IFJ Condemns Newspaper's Dismissal of Union Leader
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has learnt with great dismay of the dismissal of Shahzad Hussain Butt, senior reporter of the Aaj Kal Urdu newspaper in Lahore, for reasons directly connected with his activities as president of the Punjab Union of Journalists (PUJ).
According to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), an IFJ affiliate, Butt was asked explicitly by the management of his newspaper, part of the Media Times group of publications, to disown a PUJ statement that was critical of the Governor of Punjab. On his refusal, Butt was told that he should cease reporting for work.
The PFUJ disputes the statement of Najam Sethi, editor-in-chief of the Media Times group, that Butt was relieved of his responsibilities because he was known to be negotiating for a position with a private TV channel.
Meanwhile, Aaj Kal editor Khalid Chaudhary has reportedly said on record that Butt has neither been dismissed nor asked to resign.
The Governor, Salman Taseer, owns a majority stake in the Media Times group. On November 17, a television channel aired clips of a televised conversation during which Taseer attacked the Pakistan media. The media, he said, had become a "monster" that had "crossed all limits" and would not allow "any government to work smoothly". He went on to suggest that certain news anchors would have been "handcuffed and arrested" had they been in a western country.
The following day, the PUJ and the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), both major constituent unions of the PFUJ, issued separate statements strongly critical of Taseer's comments. As president of the PUJ, Butt termed the Governor's statements a clear attack on press freedom, reminiscent of the days of the military regime led by Pervez Musharraf that Taseer had supported.
The Media Times management action against Butt followed.
"The IFJ condemns action by the Media Times management to dismiss a reporter for his statements as a union representative," said IFJ Asia-Pacific.
"An essential component of a free and independent press is that media owners accept in good faith the right of their employees to their own views. The dismissal of Butt strikes at the roots of the basic rights to freedom of opinion and association in Pakistan."
In other news from Pakistan this week, the PFUJ reported that the Sindh provincial government withdrew notification of a ban on the daily Islam and weekly Zarb-e-Momin after a PFUJ appeal.
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MORE INFORMATION:
For further information, contact IFJ Asia-Pacific, tel: +612 9333 0919, e-mail: ifj@ifj-asia.org, or the IFJ, International Press Centre, Residence Palace, Block C, 155 Rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, tel: +322 235 2200 / 2207, fax: +322 235 2219, e-mail: ernest.sagaga@ifj.org, Internet: http://www.ifj.org/
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
PAKISTAN: JOURNALISTS AT RISK
PAKISTAN: JOURNALISTS AT RISK IN BORDER REGIONS
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the International Federation ofJournalists (IFJ) and other IFEX members have voiced great concern aboutthe deteriorating security situation in the border area of Pakistan. Last week, two journalists were shot and wounded in Peshawar, the capitalof Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province, as they were returningfrom interviewing a Taliban commander in nearby Khyber. Sami Yousafzai, "Newsweek" magazine's special correspondent in the regionand a CBS News stringer, and Yatsukura Motoki, Islamabad bureau chief forthe Japanese daily "Asahi Shimbun", are in stable condition. Their driverwas also shot. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), it's unclearwhether the journalists were attacked for their work or were the targets ofa criminal gang seeking ransom. The North West Frontier Province, as well as the adjoining FederallyAdministered Tribal Areas (FATA), has been the scene of a number of attackson journalists, foreigners and government officials in recent weeks. On 11 November, Khadija Abdul Qahaar, a Canadian freelance journalist andpublisher of the website Jihad Unspun, and her Pakistani translator andguide were kidnapped while travelling in the region's Bannu district, sayCPJ, PPF and IFJ. PPF says tribal elders are negotiating for Qahaar's andher colleagues' release. "The Pakistan-Afghanistan border region has long been unstable, but itsviolence has been steadily spreading into other areas of Pakistan," saidCPJ. "Journalists in the region have long warned about the lack of securityand the threats they face from all sides - Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters,drug lords, gun runners, criminal gangs, and even the Pakistani government.For journalists, as for all others in Peshawar, this is a situation goingfrom bad to worse." In a separate incident, Royal TV and daily "Sahafat" reporter Abdul RazzaqJohara was killed in Mianwali, in the Punjab, on 3 November - the day afterhe did a report on drug trafficking, report PPF, IFJ and Reporters WithoutBorders (RSF). According to RSF, the local police said they arrestedseveral suspects, although five other suspects remain at large. In response to a call from IFJ affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union ofJournalists and the All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation, journalists demonstrated throughout Pakistan on 12 November in protestagainst the latest killings of their colleagues and to urge the authoritiesto go after those responsible.
Visit these links:- PPF: http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org- IFJ: http://tinyurl.com/5q3tue- CPJ: http://tinyurl.com/5ohryy- RSF: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29285- IFEX Pakistan page: http://tinyurl.com/23z96j
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), the International Federation ofJournalists (IFJ) and other IFEX members have voiced great concern aboutthe deteriorating security situation in the border area of Pakistan. Last week, two journalists were shot and wounded in Peshawar, the capitalof Pakistan's restive North West Frontier Province, as they were returningfrom interviewing a Taliban commander in nearby Khyber. Sami Yousafzai, "Newsweek" magazine's special correspondent in the regionand a CBS News stringer, and Yatsukura Motoki, Islamabad bureau chief forthe Japanese daily "Asahi Shimbun", are in stable condition. Their driverwas also shot. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), it's unclearwhether the journalists were attacked for their work or were the targets ofa criminal gang seeking ransom. The North West Frontier Province, as well as the adjoining FederallyAdministered Tribal Areas (FATA), has been the scene of a number of attackson journalists, foreigners and government officials in recent weeks. On 11 November, Khadija Abdul Qahaar, a Canadian freelance journalist andpublisher of the website Jihad Unspun, and her Pakistani translator andguide were kidnapped while travelling in the region's Bannu district, sayCPJ, PPF and IFJ. PPF says tribal elders are negotiating for Qahaar's andher colleagues' release. "The Pakistan-Afghanistan border region has long been unstable, but itsviolence has been steadily spreading into other areas of Pakistan," saidCPJ. "Journalists in the region have long warned about the lack of securityand the threats they face from all sides - Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters,drug lords, gun runners, criminal gangs, and even the Pakistani government.For journalists, as for all others in Peshawar, this is a situation goingfrom bad to worse." In a separate incident, Royal TV and daily "Sahafat" reporter Abdul RazzaqJohara was killed in Mianwali, in the Punjab, on 3 November - the day afterhe did a report on drug trafficking, report PPF, IFJ and Reporters WithoutBorders (RSF). According to RSF, the local police said they arrestedseveral suspects, although five other suspects remain at large. In response to a call from IFJ affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union ofJournalists and the All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation, journalists demonstrated throughout Pakistan on 12 November in protestagainst the latest killings of their colleagues and to urge the authoritiesto go after those responsible.
Visit these links:- PPF: http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org- IFJ: http://tinyurl.com/5q3tue- CPJ: http://tinyurl.com/5ohryy- RSF: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29285- IFEX Pakistan page: http://tinyurl.com/23z96j
RADIO BROADCASTER GUNNED DOWN IN MINDANAO
PHILIPPINES: RADIO BROADCASTER GUNNED DOWN IN MINDANAO
A radio broadcaster who often criticised local corruption was shot to deathon 17 November in Gingoog City, Mindanao, southern Philippines, report theCenter for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and other IFEX members. Aresio Padrigao, broadcaster at Radyo Natin (Our Radio), had just droppedoff his daughter in front of Bukidnon State University on the morning of 17November when he was killed by a gunman riding tandem on a motorcycle. While the motive is unclear, CMFR believes Padrigao was killed for his workas a journalist. Padrigao anchored "Sayri ang Katilingban" (Know thePeople), which aired every Friday. He often criticised local governmentcorruption as well as illegal logging activities in the province on hisprogramme. He also wrote a column for the community newspaper "MindanaoMonitor Today". Toto Gancia, a radio announcer at the same station, told CMFR that Padrigaohad received threats prior to his murder. "The threats told him in effectthat he would not live 'til Christmas," Gancia said. According to CMFR, Padrigao was the fifth Filipino journalist killed in theline of duty in 2008. Of the 37 journalists murdered in relation to theirwork during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's reign, only two haveyielded convictions for the gunmen and none have resulted in convictions ofthe masterminds, says CMFR. "The aura of impunity surrounding these attacks on journalists is thegovernment's fault," says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). "Aslong as authorities continue in their failure to prosecute thoseresponsible for such killings, journalists will be seen as easy targets." CPJ has launched a global campaign to combat impunity in unsolvedjournalist murders, focusing initially on the Philippines and Russia. Visit these links:- CMFR via Southeast Asian Press Alliance:http://www.seapabkk.org/newdesign/newsdetail.php?No=992- CPJ: http://tinyurl.com/62o3x8- International Federation of Journalists: http://tinyurl.com/67z6nf- Reporters Without Borders (RSF): http://tinyurl.com/6y6erl
sOURCE : IFEX NEWS
A radio broadcaster who often criticised local corruption was shot to deathon 17 November in Gingoog City, Mindanao, southern Philippines, report theCenter for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) and other IFEX members. Aresio Padrigao, broadcaster at Radyo Natin (Our Radio), had just droppedoff his daughter in front of Bukidnon State University on the morning of 17November when he was killed by a gunman riding tandem on a motorcycle. While the motive is unclear, CMFR believes Padrigao was killed for his workas a journalist. Padrigao anchored "Sayri ang Katilingban" (Know thePeople), which aired every Friday. He often criticised local governmentcorruption as well as illegal logging activities in the province on hisprogramme. He also wrote a column for the community newspaper "MindanaoMonitor Today". Toto Gancia, a radio announcer at the same station, told CMFR that Padrigaohad received threats prior to his murder. "The threats told him in effectthat he would not live 'til Christmas," Gancia said. According to CMFR, Padrigao was the fifth Filipino journalist killed in theline of duty in 2008. Of the 37 journalists murdered in relation to theirwork during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's reign, only two haveyielded convictions for the gunmen and none have resulted in convictions ofthe masterminds, says CMFR. "The aura of impunity surrounding these attacks on journalists is thegovernment's fault," says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). "Aslong as authorities continue in their failure to prosecute thoseresponsible for such killings, journalists will be seen as easy targets." CPJ has launched a global campaign to combat impunity in unsolvedjournalist murders, focusing initially on the Philippines and Russia. Visit these links:- CMFR via Southeast Asian Press Alliance:http://www.seapabkk.org/newdesign/newsdetail.php?No=992- CPJ: http://tinyurl.com/62o3x8- International Federation of Journalists: http://tinyurl.com/67z6nf- Reporters Without Borders (RSF): http://tinyurl.com/6y6erl
sOURCE : IFEX NEWS
Impunity in Case of Journalist’s Murder Threatens Freedom of Expression
For immediate release – 18 November 2008 – Portuguese to follow
Brazil: Impunity in Case of Journalist’s Murder Threatens Freedom of Expression
Source: ARTICLE 19.ORG.
The family of journalist Luiz Carlos Barbon Filho are being harassed a year and a half after he was murdered in Porto Ferreira, in the state of São Paulo. There are concerns that this is linked to their participation in the investigation of the crime perpetrated on him.
