Myanmar convicts two journalists on defamation charges
New York, March 19, 2015–Two journalists in Myanmar were convicted of defamation on Wednesday and sentenced to two months in jail, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the convictions and calls on authorities in Myanmar to reverse the sentences on appeal.
Ethiopia denies Temesghen Desalegn access to medical care in jail
Nairobi, March 16, 2015–Authorities in Ethiopia have denied medical attention to Ethiopian journalist Temesghen Desalegn, who has been imprisoned since October, according to sources close to the journalist. Temesghen Desalegn, owner of the now-defunct newsmagazine Feteh (Justice), is serving a three-year term in Ziway Prison, outside Addis Ababa, on charges of defamation, incitement, and false…
Journalists assaulted, detained in Myanmar crackdown
Bangkok, March 12, 2015–Journalists covering a security force clampdown on a student protest in central Myanmar on Tuesday were harassed, attacked, and detained by police, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the assault on and detention of journalists and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all reporters in police…
In Russia, last key suspect charged in 2000 murder of Igor Domnikov
New York, March 11, 2015–Moscow investigators today charged former regional governor Sergei Dorovskoi in the 2000 attack on Novaya Gazeta journalist Igor Domnikov that led to the journalist’s death, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the move and calls on authorities to move quickly and thoroughly to resolve the case.
Two journalists shot dead in Guatemala, another wounded
Bogotá, Colombia, March 11, 2015–Two gunmen shot dead two journalists and injured a third in Guatemala on Tuesday, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Guatemalan authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the attack and ensure the perpetrators are held to account.
Ethiopia suspected of spying on independent TV network ESAT
New York, March 10, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by research that indicates the Ethiopian government used spyware to monitor journalists at U.S.-based Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT) in what appears to be a continuation of surveillance first reported in February 2014.