FOCUS ON THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA

The IPI World Press Freedom Review is dedicated to the 110 who lost their lives in 2009

Alaa Abdel-Wahab Natalia Estemirova Ernesto “Bart” Maravilla Wasi Ahmad Qureshi

Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle Marco Antonio Estrada Oria Yaasir Mario Fabián Ramírez López

Suhaib Adnan Jolito Evardo Juan Daniel Martínez Gil Ando Ratovonirina

Benjie Adolfo Basil Ibrahim Faraj Ray Merisco Fernando “Ranny” Razon

José Everardo Aguilar Gabriel Fino Noriega Martín Javier Miranda Avilés Alejandro “Bong” Reblando

Jawed Ahmad José Emilio Galindo Robles Norberto Miranda Madrid Harold Humberto Rivas Quevedo

Said Tahlil Ahmed Santos Gatchalian Omidreza Mirsayafi Bernardo Rivera

Malik Akhmedilov José Givonaldo Vieira Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay Diego de Jesús Rojas Velázquez

Shafig Amrakhov María Eugenia Guerrero Ernesto Montañez Valdivia Ernie Rollin

José Bladimir Antuna García Raja Assad Hameed Marife “Neneng” Montaño Hernando Salas Rojas

Henry Araneta Janullah Hashimzada Rosell Morales Napoleon Salaysay

Mark Gilbert “Mac-Mac” Arriola Hassan Mayow Hassan Sultan Munadi Orel Sambrano

Saleem Tahir Awan Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan Rafael Munguía Ortiz Rolando Santiz

Anastasja Baburowa Cihan Hayirsevener Dalvison Nogueira de Souza Puniyamoorthy Sathiyamoorthy

Eliseo Barrón Hernández Ferney Henao Victor Nuñez Uma Singh

Rubello Bataluna Orhan Hijran Francis Nyaruri Francisco “Ian” Subang

Arturo Betia Muktar Mohamed Hirabe Martín Ocampo Páez Haidar Hashim Suhail

Romeo Jimmy Cabillo Nur Muse Hussein Bayo Ohu Andres “Andy” Teodoro

Marites Cablitas Jean Paul Ibarra Ramírez Carlos Ortega Samper Daniel Tiamson

Hannibal Cachuela Muhammad Imran Bruno Jacquet Ossébi Jojo Trajano

Jepon Cadagdagon Siddique Bacha Khan Joel Parcon Jorge Alberto Velázquez López

John Caniban Musa Khankhel Ismael Pasigna Aamir Wakil

Antonio Castillo Gennady Pavlyuk Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame

Bruno Koko Chirambiza Bienvenido Legarte Jr. Ronnie Perante Lasantha Wickremetunga

Lea Dalmacio Osman López Crispin Perez Vyacheslav Yaroshenko

Noel Decina Lindo Lupogan Jonathan Petalvero Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf

Gina Dela Cruz Anil Majumdar Christian Poveda

Jhoy Duhay Novruzali Mamedov Anak Agung Prabangsa Content

Foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu ...... 6 Oman ...... 52

Global Overview...... 8 Qatar ...... 53

IPI Headquarters Spiegelgasse 2/29 Middle East & North Africa Saudi Arabia ...... 55 A-1010 Vienna, Austria Telephone +43 (1) 512 90 11 Overview ...... 12 Fax +43 (1) 512 90 14 Sudan...... 56 [email protected] Death by Numbers ...... 14 http://www.freemedia.at Registered in Zurich Syria ...... 59 ...... 16 Tunisia...... 62 Bahrain ...... 18 United Arab Emirates (UAE) ...... 64 Egypt ...... 19 Notes from the Field: UAE ...... 67 Notes from the Field: Egypt ...... 22 Yemen ...... 69 Iran...... 24 Notes from the Field: Yemen ...... 72 Iraq...... 27 Africa Overview ...... 75 Israel & The Palestinian Territories ...... 30 Freedom of the Press, Governance & Economic Jordan ...... 35 Development ...... 80

Kuwait ...... 37 The Americas Overview ...... 83

Janne Virkkunen David Dadge Anthony Mills Asia & Australasia Overview ...... 87 IPI Chairman IPI Director and Publisher Managing Editor Interview: Kuwait ...... 39

Europe Overview ...... 91 Editors Asia & Australasia The Caribbean Lebanon...... 40 Barbara Trionfi Barbara Trionfi Barbara Trionfi Naomi Hunt Notes from the Field I: Lebanon...... 42 The Caribbean Overview...... 95 Nayana Jayarajan Europe Original Logo Louise Hallman Colin Peters & Cover Design Elisabeth Birkhan Notes from the Field II: Lebanon ....44 IPI Death Watch Overview ...... 99 Proof Readers Middle East Alison Bethel McKenzie & North Africa Layout Michael Kudlak Alison Bethel McKenzie Günther Bauer Libya ...... 46 IPI Death Watch by Country ...... 100 Anthony Mills Africa Barbara Trionfi Naomi Hunt Naomi Hunt Morocco ...... 47 Acknowledgments ...... 108 Nayana Jayarajan The Americas Colin Peters Colin Peters Claude Salhani Interview: Morocco ...... 50 sides pursue lives of reckless terrorism been an important part of our struggle, or unashamed propaganda. We need since it had helped to tell our story de- guidance. spite government controls. I mentioned Enter the IPI. This is a body of proven how those who opposed the vicious sys- professionals, now close to the 60th tem of apartheid used to be vilified and anniversary of its founding, which seeks, pilloried, with very little opportunity to in a systematic and measured way, to give the true picture. Our honoured first offer the public some sense of true moral democratic President, Nelson Mandela, justice and proper knowledge about those was, when opening the same assembly, around them, and the world in which able to commend the international media they live. It knows independent, diverse who, he said, had lent their voices to media is the way forward. It is concerned those thousands of compatriots demand- about matters such as rigour of editing, ing freedom of expression. good communication, safety of journal- Those were our halcyon, rainbow, ists, the taming of censorship-hungry indeed perhaps salad days as a nation. governments, and suchlike. It is on the They gave us hope for the future, and side of the angels. (My very occasional ex- they still do. posure to those in that department might Since then, of course, there have been give me an edge to make !) sobering events, which one need not My association with the IPI goes back expand on in this Preface. But they do many years. I respect it. I recall so vividly cause some worry, including on the free travelling around in a coach in Vienna in expression front. Suffice it to say that not 1986 with IPI delegates at the time of only democratic nations but the whole President-elect Nelson Mandela (C) and archbishop Desmond Tutu (R) arrive in a football stadium to take part in an open-air service one of the world assemblies where I had world needs the IPI and its sharp, objec- Archbishop Tutu is regarded as an elder for the country's Christian community, in the township of Soweto, south west of Johannesburg, 8 May, 1994. (Reuters/Desmond Boylan) the immense pleasure and privilege to tive view more than ever today. Yes, we world statesman with a major role to play speak. It was the time of Chernobyl, a need your criticism. in reconciliation, and as a leading moral time of light and darkness – when we The focus of this Press Freedom voice. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, humans, despite our growing store of Review is North Africa and the Middle he has become an icon of hope far be- knowledge, were all acutely reminded of East, and we know enough about events yond the Church and Southern Africa. Freedom of Expression: the perils of our own creations on this in those theatres to be justifiably con- Tutu is chairman of the Elders, an in- most delicate and beautiful of planets. cerned about the fate of the fragile plant dependent group of influential people that is free expression there. Yet some cho sen for their outstanding integrity, journalists, there too, have been plodding courage and proven ability to tackle some of the world’s toughest problems. The “This is a body of proven away at their craft, pushing wider the A Fragile Plant in Elders, because of their varied back - professionals, now close boundaries of freedom, even snapping grounds, use their collective skills to cat- events through cell-phones, challenging to the 60th anniversary of alyze peaceful resolutions to conflict are - authority and digging deep into the By Archbishop Desmond Tutu its founding, which seeks, as and address global issues that cause a Complex World recesses of government and society to tell immense human suffering. in a systematic and mea - the story as it is. Some pay the highest The world has never seen a greater flow of ideas and information sured way, to offer the price for this, and we salute them. public some sense of true The freedoms that we all enjoy are in- pers without government may be wildly than the times in which we live. Yet it has never seen such confusion divisible, and when there are invasions of heady to the Fourth Estate, but equally moral justice and proper those freedoms anywhere – and that in - unrealistic. We have to make room for among the public over what is actually happening. know ledge about those cludes the developed world where corpo- both newspapers and government, both around them, and the rations are sometimes at least as power- totally independent from one another ommunication, if free, is by def- also leadership figures and foot soldiers in The great causes – good and bad - that ful as governments to control thought, if and based on freedom. inition a malleable force, open to the public domain who do their best to marked the 20th century, two world world in which they live” not always their own solvency – we must And in the other great debate which is C manipulation. But it is indispen- debate honestly and to shine a true and wars, the nuclear balance of terror, the act as not only watchdog but as blood- rightly so close to the heart of the IPI, sable. And we must be on our guard to bright light on events and show the way wonder of the moon shots and heart Then, in 1994, when South Africa it- hound in defence of those freedoms. And electronic versus print communication, protect it. Other developments showed to a better world. transplants, the fall of what one might self broke out into the light, I recall the there is a difference. I would say only this: may these two that jour nalists, a competitive bunch, Never before has the transmission of call command ideology, those great moral sheer miracle of the transition to democ- The oft-quoted remark by Thomas forces remain complementary to one an - have good reason for increased solidarity words and ideas been so easy, and eco- struggles like that against apartheid, seem racy and non-racism. It was then that the Jefferson that “were it left to me to decide other. And, what’s really important is in light of the strikingly similar chal- nomical; which is the good news. But somehow to have frittered away, as the IPI had the foresight and courage to hold whether we should have a government this: never compromise sound, profes- lenges they face worldwide. never before has there been such con- 21st century gets into its stride, and left its annual assembly on our shores the without newspapers, or newspapers with- sional . There are millions and millions of fusion about what is right and what is behind vicious regional conflicts of dubi- very month before the first free and fair out a government, I should not hesitate In this spirit, I salute the IPI’s inde- ordinary, sincere people who cry out for wrong, and – as not only the Greeks ous morality and unclear duration. election – but the precise outcome, and a moment to prefer the latter,” might, pendence as a global organisation of huge guidance as their daily lives become more but indeed all philosophy would ask – Terrible things are done to human life as the peaceful progress, of which no one with respect, be modified. We need both significance, and warmly commend its complex and the resources of the world what is truth. conflicts wear on around the globe, and then knew. I was able to say at that as- in a well-run society. Government with- efforts, including in this review, to keep to sustain them more scarce. There are as the fanatics and surrogates on various sembly in all sincerity that the IPI had out newspapers is unworkable. Newspa - open the ramparts of freedom.

6 7 By Anthony Mills Managing Editor Press Freedom in an Age of Barbarity

One decade into the 21st Century and IPI is now in its 60th year of defending press freedom worldwide. However, for all the progress associated with the passing of a millennium milestone, when it comes to the deliberate murder of journalists because of their work, we are still mired in an age of barbarity, with the number of journalists killed in 2009 at 110, higher than the 66 killed in 2008 and far higher than the 56 killed in 2000. If anything, the number of journalists murdered is increasing. Compared to the first half of the decade, the assassination rate for journalists has risen by more than 40 percent.

his year’s bloody figures were driv- Sunday Leader newspaper, grimly predict- the government’s handling of a military en skywards on 31 November, ed his own death in an editorial printed offensive against Tamil Tiger militants. Twhen 32 journalists were massa- three days after his murder. He wrote: “In Across the world, governments are us- cred in the Philippines. The reporters the wake of my death I know you [Sri ing such legislation to cynically snuff out were accompanying family members of Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa] critical reporting. That is why, following gubernatorial candidate and local mayor will make all the usual sanctimonious an October 2009 conference in Vienna Esmael Mangudadatu in a convoy in the noises and call upon the police to hold a entitled “The War on Words – Terrorism, southern province of Maguindanao, on swift and thorough inquiry. But like all Media and the Law,” jointly organised by a trip to an election office to file his can- the inquiries you have ordered in the IPI and the Centre for International didacy papers. past, nothing will come of this one, too.” Legal Studies (CISL), IPI launched the The slaughter brought to 38 the num- Vienna Declaration calling on govern- ber of journalists killed this year in the “In the wake of my death ments to respect media freedom in the Phillipines, and 93 this decade. The vast fight against terrorism. majority of these murders remain un - I know you (Sri Lankan In the Middle East & North Africa, solved. Impunity is the outrageous norm, President Mahinda Raja - the fight against terrorism, or, more across the world. Far too few murderers paksa) will make all the broadly, the safeguarding of ‘national of journalists are ever brought to justice. security’, again served as a pretext for the Elsewhere in Asia, eight journalists usual sanctimonious noises crushing of media dissent. were killed in , where a military and call upon the police to In Iraq, the positive news that the offensive launched by the government hold a swift and thorough number of journalists killed in 2009 fell against militants in the South Waziristan to four, from 14 in 2008, was overshad- region has sparked an upsurge in vio- inquiry. But like all the owed by concerns that the government lence. On 22 December a suicide bomber inquiries you have ordered was seeking to turn back the clock on blew himself up outside a press club in in the past, nothing will press freedom with draft legislation pro- , killing three bystanders. At the hibiting journalists from “compromising time, IPI member Owais Ali, Secretary- come of this one, too” the security and stability of the country” General of the Pakistan Press Foun da - - a phrase suspiciously reminiscent of leg- tion, said: “Things are getting from bad Again, it was a chillingly accurate pre- islation in place in a host of countries, to worse.” diction. Sure enough, one year on, there especially in the Middle East, with poor In Sri Lanka, despite the end of a de- has been no progress towards solving the records on media freedom, and used to cades-long conflict between the govern- killing. stifle virtually any form of criticism of the ment and separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, it In another case in Sri Lanka in 2009, government and authorities. was another unacceptable year for press a Tamil was sentenced to In Tunisia (a staunch ally of the West), freedom. Two journalists were killed. twenty years in prison, under draconian the authorities further tightened the Local journalists hold a candlelight vigil in Cebu city for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre that killed 57 people, One, the former editor-in-chief of the anti-terrorism legislation, for criticising screws on the media before and after an including journalists, 29 November, 2009. The Philippine Center for Photojournalism issued a statement, saying the attacks on journalists are particularly heinous, and renewed calls for press freedom in a democratic country. (REUTERS/Victor Kimtanar) 8 9 effects of a workers’ pay strike, was arrest- Tayyip Erdoğan and the powerful Dogan In Spain a Madrid prosecutor de - ed on ‘obscenity’ charges and faced up to media group, the group was slapped with manded a three year prison term - and a five years in prison. Although she was a record US $3.3 billion fine for alleged three year ban on practising journalism - acquitted, the whole affair was another financial wrongdoings. According to the for El Mundo deputy-editor Antonio example of government misuse of legisla- Financial Times, the European Union, in Rubio, who was accused of allegedly “dis- tion to intimidate journalists. a recent report on Turkey’s EU accession covering and revealing state secrets” for Across the world, the killers of jour- progress, said the fines “affect freedom of writing about reports to Spain’s secret nalists are able to operate with shameful the press.” In December, Dogan Holding services by an informer warning of ter- impunity. Chairman Aydin Dogan said he would rorist attacks. step down after he and three other Dogan In December, two more Spanish jour- Following a mission to Holding board members were criminally nalists were given suspended prison sen- Venezuela in November, IPI indicted. Dogan’s move was seen as an tences of a year and nine months, banned effort to mend ties with the government. from working as journalists during that expressed concern about a Simultaneously, Ertugrul Ozkok, the period, and handed hefty fines for continued deterioration of prominent, respected editor of Dogan’s “revealing secrets” in an article published press freedom in the country flagship daily paper Hurriyet, resigned in 2003 listing the names of dozens of from a post he had held for nearly 20 people who allegedly registered irregular- – placed on IPI’s Watch List years. Analysts say his replacement is ly as members of the Partido Popular as in October 2000 – due to a closer to the government’s line of think- part of a recruiting effort. climate of intimidation and ing, the Financial Times reported. Also on the legislative front, in hostility towards journalists Ecuador, President Rafael Correa and his In Spain a Madrid pro- and media outlets, as well as Alianza País party attempted to pass a bill secutor demanded a three to a legal and judicial sys- that would allow only people who have year prison term – and a obtained a journalism degree to work in three year ban on practis- tem that threatens the free the media. It would also establish a practice of journalism watchdog to supervise the media and ing journalism – for their content as well as sanction and even People stand with portraits of killed journalist Anna Politkovskaya during a commemorative rally in central Moscow, 7 October, 2009. El Mundo deputy-editor Three years after the murder of Politkovskaya, her family voiced doubts about the guilt of two men accused of a role in her killing Nowhere is this more apparent than in close down an outlet in the event of Antonio Rubio, who and the Kremlin's will to catch the main suspects. REUTERS/Denis Sinyakov (RUSSIA CRIME LAW CONFLICT POLITICS) Mexico, wracked by a violent standoff bet - repeat ‘offences.’ ween the authorities and all-powerful, Following a mission to Venezuela in was accused of allegedly October presidential election. Journalists In Africa, the anarchic state of Somalia post-September 11th crackdown and are ruthlessly brutal drug cartels, where at November, IPI expressed concern about a “discovering and revealing were arrested, and at least two sentenced – gripped by an upsurge in violence since a focus of IPI’s ‘Justice Denied’ cam- least 11 reporters were murdered in cir- continued deterioration of press freedom state secrets” for writing to prison on apparently concocted char- 2007 – held the dubious distinction of paign. They have been held incommuni- cumstances apparently linked to their work. in the country due to a climate of intim- ges. The family of one them, Taoufik Ben being the most dangerous country on the cado in a secret prison and there are con- None of the perpetrators has been found. idation and hostility towards journalists about reports to Brik, who received a six-month sentence continent, for journalists. Nine were firmed reports that some of them may Impunity was also the norm in Russia, and media outlets, as well as to a legal Spain’s secret services by for allegedly assaulting a woman in murdered there this year. have died. where five journalists were killed in 2009, and judicial system that threatens the free an informer warning of public, began a hunger strike in January In , President Yahya Jam - making it the fifth most dangerous coun- practice of journalism. 2010. Meanwhile, a critical Tunisian In the Middle East & meh set the tone by ominously declaring try in the world for journalists last year. In July, Venezuela’s attorney general terrorist attacks journalist living in France received death North Africa – the focus in a statement to state-owned GRTS tel- In December, AFP reported that relatives introduced draft legislation on “media threats. evision: “Any journalist who thinks that of murdered Russian journalists, bearing crimes” under which anyone who, In , the heavily-politicised Press freedom developments were of this year’s World Press he or she can write whatever he or she photographs of more than 300 journalists through media outlets, provides “false in - Advisory Board of public broadcaster even worse in Iran, where the authorities Freedom Review – the fight wants, and go free, is making a big mis- who were either killed or died under sus- formation that harm[s] the interests of Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) brutally cracked down on journalists fol- against terrorism, or, more take.” picious circumstances between 1993 and the state,” could be sentenced to as many blocked the contract extension of the TV lowing violent unrest sparked by allega- Not long thereafter, six reporters were 2009, criticized the authorities for fail- as four years in prison. station’s editor-in-chief, Nikolaus Bren- tions of vote-rigging during the re-elec- broadly, the safeguarding found guilty of defamation and sedition ing to carry out proper investigations In Western countries, too, concerns der, a staunchly independent journalist, tion of President Ahmadinejad in June, of ‘national security’, again for questioning the suggestion by the into their deaths at a memorial event in about media freedom surfaced. Slovenia raising concerns of political interference and again following street protests in served as a pretext for the government that it was not behind the Moscow. charged Finnish journalist Magnus Berg - at the public broadcaster. At the time, December. Dozens of journalists have still-unsolved murder in 2004 of promi- Less violent, but nonetheless trou- lund with two counts of criminal defa - Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine said the been detained without trial, and several crushing of media dissent nent journalist . bling, were efforts by Argentina’s presi- mation. He faced up to six months in decision showed that “prime ministers sentenced to long prison sentences. The six were ‘pardoned’ in September dent, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, to prison if convicted, after a documentary have the power to remove editors-in-chief Despite, however, the best repressive Elsewhere in Africa, governments by President Jammeh. AFP reported that pass anti-monopoly legislation that he produced quoted unnamed sources as of public broadcasters.” efforts of the authorities to ensure no continued to show contempt for press five of them left prison chanting: “The would undermine the position of the saying that members of the former In Slovakia, the country’s prime min- news of the unrest and clampdown fil- freedom, by harassing, intimidating and truth will always prevail.” country’s leading media player, Grupo Slovene government – including former ister compared journalists to pigs. tered out, social media tools like Twitter, imprisoning critical reporters, often In Zambia, an editor who sent photo- Clarín – a political foe of Kirchner’s – Prime Minister Janez Jansa – allegedly Finally, in the US, progress on a feder- Facebook and YouTube ensured it did – under criminal defamation and sedition graphs of a woman giving birth in public and would increase political influence in accepted bribes in arms deals with al shield law that would allow journalists with much-debated implications for the legislation. to Zambia’s vice-president and health broadcast regulatory bodies. Finnish arms maker Patria. Jansa rejected to protect sources without going to jail future of newsgathering. Eritrea has dozens of journalists be - minister, as well as other government and In another political standoff, in Tur- all of the allegations. stalled again. hind bars, 12 of whom were arrested in a civil society officials, to highlight the key, between Prime Minister Recep

10 11 Middle East & North Africa By Naomi Hunt Repression on the Rise In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Internet has offered many people access to information and the outside world that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. However, government control of the media remains tight in almost all MENA countries, and censorship and self-censorship are prevalent throughout the region.

t least six journalists lost their Over the rest of the year, reporters and terview in which he criticised the head of lives in the Middle East in 2009, activists were handed long prison terms, state for his apparent inability to speed A while carrying out their profes- often after “show trials,” fuelling a climate up the formation of a government de- sional duties. Throughout the MENA of fear and self-censorship. layed by months. re gion, reporters, cameramen and photo - Political unrest was behind harsh An IPI press freedom mission to graphers faced physical attacks, beatings crackdowns on the media in many other Lebanon in October 2009, led by IPI and intimidation by security forces, countries, as well. In Yemen, tensions in Director David Dadge, noted that the militants, and other individuals. Various the South worsened and several large country has a freer and more diverse and forms of censorship were imposed by demonstrations turned into clashes with vibrant media than any other Arab coun- regimes, often in the name of security state security forces; in the north, the try, but that a politically-polarised society Relatives of detained rights activists and journalists demand their release outside the Cabinet’s headquarters in Sanaa, 17 November, 2009. concerns. insurgency led by Houthi rebels contin- is mirrored in much of the media land- The posters read “No to arbitrary detentions”. (REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah) Events in Iran captured world atten- ued. There were numerous attacks on the scape, particularly in television. Most of tion in 2009. Doubts about whether 12 media. Journalists reporting on govern- Lebanon’s media outlets are unduly influ- MENA region, and in some countries is frequently tried under national security Egypt, which has the largest number June presidential elections were free and ment actions in the South were targeted, enced in their journalism content by punishable by death. Government con- legislation. This was notably the case in of Internet users, by country, in the re- fair began to surface as soon as incum- and copies of several newspapers were powerful political figures to whom they trol of moral content in the media was Iran and Yemen. In Algeria, copies of gion, also enforces draconian media legis- bent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seized. Media houses were raided and are financially and politically beholden. most visible this year in Saudi Arabia Afrique Magazine were confiscated in lation. Bloggers are routinely attacked, was declared the winner. As demonstrators journalists received threatening phone and Sudan. In Saudi Arabia, several peo- March for because they purportedly ha rassed and arrested. took to the streets, a news blackout was calls. A number of journalists were tried The Iranian people ple involved in the production of a televi- offended “national values.” In Egypt, the imposed on the foreign media. And yet, under national security legislation. and the world have a sion show about sexual attitudes were thirty-year-old Emergency Law, which is In many countries in through social media networks like Face - In Iraq, American troops this year be - sentenced to flogging and jail terms. supposed to combat terrorism, is fre- the region, security forces book, YouTube and Twitter, news of a vio- gan a phased withdrawal in June, which right to information as In Sudan, journalist Lubna Hussein quently used to arrest and detain blog- lent government crackdown seeped out. should see the last United States forces well as commentary was sen tenced to a flogging for wear- gers. A 2003 anti-terrorism law in Mo - are given powers to censor leave the country by 2011. Although vio- ing trousers. Following international rocco is also considered a threat to press or control the media; At least six journalists lence has decreased over the past two “Although there are many excellent uproar, the punishment was reduced to a freedom. Security agencies are in volved in others, journalists who years, journalists working in Iraq still face media organisations in Lebanon, the po - fine, which was then paid by a pro-gov- in censorship in Jordan, Israel, Syria and lost their lives in the the threat of injury or death. Four Iraqi liticisation of the media means that, too ernment journalists’ association. Sudan. are critical of government Middle East in 2009, journalists were killed this year, com- often, journalists are forced to choose Control over online activities tightened policy are frequently while carrying out their pared with fourteen in 2008 and 41 in between their natural desire for credibili- Although there are further in several Middle East & North tried under national 2007. Nonetheless, the US military con - ty and their loyalty to a media organisa- many excellent media African countries, even as ever more peo- professional duties tinues to imprison journalists without tion,” IPI Director David Dadge said in a ple across the region gained access to the security legislation charge, while Iraqi security forces were statement issued after the mission. organisations in Lebanon, Internet. According to a report by the In a June 2009 letter to the Iranian responsible for numerous arbitrary beat- Prosecutors in several MENA coun- the politicisation of the Arab Network for Human Rights In for - Iran also cracked down on online me - ambassador to Austria, IPI Director ings and detentions throughout the year. tries brought criminal charges against media means that, too mation (ANHRI), there are some 58 mil- dia following the disputed June elections, David Dadge said, “The Iranian people Impunity remains a serious problem. journalists to silence criticism and intim- lion Internet users in the Arab world. and arrested online activists in an effort and the world have a right to information Elections held in Algeria, Iran, and idate others. Criminal defamation laws often, journalists are forced Jordan and the UAE, along with many to stop the spread of dissenting informa- as well as commentary. The increasing re - Tunisia prompted a rise in press free- ex ist in every country in the region. Laws to choose between their of their neighbours, have made seri- tion and opinions. liance on social media networks and the dom violations. forbidding criticism of royal family mem- natural desire for credibility ous investments in IT infrastructure, The Kuwait government introduced Internet indicate a desire among Iranian In Lebanon there has been a period bers or public officials exist in several and countries have begun efforts to boost laws this year imposing restrictions on citizens for access to news, and forums in of relative calm since legislative elections countries, including Bahrain, the and their loyalty to a online content in Arabic, the OpenNet web content and bloggers. which to express their opinions. It is not in June 2009, although at least two jour- United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, media organisation Initiative reports. But despite the liberal- Saudi Arabia and Tunisia were cited the role of any government to act as a fil- nalists were arrested and charged under Qatar, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Ku- isation of the information technology by ANHRI as the countries that most ter between news and the public.” cri minal defamation laws and there were wait, Libya, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen. In many countries in the region, secu- market, bloggers and online activists intensely monitor the Internet, while Scores of journalists and demonstrators also reports of assault and intimidation. Expression that is interpreted as an rity forces are given powers to censor or face increasing levels of censorship as well Lebanon and Egypt were given the dubi- were arrested immediately after, and in the One journalist was accused of insult- insult to Islam, and therefore as blasphe- control the media; in others, journalists as legislation aimed at silencing online ous honour of being the countries that months following, the disputed elections. ing the president during a television in - my, is also widely criminalized across the who are critical of government policy are criticism. most intensely tap communications.

12 13 Death by Numbers in the Middle East & North Africa 2009 Sarajevo (Aktau) Pristina Black Sea Bilbao Marseille ITALY Sofia GEORGIA Shymkent ANDORRA Corsica VATICAN Podgorica KOS. BULGARIA Caspian (FR.) CITY MONT. Skopje Tbilisi Porto Rome Tirana Istanbul Sea Tashkent Barcelona MACEDONIA Madrid ALB. ARMENIA AZERBAIJAN PORTUGAL Naples Ankara UZBEKISTAN Valencia Sardinia Bursa Yerevan Baku SPAIN BALEARIC (IT.) GREECE . TURKMENISTAN ISLANDS Izmir T U R K E Y D Lisbon (SP.) Palermo Konya Ashgabat Sevilla Athens Gaziantep Tabriz¯ Málaga Algiers Sicily Adana (IT.) Mosul Mashhad Gibraltar(U.K.) Tunis MALTA Ceuta(SP.) Constantine Valletta Aleppo Tehran Oran Nicosia Arbil Melilla TUNISIA SYRIA Qom Kabul (SP.) Crete Hera¯t MADEIRA (GR.) Beirut Casablanca CYPRUS IRAQ Kermanshah SLANDS Fès Mediterranean Sea LEBANON Damascus (PORT.) Tripoli Es¸faha¯n Tel Aviv-Yafo Baghdad Marrakech Bangha¯zi¯ ISRAEL Ahva¯z Kandaha¯r Alexandria Jerusalem Amman I R A N MOROCCO Cairo JORDAN Al Bas¸rah Qu CANARY ISLANDS Al Jizah¯ KUWAIT ¯ (SP.) A L G E R I A Kuwait Shira¯z Za¯heda¯n PAK L I B Y A Laayoune SAUDI BAHRAIN Persian E G Y P T Gulf OMAN Western Manama Abu Hydera¯ Medina Riyadh Doha Dhabi Sahara Aswa¯n Gulf of Oman Kara¯chi QATAR UNITED ARAB Muscat ARABIA EMIRATES Red Jiddah Sea Mecca OMAN MAURITANIA Port Sudan Nouakchott M A L I Tombouctou N I G E R Omdurman ERITREA Kassala Asmara YEMEN kar CHAD Khartoum SENEGAL Sanaa anjul BURKINA Niamey Bamako S U D A N Aden Arabian BIA FASO Gulf of Aden Kano N'Djamena DJIBOUTI Bissau Ouagadougou Nyala Djibouti Socotra A-BISSAU (YEMEN) Sea GUINEA BENIN NIGERIA Conakry Addis Hargeysa CÔTE Abuja Ababa Freetown TOGO D'IVOIRE GHANA Ogbomoso SIERRA Yamoussoukro Ibadan CENTRAL ETHIOPIA LEONE Lomé Lagos Accra AFRICAN REPUBLIC Monrovia Abidjan Porto- CAMEROON SOMALIA LIBERIA Novo Bangui Juba Douala Malabo EQUATORIAL GUINEA Yaounde Gulf of Guinea UGANDA SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE Mogadishu Kisangani Kampala Equator Sao Tome Libreville REP. OF KENYA

Palestinian Territories (1) Basil Ibrahim Faraj, 7 January Iraq (4) Haidar Hashim Suhail and Suhaib Adnan, 10 March. Alaa Abdel-Wahab, 31 May. Orhan Hijran, 21 October Iran (1) Omidreza Mirsayafi, 18 March

14 15 Algeria By Barbara Trionfi

or many years, Algerian courts and Ousbouiya after the Algerian embassy in On 14 July, a court in Tebessa con- Flegislators have shown little under- Morocco told them that they would be demned Lamouchi to six months in pri- standing of the importance of protecting able to receive accreditation for covering son – which the journalist had to serve – freedom of expression as a fundamental the elections at the press centre in Algiers, on charges of lacking accreditation and right. The situation further degenerated press freedom organisations and media defamation. this year, as presidential elections, along reports said. Nedjar al-Hadj Daoud, editor of Al with political disputes with Morocco, led Upon their arrival in Algiers, they Waha, was also sentenced to six months to further restrictions on journalists exer- were turned away from the press centre, in prison on 11 May in connection with cising their profession. arrested, held at police headquarters and a 21 May 2006 article criticizing two Observers noted an intensification of interrogated for over four hours before government representatives, according to press freedom violations in the run up to being finally released following the inter- media reports. Hadj Daoud’s paper has the 9 April elections, in which Algerian vention of the Moroccan embassy, which been banned since 2006. Daoud, who President was re- also had to make sure that the two jour- has reportedly been the victim of contin- elected to a third term. nalists could return to their country. ued harassment, was jailed on 2 March. On 4 April, Tunisian journalist and hu - He was released on 4 March for medical Furthermore, newspapers man rights advocate Sihem Bensedri ne, reasons. which included articles who flew to Algiers airport to take part in monitoring media coverage of the elec- Al Watan editor Omar allegedly critical of the tions, was not allowed into the country. Belhouchet, one of IPI’s government were banned, Restrictions continued after the elec- 50 World Press Freedom foreign journalists were tions as well. On 15 July, Moroccan jour- nalist Yahya Bentahar, with the weekly Heroes, faced numerous prevented from entering Assahrae Al Ousbouiya, was deported after lawsuits throughout 2009 the country to report on her arrival in Algiers, where she planned the elections and others to report on the political situation in Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika gives a speech during a ceremony for the start of the new academic semester at a university Algeria following Bouteflika’s reelection, On 3 May, Nouri Benzenine, the for- in Setif, some 300km (186 miles) east of Algiers, 12 November, 2009. (REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra) were detained and expelled a press freedom group reported. mer correspondent for the newspaper Press freedom violations and the per- Echou rouk Al Youmi, was officially noti- published in 2006 and 2008 about a of power by various government offi- Recommendations The Algerian League for the Defense secution of journalists in Algeria in 2009 fied about a two-month prison sentence Muslim cleric, the International Federa - cials. The Com mit tee to Protect Jour nal - • Transform the state-controlled broad- of Human Rights (LADDH) said that did not occur solely in connection with passed down to him following a com- tion of Journalists (IFJ) reported. ists (CPJ) stated that Ghoul had been the casting service into a truly public Algeria effectively prevented the media the presidential elections. plaint brought by a member of parlia- Freelance journalist and human rights target of harassment by Algerian officials broadcasting service. from engaging in any critical debate According to information obtained by ment in connection with a 2007 article activist Hafnaoui Ghoul was on trial in for years. He has been repeatedly de tai - • End state monopoly over the distri - about the government of Bouteflika IPI, one journalist was imprisoned for about gas trafficking in Algeria’s western October facing 16 lawsuits on charges of ned, beaten, and persecuted because of bution of advertising, supply of while the state-owned media’s positive over six months this year, while others re- regions. Benzenine said that, until receiv- criminal defamation, insulting govern- his writing. newsprint and printing presses. coverage of Bouteflika dominated the ceived shorter prison sentences and steep ing official notification, he had been ment agencies, and contempt of court. In the night of 6 January 2009, Ghoul • Repeal the 1991 libel law which crimi- pub lic discourse. fines as a consequence of their writing. unaware of the defamation case brought These charges, still pending at year’s end, was assaulted by unknown persons nalizes defamation against President Furthermore, newspapers which in- against him. were brought against Ghoul as a conse- armed with knives in front of his home Abdelaziz Bouteflika and other senior clu ded articles allegedly critical of the Al Watan editor Omar Belhouchet, quence of articles he had published in in Djelfa, south of Algiers. government and military officials, and government were banned, foreign jour- According to information one of IPI’s 50 World Press Freedom He- various pub lications exposing human allows for penalties of up to one year nalists were prevented from entering the obtained by IPI, one jour- roes, faced numerous lawsuits through- rights violations, corruption and abuse imprisonment, along with hefty fines. country to report on the elections and nalist was imprisoned for out 2009. On 10 May, Belhouchet re- others were detained and expelled. over six months this year, ceived a 50,000 Algerian Dinar (approx. Prior to the presidential elections, the 480 Euros) fine in connection with a Algeria in Brief issues of three French publications, L’Ex - while others received short- 2005 complaint filed against him by the press, Marianne and Journal du Diman - er prison sentences and secretary-general of the Air Algeria un- Population: 34.9 million voters to approve a second amnesty for the remaining che, were banned because they included high fines as a consequence ion, after Belhouchet published in his Domestic Overview: Algeria won independence from militants in 2005. Bouteflika won elections again in 2004 articles about Bouteflika’s government. newspaper a statement made by the sec- France in 1962, after eight years of struggle led by the and, after amending the constitution to remove the two- Afrique Magazine was confiscated on 7 of their writing retary-general. National Liberation Front. A bloody civil conflict began in term limit on the presidency, was re-elected in 2009. March because of an article entitled At the end of 2008, Belhouchet and 1992, after Algeria’s military-backed government cancelled Power is concentrated in the presidency, with parliament “Algeria, twilight of the generals,” which Rabah Lamouchi, Tebessa correspon- Salima Tlemçani, a reporter with Al parliamentary elections, which the , playing a very limited role. supposedly violated “national values.” dent for the daily Ennahar, was arrested Watan, were handed down a three month or Front Islamique du Salut (FIS), was set to win. Between Beyond Borders: Recent finds of oil and gas have lifted On 9 April, the day the presidential on 9 June by local authorities, who accu - sentence and a 50,000 Dinar (approx. 70,000 and 150,000 people died in the conflict, which the Algerian eco nomy, attracting strong interest from election was held, two Moroccan journal- sed him of not being accredited by the 480 Euros) fine each for defamation in continued until 1999, when Abdelaziz Bouteflika won the foreign oil firms; however, poverty remains widespread. ists, Hicham al-Madraoui and Mahfoud newspaper. Ennahar’s editor denied that connection with an allegedly defamatory presidency with the backing of the army, promising to end Algeria supports the exiled Sahrawi Polisario Front, aït Bensaleh, were arrested, interrogated Lamouchi was not accredited. Observers article about a healer. violence. Focusing on national reconciliation, Bouteflika a rebel movement working for the independence of and prevented from carrying out their suggested this could have been an at - In March this year, Al Watan journal- released thousands of Muslim militants and won support Western Sahara from Morocco, causing tension between work. The two journalists had travelled tempt to scare journalists away from in- ist Abdelouahab Souag received a 50,000 for a civil accord in 1999 which offered an amnesty to Algeria and Morocco. Each nation has accused the other to Algiers to cover the presidential elec- vestigating local corruption. Dinar (approx. 480 Euros) fine for defa - armed militants. The effective decline of violence led of harbouring militants and of arms smuggling. tion for the Moroccan weekly Assahrae Al mation in connection with two articles

16 17 Bahrain By Alison Bethel McKenzie Egypt By Nayana Jayarajan lthough Bahrain has come a long al-Khalifa stop the crackdown on web- independent media, reporters in the is- number of Bahraini internet users rose to Court, or the foreign media department Away in terms of promoting an inde- sites. Before 2009, the nation enjoyed land nation are governed by a press law 250,000 in 2008 from 40,000 in 2000. in the Information Ministry. Journalists gypt has, over the past few years, pendent press, in 2009 serious concerns unhampered Internet access, compared (Ministerial Law 47/2002) that puts Thirty-three percent of the population who breach the red line rule often get Eemerged as a leading oppressor of the were raised by human rights and press to other Arab nations in the region. restrictions on publishing stories that uses the Internet, OpenNet reported in sidelined, do not receive invitations to Internet and traditional media. Press free- free dom organisations over the unprece- As in most Arab countries, the law criticize Islam or the king, or that incite 2009. And as of January 2008, there were cover big events and occasions, or their dom deteriorated in Egypt over the year, dented censorship of online media. prohibits coverage of so-called sensitive violence against the government. 535 websites based in Bahrain covering a respective newspapers are punished as the authorities used a combination of Growing complaints in 2009 about subjects and coverage that is seen to Reporters in 2009 still found it diffi- variety of topics, 59 government websites through a reduction in the government force, harassment, and restrictive legal websites - particularly those dealing with defame or embarrass the government or cult to access certain official information and 200 blogs, the majority of which advertising that they receive,” according pro visions to stifle critical, independent religion and politics - being blocked by government officials or that insults the and lawsuits brought against journalists were written anonymously, OpenNet Ini- to BCHR. reporting. authorities, prompted press freedom king. Although officials have stressed in continued, fuelling self-censorship among tiative said. The government continues to main- The space for access to information groups to insist that King Hamad bin Isa the recent past a desire for a free and the country’s media outlets. In February, a tain that it is committed to a free and within Egypt has broadened marginally columnist for a privately-owned newspa- In January 2009, the independent press. In 2009, the Bahrain in recent years, with increased access to per was brought up on criminal char ges Ministry of Information information minister announced that the the Internet (as of June 2009, 15.9 per- for “insulting the judiciary” in a series of Bahrain Award for Freedom of Press cent of the population had access to the investigative articles, according to me dia put into place Ministerial would be handed out on World Press Internet) and therefore giving the popu- freedom observers. Her case is pending. Law 1/2009, which gives Freedom Day in 2010. The award comes lation more room to express dissent, and the ministry the right to with a US $100,000 (69,565 Euros) allowing for greater proliferation of pri- As in most Arab countries, prize, the English-language Bahrain Tri- vate satellite television channels which block certain web sites bune reported. According to the news- are more willing to be critical of the the law prohibits coverage without warning or refer- paper, the award “aims to encourage cre- authorities. of so-called sensitive ring the case to court ativity among journalists in Bahrain and subjects and coverage that the Arab world as a whole.” Egypt has been under There are currently 22 websites ban- Emergency Law for over is seen to defame or em- ned in Bahrain, according to BCHR. Recommendations barrass the government Among them are the centre’s site, Bah rain • End crackdown on Internet websites, three decades. Since the or government officials or news site “Al Shaheefa”, and the political so that bloggers may post content assassination of President satire site “Bahrain Times”. freely. Anwar al-Sadat in October that insults the king “What is worrying is the increase in • Facilitate access to information the number of articles and journalists by journalists. 1981, the Emergency Law And late in 2009 the management and that are being censored directly by offi- • Transparently investigate all cases has been repeatedly editorial board of Al Bilad newspaper cials and or are exercising self-censorship. of alleged blackmail and threatening renewed – the last time in told its journalists and staff not to enun- This level of coercion and control on the of journalists. ciate any criticism of the Economic media through the blocking of websites 2008 – despite promises Development Board, the country’s sover- and the restriction of the press has lead to from National Democratic eign wealth fund and organisations relat- the regression of Bahrain’s position on Party leader Hosni Mubarak A journalist works next to a newspaper with an article by columnist Sameera al-Rajab ed to it and any projects operated by the international freedom rankings,” officials at Arabic newspaper Akhbar Al Khaleej's office in Manama in this posed picture taken to repeal the law on 22 June, 2009. Authorities suspended Akhbar Al Khaleej after it published the article king or the crown prince, according to from the BCHR wrote on their website by Rajab which criticised Iran's recent election and its political principles. Akhbar Al the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights in December. Khaleej, first published in 1976, is the oldest newspaper in the country. The headline (BCHR). The move came after one of the However, the state has reacted to this reads, “Islamic Republic: Vehement Public Anger.” (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed) paper’s journalists was ordered by the There are currently broadening of space by reinforcing its Royal Court to stop writing for the paper 22 web sites banned in draconian media legislation and regula- because of a series of stories he wrote tion mechanisms, as well as by cracking Bahrain in Brief addressing the king’s reform process. Bahrain, according to down through violence and other tactics Population: 791,000 In January 2009, the Ministry of BCHR. Among them are of intimidation against bloggers and Information instituted Ministerial Law online activists. Domestic Overview: the centre’s site, Bahrain The former British protectorate gained its independ- 1/2009, which gives the ministry the Egypt has been under Emergency Law ence in 1971. A small archipelago in the centre of the Persian Gulf, Bahrain right to block certain websites without news site “Al Shaheefa”, for over three decades. Since the assassi- (an Arabic word meaning “two seas”) was quicker than its Arab neighbours warning or referring the case to court. and the political satire site nation of President Anwar al-Sadat in to discover oil but has recently diversified into international banking. The law also requires telecommunicati- October 1981, the Emergency Law has The island nation has been headed by the al-Khalifah family since 1783. “Bahrain Times” The nation continues to see tension between Sunni Muslims, to which the ons companies to “prohibit any means been repeatedly renewed - the last time in royal family belong, and the majority Shiite Muslims. On occasion, the that allow access to sites blocked by the “Besides the usual methods of restrict- 2008 - despite promises from National tension has boiled over into civil unrest. In 2001, Bahrainis voted to turn ministry, whether by Internet address, ing media freedom through legal actions Democratic Party leader Hosni Mubarak the country, which consists of 33 islands, into a constitutional monarchy use of a proxy server or any other means.” and removing articles from the press and to repeal the law. The National Demo - with an elected assembly that includes Shiites. Bahrain is one of the most web-con- preventing journalists the opportunity to cratic Party holds 340 seats in parlia- Beyond Borders: Bahrain is a hot tourist spot for vacationers in the region nected countries in the Middle East. continue writing locally, it is also com- ment, out of a total of 354 seats. because of its relaxed environment. It is not currently embroiled in any According to OpenNet Initiative, a part- mon practice that journalists are threat- Although the government claimed international conflicts and is an ally of the United States, which has a naval nership of four leading universities to ened or blackmailed directly or indirectly that the renewal of the Emergency Law base on the main island. “investigate, expose and analyse internet by members of authority in such places as was designed to combat terrorism, events filtering and surveillance practices,” the the Royal Court, the Prime Minister’s have shown that the renewal is aimed

