In China, writer sentenced to six years in prison for critical articles
New York, March 20, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is appalled that freelance writer and former Web site editor Zhang Jianhong was sentenced Monday to six years in prison by a court in Ningbo, in the eastern province of Zhejiang. Zhang was arrested in September 2006 and charged the following month with “incitement to subvert…
Thailand’s military government censors satellite TV station
New York, March 20, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the censorship of a new satellite television station by Thai authorities, part of an ongoing ban against the broadcaster since the military seized power in a coup last September. Over the weekend, government agencies blocked news programs carried by PTV, or People’s Television, which was…
In Peru, radio commentator slain in front of family
New York, March 19, 2007—Two hooded gunmen shot and killed a popular Peruvian radio commentator in front of his wife and children on Saturday night, according to news reports. Eyewitnesses quoted by the Lima daily La República said the attackers opened fire on Miguel Pérez Julca as the journalist and his family were nearing the…
In Gaza, BBC correspondent still missing after a week
New York, March 19, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today renewed its call for the release of BBC correspondent Alan Johnston who was abducted in the Gaza Strip one week ago. “We’re deeply concerned that Alan Johnston has been missing for a week now, and we appeal to those holding our colleague to release him…
Iraqi news presenter, driver abducted in Baghdad
New York, March 19, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the abduction of an Iraqi news presenter and his driver by armed men in Baghdad on Saturday. Around 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, four masked gunmen seized Karim Manhal, a news presenter and editor for the privately owned Radio Dijla, and the station’s driver, Thamir Sabri,…
Taliban release Italian reporter, fate of translator unknown
New York, March 19, 2007— The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes news that Italian daily La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo has been released today by Taliban kidnappers after two weeks in captivity. CPJ is alarmed by Taliban claims that Mastrogiacomo’s Afghan translator Ajmal Naskhbandi was not released, despite earlier reports that he was also freed.…
Independent journalist receives death threat in Ukraine
New York, March 19, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by a death threat made by a local businessman against independent bi-weekly Rivne Vechirne reporter Vlad Isayev for his critical articles. Isayev was threatened as he covered a dispute between local businessman Anatoly Pekhotin and the owners of a private parking lot in the…
In Chad, journalist convicted of defamation
New York, March 16, 2007— A court in the capital N’Djamena sentenced on Tuesday a journalist to a six-month suspended prison term and damages on criminal defamation charges over a May 2006 story alleging corruption by a Catholic priest, according to press freedom group Journaliste en Danger (JED) and news reports. Director Adji Moussa of…
In Afghanistan, new demands for abducted journalist after driver was killed
NEW YORK, March 16, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by a report that kidnappers of La Repubblica reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo have killed his Afghan driver and made additional demands for his release. According to the Pajhwok Afghan News agency, the country’s largest independent wire service, Mastrogiacomo’s driver Sayed Agha was killed for “spying…
Exiled Burmese journalist arrives in United States
New York, March 16, 2007—Fleeing death threats, Burmese journalist Maung Maung Kyaw Win, 58, and his family arrived this week in the United States with assistance from the Committee to Protect Journalists and other colleagues. “Even though I am really happy to be here, the media is still being held hostage and the military junta…