After Barbon was murdered on 5 May 2007, their house was attacked and his widow, Kátia Rosa Camargo, received several silent phone calls. In February 2008, after giving an interview to a national TV station, Kátia received a telephone call telling her to be quiet or she would end up like her husband. On 12 November 2008, Kátia was fired from her job as a secretary at the radio station “Rádio Primavera”. The same day, journalist João dos Reis (known as Jota Reis) was also fired. He had originally been responsible for covering the case as a news reporter at the local radio station “Porto FM”, but was first transferred to a musical programme and then dismissed. Kátia and the family’s lawyer, Ricardo Ramos, believe that she was fired due to her active promotion of the investigation of the assassination of her husband. Luiz Carlos Barbon Filho worked for the radio station “Porto FM” and the local newspapers Jornal do Porto and JC Regional before he was shot dead by an unidentified man while in a public place. According to his wife, he had been receiving death treats by telephone and email some weeks before he was killed. At the time of his death, he was investigating a robbery in which members of local authorities were allegedly involved. Five men – four from the military police – have been detained in connection with his murder.ARTICLE 19 expresses solidarity with Barbon’s family and urges the investigators to ensure that all those responsible for the crime against him are brought to justice so that the underlying motivation for the murder can be clarified. Impunity in cases of violence against journalists leads to fear and self-censorship and, unless such crimes are actively investigated and prosecuted, freedom of expression will remain under threat. ARTICLE 19 also urges the authorities to investigate all aspects of the case with a view to ensuring that no one is at risk simply for demanding justice in this case.
Brazil: Impunity in Case of Journalist’s Murder Threatens Freedom of Expression
Source: ARTICLE 19.ORG.
The family of journalist Luiz Carlos Barbon Filho are being harassed a year and a half after he was murdered in Porto Ferreira, in the state of São Paulo. There are concerns that this is linked to their participation in the investigation of the crime perpetrated on him.
After Barbon was murdered on 5 May 2007, their house was attacked and his widow, Kátia Rosa Camargo, received several silent phone calls. In February 2008, after giving an interview to a national TV station, Kátia received a telephone call telling her to be quiet or she would end up like her husband. On 12 November 2008, Kátia was fired from her job as a secretary at the radio station “Rádio Primavera”. The same day, journalist João dos Reis (known as Jota Reis) was also fired. He had originally been responsible for covering the case as a news reporter at the local radio station “Porto FM”, but was first transferred to a musical programme and then dismissed. Kátia and the family’s lawyer, Ricardo Ramos, believe that she was fired due to her active promotion of the investigation of the assassination of her husband. Luiz Carlos Barbon Filho worked for the radio station “Porto FM” and the local newspapers Jornal do Porto and JC Regional before he was shot dead by an unidentified man while in a public place. According to his wife, he had been receiving death treats by telephone and email some weeks before he was killed. At the time of his death, he was investigating a robbery in which members of local authorities were allegedly involved. Five men – four from the military police – have been detained in connection with his murder.ARTICLE 19 expresses solidarity with Barbon’s family and urges the investigators to ensure that all those responsible for the crime against him are brought to justice so that the underlying motivation for the murder can be clarified. Impunity in cases of violence against journalists leads to fear and self-censorship and, unless such crimes are actively investigated and prosecuted, freedom of expression will remain under threat. ARTICLE 19 also urges the authorities to investigate all aspects of the case with a view to ensuring that no one is at risk simply for demanding justice in this case.
Around Africa : News
Around Africa
October 2008
October was eventful Around Africa with a number of countries taking progressive steps. Leading the news early in the month, a handful of media professionals and human rights activists were released from detention in countries including the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Niger and Rwanda. ARTICLE19 also welcomes the release on 7 October of journalist Moussa Kaka, Director of Saraouniya Radio in Niger. Over the last year ARTICLE19 has followed closely the Kaka case on charges accusing him of being supportive of rebels in the country. Kaka has been released on bail with the charges of "endangering the safety of the state for suspected links with the Tuareg-led rebels in the north of the country." still standing against him.
Pockets of resistance to new media
Meanwhile, free expression remained under threat in other parts of the continent. In North Africa, there were several reports of attacks and intimidation against new media professionals, with a particular focus on resistance to the free flow of information offered on the World Wide Web. Egyptian authorities appeared to have turned their sights against online journalists and bloggers who are critical of the country’s authoritarian approach of governance. Bloggers, Abd Altawab Mahmoud and Khalifa Ebaid were arrested for ”taking advantage of prevailing atmosphere of democracy to overthrow the regime” in a move described by the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) as a violation of their right to free expression. The bloggers are suspected of being targeted for their affliliation to the Muslim Brotherhood but the charges on which they were detained have been called unlawful by human rights activists in the country. Still another blogger has been detained, whilst three others are being sought by Egyptian security forces.Egypt is ranked 146th in the Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF) Press Freedom Index 2008 out of 173 countries, the same place it held in 2007. Incidentally Eritrea falls at the bottom of the index for a second year. To view the full index follow this link: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29031
October was eventful Around Africa with a number of countries taking progressive steps. Leading the news early in the month, a handful of media professionals and human rights activists were released from detention in countries including the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Niger and Rwanda. ARTICLE19 also welcomes the release on 7 October of journalist Moussa Kaka, Director of Saraouniya Radio in Niger. Over the last year ARTICLE19 has followed closely the Kaka case on charges accusing him of being supportive of rebels in the country. Kaka has been released on bail with the charges of "endangering the safety of the state for suspected links with the Tuareg-led rebels in the north of the country." still standing against him.
Pockets of resistance to new media
Meanwhile, free expression remained under threat in other parts of the continent. In North Africa, there were several reports of attacks and intimidation against new media professionals, with a particular focus on resistance to the free flow of information offered on the World Wide Web. Egyptian authorities appeared to have turned their sights against online journalists and bloggers who are critical of the country’s authoritarian approach of governance. Bloggers, Abd Altawab Mahmoud and Khalifa Ebaid were arrested for ”taking advantage of prevailing atmosphere of democracy to overthrow the regime” in a move described by the Arabic Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) as a violation of their right to free expression. The bloggers are suspected of being targeted for their affliliation to the Muslim Brotherhood but the charges on which they were detained have been called unlawful by human rights activists in the country. Still another blogger has been detained, whilst three others are being sought by Egyptian security forces.Egypt is ranked 146th in the Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF) Press Freedom Index 2008 out of 173 countries, the same place it held in 2007. Incidentally Eritrea falls at the bottom of the index for a second year. To view the full index follow this link: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29031
In West Africa, Nigerian blogger, Jonathan Elendu, based in the USA was taken into custody on arrival in Abuja to visit family. He’s being held without charge by the Nigerian Secret Police who said Elendu was being investigated for “acts of sedition”. Mr. Elendu is accused of working for Saharareporters, a group that has published unfavourable analysis of the Yar’adua government’s performance since taking office in 2007. Elendu publishes an independent blog, Elendureports, separate from Saharareporters. Elendu’s website is www.elendureports.com. ARTICLE19 urges the Nigerian government to uphold the mandate of good governance it has accepted and release Jonathan Elendu.
A Pattern of Media Repression - Pre-print Censorship in Sudan
Sudanese press continue to be subject to pre-print censorship – a practice ARTICLE 19 condemned in March of this year. This wave of censorship was a result of newspapers’ publishing reports in February accusing the government of backing Chadian rebels in a failed coup attempt, an accusation which the government has denied.In Khartoum on 13 October 16 journalists were accused of receiving funds from the United States International Development agency, USAID alleged for the purposes of ‘campaigning against the government and the benefit of the Sudanese people’. This condemnation was published in Akhir Lazha newspaper and the accused journalists were not permitted to respond to the accusations; each of the retaliatory articles were censored before their respective newspapers went to print. ARTICLE 19 reminds the Sudanese authorities that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression’ including the right ‘to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers’ as enshrined in Article 19 of ICCPR and Article 9 of the ACHPR
Access to information as a fundamental right to Truth, Justice and reconciliation
On 22 October, the Parliament of the Kenyan Coalition Government passed a Bill for setting up a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. The Bill will assess mass human rights abuses since the country’s independence in 1963 to, and including the post-election violence of 2007 and 2008. ARTICLE 19 welcomed the bill, urging Kenyans to ensure that the information gathered by the TJRC is properly preserved for the future. Executive Director, Dr Agnès Callamard, said: “The ‘right to truth’ about past human rights violations is central to addressing underlying issues and to restoring the dignity of the victims. The TJRC is a positive step toward ensuring the public’s ‘right to truth’ following recent incidents of mass human rights violations in Kenya.”The Kenyan National Human Rights Commission’s report into the violence had called for reconciliation and highlighted failings of the media between December 2007 and February 2008. A key recommendation of the report published in August 2008 was for the need to pass a Hate Speech Bill. The KNCHR had drafted legislation on hate speech in 2007.The KNHRC’s report identified the role unregulated call-in programmes and live talk shows on vernacular radio stations such as KASS FM and Inoodo FM allowed the preaching of hate speech messages both against different ethnic groups or the political parties depending on the district. Hence the key recommendations from the bill included: ‘Parliament should enact hate speech legislation with this [2008] year’ and ‘The Communications Commission of Kenya should be empowered to monitor the content of local language as well as other media’.In a paper published by Pambazuka News on 22 October by KNCHR Commissioner and ARTICLE 19 International Board member, Lawrence M. Mute, the importance, merits and international and domestic human rights obligations for the passing of the 2007 Kenyan Hate Speech Bill into law were clearly defined. ARTICLE 19’s regional office will advocate alongside our Kenyan partners and freedom of expression stakeholders for the passing of such legislation ensuring that any draf bill is in line with international freedom of expression standards and the guarantees within Kenyan domestic legislation. The Bill propsed by the KNCHR has been careful that freedom of expression rights under international laws such as the ICCPR are taken into account as Commissioner Mute’s article explains. To view Commissioner Mute’s article titled ‘Legislation, hate speech, and freedom of expression in Kenya’ follow this link: http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/51378
Kenyan Association of Journalists
The Kenyan Association of Journalists held the first in a series of meetings on 21 October in Nairobi. There was agreement about the need for greater professionalism among the media, as well as a desire for greater media pluralism and diversity, especially since the recent post-election violence in Kenya. The meeting was well attended by over 300 journalists and media professionals, along with ARTICLE 19.
Reporters in Distress
In October eleven media professionals have been harassed or imprisoned, and three detained by state security forces in Tunisia, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, South Africa, Swaziland and Sudan – whilst two independent broadcasters have been shut down in Malawi and Lesotho this month.Aside from the resignation of Els de Temmerman, Belgian editor-in-chief of the Ugandan government-owned newspaper New Vision, on grounds that she could not guarantee the editorial independence of the newspaper – Uganda has seen a stepping up in restrictions to free expression. In October alone, a journalist and media advocate was attacked and has been arrested three times, and now faces charges including ‘incitement to violence’. Sssemujju Ibrahim Nganda, an open critic of the Ugandan government and a programme coordinator for Human Rights Network for Journalists, had escaped an attempted abduction after being knocked off his motorbike earlier this month.Issuing of hefty fines and terms of imprisonment for defamation in Egypt has been of concern to ARTICLE 19. In Egypt three editors-in-chief are facing possible imprisonment for publishing false news whilst a journalist and editor were ordered to pay 80,000 Egyptian pounds (£8,960) for publishing a satirical piece about an Egyptian cleric. Whilst in Lesotho, a defunct Lesotho weekly, The Mirror, its editor and EPIC Printers were handed a M50 000 (GBP 4700) fine on 29 September 2008 for defaming Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, for a publication in April 2001 in which the story made ‘political insinuations that were highly defamatory’. The court stated "There was no justification whatsoever for those allegations and the defendants negligently published them without bothering to establish their truthfulness". A Masotho broadcast journalist Thabo Thakalekoala sentenced to two years in prison for sedition or alternatively a fine of M200 (GBP 10) – which he paid, was also sentenced to a further two years for criminal defamation and subversion. Although this sentence was suspended on condition that Thakalekoala does not commit a similar offence in the next three years. MISA has criticised the state for its notorious ‘insult laws which senior politicians and government officials have used against the media to demand hefty compensation’.A journalist in Kenya is currently facing defamation charges. Andrew Mwangura was arrested on 1 October for contradicting the Kenyan government’s version of the destination a cargo ship seized by Somali pirates, in what has been a widely covered story both regional and international press. The ship, carrying a cargo of military tanks, originally alleged to be bound for Kenya was reported to have been bound for Southern Sudan, in breach of the arms embargo placed on the country. Mwangura, has been released on bail.
