Letters

  

Bangladesh: CPJ demands journalists’ release

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is gravely concerned by the recent arrests of several Bangladeshi journalists who have worked with foreign news agencies. We are especially concerned that journalists Priscilla Raj and Saleem Samad, who were charged with sedition after working with a documentary crew from Britain’s Channel 4 “Unreported World” series, remain in detention and have allegedly been tortured in government custody.

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CPJ concerned about attacks against journalists

Mr. President: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is gravely concerned about increasing attacks against and intimidation of journalists, which has fostered a climate of fear among members of the press. It is critical in the months leading up to the 2003 presidential elections that journalists are able to report freely on the grave problems facing Argentina, including a collapsing economy. CPJ has documented several disturbing instances in which journalists have been targeted with physical aggression and harassment during the last seven weeks. None of the perpetrators have been brought to justice.

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Hong Kong: Proposed anti-subversion legislation threatens freedom of expression

Dear Secretary Ip: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the defense of press freedom worldwide, is submitting the attached memorandum in response to the Consultation Document on proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law. In CPJ’s view, the legislation as proposed presents a grave threat to freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

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Venezuela: CPJ concerned about attacks against journalists

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is alarmed by the numerous attacks against Venezuelan journalists during the last three weeks. The two latest incidents, which occurred this week during a strike by the political opposition, the country’s largest workers’ union, and an association of businesses, are particularly worrying because state security forces were either involved in the aggressions or did little to stop them.

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CPJ concerned about broadcast bill

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is alarmed that a landmark broadcast regulatory bill nearing passage in the Parliament contains numerous undemocratic provisions that threaten Indonesia’s burgeoning free press.

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CPJ concerned about court decision

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is gravely concerned about a recent Chilean court decision upholding the charges of “disrespect” (desacato) against television commentator Eduardo Yáñez, a regular panelist on Chilevisión’s debate show “El Termómetro.”

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CPJ urges Putin not to sign amendments

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is extremely concerned about amendments to the Law on the Struggle with Terrorism and the Law on Mass Media that were recently passed by the Parliament and now await your final approval.

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Nepal: CPJ condemns editor’s arrest

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns today’s arrest of Tikaram Rai, editor of the Nepali-language daily Aparanha. Rai was arrested in Kathmandu following the complaint of a senior police officer accused of bribery in a recent Aparanha article.

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Nepal: CPJ condemns editor’s arrest

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns today’s arrest of Tikaram Rai, editor of the Nepali-language daily Aparanha. Rai was arrested in Kathmandu following the complaint of a senior police officer accused of bribery in a recent Aparanha article.

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Journalist Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns today’s sentencing of Internet essayist Le Chi Quang to four years in prison. We are also concerned for the safety of former soldier Tran Dung Tien, who was detained after protesting Quang’s trial. Earlier today, following a three-hour trial on national security charges, the Hanoi People’s Court sentenced Le Chi Quang, 32, to four years in prison followed by three years of house arrest. Quang was charged under articles 88 and 92 of the Criminal Code, which ban the distribution of information that opposes the government. Quang’s parents were the only observers allowed into the courtroom, while his lawyer was not allowed to present a defense before the court, according to CPJ sources.

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