18 19 more at stamping out political opposi- Voice”); Mohamed Rifaat (owner of the tion, over a blog entry in 2008 in which tion. Observers noted that article 3 of the blog “Matabbat”); Philip Rizk (owner of he accused the company of polluting a Emergency Law gives the military ruler the blog “Taboula Gaza”); Mohamed Kha- lake with effluents. He was fined about or his deputy the power to monitor the iri (owner of the blog “Garr Shakal”); Ah- 2,600 Egyptian Pounds (approx. 340 Eu- media, as well as to confiscate and censor med Mohsen (owner of the blog “Open ros) at the original trial; the sum was in - publications. This is a clear violation not Your Eyes”); Abdul Rahman Faris (owner creased to about 44,000 Egyptian Pounds only of articles 17-19 of the International of the blog “My Tongue is the Pen”); Saif (approx. 5,700 Euros) by an appeals Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, al-Islam Muhammad Ibrahim (owner court in May. to which Egypt is a party (signed 1967; of the blog “Saif-Not with Them”). ratified 1982), but also of articles 45 and The cases of Philip Rizk and his fellow The harassment by 49 of the Egyptian con stitution itself. blogger Diaa Eddin Gad merit particular Egyptian authorities was mention. Rizk was arrested on 6 February not limited to bloggers Egypt also monitors access of this year for organizing a symbolic march against the Gaza blockade. He was alone. Egypt continues to to the Internet through detained with no contact with his family use the judiciary to censor real-world surveillance. or the outside world for five days, after journalists. A common Egyptian photographers protest violence against journalists in Egypt, in front Egyptian journalists demonstrate against violence against journalists which he was deposited at his home. He of the press syndicate in Cairo, 25 January, 2009. Many photographers and in Egypt, outside the press syndicate in Cairo, 25 January, 2009. State security officers practice is the issuing of cameramen were subjected to violence and were also prevented from taking (REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih) require owners of Internet had been blindfolded and interrogated. pictures during demonstrations against Israel's attacks in Gaza. Diaa Eddin Gad, 23, was arrested on 6 prison sentences for (REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih) cafes, which are used by a February for critical articles he had writ- defamation (which remains majority of users to access ten on Egyptian foreign policy towards Gaza. Gad is still being detained, and has a criminal offence under the Fajr, choosing instead to double the fine. were charged over articles criticising Pre- the Internet, to register the not been charged, according to Human Egyptian broadcasting law Mural was arrested in June 2008 when he sident Hosni Mubarak and his top aides. Egypt in Brief names and identity card Rights Watch. took photographs of a police officer The press in Egypt is regulated by the of 2006) along with fines. Population: numbers of users. Owners Unlike other countries, both in the harassing villagers in the Nile Delta. The Supreme Press Council (SPC), a body 83 million The prison sentences are Domestic Overview: are also required to monitor region and beyond, Egypt does not prac- police officers beat him, and then pro- which both owns the ’national’ press out- tice online censorship and there are rela- then commuted, while the ceeded to charge him with assaulting the right and holds the sole right to license Egypt has been governed by Pre- which websites are visited, tively fewer filters placed on access to fines are increased police and inciting the villagers against other publications. Since the SPC is an sident Hosni Mubarak since 1981, and to report to the security con tent. Egypt’s approach to online ac ti - the security forces. adjunct body of the Shura Council, following the assassination of Pre - vists and bloggers is composed more of a In October, Per Bjorklund, a Cairo- The court also dismissed the journal- which is the upper house of the bicamer- sident Mohammed Anwar al-Sadat. forces on people who visit comprehensive real-world crackdown based Swedish freelance journalist and ist’s claim alleging that he had been al parliament, and is therefore complete- Mubarak is currently serving his “political” websites and wholesale intimidation. According to blogger who covered a wave of factory assaulted by the police officers in the ly controlled by the ruling party, the fifth term in office, and is the leader CIHRS, “while fewer prison terms were strikes in Egypt was denied entry and course of his work. independence of this body is illusory at of the ruling National Democratic According to a report by the Cairo issued for crimes of publication or ex - deported, on returning to the country, In April, security forces prevented best. The SPC is also the body charged Party. Dr. Ahmed Nazif was sworn Institute for Human Rights Studies pression, (…) the greatest infringements because of orders from security forces, online journalist Khaled Hamza from with allocating resources to newspapers, in as prime minister on 9 July 2004. (CIHRS), “the Emergency Law was ap- of freedom of expression in Egypt were according to the Associated Press. travelling to the , where establishing prices, and overseeing cen- Although theoreti cally a bicameral plied broadly to repress freedom of ex- seen in the broad attacks launched by the Earlier in the year authorities detained he was scheduled to receive medical sorship. In addition to several legal bans multi-party system, Egypt is in re- pression, including detaining or abduct- security apparatus on bloggers and Inter - Islamist blogger Abdel Rahman Ayyash, attention. on publishing information relating to ality fully controlled by the ruling ing bloggers. Moreover, the Egyptian po - net activists, dozens of whom were placed who writes for “Al Ghareeb” and blogger Journalists and human rights activists “sensitive” subjects such as the armed party and the president. The last lice state is increasingly acquiring certain under administrative detention, abduct- Magdi Saad at Cairo airport. Another are undesirables in this troubled region forces, Egypt’s press laws also detail over presidential election, in which Mu- theocratic features, which have reduced ed, or temporarily taken to undisclosed Islamist blogger, Ahmad Abu Khalil, who we call the Arab world. In spite of dis- 30 criminal offences, which range from barak won a fifth consecutive term, some religious freedoms, and have lead to lo cations, usually state security police blogs at “Bayarek”, was reportedly arrest- agreements between Arab Interior Minis- defamation, to “publishing information was held in September 2005. Mu- an unprecedented expansion of sectarian headquarters; some have been detained ed when security forces raided his home ters on many issues, they all seem to agree on cases that should not be published.” barak has intimated that he will not violence within the country.” for more than two years without charge at dawn. on perpetrating hostile and obstructive run in the 2011 presidential elec- tions, al though this may clear the According to the Arabic Network for or trial.” The harassment by Egyptian authori- acts against journalists and activists, and Recommendations way for his son, Gamal Mubarak, to Human Rights Information (ANHRI), Egypt also monitors access to the ties was not limited to bloggers alone. on denying them their right to move- • Decriminalise defamation and other run for office. The head of the Inter- the provisions of the emergency law have Internet through real-world surveillance. Egypt continues to use the judiciary to ment or travel, ANHRI said. offences related to press freedom. national Atomic Energy Agency been used repeatedly in the recent past to State security officers require owners of censor journalists. A common practice is In February, human rights observers • Ensure that any form of regulation (IAEA), Mohammed al-Bara dei, is censor and harass bloggers in particular. Internet cafes, which are used by a major- the issuing of prison sentences for defa - reported that a court had suspended the is purely voluntary. also rumoured to be a possible Those targeted, according to a 2009 AN- ity of users to access the Internet, to reg- mation (which remains a criminal offen- prison sentences handed down to four • Prevent extra-judicial harassment by contender. HRI report, include: Israa Abdul-Fattah ister the names and identity card num- ce under the Egyptian broadcasting law journalists – Ibrahim Issa of the daily Al the security services of journalists, (who called for the strike of 6 April bers of users. Owners are also required to of 2006) along with fines. The prison Dustour, Adel Hamouda of the weekly Al including bloggers. Beyond Borders: 2008); Abu Mus’ad Fajr (owner of the monitor which websites are visited, and sentences are then commuted, while the Fajr, Wael al-Abrashi of Sawt Al Umma, Egypt has had strong involvement blog “We Want to Live”); Mohamed Adel to report to the security forces on people fines are increased. and Abdel Halim Kandil, former editor in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A (owner of the blog “Dead”); Abdul Aziz who visit “political” websites. In July 2009, ANHRI reported that a of the weekly Al Karama - for “publishing state of war between the two coun- Mujahid (“Esterahet Mujahid” blog); In May 2009, rights groups drew at- court in Arrahmeneyia had commuted a false information likely to disturb public tries ended in 1979, but relations Reda Abdul Rahman (owner of the blog tention to the case of blogger Tamer Mab- prison sentence of six months and a fine order.” But the court upheld a 20,000 since then have not always been “Justice –Freedom – Peace”); Diaa Eddin rouk, who was sued by a chemical com- of the equivalent of 12 Euros against Egyptian Pound (approx. 2,500 Euros) smooth. Egypt has very close ties Gad (owner of the blog “An Angry pany, Trust Chemical Co., for defama- journalist Kamal Mural of the weekly Al fine against each of them. The journalists to neighbouring Sudan.

20 21 NOTES FROM THE FIELD : EGYPT : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : EGYPT : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : EGYPT : NOTES FROM THE FIELD

glorify the police and the role they play in their opinions before they even start. It I was with my brother in our village in Blogging against the Rules providing security for the nation. Finally, has now become difficult for the author- the Nile Delta when a policeman stopped the officer and his subordinate who tor- ities to arrest or kidnap the better known me for no reason. When I went over to By Mohamed Khaled tured Emad were sentenced to three years and more popular bloggers due to their him, he started to pull me by my clothes, in prison. fame both in Egypt and abroad. But it is so I asked him to treat me with respect. In 1981, President Sadat was assassinated, a state of emergency was declared and President Overall, there is now a situation in still a difficult situation for all concerned, Suddenly, he and his force of nine men which a government that only wanted as all our means of communication are began assaulting me, without even asking Mubarak took power due to his position as Vice-President of the Republic. And now, 28 years later, the public to know what the government under constant surveillance, from mobile my name and before I could talk to him. the state of emergency is still in place and is renewed without change, which has turned Egypt into wanted it to know found itself facing a phones to e-mail and even normal meet- He then handcuffed me and beat me and an oppressive police state. The security apparatus, whose main duty should be to serve and protect technological revolution in which the ings in public places. We are also restrict- my brother violently, before putting us bloggers had broken the government’s ed in terms of travel and returning to in the police car and explaining why he the people, has become a tool for protecting the ruling class alone while neglecting its original duty. monopoly on information and news. Egypt and we have our laptops, memory had done this. He told me, “I’m going to sticks and cameras confiscated and not make you […] kiss the boots of any po - Mohamed Khaled, aka ’Demagh Mak’, is photo coordinator The absence of security was clear for all There were now two options: returned. We then receive news that they liceman you see.” It was clear that he was for the Egyptian daily Al Masry Al Youm newspaper. He has been to see. The first was to block the websites, have been given to an officer as a gift and surprised when I asked him to treat me a blogger and human rights activist since 2006, focusing on The bloggers’ main concern was for but this would not have been a wise op- we are advised to forget about the pro- with respect, as I should have shown him police abuses committed against citizens, as well as human this news to reach the public, as well as tion because it would have destroyed spect of ever seeing them again. absolute deference, no matter how much rights violations and corruption in Egypt. He contributed to the for the government to investigate and Egypt’s reputation around the world and he insulted me. unveiling of incidents of alleged police torture in Egyptian police punish those responsible for the terrible revealed it to be a state that closes down The security apparatus, Even though this attitude has nothing stations. His blog is: www.demaghmak.blogspot.com. security failure that was to blame for this websites. It would have been very costly whose main duty should be to do with the fact that I am a blogger, it incident. and it would also have been easy for any confirmed to me the dreadful extent of uring demonstrations in the past – ruption has made it impossible to find a Instead, all the government newspa- blogger to open a new blog if shut down, to serve and protect the corruption in the police, whose main aim Dif there were any demonstrations at media job without connections and even pers came out and denied the news, and as blogs are free and available to all. people, has become a tool has become to safeguard the ruler and his all – nobody could cross the red line that if you could, the scissors of the censor the Assistant Minister of the Interior The second option, which the Egypt- for protecting the ruling men instead of protecting the people. had forever been in place: criticising the and state security would not allow you to launched an unprecedented attack on ian government is very good at, was op - Until now, the international commu- Egyptian ruler, whether he was a king or express your opinions freely. bloggers in a discussion programme, ac- pression and brutality, especially with the class alone while neglecting nity has remained distant from the prob- a president. This red line frightened ever- And so young Egyptians emerged cusing them of harming Egypt’s reputa- continued declaration of a state of emer- its original duty lem faced by bloggers not only in Egypt, yone to death, so the most that demon- from everywhere, blogging about the per- tion abroad and spreading false rumours. gency, which allows it to do what it wants but everywhere in the third world. The strators could do was criticise the govern- sonal or social problems they face in their He completely ignored the terrible secu- whenever it wants to. The government has begun issuing situation is bad for us all and especially in ment or ministers or, on occasion, the lives and criticising government policies. rity failure his ministry was responsible Indeed, the government started to im - laws to restrict Internet freedoms, start- countries like Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, prime minister. They crossed the red line and vehement- for in terms of safeguarding thousands plement this approach with the arrest of ing with a law to ban pornographic web- Tunisia, and Jordan, in fact, all the Arab This was not so long ago, but then the ly criticised the President like never be - of people who had gathered together in Kareem Amer on charges of insulting the sites. The underlying objective is to ban nations, together with Burma, Korea, Viet- Internet spawned a communications rev- fore, and when they started to organise one place. President of the Republic and disrespect- critical blogs, since the government has nam and China, where freedoms are ab- olution the likes of which has never be - protests and demonstrations, they shout- Far from acknowledging the incidents ing Islam. He was sentenced to four years been given the freedom to block websites so lutely oppressed, without restrictions. fore been seen on our planet. The expres - ed their criticism out loud in the streets of harassment that now occur every year in prison in a step that was and still is that threaten public decency or contain If the international community is con- sion “global village” became an un dis pu - of Egypt. at the same time and in the same place, seen as a pre-emptive strike to destroy offensive language - floating definitions stantly calling for and demanding demo- ted reality. People started to read what these without any serious measures being taken bloggers and scare those thinking of blog- that can be interpreted in a thousand dif- cracy in our countries, then the first and The Internet in Egypt has brought young people were writing, especially as by the Ministry of the Interior, the gov- ging. However, the move backfired on ferent ways. They all lead, in the end, to foremost expression of democracy is the great benefits beyond mere scientific and the Internet made it easy for all to follow ernment-controlled media and Ministry the government after bloggers launched a the banning of websites that stand in freedom of opinion and speech provided technological advancement, namely the this youth movement that was calling of Foreign Affairs allow the government huge campaign to support Kareem Amer. opposition to the corrupt ruling estab- for in all constitutions and international stimulation of political activity for the them to action to save their country and to hide the real problem from the public This turned into a global campaign lishment in Egypt. human rights conventions. If people are first time in two decades of total stagna- liberate it from the despotic rule and cor- and only provide the people with the which damaged the Egyptian govern- The Egyptian government is not powerless to express their opinions, they tion in every sphere of life since President ruption of the last 28 years. Indeed, peo- information that they see fit. ment’s reputation around the world, as its working to impose order through its laws will not be able to secure any of their Mubarak came to power. ple found that they could trust the news The same reaction from the govern- oppression of Internet freedoms became as much as to assert its control and give human rights, and yet the Western gov- This stagnation continued on the and articles from this new source more ment-controlled media was repeated with known - precisely the outcome it was try- itself room to abuse the freedoms that ernments continue their support for our Egyptian street until a new generation of than the government-controlled media, the story of Emad al-Kabeer, a minibus ing to avoid. have been afforded by a constitution that oppressive governments with billions of youth appeared and found in the Internet which always paints a rosy picture of driver who police allegedly tortured in a The situation persisted until the lies forgotten in the drawers of its desks. dollars each year. There is no pressure on a long sought-after means of expressing what is happening in the country and police station by sticking a baton up his Egyptian security apparatus started kid- I can say that the emergency law that them to expand our freedoms and secure their feelings of oppression and subjuga- distorts all the news to conceal from the rectum. The incident was filmed on a napping bloggers and torturing them for has been in place in Egypt during the our rights in nations whose bones have tion, caused by government policies that people what is really going on. mobile phone camera. weeks. After discovering their location, Mubarak era has become a burden not been broken with the oppression of their have resulted in many being unemployed Government-controlled media cen- When the video was discovered and the police would issue warrants for their only on bloggers, but on all sectors of people. There are no strong indications of or forced to work for less-than-survival sorship became blatantly apparent to the first posted on the Internet, it reverberat- arrest under emergency laws and hold society, all of which have personally expe- what is happening in our country in the wages. people with the 2006 sexual harassment ed around the world until the matter them on average for between four and six rienced the power that this law affords international media, which focuses on Egyptian blogs appeared and spread story: bloggers revealed an incident in the came before the courts. The government- months before releasing them. The abus- police officers. Policemen have gone so issues in which governments have a rapidly; the youth found these to be the streets of Cairo city centre in which hun- controlled media claimed the video was a es have continued in this way with the far beyond the articles of the emergency shared interest rather than on the oppres- only outlets for self-expression available dreds of young men harassed women. fake and accused me of fabrication, and a primary aim, in my opinion, of scaring law itself in exploiting this power that sion of peoples. to them, as most of the Egyptian media is The bloggers supported their reports with large number of government-sponsored young people who are thinking of laun- they have come to believe that they are owned by the government. Besides, cor- pictures taken from their mobile phones. television soap operas then appeared to ching a blog through which to express gods ruling over slaves.

22 23 Iran By Barbara Trionfi

he disputed 12 June 2009 elections Throughout 2009, journalists and On 18 April 2009, she was sentenced the organization Human Rights Activists was also an advisor to former moderate without charge. They were held in soli- Tin Iran and the protests that followed bloggers, charged with “mutiny” and “dis- behind closed doors by the Revolutionary in Iran said. The physician noted that the Iranian President Mohammad Khatami. tary confinement in a secret detention had strongly negative repercussions for ruption of public order,” faced leng thy Court in Tehran to eight years in prison. prison doctors failed to provide proper Until his arrest, Leylaz edited the daily centre for prolonged periods of time and Iranian journalists and bloggers as well as prison sentences, unfair trials, and tor- During the appeal hearing on 10 May, care by not sending Mirsayafi immedia - Sarmayeh, which was closed by the au- were tortured during interrogation. On for foreign journalists who were trying to ture. Numerous publications were shut the charge of espionage was reduced to tely to a hospital in an attempt to save thorities in November. 20 April 2005, a judiciary spokesman report on the events. down and the government set up a Web the lesser charge of “having access to clas- his life. Reza Rafiee Foroshani, a freelance said that an official investigation con- The government of Iran’s Supreme Crime Unit, to enforce Internet censor- sified information” and the eight-year In a separate case, former journalist journalist, who has contributed to Iran - firmed that their confessions had been Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has long ship. Media reports and human rights prison sentence reduced to a two-year Alireza Eftekhari, who had been working ian and international media including coerced. In spite of this, on 3 February implemented some of the world’s most observers say over 50 journalists fled into suspended sentence. She was released the with the economic daily Abrar until 2008, The Times, was arrested on 26 June in 2009, Tehran’s Judiciary Court sentenced repressive policies towards the media. exile to avoid persecution. next day. Saberi had been working as a died on 15 June, in the aftermath of Tehran. He was given a seven-year prison each of the four bloggers to prison terms In 2009, however, Iran became the lead- Foreign journalists encountered major freelance journalist in Iran since 2003. President Ahmadinejad’s disputed reelec- sentence plus a suspended sentence of of up to three years and three months, ing jailer of journalists in the world, im- restrictions on their ability to report on She had filed stories for NPR, Fox News, tion. Local sources say Eftekhari died another five years on spying charges. and to be flogged for “participating in prisoning over 100 reporters and bloggers events in Iran. During the turmoil that the BBC, and other international news from a brain hemorrhage after being beat- the establishment of illegal or ganisa - in the aftermath of the disputed elections. followed the contested election, on 16 organizations. In 2006 her press creden- en by security forces. In February, four Iranian tions,” “membership in illegal organisa- tials were revoked by the Ministry of Most of the journalists held in prison Culture and Islamic Guidance. at the end of 2009, often at unknown bloggers were sentenced IPI was a vocal participant in the cam- locations or in solitary confinement, are to prison terms, fines and paign for the release of Saberi. In April, it still awaiting trial. Some journalists have flogging by Iran’s Judiciary was one of 35 International Freedom of been leng thy prison senten ces, mostly in Expression exchange members to sign a “show” trials, in severe violation of the Court despite the head protest letter to Iran’s Minister of Justice. universal right to a fair trial. of the judiciary’s admission “Clearly this is a case of the government Five journalists, who were convicted that they had been coerced playing politics with a journalist,” IPI between 2006 and 2008, are still lan- told CNN at the time. guishing in prison. into confessing On 30 November, journalists Henga- One journalist died this meh Shahidi and Saeed Laylaz were sen- Masoud Bastani, a journalist with the year in Iran, most likely tenced to six and nine years in prison, daily Farhikhteghan and a contributor to respectively. It was reported that Shahidi, Jomhoriyat, a news website affiliated with as a consequence of torture an adviser to defeated presidential candi- the defeated reformist candidate Mir by the authorities date Mehdi Karoubi, and a blogger and Hossein Mousavi, was arrested on 5 July, contributor to reformist newspapers such when he went to a Tehran court seeking One journalist died this year in Iran, as Etemad e Melli, was arrested on June information about his wife, Mehsa most likely as a consequence of torture by 30. She was charged with mutiny for hav- Amrabadi. Amrabadi had been arrested the authorities. ing participated in riots and conducted on 15 June, when police went to their Omidreza Mirsayafi, a 29-year-old interviews with the “anti-revolutionary” house looking for Bastani during the Iranians hold signs and shout slogans denouncing Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as blog ger, died on 18 March in Tehran’s BBC, among other charges. Shahidi mass arrests that followed the June elec- Reuters and other foreign media are subject to they protest near the United Nations headquarters in New York, 23 September, 2009. Thousands Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take of people gathered to rally against the Iranian government and to protest its alleged human-rights Evin prison, where most prisoners of con- spent 50 days in solitary confinement, tions. Not having found Bastani, police pictures in Tehran. A student supporter of oppo- abuses following disputed presidential elections in June. (REUTERS/Natalie Behring) science are held. The blogger was sum - underwent repeated interrogations, and took with them his pregnant wife. When sition leader Mirhossein Mousavi shouts during moned to Tehran’s revolutionary court for was sentenced on 30 November. Bastani went to look for her, police told protests in central Tehran, 7 December, At year’s end, dozens of journalists were June, the Ministry of Culture and Islamic interrogation on 7 February 2009. He him that his wife would be released if he 2009.(REUTERS/via Your View) still being held in Iran’s prisons, accord- Orientation issued an order banning had been sentenced in November 2008 to Most of the journalists held gave himself up. Amrabadi was released ing to IPI’s information, in great part “foreign news media from participating two years and six months in prison for in prison at year’s end, on 25 August. Bastani was given a six- arrested between June and December. in or covering demonstrations organised insulting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali year prison sentence on 18 October. tions,” “propaganda against the state,” Furthermore, the government continued without interior ministry permission.” Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah often at unknown locations Reza Norbakhsh, the editor of the “disseminating lies,” and “disturbing to impose restrictions on the media, in Many foreign reporters were expelled Khomeini, leader of the 1979 revolution. or in solitary confinement, daily Farhikhteghan, was arrested on 4 pub lic order.” Memarian was also fi ned particular on websites and online media, from the country, including two Dutch After the interrogation on 7 February, he are still awaiting trial August at his office in Tehran. He was 500,000 Tomans (approx. 416 Euros). to prevent the distribution of dissenting TV journalists working for Nederland 2, was taken to prison. also given a six-year prison sentence. Iran has been violating the right to information and opinions about the elec- reporter Yolanda Alvarez of the Spanish Mirsayafi’s lawyer, Mohammad Ali Laylaz, an economist, political analyst In February, four Iranian bloggers freedom of expression for years, and jour- tion outcome. Numerous pro-reform television station TVE, and Jon Leyne of Dadkhah, told the International Cam- and journalist, who has often criticized were sentenced to prison terms, fines and nalists jailed in recent years remain in newspapers had their licenses revoked the BBC. paign for Human Rights in Iran that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s poli- flogging by Iran’s Judiciary Court despite prison serving lengthy prison sentences. and were forced to halt publication. In this bleak environment, the release Mir sayafi’s sentence was hurriedly imple- cies, was arrested at his home on 17 June the head of the judiciary’s admission that While trials and legal proceedings are of- At the time of the June crackdown, of Iranian-American freelance journalist mented without proper judicial proce- and charged with “mutiny against na- they had been coerced into confessing, ten marred by irregularities, and convic- IPI Director David Dadge said: “In a Roxana Saberi on 11 May came as unex- dures and that he had not been officially tional security, propagation against the Human Rights Watch and the Interna - tions are based on confessions obtained world where news is instant, it is deeply pected good news. Saberi had been held notified of the sentence before it was re gime, disrupting public order, and tional Campaign for Human Rights in through torture, Iran this year also arrest- depressing to see a government still seek- since January 2009 on charges of “espi- implemented. keeping classified documents,” according Iran reported. ed prominent human rights lawyers as a ing to prevent the free flow of informa- onage.” Hesam Firoozi, a physician also impri - to local and international news sources. Omid Memarian, Roozbeh Mirebra- further means of ensuring that dissidents tion without realising it is already seeping She was widely believed to have been soned in Evin, reported that Mirsayafi He spent over three months in solitary himi, Shahram Rafizadeh, and Javad do not have proper legal representation. out through every pore and fissure in used as a pawn in the political standoff suffered from serious depression and died confinement and was sentenced to nine Gho lamtamimi were arrested in Sep- The unjust imprisonment of journal- Iranian society.” between Iran and the United States. after taking extra doses of his medication, years in prison on 30 November. Laylaz tem ber and October 2004 and detained ists Adnan Hassanpour and Abdolvahed

24 25 Iraq By Naomi Hunt

Botimar has been highlighted by IPI November 2006 in connection with his resulting from beatings.” here were some positive develop- man for the Al Rasheed satellite channel, On 9 April, the correspondent of through its Justice Denied Campaign. reporting on the government’s harsh Following Kazemi’s killing, the Cana- T ments in Iraq in 2009: The num- which covers art, culture and entertain- week ly Roudaou, Azeez Mahmoud, nar- Abdolvahed Botimar, a journalist and treatment of Iranian-Arab protesters in dian government restricted diplomatic ber of journalist deaths in Iraq has sub- ment. At the time of the blast, Hijran and rowly escaped a murder attempt as she environmental activist, was arrested by the city of Ahwaz, Human Rights Acti- relations with Iran. stantially decreased over the past three Al Baghdadia TV correspondent Mo - drove home in Sulaymaniyah on 9 April. Iranian authorities on 25 December vists in Iran said. A Revolutionary Court years, from 41 in 2007, to 14 in 2008, ham med Abdullah Zadeh were returning On 23 April, the Minister of Martyrs 2006. His cousin, Adnan Hassanpour, convicted him during closed proceedings Kazemi was detained on to four in 2009. And in late April, Qadir home from assignment. His colleague, and Anfal Affairs, Chinar S’ad, filed a editor and journalist with the now-de - and sentenced him to a three-year prison 23 June 2003 for taking Hama Jan, the director of Sulay maniyah who carried Hijran to the hospital, was lawsuit against the editor-in-chief of funct Kurdish-Farsi weekly Aso, was ta- term for spreading propaganda against province security forces, announced a reportedly only slightly injured. Jehan magazine for defamation. S’ad is ken into custody exactly one month later. the Islamic regime and for communicat- pictures of Teheran’s decision to drop all lawsuits filed by the Numerous press freedom violations seeking one billion Iraqi Dinars (approx. They were arrested in Marivan, in the ing with opposition groups. Fallahiyaza - Evin Prison. Following her security forces against journalists in were reported in the federal entity of 600,000 Euros) from Nabaz Goran, who north-western province of Kurdistan. Aso deh was denied access to a lawyer, sources death, Iran’s Vice President Sulaymaniyah. Iraqi Kurdistan, which is administrated currently faces 17 other lawsuits, for da- was shut down by the Ministry for Cul- reported. But in a year when American forces by the Kurdish Regional Government mage to her reputation, after the maga- ture and Islamic Guidance in August Saeed Matinpour, a human rights Ali Abtahi admitted the began a phased withdrawal in June, pul- (KRG). Some 20 lawsuits were filed zine reported that she had taken a two- 2005 following its coverage of violent activist and a journalist with the newspa- journalist had died “of a ling troops from Iraqi cities, violence and against journalists in January 2009 alone, month trip to London. The minister’s protests in Kurdistan. pers Yar Pag and Mouj Bidari in western brain hemorrhage resulting attacks against journalists continued to ac cording to the Kurdistan Jour nal ists office had confirmed this information, Iran, is currently being held in Evin Pri- create a dangerous environment for the Syndicate. according to at least one press freedom Iran has been violating son. Matinpour was initially arrested in from beatings” media and media workers. In November 2008, Doctor Adel organisation. the right to freedom May 2007 and released on bail after nine Furthermore, the United States mili- Hussein was sentenced to six months in months. In July 2009, Matinpour was In an attempt to have the lawsuit dis- tary continues to detain and hold jour- prison in Erbil for writing an article As the Iraq government of expression for years, found guilty of association with foreign missed, lawyers representing the Iranian nalists without charge. Iraqi security for- about homosexuality for Hawlati, an in - prepared for parliamentary and journalists jailed countries considered to be enemies of the state are invoking the Canadian State ces have been responsible for numerous dependent weekly. He was found guilty elections, set for 21 Jan- in recent years remain in state, and of spreading anti-regime prop- Immunity Act, which declares that for- beatings and detentions of reporters. And of “offending public decency” but was aganda, based on a confession extracted eign states are immune from the jurisdic- Iraqi officials continue to use criminal freed on 7 December after receiving a uary 2010, government prison serving lengthy under torture and accusations made by tion of Canadian courts. The plaintiffs, defamation and other antiquated laws to par don from KRG President Massoud members filed a disturbing prison sentences others. He was sentenced to eight years in however, have argued that the State punish critical journalists. Barzani. prison. Immunity Act contravenes Canada’s Four Iraqi journalists were killed in On 4 February, Awene newspaper edi- number of defamation On 16 July 2007, two days after they Meanwhile, Stephan Hashemi, the son Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well connection with their work in 2009. On tor Shwan Muhammad was fined 3 mil- and other lawsuits against began a hunger strike, Hassanpour and of photojournalist Zahra Kazemi, who as the 1960 Bill of Rights. 10 March, Al Baghdadia television corre- lion Dinars (approx. 1,820 Euros) for de - journalists throughout the Botimar were sentenced to death in a was imprisoned and beaten to death by spondent Haidar Hashim Suhail, 30, and faming a tribal leader in a November closed trial by the revolutionary court of prison personnel in July 2003, has filed a Recommendations cameraman Suhaib Adnan, 25, were kil - 2006 article published by an anonymous country and abroad Marivan. The charges included spying, case against the Islamic Republic of Iran • Immediately drop all charges against led by a suicide bomb in the town of Abu author. He was reportedly also criminally “subversive activity against national secu- before a Canadian court. Kazemi had journalists imprisoned for distributing Ghraib. Over thirty people were killed charged with “hiding information from In June, Hawlati reporter Goran Du - rity” and spreading “separatist propagan- dual Iranian and Canadian citizenship information or expressing ideas. in the blast, and several journalists were the court,” because he refused to reveal kani reportedly received a threatening da.” In July 2009, Hassanpour and Bo- and lived in Montreal. • Repeal the 1986 Press Law, which wounded, some severely. the author’s name. visit from Captain Mahmood Jaf, the timar had their death sentences commut- Kazemi was detained on 23 June 2003 imposes severe restrictions on press Jassem Mohamed, who heads the Da- chief security officer of the Patriotic ed to ten years imprisonment each. for taking pictures of Teheran’s Evin freedom and harsh punishment for Jassem Mohamed, who lal TV station, was arrested on 25 Feb- Union of Kurdistan (PUK)’s Du ka n of - In a separate case, journalist Moham - Prison. Following her death, Iran’s Vice content deemed inappropriate. heads the Dalal TV station, ruary for saying in an interview that his fice. Dukani had unsuccessfully attempt- mad Hossein Fallahiyazadeh, a television President Ali Abtahi admitted the jour- • Cease legal persecution of journalists detention for two weeks in January had ed to interview Jaf for a story about a reporter with Al Alam, was arrested on 1 nalist had died “of a brain hemorrhage and respect journalists’ right to a fair was arrested on 25 February no legal basis and was a “human rights knife attack against a security officer trial. for saying in an interview violation.” from the PUK in Dukan. that his detention for In March, Hawlati newspaper, and its As the Iraq government prepared for Iran in Brief former editor-in-chief, Abid Aref, were parliamentary elections, set for March two weeks in January had fined for defaming Iraqi President Jalal 2010, government members filed a dis- Population: 74.2 million no legal basis and was a Talabani. Aref was sentenced to a fine of turbing number of defamation and other Domestic Overview: The controversial re-election in June 2009 of Iran’s “human rights violation” three million Dinars (approx. 1,800 Eu- lawsuits against journalists throughout ultra-conservative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad led to serious internal ros), and the newspaper to a fine of 10 the country and abroad. unrest. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, endorsed the results million Dinars (approx. 6,000 Euros), for Two individuals – Hussein al-Shahri- of the disputed election. Supporters of opposition candidate Mir Hossein Alaa Abdel-Wahab, a sports journalist publishing a translation of a report enti- stani, the Iraqi oil minister, and the head Mousavi took to the streets. Over 1,000 people were arrested in the wave for Al Baghdadia TV, was killed on 31 tled “Is Iraqi Kurdistan a Good Ally?”, of a company named Al Mansour – of protests that followed, and more than a dozen people were reportedly killed, according to media reports and human rights groups. May when a bomb placed under his car written in 2008 by Michael Rubin of the brought lawsuits against the newspaper exploded. The motive for the attack is American Enterprise Institute. Al Baya nat Al Jedida in March over arti- Beyond Borders: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s strongly confronta- unclear. Sports presenter Sultan Jerjis, of On 17 March, Surwan Omar was ar- cles that alleged corruption within the tional stance toward the West has caused serious tensions. Meanwhile, local radio station Al Rasheed, was also rested after Raniyah mayor Jiwar Gorna company and at a petroleum depot near Iran’s nuclear programme has raised international concerns and led to the injured in the attack, according to the filed a complaint regarding a report Baghdad, press freedom observers report- imposition of sanctions. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is purely Journalistic Freedoms Observatory. about abuse of authority. Omar, editor of ed. The minister demanded 500 million peaceful. After the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported on Iran’s non-compliance with its safeguards agreement to the UN Security On 21 October, cameraman Orhan Rika magazine and a representative of the Dinars (approx. 315,000 Euros) in dam- Council, the Council passed a resolution in September 2009 demanding Hijran, 18, was killed by a blast near his Kurdistan News agency had to pay bail of ages; the head of Al Mansour sued for that Iran suspends its nuclear enrichment activities. home in the Al Khadrah neighbourhood three million Dinars (approx. 1,820 Eu- 300 million Dinars (approx. 189,000 of Kirkuk. Hijran worked as a camera- ros), press freedom groups reported. Euros).

26 27 elections for provincial councils. In Bas - vealed that some of the protest leaders September, Livin editor-in-chief Ahmed Haydar al-Qotbi from US-funded Ra- ra, journalists gathered near a polling sta- were political rivals of the Shiite group. Mira survived an assassination attempt. dio Sawa was attacked by Sahwa militia- tion were assaulted by prison guards, who United States forces were also respon- The Iraqi government has been criti- men in Baghdad on 10 July. After show- broke the reporters’ equipment, local news sible for several violations. The detention cised for failing to bring to justice those ing a press ID he was reportedly insulted agencies reported. In Fallujah and Hillah, of Reuters photographer Ibrahim Jassam who kill and attack journalists. because he worked for an American news reporters were prevented from entering continued through this year. Jassam was There were limited efforts to tackle outlet, dragged from his car and beaten by polling stations. arrested and taken to a US military camp impunity in 2009. In April, a trial began six men. The Sahwa militia are part of the On 28 July, as the Iraqi army entered on 1 September 2008. On 30 November, for two suspects accused of plotting to Sons of Iraq coalition between Iraqi forces the Ashraf camp near Baghdad, where an the Iraqi central criminal court cleared murder Livin editor-in-chief Mira. Ac- and tribal sheikhs, who have joined forces exiled Iranian opposition group was hou- him of all charges, but US forces none - cording to press freedom monitors, this to maintain security. sed, journalists were prevented from theless refused to release him, claiming was the first instance of suspects being Investigative journalist and editor Na- entering, according to press freedom that the United States was not bound charged with plotting to kill a journalist baz Goran was attacked on 29 October by monitors. Fighting reportedly broke out by Iraqi court orders. He remains in in Iraq. unknown assailants and brutally beaten between the army and camp residents. detention. On 4 August, the authorities announ- while leaving his office in Erbil, the capi- The camp, whose 3,500 residents are In a 2 September statement, IPI Di - ced the arrest of three militants who had tal of Iraqi Kurdistan. The 32-year old, pro tected under the Geneva Conven - rector David Dadge said: “The continued reportedly confessed to the 2006 murder who edits the Kurdish-language Jihal tions, was handed to Iraqi authorities on detention of Ibrahim Jassam without of Atwar Bahjat, Khaled Mahmoud al- newspaper, believes that he was attacked Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki speaks to the media at a news conference in Baghdad 1 Jan uary 2009. charge, a year after he was arrested, is a Falahi and Adnan Khairallah, a reporter, by members of the Kurdish Democratic 3 January, 2010. (REUTERS/Iraqi Government/Handout) Finally, a draft Journalists Protection slap in the face to the US government’s cameraman and soundman, respectively, Party, he told press freedom observers. He Law, published by the government on 31 stated belief in press freedom, as well as for Al Arabiya satellite TV. left to take refuge in Sulaymaniyah, saying In April, the Iraqi military filed law- On 18 May, a Baghdad court ordered July, caused concern among journalists its long-cherished belief in due process.” Iraqi journalists nonetheless contin- that he never wanted to see Erbil again. suits against the London-based Al Hayat Iraqi news website Kitabat, which is ba - and local and international press freedom On 1 January, US troops shot Biladi ued to be targeted for their work in 2009. newspaper and the Dubai-based Al sed in Germany, to pay 1 billion Dinars groups. On the one hand, the law pro- TV editor Hadil Emad, 25. She was On 30 May, two media workers from Recommendations Sharqiya satellite channel, the New York (approx. 605,600 Euros) in damages to vides certain protections and state be - critically wounded near a checkpoint in the Al Iraqiya television broadcaster were • Sensitization training for Iraqi security Times reported. Major General Qassim Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for alleg- nefits to journalists; however, other ele- the al-Karrada district of Baghdad, seriously wounded when a bomb planted forces and cooperating militias on the Atta al-Moussawi accused Al Hayat of ing nepotism by his chief of staff. How- ments of the law appear to constitute an reports said. A US military statement in their car exploded in the Al A’zamiya protection of journalists. misquoting him in an article that was ever, the suit was withdrawn following an attempt to restrict the rights of journal- said that US troops shot a woman who district of Baghdad, according to media • Investigate the murders of journalists then picked up by the satellite broadcast- international outcry. ists. The law prohibits publication of “acted suspiciously and failed to res - reports. and bring killers to justice. er. Official government newspaper Al- material that could compromise “security pond to warnings.” Reporters Ali al-Juburi, of the Ifaq • Repeal outdated laws criminalizing Sabah also picked up the quote, but was Haydar al-Qotbi from and stability,” and offers inadequate pro- Muntazer al-Zaidi, the Iraqi journalist satellite broadcaster, Ahmad Omad of defamation and insults. not threatened with closure. Courts fined US-funded Radio Sawa tection of a journalist’s right to keep who famously threw his shoes at former Biladi TV and Karim al-Qasimi of Al • Enact a comprehensive Freedom of Al Sharqiya 100 million Dinars (approx. sources confidential, and against arbi- US President George W. Bush in Decem- Fiha newspaper were physically attacked Information Act, and legislation en- 60,000 Euros) in August for misquoting was attacked by Sahwa trary detention and seizure of equipment. ber 2009, was released from prison on 15 and then detained by Sahwa militiamen suring broad protections for the right al-Moussawi. militiamen in Baghdad on Writing about the law in a 21 August September. Zaidi was originally senten - and Iraqi police in Babil province, media to free expression and a free press. On 19 April, the head of the Iraqi 10 July. After showing a IndexonCensorship.org article, IPI no- ced to three years in prison for insulting a monitors reported. They were returning • Refrain from censorship of media, state railway company sued private televi- ted: “Journalists in Iraq are worried that foreign head of state, but his term was home after covering a visit by the prime including online media, who report. sion station Al Diyar Sat TV for broad- press ID, he was reportedly there too the draft law will be broadly later reduced to one year. He was freed minister to the region. on political, social and other issues. casting a report about the working condi- insulted because he worked and cynically interpreted to dramatically three months early for good behaviour. tions of its employees in Anbar province, for an American news out- narrow the scope for, and eventually Zaidi claims that he was tortured by sen- press freedom observers reported. An extinguish completely, critical, investiga- ior government officials while in prison. Iraq in Brief let, dragged from his car appeals court awarded the company 10 tive and independent reporting. It por- His family and attorney say he was beat- Population: 30.7 million million Dinars (approx. 6,300 Euros) in tends, they fear, a sliding return to the en, whipped and subjected to electric and beaten by six men Domestic Overview: damages. dark days of censorship and repression.” shocks and water-boarding. After the US-led ouster of President Saddam Hussein in 2003, the situation in the country remains volatile. In January 2005, Iraq In May, Abdel Fellah Hassan al- On 28 May, the Iraqi National In- On 14 August, hundreds of journalists At the time, IPI condemned the whol- held its first parliamentary elections since the ousting of Saddam and the Sudani, Iraq’s trade minister, reportedly telligence Service (INIS) filed a case de - gathered to protest the draft law as well as ly disproportionate sentence he received country’s first multi-party elections in 50 years. Parties representing the Shiite brought a series of complaints against manding around 1.2 billion Iraqi Dinars government attempts to censor books and expressed grave concern at the tor- Muslim community won a majority of seats. Parties representing the Kurdish newspapers Al Parlament and Al Mashriq, (approx. 690,000 Euros) from the Lon - and publications, and block websites, ac - ture allegations. community also won a number of seats in parliament, while those represent- according to press freedom observers. don-based newspaper The Guardian over cording to the International Freedom of The Iraqi government has been criti- ing the Sunni Arab community boycotted the elections. The dailies had published a report by the an article by reporter Ghaith Abdul-Ahad Expression eXchange (IFEX). Demons- cised for failing to bring to justice those Beyond Borders: Iraq’s diplomatic relations with Iran were restored in 1990, Public Integrity Commission, which describing Prime Minister al-Maliki’s tra tors were also protesting in solidarity who kill and attack journalists. It has after the end of the 1980-88 war between the two countries. However, rela- combats corruption in Iraq, implicating government as “authoritarian.” In Novem- with Ahmed Abd al-Hussein, a journalist been over a year since 23-year-old Livin tions remain cool as some of the issues from the war, including prisoners of the minister in a corruption ring. The ber, a Baghdad court fined the newspaper with the state-owned Al Sabah newspaper magazine reporter Soran Mama Hama war exchanges and support of armed opposition parties operating in each minister demanded a total of around 166 100 million Dinars (approx. 60,500 Eu- who had recently received death threats was murdered, and no one has yet been other’s territory, have yet to be solved. In November 2006, the EU started million Iraqi Dinars (approx. 100,000 ros). The Guardian announced it would from a Shiite . Hussein was tried for the crime. The young journalist talks with Iraq about the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Euros) from Al Mashriq, and about 52 appeal the decision. threatened after he blamed the party for a began receiving death threats after pub- The EU says it hopes to finalise negotiations in 2010. The EU’s interest in million Iraqi Dinars (approx. 31,500 Other instances of government inter- major bank holdup in July during which lishing an article about the alleged com- developing closer relations with Iraq is a consequence of the country’s im- Euros) from Al Parlament, press freedom ference in the work of journalists were some US $7 million (ap prox. 5 million plicity of the police and other security portant role in the region and potential as a trading partner. Iraq has very observers reported. also reported. Several cases of harassment Euros) was stolen and eight people killed. officials in the sex trade in Kirkuk, ac - friendly relations with the US. were registered during the January 2009 However, according to IFEX, it was re- cording to press freedom monitors. In

28 29 Israel & The Palestinian Territories By Naomi Hunt Israel Gaza

n 27 December 2008, Israel laun - violations recorded in Israel this year were oreign journalists were barred by the Oched an air offensive against Gaza, attacks against Palestinian journalists. FIsraeli authorities from entering Gaza followed by ground operations on 3 Ja- Journalists from Palestinian media were beginning 6 November 2008, as tensions nuary 2009, in retaliation for rockets detained, arrested or had their equipment between Israel and the Hamas authorities launched after a ceasefire between Israel seized on several occasions near or in Al in Gaza worsened. Although the ban was and Ha mas fell apart late in 2008. Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, according to lifted for one day in December, it was Shortly before operations began, foreign reports from the Palestinian Centre for immediately reinstated. On 27 December, journalists were barred from entering De velopment and Media Freedoms (Ma - the Israeli army began Operation Cast Gaza. (Israeli journalists had been ban - da). Journalists are not allowed to film Lead, an air offensive on the Gaza strip. ned from travelling into Gaza and the inside the mosque without special per- This was followed by ground operations West Bank without special permission for mission. On occasion, however, Israeli on 3 Jan uary. Fighting ended on 17 Ja - several years.) The Israeli army were security forces reportedly assaulted jour- nuary, when Israel adopted a unilateral responsible for targeted attacks on several nalists who were filming from inside the ceasefire. Israel’s Foreign Press Associa - media houses during the Gaza offensive, mosque yard. On 3 October, for exam- tion res pon ded to the journalist ban by and several journalists were wounded as a ple, photographer Abdullah Fathi Zidan filing a complaint with the Supreme result of the fighting. With ac cess barred from news website “Falestine 48” was Court, which ruled on 31 December to outside journalists, international news reportedly punched in the face by an Isra- that the Israeli army should bring jour- media relied on the work of local Pales - eli solder while trying to film protesters at nalists into Gaza in groups of twelve. tinian stringers, who worked around the the mosque, Mada reported. At least one This decision was never implemented, al - clock under difficult and dangerous con- journalist was also injured by a stone though a handful of journalists were ditions. Specific press freedom violations thrown by a Palestinian youth at the eventually allowed into Gaza under the from the attacks are recorded in the re- mosque. supervision of Israeli forces. Egypt ope - port on Gaza below. Other attacks against journalists were ned a crossing point into Gaza on 15 Ja - reported in Silwan, a predominantly nuary, allowing journalists to gain access With access barred to Arab neighbourhood in Jerusalem, dur- there. The Israeli army said journalists outside journalists, ing November, as houses in the area were reporting in Gaza could give away key being demolished. For instance, Al Ja- tactical information, and that the Israeli inter national news media zeera English News cameraman Mamoun army could not guarantee their safety. relied on the work of local Siyam was beaten by Israeli security for - Palestinian stringers, ces twice in one day on 18 November, Foreign journalists Mada reported. In the morning, he was who worked around the hit while covering demolitions in Al Esa- were barred by the Israeli clock under difficult and wiya, and was beaten in the afternoon in authorities from entering dangerous conditions Silwan, also covering a demolition. Siyam Gaza beginning told Mada that “they beat me brutally, The media in Israel enjoy broad pro- and they tried to break my camera by 6 November 2008, as tections of the right to freedom of the throwing it into the wall but I defended tensions between Israel press, and news outlets are often vocal in it fiercely like my son, and I took it so my and the Hamas authorities Islamic Jihad militants take part in a training drill in front of the media near Gaza city 26 December, 2009. (REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa) their criticism of Israeli policy. None- hand was injured.” On the same day, theless, security restrictions and military Siyam reportedly also narrowly missed in Gaza worsened or Israeli journalists, Israel has one of The political and military movement censorship continue to hamper journalis- being hit by a sniper’s rubber bullets. Fthe most open media environments Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in tic activities, and Israeli journalists are According to media freedom observers in the Middle East, and a wide range of 2007. Journalists in Gaza exercise self- not permitted to enter the Palestinian ter- Recommendations RSF, the several hundred journalists wor - opinions and commentary can be found censorship and are prevented from repor - ritories without special permission. Jour- • End the use of violence against king in Gaza at the time overcame daily in both the broadcast and print media. ting on Hamas military affairs. They have nalists working in Israel are accredited by Pales tinian journalists by Israeli challenges and threats in order to get However, Israeli security policy prevents also been required to register with the the Government Press Office, and press security forces. reports to their respective news agencies. Israeli journalists from travelling into the Gaza authorities. Since the takeover, passes are required for entry to official • Ensure Israeli security forces are sensi- Travel throughout Gaza was dangerous. Palestinian Territories without special journalists in Gaza and the West Bank press conferences and certain other state tized to the rights and duties of jour- Material obstacles included power cuts, per mission, and Palestinian journalists have suffered as a result of the ongoing institutions. While many foreign journ - nalists, including Palestinian journal- broken phone lines and damaged vehicles are prevented from entering Israel. In the conflict between Hamas and Fatah, with alists receive accreditation, Palestinian ists, covering events in Jerusalem. and equipment. Journalists reportedly West Bank, Israeli soldiers and Palestin - security forces from each party frequent- jour nalists do not and are therefore ex - • Award accreditation to Palestinian complained that they had no wartime ian security forces regularly interfere with ly detaining and arresting journalists cluded from covering certain press con- journalists covering official events insurance coverage. However, RSF also An Israeli army Merkava tank turns the work of Palestinian journalists, and a affiliated with either pro-Hamas or pro- ferences and other official events that in Israel. reported that a “strong solidarity devel- its turret armed, with a 120 mm gun, towards journalists and scavengers in large number of press freedom violations Fatah news outlets. may have a direct impact on their audi- • Enable Israeli media to enter the oped between the different agencies so northern Gaza Strip, 26 December, 2009. were reported in Jerusalem and the West ence. Besides the barring of foreign jour- Palestinian Territories without the they could overcome the technical, mate- (REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis) Bank in 2009. nalists from Gaza, most press freedom need for special permission. rial and human difficulties.”