African media and civil society leading debate on free expression and media legislation
On 8 October, Tanzania’s Freedom of Information Coalition submitted a draft Media Services Bill to the Tanzanian Minister of Information and Culture in push to changes to media policy in the country that promote ‘press freedom, professionalism and accountability’. The Coalition has been actively campaigning for the introduction of a Freedom of Information Bill since 2006. Kenya’s FOI Bill has as yet not been discussed in parliament and currently Uganda is the only East African country to have passed an FOI law in the region, although implementation of the law has been stagnant.Other interesting legislative developments in the continent this month include the efforts by the Attorney General’s Office in Zimbabwe to form an Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Bill. Zimbabwe’s Access to Information law (AIPPA) has been criticised for restricting rather than promotion the free flow of information in the country. Civil society organisations including MISA-Zimbabwe, have called for the guarantee of independence of regulators in media and telecommunications to be assured in the development of any ICT legislation. http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/70617
A Pattern of Media Repression - Pre-print Censorship in Sudan
Sudanese press continue to be subject to pre-print censorship – a practice ARTICLE 19 condemned in March of this year. This wave of censorship was a result of newspapers’ publishing reports in February accusing the government of backing Chadian rebels in a failed coup attempt, an accusation which the government has denied.In Khartoum on 13 October 16 journalists were accused of receiving funds from the United States International Development agency, USAID alleged for the purposes of ‘campaigning against the government and the benefit of the Sudanese people’. This condemnation was published in Akhir Lazha newspaper and the accused journalists were not permitted to respond to the accusations; each of the retaliatory articles were censored before their respective newspapers went to print. ARTICLE 19 reminds the Sudanese authorities that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression’ including the right ‘to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers’ as enshrined in Article 19 of ICCPR and Article 9 of the ACHPR
Access to information as a fundamental right to Truth, Justice and reconciliation
On 22 October, the Parliament of the Kenyan Coalition Government passed a Bill for setting up a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. The Bill will assess mass human rights abuses since the country’s independence in 1963 to, and including the post-election violence of 2007 and 2008. ARTICLE 19 welcomed the bill, urging Kenyans to ensure that the information gathered by the TJRC is properly preserved for the future. Executive Director, Dr Agnès Callamard, said: “The ‘right to truth’ about past human rights violations is central to addressing underlying issues and to restoring the dignity of the victims. The TJRC is a positive step toward ensuring the public’s ‘right to truth’ following recent incidents of mass human rights violations in Kenya.”The Kenyan National Human Rights Commission’s report into the violence had called for reconciliation and highlighted failings of the media between December 2007 and February 2008. A key recommendation of the report published in August 2008 was for the need to pass a Hate Speech Bill. The KNCHR had drafted legislation on hate speech in 2007.The KNHRC’s report identified the role unregulated call-in programmes and live talk shows on vernacular radio stations such as KASS FM and Inoodo FM allowed the preaching of hate speech messages both against different ethnic groups or the political parties depending on the district. Hence the key recommendations from the bill included: ‘Parliament should enact hate speech legislation with this [2008] year’ and ‘The Communications Commission of Kenya should be empowered to monitor the content of local language as well as other media’.In a paper published by Pambazuka News on 22 October by KNCHR Commissioner and ARTICLE 19 International Board member, Lawrence M. Mute, the importance, merits and international and domestic human rights obligations for the passing of the 2007 Kenyan Hate Speech Bill into law were clearly defined. ARTICLE 19’s regional office will advocate alongside our Kenyan partners and freedom of expression stakeholders for the passing of such legislation ensuring that any draf bill is in line with international freedom of expression standards and the guarantees within Kenyan domestic legislation. The Bill propsed by the KNCHR has been careful that freedom of expression rights under international laws such as the ICCPR are taken into account as Commissioner Mute’s article explains. To view Commissioner Mute’s article titled ‘Legislation, hate speech, and freedom of expression in Kenya’ follow this link: http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/51378
Kenyan Association of Journalists
The Kenyan Association of Journalists held the first in a series of meetings on 21 October in Nairobi. There was agreement about the need for greater professionalism among the media, as well as a desire for greater media pluralism and diversity, especially since the recent post-election violence in Kenya. The meeting was well attended by over 300 journalists and media professionals, along with ARTICLE 19.
Reporters in Distress
In October eleven media professionals have been harassed or imprisoned, and three detained by state security forces in Tunisia, Ghana, Mozambique, Uganda, South Africa, Swaziland and Sudan – whilst two independent broadcasters have been shut down in Malawi and Lesotho this month.Aside from the resignation of Els de Temmerman, Belgian editor-in-chief of the Ugandan government-owned newspaper New Vision, on grounds that she could not guarantee the editorial independence of the newspaper – Uganda has seen a stepping up in restrictions to free expression. In October alone, a journalist and media advocate was attacked and has been arrested three times, and now faces charges including ‘incitement to violence’. Sssemujju Ibrahim Nganda, an open critic of the Ugandan government and a programme coordinator for Human Rights Network for Journalists, had escaped an attempted abduction after being knocked off his motorbike earlier this month.Issuing of hefty fines and terms of imprisonment for defamation in Egypt has been of concern to ARTICLE 19. In Egypt three editors-in-chief are facing possible imprisonment for publishing false news whilst a journalist and editor were ordered to pay 80,000 Egyptian pounds (£8,960) for publishing a satirical piece about an Egyptian cleric. Whilst in Lesotho, a defunct Lesotho weekly, The Mirror, its editor and EPIC Printers were handed a M50 000 (GBP 4700) fine on 29 September 2008 for defaming Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, for a publication in April 2001 in which the story made ‘political insinuations that were highly defamatory’. The court stated "There was no justification whatsoever for those allegations and the defendants negligently published them without bothering to establish their truthfulness". A Masotho broadcast journalist Thabo Thakalekoala sentenced to two years in prison for sedition or alternatively a fine of M200 (GBP 10) – which he paid, was also sentenced to a further two years for criminal defamation and subversion. Although this sentence was suspended on condition that Thakalekoala does not commit a similar offence in the next three years. MISA has criticised the state for its notorious ‘insult laws which senior politicians and government officials have used against the media to demand hefty compensation’.A journalist in Kenya is currently facing defamation charges. Andrew Mwangura was arrested on 1 October for contradicting the Kenyan government’s version of the destination a cargo ship seized by Somali pirates, in what has been a widely covered story both regional and international press. The ship, carrying a cargo of military tanks, originally alleged to be bound for Kenya was reported to have been bound for Southern Sudan, in breach of the arms embargo placed on the country. Mwangura, has been released on bail.
African media and civil society leading debate on free expression and media legislation
On 8 October, Tanzania’s Freedom of Information Coalition submitted a draft Media Services Bill to the Tanzanian Minister of Information and Culture in push to changes to media policy in the country that promote ‘press freedom, professionalism and accountability’. The Coalition has been actively campaigning for the introduction of a Freedom of Information Bill since 2006. Kenya’s FOI Bill has as yet not been discussed in parliament and currently Uganda is the only East African country to have passed an FOI law in the region, although implementation of the law has been stagnant.Other interesting legislative developments in the continent this month include the efforts by the Attorney General’s Office in Zimbabwe to form an Information Communication Technologies (ICT) Bill. Zimbabwe’s Access to Information law (AIPPA) has been criticised for restricting rather than promotion the free flow of information in the country. Civil society organisations including MISA-Zimbabwe, have called for the guarantee of independence of regulators in media and telecommunications to be assured in the development of any ICT legislation. http://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/70617
A South African Coalition of civil society organisations including the Freedom of Expression Institute has spoken out in criticism a Broadcasting Amendment Bill which though welcomed by civil society still contains critical failures. The Coalition highlighted the failure of the amendment bill to address issues surrounding the appointment and removal of Board members also inadequately addressed in the South African Broadcasting Act of 1999 – an issue frequently disputed with the introduction or amendment of broadcast legislation. http://www.mediamonitoring.org.za
Botswana's Mogae wins $5m prize
Botswana's former President Festus Mogae has won a $5m (£2.8m) prize to encourage good governance in Africa. Mr Mogae, who stepped down in April after two terms in office, said he was honoured and humbled by the award. Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable countries - it has never had a coup and has had regular multi-party elections since independence in 1966. Announcing the prize, ex-UN head Kofi Annan also commended Mr Mogae for his action to tackle the Aids pandemic. The Ibrahim Prize - the most valuable individual annual prize in the world - was set up by Sudan-born telecoms entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim. As well as the $5m prize, Mr Mogae, 69, gets $200,000 a year for the rest of his life.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
• For more information: please contact Africa Programme Officers Cece Fadoupe, cece@article19.org or Roxanne Abdulali roxanne@article19.org +44 20 7278 9292
Botswana's Mogae wins $5m prize
Botswana's former President Festus Mogae has won a $5m (£2.8m) prize to encourage good governance in Africa. Mr Mogae, who stepped down in April after two terms in office, said he was honoured and humbled by the award. Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable countries - it has never had a coup and has had regular multi-party elections since independence in 1966. Announcing the prize, ex-UN head Kofi Annan also commended Mr Mogae for his action to tackle the Aids pandemic. The Ibrahim Prize - the most valuable individual annual prize in the world - was set up by Sudan-born telecoms entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim. As well as the $5m prize, Mr Mogae, 69, gets $200,000 a year for the rest of his life.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
• For more information: please contact Africa Programme Officers Cece Fadoupe, cece@article19.org or Roxanne Abdulali roxanne@article19.org +44 20 7278 9292
Monday, November 17, 2008
Council of Europe Accused of Secrecy Over Convention on Transparency
17 November 2008
Council of Europe Accused of Secrecy Over Convention on Transparency
Public kept in the dark on world’s first international treaty on access to information
London, Madrid -- Human rights organisations working on government transparency filed a request last week with the Council of Europe for information about the Convention on Access to Official Documents. The convention, still in draft form, has been heavily criticised and is being finalized under a shroud of secrecy.
“It’s more than a little ironic that the world’s first international treaty on access to information is being decided upon behind closed doors”, said Helen Darbishire, Executive Director of Access Info Europe. “The public has the right to know what is being discussed, and what positions our governments are taking on the treaty”, commented Darbishire, whose organization, along with the Open Society Justice Initiative and Article 19, is leading civil society efforts to promote a stronger treaty that fully protects the right of access to information. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which is composed of delegations from the national parliaments of the 47 countries, adopted an unusually critical opinion of the treaty in October. It identified numerous problems with the draft convention and called for the Council of Europe to allot more time for redrafting. On 12 November, the Council of Europe reportedly considered whether or not to act on the Parliamentary Assembly’s opinion of the treaty, but did so without notifying the public of their conclusions. Neither elected representatives nor civil society received any information about what was discussed or how the meeting might impact treaty negotiations. An information request was therefore filed on 14 November with Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, asking for information about what happened in the meeting (see www.access-info.org for the text of the information request). The Committee of Ministers, chaired by Sweden’s Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, will vote on the convention’s adoption on 27 November. Civil society groups have called on Minister Bildt to ensure that their concerns are discussed before any vote is scheduled. Sweden became the first country in the world to grant its citizens a right to access information in 1776. “Sweden’s reputation as an advocate of transparency will be substantially tarnished if Minister Bildt allows the treaty to be adopted in its current form without adequate attention to the concerns raised by civil society, information commissioners, and governments”, said Sandra Coliver of the Open Society Justice Initiative.The Parliamentary Assembly’s opinion identified a number of problems in the treaty, including the narrow range of public bodies to which the right applies, shortcomings in the definition of documents, the absence of maximum time-limits for answering requests, the failure to give requestors a right to appeal to an independent body or court that can order disclosure of information, and the failure to restrict the reservations that states may make to the convention’s provisions, which is highly unusual for a Council of Europe human rights treaty.“There are double-standards at play here”, said Toby Mendel of Article 19. “The Council of Europe is promoting a convention on access to information as a tool for public participation in decision making, but at the same time blocking such participation in the discussion over the draft Convention by withholding information about the decision-making process.”
