Attacks, arrests, legislation restrict Israeli press freedom
Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu: The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by ongoing attacks on and detention of journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories as well as by a recent series of developments that restrict freedom of the press in Israel. Physical attacks, arrests, and other restrictions are creating an environment that undermines the vitality of the media, a key component of Israel’s democracy.
Vietnamese police detain reporter who covered corruption
New York, January 4, 2012–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns Vietnamese journalist Nguyen Van Khuong’s detention on Monday in Ho Chi Minh City on charges related to “giving bribes.” Khuong can be held in detention for as long as four months while authorities investigate his case, according to official statements.
Russian journalists detained while covering protests
New York, December 6, 2011–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns heavy-handed actions by Russian authorities who have detained at least six journalists covering the protests that followed Sunday’s parliamentary election. International observers have cited irregularities in the voting, officially won by United Russia, the party headed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
South Sudan security detains two journalists
New York, November 7, 2011–Two South Sudanese independent journalists have been imprisoned since last week over a column critical of President Salva Kiir, according to local journalists and news reports. On November 1, South Sudan National Security Services (NSS) agents in the temporary capital of Juba arrested Peter Ngor, editor of the private daily Destiny,…