DOCSLIB.ORG

INTERNATIONAL PEN Writers in Prison Committee

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
INTERNATIONAL PEN Writers in Prison Committee INTERNATIONAL PEN Writers in Prison Committee HALF-YEARLY CASELIST to 30 June 2005 International PEN Writers in Prison Committee 9/10 Charterhouse Buildings London EC1M 7AT United Kingdom Tel: + 44 020 7253 3226 Fax: + 44 020 7253 5711 e-mail: [email protected] web site: www.internatpen.org INTERNATIONAL PEN Writers in Prison Committee International PEN is the leading voice of literature worldwide, bringing together poets, novelists, essayists, historians, critics, translators, editors, journalists and screenwriters. Its members are united in a common concern for the craft and art of writing and a commitment to freedom of expression through the written word. Through its Centres, PEN operates on all five continents with 138 centres in 101 countries. Founded in London in 1921, PEN connects an international community of writers. It is a forum where writers meet freely to discuss their work. It is also a voice speaking out for writers silenced in their own countries. The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN was set up in 1960 as a result of mounting concern about attempts to silence crit- ical voices around the world through the detention of writers. It works on behalf of all those who are detained or otherwise persecuted for their opinions expressed in writing and for writers who are under attack for their peaceful political activities or for the practice of their profession, provided that they did not use violence or advocate violence or racial hatred. Member centres of International PEN are active in campaigning for an improvement in the conditions of persecuted writers and journalists. They send letters to the governments concerned and lobby their own governments to campaign for the release of detained writers and for inves- tigations in cases of torture and killings. Through writing to the families and, where possible, directly to prisoners, they provide encouragement and hope. International PEN has consultative status at the United Nations Commission of Human Rights and with UNESCO. INTERNATIONAL PEN CHARTER The PEN Charter is based on resolutions passed at its international congresses and may be summarised as follows: PEN affirms that: 1. Literature knows no frontiers and must remain common currency among people in spite of political or international upheavals. 2. In all circumstances, and particularly in time of war, works of art, the patrimony of humanity at large, should be left untouched by national or political passion. 3. Members of P.E.N. should at all times use what influence they have in favour of good understanding and mutual respect between nations; they pledge themselves to do their utmost to dispel race, class and national hatreds, and to champion the ideal of one humanity living in peace in one world. 4. P.E.N. stands for the principle of unhampered transmission of thought within each nation and between all nations, and members pledge themselves to oppose any form of suppression of freedom of expression in the country and community to which they belong, as well as throughout the world wherever this is possible. P.E.N. declares for a free press and opposes arbitrary censorship in time of peace. It believes that the necessary advance of the world towards a more highly organized political and economic order renders a free criticism of governments, administrations and institutions imperative. And since freedom implies voluntary restraint, members pledge themselves to oppose such evils of a free press as mendacious publication, deliberate falsehood and distortion of facts for political and personal ends. Membership of P.E.N. is open to all qualified writers, editors and translators who subscribe to these aims, without regard to nationality, ethnic origin, language, colour or religion. INFORMATION SOURCES The WiPC gathers its information from a wide variety of sources. It seeks to confirm its information through two independent sources. Where its information is unconfirmed, it will either take not action, or send an appeal worded to reflect the fact that the information is as yet incom- plete. Sources include press reports, reports form individuals in the region in question, reports from other human rights groups PEN members themselves, embassy officials, academics, prisoners’ families, lawyers and friends, and exile groups. It also works with international NGOs, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. It is a founder member of IFEX – the International Freedom of Expression Exchange. IFEX is a collaborative, on-line service in which several groups involved in the campaign for free expression pool information. Other members include Article 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Index on Censorship, the International Federation of Journalists and Reporters sans Frontieres, as well as regional and national groups. For further details see the IFEX website www.IFEX.org Our work would be impossible without our Sponsors who include: NOVIB, Swedish International Development Foundation, Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Fritt Ord Foundation, UNESCO, Individual donations and membership fees from PEN members Bank details: International PEN Foundation Account, National Westminster Bank, 134 Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4JB. Sort code: 60-05-37 Account: 81901763. 