30 31 West Bank

Four journalists lost their lives during NBC and Al Arabiya, among other news mation coming out of Gaza, and journal- it was confirmed that Abu Aoun was an n the West Bank, Palestinian security tinian military intelligence services came the offensive, and many more were outlets. ists who covered weapons imports and independent journalist. I forces as well as Israeli soldiers were to the home of former Al Aqsa TV cam- woun ded by bomb blasts and shrapnel. The last Israeli soldiers had withdrawn other security related affairs were threat- Ramattan news agency reportedly res ponsible for a number of attacks on eraman Osaid Amarneh on 12 Novem- Amongst those killed was Basil Ibrahim from Gaza by 21 January, but Israeli se - ened or even assaulted. An RSF report on closed its offices in Gaza in November, journalists, according to reports by the ber, and told his mother that if the jour- Faraj, a cameraman for ENTV and the curity forces continued to prevent jour- Gaza operations notes that, for instance, saying that it had been targeted by secu- Palestinian Centre for Development and nalists did not come out within half an Palestine Broadcast Production Compa - nalists from travelling into Gaza. In Feb - no Hamas members were recorded laun - rity forces and had suffered numerous Media Freedoms (Mada). Palestinian hour, the house would be raided. Amar- ny, who was wounded in an Israeli air ruary and June, cargo vessels containing ching missiles. violations of press freedom and the law. Pre ventive Security and other Palestinian neh came out and was taken away; he was The Palestinian Centre for Develop - The day before it announced its closure, intelligence forces were responsible for released two weeks later, Mada reported. ment and Media Freedoms (Mada) security forces broke into the office to the arbitrary arrest and detention of a reported that security forces in Gaza were prevent a press conference from being responsible for numerous arbitrary de - held there. tentions, arrests, raids on journalists’ homes, beatings, destruction or confisca- Palestinian officials tion of equipment, and other forms of and security forces in intimidation and censorship. Three Fatah members were sentenced Hamas-controlled Gaza to death on 24 May for the 2007 murder were responsible for a of two journalists who worked for series of violations against Palestine, a Hamas-affiliated newspaper. While press freedom groups welcomed the media in 2009 the fact that the perpetrators have been brought to justice, they criticized the use On 10 November, Hamas officials of the death penalty, and voiced concern stop ped a journalists meeting organized that the punishment may simply have by the International Federation of Jour- been retribution against Fatah party nalists (IFJ), whose purpose was to build members. a dialogue between journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The event, which Four journalists lost was to link journalists in the two Pales- their lives during the tinian areas via video, was cancelled by the ve nue’s owners on the orders of Ha - offensive, and many more mas, IFJ reported. were wounded by bomb Recommendations Tear gas canisters fired by Israeli soldiers land near journalists and protesters during blasts and shrapnel An Israeli army officer (C) grabs a camera from Reuters cameraman Yusri al-Jamal a protest against the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank village of Bil’in near • End the arrest and intimidation of as he prevents him from covering news events in the West Bank city of Hebron Ramallah, 17 July, 2009. (REUTERS/Darren Whiteside) journalists and media outlets covering 2 January, 2009. (REUTERS/Stringer) Palestinian police detained numerous events in Gaza. strike on 27 December and later passed humanitarian aid and carrying Al Jazeera journalists, raided their homes and con- • Permit journalists in Gaza to com- number of journalists affiliated with pro- Palestinian security also prevented the away on 7 January, the International journalists were stopped, and the journal- fiscated their equipment, and confiscated municate and coordinate with counter- Hamas media, especially Al Quds and media from covering certain issues. Pales - Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported. ists were detained for questioning before or destroyed reporters’ footage on at least parts outside Gaza, including in the Al Aqsa television networks, and Filasteen tinian security stopped an Al Jazeera crew Omar Silawi, Ihab al-Wahidi and Alaa being released. On 12 May, Haaretz six occasions throughout the year. These West Bank. newspaper. on 15 June, as they were travelling from Murtaja died after air strikes on their journalist Amira Hass was arrested while attacks primarily affected journalists • End the targeted harassment of In January, two correspondents from Dura village to Hebron. The crew was home neighbourhoods on January 3, 8 returning to Israel after spending four from foreign media and media consid- journalists affiliated with pro-Fatah London-based Al Quds TV were arrested filming a documentary about a detainee and 9, according to the Com mittee to months in Gaza. She was charged with ered to be pro-Fatah, although reporters and other media. and detained. Samer Khuaira, detained who had died in the custody of the Protect Journalists (CPJ). Israeli air “illegally entering enemy territory.” On from Hamas-run Al Quds TV were on • Allow Israeli and foreign journalists to on 24 January, was not released until Palestinian Authority. Security personnel strikes also hit several different media 23 August, reporter Donald Bostrom one occasion detained and, on another, report freely from within Gaza. 2 March, and spent a week in solitary reportedly deleted their footage and buildings. On 28 December, Ha mas-run and a photographer from Sweden’s Afton - beaten. confinement, according to IFJ. Ahmed detained the crew for an hour. Al Aqsa television was hit and destroyed; bladet newspaper were prevented from In October, Faiz Shukri Abu Aoun Bi kawi, detained on 26 January, was In November, Palestinian police raid- a few days later, the offices of Al Rissala, a entering Gaza, following the publication from Al Ayyam and Radio Sawt Al Sha’b freed on 12 April. Media freedom ob- ed the Ramallah headquarters of Sawt Al Hamas-funded newspaper, were bombed. of an article in which Bostrom reported executive director Bassam Abu Aoun servers said he was denied access to a Hurieha radio station, according to Ma - The Al Johara Tower, containing some 20 allegations that Israeli soldiers had stolen were attacked by civilians during cover- lawyer and his family for the first month da. Detectives reportedly told director news organisations, was hit in January – organs from Palestinians. age of a sit-in in Gaza City, which was and a half. Majdi al-Arabed that they had an order despite the fact that it was clearly marked Palestinian officials and security forces held to protest the closure of several On several occasions, Palestinian se- to close the station; however, they were as a media building, IFJ reported at the in Hamas-controlled Gaza were responsi- shops in the area, according to Mada. curity raided the homes of journalists, unwilling to show him official identifica- time. On 15 January, Shuruq Tower was ble for a series of violations against the One assailant told police that Faiz Abu sometimes confiscating computers and tion and he told them to leave. Shortly hit, injuring two journalists. The build- media in 2009. During Operation Cast Aoun was sending reports to Fatah in the other equipment before taking the repor - thereafter, around 30 policemen report- ing housed Fox News, Sky News, Reuters, Lead, Hamas attempted to control infor- West Bank, but was himself arrested once ters away. In one typical example, Pales- edly raided the station and arrested five

32 33 Jordan By Anthony Mills

employees. They were released on bail. right leg. A’mireh told Mada that they Recommendations he press in Jordan is not free, despite she can complain to the Information ply for doing their job, reporters and edi- According to Mada, the radio was closed were definitely targeted, because the sol- • End the targeted harassment of Tthe fact that limited criticism of the Council. However, according to Freedom tors say they have been warned to steer on an order from the Israeli authorities, dier “saw us clearly and the distance bet - journalists from pro-Hamas and government and its allies, as well as the House there were no registered com- clear of certain sensitive topics, and that who said that the station’s signal was ween us was less than a hundred meters.” other foreign media. expression of pro-Islamist sentiment, are plaints in 2008 because no information printing houses have been forced to halt interfering with frequencies used by Ben • Provide sensitisation training on the often tolerated. The state exercises firm requests were ever filed. printing until undesirable articles have Gurion International Airport. This was On several occasions, rights and duties of journalists to both control through interference and indirect Jordanian journalists say attempts to been pulled. the second time the station, which was Palestinian security raided Palestinian and Israeli security forces. pressure. Press freedom is further curtai- obtain information are routinely blocked. Jordan’s government is a key share- previously headquartered in Gaza, had • Stop practices that amount to censor- led by repressive laws. Journalists may be Most senior officials won’t allow subordi- holder in the country’s two major news- been closed, Mada reported. After the the homes of journalists, ship including the confiscation of imprisoned for criticising the king, heads nates to speak to the media without top- papers. Any legal publication has to be Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip, an sometimes confiscating equipment, erasure of photos and of states of foreign countries or religious level permission. licensed by the state. Under the new Press armed group confiscated the station’s computers and other footage, and preventing journalists symbols. In addition, reporters are only legally and Publications Law courts may prevent equipment, forcing them to move to the from covering certain events. Although Jordan’s constitution guar- considered bona fide journalists if they publication of printed material and West Bank. equipment before taking • Prosecute Israeli soldiers who assault antees the right to freedom of expression are members of the Jordan Press Associa - revoke licenses. Israeli soldiers were responsible for a the reporters away journalists in the West Bank as they and the press, the media climate is stifled tion. Critical journalists have sometimes number of violent attacks on journalists. would be for similar assaults in Israel. by oppressive media laws as well as gov- On 9 May, for instance, Associated Press The Israeli army also shut down a • Prosecute Palestinian security forces ernment pressure directed at advertisers. cameraman Abd al-Rahman Khabisa was media outlet in the West Bank this year. who assault journalists. In a 2009 report, Freedom House said injured while covering a weekly march On 25 August, forces raided the Radio that security agencies continued to harass against the separation wall in Bil’in vil- Bethlehem 2000 station in Beit Jala, near journalists and a government body block- lage. According to a Mada report, Israeli Bethlehem, and confiscated their equip- ed the launching of the country’s first pri- soldiers at the march fired a gas canister ment, taking them off the air. According vate television station. at Khabisa, which burnt his clothing and to media freedom observers, the soldiers the top of his legs. He moved 10 meters arrived in five jeeps and, after ordering a Although Jordan’s away, but a few minutes later soldiers technician to stop broadcasting, took reportedly fired a sound grenade at him equipment with them with no further con stitution guarantees and burned his abdomen. Khabisa was explanation and without showing a war- the right to freedom of transferred to hospital in Ramallah. rant. One soldier reportedly said, “We expression and the press, don’t want to hear Radio Bethlehem In November, Palestinian 2000 anymore.” the media climate is police raided the Ramallah stifled by oppressive media laws as well as gov- headquarters of Sawt Israel and the Palestinian Territories in Brief Al Hurieha radio station, ernment pressure directed Israeli Population: 7.2 million at advertisers according to Mada. Palestinian Population: 4.3 million Detectives reportedly Domestic Overview: Since the creation in 1948 of the Jewish state of In 2007, the Jordanian parliament ap- told director Majdi al- Israel in the territories that used to belong to the former British mandate proved a new Press and Publications Law Arabed that they had an of Palestine, armed conflicts have resulted in many deaths and casualties. which prohibits “detention as a result of Jordan's King Abdullah II (R) and his wife Queen Rania offer condolences to the relatives Since 1967, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza lived under Israeli the enunciation of an opinion in speech, of three Jordanian peacekeepers killed in the Haiti earthquake after their arrival at Amman order to close the station; occupation. In 2005, Israel implemented its “Disengagement Plan” writing, or through other means.” How- airport, 19 January, 2010. (REUTERS/Yousef Allan) however, they were to remove all its settlers from the Gaza Strip and from four settlements ever, the new law also vastly increased unwilling to show him in the West Bank. Tension increased after Hamas won a clear majority criminal defamation fines, which can rise been excluded from the association. AmmanNet, the Arab world’s first on - of seats in January 2006 Palestinian parliamentary elections. The United as high as 28,000 Dinars (approx. 27,400 The intelligence services closely mon- line radio station, was launched in 2000 official identification States and Israel rejected the idea of a Hamas leadership. Hamas seized Euros) for offending religious beliefs and itor journalists, and along with police by Palestinian journalist and IPI member control of Gaza from Fatah in June 2007. the prophets, or slandering the govern- and the judiciary are allowed by the gov- Daoud Kuttab. It covers news and cur- In one particularly worrying case, free- In Israel, Binyamin Netanyahu, of the right-wing Likud party, was elected ment. The penal code also allows for the ernment to stifle critical media. It has rent affairs, as well as culture, entertain- lance cameraman Hamouda Saed A’mi- President in February 2009. prosecution of journalists, who can be also been alleged that government infor - ment and sports. reh and Israeli photographer David Reed Beyond Borders: 110 UN member states have officially recognised the imprisoned for up to three years for de- mants operate within media outlets, and According to Freedom House, 18.2 were injured while covering another state of Palestine. After the 1994 establishment of the Palestinian Authority faming the king, the royal family, govern- that printing press operators serve as per cent of Jordanians accessed the Inter - march against the separation wall, this as the organ to govern parts of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, ment officials, or the intelligence forces. government censors. Unsurprisingly, the net in 2008. time in Ni’lin village near Ramallah. numerous foreign countries exchanged embassies and delegations with In April 2007, an Access to Informa - threat of criminal prosecution and heavy In September 2007, the Press and Pub- A’mireh said that following the march, the PA. In total, about 146 countries now offer some form of recognition tion Law was passed in Jordan – for the fines has fuelled self-censorship. Accor - lications law was applied to online publi- clashes began between some men and the to Palestine. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was granted first time anywhere in the Arab world. ding to the Jordan-based Center for De - cations, and in early 2008 the Mi nistry of soldiers. Suddenly one of the soldiers re- observer status at the UN in 1974. Un fortunately, however, the law incorpo- fending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ), Interior ordered Internet cafe owners to portedly fired a live round at him, and Israel today enjoys diplomatic relations with 163 countries, including rates opaque national security exemp- 94 percent of journalists in Jordan engage install cameras and note down the identi- A’mireh was wounded by shrapnel in his a number of Arab and Muslim countries. It has signed peace treaties with tions and an oversight mechanism whose in self-censorship. ties and personal details of users. right foot. Reid was hit by shrapnel in his Jordan and Egypt. independence is questionable. Freedom House notes that although Several infringements on press free- If, under the new law, a person’s re - King Abdullah II said in November 2008 dom were noted in 2009 in Jordan. quest for information is denied, he or that no journalists would be arrested sim-

34 35 Kuwait By Alison Bethel McKenzie

the Israeli Embassy, which is located close Because the article was posted online, violation of law organising syndicates.” lthough Kuwait has some of the most ing this year a law that would impose Jordan in Brief to the mosque, according to local and Mahadin was tried under the criminal co- The Jordan Press Association is effec- A outspoken newspapers in the Arab severe restrictions on Internet content and regional media reports. de rather than the press law. He faced up tively controlled by newspaper owners, world, it remained a concern for press bloggers. Already, certain email sites have Population: 6.3 million The Al Jazeera crew was attacked after to two years in prison for defamation un - and has reportedly been traditionally freedom advocates in 2009 as the num- been banned and internet cafes are re- Domestic Overview: When the police had dispersed the crowd, Abu der Article 364 of Jordan’s criminal code. close to the Jordanian authorities. It ap - ber of defamation and slander cases quired to provide the name and contact Jordan’s King Hussein died in Hilala told AmmanNet radio. He said Following an initial hearing on 8 parently considered the establishment of brought against journalists in the oil-rich information of customers if asked by the February 1999 after ruling for that when he saw a group of plainclothes March, a 30 March hearing was post- the Journalists Club as an attempt to cir- nation continued to escalate. Ministry of Information. 46 years, Jordan faced serious men tearing down a mock cemetery rep- poned until 21 April to allow Mahadin to cumvent the Jordan Press Association While press freedom and freedom of Assaults against journalists continued social and economic challenges. resenting Palestinian victims in Gaza he travel abroad for health reasons. He was and that the Jordanian culture minister expression are guaranteed under Kuwait’s in 2009, with Article 19 reporting that a Hussein’s son and successor, asked for their identity. At that point one acquitted on 27 April. opted to grant the license in response to constitution in theory, in practice any journalist known for his activism on cor- Abdullah, is attempting to juggle of the men allegedly told him, “If you On 30 June, the Jordanian govern- positions taken against him by the Jordan Kuwaiti citizen can file a criminal com- ruption was physically attacked in Octo - the twin tasks of ensuring stability don’t leave, I will break your face,” ac- ment closed the Amman bureaus of two Press Association. plaint, which can result in jail time, ber by an unknown assailant. while accommodating calls for cording to an AmmanNet transcript. state-financed, Iranian satellite TV sta- against a journalist who is deemed to reform. A National Agenda blue- Abu Hilala told AmmanNet that fol- tions – Arabic-language Al Alam and The Jordan Press have criticized the emir or other govern- The government has print outlining long-term political, lowing the threat he approached a nearby Eng lish-language Press TV. Association subsequently ment officials or insulted God, The Pro - also stepped up efforts economic and social change has group of uniformed police officers seek- The move was widely perceived as a phet or Islam or in some way damaged not yet been implemented. Jordan ing protection, but that they assaulted product of political tension between Iran filed a lawsuit against the state. to monitor the Internet, saw the introduction of multi- him with their batons. and Jordan. the Journalists Club In November, heavy criticism was di - introducing this year party politics in 1992; however The Jordanian government claimed founders for the “imperson- rected against the Kuwaiti government a law that would impose real power is held by the king. In February, Khaled that the stations’ bureaus were shut down after the arrest and imprisonment of a In December 2009, King Abdullah ation of journalists” severe restrictions on web Mahadin, a columnist because the journalists did not have the lawyer and journalist who was accused by II, whom many in the West regard proper accreditation, although one inter- the government of libel and slander. content and bloggers as being one of the Middle East’s for the government-owned national media watchdog quoted an Al The founders of the Journalists Club Muhammad Abd al-Qadir al-Jasim was most enlightened leaders, dis- Alam journalist as saying that over seven said it was designed to create a frame- charged after he allegedly was caught on A fear of lawsuits, fines and imprison- missed the prime minister and Al Rai newspaper was charged with insulting months his station had submitted a num- work for dialogue among writers and was videotape at a family gathering making ment has resulted in self-imposed censor- replaced him with a palace aide ber of accreditation renewal requests to not at odds with the role of the Jordan disparaging remarks about the prime ship on the part of media outlets. And and loyalist, dissolved parliament parliament in an article the Ministry of Media and Communica- Press Association. minister. there continues to be strong criticism and put off parliamentary elections tion. For several years, Press TV’s accred- Known for imposing heavy prison from media organizations in and outside for a year. he wrote criticising itation had been automatically renewed Recommendations sentences on journalists in previous years, of the country over the practice of so- Beyond Borders: parliamentarians’ personal annually, but that procedure abruptly • Stop pressuring, either directly or Kuwaiti officials appear to have softened called “yellow journalism” by some media Jordan is a small country and expenses came to an end in 2009. indirectly, editors of media outlets, their stance slightly, but the nation’s outlets. has few natural resources. In addition, Al Alam was accused and printers. criminal code still counts libel and slan- However, its strategic location News reports said that the other mem- of “working without authorisation” for • Cease the monitoring of journalists der as criminal offences with a maximum Recommendations has placed it at the heart of bers of the Al Jazeera crew were also filming the interior of Jordan’s Royal by intelligence agencies. prison sentence of three years. • Create a code of ethics, written by Middle East politics and the struck. Abu Hilala received 12 stitches to Council. • Repeal the criminal defamation laws. Although most of the newspapers in journalists’ groups, for the industry. Israeli-Palestinian conflict. the head and was discharged from the • Ensure that admittance to the Jordan the country are private, the government, • Abolish legislation that allows Jordan is one of only two Arab hospital on 11 January. Press Association is transparent and which owns a number of broadcast media enormous fines for journalists countries to have concluded On 30 June, the In February, Khaled Mahadin, a co - open to all journalists. outlets, continues to control the publica- and the jailing of journalists. a full peace with Israel and is Jordanian government lumnist for the government-owned Al • Ensure that the Information Council tion of “outside” media sources. In 2009, • Ensure that the proposed laws con- also a vital regional ally of the Rai newspaper was charged with insult- closed the Amman bureaus established under the Right to the Kuwait government upheld for the cerning online journalists and bloggers United States. ing parliament in an article he wrote crit- of two state-financed, Information law is independent. second year its ban of several Egyptian allow for free expression, in line with icising parliamentarians’ personal expens- Iranian satellite TV newspapers. international human rights standards. On 9 January 2009, Jordanian riot es. The article was posted on the website The government has also stepped up po lice attacked an Al Jazeera television “Khabberni” on 13 February. Mahadin, stations – Arabic-language efforts to monitor the Internet, introduc- crew covering a demonstration in the Jor - who is 68, had been an adviser to the late Al-Alam and English- danian capital Amman against Israeli mi - King Hussein. language Press TV li tary operations in the Gaza Strip, the Parliamentarians brought a lawsuit Kuwait in Brief network reported. Bureau chief Yassir over the article, which was entitled “For Abu Hilala, and cameramen Malik al- God’s Sakes, Abdullah” and urged King The Beirut-based organi- Population: 3 million Laham, Muhammad al-Huwaiti, and Saf- Abdullah to dissolve parliament because sation SKeyes reported that the Jordan Domestic Overview: Kuwait, a major exporter of oil and the first Arab country wan al-Awawida were all transported to a of the “illegal privileges” enjoyed by MPs. Press Association had expressed displeas- in the Gulf with an elected parliament, is a rich country, housing nearly 90 percent local hospital for treatment. Mahadin expressed criticism over “the ure at a 26 October announcement that a of the world’s oil reserves. It has been ruled by the al-Sabah family since 1756. A crowd of hundreds of people had work of parliamentarians and the privi- Journalists Club would be established. In 2005, the country granted women full political rights, including the right to run congregated following Friday prayers, to leges given to them at the expense of SKeyes reported that the board of the for public office and the right to vote. In recent years, Kuwait has faced violence express anger at Israel’s Gaza offensive, in Jordanian tax payers” and suggested that Jordan Press Association subsequently from Islamic extremists who, in some cases, have targeted the West. front of a mosque in the Al Rabia neigh- they “cut spending and cancel plans to filed a lawsuit against the Journalists Beyond Borders: Kuwait’s foreign reserves and investment income are substantial. borhood of Amman. Riot police employ - increase their salaries in a bid to face the Club founders for the “impersonation of Since the death of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, Kuwait has contributed greatly ed tear gas and water cannon to break up global economic crisis.” journalists” and against the Minister of to the wealth of its neighbour through humanitarian aid. the crowd as it attempted to march on Culture for allowing them to proceed “in

36 37 INTERVIEW WITH ILDIKO KAPOSI, UNIVERSITY OF KUWAIT

Ildiko Kaposi is a faculty member in the of Islamic law, powerful individuals from Communications and Media Department the political and business elites who can at the American University of Kuwait. exercise great control over what is pub- She suggested that although there are lished and elements of culture, instilled challenges to press freedom in Kuwait into young people, in families and in the things often are not as bad as they appear. government school system that generally discourage critical, inquisitive approaches or challenging authority. Before sharing her views on the state of ters (including, e.g., on Facebook) enjoy IPI: Some people have said that Ku- Kuwaiti press freedom, Kaposi noted: “By even greater freedom, openly addressing wait’s press freedom has improved a the nature of my work (as a media and all po litical issues and questions of reli- great deal compared to what it was, communications professor), I am much gion. When the government of Kuwait say, 10 years ago, and certainly since more familiar with the liberal segments of recently proposed amendments to the the 2006 press law. Do you think that Kuwaiti society. My conversations tend to press and audiovisual laws that would see is true? be with people who are liberal or open, the curbing of press freedom, the front KAPOSI: Yes, I believe the 2006 press and I have little first-hand knowledge of pa ges of newspapers carried headlines law was very important. It was passed the population that has Bedouin roots or screaming protests. The points the Ku- specifically so that not only the old, pow- is strongly religious. My views are there- wait Journal ists Association, the editors- erful merchant families and the ruling fore slanted since I don’t have equal ac cess in-chiefs of newspapers, and the directors family could have their newspapers (and to all of Kuwaiti society.” of satellite channels stressed when voicing by implication a public voice). Diversity IPI: How would you characterise the their critiques of the proposed changes to always helps freedom. Also, it was the idea of press freedom in Kuwait? Are the laws were constitutional rights, the 2006 law that stated no journalist can be the media generally free to print what rights of free expression, and Kuwait’s jailed and no newspaper can be closed they want? What about Internet jour- leading position in press freedom in the down without a final court verdict. nalists/bloggers? Middle East. The problem is that conser- IPI: What three recommendations KAPOSI: “Kuwait is a semi-democratic vative, religious MPs want to see greater would you have for government offi- country, but its citizens are proud of their restrictions on the press. These would be cials or journalists in terms of ensur- democratic traditions. The idea of press MPs who, according to Kuwaitis, still ing greater press freedom? freedom is included in this broader rela- refuse to acknowledge their female col- KAPOSI: tion to democracy. People take pride in leagues in parliament. But because parlia- 1. Professionalism having a press that enjoys more freedom ment does have the power to “grill” min- If journalists abide by the clear rules and than any other GCC (Gulf Cooperation isters, the de mands of MPs cannot simply ethics of their profession, they become Country), and more freedom than many/ be ignored. Press freedom is but one ele- har der to target. Right now the concept most Arab countries. ment in the ongoing political struggles of a code of ethics is alien to Kuwaiti me - There are limitations on the freedom bet ween the legislative and executive dia – as is, often, the need to separate fact to publish. The constitution prohibits branches in Ku wait. But at least the poli- and opinion. It is hard to establish the public criticism of the emir and the tics surrounding press freedom is quite facts and have a common ground for dis- crown prince. This is a sign of lingering widely and openly discussed in the media. cussion. authoritarianism, but there are also some IPI: Is safety an issue for journalists? 2. Transparency good reasons for this prohibition because KAPOSI: I’m not aware of journalists be- Corruption in government and among ar guably the person of the emir is what ing killed in Kuwait if that’s what you journalists is a widely acknowledged fact. holds the heterogeneous population (and mean. As I said above, journalists or opi - If society’s work is based on personal the country) together. The law can be n ion writers/columnists may be arrested favours (or wasta – an Arabic expression and has been used to silence criticisms, occasionally, but they will be released, meaning to use whom you know or your but the silencing usually seems to be more and the sentences, if there’s a court sen- clout to get things done), then corrup- for the sake of appearances than a tool of tence, will be suspended. The biggest sa - tion permeates all relations. The press is gagging the press or the critics. If some- fety issue perhaps is deportation. A lot of not exempt from it; therefore, it has little body is taken into custody for speaking the political journalists are expatriates – legitimacy to hold officials accountable. too critically, there will be public protest, from Egypt, Lebanon and other Arab 3. Strong education, and the person who was arrested will be countries. If they cross the line they may higher prestige for journalism released in a few hours or days. So the be sent packing; it is not difficult to de- Journalism is a badly paid, very low-pres- legal restrictions are stricter on paper port non-citizens. tige occupation. Kuwaitis try to stay away than in actual implementation. IPI: What are the biggest obstacles to from it. Changing the public perception The press and the Kuwaiti satellite having a freer press in Kuwait? of the profession would attract more channels will say pretty much anything KAPOSI: Parliament and lawmakers who Kuwaiti citizens to it, and the circulation they want. Bloggers and other online wri - are pushing for a stricter implementation of information would become better too.

Kuwaiti men stand at the main entrance of the Kuwait Parliament, 10 December 2009. (Stephanie McGehee/Reuters) 38 39 Lebanon by Anthony Mills

ebanon has a freer and more diverse The fracturing of the media along po - ports, and SKeyes, stones were thrown at he was first contacted by the public pros- Land vibrant media than any other litical and sectarian lines, coupled with the crew and the Al Manar crew says gun- ecutor on Thursday afternoon, and told Arab country. However, Lebanon enjoys politically-influenced interference in edi- shots shattered their car window without to ap pear before him on Monday, when only partial press freedom, despite the fact torial independence, has deepened divi- injuring anyone. he was charged with insulting the presi- that the country’s constitution permits sions among citizens. On 7 June, during Lebanon’s one-day dent. freedom of the press. Although the media A report by the Maharat NGO in general elections, a team from LBC Tele- “I said in my (television) interview do not face direct government inter fe r - Lebanon noted that the country’s print vision were filming in the Al Bastah dis- that the president should be more present ence, political instability in recent years laws date back to the 1960s, broadcast trict of Beirut when they were at tacked, in the establishment of the government,” involving deadly street fighting and assas- laws last amended in the 1990s reflect the according to the Beirut-based media free- Abou Fadel told IPI. “I am a journalist. sinations targeting prominent figures, in- country’s political and religious divisions, dom organisation SKeyes. Their camera I said what the people are saying. I offer cluding journalists, increased se curity risks and declining advertising revenues have was destroyed before soldiers from the analysis. I didn’t insult the president.” for reporters, and fuelled self-censorship. prompted media to accept funding from Lebanese army intervened and brought MTV’s news and current affairs direc- Journalists in Lebanon can be charged political benefactors. It also pointed to the situation under control. tor, Ghayath Yazbeck, expressed surprise with a criminal offense for insulting the the absence of freedom of information At dawn on 9 June 9, 2009 a car be- at the decision to prosecute Abou Fadel. head of state or foreign leaders, or for in - laws and a skewed process for appoint- longing to Middle East daily newspaper “From my side, I consider that the ci ting sectarian strife, and reporters char - ment of the National Audiovisual Media reporter Sana al-Jack was vandalised in journalist did not insult the president at ged with press offenses may be or dered Council’s members, chosen principally front of her house in the neighbourhood all,” he told IPI. “He criticized (the pres- to appear before a special publications along sectarian lines. of Barbour, Beirut. ident’s) management of the country and court. Nonetheless, criticism of officials Following legislative elections in On 20 October, Lebanon’s Publica - asked him to do his job, and I can’t find and policies is widespread in the media. June 2009, relative political calm has tions Court fined Al Diyar editor-in-chief anything to explain this attitude from the Lebanon’s broadcasting scene is vib - reflected positively on the overall secu- Ayoub and the paper’s chief executive, president.” rant, developed and diverse, and is a re- rity situation in the country and on the Youssef Howayek, 50 million LL (ap prox. Yazbeck added: “This is the first time Lebanese news journalists chant slogans during a protest against the forced closure of media institutions by Hezbollah gunmen and its allies in Beirut, 10 May, 2008. flection of the country’s pluralism, and safety of journalists, compared to 2008, 23,100 Euros) in a case filed by then- that this president has taken the decision (REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir) also divisions. Lebanon was the first Arab when political tensions boiled over into Prime Minister-designate Saad Hari ri, for (to use this law).” country to allow private radio and televi- street fighting, and media outlets were publishing false news and threatening sion stations. However, the government at tacked and closed. public safety, even though Hariri had Recommendations can decide who may operate stations and dropped his “personal right” in the • Ensure all groups and parties in whether or not they are allowed to broad- In April, the editor- charge, according to the “NowLebanon” Lebanon, as well as states and parties cast news. Most TV stations are owned Website. beyond the country’s borders, respect by leading politicians. in-chief of the pro-Syrian According to Lebanon’s Daily Star editorial independence and the right of Lebanon in Brief Lebanon boasts more than 10 daily newspaper, on 31 November the press the media to report free of harassment daily Al Diyar, Charles Population: 4.2 million newspapers. All of the country’s nation- court sentenced journalist Ghada Eid to and intimidation. Ayoub, said he had received Domestic Overview: al daily newspapers are privately owned, three months in prison and a fine of • Promote accurate, fair and balanced The election of Lebanon’s president, General Michel as are the bulk of television and radio death threats warning LL20 million (approx. 9,300 Euros) for reporting by establishing voluntary Suleiman, in May 2008, after an unstable political vacuum following the departure of President Emile Lahoud in November 2007 helped end several stations. him of the consequences slandering a judge during a television codes of practice at all news outlets. years of political instability and violence that had at times threatened to During an October 2009 mission to show entitled “Al Fasad” – Arabic for cor- • Ensure financial transparency at all of continuing to publish spiral into renewed civil war. Lebanon, IPI noted that the country’s ruption – which she hosts on New TV. media outlets in Lebanon, to bolster fractured media landscape reflects deep- editorials critical of another According to the Daily Star, she called credibility. General Suleiman – formerly the head of the country’s armed forces – seated societal divisions. Most of the pro-Syrian figure the judge “one of the corrupt judges.” She • Redouble investigative and judicial had emerged as a compromise candidate acceptable to both the Western- country’s media outlets are unduly influ- was also fined, along with the broadcast- efforts of the Lebanese authorities, the backed government and the Hezbollah-led opposition. enced in their journalism content by Although 2009 was overall a better er, LL30 million (approx. 13,900 Euros) United Nations international tribunal He is regarded as a generally neutral figure able to bridge both sides of powerful political figures to whom they year for the media in Lebanon than to be paid to Judge Shamseddine as per- set up in 2007 to try those responsible Lebanon’s political divide. are financially and politically beholden. 2008, instances of press freedom viola- sonal compensation. The judge demand- for political killings in Lebanon, and In December 2009, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, the son of assassinated In a statement released after the mis- tions were recorded. ed, as well, that Eid read out the accusa- the French authorities investigating former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, formed a national unity government sion, IPI Director David Dadge said: In March 2009, TV presenter Neshan tion during the first episode of her show the murder of Al Nahar columnist after four months of political negotiations, helping consolidate an atmo- “Although there are many excellent me- Derharoutounian was taken from his car, following the implementation of the sen- Samir Kassir in 2005, in order to sphere of relative political calm. dia organisations in Lebanon, the politi- north of Beirut, by three assailants who tence. Charges against the director of po - break the cycle of impunity. Beyond Borders: Lebanon is a politically and religiously fractured country cisation of the media means that, too of- beat him, breaking his jaw and one of his litical programming at New TV, Maryam • Pursue grievances by concerned parties whose geographic location bordering Israel has sometimes placed it at the ten, journalists are forced to choose bet - fingers. al-Bassam, were dropped for lack of suffi- through the civil courts, not through violent heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Different political parties enjoy ween their natural desire for credibility In April, the editor-in-chief of the cient evidence. outdated, disproportionate criminal backing from different Middle East states, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. and their loyalty to a media organisation. pro-Syrian daily Al Diyar, Charles Ayo - Also in November, the owner of the defamation laws. Lebanon was shaken in 2006 by a month-long war between Israel and the All those who would seek to influence the ub, said he had received death threats “Al Kalima” online newspaper and a writer • Establish detailed, internal army militant Hezbollah group after Hezbollah kidnapped two Israel soldiers from media must realise that the politicisation warning him of the consequences of con- for Al Diyar newspaper, Simon Abou Fa - and security service guidelines inside Israel. of the media only furthers the prejudices tinuing to publish editorials critical of del, was charged with “insulting” the pre - on how to treat journalists practising In December, Prime Minister Saad Hariri visited Syria to meet with Syrian that exist within Lebanese society and another pro-Syrian figure. sident after criticising his role in months- their profession. President Bashar al-Assad and patch up relations that had deteriorated that the best way to overcome these prej- On 26 April, an Al Manar TV crew long efforts to create a national unity cab- • The Lebanese government should following the assassination of his father in February 2005 in an act blamed udices is to enable a free and independent was attacked during violence that fol- inet, in a show aired by private broad- commit to removing all barriers by many Lebanese on Syria. Syria has consistently denied any involvement. media to practise accurate, fair and bal- lowed a football match at Beirut Muni - caster MTV. that prevent or inhibit people from anced news.” cipal stadium. According to media re - Abou Fadel told IPI by phone that becoming journalists.

40 41 NOTES FROM THE FIELD : LEBANON : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : LEBANON : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : LEBANON : NOTES FROM THE FIELD Facing Censorship in Lebanon By Magda Abu-Fadil

Press freedom is suffering in Lebanon, despite a modicum of manoeuvrability allowed by the law and the government’s non-interference with journalists, Information Minister Tarek Mitri claimed in December.

IPI Member Magda Abu-Fadil has many years’ experience as a foreign correspondent and editor with international news organizations such as AFP and UPI, and is director of the Journalism Training Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB). She also wrote for dailies Asharq Al Awsat and Al Riyadh as well as Defense News. Before taking up her position at AUB, Abu-Fadil was director of the Institute for Professional Journalists at the Lebanese American University (LAU) and has taught journalism at her alma mater, the American University in Washington, DC. She has conducted seminars and workshops in English, Arabic and French for professional journalists in Washington and across the Arab world, has collaborated with various international organizations and has been involved in consulting projects. She speaks regularly at international conferences and Lebanese soldier forbids journalists from entering the vicinity as he secures the area, in Tayr Filsi village, southern Lebanon, 13 October, has published extensively on media issues, journalism education and training. 2009. (Ali Hashisho/Reuters)

ournalists come to complain to me Unidentified assailants also pelted for- gets of car bombs in 2005. Long a proponent of free thought UCIPLIBAN also pinpointed these Compounding the problem is the “J about being harassed at work, even if mer MP and journalist Bassem al-Sabaa’s But condemnations of attacks on jour- and expression, UCIPLIBAN previ- costs paid by Lebanese journalists con vergence of media and politics where- they belong to the same party or religious home with rocks that night. He is anoth- nalists by Minister Mitri, his predecessor ously identified the following con- in performing their duties: by journalists enter the political fray and sect as the media’s owners or officials,” er outspoken Shiite ally of the current Ghazi Aridi, the Press Syndicate (PS), the straints on news collection and dis- become legislators. It is not considered a he said of reporters, editors, anchors and Sunni premier who heads the Western- Journalists Union (JU), the state-run Na- semination: 1. Internal disciplinary actions imposed conflict of interest in Lebanon. others laid off in droves the last six backed Future Movement. tio nal Audiovisual Media Council, and by various media and external punish- Six journalists ran during the 2009 months of 2009 some, admittedly, for Hariri’s family owns interests in print various media-related organisations have 1. Political censors – general political ments imposed by unions. parliamentary elections. Three allies of their political affiliations. and broadcast media, including Future been mostly of the lip service variety. parameters that crimp journalists’ 2. Fines exacted according to media Prime Minister Hariri won, including “I love these officials’ concern with the TV, whose reporter Omar Harqous was Class action suits are a rarity in a style and modus operandi. laws. (Print laws were last amended Geb ran Tueni’s daughter Nayla who fol- public good as they one-up each other, as battered and nearly crippled in late 2008. country where patronage is key, where 2. Security apparatus’ censors – in 1994, and date back to 1962. lowed in her assassinated father’s foot- if their ministries were corruption-filled The station has been attacked on several journalists’ unions are run by intractable using national security as a cover Broadcast laws were also last amended steps into the family newspaper and leg- dumps before they assumed their portfo- occasions. octogenarians re-elected for decades, to terrorise reporters. in 1994. All are out of sync with the islature. lios and then turned into masterpieces Journalists come to where non-cronies are barred from union 3. Ruling regime’s censors – fear of the 21st Century). when they joined the cabinet,” wrote Sa- membership, where reporters are woeful- ruler’s fear for his fate. 3. Moral and physical persecution Key among those killed: na’a al-Jack in the Arabic-language daily complain to me about ly underpaid and often juggle several jobs 4. Controlling party’s censors – pressures of journalists seeking to uncover senior Al Nahar column- Al Nahar. to keep afloat, where media operate along leading to cheerleading in the media the truth. being harassed at work, ist Samir Kassir and the El Jack, a columnist for An-Nahar and even if they belong political/sectarian lines, albeit in a rela- for the ruling regime. 4. Political persecution and prevention editor/correspondent for the pan-Arab tively freer environment than other Arab 5. Trade union/association censors – of journalists from exercising their paper’s publisher Gebran dai ly Asharq Al Awsat, is no stranger to to the same party or countries, and where journalism is taught learning how to slalom between political presence, the danger of Tueni, both targets of car scathing criticism of Hezbollah and fac- religious sect as the media’s primarily by non-practicing ivory tower thorny issues, to avoid taboos, covering political dissidents, and tions previously referred to as the opposi- types, with professional media instructors and to abide by ethics codes the stifling of political reporters. bombs in 2005 tion before current Prime Minister Saad owners or officials relegated to academia’s back benches. (such as they are). 5. Religious and sectarian persecution Hariri formed his government of nation- Hariri’s father Rafiq, a former prime The Catholic observatory UCIPLI- 6. Self-censorship – drawing on all by insular communities wanting The National Observatory of the al unity, which includes them. minister, was assassinated by a car bomb BAN tasked with defending Lebanese taboos and harmful precedents to prevent journalists other than Freedom of Opinion and Expression in Shiite El Jack’s reward for her outspo- in 2005 and several journalists have since media against violations of their freedom befalling colleagues to ensure one’s their own ilk from knowing much its 2008 report claimed Lebanese journal- kenness? Assailants slashed her tires and been targeted by groups allied with Syria and rights, has often criticised attacks on survival. about them, and resorting to pro- ists felt objectivity was a rarity, freedom poured petrol on her car’s engine in front - the major powerbroker in Lebanon un - journalists. 7. Ghost censors – inability to distin- fessional harassment and physical in short supply, and harassment on the of her home in June 2009 on a street til that year - and Iran. Both countries still In March 2009 it condemned an at- guish between what is permissible, or material attacks. job increasing. straddling Sunni and Shiite Muslim have active allies within Lebanese media tack on TV presenter Neshan Derharou - and what is not, resulting in insipid 6. Racial and ethnic persecution barring It also accused the media of fomenting neighborhoods where tensions have run and political ranks. tounian by three assailants north of and safe coverage. certain journalists from covering news conflicts and sedition in line with politi- high following urban clashes in May Key among those killed: senior Al Beirut who broke his jaw, one of his fin- 8. Readers’ censorship – fear of losing outside their ethnic circles. cal paymasters’ desires, a charge repeated- 2008 pitting then pro- and anti-govern- Nahar columnist Samir Kassir and the gers and badly bruised him. The cause one’s audience and a resultant cryptic ly leveled during a highly incendiary par- ment forces against each other. paper’s publisher Gebran Tueni, both tar- remains unknown. writing style. liamentary campaign.

