Attacks on the Press in 2004: Introduction
by Ann CooperWith its myriad dangers and devastating death toll, Iraq remained the worst place to practice journalism throughout 2004, and one of the most dangerous media assignments in recent history. Twenty-three journalists and 16 media support workers were killed on the job in Iraq during the year. An insurgent kidnapping campaign also posed severe…
Attacks on the Press 2004: Asia Analysis
Overviewby Abi Wright Threats to press freedom spiked throughout Asia in 2004, even as the news media claimed significant accomplishments. Across the region, 2004 was an election year, with citizens casting ballots in nations such as Afghanistan, whose landmark vote was peaceful and orderly, and India, where more than 370 million went to the polls.…
Attacks on the Press 2004: Burma
Burma Although Burma’s authoritarian military rulers proposed a “road map” to democracy in 2004, neither the Burmese people nor its press saw many positive results. On the contrary, conditions for journalists deteriorated, with hard-liners tightening their grip on power inside the government and cracking down further on Burma’s official media and the few remaining independent…
Journalists in prison in 2004: Four nations stand out
New York, February 3, 2005–Four countries with long records of press repression–China, Cuba, Eritrea, and Burma–account for more than three-quarters of the journalists imprisoned around the world, a new analysis by the Committee to Protect Journalists has found.
Seeking journalists’ release, CPJ sends 400 signed appeals to government
New York, February 1, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists has sent 400 appeals to the government of Burma calling for the immediate and unconditional release of imprisoned journalists Aung Pwint and Thaung Tun, recipients of CPJ’s 2004 International Press Freedom Awards. The appeals—signed by leading journalists, media executives, and free press advocates—were delivered to the…
Journalists in prison, 2004
Around the world, 122 journalists were in prison at the end of 2004 for practicing their profession, 16 fewer than the year before. International advocacy campaigns, including those waged by the Committee to Protect Journalists, helped win the early release of a number of imprisoned journalists, notably six independent writers and reporters in Cuba.
Junta shakeup leads to closing of several publications
New York, October 22, 2004-The Committee to Protect Journalists is very concerned about the closing of a large group of Burmese publications after the ouster of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt this week. Military authorities banned or suspended more than a dozen publications associated with Military Intelligence Services (MIS), which was previously run by Gen. Nyunt,…
CPJ disturbed by closing of current affairs journal
New York, September 21, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists is troubled by the recent closure of the bimonthly current affairs journal Khit-Sann. Supporters of the journal charge that military censors shuttered Khit-Sann because it covered international issues and U.S. political ideas, according to CPJ sources and Radio Free Asia. Burma’s government denied the charges last…