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Media & freedom of expression
RSS FeedAfrica: The growing militia threat to Africa's journalists
2012-10-15, Issue 601
When the various media watchdogs sit down to collate their annual lists of the travails that African journalists on the continent continue to confront, there will be a feeling that this year has been a particularly tough one. Since the year began a total of 15 journalists have been killed in Somalia, mainly in attacks attributed to the Islamic militant group Al-Shabaab. Others have got off more lightly. In August, Malian radio reporter Malik Maiga Aliou was kidnapped during a live broadcast and beaten and left for dead at a cemetery in the rebel-head northern city of Gao.
Malawi: Journalist arrested over Tanzania envoy report
2012-10-15, Issue 601
Malawi journalist Justice Mponda has been charged in court for publishing false reports. Mponda was arrested Monday morning, for among others, reporting that Tanzanian High Commissioner to Malawi Patrick Tsere had been declared persona non grata and ordered to leave Malawi within 48 hours.
Zambia: Watchdog website in jeopardy
2012-10-16, Issue 601
Earlier this year it was reported that the Zambian government had released K5 billion or US$1 million to send police and security staff abroad to learn to hack websites. In April, Zambian Watchdog listed several measures taken by the government to crackdown on Internet users in Zambia. Global Voices Online reports on the story.
Africa: Chinese ‘soft power' expands in Africa with CCTV
2012-10-04, Issue 600
Chinese government state-controlled media, China Central Television (CCTV), launched its African regional bureau in Nairobi, Kenya on January 11, 2012. While its presence has diversified the media landscape in Africa, media watchdogs and foreign media outlets - such as CNN and the New York Times - have been rather skeptical of its journalistic independence given the media organization's close ties with the government.
South Sudan: Analysing the Broadcasting Corporation Bill
2012-10-04, Issue 600
In October 2012, ARTICLE 19 analysed the Draft the Broadcasting Corporation Bill, 2012 of South Sudan. 'In particular, we are concerned that the biggest changes introduced relate to the process for appointing and dismissing members of the Board of Directors of SSBC, and that their effect is to place the broadcaster under the control of the President and Minister of Information and Broadcasting, rather than the National Legislative Assembly.'
Togo: Police violence against journalist condemned
2012-10-09, Issue 600
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the violence inflicted upon a journalist by security forces in Togo on Friday 5 October. According to Independent Journalists Union in Togo (UJIT in French), an IFJ affiliate, journalist Justin Anani was attacked by security forces while covering a protest march organized by two opposition groups, the 'Collectif Sauvons le Togo' and 'Mouvement Arc-en ciel' in the capital Lomé.
Cameroon: Authorities ban controversial book on sects
2012-10-08, Issue 600
A Cameroon court has suspended sale of a new book which alleges that the country's growth has been held by bogus sects run by people close to the authorities. The move came after country's Science and Research minister, Madeleine Tchuinte, took to court the author of the book titled 'Cameroon Under the Dictatorship of Lodges, Sects, Magico-Anal and Mafia Networks'.
Chad: Media watchdog accuses Chad of intimidating journalists
2012-10-08, Issue 600
The media watchdog, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has accused Chad of intimidating journalists and called on the government to halt those actions with immediate effect. It said in a statement that Chadian authorities were abusing the judicial and law enforcement systems to silence news coverage critical of the government's performance, censoring publications and targeting one editor with an unjust criminal conviction.
Morocco: Hazards mount for freedom of expression
2012-10-09, Issue 600
Reporters Without Borders says it is concerned about the increasing violations of freedom of news and information in Morocco. Some journalists, such as Ali Lmrabet, are targets of sustained harassment for criticizing certain political leaders or for tackling subjects that directly or indirectly affect King Mohammed. 'Moroccan journalists must be allowed to work freely,' the press freedom organization said. 'Abuses committed by some elements of the security and intelligence services are a cause for concern. We call on the Moroccan government and local authorities in Tetouan to do all in their power to protect Ali Lmrabet and put an end to the campaign of harassment that the journalist is suffering for simply exercising freedom of expression.'
Egypt: Paper campaigns against Prophet Muhammad cartoons
2012-09-26, Issue 599
An Egyptian newspaper has launched a campaign against the obscene cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad published by the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo. Al-Watan, a secular daily, published 13 cartoons on Monday under the slogan 'Fight cartoons with cartoons'. One shows a pair of glasses through which the burning World Trade Center is seen, with the caption: 'Western glasses for the Islamic world'. Charlie Hebdo's cartoons played on the uproar over a video which mocks Islam.
