SOUTH EAST HOLDING ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM THE LINE REPORT 2019

IMPUNITY, SAFETY AND WORKING CONDITIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 2 Timor Leste Press Union(TLPU) National UnionofJournalists, Thailand (NUJT) National UnionofJournalists, Peninsular (NUJM) National UnionofJournalist ofthePhilippines(NUJP) Myanmar Association (MJA) (CAPJ) Cambodia Association for Protection ofJournalists Aliansi JurnalisIndependen(AJI) East AsiaJournalist Unions(SEAJU) Federation ofJournalists (IFJ) onbehalfoftheSouth This document hasbeenproduced by theInternational November 2019 FREEDOM REPORT SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA

Jason Sanjeev Ganesan Musdalifah Fachri Nonoy Espina Francisco B. S.DaCosta Kulachada Chaipipat Jose Belo Simon Beck Jhoanna Ballaran Horacio Afonso Fatima Babo Ratna Ariyanti SPECIAL THANKS TO: Jane Worthington EXECUTIVE EDITOR: EDITOR: LaxmiMurthy [email protected] Design by: LX9 Design Van Vichar Sineat Yon Eih Tin Thanida Tansubhapol Chin SungChew Um Sarin Eugenio Pereira Farah Marshita AbdulPatah Andrew Nachemson Hesthi Murthi Melanie Morrison Aung Zaw Min Farah Marshita through thisreport. are acknowledged assuch Non-Commercial Licence and Creative Commons Attribution and alsoaccessed undera are contributed by IFJ affiliates report. Additional photographs use ofimagesthroughout the Agence France-Presse for the Images: With specialthanksto

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 3 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 2 opinion ofUNESCO. no way betaken to reflect theofficial herein are thoseoftheIFJ andcanin The views and contents expressed Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Nations Educational, Scientific and Solidarity Fund (MSSF) andtheUnited support from theMedia,Safety and This document hasbeenproduced with of any opinion whatsoever onthe this bookwillnotimply theexpression presentation ofmaterial throughout the designations employed andthe and donotcommit theOrganisation, not benecessarily thoseofUNESCO opinions expressed therein, whichwill contained inthepaperand for the choice andpresentation ofthefacts The authorwillberesponsible for the IFJ copyright photos inthis publication. Open Access isnot applicableto non- CC-BY-SA license boundaries. the delimitation ofitsfrontiers and area, oritsauthoritiesconcerning status ofany country, territory, city or part ofUNESCO concerning thelegal 20 14 CHAPTERS COUNTRY 10 6 4 62 60 54 46 38 32 26 AND IMPUNITY IN SOUTH EASTASIA INSOUTH AND IMPUNITY FREEDOM,JOURNALISTSAFETYPRESS 2019 FREEDOM REPORT EASTASIA MEDIASOUTH

CONTENTS

INDONESIA CAMBODIA THE AMPATUAN MASSACRE OVERVIEW FOREWORD Myanmar, ,Thailand, Timor Leste October 2019 31, -Cambodia, ,Malaysia, Safety Indicators (JSIs) -November 2018 1, to List ofMediaRights Violations by Journalists’ INDICATORSSAFETY VIOLATIONS ANDJOURNALISTS’ & RESULTS 2019 IFJ-SEAJU SURVEY: FINDINGS KEY TIMOR LESTE THAILAND PHILIPPINES MYANMAR MALAYSIA 10 YEAR S HENCE AUNG THU/AFP in theruling19-party coalition. Credit: YE Thailand, butreinstated militarydominance failed to bringdemocracy backontrack in led party onMarch 25,2019. The election predicts alikely victory to themilitaryjunta- after Thailand’s much-anticipated election ABOVE: Rodrigo Duterte. CREDIT: NOELCELIS/AFP criticisms ofthepresident ofthePhilippines, legal campaignover thenews website’s arrested andwas thesubject ofalengthy Ressa, theCEO andfounder ofRappler, was being freed onbailFebruary 14,2019. Ressa gives astatement to themediaafter COVER PHOTO: Filipinojournalist Maria A vendor theday

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 3 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 4 T can’t. should beableplay, buttoooften fourth estateandthevitalrole it continues toeludeintermsof the where thetruepromiseofdemocracy this reportisallaboutinaregion fighting theirownbattles,are what Sothearin andUonChhin. Steven GanandCambodia’s Yeang Philippines’ MariaRessa,Malaysia’s in thelegaltravailsofpeoplelike defiant lot.Thiscourageisepitomized Asia’s mediaworkersarebraveand grizzly determination. of intimidation,thereishopeand weapon. screws, thenlegalactionisthelatest idle threatisn’t enoughtoturnthe media andshutdownthetruth.Ifan objective isprettyclear. Silencethe litigation againstmediaworkers,the and otherpowerfulforces. the legalfiringlineofpoliticalplayers putitinfirmly might otherwise censor orcurbcriticalreportingthat broader collectiveisforced toself- inSouthEastAsia;thatthe industry more widelyimpactingthemedia potential contagioneffectthatcould locked upwithoutrecourse. controlled andothersweresimply others hadtheirmovementsseverely continue theirworkawaitingtrial, charges. Whilesomewerefreeto lengthy courtbattlesonspurious work asaresultandhauledthrough action, stymiedinthecourseoftheir the regionwerethreatenedwithlegal debilitating legalmaelstroms. specifically beingcaughtupin targeted fortheirwork,butmore front theirdailyjobsinfearofbeing FOREWORD They, andmanyotherjournalists There’s nodoubtthatSouthEast Despite thisprevailingclimate For thosedrivingthissurgeof endresultisthe But theworrying In 2019,fartoomanyjournalistsin More andmore,goodjournalists freedom. freedom. when itcomestomedia emerging inSouthEastAsia trend here isaprettyscary media ownership. allegedly inviolationofregulationson accommodated aforeigninvestor, to operateafteritwasfoundhave including therevocationofitslicense facing 10casesandinvestigations, media outlet.Rappleriscurrently to silenceherandRappler, online attempt bythePhilippinesgovernment Ressa whoisfrontingalargescale the period,includingthatofMaria key legalcasesacrosstheregionover Freedom Reportdetailssomeofthese this complexandchallengedregion. raising thevoiceofmediafreedomin they arebuildingsolidarityand them. Together theyarefightingback, invariouswaystosilence are trying unseen, bothonlineandofflinethat the Lineagainstforces bothovertand Asia’s mediaisdeterminedlyHolding in the past yearin thepast 61% wages andworking conditions Poor me; 3. 2. 1. THREATSKEY TO : 24% 28% of work The 2019 South East Asia Media The 2019SouthEastAsiaMedia As ourtitlesuggests,SouthEast hreats to myself or others close to to myself to close orothers hreats argeted attack for journalismwork T T Arrest or detainment by ordetainment authorities Arrest felt insecure because of theirjob felt because insecure were personally threatened were personally had legal issues affect issues had legal theirplace (up from 50%in2018) newspaper in Thailand. newspaper inThailand. end ofprintproduction ofTheNation including UtusanMalaysiaand the the closureofmajormediahouses and Thailand’s with mediaindustry that impactedsomuchofMalaysia the public;throughtomass layoffs often targetedbyboththepoliceand Indonesia wherejournalistsweretoo in Papua;towide-scaleprotests shutdowns andonlinecontrols that punctuatedtheyear:frominternet and themajorthreatsagainstmedia other individualjournalistviolations happen toyou.’” journalistknow,to letevery ‘Thiscould the targetnecessarily. Ithinktheymean don’t thinkthatI’m alone,thatIwas tointimidateajournalist.…AndI try government usingallofitsforces to least,youseeintent.…It’svery the the stateofplaythisyear:“At also looks at the Holding theLinealsolooksat As Ressasoaptlysummarised 23. Credit: Timur Matahari /AFP with protests onSeptember inBandung one ofthetriggerpoints intheyear to outlaw gay andpre-marital sex was President Joko Widodo’s proposed law public. National demonstrations against and random physical attacks by the colleagues orpeoplecloseto them, attacks for theirwork, threats to Indonesian journalists cited targeted

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 5 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 4 FOREWORD Safety andSolidarity Fund(MSSF). support ofUNESCO andtheMedia, also notbepossiblewithoutthe financial Asian JournalistUnions(SEAJU). Itcould Timor LestethatmakeuptheSouthEast Myanmar, thePhilippines,Thailand and in Cambodia,Indonesia,Malaysia, and bravenetworkofIFJaffiliates been possiblewithoutthededicated we canmonitortheregionyearbyyear. the taskofbuildingarecordbywhich IFJ’s SouthEastAsianaffiliates,sobegan dedication anddeterminationofthe an ambitioustaskbutthankstothe their worriesandfears.Itwas journalists, hearabouttheirissues, out inthefield. experience bothintheworkplaceand deeper understandingofthejournalist East Asialastyear, theaimwastogeta safety andworkingconditionsinSouth lastyearofimpunity,survey journalist Importantly, thisreportcouldnothave To dothat,weneededtotalk to When welaunchedthefirstever the state of impunity for the region. the stateofimpunity fortheregion. the mediaand givesareportcardon attempts bygovernmentsto muzzle documents themanyandvaried political leadershipandgovernment. South EastAsia,unsurprisingly, were negative influencesonimpunityin worsening. Andthefourpredominant sufficient protectiontojournalistsas defined governmenteffortstoprovide work. Nearlyathirdofallrespondents had legalissuesaffecttheirplaceof personally threatenedand28percent in thepastyear, 24percentwere felt insecurebecauseoftheirjob solidarity action. solidarity action. of vulnerabilityandissuesforpotential more importantly, highlighttheareas health forSouthEastAsia’s mediaand, highlight clearevidenceonthestateof workers acrosstheregion.Theresults ofnearly1,300media also byasurvey And finally, the reportalso Tellingly, 61 percentofjournalists Individual country reports are backed reportsarebacked Individual country the 10 appropriate thatwearealsomarking Director –IFJAsia-Pacific Jane Worthington the line. aliveandtohold to keeptheirstory the fightformedia,tonever forget, that wekeepup in theirmemory it isaboutasbadcanget.It be delivered.Intermsofimpunity, lives arestillwaitingforjusticeto colleagues ofthosewholosttheir hold theperpetratorsaccountable. report, weoutlinethelongfightto 32 journaliststhatday. Inaspecial –extinguishedthelivesof history single attackagainstthemediain Mindanao onNovember23,1999. travelling inapoliticalconvoy 58 peopleweremurderedwhile massacre inthePhilippines,where As welaunchthisyear’s report,itis Ten yearson,thefamiliesand The grizzlyattack–thelargest th anniversary oftheAmpatuan anniversary

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 5 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 6 T declined (14percent). some degree(31percent)orseriously the pastyearhadeitherworsenedto from sayingthemediasituationin safety concerns for them. safety concernsforthem. saying theirworkcontinuestocreate Media FreedomReport,HoldingtheLine, year’s editionoftheSouthEastAsia Federation ofJournalists(IFJ)forthis Unions (SEAJU)andtheInternational by theSouthEastAsiaJournalist AMID THEDECLINE OVERVIEW: HOPE changed at all”. Which simply means it changed atall”.Whichsimplymeansit “worsened tosomedegree”orhad“not countries hadeither“seriouslydeclined”, workers saidthemediasituationintheir email. personally, throughtextmessages,or in theformofthreatsreceivedeither related totheirwork,mostofthese said theyhadnegativeexperiences year, only25percentoftherespondents spots, notleastofwhichwasthatthis Tellingly, 81percentofmedia But thisdidn’t preventnearlyhalf There were,tobesure,afewbright of the journalists surveyed of thejournalistssurveyed Asia, withmorethanhalf one formediainSoutheast to beanotherchallenging he year2019hasproven authorities are still prone to punishing authorities arestillpronetopunishing international pressfreedomindices, higher thanitsneighbourson protect them. did notprovidesecuritymeasuresto with 61percentsayingtheiremployers threat oftargetedattacksfortheirwork, aboutthe journalists fromworrying the improvedatmospherecouldprevent 41 percentofrespondents.Butnoteven wages andworkingconditions,citedby threats stillexist,foremostbeingpoor implementation iswanting. political will,althougheffective is ademonstrationofthegovernment’s “needing improvement”.Thelawitself government’s effortsas“acceptable”but ratingthe cent ofjournalistssurveyed responses,with84per in thesurvey freedom. Thiscommitmentisreflected the state’s commitmenttopress media law, number4/2014,articulates over thepastyear. Thecountry’s new “significantly improved”formedia – 63percentfeelthesituationhad majorityofjournalists overwhelming is asbadever. And while Timor Leste does rank And whileTimor Lestedoesrank Yet Timorese journalists admitthat Only inTimor Leste didan

or ‘Alliance of Hope’ reneging on its or ‘AllianceofHope’renegingonits yet withthePakatanHarapan(PH) by governmentagainstjournalists.And little tonodirectgovernmentaction ruled forsixdecades,therehasbeen of theBarisanNasionalcoalition,which results. region –Malaysiaturnedoutmixed media outlets. subscriptions onalreadystruggling government advertisingoreven critical journalismbywithholding Credit: NUJP Cagayan deOro,Mindanao,on May 27. of thecommunistgroupwasfound in and otheractivistgroupsasmembers Union ofJournaliststhePhilippines A blackbannerreferringtothe National On the one hand, following the defeat On theonehand,followingdefeat Another potentialbrightspotinthe

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 7 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 6 where clear majorities described the where clearmajorities describedthe because ofpoliticalleaders’influence. attacks againstjournalistsexists, mainly many believeacultureofimpunity for journalists forthestoriesthey write. But action takenbythegovernment against largely existential,withlittletonodirect in Malaysiacannowbeconsidered said therewasnosignificantchange. it hadimproved,andanother28percent situation hadworsened,29percentfelt 30percentsaidthe those surveyed, the mediasituationincountry. Of werealmostequallysplitover surveyed promise ofa‘NewMalaysia’,journalists Not unexpectedly, thecountries On thewhole,threatstopressfreedom would bringdemocratic rule have dashed. been for Democracy Kyi’s National League Suu San In Myanmar, that initialhopes of therise Aung with 11 journalists currently facing with 11journalists currentlyfacing obstacles toafreepressinthe country, policy andlegislationwerethe main had “seriouslydeclined.”Government and 16percentfeltthemedia situation said ithad“worsenedtosome degree” over thepastyear. Another25percent improvement” inthemediasituation saidtherewas“nosignificant country More thanhalfofrespondentsinthe democratic rulehavebeendashed. League forDemocracywouldbring rise ofAungSanSuuKyi’s National Cambodia andMyanmar. “unchanged”, werethePhilippines, media situation“worsening”or, atbest, In , initial hopes that the Myanmar, initialhopesthatthe of respondents said the media situation of respondents said themediasituation their workwasasecurityconcern. their workwasarrest,and81per centfelt respondents saidthebiggestthreat to some degree.”Thirty-threeper centof 29 percentsaidithad“worsenedto situation had“seriouslydeclined”and saidthemedia journalists surveyed this year. charges ineightseparatelegalcasesfiled , 61 per cent And inthePhilippines,61percent In SOTHY /AFP information. Credit:TANGCHHIN providing aforeigngovernmentwith espionage chargesforallegedly fellow journalistOunChhinarefacing court onOctober3,2019.Heand outside thePhnomPenhmunicipal members ofthemediaafterahearing for RadioFreeAsia,speaksto Yeang Sothearin,aformerjournalist , 50 per cent of Cambodia, 50percentof

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 7 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 8 declining.” situation was“worsening”to“seriously cent ofjournalistspolledsaid the media press enjoyedrelativefreedom; 40per on journalistsormediaoutlets andthe come. Whiletherewerenomajor attacks Thailand’s medialandscapeforyearsto turnofeventscouldwellshape turvy be describedasdramatic.Thetopsy- country’s electionyearin2019canbest Union ofJournalistsThailand(NUJT). according toestimatesbytheNational –atleast800losttheirjobs, its history hit bythelargestlayoffsofjournalistsin state.” conspiring withso-called“enemiesofthe the mediaofbeingcontrolledbyor year, securityofficialsopenlyaccused security concerns.Notsurprisingas,this with 62percentsayingtheirworkcaused continued todeclineoverthepastyear, The situation for media in the The situationformediainthe Thailand, ontheotherhand,was September 24.Credit:AgusDian People’s RepresentativeCouncilon student protestinfrontoftheRegional when heattemptedtocoverthe agency inMakassar,SouthSulawesi, Darwin FathirfromAntaranews Indonesian policeassaultedjournalist topics. topics. express viewsandengageonsensitive finding Twitter tobeasaferspace mainstream media,youngThaisare of politicallysensitiveissuesinthe speech onFacebookandcensorship Thailand. Thailand. risks andconsequencesforjournalistsin grave and itspoliciescontinuestocarry in 2019 fell in line with the results of in 2019fellline withtheresultsof The continuingimpactonlabour cases the publicasthreebiggest issues. them, andrandomphysicalattacks by threats tocolleaguesorpeople closeto cited targetedattacksfortheir work, as thebiggestworkplacesafetyissues. intimidation andharassmentwereseen the keythreatstotheirsafety, whilelegal cyberattacks andstatecensorshipwere Critical reporting on the military junta junta Critical reportingonthemilitary With thegrowingsuppression offree journalists, meanwhile, Indonesian journalists,meanwhile, A substantialnumberofjournalistssaid governments. yet orrelyonhelpfromtheir expect signalthatsent aclear they cannot region Asia East intheSouth Journalists ample safety measures for them. ample safetymeasures forthem. journalists felttheiremployers provide protections, nearly60percent of good. government effortsasvery neutral. Tellingly, only3percentrated improvement, while21percentwere efforts asacceptableorneeding Another 32percentdeemedgovernment worsening throughto“extremelybad.” governments orlackthereofaspoor 44 percentjudgedthestrategiesby efforts toprovidesufficientprotection, their governments. cannot yetexpectorrelyonhelpfrom Asia regionsentaclearsignalledthat journalists inIndonesiatheperiod. most significantnon-physicalthreatsfor and workingconditionsasoneofthe cent ofrespondentscountinglowsalary with12per the overallSEAJUsurvey In terms of media employer In termsofmediaemployer Asked toratetheirgovernments’ Overall, journalistsintheSouthEast

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 9 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 8 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. of substandard pay and poor working of substandardpayandpoorworking keep bodyandsoultogetherintheface safety andsecurity, journalistsstruggleto 7 onthesamescale. threats andviolenceagainsttheirranksat and civiljusticesystems’handlingof (extremely poor)andratetheircriminal at 7.2onascaleof1(excellent)to10 level ofimpunitythroughouttheregion even higher. number ofthreatsandattackscouldbe region, theIFJanticipatesthatactual in reachsomeofthecountries broken downthus: Indicators recorded302incidents based onUNESCO’s Journalists’Safety and ofexpression.Atallyviolations be abastionoffreedomthepress region thathasneverbeenknownto remains adangerousprofessionin

On top of these threats to their physical On topofthesethreatstotheirphysical It isnowonderthatjournalistsrankthe But withjournalistmonitoringvarying There isnodoubtthatjournalism institutions institutions onme Attacks  institutions institutions against me Threats of journalists Killings journalist to threats Other of journalists against thelive Threats     journalist Non-fatal attack s

dia s on dia s s 219 20 35 9 7 2 SIGNIFICANTLY NO CHANGE in South East Asia East in South freedom onmedia card report The FREEDOM PRESS BECAUSE OF: *Thailand resultsnotrecorded n n n reversed, it cannot augur well – not only reversed, itcannotaugurwell–notonly march ofpopulism inSouthEastAsia. rights andlibertiesthebootstep the worseningerosionofdemocratic declining pressfreedom,theyalsochart East Asia. on thethreatlistsforjournalistsinSouth conditions. Wage securityremainshigh n IMPROVING (Philippines) Media ownership(Indonesia) Government policyorlegislation State/political actors(Cambodia) Unless the downtrend is arrested and Unless thedowntrendisarrestedand These numbersdonotjusttellof (Malaysia, Myanmar,TimorLeste) Journalist ethics&professionalism 37% 3% 3%

14% SERIOUSLY DECLINING: 31% WORSENING:

15% IMPROVING

ETHICS: JOURNALISM n n BY INFLUENCES KEY COUNTRY: WHY: responses (10beingtheworstscore) *scale outof1-10basedonmediaworkers attitudes/ system ranking:7 Justice Impunity ranking:7.2 IMPUNITY of SouthEastAsia.• for themediabutmostofallpeoples  4% CRIME: Thailand & Philippines Indonesia, Government: Malaysia, Leste Myanmar &Timor Cambodia, leadership: Political October 21. Photo: Jose Belo October 21.Photo:JoseBelo submitted apetitiontoparliamenton controversial medialaw,afterthey a visualprotestagainstthecountry’s Timor Leste’slocaldailynewspapersas Timorese journalistsinDiliholdup CONFLICT: 9% GOVERNMENT: 7% 25%

8% MILITARY: (UPFROM7IN2018) 8% POLICE:

(UNCHANGED) 25% LEADERSHIP: POLITICAL 14% SYSTEM: JUSTICE

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 9 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 10 O the mayor of the town named after him the mayoroftownnamedafterhim “Datu Unsay”AmpatuanJr, atthetime Buluan, intendedtorunagainstAndal Esmael Mangudadatu. to filethecandidacyforgovernorof the provincialcapitalShariffAguak, DatuUnsay – 10 YEARS HENCE: 10 YEARS MASSACRE THE AMPATUAN JUSTICE AT LAST? armoured cars with machine guns armoured carswithmachineguns as many50vehiclesthatincluded were knowntotravelinconvoys of also heldgovernmentpositions. relatives brothers, nephewsandsundry in MuslimMindanao.Othersons, governor oftheAutonomousRegion for almostadecade.Oneson,Zaldy, was Sr hadbeengovernoroftheprovince Macapagal-Arroyo. Clanpatriarch Andal closest alliesofthenPresidentGloria in thecountr power overone ofthepoorestprovinces practically amountedtolife-and-death allowedtheclantowieldwhat – challenge them. It was not an idle threat. challenge them.Itwasnotanidlethreat. from aprominentclan,fordaringto mincemeat ofMangudadatu,himself the Ampatuansintendedtomake been spreadingintheprovincethat secessionist rebels. rebels. secessionist was avital“force multiplier”against which wasallowedbecausetheclan than theforces ofthestate,and described aslargerandbetterequipped built upaprivatemilitiathatwasoften believed tobeill-gotten.Theyhadalso amassed anenormousfortune,mostly Mangudadatu, then the vice mayor of Mangudadatu, thenthevicemayorof This wealth and armed might – they This wealthandarmedmight–they Over theyears,Ampatuanshad The Ampatuanswereamongthe Days before,wordhadalready Maguindanao province, for Maguindanao province,for Buluan, inMindanao’s vehicles leftthetownof 23, 2009,aconvoyof n themorningofNovember y. . down. Therewere58personsinall. Mangudadatu convoywasflagged just happenedtobetherewhenthe stopped weretwoothervehiclesthat militia, ledbyAndalJrhimself.Also gunmen, amixofpoliceandprivate checkpoint byaroundahundred town, theconvoywasstoppedata in BarangaySalman,Ampatuan The request was denied. The requestwasdenied. requested protectionfromthearmy. armed conflict,tokeepthemsafe. accorded mediaevenbypartiesto of conflict,andthegeneralrespect the elderlyarenevermadetargets tradition thatwomen,childrenand candidacy. been invitedtocoverthefilingofhis as well32mediaworkerswhohad other relatives,lawyers,supporters, convoy. Itincludedhiswife,sistersand Mangudadatu thoughtofsendingthe havebeenashootingwar,otherwise electoral violence in modern Philippine electoral violence inmodernPhilippine the slaughter–worstincident of whose keymembersplottedand led town whereithappenedand the clan massacre. Itwassonamedfor boththe convoy flewoverthemassacre site. helicopter searching forthemissing a they failedtofinishthejob,when dumped thebodiesandvehicles.But owned bytheprovincialgovernment, evidence inpitsintowhichabackhoe, passengers wasexecuted. an incrediblybeautifullandscape,every Masalay. There,onahilltopsetamid kilometres fromthehighwaytoSitio

As an added precaution, he also As anaddedprecaution,healso Mangudadatu bankedontheir In abidtoavoidwhatwould Thus happened the Ampatuan Thus happenedtheAmpatuan the The killerssoughttoliterallybury The vehiclesweredrivenafew At aturnoffonthehighway,

members of the clan, including Andal members ofthe clan,includingAndal law, allowingthe arrestofotherkey placed Maguindanaoundermartial the surrenderofAndalJr. Shebriefly had tosendanenvoynegotiate champions, althoughsheinitially choice buttoturnagainsther former the massacregavePresidentArroyono ever onthepress. andthesingledeadliestattack history The shock and outrage that followed The shockandoutragethatfollowed of theaccused were andfour killed witnesses three the trial,at least of Over thecourse

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 11 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 10 became apparent that the government became apparent thatthegovernment reasonably beexpected assoonit 2010, wastheearliestaconviction could consulted bymediagroupsin early A decade,atleast.That,saidlawyers LONG ROAD began preparingforthetrial. government andprivateprosecutors stashed ontheirmanyproperties. caches ofweaponsandammunitions Sr andZaldy, andtheseizureofmassive As more suspects were rounded up, As moresuspectswereroundedup, Credit: NONOYESPINA 58th victim’sbodywasneverfound. containing another35victims.The operations revealedthreepits at thescene.Subsequentpolice found 22bodiesandfivevehicles After themassacre,soldiersinitially of what the prosecution described as the of whattheprosecution describedasthe sheer numberofaccused,but also because the start.Thiswasnotonlybecause ofthe accused ofsuchaheinouscrime isjust justice willatbestbepartial. principal suspects,willbefound guilty, that anumberoftheaccused,including massacre’s 10thanniversary. Guevarra didexpectonebeforethe Menardo within 90days.JusticeSecretary deemed thecasesubmittedfordecision. exhausting, almostdecade-oldtrial, Reyes, whohadpresidedoverthe Court Branch221JudgeJocelynSolis- spot on. intended to prosecute almost 200 suspects. intended toprosecutealmost200suspects. That it took so long to try those those That ittooksolongtotry But whilethegeneralexpectationis Typically, averdictishandeddown In mid-August2019,RegionalTrial Eerily, thatpredictionappearstobe a brotherofAndal Sr, thepatriarch’s principal accusedKanorAmpatuan, detained. were Akmad, andseveralotherclan members Andal Jr, ZaldyandAnwarSr, theiruncle Sr andtwopolicemen,died.Brothers accused, includingAndalAmpatuan witnesses werekilledandfourofthe Over thecourseoftrial,atleastthree participated inthecrimewereprosecuted. make sureonlythosewhoknowingly “justice delayedisjusticeenough.” but injusticeenough.Asthedictimgoes, through nofaultofthejudgetobesure, the caseinitsentiretybeconsidered, obliged tohear. Onlyafterallthatcould such pleadingsthatthecourtwasalso from the usual petitions for bail and other delaying tacticsofthedefence–aside But 80 other suspects, including But 80othersuspects,including There wasalsothecriticalneedto

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 11 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 12 support eachother. Justice Nowandcontinuing to themselves intotheorganization courage andresilience,involving have displayedextraordinary continuing toseekalternatives. due tolackoffunds.Effortsare journalists, hashadtobesuspended the childrenofothermurdered program, whichalsoserved Unfortunately, thescholarship helping supporttheirownfamilies. have finishedschoolandarenow for theorphans,manyofwhom fill thegapsthroughscholarships to theiraid,havedonebest was oneofthefirstgroupstorush of thePhilippines(NUJP),which the NationalUnionofJournalists corruption in February thisyear.corruption inFebruary who isnowhisvicemayor. Mustapha, replacinghiswifeZandria, mayor ofthetownShariffSaydona in theMay2019election,wonas in Maguindanaopoliticsagainand, was grantedbail.Hebecameactive governor atthetimeofmassacre, the sonofAndalSrandanacting March 2015,SajidIslamAmpatuan, potentially seriousconsequences,in winning elections. some oftheaccused,havecontinued politics. Manymembers,including formidable force inMaguindanao as powerfulbefore,itremainsa members stillremainatlarge. Ampatuan, and13otherclan grandson MohammadBahnarin the massacrewereagentsofstate. those whoplannedandcarriedout despite thefactthat,forallintents, all fromthePhilippinesgovernment, And yettheyhavereceivednohelpat on topofthegriefandtraumaloss. cope withtheeconomicdislocation has beenaharrowingdecade. many ofwhomwerebreadwinners,it For thefamiliesofmediavictims, THE FAMILIES to withdraw from the case. None have to withdrawfrom thecase.Nonehave threatened and othersofferedmoney He wasindictedforgraftand In whatwasseenasasetbackwith While theclanisobviouslynot They havebeenhardpressedto Sadly, anumber havebeen Despite thehardships,families Media organisations,including from 2004to2005, neithertheNUJP happening withalarmingfrequency been higher. threat levelsformediahave never handed downatatimewhen the decision inthemassacrewill be president, RodrigoDuterte. deaths happeningunderthecurrent at 186since1986,with13ofthose decade hence,thedeathtollstands of murderedjournaliststo140.A for journalists. the “mostmurderous”inworld at thetime,hadalreadybeendubbed that, end mediakillingsinacountry swift justiceandworkseriouslyto Philippines governmenttoensure horror ofthecrimewouldmove kindled thatthesheerimmensityand Ampatuan massacre,hopeswere In theimmediateaftermathof JUSTICE NOW? Justice Nowsaid. channeled throughithasgone,” international assistancereportedly show therecordsofwhere demanding, itisthatgovernment support provided. were “livingproof”oftheeducational were spent:andthattheirchildren they knewwhereandhowthefunds us went.”Theyalsopointedoutthat funds andotherassistancemeantfor its recordsandshowuswherethe quarters claim,thattheNUJPopen not andaredemanding,assome release astatement.Itsaid:“We have to commemoratethemassacreand NUJP membersinGeneralSantosCity cause forulteriormotives. in thefaceofattemptstoexploittheir given in.Theyhaveexhibitedintegrity Even whenmediakillingswere It istragicallyironicthatthe The massacrebroughtthetally It didnot.has “If thereisanythingweare On April23,thefamiliesjoined Rodrigo Duterte. Rodrigo happening underthecurrent president, deaths 1986,with13of those 186 since at thedeathstands hence, toll A decade communist rebelmovement. membership inorsupportforthe accusing personsorgroupsof red-tagging, thepracticeofopenly journalists havebecometargetsof move, mediaorganizationsand Rappler CEOMariaRessa. offensive, astheyhaveagainst government agenciesgoonalegal as hedidtoRappler.Meanwhile banning themfromcoveringhim, journalists hedisagreeswith, targeted mediaoutfitsand Rodrigo Duterte,haspersonally inevitable. • massacre alltoopossible,ifnot heinous crimeastheAmpatuan crimes willcontinue. masterminds togetawaywiththeir impunity thatallowsmurderersand rights violations,thecultureof extrajudicial killingsandhuman solve thesubstantialnumberof government failsorrefusesto says thatsolongasthePhilippines GraceMoralesgrimly general Mary chair EmilyLopezandsecretary loved onespunished,JusticeNow responsible forthedeathsoftheir media workersunderstandthis. of expressioninthePhilippines. freedomofthepressand and preserve on thecontinuingstruggletodefend these willhavelittleimpact,ifatall, Ampatuan 58’,itisalsoclearthat in thesearch forjustice‘the undoubtedly beconsideredvictories attacks. policy totargetjournalistsforactual accused governmentofanofficial nor othermediaorganisationsever Lately, inareallydangerous But Philippines’president, It alsomakesarepeatofsuch a While gratefultoseethose Even thefamiliesof32martyred While convictionsshould

