Internet, Media, Human Rights and Politics

Study shows increase in government censorship of Internet - IFEX

Liu Yong — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:35:54 -0700

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.

Internet censorship in Uzbekistan is worsening - Ferghana.ru

Liu Yong — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 04:00:02 -0700

Internet censorship in Uzbekistan is worsening

It is common knowledge that the Internet in Uzbekistan is censored. The authorities have been filtering out the web resources whose loyalty is suspicious for five years already.

The censorship was total - and particularly so after the so called events in Andijan - but the authorities have never admitted its existence. Former Foreign Minister Eljer Ganiyev denied existence of Internet censorship with gusto just a year ago. "We live in the era of computer technologies, and all statements that the Internet is somehow censored or anything are a height of naivete," Ganiyev told foreign journalists once.

Pakistan - List of websites blocked by authorities gets longer

Liu Yong — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 03:44:16 -0700

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.”

Human Rights Leadership Training Program

Liu Yong — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 05:52:25 -0700

Human Rights Leadership Training Program
"A Capacity Building Program for Activists and Community Advocates"

Date: October 2 - December 9, 2006.
Deadline for applications: September 20, 2006
Fee: US$200.- (some scholarships available, download course info packet for details) http://www.justicegroup.org/training/application.htm

Course Outline & Objectives

The Human Rights Leadership Training Program provides understanding and skills which will equip potential human rights educators and advocates to:
*Integrate knowledge in the fields of: politics, economics, cultural diversity, gender issues and socio-psychology in the context of Human Rights.
*Strategize training and methodologies required for promoting human rights education in various countries across all sectors of society.
*To explore the specificities and points of commonality of the non-formal and the formal education contexts in relation to human rights education.
*To establish a global network of trainers on human rights education.

The programme will consist of 7 different modules:
Human Rights
Social Systems
Globalization
Training
Human Rights Advocacy in Action
ICT and Human Rights
Management Skills

A comprehensive discussion guide will be provided to each participant. Discussion and empowerment sessions related to each module will help participants understand and internalize the Human Rights learning approach to development.

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:

The methodology used is significantly participatory and experimental, with a constant focus on the five principles of Human Rights:
Non-discrimination
Gender equity
Universality
Progressive realization
Non-retrogression

Participants who successfully complete all seven modules of the course will receive a Certificate of Participation and a printed copy of the workshop proceedings. A minimum of 75% participation is required, including completion of course assignments on schedule, regular contribution to the online discussion forum, participation in bi-weekly online conferences & regional study group, and completion of a final project.

For further information about the course or request for application form please contact Margaret Abiagam at training@justicegroup.org, or call +234-8034923400.

Call for Papers: SUR - International Journal on Human Rights

Liu Yong — Wed, 10 May 2006 21:27:48 -0700

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.
-Footnotes that are concise and objective. (Please find at the end of this text the rule for citation.
-Short biography of author with a maximum of 50 words.)
-Abstract with no more than 150 words, including keywords for the required bibliographical classification.
-Date when the paper was written.

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:
Christof Heyns, Pretoria University, South Africa
Emílio Garcia Méndez, Universidade de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fifi Benaboud, Centro Norte-Sul do Conselho da União Européia, Portugal
Fiona MacAulay, Bradford University, United Kingdom
Flavia Piovesan, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Brasil
J. Paul Martin, Columbia University, USA
Kwame Karikari, Ghana University, Ghana
Mustapha Kamel Al-Sayyed, Cairo University, Egypt
Richard Pierre Claude, Maryland University, USA
Roberto Garretón, Former - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Chile

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

Liu Yong — Wed, 10 May 2006 18:21:36 -0700

PURPOSE OF AWARD
Established in 1988, the Reebok Human Rights Award honors young people from the United States and around the world who have made significant contributions to the cause of human rights, often against great odds. The purpose of the Award is to shine a positive, international light on the awardees and to support their work in human rights. A $50,000 grant is given to further the work of each Award recipient.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARD
Award candidates must be 30 years of age or younger by December 31, 2006. Award candidates cannot advocate violence or belong to an organization that advocates violence. Award candidates must be working on an issue that directly relates to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Women and men of all races, ethnic groups, nationalities and religions are eligible. The Award is given to an individual, based on that individual’s personal achievement and commitment. It is not given to groups of people, organizations, or as a memorial award to people who have died.

