CPJ disturbed by court’s failure to check repression of the media
New York, November 11, 2005 —Nepal’s Supreme Court today rejected media petitions for the suspension of a draconian new law that bans FM radio news broadcasts and curbs critical newspaper coverage. The Supreme Court is expected to issue a final ruling on the constitutionality of the law, which the government issued in October, in the…
Journalists could face treason charge
New York, November 10, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists unequivocally condemns plans by the Ethiopian government to charge journalists detained during a wave of anti-government protests with treason. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Wednesday treason charges would be brought against opposition leaders and journalists arrested in connection with clashes last week between protesters and security…
CPJ condemns attack on independent journalist
New York, November 10, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists today condemned the assault of journalist Aleksei Volosevich, one of the few independent reporters still working in Uzbekistan who witnessed the Andijan massacre. Volosevich, correspondent for the Moscow-based Central Asia news Web site Ferghana.ru, was attacked by five unidentified men near his apartment in the capital…
CPJ condemns press abuses during Azerbaijani election
New York, November 9, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns a series of abuses against the press before and during Sunday’s fraud-marred parliamentary election in Azerbaijan. Government officials blocked at least three foreign news agencies from deploying satellite equipment that would have enabled live coverage, while harassing several local journalists who were trying to cover…
In Thailand, criminal charges threaten community radio stations
Bangkok, November 9, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists is gravely concerned about the Thai government’s criminal prosecution of a community radio station operator. Hearings concluded today in a criminal case filed by the state-run Public Relations and Post and Telegraph departments against radio journalist Satien Chanthorn on charges of illegally possessing broadcast equipment and violating…
European court holds Ukrainian government liable in Gongadze case
New York, November 9, 2005—The European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday found the Ukrainian government liable for 100,000 euros in damages in a lawsuit filed by the widow of slain journalist Georgy Gongadze. The court found in favor of Myroslava Gongadze, who claimed the government failed to protect her husband and then failed to…
Prominent editor charged with defaming the president
New York, November 9, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists today voiced outrage at the criminal defamation charge brought against award-winning journalist Fred M’membe for criticizing Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa. M’membe, editor of Zambia’s leading daily The Post, was charged and released on bail after six hours in policy custody. He is due in court tomorrow,…
One journalist freed, another still in jail without charge
New York, November 8, 2005—A court in the Democratic Republic of Congo today freed journalist Jean-Marie Kanku on bail after 12 days of detention, press freedom group Journaliste en danger (JED) said. But journalist Patrice Booto, who was detained last week without charge, remains behind bars, JED said. Local journalists raised the detention of both…
Mexican radio reporter survives murder attempt
New York, November 8, 2005—A Mexican radio reporter was seriously wounded on Sunday after being shot seven times at close range while walking his dog in a park in Loma Bonita, a town in Oaxaca state. The Committee to Protect Journalists is investigating whether the shooting was retaliation for the journalist’s work. Benjamín Fernández González,…
CPJ condemns bomb attack on newspaper
New York, November 7, 2005 —The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns a bomb attack today on the offices of the Hong Kong daily Ming Pao, which injured two people. A gift box, which was hand delivered to the office of Chief Editor Cheung Kin-bao, exploded when Cheung’s secretary opened it, The Standard reported. She was…