Uganda: Radio stations forced to take song off the air
2012-09-26, Issue 599
Uganda's broadcast regulatory body, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has banned radios from airing a new song by renowned local artist Ssentamu Kyagulanyi (a.k.a Bobi Wine), pending investigations into claims that it is critical of the Kampala Capital City Authority's (KCCA) Executive Director, Jennifer Musisi. The song 'Tugambire ku Jennifer', translated to mean 'please talk to Jennifer on our behalf' was released earlier this month by Wine, the self-proclaimed 'Ghetto president'. The translated chorus says, 'tell Jennifer on our behalf to reduce her harshness, because the town is ours'.
Global: Activists fight back as online repression grows, study finds
2012-09-26, Issue 599
Brutal attacks against bloggers, politically motivated surveillance, proactive manipulation of web content, and restrictive laws regulating speech online are among the diverse threats to internet freedom emerging over the past two years, according to a new study released by Freedom House. Despite these threats, 'Freedom on the Net 2012: A Global Assessment of Internet and Digital Media' found that increased pushback by civil society, technology companies, and independent courts resulted in several notable victories.
Sudan: Press claims crackdown
2012-09-26, Issue 599
After a summer of protests, government has cracked down on independent media, forcing some journalists out of work, reports Al Jazeera. At one newspaper in Khartoum, journalists said they lost their jobs when their boss got a sudden call from Sudanese intelligence telling him to close down the newspaper. Two papers have been closed in as many months, and others - even those not aligned with the opposition - are claiming harassment.
Africa: Digital media in the Arab world one year after the revolutions
2012-09-27, Issue 599
This report describes and analyzes the enabling of tens of millions of individuals–as well as established news outlets–to attract wide global followings with Facebook and Twitter updates and YouTube videos about rapidly changing events. The widely diverse and pluralistic online communities in the Arab world are creating and sharing content, casting into question the future of the many state-owned or self-censored media that provide less in the way of engagement that Arab audiences have come to expect.
Guinea: Journalist molested, radio station vandalized
2012-09-27, Issue 599
Oumar Tely Diallo, a trainee-reporter of the privately-owned satirical Lynx-Lance newspaper, was on September 21, 2012 physically assaulted by a group of angry pro-government militants while covering a political riot. The attack on the journalist left him with torn clothes while his attackers made away with his camera, pen-drive, mobile telephone and some cash. According to the Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) correspondent, Diallo was covering a riot which pitted opposition militants against supporters of the ruling People’s Rally of Guinea (RPG) when he was suddenly surrounded and beaten by his assailants.
DRC: Presidential pardon requested for three journalists
2012-09-27, Issue 599
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has joined the Central African Press Union (USYPAC in French) to call on DRC President Joseph Kabila to grant presidential pardon for three journalists in prison. 'We call on authorities in DRC to release our three colleagues arrested after being accused of collaboration with the armed guerillas movements. Their place is not definitely in prisons. Their release would be a great act of press freedom promotion,' said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director.
Tunisia: Journalists to strike on 17 October
2012-09-27, Issue 599
The Tunisian journalists union (SNJT) on Tuesday called a general strike for 17 October over several issues, including demands for freedom of speech. The decision for the journalists to carry out their first ever strike was taken at a meeting held by the SNJT executive board following the breakdown of negotiations with the government on their demands. Differences between the government and the journalists centre on 'arbitrary' appointments in the state media, especially the two state television stations 'Watanya 1', 'Watanya 2' and 'Dar Assabah'.
Sierra Leone: Three newspapers suspended, fined two million Leones each
2012-10-01, Issue 599
The Independent Media Commission (IMC), the statutory media regulatory body on September 26, 2012 suspended for a month, three privately-owned newspapers for allegedly producing offensive publications. The newspapers namely Independent Observer, the Senator and Awareness Times will thus, not appear on newsstands from September 26 – October 26, 2012.
Somalia: Dangers for journalists grow as new government takes hold
2012-10-01, Issue 599
The situation of journalists in Somalia is becoming increasingly precarious as the country struggles to put behind it years of lawlessness following the recent successful election of a new president. 'So far, 13 journalists have been killed and 19 others wounded this year, and the killings may continue if something is not done promptly,' Abdirashid Del, a senior member of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), told IRIN, noting that political transitions often heighten security risks for journalists in Somalia.
Chad: Challenges to freedom of expression as social protests grow
2012-10-01, Issue 599
The recent arrests of three union officers and the editor of N’Djamena Bi-Hebdo (an independent, bi-weekly newspaper) are symptomatic of a disintegration of freedom of expression in Chad. These arrests are the result of protest movements against the impoverishment of Chad’s population and the privatization of the country’s resources, reports Global Vocies Online.
Libya: Threat to freedom of information concerns watchdog
2012-10-01, Issue 599
A media rights watchdog said Monday it is concerned freedom of information is under threat in Libya due to visa refusals for foreign journalists, bans on films and arbitrary arrests. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said it was 'very worried by the signs of a decline in respect for freedom of information… since the election of the General National Congress on 7 July.'