Notes for Editors:
1. Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Opinion of 3 October 2008 (Opinion No. 270/2008) is available at: http://assembly.coe.int/Mainf.asp?link=/Documents/AdoptedText/ta08/EOPI270.htm
2. Concerns advanced in that opinion have been raised over the past year by more than 250 NGOs; Information Commissioners from nine countries (Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Switzerland and the UK); and the OSCE’s Representative on Freedom of the Media. These bodies were not formally consulted on the draft Convention and the issues they raised were not fully considered on their merits.
3. Drafting the convention was delegated to a group of government appointees dominated by countries from north-west Europe, many of whose access to documents laws date back to rules on administrative procedures adopted in the 1970s and early 1980s. Countries of central and eastern Europe were underrepresented in the drafting process; several of these have expressed concerns that the standards being set fell below those of their more modern access to information laws and risk undermining recent advances in the right to information.
4. A major reason given by those involved in the drafting process for not wanting to consider revisions to the current treaty text is that the process has already taken 10 years. This is not strictly the case. Talk about drafting a Convention only started in 2002 upon the Council of Europe’s adoption of a Recommendation on Access to Official Documents. Actual drafting began only in January 2006 and the main text of the Convention was completed by July 2007.
5. Only three human rights organisations working on access to information – Access Info, Article 19 and the Justice Initiative -- were invited to participate in the drafting sessions. There was no attempt to engage in wider consultation with civil society, the public or experts in this area such as Information Commissioners from across Council of Europe Member States.
6. If the Council of Europe were to adopt a stronger treaty it would undoubtedly require some ratifying states to introduce changes to national law upon ratification. This is normal for human rights treaties whose entire purpose is to motivate states to bring their law and practice into line with the standards defined in the treaty; if this were not the case, there would be little point in bodies such as the Council of Europe adopting such treaties.
For more information, please contact:
• Helen Darbishire, Executive Director, Access Info Europe, + 34 667 685 319 helen@access-info.org • Sejal Parmar, Senior Legal Officer, ARTICLE 19, + 44 20 7239 1192 sejal@article19.org• Sandra Coliver, Senior Legal Officer, Open Society Justice Initiative, +1 917 361 5618 scoliver@justiceinitiative.org
ARTICLE 19
ARTICLE 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works globally to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. It takes its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees free speech. For more information on ARTICLE 19 please visit www.article19.org
6-8 Amwell Street London EC1R 1UQ United KingdomTel: +44 20 7278 9292 - Fax: +44 20 7278 7660 - info@article19.org - www.article19.org
Sunday, November 16, 2008
VOTE FOR THE BEST "EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS" AWARD WINNER
VOTE FOR THE BEST "EVERY HUMAN HAS RIGHTS" AWARD WINNER The international media development organisation Internews has announcedthe 30 winners of the Every Human Has Rights Media Awards, organised thisyear to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of HumanRights. Among the 30 winners, a special award will be given to the mosteye-opening report (1,000 euros, US$1,560) - and you, as the public, get todecide who wins. The winners, whose stories explicitly refer to the human rights enshrinedin the declaration, will be attending the campaign celebration in Paris on6 December, where they will receive a prize for their contribution. Theywill also get to meet human rights leaders, including Archibishop DesmondTutu, chair of The Elders, a group of world leaders that tackles some ofthe world's biggest problems and is an avid supporter of the Every HumanHas Rights campaign. You have until midnight on 30 November 2008 to vote. Read the winningstories and cast your vote here:http://media-awards.everyhumanhasrights.org/en
source: Ifex
source: Ifex
REPORTER SHOT DEAD IN CONFLICT ZONE
PAKISTAN: REPORTER SHOT DEAD IN CONFLICT ZONE
Security forces shot dead a journalist in Swat Valley, northeast Pakistan,
last week, making him the third journalist to be killed in Swat this year,
report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and other IFEX
members.
Qari Mohammad Shoaib, a reporter for daily newspapers "Azadi" and "Khabar
Kar", was shot in Mingora near his home on 8 November, reportedly because
he did not stop his vehicle at a checkpoint.
Security forces admitted that Shoaib was killed "by mistake," according to
IFJ affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). His vehicle
displayed a press sticker and he was carrying a press card.
IFJ joined PFUJ and local unions in protests demanding that provincial and
federal authorities conduct an immediate independent inquiry into the
killing of Shoaib and arrest those responsible. They also urged media
owners to ensure all their personnel working in conflict zones receive
adequate safety training and equipment.
"There is a full scale army operation and insurgency in Swat Valley, Bajaur
Agency and many parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Scores of
people are being killed every day and the situation for everyone,
particularly journalists, is intolerable and unbearable," said the Pakistan
Press Foundation (PPF).
Swat Valley, about 150 kilometres northeast of Peshawar, has been the focus
of a Pakistan army offensive against insurgents since August. IFJ and PFUJ
recently completed a series of safety training workshops for journalists
and camera operators working in Swat and Pakistan's other hot spots.
Visit these links:
- IFJ: http://tinyurl.com/5wcygh
- IFJ on protests: http://tinyurl.com/55tcxw
- PPF: http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/
- Reporters Without Borders:
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29250
- Committee to Protect Journalists: http://tinyurl.com/5dvka4
Security forces shot dead a journalist in Swat Valley, northeast Pakistan,
last week, making him the third journalist to be killed in Swat this year,
report the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and other IFEX
members.
Qari Mohammad Shoaib, a reporter for daily newspapers "Azadi" and "Khabar
Kar", was shot in Mingora near his home on 8 November, reportedly because
he did not stop his vehicle at a checkpoint.
Security forces admitted that Shoaib was killed "by mistake," according to
IFJ affiliate the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). His vehicle
displayed a press sticker and he was carrying a press card.
IFJ joined PFUJ and local unions in protests demanding that provincial and
federal authorities conduct an immediate independent inquiry into the
killing of Shoaib and arrest those responsible. They also urged media
owners to ensure all their personnel working in conflict zones receive
adequate safety training and equipment.
"There is a full scale army operation and insurgency in Swat Valley, Bajaur
Agency and many parts of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Scores of
people are being killed every day and the situation for everyone,
particularly journalists, is intolerable and unbearable," said the Pakistan
Press Foundation (PPF).
Swat Valley, about 150 kilometres northeast of Peshawar, has been the focus
of a Pakistan army offensive against insurgents since August. IFJ and PFUJ
recently completed a series of safety training workshops for journalists
and camera operators working in Swat and Pakistan's other hot spots.
Visit these links:
- IFJ: http://tinyurl.com/5wcygh
- IFJ on protests: http://tinyurl.com/55tcxw
- PPF: http://www.pakistanpressfoundation.org/
- Reporters Without Borders:
http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29250
- Committee to Protect Journalists: http://tinyurl.com/5dvka4
BLOGGER JAILED FOR 20 YEARS
BURMA: BLOGGER JAILED FOR 20 YEARS, POET GETS TWO YEARS A young Burmese blogger and a poet who disguised an attack on the country'smilitary leader Than Shwe have received heavy jail sentences, report Mizzima News, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other IFEX members. Blogger Nay Phone Latt, 28,
Than Shwe
was sentenced to 20 years and six months injail by a court in Rangoon's Insein prison on 10 November. The poet, Saw Wai, received a two year sentence for a Valentine's Day poemthat mocked Than Shwe published in the weekly "Love Journal". The firstwords of each line of the Burmese language poem spelled out the message"Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe". Even the lawyer representing Nay Phone Latt, Aung Thein, is himself servingfour months for contempt of court for complaining of unfair treatmentduring earlier proceedings. Nay Phone Latt's mother, Aye Than, who was not allowed to attend the trial,said, "He is the first ever blogger to be arrested in Burma. I have no ideawhy they punished my son with such a harsh judgment." Nay Phone Latt is a former member of the opposition National League forDemocracy, who owns three internet cafés in the capital Rangoon. HisBurmese language blog, http://www.nayphonelatt.net/ , provided invaluableinformation about events during and after the "Saffron Revolution", themonk-led protests last September that were put down by the military. His was sentenced to 15 years for offences under the Electronics Act, twoyears for "creating public alarm" and three and a half years for offencesunder the Video Act. The charges included possession of a banned video ofthe unrest. The government appears to be expediting the trials of activists involved inlast year's protests, says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Morethan two dozen activists were sentenced to harsh prison terms this weekthat will keep them in jail long past a 2010 election. On 11 November, 14members of the Generation 88 Students group were sentenced to prison termsof 65 years each. Amnesty International says the junta holds more than 2,100 politicalprisoners, up sharply from nearly 1,200 in June 2007 - before thepro-democracy demonstrations. RSF is asking bloggers worldwide to show solidarity with Nay Phone Latt bypublishing his photo on their blogs. RSF and the Writers in PrisonCommittee (WiPC) of International PEN are also urging protest letters to besent to Burmese embassies worldwide requesting his and Saw Wai's release. Visit these links:- Mizzima News: http://tinyurl.com/5w24bt- CPJ: http://tinyurl.com/5pbjnw- RSF: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29243- WiPC: http://tinyurl.com/55wzbc- Amnesty International: http://tinyurl.com/5wc2u2
Than Shwewas sentenced to 20 years and six months injail by a court in Rangoon's Insein prison on 10 November. The poet, Saw Wai, received a two year sentence for a Valentine's Day poemthat mocked Than Shwe published in the weekly "Love Journal". The firstwords of each line of the Burmese language poem spelled out the message"Power Crazy Senior General Than Shwe". Even the lawyer representing Nay Phone Latt, Aung Thein, is himself servingfour months for contempt of court for complaining of unfair treatmentduring earlier proceedings. Nay Phone Latt's mother, Aye Than, who was not allowed to attend the trial,said, "He is the first ever blogger to be arrested in Burma. I have no ideawhy they punished my son with such a harsh judgment." Nay Phone Latt is a former member of the opposition National League forDemocracy, who owns three internet cafés in the capital Rangoon. HisBurmese language blog, http://www.nayphonelatt.net/ , provided invaluableinformation about events during and after the "Saffron Revolution", themonk-led protests last September that were put down by the military. His was sentenced to 15 years for offences under the Electronics Act, twoyears for "creating public alarm" and three and a half years for offencesunder the Video Act. The charges included possession of a banned video ofthe unrest. The government appears to be expediting the trials of activists involved inlast year's protests, says the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Morethan two dozen activists were sentenced to harsh prison terms this weekthat will keep them in jail long past a 2010 election. On 11 November, 14members of the Generation 88 Students group were sentenced to prison termsof 65 years each. Amnesty International says the junta holds more than 2,100 politicalprisoners, up sharply from nearly 1,200 in June 2007 - before thepro-democracy demonstrations. RSF is asking bloggers worldwide to show solidarity with Nay Phone Latt bypublishing his photo on their blogs. RSF and the Writers in PrisonCommittee (WiPC) of International PEN are also urging protest letters to besent to Burmese embassies worldwide requesting his and Saw Wai's release. Visit these links:- Mizzima News: http://tinyurl.com/5w24bt- CPJ: http://tinyurl.com/5pbjnw- RSF: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29243- WiPC: http://tinyurl.com/55wzbc- Amnesty International: http://tinyurl.com/5wc2u2
Justice Denied Campaign
FREE EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
IPI LAUNCHES JUSTICE DENIED CAMPAIGN, TELLING "STORIES OF IMPUNITY ANDIMPRISONMENT OF JOURNALISTS WORLDWIDE"