42 43 NOTES FROM THE FIELD : LEBANON : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : LEBANON : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : LEBANON : NOTES FROM THE FIELD Freedom of Expression – Challenges for the

Lebanese Media By Roula Mikhael Lebanon enjoys more freedom than its Arab neighbours. Alongside constitutional and legal provisions which guarantee freedom of opinion and expression, Beirut has become a cultural and intellectual centre.

vidence of this is the presence of 1 The difficulties E eight private television stations as of media institutions: well as Lebanese public television, and Most if not all media institutions are the presence of dozens of private radio un able to balance their finances from stations, daily newspapers and maga- their revenues, which means they choose zines, in various languages. They reflect financial dependency in order to ensure the different political, religious and continuity in publication. Studies show intellectual trends in Lebanese society that the size of the ad ver tising market Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, leader of the anti-Syrian alliance, speaks to journalists after casting his vote outside a polling and emphasize the pluralism enshrined in Lebanon has de creased in recent years station in Beirut, 7 June, 2009. (REUTERS/Jamal Saidi) in the country. Furthermore, foreign by more than 50 percent. In addition, journalists enjoy freedom of action, cov- the proportion of newspaper readers has with which to maintain integrity and authority and that its role is limited An independent body should be erage and analysis without any pressure fallen to around 2 percent. independence. There is an absence of to an advisory one, has made it lose its established to oversee the professional from political powers. Since most Lebanese media operate effective trade unions that organise work effectiveness. In addition, the mecha- development and protection of the writ- on a deficit they seek support from in the media sector and ensure the rights nism of its formation does not guaran- ten press. Roula Mikhael is the executive However, these positive elements are domestic and external parties, which of journalists. tee its impartiality and professionalism. director of the Maharat Foundation, only the tip of the iceberg. They conceal limits their independence and means 5 Professional impediments a Lebanese NGO founded in 2004 other factors which constitute a real threat the editorial line follows the views of 3 Legal impediments 4 Legal impediments in the In addition to legal obstacles, there are to monitor freedom of expression to media freedom in Lebanon. Lebanese the donors. in the audiovisual media printed press professional weaknesses which need to in Lebanon. Maharat acts as a media organisations are actually bound, Despite the fact that Lebanese laws The main obstacles reflected in the be addressed. watchdog, submitting reports, rather than free, and the professional and 2 The difficulties of reporters: guarantee freedom of expression and printed press are laws that restrict the • The critical role of journalists is being indi-cators and alerts, and lobby- social conditions for journalists in Leba- The financial constraints affecting opinion, in practice they need reform creation of political publications to threatened by a tendency to cover the ing for a change in laws that limit non restrict their freedom and reduce the media institutions reflect also on jour- and development. those who can afford one of a limited activities and statements of politicians freedom of expression. margin of their opinions and decision- nalists, who are pressured by the outlets number of exorbitantly-priced licenses. and influential people’s activities and making. they work for to commit to a certain Among the most prominent These laws create a powerful obstacle to statements at the expense of criticizing Roula is a journalist by formation editorial line. Furthermore, in the past constraints are: freedom of political expression. Freedom their actions and addressing social and and has been working as a re- few weeks three major media institu- • The fact that private television stations becomes the right of rich people who economic concerns. porter at one of Lebanon’s leading tions in Leba non laid off dozens of jour- are licensed according to political and are able to buy privileges with millions • Corruption in the media needs to news-papers for 15 years. nalists and workers and the risk of fur- sectarian quotas, which reinforces sec- of dollars. It is therefore necessary to be combated. This includes the use ther redundancies remains real. tarian and political partisanship in the amend the laws governing the right to of inaccurate information, discrimi- Her work with Maharat also invol- A field study carried out by Maharat country and means television stations publish, distribute and sell newspapers nation, intimidation, incitement ves regular training workshops for found that most Lebanese journalists often seek to promote political parties and to ensure that no prior authoriza- and bribery. It is necessary for jour- young and professional journalists do not see the Lebanese media as inde- and ideologies, at the expense of neu- tion is needed. This would foster equali- nalists in Leba non to voluntarily in areas such as “peace journalism” pendent and impartial because of the trality and the truth. Therefore, it is ty among citizens in their right to free- abide by a code of ethics. and “citizenship journalism.” various pressures they face from within necessary to reconsider the distribution dom of expression and publication. the institutions they work for and be - of these licenses. There is a need to establish the right cause of the limited freedom they enjoy • The fact that the National Council for of journalists to access sources of infor- when writing. Journalists also note that Audiovisual Media, the body in charge mation, something not enshrined under their salaries and social benefits do not of supervising audiovisual media current Lebanese laws. provide them with the financial security stations, does not have any executive

44 45 Libya By Barbara Trionfi Morocco By Barbara Trionfi

dignitary with intent to disturb peace Group (LIFG) – after they renounced hroughout 2009, Moroccan courts and friendship between Uganda and violence. Thanded down prison sentences to at Libya. If found guilty, they face up to two In March, dissidents Jamal al-Haji least 12 editors and journalists, continu- years in prison. and Faraj Humaid were released after ing a disturbing pattern of judicial ha - spending two years in prison. In February rass ment that has affected Moroccan Journalists and political 2007, the Libyan State Security Court journalists for years. had sentenced them, together with an- Overall, the media situation in the activists are also directly other 10 dissidents, to prison terms, in- country has improved in the past 10 years harassed through arrests, cluding 12 years for al-Haji and 15 years of rule under King Mohammed VI. Only interrogations, and jailing. for Humaid, after they planned a peace- few months after coming to power in ful demonstration to mark the anniver- 1999, King Mohammed dismissed the All this contributes to high sary of the death of protesters in a clash iron-fisted Interior Minister, Driss Basri, levels of self-censorship, in with the police, HRW reported. a key figure in the suppression of press addition to the censorship The government has also reportedly freedom during the rule of King Hassan an nounced plans to reform the Libyan II. Since then, the number and variety of imposed by state organs penal code, however specific amend- media outlets available to the population ments have not yet been announced. The has increased exponentially and issues In June, the Libyan embassy in Mo- Libyan penal code restricts freedom of that were taboo 10 years ago - Morocco’s rocco sought to have charges filed against expression by criminalizing acts such as claim to sovereignty over Western Sahara, three Moroccan newspapers – Al Massa, “insulting public officials” and “promot- the monarchy and the sanctity of Islam - the country’s leading daily, Al Garida Al ing anti-state theories.” are now widely covered by the independ- Oula and Al Ahdath Al Magrebia – in ent media, determined to enjoy their connection with articles allegedly criticiz- Recommendations right to report on issues of public con- Libya's leader Muammar Gaddafi speaks at the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) food security summit in Rome, ing Gaddafi. A court in Morocco ordered • Remove criminal defamation pro - cern. Nevertheless, criminal persecution 16 November, 2009. (REUTERS/Ettore Ferrari/Pool) each of the three newspapers to pay a fine visions from Libya’s penal code and and very high fines remain a threat for of 100,000 Dirhams (approx. 8,800 Eu- bring other laws into line with interna- those who choose to cover these issues, ros) and damages of one million Dirhams tional standards on press freedom. and this, in turn, encourages self-censor- fter 40 years of rule by Colonel Revolutionary Leader (Gaddafi) and the orphans. The demonstrators called for an (approx. 88,000 Euros) to Gaddafi. • Allow for the development of an ship. While sentences against Moroccan A Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is today Revolutionary Committees. end to sexual harassment which they al - In a positive development, Libya this independent media sector. journalists are not rare, no reporters are one of the most repressive countries in All media in Libya are directly con- leged was occurring within the centre. year released close to a hundred political • Allow free access to the Internet. currently in prison. Most prison sen- North Africa. trolled by the state. The circulation of the After the article was published, the prisoners, who had been jailed for ex - tences are suspended. Gaddafi’s understanding of independ- four main newspapers – three of which po lice and then the general prosecutor’s pressing their views. On 15 October, 88 Restrictive laws serve as a tool for the ent media and press freedom is laid out in are controlled by the information min- office summoned al-Sareet for interroga- prisoners were released - most of them judicial harassment of independent media. his ’Green Book’, a 1975 publication out - istry (the Public Press Institution), and tion and charged him with criminal members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting The Press Code, a highly restrictive lining the Libyan leader’s political philos- one by the Revolutionary Committees – defamation, Human Rights Watch repor - me dia law, was reformed in 2002, as part ophy: “Democratically, private individu- does not exceed 4,000 copies, according ted. Al-Sareet also reportedly received of King Mohammed’s attempts to pres- als should not be permitted to own any to the Arabic Network for Human Rights threats to burn down his house if he did Libya in Brief ent himself as a liberal. However, while public means of publication or informa- Information (ANHRI). not retract his article. the penalties for defamation were redu- Population: 6.4 million tion. […]The democratic press is that The broadcasting sector is also com- Gaddafi is also known for persecuting ced as part of the 2002 reform, the law which is issued by a People’s Committee, pletely under the control of the state. his critics in other countries, in particular Domestic Overview: Libya is a military dictatorship. The country gained remains very strict. It calls for prison sen- comprising all the groups of society.” However, Libyans, in particular those liv- through defamation cases brought by independence from Italy in 1951. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has rule over tences from three to five years for defam- ing in Tripoli, have access to satellite tel- Libyan embassies. Libya since a 1969 coup against the Idriss al Swnissi monarchy. Gaddafi has ing the royal family. Under the old law evision channels. On 18 February, the Libyan ambassa- embraced what he baptised “The Third International Theory,” a self-styled the penalties were from five to 20 years. After 40 years of rule mixture of socialism and Islam. Gaddafi introduced a constitution, which was Access to the Internet is severely res - dor in Uganda filed criminal defamation Observers have pointed out that a by Colonel Muammar amended in 1977. The state organs include a legislative unicameral branch tricted: Internet cafes are monitored by charges against Richard Tusiime and 2003 anti-terrorism law also represents a or the General People’s Congress, whose members are elected via universal Gaddafi, Libya is today the authorities, critical and opposition Francis Mutazindwa, editor-in-chief and threat to press freedom, since the vague- and mandatory suffrage across a pyramid of people’s committees, local one of the most repressive web sites are blocked and those who try to news editor, respectively, of Red Pepper, councils, etc. There is one Supreme Court, with the whole legal regime ly-worded passages about news coverage countries in North Africa access them risk punishment. one of Uganda’s most popular newspa- variously predicated both upon civil law and Islamic law (Sharia). At the of terrorist activities leave space for arbi- Journalists and political activists are pers. The charges were brought in con- executive level, Gaddafi is the head of state, with no official title, and trary interpretation by the courts. as far as press freedom also directly harassed through arrests, in - nection with articles that portrayed Gad- Mohamed Abdul Qasim al-Zwai is the premier or head of government. An analysis of the sentences and fines is concerned terrogations, and imprisonment. All this dafi as being in love with Best Kemigisa, The Libyan economy is mainly based upon oil exports, while the country handed down in recent years does not contri butes to high levels of self-censor- the attractive mother of King Oyo Nyim- imports 75 percent of its food and consumer goods. show a clear pattern with regard to spe- Muammar Gaddafi, who took power ship, in addition to the censorship im- ba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV of Toro, Beyond Borders: The UN, the EU, the US and other countries imposed cific topics which the government does in 1969 in a bloodless coup, is the longest posed by state organs. one of five ancient kingdoms that make sanctions on Libya in 1992, following Libya’s refusal to turn over to British not want to see covered. Rather, there serving African leader, in a country that In October this year, Libyan journalist up Uganda, the UK newspaper, The authorities two suspects accused of being responsible for the Lockerbie appears to be systematic politically-moti- has never seen parliamentary democracy Mohamed al-Sareet published an article Times, reported. bombing in 1988. In 2003, Libya accepted responsibility for the attacks vated persecution of independent news- and where still today the decisions of the on the London-based website “Jeel Libya” The Ugandan director of public pros- and agreed to pay the victims’ families compensation. This led to American papers. legislative and executive branch are about a demonstration organised in Ben - ecutions, which has taken over the case, and European pressure to lift the sanctions against Libya. On 23 March, Managing Editor Ali strong ly influenced by the non-elected ghazi by women of a state-run centre for accused the editors of defaming a foreign Anouzla and Publishing Director Jamal

46 47 Boudouma of the daily Al Jarida Al Oula jour nalists Mostafa Hiran and Rashid Interestingly, not only satirical or crit- were sentenced to a two-month suspend- Mahameed. The journalists were also ical material was the object of censorship ed jail sentence and fined 200,000 Dir - fined 5,000 Dirhams (approx. 440 Eu - by Morocco’s authorities this year, but al- hams (approx. 17,600 Euros) for “defa - ros) each for “intentionally publishing so reports showing the positive outcome mation” and “insulting the judiciary” in false information” in a number of articles of an opinion poll on King Mohammed’s connection with reports in Al Jarida Al about the state of health of King Mo- rule. Oula that a relative of King Mohammed hammed VI. Immediately after the court VI had shot and injured a traffic police- ruling, police stormed the offices of Al man, media observers reported. Michaal and arrested Chahtan, media Moroccan authorities observers reported. The arrest apparently also banned from circu- On 26 October, a court also violated the country’s penal code, lation two editions gave a since the public prosecutor had no legal of French newspaper basis for requesting imprisonment after one-year suspended sen- the court had issued its decision. The edi- Le Monde and one edition tence for “ill-intentioned tor, who was later released, appealed the of the Spanish daily publication of false infor- sentence. El Pais after the dailies On 30 October, Taoufik Bouachrine mation” about the health and Khalid Gueddar, the publisher of, republished the cartoon of King Mohammed and a cartoonist for, the daily Akhbar Al together with another Youm received a three-year deferred pri- one by French cartoonist Already in January, a court had fined son sentence for “lacking respect toward Al Jarida Al Oula 160,000 Dirhams (ap- the royal family.” The sentence was issued Jean Plantu prox. 14,000 Euros) in a separate lawsuit in connection with a cartoon published in connection with the same article. in the 26-27 September issue of the On 2 August, the Ministry of Interior On 29 June, a Moroccan court or- newspaper about the marriage of Prince ordered the seizure and destruction of dered Al Jarida Al Oula, as well as Al Moulay Ismaïl, a relative of King Mo- over 100,000 copies of two weekly mag- Mas sa and Al Ahdath Al Magrebia, to hammed VI, to a German woman. The azines, TelQuel and Nichane, which car- pay a fine of 100,000 Dirhams (approx. newspaper was also ordered to pay 3 mil- ried results of an opinion poll on King 8,800 Euros) and damages of one million lion Dirhams (approx. 265,000 Euros) in Mohammed VI’s decade on the throne, Dirhams (approx 88,000 Euro) each to damages to Prince Moulay Ismaïl and a the International Federation of Journal - Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The 100,000-Dirham (approx. 8,800 Euros) ists (IFJ) reported. The poll showed that Satellite dishes on rooftops in Casablanca 2007. (Rafael Marchante / Reuters) Libyan embassy in Rabat had issued a fine for “flag desecration,” as the cartoon over 91 percent of Moroccans rated the complaint against the three papers for depicted the Moroccan flag. last decade of the king’s rule as either publishing allegedly offensive articles “positive” or “very positive.” The failure by US Secretary of State Recommendations about the Libyan leader. More recently, on 16 November, Ra - Hillary Clinton to address freedom of • Stop legal persecution of journalists • Allow the media to cover issues At the beginning of September, Al The Press Code, a highly chid Niny, the founding editor of Mo- expression violations during a two-day and respect journalists’ right to a of public interest and thereby fulfil Jari da Al Oula managing editor, Ali restrictive media law, rocco’s biggest-selling daily Al Massae, visit to Morocco in early November was fair trial. their role. Ano uzla, and journalist Bouchra Eddou was reformed in 2002, was sentenced to three months in jail for strongly criticised by IPI. • Repeal the 2002 Press Code, which • Ensure independent allocation were detained for two days for publishing as part of King Mohamm - “publishing false information” in a report In a statement, IPI Deputy Director imposes severe restrictions on press of government financial support false news about King Mohammed’s about the dismantling of a major drug Alison Bethel McKenzie said: “It is un- freedom, criminalizes defamation for the media. health, after a 27 August article reported ed’s attempts to present trafficking network in Morocco on 17 fortunate that in a country with one of and allows for the imposition of that the king was ill with a virus, accord- himself as a liberal August. Journalist Said Laajal, who wrote the more lively media environments in high fines ing to news reports. the report, was given a two-month pri- the region, journalists are still being On 26 October, a court gave Ali Ano - Following the publication of the car- son term for writing the article, AFP charged, fined and jailed for writing uzla a one-year suspended sentence for toon, Morocco’s ministry of interior or - reported. about the royal family. Instead of helping “ill-intentioned publication of false infor- dered the seizure and banning of inde- Bloggers, too, were targeted by the au - create a media environment in which Morocco in Brief mation” about the health of King Mo - pendent Moroccan newspaper Akhbar Al thorities in 2009. journalists don’t have to fear going to Population: 32 million ham med. Bouchra Eddou received a Youm for three days in a row, from 26-28 On 26 February, blogger Hassan Bar- prison for doing their job, Moroccan Domestic Overview: Between 1961 and 1999 Morocco was ruled three-month suspended sentence in con- September. On 29 September, Taoufik houn was arrested and on 6 March he courts are still systematically handing by King Hassan II, who suppressed domestic opposition through severe nection with the same article. The jour- Bouachrine and dozens of Akhbar Al was sentenced to six months in jail on down prison sentences. Press freedom human rights violations. After his death in 1999, Hassan was succeeded nalists, who were also fined 10,000 and Youm staff members were forbidden by charges of circulating false news, after he there is getting worse, not better, and by his son, King Mohammed VI. Originally seen as a moderniser, 5,000 Dirhams (approx. 880 and 440 police from entering the offices of their published a petition signed by more than world leaders such as Mrs. Clinton seem because he initiated political and economic changes and an investigation Euros) respectively, have lodged appeals. newspaper. 60 people, including activists, journalists to fall silent on the issue.” into human rights abuses during his father’s rule, King Mohammed has Also in connection with reports about Moroccan authorities also banned from and officials, accusing the king’s deputy nonetheless maintained sweeping powers. King Mohammed’s health, a one-year circulation two editions of French news- in Tetuan, the public prosecutor, of col- Beyond Borders: Morocco’s annexation of Western Sahara in 1975 has prison sentence was handed down in Oc - paper Le Monde and one edition of the lusion in a corruption case, ANHRI re- caused strong political tensions with neighbouring Algeria. In 2004, Moroc- tober to the managing editor of the inde- Spanish daily El Pais after the dailies re - ported. After Barhoun appealed the sen- co was designated a major non-Nato US ally by then-President George pendent daily Al Michaal, Driss Chahtan, published the cartoon together with an - tence, the Court of Appeal increased the W. Bush, in recognition of the country’s support in the US-led ’war on terror’. and a three-month sentence given to other one by French cartoonist Jean Plantu. sentence to ten months.

48 49 INTERVIEW WITH ABOUBAKR JAMAÏ, EDITOR OF

IPI: Numerous editors and journal- orders are allowed by the books. This was just stating this reality and we analyse it money, you begin to think twice before voice. It is therefore not a coincidence ists have been subjected to legal therefore a legal option for them. Obvi- in a way that does not shed a positive starting controversy, because you know that the independent press was born from harassment, mostly in connection ously the laws were very badly done, as light on the monarchy. So they cannot go that your fortune will be jeopardised. the wounds of the economic press, which, with articles regarding the king and they are very badly done today, in terms after us for this, but they will use other Maybe the most damaging thing that even if they were business-oriented news- the royal family. Does this represent of freedom of the press. But nonetheless issues. Normally what they use is the happened to Le Journal and to the media papers, were politically editorially much a new trend in Morocco or have the authorities felt the need to show that Sahara issue and they rally crowds by tel - sector through Le Journal was again back freer than what existed at the time. these forms of harassment been the state was acting in a legal way. ling them that we are anti-national, anti- in 2000. Between 2000 and 2001 Le The reaction from the regime has been going on for years? What happens today is basically: “For- patriot, etc. Jour nal lost 80 percent of its advertising to reclaim the space that they had to give JAMAI: It has been going on for some get about the law, we do whatever we want Or they can use Islam. I believe that revenue, 80 percent! Since 2001 we have up. And hence the reoccupation of the years. Actually if the analysts who were to do and that is it. You have stepped out- one of the most egregious cases of repres- been barely surviving from an economic space by the king. As I said before we working on Morocco today took the pain side of the boundaries we have set for you sion is what they did to Le Journal in standpoint, while in 2001 we were really thought that we were moving from a state to look at the analysis done by press free- and hence we clamp down on you.” 2006, after the Danish cartoon contro- on the launching pad to found a big me- economy to a free economy, but in fact dom groups in the past ten years, they IPI: Does this persecution affect only versy, when they paid jobless people to dia group and we were equipped to do we now a have a monarchic economy. would discover that barely a year has journalists who report on the king come and demonstrate in front of Le this. The regime, through us, was sending The second evolution that came to gone by without some major govern- and the royal family, or also those Journal’s building, claiming that we had a message to other media outlets, and not fruition at the end of the 1980s and early ment/state-led infringement on freedom who report about other government insulted the Prophet because we had only us. Others came after us and also be- 1990s was the end of the Cold War. This of the press. officials? reprinted the cartoons, which was not came punching bags. So basically through had a direct impact on our regimes, Just to give you one example – I am JAMAI: The problem is that the king’s exactly true. So they tried to instrumen- us they showed other news outlets what which could no longer hide behind their citing our case but we are not the only one business and decisions are everywhere in talise the anger of Moroccan Muslims. I would happen to them if they were crazy powerful allies, be it the Soviet Union or – my newspaper was banned by this new the public sphere. Therefore if you want must tell you that seldom have I been so enough to go down that editorial road. the West, in order to justify their anti- king twice in 2000. It was banned by to be a journalist and fulfil your watch- afraid for my life as during that time. If in IPI: Is this a consequence of human rights and anti-democratic atti- executive order, not even through a judi- dog role, or even your role of providing the evening newscast of the only two Mo- the fact that the monarchy and tude. In a lot of countries in the Arab Aboubakr Jamaï cial process. The full communiqué was public space for debate, ultimately, if you roccan television stations you are depict- the business elites are so closely world we witnessed a movement toward is one of Morocco’s most respected read on TV, on the newscast; we were de - do your job correctly, at some point you ed as someone who insulted the Prophet interconnected? greater opening in the early 1990s. This investigative journalists. He co-found- picted as traitors to the nation. I was given have to look at what the king is doing, in a country where over 90 percent of the JAMAI: Well, yes. In order to understand also led to allowing society a margin Le Journal Hebdomadaire ed (pre- a firm jail sentence in 2001. I did not go because he is everywhere. population are Muslims, you can imagine the whole issue it is important to analyse within which to express itself. viously called Le Journal), one of to jail as the sentence was subsequently Not all the cases, though, were directly that some crazy guy will decide to exer- it within its historical context. The ad - So you had these two elements com- Morocco’s leading weekly newspapers, changed into a suspended jail sen tence. related to the king. When my newspaper cise jihad on you and your family. vent of the independent press in Moroc- ing together to give rights to the inde- in 1997 and Assahifa Al Ousbouiya We were handed down the equivalent of a was banned for the first time in April Clearly they did not organise the de - co can be dated back to the early 1990s, pendent press. (previously called Assahifa), an Arab language weekly, in 1998. 200,000-Euro fine, for damages, in 2001. 2000, it was because I published my in ter- mon strations because we insulted the Pro - and there is a reason for that. The reason What Morocco has witnessed since Our colleague, , was sen- view with Muhammad Abdelaziz, lea der phet. They organised it because our edi - is that what happened in the 1980s and 1999, since the death of King Hassan II, In 2000, the Moroccan government tenced to jail, and he went to jail and he of the Polisario Front rebel movement. torial line is critical of them. So for them 1990s are two major developments com- is basically the roll-back of this move- permanently closed both papers had to go through a hunger strike that The second time it was banned be cause this was an opportunity to go after us. ing to fruition: ment. The interpretation of reality that reportedly for publishing a letter tying lasted more than 30 days to build up the we had revealed some information about Therefore, whenever you see a story about The first one is the economic failure the people in Morocco are accepting a former prime minister to a 1972 pressure on the king to pardon him. the coup attempt back in 1972. And in repression in Morocco, do not be decei - of the regime, which manifested itself in today, as if they had no memory, is sur- assassination plot against King Hassan II. The papers eventually reopened There are many other examples I could fact in many instances when you analyse ved by the appearances. Very often the riots, the so called “bread riots” (which prising. People have basically bought the using slightly different names. cite. Therefore this trend is not new. the deep reasons for clamping down on reason stated is not the real reason; there also took place in other Arab countries, argument that is being promoted by the There is something that is very, very un- the press, for initiating repressive action are deeper reasons that have to do with such as Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan, among regime, that in 1999 we moved from In 2001, Jamaï was convicted of usual, in a negative way, with what hap- against the press, you will find that, in basically questioning the quasi-absolutism others.) These riots were the symptoms total obscurity, total political absolutism defaming Foreign Minister Muhammad pened recently: before, the regime always fact, the officially-stated reasons for the of the king’s rule. of the failure of the regimes’ economic to some kind of democratic system. This Ben Aissa in an article in Le Journal . made sure to shroud its repressive deci- repressive actions are not the real reasons. IPI: Does this harassment lead system. This is what led to the imple- is a complete lie! Jamaï was sentenced to three months to self-censorship? in prison and ordered to pay fines and sions in legalism; so you always had some They make you pay for other things you mentation of the IMF and World Bank Le Journal was founded in 1997, and damages totalling two million Dirhams laws and some legal texts to back up their have written before, but which they found JAMAI: Yes, absolutely. Let me define the recipe, including privatisation, and so on. things back then were freer than they are (approximately US $200,000). bans, their sentences, etc. What hap- difficult to persecute you for, because it term “independent media” in Moroccan From a political point of view, this today. Back then there was a will to open pened recently, especially with Akhbar would have been too damaging for them. terms: these are newspapers or media gave more negotiating power to the busi- up. Today we receive the opposite message The sentences were eventually sus- Al Youm, a daily newspaper which was For example, I believe that most of the out lets which are not owned totally or ness community, because entrepreneurs from the monarchy: today there is no will pended, but Jamaï was forced to officially resign from Le Journal in banned a few weeks ago, allegedly be- problems we are going through at Le partially by political parties. It does not are the centrepiece of free markets, so they to open up. So when you write and pub- 2007 and is now living in exile to cause of the publication of a cartoon on Journal Hebdomadaire, and others, have mean that they are editorially independ- gained negotiating power with the lish anything, you know that you are basi- shield the magazine from a fine he the King’s cousin, was that they decided to do with the fact that we are exposing ent. And in fact most of the independent regimes. The demand of this business cally facing a wall. Back then you might was ordered to pay last year in a to shut down its headquarters and to seal the king’s power within the business media are not independent at all from an community was not so much democracy have been afraid that your wri-tings might controversial defamation suit. its financial accounts, and they have ab - community and the fact that we are sup- editorial standpoint. – they did not think in terms of election, be perceived as too liberal, but the sense of Jamaï is however still carrying out solutely no legal grounding to do that. So posed to have moved from a state econo- What happens is that you have a lot of eg. separation of powers – but they wan - the movement was clear to us. Today, the his duties as editor of Le Journal. they did this basically in violation of the my to a free market economy, when in resources coming into the sector at some ted the rule of law, in order to have some movement has reversed itself. And the rea- IPI’s Barbara Trionfi interviewed laws. And I think the message was: “We fact we have moved from a state economy point, which has made some individuals form of contractual relationship with the son why King Hassan II was more liberal Aboubakr Jamaï in December 2009 are not even bound by the laws of the to a monarchic economy. So, we are de - very rich. A very powerful weapon is regime, as a sort of insurance for their was not because he had become a democ- about the media situation in Morocco country. We do whatever we want to do.” nouncing this, and we know that they the threat to impoverish people. So, if business interests. Because of this altered rat, but it was because of the two revolu- and his experience as an editor over This is new because, for example, when can not go after us because of this, be - you were a simple journalist and were balance of power between the business tions that I mentioned before: the econo - the past 10 years. we were banned in the year 2000, they cause we are not insulting, we are just entrepreneurial enough to found your community and the regime, a space mic one and the geo strategic one through followed an executive order. Executive stating facts which are evident. We are own newspaper and you earn a lot of opened up in the media: they needed a the end of the Cold War.

50 51 Oman By Colin Peters Qatar By Colin Peters

In the protest letter, the two human rights defenders called for an end to the trial and an order to release al-Zwaidi on the grounds that “his actions were limit- ed to the defence of free expression and to the realm of publishing.”

One of the main, long- standing obstacles to press freedom in Oman is the 1984 Press and Publication Law, which “allows censorship of all domestic and foreign View of the Al Alam Royal Palace in Muscat, 10 February, 2009 Oman's leader Sultan Qaboos bin Said attends the opening of the publications on all (Benoit Tessier / Reuters) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Doha, 3 December, 2007. matters deemed to be (REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad) politically, culturally or sexually offensive” man continues to have a poor re- med to be politically, culturally or sexual- government or any ethnicity or religion, Ocord on press freedom. In 2009, ly offensive”. promotes religious extremism, pornogra- They also called for “the immediate press freedom monitors criticised the Oman’s censorship is of course not phy or violence, promotes any religious or abolition of all unnecessary restrictions constraints placed on a media that is just applied to traditional forms of me - political system that contradicts the state’s on the lives and activities” of Oman’s cit- either loyalist, i.e. supportive of the re- dia, and a report published in August by system, or insults other states.” izens, urging the sultan not to let his gime, or too scared to speak out. Cri - the OpenNet Initiative (ONI), an inde- On 8 April, the Arabic Network for “kingdom be included among those ticism of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said pendent group established to investigate, Human Rights Information sent a joint countries in the region that repress free- or his policies does not exist in the main- expose and analyse Internet filtering and letter of protest to the Sultan of Oman, dom of expression.” stream media, and, as Menassat, an Arab surveillance practices, describes the ex- in an effort to stop a trial against journal- On 21 April, a court in Muscat hand- media news monitor, notes: “Editorials tent of Internet censorship meted out by ist Ali al-Zwaidi which could have seen ed Ali al-Zwaidi a 10-day suspended pri - are supportive of government news. Oman’s authorities. him sentenced to three years in prison. son sentence and a fine of 200 Omani There is little in-depth reporting on do - The report said: “Although filtering of Al-Zwaidi, co-founder of the Omani Rials (approx. 400 Euros). mestic issues. The law prohibits criticism political content is highly selective, laws Writer’s Society and a journalist since of the sultan in any form or medium. and regulations restrict free expression 1986, also administrated an Internet fo- Recommendations Although criticism of government offi- on line and encourage self-censorship.” rum that was critical of some of Oman’s • Allow the media to criticise cials is tolerated, it never really gets any It added: “To use the Internet, individ- institutions. the regime. media coverage.” uals, companies and institutions are asked In August 2008, al-Zwaidi admitted • Repeal all repressive elements One of the main, long-standing obsta- to sign an agreement not to publish any- to posting an English-language article on of the Press and Publication law. A general view of Doha city with buildings under construction, 3 December, 2009. cles to press freedom in Oman is the thing that destabilises the state, insults or the forum criticising the head of Oman’s • Repeal all regulations censoring (REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad) 1984 Press and Publication Law, which criticises the head of state or the royal main telecommunications company, journalists who post to the Internet. “allows censorship of all domestic and family, questions trust in the justice of the Oman tel. The article, in particular its ccording to Qatar’s 1979 press law, to vote for the news they want to watch foreign publications on all matters dee- government, creates hatred toward the subsequent Arabic translation, caused a A it is a punishable offence to offend on it,” Xavier V. Rinaldi, of the Doha considerable stir, resulting in the head of the royal family, the army or the Islamic Centre for Media Freedom, was reported Omantel’s head filing a complaint against faith. Since the majority of businesses as saying by “ITP.net”. “The transfer of Oman in Brief al-Zwaidi. operating in Qatar are linked to these responsibility from the ISPs to ictQatar is Population: 2.8 million Al-Zwaidi was subsequently arrested institutions, media organisations are a threat to media freedom since ictQatar Domestic Overview: Sultan Qaboos Bin Said seized power in a 1970 coup under Article 61 of the Omani Commu - forced into heavy self-censorship. states that the majority should choose and has ruled over Oman since then. Oil is one of Oman’s main sources of nications Law, for “using a system or a Another press freedom issue in Qatar what is right and wrong, what is good revenue. Sultan Qaboos has implemented a successful policy of spending oil device or a means of communication to this year was the transfer of Internet reg- and what is bad. In a democratic country, revenue on health, education and welfare. direct a message while knowing it is un - ulation from Internet Service Providers the concept of ‘majority’ is a political true or causes harm to a person or service.” (ISPs) to a government authority, ‘ictQa- concept, and this concept has nothing to Beyond Borders: Since the 1970s, Sultan Qaboos has successfully reversed Al-Zwaidi was also charged with leak- tar’, along with a new policy that would do with the Internet. It strictly means the isolationism imposed by his predecessor. With the exception of a dispute with the United Arab Emirates over Oman’s northern boundary, the country ing an official document “about plans by involve seeking public opinion on the fil- that the majority has the right to censor generally enjoys friendly relations with its neighbours. Oman’s foreign policy the Council of Ministers for a television tering of online content and “other regu- the minorities.” has also been defined as “non-confrontational” and “conciliatory” towards programme called “Hadha al-Sabah”, ac- latory factors.” Much of the debate around press free- Western interests in the region. cording to the protest letter. “Can you imagine what the news dom in Qatar in 2009 revolved around would look like on TV if the viewers had the new Doha Centre for Media Freedom

52 53 Saudi Arabia By Naomi Hunt

avoid being sacked or even deported.” he Islamic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, came shortly after the broadcast of an Ménard’s criticism continued, and Thome to Islam’s two holiest cities, is episode of the social issues show “Ahmar pro voked a series of counter-attacks from a conservative country. The theocratic mo- Bel Khat Al Arid” which featured a Saudi column writers for certain Qatari news- narchy legitimises its rule by virtue of the man speaking openly about his extra- papers, who accused him of “immorality” country’s strict Sunni identity. Be cau se, marital sexual experiences. Abdul Jawad and of “insulting Qataris.” in its self-conception, the state unifies was sentenced to 1000 lashes and five “It’s been a year since the centre open - both ideal spiritual and political rule, there years in prison for his appearance on the ed, and six months since it became oper- is little space for political or religious plu- show. Three friends of his who appear ational, at phenomenal cost,” said the rality. Political parties are banned, and briefly in the segment each received 300 editor-in-chief of Al Sharq in one col- activists and critical journalists must con- lashes and a two-year prison term. umn. “It was hoped it would provide ad- tend with surveillance, harassment, inti- Also in connection with the program - ded value to the local landscape, but it mi dation, detentions and arrest. me, LBC fixer and production assistant hasn’t, and its limelight-seeking director Ruzana al-Yami, 22, was sentenced to 60 has limited himself to fiery statements.” Criticism of the royal lashes in October for violating the “com- Furthermore, the Qatari advisory mon decency law” and cooperating with council – one of the country’s legislative family or government an unlicensed media organization, the wings – alleged that foreign journalists policy is generally pro- Arab ic Network for Human Rights In - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on 14 December, 2009. were being brought into the country to formation (ANHRI) reported. She was Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah is pictured (REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee) hibited, and Saudi Arabia during his visit to Jizan near the border slander its name through negative re- pardoned by King Abdullah Bin Abdel maintains tight control with Yemen, 2 December, 2009. porting. Aziz al-Saud shortly thereafter. (REUTERS/Saudi Press Agency/Handout) (DCMF) and its former director-general, Al Arab also noted that the centre had over media content Saudi Prince al-Waleed bin Talal, and former head of Reporters Sans already been in action prior to its official On 19 June, Ménard who owns the majority share in LBC, did A large number of political exiles and Frontières (RSF), Robert Ménard. launch, providing 98 grants to 34 coun- followed up on his Over the past few years, journalists not face any charges. eco nomic immigrants from Yemen, in - tries, and stepping in, in June 2008, to have enjoyed slightly more freedom to The Basic Law does not guarantee cluding many from southern Yemen, live “I was ready to make obtain refuge for a young Afghan TV pre- earlier ultimatum, taking report on formerly taboo subjects includ- press freedom, stipulating instead that in Saudi Arabia. compromises as long senter, Nilofar Habibi, who had been his team and leaving the ing crime, drug trafficking, employment, “information, publication, and all other According to a Human Rights Watch attacked on at least two occasions in centre, citing “suffocation” human rights and religious extremism. media shall employ courteous language (HRW) report published in December as what was essential – retaliation for her reporting. Nonetheless, criticism of the royal family and the state’s regulations, and they shall 2009, a number of Yemeni journalists the ability to distribute However, early in 2009 Ménard cla - by the Qatari authorities or government policy is generally prohib- contribute to the education of the nation and online activists were detained and aid and express our shed with Qatari officials when authori- ited, and Saudi Arabia maintains tight and the bolstering of its unity,” and ex - ‘rendered’ to Yemen this year by the ties refused to issue visas for some jour- On 19 June, Ménard followed up on control over media content. Newspapers plicitly forbidding acts that “foster se- Saudi intelligence service, in cooperation views – was safe. This is nalists who were to be given sanctuary in his earlier ultimatum, taking his team are created by royal decree, the Broad - dition or division,” or that “harm the with its Yemeni counterpart. Ali Shayif, a no longer the case” the organisation’s safe houses. and leaving the centre, citing “suffoca- casting Service of the Kingdom of Saudi state’s se curity and its public relations.” blogger for Bawwabat al-Dhali, was taken And in February, during a press con- tion” by the Qatari authorities. Arabia is responsible for all broadcasting, Journalists who offend the authorities from his Jeddah apartment in October The centre – created by the ruling ference held to mark the release of the In a statement, Ménard said: “Certain and the government blocks websites it and other powerful actors face fines, 2008 and held incommunicado by the Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al- centre’s first annual report, Ménard Qatari officials never wanted an indepen- deems offensive. As a result, journalists detention, interrogation, dismissal, and Saudi authorities until May or June Thani, in a 2007 decree, and under the threatened to take his team and leave dent centre, one that was free to express and bloggers must exercise a large degree harassment. 2009, when he was transferred to Yemen. patronage of the country’s first lady, Qatar, should the country’s oppressive its views without being limited by politi- of self-censorship. Although allowed intermittent contact Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al-Missned – 1979 press law not be amended. cal or diplomatic considerations, one that Although Saudi Arabia has no formal Journalists who offend with his family, he remains in custody aspired “to be a refuge for journalists who At the same press conference, Ménard was free to criticise Qatar itself. But how constitution, the Basic Law issued by the authorities and other without charge or trial, HRW reported. risk their lives or freedom in keeping the rued the lack of a professional organisa- can you be credible if you say nothing King Fahd bin Abdel-Aziz in 1992 fulfils The Saudi authorities also detained global public informed,” the Qatari news- tion or union to defend journalists. The about the problems in the country in similar functions. The Basic Law gives powerful actors face fines, Yemeni blogger Fahmi Ali Nasr, who was paper Al Arab reported around the time report presented at the conference said which you are based?” the state the right to control morality, detention, interrogation, handed over to the Yemeni Political of the centre’s launch in October 2008. that journalists must “tread carefully to “I was ready to make compromises as stipulating that the state protects Islam dismissal, and harassment Security Organization before being re lea - long as what was essential – the ability to and implements Islamic law, and “orders sed, and blogger Muhammad al-Rabi'i, distribute aid and express our views – people to do right and shun evil; it fulfils who reportedly remains in Saudi custody. Qatar in Brief was safe. This is no longer the case,” said the duty regarding God’s call.” This right In November, satellite operators in Over 6.2 million Saudi residents use Ménard. is exercised frequently – in July, for in - Sau di Arabia and Egypt dropped Arabic the Internet, many of them women, and Population: 1.4 million stance, authorities cancelled the country’s broadcasts by the Iranian television net- there are reportedly as many as 5000 Domestic Overview: Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al-Thani came Recommendations only film festival, to be hosted in Jeddah, work Al Alam. Saudi-based Arabsat, as blogs, the BBC reports. Nonetheless, the to power in a 1995 coup against his father. He survived a 1996 attempted • Revisit the 1979 press law, under which at the last moment, reportedly as a result well as Cairo-based Nilesat, claimed an authorities exercise strong control. coup against him. Sheikh Hamad is also head of the armed forces and it is a crime to offend the royal family. of pressure from religious elements. unspecified breach of contract, although In April this year, the Saudi Interior defence minister. Sheikh Hamad has started a democratisation process away • Ensure that Internet regulation The establishment is unrelentingly in - it is believed that Al Alam’s coverage of Ministry issued new regulations to Inter- from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy. National elections are does not stifle the right of bloggers tolerant of behaviour and media content unrest in Yemen was at the root of the net cafes in the country, ordering them to however not allowed. to freedom of expression. that it deems “immoral.” The Saudi bure- decision. install surveillance cameras and keep Beyond Borders: Qatar’s founding of the broadcaster Al Jazeera boosted • Ensure that any business linkage aus of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corpo- Saudi Arabia shares a border with records of users and identities. The new the country’s international presence and its image among citizens of Arab of media outlets to the Royal Family ration (LBC), a private Lebanese satellite North Yemen, where an off-and-on con- rules also stipulate that Internet cafe and Muslim countries. or the army in no way jeopardises television station, were shut by the infor- flict between Houthi rebels and the owners must be Saudi, and customers editorial integrity. mation ministry in August. This decision Yemeni government reignited in 2009. must be over 18 years old to go online.

