The „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ is the weekly newsletter of the International Freedom
\nof Expression eXchange (IFEX), a global network of 81 organisations working
\nto defend and promote the right to free expression. IFEX is managed by
\nCanadian Journalists for Free Expression.<\/p>\n
FREE EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT:
\n1. China: Race to Take Action for Free Expression Ahead of Beijing Games<\/p>\n
REGIONAL NEWS:
\n2. Philippines: Journalist Killed, Daughters Survive Attack
\n3. Bahrain: Government Stokes Sectarian Tensions to Justify Crackdown on
\nPress
\n4. Ethiopia: New Laws Threaten Free Expression<\/p>\n
TAKE ACTION!
\n5. Campaign for Press Freedom in Azerbaijan on 17 July
\n6. Stand Up for the People of Zimbabwe on 12 July<\/p>\n
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:
\n7. Amsterdam to Host Neo-Censorship Conference<\/p>\n
AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS:
\n8. MISA 2008 Press Freedom Award
\n9. Photo Competition to Portray Digital Divide
\n——————————————————–
\nFREE EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT<\/p>\n
1. CHINA: RACE TO TAKE ACTION FOR FREE EXPRESSION AHEAD OF BEIJING GAMES<\/p>\n
One hundred journalists and cyber-dissidents still in jail. Foreign
\njournalists blocked and threatened despite Beijing’s repeated promises to
\ngive them „complete freedom“ ahead of the Olympics – both in Tibet and the
\nearthquake-hit areas in Sichuan. Ongoing censorship online and elsewhere.
\nWith just one month left to the Beijing Games, IFEX members are asking that
\nyou turn up the heat and speak up for free expression in China. Find out
\nwhat you can do now to add your voice to the protests.<\/p>\n
While Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is continuing to call on world
\nleaders and heads of state to boycott the opening ceremonies – rumour has
\nit that French President Nicolas Sarkozy is reneging on his earlier vow
\nthat he’d attend only if the Chinese engaged in real dialogue with the
\nDalai Lama – they’re also organising for the masses. RSF is urging you to
\nturn away from your TV and march outside Chinese embassies on 8 August. For
\nthe real couch potato, protest online with RSF’s cyber-demo on the same
\nday. See: http:\/\/www.rsf.org<\/p>\n
RSF, along with IFEX members the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and
\nthe International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have already joined the
\nglobal appeal for the release of the Chinese „POC (Prisoners of Conscience)
\n8″ before lucky 08\/08\/08 – the day of the opening ceremonies. IFEX members
\nhave lobbied for all eight, particularly, Shi Tao and Hu Jia. Get out your
\npen and address your letter to the Chinese ambassador or consul where you
\nlive. Check out the video call here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=35DmnlIJlJU and download ready-made letters
\nhere: http:\/\/www.visual-artists-guild.org\/<\/p>\n
Follow the poem instead of the torch with International PEN’s poem relay:
\nhear the poem „June“ by Shi Tao, translated into more than 90 languages,
\nincluding Tibetan: http:\/\/www.penpoemrelay.org\/<\/p>\n
Then check out International PEN’s We Are Ready for Freedom of Expression
\ncampaign and read up on all of the 44 journalists and writers in jail.
\nThere’s still time to sign the petition to the Chinese government calling
\nfor their release: http:\/\/www.pen.org\/page.php\/prmID\/1527<\/p>\n
More than 30,000 foreign journalists are expected at the Games – three
\nhacks for every athlete. So IFJ has teamed up with the sports political
\norganisation Play the Game to launch Play the Game for Open Journalism, a
\nwebsite for those reporters heading to China who don’t know how freely
\nthey’ll be able to do their job. Get tips and tricks on how to report in
\nBeijing (including from local journalists!), from what the sensitive topics
\nare and how to broach them, to working with local assistants and protecting
\nyour sources. Got tips of your own? Be sure to upload them on the site in
\nthe discussion forums. It’s all here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.playthegameforopenjournalism.org<\/p>\n
Appreciating that knowing your rights is essential and that access to
\nwebsites may be censored, Human Rights Watch and CPJ have published a
\npocket-sized survival guide – ideal for your plane journey. If you don’t
\nhave enough time to order it, the „Reporters‘ Guide to Covering the Beijing
\nOlympics“ can be downloaded free at: http:\/\/china.hrw.org\/ and will also
\nsoon be available in French, German, Spanish and Japanese. It includes an
\nEnglish\/Chinese version of the temporary regulations, which can be shown to
\nofficials questioning reporters in the field.<\/p>\n
For those journalists who still end up at the receiving end of the
\nauthorities‘ wrath because of their work, IFJ has also unveiled a helpline
\nfor emergency assistance and advice. The 10,000 of you expected to descend
\non Beijing without accreditation would be smart to keep this number handy:
\n+ 32 475 76 13 92 . Lines are open from 20 July to 31 August.<\/p>\n
Still need convincing? Read Human Rights Watch’s hot-off-the-press report,
\n„China’s Forbidden Zones: Shutting the Media out of Tibet and other
\n‚Sensitive‘ Stories“, at: http:\/\/hrw.org\/reports\/2008\/china0708\/ . The
\nreport is based on interviews with more than 60 foreign correspondents that
\nwere in China AFTER the authorities promised to lift media freedom
\nrestrictions in the run-up to the Olympics. The findings? The Chinese
\ngovernment – with the help of the International Olympic Committee – has
\ndone its best to impede progress. <\/p>\n
Three International PEN centres – the Independent Chinese PEN Center, PEN
\nAmerican Center and PEN Canada – say free expression in China has
\ndeteriorated so substantially over the past year „in full view of the
\ninternational community“ that there are more writers and journalists in
\nChinese prisons than there were seven months ago. Read „Failing to Deliver:
\nAn Olympic-Year Report Card on Free Expression in China“, at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.pen.org\/chinareport<\/p>\n
Get confirmation in CPJ’s updated report „Falling Short“, which outlines
\nChina’s failure to meet its media pledges:
\nhttp:\/\/www.cpj.org\/Briefings\/2007\/Falling_Short\/China\/index.html <\/p>\n
Then keep abreast of the latest developments by subscribing to IFJ’s
\nmonthly press freedom report: ifjchina (@) ifj-asia.org<\/p>\n
Now spread the word. The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has got a
\nslew of stories, cartoons, graphs and pictures on the Olympic Challenge of
\nfreeing the press in China. They’re free for the taking here:
\nhttp:\/\/worldpressfreedomday.org\/
\n——————————————————–
\nREGIONAL NEWS<\/p>\n
ASIA<\/p>\n
2. PHILIPPINES: JOURNALIST KILLED, DAUGHTERS SURVIVE ATTACK<\/p>\n
A journalist driving home with his two daughters was shot dead in the town
\nof Sariaya in Quezon province, about 100 kilometres southeast of Manila,
\nreport the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), the
\nCommittee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members.<\/p>\n
Robert „Bert“ Sison was shot in his car by two gunmen on a motorcycle on 30
\nJune. His daughter Liwayway, 30, was wounded in the arm, while his younger
\ndaughter Amirah, 24, escaped unharmed by pretending to be dead, reports
\nCPJ.<\/p>\n
According to local news reports, the car was „peppered“ with bullets.
