
Sri Lankan journalists condemned the killing of Sivaram.
by
Liu Yong
on Fri 29 Apr 2005 03:36 AM PDT
Sri Lankan journalists have condemned the killing of Dharmarathnam Sivaram, editor of Tamilnet website. All the associations of journalists, Free Media Movement, the Editors Guild and Sri Lanka Journalists Forums have deplored the killing describing it as a cowardly and despicable act and an attempt to suppress freedom of expression.[Asian Tribune]
Freedom House Report Says Global Press Freedom In Decline
by
Liu Yong
on Fri 29 Apr 2005 01:53 AM PDT
Just 17 percent of the world's population lives in countries that enjoy a free press. If you live in Central Asia, Russia, Afghanistan, or Iran you are not among them. You belong to the 45 percent of the globe's inhabitants that live in countries with media that is rated as "not free." That's according to a new survey titled "Freedom of Press: A Global Survey of Media Independence" by Freedom House, a U.S. nongovernmental organization. The survey says setbacks in press freedom were recorded in Pakistan, the United States, and several other countries. At the same time, improvements took place in countries where democratic changes appeared, such as Ukraine and Lebanon. Freedom House has rated five countries including North Korea and Turkmenistan as "the worst of the worst." The organization says that in these countries, independent media are either non-existent or barely able to operate. In Turkmenistan, all media outlets are controlled by the state. [Radio Free Europe]
Hu Tightens Party's Grip On Power
by
Liu Yong
on Fri 29 Apr 2005 01:48 AM PDT
More than two years after taking office amid uncertainty about his political views, Chinese President Hu Jintao is emerging as an unyielding leader determined to preserve the Communist Party's monopoly on power and willing to impose new limits on speech and other civil liberties to do it, according to party officials, journalists and analysts. Some say Hu has cast himself as a hard-liner to consolidate his position after a delicate leadership transition and could still lead the party in a more open direction. There is a growing consensus inside and outside the government, however, that the 62-year-old former engineer believes the party should strengthen its rule by improving its traditional mechanisms of governance, not by introducing democratic reforms. Hu has placed particular emphasis on tightening the party's control over public opinion, presiding over a crackdown to restore discipline to state media and intimidate dissident intellectuals. He has also gone further than his predecessor, Jiang Zemin, by adopting new measures to regulate discussions on university Internet sites and the activities of nongovernmental organizations.[Washington Post]
Dissident China reporter freed after 14 years
by
Liu Yong
on Fri 29 Apr 2005 01:37 AM PDT
China has freed a journalist who served more than 14 years of a 15-year sentence for inciting rebellion around the time of the 1989 democracy movement, French-based rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders said on Friday.[Swissinfo]
Misa Press Freedom Award
by
Liu Yong
on Fri 29 Apr 2005 01:31 AM PDT
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) presents an annual Press Freedom Award with a cash prize of US$1 000 to honour excellence in journalism. Excellence in journalism may be described as the upholding of the ethics of the profession at all costs, and the relentless pursuit of the truth. The award is also in recognition of the work of an individual or institution contributing significantly to the promotion of media freedom in the region. The excellence which the award acknowledges can be achieved either through reportage or in other ways such as media reform, lobbying or training. NOMINATIONS: NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2005 AWARD ARE NOW OPEN. All nominations should be accompanied by a motivation not exceeding 1 500 words and the CV of the nominee. Where applicable, a copy of the work, or a portfolio of work, should be included with the nomination. Nominations should be sent to the MISA Secretariat, for the attention of the Regional Director, to: Postal: Private Bag 13386 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||