After signing accord, Cuba should free journalists
New York, February 28, 2008—The Cuban government should release 22 imprisoned independent journalists in keeping with an international accord protecting free expression that was signed today by Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque, the Committee to Protect Journalists said. Pérez Roque signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which provides “the right to freedom…
CPJ welcomes the impending release of two Cuban journalists
New York, February 15, 2008—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes news of the impending release of two Cuban independent journalists. Both were imprisoned during a massive crackdown against Cuban dissidents and the independent press almost five years ago. Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spain’s foreign minister, announced today that Cuban authorities would release seven prisoners. Imprisoned journalists…
Attacks on the Press 2007: Introduction
By Joel SimonIn August 2008, when the Olympic torch is lit in Beijing, more than 20,000 journalists will be on hand to cover the competition between the world’s greatest athletes. Behind the scenes, another competition will be taking place. If the Chinese government has its way, this one will remain hidden. It will be a…
Attacks on the Press 2007: Americas Analysis
Preaching Without A ChoirBy Carlos LauríaAt June’s annual assembly of the organization of American states (OAS) in Panama, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged foreign ministers to send the group’s secretary-general, José Miguel Insulza, to investigate Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías’ decision to pull the plug on the country’s oldest private television station, RCTV.
Attacks on the Press 2007: Cuba
CUBA July 31 marked a year without Fidel Castro, whose health remained a “state secret” even though it was the biggest story of the year. Cuba continued to prove itself one of the worst reporting environments in the world as three foreign journalists were expelled from the island and 24 Cuban reporters languished in prison.
Cuban journalist released after 15 months in prison
New York, August 21, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes Monday’s release of independent Cuban journalist Armando Betancourt Reina, who had been imprisoned at the Cerámica Roja Prison in the central city of Camagüey since May 2006. Betancourt Reina, a reporter for the independent news agency Nueva Prensa Cubana, left prison Monday morning, reported the…
Independent journalist, held for more than a year, is sentenced
New York, July 6, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the 15-month prison sentence given Tuesday to independent Cuban journalist Armando Betancourt Reina on charges of public disorder. Betancourt Reina had been held without charge in a prison in the central city of Camagüey since May 2006.