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 13 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 12 Ini Periodico John Caniban, Saksi Jepon Cadagdagon, News Punto Cachuela, Hannibal Focus/dxDX News Cablitas, Marites Midland Review Cabillo, Jimmy Romeo Ini Periodico Betia, Arturo Daily Star Gold Bataluna, Rubello UNTV Arriola, “Mac-Mac” Mc Delbert dzRH Araneta, Henry Daily Adolfo,Star Benjie Gold A.Ridao Anthony deloReyes Vincent Daryll Meriam Calimbol Lichonsito Cecille D.Eduardo Lichonsito Palabrica Catalino Mercy Palabrica S. Wilhelm Bulilo Daud Razul Ebus Edza “Sedick” Norton P.PalawanRahima AyadaAbdillah Pamansag Demillo Eugene Balayman Lailani Pinky Balayman Jayme Atty. Brizuela Concepcion Oquendo Catalino Atty. Oquendo Cynthia Gaguil Faridah Sabdullah Sapalon Abdul Raida Mangudadatu Mamotabai Wahida Kaliman Ali Bernan Surayyda Gaguil Mangudadatu Rowena Ante Hassan Farinah Mangudadatu Bai Mangudadatu Gaguil Eden Bai Mangudadatu Tiamzon Genalin Bai befall anyone else: and resolve work to that so theirfate not does would dowell remember to they whoperished of trial,we themassacre Whatever theoutcome 58th victim. 58th victim. admitted hisnameasthe thecourt delicti, corpus of theabsence Despite at site. themassacre were found his dentures intheconvoy.been Only to have was confirmed foundbeen althoughhe bodyhasnever whose Momay, MidlandReview, “Bebot” Reynaldo UNTV Tiamson, Daniel MindanaoInquirer Central “Andy”Andres Teodoro, TodaySocsargen “Ian” Subang, Francisco Mindanao Gazette Salaysay,Napoleon Reblando, ManilaBulletin “Bong” Alejandro Ini Periodico Razon, Fernando “Ranny” News Prontiera Joel Parcon, Daily Star Gold Perante, Ronnie UNTV Nuñez, Victor Focus News Morales, Rosell NewsMontaño, Saksi Marife “Neneng” Ini Merisco,Rey Periodico Radyo Bombo Maravilla, “Bart” Ernesto Gazette Daily Mindanao Lupogan, Lindo NewsProntiera Jr.,Bienvenido Legarte dxGO Gatchalian, Santos Evardo, Jolito UNTV Daily Duhay,Jhoy Star Gold News Saksi Cruz, Dela Gina Ini Periodico Noel Decina, News Dalmacio, Socsargen Lea

when herfather was killed.Hewas oneof28 journalists killed memorial onNovember 17, 2019. Shewas eight months old A childgives tribute to herfather at the10thanniversary in theAmpatuan Massacre in 2009. Credit: NUJP

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CAMBODIA

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 15 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 14 MEDIA FREEDOMINFREEFALL n

CAMBODIA T speak. Credit: STR /AFP “”, allegingvictims were paidto documentary that authoritiesslammedas to two years for working ona sex trafficking Court onJune26, 2019. Mony was sentenced truck after his trialat Phnom Penh Municipal Mony speaks to themediafrom aprison Cambodian fixer andtranslator Rath Rott having stories censored before having storiescensoredbefore employees atbothoutletsreported fears ofconflictinterest.Multiple ofInformation,prompting Ministry as governmentadviserswithinthe Khmer Times havebeengivenroles regime enemies,manywithoutbylines. publishing scathingopinionsabout with theKhmerTimes inparticularoften moved closertothegovernmentline, Phnom PenhPostandKhmerTimes have cannot besaidtotrulyindependent. are fundedbytheUSgovernmentand linked illegallogging.However, both issues likecorruptionandgovernment- government, reportingonsensitive online articlescriticaloftheCambodian Free Asia(RFA) continuetopublish language versionofitswebsite. country, recentlylaunchedanEnglish independentmediavoiceinthe primary Democracy (VOD)currentlythe objective voices. Cambodian pressmostlydevoidof pro-government owners,hasleftthe takeover ofthePhnomPenhPostby newspaper, coupledwiththe2018 radio stationsandtheCambodiaDaily landscape. journalists continuedtochillthemedia of persecutionagainstindividual government. Meanwhile,freshinstances of theactionsCambodian apparent inthelackofcriticalcoverage and the Staffers fromthePostand Semi-independent outletslikethe Voice ofAmerica(VOA)andRadio Online newsoutletVoice of The 2017shutdownofindependent 18. The impact was most 18. Theimpactwasmost in Cambodiaduring2017- crackdown onpressfreedom consequences ofthe he pastyearsawthe

VOD News which so far has been able VOD Newswhichsofarhasbeenable only brightspothasbeentheonline has gottenworseinthepastyear. “The said thefreepresssituationinCambodia Human RightsWatch’s Asiadivision, about regimeenemies. conspiracy theoriesandoutrightlies spread propaganda,oftenpublishing outlet their criticaljournalism. reprimanded attheofficeasaresultof said theyhadbeensacked,demoted,or Cambodia, almostafourth,23percent journalistsin (IFJ), of100surveyed International FederationofJournalists Asia JournalistUnions(SEAJU)andthe government. the articlesofcontentcritical publication byseniorstaff,stripping Phil Robertson, deputy director of Phil Robertson,deputydirectorof The fiercely pro-government In arecentstudybytheSouthEast most positive score and10theworst score. attitudes/ responses –with1representing the *Scale outof10basedonmediaworker/ survey base:(1)PhnomPenh covering 10provinces. Largest n n n n Media control n detainment issues: Legal issues &arrest or n Worsening n legislation actors, (2)Government policy or situation: n detainment by theauthorities n Seriously declining n CAMBODIA

continues to Fresh Newscontinuesto

Impunity influence: Government Survey base:100surveys Justice system ranking: 7.4* Media impunity scale: 7.1* Influencing factor onsafety: Biggest workplace safety Media safety rating: Poor/ Key influencers onsafety Key safety threat/s: (1)Arrest or Media freedom situation: (1) State/political

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 15 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 16 to put its content out from Cambodia in to putitscontentoutfromCambodiain past 25 years, and denied that there were past 25years,anddeniedthattherewere that thesituationhadimprovedover ofInformation,claimed for theMinistry ofstateandspokesman undersecretary it had“worsenedtosomedegree”. past year, whileafurther29percentsaid situation had“seriouslydeclined”inthe saidthe respondents intherecentsurvey party,” hesaid. one side,thegovernmentorruling They canonlyaccessinformationfrom access toadiversityofinformation. “People livinginruralareasdonothave organisations criticalofthegovernment. radio stillremainsalmostimpossiblefor Asia’s Cambodiaoffice,broadcastingFM future reopeningofofficesRadioFree while thegovernmentdidapprove media landscaperecently. Hesaidthat any majorpositivechangestothe Media (CCIM)saidtherehaven’t been Cambodian CenterforIndependent and shutsthemdown,”hesaid. Cambodian governmentturnsonthem that itisjustamatteroftimebeforethe both KhmerandEnglish–butmanyfear However, OukKimseng, Reflecting thisview, 50percentofthe Nop Vy, theDirectorof outright lies about regime enemies. aboutregime outright lies and often theories publishingconspiracy The fiercely pro-government fiercely outlet The News continues to spread propaganda, propaganda, spread to continues and argued that it violated the legal and arguedthatitviolatedthelegal rights monitorscondemnedthedecision reinvestigation intothecase.Human 3, 2019,JusticeImVannak ordereda a much-awaiteddecision,onOctober men couldface7-15yearsinprison.In to aforeignstate.Iffoundguilty, the information harmfultonationalsecurity Cambodian CriminalCodeforsupplying were chargedunderarticle445ofthe that constitutedespionage.They failed tosatisfactorilyexplainhow in PhnomPenh,butthegovernment file storiesforRFA afteritcloseditsoffice for espionage.Theyhadcontinuedto August 2018afterbeingarrestedin2017 Chhin werereleasedfromprisonin journalists Yeang SothearinandUon continued thisyear. FormerRFA journalists bygovernmentactors Persecution andgeneraldistrustof THROUGHLAWHARASSMENT in Cambodia. as atoolofharassmentagainstthemedia by law. Yet, thelawitselfhasbeenused claimed, addingthatitwas“guaranteed” outlets enjoyfreedomofpress,”he any limitsonpressfreedom.“Allmedia Fresh Fresh SOTHY /AFP human rights monitors. Credit: TANG CHHIN into thecaseinaoutcome condemned by Cambodian judgeordered areinvestigation security to aforeign state. On October 3,a for supplyinginformation harmful to national article 445 oftheCambodian Criminal Code colleague Oun Chhinwere charged under October 3,2019. Sothearinandhisformer outside thePhnomPenh municipalcourt on Sothearin speaksto themediaafter ahearing Former RadioFree Asiajournalist Yeang security concernforthem. per centsaidtheyfelttheirworkwasa their workwasarrest.Anothereight-one respondents saidthebiggestthreatto survey. Thirty-threeper centofthe other journalists,asreflectedinthe impact onthesecurityperception of the futureofourfreedom,”hesaid. their job,”hesaid.“We areworriedabout journalists toscarethemfromdoing year. “Thearrestsaimtothreatenother with Cambodiarankedloweryearafter reflected ininternationalrankings, the plummetingmediafreedomis editor oftheKhmerTimes, said charges. shortly aftertheirarrest,butstillface other crimes.Theywerereleasedonbail “incitement throughjournalism”among spokesman, theywerechargedwith According totheprovincialcourt dispute inPreahSihanoukprovince. were arrestedforlive-streamingaland Phil Robertson. are criticalortouchsensitivetopics,”said know theyhadbetterwatchoutif machine intogeartoletotherjournalists really kickingthemediaintimidation journalists inthisway, Cambodiais reputation. “fake news”anddamagedCambodia’s contained claimed thatthedocumentary a spokesmanfortheCambodianpolice, trafficking. Multipleofficials,including Russia Today) aboutsex documentary after workingonanRT(formerly article 496oftheCriminalCode, “incitement todiscriminate”under sentenced totwoyearsinprisonfor altogether. convict, thechargesmustbedropped if therewasinsufficientevidenceto rights ofthedefendantsandheldthat These arrests have also had a clear These arrestshavealsohadaclear But MayTitthara, formerexecutive In July, HunSokhaandKeoRattana “By goingaftertheseindividual In June,RathRottMonywas

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 17 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 16 who are critical of the government. who arecriticalofthegovernment. be usedtotargetlegitimatejournalists News Law. Manyfearthatsuchlawscould Cybercrime Law andconsideringaFake government intheprocessofdraftinga also alarming,withtheCambodian Proposed legaldevelopmentsare CRIPPLING NEWLEGISLATIONS already has the tools to repress already hasthe toolstorepress liberally todenylegitimaterequests. security, whichmany believewillbeused to rejectrequeststhatharmnational A clauseinthelawallowsofficials many doubtwhetheritwillbe effective. in theworksformorethanadecade,but society. who exposewrongdoingsinCambodian geared towardspunishingjournalists This vaguelanguageappearstobemore that “makestheproblembecomeworse”. cause “hostility”or“anger”writing Fake NewsLawwilltacklearticlesthat Analysts like Vy said the government Analysts likeVy saidthegovernment An accesstoinformationlawhasbeen Prime MinisterHunSenhassaidthe gathering to markInternational LabourDay inPhnomPenh onMay 2019. 1, Credit: TANG /AFP there are nolimitsonpress freedom inthecountry. Buddhists monksbless workers duringa have access to diversity ofinformation –aclaimdeniedby government whichmaintains that Cambodia’s medialandscaperemains challengedandpeople, particularlyinrural areas, donot was “neverallowed”. harmful information,”hesaid, thatthis event whatsoeverbuttheyare publishing freedom. “Theyarenotcovering an Facebook postsdonotviolate press media priortotheparty’s dissolution. been anewspresenterforpro-opposition Rainsy onFacebook.Chantheanyhad support ofoppositionco-founderSam among thosearrestedforpostingher support towardstheoppositionparty. criticised thekingwhilealsoexpressing to targetoppositionsupporterswhohave March 2018,andhasmostlybeenused insulting themonarchy, wasenactedin the bannedoppositionparty. for Facebookposts,mostlysupporting been transparent. problematic, becausetheprocesshasnot upcoming legaldevelopmentsarestill Law andcriminalcode,butthe journalists intheTelecommunication Kimseng also said arrests over Kimseng alsosaidarrestsover In September, Yun Chantheanywas The lèse-majestélawwhichforbids Cambodians arestillregularlyarrested rallies and political anniversaries now rallies andpolitical anniversariesnow explanation. Manyeventslike political sensitive courtcaseswithout topolitically being deniedentry with properpresspasseshave reported critical ofthegovernment.Journalists increasingly difficultforjournalists to extendedquestioning. they arethereandsometimessubjected are oftenaskedbylocalauthoritieswhy intended tointimidateandcreatefear. court cases.Journalistssaythisis covering protestsorpoliticallysensitive police totakephotographsofjournalists in theprovinces.Itiscommonfor harassment andintimidation,especially Access to events has also become Access toeventshasalsobecome When enteringruralareas,reporters Many reportershavealsoexperienced party. opposition banned the supporting for mostly posts, for Facebook arrested regularly arestill Cambodians

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 17 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 18 security,” shesaid. video, it’s kindofathreattomy are goingtodowithmypictureand “It makesmeconcerned,whatthey photos ofherwhilecoveringprotests. authorities monitoringher, taking without explanation. without explanation. pass, andapplicationscanberejected require anadditionalspecificpress give theinterview,” shesaid. and somehaveinsultedmebeforethey sometimes theydon’t givetheinterview or governmentofficialthemselves, aretheauthority if theinterviewees sources withme.And notto interview government officials,someeventhreaten the field,Ifaceverbalharassmentfrom harassment inthefield.“WhenIgoto since 2017andsheexperiencesfrequent press situationhassteadilydeteriorated quote,” Vicheika said. quote,” Vicheika said. pro-government mediahadthe same agency, eventhough thelocalmediaor deny ourquoteandattack media authorities. “Whenwequote them, they outlet isalsofrequentlyattacked by tells themthatsheisfromVOA.The officials refusetocommentwhenshe bad”. 18 percentmoresayingit’s “extremely journalists ispoororworsening,with the government’s effortstoprotect respondentssaid cent ofthesurvey Potential sources are also more afraid Potential sources arealsomoreafraid Vicheika saidsomegovernment Vicheika isnotalone.Over40per Vicheika alsosaidshehasseen VOA journalistKannVicheika saidthe eyebrows, Hun Sen gave USD 60,000 eyebrows, Hun SengaveUSD60,000 hit withdefamationcharges. denied, andsomeofhisaccusers were ordering theassassination,a chargehe accused PrimeMinisterHun Sen of the primeminister’s family. Many the immensewealthaccumulatedby about aGlobalWitness reportexposing to hismurder, hehadspokenonradio outlets, wasmurderedin2016.Prior of thegovernmentinvariousnews frequently madecommentscritical investigation ofpreviouscases,”Vy said. held accountable. 1994, withonlytwokillershavingbeen 13 journalistshavebeenmurderedsince to localhumanrightsgroupLicadho, dangerous topicstoreporton.According politics andillegalloggingarethemost the paststillawaitjustice.Historically, who havebeenattackedorkilledin not occurredinthelastyear, butmany Outright violenceagainstjournalistshas NO ACCOUNTABILITY into troubleorgetsued,”shesaid. the governmentupset,theycouldget what theytellthemedia.Ifmake security. careful Theyneedtobevery activists astheyareworriedabouttheir analysts, politicians,andhumanrights to contactandseekcommentfrom Vicheika. “It’s moredifficultforme to speakjournalistsaccording However, inamovethatraised Political commentatorKemLey, who “I don’t seeanyprogressinthe were murdered withtotalimpunity. opposition-aligned mediaoutlets. Both respectively. Both menworkedfor were shottodeathin2003and 2008 further progresshasbeenmade. due toaclaimedlackofevidence.No was arrestedbutreleasedshortlyafter the illicittimbertradedays.Theofficer policeofficer to linkingamilitary story 2012, justdaysafterhepublisheda working forpro-governmentmedia. For many, safetycanonlybefoundin security guardswhoviciouslybeathim. thatoverseesthe - thesameministry ofInterior station runbytheMinistry now worksforNiceTV, atelevision accountable foreitherincident. the samefatein2015.Nobodywasheld protest in2014,andtwomoresuffered by localauthoritiesduringapolitical or dead?”inreferencetoLey’s widow. mother, doyouwantyourchildrenalive Hun Sensaidduringaspeech,“as During adiplomaticvisittoAustralia, children fledCambodiatoAustralia. since herhusband’s death.Sheandher vocal inhercriticismofthegovernment no avail.Ley’s widowhasalsobeen an independentinvestigation,butto United Nationsofficialshavedemanded government outletFresh News. stupa, handdeliveredbytheCEOofpro- to Ley’s familytopayforamemorial Chou Chetharith and Khem Sambo Chou ChetharithandKhem Sambo Hang SereiOdomwasmurderedin One ofthebeatenVODreporters Two VODjournalistswerebeaten Human rightsorganisationsand TANG CHHINSOTHY /AFP Sihanouk province onJuly26, 2019. Credit: government organised mediatour inPreah spokesperson ChhunSocheat duringa Siphan speaksbesideMinistry ofDefense Cambodian government spokesman Phay organisations. organisations. journalists’ most government controls the because and also punishmentlegal both outof fear of arerare,freedom press supporting campaigns Public

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 19 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 18 comments and “fake news”. comments and“fakenews”. Minister’s Facebookpageforcritical assigned tomonitorthePrime also theheadofaworkinggroup ofInterior.Ministry Vannak is ofStateinthe also aSecretary example, isledbyHuyVannak, Federations ofCambodia,for journalists’ organisations. journalists’ organisations. the governmentcontrolsmost legal punishmentandalsobecause freedom arerare,bothoutoffear leading theway. media organisationsorunions there aren’t manyindependent voices campaigningforfreepress, While therearesomeindividual CAMPAIGNS AMIDCURBS .• Democracy.• the critical localoutlets,including experience atsomeofthemost 15 inauguralboardmembers have and promotepressfreedom. Its aims toassistindependentjournalists Association, orCamboJA. called theCambodianJournalist registered anewassociation ofJustice, letter totheMinistry who wrotetheaforementioned bring change. a smallbutsignificantstepsthatcan of deterioratingpressfreedom,itis reinvestigate thecase.Inasituation “strongly condemn”thedecisionto Media alsoputoutastatementto Cambodian CenterforIndependent Centre forHumanRightsandthe organisations liketheCambodian warning orrescheduling.Local after theverdictwasdelayedwithout know thedateofRFA verdict, ofJusticedemandingto Ministry 50 reporterswrotealettertothe of solidarity, agroupofmorethan occasionally organise,andinashow bleak. Independentjournalistsdo political leadershipforthisissue. per centblamedthegovernmentor five, withfivebeingtheworst.Sixty respondentsgaveitafouror of survey impunity inthecountry, 58percent Public campaigns supporting press Public campaignssupportingpress While still very new,While stillvery CamboJA Recently, manyofthejournalists However, thesituationisnotall The UnionofJournalist When askedtoratetheproblemof Cambodia DailyandVoice of M believed the bill was fabricated believed thebillwasfabricated million-dollar taxbill.Many hit withawhoppingmulti- the last independentnewspaper, came inMay2018whenthe change inmediaownership advertisements. almost indistinguishablefrom about NagaWorld thatare publish favourablearticles but theTimes doesfrequently denied theveracityofleaks, of theKhmerTimes. Mohan Manith, discussingfunding Casino andHunSen’s son,Hun show theownerofNagaWorld text messagesappearedto government. In2017,leaked editorial linefavourabletothe op-eds multipletimes,holdsan been caughtplagiarisingin T Mohan.Mohan,whohas and publishedbyaMalaysian, government whenneeded. money andsupportfromthe sources saythe outletreceives the government,butcredible financially independentfrom News, insiststhattheoutletis pro-government outletFresh Meng’s MyTVhad16percent. Media OwnershipMonitor, and according totheCambodia cent audiencereachin2017 Yong Phat’s CTNhad a30per founded mediacompanies. and Ly Yong Phathavealso connected tycoons,KithMeng daughter, HunMana.Politically owned bytheprimeminister’s of freepress. reasonforthedecline primary listed mediaownershipasthe respondents cent ofthesurvey or theircronies.Twenty per The most controversial The mostcontroversial The Lim Cheavutha,CEOof Bayon TV, forexample,is , was Phnom PenhPost,was is owned Khmer Times isowned Who shapes shapes Who the news? their relatives, their relatives, party officials, owned byruling in Cambodiaare ost mediaoutlets language media.• dearth ofindependentKhmer contributes toanoticeable of localradiostationsalso information. Theclosure of animportantsource of deprives non-Englishspeakers its recentlackofindependence most articlesintoKhmer, but Phnom PenhPosttranslates language mediareporting.The decrease ofindependentKhmer left thecountry. many freelancercontributors press crackdown,afterwhich decreased afterthe2017/18 but coveragehasnoticeably do writeaboutCambodia, York Times, Cambodia. in business, andChineseinfluence all coverhumanrights,politics, has anofficeinKualaLumpur) Review, andAlJazeera(which Post,Japan’sMorning NikkeiAsia Hong Kong’s SouthChina about Cambodiafrequently. outlets inparticulardowrite reasonably well,andregional are abletocoverCambodia paper. government totakeoverthe intended toallowthe Ganapathy wasasmokescreen leading sometobelievethat ruling partyFacebookposts, ofsharingpro- had ahistory taking overthePost,Tayseng Ganapathy inthesale.Priorto staff asthelawyerrepresenting had beenintroducedtoPost paper’s newowner. Tayseng Ly Tayseng waslistedasthe and Cambodiannational Ganapathy quietlydisappeared, controversy. Two monthslater, was onlythebeginningof S Ganapathy. Thishowever, Malaysian nationalSivamukar when thepaperwasboughtby back taxesseemedtodisappear in ordertoforce thesale,as The biggest problem is the The biggestproblemisthe Media housesliketheNew International mediaoutlets , and BBC LA Times, andBBC

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 19 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 20 T International Federation of Journalists International Federation ofJournalists Journalist Unions (SEAJU)andthe bythe SouthEastAsian annual survey journalists wereclearlyreflected inthe continues. violence againstmediaworkers their dutieswithoutimpediment, out protection forjournaliststocarry its nationalPressLaw, whichguarantees Although Indonesiahasimplemented concerning violenceagainstjournalists. noted in2019,particularlycases and journalists’rightswereclearly to accessinformation. association andassembly;theright expression andopinion;freedomof UNFULFILLED PROMISES UNFULFILLED n The ongoing threats against The ongoingthreatsagainst Intense advocacyforpressfreedom

INDONESIA of the press; freedom of of thepress;freedom improvements infreedom is yettoseesignificant reform era,thecountry wo decadesintoIndonesia’s journalists were caught in the firing line journalists were caughtinthefiringline demonstrations turnedchaoticand KUHP) inSeptember. Manyofthese passage ofCriminalCodeBill (RUU Eradication Commission(KPK) andthe the revisionofLawonCorruption and thestudentprotestsrejecting presidential electionresultsin May following theannouncementof the largescalepublicdemonstrations against journalistsduringtheyearwere the largestcontributorstoviolence Alliansi JurnalisIndependen(AJI),said general public(16percent). and randomphysicalattacksbythe or othersclosetothem(17percent), work (29percent),threatstojournalists year: targetedattacksforjournalistic three kindsofviolencethattypifiedthe End Impunity. highlighted Thesurvey coincide withtheInternationalDayto (IFJ) releasedinNovember2019to Abdul Manan, the chairman of Abdul Manan,thechairmanof chaotic and enraged, it turned its anger chaotic andenraged, itturneditsanger office tostage arally. Asthe mob turned people flockedtotheBawaslu election running mateMa’rufAminvictorious, declared incumbentJokoWidodo and Dissatisfied withtheresults that presidential electiononMay 21. (KPU) announcedtheresults ofthe General ElectionCommission in Thamrin,CentralJakarta. attacked whilecoveringdemonstrations journalists fromvariousmediawere On May21and22,atleast20 IN THELINEOFFIRE profession,” Manansaid. outtheir protect journalistsincarrying state institutionthatwassupposedto were policeofficers,whoarepartofthe “Ironically, mostoftheperpetrators of bothpoliceandprotesters. The protest took place after the The protesttookplaceafterthe

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 21 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 20 of demonstrations in the country was was of demonstrations inthecountry Jakarta. era,” saidAsnilBambani,chair oftheAJI against journalistsduringthe reform Molotov cocktail. injuries whenhewashitwith arogue a nationalmediahousesufferedeye also destroyed.Onephotographerfrom vehicles andjournalists’equipmentwere showing theirpresscards.Somemedia demonstration, despitejournalists block journalistsfromcoveringthe were seizedandvaluablefootagedeleted. Phones, camerasandvoicerecorders mob andbeatenbypoliceofficers. violence, hitbystonesthrownthe the demonstrationweresubjectedto Body(Bawaslu). Election Supervisory on attackingtheofficeofGeneral 22, 2019. Credit: BAY ISMOYO /AFP victorious, peopletook to thestreets inprotest clashingwithanti-riot police clashinJakarta onMay Dissatisfied withthe results that declared incumbent Joko Widodo andrunningmate Ma’rufAmin From September 23 to 26, a wave From September 23to26,awave “This istheworstcaseofviolence Police officersattemptedto Journalists whoarrivedtocover provoked theassault onher. the attack,anaction whichpossibly also askedthepoliceofficer to stop from theDPR.Whilerecording, she the JakartaConventionCentre, notfar a policeofficerassaulting man near com wasintimidatedafterrecording freedom andaccesstoreporting. the demonstration,threateningmedia destruction ofvehiclesovershadowed prohibition ofcoverage,expulsionand bill onCriminalCode(KUHP). Eradication Commission(KPK)andthe laws, includingtheLawonCorruption to opposeanumberofcontroversial to theHouseofRepresentatives(DPR) a rangeofcivilsocietygroupsflocked thousands ofuniversitystudentsand targeted andvictimised.InJakarta, with atleastfivejournalistsbeing marred byviolenceagainstjournalists, A womanjournalistfromKompas. Intimidation, physicalabuse, 10 theworst score. representing themost positive score and worker/attitudes/ responses –with1 *Scale outof10basedonmedia survey base:(1)Jakarta (2) covering 32 provinces. Largest n Survey base:511 responses n Government n Impunity influence: n Mediaimpunity scale:7.6* journalist safety safety: Legal mechanismfor n Influencing factor on issue: Legal issues n Biggest workplace safety Worsening n Mediasafety rating: Poor/ situation: (1)Mediaownership n Key influencers onsafety Physical random attacks others closeto them,(3) (2) Threats to journalists or Targeted for journalismwork, n Key safety threats: (1) Moderate (Nochange) n Mediafreedom situation: INDONESIA

Justice system ranking: 7.5* attack isunclear, Asnawi suspectsitwas Although themotive behindthearson murder threat. unknown phonenumber, containing a also receivedashortmessage froman phone number. Prior tothefire,he house andaskedhiswifefor his unidentified manhadvisited Asnawi’s Three daysbeforetheincident,an their carandhouse. house’s backdoorasfireragedaround family managedtoescapeoutofthe children, aged7and5yearsold.The hurried torescuetheirothertwo 3-month-old baby, whilethejournalist house. Asnawi’s wifeescapedwiththeir to findthatfirehadengulfedtheir and threechildrenwhentheywoke Asnawi Luwiwassleepingwithhiswife 30, ataround2a.m. fire byanunidentifiedpersononJuly Indonesia inSouthEastAceh,wasseton home oflocaljournalistfromSerambi work. InAceh,forexample,the to violencerelatedtheirjournalistic crew inothercitiestooweresubjected demonstrations inthecapital,media In additiontojournalistscovering TARGETED VIOLENCE International Indonesia. Hamid, ExecutiveDirectorofAmnesty and broughttojustice,”saidUsman The perpetratorsshouldbepunished journalists coveringthedemonstrations. stop committingviolenceagainst swift. “We demandthatthepolice organisations inmanycitieswas the policebyvariouspartiesand The investigationisongoing. victims totheSouthSulawesiPolice. Makassar), filedareportforthethree Aid InstituteforthePress(LBHPers hand. AdvocatesfromMakassarLegal around hisneck,fingersandright and sustainedaheadinjury, bruises wasdragged showing apressID.Darwin in themiddleofcrowd,despite pulled, kickedandhitwithaclub was reporting onthescene.Darwin to disperseamobalsobeatjournalists newswire, wereattackedaspolicetrying Fathir,Darwin ajournalistofAntara journalists, includingMuhammad of intimidationandviolence. official pressIDs,theyremainedtargets covering thedemonstrationpresented allowed togo.Eventhoughjournalists interrogation, shewaseventually her roughlybyhands.Afterheavy attempted tosnatchherbagandpulled to deletethevideoofincident, Criticism of the brutal acts of Criticism ofthebrutalacts In Makassar, SouthSulawesi,three Police pressuredthejournalist

