Russia: Journalist’s killers sought to intimidate his newspaper, CPJ research finds
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) wishes to inform you that after a thorough investigation into the murder of Igor Domnikov, a reporter for the independent, twice-weekly newspaper Novaya Gazeta, we have concluded that Domnikov was targeted by assassins who sought to intimidate his paper.
Belarus: Missing journalist feared dead; official investigation stalled
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is deeply disturbed by the lack of progress in the investigation into the disappearance of Dmitry Zavadsky, a cameraman with the Russian public television network ORT who has been missing since July 7. Because no group has come forward to take responsibility for Zavadsky’s disappearance over the past six months, we now fear that the journalist may have been killed. The official investigation, which has been carried out in secret, now appears to be stalled.
Angola: Rafael Marques forbidden to travel
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) strongly protests your government’s continued harassment of journalist Rafael Marques, who was refused the right to leave the country this morning despite official assurances, and a signed court order, stating clearly that all travel restrictions against him had been lifted.
Slovakia: Journalist sentenced for defaming his country
Your Excellency, The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is writing to express its dismay over recent defamation charges brought against Vladimir Mohorita, a journalist with the Slovak weekly Zmena. On March 16, Mohorita received a registered letter from the Bratislava 2 Regional Court informing him that unspecified, undated criminal charges had been filed against him. Mohorita received another registered letter two days later, explaining that the charges had in fact been filed two weeks earlier. The letter added that, having reached a decision on March 7, the court was sentencing him to four months in prison under Article 102 of the Slovak Penal Code for “publicly defaming the country and its officials.”
Ukraine: Editor assaulted by public official
Your Excellency, The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the recent beating of Oleg Liachko, editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper Svoboda. We demand that the attack be investigated immediately and that the assailant — a prominent public official–be held accountable for his actions.
Three newspapers banned for alleging prime minister’s involvement in 1972 coup attempt
Your Majesty: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is writing to protest the Moroccan government’s decision to ban the weekly newspapers Demain, Le Journal, and Al-Sahiffa. On December 2, the government released a statement saying the three newspapers were banned because they had attacked “the most sacred institutional bases of our country” and threatened “the stability of the state.” The statement added: “In insulting reality … and fabricating history, these papers have created doubt and sowed confusion in the spirit of Moroccans.”
Government attacks newspaper for publishing national anthem parody
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is deeply disturbed by your administration’s multi-pronged attack against the Bengali-language daily newspaper Inqilab, which has been accused of treason for publishing a parody of the Bangladesh national anthem.
Philippines: Radio broadcaster murdered in Zamboanga del Sur
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the murder of Olimpio Jalapit, Jr., a radio broadcaster killed on November 17 in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. We urge Your Excellency to ensure that the investigation into this murder is conducted in a thorough and impartial manner, so that Jalapit’s killers may be brought to justice.