\n„Clearly, the suspects were very angry at Sison,“ a Quezon province police
\nofficer told Manila newspaper the „Philippine Daily Inquirer“.<\/p>\n
Sison and his daughters were reporters for the „Regional Bulletin“, a
\nweekly paper that often publishes articles on crime and critical stories of
\nlocal officials. Sison was also a broadcaster at a local radio station.<\/p>\n
According to CMFR, Sison is the second journalist killed in the Philippines
\nthis year. Thirty-four media professionals have been killed in the line of
\nduty since Gloria Macapagal Arroyo became president in 2001, says CMFR.<\/p>\n
CPJ says the Philippines ranks among the deadliest nations for journalists
\n– and the current administration has been accused of being one of the worst
\nat solving the cases of journalists‘ murders, with more than 90 percent
\nunsolved. CPJ has partnered with local press groups in the Philippines in
\nits Global Campaign Against Impunity. Read more about the campaign here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.cpj.org\/impunity<\/p>\n
Visit these links:
\n– CMFR: http:\/\/www.cmfr.com.ph\/_alerts\/2008\/jul_03.html
\n– CPJ: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/6qew4g
\n– International Federation of Journalists: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/6cb5r5
\n– National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: http:\/\/www.nujp.org\/<\/p>\n
MIDDLE EAST<\/p>\n
3. BAHRAIN: GOVERNMENT STOKES SECTARIAN TENSIONS TO JUSTIFY CRACKDOWN ON
\nPRESS<\/p>\n
Just over a month after the Bahrain government said it would eliminate
\nprison sentences for journalists and lift some bans on censored
\npublications, it has done a massive U-turn. Authorities in the country are
\ncracking down on opposition journalists, websites and even mosque leaders
\nfor apparently stirring up sectarian tensions and threatening national
\nsecurity, reports the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR).<\/p>\n
At least three journalists writing for the main opposition group mouthpiece
\n„Al-Wefaq“ were arrested on 28 June and held overnight, report BCHR and
\nReporters Without Borders (RSF). Another three journalists in charge of the
\nwebsite Awaal.net – shut down on 24 June because of its „sectarian nature“
\n– were also detained. All six were charged with „inciting hatred of the
\ngovernment“ and „disseminating news that would raise sectarian divisions“,
\nsays BCHR. At least two of them showed signs of being tortured while in
\npolice custody.<\/p>\n
According to BHCR, the men had published information implicating the King
\nand senior members of the royal family in administrative and financial
\ncorruption scandals – including the seizure of large areas of public lands
\nand the naturalisation of thousands of non-Bahrainis based on their
\npolitical beliefs.<\/p>\n
The Bahraini government introduced amendments to the country’s press law in
\nMay, eliminating prison sentences for journalists and prior censorship on
\npublications, say RSF and the International Federation of Journalists
\n(IFJ). But it is still possible to charge and jail journalists using the
\npenal code and anti-terrorism laws, the groups say.<\/p>\n
BCHR says the Bahraini authorities are exploiting religious tensions –
\noften stoked by officials themselves – to justify a crackdown on the press
\nand critical voices.<\/p>\n
„Many violations in Bahrain are committed using the name and powers of the
\nKing … He has become a part of the conflict rather than a symbol of
\nnational unity,“ says BCHR.<\/p>\n
Take the blocked websites. Besides Awaal.net, the Ministry of Information
\nclosed down two other sites on 24 June because they published stories of a
\n„sectarian nature“ that might „harm social stability in Bahrain,“ reports
\nBCHR. According to RSF, at least 24 other political websites are currently
\nblocked in Bahrain – including the sites of BCHR and IFEX member Arabic
\nNetwork for Human Rights Information (ANHRI).<\/p>\n
During a cabinet meeting in June, the government announced plans to set up
\na commission to monitor mosques, press articles and online forums for any
\nviolations concerning the King, national unity and Arab identity – offences
\nunder Bahrain’s penal code, says RSF.<\/p>\n
In another case, activist Abdullah Bou-Hassan was arrested for writing an
\narticle published in the newsletter of the National Democratic Action
\nSociety and for displaying a political banner in his car, reports BCHR. He
\nwas charged under the penal code with inciting hatred and insulting the
\nruling regime.<\/p>\n
„We are frustrated that after we read in the press that the Cabinet is
\nmoving towards abolishing prison sentences for journalists, this incident
\nproves that the legal system in Bahrain, and particularly the penal code,
\nstill contains provisions stipulating punishment through imprisonment for
\nwriting, publishing and distribution,“ says BCHR.<\/p>\n
BCHR is demanding that the government reform the penal code and other laws
\nthat restrict freedom of the press, online journalism and preaching in
\nmosques under the pretext of easing sectarian tensions.<\/p>\n
The proposed amendments to the press law will be reviewed in Parliament in
\nOctober.<\/p>\n
Visit these links:
\n– BHCR on website closures, sectarian tensions:
\nhttp:\/\/www.ifex.org\/en\/content\/view\/full\/95155\/
\n– BCHR: http:\/\/www.bahrainrights.org\/en
\n– RSF: http:\/\/www.rsf.org\/article.php3?id_article=27741
\n– IFJ: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/6mr3x8
\n– IFEX Bahrain page: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ytqq7w
\n– Bahrain Journalists‘ Association: http:\/\/www.bja-bh.org\/en<\/p>\n
AFRICA<\/p>\n
4. ETHIOPIA: NEW LAWS THREATEN FREE EXPRESSION<\/p>\n
