Sami AlHai:
Guantanamo detainees made to feel like 'nomads'
By Frank Jordans
GENEVA (AP) — Detainees at Guantanamo Bay are turned into "nomads" to keep them agitated and to punish those who break rules, a Sudanese journalist recently released from the U.S. military prison said Friday.
Sami al-Haj said moving detainees between camps and from cell to cell appeared to be part of an official policy to destabilize them. "They were made into nomads," the Al-Jazeera journalist said.
Frequent cell transfers at the prison became an issue in May when a Pentagon-appointed defense attorney sought to have an Afghan detainee's charges dismissed citing abusive interrogation tactics. The lawyer alleged his client was subjected to "frequent flying," a sleep deprivation technique that involves round-the-clock cell transfers before questioning.
The Pentagon Friday denied that al-Haj was mistreated. Earlier this week, the current commander of the prison, Navy Rear Adm. David Thomas, said that "there is no unnecessary movement in and out of cells by detainees," but would not comment on allegations that detainees were subjected to sleep deprivation before he took command on May 27.
Al-Haj said he saw three reasons for detainees being moved around the prison at the U.S. Navy base on Cuba.
"There was a policy of the camp administration to stop the detainees from feeling they were in a stable state, and therefore they kept the detainees in movement all the time, moving them from one camp to the other every week, every two weeks," al-Haj told The Associated Press.
By moving detainees, variously isolating them and then putting them back within speaking distance of other inmates, authorities also tried to gather information from conversations between detainees, he said.
"In certain camps there was the possibility to speak to each other. It wasn't allowed, but it was possible. It was very much a police tactic to listen to us," al-Haj said. "They knew that when one is deprived of contact and then one has the possibility to speak to others, one might say things."
Al-Haj claimed that a second reason for moving detainees was to prepare them for interrogation. He said he was subjected to the so-called "frequent flyer" program and was rotated between cells every two hours for up to a month.
Finally, he said, detainees were moved to separate cells when they breached prison rules.
Al-Haj described a cellblock named Romeo where inmates were placed in a cold room and stripped of all clothes except a pair of shorts.
Guards would frequently check on the detainees, making them move their limbs "to know you are alive," al-Haj said. "They have the right to check you all the time. So they use this to disturb you, because they need all the people to follow the rules."
The Pentagon said Friday that there was nothing to support al-Haj's claims.
"We have no evidence to substantiate his claims that he was mistreated at Guantanamo. We investigate claims of abuse, and in those relatively rare instances where allegations are deemed credible and substantiated, we hold those responsible accountable," said Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Gordon, a Pentagon spokesman.
Al-Haj, 38, now works as a producer for Qatar-based Al-Jazeera. He was released from Guantanamo in May after more than six years in U.S. detention.
The military alleged he was a courier for a militant Muslim organization in the 1990s, a claim his lawyers have denied. Al-Haj was never prosecuted, and it is unclear how the allegation relates to his arrest on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan in December 2001.
The only journalist from a major international news organization held at Guantanamo, he has said his arrested was because of U.S. hostility toward Al-Jazeera and because the media was reporting on U.S. rights violations in Afghanistan.
Al-Haj, who has used a walking stick since his detention, was in Geneva to meet with officials at the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
"Human rights and security are inseparable," al-Haj told a public event on Thursday.
Friday 27 June 2008
Spokesperson Elizabeth BYRS:
Somalia one of the deadliest countries for journalists
Spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) Elizabeth Byrs said that Somalia has become one of the deadliest countries for journalists.
Byrs added in the Tuesday bi-weekly briefing at the UN office in Geneva that the humanitarian situation in Somalia is severely deteriorating.
For more info go to UN REACTION to read the statement of the UN resident coorinator on journalists killed in Somalia
Source: Geneva UN bi-weekly briefing
10 June 2008
41 journalists killed so far in 2008, 216 since June 2006
This weekend’s casualties’ steps up the number of journalists killed since the beginning of 2008 to 41 and 216 since the creation of the Human Rights Council in June 2006.