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 21 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 22 were repeatedlyshared. tweets intelligence” andintimidatory and labelledasbelongingto“foreign social mediaaccountsweretargeted address ofonethejournalists.Their attempts madetoaccessthehome and officeaddressesmadepublic, and doxing,withtheirphotographs subjected toonlineabuse,intimidation international mediaoutletswere not beaccessed. CekFakta mediacoalitioncouldalso links publishedbymembersofthe to aghostvideoonYouTube. News manipulated andvisitorswerediverted The displayofthewebpagewas mass media,fellvictimtohackers. supported by22nationalandlocal a fact-checkingcollaborationsite 19,CekFakta.com, to. On,February attack thatjournalistsweresubjected of doxingonTwitter. organising committee,wasakeytarget co.id andmemberofAJI’s national a journalistwithKoranJubiandjubi. online intimidation.Victor Mampor, journalists experienceddoxingor Besides physicalabuse,other VIRTUAL ABUSE over hisphone. agunandaskedImamtohand carrying threatened Imambysayingthathewas and triedtohithim.Theofficeralso police forced himtoexitthecentre local mediacentre.Justpastmidnight, the GeneralCommissionElectionsina the policewhilehewasfilingstoriesfor in CentralJakarta,wasintimidatedby Hamdi, ajournalistworkingforTempo In anotherincidentonApril18,Imam mining andgambling. power plant,illegallogging,taxcasein construction project,amicrohydro He hadpreviouslywrittenaboutaroad possibly relatedtohisnewscoverage. union for media and creative workers, union formedia andcreativeworkers, PWI, SAFEnet,andSindikasi, atrade Indonesian JournalistsAssociation/ International MediaSupport, The Media, AmnestyInternational, Association ofIndonesianCyber of IndonesianTelevision Journalists, Bantuan HukumIndonesia),Union Legal AidInstitute(Yayasan Lembaga Pers, FoundationoftheIndonesian organisations includingAJI,LBH in Indonesiarequiressolidarity, ten minimise violenceagainstjournalists Recognising thattheeffortto COMBATING IMPUNITY Two journalistsworkingfor Hacking wasanotherformofonline

against impunity. It remainsapivotalwininthe fight 9,2019. the remissiononFebruary finally backingdownandrevoking remission worked,withthePresident signatories. Theeffortstoreject the remission wasbackedwith48,000 gather publicsupporttorejectthe freedom. AJI’s onlinepetitionto organisations concernedaboutpress by themediaalliance,togetherwith at least30demonstrationsorganised online petition. demonstrations, protestlettersandan to rejectSusrama’s remissionwith the announcementwithacampaign from lifeto20years.AJIfollowed to reducethesentenceofSusrama decision ofPresidentJokoWidodo, media communitywasshockedbythe journalist murdersstillawaitjustice. punishments. Eightothercasesof the perpetratorsmetedoutsevere has beenthoroughlyresolvedand as itistheonlycasetodatethat in fightingimpunityIndonesia, Prabangsa murdercasewasamilestone 2019. highlight ofadvocacyandprotestsin Narendra Prabangsain2009,wasa of the mastermindbehindmurder of remissiontoINyomanSusrama, impunity wasaseriousproblem. citedthatIndonesia’ssurvey cultureof respondents intheIFJ-SEAJUannual intimidation. Morethanhalfofthe against perpetratorsofviolenceand investigations andnotprocessingcases against journalists,notconducting of policetofilecasesviolence combat impunity, namelythefailure Indonesia. cases ofviolenceagainstjournalistsin This solidarityforumwilllookinto for JournalistsSafetyonApril5,2019. collaborated toestablishaCommittee January and February 2019 witnessed 2019witnessed andFebruary January In December2018,Indonesia’s The convictionforlifeinthe The campaignagainstgranting The Committeeisalsomandatedto journalist Gde Bagus Radar BalijournalistGdeBagus of advocacy and protests in 2019. in2019. andprotests of advocacy in2009,was ahighlight Narendra Prabangsa Bagus journalist Gde the murderof Radar behind themastermind INyomanto Susrama, against granting of remission campaign The draft. controversial articlesremain inthe problem forpressfreedomif the of RUUKUHP, thereisstillalooming has decidedtopostponethe passage Though theHouseofRepresentatives Director. Ade Wahyudi, LBHPersExecutive related tothepublicinterest,”said correction andadviceonanymatters criticism, play aroleinsupervision, which stipulatesthatthepressshould 1999 PressLaw(UUNo.40/1999) in accordancewithArticle6ofthe spirit ofdemocracy, andalsonot chilling effect.Thisisagainstthe the criminalrealmwillhavea line withinternationaltrends. a criminaloffensetocivilin urging thechangeofdefamationfrom In responses,LBHPersissuedanote the ConstitutionalCourtin2006. had alreadybeendeclaredvoidby president andvicepresident,which an articlepenalisinginsultstothe 444, defamationofthedead. Article 440,defamationand public authorityorstateinstitutions; religion; Article354,contemptof of court;Article305,insulting misinformation; Article281,contempt broadcasting falsenews;Article263, against theauthorities;Article262, government; Article247,incitement president; Article241,insultstothe insults tothepresidentandvice outtheirduties. in carrying criminalise journalistsandthemedia in thedraftthathadpotentialto August 28,saidthatatleast10articles issued byAJIandLBHPerson emerging threat. government, remainsaclear spirit ofreformandatransparent articles notinaccordancewiththe The CriminalCode,whichcontains REGULATION ANDCONTROL Electronic Transaction (UUITE) The LawonInformation and “Incorporating defamationin Significantly, thedraftreintroduced These articlesinclude:Article219, A statementonthedraftofbill

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 23 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 22 conduct investigations. Themanager utilised tocharge journalistswho Wiwid AbidAbadiofokesultra.com. Fadli Aksarofdetiksultra.com and journalists fromSoutheastSulawesi, 1againsttwo complaint onFebruary Amanat Nasional)whomade apolice from NationalMandateParty(Partai law, includingalegislativecandidate one mediahousechargedunderthe 2019, thereweresixjournalistsand toAugust media houses.FromJanuary against threejournalistsandfive saw eightcriminalcaseslaunched concerning .Thelastyear hit withArticle27paragraph3, under theregulationwereparticularly media havebeenfiled.Thosecharged cases againstjournalistsandthe enacted in2008,atleast20criminal recorded thatsincetheUUITEwas Expression Network(SAFEnet) be charged. provisions underwhichjournalistscan abundance ofvagueandundefined the sideformediafreedom,withan continues tobeamajorthornin UU ITEhasalsobeenregularly The SoutheastAsiaFreedomof allegation that spawned deadlyriotingamonth earlier. Credit: BAY ISMOYO /AFP on defeated presidential claimthat Indonesia’s challenger’s 2019 election was rigged,an court inJakarta onJune A woman argues withplain-clothespolice duringalarge-scale protest neartheconstitutional

26, 2019. The day before theIndonesiancourt handeddown itsdecision General. “Atthis point,thepublic Anton Muhajir, SAFEnetSecretary the endofNewOrderera,” said we havejuststartedtoenjoy after further threatenpressfreedom, which it asacriminaloffense,and it will report ajournalisticworkand charge will bemorecasesofusingUUITEto or not. violates thejournalismcodeofethics whether ornotthejournalisticwork assessment bytheCouncilwilldefine a reportwiththePressCouncil.The reply isinsufficient,theycanthenraise or “rightofcorrection”.Iftheright work canexercise their“rightofreply” anyone whoobjectstoajournalistic under thePressLaw. Inprocess, mechanisms ofconflictresolution are incontradictionwithestablished October 12,2017. Persebaya andKaltengPutrateamon mafia inoneofthematchesbetween report basedonsuspicionsofasoccer house JawaPosforaninvestigative complained againstnationalmedia of SurabayasoccerclubPersebaya “If thiscontinuestohappen,there Police complaintsoverthereport Over thepast15 years, some cases,evenclosedown operations. have beenforced tolayoffstaffand,in current economiccrisis. the models, arepoisedtosurvive including developingnewbusiness the challengesofdigitaldisruption, and preciselyadjustrespondto models. Onlymediaabletoquickly Indonesia’s mediatoalterbusiness to digitaldevice-ledmedia,hasforced a youngergenerationmoreattracted decline inanageingreadershipand need topaysalaries. burden ofproductioncostsandthe with therevenuedeclineaddingto decreasing circulation andadvertising print mediacompaniesarefacing readers gatherandprocessinformation, With digitisationchangingthe way DISRUPTION SURVIVING THEDIGITAL public.” objection openlytothemediaand complaining partycanexplaintheir work. Byusingtherightofreply, the of complainingaboutajournalistic which clearlyregulatesthemechanism should understandthePressLaw, Those unable to adapt fast enough, Those unabletoadaptfastenough, Digital disruption,alongwitha around 1,300 around 1,300

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 23 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 24 won by the Femina Group Employee won bytheFemina GroupEmployee 20, 2017,wasfinallyresolved and Industrial RelationsonSeptember allowance, orfullsalaries. to providefullpaymentofholiday June 2017,thecompanyalso failed payment ofsalariesininstalments.In due tolabourdisputes,includingthe had beeninthespotlightsince2016 inIndonesia.Thecompany it establishedFemina,thefirstwomen’s company operatingsince1972when occurred inFeminaGroup,amedia its officesinSemarangandSurabaya. targets youngviewers,alsocloseddown its employees.NETTV, whichmostly translated tolayingoffhundredsof ‘reformulating strategies’,which station NETTVannounceditwas 40 percentoverthepasttwoyears. with advertisingdecreasingbyaround , ispredictedasunavoidable, of mediashutdowns,particularly in Indonesia.Theacceleratedpace print mediahousesceasedoperation A case brought to the Court of A casebroughttotheCourtof Besides NETTV, masslay-offsalso In earlyAugust,privatetelevision 40 per cent over the past two years. over40 percent two thepast years. unavoidable, by decreasing around withadvertising as ispredicted of newspapers, particularly of shutdowns, media pace accelerated The news asquickly aspossible.Too often, arecompetingto produce order toboostthevisitorrate numbers, with onlinetrafficandpage hits. In income revenueanditsrelationship of accesscontributessubstantially to distribution ofnewsonline,while speed push mediatoadjustproductionand period. the threats forjournalistsinIndonesia of themostsignificantnon-physical andworkingconditionsasone salary per centofrespondentscountinglow with12 of thelatestIFJ-SEAJUsurvey cases in2019felllinewiththeresults attacks bythegeneralpublic. wage payment,andrandomphysical wages andworkingconditions,irregular conditions ofjournalists,namelylow with thepoorwelfareandworking journalists werestronglyassociated revealed thatthemajorthreatsagainst Aid Institute(LBHPers). delegated itsauthoritytothePressLegal Communication Forum,whichhad Digital disruption continues to Digital disruptioncontinuesto The continuingimpactonlabour Last year, the2018IFJ-SEAJUsurvey in Indonesia.• likely toshapethejourneyof themedia to thecodeofethics,arethose most journalists, whilecontinuing toadhere support decentwagesandbenefits for explore newbusinessmodels thatcan media housesthatexperimentand transition forIndonesia’s mediaisthat received 380complaints. toAugust2019,it From January Press Councilreceived582complaints. concerning newsreports.In2018,the complaints filedwiththePressCouncil is demonstratedwiththenumberof breaches ofprivacyinpoortaste.This quality andaccuracyindulgingin attracts criticismthatmediaisignoring interests ofthesubjectsinevitably emotional and/orpersonalfacetsof placing undueemphasisoncertain verification andaccuracyarekey. with journalisticcodeofethicswhere common. Thistrendisincontradiction Clickbait titlesthat‘trap’readersare is sensationalisedtoattractvisitors. information unrelatedtopublicinterest What is clear in this period of What isclearinthisperiodof The speed of packaging news and The speedofpackagingnewsand Credit: INDRA THAMRINHATTA /AFP and hurlingrocks at shopsandhotels. fire to a regional assembly building Jayapura onAugust 29, 2019, setting marched onPapua’s biggest city after hundreds ofdemonstrators stands guard nearaburningbuilding An armedIndonesianpoliceman

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 25 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 24 T difficult places for both Indonesian and foreign journalists. difficult placesforbothIndonesianandforeignjournalists. parties, suchaspoliceofficersorthemilitary. says localjournalistswerealsoharassedbydifferent guaranteed bythePressLaw. enforcement agenciestoensurethesafetyofjournalistsas Journalists (AJI)Jayapura,urgedallsides,particularlylaw Lucki Ireeuw, thechairmanofAlliance Independent merely becausetheyweredoingtheirjobs.Inresponse, in EastJava.Journalistsfacedviolenceandintimidation and West Papua,aftertheracialabuseof Papuan students triggered bytheprotestsindifferentcitiesbothPapua challenges formediafreedom.Unrestintheareawas the journalists. Cenderawasih University. Policealsoshoutedepithetsat by policewhilecoveringaprotestinfrontofthe Hengky Yeimo fromlocalmediaJubi,wereintimidated colleagues, ArdiBayagefromlocalmedia later, onSeptember23,heandtwootherjournalist his harassment.Afewweeks incident. traumatised followingthe and hisneighbourswere immediately. Benny’s family message forLuckytosurrender his houseandgaveBennya then continuedsearching but theyrefused.Themen to showasearch warrant, did notknowandaskedthem University, was.Bennysaidhe activist fromCenderawasih where LuckySiep,astudent Brimob membersthenasked were stillasleep.Oneofthe several membersofhisfamily into thehouseinwhich house, andothersbarged few ofthemwiththeirfacescovered.Theycircled the a Brimob totingriflesandcladinbullet-proofvests, their house. Army’s PapuaMobileBrigade(Brimob)wereapproaching daughter informedhimthatmembersoftheIndonesian Jayapura, Papua,onSeptember9,2019,whenhisoldest local newspaperJubi,wasstillsleepinginhishouse Postandthe for EnglishdailynewspapertheJakarta In arecentincident,BennyMawel,correspondent from bothsecurityforces andpro-independenceforces. and intimidation. Security officers often question our and intimidation. Securityofficersoftenquestion our toverify information,tophysicalattacks when wetry responding tolocalorPapuan journalists’questions longtime.Itrangesfromrarely harassment foravery in Papua,”hesaid.“We havebeensubjectedto Benny went outside and saw around 20 members of Benny wentoutsideandsawaround20membersof Papuan journalistsfaceharassmentandintimidation Victor Mambor, asenior journalistoflocalmediaJubi, In Papua,thesafetyofjournalistsisonebiggest But thiswasnottheendof “What happened to Benny was not new for journalists “What happenedtoBennywas notnewforjournalists Jakarta controlandanongoinginsurgency, are threatened biodiversity;publicdisgruntlementwith entrenched corruption;environmentaldegradation; he provincesofPapuaandWest Papua,with Papua: Papua: 23, 2019. Credit: DASRIL ROSZANDI /AFP internet access to Papua andWest Papua onAugust Communications demandthegovernment restore Protestor inJakarta outsidetheMinistry of Suara and Papua and veil of silence reporting.• to faceharassmentandintimidation forindependent a multitudeofofficialbureaucracies togainaccess,only for bothlocalandforeignjournalists, whohavetobattle permits whichcantakemonths orevenyears. unrest inPapuatheinternationalpress. was alsodoxedonsocialmediaoverhercoverageofthe and West Papua.AnotherjournalistFebrianaFirdaus government inthemiddleofescalatingprotestsPapua on theinternetblackoutsanctionedbyIndonesian of adoxingattackonsocialmediafollowinghisreporting freedom movement.” independence and see us as a part of the supporters of the report from Papua is mired in bureaucratic processes and report fromPapuaismiredin bureaucraticprocessesand intimidation. Needlesstosay, gettingofficial permissionto journalists withofficialpermission,faceharassmentand government. Sotoo,Papuansources whotalkedto visas followingreportsthatdispleasedtheIndonesian remote areas.Newsroomsreliedheavilyoncostly information fromtheground,especiallymore was difficultforjournaliststosendnewsandverify provocative contentaswelldisinformation.It ostensibly, itsaid,tostopthespreadofracistand blocked internetaccessintheareaforspecificperiods covering Papuaduringtheunrestwhengovernment on ‘sensitive’ issues. on ‘sensitive’issues. visits, thusimpedingindependentreportingparticularly Agency (BadanIntelijenNegara,BIN)atalltimesduring to haveanofficial“minder”fromtheStateIntelligence permission. Foreignjournalistsreportbeingrequired deported iftheytraveltoPapuawithoutofficial coverage continue. foreign journalistsinPapua,reality, thecontrolson he cametopower-thatrestrictionswouldbeliftedfor released astatementonMay10,2015–nearlyyearafter from theclearinghouse.ThoughPresidentJokoWidodo from Papua,foreignjournalistsmustsecurepermission In lateAugust2019,Victor himselfbecamethevictim Reporting becamemorechallengingforjournalists Reporting on and from Papua thus remains a challenge Reporting onandfromPapua thusremainsachallenge Some foreignjournalistswereblacklistedanddenied Even those who are lawfully in the country are are Even thosewhoarelawfullyinthecountry Papua. to receiveinformationfrom limited therightsofpublic the broaderinternetshutdown private Wi-fi networks,while Intelligence Agency. To report the NationalPoliceandState different ministries,including and 18workingunitsfrom12 ofForeignAffairs Ministry bythe years agosupervised clearinghouse atleast25 government establisheda control coverage,Indonesia’s also foreigncorrespondents.To only forlocaljournalistsbut hard toachieveinPapua,not outtheirworksafelyis to carry Watch, therightofjournalists According to Human Rights According toHumanRights

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 25 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 26 A review. groups hastemperedthepassageofthis the relativeharmonybetweenethnic religion androyalty–unravelling that touchingonthethree‘Rs’ofrace, speech andfakenews–particularly in theworks. continually stressthatsuchareviewis freedom isguaranteed,”anditsleaders related tothemediasothat to review“alllawsandregulations its electionmanifesto,PHhadpledged the BarisanNasional(BN)coalition.In six decadesofauthoritarianruleunder on itspromiseofa‘NewMalaysia’after PH, whoisoftenaccusedofreneging with themixedmessagescomingfrom to takeshape. practitioners toself-regulate–hasyet council –meanttoallowmedia 2018 generalelection,thelong-awaited sweeping intopowerinthehistoric promising supportforthecouncilafter (PH) or‘AllianceofHope’coalition from therulingPakatanHarapan way.” compromised orintimidatedinany “should notallowthemselvestobe “imminent,” addingthatthemedia of thelong-mootedMediaCouncilas Singh Deodescribedtheformation by theMinister ofFinance. Development Berhad (1MDB)owned development company1Malaysia surrounding theinsolventstrategic Razak tosuppressnewsonthe scandal for now-deposedprimeminister Najib the election.Itwasseenasa means News Actpassedin2018justbefore apparent inthecaseofAnti-Fake The mixedmessagingisparticularly FAKE NEWS NEW DAWN, DEFERRED n However, thepresumedthreatofhate The delayisseeminglyinkeeping Despite Gobindandotherleaders

MALAYSIA Multimedia Minister Gobind Multimedia MinisterGobind Communications and year, theMalaysian s lateasSeptemberthis deal with its spread on social media deal withitsspread onsocialmedia stating thataselect committeeto combating fakenews,withGobind new governmentisstillintent on again andwilllikelybepassed. a year, therepealbillissetto betabled can onlydelaythepassageofactsfor old regime.Giventhattheupperhouse still dominatedbyholdoutsfromthe was shotdownintheSenate,whichis lower houseofParliamentin2018,but in power. Itsrepealwaspassedinthe remove itfromthestatutebooksonce seemingly hastenedPH’s effortsto six-decade strangleholdonpower, considered thestrawthatbrokeBN’s News ActwithNajib,and1MDB But evenwithoutthelaw, the The synonymyoftheAnti-Fake Lumpur, (2) base: (1)Federal Territory ofKuala covering 6provinces. Largestsurvey n n leadership n n Ruling partyposition n Threats toindividualjournalists n n journalism or legislation, (2)Changingstateof situation: (1)Governmentpolicy n and workingconditions, (2)Censorship n Worsening n MALAYSIA: score and10theworstscore. responses –with1representingthemostpositive *Scale outof10basedonmediaworker/attitudes/

Survey base: 100responses Justice systemranking: 6.2* Impunity influence: Political Media impunityscale: 6.1* Influencing factortosafety: Biggest workplacesafetyissue: Media safetyrating: Neutral Key influencers onsafety Key safetythreats: (1)Poor wages Media freedom situation: meant to curtail civil liberties, but meant tocurtail civilliberties,but a movethatGobind saidwas“not made byreadersincomment sections, remarks liable for“inflammatory” law thatwouldmakenewsportals media freedom,PHalsomooted a separate initiativealtogether,” hesaid. go aheadnotwithstanding.Thatisa suggestions thathavecometomewill Act isrepealed.“Theproposalandthe whether ornottheAnti-FakeNews will beformedbytheendofyear, And despite its pledges for greater And despiteitspledgesforgreater 2019. Credit: MOHDRASFAN /AFP British colonial ruleinPutrajaya onAugust 31, the country marked itsindependence from rendition oftheMalaysian flagonher face as Day celebration parade donsaheart-shaped A participant at Malaysia’s 62nd National

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 27 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 26 Operasi Lalang in 1987. The crackdown Operasi Lalang in1987.Thecrackdown first tenureas prime ministerduring wielded duringMahathirMohamad’s Act (1984),thelawmostinfamously Printing PressesandPublications by journalistsincluderepealing the which weincreasinglyseetoday.” impact onthesecurityofournation remarkswhichmay inflammatory avoid expressionwhichpromotes rather tomaintaindecorumand The specific reforms demanded The specificreformsdemanded enforced, despitePHleaders’ heavy the statutebooks andarestillbeing and MultimediaAct(1998), remain on Act (1948)andtheCommunications deemed oppressive,suchasthe Sedition of late,otherpieceslegislation press freedominMalaysia. revoked andhaslongcastapallon having theirlicencestemporarily and politiciansthreenewspapers led tothejailingofover100activists Although the act has not been used Although theacthasnotbeen used queen. allegedly insulting tweetsagainstthe was detainedunderthesame lawover two dayslater, however, an activist transplanted ontothePenal Code. Just Act –butwithsomeoftheprovisions commitment toabolishingthe Sedition 11 2019,reiteratedthecoalition’s Minister, LiewVui KeongonSeptember previous BarisanNasional(BN)regime. opposition tobothlawsduringthe As a case in point, the de facto Law As acaseinpoint,thedefactoLaw

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 27 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 28 was once the stronghold of BN. was oncethestrongholdofBN. basethat capturing theconservative however, withfactionsinPHintenton limited tothenow-opposition, also becategorisedas‘hatespeech.’ action fortheethnicBumiputeracan seemingly questioningaffirmative such, otherssuggestthatstatements and sexistabuseiscorrectlytermedas the accusation.Whileactualracist different thingstowhoeverishurling becoming acatch-alltermthatmeans the risingtideofonlinehatespeech. same timecalledforclampdownson leaders, includingLim,haveatthe to strayfromitsmanifesto.ButPH rejoinders whenthecoalitionisseen leader LimKitSiang,whooftenissues – mostnotablyformeropposition Sedition Actshouldbeabolished with someleadersinsistingthatthe messages oncurtailingfreeexpression, PH itself seems to be sending mixed PH itselfseemstobesendingmixed Those in the latter camp are not Those inthelattercamparenot ‘Hate speech’–like‘fakenews’itself 28, 2019. Credit: MOHDRASFAN /AFP the 1MDBcorruption allegations onAugust former PrimeMinister NajibRazakover in Kuala Lumpurfor thetrialof Malaysia’s Documents are brought to theHighCourt Federation of Journalists (IFJ) the 100 Federation ofJournalists(IFJ)the100 Unions (SEAJU)andtheInternational by theSouthEastAsianJournalist in thecountry. conducted Inasurvey reflected insentimentsofjournalists credentials. to himboosttheirownreligious related charges,andotherscosyingup money launderingandterrorism- extradition tohisnativeIndiaface some demandingtheIslamicpreacher’s the controversialZakirNaik–with clearly inPHleadersbeingsplitover free expressionismanifestedmost This mixed messaging seems to be This mixedmessagingseemstobe The contestationoverthelimitsof accusation. is hurlingthe whoever things to differentmeans that term catch-all a becoming itself like news’ ‘fake – ‘Hate speech’ – civil societyrepresentatives. formembersofthepublicor reserved four seatsonthecouncilshouldbe of mediaassociations.Italsosaidthat journalists, eventhosenotmembers the councilwouldbeopentoall recommended thatmembershipon proposal formembershipofthebody. press groups–finaliseditsdraft Media Merdeka(Geramm)andother of Journalists(IoJ)Malaysia,Gerakan Journalists Malaysia(NUJM),Institute – madeupoftheNationalUnion in MaythattheJournalistAlliance on thegovernmentalone.Itwasonly Council cannot,however, bepinned The delayinestablishingtheMedia PATRONAGEPOLITICAL significant change”. cent sayingthattherehasbeen“no that ithad“improved”,and28per had “worsened”,29percentsaying year, with30percentsayingthatit overthepast situation inthecountry almost equallysplitonthemedia were media practitionersinterviewed Last year, NUJMpresidentMohd In itsproposal,thealliance

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 29 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 28 the printeditions ofUtusanMalaysia company announced theshutteringof on board. year, letalonethewagesof those kept to theover700staffersitoffloaded last trouble honouringseverance payments to rescueitfromthered.Itevenhad year afterfailingtofindaninvestor Kuala LumpurStockExchangethis (Malaysia) Bhdwasdelistedfromthe readership for print newspapers. readership forprintnewspapers. previous regime,cushioneddeclining This patronagehadforyears,underthe political ownershipofmediaoutlets. aims ofthiscouncilwouldbetolimit Taufek Razaksaidthatoneofthe to hog the headlines. to hogtheheadlines. Malaysia’s prolongedwoesthatcontinue scheme inlate2017,itisUtusan Star carriedoutamutualseparation component partiesofBN.WhileThe (MIC) and Malaysian ChineseAssociation(MCA), National Organisation(UMNO), Tamil Nesan,linkedtoUnitedMalays fates ofUtusanMalaysia, Soon after journalists picketed, the Soon afterjournalistspicketed, the Parent companyUtusanMelayu This wasmostapparentinthe Malaysian IndianCongress respectively – the three major respectively –thethreemajor and The Starand

journalists surveyed by IFJ-SEAJU, with byIFJ-SEAJU, with journalists surveyed straight quarterlylossthisyear. Metro newspapers–reportedasecond Straits Times, channels andpublisherofthe New owner oftheTV3, Meanwhile, MediaPrimaBerhad–the after aboutadecadeoffallingprofits. Asia, ceasingoperationsinFebruary of theoldestnewspapersinSouthEast publication inOctober. the paper. Thepapereventuallyceased UMNO maintainingitsclosetieswith Jasin calledsuchcalls“illogical”dueto adviser totheprimeministerAKadir kept afloatbythegovernment,media for the80-year-oldinstitutiontobe the priceofpaperonstands. company –andadecisiontoincrease ceding itsmajoritycontrolofthe from UMNO–despitethepartyalready off withalast-minutecashinjection and sisterpublications.Thiswasput This was reflected in the responses of This wasreflected intheresponsesof Less notablewasTamil Nesan , one Despite variousquarterspleading 2019. Credit: MOHDRASFAN /AFP minister through theviewfinder ofavideocamera at apress conference inPutrajaya onMay 9, Mohamad failed to deliver meaningfulmediareform for Malaysian journalists in2019. The prime Despite itselection promises, thenew government ofMalaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Harian Berita Harianand 8TV, NTV7 andTV9 and digital, where the tech duopoly and digital,where thetechduopoly shifting theirad spendtosocialmedia Local companiesareincreasingly lion’s shareofadvertisingdollars. Facebook andGoogletaking the is beingmadenearimpossible with money tofundus,”whichhe believes only playthatroleifthere’s enough they arereadersoradvertisers,”hesaid. that thepublicwillsupportus,whether play aroleinsocietyifwebuildtrustso politics.” “Ithinkjournalistscanonly newspapers beingusedas“toolsof becoming disenchantedwith the declineofprintmediatoreaders executive officerHoKay Tat attributes threat totheirprofession. conditions asthebiggestexistential cent listedpoorwagesorworking (22 percent).Additionally, 15per policy (23percent)andstateactors ownership (24percent),governmental to the mediasituationincountry an almostequalnumberattributing But Ho added that journalists “can But Hoaddedthatjournalists“can The EdgeMediaGroupchief

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 29 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 30 hoovering up local media assets in hoovering uplocalmediaassetsin hasbeen Syed MokhtarAl-Bukhary media landscape. backers couldcometodominatethe dollars alonemeansthatprivate of keepingabovewateronadvertising longer inextricablytied,thedifficulty and certainmediaoutletsareno left toinvestinjournalism,”hesaid. duopoly andtheremightbenomoney will notbeabletokeepupwiththe heavily subsidised,mediacompanies for newspaperswithoutthembeing “Unless readersarewillingtopay outlets wouldbeforced todownsize. models becomethenorm,moremedia said. while weareleftwith10cents,”he Facebook andGooglewilltake90cents that hasbeengeneratedfromdigital, dollar My estimateisthatforevery compared towhatwehaveonprint. small generated fromthereisvery also havewebsites,buttherevenue market valueinthelastfiveyears.“We approximately USD900millionin caused localmediaplayerstolose revenue. controls over80percentofdigital For instance, reclusive tycoon For instance,reclusivetycoon Even ifthefatesofpoliticalparties This meansthatunlesssubscription This, accordingtoHo,has Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) onOctober 9, 2019. Credit: NUJM Leaders from the National Unionof Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) at apress conference following theannouncement oftheclosure ofthe largely existential, with little to no direct largely existential,withlittletonodirect in Malaysiacannowbeconsidered On thewhole,threattopressfreedom THREAT TO SURVIVAL pump inmorecash. five years”andwouldbeunlikelyto of theirmediacompaniesoverthelast “have lostbillionsinthedestruction done, isnotsustainable,becausethey PostandWashingtonMorning have Post to sustainmediaoutlets,asSouthChina closure. just daysbeforeitannouncedits in publishing houses–enlargedhisstake , digitalTVcompaniesand Reserve Prima, businesspaperTheMalaysian – whoalreadyhasinterestsinMedia as Malaysia’s mediaczar. SyedMokhtar recent years,slowlypositioninghimself Ho believes that turning to tycoons Ho believesthatturningtotycoons Utusan Malaysia’s parentcompany mutual fears anddistrust of fears oneanother”. mutual Malaysians ridthemofeducate andto their of organisationsresponsibility media to we believe times, “in suchheated itisthe that stating anop-ed released Sung Chewsaid. Chin the journalist,”secretary-general will continuetomonitorthesafetyof concerned aboutthisincidentand are stillinvestigating.“TheNUJisvery death threatviaemailwhichpolice for aMalay-languagedailyreceived ahead ofothercountriesintheregion. World PressFreedomIndexthisyear, up 22placestofinish123rdinthe jumping This isreflectedinthecountry journalists forthestoriestheywrite. action takenbythegovernmentagainst cent) andpersonalattacks(12percent). (22 percent),legalwrangles(19 These attacksincludeindividualthreats reported attacksontheircolleagues. outtheirwork,andaquarter carrying had beenpersonallythreatenedwhile byIFJ-SEAJUsaidthatthey surveyed the press,29percentofjournalists Although few such cases make it to Although fewsuchcasesmakeitto In September, however, ajournalist

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 31 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 30 and several vernacular language outlets and severalvernacular languageoutlets online portals – includingMalaysiakini political leaders. which ispredominantlyinfluenced by for attacksagainstjournalists exists, believe thatacultureofimpunity in thisregard.Additionally, many believe thatthestateshoulddomore by theiremployers,but32percent they areaffordedsufficientprotections Ahead of National Day in August, Ahead ofNationalDayinAugust, Nearly halftherespondentsfeelthat being lifted. of self-censorship ofterms thecloud 2018, at in least government in the changeof in Malaysia since of freedom press interms progress isvisible There

portal said. measures tohealthesedivides,”the these individualsorgroups,andtake in powerorwithinfluencetorebuke hateful remarks,andtopushforthose seek todivideMalaysiansthrough responsibility toexposethosewho and distrustofoneanother. and toridthemoftheirmutualfears organisations toeducateMalaysians believe itistheresponsibilityofmedia stating that“insuchheatedtimes,we matters perceived tobeanti-Islamic. racial sentimentsbyreportingon battles, beingaccusedofprovoking – weredrawnintoproxypolitical promised reforms have not materialised promised reforms havenotmaterialised being lifted.However, manyofthe in termsofthecloudself-censorship change ofgovernmentin2018, atleast press freedominMalaysiasince the There isvisibleprogressinterms of CONCLUSION “We alsobelieveitisourcollective Malaysiakini releasedanop-ed Valley onAugust 20, 2019. Credit: AZNEALISHAK /MALAYSIAKINI A manreads thelast editionoftheUtusanMalaysia andKosmo newspaper at astall inKlang shift. • the limitsofthatfreedomcontinue to under thenewadministration, but consumed. Thepressmaybe freer with themeansbywhichnews is organisations strugglingtokeep up existential threatfacingmostnews balance. for readers’comments–remainsinthe would holdnewsportalsresponsible – especiallywithaproposedlawthat form ofself-censorshipbythefreepress touching onrace,religionandroyalty. that italsoencompassescomments statements frompoliticiansindicating itself remainsvague,however, with a threattonationalsecurity. Theterm continues toinsistthatfakenewsposes Fake NewsAct,thePHadministration on thestatutebooks. laws muzzlingfreeexpressionremain as quicklyexpected,manyofthe This is compounded by the This iscompoundedbythe Whether ornotthisleadstoanew Even asitseekstoabolishtheAnti-

