2008

  

Olympics: Journalists labeled ‘troublemakers’

Many Hong Kong papers ran a story about the ill-advised remarks of Regina Ip, the former secretary of security for Hong Kong, and a candidate in September’s elections for a seat in the Hong Kong Legislative Council (Legco). Ip said the “neck-shoving” techniques used by Beijing police to roust Hong Kong reporters covering the July…

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Olympics: The Games Aren’t Political?

Last week’s dispute over Internet access for foreign reporters is still reverberating, only partially resolved. More Web sites have become available to reporters inside the Olympic Games’ Main Press Center and around the country, although plenty remain blocked (those perceived as being backed by the Falun Gong and those supporting Tibetan independence most notably). Amnesty…

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Report: Official ads boosted Kirchner’s campaign

According to a report released today by the nonprofit Asociación por los Derechos Civiles (Association for Civil Rights), or ADC, the Argentine government drastically increased its advertising budget in 2007, using public funds to reward friendly media, punish critical outlets, and promote the political campaign of current President Cristina Fernández who replaced her husband Néstor…

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Olympics-China Media Watch: News on the news

The media is in the news. The official Xinhua News Agency chimes in on the fracas over Web access for foreign journalists in the Olympic press center. In a commentary headlined “Do not let ‘press freedom’ supersede Chinese law” Xinhua defends the government’s policy of blocking sensitive Web sites, repeating the justification Games spokesman Sun…

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CPJ alarmed by reports that Palestinian journalist was abused in custody

New York, August 1, 2008–The Committee to Protect Journalists is very concerned about the treatment of a Palestinian cameraman who was released Thursday after five days in the custody of security agents from the Hamas-led government in Gaza. Hamas security agents arrested Sawah Abu Seif, a cameraman with German broadcaster ARD TV, in his home…

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Some Internet limits remain at GamesCPJ urges Olympic officials to continue open-access efforts

Some Internet limits remain at Games CPJ urges Olympic officials to continue open-access efforts New York, August 1, 2008—Internet censorship at the Olympic press center eased today, but officials with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) acknowledged that the full access once promised was not being delivered. Foreign journalists reported they could see some formerly inaccessible…

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News Wrap for 8/1/08

Internet censorship at the Olympic media center dominated press freedom news today. An official with the International Olympic Committee proclaimed “the issue has been resolved” and that Internet access will be provided “just like in any Olympics,” Reuters reported. Yet details were scant on exactly what level of access would be provided by Beijing organizers–and Chinese…

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Good news, better late than never

Ethiopian journalists tell us that police in Addis Ababa have finally released 10,000 copies of Enku magazine that were impounded on May 2 because of a cover story about the jailed pop music icon and government critic Teddy Afro. The May edition is expected to finally go on sale on Saturday. CPJ had protested the…

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Photographer Richard Mills dies in Harare

A personal tragedy unfolded in Zimbabwe this week with the death of photographer Richard Mills. The Times of London photographer was working undercover in Harare when he was found dead on July 14 in his hotel room. Authorities said there was no evidence of foul play. Hundreds attended a funeral service at Roselawn Cemetery in…

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CPJ Impact

August 2008News from the Committee to Protect Journalists

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