Ethiopia has passed a new media law that bans censorship of private media
\nand the detention of journalists, but which critics say maintains other
\nthreats to free expression.<\/p>\n
„Under the new law, previous restrictions against private media outlets,
\nsuch as detention of journalists suspected of infringement of the law, has
\nbeen scrapped,“ a Parliament statement said.<\/p>\n
But opposition members say the law, passed on 1 July, still allows state
\nprosecutors to invoke national security as grounds for impounding
\npublishing materials prior to publication and distribution.<\/p>\n
Opposition Parliamentarian Temesgen Zewede told reporters, „Although
\ncensorship is abolished, such a right to impound press material before
\ndistribution is tantamount to censorship.“<\/p>\n
The government is also planning to impose strict controls and „draconian“
\ncriminal penalties on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in a separate
\nlaw, say Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.<\/p>\n
Ethiopia says the draft law on charities and societies is a way for NGOs to
\nbe financially transparent and accountable to their stakeholders. But Human
\nRights Watch says the government’s intent is „to consolidate that trend by
\ntaking the ’non‘ out of ’non-governmental‘ and putting civil society under
\ngovernment control.“<\/p>\n
For example, the draft law imposes stiff criminal penalties for anyone
\nparticipating in „unlawful“ civil society activity – jail time for
\nparticipating in a meeting held by an unlawful organisation or
\ndisseminating the organisation’s information.<\/p>\n
Who decides which NGOs are lawful? The government of course – the bill
\ncalls for a Charities and Society Agency with extensive powers to license
\nNGOs, monitor their activities and interfere in their management and
\nstaffing, says Human Rights Watch.<\/p>\n
Plus, all non-Ethiopian NGOs are not allowed to carry out work related to
\nhuman rights – making it difficult for IFEX members to report free
\nexpression violations or engage in human rights activities in the country.
\nMeanwhile, Ethiopian rights NGOs that get more than 10 percent of funding
\nfrom foreign sources would be considered foreign and would also be closed
\ndown.<\/p>\n
„The law’s key provisions are blunt and heavy-handed mechanisms to control
\nand monitor civil society groups while punishing those whose work
\ndispleases the government,“ say Human Rights Watch and Amnesty. „It could
\nalso seriously restrict much of the development-related work currently
\nbeing carried out by some of Ethiopia’s key international partners.“<\/p>\n
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty are calling on donor governments, especially
\nEthiopia’s biggest donors, the United States and the United Kingdom, to
\nspeak out publicly against the criminalisation of human rights work in
\nEthiopia.<\/p>\n
„Their policy of silence has had the effect of helping to embolden the
\nEthiopian government to make further assaults on human rights, exemplified
\nby the draft NGO law,“ says Human Rights Watch.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, once considered a pioneer of democracy in
\nAfrica, had seen his reputation wane since post-election violence that
\nkilled 200 people in 2005. Journalists and opposition members viewed as
\nsympathetic to the protesters were then arrested and charged with treason,
\nand now formal political opposition has become nearly extinct in most of
\nthe country.<\/p>\n
Visit these links:
\n– Human Rights Watch: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/5jplq2
\n– „The Nation“ (Kenya) on new media law:
\nhttp:\/\/allafrica.com\/stories\/200807040064.html
\n– IFEX Ethiopia page: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/58q5rr
\n——————————————————–
\nTAKE ACTION!<\/p>\n
5. CAMPAIGN FOR PRESS FREEDOM IN AZERBAIJAN ON 17 JULY<\/p>\n
This year was supposed to be different for Azerbaijani journalists. Late in
\nDecember, President Ilham Aliyev pardoned five journalists who were behind
\nbars. But press offences still count as crimes, four journalists are still
\nwrongfully in jail and the killers of beloved journalist Elmar Huseynov are
\nstill free. The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS) wants you
\nto voice these wrongs on 17 July, Huseynov’s birthday, at your Azerbaijani
\nembassy or online with banners on your website.<\/p>\n
IRFS has specially prepared placards, slogans and banners for you to take
\nto your embassy that call for Huseynov’s murder to be solved, the release
\nof the four journalists, and an end to Aliyev’s reign of repression that
\nhas persisted ever since Huseynov’s death. Those in Azerbaijan will be
\ngathering at Huseynov’s grave in Baku on the day.<\/p>\n
IRFS is also asking that you snap your action – take a picture and email it
\nto IRFS, who will then post it on its website.<\/p>\n
Huseynov, the editor of the opposition weekly magazine „Monitor“ that was
\nknown for its hard-hitting articles, was gunned down in front of his home
\non 2 March 2005. One of the currently imprisoned journalists, Eynulla
\nFatullayev, was targeted shortly after he published a report alleging an
\nofficial cover-up of Huseynov’s murder.<\/p>\n
Materials will be available from this Friday, 11 July on IRFS’s website at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.irfs.az\/index.php?lang=eng<\/p>\n
To get involved, contact IRFS at: irfs.az (@) gmail.com<\/p>\n
6. STAND UP FOR THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE ON 12 JULY<\/p>\n
Last month Robert Mugabe was sworn in as President of Zimbabwe again after
\none of the bloodiest and most controversial elections in African history.