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 31 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 32 W important in the lead up to national important inthe leaduptonational democratic space,whichisparticularly building toensureaminimum levelof to goinlaw, policyandinstitution- authorities haveaconsiderable way democratic spaceinMyanmar. The the stateofmediafreedomand the “We remainterriblyconcernedabout freedom anddemocracyinMyanmar. cautious aboutthestateofpress welcomed thereleasebutremained journalism”. innocent menandtheprofessionof so committedtotheprotectionof inspiring toseeanewsorgansation role oftheiremployers,saying,“Itis for twojournalists,highlightedthe was widelywelcomedinternationally. more than500daysofincarceration, for 6,520prisoners.Theirrelease,after released underapresidentialamnesty Wa LoneandKyawSoeOowere On May7,2019,Reutersjournalists CAUTIOUS CELEBRATION CRITICAL CROSSROADS n due to lack of viable business models. due tolackofviablebusinessmodels. media outletsarestrugglingtosurvive harmful content.Meanwhile,local public spherewithdivisiveand when socialmediaisfloodingthe media isatalowcriticaltime accountability. Publictrustinthe used astoolstopreventgovernance as judicialmeansareaggressively independent mediatothrive,even a conduciveenvironmentfor the pastyear. restrictions andstumblingblocksover country’s mediahasonlyencountered intense internationalpressure,the Wa LoneandKyawSoeOoafter of incarcerated Reutersjournalists Myanmar. DespitethereleaseinMay address theplightofmediain has notshownthepoliticalwillto UN human rights experts also UN humanrightsexpertsalso Amal Clooney, legalteammember Myanmar has failed to create Myanmar hasfailedtocreate MYANMAR led NLD government led NLDgovernment the AungSanSuuKyi- scheduled for2020, ith ageneralelection per cent said that government policy per centsaidthat governmentpolicy factors thatimpedepressfreedom, 56 “seriously declined”.Identifying per centfeltthemediasituation had “worsened tosomedegree”and 16 year, while25percentsaidit had in themediasituationover last was “nosignificantimprovement” cent oftherespondentssaidthatthere (IFJ). Accordingtothesurvey, 59per International FederationofJournalists Journalist Unions(SEAJU)andthe conductedbySouthEastAsia survey reflected intheresultsofarecent media throughlawsinMyanmaris or inthefrontierareas. working forsmalllocalmediaoutlets This isparticularlysoforjournalists that couldboostadvocacyefforts. even afractionofthepublicattention from aninternationallegalteamor faces trialinMyanmarreceivessupport Moreover, journalistwho notevery continue tomuzzlejournalists. Myanmar, variousdraconianlaws triumph forpressfreedomin journalists couldbeseenasakey While thereleaseoftwoReuters LEGAL SHACKLES climate ofself-censorship. doubt contributestoaprevailing signal oftheReutersjournalistsno This climateoffearandthewarning could befallthemiflineswerecrossed. Myanmar, signallingthatthesamefate toneforjournalistsin clear disciplinary freedom inthecountry. Italsoseta extent oftheclampdownonpress suggeststhe international outcry high-profile legaldefenceteamand major internationalmediaoutlet,a months despitethebackingofa the journalistsformorethan16 in Myanmar. Theincarceration of for thesituationofpressfreedom for MyanmarandDavidKaye. for freedomofexpression,Yanghee Lee statement fromUNspecialrapporteurs elections nextyear,” saidajoint The severity of harassment of the The severityofharassmentthe This caserepresentsalitmustest local police charged him with criminal local policecharged himwithcriminal Patheingyi townshipinMandalay. The inAung ThaPyayvillage, factory crackdown onprotestsatacement arrested onMay15whilecovering a costs ofcertainbusinessenterprises. the adversesocialandenvironmental journalists forreportagethatexposed owner alsofiledchargesagainst Branch policetwo.Alocalbusiness complaints, thepolicetwoandSpecial hadlodgedthree said thatthemilitary group forfreeexpressioninMyanmar filed thisyear. Athan,anadvocacy charges ineightseparatelegalcases the independentmediaincountry. and legislationarethemainthreatsto Aung Kyi Myint, aka Nanda, was Aung KyiMyint,akaNanda, was Currently, 11journalistsarefacing score and10theworstscore. responses –with1representingthemostpositive *Scale outof10basedonmediaworker/attitudes/ Mandalay, (3)Shan Largest surveybase: (1) Yangon, (2) responses covering6provinces. n n n Media control n issue: n Improvements needed n professionalism, (3)Mediaownership legislation, (2)Journalistethicsand situation: (1)Governmentpolicyor n for journalismwork, (2)Cyber-attacks n Moderate (nochange) n MYANMAR n leadership

I 250 survey Survey base:250survey Justice systemranking: 6.9* Media impunityscale:7.7* Influencing factoronsafety: Biggest workplacesafety Media safetyrating: Key influencers onsafety (1) TargetedKey safetythreats: Media freedom situation: mpunity influence:Political Legal issues

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 33 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 32 CRITICAL CROSSROADS n MYANMAR none was forthcoming. “This charge is none wasforthcoming. “Thischargeis Tatmadaw (army)forcommentbut story, thejournalisthadasked project”. Beforefilingthe husbandry titled “Farmlandsgrabbedfor cow ,hewroteastory withfarmersat Based oninterviews report onlocalfarmlandgrabbing. Telecommunication Act66(d) forhis was chargedwithviolationofthe channel. OnMay27,Win NaingOo another journalistfromthesameTV filedchargesagainst military years inprisoniffoundguilty. was detainedandhecouldfaceupto17 the NewsMediaLaw, 2014. offences insteadofunderprovisions Within twoweeks,theMyanmar It hasbeensixmonthssinceNanda headlines. Endowed with rich natural headlines. Endowed withrichnatural the ethnicstate areasproducedaily and grosshumanrightsviolations in conglomerates. or fromethnicarmiesandbusiness face repercussions fromthemilitary the KachinandMon)habitually the Rakhine,Kayah,Chin, in Myanmar(theShan,theKaren, journalists inthesevenethnicstates With weakoversightofrulelaw, LAWLESS FRONTIERS Tatmadaw,” said Win NaingOo. the presswon’t coverthedoingsof press andhasachillingeffectsothat clearly intendedtosuppressthelocal July 17, 2019. Credit: SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP protest insupportofamendments to the2008Myanmar Constitution inYangon on A woman holdsamobilephonewithanimageofAung SuuKyi San a filmsduring The remnants of decades of conflict The remnantsofdecadesconflict of land for the plantations by the two of landforthe plantations bythetwo The articlehighlightedencroachment Mandaung villageofWaimaw Township. tissue-culture bananaplantations in and environmentimpactofthe residents’ concernregarding social aboutlocal State publishedastory inMyanmar’sJournal northernKachin extraction projects. environmental impactoftheseresource- coverage exposestheadversesocialand and legalharassmentwhentheir find themselvesunderphysicalthreat development projectsinethnicstates As aresult,journalistswhocover for mining,plantationsandlogging. subjected toextractionofresources resources, these frontierareasare Myitkyina News 25,MyitkyinaNews On February xxxxxx

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 33 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 34 the military. protests againstallegedland-grabbingby houses whowerecoveringfarmers’ reporters fromthreedifferentmedia and SecurityofCitizensagainstthree Article 12oftheLawProtectingPrivacy State launchedlegalactionunder inDemosoTownshipmilitary ofKayah times incourtproceedings. pending, withbothsidesappearing23 against thepublishedarticle.Thecaseis Company lodgeddefamationcharges In retaliation,ThaKhinSitMining with intenttooutrangehermodesty”. “assault orcriminalforce onwomen “punishment forwrongfulrestraint”, various criminaloffencesincluding Penal Code.Thechargescover 354, 294,341,323,114oftheMyanmar Tha KhinSitcompanyundersections charges againstsixemployeesofthe local authorities. directors arrived,accompaniedbywith were releasedwhenthepaper’s executive sit-ups as‘punishment’.Bothjournalists was forced bythecompany’s stafftodo the facewithpaperwhileArJesaidhe Mon Pansaidshewasslappedacross and subjectedtophysicalassault.Mon separate roomsatthecompanyoffice reporters weredetainedonarrivalin clarify factsinthepublishedstory. The and ArJetogowiththemfurther and askedreportersMonPan office to theMyitkyinaNewsJournal published, companypersonnelcame Mining Company. companies includingThaKhinSit A fewmonthslater, onJune19,the The The dayafterthearticlewas filed filed Myitkyina NewsJournal reporting ofthefarmers’protest. law violationsbytheTatmadaw fortheir three journalistschargedunderprivacy the NewsMediaLawincaseof chiefaskinghimtoapply the military resolve disputeswiththepress. to theMyanmarPressCouncil(MPC) suggested theArmysubmitcomplaints charges againstthethreejournalistsand todropall the MyanmarMilitary (IFJ) inastatement.TheIFJalsoasked International FederationofJournalists silence andrepressthemedia,”said case ofexcessiveintimidationbylawto protest, butwhatwehaveisyetanother their jobtoreportfromthesceneofa and hadbrokenfencesintheprocess. trespass intotheBattalioncompound the reportershadhelpedfarmersto Capital, Loikaw. claimed Themilitary covered afarmer-ledprotestintheState and (DVB),ElevenMediaGroup of Burma three reportersfromtheDemocraticVoice Battalionfiledacaseagainst Artillery the court.We didmanagetointervene against journalistsbeforetheyreach “MPC is trying to resolve complaints toresolvecomplaints “MPC istrying Subsequently, theMPCsentaletterto “These reportersweresimplydoing Captain AungMyoTun ofNo.360 situation continues to begrim. to continues situation attacked the been of asaresult theirreporting, and/orthat their workplace had colleagues intheIFJ-SEAJUrespondents survey reporting of the morethanathirdor37percent With Kantarawaddy Times afterthey

May 7, 2019. Credit: ANN WANG /POOL /AFP freed inapresidential amnesty inYangon on Soe Oowalk to Inseinprisongate after being Jailed Reuters journalists Wa Lone andKyaw MPC. MPC. Myint Kyaw, of thefirstjoint-Secretary complaints getinstitutionalized,”said successfully insomecasesbeforethe prompting them to take legal action. prompting themtotakelegalaction. Rakhine conflicthadnotbeenfair, thus that thenewsoutlet’s coverageofthe Telecommunications law, ongrounds edition editor, underArticle66(d)ofthe the caseagainstUYe Ni,aBurmese of theYangon RegionalCommandfiled State. LieutenantColonelZawMinTun inMark-UtownshipRakhine military of theclashesbetweenAAand The IrrawaddyNewsoveritscoverage Region Commandfiledalawsuitagainst Military. the ArakanArmy(AA)andMyanmar conflict astheclashescontinuebetween reporters cautiouswhilereportingthe arrests orlawsuits.Thissituationmakes State arevulnerabletoharassment, journalists whocoverconflictinRakhine threatens pressfreedom.Inparticular, by authoritiesinMyanmarseriously journalists. Media Lawpertainingtojournalistsas under criminallaws,buttheNews urging thatjournalistsnotbecharged blamed government control of the media blamed governmentcontrolof themedia protection tojournalistsand40percent in thegovernment’s effortstoprovide that therewas“roomforimprovement” According tothesurvey, 66per centsaid unresponsive toissuesofmediasafety. leadership andjusticesystemthatwas said, washighbecauseofapolitical and securityatwork.Impunity, they biggest impedimenttoachievesafety saidthatlegalfactorswerethe survey On April12,themilitary’s Yangon The increasingmuzzlingofthemedia In May, theMPCissuedastatement Journalists surveyed in the IFJ-SEAJU intheIFJ-SEAJU Journalists surveyed

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 35 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 34 as responsibleforthisstateofaffairs. “political leadership”and“justicesystem” identifying thecombinedfactorsof with morethanhalf,or51percent, was“epidemic”, impunity inthecountry cent oftherespondentssaidculture safety. Inlightofthissituation,42per their employers’handlingofjournalists’ there was“roomforimprovement”in Almost half,47percentrespondentsfelt them withsafetyandsecuritymeasures. that theiremployersdidnotprovide 57 percentoftherespondentsreported to journalists’safety. Morethanhalf, as thereasonforinsufficientattention on peacefulprotesters inRakhineState’s event, chroniclesapolicecrackdown 2019 tomarkayearafterthe January Mrauk-U”. Thearticle,published in in itsreporttitled“Moonless Night in of beingbiasedagainstthepolice force Association Act. under Article17(2)oftheUnlawful Development MediaGroup(DMG), Oo, aneditor-in-chiefofRakhine-based filed acomplaintagainstAungMarm ofHomeAffairs under theMinistry The SpecialBranchPolicewhichoperate in RakhineStateofwesternMyanmar. Myanmar authorities accused DMG Myanmar authoritiesaccused DMG In May, anothereditorwascharged near theMaungdaw town market intherestive Rakhinestate onJanuary24, 2019. Credit: RICHARDSARGENT /AFP journalists makingthematarget. Conflict areas suchasRakhine state are particularlydifficult forjournalists to access and report.A boy ridesabicycle While therelease oftwo Reuters journalists could beseenasakey triumphfor press freedom inMyanmar, various draconian laws continue to muzzle wrote to the Myanmar Government wrote totheMyanmar Government of opinionandexpressionin Myanmar, human rightsdefendersand freedom Rapporteurs dealingwithhuman rights, in Myanmar. “terrible concern”aboutpressfreedom experts onMyanmarexpressedtheir to RakhineState,UNhumanrights general restrictionsonmediaaccess outlets inMyanmar. member-based allianceofethnicmedia member ofBurmaNewsInternational,a in Sittwe,RakhineState.DMGisa moving toMyanmarandregistering of theThai-Myanmarborderbefore DMG wasfoundedin2012theregion freedom” saysMyintKyawofMPC. indirect wayofcompromisingeditorial are gatekeepersofnewsrooms.Itisan is currentlyinhiding. possibility ofafive-yearprisonsentence, editor AungMarmOowhofacesthe harassment duetothecaseandits others wounded. that leftsevenpeopledeadandseveral 2018 Mrauk-U townshipinJanuary On June 14, three UN Special On June14,threeUNSpecial With AungMarmOo’s caseand An ethnicRakhinemediaoutlet, “Editors aretargetedmore,asthey Two reportersfromDMGarefacing Media. Media. Thar Nyein,co-founderofKamayut Myanmar’s mediaecology,” saysHan on socialmediafornewshasdamaged “Digital leapfroggingandover-reliance CONCERNS VIABILITY continues tobegrim. a resultoftheirreporting,thesituation and/or colleagueshadbeenattackedas reportingthattheirworkplace survey cent oftherespondentsinIFJ-SEAJU to theseconcerns. interest.” Therewasnoofficialresponse in RakhineStatewhichisofhighpublic reporting informationabouttheconflict as editor-in-chiefofDMG,anewsoutlet outhisprofessionalduties him carrying charge appearstobelaidinrelation under theUnlawfulAssociationAct.The charge filedagainstMr. AungMarmOo expressing “seriousconcernatthe The digital news outlet expanded The digitalnews outletexpanded freedom wasstill inbigquestionmark. online audienceatatimewhen press objective istoreachagrowing Kamayut onlinenewsintended in 2012justbeforemid-term elections, With morethanathird,or37 per Established as a digital news outlet Established asadigitalnewsoutlet

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 35 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 36 Thailand in the Shan State of eastern Thailand inthe ShanStateofeastern (TNA). Agency and executiveeditorofTachileik News Htike, co-founder sites,” saidCherry are beingbreachedbythesecopycat agencies asourcontentcopyrights providing contenttoothernews taking action.“We havestopped to runadvertisingonsuchsites. also askedthebusinesscommunitynot Myanmar’s NewsMediaLaw. TheMPC of intellectualpropertyrightsunder of 48newspagesthatwereinbreach Council releasedastatementwithlist financial compensation. without properaccreditationand content fromregisterednewsagencies media pages.Thesesitesregularlycopy as wellnewsandentertainmentsocial spate ofcopycatnewsagencywebsites media marketingtools.Lately, thereisa of monetisationincentivesfromsocial content copyrightareescalatingbecause independent mediaoutlets. have reducedcommercial revenuefor and discussion.Thesechangingtrends media platformsfornews,information audiences arenowmigratingtosocial shut downandjournalistslaidoff.Mass witnessed itsshareofnewsoutletsbeing media businessmodel.Myanmarhas Facebook havedismantledtheexisting globally, socialmediaplatformslike Nyein. news businessalone,”saysHanThan news isdeclining.We on cannotsurvive time whenthequalityofindependent and impartialnewsforMyanmarata want tocontinueproductionofethical support ournewsroomoperations.We online newsoutlet. generate morerevenuetopropupthe house waslaterestablishedin2018to commercial multimediaproduction A business modelifitistosurvive. needs todevelopaviablemedia staff, inearly2017,Kamayutmedia cost,” saysHanTharNyein. only 10percentoftheoperational the revenuefromnewsoutletcovers till2016.Afterthat, manage tosurvive from commercial advertising.“We did operations withrevenuegenerated Named after a border town with Named afterabordertownwith Individual mediaoutletsarealso On August15,theMyanmarPress To worsenthesituation,violationsof As hashappenedincountries “We aredoingthesebusinessesjustto Currently runningwith60in-house technology. ‘hard beats’suchaspolitics,conflict and arts, anddeemedincapableof covering beats’ suchasentrainment,fashion and typically viewedashandlersof ‘soft many partsoftheregion,women are of mediaindustry. editorial, managementandoperations smallminoritytakealeadinthe a very 50 percentoftheworkforce, butonly positions ofthemediaindustry. is alsoreflectedindecisionmaking unbalanced genderrepresentation strikingly lowinMyanmar. This the publicandprivatesectorremains State Counsellor, femaleleadershipin Despite havingAungSanSuuKyiasa CEILING UNCRACKING THEGLASS from themargins. act requiredforjournalistsreporting said Htike,highlightingthebalancing safety. Itishardtobeajournalisthere,” resort toself-censorshipforourown safety isquitetrickyhereandweoften “Journalists’ accesstoinformationand covering thecomplexityofregion. local journalistsarecautiouswhen and itsperilousenvironment, transit hubforillicitbordertrade. several armedethnicarmiesandisalsoa flourishes. Tachileik isalsousedby transnational organisedcrimes coverage toeasternShanStatewhere Myanmar, theagencydevotesits In newsroomsinMyanmar, as in Female mediapractitionersrepresent Given thelawlessnessonborders political gains. gains. political public opinionfor shape media’ to or ‘manipulated outlets’ media ‘proxy will use with deep-pockets parties political warns that MPC Myint Kyaw of general elections, For theupcoming been issued. been issued. and newbroadcastinglicenses havenot parameters ofthelawhasbeen delayed, experts. Enactmentoftechnical so withoutconsultationswith industry freedom ofexpressionandhad done critics, thegovernmentfailedtoprotect amended itin2018butaccordingto government. Thecurrentgovernment 2015 bythepreviousmilitary-backed broadcasting lawwasenactedinAugust international legalstandards,the broadcasting mediasector. to significantdevelopmentofthe reform processhasnotcontributed government towardsthemedia stations. arelicensedtorunFMradio military handful ofcompaniestrustedbythe to theMyanmargovernment.Onlya channels andradiostationsbelong financially.survive into unfavourablepositionsinorderto private sectormedia,whichareforced make anunevenplayingfieldfor monopolised mediaestablishments news sector. Furthermore,thestate- business. Thisweakenstheindependent media outlets andmilitary-funded Myanmar stillhasstate-ownedmedia SINGLE NARRATIVE slander,” saidNyein. journalists don’t getthatkindof relationships withoursources. Male normally viewedashavingillicit high-level politicalofficers,weare “If wemanagetosecurescoopsfrom suspicions aboutaccesstoinformation. cent) ofpoliticalreportersinMyanmar. constitute lessthanaquarter(23per Media Institute,womenjournalists Journalist Society(MWJS)andFojo Myanmar NewsbytheWomen we arenotfittocoverit”,sheadded. frontline forreportingastheyfeelthat want tosendwomenjournaliststhe “Editors, includingwomeneditorsdon’t a lifestyleeditoroftheMyanmarTimes . our dailywork,”saidNyeinEiHtwe, barriers toadvanceourcareersanddo both culturalnormsandstructural “Our onlinemedia outletcan’t Despite itsshortcomingson The currentattitudeoftheNLD In additiontoprintmedia,allTV This situation is exacerbated by This situationisexacerbatedby According tothestudyGenderin “Woman mediaworkersarefacing

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 37 IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 36 rights can be fore-fronted by rights canbefore-fronted by citizens toexercise theirdemocratic reporting. including alackofindependent media undermined byundemocratic forces, climate, thegeneralelections riskbeing in late2020.Inthecurrentpolitical Myanmar isexpectedtogothepolls DIGITAL DISRUPTION he said will competewiththestate’s narrative,” private broadcastmediasectorswhich government doesn’t wantadiversityof its governingterm.“Itseemsthatthe finalising thebroadcastinglawduring government hadnointentionof Than NyeinofKamayutmedia. hasn’t beenfinalized yet,”saidHan now forthebroadcastinglicenseasit broadcasting law. Neithercanweapply internet-based mediaisnotincludedin apply forbroadcastinglicensesas Inclusion, one of the core values for Inclusion, oneofthecorevalues for Myint KyawofMPCsaidtheNLD Credit: RICHARDSARGENT /AFP restive Rakhinestate onJanuary25,2019. journalists inButhidaungtownships inthe during agovernment-organized visitfor stands nearagroup ofRohingya Muslims A Myanmar border guard policeman disruption for election inference is not disruption for election inferenceisnot the onlinenewsecosystem,a digital forthemilitary.reserved with 25percentofseatsthat mustbe contested seatsinParliament along andsecuredamajorityof victory said. parties includingethnicparties,”he playing fieldforsmallandindependent integrity. Itisalsotobringalevel ethical journalismtosafeguardelection steadfast toupholdindependentand political gains.“We mustallbe media’ toshapepublicopinionfor ‘proxy mediaoutlets’or‘manipulated parties withdeep-pocketswilluse Myint KyawofMPCwarnsthatpolitical freedom. strengthen civicspaceandprotectpress and membersofparliamentmustall organisations, businesscommunities news organisations.Civilsociety freedom shouldextendbeyondthe The responsibilitytoprotectpress as wellgenuinepressfreedom. independent mediaecosystem, a reality, Myanmarneedsathriving independent media.Forthattobe Given the present disruption of Given thepresentdisruption of In 2015,theNLDwonalandslide For theupcominggeneralelections, transition in Myanmar has fared. • transition inMyanmarhasfared. • election willjudgehowthemedia in impartiality. Indeed, theforthcoming values ofjournalism:accuracy and in Myanmarmustchampion thecore decisions. Forthistohappen,themedia discuss, deliberateandmakeinformed information, sothattheycandebate, of Myanmarmustaccessverified processes. malicious interferenceindemocratic need tospeedilydetectanddebunk and widercivilsocietyorganisations this, collaborationsbetweenthemedia local andnationalelections.To prevent anticipated whichcoulddisturbthe through coordinatedattemptsare election, disinformationcampaigns to bemorecompetitivethanthe2015 of theirrights. bodies, thusdeprivingminoritygroups platforms areinfluencingpolicy-making ethnicity andminoritiesonsocialmedia extreme narrativesregardingreligion, internal conflicts.Furthermore, religious lines,andthishasexacerbated is alreadypolarisedalongracialand unimaginable. SocialmediainMyanmar At this critical juncture, the people At thiscriticaljuncture,thepeople With theupcomingelection likely

IFJ SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 37 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 38 T SOLIDARITY INTHETRENCHES n sympathising with the rebels in the sympathising with therebelsin persons andgroups ofbelongingtoor “red-baiting” –thepracticeof accusing running intheworld. insurgency, currently thelongest- against the50-yearoldcommunist To besure,the“red-tagging”or THEPHILIPPINES as a target in its campaign as atargetinitscampaign forces hasincludedthemedia Philippines throughitssecurity he Governmentofthe dubbed the “most murderous” for dubbed the“most murderous”for fronting fortherebels. insurgency, have longbeenaccusedof that areseenastherootcauses ofthe corruption, humanrightsabuses – – poverty, inequity, government which mostlycoversocialissues groups isnotnew. Philippines –ofjournalistsandmedia In 2005, when the country was was In 2005,whenthecountry Alternative mediaorganisations, country. in schoolsandcommunitiesaround the of thePhilippines(AFP)andpresented oftheArmedForces Intelligence Service Enemy” thatwasproducedby the presentation titled“Knowing the “enemies ofthestate”inaPowerPoint was includedamongsupposed Journalists ofthePhilippines(NUJP) journalists, theNationalUnionof With 186journalists slainsince media persons were murdered over nine media persons were murderedovernine Macapagal-Arroyo presidency, when103 or themassmedia.Notduring theGloria deliberate policyoftargeting journalists groups everaccusedthegovernment ofa allied pressfreedomandfree expression profession. most dangerouscountriestopracticethe Philippines continuingtobeoneofthe 1986, therecanbenodisputeaboutthe But never before has the NUJP or But neverbeforehastheNUJP or protest demandingthat theCommission on Elections (COMELEC) bemore transparent in tallyingvotes inManilaonMay 17, 2019. Policemen stand information duringa Credit: NOELCELIS/AFP (NICA), thegovernment’s primary Intelligence Coordinating Agency a regionaldirectoroftheNational On September17,RolandoAsuncion, SMOKE WITHOUTFIRE accusations. Untilnow, itseems. and journalistshaveremainedjustthat– accusations againstmediaorganisations including attackandassassination,the serious consequencesforactivists, Duterte becamepresidentinmid-2016. even asthedeathtollroseto13since 58 victimsweremediaworkersandnot Ampatuan massacre,ofwhich32the perpetrators oftheNovember23,2009 wavered abouttakingactionagainstthe years; notevenwhenArroyoinitially Although red-tagging often has Although red-taggingoftenhas most positive score and10theworst score. attitudes/ responses –with1representing the *Scale outof10basedonmediaworker/ Region, (2)Southern Luzon survey base:(1)National Capital covering 10provinces. Largest n n leadership Government, (2)Political n n Political statements n issue: n Worsening n policy orlegislation professionalism, (2)Government situation: n my journalism or sacked from job; Targeted for the workplace; Beingreprimanded (1) Onlineharassment; Attacks on n Seriously declining n THE PHILIPPINES

Survey base:150responses Justice system ranking: 6.6* Impunity influence: (1) Media impunity scale:6.8* I Biggest workplace safety Media safety rating: Poor/ Key influencers onsafety Key safety threats: Equal score: Media freedom situation: nfluencing factor onsafety: Legal issues (1) Journalist ethics and print, in TV even.” print, inTVeven.” Party ofthePhilippines)cadres, inthe dominated bytheseCPP(Communist especially themainstreammedia, they’re were notcredible“...becausethe media, state forces, claimingthatthesereports the victimssuspectwerecarriedoutby murders, whichthekinofmany dismissed newsaccountsoftheNegros relations.Thegeneral for civil-military Parlade Jr., theAFPdeputychiefofstaff report wasMajorGeneralAntonio island ofNegrossincelatelastyear. that haveplaguedthecentralPhilippine which investigatedextrajudicialkillings a specialreport,“Duterte’s NewWar” movement. “legal fronts”ofthecommunistrebel organisation asoneoftheso-called the insurgencyandnamingmedia on government offices,givingbriefings NICA officialsmakingtheroundsof had receivedinformationabout President…” doing becauseitismandatedbyour fact vowedto“continuewhatweare purported journalist-rebels,andin not denytheexistenceoflist to Sotofor“endangering”her, hedid media officiallyatarget. counterinsurgency activityandthe Local CommunistArmedConflict.” creation ofa“NationalTask Force toEnd President RodrigoDutertemandatingthe with ExecutiveOrder70issuedby council saidtheeventwasincompliance school toitsfaculty, staffandstudent on Luzon.Amemorandumissuedbythe University intheprovinceofPampanga at theDonHonorioVentura State possession. a heretoforeunknownlistinhisagency’s Soto, hesaid,wasoneof31journalistsin Communist PartyofthePhilippines. Luzon TV36,ofbeingamemberthe general managerofcablestationCentral openly accusedSoniaSoto,presidentand intelligence gatheringandanalysisarm, Among those interviewed for the forthe Among thoseinterviewed On October10,2019,AlJazeeraaired Even beforethisincident,NUJP Although Asuncionlaterapologised a In short,thebriefingwas Asuncion wasspeakingataforum