54 55 Sudan By Nayana Jayarajan

he believed Saleh was released because he he condition of press freedom in In February 2009, Sudanese authori- led a Draft Communications Bill for The law fails to define what would has mental problems. “He is mentally not TSudan has deteriorated sharply in ties expelled Canadian-Egyptian journal- reading in parliament, as a part of its constitute an offence requiring such pu - stable, because he had the courage to say the last year. Government crackdowns on ist Heba Aly from the country. According obligations under the 2005 Comprehen - nitive measures, nor does it take measures in his blog that he is a Christian,” Eid media outlets, and the harassment and to the Canadian Journalists for Free sive Peace Agreement between Northern to ensure the independence of the NPPC, said. “Anyone in his right mind in Saudi illegal detention of journalists, have be- Expression, Aly, who has worked for The and Southern Sudan. While the bill was a body closely tied to the president’s Arabia wouldn’t do that.” come increasingly common. Internation - Globe and Mail, CBC Radio and Bloom - lauded as an attempt to repeal Sudan’s office. Syrian blogger Raafat al-Ghanem was al monitoring agencies and press freedom berg, was forced to leave the country after highly repressive Press and Printed Press In July 2009, Sudan’s poor record on arrested by Saudi security forces on 29 groups have tied this increasing censor- she attempted to acquire information Materials Law 2004, it soon became evi- freedom of expression was highlighted July and taken to an undisclosed loca- ship to the issuance of a warrant for the about Sudan’s domestic arms production. dent that the bill contained several very when Lubna Hussein, a former journalist tion, ANHRI reported. The 25-year-old arrest of the country’s leader, President According to a statement released by troubling clauses with regard to press and UN employee was arrested for wear- Saudi resident was arrested on an errand Omar al-Bashir, by the International Cri - Sudan’s security service to Reuters, Aly freedom. ing trousers in public at a restaurant. For for his father at the Riyadh passport of - minal Court in July 2008. had been “practising activities outside her A report by Article 19 draws attention years Hussein had been writing a well- fice, and authorities later came to his Bashir has remained in control of assignment which harm Sudan’s national to several shortcomings in the law, specif- known “Men Talk” column in Sudanese house and confiscated his computer hard Sudan since he came to power in a blood- security.” The announcement also said ically the fact that print publications papers, in which she had bitterly criti- disk. less coup in 1989. In July 2008, the that she had been expelled for violating would now be forced to apply for licens- cised government practices and confront- Activists Walid Abdelkhair and Kha - International Criminal Court issued the immigration regulations, and the govern- es to publish, and that individual jour- ed fundamentalists. Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal attends led al-Nasser had their Twitter pages first-ever arrest warrant for a sitting head ment also refused to renew her license to a news conference in Riyadh, 30 August, blocked starting on 20 August, apparent- of government, calling for Sudan to arrest report from the country. 2009. Private satellite television station ly as a result of human rights content Bashir on charges of war crimes and Aly had also previously been ques- LBC, whose programme “Bold Red Line” they had posted, media observers report- crimes against humanity for his role in tioned by Sudanese officials over her re - led to the sentencing of several Saudi subjects in 2009, is owned primarily by ed in August. the conflict in Darfur, where at least porting. In December 2008, she was re- the Prince. (REUTERS/Fahad Shadeed) 200,000 people have died since 2003 in a por tedly detained for two hours at Khar - Recommendations campaign described by the George W. toum airport, while officials searched her Online journalists and bloggers who • Adopt legislation that gives broad Bush administration as government- laptop and notebooks. They also deleted fall afoul of the Saudi censors must reck- protection to freedom of expression spon sored genocide, according to TIME all the images on her camera. on with detentions and harassment. and freedom of the press. magazine. Observers say Sudan is unlike- • Remove Internet filters which prevent ly to ever honour the warrant. Government crack- Online journalists Saudi bloggers from reporting freely. Media outlets that fail to cooperate downs on media outlets, • Repeal requirements which prevent with the censors may have their publica- and bloggers who fall and the harassment and afoul of the Saudi censors Saudi residents from freely accessing tion confiscated and destroyed after the Internet, including video surveil- printing. The government reportedly illegal detention of jour- must reckon with deten- lance and mandatory registration at attaches to each publication a security nalists, have become tions and harassment Internet cafes. officer, whose job it is to ensure that no • Allow the establishment of private, sensitive material is published. increasingly common On 13 January, Hamoud bin Saleh independent media that are free to The Sudanese weekly Al Maidan was was detained after he announced on his operate without fear of censorship, not distributed on February 10, 2009, be - Later in the year Sudanese authorities A Sudanese rebel soldier stands guard in Darfur. (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin) blog that he had converted from Islam to harassment, detention or other legal cause of official censorship, Abdul Qa dir expelled another foreign journalist, a Christianity. He was arrested again on 28 reprisals. Muhammad, a reporter for the newspaper free lance reporter working for the pan- nalists would be forced to register with Hussein was arrested at the restaurant March. In an April interview with Com - told the Committee to Protect Jour nalists Arabic daily Al Hayat. Zouhair Latif was the Press Council of Sudan (a body with and charged with dressing “sensationally,” pass News, Arabic Network for Human (CPJ) in an e-mail. Muhammad wrote arrested at his Khartoum home by securi- very close ties to the administration and a charge which carries a punishment of Rights Information (ANHRI) Director that the Sudanese security staff responsi- ty forces and held for two days before controlled by the president) before they 40 lashes in the event of a conviction. Gamal Eid said, in an apparent quip, that ble for censorship omitted six articles, being forced to leave the country. His com - were allowed to practice their profession. Hussein retaliated by sending out along with the banner headline on the puter and other data were confiscated. The Press Council would also have pow- invitation cards to her flogging. front page and at least 10 articles on the Latif had just spent 21 days in the ers to impose criminal sanctions for vio- Sudanese authorities then arrested an- remaining 11 pages of the newspaper. wes tern region of Darfur although the lations of the law. other female journalist, Amal Habbani, Saudi Arabia in Brief “The leading political commentary, a travel permits issued to journalists by the The draft law was met with criticism for writing an article on the Lubna Hus - Population: 25.7 million piece discussing our opinion, on the con- authorities are usually for periods of no from the international community, and a sein case, in which she suggested that the flict in Darfur and its tragic consequences longer than two weeks. group of about 50 journalists protested practice of penalising women for their Domestic Overview: Saudi Arabian oil resources have made the country one of the wealthiest in the region. The al-Saud dynasty, from which the and our perception of a possible model On 19 March, Alhaj Warrag, editor- before the parliament. The bill gives the clothing was unrelated to fashion, but was country derives its name, has held political and economic power in the coun- for its resolution [was deleted],” a state- in-chief of Ajras Al Hurriyya, an inde- National Press and Publication Council instead a method of oppressing women. try since the 18th century. Saudi Arabia was an absolute monarchy until ment from the newspaper said. pendent newspaper, was arrested and (NPPC) the power to shut down news- Habbani was questioned, on suspicion 1992, when the Saudi royal family introduced the country's first constitution. Al Maidan is a weekly for the Su da n - taken into custody. Warrag’s newspaper papers, arbitrarily investigate journalists, of criminal defamation, by the press and Political parties are forbidden. The legal system is based on Sharia law. ese Communist Party. and his staff had routinely been subjected revoke licenses, confiscate equipment publications prosecution on 20 July, Beyond Borders: Saudi Arabia has traditionally been an ally of the US, According to Muhammad, Al Maidan to harassment and censorship in the past. and levy outrageously high fines of up to according to the Arabic Network for following a 1951 mutual defence agreement, but the relationship deteriorated has been a target of government censor- In this instance, Warrag was arrested in 50,000 Sudanese Pounds (approx. 15,200 Human Rights Information (ANHRI). after the 9/11 attacks, as 15 of the 19 aeroplane hijackers on that day were ship since November 2007. “Now it has connection with criminal defamation Euros). A recent story in the Sudan Tri- The general discipline police authority Saudi nationals. Although Saudi Arabia immediately condemned the attacks, reached a point of almost restricting all proceedings initiated in 2007. bune, however, said the Sudanese parlia- demanded compensation of 10 million media reports indicated US frustration with Saudi Arabia. the articles without a specific criteria or In April 2009, the Sudanese Ministry ment had agreed to drop the fine provi- Sudanese Pounds (almost 3 million Eu - reason,” he wrote. of Information and Communication tab - sion in the law.) ros), to be paid by Amal.

56 57 Syria By Anthony Mills

Faced with strong international pres- In a positive development, in August, ost Syrian media outlets are either sure in the Hussein case, the Sudanese the former Information and Broadcasting Mowned or controlled by the gov- government asserted that Lubna Husse - Minister, and current Minister of Cultu - ernment, or the Baath party, which un - in’s status as an employee with the UN re, Youth and Sports, Gabriel Changson derpins it. Exceptions are a few radio sta- gave her diplomatic immunity from pros- Chang, announced the passing of two tions prohibited from broadcasting news ecution. Hussein opted to resign, nullify- bills on the right of citizens to access or political commentary. All Syrian TV ing this protection, and go to trial. information and the independence of the outlets are state-controlled. In September 2009, following several media. The minister also announced the Criticism of the president and his postponements, a court found the former setting up of a commission to facilitate family is a criminal offence and foreign journalist guilty and ordered her to pay a citizens’ and media access to government media are subject to censorship over ma- fine of 500 Sudanese Pounds (approx. information. terial judged to be detrimental to Syria’s 200 Euros) or go to prison for a month. interests and image. Self-censorship is the Hussein refused to pay the fine, asserting IPI fellow and former norm and foreign journalists find it very that she had done nothing wrong. Final- board member Vuslat difficult to acquire accreditation. ly, the fine was paid by the head of the Syria’s constitution technically allows journalists union, Moh yi deen Titawi. Dogan Sabanci traveled for freedoms of speech and the media, Observers suggested that the union acted to the Sudanese but in practice these rights are severely on orders from the government, which capital Khartoum for curtailed. Journalists are constantly mon- wished to bring an embarrassing situa- itored by a plethora of security agencies. Lubna Hussein, a former journalist and U.N. press officer, smiles after her release in Sudan's A man reads newspapers before Iftar, when tion and a public relations nightmare to capital Khartoum, September 8, 2009. (REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah) Hussein’s trial A 2001 Press Law gives the authorities Muslims break their fast, during the holy an end. wide-ranging control over all print me- month of Ramadan at the historic Umayyad papers to enforce pre-publication censor- tions called attention to the fact that the However, in June, police in Juba de - dia, and outlaws any form of reporting Mosque in Old Damascus, 26 August, 2009. Zouhair Latif was arrested ship. If fully implemented, this would editor had made powerful enemies, and tained a political reporter named Isaac on topics the government considers sen- (REUTERS/Khaled al-Hariri) at his Khartoum home by constitute a positive step for press free- yet no attempt had been made to identi- Vuni for five days, according to the paper sitive. These include “attacking the state’s dom in the country. However, journalists fy the planners behind the attack. he wrote for, the Sudan Tribune. Mr. prestige or dignity, national unity or ar - a blanket ban on all Kurdish-language security forces and held for and editors fear that the move may have While media in the south of the coun- Vuni told the Tribune that he was arrest- my morale (...) the national economy (...) publications. two days before being been motivated by Bashir’s desire to im - try are less prone to outright harassment ed for exposing the collapse of the Nile or the security of the currency” – tags Among the foreign publications that forced to leave the country. prove his image in the international com- and intimidation, the situation is far Commercial Bank. that can be broadly and unfairly applied have been banned from distribution in munity ahead of Sudan’s presidential from perfect. For many journalists in the While in custody, the reporter was to stifle any form of criticism. Permits for Syria, according to the Beirut-based free His computer and other elec tions in 2010. south, as the International Media Society allegedly denied water, food, and access journalists can only be issued by the media organisation SKeyes, are Lebanon’s data were confiscated In April, Sudanese authorities execut- notes, the April 2010 elections will be to toilets. prime minister. Al Nahar, Al Mustaqbal, and Al Anwar, ed nine men found guilty of involvement their first experience covering an election Earlier in the year, the managing edi- Kuwaiti dailies Al Siyasa and Al Ra’i, the IPI followed the case closely and is- in the 2006 murder of editor Moham- of any description. Journalists in the re - tor of the Juba Post, Billy Gideon, was Syria’s constitution tech- London-published Al Sharq Al Awsat, and sued a number of condemnatory state- med Taha Mohammed Ahmed, who was gion face acute shortages of infrastructure detained for nine hours regarding a press nically allows for freedoms the Egyptian magazine Rose ul Yusuf. ments. In response to the charges brought kidnapped and beheaded in East Khar - and training. release that had appeared in his paper two Private, commercial FM broadcasters against Habbani, IPI Director David toum. Taha was known for his critical ar - In September, the Sudan Tribune re- months before. The press release men- of speech and the media, have been given the go-ahead, but sta- Dadge said: “The Sudanese government ticles on the political opposition. Despite ported that the former guerilla move- tioned SPLA Brigadier William Deng as but in practice these rights tions are not allowed to transmit news or must accept that the media has a legiti- being a former member of the Islamic ment of South Sudan, the Sudan People’s having been involved in land mismanage- are severely curtailed. political content, according to a BBC mate right to criticise cases where there National Front, he had reportedly offen - Liberation Army was establishing its own ment. Brigadier Deng has filed charges News profile of Syria. are concerns about the fair administra- ded the Islamists with an article that television and radio programs to raise against Gideon for libel and defamation, Journalists are constantly By 2008, Syria had 2.1 million Inter - tion of justice.” reportedly questioned the ancestry of the awareness of the group’s activities. according to the Sudan Tribune. monitored by a plethora net users, according to the International IPI fellow and former board mem- Prophet. Several press freedom organiza- of security agencies Telecommunications Union. The Inter- ber Vuslat Dogan Sabanci traveled to Recommendations net has emerged as a platform for dissent the Su da nese capital Khartoum for Hus - • Invest more in infrastructure Publications that infringe upon con- and is a thorn in the side of the authori- sein’s trial. Sudan in Brief and training for journalists. tent regulations can be suspended. ties. As a consequence, the government In a report she wrote upon her return • Revise the Communications Bill. Journalists are also prohibited from has increased online censorship and mo- Population: 42.3 million to Turkey, for the daily Hurriyet newspa- • Implement a government promise publishing “inaccurate” information. ni toring. Bloggers and online journalists per – of which she is the CEO – she Domestic Overview: In recent decades, more than two million people have to cease pre-publication censorship. The government exercises tight con- have been subject to harassment and arrest. recalled a conversation she had in Sudan died in civil war in Sudan. A North/South Comprehensive Peace Agreement trol over the flow of information. It res- Although there are no Internet laws with Habbani: “We discussed the fact was signed in January 2005, but the transitional period mandated by the ponds to criticism with arbitrary deten- per se in Syria, online journalists and agreement is due to end in a referendum in 2011. A separate conflict, which there were many women deputies in Su- tion, extralegal intimidation, criminal bloggers can be charged under the Press broke out in the western region of Darfur in 2003, has displaced nearly two dan’s parliament in 1965. Amal told me suits, fines, harassment, refusal of accred- Law, the Emergency Law and the penal million people and caused an estimated 200,000 to 400,000 deaths. now they cannot enter the building for itation, banishment from the country code. wearing pants. She explained how the Beyond Borders: The turmoil in Sudan has become increasingly regional in and dismissal from the workplace. Such Syria ranks among the top foes of a country has retreated on women’s rights scope, and has brought instability to eastern Chad, and Sudanese incursions dismissals can also happen when Syrian free Internet and censors independent during the last 20 years.” into the Central African Republic. Sudan has also faced large refugee influxes journalists meet with their international and opposition news websites. In 2008, from neighbouring countries, primarily Ethiopia and Chad. Armed conflict, poor In September, Bashir announced that counterparts. Syria’s Ministry of Communications or - transport infrastructure, and a lack of government support have chronically his government would suspend the prac- Censorship of both domestic and for- dered all Internet cafe owners to take obstructed the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations. tice of assigning security forces to news- eign media is routine, and Syria enforces down the personal details of all their cus-

58 59 ment online. He was convicted under Haddad, who is a Baath Party mem- cious information liable to weaken the nal Investigations department. Lebanese newspaper Al Safir, was arrested article 285 of the criminal code of “weak- ber, spoke of disputes between late Syrian nation’s morale,” in accordance with arti- Two days after his arrest, his dismissal on 5 July in Damascus and subsequently ening national sentiment.” Saleh, now President Hafez al-Assad and other party cle 296 of the General Syrian Penal Code. from Al Thawra was announced by the released. 62, was arrested on 6 May 2008. leaders. Arabji was arrested by the Palestine Union of Press, Publications and Print - Starting on 22 April, Syria prohibited Also in August, Ahmad Takrouni, the Branch of Syria’s military intelligence on ing, which is responsible for publishing Recommendations the publication in Syria of Lebanon’s editor of Al Uruba Al Homsiya, a region- 7 June 2007 and held for two years in all state-owned newspapers. • Allow privately-owned media Al Diyar newspaper. This coincided with al newspaper based in Homs, about 150 pre-trial detention. In September, he was According to press freedom organisa- to flourish death threats received in April by the edi- km north of Damascus, was indirectly transferred to Sednaya prison to be tried tions, Aqil had been the victim of harass- • Reform the Press Law so that it can no tor-in-chief of Al Diyar, Charles Ayoub, dismissed by Information Minister Moh- before the Supreme Court of State Se- ment by security agents for a year, appar- longer be broadly used to stifle critical in Lebanon, warning him of the conse- sen Bilal. curity on charges of “spreading false news ently in connection with articles he wrote journalism, and so that the process of quences of continuing to publish editori- Takrouni feels that his dismissal was that weakens the nation’s morale.” It is about government corruption and posted accreditation is no longer politicised als critical of another Lebanese pro-Syr - sparked by a column the paper printed, believed that his arrest was linked to arti- on the website “all4syria”. He had criti- and in the hands of the prime minister. ian figure. In the months leading up to by Hassan al-Safidi on 14 July, titled cles he wrote criticising the Syrian au- cised the government’s choice for newly- • Cease subjecting journalists to April, several issues of Al Diyar had been “We, the people of Homs, are fanatical thorities and published in the “Akhawia” appointed head of government newspa- arbitrary detention, extralegal intimi- censored in Syria. about our origins.” online forum. per Tashrin. dation, criminal suits, fines, harass- On 5 April, Faruq Haji Mustafa, a On 13 September, the Syrian authori- Meanwhile, SKeyes said its website – Aqil had also filed complaints and ment, refusal of accreditation, banish- Syrian Kurdish journalist and writer, was ties shut down the Syrian Center for which was launched in April 2008 – had spoken up for other reporters pressured ment from the country and dismissal arrested by political security officers, after Media and the Freedom of Expression, been blocked in Syria, raising to 226 the by the government. In 1987, he received from the workplace. meeting a German journalist and subse- an NGO, and seized its assets, without number of websites confirmed blocked in a nine-year prison sentence for member- • Cease all forms of censorship. quently receiving a series of summonses any form of prior legal notification, ac- the country, according to a report by the ship of the banned Communist Action • Allow bloggers to practise their to appear before the political security cording to regional press freedom organ- Syrian Center for Media and the Free- League. profession freely. office. isation SKeyes. dom of Expression. Five cyber-dissidents, including Habib Mustafa has written for newspapers SKeyes said that in October the In - Saleh and Firas Saad, are reportedly still like Syria’s Al Watan, the London-based formation Ministry blocked circulation in prison. And the magazines Al Mal and Syrian President Bashar Assad On 13 September, the seen during a meeting in Tehran, pan-Arab Al Hayat, and Lebanon’s Al Safir. of issue no. 52 of the magazine Shaba blek Syria Today were reportedly also banned Iran, Wednesday, Aug.19, 2009. In July, the Damascus bureau of pri- Syrian authorities shut and that the magazine subsequently an- in 2009 in Syria. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) vately-owned satellite TV station Al down the Syrian Center nounced it would suspend publication in Palestinian journalist Helmi Musa, Mashreq was arbitrarily closed down by for Media and the Freedom protest at its repeated banning by the who writes about Israeli affairs for the tomers as well as the exact time at which the security services. A few days later, the authorities and would republish when they accessed the Internet, and share the third most popular TV station in Syria of Expression, and seized media conditions in Syria improved. records thus gathered with the authorities (after Al Sham and Al Dunia), Alep, was its assets, without any form Syria in Brief at regular intervals. similarly shut down. Although the sta- of prior legal notification, SKeyes said its Website – On 10 May a committee ordered to tion is still broadcasting its reporters are according to SKeyes Population: 21.9 million come up with a new press law, at an in- no longer allowed to practise their profes- which was launched in Domestic Overview: The government – dominated by the ruling Baath formal meeting, suggested that updated sion in Syria. April 2008 – had been Party – rules Syria with an iron, authoritarian fist and cracks down mercilessly legislation – still to be governed by the Most of Al Mashreq’s employees were In addition to monitoring violations blocked in Syria, raising to on any domestic political opposition. When former President Hafez penal code – be expanded to encompass reportedly pressured to state that they no against the media, the Syrian Centre for al-Assad died in 2000, his son, after becoming the new president, briefly Internet users as well. longer worked for the company Live Media and the Freedom of Expression 226 the number of slackened the reins, allowed political ’salons’ to open and released hundreds Point, Al Mashreq’s biggest shareholder. has published a number of reports on the Websites confirmed blocked of political prisoners. However the apparent ’Damascus Spring’ was Programmes broadcast by the station predicament of the media in Syria, as well in the country never allowed to flourish and the iron grip was quickly tightened again. Although there are no about everyday concerns of the Syrian as various special reports on the travel The salons were shut down and political dissidents were arrested. Internet laws per se in public had been highly popular. bans applied to critics of the regime, and Also in October, according to SKeyes, Similarly, despite early cautious predictions the state-dominated Syrian Syria, online journalists On 13 August it was announced – about the Internet. It also monitored the journalists were expelled from a meeting economy has not yet undergone serious reform. and bloggers can be without reason – by Syrian Information media during election campaigns. between the mayor of the northern city Beyond Borders: In 2009, Syria continued re-emerging from international Minister Mohsen Bilal that freelance It had criticised the information mi- of Aleppo and transport officials. They isolation following accusations in recent years that it was fuelling an insur- charged under the Press journalist Ibrahim al-Jaban had been nistry for banning a host of newspapers were accused of twisting statements. The gency in Iraq and meddling in Lebanese political affairs. Law, the Emergency Law banned from employment with Syrian and magazines. following day the Aleppo correspondent Syria remains an ardent foe of Israel, and supports various militant and the penal code state satellite TV station Al Suriya and Before the centre was shut down it said for Aks Al Sayr was arrested in connection Palestinian groups that have launched attacks against Israel. It is also a from producing any of the programmes that among the 241 news and informa- with an arrest warrant issued over a law- staunch defender of the militant Hezbollah group in Lebanon, which fought in the “Al ’Alama Al Fariqa” series – tion sites closed down by the authorities suit accusing him of slander and libel. He Israel to a standstill in a month long war in 2000. Israel still occupies the Unfortunately, 2009 was another bad which features audacious questions from were 49 Kurdish sites, 35 opposition was released the following day. Three Golan Heights - which it seized from Syria in the 1967 war. year for press freedom in Syria, which has the host. sites, 22 Lebanese sites, 15 human rights other lawsuits have been filed against the Indirect Syrian-Israeli peace talks resumed under Turkish mediation in 2008 one of the world’s worst records on media A number of its episodes had previ- sites and nine cultural sites. publication – all related to its investiga- but have since been frozen again. freedom, with numerous arbitrary arrests ously been delayed or banned. In the last Also in September, the Supreme tive coverage of corruption. Syria withdrew its forces from Lebanon in 2005, under strong popular and of journalists reported and the banning programme aired, on 7 August, Council Court of State Security in Damascus sen- On 22 November, police arrested international pressure following the assassination of former Lebanese Prime of at least one newspaper. of the People foreign relations committee tenced Syrian blogger Karim Antoine jour nalist Ma’an Aqil at his office, the Minister Rafik Hariri. A UN report suggested Syria was involved in the killing. In March, cyber-dissident Habib Sa - head Suleiman Haddad (a friend of the Arabji to prison for three years under government-owned daily Al Thawra, in Damascus denied this. leh was sentenced to three years in prison information minister’s) had been inter- broadly and unfairly applicable legisla- Damascus. He was reportedly taken to for posting articles criticising the govern- viewed. tion that prohibits “publishing menda- the headquarters of the National Crimi -

60 61 Tunisia By Colin Peters

he Tunisian regime cemented its re- for this reason they are reacting like this. following day’s issue, while it was still at A week later, police arrested Ben Brik Tputation as one of the Arab world’s We continue broadcasting on satellite the printing house. over the incident, and charged him with worst media oppressors in 2009, with even after what happened today, and The Interior Ministry again interfered “violating public decency,” “defamation,” presidential and parliamentary elections Radio Kalima will never be silenced.” with the distribution of the independent “assault” and “damaging another person’s bringing increased pressure on the coun- Sadly, the station was temporarily print press the following month, ANHRI property.” try’s already embattled independent press. closed on 30 January, and authorities reported, with a 17 November order that The charges were widely condemned Long before voters went to the polls brought legal proceedings against Bensa- all presses responsible for printing oppo- by press freedom and human rights on 25 October, most independent obser - drine for broadcasting on frequencies to sition papers “hand over all issues to the groups as baseless and politicised. vers had already written this year’s elec- which she allegedly did not have legal Tunisian Company for Distribution.” In After a trial during which Ben Brik tions off as a farce – a mere formality in access. Throughout the rest of the year, response to this, Al Tariq Al Jadid, Al and his lawyers were given little opportu- extending President Zine El Abidine Ben Kalima journalists were confronted with Mawqef and Moatenun stopped publish- nity to speak (during the first hearing, Ali’s 22-year rule by a further five. For abuse from the authorities. ing for a week, combining instead to Ben Brik was apparently able to utter no Tunisia’s brave independent voices, how- Kalima was not the only news organi- issue a joint statement condemning the more than the words “I am a hostage of ever, this formality meant arbitrary de- sation to suffer this year. Newspapers government clampdown on opposition Ben Ali,” according to the online news- tentions, police raids, spurious charges aligned with opposition politics were also newspapers as an attempt to “force them paper Matin), the court sentenced the and physical assault. singled out for harsh treatment. to close down.” long-maligned journalist to six months in IPI closely monitored the arrest, im - For example, authorities seized the 31 In an ANHRI statement, the organi- prison. prisonment and harassment of Tunisian January issue of the weekly Al Tariq Al sation’s executive director, Gamal Eid, In a statement criticising the sentence, journalists in 2009, particularly in rela- Jadid, the official newspaper for Tunisia’s described the ministry’s move as part of IPI Director David Dadge said: “Ben tion to the presidential election. left-leaning “Mouvement Ettajdid”, after the “government’s campaign against all Brik is facing persecution and harassment Responding on 2 December to reports it published a transcript of a 2008 court dissenting or opposing voices.” He ad - by the Tunisian government for merely that editor Zouhair Makhlouf had been Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali interrogation of a local labour leader ded: “The government is working to Tunisian journalist Taoufik Ben Brick at the practising his profession. The Tunisian casts his ballot at a polling station in Tunis European Parliament in Strasbourg in 2000. sentenced to three months in prison for October 25, 2009. (REUTERS/Presidential from the central Tunisian city of Gafsa. choke the voice of opposition parties.” (Vincent Kessler/ Reuters) government must understand that jour- publishing a damaging interview without Handout) According to the human rights group Ob - Not only media organisations were sin- nalists have a right to work free of threats consent, just a week after government servatory for the Freedom of the Press, g led out for their independent stance in On October 28, 2009, four men in and intimidation and it is time that the critic Taoufik Ben Brik was sentenced to deeper trouble with the government. Publishing and Creation (OLPEC), au - 2009. Individual journalists suffered too. civilian clothing attacked Boukhdir as he authorities set aside their undue sensitiv- six months in prison, IPI Deputy Direc - Within a day of the satellite station’s thorities did not even inform Al Tariq Al Those who have built up a reputation was walking home in Tunis, forced him ity towards criticism and accept that it is tor Alison Bethel McKenzie said: “We re- launch, plainclothes police officers began Jadid management that they had confis- for critical reporting find themselves into a car, and drove him to a large Tunis a crucial element of any democracy.” peat our call for the Tunisian authorities surrounding the building from which cated the issue; instead they “learned of shadowed by the security forces, impli- park, where they beat him severely and to end the persecution and harassment of Radio Kalima is run – a residential block the event in official newspapers.” cated in crimes that local human rights warned him that, should he not stay away On October 28, 2009, journalists. The systematic at tacks meted which also houses “Kalima” online maga- groups claim either never happened or from “that woman,” he would be killed. four men in civilian out against the independent media in zine as well as two human rights groups. were staged by police purely as a means to A passer-by later found Boukhdir, and For us, this is obviously clothing attacked Boukhdir Tunisia over the past few months are Police detained at least one of the station’s a way to silence the radio. frame journalists, or simply detained and helped him to a taxi. an insult to press freedom.” journalists, Dhafer Otay, as he attempted threatened. Earlier that same afternoon, Boukhdir as he was walking home to enter the building, holding him for six I say, it’s a fight against According to OLPEC, three journal- had taken part in a BBC interview about in Tunis, forced him into hours and releasing him with a warning ists working for the broadcaster Al Hiwar Ben Ali’s re-election to a fifth term three We repeat our call for the the future and the future is a car, and drove him to Tunisian authorities to end not to return to the station. By 28 Jan u - not with them,” Sihem Ettounsi – Aymen Rezgui, Amina Jab- days before. According to OLPEC, he ary, some 60 officers had in effect laid loun and Badr Essalam Trabelsi – were had also discussed the intimidation of a large Tunis park, where the persecution and harass- siege to the station, refusing to let anyone Bensadrine, Radio Kalima’s stopped by police on their way to a con- journalists during the election campaign, they beat him severely ment of journalists. The associated with Radio Kalima enter. editor-in-chief, told IPI on ference, taken to a police station, threat- and he had also mentioned Ben Ali’s wife. systematic attacks meted Those inside continued to broadcast the day of the raid ened them with “reprisals” should they “Criticising Ben Ali or his family is Less than a week after the November intermittently. continue to work for an “illegal station,” the most dangerous thing you can do in jailing of Ben Brik, Tunisian authorities out against the independent The intimidation continued, with Tunisian authorities singled out the and then offered “official government Tunisia,” said OLPEC Vice President imprisoned another critical journalist on media in Tunisia over the some plainclothes officers allegedly going newspaper again during the run-up to positions if they ceased their journalistic Naziha Rjiba, in a conversation with IPI charges that many human rights activists past few months are an as far as to threaten Kalima magazine’s the presidential election. On 10 October, work.” about the case. denounced as spurious. managing editor Omar Mestiri with a the Tunisian Interior Ministry ordered Some journalists have suffered for ma- Acts of intimidation against freelance Zouhair Makhlouf, editor of the op - insult to press freedom knife. The police deployment at Radio the confiscation of the following day’s ny years at the hands of the Ben Ali re- journalist Taoufik Ben Brik and his fami- position news website “Essabil Online” Kalima’s studios culminated in a 29 Jan - issue, while it was still at the printing gime as a consequence of their profes- ly reach back even further, with reports of was arrested in October for breaching the One of the hardest hit victims this uary raid, during which officers confis- house, claiming that Al Tariq Al Jadid had sion. Amongst them are Slim Boukhdir, vandalism of his wife’s car in 1999 in an Tunisian Communication Code by pub- year was the “Kalima” media organisa- cated equipment including employees’ violated campaign regulations “by print- Taoufik Ben Brik and Zouhair Makh louf. act of retribution for Ben Brik’s report- lishing a “damaging interview without tion, one of Tunisia’s last bastions of inde- mobile telephones and chargers. ing an election statement before the offi- Boukhdir was released from prison in ing. Since then, police have kept him consent.” pendent, critical journalism. Until “For us, this is obviously a way to si - cial elections campaign had begun,” the July 2008 after serving 238 days of a one- under surveillance, made threats against The interview in question was part of January, Ka lima had been associated with lence the radio. I say, it’s a fight against Arabic Network for Human Rights year sentence for allegedly “insulting an him, and he and his family have come an investigative documentary concerning an on line magazine and an online radio the future and the future is not with (ANHRI) said in a statement. The offi- official in the exercise of his duty,” “vio- under further violent attack. pollution in the industrial area of Nabeul station, both of which have suffered them,” Sihem Bensadrine, Radio Kalima’s cial election campaign started on 11 lating decency” and “refusing to produce On 22 October, 2009, after parking in northeast Tunisia, and featured a local heavy censorship at the hand of Tunisia’s editor-in-chief, told IPI on the day of the October – the day on which the issue was identity papers.” In September 2008 he his car and heading to pick up his daugh- potter discussing the issue. The potter ap- authorities. On 26 January, Kalima asso- raid. due to hit the stands. was kidnapped, and in December 2008 ter from school, Ben Brik claims he was parently filed a complaint with police, ciated itself with an independent satellite “They can control all things on the On 10 October, the Tunisian Interior he was openly threatened with a return to attacked by a lady who he believes was a claiming that Makhlouf conducted the radio station, and immediately ran into land. They cannot control the sky, and Ministry ordered the confiscation of the prison. plainclothes police officer. interview without his consent.

62 63 United Arab Emirates (UAE) By Claude Salhani

Following a trial during which Makh- hen it comes to freedom of speech, louf’s lawyers claim the judge continual- Wfreedom of the press and freedom ly interrupted them while they made to express one’s opinion publicly, the their statements, the court sentenced United Arab Emirates gets some of the Makhlouf to three months in prison. highest marks in the Arab world. But OLPEC’s Naziha Rjiba told IPI that before the UAE rejoices over this opening the police probably coerced the local pot- statement, it must be said that the very ter into filing charges against Makhlouf, young UAE, which has received acclaim and that such police tactics are standard in recent years for its advancements in practice for the Tunisian authorities. information and technology and its in- “It’s very common for the authorities come-per-capita standing, has a long way to act in this way, putting pressure on to go when it comes to press freedom. people to bring charges against journal- In essence, the media in the UAE re - ists,” said Rjiba. mains quite free according to the coun- try’s constitution. But, as in many Arab Recommendations Claude Salhani is editor of the Middle countries, that freedom often does not • End harassment of journalists East Times and a political analyst extend to work that is perceived as insult- by the authorities. specializing in the Middle East and ing or casting a bad shadow on the UAE’s • Ensure that journalists are able terrorism. He is a contributing editor rulers or the nation – a federation of to cover elections freely. with United Press International, a re- seven emirates states: Dubai, Abu Dhabi • Cease using criminal charges as gular contributor to the commentary (the capital), Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al- a way of intimidating journalists. pages of the Washington Times Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah The UAE's revised media law decriminalizes journalist “offenses,” Modernism regularly collides with tradition in places like Dubai where the ultra- but transparency and free speech issues remain items of concern sleek Burj al-Arab hotel is surrounded by Arabian wind towers of centuries-old (Washington, DC, USA), Dubai’s founded 38 years ago. among journalists in the extensive English-language press. design and function. (Photo Courtesy Richard Gross) Khaleej Times, Beirut’s Executive (Photo Courtesy Richard Gross) Tunisia in Brief magazine and the Open Source As in many Arab countries, Intelligence Group (OSINT). He that freedom often does on the day the newspaper featured front they have received the “occasional com- up with a bomb in one’s car or be found Population: 10.3 million appears on a number of radio and page stories about the UAE’s debt crisis plaint from government authorities,” or to have committed “suicide” by shooting Domestic Overview: President television networks as a political not extend to work that is and a two-page graphic illustration of that there have been a few “veiled oneself multiple times in the back of the Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who has commentator including CNN, French perceived as insulting or Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Mak - threats.” Popular United Kingdom news- head. ruled the country since 1987, radio and TV, Canadian radio and casting a bad shadow on the toum, the ruler of Dubai, sinking in a sea paper columnist Roy Greenslade wrote in “I don’t think that the foreign media pushed through amendments to TV (in English and French), Al Hurra of debt. The Guardian in April that as the world’s would say anything negative about the the constitution ahead of elections and other Middle East media. UAE’s rulers or the nation economic woes began to show signs of royal family and get away with it,” said a in 2004, allowing him to run for He is a senior associate at the In November, the UAE reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi, major foreign journalist in Dubai, who asked two more terms. The government Washington, DC-based Institute The United Arab Emirates, the center news agencies were being told “to avoid not to be named. of President Ben Ali has sparked of World Affairs and a member of media activity in the Gulf region, has barred the London-based writing ‘negative stories’ about the UAE As several journalists in Dubai stated, international criticism for alleged- of the London-based International two dozen newspapers, including several Sunday Times from news economy.” The threats usually indicate there is a sort of unwritten rule among ly violating human rights and sti- Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). in English, and nearly twice that number that a press card or a residence permit the foreign press based in the UAE that fling dissent. stands in the United Arab Salhani is the author of “Black in radio and television stations. might not be renewed; nothing along the places the royals off limits. Beyond Borders: Tunisia has September to Desert Storm” and There are a number of taboo topics Emirates on the day the lines of threats the media may face in close relations with Europe and contributing author of “The Iraq War.” that journalists are not supposed to touch, newspaper featured front authoritative countries. In the UAE, some the United States, while also en - He is also author of the newly and indeed, most of the media do not. pages stories about the “It is true that nobody has been ex- media seem to enjoy gaging in Arab and African regio - released book “While the Arab World An Abu Dhabi court in July 2009 pelled or been subjected to any heavy- nal bodies. France is Tunisia’s Slept: The Impact of the Bush Years upheld an earlier decision to suspend UAE’s debt crisis handed treatment at the hands of the greater freedom in what closest ally, while the US has co - in the Middle East.” pub lication of Emarat Al Youm newspa- government,” said a foreign journalist operated with Tunisia on military they write than others per for 20 days and fined its editor It is also important to note that the based in Dubai. and security issues. 20,000 Dirhams (approx. 3,693 Euros) authorities in the UAE, as indeed in There was one incident in 2008 when In the UAE, some media seem to en- for an October 2006 article that said the much of the Arab world, differentiate two foreign journalists had their pass- joy greater freedom in what they write newspaper had proof that a prominent between the domestic media and the ports held by the authorities for a few than others, as is the case with Seven Days, UAE business figure who owns and races international media with the latter typi- days, but the affair quickly blew over. one of the most successful newspapers thoroughbreds, and who had just won a cally allowed far more flexibility than One topic in Dubai is considered sac- published in English, and set up by expa- race, had used doping for his horses. their local colleagues – in theory at least. rosanct and untouchable by the media, triates. Dubai-based correspondents say In June, a Bloomberg reporter was de - In fact, UAE laws dictate punishment for both foreign and domestic, and that is Seven Days is often quite critical of the tained at Dubai airport and questioned those who criticise the government or the royal family. Neither domestic nor government, but seems to get away with for hours about his work, according to royal family, but foreign media based in foreign journalists are likely to get away it as it is very widely read in the UAE. reports. He was released with a warning: Dubai are exempt from the law. How- with heavy criticism of the royal family. The newest addition to the press line- be careful. ever, that does not mean they are free to In that respect, the Emirates are not very up in the Emirates is Abu Dhabi’s The And in November, the UAE barred do as they please. different from many other countries in National, a highly respected English-lan- the London-based Sunday Times from Some foreign correspondents based in the region with the major difference be- guage daily close to the royal family. But news stands in the United Arab Emirates the UAE contacted for this report say ing that in other countries one may end even that did not prevent it from getting

64 65 NOTES FROM THE FIELD : UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

its knuckles wrapped after publishing a in a UK arbitration court where a special So, while the United Arab Emirates story critical of the government. tribunal was established for this very pur- promotes itself as a socioeconomic pow- Sensitivity in the UAE seems to touch pose. erhouse with state-of-the-art sky scrapers more upon issues related to appearing to Meanwhile, foreign, domestic and and indoor ski resorts, it continues to the world as a corrupt-free society rather English-language papers – all of which struggle with how far to go on allowing Journalism than trying to hide politically-related sto- have been criticized by some press free- for basic human rights issues such as free- ries – as may often be the case in other dom groups for their apparent self-cen- dom of the press. countries in the region. sorship and reluctance to speak out on Other taboo subjects include por- the issue of press freedom - have begun to By all accounts an Education Gaining nogra phy and other “inappropriate raise their voices in the wake of a contro- improvement over exist- materials.” versial draft media law which punishes local media that insult senior government ing media laws, the As several journalists officials or the royal family and publish draft legislation none- Respect in UAE in Dubai stated, “false information” that hurts the state or theless violates press the economy. The punishment is in the By Richard Robert Gross there is a sort of form of a fine of up to 5 million Dirhams freedom by placing gov- unwritten rule among (approx. 924,000 Euros) for insulting ernment controls on the foreign press based government executives or the royal fami- registration, management Richard Robert Gross is a Dubai- or a region so critically in need of ac - English. Even students at prestigious uni- ly and up to 500,000 Dirhams (approx. based journalist for UPI.com and Fcurate information, journalism in the versities are often fluent in neither Arabic in the UAE that places 92,000 Euros) for harming the govern- and licensing, and by re- a journalism educator at Zayed Middle East has been a long-suffering nor English, having received little Arabic the royals off limits ment or economy. gulating media content University, Dubai. His extensive media exercise for both providers and, more im - training in their Western-style secondary By all accounts an improvement over experience includes globally syndicat- portantly, consumers of news. Rumour schools and little English use in their existing media laws, the draft legislation In closing, it must be said that despite ed print and broadcast work comple- and gossip, sometimes fable and fantasy, home lives. The gigantic Dubai Media City com- nonetheless violates press freedom by a few minor bumps in the road, the press mented by graduate degrees from particularly surrounding the US events of Cases in point are the American Uni- plex – where all major media, including placing government controls on registra- freedom situation in the Emirates re- the Annenberg School at the University 11 September 2001, have often supplant- versity in Dubai and the American Uni - CNN, Saudi-funded but Dubai-based tion, management and licensing, and by mains encouraging. In fact, one may safe- of Pennsylvania, the Graduate School ed fact-finding and gritty reporting as versity at Sharjah, neither of which is Arabic satellite station Al Arabiya, and Al regulating media content. ly say that if anything, the UAE has made of Journalism at Columbia University staples in the region. affiliated with American University, Jazeera are based – have been promised A couple of improvements in the new great advances in terms of opening up to and a doctorate from the Missouri Though relatively small, the seven- Washington, DC Both have the goal of the “freedom to create,” as is stipulated in law are the absence of jail time for jour- the world by removing the previously School of Journalism. state United Arab Emirates is located near offering an American-style education leasing contracts signed between the var- nalists, and regulations that require the archaic, bureaucratic and complicated the mouth of the Persian Gulf, with the grounded in liberal arts and both offer ious media outlets and the Dubai govern- government to provide information in a visa and sponsor system that was required nearby Strait of Hormuz providing a cho- communications majors, including jour- ment, which owns Dubai Media City. timely manner to journalists who request of any foreign visitor, with journalists kepoint for oil tankers passing between nalism. Whatever disputes may arise between the it. The draft law also prohibits the coer- having to apply well in advance through the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. This In the case of the American University government and media outlets are argued cion of journalists to reveal their sources. the ministry of information. makes the UAE one of the world’s most in Dubai, a private school, nearly 60 per- strategically vital pieces of real es tate. cent of its 3,000 students are undergrad- Recommendations With the existing tensions between Iran uate business majors and it was until re - United Arab Emirates in brief • Eliminate from the UAE draft media and the United Nations, accurate re- cently the school’s lone graduate program. law sections that would limit press porting of factual stories from the UAE Population: 4.6 million freedom, including penalties for has become vital to world stability. Increasingly in the Domestic Overview: The United Arab Emirates, comprising a federation insulting senior government officials Increasingly in the Emirates, education of seven emirate states - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm and the royal family and regulations is being seen as one component of a solu- Emirates, education is being al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah - was formally established on media registration and licensing. tion to problems journalism faces here. seen as one component 38 years ago, in December 1971. • Increase training for journalists. Chief among UAE journalism diffi- of a solution to problems Before the discovery of oil, the economy relied on fishing and the pearling culties is the quality of basic reporting industry. Today, the oil industry has completely transformed the Emirates and writing skills of journalists in the journalism faces here into a financial powerhouse, attracting a large influx of foreign investors local press. The decades-long financial and foreign workers on an unprecedented scale. Business and tourism have and construction boom in the UAE, This is beginning to change. Dubai boomed and the media sector is no exception. The United Arab Emirates which stalled with last year’s global finan- ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has, by all account, become the socioeconomic gateway to the Middle East. cial crash, created an education market in al-Maktoum recently authorized an US Despite the glitz and glamour and the fact that the UAE is liberal and which business and finance, engineering $8.2 mil lion (5.64 million Euros) grant tolerant to other cultures in comparison to other Arab countries, the BBC and construction were the high-demand to AUD to train Arabic-language under- reports that “politically it remains authoritarian.” programs at virtually all of the UAE’s 25 graduate print and broadcast journalism Beyond Borders: The UAE is facing challenges as a result of the global public and private universities. Families majors, offering full scholarships includ- economic crisis. News in late 2009 that the Dubai was looking for ways to have preferred their children be educated ing room and board. These bene fits, delay repaying piling debts shook investor faith. In the wake of the news, in trade-oriented fields. however, will not be extended to students Dubai’s main stock exchange plunged and investors dumped holdings. Graduates who do enter journalism being trained to report in Eng lish, the That put some of Dubai’s major construction projects in jeopardy. It remains have backgrounds in other, sometimes dominant language of the international to be seen how the UAE, and particularly Dubai, will fare financially in 2010. unrelated fields, and lack the skills need- press. Dubai also has a large English-lan- ed to report and write in either Arabic or guage press.

