In Mexico, two bills would protect journalists
New York, April 20, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists lauds the Mexican Chamber of Deputies’ passage on Tuesday of a bill that would eliminate criminal defamation, libel, and slander laws from federal statute books. CPJ also welcomes the chamber’s approval of a second measure that allows journalists to withhold from authorities information about sources.
TV reporter killed covering mudslides
New York, April 17, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists mourns the death of television reporter Jairo Muñoz who was covering mudslides that killed nearly 30 people last week on Colombia’s southwest Pacific coast. Muñoz and cameraman Rodrigo Trejos were among many journalists reporting on rescue efforts on April 13 in the hard-hit town of Santa…
Columnist released from prison
Updated: APRIL 12, 2006 Original Alert: February 6, 2006 Angel Mario Ksheratto, Cuarto Poder IMPRISONED Ksheratto was released on February 22 after posting a 100,000 pesos bail (US$9,000). The columnist spent 18 days at El Amate Prison, a maximum security facility in the city of Cintalapa.
Death threats force Peruvian journalist to flee the country
New York, April 13, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by death threats made against Peruvian journalist Marilú Gambini Lostanau and her family after she reported on the influence of drug traffickers in Peruvian politics. The threats forced the journalist and two of her children to leave the country last week. An unidentified woman…
Journalist released on parole
Updated: April 12, 2006 Original Alert: March 6, 2006 Gustavo Azócar, Televisora del Táchira IMPRISONED After being held at a maximum security prison in San Cristóbal for two weeks, Azócar was released on parole on March 22. Azócar may continue to host his television program “Café con Azócar” on Televisora del Táchira and write for…
Suspect in journalist murder granted medical release
Updated: April 11, 2006 Original case: July 14, 2005 Jacques Roche, Le Matin KILLED—UNCONFIRMED Rev. Gérard Jean-Juste was granted a temporary release from prison on January 30 to receive medical treatment for leukemia. He was accused of involvement in the 2005 murder of Jacques Roche, a well-known Haitian journalist.
Newspaper directors attacked
APRIL 11, 2006 Francisco Rivera, Noticia de Michoacán ATTACKED, THREATENED APRIL 20, 2006 Rafael Rivera Millán, Gente del Balsa ATTACKED, THREATENED Rivera and Rivera Millán, directors of the local dailies, were attacked nine days apart by members of the Sicartsa Miners and Steelworkers Union while covering protests in the western city of Lázaro Cárdenas.
Newspaper director convicted on defamation, slander charges
APRIL 11, 2006 Posted: May, 05 Ada Mireya Zurita, El Siglo LEGAL ACTION A judge decision convicted Zurita, director of the Maracay-based daily El Siglo, on criminal charges of defamation and slander. Judge Verónica Castro gave Zurita an 18-month suspended sentence and ordered her to pay legal fees to the plaintiff, Terry Rojas, chief of…
CPJ concerned by reports of mistreatment of jailed journalists
New York, April 6, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned by reports that one jailed independent Cuban journalist has been beaten, a second has been denied medical treatment in prison, and a third has been threatened with detention for her writing. On March 28, independent journalist Normando Hernández González was thrown down a flight…