Source: Press Emblem Campaign (PEC)
9 June 2008
Two correspondents killed in Somalia and Afghanistan
The two journalists assassinated this week: National Union of Somali Journalists' (NUSOJ) Vice President Nasteh Dahir Farah, and an Afghan journalist Abdul Samad Rohani. Both were correspondents for the BBC.
Source: news reports
8 June 2009
Vice President of the NUSOJ killed, ICPJ condemns strongly
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) condemns in the strongest possible manner the targeted assassination of the National Union of Somali Journalists’ (NUSOJ) Vice President Nasteh Dahir Farah, who was gunned down by gunmen southern town of Kismayu on Saturday 7 June 2008.
For more details go to Somalia-Source: NUSOJ
Newspaper El Correo attacked
The offices of Basque newspaper El Correo were bombed in an attack that police have attributed to Basque separatist group ETA.
According to reports, a bomb exploded behind El Correo's printing press in the town of Zamudio at 3 am local time. Fifty staff were in the building but no one was hurt.
ETA was responsible for a wave of attacks on journalists that appeared to reach a peak in 2000 and 2001. Before yesterday's bombing, ETA sent its last parcel bombs to journalists in January 2002. All of those were defused by security before they could explode.
Currently there are still dozens of journalists in the Basque region who are under police protection or who have been obliged to hire bodyguards.
Source: European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
8 June 2008
Attacks in Croatia
On June 2nd Dušan Miljuš, a crime reporter for daily newspaper Jutarnji list, was beaten outside his home by masked perpetrators with baseball bats and suffered head and arm injuries. Miljus told police earlier this year that he was receiving anonymous threats. An obituary with his name and photograph was published in another daily, Vecernji List. The daily apologised and said it had been a "procedural mistake."
The Croatian Association of Journalists called upon authorities to track down Miljuš's attackers. More than 200 Croatian journalists had gathered in the capital last Friday to protest his beating.
The attack on Miljuš follows the recent attacks in in Zadar of Danijela Banko, a journalist working for Narodni list, and Filip Brala, a photojournalist for Zadarski list.
Source: EFJ
2 June 2008
ICPJ condemns strongly the burning of Future TV in Beirut
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists condemns strongly the burning of the building of Future TV in Beirut during the internal fighting that took place last week.
For more info please go to Lebanon - Helpful links http://mena.ifj.org/ar/articles/test-5 and http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj
9 May 2008
And is concerned over the decision by the Moroccan authorities to stop the broadcasting of a daily news program from the Rabat office of al-Jazeera
For more info please go to Morocco Source: http://www.article19.org/ Helpful links: http://mena.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj
9 May 2008
And condemns arrest of Director of Somali Broadcasting Corporation
Mowlid Haji Abdi
9 May 2008
For more info please go to Somalia
ICPJ strongly condemns the killing of Sarwa Abdul-Wahab in Mosul
Two days after Sami Al-Haj was released from Guantanamo, gunmen ambushed and shot dead a woman Iraqi reporter Sarwa Abdul-Wahab.
Abdul-Wahab, a freelancer who contributed to the news website Muraslon.com, was allegedly walking home from a nearby market when two unidentified gunmen pulled up in a car and tried to force her into their vehicle.
Her mother witnessed her being shot in the head as she resisted.
A colleague told Reuters that Abdul-Wahab had received a text message on
her phone three weeks earlier warning her to stop reporting or she would be
killed.
Abdul-Wahab was a known defender of journalists' rights in Iraq. She is the third woman journalist killed this year. The killing of Abdel Wahab and the relase of Sami Al-Haj with a time difference of 48 hours marks the third such an event this year when one journalist is released and another is killed.
SOURCE: IFEX 7 May 2008
RELEASE OF SAMI AL-HAJ
The ICPJ congratulates Sami, his family,
Al-Jazeera and the Sudanese Syndicate of Journalists
Sudanese-born Sami al-Haj, who has been suffering from health problems
after a hunger strike that started in January 2007, arrived in the Sudanese
capital Khartoum on 2 May on a U.S. military aircraft along with two other
Sudanese prisoners at Guantanamo. He was immediately rushed to hospital.