Another harrowing week for journalists, according to IFEX alerts. Some of the recent stories: a Pakistani journalist was killed at a checkpoint -even though his car was clearly marked "press". A man who murdered anArgentine photographer in 1997 and was sentenced to life imprisonment wasfreed, while a Burmese blogger who criticised the military junta got 20years in jail. International Press Institute's (IPI) newly launched Justice DeniedCampaign seeks to change this reality. It highlights stories of impunityand the imprisonment of journalists worldwide, ensuring that these storiesremain visible, particularly among key decision-makers. The "impunity" figure is often bandied about in free expression circles: innine out of 10 murders of journalists, the perpetrators remain at large.IPI looks beyond the number and tells the stories of impunity. They includea Serbian journalist likely murdered for daring to criticise developmentsin Kosovo, a Mexican crime reporter who simply vanished, a Sri Lankanjournalist caught up in the violence of his country's civil conflict, andan outspoken press freedom advocate shot dead for resisting restrictions onthe press in the Gambia. The stories of imprisonment include a group of Cuban journalists arrestedin a massive crackdown triggered by a petition for reforms, a Bangladeshireporter who has been sentenced to a total of 48 years of imprisonment insix separate cases, and two Iranian journalists facing the death penaltyafter addressing the plight of the country's Kurdish community. "The stories told by IPI's Justice Denied Campaign are stark reminders ofthe dangers faced by journalists committed to informing the public," saidIPI. "When a journalist is attacked or jailed, the loss goes beyond thepersonal, with entire communities losing access to information they sorelyneed. We trust these stories will offend peoples' innate sense of justice,but we also hope that this will prompt people to act." IPI is encouraging the media to support the Justice Denied Campaign by publishing these stories. Background material, interviews and commentarieson cases are presented on IPI's website, at:http://www.freemedia.at/justicedenied
source : Ifex News
IPI LAUNCHES JUSTICE DENIED CAMPAIGN, TELLING "STORIES OF IMPUNITY ANDIMPRISONMENT OF JOURNALISTS WORLDWIDE"
Another harrowing week for journalists, according to IFEX alerts. Some of the recent stories: a Pakistani journalist was killed at a checkpoint -even though his car was clearly marked "press". A man who murdered anArgentine photographer in 1997 and was sentenced to life imprisonment wasfreed, while a Burmese blogger who criticised the military junta got 20years in jail. International Press Institute's (IPI) newly launched Justice DeniedCampaign seeks to change this reality. It highlights stories of impunityand the imprisonment of journalists worldwide, ensuring that these storiesremain visible, particularly among key decision-makers. The "impunity" figure is often bandied about in free expression circles: innine out of 10 murders of journalists, the perpetrators remain at large.IPI looks beyond the number and tells the stories of impunity. They includea Serbian journalist likely murdered for daring to criticise developmentsin Kosovo, a Mexican crime reporter who simply vanished, a Sri Lankanjournalist caught up in the violence of his country's civil conflict, andan outspoken press freedom advocate shot dead for resisting restrictions onthe press in the Gambia. The stories of imprisonment include a group of Cuban journalists arrestedin a massive crackdown triggered by a petition for reforms, a Bangladeshireporter who has been sentenced to a total of 48 years of imprisonment insix separate cases, and two Iranian journalists facing the death penaltyafter addressing the plight of the country's Kurdish community. "The stories told by IPI's Justice Denied Campaign are stark reminders ofthe dangers faced by journalists committed to informing the public," saidIPI. "When a journalist is attacked or jailed, the loss goes beyond thepersonal, with entire communities losing access to information they sorelyneed. We trust these stories will offend peoples' innate sense of justice,but we also hope that this will prompt people to act." IPI is encouraging the media to support the Justice Denied Campaign by publishing these stories. Background material, interviews and commentarieson cases are presented on IPI's website, at:http://www.freemedia.at/justicedenied
source : Ifex News
International PEN closed a historic Congress in Bogotá
October 22, 2008:
74th International PEN Congress Calls for Cultural Rights, Free Expression
Urges worldwide protection of cultures and indigenous languages, and a review of UN resolutions on religious defamationFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor more information contact:Larry Siems, (212) 334-1660 ext. 105
New York, October 22, 2008—International PEN closed a historic Congress in Bogotá by strengthening its commitment to supporting writers and literature from all cultures and languages. From September 17 to 22 , over 120 delegates from 70 countries upheld the importance of ideas and the free word in changing and developing civil society. "Our discussions and debates here in the beautiful city of Bogotá have been a great success," said Jirí Grušá,
International President of International PEN. "We are grateful to Colombian PEN for their wonderful hospitality and for sharing their literary heritage and culture. We are also delighted to welcome three new PEN centers to our worldwide community: Ethiopian PEN, Haiti PEN and Uighur PEN."With a special focus on Latin America, and in particular Colombia, the great work of the PEN centers in this region was recognized and celebrated. The autumn 2008 issue of PEN International magazine, Context: Latin America and the Caribbean, will include a wealth of writing from the best novelists, short story writers, poets and essayists from this region. 10 resolutions were passed by the Assembly of Delegates including calling for increased protection of journalists in Colombia and Mexico and the release of all writers in prison in Cuba. A campaign defending freedom of expression and the right to write in the Americas will become a key priority for International PEN in 2009. A resolution was also passed urging the Chinese government to stop the harassment and persecution of all Chinese writers and journalists, continuing the existing International PEN campaign for freedom of expression in China.Responding to recent efforts in the United Nations to place limits on freedom of expression in the name of combating “defamation of religions,” the Assembly of Delegates passed a resolution opposing the implementation of Resolutions 7/19 (“Combating defamation of religions”) and 7/36 (“Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression”) in the UN Human Rights Council.Other resolutions raising concern for writers under attack in Iran, Vietnam, Russia, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan were also adopted.The theme of the Congress, the role of the word, was present throughout the six days. From literary readings and lectures, and a round table on the role of the word in conflict, justice, truth and the construction of peace, to applauding the work of a Colombian creative writing workshop network, PEN delegates discussed how words, both written and oral, are crucial in promoting engagement across cultures and languages.The theme of the Congress—the role of the word—was present throughout the six days. From literary readings and lectures, and a roundtable on the role of the word in conflict, justice, truth and the construction of peace, to applauding the work of a Colombian creative writing workshop network, PEN delegates discussed how words, both written and oral, are crucial in promoting engagement across cultures and languages."The world will be better when we all understand the role of the word, its power to create or hinder dialogue," commented Cecilia Balcázar, President of the Congress. "Violence will be ousted when we all discover the lies that are hidden under the appearance of truth that language creates, when we all are aware of the intolerance it promotes, when we identify that the dogmatism of hegemonic discourse is imposed on alternative and valid ways to construct the reality where we all live.""Eminent writers from across the globe were united in their exploration of ‘the role of the word'," added Caroline McCormick, Executive Director of International PEN. "Their different cultural perspectives illuminated our understanding of the continued significance of literature today."Kata Kulavkova (Macedonian PEN) was elected as Vice President for services to PEN. She joins other distinguished Vice Presidents such as J. M. Coetzee, Margaret Atwood and Nadine Gordimer. Josep Maria Terricabras (Catalan PEN) was elected as the new Chair of the International PEN Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee. Mohamed Magani (Algerian PEN) was re-elected to the International PEN Board, and Yang Lian (Independent Chinese PEN) was elected to the Board for the first time. They join the other eminent writers of the Board, as well as International Secretary Eugene Schoulgin (Norwegian PEN), Treasurer Eric Lax (PEN USA), the Secretariat in London and all the PEN centers, in imagining and realizing the ambitions and the future of the organization.
Freedom to Write Card-Writing Blitz
When: Tuesday, December 9Where: PEN American Center: 588 Broadway, Suite 303What time: 6 p.m.Each December, PEN Members send greetings to imprisoned writers and their families around the world. Join us as we aim to increase the number of writers we reach this year. PEN will provide cards, envelopes, address labels, and postage. All you need is a message of goodwill for your fellow writers and journalists imprisoned around the world.
anna@pen.orgCard writing blitz
74th International PEN Congress Calls for Cultural Rights, Free Expression
Urges worldwide protection of cultures and indigenous languages, and a review of UN resolutions on religious defamationFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor more information contact:Larry Siems, (212) 334-1660 ext. 105
New York, October 22, 2008—International PEN closed a historic Congress in Bogotá by strengthening its commitment to supporting writers and literature from all cultures and languages. From September 17 to 22 , over 120 delegates from 70 countries upheld the importance of ideas and the free word in changing and developing civil society. "Our discussions and debates here in the beautiful city of Bogotá have been a great success," said Jirí Grušá,
International President of International PEN. "We are grateful to Colombian PEN for their wonderful hospitality and for sharing their literary heritage and culture. We are also delighted to welcome three new PEN centers to our worldwide community: Ethiopian PEN, Haiti PEN and Uighur PEN."With a special focus on Latin America, and in particular Colombia, the great work of the PEN centers in this region was recognized and celebrated. The autumn 2008 issue of PEN International magazine, Context: Latin America and the Caribbean, will include a wealth of writing from the best novelists, short story writers, poets and essayists from this region. 10 resolutions were passed by the Assembly of Delegates including calling for increased protection of journalists in Colombia and Mexico and the release of all writers in prison in Cuba. A campaign defending freedom of expression and the right to write in the Americas will become a key priority for International PEN in 2009. A resolution was also passed urging the Chinese government to stop the harassment and persecution of all Chinese writers and journalists, continuing the existing International PEN campaign for freedom of expression in China.Responding to recent efforts in the United Nations to place limits on freedom of expression in the name of combating “defamation of religions,” the Assembly of Delegates passed a resolution opposing the implementation of Resolutions 7/19 (“Combating defamation of religions”) and 7/36 (“Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression”) in the UN Human Rights Council.Other resolutions raising concern for writers under attack in Iran, Vietnam, Russia, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan were also adopted.The theme of the Congress, the role of the word, was present throughout the six days. From literary readings and lectures, and a round table on the role of the word in conflict, justice, truth and the construction of peace, to applauding the work of a Colombian creative writing workshop network, PEN delegates discussed how words, both written and oral, are crucial in promoting engagement across cultures and languages.The theme of the Congress—the role of the word—was present throughout the six days. From literary readings and lectures, and a roundtable on the role of the word in conflict, justice, truth and the construction of peace, to applauding the work of a Colombian creative writing workshop network, PEN delegates discussed how words, both written and oral, are crucial in promoting engagement across cultures and languages."The world will be better when we all understand the role of the word, its power to create or hinder dialogue," commented Cecilia Balcázar, President of the Congress. "Violence will be ousted when we all discover the lies that are hidden under the appearance of truth that language creates, when we all are aware of the intolerance it promotes, when we identify that the dogmatism of hegemonic discourse is imposed on alternative and valid ways to construct the reality where we all live.""Eminent writers from across the globe were united in their exploration of ‘the role of the word'," added Caroline McCormick, Executive Director of International PEN. "Their different cultural perspectives illuminated our understanding of the continued significance of literature today."Kata Kulavkova (Macedonian PEN) was elected as Vice President for services to PEN. She joins other distinguished Vice Presidents such as J. M. Coetzee, Margaret Atwood and Nadine Gordimer. Josep Maria Terricabras (Catalan PEN) was elected as the new Chair of the International PEN Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee. Mohamed Magani (Algerian PEN) was re-elected to the International PEN Board, and Yang Lian (Independent Chinese PEN) was elected to the Board for the first time. They join the other eminent writers of the Board, as well as International Secretary Eugene Schoulgin (Norwegian PEN), Treasurer Eric Lax (PEN USA), the Secretariat in London and all the PEN centers, in imagining and realizing the ambitions and the future of the organization.