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 39 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 40 naming NUJP as one of the underground naming NUJPas oneoftheunderground reports quotedapurportedformer rebel oftheCPP,the 50thanniversary news Congress lastyear. and guestsattheNUJP’s 10thNational and alsoofunionofficers,members rebel personalitieshehadinterviewed Villanueva includedphotosofhimwith armed wingoftheCPP).Thepostagainst of theNPA (NewPeople’s Army, the accused Villanueva ofbeingamember based inthecapitalMetroManila, Group,aunit Administrative Service page oftheAFP’s 101stTechnical and general oftheNUJP. Raymund Villanueva, deputysecretary the state’s securityapparatus. and journalistswereinthecrosshairsof signs thatcriticalmediaorganisations pronouncements, therewerealready made againstallFilipinojournalists. short, ablanketaccusationhasbeen presented proofoftheseallegations.In any othergovernmentofficialoragency the rebelmovement.Norhavetheyor claimed weremembersof,orsupported named anyofthejournaliststhey for Soto,neitherAsuncionnorParlade Then on December 26, incidentally Then onDecember26,incidentally In August2018,apostontheFacebook Among thefirsttobetargetedwas But waybeforeAsuncionandParlade’s It isimportanttonotethatexcept announced. announced. (almost USD20,000)bountyfor hisdeath supporters, andlaterhadaP1-million wife andsononalistofalleged rebel who foundhimselfalongwith his former nationaldirectorCong Corrales, accusers. Amongthemostnotableis rebel supportersbymostlyanonymous found themselvesvilifiedasrebelsor rebel group.” their allegedallegiancetothecommunist committed bytheCPP-NPA todisprove statement denouncingtheatrocities challenging theNUJPto“issuea a communicationsundersecretary get NUJP’s side. the outfits,includingPNA,everbotherto repeating hisclaims.Notoncedidanyof quotingthesamedubioussource story Agency (PNA)cameoutwithafollow-up the government-runPhilippineNews the organisationrefutedaccusations, under thecommandofCPP. When “confirming” thattheorganisationwas founding memberofthemediagroup, who claimed–falselythathewasa another purportedformerrebel, several newsoutfitsranstoriesquoting thisyearwhen picked upinJanuary movement’s “legalfronts”. Individual NUJP members have also Individual NUJPmembershavealso quoting PNA alsolaterranastory The campaignagainsttheNUJP supporters. supporters. PH” thataccusedthemofbeingrebel community pagecalled“QuietNoMore Cagayan deOrochapter, onaFacebook Pamela JayOrias,thechairofNUJP’s picture appearingalongsidethatof continued tobetargeted,withher of “mistakenidentity.” released her, theyclaimeditwasacase for 12hours.Whenpoliceeventually where shewasheldincommunicado driven toacitymorethan200kmaway police fromanairportintheregionand portal DavaoToday, wasabductedby Margarita Valle, acolumnistforonline members innorthernMindanao, campaign againstNUJPofficersand when, attheheightofared-tagging The intimidationescalatedinJune IN THECROSSHAIRS with his child, whom he had fetched with hischild, whom hehadfetched critically wounded ashearrivedhome of northernLuzon,wasshotand years inIfugaoprovincethe highlands American whohadbeenliving for10 A monthafterherordeal,Valle And on August 6, Brandon Lee, an And onAugust6,BrandonLee, an CELIS /AFP in ManilaonJuly22,2019. Credit: NOEL state ofthenation address at Congress poses for selfiesafter delivering his Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 41 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 40 Northern Dispatch, local newsoutfitNorthern abuses andothersocialissuesforthe from school.Leewroteonhumanrights T THE PRICEOFTRUTH-TELLING 2018, the Freedom for Media and 2018, theFreedom forMediaand Press Freedom Day lastyear, May3, for mediahasdeteriorated,on World red-tagged.” red-tagged.” question andopposethegovernmentare a statepolicywhereincitizenswho between meandAsuncion.Herepresents state ofaffairs:“Thisisnotreallyanissue experience perhapsbestdescribesthis forces.” the enemiesdovis-à-visto(sic)security personalities involvedasfavoringwhat a tendencyforustolookatthe threat groups.” vis-à-vis thanthosecommittedbyother security forces arehighlightedmore is theallegedviolationscommittedby claim that“sometimes,whathappens give (sic)biases...” was hisreply:“Justbefactualanddonot about thered-taggingofjournalists,this Noel Clementwasaskedbyreporters Forces ofthe Philippines chiefofstaff security forces. rights abuses–committedbystate on allegedabuses–especiallyhuman be tointimidatemediafromreporting the NICA. has alsobeenlabelledarebel“front”by several ofwhosestaffareNUJPmembers, harassed bytheArmy., Dispatch Northern peasant groups,hadbeenconstantly volunteer workwithhumanrightsand rights groupssaidLee,whoalsodid Before theattemptonhislife,human cardiac arrestswhileundergoingsurgery. despitesufferingmultiple survived o illustrate how swiftly the situation o illustratehowswiftlythesituation A statement by Soto about her A statementbySotoabouther In short,toethelineorelse. “If thathappens,”headded,“there’s Expanding onthis,hewentto In fact,whennewlyappointedArmed The goalofthiscampaignappearsto For weeks,Leewascriticallyill,but countries to practice the profession. theprofession. practice to countries beoneof to dangerous themost continuing aboutthePhilippines benodispute can 1986,there slainsince 186journalists With of broadcastnetworkABS-CBN. passage ofthebillrenewing franchise House ofRepresentativetodemand the tothe of thetelevisionandfilmindustry cinematographers andothermembers directors, ,musicians,composers, of thecallbycloseto1,000actors, assassination, if you’re a son of a bitch.” assassination, ifyou’reasonofbitch.” journalist youarenotexemptedfrom he declared:“Justbecauseyou’rea even beforeheassumedthepresidency, disdain formedia.OnMay31,2016, well-known aversiontocriticismand which appeartostemfromDuterte’s renewal ofbroadcastnetworkABS-CBN, and thethreattoblockfranchise of RappleranditsCEO,MariaRessa, such asthecontinuedpersecution news organisationsandjournalists alarming, assaultsonindependent are connectedtotheother, equally that theserecentdevelopments perpetrators in60oftheincidents. agents orofficialsidentifiedasthe attacks hadincreasedto128,withstate released anupdate,thenumberof operating licenses. andtherevocationof surveillance threats, onlineharassment,police murders andattemptedmurders,death 30, 2016toMay1,2018,including on themediaunderDutertefromJune documented atleast85casesofassault disinformation. in acampaignofintimidationand using itsarmyoftrollsandinfluencers discourse anderodetrustinmediaby government’s attemptstostiflefree Power inCheck,”detailingtheDuterte the report,“SpeakTruth toPower, Keep Freedom andResponsibility–released Journalism, andtheCentreforMedia Philippine CentreforInvestigative of threemajorgroups–theNUJP, the Freedom forAllcoalition,composed does appear to have emboldened does appearto haveemboldened However, therearenoindications A yearlater, whenthecoalition The coalitionatthetimesaidithad But Duterte’s hostilitytowardsmedia The NUJPstoodinfullsupport downfall. crackdown againstthoseplottingits pretext forabroaderandmorebrazen the governmentcouldusetheseasa it isnotfarfetchedtoimaginethat failed tointimidatetheirtargets, iota ofevidence.” accuses ofseriousoffenseswithoutan “criminal endangermentofpeopleit the governmentforengagingin but theNUJPneverthelessslammed medallist HildelynDiaz. Sison, andOlympicweightliftingsilver Communist PartyfounderJoseMa. media groups,oppositionpoliticians, named, asidefromjournalistsand and evenmoreridiculous,which another matrix,thisonebroader existed andevenlaterpresented palace vigorouslyinsistedtheplot human rightslawyer–thepresidential was listednotasajournalistbut “matrix” –forexample,Espina-Varona not leastbecauseoftheerror-riddled with widespreaddisdainandridicule, media outfits. media outfits. attacks onindependent journalistsand use theseasfoddertolaunchtheir own ofDuterte supporters,which the gallery topumpup their targetsbutdoserve military, thengoforthe‘kill’.” enlist supportofthepoliceand touch basewithleftistorganization(s), plotting to“manipulatepublicemotion, Espina-Varona –whowereostensibly offensive, andformerNUJPchairInday CEO MariaRessa,thetargetofalegal media organisations,includingRappler between the“plotters”–journalistsand which purportedlyshowedthelinks “matrix” providedbythesamesource, a Office ofthePresidentanddrewon “highly placed” withinthe special envoyforinternationalaffairs. also happenstobethepresident’s chairman emeritus,DanteAng,who bared,” an“exclusive”writtenbyits bannered thestory, “OustDuterteplot in May, theManilaTimes newspaper plotting tooustDuterte. organisations andinstitutionsof administration hasaccusedmedia news organisations.Additionally, the the red-taggingofjournalistsand While suchanticshavealways The canardeventuallyfizzledout The article quoted a single unnamed The articlequotedasingleunnamed Such tactics invariably fail to intimidate Such tacticsinvariablyfailtointimidate wasgreeted Although thestory Before thisyear’s mid-termelections

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 41 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 42 been “significant improvement”. been “significantimprovement”. minuscule 4 cent sawsomeimprovementanda over thepastyear, andonly17per Philippines hascontinuedtodecline (IFJ) saythesituationformediain International FederationofJournalists Asian JournalistUnions(SEAJU)and bytheSoutheast press freedomsurvey Filipino respondentstothisyear’s Not surprisingly, 61percentof BELEAGUERED PROFESSION are based. are based. respondents didnotindicatewherethey and Mindanaoislands.However, 31 the othersspreadthroughVisayas in SouthernandCentralLuzon, National CapitalRegion,aboutthesame aged 26-45,withaquarterbasedinthe with twoidentifyingas“other”–mostly 150 journalists–82maleand66female, media. media. and only10saidtheyworkedforpublic Another 16identifiedasself-employed community mediaafarsecondwith27. the mostrespondentsat97,with eight arepart-timecontractual. 13 arefull-timecontractworkers,and journalists, 20workaspart-timeregulars, are full-timeemployees,29freelance The respondents were evenly spread The respondentswereevenlyspread Privately ownedmediaemployed Half oftherespondents(75)saidthey polled The Philippinelegofthesurvey per cent said there had per centsaidtherehad consequences but did not say what these consequences butdidnotsaywhatthese per centconfirmedexperiencingthese messages (46percent).Another37 delivered personallyorthroughtext consequences,” mainlythroughthreats saying theyhadexperienced“negative security concerns,with53percent said theirworkhadcausedthem months, 62percentoftherespondents continued toworsenoverthepast12 has the mediasituationincountry identified asonlyjournalists. 36 broadcasters/presentersand40who multimedia journalistscomparedto today, 31respondentsidentifiedas cross-platform natureofjournalism radio, and45inprint. reported workingintelevision,49 local (community)media. 56 inregionalcompanies,and42 employed inMetroManila-basedoutfits, in termsofworkplacelocation,with51 Asked to expand on why they believe Asked toexpandonwhytheybelieve However, reflectingtheincreasing In termsofmedium,40respondents from thegovernment supporters. andits administration whichmightretaliation invite of theDuterte critical astoo seen pull reports beingasked water to downcolleagues oreven unionsand to haveJournalists reported government policy and legislation – slid government policyandlegislation–slid choice. In lastyear’s survey, thiswasthesecond “journalist ethicsandprofessionalism.” decline, morethan40percentnamed the situationformediacontinuesto to identifythemainreasonforsaying hard lookattheirprofession.Asked prompted journaliststotakealong, worsening situationalsoappearstohave websites andblogshackedorshutdown. of doxingorsawtheirorganisations, saidtheyhadbeenvictims surveyed against journalists,athirdofthose which technologyhasbeenweaponised were. The top choice in the 2018 survey – – The topchoiceinthe2018survey But inasignificantdevelopment,the And illustratingtheviciousnesswith LAWRENCE /AFP Hong Kong onMay 16,2019. Credit: ISAAC at theForeign Correspondents Clubof speaks at theHumanRights Press Awards Philippines-based news website, Rappler Maria Ressa, co-founder andCEO ofthe

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 43 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 42 and propaganda. and propaganda. accusation ofengagingin“fakenews” has claimedhavebeendelugedwith on drugsandthethousandsoflivesit issues likethegovernment’s bloodywar that havereportedcriticallyonraging journalists. lead, pickup,echoandusetoharass and thetrollarmieswhofollowtheir including socialmediainfluencers practitioners, chargesthathisfollowers, “” attheprofessionandits blanket accusationsas“corrupt”and lashed outatmedia,hurlingsuch difficult toseewhy. among journaliststhisyear, itisn’t why ethicsbecamethetopconcern up tosecondplace. choice, stateandpoliticalactors,moving to thirdthisyear, withlastyear’s third like theManilaTimes ’ “oustDuterteplot.” publishing undisguiseddisinformation, brazenly floutedethicalstandards by “Papa Kikojoins DU30war,” which Daily Tribune , alsobannered thestory Many news outfits and journalists Many newsoutfitsandjournalists From theget-go,Dutertehas resultsdonotdetail While thesurvey Another pro-administrationpaper, the Yet, pro-administrationoutfits have as of September 27, 2019, online and as ofSeptember 27,2019,onlineand of Duterte’s warondrugs. fight drugtraffickingasanendorsement reminding governmentsoftheirdutyto made outastatementbyPopeFrancis broadcaster GMA as workers. broadcaster GMAasworkers. regularly contractedstaffatnational TV Commission (NLRC)torecognise decision oftheNationalLabor Relations in acasefiled2014,upheld the the CourtofAppealsinPhilippines dictator FerdinandMarcos. was placedundermartiallawbythe from 1972-1979,whenthecountry experienced unprecedentedgrowth claimed thatthePhilippineeconomy murdered bycommunistrebels,and as anexampleofindigenouspeople murdered bystate-sponsoredmilitia, for indigenouspeopleafterhehadbeen administrator ofanalternativeschool used thepictureofbodyan on socialmediathat,amongothers, the statenewsagencypostedavideo outright propaganda.InSeptember, of engagingindisinformationand such asPNAhavealsobeenaccused Government-run media outfits Government-run mediaoutfits In another boost to the profession, In anotherboost totheprofession, 26 In apositivemove,onFebruary through coercion, asjournalists who but inmostplaces, itremains,mainly of resistancefromlocaljournalists ceased insomejurisdictionsbecause operations. Thepracticehas since other itemsseizedduringanti-drug ofcontrabandand to theinventory journalists tosignonaswitnesses the continuedpracticeofrequiring law enforcement agenciestoend “Sign AgainsttheSign”,callingupon NUJP launchedacampaigndubbed and independenceofthemedia, sources. media torefuserevealconfidential organizations inbroadcastandonline news radio, onlineandwireservice allow mediaworkersfromtelevision, previous RANo.53orSottolaw, will Republic Act11458,anamendmentto country’s existingshieldlaws. sources following anexpansionofthe will havegreaterabilitytoprotecttheir broadcast journalistsinthecountry In order to maintain the credibility In ordertomaintainthecredibility libel case. Credit: TEDALJIBE/AFP who was arrested aday earlierinacyber support ofCEO, MariaRessa, ofRappler grounds inManilaonFebruary 14,2019, in Students protest inthestate university

The The

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 43 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 44 possible prosecution for such offenses as possible prosecution forsuchoffensesas expose journalistsandnewsoutfits to articles ontherootsofterrorism could terrorists orevenwritingexpository suspected are approved,interviewing freedom ofthepressandexpression. greater threattocivilliberties,including local anti-terrorlaw, posinganever- repressive HumanSecurityAct,the in Congresstoamendthealready legislation sliddownamidmoves Ironically, governmentpolicyand DANGEROUS NAME-CALLING from beingmadewitnesses. to amendthelawexcludejournalists allies inthelegislaturehavingfiledabill situation mightbesettochange,with opportunities forreportage.This refuse tosignrisklosingsources and For example, if the amendments For example,iftheamendments ALJIBE /AFP Day inManilaonMay 2019. 1, Credit: TED during ademonstration markingLabour Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Workers burn aneffigy representing Freedom of Information Act. Freedom ofInformation Act. to decriminaliselibelandpass the “traditional” libel. penalty forcyberlibelistwice thatfor terrorism. Itisnoteworthythat the Prevention Acta“predicatecrime” to libel” asdefinedintheCybercrime amendments includemaking“cyber People’s Armyraid. hewroteonaNew side forastory targeted becauseheincludedtherebels’ Gallardo, saidhebelievedwas of red-tagging,veteranjournalistFroilan insurgents “terrorists.”Arecentvictim of supportingorbeing“fronts”the communist rebelsandthoseaccused administration hastakentocalling of terrorism.” “inciting toterrorism”or“glorification Congress continues to ignore calls Congress continuestoignore calls Equally worrisome,theproposed It isworthnotingthattheDuterte successfully prosecuted successfully the NUJP, than20have less been by... of killingsrecorded the186media those surveyed rating it from bad to ratingitfrom badto those surveyed remains persistent, with78percentof other assaultsonpressfreedom, Impunity formediakillingsand LACK OFACCOUNTABILITY suppression of free expression. suppression offreeexpression. can leadtomediarepressionandthe government leaders’wordsandactions indicates growingrecognitionofhow as reasonsfordeclineofthemedia, second spotofstateandpoliticalactors reason. control (21percent)asthemain statements (29percent)andmedia “extremely bad”,pointingtopolitical journalists as“poor/worsening”to rated governmenteffortstoprotect that 60percentofthosesurveyed It comesasnosurprise,therefore, On theotherhand,riseto

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 45 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 44 collective bargaining agent – remains collective bargaining agent–remains example, isalateral guild,nota workplace unions–theNUJP, for the biggestthreatstojournalism. the lackofjobsecuritytobe among wages andworkingconditions and of therespondentsidentifiedpoor hands outjobstocontractualworkers. increasingly as themediaindustry tenure havealsocontinuedtodecline training andresources. to leadershipissuesandthelackof the matter, whileotherspointed employers’ lackofawarenessabout good”. “acceptable” to“very of safetyandsecuritymattersas cent ratedtheiremployers’handling for theirprotection,only37per media houseshavesetupmeasures respondents acknowledgedthattheir government onmediasafety. unions thatmeetanddialoguewith to professionalorganisationsor saidthattheybelonged survey the respondentsofIFJ-SEAJU as abrightspot,morethanhalfof In whatwouldnormallybeseen PRECARIOUS LABOUR recorded. deadliest attackonthemediaever down almost10yearsafterthesingle ended, noverdicthasyetbeenhanded 23, 2009Ampatuanmassacrehas of thoseaccusedfortheNovember and gunman. Alfredo Arcenio, wasbothmastermind Aklan, whosekiller, formertownmayor Herson “Boy”HinolanofBomboRadyo A rareexceptionwasthemurderof who orderedthekillingsremainfree. trigger wereconvicted,whilethose these cases,onlythosewhopulledthe prosecuted. Andinpracticallyall less than20havebeensuccessfully media killingsrecordedbytheNUJP, cited theweakjusticesystem. leadership, andanother25percent to thegovernmentandpolitical impunity tothrive,71percentpointed “epidemic.” But while the lack of viable But whilethelackofviable This accountsforwhyroughlyhalf Economic welfareandsecurityof Most attributedthistotheir While almostthreeoutoffive As ofthiswriting,althoughthetrial This helpsexplainswhy, ofthe186 Identifying thefactorsthatallowed and joint trial of the securities case and jointtrial of thesecuritiescase court alsoordered theconsolidation ownership ofPhilippinemedia. The constitutional prohibitionon foreign license forsupposedlyviolating the Commission’s revocationofRappler’s following theSecuritiesand Exchange National BureauofInvestigation those accused. violated therighttodueprocessof records” bythecityprosecutor’s office “undue hasteinthetransmittalof investigation,sayingthe preliminary suspended andremandedthecasefor 159 orderedtheproceedings Pasig RegionalTrial CourtBranch Regulation Code. for allegedlyviolatingtheSecurities and managingeditorGlendaGloria, executives, includingitsCEORessa criminal casefiledagainstRappler ordered thereinvestigationofa repression ofmedia. in theresistancetoincreasing illegal labortreatment.” to stopthisunjust,inhumane,and on companiesandthegovernment Filipinos, andtoincreasethepressure prevalent issuethataffectsmillionsof clear tous–shinethelightona case, said:“Thepurposewasalways Association ofGMA,whichfiledthe Welcoming thedecision,Talent networks, asregularemployees. GMA, oneofthemajorbroadcast to recognisecontractualworkersof National LaborRelationsCommission Appeals upheldthedecisionof with somemodestsuccess. them protectthemselvescontinue, efforts toorganisethemandhelp ensure thewelfareofmediaworkers, a majorobstacleinthestruggleto The case was filed by last year the The casewasfiledbylastyearthe Judge ElmaRafallo-Linganof In earlyOctober, atrialcourt There havebeenbrightspotsaswell In lateFebruary, theCourtof “fake news”“fake andpropaganda. of engagingin withaccusation deluged of livesthousands have ithasclaimed been bloodywargovernment’s ondrugsandthe like onragingissues the critically reported that have andjournalists Many news outfits churning out only reports favourable churning outonlyreportsfavourable into limitingcriticalreportageor the intentionistointimidatemedia actually intendtotakeactionorif they goabouttheirwork. journalists havelonghadtofaceas greatly increasedthedangersFilipino their counterinsurgencycampaignhas forces ofmediaamong thetargetsof that theinclusionbystatesecurity supporters. be harassedbythepresident’s ardent Rappler anditsreporterscontinueto the mediahouse’s spirits,although Duterte’s activitieshasnotdampened ban onRapplerfromcoveringallof libel caseagainstRessainManila. before aPasigtrialcourt,andcyber Appeals, anothertaxviolationcase tax violationsbeforetheCourtofTax officers andstaff.Theothersarefour against RessaandotherRappler violation oftheanti-dummylaw. with anotheronefiledforalleged world. of colleaguesandfriendsaround the solidarity andsupportofthe network alone, andthattheycancount onthe important, theyknoware not the people’s righttoknow. Just as profession anditsmissiontoserve arms tofacethreatafterthe aside professionalrivalriesandlinked clung totheirindependence. the increaseddangerandhavefiercely and newsoutfitsremainunfazedby vast majorityofFilipinojournalists matters intotheirownhands. allegations seriouslyenoughtotake more, otherquartersmaytakethese to them.Buteveniftheydonothing It remains unclear whether they It remainsunclearwhetherthey There canbenodoubt,however, The casesandthecontinuing The casesareamongthe11filed Time andagain,theyhavecast However, astheyalwayshave,the •

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 45 46

n THAILAND MISSED OPPORTUNITY SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT

The Thai press enjoyed relative freedom to cover stories before the election that would otherwise be off-limits – such as the royal family’s involvement in politics. Mahouts ride on their elephants as they march with well-wishers during a procession near the Grand Palace to pay their respects to Thailand’s King Maha in Bangkok on May 7, 2019. Credit: JEWEL SAMAD / AFP 47

n THAILAND MISSED OPPORTUNITY

he situation of the media in freedom to cover stories before the Thailand’s election year in election that would otherwise be 2019 can best be described as off-limits – such as the royal family’s dramatic. The topsy-turvy turn involvement in politics –criticism against Tof events could well shape the country’s the military junta and its policies still media landscape for years to come. wasn’t possible without consequences. It was a year marked by the largest-ever This perception was shared by media SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT lay-offs in the country’s history – the workers surveyed by the South East National Journalists Union of Thailand Asia Journalist Unions (SEAJU) and the (NUJT) estimates that at least 800 International Federation of Journalists journalists lost jobs – which hit the media (IFJ) in the 2019 survey into journalist substantially, particularly the broadcast safety, impunity and working conditions. sector. Of the Thai media workers surveyed, The period also saw the rapid growth 40 per cent described the media situation of online news platforms that took the as “worsening” to “seriously declining”, opportunity to cash in on the “breathing with 39 per cent and 21 per cent citing space” during the country’s much- that cyber-attacks and censorship by the anticipated election. It was first election state respectively as key threats to their since the military junta, the National safety. Legal intimidation and harassment Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) was seen as the biggest workplace safety came to power in a May 2014 coup that issue by 37 per cent of respondents. ousted the civilian government of Prime While they were no major physical Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. attacks on media outlets or individual While the Thai press enjoyed relative journalists in the past year, respondents felt journalists’ safety needed more focus in terms of newsrooms’ safety policies and government policies towards the media. Journalists’ awareness of impunity for violence against the media was not strong but almost a third of journalists THAILAND surveyed felt impunity was problematic n Media freedom situation: in Thailand, while a quarter said it was Worsening widespread. They also identified the n Key safety threats: (1) Cyber- government and political leadership as attacks, (2) Censorship two major obstacles to improving the n Key influencers on safety situation. situation: Not recorded n Media safety rating: Neutral LOSING VOICE n Biggest workplace safety issue: On February 13, Voice TV was suspended Legal issues for 15 days under an administrative n Influencing factor on safety: Not order of the National Broadcasting recorded and Telecommunications Commission n Media impunity scale: 5.9* (NBTC), allegedly for program content n Impunity influence: Government critical of the military junta and deemed n Justice system ranking: 6* to be ‘confusing for the public’ (under n Survey base: 109 survey responses NCPO announcement No 97 and covering 1 province (Bangkok) No103). It was the third such order since *Scale out of 10 based on media the junta came to power in 2014, but worker/attitudes/ responses – with 1 prompted strong protests from local representing the most positive score and 10 the worst score. and international media advocates including the IFJ and the Southeast Asian SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 48 blackouts lastingbetween7to 15days. commentators, aswellprogram program contentandsuspension of – includingwarnings,adjustment of the hardest-hit,withatleast24 sanctions between May2014to2019.Voice TVwas be “colored”orpartisanatleast59times NBTC sanctionedmediawasperceived to documentation centreiLawrecordedthat opinions”. in whichpeoplecanfreelyexercise their the pollinanenablingandopenclimate to “to allowthesocietytomoveforward to reconsidertheVoice TVsuspension shutdowns. ThestatementurgedNBTC guarantees pressfreedomandbansmedia the 2017ThailandConstitution,which that theNBTCwasoperatingagainst Online NewsProducers(SONP)protested Association (TBJA)andtheSocietyof (TJA), theThaiBroadcastJournalists day, theThaiJournalistsAssociation ruling junta,”saidSEAPA inastatement. curtailment ofpressfreedombythe construed asyetanotherunmistakable risk isunwarrantedandcouldonlybe Press Alliance(SEAPA). “Suchperceived “Voice TVwilltakelegalaction Freedom ofexpressionlegal In ararejointstatementthesame 9, was removed from hosting the election 9, wasremovedfromhosting the election anchor withpublicbroadcaster Channel suspend itsoperation. on thelegalityofNBTCorder to Supreme AdministrativeCourt’s verdict butisstillawaitingthe online services maintain asatellitebroadcastandsome citing businesslosses.Itcontinuesto digital broadcastinginSeptember2019, as unlawful.However, Voice TVceased declaring thattheNPCOsuspension 27 and wonarulingonFebruary to returnairafteratwo-dayclosure Central AdministrativeCourtinjunction exile overseassince2007. 2006 coupandhassincelivedinself- ousted asprimeministerinaSeptember Thaksin Shinawatra’s family, whowas 13. Voice TVisownedbymembersofthe Petplai, inastatementissuedonFebruary Voice TVchiefexecutiveofficer, Makin challenged sincethe2014coup,”said freedom, whichhasbeenquestionedand back inlinewithruleoflawandpress to setthestandardofNBTC’s power On March 1, Orawan Choodee, a news On March 1,OrawanChoodee,anews The embattledstationsecureda LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA /POOLAFP as Thailand’s new primeminister at Government HouseinBangkok 2019. onJune11, Credit: Prayuth Chan-ochaspeaksto themediaafter theroyal endorsement ceremony appointing him period. prohibited throughouttheelection No.97/2557 andNo.103/2557, was public’ undertheNCPOannouncements Content deemedas‘confusing the criticism againstitsofficersand policies. freedom ofexpression,particularly juntakeptitsrestrictionson military ahead oftheMarch 24election,the While liftingabanonpoliticalactivities A MUCH-MONITORED BALLOT program. campaign, sheneverreturnedtothe and astrongTwitter #SaveOrawan right toinformation.Despitethissupport and posedadirectthreattothepublic’s media freedominnewspresentation” that theorderwasan“interferencewith 29.TheTBJAsaid episode onFebruary students intheweeklyprogram’s second hard-hitting questionsto100university station managementstemmedfromher The veteranjournalistsaidtheorderfrom government. bias againstthemilitary debate program“Election62”foralleged

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 49 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 48 Yellow Shirtswassubdued.Farfrom Thaksin Shinawatra)andthepro-royalist Red Shirts(supportingfugitiveleader longstanding conflictbetweenthe 250-member upperhousesenate. a fullbackingofthejunta-appointed slim majorityinthelowerhouse,but in theruling19-partycoalitionwitha dominance only toreinstatemilitary created party, thereferendumserved track. Skewedinfavourofthejunta- failed tobringdemocracybackon governed bythe2017Constitution, Party (FFP). young butstridentally, FutureForward linked PheuThaiParty(PTT)andits Party (PPRT),thepro-democracyThaksin- by junta-supportedPalangPrachaRat between thepro-establishmentfrontled across platforms.Thiswasfoughtout and “fakenews”warthatescalated themselves caughtinthe“hate”politic of expressionandassociation.” dissent, andotherthreatstothefreedoms abuse oflegalprocessestosuppress activities andhoundedbyintimidation, “stunted byyearsofthebanonpolitical and themediasectorwasweakened fordemocracy,thatcivilsociety opportunity 2019 ThaiGeneralElections:Amissed (ANFREL) notedinitsJune21report the lead-uptoelection. campaigning andpoliticaldiscussionin also setupawar-roomtomonitoronline Thailand electorate.Polladministrators more than10percentofthe51-million million first-timevotersaccountingfor political parties,includingoverseven sway votersinfavouroftheanti-junta to controlpoliticaldebatethatmight media. Thiswasviewedasanattempt restricting politicalcampaigningonsocial 2019issuedelectionregulations January National LegislativeAssembly(NLA)in (ECT), appointedbythejunta-picked The bickering underpinned by the The bickeringunderpinnedbythe The much-delayedreferendum, Members ofthemediaalsofound Asian NetworkofFreeElections The ElectionCommissionofThailand officers and its policies. andits officers criticism against its expression, particularly of onfreedom restrictions maintained junta themilitary of theMarch24elections, ahead activities liftingWhile onpolitical aban monitoring centre. event fortheopeningofareferendum the sameday, accusedofhostingan draft constitution.Phanuwatwasarrested as leafletsanddocumentsopposingthe officers found‘Vote No’stickersaswell Areekul werechargedin2016after Rungmorakot, AnanLoked,andPakorn Phanuwat Songsawadchai,Anucha on April11.Taweesak andtheactivists Taweesak Kerdpokaandfouractivists media outletPrachataijournalist Referendum Actagainstindependent dismissed chargesofviolatingthePublic the year, theAppealCourtinBangkok polarised, particularlyintheonlinespace. as promised,itispoisedtogrowmore junta being resolvedunderthemilitary learnt that Phnom Penh-based Belgian learnt thatPhnomPenh-basedBelgian Thailand soundedthealarmwhenit pressure. and journalistsstartedtofeelrenewed political activists,humanrightsdefenders threatening thenationalsecurity. detain andinterrogatethoseitdeemedas to including thepowerofmilitary some institutionscreatedbythejunta were terminated.However, heretained (NCOP No97/2557and103/2557), instruments usedtostiflefreespeech 100 diktats,includingthetwomain to acabinethestillheaded.Among juntapower 9 torelinquishmilitary he issuedtheNCPOchieforderonJuly made byGenPrayuthChan-ochawhen return tonormalcy, toclaims contrary and hatespeech. disruption intheformof“fake”news midst ofotherchallengesfromdigital to fightagainstthreatsandattacksinthe community founditselftoovulnerable In thisprecariousstate,Thailand’s media INTIMIDATION AND CENSORSHIP In one of the few positive notes for In oneofthefewpositivenotesfor The foreign media community in The foreignmediacommunityin Soon enough,defiantpoliticians, The post-electionperioddidnotseea coalition. coalition. that couldthreatenthejunta’s fragile partyandanypresscoverage Forward amendment campaignledbytheFuture around thenation-wideconstitutional counter politicalactivityanddebate andcensorshipto state surveillance FM101MHZ, withoutpriorwarning. on thearmy-ownedradiostation, program “101NewsPoints”broadcast from hostingthemorningnewstalk language dailyNaewNawasremoved editor andcolumnistofpro-juntalocal September 6,ChalermchaiYodmalai, the exposing hispastcriminalrecord.Andon Herald,andlocalmediafor Morning Prompao, threatenedtosueTheSydney Agriculture Minister, Thammanat unspecified legalaction.” in Thailand“withoutfacingthreatsof journalists couldreportonpoliticalissues urged thegovernmenttoensureforeign infringement onmediafreedom”and police actionas“anunwarranted Club ofThailand(FCC)termedthe incident, theForeignCorrespondents’ access tocontactsortheBelgianembassy. Immigration BureauinSuanPlu,without hotel andquestionedforfivehoursatthe immigration officersfromaBangkok 3, Janssenswasescortedbyfive ‘Ford’ Jeantawanich.OnOctober anactivistAnurak from interviewing journalist KrisJanssenswasprevented criticisms against the junta and the criticisms against thejuntaand last sixmonthsof2019.Others were top tenhashtagsthattrended overthe topics. express viewsandengageonsensitive found Twitter to beasaferspaceto mainstream media,youngThaishave of politicallysensitiveissuesinthe speech onFacebookandcensorship social mediausers. per cent,aswell51millioninternet phones, representingapenetrationof71 million usersofsocialmediaonmobile Report releasedinJanuary. There are49 according totheGlobalDigital2019 social mediapenetration,at74percent, users intheworld,rankingeighth Thais areamongthehighestsocialmedia NEW COMMUNICATION CULT These incidents signalled a surge in These incidentssignalledasurgein On September10,thenewDeputy In astatementissueddayafterthe #ThaiElections2019 was one of the #ThaiElections2019 wasoneof the With thegrowingsuppressionoffree

