Authorities alter charge to justify journalist’s arrest
UZBEKISTAN New York, August 5, 2008—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed to learn that police in the western Uzbek city of Nukus have brought another charge against an independent journalist to justify his arrest and detention, after initially bringing charges of drug use. On August 2, investigators in Nukus acknowledged that Salidzhon Abdurakhmonov’s blood…
Ethiopian judge detains editor over pop singer case
New York, August 4, 2008–An Ethiopian judge overseeing the high-profile trial of an imprisoned pop singer jailed the editor of an independent weekly for contempt of court today. The contempt charge came after the weekly published an interview with the singer’s lawyer, according to local journalists.
CPJ urges China to allow access to Xinjiang after attack on police
Hong Kong, August 5, 2008—The Committee to Protect Journalists called on the Chinese government to allow unrestricted reporting of Monday’s attack on police in the city of Kashgar, in the western Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. Local and international media outlets relied largely on the official Xinhua News Agency’s reports, which said two men killed 16…
CPJ alarmed by reports that Palestinian journalist was abused in custody
New York, August 1, 2008–The Committee to Protect Journalists is very concerned about the treatment of a Palestinian cameraman who was released Thursday after five days in the custody of security agents from the Hamas-led government in Gaza. Hamas security agents arrested Sawah Abu Seif, a cameraman with German broadcaster ARD TV, in his home…
Some Internet limits remain at GamesCPJ urges Olympic officials to continue open-access efforts
Some Internet limits remain at Games CPJ urges Olympic officials to continue open-access efforts New York, August 1, 2008—Internet censorship at the Olympic press center eased today, but officials with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) acknowledged that the full access once promised was not being delivered. Foreign journalists reported they could see some formerly inaccessible…
IOC meetings on Internet access must be followed through with action
New York, July 31, 2008–The Committee to Protect Journalists is encouraged by the International Olympic Committee’s statement today that it has met with organizers of the Beijing Games about Internet censorship at the Main Press Center and that “the issues are on the table.” But CPJ urged the IOC to continue to pursue all avenues…
CPJ concerned about health of imprisoned Cuban journalist on hunger strike
New York, July 30, 2008–The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about the health of imprisoned Cuban journalist Juan Carlos Herrera Acosta, who has been on a hunger strike for 12 days to demand better prison conditions.
China, IOC backtrack on Olympic Internet access
New York, July 30, 2008–The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply disappointed by the International Olympic Committee’s admission that China would not provide open Internet access at the Main Press Center in Beijing despite earlier assurances to the contrary. Kevan Gosper, chairman of the IOC’s press commission, said today that the organization had entered into…
Colombia admits impersonation of journalists in FARC rescue
July 29, 2008 Juan Manuel Santos Minister of Defense Carrera 54 No. 26-25 CAN Bogotá, Colombia Dear Mr. Santos: Following the successful July 2 hostage rescue operation that ended with the release of 15 captives held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), we are writing to express our concern about the fact that…