\n„It is the responsibility of all Africans to urgently put a stop to Mr
\nMugabe’s anti-democratic activities,“ says CIVICUS: World Alliance for
\nCitizen Participation, Amnesty International and the Global Call to Action
\nAgainst Poverty (GCAP), who are calling for a pan-African campaign of
\nsolidarity for Zimbabwe this Saturday, 12 July.<\/p>\n
„The widespread killings, torture and intimidation of the political
\nopposition that characterised the presidential election run-off on 27 June
\ncannot be condoned under any circumstances,“ say the groups. So they are
\nasking the people of Africa to stand together with the people of Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n
How? Start by organising or attending a vigil outside the Zimbabwe embassy
\nin your country on 12 July. Write to your MP and urge your government to
\nstep up its efforts in Zimbabwe. Publish articles or letters in the
\nnational or local press on violations of human and people’s rights in
\nZimbabwe. Direct people to sign a petition.<\/p>\n
To find out more about the campaign and ideas for action, see:
\nhttp:\/\/tinyurl.com\/5pporo<\/p>\n
Or email:
\n– CIVICUS: anupama.selvam (@) civicus.org
\n– Amnesty: christopher.cymbalak (@) amnesty.org
\n– GCAP: joe.donlin (@) civicus.org
\n——————————————————–
\nCONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS<\/p>\n
7. AMSTERDAM TO HOST NEO-CENSORSHIP CONFERENCE<\/p>\n
Neo-censorship – the kind of censorship not imposed by the state but by the
\nprivate sector, be that self-censorship, market censorship or silent
\nrepression and threats to writers, journalists and publishers – is on the
\nrise, says the Amsterdam World Book Capital Foundation. Find out how
\nneo-censorship is eating away at the right to free expression and how to
\ncombat this latest threat at the International Symposium on Neo-censorship,
\nhappening on 18-20 September in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
Check out sessions on how large-scale immigration and multiculturalism
\ncould restrict freedom of expression, or how the fight against terrorism
\noften leads to governments asserting an iron grip on their citizens. Stick
\naround for the final session, when experts talk about if any of the myriad
\ncampaigns leading up to the Olympics actually had any use.<\/p>\n
Also be sure to catch the (free!) opening ceremony on 18 September, where
\nIPA presents its Freedom to Publish Prize to Ragip Zarakolu, the Turkish
\npublisher who refused to abandon his campaign for freedom of thought,
\ndespite being given a three-year prison sentence.<\/p>\n
The conference is organised by the Amsterdam World Book Capital Foundation
\nin collaboration with Index on Censorship and Amnesty International, and
\nsupport from the International Publishers Association (IPA).<\/p>\n
For details and to register, see: http:\/\/www.amsterdamworldbookcapital.com
\n——————————————————–
\nAWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS<\/p>\n
8. MISA 2008 PRESS FREEDOM AWARD<\/p>\n
Calling all southern African journalists and media organisations! The Media
\nInstitute of Southern Africa (MISA) with the Southern Africa Trust is
\ninviting nominations for its 2008 Press Freedom Award. The deadline for
\nentries is 12 August 2008.<\/p>\n
The US$2,500 award honours excellence in journalism: upholding the ethics
\nof the profession at all costs, pursuing the truth behind the facts, and
\npromoting media freedom in the region. Excellence can be achieved through
\nreportage or other ways, such as media reform, lobbying or training.<\/p>\n
Nominations (of any form of media) should include a letter stating how the
\nnominee meets the criteria, the nominee’s CV, and where possible, a sample
\nof work.<\/p>\n
Send your nominations to the MISA secretariat for the attention of the
\nregional director to: communications (@) misa.org<\/p>\n
For more details, visit: http:\/\/www.misa.org\/pressfreedom.html<\/p>\n
9. PHOTO COMPETITION TO PORTRAY DIGITAL DIVIDE<\/p>\n
Iwith.org, an organisation dedicated to helping non-profits make the best
\nuse of technology, wants your pictures and holiday snaps for its Summer
\nPhoto Competition about the digital gap.<\/p>\n
„We suggest that you take your camera on vacation and look around,“
\nIwith.org says. „Surprise us with a photo that will make the web visitors
\nto our site aware of the issue.“<\/p>\n
Iwith.org describes the digital gap as the distance between people
\n(including communities, states and countries) who use information
\ncommunication technologies in their daily lives and those who lack access
\nto or don’t know how to use the technologies.<\/p>\n
Photographs that „capture this gap“ don’t need to be negative or show
\nprejudice, but simply portray the gap’s existence, says Iwith.org.
\nPhotographs selected in the 2007 competition can be seen at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.iwith.org\/album\/FotosVerano07<\/p>\n
The photographers whose photos are selected will be considered Iwith.org
\nmembers for one year, until September 2009, and will have their snaps
\npublished on Iwith.org.<\/p>\n
Entries should be submitted electronically by 1 September 2008. Competition
\nrules and an entry form can be found at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.iwith.org\/news\/en_US\/1\/2008\/06\/10\/0003\/
\n——————————————————–
\nThe „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ is published weekly by the International Freedom of
\nExpression eXchange (IFEX). IFEX is managed by Canadian Journalists for
\nFree Expression ( http:\/\/www.cjfe.org ) on behalf of the network’s 81
\nmember organisations.<\/p>\n
The „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ is also available in French, Spanish, Russian (
\nhttp:\/\/www.ifex.cjes.ru\/ ) and Arabic ( http:\/\/anhri.net\/ifex\/ ).<\/p>\n
The views expressed in the „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ are the sole responsibility of
\nthe sources to which they are attributed.<\/p>\n
The „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ grants permission for its material to be reproduced
\nor republished provided it is credited as the source.<\/p>\n
Contact IFEX Online Editor Natasha Grzincic at: communique (@) ifex.org<\/p>\n
Mailing Address: 555 Richmond Street West, #1101, PO Box 407, Toronto,
\nOntario M5V 3B1 Canada, Tel: +1 416 515 9622; Fax: +1 416 515 7879;
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.ifex.org
\n——————————————————-
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\nAntwortenAllen antwortenWeiterleitenUmleitenL\u00f6schenPosteingang << 4 von 4299 >>
\n\u00a92008 GMX | \u00dcber GMX | Impressum | Presse | Karriere | Werben auf GMX
\nTAKE ACTION!