2 Registered Charity no: 1010627 Contents List of cases by country 4 Centres with Writers in Prison Committees 72 Africa 4 List of Main Cases by Country 72 The Americas 21 Case statistics 73 Asia and Pacific 31 Europe and Central Asia 48 Middle East 63 The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN records of persecuted writers are updated daily. For up-to-date information on a particular country (or countries), contact the Writers in Prison Committee headquarters in London. Anyone wishing to take action on any individual mentioned in this Caselist should contact the Writers in Prison Committee headquarters for any update there may be on the case and for advice on appeals. Explanation of Terms Used Important: Please Read Main Cases Those cases listed as 'main cases' are those where the Writers in Prison Committee is confident that: i. the person is a writer or journalist or is persecuted because of their writings; ii. the person has not used violence towards his or her aims or advocated racial hatred. In these cases, the Writers in Prison Committee will take all possible action for their release or for compensation. In cases where a prisoner is held without charge or trial for a considerable length of time, the Writers in Prison Committee will consider them to be a main case until and unless information is provided which shows that they have used violence or advocated racial hatred. Judicial concern These are cases where the main concern includes convictions based on trial proceedings which were manifestly unfair, where there are serious concerns regarding allegations of torture or where there are other irregularities in the judicial process. In these cases, the Writers in Prison Committee calls for a re-trial following fair trial practice or is calling for an investigation of the alleged malpractice and for those found guilty of committing such acts as torture to be brought to justice. Investigation case An investigation case is one where the Writers in Prison Committee: i. needs more information to ascertain whether a person is a writer or is persecuted for their writings; ii. is not clear as to whether or not he or she has used violence or advocated racial hatred; iii. has insufficient information to confirm that the event has taken place; iv is seeking confirmation that the person is still detained. The Writers in Prison Committee publishes details of investigation cases so as to provide a complete account of reports of abuses against individuals practicising their right to free expression in all countries. However, it will not usually call for their release. Once sufficient information is available, their cases will be reclassified as a main case or dropped as appropriate. '*' by a name indicates that the case is new to the Committee's list since the last Writers in Prison Committee report. The last report was dated December 2004. 3 Caselist January to June 2005 International PEN Writers in Prison Committee Sentenced in absentia Details current up to 30 June 2005 *Farid ALILAT: former publication director of the daily newspaper Liberté, along with Liberté cartoonist Ali Dilem, was handed down a six- month prison term with no parole and received a 250,000 dinar (approx. US$3,500) fine for criminal defamation on 28 June 2005. The newspaper AFRICA was fined 1.5 million dinars. Alilat was sentenced in absentia. The sentencing stems from the publication in Liberté in 2003 of a cartoon that dealt with the 2004 presidential election. Both journalists and paper were (including Francophone North Africa) accused of ‘insulting the head of state’. Previously, Farid Alilat was sentenced in absentia to a one-year prison sentence on 24 May 2005 for defaming President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. This sentencing was also ALGERIA connected to the publishing of cartoons in 2003 which were critical of president Bouteflika and his 2004 re-election campaign. *Djamaldine Main Case BENCHENOUF: journalist with the newspaper Liberté was sentenced Mohammed BENCHICOU: director of the private daily newspaper Le in absentia to three years in prison for articles he had written concerning Matin. Sentences: 1) two years’ imprisonment 2) 3 months in prison 3) 2 embezzlement within the National Social Insurance Fund and the months in prison Arrest: apprehended on 23 August 2003 on his return General Union of Algerian Workers. WiPC trying to confirm exact date from France. CASE I – Charges: Benchicou was found guilty of currency of sentencing but believed to be during May 2005. exchange control violations for being in possession of credit notes issued by an Algerian bank on his return from France. Free expression organisa- Sentenced: now free tions question whether he did indeed break any laws.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • IRAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY the Islamic Republic of Iran
    IRAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Islamic Republic of Iran is a constitutional, theocratic republic in which Shia Muslim clergy and political leaders vetted by the clergy dominate the key power structures. Government legitimacy is based on the twin pillars of popular sovereignty--albeit restricted--and the rule of the supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution. The current supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was chosen by a directly elected body of religious leaders, the Assembly of Experts, in 1989. Khamenei’s writ dominates the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. He directly controls the armed forces and indirectly controls internal security forces, the judiciary, and other key institutions. The legislative branch is the popularly elected 290-seat Islamic Consultative Assembly, or Majlis. The unelected 12-member Guardian Council reviews all legislation the Majlis passes to ensure adherence to Islamic and constitutional principles; it also screens presidential and Majlis candidates for eligibility. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was reelected president in June 2009 in a multiparty election that was generally considered neither free nor fair. There were numerous instances in which elements of the security forces acted independently of civilian control. Demonstrations by opposition groups, university students, and others increased during the first few months of the year, inspired in part by events of the Arab Spring. In February hundreds of protesters throughout the country staged rallies to show solidarity with protesters in Tunisia and Egypt. The government responded harshly to protesters and critics, arresting, torturing, and prosecuting them for their dissent. As part of its crackdown, the government increased its oppression of media and the arts, arresting and imprisoning dozens of journalists, bloggers, poets, actors, filmmakers, and artists throughout the year.
    [Show full text]
  • PEN Canada Annual Report 2012
    PEN Canada 2011-12 Annual Report This year’s annual report takes inspiration from PEN Canada’s recent focus on Mexico. As detailed in the essays that follow, this campaign was launched with an groundbreaking investigation into the war on Mexico’s journalists; PEN’s focus continued through its involvement in an historic delegation led by PEN International president John Ralston Saul. To recognize this important commitment, the pages of this report are inspired by two essential elements in the traditional Mexican Day of the Dead celebration: marigolds, the flower whose scent is believed to draw the souls of the dead back to earth temporarily, and tissue paper, which is used to make decorations in many shapes and styles. Throughout this report, you’ll find “Protestas,” short pieces originally read by their authors in Mexico as part of the PEN delegation. They serve as vital reminders of not just the predicament in that country, but the broader challenges facing free expression around the world. Contents 1 Foreword 2 President’s Message 6 Protesta: Is This Worth Dying For? 8 PEN International President’s Message 14 National Affairs Committee Report 16 Protesta: Gather In Solidarity 18 Honorary Members 26 Honorary Members Released 30 Writers in Exile Committee Report 34 Protesta: The Violence Must Stop 36 Western Canada Outreach Committee Report 38 Protesta: Defend Humanity 40 Writers in Prison Committee Report 46 Protesta: Free Expression Matters 48 Spotlight: Free Expression 50 Members and Supporters PEN Canada is a nonpartisan organization of writers that works with others to defend freedom of expression as a basic human right, at home and abroad.
    [Show full text]
  • En En Motion for a Resolution
    EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 2009 - 2014 Plenary sitting 15.11.2011 B7-0598/2011 MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law pursuant to Rule 122 of the Rules of Procedure on Iran - recent cases of human rights violations Véronique De Keyser, María Muñiz De Urquiza, Kathleen Van Brempt, Pino Arlacchi, Corina Creţu, Kristian Vigenin on behalf of the S&D Group RE\P7_B(2011)0598_EN.doc PE472.810v01-00 EN United in diversityEN B7-0598/2011 European Parliament resolution on Iran - recent cases of human rights violations The European Parliament, - having regard to its previous resolutions on Iran, notably those concerning human rights and, in particular, those of February 2010 and January 2011, - having regard to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to all of which Iran is a party, - having regard to Rule 122(5) of its Rules of Procedure, A. whereas the multi-faceted human rights crisis is gripping Iran, including the persecution and prosecution of civil society actors, political activists, journalists, students, artists, lawyers, and environmental activists; as well as the routine denial of freedom of assembly, women’s rights, the rights of religious and ethnic minorities, and the skyrocketing rates of executions; B. whereas recent deaths of two human rights defenders, Haleh Sahabi and Hoda Saber, for which the officials were responsible, illustrate the existential threats to jailed human rights defenders and dissidents in Iran; C.