Freedom to Write Card-Writing Blitz
When: Tuesday, December 9Where: PEN American Center: 588 Broadway, Suite 303What time: 6 p.m.Each December, PEN Members send greetings to imprisoned writers and their families around the world. Join us as we aim to increase the number of writers we reach this year. PEN will provide cards, envelopes, address labels, and postage. All you need is a message of goodwill for your fellow writers and journalists imprisoned around the world.
anna@pen.org
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Muslim artist gets death threats
Muslim artist gets death threats
Sarah Maple has attracted criticism from some Muslims
A Muslim artist exhibiting her work at a west London gallery, has received death threats via email.
Staff at SaLon gallery in Notting Hill said they had received violent emails about Ms Maple, 23, and her family.
The glass front of the gallery has also been smashed with staff receiving abusive phone calls since the start of her exhibition on 16 October.
Some sections of the Muslim community have criticised her in the past for her portrayal of her religion.
One work showed a woman in a headscarf holding a pig.
'Freedom of expression'
Gallery director Samir Ceric said he was "sad, upset and disappointed" at the way art was being treated and called the violent reaction to her work an "attack on freedom of expression".
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said officers were investigating the damage to the gallery's window but could not comment on the threatening email.
Some of her photographic self-portraits have feature her in a headscarf in provocative and suggestive poses and one painting shows the artist in a headscarf with a bare breast.
But Mr Ceric said her work was being misrepresented and dealt with religion but also politics, celebrity culture "and so many other subjects".
"We expected people to ask questions but we didn't expect anything like this," he added.
The gallery intends to continue exhibiting her work until its scheduled end on 16 November.
BURMESE COMEDIAN WINS PEN CANADA'S HUMANITY AWARD
BURMESE COMEDIAN WINS PEN CANADA'S HUMANITY AWARD
Zarganar, the leading Burmese poet, comedian and activist who is currently being detained for criticising the Burmese junta's handling of the cyclone that hit the country in May, has been honoured with PEN Canada's 2008 One Humanity Award.
Zarganar, whose real name is Maung Thura, was arrested in June for criticising the Burmese junta's handling of Cyclone Nargis and organising relief efforts for its victims - which could land him 15 years in jail.
Not that jail is anything new for him. Zarganar, as a leading voice of the pro-democracy movement, has been arrested at least four times since 1988, including for supporting the monks in the Rangoon protests last September.
In May 1990, he was arrested for impersonating General Saw Maung, former head of the military government. He served four years of a five-year sentence, during which time he was banned from reading and writing - so he scratched poems on the floor of his cell with a piece of pottery and committed them to memory.
He continues to be banned from performing and stripped of his freedom to write and publish.
The PEN Canada One Humanity Award honours someone "whose work has transcended the boundaries of national divides and inspired connections across cultures." PEN Canada says, "One such writer is our Honorary Member Zarganar, whose steadfast courage and integrity over many years we are honouring by granting him the One Humanity Award."
The CAD$5,000 award (US$4,000) is being given in absentia on 22 October at a PEN Canada benefit in Toronto.
For more information about Zarganar and samples of his work, see: http://www.pencanada.ca/
Zarganar, the leading Burmese poet, comedian and activist who is currently being detained for criticising the Burmese junta's handling of the cyclone that hit the country in May, has been honoured with PEN Canada's 2008 One Humanity Award.
Zarganar, whose real name is Maung Thura, was arrested in June for criticising the Burmese junta's handling of Cyclone Nargis and organising relief efforts for its victims - which could land him 15 years in jail.
Not that jail is anything new for him. Zarganar, as a leading voice of the pro-democracy movement, has been arrested at least four times since 1988, including for supporting the monks in the Rangoon protests last September.
In May 1990, he was arrested for impersonating General Saw Maung, former head of the military government. He served four years of a five-year sentence, during which time he was banned from reading and writing - so he scratched poems on the floor of his cell with a piece of pottery and committed them to memory.
He continues to be banned from performing and stripped of his freedom to write and publish.
The PEN Canada One Humanity Award honours someone "whose work has transcended the boundaries of national divides and inspired connections across cultures." PEN Canada says, "One such writer is our Honorary Member Zarganar, whose steadfast courage and integrity over many years we are honouring by granting him the One Humanity Award."
The CAD$5,000 award (US$4,000) is being given in absentia on 22 October at a PEN Canada benefit in Toronto.
For more information about Zarganar and samples of his work, see: http://www.pencanada.ca/
Botswana's Mogae wins $5m prize
Botswana's Mogae wins $5m prize
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7679391.stm
Festus Mogae presided over 10 years of growth and stability
Botswana's former President Festus Mogae has won a $5m (£2.8m) prize to encourage good governance in Africa.
Mr Mogae, who stepped down in April after two terms in office, said he was honoured and humbled by the award.
Botswana is one of Africa's most stable countries - it has never had a coup and has had regular multi-party elections since independence in 1966.
Announcing the prize, ex-UN head Kofi Annan also commended Mr Mogae for his action to tackle the Aids pandemic.
The Ibrahim Prize - the most valuable individual annual prize in the world - was set up by Sudan-born telecoms entrepreneur Mo Ibrahim.
As well as the $5m prize, Mr Mogae, 69, gets $200,000 a year for the rest of his life.
Alcohol ban
"One does one's work, one uses one's best endeavours to do a job as well as one could, and if other people then assess it and judge it to be meritorious and worth of recognition it's then honouring and humbling," Mr Mogae told the BBC.
However, he also pointed out that Botswana was already doing well before he became president in 1998.
FESTUS MOGAE
Born: 1939
Became president: 1998
Stepped down: 2008
Took serious action to tackle Aids
Left Botswana wealthy and stable
Criticised for moving Bushmen
"I did not create the democracy in my country, I consolidated it and deepened it by practiced, accountable governance, respect of the rule of law, independence of the courts, respect for human rights, including women's rights," he said.
But Mr Mogae also inherited a country with one of the world's highest rates of HIV/Aids and he took strong action to tackle it, making Botswana the first sub-Saharan African country where anti-retroviral drugs were widely available for free.
The drugs are known locally as "Mogae's tablets", reports the AP news agency.
"President Mogae's outstanding leadership has ensured Botswana's continued stability and prosperity in the face of an HIV/Aids pandemic which threatened the future of his country and people," Mr Annan said.
Diamonds
Botswana has Africa's highest average income and is seen as its least corrupt country, according to Transparency International.
Kofi Annan announcing the winner
It is the world's biggest diamond producer but unlike other resource-rich countries in Africa, this has not become a source of conflict.
"Botswana demonstrates how a country with natural resources can promote sustainable development with good governance, in a continent where too often mineral wealth has become a curse," Mr Annan said.
Mr Annan also noted that Mr Mogae had tried to diversify Botswana's economy away from its reliance on diamonds.
In 2006, President Mogae's government introduced a law curbing the sale of alcohol and banning it on Sunday.
He blamed alcohol for the spread of HIV/Aids, among other problems.
But Mr Mogae also came in for criticism from lobby group Survival International for Botswana's policy of relocating Bushmen groups away from their traditional homes in the Kalahari desert.
Mr Mogae was succeeded as president by Seretse Khama Ian Khama in April.
Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano won the inaugural Ibrahim Prize last year.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Please be aware that my email address is been taken by theft
Please be aware that my email address is been taken by theft
With grief and frustration I announce that
Today, 21oct 2008, in the morning around 5AM I found my mail account ‘rawfoundation@ymail.com’ is not working, I fear its hacker’s work. So, hereby I inform you that please, stop using this mail. If you get any mail from this account stop responding. It would be appreciated to nab the culprit by any means.
I am a social worker apart from my profession as a painter and poet, I used this mail to communicate on behalf of my organization ‘Rainbow Artists and Writers Foundation’ in short RAW FOUNDATION; a social non profit registered organization for artist and writers.
I used this mail for blogging also, all my blogs defends ‘Human Rights and Freedom of Expression’
I am not from a well to do family, a freelance artist, if I work I get money and when I work for my organization my family suffer, so I have no means to own a website and secure my mail. I use public email system and internet space.
The loss of mail account ‘rawfoundation@ymail.com’ has caused me grief and frustration.
I have used the mail last 19oct 2008.
Now I am with tense fear about other mails and blogs through which I disseminate the news of ‘Human Rights and Freedom of Expression’ .
I would request to every body please make sure after sending me any mail through my phone number and address given here.
My address: Albert Ashok,
(Postal address)165 R N Guha Road, Kolkata,India
Phone : +9133 2560 0070, 2529 9371, Mobile: 093308 58536
dont send at rawfoundation at ymail.com any more
I have created a new mail address rawfkolkata@live.com
, in place of the old ‘rawfoundation@ymail.com’
Please use the present mail address, and cc to albertashok@yahoo.com to make sure
With grief and frustration I announce that
Today, 21oct 2008, in the morning around 5AM I found my mail account ‘rawfoundation@ymail.com’ is not working, I fear its hacker’s work. So, hereby I inform you that please, stop using this mail. If you get any mail from this account stop responding. It would be appreciated to nab the culprit by any means.
I am a social worker apart from my profession as a painter and poet, I used this mail to communicate on behalf of my organization ‘Rainbow Artists and Writers Foundation’ in short RAW FOUNDATION; a social non profit registered organization for artist and writers.
I used this mail for blogging also, all my blogs defends ‘Human Rights and Freedom of Expression’
I am not from a well to do family, a freelance artist, if I work I get money and when I work for my organization my family suffer, so I have no means to own a website and secure my mail. I use public email system and internet space.
The loss of mail account ‘rawfoundation@ymail.com’ has caused me grief and frustration.
I have used the mail last 19oct 2008.
Now I am with tense fear about other mails and blogs through which I disseminate the news of ‘Human Rights and Freedom of Expression’ .
I would request to every body please make sure after sending me any mail through my phone number and address given here.
My address: Albert Ashok,
(Postal address)165 R N Guha Road, Kolkata,India
Phone : +9133 2560 0070, 2529 9371, Mobile: 093308 58536
dont send at rawfoundation at ymail.com any more
I have created a new mail address rawfkolkata@live.com
, in place of the old ‘rawfoundation@ymail.com’
Please use the present mail address, and cc to albertashok@yahoo.com to make sure
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Businessman threatens to sue Davao newspaper
PHILIPPINES 9 October 2008
Businessman threatens to sue Davao newspaper
SOURCE: Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Manila(CMFR/IFEX) -
The chief executive officer of a local mining company hasthreatened to file a P100 million (approx. US$2.13 million) libel suit against a Davao newspaper.Said Sayre, of the Dabawenyo Minerals Corporation (DMC), said he planned to file the suit against the "Mindanao Daily Mirror" after it published claims by three former DMC officials that Sayre had used falsified publicdocuments "to collect substantial amounts from entities he'd entered into contract with without authority and resolution from the DMC Board,"according to a 3 October 2008 report on the Filipino news website Sun.StarDavao. Community newspapers, which are run on shoestring budgets, may find themselves having to fold if convicted of libel and fined huge amounts.The 1 October "Mindanao Daily Mirror" story also quoted former DMC corporate secretary Rex Angelo Gabrido as saying that Sayre "wanted him dead" after he refused Sayre's offer of P500,000 (approx. US$10,500) for his shares in the company. Sayre called the report a "concocted and malicious rumor." He said the article was meant to discredit him and his firm and that Gabrido's wife worked for the newspaper. But "Mindanao Daily Mirror" editor-in-chief Marietta Siongco explained that the story was based on a complaint filed by Gabrido and two other DMC former officials. She added that the "Mirror" was willing to publish the side of Sayre "anytime he wishes," according to Sun.Star Davao.Gabrido, Habib Mahalail Hassan, former vice president of operations, andHadji Nouh Daiman, former director of operations, filed complaints against Sayre before the Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 10, asking it to stop Sayre from "entering into any contract or agreement with any investors."According to the Sun.Star Davao report, Siongco also confirmed thatGabrido's wife was working in the advertising department of the paper, but added that no employee could influence her to publish the story.
