Asia
2004
More than two years after journalist’s murder, suspect surrenders
New York, September 13, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the surrender and detention of former police officer Guillermo Wapile, the lead suspect in the 2002 slaying of journalist Edgar Damalerio. In a press conference today, Philippine National Police Chief Edgar Agilpay announced that Wapile surrendered to police in Camp Crame on the southern island…
Jakarta court delays Tempo verdict as international observers crowd courtroom
Jakarta, Sept. 7, 2004—Under intense scrutiny from the international media and press advocates from around the world, a court yesterday delayed its verdict in a criminal defamation case widely seen as a grave threat to press freedom in Indonesia. No official reason was given for delaying a verdict in the trial of Tempo editor Bambang…
Press offices attacked in riots sparked by killings in Iraq
New York, September 1, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists deplores today’s attacks on newspaper and television offices in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, during violent protests that followed the slayings of 12 Nepalese contract workers by militants in Iraq. At mid-day, crowds set fire to vans and motorcycles and wrecked equipment inside the premises of English-language Kantipur…
Writers sued for libel
New York, August 31, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the trial of two Chinese authors who wrote a banned book investigating local corruption and mistreatment of peasants in Anhui Province. The two went on trial for libel in Fuyang Intermediate People’s Court last week, and the proceedings ended on August 28. A verdict is…
Editor released from prison
New York, August 30, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Cheng Yizhong, editor-in-chief of Nanfang Dushi Bao (Southern Metropolis News), who was freed on August 27 after more than five months in detention. His colleagues, Nanfang Dushi Bao Deputy Editor-in-Chief and General Manager Yu Huafeng and former editor Li Minying, remain imprisoned.…
Gunman arrested in case of murdered journalist
New York, August 27, 2004—Police arrested a suspected gunman yesterday in the August 4 killing of Batangas City journalist Arnel Manalo, according to local news reports. Police believe that the suspect, Michael Garcia, was hired by local political leader Tony Mendoza, who has not yet been charged with murder. Gunmen ambushed and killed Manalo, 42,…
Editor stabbed as he leaves office
New York, August 26, 2004—Two unidentified assailants stabbed the editor of the Marathi-language daily Mahanagar outside his office in Mumbai on the evening of August 24. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is investigating whether the attack was related to Sajid Rashid’s work as a journalist. The men approached Rashid, 48, as he was leaving…
Media activist and editors sued; millions sought
New York, August 25, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the civil libel suit filed this week by the telecommunications giant Shin Corporation against media activist Supinya Klangnarong. The lawsuit seeks damages of Bt400 million (US$10 million). The Thai-language newspaper the Thai Post and three of its editors—Thaweesin Sathitrattanacheewin, Roj Ngammaen, and Kannikar Wiriyakul—are…
Journalist killed
New York, August 25, 2004—Kamal Hossain, the local correspondent for the Bangla-language daily Ajker Kagoj, was abducted and brutally murdered by unknown assailants in the early morning of Sunday, August 22, in Manikcchari, eastern Chittagong District, according to local news reports. The newswire service the United News of Bangladesh (UNB) reported that police discovered Hossain’s…
Two surrender in investigation into journalist’s murder
New York, August 24, 2004—Two suspects in the June killing of Radyo Natin journalist Eliseo “Ely” Binoya surrendered to local police today, according to local news reports. The suspects include Ephraim “Toto” Englis, a former police officer and local political leader suspected of masterminding the killing, according to news reports. General Santos City Police Chief…