\n5. Campaign for Press Freedom in Azerbaijan on 17 July
\n6. Stand Up for the People of Zimbabwe on 12 July<\/p>\n
CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:
\n7. Amsterdam to Host Neo-Censorship Conference<\/p>\n
AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS:
\n8. MISA 2008 Press Freedom Award
\n9. Photo Competition to Portray Digital Divide
\n——————————————————–
\nFREE EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT<\/p>\n
1. CHINA: RACE TO TAKE ACTION FOR FREE EXPRESSION AHEAD OF BEIJING GAMES<\/p>\n
One hundred journalists and cyber-dissidents still in jail. Foreign
\njournalists blocked and threatened despite Beijing’s repeated promises to
\ngive them „complete freedom“ ahead of the Olympics – both in Tibet and the
\nearthquake-hit areas in Sichuan. Ongoing censorship online and elsewhere.
\nWith just one month left to the Beijing Games, IFEX members are asking that
\nyou turn up the heat and speak up for free expression in China. Find out
\nwhat you can do now to add your voice to the protests.<\/p>\n
While Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is continuing to call on world
\nleaders and heads of state to boycott the opening ceremonies – rumour has
\nit that French President Nicolas Sarkozy is reneging on his earlier vow
\nthat he’d attend only if the Chinese engaged in real dialogue with the
\nDalai Lama – they’re also organising for the masses. RSF is urging you to
\nturn away from your TV and march outside Chinese embassies on 8 August. For
\nthe real couch potato, protest online with RSF’s cyber-demo on the same
\nday. See: http:\/\/www.rsf.org<\/p>\n
RSF, along with IFEX members the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and
\nthe International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have already joined the
\nglobal appeal for the release of the Chinese „POC (Prisoners of Conscience)
\n8″ before lucky 08\/08\/08 – the day of the opening ceremonies. IFEX members
\nhave lobbied for all eight, particularly, Shi Tao and Hu Jia. Get out your
\npen and address your letter to the Chinese ambassador or consul where you
\nlive. Check out the video call here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=35DmnlIJlJU and download ready-made letters
\nhere: http:\/\/www.visual-artists-guild.org\/<\/p>\n
Follow the poem instead of the torch with International PEN’s poem relay:
\nhear the poem „June“ by Shi Tao, translated into more than 90 languages,
\nincluding Tibetan: http:\/\/www.penpoemrelay.org\/<\/p>\n
Then check out International PEN’s We Are Ready for Freedom of Expression
\ncampaign and read up on all of the 44 journalists and writers in jail.
\nThere’s still time to sign the petition to the Chinese government calling
\nfor their release: http:\/\/www.pen.org\/page.php\/prmID\/1527<\/p>\n
More than 30,000 foreign journalists are expected at the Games – three
\nhacks for every athlete. So IFJ has teamed up with the sports political
\norganisation Play the Game to launch Play the Game for Open Journalism, a
\nwebsite for those reporters heading to China who don’t know how freely
\nthey’ll be able to do their job. Get tips and tricks on how to report in
\nBeijing (including from local journalists!), from what the sensitive topics
\nare and how to broach them, to working with local assistants and protecting
\nyour sources. Got tips of your own? Be sure to upload them on the site in
\nthe discussion forums. It’s all here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.playthegameforopenjournalism.org<\/p>\n
Appreciating that knowing your rights is essential and that access to
\nwebsites may be censored, Human Rights Watch and CPJ have published a
\npocket-sized survival guide – ideal for your plane journey. If you don’t
\nhave enough time to order it, the „Reporters‘ Guide to Covering the Beijing
\nOlympics“ can be downloaded free at: http:\/\/china.hrw.org\/ and will also
\nsoon be available in French, German, Spanish and Japanese. It includes an
\nEnglish\/Chinese version of the temporary regulations, which can be shown to
\nofficials questioning reporters in the field.<\/p>\n
For those journalists who still end up at the receiving end of the
\nauthorities‘ wrath because of their work, IFJ has also unveiled a helpline
\nfor emergency assistance and advice. The 10,000 of you expected to descend
\non Beijing without accreditation would be smart to keep this number handy:
\n+ 32 475 76 13 92 . Lines are open from 20 July to 31 August.<\/p>\n
Still need convincing? Read Human Rights Watch’s hot-off-the-press report,
\n„China’s Forbidden Zones: Shutting the Media out of Tibet and other
\n‚Sensitive‘ Stories“, at: http:\/\/hrw.org\/reports\/2008\/china0708\/ . The
\nreport is based on interviews with more than 60 foreign correspondents that
\nwere in China AFTER the authorities promised to lift media freedom
\nrestrictions in the run-up to the Olympics. The findings? The Chinese
\ngovernment – with the help of the International Olympic Committee – has
\ndone its best to impede progress. <\/p>\n
Three International PEN centres – the Independent Chinese PEN Center, PEN
\nAmerican Center and PEN Canada – say free expression in China has
\ndeteriorated so substantially over the past year „in full view of the
\ninternational community“ that there are more writers and journalists in
\nChinese prisons than there were seven months ago. Read „Failing to Deliver:
\nAn Olympic-Year Report Card on Free Expression in China“, at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.pen.org\/chinareport<\/p>\n
Get confirmation in CPJ’s updated report „Falling Short“, which outlines
\nChina’s failure to meet its media pledges:
\nhttp:\/\/www.cpj.org\/Briefings\/2007\/Falling_Short\/China\/index.html <\/p>\n
Then keep abreast of the latest developments by subscribing to IFJ’s
\nmonthly press freedom report: ifjchina (@) ifj-asia.org<\/p>\n
Now spread the word. The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has got a
\nslew of stories, cartoons, graphs and pictures on the Olympic Challenge of
\nfreeing the press in China. They’re free for the taking here:
\nhttp:\/\/worldpressfreedomday.org\/
\n——————————————————–
\nREGIONAL NEWS<\/p>\n
ASIA<\/p>\n
2. PHILIPPINES: JOURNALIST KILLED, DAUGHTERS SURVIVE ATTACK<\/p>\n
A journalist driving home with his two daughters was shot dead in the town
\nof Sariaya in Quezon province, about 100 kilometres southeast of Manila,
\nreport the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), the
\nCommittee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members.<\/p>\n
Robert „Bert“ Sison was shot in his car by two gunmen on a motorcycle on 30
\nJune. His daughter Liwayway, 30, was wounded in the arm, while his younger
\ndaughter Amirah, 24, escaped unharmed by pretending to be dead, reports
\nCPJ.<\/p>\n
According to local news reports, the car was „peppered“ with bullets.