Global: Controversy and censorship over anti-Islam film
2012-09-19, Issue 598
The controversy over 'The Innocence Of Muslims' rumbles on, with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah calling on supporters to demonstrate throughout Lebanon this week. Has this particular incident been different from previous blasphemy rows? In some ways, yes. Perhaps the most interesting was Google's removal of the video from YouTube Egypt and Libya, independent of any court order. This should be of real concern to anyone concerned with freedom on the web. While Google-owned YouTube is not the only video sharing site, its dominance is such that it can severely restrict free speech should it wish.
Sudan: Press under threat as economy deteriorates
2012-09-19, Issue 598
From mid-June to early August this year, Sudan has witnessed nationwide protests directly calling for regime change, sparked by an alarming increase in prices. The protests were met with a massive crackdown on civil liberties, and a wave of arrests by National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), Sudan’s security apparatus. While journalists were not disproportionately impacted by the crackdown, what they have experienced during the past few weeks helps paint a picture of a country on the brink of economic collapse and escalating political turmoil.
Ethiopia: Amend laws that repress civil society and media
2012-09-20, Issue 598
Following the announcement on 21 August 2012 of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s death, Ethiopia’s new leadership should recommit the State to the full respect of its population’s human rights, especially the freedoms of association, assembly and expression, the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP) said in a statement to the UN Human Rights Council. The UN High Commissioner on Human Rights has expressed serious alarm about the 'climate of intimidation' against human rights defenders and journalists in Ethiopia.
Swaziland: Journalists suspended over critical report
2012-09-20, Issue 598
Two journalists at the state-censored Swazi TV were suspended from work for allowing an unauthorised item about King Mswati III to appear in a news bulletin. It concerned the traditional Umhlamga Reed Dance that took place last week. A news report about the event sourced from Channel France International (CFI) did not give the king enough respect, according to Swazi TV bosses. The report mentioned the fact that sometimes the king uses the Reed Dance to find himself a wife from the tens of thousands of semi-naked women and girls, some as young as nine years old, who dance in front of him.
Tanzania: Unesco chief condemns killing of journalist
2012-09-20, Issue 598
The Head of the United Nations agency tasked with defending press freedom has condemned the recent killing of a Tanzanian journalist, Mr Daudi Mwangosi, and called for an independent investigation into the matter. Mwangosi (40) was killed while covering efforts by police to disperse supporters of opposition party Chadema in Nyololo village, Iringa region on 2 September.
Egypt: Tahrir graffiti removal stirs anger, artists return to paint more
2012-09-20, Issue 598
Egyptian youth expressed their discontent with the government removing a large graffiti mural on the wall of the American University in Cairo (AUC) building on Mohamed Mahmoud street in downtown Cairo late on Tuesday, which had been painted to honor those who died in the January 2011 revolution and the November clashes that occurred on the street. Activists shared a photo on social networking sites showing a man painting over the art and called on street artists to go back and redo the art scene, defying the government’s decision to 'beautify' Tahrir Square its own way.
Somalia: Killing of four journalists condemned
2012-09-25, Issue 598
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has strongly condemns the killing of four journalists in twenty-four hours. 'This is definitely a war against journalists. The authorities must stop it so as not to become partners of the authors of these terrible acts,' said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director. According to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), an IFJ affiliate, three journalists were killed on Thursday 20 September in a horrifying suicide attack in Mogadishu restaurant frequented by journalists.
Kenya: Deadly mix of frustration, politics and impunity
2012-09-17, Issue 597
In Sudan’s newspaper district in Khartoum East, dozens of people sit beneath the trees sipping tea or reading newspapers. Most are journalists who once worked for the 10 newspapers that were either forced closed by the country’s security services or because of economic constraints that resulted after the government raised printing taxes in an attempt to prevent the media from reporting on anti-government demonstrations. Mohamed Ahmed, a former journalist for the Ajrass Elhuriya newspaper, which was closed in July 2011, is one of them. 'I have been sitting under the trees for a year and a half because the government closed my newspaper and other newspapers, that consider me to be opposed to the government, are afraid to hire me.'
Somalia: Young journalist murdered
2012-09-17, Issue 597
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has condemned sustained deadly violence against journalists following the killing of young journalist in Mogadishu. Zakariye Mohamed Mohamud Moallim, a young cameraman, working as freelance journalist was shot dead on Sunday evening (16 September 2012) in Nasib Bundo neighbourhood of Shibis district in Mogadishu. Men armed with pistols shot the journalist in the head and chest, according to family members. Zakariye died on the spot and the killers escaped from the scene, as said by eyewitnesses.
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