Court cites press, humanitarian concerns in “combatant” ruling
New York, June 29, 2004—In a case with ramifications for journalists working in conflict areas, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that Yaser Esam Hamdi, an American citizen detained by U.S. forces in Afghanistan in 2001, must be allowed to challenge his detention in a court of law. The government argued Hamdi was fighting with…
Two imprisoned journalists granted medical parole
New York, June 24, 2004—Authorities granted medical parole to imprisoned journalists Manuel Vázquez Portal and Carmelo Díaz Fernández within the last week. The two men, who suffer from several health conditions, were among the 29 journalists imprisoned in Cuba since March 2003. Vázquez Portal, a writer with the independent news agency Grupo de Trabajo Decoro,…
CPJ condemns journalist’s murder
Dear Mr. Elorduy Walther: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide, condemns the murder of Mexican journalist Francisco Javier Ortiz Franco, who was killed yesterday in the border city of Tijuana, in Baja California state.
CPJ condemns criminal defamation law in Chiapas state
Dear Mr. Salazar Mendiguchía: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide, condemns Chiapas’ recent enactment of penal code reforms that impose severe criminal penalties for defamation.
Government supporters attack media outlets
New York, June 4, 2004—Supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez Frías angered that he could face a recall vote yesterday attacked two media outlets yesterday. At around 1 p.m. yesterday, dozens of government supporters threw stones and other objects at the offices of the Caracas-based television channel Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV). The attackers took a…
Cameraman detained without charge
New York, June 2, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is alarmed that Haiti’s transitional government has detained a cameraman without charge. Officials have also closed a radio and television station owned by the Aristide Foundation for Democracy, which was founded by former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. On Friday, May 28, police arrested Aryns Laguerre, a…
Another imprisoned journalist starts hunger strike
New York, May 21, 2004—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has learned that imprisoned Cuban journalist Normando Hernández González, who is jailed at Kilo 5 1/2 Prison in western Pinar del Río Province, has started a hunger strike to protest prison conditions. Hernández González, who is serving a 25-year sentence, is one of 29 journalists…