\n„Clearly, the suspects were very angry at Sison,“ a Quezon province police
\nofficer told Manila newspaper the „Philippine Daily Inquirer“.<\/p>\n
Sison and his daughters were reporters for the „Regional Bulletin“, a
\nweekly paper that often publishes articles on crime and critical stories of
\nlocal officials. Sison was also a broadcaster at a local radio station.<\/p>\n
According to CMFR, Sison is the second journalist killed in the Philippines
\nthis year. Thirty-four media professionals have been killed in the line of
\nduty since Gloria Macapagal Arroyo became president in 2001, says CMFR.<\/p>\n
CPJ says the Philippines ranks among the deadliest nations for journalists
\n– and the current administration has been accused of being one of the worst
\nat solving the cases of journalists‘ murders, with more than 90 percent
\nunsolved. CPJ has partnered with local press groups in the Philippines in
\nits Global Campaign Against Impunity. Read more about the campaign here:
\nhttp:\/\/www.cpj.org\/impunity<\/p>\n
Visit these links:
\n– CMFR: http:\/\/www.cmfr.com.ph\/_alerts\/2008\/jul_03.html
\n– CPJ: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/6qew4g
\n– International Federation of Journalists: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/6cb5r5
\n– National Union of Journalists of the Philippines: http:\/\/www.nujp.org\/<\/p>\n
MIDDLE EAST<\/p>\n
3. BAHRAIN: GOVERNMENT STOKES SECTARIAN TENSIONS TO JUSTIFY CRACKDOWN ON
\nPRESS<\/p>\n
Just over a month after the Bahrain government said it would eliminate
\nprison sentences for journalists and lift some bans on censored
\npublications, it has done a massive U-turn. Authorities in the country are
\ncracking down on opposition journalists, websites and even mosque leaders
\nfor apparently stirring up sectarian tensions and threatening national
\nsecurity, reports the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR).<\/p>\n
At least three journalists writing for the main opposition group mouthpiece
\n„Al-Wefaq“ were arrested on 28 June and held overnight, report BCHR and
\nReporters Without Borders (RSF). Another three journalists in charge of the
\nwebsite Awaal.net – shut down on 24 June because of its „sectarian nature“
\n– were also detained. All six were charged with „inciting hatred of the
\ngovernment“ and „disseminating news that would raise sectarian divisions“,
\nsays BCHR. At least two of them showed signs of being tortured while in
\npolice custody.<\/p>\n
According to BHCR, the men had published information implicating the King
\nand senior members of the royal family in administrative and financial
\ncorruption scandals – including the seizure of large areas of public lands
\nand the naturalisation of thousands of non-Bahrainis based on their
\npolitical beliefs.<\/p>\n
The Bahraini government introduced amendments to the country’s press law in
\nMay, eliminating prison sentences for journalists and prior censorship on
\npublications, say RSF and the International Federation of Journalists
\n(IFJ). But it is still possible to charge and jail journalists using the
\npenal code and anti-terrorism laws, the groups say.<\/p>\n
BCHR says the Bahraini authorities are exploiting religious tensions –
\noften stoked by officials themselves – to justify a crackdown on the press
\nand critical voices.<\/p>\n
„Many violations in Bahrain are committed using the name and powers of the
\nKing … He has become a part of the conflict rather than a symbol of
\nnational unity,“ says BCHR.<\/p>\n
Take the blocked websites. Besides Awaal.net, the Ministry of Information
\nclosed down two other sites on 24 June because they published stories of a
\n„sectarian nature“ that might „harm social stability in Bahrain,“ reports
\nBCHR. According to RSF, at least 24 other political websites are currently
\nblocked in Bahrain – including the sites of BCHR and IFEX member Arabic
\nNetwork for Human Rights Information (ANHRI).<\/p>\n
During a cabinet meeting in June, the government announced plans to set up
\na commission to monitor mosques, press articles and online forums for any
\nviolations concerning the King, national unity and Arab identity – offences
\nunder Bahrain’s penal code, says RSF.<\/p>\n
In another case, activist Abdullah Bou-Hassan was arrested for writing an
\narticle published in the newsletter of the National Democratic Action
\nSociety and for displaying a political banner in his car, reports BCHR. He
\nwas charged under the penal code with inciting hatred and insulting the
\nruling regime.<\/p>\n
„We are frustrated that after we read in the press that the Cabinet is
\nmoving towards abolishing prison sentences for journalists, this incident
\nproves that the legal system in Bahrain, and particularly the penal code,
\nstill contains provisions stipulating punishment through imprisonment for
\nwriting, publishing and distribution,“ says BCHR.<\/p>\n
BCHR is demanding that the government reform the penal code and other laws
\nthat restrict freedom of the press, online journalism and preaching in
\nmosques under the pretext of easing sectarian tensions.<\/p>\n
The proposed amendments to the press law will be reviewed in Parliament in
\nOctober.<\/p>\n
Visit these links:
\n– BHCR on website closures, sectarian tensions:
\nhttp:\/\/www.ifex.org\/en\/content\/view\/full\/95155\/
\n– BCHR: http:\/\/www.bahrainrights.org\/en
\n– RSF: http:\/\/www.rsf.org\/article.php3?id_article=27741
\n– IFJ: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/6mr3x8
\n– IFEX Bahrain page: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ytqq7w
\n– Bahrain Journalists‘ Association: http:\/\/www.bja-bh.org\/en<\/p>\n
AFRICA<\/p>\n
4. ETHIOPIA: NEW LAWS THREATEN FREE EXPRESSION<\/p>\n