66 67 NOTES FROM THE FIELD : UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) Yemen By Naomi Hunt

While journalism is a more popular A thornier problem is the restraint the US and more worldliness on the part has been closely monitoring an court sentenced a Washington-based Sharabi’s home had previously been major at the American University in Shar- exerted over the press in the UAE. Media of students who have been traveling for IPIalarming deterioration in press journalist, Munir Mawari, to two years in attacked in November 2008, when gun- jah, the program is regarded as re search- in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are in effect much of their young lives during the time freedom in Yemen, throughout 2009. prison for defaming the president in an men opened fire while his family and oriented in nature, not entirely designed government-owned by Abu Dhabi Media of rapid development and great prosperi- In 2009, journalists in Yemen faced article in Al Masdar weekly, and also children were inside. to enhance the fundamental skills of the Company and Dubai Media Incorpo ra - ty in the UAE. increased censorship and a higher num- barred him for life from practicing jour- In early May, independent journalist working journalist. ted, respectively, both “private” spin-offs Finally, the World Wide Web and ber of threats, attacks and detentions nalism in the country. He was tried in Saleh Khamis bin Mehanna was report- A second problem requiring a longer- of their respective governments. social networking programs that use than in previous years as security con- absentia. Al Masdar editor Samir Jubran edly chased and shot at by military forces term solution is the low status of com- The comprehensive UAE media law Internet technologies to foster cultural cerns rose over conflicts in both the received a one-year suspended sentence in the city of Mukalla. The chase ended munications jobs. Young people and their specifically prohibits the reporting of sto- understanding are blossoming. Among North and South of the country. and a one-year ban on journalistic activi- when he returned fire. The journalist’s families eschew the nature of the working ries deemed “harmful” to the UAE. Until programs with great potential is the non- Broadcasting in Yemen is adminis- ties, on the same charge. home had been raided and his family ter- life of a journalist, which can involve rel- late-2008, convictions for violations of profit group Soliya, which seeks to use trated by the Ministry of Information Defamation, insult and other charges rorized in June 2008, and he had pur- atively low pay and long hours that in - the UAE Media Law were criminal of - trained, young facilitators to help other through the Public Corporation for are frequently brought against journalists chased a weapon following an earlier gun clude weekends, time generally reserved fenses. Though decriminalized following young people establish an international Radio and Television, according to the and newspapers; for instance, Article 19 attack by security forces, according to an for families in the closely-knit Arab the prison release of two journalists (after social networking bridge to foster cul- BBC. It also controls most printing press- reported in March that the Nasserite Al ANHRI report. world. the personal intervention of Sheikh Mo - tural understanding and cooperation. es. In March, President Ali Abdullah Wahdawi was facing six cases after pub- Regional news broadcaster Al Jazeera hammed) who reported factually on a Queen Noor of Jordan, who has a long- Saleh pledged to uphold the principles of lishing stories on corruption and inves- reportedly also received threatening mes- Young people and personal libel case, acts by individual standing interest in human rights and press freedom in a new broadcast law that tigative material. In May, the chief editor sages in relation to the station’s coverage journalists deemed offenses still can gar- intercultural programs, recently offered will allow new broadcasters to be set up. of the socialist party’s Al Thawri newspa- of events in southern Yemen. A reporter their families eschew the ner a hefty fine. public support for Soliya during a forum The OpenNet Initiative (ONI) re- per was suspended from practising jour- and the bureau chief both reportedly nature of the working life For publications, the results can be and film screening at the Dubai Inter- ports an increase in political filtering of nalism for one year, as the result of a case received threats via their mobile phones. of a journalist, which severe as well. The 6 December 2009 edi- national Film Festival. the internet, with the websites of several originally brought by the defence min- Al Jazeera’s Yemen bureau and its staff tion of The Times (of London) was or - opposition parties and news websites istry years ago. Former chief editor Kha- were the targets of several press freedom can involve relatively low dered removed from newsstands for pub- The financial difficulties blocked. Certain sexual content is also led Salman was also suspended and fined violations in 2009. In May, bureau chief pay and long hours that lication of a negative article on the Dubai filtered, as are websites deemed offensive one million Yemeni Rials (approx. 3,400 Murad Hashem was barred from cover- besetting Dubai in include weekends debt situation that referred to Sheikh to Islam. According to ONI, unlike fil- Euros). ing demonstrations in Aden and was Mohammed as a “benign dictator” and particular have led to tering for sexual content, political filter- Anti-terrorism legislation is also used under security surveillance, according to was accompanied by a photo montage demands on the part of ing in Yemen is not transparent, and to silence critical journalists. In January reports. In June, an Al Jazeera crew head- This is a particular problem with res - deemed offensive. The publication retur - users receive error messages rather than this year, a six-year prison term was ing to Daalea City to cover a rally were pect to encouraging women students. In ned to newsstands the next day. investors and creditors the standard block page. upheld by the Yemen Special Terrorist reportedly attacked by individuals throw- the US, for example, women comprise As a result of instances like these, self- for more honest reporting While the 1990 Yemeni Press and Pub- Court against Abdel Karim al-Khawaini. ing rocks. Later that moth, Al Jazeera’s two-thirds of journalism students in censorship on the part of the press often and more transparency in lications law theoretically protects the The well-known journalist had originally Aden correspondent, Fadel Mubarak, was communications-related majors. In the has been the norm. right to freedom of expression and the been sentenced in June 2008 for being a attacked by unknown assailants while UAE, the proportion of women commu- That, too, may be changing as the business dealings press, published material must be “within terrorist and part of the Houthi faction, covering protests in Jea’ar, and had to be nications majors is also high, but most financial difficulties besetting Dubai in the context of Islamic creed, within the according to the Arab Network for given stitches at a local hospital. His cam- seek careers in public relations or as tele- particular have led to demands on the The current generation of young peo- basic principles of the Constitution, and Human Rights Information (ANHRI). era was also stolen. vision presenters. Even more glamorous part of investors and creditors for more ple in the UAE will be a transitional force the goals of the Yemeni Revolution and Al-Khawaini has faced threats, abduc- In a 12 July session of parliament, rul- careers in front of the camera can be honest reporting and more transparency as their nation seeks to redefine its re - the aim of solidifying of national unity.” tions and detentions in the past, and the ing party official Mossaad Allahbi criti- frowned upon by many families who re- in business dealings. This is resulting in a gional and world role in a financial envi- Under the law, journalists can be fined opposition website he edits has often cized Al Jazeera’s coverage of events and gard this as undignified in a region where greater willingness on the part of the ronment being experienced for the first heavily or imprisoned, or media houses been blocked. In March, al-Khawaini was called for the closure of its Yemen bureau, female modesty with respect to personal press to pursue more investigative and time in its brief 38-year history. Edu- shut and their publications seized, for awarded the Amnesty International Spe - the media reported. Two weeks later, an appearance remains the norm. enterprise reporting, and there has been cating a more professionally prepared and crimes under the law, including the pub- cial Award for Human Rights Journalism unknown caller left a threatening mes- A partial solution is seen as enhance- more tolerance on the part of the govern- able generation of journalists and com- lication or broadcast of anything deemed under Threat; shortly thereafter the Ye- sage for the bureau chief saying, “Tell the ment of the educational prestige of jour- ment for its necessity and inevitability. munications entrepreneurs will play the to prejudice Islam, incite violence, or meni president confirmed his pardon and bureau chief that his death is imminent. nalism. International educational initiatives leading role in that process. jeopardize the national interest. dropped all charges against the journalist. By God, we will get to him [even] at his At Zayed University, the flagship fed- are taking shape as well. Universities from A new press law was drafted in 2005, Journalists regularly face harassment, home,” according to Committee to Pro - eral university for women with campuses abroad are setting up campuses in the but was condemned by the Yemeni Jour - beatings and severe threats. On 23 March, tect Journalists (CPJ) reports. He said he in both UAE capital Abu Dhabi and UAE. America’s New York University; the nalists Syndicate and other observer Al Ayyam daily journalist Abdel Malek had received a similar threat in April, and Dubai, the communications curriculum prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, also groups as even more repressive than the Shrai was attacked while covering a story was now afraid for his life. is being changed to be more in line with based in New York; and France’s Sor- original. on the murder of the general director of Demonstrations in southern Yemen curricula at schools having their pro- bonne University are establishing them- In early May, the Yemeni High Judi- the Khdair governorate, Article 19 repor - have escalated as the Southern Move - grams accredited by America’s Accredit - selves in Abu Dhabi while Australia’s Mur - cial Council announced that a new Press ted. He was beaten and banned form ment, which is led in part by political ing Council on Education in Journalism doch University and America’s Michigan and Publications Court would be estab- writing about the case. Also in March, elites from formerly Marxist South and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). State will set up in Dubai. lished to try cases relating to media and Asso ciated Press correspondent Ahmad Yemen, has begun to call for secession. Skill enhancement and ACEJMC accred- Meanwhile, UAE universities are be - publishing offenses. This move was wide- al-Haj received threatening messages on According to a December 2009 report by itation are stated goals of the curricular ginning study abroad programs. There ly condemned by journalists as politically his mobile phone from an unknown caller. Human Rights Watch, Yemen security revision. It is hoped this will encourage has been a reported increase in the num- motivated and possibly unconstitutional, After Al Diyar Editor Mohammad forces used lethal force against unarmed young women and, more importantly ber of native Emerati men and women since the Yemen constitution does not Sharabi received numerous death threats demonstrators during at least four pro- their families, to see value in journalism choosing to study abroad, an increase provide for the creation of special courts. via text message, his house was bombed tests in April and May 2009. Local news- education. abetted by a more relaxed visa climate in On 31 October, the newly established on 24 March, according to Article 19. papers faced a wave of government cen-

68 69 sorship and intimidation tactics this year lowed to leave the building. The authori- of the very few newspapers in Yemen that On 19 March, security officers detai - in connection with reporting on the gov- ties also confiscated 70,000 copies of the owns its own printing press. The govern- ned Mareb Press managing editor Mo - ernment response to these events. newspapers, according to reports. Pro tes - ment therefore has no possibility to con- hammad Salhi for eight hours, for alle- Several news websites have been ters gathered around the offices but were trol its publication through the printing gedly trying to take photos of the scene of blocked by the government. Aden-based dispersed by security forces. process, as it does with many other pub- a 14 March terrorist attack in Shibam Al Watani newspaper was told by its On 1 May, an armed group stopped a lications. Al Ayyam’s independence, as city, according to Article 19. printing house that it had received orders vehicle transporting copies of Al Ayyam well as the fact that it is a southern voice, Owner and publisher of Al-Mukalla to halt printing of the publication, from newspaper to the capital, Sanaa, and bur - have been at the basis of the government’s Press website Fuad Rashid was arrested the Ministry of Information. At the same ned some 16,500 copies, Al Ayyam Gene - pressure on the newspaper.” on 4 May and taken to an unknown lo- time, Yemeni authorities seized copies of ral Manager Bashraheel Bashraheel told Several of the publications banned by cation. seven independent newspapers over the press freedom monitors. Two days later, the Yemeni government in May resumed On 15 June, a lower court in Luhj course of two days, according to ANHRI. military checkpoints around the ci ty printing later in the month, but others province sentenced Al-Ayyam journalist Moreover, the information ministry or- reportedly stopped 50,000 copies of the remained shut on the grounds that they Anis Mansour to 14 months imprison- dered printing presses to stop printing newspaper from reaching other parts of had published information “prejudicial ment for “harming national unity,” “pro- several newspapers, including Al Masdar, the country. Bashraheel said that finan cial to national unity.” On 18 May, the au- voking sedition and rebellion,” and in- Al Ahali, Al Ayyam, Addiyar, Al Nedaa, losses meant that printing of the news- thor ities blocked the “Change Net” news citement. He had been charged in Feb - Al Sharee and Al Mostaqella, and seized paper had to be suspended indefinitely. site, according to ANHRI. ruary, in connection with his reporting In June, despite the fact that the ban on the conflict in southern Yemen. on six publications had been lifted, state- Gulf of Aden news agency editor run printer Al Thawra was refusing to Salah al-Saqladi was arrested on 18 June print the papers, CPJ reported. While for writing articles about repeated viola- most found smaller contractors, Al Nira tions of human rights, particularly in remained out of print. By July, most of southern Yemen. He was kept in solitary the publications had resumed printing. confinement, and his wife reported that Attacks on the press continued in Au - her husband had been beaten, tortured, Editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper al-Masdar, Jubran, listens to verdict at the end of gust, when Al Tariq editor-in-chief Ay - and “left hanging from the ceiling of his trial in Sanaa (31 Oct 2009 Reuters Image) man Mohammed Nasser received threats his cell for four days,” according to an relating to his paper’s coverage of unrest ANHRI report. in the South. Nasser, who had published Mohammed al-Maqaleh, editor of the by five armed men who intercepted his Recommendations photographs of citizens killed during de- opposition Social Party website, “Al Esh- car in Sanaa. • Release all wrongfully imprisoned monstrations, was repeatedly questioned teraki”, was abducted on 18 September At the time of this writing, Mansour, journalists. by police, according to Article 19. following the publication of reports on Rashid, al-Maqaleh, and al-Saqladi all • Ensure an independent, critical On 12 August, authorities confiscated Yemeni air strikes that targeted civilians, remain in prison. Al-Saqladi went on trial media is free to report without fear copies of Al Watani newspaper directly according to a report by the International in mid-November on charges of insulting of violence or criminal charges. from the printer, for allegedly containing Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Al-Maq - the president, “inciting against unity” • Hold security personnel who act unlaw- “harmful” information. aleh was reportedly forced into a minibus and contact with secessionists. fully towards journalists accountable. A police trooper stands guard on a police vehicle outside the state security court during the Security forces arrested and impris- trial of Shi’ite rebels, 31 October, 2009. (Khaled Abdullah Ali Al Mahdi / Reuters) oned several journalists for their work. In January, Ghai’d Nasr Ali, who writes for Yemen in Brief: In the north, thousands have been killed or displaced co pies of the papers from newsstands. On 6 May, Yemeni authorities shut Al Sharee and Al Thawri newspapers, was since 2004 when fighting broke out between Houthi rebels These actions were justified by Infor - down the Al Ayyam website. On 12 May, arrested for covering a protest in Aden. Population: 23.6 million and government forces. The Houthi rebels, who like many mation Minister Hassan Ahmed al-Luzi, police surrounded the offices of Al Ayyam He was held for five days and released Domestic Overview: Yemen is the poorest country in the in the northern region are members of a Shia sect called who claimed that the newspapers cover- and there was a gun battle with guards at after agreeing not to cover any more pro - Arab world, and considered a haven for Islamist terrorists. the Zaidis, are named after their leader Hussein Badraddin age had spread “hatred and enmity the compound, resulting in injuries to tests, according to Human Rights Watch. This year, conflict with insurgents in the northern gover- al-Houthi, who was killed in 2004 but was succeeded by among the united people of Yemen,” me- three staff members. According to a Hu- On 2 January 2009, Al Ayyam corre- norate of Saada began again. Protests in the south have his brother. dia reports said. man Rights Watch report, one bystander spondent Wajdi al-Shabi was detained grown increasingly vocal and sometimes violent, with Conflict flared again this year when Yemeni President Al Nida editor Sami Ghali confirmed was killed and another severely wounded. and questioned for several hours while re- some factions calling for secession. Ali Abdullah Saleh launched a fresh assault in August, dis- to CPJ that he and other journalists be- Editor Hisram Bashraheel was also tar- searching a story about poor medical care Yemen also has the region’s largest gun market, with a placing thousands and creating a chaotic haven for lieved the main aim of the government geted for harassment, according to press at an Aden hospital, Human Rights suspected 20 million guns for 20 million people, according Islamist terrorists. was to silence Al Ayyam newspaper, which freedom monitors. Police reportedly sur- Watch reported. He was re-arrested while to the New York Times. Beyond Borders: The Arab League, the United States was singled out by the authorities in May rounded his home to force him to appear covering protests, a few days after the Since unification in 1990, tensions between the traditional and Saudi Arabia support a unified Yemen. Saudi Arabia, for harassment and intimidation. in court for an old case that had “no legal hospital story was published in Al Watani north and the formerly Marxist south have persisted. which has been accused by Houthi rebels of aiding Early in May, copies of Al Ayyam basis and is simply an instance of abuse of and Mukalla Press. After spending ten Most of the country’s oil reserves are located in the south, Yemeni state forces, announced in November that it had newspaper were confiscated for three power,” his lawyer said. days in a cell with Somali pirates and but residents feel that they are nonetheless intentionally regained control of territory seized by rebels in an incur- days. On the fourth day, the offices of the IPI Board Member Fredy Gsteiger, a drug criminals and a further week in the politically and economically marginalized by the govern- sion into Saudi Arabia. Iran and Libya have been accused Aden-based newspaper, which had cov- diplomatic correspondent for Switzer- Lahj central prison, he was charged with ment in Sana’a. by the Yemeni government of supporting the Shiite rebels. ered events in southern Yemen, were sur- land’s Radio DRS who met with Al “killing soldiers” but immediately re lea - rounded by security forces, and staff Ayyam editor Bashraheel during a recent sed when the prosecutor involved realized members were searched before being al- trip to Yemen, told IPI: “Al Ayyam is one that the charges were concocted.

70 71 NOTES FROM THE FIELD : YEMEN : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : YEMEN : NOTES FROM THE FIELD : YEMEN : NOTES FROM THE FIELD Yemen Press Freedom:

A Dying Dream By Fredy Gsteiger

hen North and South Yemen were due to be sold outside the port city. about even attacking the offices of Al ly been censored but the Stop sign has democratic. The purported embrace of W reunited in 1990, there were high And on 4 May checkpoints were set up Ayyam. There have been tear gas attacks, gone up repeatedly. The message: on this democracy is primarily window dressing, hopes for free elections, economic impro- around Al Ayyam’s printing centre so that and rifles and mortars were fired at the story you have gone too far. Whether it is and has been abused by Yemen to present vement, a higher standard of living, and not a single newspaper could get out. editorial offices. Bashraheel shows muni- prostitution, money laundering, corrup- itself to the West – particularly donor last but not least a free media. Since then, Yemen’s biggest newspaper – tions casings which he lays on his office tion, circumcision, or child marriage, it is coun tries – as an example, at least in the The media landscape in Yemen did with a print run of 75,000 copies – can desk. He does not know if and when his becoming ever more difficult to tackle Arab world. He says that although people indeed begin to flourish. At the begin- no longer appear. newspaper will ever appear again. Every sensitive topics. And if one does, then are still able to speak relatively freely, ning of the 1990s, there were at times Editor-in-chief Bashraheel Bashraheel now and then, President Ali Abdallah advertising revenues suffer, because in words are never to any effect. And in dis- more than 160 newspapers. That’s a lot has never been given an official reason for Saleh telephones the Bashraheel family Yemen the political powerbrokers are putes between the media and the govern- for a country which may have around 25 the forced shutdown of the newspaper. head, Hisham Bashraheel, to cynically often at the same time clan leaders and ment it has become very clear that Yemen million inhabitants, but in which half of However, it is clear that the regime didn’t inquire how he is and to ask if he has got economic decision-makers – a mafia that has no independent judiciary. the general population and three quarters like Al Ayyam’s criticism of the conflict in enough to eat. Each time, the president is ever less reticent about throwing its of all women are illiterate. Ironically, it northern Yemen between Shiite Houthi advises him and his family to emigrate to weight around. Nadia al-Saqqaf, editor- was Yemen, the poorest Arab country, reb els and government forces. The news- Canada where they own property. A particular problem is accessing in- that for a few years had the most colour- paper had also printed images of the vio- But the Bashraheels are determined formation about the most high-profile in-chief of the Yemen Times Born in 1962, IPI Board Member ful, freest and most controversial media lent conflict. not to buckle, even if right now they are topic in the country: the conflict in the newspaper – which has Fredy Gsteiger is diplomatic landscape on the whole of the Arabian In addition, Al Ayyam is one of the effectively hostages in their own editorial north. The fighting zones have been sea - received the IPI World correspondent for Swiss Radio DRS. peninsula. very few newspapers in Yemen that are offices. They would have to fear for their led off. Journalists have no access. The He was editor-in-chief of Swiss weekly not printed at the state printers. This lives, they say, if they were to leave the Yemen Times, too, must rely on second- Press Freedom Heroes Die Weltwoche , and before that Paris For a number of years has given the newspaper far greater inde- building. “Free Al Ayyam” is written at or third-hand sources to find information Award – speaks of a massive correspondent and Middle East editor pendence than other newspapers – which the entrance to the newspaper’s offices. about what is going on on the ground. Die Zeit now the Yemeni govern- shrinkage of the space of German weekly . He studied can be overseen by state censors. Shortly For the moment, the plea appears to be And according to editor-in-chief al- economics and political science in ment has been increasingly before the shutdown, the economically falling on deaf ears. Saqqaf, the government never seeks to in which the Yemeni press St.Gallen, Switzerland, Lyons, France, powerful Al Ayyam had received new seriously inform. There are no concrete has to manoeuvre and Quebec, Canada. clamping down on freedom of the media. Journalists printing equipment from Switzerland – Editor-in-chief Bashraheel figures, data is not forthcoming, and no which had only been functioning for a Bashraheel has never one will agree to be quoted. Incompe ten - The government is particularly sensi- are intimidated, some are few days. The Swiss technicians were for- ce and ignorance – coupled with unwill- tive to photographs – as the Al Ayyam ca - physically threatened and ced to leave the country at short notice. been given an official reason ingness – is how she describes it. se has shown – and to cartoons, because detained, and newspapers One of the factors that may well have for the forced shutdown of Heather Murdock, who is from the they are comprehensible even to the mil- influenced the government’s moves the newspaper US and reports for the Yemen Times, says lions who cannot read. No wonder, then, are being shut down against Al Ayyam was the fact that the the same thing. It is virtually impossible that the state muzzles television. Abdul- newspaper is the ‘voice’ of southern Ye- Nadia al-Saqqaf, editor-in-chief of the to obtain a list of victims of the conflict. waled Abdullah, who works for state TV, However, since then many newspapers men. Editor-in-chief Bashraheel, and his Yemen Times newspaper – which has re- If you want to visit a prison, the answer is says quite clearly: “They don’t want any have closed. For some publications, it was family, who all work for the newspaper, ceived the IPI World Press Freedom He - not a categorical ‘No’, but it’s never a critical reporting from us. They want us simply a lack of financial resources. are against the separation of Yemen – ro es Award – speaks of a massive shrink- ‘Yes’ either. And there are ever more ta- to say that everything is fine in the coun- But for a number of years now the unlike an increasing number of inhabi- age of the space in which the Yemeni boo topics – for example, anything to try, and that things are great – the exact Yemeni government has been increasing- tants of south Yemen and particularly press has to maneuver. She says that the do with government members. It would opposite of the truth.” ly clamping down on freedom of the me- Aden. But they are very critical towards margin is slightly broader for an English- be un thinkable to criticise the president dia. Journalists are intimidated, some are the central government, in particular with language newspaper than for Arabic-lan- head-on. Murdock has also noted that physically threatened and detained, and regard to the concentration of power in guage ones. But she too, in her discus- recently, when researching at the Infor- newspapers are being shut down. North Yemen, the declining education le- sions with government members, hears mation Ministry, she has been accompa- The most serious case is that of the vels in the country, the catastrophic eco- ever more often: “Don’t wash dirty wash- nied by minders. Ironically, the newspa- Al Ayyam newspaper, based in Aden, in nomic situation, growing corruption and ing in your printing press.” per must pay for the minders – the very South Yemen. The state campaign against feudalism. Thanks in great part to its website, the people who are making its job more dif- the newspaper began on 1 May 2009, Bashraheel believes that because the Yemen Times plays a significant role in ficult. when 16,500 copies of the newspaper – government is weak it is ever more sensi- portraying Yemen to the outside world. Khaled Alansi, head of the human due to be sold outside Aden – were con- tive to criticism. Yemen, he believes, is go- That is why efforts are being made to rights organisation Hood, believes that fiscated by the security services. Two days ing through the saddest period of its his- pressure it into playing a positive propa- this is all because although Yemen extols late the army destroyed 50,000 copies tory. The security forces have no qualms ganda role. So far, no articles have actual- democracy, day-to-day life is far from

72 73 Africa By Naomi Hunt No Light at the End of the Tunnel

African journalists faced a vast array of violations of their right to press freedom and freedom of expression in 2009. These included intimidation, harassment, threats, attacks, beatings, illegal detentions, arrests and imprisonment. Their equipment was confiscated and destroyed; many were forced to flee their home countries or stop reporting. Media houses were censored and sometimes shut down; their broadcast signals were jammed and copies of their publications were seized. Newspapers, broadcasters and journalists alike faced spurious lawsuits. Many reporters were slapped with criminal charges, often for alleged defamation and sedition, and very often for covering corruption or the activities of security forces.

t least 14 African journalists lost In Africa, some countries are worse Physical attacks and beatings were their lives in connection with press freedom offenders than others, and reported in Benin, Cameroon, the A their work in 2009. On 29 Janu- some techniques of repression are used Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ary, journalist Francis Nyaruri, who had more than others in certain countries. Ethio pia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, exposed local police corruption, was The laws of a country (and judges’ fair Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambi- found decapitated in a forest in Kenya. interpretations of those laws) should help que, Niger ia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Attempts to solve his murder fell apart keep its journalists safe; unfortunately, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. after witnesses received death threats. On several African countries passed potenti - Threats, including death threats, were 2 February, Mwinda online newspaper ally or explicitly restrictive legislation this made in public or slipped anonymously columnist Bruno Jacquet Ossébi succum- year. Many maintain criminal defama - under doors at night, sent by email and bed to injuries from an unexplained fire tion, national security and other laws that text message, or delivered on the tele- in his home in Brazzaville, Congo. Tele- carry heavy prison sentences and which phone. Some forms of intimidation were vision journalist Ando Ratovonirina was are used as tools to silence critical report- physical; others included verbal attacks, killed on 7 February along with over ing. In several countries that were hold- arbitrary searches and seizure of equip- twenty others when police fired on de- ing or preparing for elections, or in which ment, and raids on journalists’ homes. monstrators in Antananarivo, Mada gas- there was a political crisis, journalists fa- Specific instances of threats and intimi- car. Radio journalist Bruno Koko Chi - ced a gamut of press freedom violations. dation were reported in several countries, rambiza was stabbed to death on his way including Burkina Faso, Botswana, Bu - home from work in the Democratic Re- At least 14 African rundi, Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Gabon, public of Congo in late August. In Sep- journalists lost their lives Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Leso - tember, Nigerian news editor Bayo Ohu tho, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritania, was shot dead by gunmen in his home. in connection with their Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Nine Somali journalists and media work in 2009 Leone, Somalia, Uganda, Zambia and workers were killed in 2009. Their names Zimbabwe. were: Hassan Mayow Hassan, Said Tahlil Violence and the threat of violence While these may seem like long lists, Ahmed, Abdirisak Warsameh Moham- against journalists and their families cre- in reality they may be even longer, med, Nur Muse Hussein, Muktar Mo- ate a climate of fear, leading to self-cen- because they cover only those attacks and hamed Hirabe, Mohamud Mohamed sorship. African journalists in 2009 were intimidation actually reported in 2009. Yusuf, Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, assaulted and intimidated by government In many countries, press freedom condi- Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan and Abdi - officials, state security and other armed tions are so poor that almost no informa- gafar Abdulkadir Hassan. forces, political party supporters, run-of- tion is available. the-mill thugs and other individuals. Militants from the Hizbul Islam patrol the streets of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, January 11, 2010. Fighting killed at least 18 people on Monday in two towns in central Somalia where rebels battled a pro-government militia and each other, according to witnesses. (REUTERS/Feisal Omar) 74 75 Media outlets, including broadcasters In December, editors at the private Such legislation has been used to lock up Pap Saine, one of the six journalists im - of a health sector strike. She was acquit- act also requires journalists to be accred- and publishers, faced direct censorship, Ethio pian newspaper Addis Neger chose journalists or bankrupt publications and prisoned in June, still faces and has faced ted in November; however, The Post own - ited; failure to register can result in up to suspensions of operations, closures, sei- to close shop, saying they had received a broadcasters. These laws have a chilling numerous other spurious criminal char- er Fred M’membe now faces contempt three years in prison. zures of equipment and copies of publi- tip-off that they were to be the target of effect on the media. Criminal libel char- ges. They are believed to be punishment charges over an article by Cornell Uni - The Kenya Communications (Amend- cations as well as physical attacks and “terrorism” charges that could have seen ges were reportedly brought against the for his sustained criticism of Jammeh’s versity Law Professor Muna Ndulo pub- ment) Bill was signed into law in January, raids. Journalists associated with certain them imprisoned for up to 20 years. The media and media professionals in Bots- policies, and because his newspaper, The lished in The Post and calling the Kab - giving the government control of broad- media houses were often barred from editors and some staff members have fled wana, Cameroon, DRC, Equatorial Gui- Point, continues to remind its readers wela case a “comedy of errors.” cast licenses and the content of news pro- covering events, or had their licenses sus- the country. IPI remains in touch with nea, Gambia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, that the murderers of co-founder and edi- In July, one of Kabwela’s lawyers, Sam grams. The bill provides high fines and pended. them. Sierra Leone, Somalia, Swaziland, Tan- tor Deyda Hydara, who was killed in Mujuda, told IPI that her arrest was prison terms for press-related crimes. Media outlets were suspended on the At the time, the paper’s managing edi- zania, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 2004, have never been found. “purely political,” and was the result of Following sustained criticism by the me- basis of various accusations, such as incit- tor, Mesfin Negash, told IPI: “The reason In November, Sierra Leone’s Supreme As the trial continued, in July, Pre si - public comments made by Zambian dia and rights groups, amendments ing violence, or over technicalities, often we left the country is basically because we Court threw out a case for the repeal of dent Jammeh warned journalists in a no - President Rupiah Banda. “His aim is to removing the government right to con- relating to accreditation or licensing. In found out that the government is prepar- criminal and seditious libel. The case had torious statement to state-owned GRTS cause fear, to intimidate The Post,” said trol broadcast content and raid stations many countries, it is the norm that jour- ing charges to take us to court. According been brought by the country’s national television: “Any journalist who thinks Mujuda, who is also deputy managing were published in May. nalists and media houses operate unli- to our reliable sources within the govern- journalists’ association in February 2008. that he or she can write whatever he or editor of the daily newspaper. censed, which gives the authorities a pre- ment and the international community The court ruled that the provisions were she wants, and go free, is making a big Journalists in an unsettling number of Eritrea remains one text on which to shut down stations and in Addis Ababa, the government is cook- in line with the country’s 1991 constitu- mistake. If anybody is caught, he will be African countries suffered abductions, newspapers. In 2009, media outlets were ing a number of charges against us both tion and that “journalists are under no severely dealt with.” arbitrary detentions and detentions with- of the world’s worst jailers reportedly suspended or closed in Benin, individually and as a company. Actually imminent threat.” In Sierra Leone, there- In response, IPI Director David Dadge out charge in 2009. Press freedom moni- of journalists, as high- Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the this is just the culmination of the smear fore, journalists still face prison terms of said in a statement: “IPI believes that Pre- tors reported such violations in Angola, lighted by the IPI Justice Central African Republic, DRC, Eritrea, campaign begun four years ago against one to three years for the malicious pub- sident Jammeh’s recent threatening pub- Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Equatorial Gui - Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mada- our newspaper and its founders and lication of “defamatory matter,” and will lic statement to journalists is just another nea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea- Denied campaign gas car, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, journalists. The government daily, Addis not be allowed to use the truth of their sign of the climate of fear in which jour- Bissau, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Senegal, Somalia, Swaziland, Togo and Zemen, and the party-affiliated website, statements as a defence. nalists must work in Gambia. President Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, The Ethiopian government passed Uganda. aigaforum.com, has published more than Jammeh’s comments would be unaccept- Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, two repressive new laws in 2009: the Private media remained shuttered in ten articles targeted against Addis Neger.” Authorities silenced the able in any country, but they are made Somalia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda Charities and Societies Proclamation in several countries, notoriously in Eritrea, Specific instances in which journalists worse because they come from a pre si - and Zimbabwe. January, and the Anti-Terrorism Procla- Ethiopia and Zimbabwe – although in were suspended from their duties, pre- media in Africa through dent who is deeply prejudiced against an In Eritrea, which boasts one of the mation in July. The former forbids for- the latter two there have been some very vented from attending events or leaving news blackouts, bans on independent media. The Gambian au - world’s most repressive media environ- eign NGOs from working on human limited improvements. the country were reported in Angola, certain kinds of broadcast thorities must immediately drop all ments, the authorities reportedly de tai - rights, governance and other issues, and Cen tral African Republic, Chad, DRC, programs, seizures of pub- charges against the seven journalists, and ned around 50 journalists at once, after defines as “foreign” any NGO receiving Media outlets, including Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, implement all previous rulings of the raiding the offices of Radio Bana in more than 10 percent of funding from Gui nea, Nigeria, Somalia, Zambia, and lications, signal jamming, ECOWAS community court.” February. outside the country. The new anti-terror- broadcasters and publishers, Zimbabwe. website blocking or other IPI, which followed the case closely, Eritrea remains one of the world’s ism law has more direct consequences for faced direct censorship, Physical attacks on media outlets, in- and repeatedly issued condemnatory worst jailers of journalists, as highlighted the press. Anyone who reports something direct censorship suspensions of operations, cluding bombings, raids and seizures of statements, was pleased that the journal- by the IPI Justice Denied campaign. deemed to support terrorism can be jailed equipment, were reported in DRC, ists were ultimately released but remains Around 18 journalists imprisoned by the for up to 20 years, and terrorism suspects closures, seizures of Eritrea, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Charges related to other ‘criminal highly concerned about the state of press government of President Isaias Afewerki, can be detained for four months without equipment and copies of Somalia and Zambia. offenses’, including “false publication,” freedom in Gambia. first in 2001 following a political crack- charge. National security forces no longer publications as well as In Somalia, where fighting between “incitement to violence,” “aiding ter- down and later in a state media purge in need a warrant to tap phones or intercept physical attacks and raids Al Shabab and other militants and gov- rorists,” “breaching public decency” and “Any journalist who 2006, remain in custody. Held incom- communications, or to search and seize ernment forces continues, the National others, are frequently used try and jail thinks that he or she municado and reportedly under barbaric property. Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) journalists. Journalists in Angola, Came - conditions, they have no access to their The 1994 genocide continues to cast After leading a November 2009 mis- reported the closure of four media hous- roon, DRC, Gambia, Ethiopia, Malawi, can write whatever he or families, medical care or legal counsel. long shadows over the Rwandan media - sion to Lebanon, IPI Director David es, and physical attacks on the premises Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nige - she wants, and go free, A number are believed to have died. and media law. On 23 July, Parliament Dadge said in a statement: “It is quite of several others. ria, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, Swazi- is making a big mistake. Several new laws and decrees that passed the “Genocide Ideology Law”, obvious that there have been improve- Authorities silenced the media in land, Uganda and Zambia were tried or came into being in 2009 represent either which Article 19 said should be repealed, ments, especially the commitment to the Africa through news blackouts, bans on imprisoned on criminal charges other If anybody is caught, he direct violations of press freedom or as its provisions “would catch a whole freedom of information law. But too certain kinds of broadcast programs, than defamation this year. will be severely dealt with” could be interpreted in a way that limits range of legitimate forms of expression.” often, the government is intransigent on seizures of publications, signal jamming, In one case of a government using press freedom. The group noted, however, that a draft issues regarding critical media. Contrary website blocking or other direct censor - criminal defamation and other legislation In another instance of prosecutors The government of Botswana pub- law on access to information needed few to the government’s view, the issuing of ship in Botswana, Chad, DRC, Ethiopia, to target critical journalists, the Gambian using trumped-up charges to punish a lished the Media Practitioners Law on changes to become a model for the region. licenses to critical media is a sign of ma - Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Maurita nia, authorities arrested six editors and jour- critical news outlet, editor Chansa the last day of 2008. The law sets up a In August, the Films and Publications turity and confidence in a functioning Namibia, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, Togo nalists in June after they criticized com- Kabwela, of the Zambian daily, The Post, regulatory body for the Botswana media. Amendment Bill was signed into law in democracy. The government also has a and Uganda. ments made by President . was charged in June 2009 with distribut- Free press groups criticized the bill’s hasty South Africa. Critics complained that the lingering desire to exert influence over Among the favourite tools used to They were sentenced to two years in ing obscene materials after she circulated passage, as well as provisions that put the law, designed to combat child pornogra- the media, especially state media, which silence the media in Africa are criminal prison on criminal defamation and sedi- a photograph of a woman giving birth in Minister of Communications, Science phy, could promote censorship. They ex - currently falls far short of traditional libel and insult laws, including laws that tious publication charges, but were freed the street to the Zambian health minister and Technology in charge of appointing pressed concern about provisions forbid- public service models.” protect the reputations of public officials. by presidential pardon in September. and other officials, to highlight the effects complaints and appeals committees. The ding the depiction of sexual conduct,

76 77 dom violations were reported; this was killed and thousands injured and sex ually press freedom violations were down in particularly true in Gabon and Uganda. assaulted. Journalists were amongst those 2009, journalists were still arrested and In Gabon, journalists were targeted in detained by the army at the demonstra- imprisoned for defamation and insults to connection with reports on President tion, and some possibly remain in deten- the head of state, interrogated and de- Omar Bongo’s health, questions of suc- tion. Several journalists who covered the tained in connection with publications cession, and corruption in his govern- violence were forced into hiding after and broadcasts, threatened and attacked. ment. Attacks continued after his death receiving threats. In October, private ra- Media houses were raided, attacked and in June and around the time of the dio stations were reportedly forced to closed. One journalist was murdered. Im- August elections, which put his son in cancel their political shows in the face of punity persisted: the major suspect in the power. During this period, six newspa- continued harassment by opposition sup- 2008 murder of Radio Okapi journalist pers and a television program were sus- porters and members of the military. Didace Namujimbo escaped from his pended. Journalists faced censorship and Capt. Camara, who has suggested that prison cell in November 2009, only five harassment, arbitrary detentions, threats the army is not entirely under his control, days after he was apprehended. and intimidation by criminal investiga- was shot by dissenters this December and Nine journalists were killed this year tion police, and raids on media houses. taken out of the country for medical in Somalia, both in targeted murders and treatment. as casualties of continued armed conflict As Islamist Al-Shabab mili- In Madagascar this year, media houses between Islamist militants and the TFG. were raided, and their equipment was This made Somalia by far the most dan- tants solidified their control confiscated and destroyed, as a result of a gerous country in Africa, and one of the over much of southern political crisis in the country that result- most dangerous places in the world, for Somalia, they issued several ed, in March, in Andry Rajoelina’s instal- journalists. Other journalists were threat- lation as president. Ironically, Rajoelina’s ened, intimidated, arrested, detained Niger's President Mamadou Tandja attends the plenary session of the Africa-South America repressive media decrees conflict with his predecessor originated without charge, interrogated, impris- Summit in Margarita Island, 27 September, 2009. (REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins) when the former president tried to close oned, attacked, beaten, and wounded in In the run-up to general elections a television station Rajoelina owned. In suicide bombings and shoot-outs, accor- groups, but have no way of distinguish- were later called into question by media planned for 2011, Ugandan president March, five publications were forced to ding to NUSOJ and other reports. In the ing these from serious threats. freedom groups.) In July, a ban on the Yo weri Museveni’s government began a stop printing as a result of violence and regions of Puntland and Somaliland, In Zimbabwe, in contrast to previous BBC and CNN was lifted, and the year- Pap Saine, a Gambian journalist who also reports crackdown on the media, which wors- intimidation against editors and journal- local authorities and security forces were years, in 2009 there seemed to be, if not old luxury tax on foreign newspapers was for Reuters is seen in this August 2008 file picture. ened with political tensions. Criminal ists. Websites were reportedly blocked. responsible for harassment, arrests, inti - press freedom, at least a move away from lifted. The Daily News, a popular private A Gambian court jailed six journalists including Saine for two years in August 2009 for sedition and defa- charges, including libel, sedition and Journalists were harassed, attacked, ar - midation and physical violence against shameless and unmitigated repression of newspaper, forced to close along with mation after they backed a press union statement inciting violence, were brought against rested, detained, and one was killed. An - journalists. the media. After Morgan Tsvangirai be - several other publications in 2003, was critical of the government. The six were ‘pardoned’ several journalists in connection with do Ratovonirina, a journalist with Ra dio came prime minister in February 2009, granted a license to resume publication. in September 2009 (REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko) their reporting. Broadcasters were war- Télévision Analamanga (RTA), was shot Ando Ratovonirina, a following a power-sharing deal between ned against “inciting public discontent.” along with over twenty demonstrators journalist with Radio the Movement for Democratic Change Nine journalists were incitement to violence and war propa- Talk-show host Kalundi Sserumaga was when police opened fire on an anti-gov- and President Robert Mugabe’s ruling killed this year in Somalia, ganda. Later in the year, a draft version of detained and reportedly tortured. Live ernment demonstration at the Presi - Télévision Analamanga party, ZANU-PF, he promised that press The Protection of Harassment Bill cau - debate programmes were banned. Two dential Palace in the capital in February. (RTA), was shot along freedom would return to Zimbabwe. both in targeted murders sed concern amongst journalists and editors were charged with sedition after On June 26, Niger President Mama- with over twenty demon- There is much damage to be undone: for- and as casualties of con- press freedom groups, who worried that publishing a cartoon that made fun of dou Tandja assumed emergency powers eign journalists were barred from living tinued armed conflict the act’s definition of “harassment” could Museveni for rigging elections. Four after dissolving the constitutional court. strators when police opened in Zimbabwe. Repressive and draconian be interpreted to cover methods journal- radio stations were shut down for alleged- The president of the country’s Supreme fire on an anti-government accreditation, privacy and access to infor- between Islamist militants ists regularly use in pursuit of investiga- ly “inciting riots”; later that month, Council on Communications (CSC) was demonstration mation laws have ensured the closure of and the TFG tive stories. Radio Saptiensa re-opened but another granted broad powers of censorship, most of Zimbabwe’s private media. A As Islamist Al-Shabab militants solidi- station was shut down in its place. which were promptly used to ban Dou- “Despite the ongoing conflict, all par- slew of national security legislation and In July, state prosecutors admitted fied their control over much of southern Security forces detained and beat journal- nia Television and Radio. The suspension ties must respect the independence of the criminal defamation laws are regularly that the December 2008 abduction and Somalia, they issued several repressive ists on several occasions. was thrown out by a high court shortly media and allow journalists to practice used to harass and imprison journalists detention of ZBC newsreader Jestina Mu - media decrees, according to the NUSOJ Political unrest in Guinea, Madagas - afterwards. Live discussions on privately their profession without fear of harass- and promote self-censorship. The gov- koko, who was held in solitary confine- 2009 report on press freedom in Somalia. car and Niger also led to increased attacks owned media were banned. Journalists ment and detention,” IPI Press Freedom ernment closely controls content in its ment, tortured, and charged with bandit- Playing music on air is banned, as are on the media. In Guinea, where Captain were arrested and jailed for material Manager Anthony Mills said in a state- two newspapers, The Herald and The ry and terrorism, had been illegal. interviews with “infidels” – members of Moussa Dadis Camara took power in a allegedly undermining public order, dis- ment in October 2009. Chronicle, as well as of the state-run Despite these small signs, Zimbab- the Transitional Federal Government. coup in December 2008, journalists seminating false information and crimi- In October 2009, one IPI source in Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation wean journalists, like so many of their Journalists must refer to Al-Shabab mili- faced regular intimidation, threats and nal defamation. In August, the president Somalia, who cannot be named for safe- (ZBC). African colleagues, were harassed, threat- tants as “mujahedeen” or martyrs. Most censorship, assaults, destruction of equip- signed into law an act that gave him con- ty reasons, reported that journalists In May, Tsvangirai said that foreign ened, assaulted, arrested, detained and disturbingly, Al-Shabab have reportedly ment, arrests and suspensions. On 28 trol over the CSC. through out Somalia have been receiving journalists could report from Zimbabwe tortured in 2009. Much work remains to “sworn in the name of Allah” to kill any September, thousands of demonstrators In 2009, as in previous years, conflicts “daily phone threats” from various and that there is no obligation for jour- be done. journalist broadcasting information who had gathered at a stadium in Cona - in the Democratic Republic of Congo groups, particularly “when tensions are nalists and media houses apply for against their administration. kry to protest Camara’s announced inten- (DRC) and in Somalia threatened jour- high.” The source added that journalists accreditation until the new Zimbabwe In African countries facing pre- or tion to run for president in 2010 were nalists’ safety. In DRC, although local also receive intimidating calls from peo- Media Commission is established. (Hir - post-election tension, a series of press free- violently dispersed; over a hundred were rights group Journaliste en Danger said ple pretending to be members of political ing practices for the new commission