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 49 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 50 of fake news, doctored images, edited of fakenews,doctored images,edited disinformation campaignsin the form surpassed the“norm”ascountless electoral system,butThailand’s election accusations areregularfeatures ofany professional ethics. report wasinlinewiththestandardof Kanok, theNMGmanagementsaid or “BlunderTheNation”.Indefending Twitter backlashhashtag,#NationPohTak caused asocialmediastormwiththe viral butwaslaterprovedtobefakeand leader Thanathorn.Theaudioclipwent sounding formerPMThaksinandFFP political bargainingbetweentwomen March 19featuringaconversationabout broadcast anunverifiedsoundbiteon (NMG), hostedbyKanokRatwongkul establishment NationMultimediaGroup program KhaoKhonofpro- questions). Troung Troung (Askhard-hitting political newstalksprogramTham of ThaiRathDigitalTV’s high-rating and JomkwanLaopetch,newsanchor satirical internet-basedSpokeDarkTV, These includedJonhWinyu, editor of nationalist tiradesandhatecampaigns. opposition soonbecametargetsof the of theECToreveninterviewed influence intheelection,impartiality incumbent government,military who posedquestionsaboutthe In alead-uptotheelection,journalists WAR AGAINST “FAKE NEWS” Thailand. to controltheworldofTwitter in soon becameclearthatitwasimpossible with theElectionCommission,butit registering theirpartyTwitter handles name, logo,candidatesandpolicy from allbutpostingtheirparty’s campaigning preventedpoliticalparties The restrictionsonsocialmediapolitical campaign againstFFPleaderThanathorn, communism song“NakPaenDin”inhis toplaythe70’sacross thecountry anti- his orderto150armyradiostations Kongsompong wasforced toretract 2019,ArmyChiefGenApirat January power ofsocialmediainThailand.In army areworriedaboutthegrowing tweets. trended topwithmorethan700,000 elections. OnOctober2,#SaveTwitterTH “Smear campaigns and slanderous “Smear campaignsandslanderous At theoppositeend,newstalks juntaandtheThai The military

how itwillunfold,”shesaid. is facing.Butweneedtowaitandsee and themagnitudeofproblemsThailand global effortstocombatdisinformation and scope.“Theidearesonateswiththe about theCenter’s purpose,function Thinkers Forum,remainssceptical information’. Official Accounttochannel‘authentic assistance tosetuptheministry’s Line been consultedtoprovidetechnical national security. LineThailandhas in thepublicsphereandundermine that couldcauseconfusionorpanic products aswellgovernmentpolicies finance, beautyandhealth-hazardous about naturaldisastersandevents purpose wastomonitormisinformation than combatingfakenews. to undermineoppositionvoices,rather state-sponsored initiativepotentialuse Partyquicklyrebukedthe Future Forward alarm. news” and“fakeaccounts”,itraisedthe monarchy”, in additiontotackling“fake to insultsagainstthecountry’s online contentfromchildpornography an anti-fakenewscentre“totakedown Punnakanta, revealedaplantosetup Digital EconomyandSociety, Puttipong on June17. University, inherBangkokPostcolumn Pironrong RamasootaofChulalongkorn media channels,”wrotecriticProf into mainstreammediabywayofsocial outright witchhunts,snucktheirway video, andevencontentthatendorsed on and take actions against citizens, on andtakeactions againstcitizens, give stateagencies broadpowerstopry went intoforce inMarch andApril, Security Act(NCSA).Thelaws, which Act (NIA)andanewNational Cyber laws: theamendedNationalIntelligence Earlier in2019,theNLAadopted two LEGAL OVERREACH? Supinya Klanarong, founder of Digital Supinya Klanarong,founderofDigital Puttipong latersaidthecentre’s A spokespersonfortheopposition On July18,thenewMinisterof active Internet social media users. media active Internet social and51million penetration of mobileusers, or71percent the mobilephoneinThailand, of on media social are49millionusers There December 2018, from 150 cases recorded December 2018,from150cases recorded content spikedat276bythe end of Thai government’s requeststotakedown expression. Googlestatisticsshow the standards andprinciplesoffreedom of do notcompromiseinternational of contentandconcernsoverprivacy Thai governmentonthetakingdown interests andcooperationwiththe and Linetoensuretheirbusiness companies suchFacebook,Google media isyettoadequatelymonitor counter state-sponsoreddisinformation. broadcaster TBPSs,butnonespecifically News Producers(SONP)andThaipublic Sure BeforeShareofSocietyOnline Share ofMCOT’s ThaiNewsAgency, groups alreadyexist,suchasSureand media organisationsandprofessional number offact-checkinginitiativesby as IndonesiaandthePhilippines.A when comparedtoneighbourssuch sponsored disinformationcampaigns and uncoordinated,particularlystate- news” inThailandremainslatent society’s responsetothreatof“fake widely discussed.However, civil Myanmar andIndonesiahavebeen and electionsinCambodia,Malaysia, news anditsimpactonhumanrights describe theChina-model. a termcoinedbyFreedomHouseto a pathof“digitalauthoritarianism”, government increasinglyheadingtoward be abusedtocurbfreespeechwiththe of publicdanger. for thebenefitofsecurityandprevention hacking andwiretappingaslawful The lawalsoprotectsactivitiessuchas “any meansdeemedasnecessary”. seen asthreattonationalsecurityby organisations bothdomesticorabroad onindividual,groupsand to pry gives powerstointelligenceofficers order” and“nationalsecurity”without. a perceived threatto“publicpeaceand civil societyandtheprivatesectorfor A widerconcernisthatThailand’s Concerns overthespreadoffake The amendedcomputercrimelawcan A newprovisionintherevisedNIA

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 51 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 50 audiences. build readershipbypitchingto selected Thailand andisforcing mediahousesto traditional printandbroadcast mediain contribute tothebreakdown of Digital disruptioncontinuesto THEPITCH PERFECTING practices withsomemediapublishers. University andelectioncoveragebest Thai NewsAgencyandChulalongkorn with theSureAndShareCenterof to SpotFalseNews”advertorialsdone literacy withmeasuressuchasthe“Tips disinformation andpromotingnews academic institutionsoncombating also startedengagingwithmediaand disinformation. Theplatformhasnow and securityissuestocombat capacity andrapidresponsetosafety during theelectionstostrengthenits it wouldcooperatewiththejunta six monthsearlier. Hathairiat Phaholtap, editor of Hathairiat Phaholtap, editorof 2019,Facebooksaid In January Credit: LILLIANSUWANRUMPHA /AFP during aprotest to markthefourth year ofjunta ruleinBangkok onMay 22,2018. Demonstrators attempt to break through aphalanx ofpolice outsideThammasat University dailies, foreign .Two otherbusiness International, Group (NMG)andMediaExpert executives fromtheNationMultimedia Creation, itisrunbyformereditors and media andmarketcompanyAdapt the market.Ajointventurebetween media platformBusinessToday entered by thenationalmedia. issues thatareeithercensoredorignored and atthesametimecovermainstream voice ofitscommunitywithnuance media platformcanbetterarticulatethe of Thailand,Hathairatsaidtheonline in KhoanKhan,theNortheastprovince by censorshipandlowercapacity. Based of traditionalmediaandfillagapleft news mediahelpedpushtheboundaries join (TPBS)in2018to Broadcasting Service Hathairat, whotheThaiPublic industrial adjustmentasanopportunity. news site,TheIsaanRecord, viewsthe the Thai-Englishsocialandcultural In May, thebusinessdata-driven said a growth in online Isaan Record saidagrowthinonline Krungtep TurakitKrungtep andThan a Bangkok publisher of a Bangkokpublisherof internet fee. afford technologyandareasonable among theurbanmiddleclass whocan penetration andrisingconsumption to grow, dueto increasing internet digital advertising,onlinenews ispoised said. segment ofmarketandaudience”,he news agencies,competingforthesame we arenowturningtobecomemorelike the election.“Butchallengeisthat largely withoutaconsequencethanksto platforms tooperateonmodestbudgets, said itwasagoodyearforonlinenews the editor-in-chiefofTheMomentum, elections. OrapinYingyongpattana, a largenumberofviewersduringthe top twentyonlinenewssitesattracting are alsogrowingfast.Theyamong Standard, market thelastfewyearssuchas market. junta MatichonGroup hasitsownniche while that ownedNationMultimedia umbrella ofthesamebusinessgroup Setthakit werealreadyalliedunderthe Despite its small market share in the Despite itssmallmarketshareinthe Online newsmagazinesalreadyinthe Prachachart TurakitPrachachart undertheanti- The Momentum,andMatter, Group, The The

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 51 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 52 Klampaiboon and civil rights activist Klampaiboon and civilrightsactivist against themediawillalsobe dropped. remains tobeseenwhetherthe case compromise theparty’s reputation.It and ruledthathiscomment did not Criminal CourtacquittedChulcherm Facebook post.OnSeptember18,the for publishingexcerptsofthesame was alsohitwithdefamationcase news siteTnews,EkkachaiRuangchai, The newseditorofpro-royalistonline seeking tooverthrowthemonarchy. the FFPpartyonaFacebookpostof Chulcherm Yugala forallegedlyaccusing well-known royalfamilymember defamation lawsuitinearlyAprilagainst a separate election-relatedcharge,filed disputes. other, embroilingthemediain defamation asaweapontoattackeach influencers. Rivalpoliticiansalsoused including themediaandsocial institutions againsttheircritics defamation cases,mostlybypublic Thailand witnessedaspikein Less thanamonthaftertheelections, NORMAL DEFAMATION, THENEW On April 5, anti-junta academic Sirote On April5,anti-juntaacademic Sirote The FFP, whichwasalreadyhitwitha legal legal the Constitution. question, inamovemandated under impeachment ofapublicinstitution in but incrementalsteptoward the complaints abouttheECT, asmall Corruption Commissiontoinvestigate a petitionwiththeNationalCounter Thailand DirectorofChange.org. years, accordingtoVarisra Sornpetch, campaign madeitthelargestinfive The unprecedentedresponsetothe attracted morethan800,000signatures. stop thecampaign,whichhadalready appeared tobeaimedatusinglaw the CriminalCode.TheECTaction under Section326and328of of upto200,000ThaiBaht(USD6,450) with uptotwoyearsinjailand/orafine performance. to signupremoveECTforitsflawed Facebook onApril3toinvitethepublic that SiroteandNuttaasharedon Change.org onlinesignaturecampaign (ECT). Thelegalactionconcerneda by theElectionCommissionofThailand defamation lawsuitfiledagainstthem separate policesummonsrelatedtoa TV’s with electionprogram,wereserved Nuttaa Mahattana,whoco-hostedVoice On April 11, the campaigners filed On April11,thecampaignersfiled Defaming apublicofficeris punishable on August 30 after he apologised and on August30after heapologisedand the OfficeofConstitutional Court prosecute Kowitfollowingameeting at determined tosuspendfromduty. FFP leaderThanathorn,whothe court in contrastwiththesamepetition against without suspendingtheirduties.Thiswas the petitionagainstpoliticians,but followed thecourt’s decisiontoaccept June 26asbeyond“thickskinned”.This coalition side,inaTweet publishedon shareholdings of32MPs,mostlyfromthe Court’s rulingrelatedtothemedia Turakitbusiness dailyKrungthep . Yuthana Nuancharat, anewseditor Sarinee Achavanunthakul,andjournalist Wongsurawat, independentscholar action tosummonpoliticalexpertKowit Court’s ElectionCasesDivisiontook Constitutional CourtandtheSupreme “contempt ofcourt”,theoffice In twoseparatehigh-profilecasesof OFCOURT CONTEMPT However, thecourtchosenot to Kowit hadcriticisedtheConstitutional Credit: MANANVATSYAYANA /AFP ahead oftheroyal coronation inMay. Grand Palace inBangkok onMay 3,2019, displayed outsideabuildingnearthe Thailand’s KingMahaVajiralongkorn Thai women walk past aportrait of

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 53 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 52 political partiesandcandidates. rulings relatedtothedisqualificationof following aspikeinonlinecriticismofits a warningtothepublicofsuchoffense, court intheamendedcodeappearedtobe rationale andsanctityofcontempt Court issuedonJuly25toexplainthe Section 39oftheCode. to 50,000baht(aboutUSD1600)under up toonemonth’s jailand/orafineofup officer, ajudgeandthecourtispunishable took effectinMarch 2018.Defamingan Constitutional ProcedureCode,which 38 andSection39oftheamendmentto summoned bytheCourtunderSection case. Theacademicwasthefirsttobe about hismisunderstandingofthe note agreed topublishanexplanatory Rule by Law (Revisited), the Case of Rule byLaw(Revisited), theCaseof in anarticletitled“PerilsofExcessive accused ofdisparagingtheSupreme Court its websiteforsevendays.Sarinee was Turakit newspaperforthreedaysand and Yutthana, respectively, inKrunthep co, forsevendaysfromOctober10 apology onSarinee’s website,fringer. Yutthana following acourt-ordered charge Sarineeandco-defendant 22 dismissingthecontemptofcourt the constitutionalmonarchy”. the oppositionFFPon“overthrowing petition filedbytherulingjuntaagainst the election,includingcontroversial decisions expectedthisyearrelatedto of theparty. Therewereotherpending ultimately leadingtothedissolution for primeministerwasunconstitutional, Princess Ubolratanaasapartycandidate Chart Party’s nominationofpopular that theThaksin-linkedThaiRaksa The statement by the Constitutional The statementbytheConstitutional The Supreme Court ruled on October The SupremeCourtruledonOctober Earlier thisyear, thecourtalsoruled authoritarianism” a path of “digital towardis heading the government speech, free curb to still beabused law that could crime computer the amended Compounding continue operation. licensing feesoftheoperatorswantingto 100 million),theorderalsowaived worth ofthreebillionbaht(aboutUSD compensation package.With a combined operating licensestotheNBTCwitha 3 FamilyandBrightTV, toreturntheir MCOT Family, six otherpro-establishmentstations: to bailouttheanti-juntaVoice TV , and issued NCPOChief’s orderNo.4/2562 since 2014.InMay2019,GeneralPrayuth TV stationslargelyoperatinginthered broadcast media,includingsevendigital magazine also closeddownits66year-oldnews newspapers inthecountry, SiamRath business losses.Oneoftheoldestpolitical year togodigital-onlyfollowingyearsof which closedtheirprinteditionsthis language businessdailyPostToday, English dailyTheNationandtheThai- established newspapers,thenational include 120mediaworkersfromtwo The 800joblossesrecordedintheyear HARDER TIMES published inthenewspaperonMay14. Media ShareholdingbyMPsCandidates professionals. In a joint statement on professionals. In ajointstatementon the mostexperiencedandcommitted unfair tolaid-offstaff,whowere among criticised theNBTC‘sbail-out programas as thePressCouncilofThailand haveall Broadcasting CouncilofThailand aswell Association, ThaiBroadcast,The News Association, ThaiBroadcastJournalists professional groups,theThaiJournalists Thailand (NUJT)andotherfourmedia defunct analoguechannel. number ofstaffworkingforthenow- Channel 7plannedtoretrenchalarge year’s end.Eventhearmy-ownedstation were planningtoreducestaffbythe GMM Newswerealsostrugglingand 4 U,newsandentertainmentchannel Remaining digitalchannelsTNN, Thai TVcancelledtwochannelsin2015. left inoperationafterSeptember2019. with only15outof22digitalchannels years agohaslostouttotheinternet, A Thaimediamarketseenasvibrantfive anytimesoon. could notseearecovery billion baht(USD90million)andhe combined netlossworthofabout10 Tantasith, saidthestationshada Another 700 job losses were from Another 700joblosseswerefrom The National Union of Journalists The NationalUnionofJournalists general,TakornNBTC secretary Siam RathWeekly. Spring, Spring News, 3SD,

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required bythelabourlaw. compensating themabovethestandard to ensurefairtreatmentforstaffby of money. Theyurgedtheindustry were compensatedwithahugesum seven stationshadsufferedlossesbut May 14,thecoalitionsaidnotallof account. • capability ofthemediatohold powersto the impactonqualityjournalism andthe workers intothefuture,butalso about not onlyoverthelivelihoodsof media had raisedconcerns, media industry largest medialay-offsevertohittheThai NUJT said. survive in the changing media landscape, inthechangingmedialandscape, survive been plannedtoenablejournalists and knowledgesupportprogramshave compensation. Aseriesofskillbuilding for unlawfulterminationandunfair who filedpetitionswiththelabourcourt includes anumberofChannel3staffers to negotiatewiththeiremployers.This legal aid,whilealsosupportingthem and arehelpingsomemediaworkerswith the labourcrisisinmediaindustry groups havesetupacentretomonitor resign orotherpersonalreasons. their jobsduetomanagementpressure workers –particularlyfieldreportersleft to insiders,asignificantnumberofmedia than thefiguresdocumented.According actual joblossesmightbemuchhigher welfare orotherbenefits. freelancing conditions,withoutsocial Work istoooftenunderpart-timeor but withrelativelylowcompensation. journalists tohavemulti-platformskills, Thai JournalistsAssociation. Mongkol Bangprabha,Presidentofthe from whattheywereusedto,”said content andspeedwouldbefardifferent landscape wheretheworkingconditions, jobs willfindithardtoadjustthenew share ofthemarket. platforms areexpectedtograbalarger as internetand‘outofhome’(OOH) to 8.73billionbaht(USD2.5billion), sector issettodeclineby2.83percent Intelligence. Advertisinginthemedia and marketingresearch agencyMedia looks grim,accordingtodatafrommedia shrink in2019andthe2020forecast What isclearbyyear’s endisthatthe NUJT and a coalition of professional NUJT andacoalitionofprofessional According totheNUJT, thefiguresof The currentmediamarketrequires “Experienced journalistswholosttheir Television advertisingcontinuedto

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 53 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 54 D followed by the threat of targeted followed bythe threatoftargeted (according to41 percentofresponses), the mainthreattopressfreedom and workingconditionsisconsidered certain threatspersist.Poorwages outlook, however, found thesurvey past 12months.Despitethe positive “significantly improved”overthe the country’s mediasituationhad 63 percentofrespondentsfeltthat Timor revealedthat Leste.Thesurvey (IFJ) canvassed49mediaworkersin International FederationofJournalists Journalist Unions(SEAJU)andthe freedom inTimor Leste. be donetoguaranteegenuinepress be surmountedandmuchneedsto landscape, manychallengesneedto . political parties)andoneonlinestate privately owned(partlysupportedby four onlinemedia,threeofwhichare radio stations,fourtelevision including fivedailynewspapers;33 50 mediaorganisations:10print, of Timor Leste,in2017therewere and onlineportals. emergence ofprint,electronic,radio alsowitnessedthecritical country guarantees ofpressfreedom.The part, demonstratedbyconstitutional the promiseofdemocracywas,in Republic ofTimor Lestein2002, new mediaindustry. occupation whichpavedthewayfora from Indonesiaafter24yearsof forindependence overwhelmingly since thepeopleofEastTimor voted marked20years In 2019,thecountry freedom ofexpressionandafreemedia. OLD CHALLENGES NEW COUNTRY, n The 2019 survey by the South East bytheSouthEast The 2019survey In thisburgeoningmedia According tothePressCouncil After thebirthofDemocratic TIMORLESTE then EastTimor committedto the leadershipofwhatwas restoration ofindependence, uring thestrugglefor effective implementation is wanting. effective implementation iswanting. government’s politicalwill,although law itselfisademonstration of the but “needingimprovement”. The government’s effortsas“acceptable” ratingthe of journalistssurveyed responses,with84percent survey commitment isreflectedinthe commitment topressfreedom.This number 4/2014,articulatesthestate’s attacks forjournalism(20percent). Although Timor Lesterankshigher The country’s newmedialaw, Largest survey base:(1)Dili responses covering 6provinces. n n leadership n n Education/training n individual; Threats to organisation issue: n Acceptable/Moderate most positive score and10theworst score. attitudes/ responses –with1representing the *Scale outof10basedonmediaworker/ n and professionalism or legislation, (2)Journalist ethics situation: n Targeted attack for my journalism wages andworking conditions, (2) n Improved n TIMOR LESTE:

Survey base:49 survey Justice system ranking: 4.3* Impunity influence: Political Mediaimpunity scale:4.7* Influencing factor onsafety: Biggest workplace safety Mediasafety rating: Key influencers onsafety Key safety threats: (1)Poor Mediafreedom situation: Equal score: (1)Threats to (1) Government policy informed reports. However, one in-depth, clear, balanced andwell- for journalists,helpingthem produce most importantprofessional aspects Access toinformationisone ofthe LACK OFTRANSPARENCY work. to facemanyproblemsintheirdaily not quiteasrosy. Journalistscontinue indices ofpressfreedom,therealityis than itsneighboursoninternational

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 55 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 54 making process iscomplete,relevant Even afterthe biddinganddecision- fall beyondscrutinybythemedia. government projectsandtoo often that haveparticipatedinbidding for includes proposalsbycompanies media. Inparticular, thisinformation refusing togivedocumentsthe monopoly oninformation,regularly documents. Thegovernmentholdsa of accesstocrucialinformationand Timor Lestecontinuetoface,isalack of themainproblemsjournalistsin they posessisa statesecret. – inaccuratelythattheinformation hide corruption,someofficials claim In whatappearstobeanattempt to information infearoflosing theirjobs. cases, officialsarehesitantto give role ofthemedia,andinother comprehend andunderstandthe this. Somesources arestillyetto media. documents arenotaccessiblebythe Domingos Gomes, a journalist for Domingos Gomes, ajournalistfor There areseveralreasonsfor tribute was amongthemany celebrations marking20years since Timor The birthoftheDemocratic Republic ofTimor Leste in2002 supported democracy withconstitutional guarantees ofpress freedom. Asunset Leste’s historic independence vote celebrated across thecountry in freedom of information. Acts that stop, freedom ofinformation. Actsthatstop, 4/2004 penalises attemptstothwart Communication Law(theMedia Law) complete andbalancedstories. challenging forjournaliststo produce part ofthegovernmentmakes it I can’t reallyproduceagoodstory.” afraid. Otherssay, ‘it’s astatesecret’.So, to givecomments.Someofthemare I meetwithsources buttheyrefuse Independentesaid:“Manytimes, Jornal September 2019. Credit: EUGENIOPEREIRA Article 41 of the Social and Article 41oftheSocialand The lackoftransparencyonthe

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 55 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 56 A government-appointed advisor A government-appointedadvisor RTTL -RadioTelevisi Timor Leste). TV-station TVTL(whichispartof the editorialdecisionsbystate-owned bythegovernmentin intervention There remainsconsiderable LONG ARMOFTHESTATE guarantees. done toraiseawarenessaroundthese journalists. Muchmoreneedstobe officials areunawareoftherights In reality, however, manygovernment but alsotheireffectiveimplementation. press liesnotonlyinlegalguarantees to cooperate. comments, thegovernmenthas also saysthatifajournalistasksfor of aminister, forinstance.Thelaw filming ortakingpicturesofthehouse a journalistfromcoveringstory, from terms thatitisagainstthelawtostop The PressCouncilexplainsinpractical work ofjournalistsmustberespected. is aimedatgivingthemessagethat authorities indistricts.Suchpublicity the police,defenceforces andthe awareness aboutthemedialawamong on officialwhims. this lawmakesitsefficacydependent supporting documentstoimplement of legalprocedurestogainaccess imprisonment. Yet theinadequacy can bepunishedwithuptotwoyears outjournalisticwork those carrying threaten, prohibitordenyspaceto Importantly, realfreedomofthe Timor Leste’s PressCouncil is raising

the rights of journalists to be respected, the rightsofjournaliststoberespected, interference atRTTL.Italsoaskedfor and refrain frompoliticalintervention respect editorialindependence,andto askingallinstitutionsto intervention, strong statementstocondemnsuch independence atRTTL. another signoftheerosioneditorial This clearconflictofinterestisyet him withFranciscodaCostaGari. Costa fromtheRTTLboard,replacing investigation, AkararemovedGillda opposition partyFretilin.Followingthe station RTTLandalsoamemberofthe the state-ownedradioandtelevision Gill daCosta,presidentoftheboard Francisco daCostaGaritoinvestigate do Reis‘Akara’,assignedhisadvisor Communication, MericioJuvinal forSocialand the StateSecretary of interferencecametolightwhen will bereduced. doesn’t followinstructions,funding be used. covered andalsowhichsources should stories tocover, howtheyshouldbe journalistic activitiesanddecideswhat sits intheeditingroom,overseeing Timor Leste’s PressCouncilhasissued In Octoberlastyear, anotheract The controlisclear:ifaTV-station freedom, the reality isnot asrosy. quite thereality freedom, of press oninternationalneighbours indices higherthanits ranks Leste Timor Although is a media that is pressured to focus on is amediathatpressuredtofocuson on mediaindependence,theendresult impacts. Asidefromtheclearimpact reporting andthesubsequenteconomic workplace: bothintermsofcritical in anuncomfortablepositionthe news coverage,puttingjournalists authorities undueinfluenceover subscriptions canalsobecut. writes criticalstoriesaboutaminister, as punishment.Indeed,ifajournalist coverage, theywithholdadvertising authorities areunhappywithcertain or stopadvertisinganytime.When with thegovernmentabletointervene puts mediainaprecarioussituation, revenue fromthegovernment.This most mediarelyingonadvertisement to getgovernmentattention,with operations competewitheachother andmedia Leste isasmallcountry through advertising.ButTimor organisations, whichmakemoney Most mediainstitutionsarecommercial THENARRATIVECONTROLLING owned TV-channel. balanced andcrediblenewsatthestate- pointing outthepublichasarightto This situation continues to give This situationcontinuestogive Credit: JOSE BELO on November 6,2019. Guterres LúOloinDili President Francisco weekly meeting with the Mediaafter his Ruak speaksto Minister Taur Matak Timor Leste Prime

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 57 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 56 also affects their professionalism and also affectstheir professionalismand hours tosupplement theirincome.It being forced totakeonotherworkafter their families.Thisresultsin journalists make adecentlivingandprovide for are insufficientformostjournalists to lowsalarieswhich continue topayvery media organisationsinTimor Leste need tobepaiddecentwages.However, professional standards,todosothey do theirjobsinaccordancewithhigh advertisements tothenewspaper. affairs, hestoppedtheallocationof when hebecameministerofforeign subsequently takentocourtandlater held agovernmentpost.Thecasewas time, hewasnotyetaministerbut had achildoutsideofmarriage.Atthe article regardingsuspicionsthathe of ForeignAffairs,afterpublishingan Costa BaboSoares,thecurrentMinister already beenblacklistedbyDionisioda or jeopardiseadvertisingrevenue. “safe” storiesthatdon’t rocktheboat While journalists are expected to While journalistsareexpectedto Independentehas The dailyJornal capital ofDili,September 1999. 21, Credit: DAVID GUTTENFELDER/POOLAFP troops andUnited Nations representatives to arefugee campinDare, East Timor, outsideofthe freedom inthecountry. East Timorese refugees cheerthearrival oftruckscarryingAustralian Twenty years onfrom Independence Timor Leste still haswork to doto guarantee genuinepress official comment. media ifstoriesarepublished without various waysandregularlyattack the officers canblockaccessto ministers in witha minister.interviews These approach whentheyareseeking authoritiesthatjournalistsmust very reputation ofthemedia. todestroythe “hoaxes” andtry or “thieves”andlabeltheirstories media, callingthem“incompetent” These mediaofficersalsoattackcritical on varioussocialmediaplatforms. policies and activities and publish them positive storiesaboutthegovernment’s ministers havemediaofficerswhowrite good journalisminTimor Leste. continues todiscourageandundermine bonuses anddecentwelfaremeasures fee fortheirservices. to sources who aremorelikelytogivea independence, whenjournaliststurn These actions continue to exert These actionscontinue toexert But thesemediaofficersarethe Within thegovernment,allserving The lackofdecentwages,benefits, Facebook: “This person committed Facebook: “This personcommitted to ajournalist and publiclywroteon case, apressofficersentmessage state andgovernmentofficials. Inone discrimination, committedby the There werefourcasesofthreats or against journalistswereregistered. 2016 to2019,twocasesofviolence numbers fromgoingup. to beaddressedinorderprevent of violencethathaveoccurredneed What isclearthatthefewcases journalist safetyinTimor Leste. leadership waskeytoimproving The majorityofrespondentssaid security measurestoprotectthem. did notprovideanysafetyor of respondentssaidtheiremployer the IFJ-SEAJUsurvey, 61percent in theSouthEastAsiaregion.In Leste comparedwithothercountries against journalistsislowinTimor The numberofviolentattacks VIOLENCE ANDTHREATS giving risetoself-censorship. considering doingcriticalstories, psychological pressureonjournalists According to Press Council data, from According toPressCouncildata,from