    [Show full text]
  • Iran. Une Élection Contestée, Une Répression Accrue
    IRAN UNE ÉLECTION CONTESTÉE, UNE RÉPRESSION ACCRUE Amnesty International est un mouvement mondial regroupant 2,2 millions de personnes qui défendent les droits humains et luttent contre les atteintes à ces droits dans plus de 150 pays et territoires. La vision d’Amnesty International est celle d’un monde où chacun peut se prévaloir de tous les droits énoncés dans la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme et dans d’autres textes internationaux. Essentiellement financée par ses membres et les dons de particuliers, Amnesty International est indépendante de tout gouvernement, de toute tendance politique, de toute puissance économique et de toute croyance religieuse. Amnesty International Publications Publié pour la première fois en 2009 par Amnesty International Publications Secrétariat international Peter Benenson House 1 Easton Street Londres WC1X 0DW Royaume-Uni www.amnesty.org © Amnesty International Publications 2009 Index : MDE 13/123/2009 L’édition originale a été publiée en langue anglaise Imprimé par Amnesty International, Secrétariat international, Londres, Royaume-Uni Tous droits réservés. Cette publication, qui est protégée par le droit d'auteur, peut être reproduite gratuitement, par quelque procédé que ce soit, à des fins de sensibilisation, de campagne ou d'enseignement, mais pas à des fins commerciales. Les titulaires des droits d'auteur demandent à être informés de toute utilisation de ce document afin d’en évaluer l’impact. Toute reproduction dans d'autres circonstances, ou réutilisation dans d'autres publications, ou traduction, ou adaptation nécessitent l'autorisation écrite préalable des éditeurs, qui pourront exiger le paiement d'un droit. Photo de couverture : Des centaines de milliers de personnes manifestant sur Azadi (Place de la Liberté), à Téhéran, contre les résultats de l’élection présidentielle, le 15 juin 2009.
    [Show full text]
  • I:\Zakiyuddin B\Jurnal\Ijims\10
    Indonesian Journal of Islam and Muslim Societies Vol. 5, no.2 (2015), pp. 195-229, doi : 10.18326/ijims.v5i2.195-229 Revisiting Indonesian public reactions against Danish cartoons depicting prophet Muhammad1 Al Makin Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University and Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies, Yogyakarta E-mail: [email protected] DOI: 10.18326/ijims.v5i2.195-229 Abstract This paper revisits the case of cartoon controversy in 2006, particularly focus- ing on the way in which the Indonesian public reacted against the twelve Muhammad Danish cartoons by the Jylands-Posten published in September 30, 2005. The study remains relevant as the case reflects not only Muslims’ reac- tion against the blasphemy theologically but it also mirrors the new face of Indonesian Islam in the reform era which has given birth to a new free public 1 The draft of this paper was presented at the International Consortium for Research in the Humanities, field research four: Religion and Globalization, Dynamic in the History of Religions between Asia and Europe, Ruhr University Bochum, September 8, 2009. My thanks should go to Ilham Khoiri (Kompas), Asrori S. Karni (Gatra), and Alimin Muchtar who helped me trace sources. I would also like to express my gratitude to Prof. Marion Eggert (Ruhr University Bochum), Prof. Stefan Reichmuth (Ruhr University Bochum), Prof. Timothy Daniels (Hofstra University), and Prof. Amy Remensnyder (Brown Univer- sity) for their valuable advises. I then revised this work during my fellowship at the Asia Research Institute (ARI), National University of Singapore (NUS), in February 2012. On January 2014, the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia granted me an opportunity to visit Heidelberg University, where I revised again this paper.