"I'm very happy to be in Sudan, but I'm very sad because of the situation
of our brothers who remain in Guantanamo. Conditions in Guantanamo are
very, very bad and they get worse by the day," al-Haj told Al Jazeera from
his hospital bed.
"Our human condition, our human dignity was violated, and the American
administration went beyond all human values, all moral values, all
religious values. In Guantanamo ... rats are treated with more humanity."
Al-Haj was arrested by Pakistani security forces near the Afghan border in
December 2001 while covering the U.S.-led fight to oust the Taliban. He was
handed over to the U.S. military and then transferred to Guantanamo in June
2002. No charges were brought against him although he was accused of being an "enemy combatant", working as a money carrier for armed groups and assisting al-Qaeda.
Al-Haj was the only known journalist held at Guantanamo.
SOURCE: IFEX 7 May 2008
World Press Freedom Day 3 May 2008
Ambeyi Ligabo, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day:
Censorship of the media the most abominable violation to freedom of the press
United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Ambeyi Ligabo said today that the occasion calls for the celebration of the virtues of a free press which is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The benefits of a free and independent press should be self-evident to everyone. However, this basic right unfortunately continues to be denied to the millions of people around the world living under oppressive regimes who stifle any sign of dissent.
Censorship of the media constitutes the most abominable violation to freedom of the press – and yet it is also the most frequent of all restrictions. In most cases, censorship is but a pretext to silence criticism, protecting those in power from popular scrutiny and public accountability, serving to conceal corruption, mismanagement and abuse of authority. Censorship contributes to the creation of a protective aura around those who due to the nature of their functions need to be held permanently accountable for their actions, placing them beyond public criticism.
For more info go to Under Attack
Louise Arbour:
Food crisis unrest could affect freedom of expression
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said stressed that addressing the plight of the socially excluded, and the causes of any such discrimination, will be essential to resolving the current food crisis. In this effort, all voices must be heard, whether directly or through representative organizations.
Arbour added that food-related social unrest could also result in other human rights risks - to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly – which must also be addressed.
PEC Monthly Report-World Press Freedom Day 2008
28 journalists killed since the beginning of the year
8 journalists killed in April alone
Mexico casualties overtook Iraq
GENEVA, May 3 (PEC) – Marking World Press Freedom Day on 4 May, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) deplores the current stand of the International Community for not taking measures that would protect journalists in conflict zones and elsewhere and re-enforce the access to information.
Four years following the launching of the PEC campaign, its President Hedayat Abdel Nabi said that the call of the Lebanese Photographers Association to the United Nations to enforce measures to protect photographers in zones of conflict, days after the killing of RUETRES photographer Fadl Shana in Gaza, is a clear and telling message.
Abdel Nabi added that though the appropriate mechanism to deal with such measures is the Human Rights Council, yet member states of the council are busy putting their act together, and ignoring repeated calls for convening a special session or sitting on this tragedy.
For more info please consult www.pressemblem.ch email info@pressemblem.ch
For more info go to Monthly Report
Media community bids farwell today to Shana
Slain journalist Fadal Shana will be laid to rest today during the family funderal set for today. Shana was killed 16 April 2008 in Gaza by tank firing from Israeli forces.
Please go to the following link to view the REUTERS film on the killing of Shana
http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=80475&newsChannel=topNews
Shana described by his colleagues at Reuters
By Nidal al-Mughrabi Reuetrs-GAZA
Shana, who was unmarried, was a gentle and popular figure among the 15-strong Reuters news team in the Gaza Strip. The bureau was honored by Britain’s Royal Television Society for its coverage of last year’s factional fighting in Gaza.
Hundreds of journalists and well-wishers flocked to the hospital where Shana’s body was taken. The family planned to hold a funeral on Thursday.
17 April 2008 for more details go to UNDER ATTACK and go to the following link http://blogs.reuters.com/photo/2008/04/17/reuters-cameraman-fadel-shana-killed-in-gaza/#comment-333821
Reuters cameraman killed after filming in Gaza, PEC and ICPJ condemn strongly
A specialized legal instrument could have helped Bilal Hussein during his two-year detention in Iraq by US forces
GENEVA, April 17 (PEC-ICPJ) – For the second consecutive time in less than 72 hours one journalist is released, the other killed, both in different countries.
