2006
Bill seeks to label critical journalists extremists
New York, June 30, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by a bill before the Russian Parliament that broadens the definition of extremism to include media criticism of public officials. The draft legislation allows for imprisonment of up to three years for journalists, and the suspension or closure of their publication, if convicted of…
Voice of America AM broadcasts jammed
New York, June 30, 2006—Zimbabwe is jamming medium wave news broadcasts by Voice of America (VOA) in English and local languages in the capital Harare. The U.S.-government funded broadcaster said its Studio 7 service, which is on the air for 90 minutes each weekday, was being blocked. “We have had reports of jamming of our…
African leaders urged to defend press freedom
Your Excellency, The Committee to Protect Journalists urges you as chairman of the African Union to discuss with your fellow heads of state and government at your summit in the Gambian capital, Banjul, from July 1, the need to defend press freedom on the continent.
Photographer attacked by security forces
JUNE 30, 2006 Posted: July 17, 2006 Nicolás Revello, Tiempo Sur ATTACKED Revello, a photographer for the Río Gallegos-based daily Tiempo Sur in the southern province of Santa Cruz, was attacked by local security forces while covering the arrest of soccer fans who were protesting after the national team was disqualified from the 2006 World…
Trial of Observer journalists suspended
June 30, 2006 Original Alert: June 8, 2006 James Tumusiime, Weekly Observer Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda, Weekly Observer LEGAL ACTION The trial of two journalists from the independent Weekly Observer newspaper on charges of “promoting sectarianism” was suspended June 22 pending a ruling on the constitutionality of the law under which they were charged, according to…
Press club stormed during news conference
JUNE 29, 2006 Posted: June 30, 2006 Peshawar Press Club ATTACKED Dozens of Pakistan Muslim League (PML) activists stormed into the Peshawar Press Club during a news conference held by dissident PML members. The activists, who were armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles, pistols and sticks, beat up journalists and dissident members when they were asked…
Independent publication banned
June 28, 2006 Posted: July 10, 2006 L’Opinion CENSORED Zakari Anzouma, L’Opinion and Opinions HARASSED The High Council on Communications (known as the CSC), a government-controlled media regulatory body, banned the independent weekly L’Opinion indefinitely, accusing it of insulting the president and inciting “rebellion,” according to international news reports and Abdourahamane Ousmane, president of the…
Two journalists charged with sedition over presidential jet story
New York, June 27, 2006—Two journalists charged with sedition over a story about President Olusegun Obasanjo’s new jet pled not guilty in court today. Mike Gbenga Aruleba, a presenter at leading private television station African Independent Television (AIT), and Rotimi Durojaiye, a senior correspondent for the Daily Independent newspaper, appeared in court in the capital,…