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 57 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 58 in Timor Leste,andmore specifically government to truemediafreedom doubts aboutthecommitment ofthe to protectthemedia.Thisraises for violatingthelawsthatare there other individualhasbeenprosecuted workplace asthemainissues. individual alongwiththreatstothe rankedthreatstothe SEAJU survey 60 percentrespondentsoftheIFJ- they couldnotfindasource. become cautiousandcomebacksaying might their editortochaseastory reporters whohavebeensentoutby such intimidation.Forexample, forms ofself-censorshiptodealwith will facejustice.” You willseetheconsequenceslater. You gross defamationagainstourminister. To date,nostateofficerorany In termsofsafetyandsecurityissues, Many mediaworkerspracticevarious propose relevantpropose amendments. May 2019,that thegovernment to intended publiclyin stating ManuelCarceres Minster defamation withtheJustice inthepenalcode, arerenewed moves include to There crime in line with the Indonesian and crime inlinewith theIndonesianand in 2005,included defamationasa the penalcode,ratifiedbyparliament decriminalised defamation. A UNTAET ExecutiveOrderin2002 CRIMINALISING DEFAMATION the comingyears. journalists werepredictedtoincreasein code ofethicsaswellthreatsagainst of complaints,includingthebreach move cameatatimewhenthenumber in Timor LesteandIndonesia.This organisations topromotepressfreedom signed severalagreementswithlocal this year, theTimor LestePressCouncil protect journalists. communication, whosetaskitisto ofStatesocialand the Secretary Controversially, afirstversionof During itsvisittoIndonesiainMarch on theparliamenttodropproposal. then President,XananaGusmao,called and theinternationalcommunity, the protests bycivilsocietygroups,NGOs Portuguese criminalcodes.Following the country. The orderwasmadein not anapplicable criminaloffencein stating thatthelawofdefamation was despite theUNTAET Orderclearly provisions forcriminaldefamation of theProsecutorGeneralused the official circles in Timor Leste. collusion, nepotismandcorruptionin from doinginvestigativestoriesabout were seenasthreatstoscarejournalists removed. Nevertheless,theseattempts a crime.However, thearticlewaslater penal code)toincludedefamationas Timor LestestillusedtheIndonesian drafting anewpenalcode(atthattime by theministerofjustice,whowas government, therewasanewattempt During the4 On December 12, 2008, the office On December12,2008,theoffice Credit: EUGENIOPEREIRA independence onSeptember 4,2019. of thesuccessful referendum vote for to celebrate the 20year anniversary Peace” rally inTimor Leste’s capitalDili Students participate inthe“Road to th constitutional constitutional

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 59 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 58 constitutional promisesofdemocracy. it wouldamounttoabetrayalof introduction ofcriminaldefamation, if Timor Lestegoesaheadwiththe these avenuesarerarelyused. material,but liability fordefamatory media rectificationandtodemandcivil Law, thereareavenuestorequest noted thatundertheCommunication support fortheproposal.Itshouldbe well astheoppositionexpressingtheir president, speakeroftheparliamentas accepted byotherstateactorswiththe amendments. Thisideawaswidely intended toproposerelevant in May2019,thatthegovernment Manuel Carceres statingpublicly penal code,withtheJusticeMinster moves toincludedefamationinthe Tempo Semanalwasthendropped. criminal defamation.Thecaseagainst was withoutanarticledealingwith penal codewasfinallyapproved,it in 2009,whenthefirst Timorese movements andjournalists.Later civil society, internationalsolidarity led toprotestsandpetitionsfrom of uniformstoprisonguards.This Lobato inacaseaboutthesupply against thethenJusticeMinisterLucia Semanal aboutcorruptionallegations relation toanarticlewrittenbyTempo Civil society groups have said that Civil societygroupshavesaidthat Ten yearson,therearerenewed Tasitolu, Timor Leste. Credit: EUGENIOPEREIRA to commemorate the20thanniversary ofthereferendum in greeted by students onAugust 3,2019 whileattending anevent Former PrimeMinister ofTimor Leste, Xanana Gusmao, is

for up to three years. for uptothreeyears. that canputajournalistbehindbars as aghostofcolonialPortugueselaw referred tobypressfreedomadvocates “slanderous denunciation”hasbeen criminal code,Article285for provision oftheoldPortuguese currently criminalisedefamation,the consequences. altogether becauseoftheseverity away frominvestigativereporting result maybethatthemediawalks fear ofdoingcriticalstories.Theend on journalistsandtheentrenched notwithstanding thenegativeimpact The consequencesarepotentiallyhuge, public prosecutor received a complaint public prosecutorreceivedacomplaint against others.However, in2016the system asaninstrumentofretribution prevent peoplefromabusingthejustice The rationale behind the Article is to The rationalebehindtheArticleisto While the penal code does not While thepenalcodedoesnot punishment. as advertising they withhold coverage, certain are unhappy with authorities When of thepress.• themselves andsafeguardthefreedom and trainingtoadequatelyprotect sufficient information,support Leste needtobeequippedwith are alsolimited,journalistsinTimor and whereoptionsforlegalchallenges complexities ofthelegalframework is limitedunderstandingofthe media asadefamationlawalternative. use itagainstindividualsandtosilence false accusation,thereispotentialto for usewhenthereisclearevidenceof While thiscriminaloffenceisintended the rightoffreedomexpression. has thepotentialtoseriouslyimpact misused byTimorese authoritiesand Leste, thislegalprovisionisbeing strengthen humanrightsinTimor which provideslegalassistanceto weapon againstjournalists. the useofthiscriminalprovisionasa But thecasedidraisequestionsregarding cleared thejournalistsofanycharges. media, includingtheIFJ,Court campaign byTimorese andinternational journalists. Afteralengthyprocessand to investigateandprosecutethetwo Post. TheprosecutorusedArticle285 by twojournalistsfromtheTimor published de Araujoinrelationtoastory from thethenPrimeMinisterDrMaria In a new country where there wherethere In anewcountry According toJU,SJurídicoSocial,

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 59 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 60 n n n n n n 36-45 (28%). aged 26-35(41%),followedby were intheIFJ-SEAJUsurvey surveyed The greatestproportionofjournalists Demographics: ANDRESULTS FINDINGS KEY n Career: Professional AGE WOMEN 35%  ithin media platforms,32% of mediasafety. government orstateontheissue discussions ordialogueswith had alreadyconductedmeetings/ said theirunionsororganisations organisations orunions,and 47% 6 rights. of respondentscoveredhuman crime/law. InMyanmar, 27% (3) governance, (3)humanrights general news,(2)politics/ by therespondentswere:(1) employees. employees and5%ofpart-time were also11%offull-timecontract identifying asfreelancers.There employees, followedby26% employed. identified themselvesasself- by thecommunity. Another5% media, 24%bypublicand7% media. 28% byregional,and16%local employed bymetro-basedmedia, multimedia. primarily insocialmediaand identified ashavingthework while another10%respectively as digitalmediajournalists, space, 23%ofjournalistsidentified and 5%intelevision.Inthedigital media, followedby23%indigital, identified asworkinginprint in otherprofessionalsub-sections. smaller numberswererepresented multimedia journalists;and reporters/ journalists;10%were The mostcommonbeatscovered 50% werefull-timeregular 61% wereemployedbyprivate 40% ofjournalistssur W 57% ofrespondentswere 5% were members of professional 5% weremembersofprofessional 13% 18-25 41% 26-35 28% 36-45 MEN 65% veyed were veyed were 10% 46-55

7% 55+

n n n n n n n n n n n n follows: country,By thekey were as threats for journalism. authorities; and(2)Targeted attacks Asia were:(1)Arrestordetainmentby The biggestthreatsacrossSouthEast Situation: Media imor Leste:Poorwagesand

policy or legislation. policy orlegislation. ownership; and(2)government developments were:(1)Media cited forthelackofpositive terms ofimpunity. Thereasons unchanged inthepastyear had notimprovedorremained media situationintheircountry physically attacked. reprimanded atwork;and8%were 9% weresacked,demoted,or through messages;another threatened; 9%receivedthreats experiences relatedwiththeirwork of journalistshadnegative created safetyconcernsforthem working conditions mobile devices journalism work or sackedfromjob;Targeted for the workplace;Beingreprimanded Onlineharassment;Attackson - conditions for journalismwork by theauthorities and professionalism legislation, (2) Journalistethics were (1)Governmentpolicy or (63%). Keyreasonsforthis media situationhadimproved policy orlegislation political actors,(2)Government on safetysituationwere:(1)State/ seriously declining.Keyinfluencers felt thatthemediasituationwas Journalists inT In Cambodia,50%ofjournalists 37% oftherespondentssaid 24% ofjournalistswerepersonally In thepast12months,25% 61% ofjournalistssaidtheirwork T Thailand: Cyber-attacksthrough Philippines: Equallyscoringwere Malaysia: Poorwagesandworking Indonesia andMyanmar:T Cambodia: Arrestordetainment imor Leste felt the imor Lestefeltthe argeted argeted

IMPROVING NO CHANGE n n n Workplace issues: n Government efforts: in South East Asia East in South freedom onmedia card report The FREEDOM PRESS *Thailand results not recorded results *Thailand n n n BECAUSE OF: n SIGNIFICANTLY

(Philippines) (Malaysia, Myanmar, Leste) Timor Government orlegislation policy Media ownership(Indonesia) State/political actors(Cambodia) Journalist ethics&professionalism measures to protect them. measures toprotect them. safety andsecurity adequate organisations donotprovide said theiremployersormedia government orpoliticians. factor waspoliticalstatementsbythe While inthePhilippines,main influence onthesafetysituation. media controlasthebiggest majority ofrespondentsidentified safety (16%) Legalmechanismsforjournalist (2) Media controls(25%),followedby situation forjournalistswere:(1) toaddressthesafety or otherwise level ofgovernmentcommitment it asmoderateorneutral. Malaysia, 51%ofrespondentsranked 84% ofrespondentsrespectively. In efforts asacceptable,with66%and Leste rankedtheirgovernments’ Respondents inMyanmarandTimor to journalistsasworsening. to providesufficientprotection (33%) definedgovernmentefforts The majorityofrespondents (57%) In CambodiaandMyanmar The keyinfluencesthatdefinedthe Nearly athirdofrespondents 37% 3% 3%

14% SERIOUSLY DECLINING: , a , a 31% WORSENING:

15% IMPROVING

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 61 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 60 n n n n n n (L) inPhnomPenhMarch 15,2019.Credit: TANG CHHINSOTHY/AFP Cambodian PrimeMinisterHunSen(R)speaksatapress conference withSouthKorea’s President MoonJae-in In Cambodia,persecutionandgeneraldistrustofjournalistsbygovernmentactorscontinuedthisyear. factor forthiswere communication. of theincidentsasgoodand the key for themwasthreatstoindividual. the keysafetyandsecurityconcerns Malaysia, respondentsweresaid that percentage oftheresponses,andin to organisation,whichhadthesame the threatstoindividualand In Timor Leste,themainfactorwere Philippines, Myanmar, andThailand. journalists inCambodia,Indonesia, safety andsecurityconcernsfor colleagues withinthelast12months. had affectedthemortheirworkplace attacks. threats tojournalistsand(3)personal workplaces were(1)legalissues,(2) and securityissuesforjournalist identified asthekeyinfluence. lack ofleadershipandawarenesswas as neitherpositiveornegative.A handling ofsafetyandsecurityissues and securitymeasuresforthem. organisations didprovidethesafety said theiremployersormedia than halfofallrespondents(58%) 43% ranked their employers handling 43% rankedtheiremployers handling Legal issuewasalsothemainkey 28% ofjournalistssaidlegalissues In theworkplace,biggestsafety 38% ofrespondentsrankedemployer In thePhilippines,however, more answered byThailandrespondents employers handlingoftheincidents wasnot 2. Thisquestionofthekeyfactoron how the respondents situation wasnotansweredbyThailand 1. Thisquestionofthereasonson media ______n n n n Impunity

excellent and 10 being extremely excellent and10beingextremely of possiblescore10(1being handling ofimpunitywas7.2out the SouthEastAsiangovernment’s as thedominantimpunityinfluence. Thailand) identifiedthegovernment (Cambodia, Indonesia,Malaysia,& ethics. justice system,and(4)journalism leadership, (2)government,(3) Asia wereidentifiedas:(1)political influences onimpunityinSouthEast poor). excellent and10beingextremely of possiblescore10(1being against journalistswas7out handling ofthreatsandviolence poor). The overall regional ranking for The overallregionalrankingfor Journalists infourcountries The fourpredominantnegative Criminal and civil justice system Criminal andciviljusticesystem ETHICS: JOURNALISM in the past yearin thepast of theirjob 61% felt because insecure of work 28% 24% 1. THREATSKEY TO JOURNALISM: 3. 2. 1. CONCERNS: ANDSECURITY SAFETY n n BY INFLUENCES KEY COUNTRY: 3. 2. WHY: attitudes/responses (10beingtheworstscore) *scale outof1-10basedonmediaworkers system ranking:7 Justice Impunity ranking:7.2 IMPUNITY  

4% CRIME: Thailand Government: Leste Myanmar &Timor leadership: Political Threats to myself or others close to me; me; to myself to close orothers Threats Targeted attack for journalismwork State intervention or police raids intervention orpolice State attacks Personal organisation to Threats Poor wages andworking conditions Poor by or detainment authorities Arrest 9% CONFLICT: had legal issues affect issues had legal theirplace threatened were personally GOVERNMENT: 7% 25%

Indonesia, Philippines & & Philippines Indonesia,

(up from 50%in 2018) 8% MILITARY: Cambodia, Malaysia, Cambodia,

(UPFROM7IN2018)

8% POLICE: (UNCHANGED) 25% LEADERSHIP: POLITICAL 14% SYSTEM: JUSTICE

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 61 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 62 Indicators (JSIs). These indicators are further defined areby IFJ further indicators These (JSIs). classifications. Indicators IFJSafety Journalist categorisation mappingprovidesof violations specific the across region by UNESCO of journalists IFJ-SEAJU bytogether withIFJ theIFJ violations isundertaken monitoring Asia. East Asia-Pacific, South affiliates in INDICATORS SAFETY BY JOURNALISTS’ (JSI) NOVEMBER 31,2019 1,2018–OCTOBER n RECORDED TOTAL: 302VIOLATIONS 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. INDICATORS (JSIS) SAFETY BY JOURNALISTS’ EASTASIAVIOLATIONSSOUTH the IFJindicatorsabove. to journalistsbutfurtherdetailedunder Arrests andjailingarelistedunderthreats considered threatstojournalists. media. Intimidationandharassmentare monitoring arerecordedasattacksonthe Internet shutdownsforthepurposeof Notes: 3 age threats: j. egislation/Government 5 Controls: i. 16 cases: egal h. 2 attacks: ender-based g. f. 5 efamation attacks/threats: e. d. onrural, regional or ttacks/threats 1 against freelancers: ttacks/threats c. b. a. IFJ Indicators

    

W L L G D A A shutdowns: 9 Online attacks/internet attacks/internet Online 1 Disappearances: 7 Arrests/jailing: INSTITUTIONS -20 ATTACKS ONMEDIA INSTITUTIONS -17 THREATS AGAINST MEDIA -2 OFJOURNALISTS KILLINGS -35 JOURNALISTS NON-FATAL ATTACKS ON -219 JOURNALISTS OTHER THREATS TO -9 OF JOURNALISTS THREATS AGAINST THELIVES minority journalists: 4 minority journalists: MEDIA RIGHTS VIOLATIONSMEDIA RIGHTS EASTASIA INSOUTH

were arrested. were arrested. Thai BoonRoong corporationwhenthey dispute between villagersandthepowerful ofa20-year commune coveringthestory were reportingfromSihanoukville’s Muoy and KeoRattana,areporterforTNTVOnline , Hun Sokha,ofFacebookmediaoutlet CPNTV, protest regardinganongoingland dispute. Two reportersare arrested forcoveringthe July 19,2019:Muoy, Sihanoukville(A)** of “incitementtodiscriminate”. on May30andJune12thatfoundhimguilty Me”. Hissentencingcameaftertwohearings on childprostitutioncalled“MyMotherSold producedadocumentary the newsservice his workwithMoscow’s after RT NewsService Mony issentencedtotwoyearsinprisonfor Translator andlocaljournalistRathRott Penh Municipality(A)** June 26,2019:PhnomPenh, order toclearafloodedforest. authority colludedwithabusinessmanin In avideoclip,thepublishersaidlocal published onthewebsiteMarch 12,2019. onforestclearing complaint relatestoastory Tourism andCulture,KongMongkul.The president ofBoengPearaingBirdSanctuary Ret, receivesacourtcomplaintfiledbythe Kampuchea SovanphumNewspublisher, Phlong Province (G)** March 15,2019:SiemReap,Reap released thefollowingday. 13and were detainedadaylateronFebruary to reportonoperationalirregularities.They reporters claimtheywerevisitingthesite the ownerofaminingpitinarea.The with theircarsandextortingmoneyfrom business operationsbyblockingtheentrance He accusesthejournalistsofinterrupting and ThuokSamnangofKampotDaily. Khemrak Angkor,Tun Mouv, ofKhmernote, against threejournalists-UonMinea,of Businessman Tak Chilaofilesacomplaint (G) ** 12,2019:AngSnuol,Kandal February OTHER THREATS TO JOURNALISTS G. Legalcases:3 minority journalists:1 C. Attacks/threatsonrural,regionalor A. Arrests/jailing:2 IFJ Indicators TOTAL: 8 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. CAMBODIA

Attacks onmediainstitutions:1 Threats againstmediainstitutions:0 Killings ofjournalists:0 Non-fatal attacksonjournalists:2 Other threatstojournalists:5 Threats againstthelivesofjournalists:0

her andthepublisher. screenshots ofWhatsAppmessagesbetween the detailsofincidentandprovided Philippine embassyinPhnomPenhoutlining The journalistwroteanopenlettertothe publisher, MohanTirvgmanasam Banddam. being sexuallyharassedbythenewspaper’s resigns fromtheKhmerTimes afterallegedly April Reposar, aPhilippinejournalist, Penh Municipality(F)** June 17,2019:PhnomPenh, in theSiemReapprovince. on forestclearingneartheriverfishingarea Mangkul andhisaccompliceswhilereporting is assaultedbycommunityleaderKong Cambodia MediaAssociationforFreedom, Sim ChhivchheanPiseth,ajournalistforthe Reap (C)** 26,2019:BeongPearang,Siem January NON-FATAL ATTACKS new investigationintothecase. Court defersaverdictinthetrialandorders On October3,the Sotheari bothdenytheysharedstatesecrets. accused ofespionage.UonChhinandYeang former Court trialproceedingsbeginagainsttwo Penh Municipality(G)** July 26,2019:PhnomPenh, H. Legislation/Government controls:1 G. Legalcases:4 D. Defamationattacks/threats:1 minority journalists:2 C. Attacks/threatsonrural,regional or B. Attacks/threatsagainstfreelancers: 1 A. Arrests/jailing:1 IFJ Indicators TOTAL: 43 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. INDONESIA middle ofthenight”. “handcuff anoppositionpartyleaderinthe he could“faceprotests”andthat on towarnVora thatifMengrefusedtogo female relativeoftheleader. HunSenwent to fire32staffers,includingapregnant conversation relatestoVora’s allegedplan CEO, OukVora, fromhisposition.The owner, KithMeng,toremovethecompany minister, HunSen,orderingCNCTV audio recordingofCambodia’s prime Radio Free Asiabroadcastsaleaked15-minute December 25,2018:PhnomPenh INSTITUTIONS ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA

Attacks onmediainstitutions:3 Threats againstmediainstitutions:0 Killings ofjournalists:0 Non-fatal attacksonjournalists:24 Other threatstojournalists:15 Threats againstthelivesofjournalists:1 Radio Free Asia(RFA) journalists Phnom Penh Municipal Phnom PenhMunicipal

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 63 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 62 involving thecandidate. stories onallegationsoffinancial fraud by alegislativecandidateafterpublishing of Okesultra.com,arereportedtopolice of Detiksultra.com,andWiwid AbidAbadi, South EastSulawesijournalists Fadli Aksar, Sulawesi (G)** 8,2019:Kendari,Southeast January Gde BagusNarendraPrabangsa. of killingBalinesejournalistAnakAgung 20 years’jailtime.Susramawasconvicted Nyoman Susramafromalifesentenceto sentence ofconvictedjournalistkillerI President JokoWidodo commutesthe Special CapitalRegionofJakarta December 7,2018:CentralJakarta, Wahib Maktub. Technology andHigherEducationAbdul special stafftotheMinisterofResearch, id, isthreatenedwithlegalactionbythe Mawa Kresna,ajournalistfromTirto. (G) Special CapitalRegionofJakarta November 27,2018:SouthJakarta, OTHER THREATS TO JOURNALISTS Pakpak Bharatinhisstories. in voiced concernsoverpublicservices hadpreviously North Sumatra.Irvan against enteringtheareaofPakpakBharat, receivesadeaththreatwarninghim Irvan Correspondent forTVstation,One Sumatra (B)** North December 4,2018:PakpakBharat, JOURNALISTS THREATS AGAINST OF THELIVES oil fromacorporation. ‘granted legalimmunity’fortaking subsidised Bireun Regent,whomhealleged hadbeen case wasbroughtbythebrother of thearea’s for postingastatementonFacebook. The com, sentence toM.Reza,ajournalist forRealitas. A courtinBireuenhandsdowna one-year May 15,2019:Bireuen,Aceh(A)** tennis duringworkhours. of PublicWork andHousingplayingtable after herecordedstaffoftheDistrictOffice Radar Madurajournalist East Java,releasesaperpetratorwhoassaulted The DistrictCourtofBangkalan,Madura, April 29,2019:Bangkalan,EastJava stadium inSurabaya. gathered outsidetheGeloraBungTomo excessive force againstsupporterswhohad delete photosandvideosofpoliceusing Permani, ajournalistatSuaraSurabaya,to journalist atjatimnow.com, andAnggiWidya Police intimidateandforce Fajar Mujianto, a April 9,2019:,EastJava a portoperator, inBelawan,NorthSumatra. safety andhealthatworkeventinPelindoI, security officersaftercoveringanational Five journalistsareintimidatedbythetwo Sumatra March 5,2019:Belawan,North budget misuse. onalleged infodesanews.com, followingastory complaint againstthelocalmediaoutlet, Blora, CentralJava,filesadefamation The IndonesianOlympicCommitteein (D, G)** 18,2019:Blora,CentralJava February after he is found guilty of defamation after heisfoundguiltyofdefamation Ghinan Salman Ghinan Salman the lobby of the KPK building. the lobbyof KPK building. threw stonesata pressroomlocatedbeside their equipmentsmashed.Protesters also and deniedaccesstothescene.Some have (KPK) inJakartaareharassedbyprotestors of theCorruptionEradicationCommission Journalists coveringademonstration infront Special CapitalRegionofJakarta September 13,2019:SouthJakarta, and policepresentatthedemonstration. the protest,wasalsointimidatedbydrivers journalists fromiNewsTV, whowascovering card ofajournalist.Thedaybefore,onethe Council members.Onedrivertookthepress between thedriversandAmbonLegislative access tojournalistscoveringthemeeting Dozens ofGo-Jekdriversharassandblock September 5,2019:Ambon,Maluku from theprotesters. to reportongovernment-friendlymessages discrimination inPapuaandinsteadtold the authoritiestonotcoverprotestsagainst Journalists inJember, EastJava,areaskedby August 28,2019:Jember, EastJava(H) Sumatra. film intheareaofGreatMosque West Padang, West Sumatra,aredenied accessto Journalists frompublicbroadcasterTVRI July 18,2019:Padang,West Sumatra the journaliststostoptakingpictures. officer andhusbandofthedefendantforced Mataram, West NusaTenggara. Thepolice police officerinthecorruptioncourt trialofafemale while coveringabribery Harjan areintimidatedbyapoliceofficer Journalists FitriRachmawatiandDerry Tenggara July 9,2019:Mataram,West Nusa Malaysiakini Credit:15 staff. atleastaffecting over unpaidwages Labour Department report withMalaysia’s TV Berhadlodgeda Syarikat RitzGlobal Former employeesof

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 63 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 64 Night” rally in Jakarta are attacked by Night” rallyinJakarta areattackedby Journalists covering the“212Munajat Special CapitalRegionofJakarta , 21,2019: Central Jakarta February Karo regencyareaofNorthSumatra. over hiscoverageonillegalgambling inthe man. Thejournalistwaspreviously assaulted journalist isassaultedbyanunidentified Eddy SahPutraTarigan, aPosmetro daily Sumatra North 19,2019:Medan, February allegations ofwrongdoing. teacher afterconfrontingaabout Nusa Tenggara isattackedbyacivilservant Ibrahim, acorrespondentinBima,West Tenggara 26,2019:Bima,WestJanuary Nusa on theheadbeforebeingrushedtohospital. report onillegallogging.Tri isbeatenandhit is assaultedbyagroupofmenfollowing outlet inPematangsiantarNorthSumatra, Tri Aditya,ajournalistfortheonlinemedia Sumatra North 12,2019:Pematangsiantar,January and seekpoliceprotection. the journalistbeforehecouldfreehimself Bandung, West Java.Fiveprotestorsattack about theIslamicmovementAhmadiyyain a groupprotestingthelaunchofbook photos whilecoveringademonstrationof Journalist RioTuasikal isforced todelete 5,2019:Bandung,WestJanuary Java hit ontheheadandleftbleeding. from recordingtheattackandajournalistis previous day. Themobpreventsjournalists with policehandlingofanassaultcasethe had attackedthestationoverdissatisfaction in EastJakarta.Amobofaround100men covering anattackonCiracasPoliceStation Two journalistsareassaultedbyamobwhile Special CapitalRegionofJakarta December 13,2018:EastJakarta, his mobilephonetaken. the localelection.Heishitonfaceand West Lombokwhilecoveringaclashafter attacked byamobinTerong Tawah village, Zulfahmi, journalistforRadarLombok,is West NusaTenggara December 10,2018:Terong Tawah, NON-FATAL ATTACKS Electronic Transaction Law. and chargedundertheInformation tweets ontheconditionsinsidePapua filmmaker,documentary isarrestedfor Dandhy DwiLaksono,ajournalistand (A) Capital RegionofJakarta Special September 26,2019:Jakarta, identified asLuckySiep. allegedly lookingforastudentactivist journalist BennyMawelwithoutawarrant known asBrimob,search thehouseof Members ofthePapuaMobileBrigade, Papua September 11,2019:Jayapura,West (C) **

had previously reported on LPMProfession hadpreviouslyreported on the university’s 58 press Wahyudin, areporterwiththeuniversity Makassar inSouthSulawesi,assaults A chancelloroftheStateUniversity of South Sulawesi July 31,2019:Makassar, reportage oncorruptionandillegallogging. com, hadreceiveddeaththreatsforhis attack. Asnawi,whoworksforSerambinews. Luwi isburneddowninanallegedarson The houseofIndonesianjournalistAsnawi July 30,2019:SouthEastAceh Tungga. Pompengan, Luwu,SouthSulawesi,Haerul mismanagement inthevillageofCentral after reportingonthelocalstate’s budget the villagewithrocksthrownathiscar attacked bytworelativesofthehead A journalistforRakyatSulsel Sulawesi June 22,2019:Palopo,South spreading tothewiderpublic. avoiding incitementandfalsenewsfrom West Jakarta,sayingitsactions areaimedat disputed electionresult,inCentraland social mediafollowingprotestsoverthe Indonesia’s governmentlimitsaccessto (I)** Capital RegionofJakarta Special May 22-25,2019:Jakarta, journalist’s motorcycle isalsosetalight. journalists forced todeletefootage.One Agency. Someequipmentisseizedand the buildingofElectionsSupervisory attacked bypoliceandprotestersnear Commission. Journalistsarephysically results releasedbytheGeneralElections covering theprotestagainstelection intimidation, persecutionandassaultwhile More than20journalistsaresubjectedto Special CapitalRegionofJakarta , May 21-22,2019:CentralJakarta and forced himtodeletephotos. by threepoliceofficerswhothreatenedhim and hithislegs.Primawasalsoapproached police seizedReza’s camera,erasedphotos clash betweenprotestersandthepolice, After thejournaliststookphotosof Labour Daymarch inBandung,West Java. police whilereportingontheInternational Kusumadireza aka‘Reza’areassaultedby Journalists PrimaMuliaandIqbal May 1,2019:Bandung,West Java punched inthefacebygangleader. journalist recordedtheassaultashewas gang leaderashearrivesatcourt.One Several journalistsareattackedbyalocal Capital RegionofJakarta March 27,2019:West , Special Jakarta and footagedeleted. verbally abusedandhit,hisphonetaken com isdraggedintoaVIPtentwherehe During agathering,journalistfromDetik. members oftheIslamicDefenderFront. at an event celebrating LPMProfession ataneventcelebrating th anniversary.

is Daily is front of the regional legislative council. front oftheregional legislativecouncil. three journalistsareassaultedby policein brutal incidents. In Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia areattackedbypolice in aseriesof Journalists coveringstudentprotests across South Sulawesi September 24,2019:Makassar - House ofRepresentativesbuildinginJakarta. are attackedduringprotestsinfrontofthe of brutalincidents.Atleastfourjournalists Indonesia areattackedbypoliceinaseries Journalists coveringstudentprotestsacross Capital RegionofJakarta -Special September 24,2019:Jakarta slurs atthejournalists. photographing andallegedlyshoutracial prevent journalistsfromfilmingand home becauseofsecurityconcerns.Officers towns outsidePapuawereforced toreturn University afterstudentsfromcitiesand the openingofacentreinCenderawasih intimidated bythepolicewhilecovering Yeimo, andArdiBayageareassaulted Papuan journalistsBennyMawel,Hengky West Papua(C)** September 23,2019:Jayapura, and socialmedia. threats ondifferentplatforms,includingSMS riots inPapua.Shereceivesintimidationand falls victimtodoxingafterherreportson Febriana Firdaus,ajournalistforAlJazeera, (I)** Capital RegionofJakarta Special August 30,2019:Jakarta, on theregion’s internetblackout. intimidation andharassmentforreporting AJI Indonesia,becomesavictimofdoxing, West Papuaandanexecutive memberof Victor Mambor, ajournalistforJubi.co.idin West Papua(I)** August 22,2019:Jayapura, security andorder. accelerate governmenteffortstorestore towns, citingthattheshutdownwould following riotsanddemonstrationsinseveral West PapuaprovinceineasternIndonesia shutdown oftheinternetinPapuaand The Indonesiangovernmentordersthe Papua (I)** August 21,2019:PapuaandWest demonstrators. police dispersingcrowdsandarresting to deletephotographsandvideosof Independence Day. Policeforced journalists Joko Widodo, onedaybeforeIndonesia’s addressbyPresident a parliamentary Representative buildingcoincidingwith workers’ rallyinfrontoftheHouse Police assaultjournalistsreportingona Special CapitalRegionofJakarta , August 16,2019:CentralJakarta exceeding theofficialuniversityquota. increasing theuniversity’s fundingbutalso via in-houseentranceexamsasawayof students beingadmittedtotheuniversity