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) while welcoming the release of Associated Press photographer Bilal Hussein (36 years old), more than two years after he was detained by U.S. Marines on suspicions of links to insurgents, condemns in the strongest possible manner the killing of Reuters cameraman during the Israeli attack against Gaza Wednesday.
The Reuters cameraman 24-year-old Fadal Shana was killed while filming the Israeli tank attack in central Gaza.
According to Al Jazeera Satellite channel Shana was killed when he finished filming and was taking his car to send his footage about the brutal attack.
Fadel Subhi Shana appeared, prior to his death, on the Arabic channel and said that he will never quit his job except if he dies or his legs are mputated.
For more info go to UNDER ATTACK
Reuters Editor-in-Chief David Schlesinger sent this note to all Reuters journalists today after cameraman Fadel Shana was killed along with two civilians in the Gaza Strip
David Schlesinger calls for an immediate and complete investigation into the incident
I am very sorry to report that 23-year-old Reuters cameraman Fadel Shana was killed on Wednesday in what appeared to be an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip.
Our hearts obviously go out to his family, as we mourn another loss in our journalistic family. Our thoughts are with his colleagues in Israel and in Gaza who must go on reporting even when surrounded by tragedy.
I’ve called for an immediate and complete investigation into the incident. We know, of course, that journalism is a dangerous business. We know, of course, that we rush into danger when others rush away. We know, of course, that accidents happen.
But I also believe sincerely and absolutely that all of us — news organizations, governments and the military — have an obligation to make reporting safer and to take the utmost care when professional journalists are doing their jobs.
It is, of course, striking that this tragedy occurred on the last day for Reuters as it has been and the day before Thomson Reuters begins as a news and information power in the world. I can but reflect on our more than a century and a half of bravery and sacrifice in the service of the news, and to vow that Reuters news in the new company will forge a new tradition, building on the old, that we can all be incredibly proud of.
Please go to the following link http://blogs.reuters.com/reuters-editors/2008/04/16/reuters-cameraman-killed-in-gaza/
Second week of April: a deadly week for journalists
Two women journalists killed in Mexico:
Last week, two young, female radio broadcasters from the Triqui indigenous community in Oaxaca, Mexico were on their way back from covering a local assignment. But they never made it home. Their vehicle was ambushed on a local highway, instantly killing the two reporters and wounding four other passengers. The police found at least 20 spent AK-47 bullet cartridges at the scene.
Panama City:
Elsewhere in Latin America, a television cameraman was killed while
covering a gang fight in Panama City, reports the International Federation
of Journalists (IFJ). Eliécer Santamaría died on 8 April after he was
stabbed while covering a story about gangs exchanging gunfire in the
capital, according to new reports.
Radio Journalist seriously wounded-wife killed
The same day, a radio journalist was seriously wounded and his wife was killed in a shooting attack in Curuguaty, Paraguay, report the Inter American Press Association (IAPA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Alfredo Tomás Avalos was shot in the head and his Brazilian wife, Silvana Rodrígues, was killed by two men on a motorcycle.
Bulgaria:
A popular writer in Bulgaria who wrote a series of books on the rise of Bulgaria's criminal underworld was shot and killed in the country's capital on 7 April, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Manila:
And in Asia, a journalist in a Manila suburb was murdered on 7 April, the first journalist to be killed this year in the Philippines, report the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, CPJ and IFJ.
Pakistan
Then just yesterday, a journalist was killed in the unstable province of Balochistan in southwestern Pakistan. Khadim Hussain Sheikh, a stringer for Sindh TV and a local bureau chief for the national Urdu-language daily "Khabrein", was shot by unidentified gunmen as he and his brother left his home by motorbike in the town of Hub, just north of Karachi, reports CPJ. The motive for the killing is unknown.
Demands to fight impunity can be heard not only in Pakistan but worldwide - in one of the deadliest weeks for journalists so far this year.
Source IFEX: The "IFEX Communiqué" is the weekly newsletter of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX), a global network of 81 organisations working to defend and promote the right to free expression.
IFEX is managed by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.