    [Show full text]
  • Government Hearing January 27, 2021
    Transcript Prepared by Clerk of the Legislature Transcribers Office Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee January 27, 2021 Rough Draft Does not include written testimony submitted prior to the public hearing per our COVID-19 Response protocol BREWER: Good morning, welcome, welcome to the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. I am Senator Tom Brewer from Gordon, Nebraska, representing the 43rd Legislative District. I serve as the Chair of this committee. Because of the COVID situation, we're going to go through a number of COVID specific things and then we'll get into the Government Committee intro here. For the safety of our committee members, staff, pages, and the public, we ask those attending our hearing to abide by the following procedures. Due to social distancing requirements, seating in the hearing room is limited, very limited. We ask that you only enter the hearing room when it is necessary for you to attend your hearing. The bills will be taken up as posted outside the hearing on the wall. The list will be updated after each hearing to identify which bill is the current bill up, so the number will be up there and then the pages will then post outside. The committees will pause between each bill to allow enough time for the public to move in and move out. Keep in mind that after each testifier, we'll need a slight delay in order to clean the table, clean the chair. So just understand we'll have some pauses. But those pauses are not for senators to start talking because the mikes will be on and it will still be getting recorded.
    [Show full text]
  • 2004 Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor February 28, 2005
    Iran Page 1 of 20 Iran Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2004 Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor February 28, 2005 The Islamic Republic of Iran [note 1] is a constitutional, theocratic republic in which Shi'a Muslim clergy dominate the key power structures. Article Four of the Constitution states that "All laws and regulations…shall be based on Islamic principles." Government legitimacy is based on the twin pillars of popular sovereignty (Article Six) and the rule of the Supreme Jurisconsulate (Article Five). The unelected Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamene'i, dominates a tricameral division of power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Khamene'i directly controls the armed forces and exercises indirect control over the internal security forces, the judiciary, and other key institutions. The executive branch was headed by President Mohammad Khatami, who won a second 4-year term in June 2001, with 77 percent of the popular vote in a multiparty election. The legislative branch featured a popularly elected 290-seat Islamic Consultative Assembly, Majlis, which develops and passes legislation, and an unelected 12-member Council of Guardians, which reviews all legislation passed by the Majlis for adherence to Islamic and constitutional principles and also has the duty of screening Majlis candidates for eligibility. Conservative candidates won a majority of seats in the February Seventh Majlis election that was widely perceived as neither free nor fair, due to the Council of Guardians' exclusion of thousands of qualified candidates. The 34-member Expediency Council is empowered to resolve legislative impasses between the Council of Guardians and the Majlis.