78 79 Freedom of the Press, laws and regulations that are designed to the administration of justice. Conversely, influence media content as well as restrict the chilling effect of fear of prosecution for the media’s ability to function. Yet anoth- criticizing the courts might be conducive to Governance & Economic er threat to media is state ownership of its deterioration.” media and concentration of media own- ership in the hands of a few powerful Conclusions individuals or corporations. In many The challenge, therefore, for individual Development By Muna Ndulo parts of the world, governments continue countries and the international commu- to own newspapers. State newspapers are nity is how to develop effective mecha- “Let it be impressed upon your minds, let it be installed notorious for practicing self-censorship nisms for the protection of journalists in order not to run foul of the hand that and the media, to ensure that they can go into your children that the liberty of the press is the feeds them. There are also a variety of about their business in safety, ensure other measures such as editorial pressure good governance and promote develop- Palladium of all civil, political and religious rights” Junius by governments, censorship, and the ex- ment. In order to ensure that the media tralegal intimidation of, and violence plays its role, constitutions and state Good Governance weak institutional capacity to support countries. At election time, the media against, journalists. practice worldwide must guarantee the and Development good governance, and the lack of access enables citizens to “choose their represen- Another insidious method used by freedom and independence of electronic, There has emerged a global consensus to information to enable citizens to make tatives in an informed manner and force governments to harass journalists and print and other media. This is not asking recognising the central role good gover- informed judgments. The importance of state officials to respond to the desires of media houses is the use of the criminal much of governments; it is in fact asking nance plays in social and economic devel- capable institutions necessary for the the public.” However, for the media to justice system to intimidate them. The them to live up to the various interna- Muna Ndulo is Professor of Law at opment and the welfare of a people. effective functioning of both state and play its role effectively it must embrace governments often consider it politically tional conventions they have joined on Cornell University Law School and Director Good governance provides an enabling non-state actors in improving the socio- certain key values such as truth, diversity, wise to get a court to share the responsi- the freedom of the press. Governments of Cornell University’s Institute for African environment that underpins social and economic and political conditions of cit- diligence, independence and courage. bility of harassing and arresting people must not exercise control over persons Development (IAD). He is also Honorary economic development. A key element in izens cannot be overemphasised. The who those in power believe are embar- engaged in the production, circulation or Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, Univer - the attainment of good governance and capacity of any state to respond to the Creating an Environment rassing the government. This is done dissemination of information by any sity of Cape Town, South Africa. He is the economic development is a free media demands of its citizens depends in large for the Media to Play its Role through threats of prosecution on the medium. They must not penalise people author of Democratic Reform in Africa: Its that is able to play its role of informing measure on the effectiveness of institu- Only a free and vibrant press can provide pain of imprisonment or threat of finan- for opinions or content. Freedom of ex- Impact on Governance and Poverty Alle- the citizenry. Without a free media both tions. A free media, by providing factual citizens with a range of information and cial ruin through legal fees that those tar- pression and freedom of information can viation (ed) (Ohio University Press, Athens, good governance and economic develop- information and honest opinions, em - opinions including fiercely critical views geted are forced to incur defending them- only be meaningful in a society where Ohio, USA and James Currey Publishers, ment will falter. powers citizens to advance their political on the actions of the government and selves in courts of law. One commonly there is a free media. All state media must Oxford, UK) and Comparative Constitu- When a society is deprived of a free rights and contributes to the strengthen- other institutions in a country. As Justice used approach is the liberal use of sedi- be free to determine independently edito- tion alism and Good Governance: An media it is not only deprived of its digni- ing of institutions so that they can con- Black of the United States Supreme tion and libel law to punish the dissemi- rial content of their broadcasts. They Eastern and Southern African Perspec- ty, it is also deprived of an opportunity tribute to sustaining good governance. Court, outlining the underlying justifica- nation of material that is embarrassing to must afford fair opportunity for the pres- tive (with John Hatchard & Peter Slinn), for development and creating a better life The media provides information that tion for the protection of free speech in the people in government. Another is the entation of divergent views and dissent- Cambridge University Press. Ndulo was for its people. A free media enables citi- per mits accountability to be achieved, the American constitution, observed in criminalisation of criticism of the judicial ing opinions. Multi-party competitive charged with contempt of court in Zambia zens to make responsible, informed laws to be carefully applied, markets to New York v. Times Company, “the press was system through the use of contempt pro- politics can only succeed where political in 2009 because an article he wrote was choices rather than choices based on function, and people to be creative and protected so that it could bare the secrets of ceedings. Reporters and others who criti- parties have equal access to all media. A printed in a newspaper whose editor was ignorance or misinformation. It enables innovative. It therefore, has a key role to government and inform the people. Only a cise courts or comment on judicial pro- rights-based approach to poverty allevia- on trial for ‘obscenity’ after mailing pic- citizens and policymakers to make deci- play in development both as educator free and unrestrained press can effectively ceedings are either charged with scandal- tion can only prosper where the media is tures of a woman giving birth in public to government officials to draw attention to a sions with all available facts rather than and provider of key information for the expose deception in government3.” In the ising the courts or interfering with the free to inform the citizenry about their health sector strike. In the article, entitled on outdated or inadequate information. process of democracy and development. development battle, societies need media work of the courts. rights and the way they are being gov- “The Chansa Kabwela Case: A Comedy of By giving information on the activities of The media has a crucial role in increasing that go beyond political dogma, enter- With respect to scandalising the erned. Freedom of the media should be Errors,” Ndulo said the case against Kab- government and government officials it popular awareness and understanding of tainment and reporting scandals. They courts, as the leading English Judge Lord re inforced by citizens having the right of wela should never have been brought. In empowers and enables the citizens to the operations of government institu- need media that educates and informs Atkin observed a long time ago: “But access to information held by the state September, the charge against Ndulo was enforce accountability on elected repre- tions. It can contribute to the develop- society. They want media that helps to whether the authority and position of an and any information that is held by dropped and the newspaper editor was sentatives and government officials. As ment of a political culture supportive of create a knowledgeable entrepreneurial individual judge or the due administration another person and that is required for subsequently acquitted. IPI and other me- Owen Fiss has noted, a free flow of accu- democracy. The media plays a central role and confident society and is able to of justice is concerned, no wrong is commit- the exercise or protection of any right dia freedom organisations had repeatedly rate information has economic implica- in exposing corruption2. And since cor- address and achieve development goals. ted by any member of the public who exer- or fundamental freedom. Governments condemned the trial as unacceptable in- tions in that a competitive market econo- ruption undermines the capacity and People want a media that educates them cises the ordinary right of criticising in good must also develop legislation to protect timidation of a journalist. my requires that economic actors have effectiveness of institutions to deliver de- on health and environmental issues so faith in private or public the public act whistleblowers and journalistic sources. access to relevant, timely, and reliable velopment and services to the people, its that they can live safer and healthier lives done in the seat of justice. The path of crit- There must be movement towards the 1 1 Owen M. Fiss, Liberalism Divided: information . exposure of corruption makes a major and ensure a sustainable future for future icism is a public way. Justice is not a clois- total elimination of impunity for violence Freedom of Speech and the Many Uses of contribution to institution building and generations. tered virtue: she must be allowed to suffer against journalists. In fact national laws State Power 142 (1996). Case CCT 44/00 The Media and Its Role the fight against poverty. In addition, a The media face many constraints in the scrutiny and respectful even though out- should designate the murder of a journal- 2 Daniel Kaufman, Press Release, Key Role as the Midwife and Guarantor free press, by exposing wrongdoing, en- their work. They face assaults, intimida- spoken comments of ordinary men.” It con- ist as an aggravated crime, as it does for of Media in Development Outlined in New of Democracy courages accountability behavior by pub- tion, injury and sometimes death at the stitutes a democratic check on the judici- the murder of a policemen and women. Book, http://www.intrernews.org/prs/2007/ 20070510_gfmd.shtm. One of the main problems undermin- lic officials and politicians and discour- hands of governments that feel threat- ary. South African Judge Abbie Sachs ob - Both groups are on the front lines of 3 403 U.S. 713 (1971) ing the promotion of good governance ages corruption. Investors require credi- ened by the very mandate of their work, served: “Indeed, bruising criticism could in ensuring that citizens live in dignity, 4 Ambard v. Attorney-General of Trinidad in, especially, developing countries is ble information to make investments in revealing the truth. Governments pass many circumstances lead to improvement in peace, and prosperity. and Tobago (1936) 1 All ER 704

80 81 The Americas by Colin Peters Murder, Intimidation & Hostile Legislation

At least 11 journalists were killed in Mexico in 2009, making it the country’s deadliest year for reporters since IPI began its Death Watch records in 1997. Media workers brave enough to report on the rampant corruption and organised crime in Mexico’s most lawless regions were often the victims. Many were killed in gruesome fashion: For example, radio presenter Fabián Ramírez López was found dead in a vacant lot in Sinaloa state in October with his throat cut and the letters “YTTS” carved into his back, and the body of Juan Daniel Martínez Gil, another radio presenter, was found at the roadside on the outskirts of Acapulco, half-buried and bearing clear signs of torture.

ith chilling regularity, Following an outcry from freedom of been criticised for not going far enough. throughout the year, jour- expression and media freedom organisa- Article 19 pointed to the fact that they W nalists in Mexico have been tions, and the 2 November murder of cannot be considered a true federalisation murdered, threatened, assaulted and ha - journalist José Bladimir Antuna García in of crimes against journalists, as they rassed. Nine journalists remain missing the state of Durango, the Chamber of would “not give the federal authorities since 2000, and those who commit cri - Deputies moved to re-establish the com- alone the capacity to investigate and pun- mes against media workers enjoy virtual- mittee. ish crimes against those who practice ly complete impunity. journalism”. In a statement at the beginning of “I am appalled at the unre- Six journalists were killed in Colom- 2010, IPI Director David Dadge said: lenting pace of journalist bia in 2009, including José Everardo “I am appalled at the unrelenting pace of Agui lar, a correspondent for the private- journalist killings in Mexico, and con- killings in Mexico, and ly-owned Radio Súper Popayán and a cerned at the Mexican authorities’ seem- concerned at the Mexican host on the community radio station ing incapacity to halt the bloodshed or authorities’ seeming inca- Bolívar Estéreo, and Diego de Jesús Rojas arrest the killers. The fact that these mur- Veláz quez, a reporter for Supía TV. derers continue to operate with complete pacity to halt the bloodshed An unidentified gunman shot Aguilar impunity is a sad indictment of a country or arrest the killers” dead in his home in the town of Patia in that is considered a democracy and prides April. The gunman reportedly entered itself on its development.” One of the proposals made by the Aguilar’s home on the pretext of bringing Against this backdrop, a move by Me- committee in 2008 – following consulta- him photographs and other material, and xico’s new congress to scrap a committee tion with various civil society groups and then shot the veteran journalist several tasked with investigating crimes against government bodies – included changes to times at point-blank range before fleeing. journalists was disappointing. the federal penal code that would place Aguilar was known for his criticism of The “Special Committee for Dealing crimes against freedom of expression local corruption and had previously re - with Attacks on Journalists and News under the jurisdiction of federal law en - ceived threats. Media” had been established in 2006 to forcement agencies. This is commonly Rojas Velázquez was shot four times provide a legal framework to help deal referred to as the “federalisation of crimes by an unidentified gunman in September with the increasing problems faced by against journalists,” and further progress while riding his motorcycle to the town Mexico’s media, and had presented sever- was made in 2009 when the Chamber of Caramanta, after receiving a tip off al proposals. However it was absent from of Deputies passed a reform package in about a story. the list of committees mandated for the April in a unanimous vote. As in Mexico, impunity is a major LXI Legislature. However, the reforms, under revision problem in Colombia. In July, the Inter in the Senate at the end of the year, have American Press Association (IAPA) criti-

State policemen guard a crime scene after a shooting between rival bands of organised crime in Monterrey, 13 October 2009. (Tomas Bravo/Reuters) 82 83 radio journalist Orel Sambrano was shot Further concerns regarding the ad- are allowed free and equal access to offi- in the back of the head while on his was ministration’s attitude towards the media cial information. We also call on the home from work in January. were voiced both within and outside authorities to stop using legal and admin- Venezuela attracted critical attention Venezuela later in August, with the pass- istrative measures in their apparent at - over its deteriorating media freedom cli- ing of a controversial new education law tempt to silence critical reporting.” mate in 2009, with the independent me - that further damages the country’s media Unfortunately, the attitude taken by dia under particular pressure. freedom. the Chavéz administration towards criti- President Hugo Chavez’s regime has The draft “Law on Education” repla - cal media appears to be spreading in La- long been known for its aggressive attitu - ces the current law of 1980, and makes tin America, with regional allies such as de towards the private, largely pro-oppo- the teaching of a “critical and responsible Bolivia and Ecuador now showing similar sition media, frequently referring to them interpretation of the messages of the mass bellicosity towards the private press. as “terrorists” bent on undermining the media” compulsory, while containing op- In Bolivia, campaigns surrounding administration’s “Bolivarian Revolution.” pressive provisions, such as prohibition of January’s plebiscite on constitutional IPI has repeatedly expressed concern content that could cause “indiscipline,” reform and December’s general elections over Chavez’s rhetoric, identifying it as a “deform language,” or “threaten the men- further stoked the country’s deep political dangerous motivating factor behind tal or physical health of the people.” divisions. The tension resulted in further physical attacks on the media perpetrated physical attacks on both the pro-opposi- by Chavez supporters. tion and government media. Bolivia’s “The fact that Venezuelan Journalists and media workers protest in front of the General Prosecutor's office in Caracas This appeared to be the case again this President, Evo Morales, targeted the authorities refused to meet August 14, 2009. They demonstrated after a group of Ultimas Noticias newspaper journalists Special forces stand guard outside year, with the 3 August assault on the media in inflammatory speeches, accus- were attacked by an unidentified group on Thursday while protesting against a new educa- a cemetery where victims of a drug gang head quarters of private broadcaster Glo - with the IPI delegation ing them of being his “main enemy” and tion law. (REUTERS/Edwin Montilva) slaying were being buried, 23 December, bo visión, Venezuela’s last remaining inde- provides a good example in the hands of “US imperialism.” 2009. (REUTERS/Luis Lopez) pendent, free-to-air broadcaster. Ecuador’s president, Rafael Correa, In one positive development, Argen- The bill met some resistance, mainly Around 30 attackers “used firearms to of lack of access to infor- also upped his criticism of the media in tina, Brazil and Uruguay all partially de - from committee Republicans, some of cised the lack of progress in investigations force their way through the main door mation in the country” 2009, singling out opposition daily El criminalised defamation this year. whom felt that definitions of who consti- into the murder of Columbian journalists and subdue the security personnel” at Universo and urging readers to buy gov- A coup in Honduras brought new tutes a journalist were too far-reaching. – investigations into the killings of 20 Globovisión’s headquarters, exploding As deputies voted on the law in the ernment-backed periodicals instead. In restrictions for the media. Following the The version signed off by the Senate journalists between 1993 and 2009 have two tear gas canisters and injuring four National Assembly, pro-government de - a July meeting with Hugo Chavez, Cor - ousting of President Manuel Zelaya on committee provides journalists with pro- either been shelved or closed. people in the process, the Instituto Prensa monstrators outside the building alle - rea announced his desire to establish a 28 June, state radio and television broad- tection from being forced to reveal infor- y Sociedad (IPYS), an organisation of in- gedly assaulted journalists covering the regional body to monitor the “instru- casts and privately-owned international mation or to identify sources, although IPI has repeatedly dependent Latin-American journalists, events. ment of the oligarchy” [the press], high- networks were temporarily suspended, national security exceptions were includ- expressed concern over reported. The attack, led by prominent In response to the worsening situa- lighting his intention to use his mandate and a number of attacks were perpetrated ed – with the courts allowed to judge pro-Chavez activist Lina Ron, was caught tion, an IPI delegation conducted a four- to “cleanse the country” of a “corrupt” against journalists and media property. whether or not such concerns outweigh Chavez’s rhetoric, identi- on video camera. day advocacy mission to the Venezuelan media that is “the principal enemy of Censorship and assaults on the media reporters’ privilege. fying it as a dangerous Globovisión also faces numerous ad - capital Caracas in November, during change.” He also called for stricter laws to continued throughout 2009. Despite First Amendment protection, motivating factor behind ministrative proceedings initiated by the which the delegates met with leading edi- punish media abuses. the issue of confidentiality of sources still country’s broadcast regulator, CONATEL. tors and journalists from a broad range of In Argentina, a September raid by IPI is of course in favour arises in the US, as the 2009 case of De - physical attacks The charges brought against Globovisión media, as well as representatives of jour- tax inspectors on the headquarters of the troit Free Press reporter David Ashenfelter on the media perpetrated in 2009 ranged from “generating fear, nalists’ associations, civil society and aca- country’s largest daily, Clarín, brought of media pluralism, but shows. by Chavez supporters alarm or panic” following its May report- demia. The delegation noted a climate of accusations of government pressure on we are concerned that Lawyers representing a former federal ing of a small earthquake, to “incitement” intimidation and hostility towards jour- the opposition media. Clarín had already this bill serves as much prosecutor, Richard Convertino, attemp - for broadcasting a viewer’s text-message nalists and media outlets, and a legal and faced hostility earlier in the year, with slo- ted to have Ashenfelter held in contempt Other countries in the Americas in that allegedly called for a coup d’état. judicial system that threatens the free gans accusing it of lies spray-painted on to consolidate government of court, following his refusal during a which journalists lost their lives in relation IPI fears that the charges are politically practice of journalism. newsstands and a Clarín building in Ro- influence over broadcasting December 2008 deposition to name a to their work were El Salvador, where motivated. The IPI delegation was comprised of sario attacked by vandals. Later in 2009, as to address the problems Justice Department (JOD) source that photojournalist and documentary-maker CONATEL also exacted tough meas- IPI Executive Board Member Galina the passing of a controversial broadcast- leaked information to him regarding a Christian Poveda was murdered in Sep- ures on the radio broadcasting sector in Sidorova, editor-in-chief of the Russian ing law also drew criticism. The law al - of Argentina’s media JOD investigation into Convertino’s tember while investigating the country’s Venezuela this year, with the August clo- monthly investigative magazine, Sover - lows the executive the potential to influ- concentration alleged professional misconduct. gang culture; Honduras, where five jour- sure of 32 privately-owned radio stations shen no Secretno, and IPI Mission Coor - ence regulatory bodies that will govern Ashenfelter had cited the source in a nalists were assassinated; Brazil, where for allegedly failing to submit paperwork dinator Michael Kudlak. the broadcasting sector. In the United States, a bill designed 2004 article about the investigation. ra dio director and producer Jose Givo - regarding their ownership. The broad- In a statement released following the In a September 2009 statement, IPI to improve journalists’ right to maintain A judge ruled in December 2008 that nal do Vieira and radio reporter Dalvison casters’ directors had been required to mission, Sidorova said: “The fact that said: “IPI is of course in favour of media the confidentiality of their sources edged First Amendment reporters’ privilege did Nogueria de Souza were shot in separate travel to Caracas in June to personally Venezuelan authorities refused to meet pluralism, but we are concerned that this its way closer to becoming law. The not protect Ashenfelter in this case. incidents in the eastern town of Recife; deliver the required paperwork within a with the IPI delegation provides a good bill serves as much to consolidate govern- House of Representatives passed a version Ashenfelter then pleaded the Fifth Guatemala, where Rolando Santiz, a TV tight, three-week deadline. CONATEL example of lack of access to information ment influence over broadcasting as to of the Free Flow of Information Act, a Amend ment, arguing that his right reporter, was shot along with his came- announced that more than 200 stations in the country. Access to information is address the problems of Argentina’s me- shield law at federal level, in March, against self-incrimination would be vio- raman; Paraguay, where director of a were being investigated over their failure essential to any functioning democracy dia concentration. We hope that Argen- while the Senate Judiciary Committee lated should he be forced to name his community radio station, Martín Ocam - to comply, sparking concern that further and IPI urges the Venezuelan govern- tina’s Senate will recognise this, and send pas sed a version in December. source. In April, a federal judge ruled in po Páez was killed; and Venezuela, where closures are to come. ment to ensure that members of all media the bill back to the drafting table.” Ashenfelter’s favour.

84 85 Asia & Australasia By Barbara Trionfi From Murder to Self-Censorship For journalists working in Asia, 2009 was a difficult year marked by a broad range of attacks on press freedom and safety. The world’s largest and most populous continent saw a wide variety of press freedom violations – from brutal killings to subtly enforced self-censorship. While the situation in each country is specific, a number of regional trends can be identified.

rmed conflicts represented the tion and opinions even in Asia’s most lishing, leaving the government’s military greatest challenge for journalists repressive countries: China; Vietnam; offensive against the virtually un- A working in South Asia, while Burma. However, governments there reported. governments in South East Asia restricted have unsurprisingly not looked upon IPI members in Pakistan noted that, press freedom by applying harsh criminal these developments favourably and have while Pakistan has long been a dangerous defamation and other laws in contraven- sought technical and judicial remedies to place for journalists, in 2009 the media tion of international standards. effectively limit the scope of this free- were specifically targeted by militants. Violent attacks against individual dom. Imprisonment has been a common On 22 December, a suicide bomber tried journalists, either for supporting dissent- too. Of the dozens of journalists report- to enter the Peshawar Press Club and, ing opinions or for investigating criminal edly im prisoned in China, Vietnam and when security stopped him, he blew him- activities, were widespread in Central Burma in 2009, most were online jour- self up in front of the Club, leaving three Asia, where the murder of Kyrgyz oppo- nalists and bloggers. dead and many wounded. sition journalist Gennady Pavlyuk in Owais Ali, an IPI member, and mid-December was the latest in a spate of Throughout the year, Secretary-General of the Pakistan Press attacks against journalists. Foundation, told the IPI Secretariat: Throughout the year, IPI raised seri- IPI raised serious concerns “Things are getting from bad to worse. ous concerns over Kazakhstan’s unsat- over Kazakhstan’s unsatis- There was a time when the press was col- isfactory press freedom record, particular- factory press freedom lateral damage in covering the war on ter- ly in view of the country’s chairmanship ror. Now it seems the press has become a of the Organisation for Security and Co- record, particularly in view central target for terrorists.” operation in Europe (OSCE), an inter- of the country’s chairman- In response to the violence, the Paki- governmental organisation that views ship of the Organization for stani government introduced regulations media freedom as one of its core values. curbing media freedom. As the conflict Elsewhere, the murder of 32 journal- Security and Cooperation escalated, the Pakistan Electronic Media ists in the Maguindanao massacre in the in Europe (OSCE) Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) introdu- Philippines at the end of November ced legislation banning the broadcast of constituted an unprecedented act of vio- A total of 15 journalists were mur- statements from militants, live footage of lence against the media, which has been dered this year in South Asia – eight in a suicide bomber or terrorist attack, as subjected to unacceptable levels of vio- Pakistan alone – where heavy fighting well as news that runs counter to the ide- lence in the country for years. Too often, between the Pakistani army and Taliban ology of Pakistan and state sovereignty, those who attack journalists in the Phil li - militants in the Swat Valley, near the among other sensitive issues. pines benefit from a climate of impunity. Afghan border, and attacks in other parts In Sri Lanka, violence against the Speaking of the killers, IPI said in a of the country, had disastrous conse- media continued even after the end of the statement: “By acting in this way these quences for the flow of information. Five conflict between the government and Ta - individuals have shown that they not journalists were murdered in Pakistan’s mil Tiger militants. The shocking murder only stand outside of democracy but also North West Frontier Province, home to – still unpunished at year’s end – of well- outside of humanity.” the volatile Swat Valley and Peshawar. At known editor and government critic La- The Internet and mobile telephones one point, the situation became so dan- santha Wickrematunge in January 2009 have offered important opportunities to gerous that journalists had to flee the and the sentencing of Tamil journalist Hong Kong journalists march with placards in support of press freedom and to protest against the Chinese paramilitary police for beating Hong Kong disseminate otherwise restricted informa- Valley and local newspapers stopped pub- J.S. Tissainayagam to 20 years’ hard la - journalists, in Hong Kong September 13, 2009. The journalists held the rare demonstration against Chinese authorities, after paramilitary police beat the Hong Kong journalists covering protests in Urumqi, the capital of restive Xinjiang region. The demonstration is backed by several television 86 stations and newspapers in the city, which enjoys relative press freedom under China's "one country, two systems" policy. (REUTERS/Tyrone Siu) 87 rights and political issues and was vocal nessed some positive developments in after a TV anchor accused him of sending notably, for Chinese news assistants who in condemning the ongoing violence in 2009. In April, in a landmark ruling, the mobile phone text messages allegedly ac- work with foreign correspondents. the southern Terai region. Indonesian Supreme Court ruled in cusing the TV anchor of extortion. Meanwhile, a group of Hong Kong In Bangladesh, violence against favour of Time magazine in a US $106 Repression continued in China, where journalists was assaulted by police while journalists, common until a few years million defamation suit filed against the the government has developed new soft- trying to report on protests that took ago, has declined since the end of emer- magazine by former dictator Suharto. In ware to control the information posted place in the Chinese city of Urumqi in gency rule in December 2008. July, the South Jakarta Supreme Court and available on the Internet, and imple- September. The journalists were kicked, However, during a 1-6 December rejected a libel suit against local newspa- mented new laws to punish those who punched, shoved to the ground, hand- 2009 press freedom mission to Bang la - per Koran Tempo by Islamic Troop Com - express dissenting opinions over the cuffed by police and detained. They were desh, IPI found that there had been no mander Munarman. And in September, Internet. subsequently accused of inciting unrest. discernible efforts to bring to justice the an Indonesian court acquitted journalist Lengthy prison sentences were hand- Consequences of the current political killers of the 16 journalists murdered and free expression advocate Upi Asma- ed down this year to Chinese activists situation in Fiji remain problematic for since 1998, political influence over the rad hana in a defamation case brought and journalists for criticising China’s press freedom. Commodore Frank Bai- media remained significant and the legal against the journalist by a police com- one party system, as well as reporting nimarama seized power in a December Journalist J.S. Tissainayagam leaves a court after being granted bail in Colombo, 13 January, 2010. A Sri Lankan appeals court on Monday granted bail to Tissanayagam framework within which the media oper- mander. about Uighur issues, the government’s 2006 coup, and imposed a state of emer- convicted and sentenced to 20 years of hard labour after he wrote articles critical ates was in need of reform. At the same time, however, in a case handling of the 2008 Sichuan earth- gency in April this year, overturning the of a military offensive against the Tamil Tiger rebels. (REUTERS/Stringer) Although Bangladeshi President Zillur related to the law regulating criminal quake, and Charter 08 –a petition call- constitution and firing the judiciary, after Rahman told IPI: “We must do justice, defamation through the Internet, the ing on the Chi nese government to foster the court of appeal ruled that the 2006 bour on 31 August, offered reminders of sedition charges after local police found must punish the killers,” and in every Indonesian Constitutional Court ruled a democratic society, defend human coup was illegal. Following the imposi- the dangers of criticising the Sri Lankan Maoist leaflets in his possession. meeting with IPI, government represen- this year that a person’s right to their rep- rights and uphold freedom of expres- tion of emergency regulations, journalists government. Tissainayagam was finally One Indian journalist was killed in tatives as well as officials from the Bang - utation must be protected by criminal sion. Charter 08 was delivered to were ordered to submit sensitive reports granted bail pending appeal in January March this year in India’s Assam state. ladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed legislation. The Court also stated that le - China’s government in December 2008 to officials ahead of publishing, and cen- 2010. IPI has repeatedly urged the Sri Anil Majumdar was shot at point blank support for press freedom, IPI stressed gislation governing criminal defamation with over 10,000 signatures. sors, backed by police, were placed inside Lankan authorities to immediately over- range by unidentified gunmen in front of that such an apparent commitment can through the Internet was not a curtail- the newsrooms of Fiji’s newspapers, heav- turn the unjust sentence and drop all his house. He had been campaigning for only be substantiated if the government ment of freedom of speech but was aimed During a 1-6 December ily interfering with the editorial process. charges against the journalist. peace talks between the militant United translates its words into concrete actions. at preventing the abuse of freedom of Foreign journalists were also deported, IPI has also urged the government of Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and Criminal defamation, libel and lese speech. As a result of the decision, those 2009 press freedom mission and local ones arrested for infringing Sri Lanka to investigate all of the numer- the Indian government. majeste laws - which provide special pro- convicted of defamation through the In - to Bangladesh, IPI found on the emergency censorship regulations ous unsolved murders of journalists in Afghanistan remained a dangerous tection for the reputation of members of ternet still face up to six years in prison. that there had been no forbidding reports that cast a negative recent years. working environment with three journal- a royal family - remain a major problem In Cambodia, criminal defamation light on the country’s military rulers. In November 2009, IPI participated, ists killed over the year, including Afghan in South East Asia. and disinformation charges have often discernible efforts to bring Australia, a country known for its along with the International Federation journalist and translator Sultan Munadi In Thailand, opposition activist been used by politicians to clamp down to justice the killers strong standards of press freedom, none - of Journalists (IFJ) and International who was shot during a mission to free Daranee Charnchoengsilpakul was sen- on journalists, in politically-motivated of the 16 journalists mur- theless has some highly restrictive Inter- Media Support (IMS) in a fact-finding his captured New York Times colleague, tenced to 18 years in prison on three ca ses. Hopes that criminal defamation net censorship laws on its book; however, press freedom mission to Sri Lanka. Stephen Farrell. counts of lese majeste for remarks that she provisions might be scrapped from Cam- dered since 1998 they are only seldom implemented. As “Although a number of the media profes- made in speeches last year criticising the bodian law were dashed after the Natio- part of discussions within the Australian sionals we spoke to suggested that the “Things are getting 2006 coup that ousted Prime Minister nal Assembly in October passed a new On the occasion of US President Barak parliament about the need to regulate In- approach of a snap presidential election Thaksin Shinawatra. In a separate case, penal code, which includes criminal de- Obama’s visit to China in November, ternet content, the government an noun - had generated some ‘breathing space’ for from bad to worse. blogger Suwicha Thakhor was sentenced famation provisions. authorities issued a nationwide order for ced in December this year that it intend- a media under attack, it was clear to us There was a time when the to 10 years in prison on lese majeste char - In September Cambodian Daily edi- all media to run reports issued by the ed to introduce a mandatory Internet fil- that journalists in Sri Lanka continue to press was collateral damage ges for posting material which was dee- tor-in-chief Kevin Doyle and reporter government news agency Xinhua. The tering system to combat child sex abuse. operate in a climate of fear,” said IPI Press med to have defamed the monarchy. Thai Neou Vannarin were found guilty of order reportedly covered any news re - Civil society groups vehemently protest- Freedom Manager Anthony Mills. in covering the war on media magnate Sondhi Limthongkul was criminal defamation for publishing an ports or articles about questions asked ed against this government’s plan, high- In India, where the media generally terror. Now it seems the sentenced to two-and-a-half years in pri- article in which an opposition lawmaker at the interactive forum with Obama at lighting the risks that filtering Internet enjoys a deeply-rooted press freedom tra- press has become a central son this year, on two separate libel charges. criticized a group of military officers. In the Shanghai Science and Technology content entailed for freedom of expres- dition, journalists have been subjected to While these are only some of the crim- June, Hang Chakra, owner of the opposi- Museum. sion. Other laws are already in place to harassment by police representatives and target for terrorists” inal libel and lese majeste cases taken up tion newspaper Khmer Machas Srok, was In a letter to President Obama timed criminalise child pornography, and more local authorities. A.S. Mani, the editor of by Thai courts, the effects of such heavy sentenced to one year in prison on to coincide with his visit, IPI urged him effective systems exist to combat cyber the Tamil magazine Novena Netrikkan, One journalist was killed also in sanctions on press freedom are evident. charges of disinformation after the news- to uphold the value of press freedom. crimes without restricting freedom of was imprisoned for over a month in Nepal, where political turmoil has gener- Observers have registered a growing paper published articles on government “Any discourse about economic expression, they said. September and October on defamation ated widespread violence and numerous trend in self-censorship, and journalists corruption. And Dam Sith, the owner of growth needs to also address issues relat- In September the Australian Federal charges. In February, the editor and the attacks against journalists, mostly at the and writers have left the country to avoid Moneaksekar Khmer, one of Cambodia’s ed to media freedom and independent Police (AFP) announced that it had initi- publisher of Indian newspaper The hand of activists and representatives of sanctions. This was the case of writer oldest and most influential opposition reporting, in particular since some of the ated a war crimes investigation into the Statesman were detained on charges of various political parties, including the Giles Ungpakorn, who went into exile papers, shut down the newspaper to countries you will be visiting have little murder of five journalists working for “outraging religious feelings” for repub- ruling Maoist Party. Radio Today FM this year as a consequence of lese majeste avoid criminal prosecution for criticism or no respect for freedom of the media,” Australian television, collectively known lishing an article from the London-based journalist Uma Singh was stabbed to charges. of government officials. the letter, signed by IPI Director David as the “Balibo Five,” in East Timor in Independent newspaper. Sambad journal- death by a group of approximately 15 Indonesia, where criminal defama- In November, freelance journalist Rus Dadge, stated. 1975. No one has been prosecuted so far ist Laxman Choudhury was held for ten unidentified men in January. Singh was tion has traditionally been one of the Sokhet was sentenced to two years’ impri - In February, China issued a set of reg- for the crime. weeks in the eastern state of Orissa on well known for her reports on women’s greatest challenges to a free press, wit- sonment for “spreading disinformation” ulations for foreign correspondents and,

88 89 Europe By Colin Peters Muzzling the Messenger Hopes for a less violent year for journalists in Russia were crushed at the very start of 2009, with the brutal murder of young Novaya Gazeta reporter Anastasia Baburova in a Moscow street on the afternoon of 19 January.

aburova, a journalism student conclusive investigations into such acts of porting of a local corruption scandal, working part-time at the Gazeta, violence. died of his injuries later that evening in Bwas accompanying human rights Vladimir Lukin, the Russian Human hospital. lawyer Stanislav Markelov to a metro sta- Rights Ombudsman, assured the IPI del- At the time, IPI Board Member, and tion when an unidentified man stepped egation that he would raise its concerns Chairperson of the IPI Turkey National up to Markelov from behind and shot over the impunity enjoyed by the killers Committee, Ferai Tinc told the IPI him point blank in the back of the head, of journalists in Russia with Russian Secretariat: “We think that the climate killing him instantly. Baburova inter- President Dmitry Medvedev. IPI will be enforced by the authorities when attack- vened, the gunman turned his weapon on holding him to his word. ing and criticising the media with very her, and she paid with her life. A stark highlight of the impunity pla - harsh words encourages the perpetrators In the months that followed, at least guing Russia was the deterioration into of such acts.” four more journalists were killed or died farce in 2009 of the high-profile trial of in suspicious circumstances in Russia. three individuals charged with the 2006 We think that the climate Although Russian authorities have since murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya. enforced by the authorities charged two suspects with the murders of A Moscow jury acquitted police officer Baburova and Markelov, the general cli- Sergei Khadzhikurbanov and Chechen when attacking and criti- mate of impunity for those who take the brothers Dzhabrail and Ibragim Makh - cising the media with very lives of journalists continues to cause seri- mudov on 19 February, following pro- harsh words encourages the ous concern. ceedings that were plagued with inconsis- tencies, including the temporary shutting perpetrators of such acts Vladimir Lukin, the out of the media for reasons that would Russian Human Rights later turn out to be illegitimate, claims Press freedom in Turkey has further that phone records presented by the pros- suffered this year due to a protracted Ombudsman, assured the ecution had been manipulated, and a stand-off between the Turkish Prime IPI delegation that he defendant testifying that the authorities Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the would raise its concerns had offered him a reduced sentence critical media, with Erdogan continuing should he frame Russian businessman his loud and very public condemnation over the impunity enjoyed Boris Berezovsky. of opposition-leaning and critical news- by the killers of journalists In August, a Moscow court decided to papers – condemnation that has often in Russia with Russian retry the three men, along with one more been characterised by accusations. individual who was also acquitted on a The pace of these comments quick- President Dmitry Med - separate but related case. This decision ened as regional elections approached in vedev. IPI will be holding was reached despite requests from both the early part of the year, and one inci- him to his word Politkovskaya’s family and the prosecu- dent in Istanbul in February exemplified tion to have the case returned to the pro- what can happen when a leading public An IPI mission to Moscow in October secutor-general for further investigation. figure provokes antipathy for the media; 2009 learnt first-hand of the impact these A journalist was also killed in Turkey during a speech given at the inauguration unsolved killings have had on press free- this year, capping what turned out to be of an Istanbul metro station, Erdogan dom, with self-censorship rife because of another poor twelve months for press chastised the media for “standing by oth- fears of reprisal. freedom in the European Union candi- ers rather than standing by the prime In a statement, IPI warned that im - date country. minister of the Turkish Republic.” Gov - punity for the killers of journalists re - On 18 December, an unknown assai l - ernment supporters then physically at - mained Russia’s gravest press freedom ant ambushed and shot Cihan Hayırse - tacked journalists at the event. problem. IPI called for action on the part vener, editor-in-chief of western Turkish And then later in February, an un - of Russia’s federal government to ensure newspaper Güney Marmara’da Yaşam, as precedented 345 million Euro fine hand- that both federal and local law enforce- he left his office. Hayırsevener, who had ed down to the Dogan Media Group for ment agencies conduct transparent and received death threats following his re- an alleged overdue tax payment drew Opposition demostrators hold portraits of prominent Russian lawyer Stanislav Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova during a demonstration in central Moscow February 15, 2009. Markelov, who fought against the early release of an army colonel convicted of murdering a Chechen girl, and Baburova 90 were shot dead on a Moscow street last month. The poster in the background reads: "Your silence justifies murder". REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin 91 emphasize the European Union’s influ- police wiretaps, as well as to publish in - mittee, felt that its decision not to extend about the alleged participation of prosti- ence in seeking reforms during member- formation indicating that wiretapping has Brender’s contract was aimed at removing tutes at parties held by Berlusconi. These ship negotiations with Turkey. taken place. a journalist who refused to buckle under lawsuits include a one-million-Euro de - “IPI hopes the European Commission The maximum penalty for breaking political pressure. famation suit against La Repubblica for a can use its influence to encourage Prime the law is a harsh, five-year prison sen- In both Germany and France, the series of articles about Berlusconi’s con- Minister Erdogan to take a step back tence, in a country where journalists have security services’ usage – or potential us - troversial private and political life. from his position of criticising the media often used leaked wiretaps to reveal cor- age – of computer spyware caused some And in Spain, authorities came down and calling for boycotts,” Dadge said ruption. controversy, due to the potential threat hard on journalists for allegedly compro- after the meetings. “The EU can play a IPI also visited Serbia in 2009, on a this may pose to journalists’ ability to pro- mising state secrets through their report- central role in ensuring free expression joint mission with the South East Europe tect the confidentiality of their sources. ing. In September, a Madrid prosecutor and pluralistic media in candidate coun- Media Organisation (SEEMO) – an IPI The concerns in Germany focused on demanded a three-year prison term for El tries such as Turkey.” affiliate. During the three-day mission, the passing of a new law that greatly in - Mundo deputy-editor Antonio Rubio, for Dadge also expressed concern about IPI and SEEMO met with over 50 repre- creases the capacity of police to conduct supposedly “discovering and revealing Turkish laws used to prosecute journal- sentatives of leading media companies, secret surveillance of computers belong - state secrets” in articles published in the ists, including Article 301, which bans journalists’ associations and high-ranking ing to citizens, while in France a bill con- Spanish daily in 2005. insults to the Turkish state. Although government officials. Particular attention taining amendments to the penal code The articles detailed confidential re- amended in 2008 to reduce the jail time was drawn to amendments to the coun- would allow the police to remotely ob tain ports an informer supplied to the Spanish from three years to one, Dadge said the try’s Law on Public Information, passed information from privately-owned com- secret services, and appeared to show that law “risks inciting attacks on journalists at the end of August, which could lead to puters and Internet cafés, without the Spanish authorities were warned that a by questioning their loyalty.” It has been increased self-censorship and even the knowledge and consent of those con- radical group planned to attack on Span- Demonstrators shout as they hold banners which read “Do you remember 19 January?” during used in the past to punish journalists and closing of some media organisations. cerned. ish soil more than a year in advance of the a protest near a courthouse in Istanbul July 6, 2009. A Turkish court resumed the trial of suspects intellectuals who criticized government Press freedom problems were also reg- 2004 Madrid bombings. in the killing of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. Dink was shot dead in daylight outside policies, including murdered newspaper istered in large, Western European coun- Then, towards the year’s end, on 30 his offices on 19 January, 2007. (REUTERS/Murad Sezer) IPI also conducted a editor Hrant Dink. tries in 2009. press freedom audit to the December, two journalists received sus- Another political leader who showed a In the UK, a gag order slapped on the pended jail terms, temporary bans from criticism from freedom of expression intimidate journalists, close newspapers tendency to openly vent his dislike for Guardian in October caused a furore, Czech Republic in 2009 practising journalism, and large fines, for advocates both inside and outside Turkey. on charges of “praising terrorism,” and media criticism was Slovakia’s Prime because it infringed on the newspaper’s and found that the issue allegedly “revealing secrets.” Despite official denials, many saw the illegally wiretap conversations between Minister, Robert Fico. In so doing, he right to report freely on parliamentary of greatest concern to Czech The charges stemmed from an article massive fine as government retribution journalists and their sources. helped tarnish Slovakia’s press freedom affairs. The gag-order – in this case a so- published online in 2003 that included a for the Dogan media’s harsh criticism of Meanwhile, the trial into the 2007 reputation. called “super injunction” – not only stop - journalists is legislation list of individuals who allegedly registered Erdogan and his Justice and Develop- murder of Hrant Dink trundled on, with Fico’s verbal attacks on the press were ped the newspaper from reporting on an that came into force on in an irregular manner as members of one ment party (AK) – in particular over their little hope that those who ordered his not the only press freedom issue in Slo - alleged toxic waste-dumping scandal, but 1 April making it illegal to of Spain’s main political parties, the reporting of a charity corruption scandal assassination will ever face justice. vakia this year. Perhaps more worrying also from reporting that it had been gag - Partido Popular. When deciding on the in which AK party members may alleged- In March 2009, IPI took its concerns was the increased recourse by public fig- ged at all. However, a member of parlia- publish any data ob tained case, the court considered neither the ac- ly have been implicated. Suspicions of about press freedom in Turkey to the ures to exaggerated civil defamation suits ment introduced a question concerning from police wiretaps curacy of the reporting nor its public political motivation behind the financial European Commission in Brussels. against the media, with the awarding of the press freedom aspect of the gag order interest angle, and handed down the penalty grew later in the year when large damages in highly debatable cases. at the House of Commons, bringing the Meanwhile in Italy, a legislative pro- harsh sentence partly because the online Turkish tax authorities slapped another IPI Director David IPI conducted a fact-finding mission injunction into direct conflict with “priv- posal that threatens journalists’ ability to nature of the reporting was not seen to 1.74 billion Euro fine on Dogan Yayin to Bratislava in March 2009, and revealed ileges guaranteeing free speech estab- provide the public with vital information benefit from the same protections as TV Holding, owners of the Dogan Media Dadge held meetings with the extent of Slovakia’s civil defamation lished under the 1688 Bill of Rights,” the drew criticism in June. The bill echoes or print journalism. Group, dwarfing the earlier amount. EU Enlargement problem in a subsequent report. IPI dis- newspaper reported. the new wiretapping law seen earlier in Elsewhere in Europe, Azerbaijan re- In the first of several condemnatory Com missioner Ollie Rehn, covered, for example, that a Slovak judge The Guardian was able to publish the year in the Czech Republic, while also tained its position as the continent’s most statements about the fines, IPI said: who won more than 30,000 Euros in enough about the matter to set the ‘Blo- containing provisions that restrict jour- prolific jailer of journalists. The courts “Prime Minister Erdogan has escalated and other officials, to damages in 2008 in a highly controversial gosphere’ alight – and it was not long be- nalists’ right to report on police investi- imprisoned at least four more journalists his verbal attacks on Dogan’s newspapers emphasize the European ruling against a privately-owned radio fore the nature of the injunction was ex - gations, including a ban on the publish- this year: Nota deputy editor Sardar Ali - for their reporting. He has called for his Union’s influence in seeking station, was suing at least 10 other media posed online. The injunction was lifted ing of any official investigation docu- beyli and journalist Faramaz Novruzoglu, supporters to boycott Dogan and other organisations in related cases for a com- the following day, although this was ap - mentation until hearings in that investi- in October, on insult charges, and then newspapers, but this has not silenced reforms during membership bined total of over 4 million Euros. In all parently at the behest of the legal firm gation have started – even if those docu- two bloggers, Emin Milli and Adnan them. The timing and unprecedented nego-tiations with Turkey of the lawsuits, the judge was suing the responsible for the injunction in the first ments are already in the public domain. Hajizade, in November, on charges of size of this tax fine raise serious concerns media over comments they had pub- place. Later in the year, freedom of expres- hooliganism. The Baku-based Institute that the authorities are changing their It appealed to European Commission lished or broadcast which were based on In Germany, political intervention in sion advocates accused Italy’s Prime Mi- for Reporters Safety and Freedom, a local approach from rhetoric to using the state leaders to make press freedom a priority official information obtained from the public service broadcasting was a con- nister, Silvio Berlusconi, of attempting to press freedom monitor, said it believed apparatus to harass the media.” in ongoing membership talks with Tur- Ministry of Culture. cern, after the advisory board of Zweites stifle the media, after he brought hefty that the two bloggers were jailed in retal- Other press freedom issues in Turkey key amid concern over verbal attacks on IPI also conducted a press freedom Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) voted to de - defamation suits against two Italian iation for publishing material that criti- this year included concerns that a large- news organisations and continued legal audit in the Czech Republic in 2009 ny the request of the station’s director to news papers, La Repubblica and L’Un it á, cised the government online. Meanwhile, scale investigation into an alleged plan to hurdles to free expression in the country. and found that the issue of greatest con- extend the contract of current editor-in- as well as international newspapers in clu - Talish editor-in-chief Novruzali Mame - bring down the government – otherwise IPI Director David Dadge held meet- cern to Czech journalists is legislation chief Nikolaus Brender. The board is a ding El País and Le Nouvel Observateur. dov died in detintion in August. known as the Ergenekon investigation – ings with EU Enlargement Commis - that came into force on 1 April making it highly-politicised body, and many critics, Berlusconi’s lawyers have demanded was being used as a catch-all to arrest and sioner Ollie Rehn, and other officials, to illegal to publish any data obtained from including IPI’s German National Com- huge compensation in response to articles

92 93 The Caribbean by Barbara Trionfi A Mixed Record Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti – the most populous countries in the Caribbean, with a joint population of 31 million inhabitants out of a Caribbean total of over 40 million – remained this year the worst press freedom violators in a region that has a mixed media freedom record.

uba, one of the most restrictive A June 2009 report, adopted by the countries in the world in terms of UN Human Rights Council as part of its Cpress freedom, currently holds at Universal Periodic Review, gave only least 22 journalists in its jails, serving marginal acknowledgment to concerns sentences ranging from one to 28 years. expressed by various national delegations, Most have been imprisoned since the including those of Canada, the United infamous Black Spring clampdown on Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, dissent and independent journalists in Austria, Chile, Italy and Slovakia, about March 2003. Among them is Omar Cuba’s violation of the right to freedom Rodríguez Saludes, director of the inde- of expression and the continued impris- pendent news agency Nueva Prensa onment of journalists and human rights Cubana in Havana, whose unjust impris- defenders. Instead the report commend- onment has been highlighted by the IPI ed Cuba for its achievements in the pro- Justice Denied Campaign. motion of the rights to education, food In an unprecedented ruling, in Sep - and health. A Trinidad and Tobago national guard helps tember 2009, a United States federal The Cuban government’s total control take a picture for a journalist outside the judge ordered the Cuban Communist of Internet access as well as physical Diplomatic Centre house during the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Party and the government of Raul Castro attacks against journalists and bloggers 19 April, 2009. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva) to pay a total of US $27.5 million (ap- make independent reporting in Cuba vir- prox. 19.5 million Euros) to the mother tually impossible. In spite of the dangers, from spreading “counter-revolutionary” of Rodriguez for the intentional inflic- though, a number of Cuban-based blog- ideas. tion of emotional distress. gers have recently started posting online On 6 November, Cuba’s most promi- ideas and opinions on issues otherwise nent blogger, Yoani Sánchez, and another not covered by the official media. The blogger, Orlando Luís Pardo Lazo, were IPI has been campaigning technical difficulties are enormous, in a abducted by three men. Sánchez and for the release of Omar country where personal computers have Pardo were forced into a vehicle, beaten, Rodriguez Saludes. That has only been allowed since May 2008 and and threatened by their captors before yet to happen. However, bloggers can generally access the Internet being released onto the street. After the only illegally. Internet cafés are also strict- attack, Sánchez wrote in her blog that, yesterday a legal precedent ly controlled by the Cuban government, while she was being punched in the car, was set which we hope which blocks access to various websites. the captors told her that her “clowning will help strengthen the Ironically, the government has started around” was finished. a number of blogs in order to disseminate protection of human rights its own points of view through the Web. On 6 November, Cuba’s as a universal value A September 2009 CPJ report noted most prominent blogger, that “at least 25 independent, journalis- Reacting to the news, IPI Director tic, and regularly updated blogs are being Yoani Sánchez, and another David Dadge said in a statement: “IPI produced by Cuban writers.” The report blogger, Orlando Luís has been campaigning for the release of also recorded the existence of at least 75 Pardo Lazo, were abducted Omar Rodriguez Saludes. That has yet to other blogs devoted not specifically to happen. However, yesterday a legal prece- news or political issues, but rather per- by three men dent was set which we hope will help sonal interests. CPJ counted close to 200 strengthen the protection of human officially-approved blogs, produced by Bloggers Luis Felipe González Rojas rights as a universal value. We welcome government journalists. and Yosvani Anzardo Hernández were the ruling and emphasize its value in The Cuban government also uses arrested and beaten by police in the east- terms of affirming universal principles.” threats and violence to prevent bloggers ern city of Holguín on 10 September. Members of the group “Ladies in White” stand outside Havana's Cathedral, during the sixth anniversary of the arrest of 75 activists, March 18, 2009. The mothers and wives of the imprisoned Cuban dissidents demanded the release of the activists and independent journalists in a letter to President Raul Castro. 94 (REUTERS/Claudia Daut) 95 The reason appears to have been an inter- laws pertaining to criminal defamation tee to re-evaluate slander and libel laws. view that Gonzales gave to Miami-based and limiting access to information. This The Committee was required to “make Radio Marti, as well as Anzardo’s contri- affects journalists’ ability to report freely, recommendations for changes that will butions to the Miami-based website Payo but the respective governments do not ensure transparency and accountability in Libre. Anzardo’s online newspaper Can - appear interested in bringing about sub- the context of good governance.” don ga is one many websites blocked by stantive legal reforms. Although the Jamaican government Cuban authorities. Furthermore, Caribbean media re - has committed to scrapping the country’s Journalists in the Dominican Re - ports on the imminent introduction of a 98-year-old Official Secrets Act, little public are also regularly attacked, with Model Professional Services Bill by the progress has been made in recent years. the government showing scant respect for 15 member states of the Caribbean Com - The situation is similar in Guyana, their rights. munity (Caricom) raised major concerns. where the 1959 Defamation Act and the In the period between January and The bill calls for, among other things, the Criminal Law (Offences) Act provide for August 2009, the Dominican Republic’s registration and licensing of media work- defamatory libel, and the introduction of National Union of Press Workers (Sin- ers, a practice IPI has often criticised, as Freedom of Information legislation is dicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la it allows for restrictions on press freedom. pen ding. Advocates have called for a Prensa) recorded 54 cases of verbal and In October, Caricom denied there was comprehensive review of Guyana’s laws physical attacks against journalists and an intention to introduce such a bill. with respect to both the right to privacy media workers. Almost all of the crimes The Caribbean region also suffers and the right to access information. In a have been met with total impunity. from severe self-censorship as well as po- Starbroek newspaper article in May this A death threat issued in March this litical polarisation reflected in reporting. year, Denis Chabrol, the President of the year against journalist and television pro- In most of the Caribbean, with the ex- Guyana Press Association (GPA), was re - ducer Manuel Antonio Vega, allegedly by ception of the Virgin Islands, much of ported as saying that the existing defama- drug traffickers, following Vega’s reports the media is state-owned and many pri- tion legislation inhibits press freedom as exposing drug-related crimes highlighted vately-owned media are aligned with var- it has the potential to curtail robust and the dangers of working as journalist in ious political parties. even highly sensitive criticism of public the Dominican Republic. Dominican Professional training opportunities for officials. jour nalists have often expressed concern journalists in the Caribbean remain lim- Criminal defamation laws and restric- about threats from drug traffickers. ited for anyone who cannot afford to tions on access to information are also a The Dominican Republic govern- travel to the United States. It is therefore concern in Trinidad and Tobago, ment’s failure to respect journalists’ right disturbing that China – whose press free- where the prime minister has been ac- to keep sources confidential also caused dom record is among the worst in the cused of wanting to control the media. problems in 2009. In September, Eligio world – has forged close alliances with The Media Association of Trinidad and Roias, a journalist with the daily Ultima many former British colonies in the Tobago have said that Prime Minister Noticias, was interrogated for almost Caribbean, and in 2007 brought numer- Pat rick Manning used a so-called “public seven hours by the National Military Pro - ous journalists to China for professional education” rally to criticise the media secutor, who was investigating an alleged training during which press freedom was over its role in educating the public. In plot to overthrow the government, on not mentioned. Novem ber 2008, the prime minister which Rojas had reported in a 26 July “dropped in” on a radio station to com- article. The Caribbean region plain about the “unprofessional con- Haiti has witnessed improvements in also suffers from severe duct” of two broadcasters, and warned recent years in terms of press freedom, that he was prepared to go to court if he and observers have spoken of a “spring- self-censorship as well was “aggrieved by anything the media time” for Haitian journalists. Only a few as political polarisation does in the future,” Inter Press Service years ago, journalists in Haiti were regu- reflected in reporting reported. larly beaten and murdered. Today, this In Barbados, concerns were raised reality has changed: no journalist has this year after Hartley Henry, senior po- been killed in the past two years and In Jamaica, The Media Association litical advisor to Prime Minister David none are currently held in prison. How - of Jamaica (MAJ) has been campaigning Thompson, allegedly warned Sunday Sun ever, the state of impunity surrounding for the repeal of criminal defamation laws editor, Carol Martindale “to do the right the murders of journalists in the past as well as the passage of Freedom of In - thing” or have her reputation destroyed. decade raises doubts about the govern- formation legislation. In a 3 May state- The newspaper claimed that Henry ment’s willingness to really go after the ment, MAJ called on “legislators to expe- demanded that a report on a poll, which killers. Furthermore, violence and crimi- ditiously consider the recommendations rated the government favourably, be nal activities, matched by weak state of the Hugh Small Defamation Commit- placed on the front page. institutions, remain widespread in Haiti, tee on libel reform and to set a legislative The Barbados Association of Journa- posing major threats to journalists. timetable to quickly implement the rec- lists (BAJ) said that “Ms. Martindale is Although other Caribbean countries ommendations made.” not the first journalist to have been at the fare relatively better on the overall press Back in 2007, Jamaican Prime Minis - receiving end of threats or intimidation freedom front, many still have antiquated ter Bruce Golding appointed a commit- by politicians or political operatives.”