For more details go to UNDER ATTACK
16 April 2008
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) supports the following statement made by the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC)
The PEC Rejoices at the safe release of CBS' Richard Butler, condemns the killing of Khadim Hussain Sheikh in Pakistan
For more details go to UNDER ATTACK 15 April 2008
GOOD NEWS: NEWSEUM in Washington pays tribute to 1800 journalists killed
 Journalists Memorial
The Inetrnational Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) congratulates the donors that made the NEWSEUM a reality in Washington D.C.
The Newseum is a complete replica of media work, its problems its achievements and the many who have fallen victims to this noble profession of covering the truth and reaching out to the most dangerous situations.
The NEWSUEM features a dedication to the fallen journlaists in the Journalists Memorial, which pays tribute to reporters, photographers and broadcasters who have died reporting the news.
The names of more than 1,800 individuals from around the world are etched on the glass panels of the soaring, two-story structure.
The memorial is rededicated each year to add the names of journalists who lost their lives on the job in the preceding year.
Adjoining the memorial are photographs of hundreds of those journalists, and electronic kiosks containing data on every honoree.
The Freddom Forum Journalists Memorial is accessed through http://www.newseum.org/scripts/journalist/main.htm
This NEWSUEM, in short, especillay the Journalists memorial reflects the spirit of the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) established in June 2004 and the ICPJ established in September 2007.
For more info go to GOOD NEWS
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) strongly condemns the attempt on the life of the director of Nacional in Croatia
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), announced that an attempt to kill Ivo Pukanic, co-owner and director of Nacional, a weekly news magazine from Croatia, took place on 9 April 2008.
For more info go to South East Europe
11 April 2008
Pakistan: ICPJ welcomes abolition of laws against Electronic Media
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) welcomed the announcement by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), of the abolition of draconian clauses in the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and termed it a step forward.
The PFUJ repeated its demand that all "black laws," confonting freedom of expression should also be abolished.
For more info go to Pakistan
9 April 2008
Somali journalists receive Democracy Award
At a ceremony held during the fifth assembly of World Movement for Democracy (WMD) in Kiev, Ukraine, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was honored to receive the Democracy Courage Tribute. For more info go to Somalia
9 April 2008
Killing of Journalists Threatens Global Press Freedom
Censorship, pressure to reveal news sources also inhibit media
By Eric Green
Washington -- The biggest challenges to press freedom include censorship, reporters being forced to reveal confidential sources and the brutalizing and killing of journalists, media professionals tell America.gov.
4 April 2008
MARCH PEC ICPJ MONTHLY REPORT:
20 journalists killed since the beginning of the year
GENEVA, April 1 (PEC-ICPJ) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) warn that the month of March has witnessed a marked deterioration in press freedoms, flagged by the recent developments in Tibet, China.
The two organizations deplore the absence of media, Internet and Satellite coverage of the Tibet events.
While also denouncing the events in Zimbabwe, the two organizations urgently call on the Zimbabean government to allow free and fair coverage internally and by foreign media of the results of the March 29 elections.
In this respect both organizations believe that it is of paramount importance that UN member states start discussions on ways and means for the protection of media coverage, Internet and Satellite transmissions.
For more info go to the Monthly Report
Taregting journalists for more info go to Somalia for a full report.
Journalists in prison in Cuba for a full report go to Under Attack.
Fallen journalists are special forces without weapons or training
The fallen journalists have remained numbers in a tapestry of tragedy, feeding the press statements of media associations, and others.
However, those numbers are human tragedies, victims of serious violations of human rights.
The tragedy is part and parcel of Human Rights: first the sacred right of life is violated, followed by an earth shattering impact of multiple violations of rights when it concerns families of fallen jounalists.
For more info go to UNDER ATTACK 17 March 2008
Al Jazeera boycotted by Israel for its coverage of the 6-day Gaza attacks
Al Jazeera satellite channel announced today that Israel has decided to boycott it and banned its crews from coverage in Israel for its one-sided coverage of the 6-day military operations in Gaza.
