Sindh TV cable distribution halted
NOVEMBER 8, 2006 Posted: November 16, 2006 SINDH TV CENSORED Cable operators were ordered to stop delivering the privately owned Sindhi-language channel by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). The broadcaster was given no explanation by the government for its decision. The channel’s management said the authority did not say how long the ruling…
Three weeks after abduction, photographer released in Afghanistan
New York, November 3, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes today’s release of Italian freelance photographer Gabriele Torsello three weeks after he was taken captive by gunmen in southern Afghanistan. The Italian government confirmed to news agencies Torsello’s release, which was first reported by PeaceReporter, a Web site that works closely with aid agencies in…
In China, Zhao Yan denied an open appeal hearing
New York, November 3, 2006—Court officials will not grant an open hearing in an appeal filed by New York Times researcher Zhao Yan, who is jailed on fraud charges, defense lawyer Guan Anping told CPJ. Guan said that the decision defied clear regulations allowing for open proceedings in criminal cases that do not involve state…
Journalist wounded in gunfire attack
NOVEMBER 1, 2006 Rehmanullah, Subah ATTACKED Rehmanullah, 35, correspondent for the Urdu-language daily Subah, was shot and wounded at around 8:15 p.m. near his home in Shabqadar, about 22 miles (35 kilometers) north of Peshawar, according to Behroz Khan, Peshawar bureau chief for The News. Witnesses told Khan that the car was sprayed with more…
Pakistani journalist slain; CPJ urges investigation
New York, November 1, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges an immediate, high-level investigation into today’s murder of Mohammad Ismail, Islamabad bureau chief for Pakistan Press International (PPI). Ismail’s body was found this morning near his home in Islamabad with “his head completely smashed with some hard blunt object” according to Mazhar Abbas, secretary-general of…
China: Beijing court denies open hearing in Ching Cheong appeal
New York, October 30, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns Chinese authorities’ denial of an open appeal hearing in the espionage case of Ching Cheong, a Hong Kong reporter for The Straits Times sentenced to five years in prison in August. Instead, the court will review documents behind closed doors before ruling on Ching’s appeal.
CPJ condemns two-year sentence of online journalist Li Jianping
New York, October 26, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the two-year prison sentence given to Internet writer Li Jianping on Wednesday, more than six months after he was tried on charges of “inciting subversion of state authority.” Li, who was initially accused of defaming national leaders through his writings, plans to appeal the verdict,…
Vietnam: Two papers suspended for reporting on banknote problems
New York, October 24, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the suspension of two newspapers in Vietnam that reported on corruption and printing problems with the country’s new non-paper banknotes. The Ministry of Culture and Information slapped a one-month ban on two small newspapers and was considering disciplinary measures against other, more widely read newspapers…
Afghanistan: As deadline looms, CPJ urges kidnappers to free journalist
New York, October 20, 2006—Ahead of the deadline set by the kidnappers of an Italian photographer in Afghanistan, the Committee to Protect Journalists appeals for his immediate safe release. Freelancer Gabriele Torsello was seized by five gunmen October 12. At first, the kidnappers set a deadline of Sunday night for their demands to be met.…