Ethiopia has passed a new media law that bans censorship of private media
\nand the detention of journalists, but which critics say maintains other
\nthreats to free expression.<\/p>\n
„Under the new law, previous restrictions against private media outlets,
\nsuch as detention of journalists suspected of infringement of the law, has
\nbeen scrapped,“ a Parliament statement said.<\/p>\n
But opposition members say the law, passed on 1 July, still allows state
\nprosecutors to invoke national security as grounds for impounding
\npublishing materials prior to publication and distribution.<\/p>\n
Opposition Parliamentarian Temesgen Zewede told reporters, „Although
\ncensorship is abolished, such a right to impound press material before
\ndistribution is tantamount to censorship.“<\/p>\n
The government is also planning to impose strict controls and „draconian“
\ncriminal penalties on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in a separate
\nlaw, say Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.<\/p>\n
Ethiopia says the draft law on charities and societies is a way for NGOs to
\nbe financially transparent and accountable to their stakeholders. But Human
\nRights Watch says the government’s intent is „to consolidate that trend by
\ntaking the ’non‘ out of ’non-governmental‘ and putting civil society under
\ngovernment control.“<\/p>\n
For example, the draft law imposes stiff criminal penalties for anyone
\nparticipating in „unlawful“ civil society activity – jail time for
\nparticipating in a meeting held by an unlawful organisation or
\ndisseminating the organisation’s information.<\/p>\n
Who decides which NGOs are lawful? The government of course – the bill
\ncalls for a Charities and Society Agency with extensive powers to license
\nNGOs, monitor their activities and interfere in their management and
\nstaffing, says Human Rights Watch.<\/p>\n
Plus, all non-Ethiopian NGOs are not allowed to carry out work related to
\nhuman rights – making it difficult for IFEX members to report free
\nexpression violations or engage in human rights activities in the country.
\nMeanwhile, Ethiopian rights NGOs that get more than 10 percent of funding
\nfrom foreign sources would be considered foreign and would also be closed
\ndown.<\/p>\n
„The law’s key provisions are blunt and heavy-handed mechanisms to control
\nand monitor civil society groups while punishing those whose work
\ndispleases the government,“ say Human Rights Watch and Amnesty. „It could
\nalso seriously restrict much of the development-related work currently
\nbeing carried out by some of Ethiopia’s key international partners.“<\/p>\n
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty are calling on donor governments, especially
\nEthiopia’s biggest donors, the United States and the United Kingdom, to
\nspeak out publicly against the criminalisation of human rights work in
\nEthiopia.<\/p>\n
„Their policy of silence has had the effect of helping to embolden the
\nEthiopian government to make further assaults on human rights, exemplified
\nby the draft NGO law,“ says Human Rights Watch.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, once considered a pioneer of democracy in
\nAfrica, had seen his reputation wane since post-election violence that
\nkilled 200 people in 2005. Journalists and opposition members viewed as
\nsympathetic to the protesters were then arrested and charged with treason,
\nand now formal political opposition has become nearly extinct in most of
\nthe country.<\/p>\n
Visit these links:
\n– Human Rights Watch: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/5jplq2
\n– „The Nation“ (Kenya) on new media law:
\nhttp:\/\/allafrica.com\/stories\/200807040064.html
\n– IFEX Ethiopia page: http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/58q5rr
\n——————————————————–
\nTAKE ACTION!<\/p>\n
5. CAMPAIGN FOR PRESS FREEDOM IN AZERBAIJAN ON 17 JULY<\/p>\n
This year was supposed to be different for Azerbaijani journalists. Late in
\nDecember, President Ilham Aliyev pardoned five journalists who were behind
\nbars. But press offences still count as crimes, four journalists are still
\nwrongfully in jail and the killers of beloved journalist Elmar Huseynov are
\nstill free. The Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety (IRFS) wants you
\nto voice these wrongs on 17 July, Huseynov’s birthday, at your Azerbaijani
\nembassy or online with banners on your website.<\/p>\n
IRFS has specially prepared placards, slogans and banners for you to take
\nto your embassy that call for Huseynov’s murder to be solved, the release
\nof the four journalists, and an end to Aliyev’s reign of repression that
\nhas persisted ever since Huseynov’s death. Those in Azerbaijan will be
\ngathering at Huseynov’s grave in Baku on the day.<\/p>\n
IRFS is also asking that you snap your action – take a picture and email it
\nto IRFS, who will then post it on its website.<\/p>\n
Huseynov, the editor of the opposition weekly magazine „Monitor“ that was
\nknown for its hard-hitting articles, was gunned down in front of his home
\non 2 March 2005. One of the currently imprisoned journalists, Eynulla
\nFatullayev, was targeted shortly after he published a report alleging an
\nofficial cover-up of Huseynov’s murder.<\/p>\n
Materials will be available from this Friday, 11 July on IRFS’s website at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.irfs.az\/index.php?lang=eng<\/p>\n
To get involved, contact IRFS at: irfs.az (@) gmail.com<\/p>\n
6. STAND UP FOR THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE ON 12 JULY<\/p>\n
Last month Robert Mugabe was sworn in as President of Zimbabwe again after
\none of the bloodiest and most controversial elections in African history.