    [Show full text]
  • Economic and Social Council
    UNITED NATIONS E Economic and Social Distr. Council GENERAL E/CN.4/2004/62/Add.1 26 March 2004 ENGLISH/FRENCH/SPANISH ONLY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Sixtieth session Agenda item 11 (c) CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING QUESTIONS OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION The right to freedom of opinion and expression Addendum ∗ Summary of cases transmitted to Governments and replies received ∗ ∗ The present document is being circulated in the language of submission only as it greatly exceeds the page limitations currently imposed by the relevant General Assembly resolutions GE.04-12400 E/CN.4/2004/62/Add.1 Page 2 CONTENTS Paragraphs Page Introduction 1 – 2 5 SUMMARY OF CASES TRANSMITTED AND REPLIES RECEIVED 3 – 387 5 Afghanistan 3 – 5 5 Albania 6 – 7 6 Algeria 8 – 25 6 Argentina 26 – 34 11 Armenia 35 – 38 13 Azerbaijan 39 – 66 15 Bangladesh 67 – 87 30 Belarus 88 – 94 36 Benin 95 – 96 39 Bolivia 97 – 102 39 Botswana 103 – 106 42 Brazil 107 -108 43 Burkina Faso 109 -111 43 Cambodia 112 – 115 44 Cameroon 116 – 127 45 Central African Republic 128 – 132 49 Chad 133 – 135 50 Chile 136 – 138 51 China 139 – 197 52 Colombia 198 – 212 71 Comoros 213 – 214 75 Côte d’Ivoire 215 – 219 75 Cuba 220 – 237 77 Democratic Republic of the Congo 238 – 257 82 Djibouti 258 – 260 90 Dominican Republic 261 – 262 91 Ecuador 263 – 266 91 Egypt 267 – 296 92 El Salvador 297 – 298 100 Eritrea 299 – 315 100 Ethiopia 316 – 321 104 Gabon 322 – 325 106 Gambia 326 – 328 108 Georgia 329 – 332 109 Greece 333 – 334 111 Guatemala 335 – 347 111 Guinea-Bissau 348 – 351 116 E/CN.4/2004/62/Add.1
    [Show full text]
  • ARO 09/30/04 Complete
    Committee Meeting of ASSEMBLY REGULATORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE “Discussion on the Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabilities Proposed New Rule, N.J.A.C. 10:42A ‘Life Threatening Emergencies.’ The rules are proposed to implement the requirements of Danielle’s Law.” LOCATION: Committee Room 8 DATE: September 30, 2004 State House Annex 10:00 a.m. Trenton, New Jersey MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE PRESENT: Assemblyman William D. Payne, Chair Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, Vice Chair Assemblyman Douglas H. Fisher Assemblywoman Connie Myers ALSO PRESENT: James F. Vari Wali Abdul-Salaam Nancy S. Fitterer Office of Legislative Services Assembly Majority Assembly Republican Committee Aide Committee Aide Committee Aide Meeting Recorded and Transcribed by The Office of Legislative Services, Public Information Office, Hearing Unit, State House Annex, PO 068, Trenton, New Jersey TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Theresa C. Wilson Deputy Commissioner Services For People With Disabilities New Jersey Department of Human Services 2 James Evanochko Administrative Practice Officer Division of Developmental Disabilities New Jersey Department of Human Services 15 Senator Thomas H. Kean Jr. District 21 32 Diane Gruskowski Danielle’s Mother, and Member The Family Alliance to Stop Abuse and Neglect 35 Robin M. Turner Danielle’s Aunt, and Member The Family Alliance to Stop Abuse and Neglect 40 Assemblyman Guy R. Gregg District 24 48 Janette R. Vance Member The Family Alliance to Stop Abuse and Neglect 49 Victoria Horrocks Member The Family Alliance to Stop Abuse
    [Show full text]
  • Health and Wellbeing in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
    Health and Wellbeing in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity • Catherine Meads Catherine • Health and Wellbeing in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Edited by Catherine Meads Printed Edition of the Special Issue Published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph Health and Wellbeing in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Health and Wellbeing in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Special Issue Editor Catherine Meads MDPI • Basel • Beijing • Wuhan • Barcelona • Belgrade • Manchester • Tokyo • Cluj • Tianjin Special Issue Editor Catherine Meads Anglia Ruskin University UK Editorial Office MDPI St. Alban-Anlage 66 4052 Basel, Switzerland This is a reprint of articles from the Special Issue published online in the open access journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601) (available at: https: //www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/special issues/Health Sexual Orientation). For citation purposes, cite each article independently as indicated on the article page online and as indicated below: LastName, A.A.; LastName, B.B.; LastName, C.C. Article Title. Journal Name Year, Article Number, Page Range. ISBN 978-3-03928-368-2 (Pbk) ISBN 978-3-03928-369-9 (PDF) c 2020 by the authors. Articles in this book are Open Access and distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license, which allows users to download, copy and build upon published articles, as long as the author and publisher are properly credited, which ensures maximum dissemination and a wider impact of our publications. The book as a whole is distributed by MDPI under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND.