GUIDELINES FOR NOMINATIONS
A complete nomination includes the following:

Completed application form Letter of nomination Three letters of reference for the candidate, in addition to the nomination letter. Letters of recommendation should highlight why the individual is being recommended for the award and how long the nominator has been aware of the individual’s contributions. The candidate’s personal information on family background and history of human rights work should be included. Nominators must specify whether the Award candidate has received or is currently nominated for other human rights awards. The letters should answer the following questions: How long have you known the candidate and in what capacity? What are the personal achievements of the candidate? What motivated this person to begin human rights work, and what continues to inspire them? What are the obstacles that the nominee faces in accomplishing his/her work? How has the nominee lead or engaged others in his/her work? How has the nominee’s work impacted the community? Copy of birth certificate or other proof of age. Nominee must be 30 years of age or younger on December 31st, 2006. Supporting materials such as: photographs, newspaper clippings, narratives or other items describing the candidate’s work. Please note that materials submitted with the nomination cannot be returned. Please provide examples (or anecdotes) to illustrate your description of the candidate.
Please provide translations in English, if possible, of any materials submitted that are not in English, French, or Spanish.

* 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:
The Reebok Human Rights Award Program
Reebok International Ltd.
1895 J.W. Foster Blvd.
Canton, MA 02021 U.S.A.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE REEBOK HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM AT:
tel: 781-401-4910
fax: 781-401-4806
email: rhraward@reebok.com
website: www.reebok.com/humanrights

Call for Proposals: The Fund for Global Human Rights

Liu Yong — Wed, 10 May 2006 17:57:02 -0700

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.

To do this, the Fund:

Seeks and pools resources from donors—especially those new to human rights funding—around the world;
Identifies and provides funding to local, national and regional human rights groups taking on critical issues in a growing number of countries;
Creates ways and networks to bring often isolated activists together to exchange ideas and strategies;
Engages human rights activists and funders around the world in developing its funding strategies.

In all its work, the Fund is led by a remarkable international board of directors, composed of human rights advocates and funders. The Fund’s board is chaired by Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland.

The Fund for Global Human Rights operates and accepts proposals in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. All elements of this website will be available in these four languages in 2006.

Program Focus

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 will make grants in 2006 in a particular set of countries. The current Request for Proposals (Fall 2006) is for groups based and working on the human rights situations in Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Tunisia, or Algeria only. For groups based in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Mexico, or Guatemala, a separate Request for Proposals will be available in late 2006. The Fund will not consider proposals from organizations in any other countries at this time.

Proposals for the current grant cycle must be received no later than July 15, 2006 in order to be considered. This deadline will be strictly enforced. Please send proposals via email to: info@globalhumanrights.org. If your proposal is ready before July 15, please submit it early to reduce email traffic on our server on the day of the deadline. Successful applicant organizations will be notified about grant awards on or about November 1, 2006.

Grant-making Process

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.

Since 2002, the Fund for Global Human Rights has made over $4 million in grants to 140 human rights organizations in thirteen countries.

» Check the Eligibility Requirements
» Download full application packet

Position Announcement: Director, Science & Human Rights Program at the American Association for the Advancement of Science

Liu Yong — Wed, 10 May 2006 05:35:19 -0700

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.

The position requires in-depth knowledge of human rights and the nexus between science and human rights; five to ten years of program management experience; a collaborative working style; and excellent written and oral communication skills. Also needed are a proven track record in fundraising, including experience in working with foundations and charitable organizations.

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

Liu Yong — Wed, 10 May 2006 05:08:46 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Wed, 10 May 2006 01:21:18 -0700

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.

Program: The program offers five-month fellowships for practitioners to improve strategies and techniques for building democracy abroad and five- to ten-month fellowships for scholars to conduct original research for publication. Practitioners may include activists, lawyers, journalists, and other civil society professionals; scholars may include professors, research analysts, and other writers. Projects may focus on the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of democratic development and include a range of methodologies and approaches.