Tear gas canisters fired by Israeli soldiers land near journalists and protesters during a protest against the controversial Israeli barrier in the West Bank 96 village of Bilin near Ramallah July 3, 2009. (REUTERS/Fadi Arouri) 2009 Death Watch By Barbara Trionfi 110 Journalists Killed in 2009: Asia Remains World’s Deadliest Region

In 2009, Asia remained the deadliest region in the world for journalists, with a total of 55 killings. The continent’s murder rate spiralled when 32 journalists accompanying an election day convoy were killed in Maguindanao, in the Philippines – starkly highlighting a culture of violence and impunity that has threatened Filipino journalists for years.

eports on corruption and other Five journalists were killed in 2009 in consequence of ongoing conflicts and criminal activities were believed Honduras, where a coup in June sparked pol itical turmoil. R to have been behind the murder months of turmoil. Honduras is also Five journalists were murdered in of six other journalists killed this year in plagued by corruption and crime, which Russia. An IPI Press Freedom Mission to the Philippines, bringing the total num- have contributed to widespread poverty, a Russia in September 2009 underscored ber up to 38. huge wealth gap, and a general situation concerns among Russian journalists Elsewhere in Asia, eight journalists of insecurity. about the impunity from which the kil - were killed in Pakistan, where a govern- In Africa, nine journalists were killed lers of journalists continue to benefit. ment military offensive launched against in the anarchic country of Somalia in Russian reporters continue to operate in Pakistan Taliban militants has sparked an 2009, mostly as a consequence of ongoing an atmosphere of fear, and self-censor- upsurge in violence. In some cases, the conflicts between rival warlords, and an ship is on the rise. journalists’ killings were a clear conse- offensive launched by Islamic insurgents. The murder of one journalist in Tur - quence of the conflict; in others, the Some of the slain journalists were caught key and the death, in suspicious circum- motive remained unknown due to a lack in the crossfire while covering fighting stances, of a journalist held in prison in of thorough police investigations. between government forces and Islamic Azerbaijan as a consequence of his writ- Latin America was the second most insurgents; others were targeted because ing brought the total number of journal- dangerous place for journalists in 2009, they were covering sensitive issues. ists killed in Europe in 2009 to seven. with a total of 28 killings. Mexico saw the targeted murder of 11 journalists, most In Africa, nine of whom were covering corruption and journalists were killed drug-related crimes; many had received threats prior to their murder. Impunity in the anarchic country remains the norm. In most of the 27 of Somalia in 2009 cases of journalists murdered in Mexico since 2000, no one has been brought to One journalist was killed in 2009 in justice. Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, the Demo- In Colombia, six journalists were kil- cratic Republic of Congo and the Repub - led in 2009, against the backdrop of an lic of Congo respectively, bringing the ongoing conflict between the left wing total number of journalists killed in FARC rebel group and right-wing para- Africa in 2009, most likely because of military groups sometimes working for their profession, to 14. drug cartels and powerful landowners. In the Middle East, four journalists A number of journalists covering the were killed in Iraq and one each in the Journalists and militant groups hold anti-government placards while marching towards the presidential palace in Manila December 9, 2009. conflict have been killed in recent years. Palestinian Territories and Iran, all as a The protest was held to condemn the brutal killing of 57 people, the worst election-related crime, in the southern province of Maguindanao and to demand the Arroyo government set up a timetable to lift martial law in the province. (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco) 98 99 Africa The Americas

Democratic Republic nalist. Ohu was still breathing when he Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, 24, a Brazil (2) Diego de Jesús Rojas Velázquez, 52, Rafael Munguía Ortiz, 52, a local cor- of Congo (1) was taken to a hospital by neighbours, producer for the independent radio sta- a reporter for Supía TV in Supía, in the respondent for Radio Cadena Voces but hospital authorities reportedly de- tion, Radio Shabelle, was killed on 22 Two men on a motorcycle shot Dalvison department of Caldas, was shot four ti- (RCV), was shot at least seven times on Bruno Koko Chirambiza, a 24-year-old man ded that a police report be filed be - May in crossfire during fighting between Nogueira de Souza on 16 August while mes on 22 September by an unidentified 31 March by unidentified gunmen in the reporter for Radio Star, was stabbed to fore he could be treated. He was then government forces and Islamic insurgents he was driving his car in Recife, Pernam - gunman while riding his motorcycle to city of San Pedro Sula, 170 kilometres death on 23 August in the city of Buka - rushed to a second hospital, where he was near Mogadishu’s Bakara Market. bu co, causing him to lose control and the nearby town of Caramanta, in the northwest of the capital, Tegucigalpa. vu, in the eastern region of the Demo - declared dead on arrival. crash. He died at the scene, while his department of Antioquía, after receiving Mungía had recently reported on organ- cratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Local Nur Muse Hussein, a veteran corre- attackers fled. De Souza covered sports a supposed tip about a story. ised crime and a wave of violent crime in media sources told IPI that Chirambiza Republic of Congo (1) spondent for Radio IQK, died of gun- and police news for several radio stations. Honduras. was stabbed twice in the chest by a group shot wounds sustained on 20 April while Police were investigating his killing as A journalist for the newspapers La Patria of eight unidentified assailants while on Bruno Jacquet Ossébi, who wrote for covering fighting between rival militia either an execution or attempted robbery, and Q’Hubo, Ferney Henao was shot Osman López was a journalist working his way home, with a friend, from a wed- the online opposition newspaper Mwin- groups in the town of Beledweyn in cen- although none of his belongings were three times on 25 November as he cros - for the presidential palace’s Department ding. He died from his wounds in hospi- da, died in a military hospital in Brazza - tral Somalia. taken. sed a bridge on his motorbike in his of Communications and for La Tribuna tal. His friend escaped unharmed. ville on 2 February, 12 days after he was hometown of Irra in Columbia’s Risa- newspaper, and was also a correspondent injured in a fire at his home that killed Muktar Mohamed Hirabe, 48, director José Givonaldo Vieira, 40, a radio host ralda department. for the Canal 45 television station. Un - Kenya (1) his girlfriend and her two children. of Radio Shabelle, was shot in the head and owner of the local radio station known individuals, pretending to ask for Journaliste en Danger (JED) reported five times on 7 June by unidentified men Rádio Bezerros FM 107.7, was shot and Harold Humberto Rivas Quevedo a cigarette, shot López on 18 April while Francis Nyaruri, a freelance journalist that three days before the fire Ossébi in Bakara Market, Mogadishu. His col- killed by unidentified gunmen in Recife, hosted a political commentary show for he was in a vehicle, killing him instantly. who wrote for the private Weekly Citizen, wrote an article accusing a French bank league, news editor Ahmed Omar Hashi, capital of Pernambuco state on 14 De - the TV broadcaster ‘CNC Bugavisión’, was found decapitated and with his of reaching an illegal financing agree- who was shot twice, survived the attack. cem ber. Three men stopped Viei ra's car and was a sports commentator for local Marco Antonio Estrada Oria was a hands tied behind his back, on 29 Ja - ment with the Société Nationale de Pé- outside the offices of the radio station, radio broadcaster ‘Vo ces de Occidente’ in correspondent for the news programme nuary, in a forest in Nyanza province, trole du Congo. An anti-corruption acti - Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf, 22, a witnesses said. One of the men walked the Valle de Cauca province. An uniden- Telediaro on Canal 3. An unidentified western Kenya. He had been missing vist, Ossébi was also involved in a com- journalist for private Radio Holy Quran over to Vieira and shot him three times in tified gunman shot him on 15 December individual shot Estrada Oria several times since 15 January. Nyaruri, who wrote plaint brought before a French court by (IQK), was shot from a distance by un- the head and chest before fleeing. Vieira as he visited a funeral home. on 6 June as the journalist parked his under the pen name Mong'are Mokua, Transparency International accusing Pre - identified gunmen on 4 July as he was was taken to hospital, where he was pro- motorbike, and then fled in a waiting had allegedly received threats from police sident Denis Sassou-Nguesso and two covering fighting between pro-govern- nounced dead. El Salvador (1) getaway car. officers over his investigative reports on other African leaders of illegally amassing ment forces and insurgents in north local police corruption. property in France. Mogadishu. He died after lying on the Colombia (6) Police found the body of Christian Po - A broadcast journalist at Radio América, side of the road for almost three hours. ve da on 2 Sep tember in a car in the small Radio Estelar and Canal 9, in the San Madagascar (1) Somalia (9) According to witnesses, fighters shot at María Eugenia Guerrero’s body was village of El Rosario, with multiple bullet Juan Pueblo municipality of the Atlánti- anyone who tried to aid the journalist. found in the Ecuadorian border city of wounds to the head. Poveda, who had da department, Gabriel Fino Noriega Ando Ratovonirina, 25, a reporter and Hassan Mayow Hassan, 36, a Radio Tulcán on 7 February. She had been sexu- closely followed the lives of El Salvador’s was attacked on 3 July by unknown as- cameraman for the privately-owned Ra- Shabelle correspondent in the town of Yaasir Mario, a freelance journalist, ally abused and severely beaten. She had ‘Mara 18’ gang members in his 2008 sailants who shot him 11 times as he left dio Télévision Analamanga (RTA), was Afgoye, near the capital Mogadishu, was Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, a worked for Radio Ipiales, based in Co l - documentary “La Vida Loca,” had on the Radio Estelar after presenting a news fatally shot in the head on 7 February shot dead on 1 January by a government reporter for Radio Shabelle, and Hassan ombia’s southwestern province of Nariño. day of his death set out to the Soyapango bulletin. He died on his way to hospital. while covering an anti-government de- soldier when he entered the town. Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, a cameraman for municipality to arrange interviews bet- monstration outside the presidential pa - was stopped by soldiers who accused him Al Arabiya TV, were killed on 3 De cem - José Everardo Aguilar, 72, a corre- ween female gang members and a French Mexico (11) lace in the capital, Antananarivo. Rato- of collaborating with Islamic insurgent ber when a suicide bomber dressed as a spondent for the privately-owned Radio fashion magazine. vonirina was among at least 25 people groups before one of the soldiers shot him woman blew himself up at a graduation Súper Popayán and host of a daily news Jean Paul Ibarra Ramírez, 33, a crime killed when presidential guards opened twice in the head. Hassan was en route to ceremony for medical students from Ba- programme on the community radio sta- Guatemala (1) photographer for El Correo newspaper, fire on the demonstrators. a news conference when he was killed. He nadir University in Mogadishu. At least tion Bolívar Estéreo, was shot dead on 24 was shot dead on 13 February by an un - had produced many reports on the hum - 25 others were killed in the bomb blast at April by an unidentified gunman in his Rolando Santiz, 52, a reporter for the identified gunman in the city of Iguala, Nigeria (1) anitarian situation in the region, includ- Hotel Shamo, located in the govern- home in the town of Patia, in the depart- TV station Telecentro 13, was shot dead Guerrero state. Ibarra Ramírez and repor - ing critical stories about the army’s harass- ment-controlled quarter of the capital, ment of Cauca. The gunman, who re por - by two men on a motorcycle while driv- ter Yenny Yuliana Marchán Arroyo were Bayo Ohu, the assistant news editor of ment of civilians in the area. including the dean of Mogadishu’s med- tedly entered Aguilar’s home on the pre- ing to work in Guatemala City. Santiz on their way to an assignment when the Nigerian daily The Guardian, was shot ical school and three ministers of the text of bringing him photographs and and cameraman Antonio de León were gunman pulled alongside their motorcy- dead at home on the morning of 20 Said Tahlil Ahmed, director of the pri- Tran sitional Federal Government. Five other material, shot the veteran journalist driving to the station’s offices after cover- cle and opened fire with a .45 calibre pis- September by a group of up to five gun- vate radio and television station Horn other journalists were injured in the several times at point-blank range before ing a story when the two gunmen opened tol. The gunman then got off his motor- men as he was preparing to attend a Afrik, was shot four times in the head on attack. fleeing. Aguilar was known for his criti- fire on their car. Santiz died immediately, cycle and shot the photographer in the church service. The killers fired at least 4 February by three masked gunmen in cism of local corruption and had received while de León suffered head and chest head, ignoring Marchán. eight bullets into him, after he opened the Bakara market area of Mogadishu. threats. wounds. Santiz had received death the door to them, news reports said. Ahmed and several other senior journal- threats, colleagues said. Carlos Ortega Samper, 52, a corre- Eyewitnesses reported that a group of five ists from local media outlets were on Director of the local Curillo municipality spondent for the newspaper El Tiempo de men driving a white Toyota Camry drew their way to a meeting called by the television broadcaster Hernando Salas Honduras (5) Durango, was killed on 3 May by uniden- up at his home. The killers did not re- Islam ist group Al Shabab. Local press Rojas was shot several times on 20 May by tified gunmen in the town of Santa Maria move anything from the house apart freedom observers said Ahmed may have un known assailants who burst into his A journalist, politician and farmer, del Oro, Durango state. At least four gun- from the victim's laptop and mobile been targeted by Islamist militants be- home. Local media freedom observers be - Ber nardo Rivera was kidnapped on 13 men in two pickup trucks pulled Ortega phone, leading to suggestions that the cause of HornAfrik’s coverage of recent lieve his murder may be linked to his po - March. His body was found in a ditch on Samper from his car near his home and killing was linked to his work as a jour- presidential elections. litical and community-related activities. 9 July. shot the journalist in the head after a

100 101 Asia & Australasia

brief struggle. The motive for the killing Afghanistan (3) India (1) Kyrgyz government. Omurbek Tekebaev, was not immediately clear, but Ortega the leader of the Kyrgyz opposition party Samper, who frequently reported on local , 23, also know as Jojo, Anil Majumdar, editor of the daily Ata-Meken, said that before travelling to government corruption, had been target- an Afghan journalist who worked for the Assa mese newspaper, Aji, was shot at Kazakhstan, Pavlyuk was in the party's ed in the past. In separate incidents, gun- Canadian broadcaster CTV, among other point blank range by unidentified gun- offices in Bishkek to discuss details of a men fired at his home and set his car on media outlets, was shot dead on 10 men on 24 March in front of his house in media project, Radio Free Europe/Radio fire. In his last piece, he wrote about con- March by two gunmen in a vehicle as he Guwahati, Assam state. He was declared Liberty (RFE/RL) reported. Pavlyuk was ditions at a local slaughterhouse and alle- was getting out of his car in the southern dead on arrival at the International expected to launch the Ata-Meken party ged that the mayor of Santa Maria del city of . Colleagues suspected Hospital. Majumdar had been campaign- newspaper by the end of the year. Oro, Martín Silvestre Herrera, had threa- the Taliban was behind the killing. ing for peace talks between the militant tened him. Ahmad was arrested by U.S. forces in United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Nepal (1) November 2007 and detained for 11 and the Indian government. Eliseo Barrón Hernández, 35, a crime months at Bagram Air Base on suspicion Uma Singh, a journalist for Radio Today reporter for the newspaper La Opinion in of being “an enemy combatant.” He was Indonesia (1) FM in Janakpur, in the southern district Torreón and the national daily Milenio, never charged with a crime. of Dhanusha, was stabbed repeatedly on was found shot to death on 26 May in an Anak Agung Prabangsa, a reporter 11 January by a group of approximately irrigation ditch in the northern state of Sultan Munadi, 34, an Afghan journal- with the Indonesian-language Radar Bali 15 unidentified men who broke into her Durango. Barrón had been abducted the ist and translator, was seized by armed daily, was reported missing on 12 Feb- rented room in Janakpur. She died en In this Dec. 22, 2009, Mexican journalist Alberto Velazquez, of the Expresiones de Tulum night before by hooded gunmen who newspaper, is transported to a hospital after being shot in Tulum, Mexico. Velazquez passed gunmen alongside New York Times repor - ruary in Bali. His body was found four route to a hospital in the capital, Kath - burst into his home in the town of away shortly afterwards. (AP Photo/Rosy Lopez, Novedades de Quintana Roo) ter Stephen Farrell on 5 September, while days later, floating in waters west of the mandu. Singh was well known for her Gomez Palacio, beating the journalist in they were reporting on a NATO raid on Padangbai harbour, news reports said. reports on women’s rights and political front of his wife and two daughters. His online radio programme and also wrote was found gagged and with his hands tied two oil tankers that had been hijacked by Prabangsa had been reporting on irregu- issues. She was vocal in condemning the last published article was about police the column, “Cotorreando con El Gal - to a bed. Officials said deep bruising and Taliban militants. The two men were in larities in a project to build an interna- ongoing violence in the southern Terai corruption in the city of Torreón. lito.” He had been reporting on the activ- a skull fracture were the cause of death. Omarkhel village in the Chardarah dis- tional-standard kindergarten and ele- region, where armed militant groups ities of local crime groups. Galindo Robles specialised in investigat- trict, when they were kidnapped. Munadi mentary school in Bangli regency and have been fighting for the establishment Martín Javier Miranda Avilés was a ing and covering environmental issues. was killed on 9 September during a res- had received threatening phone calls of an autonomous Madhesi state and reporter for the newspaper Panorama and Fabián Ramírez López, 42, a presenter cue operation by NATO forces. Farrell, before his disappearance. greater rights for the Madhesi people, the a correspondent for the news agency for the regional radio station La Magia Owner of the Mexican newspaper Expre - who survived and was rescued, told the According to the Jakarta Post, police dominant ethnic population of Terai. Qua dratín in the city of Zitácuaro, in the 97.1, was found dead on 11 October in a siones de Tulum in the southeastern state New York Times that he heard the heli- charged Nyoman Susrama, the younger state of Michoacán. Avilés’ body was vacant lot in Mazatlán, Sinaloa state. He of Quintana Roo, Jorge Alberto Veláz- copters hovering over the building, and brother of the Bangli regent and a serving Pakistan (8) found in his home with bullet wounds. was reportedly found with his throat cut quez López died on 22 December after ran outside with Munadi. As the gunfire regency legislator, with involvement in Panorama had received threats prior to and the letters YTTS carved into his being shot in his car by a motorcycle-rid- began, Munadi ran forward shouting the murder of Prabangsa. Police investi- Muhammad Imran, 20, a trainee cam- his killing. back. Ramírez had gone missing 48 hours ing gunman. His newspaper had received “Journalist!” when he was shot down. It is gations concluded that the journalist had eraman with Express TV, and Saleem earlier after leaving home for work on 9 several anonymous phoned death threats unclear from reports whether he was been tortured and killed on 11 February Tahir Awan, 45, a freelance reporter with Editor of the magazine Enfoque de El Sol October. Police found his mobile tele- and its printing press was firebombed in killed by allied or Taliban gunfire. in Susrama’s backyard in Bangli before the local dailies Eitedal and Apna Akhbar, de Chihuahua, Ernesto Montañez Val - phone and other belongings with his bo- November. Munadi had reportedly worked regularly being dumped into the sea. were killed on 4 January when a suicide divia was shot on 14 July while driving dy, suggesting that robbery was not the with the New York Times and other news bomber blew himself up in front of the with his son in Ciudad Juárez, Chihua - motive behind his killing. Paraguay (1) organizations, and was enrolled in a mas- Kazakhstan (1) Government Polytechnic College in Dera hua. He was shot in the chest and the ter’s degree in Germany. He was back in Ismail Khan in North West Frontier head. Kidnapped by a group of armed men on Director of community radio station Hu- Afghanistan on holiday when he agreed Gennady Pavlyuk, a well-known Kyr - Province. The suicide bomber struck fol- 2 November, the body of José Bladimir gua Nandú, which was highly critical of to travel with Mr. Farrell to . The gyz journalist of Russian origin, died on lowing an explosion of low intensity. Juan Daniel Martínez Gil, 50, a pre- Antuna García was later found behind a local corruption, Martín Ocampo Páez New York Times reported that he had a 22 December in the intensive care unit of Police and forensic experts were collect- senter for Radiorama, was found dead on local hospital, in the Mexican state of was killed on 12 January in his home wife and two children. a hospital in Almaty, Kazakhstan from ing evidence after cordoning off the area 27 July at a roadside on the outskirts of Durango, along with a note stating: in the eastern Paraguay town of Con- serious injuries sustained when he was around the explosion. The journalists had Acapulco, Guerrero state. He was last “This happened to me because I gave cepción. Michelle Lang, a journalist with the thrown from the window of a sixth-floor rushed to the scene to cover the earlier seen alive while driving home after com- information to the military and wrote Calgary Herald and Canwest News, was apartment in a residential building in blast. At least seven people lost their lives pleting the nightly news broadcast for the things that I should not have written. Be Venezuela (1) killed by an improvised explosive device Almaty, media reports said. Pavlyuk was in the attack. radio station. His body was found by careful when preparing stories. Sincerely, in Afghanistan on 30 December 2009, found unconscious with duct tape passers-by half-buried and showing signs Bladimir.” A crime correspondent at Orel Sambrano, 62, editor of the polit- while covering the conflict for the Can - around his feet and hands on 16 De - Aamir Wakil, 40, a journalist with the of torture. Martínez Gil had over 30 Durango’s El Tiempo de Du rango newspa- ical weekly ABC, vice president of Radio west News Service. Four Canadian sol- cember and remained in a coma until his regional daily Awami Inqilab, was shot in years’ experience in the media. per, García had reported receiving death America and a columnist for Notitarde diers also died in the blast. Lang was em - death. Pavlyuk, also known under the the back, near the neck, as he was walk- threats at his home and office in the newspaper, was killed on 16 January in a bedded with Canadian troops. She was pseudonym of Ibragim Rustambek, be - ing close to his home on 24 January in Norberto Miranda Madrid, 44, who months prior to his killing. Valencia suburb, 150 km west of Caracas. travelling in a military convoy when she came well known as editor of the Kyrgyz Rawalpindi, near Islamabad. Two hours worked for Radio Visión in Nuevo Casas He had covered several drug trafficking was killed. edition of the Russian weekly Argumenty before he was murdered Wakil told his Grandes, Chihuahua state, was killed by José Emilio Galindo Robles, 43, cases, including one involving the Mak - i Fakty. Later he worked as editor of the brother that he had received threats from several armed men who forced their way director of Guadalajara University Radio, led family, an influential business family Kyrgyz edition of Komsomolskaya Pravda, unidentified persons. into the radio station on 23 September was found dead at his home in Ciudad in the region. and as a contributor to the independent and shot the journalist several times in Guzmán, Jalisco State, on 25 November, newspaper Bely Parokhod. The Kyrgyz front of his colleagues. Madrid hosted an after missing work for several days. He journalist was highly critical of the

102 103 bat political violence, said he believed Rollin’s murder was connected to his pro- fession as a journalist. On 24 May, police arrested the suspected gunman. The per- son who ordered the murder, however, remains at large.

Jojo Trajano, a crime reporter with the local newspaper, Remate, was killed in crossfire on 3 June while accompanying police to report on a police raid on an alleged organized crime den in Taytay Town, Rizal province. Trajano and a police officer were fatally wounded when members of the group, which was sus- pected of drug trafficking and theft, opened fire on police.

Crispin Perez, a radio talk show host, was shot dead on 9 June by an unidenti- fied gunman in front of his home in San Family members grieve during a funeral for journalists killed in Maguindanao massacre Jose City on Mindoro Island, Occidental in General Santos city in southern Philippines December 4, 2009. Philippine soldiers using metal detectors, sniffer dogs and an excavator unearthed more than a dozen crates of Mindoro province. Perez, who hosted a bullets Friday in the mansion of a local mayor linked to last week's massacre of 57 people, talk show at the local DWDO radio sta- a spokesman said. (REUTERS/Erik de Castro) tion, had recently criticised local mining and energy deals in the province. Musa Khankhel, a reporter for Geo TV city of Mardan, North West Frontier Pro - Two women light candles at a vigil on the first anniversary of the murder of Sri Lankan journalist Lasantha Wickrematunga in Colombo, January 8, 2010. ntonio Castillo and the English-language newspaper The vince, as he was on his way to work. He A , a columnist for the Wickrematunga was shot by gunmen on January 8, 2009, and the identity of the gunmen remains unknown. (REUTERS/Andrew Caballero-Reynolds) News, was shot dead on 18 February by succumbed to his injuries before his ar ri - tabloid community paper Bigwas, was unknown individuals while on assign- val at a nearby hospital. shot at close range on 12 June by two Dela Cruz, Saksi News, General Santos point in the town of Ampatuan, Minda - stated that there was a possibility that the ment covering a peace march led by men on a motorcycle after a brief chase in City; Jhoy Duhay, Gold Star Daily; nao Island. The convoy was travelling to killing could be related to her husband’s Muslim cleric Sufi Muhammad in the Janullah Hashimzada, bureau chief in the town of Uson, Masbate Island, Mas - Jolito Evardo, UNTV; Santos Gat- file candidacy papers for gubernatorial radio work. She said that Pasigna had volatile Swat Valley, North West Frontier Peshawar, North West Frontier Province, bate province. Castillo, who reported and chalian, DXGO, Davao City; Bien- candidate and local mayor Esmael Man- reported about a controversy regarding Province. He was found dead with gun- for Afghanistan's Shamshad television commented on alleged corruption at the venido Legarte, Jr., Prontiera News, gudadatu. Police found the bodies of 57 the filing of a certificate of candidacy by shot wounds to the body and back of the channel, was shot dead on 24 August as community level, died in hospital. Ko ronadal City; Lindo Lupogan, Min - people in shallow graves close to the check- a political party in Zamboanga del Norte. head near the town of Matta. No one has he was travelling by bus through Pakis - danao Daily Gazette, Davao City; Er - point. Apart from the journalists, those claimed responsibility for the killing. tan's . Masked assailants in a Jonathan Petalvero, a radio host for nesto “Bart” Maravilla, Bombo Rad - killed included Mangudadatu’s wife and Sri Lanka (2) Toyota Corolla intercepted the bus, the DXFM station, was shot dead on 27 yo, Koronadal City; Rey Merisco, sisters, lawyers, aides, and motorists who Raja Assad Hameed, a reporter for the climbed inside, and shot the Afghan jour- June by a masked gunman at a restaurant Periodico Ini; Reynaldo “Bebot” Mo - had witnessed the incident or were mis- Lasantha Wickremetunga, editor-in- English-language daily, The Nation, and nalist with assault rifles at least six times. in the town of Bayugan on Mindanao may, Midland Review; Marife “Ne- takenly identified as part of the convoy. chief of the Sunday Leader, was killed on Waqt TV, was shot dead on 26 March by Hashimzada, who also contributed to the Island. He was declared dead upon neng” Montaño, Saksi News; Rosell 8 January by two men on a motorcycle as unidentified assailants outside his home Associated Press, was known for his criti- arrival at hospital. Petalvero was known Morales, News Focus; Victor Nuñez, Ismael Pasigna, a community journal- he drove to work in a suburb of Colom- in Rawalpindi, Punjab province. cal reporting on the Taliban. for his critical commentaries about local UNTV; Ronnie Perante, Gold Star ist and radio block-timer, was killed in bo. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, corruption. Daily; Joel Parcon, Prontiera News; Labason, Zamboanga del Norte on 24 where he underwent emergency surgery, Wasi Ahmad Qureshi, a reporter with Philippines (38) Fernando “Ranny” Razon, Periodico December 2009. A gunman on a motor- but died a few hours later. Known for his the Daily Azadi and Balochistan Express, Benjie Adolfo, Gold Star Daily, Koro - Ini; Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, cycle shot Pasigna on his way to work. critical reporting on the government, was shot at point-blank range on 11 April Ernie Rollin was shot by two unidenti- nadal City; Henry Araneta, dzRH, Ge - Manila Bulletin, General Santos City; Pasigna died of multiple gunshot wounds. Wickremetunga had been a frequent tar- by gunmen who fired on him and his col- fied men riding a motorcycle in the early neral Santos City; Mark Gilbert “Mac- Napoleon Salaysay, Mindanao Gazet- The journalist had been working since get of harassment and intimidation. league, Muhammad Siddiq Mosiani, near morning of 23 February in Oroquieta Mac” Arriola, UNTV, General Santos te, Cotabato City; Francisco “Ian” Su- August 2009 as an anchor for the govern- a newsstand in Khuzdar district in the City, in the province of Misamis Occi- City; Rubello Bataluna, Gold Star bang, Socsargen Today, General Santos ment-funded block-time program, Puniyamoorthy Sathiyamoorthy, a southwestern province of Baluchistan. dental. Rollin had been a journalist for Daily; Arturo Betia, Periodico Ini, City; Andres “Andy” Teodoro, Central “South Express Balita” aired over B-96 freelance journalist, was killed in a 12 Qureshi was treated in a hospital for two about 10 years and was popular for his General Santos City; Romeo Jimmy Mindanao Inquirer, Tacurong City; Da- FM. He had started working as a radio February artillery attack by the Sri Lan- gunshot wounds to the stomach, but died outspoken comments on a prime-time Cabillo, Midland Review, Tacurong niel Tiamson, UNTV; and Jepon announcer in August 2009. Police Ins- kan army on a so-called “safe zone” in on 16 April. Mosiani survived. current affairs program on the DXSY City; Marites Cablitas, News Focus and Cadagdagon, Saksi News, General San - pec tor Chamber Lacay said a police Mullaitheevu district. A sympathiser of radio station. In the days preceding his dxDX, General Santos City; Hannibal tos City, were killed on 23 November in investigation suggested that the incident the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam Siddique Bacha Khan, a correspondent death, Rollin had talked about controver- Cachuela, Punto News, Koronadal City; a brutal massacre in the southern pro vince was election-related, as Pasigna was a (LTTE), he wrote for several Tamil pub- for the independent television channel, sial laws affecting the province. Under- John Caniban, Periodico Ini; Lea Dal- of Maguindanao. The journalists were member of the Alliance Party for Pro - lications, and was well-known for his live Aaj TV, was shot at close range on 14 secretary Ricardo Blancaflor, head of Task macio, Socsargen News, General Santos part of a convoy that was intercepted by gress, a local political party in Zambo- broadcasts from conflict zones for pro- August by unidentified gunmen in the Force 211, a government agency to com- City; Noel Decina, Periodico Ini; Gina over 100 gunmen at a roadside check- anga del Norte. Pasigna’s wife however Tamil radio and television outlets.

104 105 Europe Middle East & North Africa

Azerbaijan (1) the first attack against Amrakhov. In her on 15 July in broad daylight outside Iran (1) 1997, he suffered a concussion when an her apartment in the Chechen capital, Novruzali Mamedov, editor-in-chief of unidentified assailant hit him on the Groz ny, while she was on her way to Omidreza Mirsayafi, a 29-year-old the Talysh minority language newspaper, head with a blunt object in the entrance work. Witnesses saw her being forced blogger, died on 18 March in Tehran’s Talyshi Sado, and a human rights defend- of his Murmansk apartment building. into a car by four men and heard her Evin prison, where most prisoners of con - er, died in detention on 17 August 2009 shout that she was being kidnapped. Sev - science are held. The blogger was sum- at the hospital of the Ministry of Justice's Anastasja Baburowa, a journalist for eral hours later, her body was found with moned to Tehran’s revolutionary court Penitentiary Service, in Baku. Mamedov the Kremlin-critical newspaper Novaya gunshot wounds to the head and chest in for interrogation on 7 February 2009. He was convicted of treason under Article Gazeta, was hit by several bullets when the neighboring province of Ingushetia. had been sentenced in November 2008 247 of Azerbaijan’s penal code for the trying to intervene in the fatal 19 January A regular contributor to the independent to two years and six months in prison for “distribution of Talysh nationalist ideas shooting of prominent human rights newspaper Novaya Gazeta and the Cau- insulting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali and attempts to destroy the foundations lawyer Stanislav Markelov. Markelov was casus news website Kavkazsky Uzel, Este- Khamenei and Ayatollah Ruhollah of the Azerbaijani state” on 24 June 2008 shot in the head by an unidentified gun- mirova wrote frequently about human Khomeini, leader of the 1979 revolution. and sentenced to 10 years in prison in a man in broad daylight in Moscow. rights abuses in Chechnya. At the end of the interrogation on 7 closed trial. The case was reportedly Baburowa died later in hospital of her February, he was taken to prison. Hesam based on allegations that Mamedov had wounds. Malik Akhmedilov, 32, deputy editor Firoozi, a physician also imprisoned in of the Avar-language newspaper Hakikat, Evin, reported that Mirsayafi suffered was found shot dead in his car on 11 from serious depression and died after August, on the outskirts of Makhachkala, taking extra doses of his medication. The capital of the volatile southern republic of physician noted that the prison doctors Dagestan. Neighbours reported seeing a failed to provide proper care by not send- suspicious vehicle without number plates ing Mirsayafi immediately to a hospital parked near the journalist’s home prior to to try to save his life. the killing. Akhmedilov was known for his critical reporting on attempts by the Iraq (4) authorities to suppress political and reli- gious “extremism,” and colleagues believe Haidar Hashim Suhail, 30, and Su ha- his murder was linked to his work as a ib Adnan, 25, correspondent and cam- journalist. eraman, respectively, for the satellite TV station Al Baghdadia, were killed on 10 Turkey (1) March in a suicide bomb blast in the town of Abu Ghraib, near Baghdad. Four Cihan Hayirsevener, the editor-in- other media workers were seriously chief of the newspaper Guney Marma ra’ - injured in the incident, which killed over da Yasam, died on 19 December 2009 30 people. The journalists were covering after being shot three times in the leg a visit by a senior Interior Ministry offi- while walking to his office in the town of cial to a tribal reconciliation meeting in A person lays flowers at the site where lawyer Stanislav Markelov and reporter Anastasia Bandirma, northeast of Istanbul. Hayir - Abu Ghraib, Anbar province. Baburova were shot in Moscow January 20, 2009. The writing on the paper on the wall sevener war delivered to the Uludağ Uni- reads: "Budanov and his FSB protegees are killers and belong in prison", referring to Russian Colonel Yuri Budanov, who was convicted of the murder of a Chechen woman, versity Hospital, where he died few hours Alaa Abdel-Wahab, 37, a sports repor - whose family Markelov represented. (REUTERS/Denis Sinyakov) later. Guney Marmara’da Yasam is well ter for the television station Al Baghda- known for exposing corruption in the dia, was killed on 31 May when a bomb received money from Iran to publish the Vyacheslav Yaroshenko, editor-in- region around Bandirma. Hayirsevener attached to his car exploded in the north- An Iraqi soldier stands guard near bloodied water on the ground at the site of a bomb newspaper. Mamedov reportedly had se- chief of the independent newspaper Kor - had received anonymous death threats in ern city of Mosul. Abdel-Wahab and Sul - attack in Abu Ghraib district, west of Baghdad March 11, 2009. Al-Baghdadia television rious health problems. However, prison ruptsiya i Prestupnost, died of head in - connection with his journalism. tan Jerjis, a sports presenter with the local correspondent Haidar Hashim Suhail, 30, and cameraman Suhaib Adnan, 25, were killed authorities allegedly failed to take meas- juries sustained on 30 April. Yaroshenko, radio station Al Rasheed, were on assign- in the blast. REUTERS/Mohanned Faisal ures to improve either his conditions of who reported on local corruption, was ment covering a story on the local Olym- detention or to provide sufficient medical found unconscious in the entrance of his pic committee when the bomb exploded. only slightly injured by the blast and was Gaza on 27 December 2008. The crew, treatment. apartment building in Rostov-on-Don, Jerjis was wounded in the blast. released from hospital the same day. on assignment for the Algerian TV net- Southern Federal District. He underwent work ENTV, had just completed an Russia (5) emergency surgery, spent five days in a Orhan Hijran, 18, a cameraman for the Palestinian interview near the Al Wa'd Association coma, and died on 29 June, after being Baghdad-based television station Al Ra- for Prisoners, a Hamas-affiliated organi- Shafig Amrakhov, editor of the online operated on again. Colleagues believe he sheed, was killed on 21 October when a Territories (1) sation, when the association’s building regional news agency RIA 51, died on 5 was targeted because of his newspaper’s bomb exploded in front of his home in came under fire. All four crew members January 2009 in a Murmansk hospital of investigative reporting. Kirkuk. The explosion occurred as Hij- Basil Ibrahim Faraj, 22, a cameraman sustained injuries, but Faraj, who was injuries sustained on 30 December 2008 ran and Mohammed Abdullah Zadeh, for the Palestinian Media and Communi- severely wounded in the head and rushed when an unidentified assailant shot him Natalia Estemirova, 50, a prominent a cor respondent with the Cairo-based cations Company, was killed when the to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, and several times in the head with a pistol human rights activist and journalist, was Al Bagh dadia TV, were returning home car of his four-man television crew was then transferred to a hospital in Egypt, which used rubber bullets. This was not killed by unknown men who abducted from an assignment. Abdullah Zadeh was hit by shrapnel in an Israeli air strike in died of his injuries on 7 January.

106 107 Acknowledgements

The International Press Institute would like to thank its members – leading journalists, editors and media executives from over 120 countries – for providing information for this report. Additionally, IPI would like to thank the Reuters news agency, the Associated Press (AP) and European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), as well as the following organisations:

Al Arab Institute for Reporter Freedom Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) The Austrian IPI Chapter acknowledges Al Sharq and Safety (IRFS) – Azerbaijan Palestinian Centre for Algerian League for the Defense International Campaign Development and with appreciation the support for the of Human Rights (LADDH) for Human Rights in Iran Media Freedoms (Mada) Amnesty International International Federation Peace Institute, Ljubljana IPI Press Freedom Fund received from of Journalists (IFJ) Arab Archives Institute Radio Televizija Slovenija (RTS) International Freedom Arab Network for Human Reporters sans Frontières (RSF) of Expression eXchange (IFEX) Rights Information (ANHRI) SKeyes International Leaders Alliance Article 19, London South Asian Journalists Bank Austria Europe Austrian Press Agency (APA) Association International News Safety Southeast Asian Bahrain Centre Institute (INSI) for Human Rights Press Association Alcatel-Lucent International PEN BBC Southeast European Media International Organisation (SEEMO) Cairo Institute for Human Telecommunications Union Telekom Austria Group Rights Studies (CIHRS) Sudan Tribune Journaliste en Danger (JED) Cartoonists Rights Network Thai Journalists Journalistic Freedoms International Association (TJA) Observatory NOVOMATIC AG Center for Defending The New York Times Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) The Slovenian Association Maharat Center for Journalism of Journalists in Extreme Situations (CJES) Media Foundation for West Africa The Times Centre for Independent Media Institute (Kenya) The United Nations Journalism Media Institute TIME Magazine of Southern Africa (MISA) Centre for Media Freedom and Union of Slovene Responsibility – Philippines Media Watch Journalists (SNS) Committee to Protect Menassat World Association Journalists (CPJ) Mideastinfo of Newspapers European Journalism Centre Mizzima News – Burma World Press Freedom Foreign Correspondents National Union of Somali Committee Club of China (FCCC) Journalists We also thank the numerous Free Media Movement NowLebanon (FMM) – Sri Lanka other anonymous contributors. Observatory for the Freedom House Freedom of the Press, Publishing In addition, we thank the Freedom of Expression Institute and Creation (OLPEC) UniCredit Bank Austria AG Glasnost Defence Foundation OpenNet for its contribution. Hong Kong Journalists Organization for Security and Finally, we thank the Association Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)- Austrian Ministry for European Human Rights Watch (HRW) Representative on Freedom and International Affairs, of the Media Hurriyet and the City of Vienna, Pacific Media Watch for their continued support.

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