Egypt warns of TV shutdowns; legal threats mount
New York, June 28, 2013–Egypt’s Ministry of Investment sent notice today to all satellite television channels warning they will be shut down if the government deems that their coverage of this weekend’s political protests incites violence, insults individuals, or contradicts societal values, news reports said. Numerous journalists are also facing new legal threats in the…
Nigeria re-files charges against Leadership journalists
Abuja, Nigeria, June 27, 2013–Nigerian authorities should stop the legal harassment of journalists in connection with a critical story about President Goodluck Jonathan’s political plans, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. A reporter and editor for the Nigerian daily Leadership, and a representative of the Leadership parent company, were arraigned in court today and…
Obama should urge promotion of free press in Tanzania
Dear President Obama: Ahead of your first trip to East Africa, we would like to bring to your attention the deteriorating state of press freedom in Tanzania. In your meetings with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, we ask that you discuss the critical importance of press freedom to economic development and democracy.
At nonviolence rally in Cairo, attacks against the press
New York, June 24, 2013–Several journalists were attacked and threatened in Cairo this weekend at a “Say No to Violence” rally organized by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood to call on opposition groups to ensure nonviolence on June 30, the day of planned demonstrations and strikes across the country.
Journalists attacked, detained amid Brazil protests
New York, June 21, 2013–At least 25 journalists have reported being attacked or detained amid protests that have swept Brazil over the past two weeks, growing from discontent in São Paulo over public transportation fare hikes to wider nationwide demonstrations against government policies.
New Ecuadoran legislation seen as a gag on critics
After inspecting a hydroelectric project in northern Ecuador last year, President Rafael Correa complained about the scant press coverage of his visit and suggested it was part of a media blackout. “Did the Ecuadoran media conspire to ignore this important event? It seems like that is the case,” Correa told the crowd at a town…
In crackdown on dissent, Turkey detains press, raids outlet
Istanbul, June 20, 2013–Two journalists were detained and one newsroom raided this week as Turkish authorities continued a broad crackdown on dissent, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the government to halt its obstruction of journalists seeking to cover the protests that have swept the nation.
Media ethics code could restrict free press in Sri Lanka
New York, June 19, 2013–A draft media code introduced in the Sri Lankan parliament would impose harsh restrictions on journalists’ ability to report freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The code, which is before a parliamentary advisory council for discussion, could be considered for adoption in September, according to news reports citing an…