Al-Jazeera 12 March 2008 For more info go to Satellites
ICPJ strongly condemns attack against French journalist
Cecile Hennion
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) condemned in the strongest possible manner the attack against French journalist, Cécile Hennion, working for Le Monde.
Cécile Hennion was stabbed in her hotel in Irbil in the Kurdish region of Iraq.
11 March 2008 For more info go to Iraq
MADA Centre strongly condemns closure of Al-Majd Radio
The Palestinian Centre for Development and Media Freedoms (Mada) strongly condemned the closure of Al-Majd Radio (glory) by the Israeli occupation forces. The Israeli occupation forces broke into its headquarters in Jenin today in the dawn, confiscated its equipment and sealed the door with wax.
11 March 2008 For more info go to Palestine
 Norway: cannot accept journalists being killed
Norwegian foreign minister Joans Gahr Sore told the High Level Segment of the Human Rights Council that in situations of armed conflict, journalists are being killed while doing their job-witnessing world conflicts.
We cannot accept that.
SOURCE Speech of the Foreign Minister 3 March 2008
France: no democracies without media nor independent journalists
French Minister of State Rama Yade told the Human Rights Council that freedom of opinion and expression has essential values.
Yade, quoting the philosopher Blaise Pascal, said that all humanity dignity lie in mankind's thinking abilities.
She added that opinion and expression is a cultural conquest of mankind.
Yade said that there will be no democracies without the media nor independent journalists.
Qutoing another thinker, Jacques Prevert, Yade said when truth is not free then freedom would not be true.
Yade stressed that thousands of men and women have struggled with courgae and heroism to keep this human legacy, we will not betray them, we will never go backwards.
SOURCE: French minsiter's speech to the Human Rights Council
3 March 2008
UNESCO Director-General condemns murder of Shihab al-Tamimi
Cowardly blow sabotaging the reconstruction of Iraq
Paris, 03 March – The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura condemned on 3 March 2008 the killing of Shihab al-Tamimi, the head of the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate, who died on 27 February from gunshot wounds sustained four days earlier, Al-Tamimi was 74.
“I condemn the attack on Shihab al-Tamimi,” the Director-General declared.
Matsuura sressed that this crime constitutes a cowardly blow on the whole of Iraqi society.
“Those who seek to muzzle the fundamental human right of freedom of expression, and press freedom, are sabotaging the reconstruction of Iraq as a free, democratic country. When they attack journalists, they attack every Iraqi’s right and ability to make informed decisions and play a part in the development of the country. These acts must not remain unpunished,” concluded Matsuura.
SOURCE: UNESCO
Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists choose new Chairman, declares one week of mourning for Tamimi’s brutal killing
In an extraordinary meeting, the board of the Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists (ISJ) voted for Gabar Tarad as Chairman of the Syndicate, Moaid El Lamy as Vice Chairman and Secretary-General, and declared a week of mourning from today for the brutal killing of its former Chairman Shehab El Tamimi.
The ISJ called upon the government to adopt the syndicate law for the protection of journalists in Iraq. For more details go to Iraqi Journalists.
Source: Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists 29 February 2008
SEEMO alarmed at attacks against journalists in Serbia
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), is alarmed about the recent wave of violent attacks on journalists in Serbia. For more info go to South East Europe Source SEEMO 28 February 2008
PEC and the ICPJ announces three days of morning following the death of Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists President Shehab El Tamimi
GENEVA, February 27 (PEC-ICPJ) – The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) announced today a three-day morning period at the brutal death of President of the Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists Shehab El Tamimi, a core founding member of the PEC and the ICPJ.
In a communiqué from Baghdad Tuesday, Secretary-General of the ISJ Moaid El Lamy and Vice President of the ICPJ announced that the health of El Tamimi was in a critical phase following the brutal attack against his life Saturday.
The perpetrators achieved their goal by killing an honest voice, defender of our colleagues in Iraq and around the word, but they will not kill his memory or dedication and work for the Iraqi journalists.
Again the PEC and the ICPJ stress that this killing of El Tamimi will pass without bringing the perpetrators to justice.
It is now or never to act, both organizations, while condemning those attacks from unidentified gunmen, mourn the media martyr and present their sincere condolences to the family of Mr. El Tamimi and the Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists.