\n„It is the responsibility of all Africans to urgently put a stop to Mr
\nMugabe’s anti-democratic activities,“ says CIVICUS: World Alliance for
\nCitizen Participation, Amnesty International and the Global Call to Action
\nAgainst Poverty (GCAP), who are calling for a pan-African campaign of
\nsolidarity for Zimbabwe this Saturday, 12 July.<\/p>\n
„The widespread killings, torture and intimidation of the political
\nopposition that characterised the presidential election run-off on 27 June
\ncannot be condoned under any circumstances,“ say the groups. So they are
\nasking the people of Africa to stand together with the people of Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n
How? Start by organising or attending a vigil outside the Zimbabwe embassy
\nin your country on 12 July. Write to your MP and urge your government to
\nstep up its efforts in Zimbabwe. Publish articles or letters in the
\nnational or local press on violations of human and people’s rights in
\nZimbabwe. Direct people to sign a petition.<\/p>\n
To find out more about the campaign and ideas for action, see:
\nhttp:\/\/tinyurl.com\/5pporo<\/p>\n
Or email:
\n– CIVICUS: anupama.selvam (@) civicus.org
\n– Amnesty: christopher.cymbalak (@) amnesty.org
\n– GCAP: joe.donlin (@) civicus.org
\n——————————————————–
\nCONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS<\/p>\n
7. AMSTERDAM TO HOST NEO-CENSORSHIP CONFERENCE<\/p>\n
Neo-censorship – the kind of censorship not imposed by the state but by the
\nprivate sector, be that self-censorship, market censorship or silent
\nrepression and threats to writers, journalists and publishers – is on the
\nrise, says the Amsterdam World Book Capital Foundation. Find out how
\nneo-censorship is eating away at the right to free expression and how to
\ncombat this latest threat at the International Symposium on Neo-censorship,
\nhappening on 18-20 September in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n
Check out sessions on how large-scale immigration and multiculturalism
\ncould restrict freedom of expression, or how the fight against terrorism
\noften leads to governments asserting an iron grip on their citizens. Stick
\naround for the final session, when experts talk about if any of the myriad
\ncampaigns leading up to the Olympics actually had any use.<\/p>\n
Also be sure to catch the (free!) opening ceremony on 18 September, where
\nIPA presents its Freedom to Publish Prize to Ragip Zarakolu, the Turkish
\npublisher who refused to abandon his campaign for freedom of thought,
\ndespite being given a three-year prison sentence.<\/p>\n
The conference is organised by the Amsterdam World Book Capital Foundation
\nin collaboration with Index on Censorship and Amnesty International, and
\nsupport from the International Publishers Association (IPA).<\/p>\n
For details and to register, see: http:\/\/www.amsterdamworldbookcapital.com
\n——————————————————–
\nAWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS<\/p>\n
8. MISA 2008 PRESS FREEDOM AWARD<\/p>\n
Calling all southern African journalists and media organisations! The Media
\nInstitute of Southern Africa (MISA) with the Southern Africa Trust is
\ninviting nominations for its 2008 Press Freedom Award. The deadline for
\nentries is 12 August 2008.<\/p>\n
The US$2,500 award honours excellence in journalism: upholding the ethics
\nof the profession at all costs, pursuing the truth behind the facts, and
\npromoting media freedom in the region. Excellence can be achieved through
\nreportage or other ways, such as media reform, lobbying or training.<\/p>\n
Nominations (of any form of media) should include a letter stating how the
\nnominee meets the criteria, the nominee’s CV, and where possible, a sample
\nof work.<\/p>\n
Send your nominations to the MISA secretariat for the attention of the
\nregional director to: communications (@) misa.org<\/p>\n
For more details, visit: http:\/\/www.misa.org\/pressfreedom.html<\/p>\n
9. PHOTO COMPETITION TO PORTRAY DIGITAL DIVIDE<\/p>\n
Iwith.org, an organisation dedicated to helping non-profits make the best
\nuse of technology, wants your pictures and holiday snaps for its Summer
\nPhoto Competition about the digital gap.<\/p>\n
„We suggest that you take your camera on vacation and look around,“
\nIwith.org says. „Surprise us with a photo that will make the web visitors
\nto our site aware of the issue.“<\/p>\n
Iwith.org describes the digital gap as the distance between people
\n(including communities, states and countries) who use information
\ncommunication technologies in their daily lives and those who lack access
\nto or don’t know how to use the technologies.<\/p>\n
Photographs that „capture this gap“ don’t need to be negative or show
\nprejudice, but simply portray the gap’s existence, says Iwith.org.
\nPhotographs selected in the 2007 competition can be seen at:
\nhttp:\/\/www.iwith.org\/album\/FotosVerano07<\/p>\n
The photographers whose photos are selected will be considered Iwith.org
\nmembers for one year, until September 2009, and will have their snaps
\npublished on Iwith.org.<\/p>\n
Entries should be submitted electronically by 1 September 2008. Competition
\nrules and an entry form can be found at:
\nhttps:\/\/www.iwith.org\/news\/en_US\/1\/2008\/06\/10\/0003\/
\n——————————————————–
\nThe „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ is published weekly by the International Freedom of
\nExpression eXchange (IFEX). IFEX is managed by Canadian Journalists for
\nFree Expression ( http:\/\/www.cjfe.org ) on behalf of the network’s 81
\nmember organisations.<\/p>\n
The „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ is also available in French, Spanish, Russian (
\nhttp:\/\/www.ifex.cjes.ru\/ ) and Arabic ( http:\/\/anhri.net\/ifex\/ ).<\/p>\n
The views expressed in the „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ are the sole responsibility of
\nthe sources to which they are attributed.<\/p>\n
The „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ grants permission for its material to be reproduced
\nor republished provided it is credited as the source.<\/p>\n
Contact IFEX Online Editor Natasha Grzincic at: communique (@) ifex.org<\/p>\n
Mailing Address: 555 Richmond Street West, #1101, PO Box 407, Toronto,
\nOntario M5V 3B1 Canada, Tel: +1 416 515 9622; Fax: +1 416 515 7879;
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.ifex.org<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The „IFEX Communiqu\u00e9“ is the weekly newsletter of the International Freedom
\nof Expression eXchange (IFEX), a global network of 81 organisations working
\nto defend and promote the right to free expression. IFEX is managed by
\nCanadian Journalists for Free Expression.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-85323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-femmedien","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n