Karen Phillips/CPJ Americas Staff

Karen Phillips is interim research associate in CPJ's Americas program. A former associate in CPJ's Journalists Assistance program, she is the author of the CPJ special report, "A Somali Journalist in Exile."

Yoani Sánchez at home in Cuba. (Reuters)

For Cuban blogger Sánchez, a government ‘distinction’

Acclaimed Cuban blogger Yoani Sánchez has had her share of honors lately. Last year alone, her blogging, which offers a personal and critical view of life in Cuba, was honored by the Dutch Prince Claus Fund, the International Press Institute, and the Danish Centre for Political Studies. This week, Sánchez received a very different type…

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In Caracas, people pass by a mural of Chávez. (AP/Ariana Cubillos)

Is Chávez promoting free expression? Check the facts

Venezuelan Information Minister Andrés Izarra declared on the state television channel VTV last week that “never has so much been done to guarantee, promote, and drive freedom of expression than in the government of President Hugo Chávez.” Izarra needs to hire a fact-checker. 

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Montas is seeking justice in a criminal complaint against Duvalier. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)

Haitian journalist Montas levels charges against Baby Doc

Former dictator Jean Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier is facing some blowback after breezing into Haiti last Sunday following a 25-year absence. On Wednesday, prominent Haitian journalist and former UN spokesperson Michele Montas joined three others in filing criminal complaints against the former dictator who returned to the country Sunday, just days after the anniversary of…

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A woman prays in the rubble of the national cemetery in Port-au-Prince today, one year after a devastating eartthquake. (AP/Ramon Espinosa)

On earthquake’s anniversary, Haiti’s media recovering

One year after the devastating January 12, 2010, earthquake that killed more than 200,000 people and crippled Haiti’s media infrastructure, the country’s media have made significant strides toward recovery even as they face enormous ongoing challenges. 

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