According to the PEC ticking clock, 15 journalists were killed since the beginning of 2008 across the globe, which is up to date the same figure as that of the first two months of 2007.
From the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) President Jim Boumelha
To: All IFJ Member Unions
Dear friends,
Shihab Al-Timimi
It is with a sorrowful heart that I write to inform you of the death a few hours ago of the Iraqi Journalists Union’s President Shihab Al-Timimi. Shihab was gunned down in a drive-by shooting last Saturday, and although he survived the attack his state worsened and this afternoon he suffered a fatal heart attack. His 23-year-old son Rabea was also wounded.
I have known Shihab for many years as a fellow journalist and trade unionist who survived many confrontations. He was an old fighter who spent his life defending journalists and journalism. His effervescent personality brought smiles and laughter to people beyond Iraq.
Shihab was killed by fanatics as he was working to carry on doing what he had dedicated his life to – improving the safety of Iraqi journalists and fighting to preserve their independence and professionalism.
It is a sad day for us and for the world community of journalists, and our thoughts and condolences go to his family and to his union. We are determined to continue our work in support of the IJU and Shihab’s vision of peace and social justice. We will be urging our affiliates worldwide to contribute to a project to commemorate his life and achievements.
27 February 2008
IFJ Mourns Loss of President of Iraqi Union of Journalists after Terror Attack
The International Federation of Journalists today expressed deep regret and shock at the death of the President of the Iraqi Union of Journalists in Baghdad who has succumbed to wounds sustained in a targeted attack by gunmen at the weekend.
Shihab Al-Timimi, 75, suffered a heart attack today and died in hospital where he was taken after sustaining wounds to the stomach, shoulder and face when his car was hit by a hail of bullets in the attack. His son Rabei was also in the car and was slightly injured.
“This assassination of a courageous and veteran champion of journalists’ rights causes deep pain for all of us,” said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. “Journalists all around the world share the grief of our Iraqi colleagues. We send them our deepest sympathy and we pledge to stand alongside them in defiance of the killers.”
The IFJ has worked with the Iraqi union to improve safety for the country’s media in response to more than 250 killings of journalists and media staff since the conflict started in 2003.
A delegation of the IFJ visited Baghdad last month to discuss with Al-Timimi and the union’s secretary general Moaid Al-Lami – both of whom have received numerous death threats from extremists – plans to strengthen media freedom and levels of protection for journalists.
“Shihab reflected the indomitable spirit of Iraqi journalism,” said White. “He has provided leadership and a positive vision for the future during these dark days. He gave his life for the independence and solidarity of the profession and all of us owe him a great and lasting debt.”
The IFJ has reiterated its call on the Iraqi authorities to find the killers who struck just after a meeting where union leaders had put the finishing touches to plans for a seminar on the safety of journalists.
The seminar, held earlier this week, is part of the work plan of the Iraq Media Safety Group, supported by leading media and the journalists’ union, and created with the support of the IFJ and the International News Safety Institute last year.
“The work will go on and Iraqi journalists will not be intimidated,” said White. “But all of us are deeply saddened by this loss.”
PEC and the ICPJ shocked, condemns the gun attack against Chairman of the Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists
GENEVA, (PEC-ICPJ) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) express their shock at the gun attack that targeted the Chairman of the Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists Shehab El Tamimi and his son.
Founding member of the PEC, Vice President of the ICPJ, and Secretary-General of the ISJ Moaid El Lamy informed the PEC President and ICPJ coordinator Abdel Naby in a telephoner Saturday that the medical situation of both Mr. El Tamimi and his son is stabilizing after both received gun shots by unidentified men that penetrated Mr. El Tamimi’s car.
He was moved immediately to hospital and is currently undergoing medical treatment.
In September 2004, Mr. El Tamimi designated Mr. El Lamy to attend in Geneva the first PEC consultation process for the defense of media in zones of conflict.
Since the inception of the PEC in June 2004 Mr. El Tamimi, as chairman of the ISJ, remaines a staunch supporter of the PEC efforts and later the ICPJ efforts.