Eligibility: The Reagan-Fascell Democracy Fellows Program is intended primarily to support practitioners and scholars from new and aspiring democracies. Distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies are also eligible to apply. Practitioners are expected to have substantial experience working to promote democracy. Scholars are expected to have a doctorate, or academic equivalent, at the time of application. The program is not designed to defray the cost of education for students working toward a degree. A working knowledge of English is an important prerequisite for participation in the program.

Support: The fellowship year begins October 1 and runs through July 31, with major entry dates in October and March. All fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel assistance, and research support through the Forum's Democracy Resource Center and Reagan-Fascell Research Consultancy Program.

Application: For further details, please visit us online at www.ned.org. For instructions on how to apply, please download our most recent Information and Application Forms booklet available at www.ned.org/forum/R-FApplication.pdf or visit us online at www.ned.org/forum/reagan-fascell.html. Please note that all application materials must be type-written and in English.

Deadline: Applications for fellowships in 2007-2008 must be received no later than November 1, 2006. Notification of the competition outcome is in April 2007.

We are pleased to announce that in summer 2006, NED will move to new headquarters:

Address until July 31, 2006:
Program Assistant, Fellowship Programs
International Forum for Democratic Studies
National Endowment for Democracy
1101 15th Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel.: (202) 293-0300
Fax: (202) 293-0258
E-mail: fellowships@ned.org

Address from August 1, 2006
Program Assistant, Fellowship Programs
International Forum for Democratic Studies
National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street, N.W., Eighth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20004
E-mail: fellowships@ned.org

SUDAN: Journalist charged, threatened after story on prophet

Liu Yong — Sat, 07 May 2005 03:57:06 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Sat, 07 May 2005 03:50:20 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Sat, 07 May 2005 03:34:03 -0700

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.

"Writing about politics or even social issues is an act of bravery in Iran, especially since the local authorities are now taking over the role of gagging bloggers from the central government. For this reason, we hail the human rights report which has just been adopted by the European Parliament, condemning Iran's 'abject policies' towards journalists and cyber-dissidents," RSF said.

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]

Radio broadcaster dead in latest attack on media

Liu Yong — Wed, 04 May 2005 22:21:59 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Wed, 04 May 2005 22:06:50 -0700

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.

"The police protection he has been getting for the past two years is not enough on its own to guarantee his right to freely practice his profession and does not relieve the Colombian government of its duty to investigate the corruption allegations he has made, which have prompted the death threats and harassment that have forced him to leave the region several times," the organisation said. [IFEX]

UN offers Press Freedom award

Liu Yong — Wed, 04 May 2005 21:52:46 -0700

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."

The award consists of a cash prize and an honorary degree given to the best non-political article featured in a non-political publication. The results are to be disclosed by the end of the year.[Daily Star ]

Muslim journalist freed from prison

Liu Yong — Wed, 04 May 2005 01:28:31 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Wed, 04 May 2005 01:08:14 -0700

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]

Incitement law will 'chill freedom of expression'

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 21:04:12 -0700

The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) is deeply alarmed at government "threats" to introduce legislation to make individuals and organisations ...

CHINA: CPJ protests harassment of exiled journalist

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 20:59:49 -0700

May 3, 2005

TO: His Excellency Hu Jintao
President, People's Republic of China
C/o Embassy of the People's Republic of China
2300 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20008

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.

Sincerely,

Ann Cooper
Executive Director
[CPJ]

New Code threatens media freedom

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 20:40:34 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 20:33:18 -0700

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.
[Sudan Tribune ]

YEMEN: Journalists reject new draft of press and publications law

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 20:30:15 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 20:10:29 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 19:55:00 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 19:38:39 -0700

Tunisia's strict censorship policy is so tough that even writing about onion prices can land a reporter in trouble, a ...

Crackdown launched on journalists on 'World Press Freedom Day'

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 19:32:57 -0700

The journalists observed "World Press Freedom Day" by taking out peaceful processions to press their demand of implementation of 7th ...

Group: Iraq worst for media since Vietnam

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 19:24:46 -0700

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

Liu Yong — Tue, 03 May 2005 19:11:53 -0700

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]

CAPSULE REPORT: State of emergency lifted but media censorship continues, says IFJ

Liu Yong — Mon, 02 May 2005 21:42:49 -0700

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.
[IFEX]