For further information, contact Melinda Quintos de Jesus or Jose F.Santos, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), 2nd Floor,Ateneo Professional Schools, 130 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village,Makati City 1227, Metro Manila, Philippines, tel: +632 840 0903, +632 8941314/1326, tel/fax: +632 840 0889, e-mail: staff@cmfr-phil.org, Internet:http://www.cmfr-phil.org/
Businessman threatens to sue Davao newspaper
SOURCE: Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Manila(CMFR/IFEX) -
The chief executive officer of a local mining company hasthreatened to file a P100 million (approx. US$2.13 million) libel suit against a Davao newspaper.Said Sayre, of the Dabawenyo Minerals Corporation (DMC), said he planned to file the suit against the "Mindanao Daily Mirror" after it published claims by three former DMC officials that Sayre had used falsified publicdocuments "to collect substantial amounts from entities he'd entered into contract with without authority and resolution from the DMC Board,"according to a 3 October 2008 report on the Filipino news website Sun.StarDavao. Community newspapers, which are run on shoestring budgets, may find themselves having to fold if convicted of libel and fined huge amounts.The 1 October "Mindanao Daily Mirror" story also quoted former DMC corporate secretary Rex Angelo Gabrido as saying that Sayre "wanted him dead" after he refused Sayre's offer of P500,000 (approx. US$10,500) for his shares in the company. Sayre called the report a "concocted and malicious rumor." He said the article was meant to discredit him and his firm and that Gabrido's wife worked for the newspaper. But "Mindanao Daily Mirror" editor-in-chief Marietta Siongco explained that the story was based on a complaint filed by Gabrido and two other DMC former officials. She added that the "Mirror" was willing to publish the side of Sayre "anytime he wishes," according to Sun.Star Davao.Gabrido, Habib Mahalail Hassan, former vice president of operations, andHadji Nouh Daiman, former director of operations, filed complaints against Sayre before the Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 10, asking it to stop Sayre from "entering into any contract or agreement with any investors."According to the Sun.Star Davao report, Siongco also confirmed thatGabrido's wife was working in the advertising department of the paper, but added that no employee could influence her to publish the story.
For further information, contact Melinda Quintos de Jesus or Jose F.Santos, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), 2nd Floor,Ateneo Professional Schools, 130 H.V. dela Costa St., Salcedo Village,Makati City 1227, Metro Manila, Philippines, tel: +632 840 0903, +632 8941314/1326, tel/fax: +632 840 0889, e-mail: staff@cmfr-phil.org, Internet:http://www.cmfr-phil.org/
Freedom of Expression and Religious Hatred
Important Expert Meeting on Freedom of Expression andRegulations Against Advocacy of Religious Hatred
Geneva - On 2-3 October, twelve experts from around the world, including ARTICLE 19 Executive Director, Dr Agnès Callamard, participated in a ground-breaking seminar on freedom of expression and advocacy of religious hatred.
Organised by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR), against the background of a series of recent incidents relating to freedom of expression, including the so-called “defamation of religion” resolutions within the Human Rights Council, the meeting sought to move the acrimonious debates to a sounder international human rights basis, through a focus on articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Introduced by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, and President of the Human Rights Council, Martin Uhomoibhi, and chaired by Bertrand Ramcharan, the meeting facilitated a technical reading and discussion of freedom of expression and its permissible restrictions under international human rights law. A particular focus was article 20 of the ICCPR which prohibits, among other things, advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. In Ms Pillay’s words: “Denying that freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination are universally valid and mutually reinforcing principles that transcend cultural specificities is to negate core values of humanity. Finding the appropriate ways to ensure that this set of rights is respected can only benefit from the exchange of experiences and sharp legal thinking in a multicultural setting.” Some of the key points highlighted by the experts in their presentations included:
It is essential to move the debate and discussion from the concept of “defamation of religion” to that of “incitement to religious hatred”, and to recognise and emphasise the indivisibility and interconnectedness of human rights.
It is vital to avoid any “conflict of civilisation” standpoint on the current tensions: no one “civilisation” has a prerogative over respect for freedom of expression, religion, or combating intolerance.
A recognition that incitement to hatred must be prohibited (it is an obligation placed on states) but that such restrictions must be provided in law and be necessary to a democratic society: there was a clear understanding among the experts that governments should take action in cases of advocacy of religious hatred that constituted incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
There is convergence between freedom of expression as per article 19 of the ICCPR, and the restrictions imposed by article 20: there is no contradiction between the two articles as highlighted by General Comments of the Human Rights Committee, and international and regional case law.
Discussion as to the role played by the criminalisation of hate speech: for some, it sets a society’s normative standards and may have an educational function. But we need to consider a range of sanctions against hate speech, not only those resulting in a restriction of freedom of expression; we need to take into account the possible misuse of criminalisation, including against religious minorities.
A range of other mechanisms and options should be considered, such as those aiming at: strengthening the participation of all minorities to the public and political life of the nation; strengthening human rights education and knowledge, including on religion; minority and community media; ethical journalism and particularly diversity reporting in a globalised and multi-cultural information world; intra-religious dialogue.
The 2001 UNESCO declaration on cultural diversity and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions should be promoted.
An agreement that there was no need for additional norm setting, but we need to concentrate instead on better interpretation and guidance of existing norms, in particular by the Human Rights Committee.
Over 200 observers from governments, other UN agencies, regional organizations, the media and non-governmental organizations also took part in the seminar. “Comments from the state delegates sadly mirrored division and polarization within the Human Rights Council, between the so-called Muslim and Western blocs. At the same time, they were an important reminder of the complex post 9/11 context within which we, the experts, were asked to provide our input,” remarked Dr. Callamard, after the meeting. “I deeply hope that the technical and legal opinions put forward by experts that came from very different legal traditions, thematic focus (anti-racism, religion or freedom of expression), and regional or national origin contributed towards instilingl some crucial human rights elements to what has become a highly divisive debate, threatening human rights.” All the participants emphasised the need to continue this kind of dialogue and exchange: follow up meetings were required to build on this first one and its key findings and preliminary learning.
Geneva - On 2-3 October, twelve experts from around the world, including ARTICLE 19 Executive Director, Dr Agnès Callamard, participated in a ground-breaking seminar on freedom of expression and advocacy of religious hatred.
Organised by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHR), against the background of a series of recent incidents relating to freedom of expression, including the so-called “defamation of religion” resolutions within the Human Rights Council, the meeting sought to move the acrimonious debates to a sounder international human rights basis, through a focus on articles 19 and 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Introduced by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, and President of the Human Rights Council, Martin Uhomoibhi, and chaired by Bertrand Ramcharan, the meeting facilitated a technical reading and discussion of freedom of expression and its permissible restrictions under international human rights law. A particular focus was article 20 of the ICCPR which prohibits, among other things, advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. In Ms Pillay’s words: “Denying that freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination are universally valid and mutually reinforcing principles that transcend cultural specificities is to negate core values of humanity. Finding the appropriate ways to ensure that this set of rights is respected can only benefit from the exchange of experiences and sharp legal thinking in a multicultural setting.” Some of the key points highlighted by the experts in their presentations included:
It is essential to move the debate and discussion from the concept of “defamation of religion” to that of “incitement to religious hatred”, and to recognise and emphasise the indivisibility and interconnectedness of human rights.
It is vital to avoid any “conflict of civilisation” standpoint on the current tensions: no one “civilisation” has a prerogative over respect for freedom of expression, religion, or combating intolerance.
A recognition that incitement to hatred must be prohibited (it is an obligation placed on states) but that such restrictions must be provided in law and be necessary to a democratic society: there was a clear understanding among the experts that governments should take action in cases of advocacy of religious hatred that constituted incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.
There is convergence between freedom of expression as per article 19 of the ICCPR, and the restrictions imposed by article 20: there is no contradiction between the two articles as highlighted by General Comments of the Human Rights Committee, and international and regional case law.
Discussion as to the role played by the criminalisation of hate speech: for some, it sets a society’s normative standards and may have an educational function. But we need to consider a range of sanctions against hate speech, not only those resulting in a restriction of freedom of expression; we need to take into account the possible misuse of criminalisation, including against religious minorities.
A range of other mechanisms and options should be considered, such as those aiming at: strengthening the participation of all minorities to the public and political life of the nation; strengthening human rights education and knowledge, including on religion; minority and community media; ethical journalism and particularly diversity reporting in a globalised and multi-cultural information world; intra-religious dialogue.
The 2001 UNESCO declaration on cultural diversity and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions should be promoted.
An agreement that there was no need for additional norm setting, but we need to concentrate instead on better interpretation and guidance of existing norms, in particular by the Human Rights Committee.
Over 200 observers from governments, other UN agencies, regional organizations, the media and non-governmental organizations also took part in the seminar. “Comments from the state delegates sadly mirrored division and polarization within the Human Rights Council, between the so-called Muslim and Western blocs. At the same time, they were an important reminder of the complex post 9/11 context within which we, the experts, were asked to provide our input,” remarked Dr. Callamard, after the meeting. “I deeply hope that the technical and legal opinions put forward by experts that came from very different legal traditions, thematic focus (anti-racism, religion or freedom of expression), and regional or national origin contributed towards instilingl some crucial human rights elements to what has become a highly divisive debate, threatening human rights.” All the participants emphasised the need to continue this kind of dialogue and exchange: follow up meetings were required to build on this first one and its key findings and preliminary learning.
Gov't targets NGOs in Nicaragua,civil leaders denounce persecution
Gov't targets NGOs in Nicaragua, civil leaders denounce persecution
Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns a newly-launched interior ministry investigation into 17 non-governmental organisations for alleged “embezzlement” and “money-laundering” and fears it could jeopardize the right to inform and the right of association, two basic constitutional rights.
“The administrative and judicial harassment of CINCO and MAM is an outrage,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Aside from the fact that the courts are being used to settle political scores, the very principle of this investigation - which is mainly targeted at NGOs dedicated to communication, human rights and women’s rights - poses a threat to the role of civil society as an arena for democratic debate.
The press freedom organisation added: “President Ortega, who is the guarantor of constitutional rights, must put an end to this campaign and to its consequences in the administrative and judicial domains.”
Chamorro, a former member of the Sandinista movement, was previously the target of a campaign of personal attacks after he accused the leadership of the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) of involvement in a case of extortion. No action was taken on his allegations.
“At the time, my photo was being shown every day on Canal 4, the pro-government TV station, where I was branded as a gangster, a terrorist, a drug trafficker or a killer of peasants,” Chamorro told Reporters Without Borders. “But the courts acknowledged at the time that I had not done anything wrong. The same TV methods resumed in May and have continued until now, this time with me being labeled as a CIA agent and agent of imperialism in allusion to the fact that CINCO received 20,000 dollars from USAID this year, which is barely 1 per cent of our budget.”
Last month, the First Lady, Rosario Murillo, publicly accused CINCO, MAM and Oxfam-UK - which supervises a cooperation accord with CINCO and MAM - of “hatching a plan to destabilise the government.”
“ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned with the pattern of harassment and threats against CINCO and other non-governmental organisations due to their work on freedom of information, gender issues, and towards of the full realisation of human rights in Nicaragua. It is clear that the silencing of these organisations is a retrograde step for the promotion of gender equality and the state of freedom of expression in modern-day democracies” said Dr Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, which paves the way for the full realisation of all other human rights and the enabling of democracy. The UN General Assembly has established the right of all people to “study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters”. The Vienna Declaration and Programme Action (1993) recognises that democracy, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. In this context the full exercise of freedom of expression has proven to be essential to the progressive realisation of all human rights, including women’s rights.