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 65 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 64 H. Legislation/Government controls:2 G. Legalcases:5 D. Defamationattacks/threats:1 minority journalists:1 C. Attacks/threatsonrural,regional or A. Arrests/jailing:2 IFJ Indicators TOTAL: 12 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. MYANMAR attackers andseveralwindowsarebroken. is vandalisedbyagroupofunidentified Sulselsatu.com inMakassar, SouthSulawesi South Sulawesi July 29,2019:Makassar, its editorialboardaredismissed. ordered tobedisbanded,and18studentsfrom and theeditorialteam,publicationis Following ameetingbetweenthechancellor discrimination againsttheLGBTIcommunity. about three daysafterpublishingastory publication University ofSumateraUtarastudent M Transaction Law. charges undertheInformationandElectronic October 12,2017.JawaPosfacesdefamation between PersebayaandKaltengPutraon ofamatch-fixingscandalingame story national newsoutlet,overtheinvestigative Persebaya filesareportagainstJawaPos, A footballteaminSurabaya,EastJava (G) ** 24,2019:Surabaya,EastJava January ATTACKS ONMEDIAINSTITUTIONS erase videosandphotos. journalists’ mobilephonesandattemptto to deletefootageandsomepolicetakethe regional policeoffice.Journalistsareforced while coveringtheprotestinfrontof Nine journalistsareassaultedbythepolice Sulawesi October 22,2019:Kendari,Southeast from PSIMYogyakarta. attacked byspectatorsandafootballer Special RegiononOctober21are at MandalaKridaStadiuminYogyakarta between PSIMYogyakarta andPersisSolo Journalists coveringthefootballmatch Yogyakarta SpecialRegion October 21,2019:Yogyakarta, demanding hedeletehisvideos. of aTVRICentralSulawesijournalist, Central Sulawesi,policesnatchthecamera in aseriesofbrutalincidents.InPalu, across Indonesiaareattackedbypolice Journalists coveringstudentprotests Central Sulawesi September 24,2019:Palu–

arch 20, 2019: Medan, North Sumatra arch 20,2019:Medan,North Attacks onmediainstitutions:1 Threats againstmediainstitutions:0 Killings ofjournalists:0 Non-fatal attacksonjournalists:1 Other threatstojournalists:8 Threats againstthelivesofjournalists:2 is shut down for Suarausu.co isshutdownfor

reports onafarmer protestinLoikaw. Group andKantarawadyTimes followingtheir Democratic Voice (DVB), Eleven Media ofBurma against threelocaljournalistsfrom the Myanmar’s launcheslegalaction military June 19,2019:Loikaw, Kayah (G)** Myanmar military. conflict betweentheArakanArmy andthe DMG publishedaseriesofreportsonthe under theUnlawfulAssociationActafter Group (DMG)’s chiefeditorUAungMinOo action againsttheDevelopmentMedia takeslegal Myanmar HomeAffairsMinistry May 8,2019:Sittwe,Rakhine(G)** group. army andtheArakanArmy, anethnicarmed Law foritscoverageofclashesbetweenthe Article 66(d)oftheTelecommunications The Irrawaddy, suingthemediaoutletunder Myanmar’s launchesasuitagainst military Yangon (G) ** April 23,2019:Kyauktada, and causingenvironmentaldamage. banana plantationofseizinglandillegally Waingmaw withlocalresidents accusingthe aboutthecompany’sstory operationsin fordefamationfollowinga News Journal executives andareporterattheMyitkyina Company filesacaseagainsttwosenior Tha KhinSitMining,ImportandExport Kachin (D,G)** March 14,2019:Waimaw, abused andassaultedinseparaterooms. detained forovertwohoursandallegedly Import andExportCompany. Theyare employees fromtheThaKhinSitMining, and AhJearedetainedassaultedby Myitkyina NewsjournalistsMonPan Kachin (C)** 26,2019:Waimaw,February Law. violative ofArticle25(b)the2014Media satirical story. is Thecourtfindsthestory 500,000 kyats(USD450)forpublishinga Aung, tosixmonthsjailorfaceafineof editor oftheTanintharyi UMyo Journal, The districtcourtofDaweisentencesthe (A) ** 18,2019:Dawei,TanintharyiFebruary OTHER THREATS TO JOURNALISTS The threatsaredeliveredbyphoneandemail. between theArakanArmyandmilitary. threats followingtheircoverageoftheclashes Several independentmediaoutletsreceive April 4,2019:Yangon, Yangon State 29,2017. January Democracy (NLD),whowasassassinatedon and politicianoftheNationalLeaguefor ‘face thefate’ofUKoNi,aprominentlawyer standwiththearmedforces or receives emaildeaththreatsdemandingthe The DevelopmentMediaGroup(DMG) April 4,2019:Sittwe,Rakhine JOURNALISTS THREATS AGAINST OF THELIVES

Myanmar’s andtherebelArakanArmy. military as aresponsetotheongoingconflictbetween internet suspensionisjustifiedbyauthorities crackdownsonethnicrebels.The military inninetownshipsamid internet services suspensionof Myanmar ordertemporary Four telecommunicationcompaniesin (H, I) June 21,2019:RakhineandChinStates NON-FATAL ATTACKS ONJOURNALISTS dailies wereinvitedtoattendthebriefing. affiliated mediaandasmallnumberofprivate approval.Onlystate-runand parliamentary development projects,whichareyettoreceive at thegovernmentofficetoexplain149 media fromattendingapressconference Yangon city’s governmentexcludescritical Yangon State(H) October 22,2019:Yangon, he maynotgettreatmentinInseinPrison. from livercancertellsreportershefearsthat posts. MinHtinKoGyiwhoissuffering (Myanmar’s inaseriesofFacebook military) labour forhiscriticismoftheTatmadaw Htin KoGyitoayearinprisonwithhard A Yangon courtsentencesfilmmakerUMin August 29,2019:Insein,Yangon (G,A) and lodgesapolice reportovertheincident. an emaildeaththreatfollowing a newsreport protected duetosecurityconcerns) receives A KL FederalTerritory September 9,2019:KualaLumpur, JOURNALISTS THREATS AGAINST OF THELIVES J. Wage threats:3 I. Onlineattacks/internetshutdowns:2 H. Legislation/Governmentcontrols:0 F. Gender-basedattacks:1 D. Defamationattacks/threats:1 IFJ Indicators TOTAL: 20 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. MALAYSIA and commandersbeforepublication. andregionalsecurity,military borderministers journalists shouldchecktheirreportswith the OfficeofCommander-in-Chiefsaid details ofgovernmentspokespersonsafter urges Myanmar’s toreleasecontact military on December25.TheMyanmarPressCouncil National LiberationArmy(TNLA)inKutkai clashes betweenthearmyandTa’ang outlets ofpublishingfalsestoriesabout Myanmar’s accusessevenmedia military State December 28,2018:Yangon, Yangon INSTITUTIONS ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA

journalist (identity is Berita Harianjournalist(identityis Attacks onmediainstitutions:1 Threats againstmediainstitutions:2 Killings ofjournalists:0 Non-fatal attacksonjournalists:4 Other threatstojournalists:10 Threats againstthelivesofjournalists:3

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 65 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 66 temple riotinSelangor. who diedfrominjuriesduringaHindu firefighter MuhammadAdibMohdKassim Sedar (GPS),forcoveringthefuneralof message byonlinegroupGerakanPengundi reporter forTV3,istargetedinaFacebook Kumaran Rajamoney, anethnicIndian July 1,2019:PasirGudang, Kim RiveronMarch 7. conferences afteratoxicspillintheKim Aqabah toministerialandgovernmentpress Aqabah. ThejournalistscametoMenara Gudang MunicipalCouncil(MPPG)Menara a disasterreliefmanagementcentreatPasir Media workersarepreventedfromentering March 19,2019:PasirGudang,Johor headquarters onMarch, 15. report tothePetalingJayadistrictpolice a 27.Theemployeesearlierfiled February 15 staffthathadremainedunpaidsince Department forunpaidsalariesofaround file acomplaintwiththeLabour Former RitzGlobalTVBerhademployees Selangor (J)** March 18,2019:KualaLumpur, bulldozed byasandminingcompany. who fearedtheirfruittreesandlandbeing farmers inKampungBaruKualaBikam language dailyTheStarfortwoarticlesabout files adefamationsuitagainstEnglish stateexecutivecouncilorASivanesan, 16,2019:PerakState(D)** January adequately addresssexualharassmentclaims. email thatallegesmanagementfailedto radio stationBFM89.9spreadthroughan Allegations ofsexualharassmentstaffat KL FederalTerritory (F)** December 2,2018:KualaLumpur, issues. attempting toincitethepubliconracial Facebook videowhichthepoliceclaimwas Wan Deris,alsoknownasPapagomo,fora Police arrestbloggerWan MuhammadAzri November 29,2018:Ipoh,Perak OTHER THREATS TO JOURNALISTS without halalcertificates. supermarkets beingabletosellchicken on journalist SyamilaZulkifliforherstory statement onFacebookagainstSinarHarian Sembilan, AminuddinHarunand,postsa The MenteriBesar(headofstate)forNegeri ** April 25,2019:NegeriSembilanState December 19,2018:KedahState sand mining in Perak. sand mininginPerak. the PenangSouthReclamationproject and not topublishstoriesonaprotest against Several newsroomsaregiveninstructions July 12,2019:PenangState covering toxicpollutioninKimRiver. the Mohd AzrenJamaludin,photographerwith New StraitsTimes Press, is hospitalised after ishospitalisedafter (I) **

(I)

memory card. card. memory him todeletephotographsanddestroyhis on theheadwithastone.Theattackersforce attack onatempleinSubangJaya.Heishit approximately 15menwhilecoveringan Azinuddin Ghazaliissurroundedby Malay Mail Selangor November 26,2018:SubangJaya, NON-FATAL ATTACKS ONJOURNALISTS years ofoperation. 1after96 newspaper closedonFebruary Minister. SouthEastAsia’s oldestTamil bytheHumanResources intervention salaries andcompensationdemanded demanding paymentofoutstanding newspaper Former workersoflong-runningTamil KL FederalTerritory (J)** August 23,2019:KualaLumpur, constitution. alleged lackofknowledgeonthecountry’s professional Facebookpagesderidingherfor later postedacliponhispersonaland ethnic groupsinMalaysia.Theminister Malays were“accommodative”totoomany conference toelaborateonhisclaimthat Yusof, aftersheaskedhimduringapress Development Minister, MohdRedzuan harassed andintimidatedbyEntrepreneur Malaysiakini journalistNgXiangYi is KL FederalTerritory (C)** August 19,2019:KualaLumpur, unintentional. vice president,IsmailSabriYaakob, as meeting, amovelaterexplainedbyUMNO reporters fromcoveringitsannualgeneral Lembah Pantaidivisionexpelsnon-Malay Malaysia’s largestoppositionpartyUMNO’s July 14,2019:PetalingJaya,Selangor unpaid wages affecting at least 15 staff. Credit: atleast15staff. unpaid wagesaffecting Malaysiakini Former employees of SyarikatRitzGlobalTVBerhadlodged areport withMalaysia’s over Labour Department Tamil Nesanstageaprotest photographer Mohamad photographer Mohamad

quarter of2020. company saiditwilldownsizebythefirst of morethan1,000mediaworkers.The television channels,isreportingacut Harianb media includingNewStraitTimes, Media PrimaBerhard,theownerofvarious KL FederalTerritory (J)** November 1,2019:KualaLumpur, salaries of800journalists. day, thepublisheragreestopayoutstanding due toongoingfinancialstruggles.Thenext will ceasepublicationofitsprintedition briefing, staffareinformedthatthecompany unpaid wagesfromJune2019.Inastaff demonstrate anddemandpaymentof Malay dailyUtusanMalaysiaand of UtusanMelayuBhd,thepublisher Nearly 100currentandformeremployees KL FederalTerritory (J)** August 19,2019:KualaLumpur, INSTITUTIONS THREATS AGAINST MEDIA Hospital. 11-year-old boyintheSultanahBahiyah officer whilecoveringthedeathofan Two journalistsareattackedbyasecurity May 12,2019:AlorSetar, Minister NajibRazak. while coveringatalkbyformerPrime Adam, andotherUMNOpartysupporters Supreme Councilmember, LokmanNoor Jaya Selatan, Mutalib Abdul Rahim; UMNO Jaya Selatan,MutalibAbdulRahim;UMNO harassed bythechiefofUMNOPetaling Malaysiakini areverballyandphysically Two internsfromonlinenewsplatform Selangor March 22,2019:KualaLumpur, covering toxicpollutioninKimRiver. sore throats,andbreathingproblemsafter suffering fromnosebleeding,headache, At leastthreejournalistsarehospitalised March 15,2019:PasirGudang,Johor and as well as four Harian Metro aswellfour Kosmo! Berita Berita

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 67 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 66 police force. Daysafterthe announcement, it claimedunfairly portrayedthecountry’s action/drama series“AngProbinsiyano ’’which against televisionnetworkABS-CBN overthe Government (DILG)threatensto filecharges The DepartmentofInteriorand Local Capital Region,Luzon(D)** November 19,2018:Manila, National OTHER THREATS TO JOURNALISTS million (USD19,000)bountyforhismurder. NMR PressClubChapter,” claimingaPHP1 “Black Mamba,”purportedlyofthe“MAT- during theyear,a includingaflyerfrom Cong hadearlierreceivedseveralthreats Gallardo andareporterfromMindaNews. “Cong” Corrales,NUJPmemberFroilan Mindanao GoldStarDaily, LeonardoVicente former NUJPdirectorandassociateeditorof and acityhallemployee.Thethreatstarget Independiente priestFatherRolandoAbejo senttoIglesiaFilipina via acourierservice Journalists inCagayandeOroreceivethreats Mindanao August 28,2019:CagayandeOro, Norzagaray, . sampling inWacuman Landfillin Sanitary and NaturalResources’ (DENR)water covering theDepartmentofEnvironment by theBulacanProvincialOfficewhile gunman astheyrideinavehicleprovided (iOrbitNews online)arethreatenedbya ( stringer RommelRamos,FrederickSilverio Isagani Navarro(cameramanofGMA-7), Inquirer Carmela Reyes-Estrope(PhilippineDaily Luzon June 21,2019:Norzagaray, Bulacan, JOURNALISTS THREATS AGAINST OF THELIVES I. G. F. D. Defamationattacks/threats A. IFJ Indicators TOTAL: 207 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. PHILIPPINES community. Commission andissuesrelatedtotheIndian officials bytheMalaysianAnti-Corruption Batu CavesSriMahaMariammantemple was scheduledtodiscussthearrestoftwo cancels talkshowprogram‘HotSeat’which threats fromunidentifiedpartiesand Private radiostationTHRRaagareceives KL FederalTerritory March 8,2019:KualaLumpur, INSTITUTIONS ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA The ManilaTimes ) andEloisaSilverio



Online attacks/internetshutdowns:7 Legal cases:3 Gender-based attacks:1 Arrests/Jailing: 2 Attacks onmediainstitutions:11 Threats againstmediainstitutions:11 Killings ofjournalists:2 Non-fatal attacksonjournalists:3 Other threatstojournalists:178 Threats againstthelivesofjournalists:2 Bulacan),

Louie Angeles (dwIZ), Louie Angeles(dwIZ),

Technology inSouthernPhilippines (USTP) to leavetheUniversity ofScienceand correspondent, BobbyLagsa,is ordered Rappler CagayandeOroCity Mindanao,Mindanao Northern March 24,2019:Cagayande Oro, anonymous “red-tagging”list. the PhilippinesCommunistPartyinan his familyareidentifiedasmembersof Filipino journalistCongCorralesand Mindanao 22,2019:CagayandeOro, February Bacolod CityandNegrosOccidental. accused ofinvolvementinthedrugtrade Several journalistsarenamedonalistand Occidental, Visayas 12,2019:Bacolod&Negros February online articlesandFacebookposts. Cybercrime PreventionAct2012forhis Farol, claimingthejournalistviolated files alibelcaseagainstjournalistPaul The mayorofOrmocCity, RichardGomez, Visayas (G)** City, 30,2019:Ormoc January Leyte, the government. arrests andotherformsofintimidationby government officialsinresponsetojournalist journalists andfourmediagroupsagainst (USD 235,000)civilsuitfiledby36 upholds thedismissalofaPHP10million The SupremeCourtofthePhilippines Capital Region,Luzon 17,2019:Manila,National January Files, andEdLingaoofTV5. Rappler’s MariaRessa,EllenTordesillas ofVera journalist namesandmediaoutletsincluding Group OustDuterteMovement”containing a fileofthealleged“AntiAdministration Duterte, postsonhisofficialFacebookpage “Pulong” Duterte,thesonofPresident Former DavaoCityvicemayor, Paolo del Sur, Mindanao(I)** December 9,2018:DavaoCity, Davao the judge. (USD 1,160)andisgivenareleaseorderby 1997. RessapoststhebailofPHP60,000 of theNationalInternalRevenueCode CEO MariaRessaforviolatingSection255 releases awarrantforthearrestofRappler The PasigRegionalTrial CourtBranch265 National CapitalRegion,Luzon December 3,2018:Pasig,Manila, with terrorism. threat tonationalinterestorbelinked social mediaaccountsconsideredtobea empower thegovernmenttoshutdown Coordinating Agency(NICA)proposalto and securitybackaNationalIntelligence dangerous drugsandnationaldefence A senatecommitteeonpublicorderand Capital Region,Luzon November 27,2018:Manila,National case wasnotfiled. Probinsyano resolvedtheirdifferences.The DILG andtheproductioncastofAng

Occidental, Visayas August 4,2019:Bacolod,Negros a caseof‘mistakenidentity’. released ninehourslaterinPagadianCity Fidelina MargaritaValle isarrested,and andjournalistforDavaoToday Zamboanga delSur, Mindanao(A)** June 9,2019:PagadianCity, of journalist EllenTordesillas, mediafounder President RodrigoDutertecallsveteran Sur, Mindanao(F)** May 13,2019:DavaoCity, Davaodel and deniedaccreditation. President RodrigoDutertewassettoattend initiative toendtuberculosis which from coveringthelaunchofcountry Rappler journalistSofia Tomacruz isblocked Capital Region,Luzon April 22,2019:Manila,National 20,2018. February reporters fromcoveringhiseventssince Rodrigo Duterte’s nationwidebanon in theSupremeCourttoendPresident regional correspondents,filesapetition Rappler, togetherwithitsreportersand Capital Region,Luzon April 11,2019:Manila,National and securitiesfraud. allegedly violatingforeignownershiprules landing inManilafromSanFranciscofor Rappler CEO,MariaRessa,isarrestedafter Capital Region,Luzon with acriticalcommenttothemilitary. news articleonactivistAlexandra Pacalda Facebook page“Lapu-Lapu”after heshared picture andpersonalinformation sharedby online newssiteDavaoToday , hashis Leo XLFuentes,acolumnistofindependent Davao delSur, Mindanao(I)** September 18,2019:DavaoCity, groups. a supporterofcommunistandterrorist Manager CLTV36 ,SoniaSoto,ofbeing Asuncion, accusesthepresidentandGeneral Coordinating Agency(Nica),Rolando The directoroftheNationalIntelligence , Luzon September 17,2019:Bacolor, car forapproximately18km. Oriental province.Theridertrailedherrental returns homefromcoveringakillinginNegros suspicious motorcycle-borne individualasshe correspondent forRappler,istailedbya the Philippines’Bacolodchapterand the NationalUnionofJournalists Marchel Espina,thechairpersonof March 28, 2019: Manila, National March 28,2019:Manila,National ng Bayan(PDBLaban). party PartidoDemokratikoPilipino-Lakas arrives toleadacampaignrallyofpolitical hours beforePresidentRodrigoDuterte Vera Files,a“prostitute”. Rappler

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 67 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 68 in custody, includingaretiredpoliceofficer. police reports,twosuspectswereremanded station. Hediedonthespot.Accordingto motorcycles whiledrivingtohisradio sa Provincia, iskilledbyarmedmenon Generoso, theanchorofprogramKonsencia DYEM 96.7BaiRadioisshotdeadinhiscar. Dindo Generoso,aradiobroadcasterfor Negros Oriental November 7,2019:DumagueteCity, motorcycle. a and shotfivetimesbytwomenriding show.news commentary Hewasassaulted while drivinghomeafterhostinghisdaily the Eduardo Dizon,ananchorworkingfor Cotabato, Mindanao July 10,2019:KidapawanCity, KILLING OFJOURNALISTS bullet exitinghisneck. was shotinthebackandface,with has apermanentresidencyinthePhilippines, Ifugao province.Lee,anAmericancitizenwho house inTungngod, inLagawemunicipality, Dispatch Weekly , isshotandinjuredoutsidehis Brandon Lee,ajournalistwithNorthern Luzon August 6,2019:Tungngod, Ifugao, New People’s Army. Communist PartyofthePhilippinesand also beenaccusedofbeingconnectedtothe based inManoloFortich,Bukidnon.Limhad soldiers ofthe1stSpecialForces Battalion Radyo Lumad,isassaultedinherhomeby Kristin Lim,aformerstationmanagerof Bukidnon, Mindanao August 3,2019:ManoloFortich, EditioninTandagAfternoon City. motorcycle fromhisprogram,BanderaNews gunmen ashemakeshiswayhomeby escapes beingshotatbytwounidentified Radio broadcasterJoelSalinasPimentel Surigao delSur, Mindanao December 28,2018Tandag City, NON-FATAL ATTACKS ONJOURNALISTS the communist revolutionary movement. movement. the communistrevolutionary National Democratic Front,alleginglinksto as beingtheNewPeople’s Army andthe Union ofJournaliststhePhilippines “red-tagging” storiesaccusingthe National At leastthreeManila-basedtabloids publish Capital Region,Luzon 7,2019: Manila,National January officers andmembersatriskofattack. toputtheorganisation, its the claimserved to countertheaccusationasabsurdbutsays movement. NUJPpublishedthestatement being alegalfrontoftherevolutionary Union ofJournaliststhePhilippines of thePhilippinesaccusesNational officer andfounderoftheCommunistParty A personclaimingtobeaformerranking Capital Region,Luzon December 26,2018:Manila,National INSTITUTIONS THREATS AGAINST MEDIA radio, is shot dead Brigada NewsFMradio,isshotdead under theCybercrime PreventionAct2012. Maria Ressaduetofearsofprosecution from 2002afterthearrestofRapplerCEO News websitePhilstar.com deletesarticles Capital Region,Luzon 18,2019:Manila,National February church inNorthernMindanao. wall oftheIglesiaFilipinaIndependiente of journalistsisfoundonaposter onthe communist party. Theso-called ‘red-tagging’ Philippines asbeingmembersof the the NationalUnionofJournalists ofthe Propaganda postersaccusemembers of Mindanao July 7,2019:CagayandeOro, group isfoundinCagayandeOro. activist groupsasmembersofthecommunist of JournaliststhePhilippinesandother A blackbannerreferringtotheNationalUnion Mindanao May 27,2019:CagayandeOro, . Rappler, andalsothePhilippineCenterfor material bymediaoutletsVera Filesand alleges distributionofanti-Duterte ouster plotagainstthepresidentwhich Rodrigo Duterte,writesaboutanalleged international publicrelationsforPresident the ManilaTimes andspecialenvoyfor Dante Ang,thechairmanemeritusof Capital Region,Luzon April 22,2019:Manila,National papers. and submittingallnecessary closure, despitethestationcompleting was operatingillegallyandcalledforits Caralian,whoclaimsthestation Erwin after harassmentbyGumacamayor, struggles tosecureoperationpermits Local radiostationRadyoNatinGumaca March 20,2019:Gumaca,,Luzon union ofbeingaterrorist organisation. Credit: NUJP among thoselistedin‘red ofthePhilippines.Thepostersaccused tagging’postersfoundinvariousparts The NationalUnionofJournalistsPhilippines(NUJP)andotheradvocacyorganizations andindividualswere Oro CityleaderPamelaJayOrias,and of thePhilippines(NUJP)Cagayande accuses NationalUnionofJournalists The ‘QuietNoMorePH’Facebookpage Capital Region,Luzon(I)** July 12,2019:Manila,National movement. alleged supportforthecommunist rebel army’s targetingofthemedia because of Clement, issuesastatementjustifying the Philippines armedforces, Lt.Gen.Noel Newly appointedchiefofstaffthe National CapitalRegion,Luzon September 26,2019:Manila, executive clemency. murder chargesin1993wouldbegranted provinceconvictedofrapeand former Calauanmunicipalitymayorin reporting thatAntonioSanchez,a Inquirer.net andRapplerfollowingtheir libel andcyber-libelchargesagainst Panelo announcestheintentiontofile The PresidentialspokespersonSalvador Capital Region,Luzon September 2,2019:Manila,National in Negros. candlelight vigilrelatingtorecentkillings by policeovertheapprovalfora publication, ThePillars,areintimidated Philippines, Catarman,officialstudent Staff fromtheUniversityofEastern Samar, Visayas Northern August 19,2019:Catarma, photographs ofOriasandValle. party’s armedwing.Thepostincludes and theNewPeople’s Army(NPA), the the CommunistPartyofPhilippines as being‘supporters’and‘protectors’of Margarita Valle, DavaoToday columnist,

SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 69 SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 68 Exchange Commission. Exchange Commission. scheme prohibited bytheSecuritiesand a religiousgroupofferinganinvestment International, Kapa-Community Ministry to berelatedthenetwork’s reportson by thegunfire.Theincidentisthought Santos City. Severalwindows arebroken commercial radiostation,DXES,inGeneral on Unidentified gunmenopenfire South Cotabato,Mindanao July 3,2019:GeneralSantosCity, following coverageofthemidtermelections. (DDoS)attack Distributed DenialofService Alternative mediaKodao’s websitereceivesa Region, Luzon(I)** May 13,2019:Manila,NationalCapital 6,000) overall. 100,000 pertriporPHP300,000(USD the courtreducestravelbondtoPHP cyber libelcharges.Afteranurgentmotion, CEO andexecutiveeditor, MariaRessa,for 500,000 (USD9,480)travelbondonRappler Manila RegionalTrial CourtimposesaPHP Capital Region,Luzon March 14,2019:Manila,National Chief JusticeRenatoCorona. during theimpeachmenttrialofformer charges overanarticlepublishedin2012 detain The NationalBureauofInvestigation(NBI) Capital Region,Luzon(G) 13,2019:Manila,National February of thePhilippines(NUJP)’s website. shut downtheNationalUnionofJournalists A seriesofDDoScyber-attacksintermittently Capital Region,Luzon(I)** 11,2019:Manila,National February (DDoS) attacks,forcing themoffline. targeted withDistributionDenialofServices 4,2019.Theorganisationsare on February 19and31, attacks, betweenJanuary Productions arehitwithaseriesofcyber- Filipino newswebsitesBulatlatandKodao Capital Region,Luzon(I)** 7,2019:Manila,National February published onMay29,2012. are indictedonlibelchargesoverastory Ressa andreporterReynaldoSantosJr Online newswebsiteRappler’s CEOMaria Capital Region,Luzon(G) 7,2019:Manila,National February attacks. (DDos) hit byDistributionDenialofServices com, Alternative mediawebsitesincludingBulatlat. Capital Region,Luzon(I)** December 26,2018:Manila,National CBN inMotherIgnacia,Diliman,QuezonCity. inside thelockernearnewsroomofABS A handgrenadeinaplasticbottleisfound City, Luzon December 21,2018:Diliman,Quezon INSTITUTIONS ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA Kodao Productions andPinoyWeekly are CEO, Maria Ressa, on libel Rappler CEO,MariaRessa,onlibel assaulted several timesin2019. “Ford” Jeamtawanichcons, aThaiactivist Anurak Cambodia, wastointerview Janssens whoisbasedinPhnom Penh, for morethanfourhoursinBangkok. is detainedbyThaiimmigration police Kris Janssens,aBelgianfreelance reporter, Bangkok Province October 3,2019:Bangkok, without ordersfromcourt. individuals andsearch privateproperty Cybersecurity Committeetointerrogate Act, whichauthorisestheNational Thailand approvestheCybersecurity Province (H)** March 2,2019:Bangkok,Bangkok government. introduced bythemilitary voters answeredquestionsonpolicies alleged biasinaprogramwhereyoung broadcaster MCOT. Thedismissalwasfor program airedbystate-ownedpublic is dismissedfromElectionWar 62,a Political reporterOrawanKrimwiratkul Province March 2,2019:Bangkok,Bangkok private datawithoutcourtapproval. enable trafficmonitoringandaccessto to nationalemergencies.Itwillalso equipment incasesdeemedtoberelated government tosearch andseizedata cybersecurity billthatwillallow Thailand’s Parliamentpassesa Bangkok Province(H)** 28,2019:Bangkok, February OTHER THREATS TO JOURNALISTS contact withRFA 24. editorswasJanuary for refugeestatusinBangkok.Hislast missing inThailandadayafterapplying (RFA) journalistTruong DuyNhatgoes Vietnamese bloggerandRadioFree Asia Bangkok Province(E)** 26,2019:Bangkok, January JOURNALISTS THREATS AGAINST OF THELIVES H. G. D. E. IFJ Indicators TOTAL: 10 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. THAILAND three decades. is thefirstattackonoutletinmorethan alight inanarsonattackataround2am.It Tonite are isstormedbyfourmenandset The officeofPhilippinestabloidAbante Capital Region,Luzon September 9,2019:Manila,National

Legislation/Government Controls:2 Legal cases:1 Defamation attacks/threats:2 Disappearances: 1 Attacks onmediainstitutions:2 Threats againstmediainstitutions:4 Killings ofjournalists:0 Non-fatal attacksonjournalists:0 Other threatstojournalists:3 Threats againstthelivesofjournalists:1 INSTITUTIONS ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA Crime Act. wouldbeinviolationoftheComputer story com. Asians” inthepublishedarticle Wongsuwan, asoneof45real-life“crazyrich the deputyjuntachairman,GeneralPrawit anyone thatsharesanarticleidentifying Tantravanica, warnsofprosecution spokesman,Kongcheep Defense ministry Province April 23,2019:Bangkok,Bangkok Mahattana overanelectiondaybroadcast. host SiroteKlampaiboonandactivistNuttaa files defamationchargesagainst The ElectionCommissionofThailand(ECT) Province April 5,2019:Bangkok,Bangkok to tourgroups. by selling‘fast-trackedimmigration’tickets policeman swindledmillionsfromthestate allegingthata Manager Onlineforastory “Big Joke”Hakparnfilesasuitagainst Former immigrationbureauchiefSurachate Province (G)** May 29,2019:Bangkok,Bangkok INSTITUTIONS THREATS AGAINST MEDIA service. • service. the newsroomof thepublicbroadcasting of RTTL,callingitpoliticalinterference in political-appointee advisersforthe president Timor LestePressCouncilcondemns the 3,2019 February INSTITUTIONS ATTACKS AGAINST MEDIA discontent withRTTLcoverage. by anunnamedmanallegedlyoverhis Daki Belo,ajournalistofRTTL,isassaulted September 5,2019: NON-FATAL ATTACKS TOTAL: 2 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. TIMOR LESTE Commission ofThailand. The chargeswerefiledbytheElection panel discussionaboutthegeneralelection. charged withdefamationafterhostinga A hostfromThaiTVchannelVoice TVis Province March 24,2019:Bangkok,Bangkok and incitedconflict”. TV programsthatcause“publicconfusion broadcasting licenseinresponsetothe announces thesuspensionofVoice TV’s Telecommunications Commission Thailand’s NationalBroadcastingand Bangkok Province 13,2019:Bangkok, February

Attacks onmediainstitutions:1 Threats againstmediainstitutions:0 Killings ofjournalists:0 Non-fatal attacksonjournalists:1 Other threatstojournalists:0 Threats againstthelivesofjournalists:0 The spokesman said such sharing of the The spokesmansaidsuchsharingofthe (D) ** (D) **

Voice TV

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SOUTH EAST ASIA MEDIA FREEDOM REPORT 69 https://www.ifj.org/regions/asia-pacific.html

@ifjasiapacific @IFJAsiaPacific

The IFJ is a non-government, non-profit organisation that promote coordinated international action to defend press freedom and social justice through the development of strong, free and independent trade unions of journalists. IFJ Asia-Pacific coordinates the IFJ activities in the Asia-Pacific region. The IFJ works closely with the United Nations, particularly UNESCO, the United Nations OHCHR, WIPO and the ILO, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the European Union, the Council for Europe and with a range of international trade union and freedom of expression organisations. The IFJ mandate covers both professional and industrial interests of journalists.