    [Show full text]
  • MADE in HOLLYWOOD, CENSORED by BEIJING the U.S
    MADE IN HOLLYWOOD, CENSORED BY BEIJING The U.S. Film Industry and Chinese Government Influence Made in Hollywood, Censored by Beijing: The U.S. Film Industry and Chinese Government Influence 1 MADE IN HOLLYWOOD, CENSORED BY BEIJING The U.S. Film Industry and Chinese Government Influence TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I. INTRODUCTION 1 REPORT METHODOLOGY 5 PART I: HOW (AND WHY) BEIJING IS 6 ABLE TO INFLUENCE HOLLYWOOD PART II: THE WAY THIS INFLUENCE PLAYS OUT 20 PART III: ENTERING THE CHINESE MARKET 33 PART IV: LOOKING TOWARD SOLUTIONS 43 RECOMMENDATIONS 47 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 53 ENDNOTES 54 Made in Hollywood, Censored by Beijing: The U.S. Film Industry and Chinese Government Influence MADE IN HOLLYWOOD, CENSORED BY BEIJING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ade in Hollywood, Censored by Beijing system is inconsistent with international norms of Mdescribes the ways in which the Chinese artistic freedom. government and its ruling Chinese Communist There are countless stories to be told about China, Party successfully influence Hollywood films, and those that are non-controversial from Beijing’s warns how this type of influence has increasingly perspective are no less valid. But there are also become normalized in Hollywood, and explains stories to be told about the ongoing crimes against the implications of this influence on freedom of humanity in Xinjiang, the ongoing struggle of Tibetans expression and on the types of stories that global to maintain their language and culture in the face of audiences are exposed to on the big screen. both societal changes and government policy, the Hollywood is one of the world’s most significant prodemocracy movement in Hong Kong, and honest, storytelling centers, a cinematic powerhouse whose everyday stories about how government policies movies are watched by millions across the globe.
    [Show full text]
  • In Custody: People Imprisoned in Connection with Journalism Or the Internet
    In Custody: People Imprisoned in Connection with Journalism or the Internet The official directive from China's Propaganda Bureau this past November prohibiting the reporting of incidents of unrest indicates how threatened the Chinese authorities feel by the dissemination of accurate information regarding current events. Likewise indicative is the rash of detentions of journalists and writers at the end of 2004. While many of these detentions were temporary, they have had an intimi- dating effect on writers, and a number of those detained remain in custody awaiting formal charges. On the 2004 index of press freedom issued by Reporters sans Frontieres, China is exceeded only by North Korea and Myanmar in its censorship and persecution of journal- ists, and tops the list of countries imprisoning journalists. The list below employs a broad definition of journalism to include a wide range of activities related to free expression and access to information. Even so, the list cannot claim to be comprehensive, and there is no doubt but that many more people are languishing in prison for no crime greater than the peaceful expression of their views. Sources: HRIC, Independent Chinese PEN Center, Human Rights Watch, Reporters sans Frontìeres, Committee to Protect Journalists, International PEN, Amnesty International Abbreviations: CDP—China Democracy Party; CDF—Chinese Democratic Federation; WAF—Workers Autonomous Federation; FLUC—Free Labor Union of China; CFDP—China Freedom and Democracy Party; RTL—Reeducation Through Labor; PSB—Public Security Bureau DATE OF DETENTION/ NAME LOCATION ARREST BACKGROUND SENTENCE OFFENSE PRISON Chen Renjie Fujian Jul-83 In September 1982 Chen, Aug-83, life propaganda and incitement Lin Youping and Chen Biling to encourage the overthrow published a pamphlet entitled of the people's democratic Freedom Report and distributed dictatorship around 300 copies in Fuzhou.
    [Show full text]