For more information: please contact Ricardo González http://us.mc596.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ricardo@article19.org +55 11 30 57 00 42
Reporters Without Borders strongly condemns a newly-launched interior ministry investigation into 17 non-governmental organisations for alleged “embezzlement” and “money-laundering” and fears it could jeopardize the right to inform and the right of association, two basic constitutional rights.
“The administrative and judicial harassment of CINCO and MAM is an outrage,” Reporters Without Borders said. “Aside from the fact that the courts are being used to settle political scores, the very principle of this investigation - which is mainly targeted at NGOs dedicated to communication, human rights and women’s rights - poses a threat to the role of civil society as an arena for democratic debate.
The press freedom organisation added: “President Ortega, who is the guarantor of constitutional rights, must put an end to this campaign and to its consequences in the administrative and judicial domains.”
Chamorro, a former member of the Sandinista movement, was previously the target of a campaign of personal attacks after he accused the leadership of the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) of involvement in a case of extortion. No action was taken on his allegations.
“At the time, my photo was being shown every day on Canal 4, the pro-government TV station, where I was branded as a gangster, a terrorist, a drug trafficker or a killer of peasants,” Chamorro told Reporters Without Borders. “But the courts acknowledged at the time that I had not done anything wrong. The same TV methods resumed in May and have continued until now, this time with me being labeled as a CIA agent and agent of imperialism in allusion to the fact that CINCO received 20,000 dollars from USAID this year, which is barely 1 per cent of our budget.”
Last month, the First Lady, Rosario Murillo, publicly accused CINCO, MAM and Oxfam-UK - which supervises a cooperation accord with CINCO and MAM - of “hatching a plan to destabilise the government.”
“ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned with the pattern of harassment and threats against CINCO and other non-governmental organisations due to their work on freedom of information, gender issues, and towards of the full realisation of human rights in Nicaragua. It is clear that the silencing of these organisations is a retrograde step for the promotion of gender equality and the state of freedom of expression in modern-day democracies” said Dr Agnes Callamard, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, which paves the way for the full realisation of all other human rights and the enabling of democracy. The UN General Assembly has established the right of all people to “study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters”. The Vienna Declaration and Programme Action (1993) recognises that democracy, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. In this context the full exercise of freedom of expression has proven to be essential to the progressive realisation of all human rights, including women’s rights.
For more information: please contact Ricardo González http://us.mc596.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ricardo@article19.org +55 11 30 57 00 42
Journalist is prosecuted in Uzbekistan
Journalist is prosecuted 
Salijon Abdurakhmanov is one of the few remaining independent journalists writing on controversial issues of social and economic justice, human rights and corruption in Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic of Uzbekistan. He has worked for UzNews.net, an independent online news agency, and freelanced for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting.
Abdurakhmanov was arrested on 7 June 2008 after illegal drugs were found in the boot of his car. The journalist claimed that drugs were secretly placed there and he was charged with illegal drug possession A medical examination subsequently proved that Abdurakhmanov does not use drugs, but the state refused to release him. Instead, he was charged for selling illegal drugs. Today, the Tahtakupir Regional Court of Karakalpakstan found him guilty of this offense and sentenced him to ten years’ imprisonment. The journalist will appeal the conviction to the Supreme Court of Karakalpakstan.
“In many countries, journalists are prosecuted for doing their jobs but in countries like Uzbekistan state authorities fabricate accusations against journalists for ordinary crimes. In both cases, the aim is to silence independent and critical voices,” stated Dr Agnès Callamard, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19. “We are very concerned about the appalling situation for freedom of expression in Uzbekistan.”
ARTICLE 19 Condemns Sentencing of Uzbek Journalist to Ten Years’ Imprisonment
And urges the Supreme Court of Karakalpakstan to ensure that the appeal process for Salijon Abdurakhmanov is fair, including the thorough examination of evidence provided by all parties. ARTICLE 19 considers the charges against Abdurakhmanov to be politically motivated and calls for his release or acquittal.
For more information: please contact Oliver Charles oliver@Article19.org +44 20 7278 9292
Abdurakhmanov’s conviction is an affront to human rights and free speech in Uzbekistan. He often criticized local authorities, including law enforcement. It is clear that he is being punished for his work. Once again, the Uzbek government is showing that it will not tolerate dissent. Igor Vorontsov,
Uzbekistan researcher for Human Rights Watch
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Blogging in Saudia Arabia is risky
Blogging in Saudia Arabia is risky
The Saudi authorities detained one blogger, Fouad al-Farhan, for four months this year after he called for political reform.
But people are still speaking their minds online. Topics in this selection of posts include a fatwa, repressive Arab regimes, religion as empowerment, and menswear with a twist.
Ahmed Omar, an engineer from Dhahran, discusses the recent fatwa issued by his country's most senior judge. Sheikh Salih Ibn al-Luhaydan said it was permissible to kill the owners of satellite TV channels which broadcast immoral programmes.
Even if the Saudi-owned channels stopped broadcasting the programmes in question here, what will stop people switching to other channels?
Even if all the Arabic TV channels shut down these provocative programmes, what will stop the viewers from switching to foreign channels?
What about the internet and its content that is full of indecent material? Who can control that?
Don't people have the right to watch and then judge what they consider worthy?
In a country like Saudi Arabia, where the absence of recreational activities and space is being compensated with watching and interacting with entertainment programmes on TV, what will people do in their free time once these programmes are shut down?
How far should the authorities go in their effort to cleanse what they deem threatening to the community's values?
Fouad al-Farhan was the blogger imprisoned by Saudi authorities earlier this year. He is known as the "dean" of Saudi bloggers, as he was the first to write using his real name.
Fouad was the first Saudi blogger to write using his real name.
He joins a debate on Moroccan blogger Mohammed Erraji, who was sentenced to jail but eventually acquitted after criticising corruption and the Moroccan royal family in his blog.
Fouad suggests what options would be open to Erraji if he didn't blog:
1. Continue with his life earning a living without any hope that expressing his idea would improve reality or highlight where injustice is. This way he will be one of the millions of depressed young Arabs.
2. Rent his mind to an extremist who will ask him to carry arms and commit violence as a means to get out of this unjust Arab reality, as many young men have unfortunately done.
3. Find other avenues to express all this anger raging inside him, such as drugs ...
And he tackles Arab governments' hostility towards freedom of expression:
The problem with Arab governments with the new generation of young people is that they have not grasped that times have changed. This generation is fired up with feelings towards their nation; overflowing volcanoes of anger rush through their heads, demanding solutions for our depressing condition as Arabs...
With the internet, we now know everything that happens through satellite channels, radio stations, websites, email, Twitter and Facebook. Nothing can be hidden anymore.
If they did not want us to dream, to express our ideas and discuss our dreams, why did they allow the internet into our Arab countries? Aysha is a Saudi Arabian script writer who has recently returned to her country with her husband and child, after two years in the US.
She comments on how men try to micro-manage every aspect of their wives' lives - and what some women do about it.
September 4:
Since arriving in Riyadh I've been noticing a pattern amongst a certain type of women who suddenly turn religious. Some of them are immediately transformed from being just another guest in someone's house, to women who sit at the head of a meeting to preach the word of God... Nothing shocking or sudden happened to those women. What happened, then, that might've caused this massive change in behavior and character?
I believe the gains of a transformation often explain the initial calling that has caused it.
Women whose religiousness brought power, leadership and stardom after being semi-absented, were probably yearning for what they have been lacking.
...having God at their side, could finally allow these women a word over their husband, children and the greater society.
If the husband asks them to uncover here, they tell him God said no. If he watches improper TV content they can condemn his acts and (maybe) slowly influence him.
They could challenge tradition by quoting God, the prophet and history. They could silence much of society which would not yield and adhere to them before.
Saudi Jeans is the blog of Ahmed al-Omran, a student in Riyadh. His first post was written on Saudi Arabia's national day.
23 September: On the same day two years I go, I wrote this and it has become one of my favourite posts because I felt that it says a lot about myself and the message I'm trying to deliver through this blog.
It saddens me to admit though that very little has changed since then. Have things become worse? No, because I don't think it could get any worse. The country is changing, but at a glacial pace that is leaving me and many others dejected and frustrated.
The Saudi authorities detained one blogger, Fouad al-Farhan, for four months this year after he called for political reform.
But people are still speaking their minds online. Topics in this selection of posts include a fatwa, repressive Arab regimes, religion as empowerment, and menswear with a twist.
Ahmed Omar, an engineer from Dhahran, discusses the recent fatwa issued by his country's most senior judge. Sheikh Salih Ibn al-Luhaydan said it was permissible to kill the owners of satellite TV channels which broadcast immoral programmes.
Even if the Saudi-owned channels stopped broadcasting the programmes in question here, what will stop people switching to other channels?
Even if all the Arabic TV channels shut down these provocative programmes, what will stop the viewers from switching to foreign channels?
What about the internet and its content that is full of indecent material? Who can control that?
Don't people have the right to watch and then judge what they consider worthy?
In a country like Saudi Arabia, where the absence of recreational activities and space is being compensated with watching and interacting with entertainment programmes on TV, what will people do in their free time once these programmes are shut down?
How far should the authorities go in their effort to cleanse what they deem threatening to the community's values?
Fouad al-Farhan was the blogger imprisoned by Saudi authorities earlier this year. He is known as the "dean" of Saudi bloggers, as he was the first to write using his real name.
Fouad was the first Saudi blogger to write using his real name.
He joins a debate on Moroccan blogger Mohammed Erraji, who was sentenced to jail but eventually acquitted after criticising corruption and the Moroccan royal family in his blog.
Fouad suggests what options would be open to Erraji if he didn't blog:
1. Continue with his life earning a living without any hope that expressing his idea would improve reality or highlight where injustice is. This way he will be one of the millions of depressed young Arabs.
2. Rent his mind to an extremist who will ask him to carry arms and commit violence as a means to get out of this unjust Arab reality, as many young men have unfortunately done.
3. Find other avenues to express all this anger raging inside him, such as drugs ...
And he tackles Arab governments' hostility towards freedom of expression:
The problem with Arab governments with the new generation of young people is that they have not grasped that times have changed. This generation is fired up with feelings towards their nation; overflowing volcanoes of anger rush through their heads, demanding solutions for our depressing condition as Arabs...
With the internet, we now know everything that happens through satellite channels, radio stations, websites, email, Twitter and Facebook. Nothing can be hidden anymore.
If they did not want us to dream, to express our ideas and discuss our dreams, why did they allow the internet into our Arab countries? Aysha is a Saudi Arabian script writer who has recently returned to her country with her husband and child, after two years in the US.
She comments on how men try to micro-manage every aspect of their wives' lives - and what some women do about it.
September 4:
Since arriving in Riyadh I've been noticing a pattern amongst a certain type of women who suddenly turn religious. Some of them are immediately transformed from being just another guest in someone's house, to women who sit at the head of a meeting to preach the word of God... Nothing shocking or sudden happened to those women. What happened, then, that might've caused this massive change in behavior and character?
I believe the gains of a transformation often explain the initial calling that has caused it.
Women whose religiousness brought power, leadership and stardom after being semi-absented, were probably yearning for what they have been lacking.
...having God at their side, could finally allow these women a word over their husband, children and the greater society.
If the husband asks them to uncover here, they tell him God said no. If he watches improper TV content they can condemn his acts and (maybe) slowly influence him.
They could challenge tradition by quoting God, the prophet and history. They could silence much of society which would not yield and adhere to them before.
Saudi Jeans is the blog of Ahmed al-Omran, a student in Riyadh. His first post was written on Saudi Arabia's national day.
23 September: On the same day two years I go, I wrote this and it has become one of my favourite posts because I felt that it says a lot about myself and the message I'm trying to deliver through this blog.
It saddens me to admit though that very little has changed since then. Have things become worse? No, because I don't think it could get any worse. The country is changing, but at a glacial pace that is leaving me and many others dejected and frustrated.
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Three Depressed terrorists
Terrorism is inhuman act, an evil concept