Please consult www.pressemblem.ch and www.mediacovenant.org
23 February 2008
Women journalists – Ugandan 32 Rebecca Wilbrod Kasujja brutally killed
The ICPJ and the PEC strongly condemn the brutal killing of Ugandan 32 year-old journalist Rebecca Wilbrod Kasujja, and highlight a new dimension in the attacks against journalists, Rebecca’s killing steps up the number of journalists killed to 14 since the beginning of 2008
Geneva, February 21 (PEC-ICPJ) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) strongly condemns the brutal killing of Ugandan journalist Rebecca Wilbrod Kasujja which brings a new dimension to the media tragedy when she was raped and killed by unknown men on Sunday.
The two Geneva based organizations welcome the call of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on the Ugandan government to investigate the brutal killing of Ugandan journalist Rebecca Wilbrod Kasujja.
“We condemn this shocking attack on Rebecca, which underscores the danger that journalists face in Africa,” said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa Office. “We are calling on authorities to conduct a full investigation and bring her attackers to justice.”
Kasujja, 32, was raped and killed by unknown men on Sunday morning as she was on her way to work at Buwama FM Radio station, a community radio station at about 62 km south of Kampala.
“This incident once again highlights the dangers facing journalists who work odd hours,” said Ugandan Journalists’ Union President, Michael Wakabi. “Female journalists, who form the bulk of newscasters, are particularly vulnerable as has been demonstrated by the latest incident.”
According to reports, residents of the village discovered her body in a nearby bush and reported the incident to Buwama police station.
The reason behind her killing remains unknown, but fellow journalists believe it has relations with her journalistic work.
The brutal killing of Rebecca steps up the number of journalists killed in 2008 to 14, seven in January and another seven in February so far.
For more info please consult: www.pressemblem.ch, and www.mediacovenant.org
Appeal by “Freedomexpression” groups to Somali Prime Minister
Twenty-eight national, regional and international free expression organizations appealed to Somali Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein to use his leadership position to truly protect journalists' and media workers' safety by investigating attacks on journalists to end the current culture of impunity.
The joint action was led by the National Unionof Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and other members and partners of the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX). For more details go to Somalia.
Iraqi security forces continue their attacks against Iraqi journalists
The Iraqi Syndicate of journalists reported a series of attacks against more than 20 Iraqi journalists by Iraqi security forces in Al-Muthana and Basra governorates.
The syndicate, added in a statement issued Sunday 17 December 2008, that it will pursue the perpetrators of those attacks against journalists in court.
Source: Iraqi Syndicate of Journalists 17 February 2008
British journalist and Iraqi translator kidnapped
Security forces have launched a search for a British journalist and his Iraqi translator working for US television network CBS who were kidnapped in the port city of Basra, an official said on Tuesday.
"There is an intensive operation underway to find the journalists," interior ministry spokesman Major General Abdul Karim Khalaf told AFP.
"These are journalists doing their job and those common criminals must be brought to justice."
Witnesses said the two journalists were led away from the Palace Sultan Hotel in the southern city of Basra at gunpoint by a gang of about 10 gunmen on Sunday.
The witnesses identified one as a British photo-journalist who had previously worked in Basra, and the other as his Iraqi interpreter. Both men had flown to Basra from Baghdad and checked into the hotel on Saturday.
SOURCE: AFP 12 February 2008
Iraqi journalist Hisham Mijwit Hamdane, a 27-year-old married father of two, was found by dead by police in Baghdad on Tuesday. 12 February 2008
THE MONTHLY REPORT
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) will join hands and cooperate to issue as of this month, at the end of every month a casualty tally report of journalists in conflict zones and other situations.
In this regard the PEC and the ICPJ condemned on 31 January 2008 the Killing of on Iraqi journalist Wednesday and 6 others from the beginning of the year in several countries as well as the spiral of attacks against others in Sri-Lanka, Macedonia and Somalia
SOURCE: PEC-ICPJ 31 January 2008 for more info go to the MONTHLY REPORT
The International Covenant for the Portection of Journalists (ICPJ) joins hands with the EAJA in condemning death threats against Journalists in Kenya
The Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) condemned Thursday in the strongest terms possible death threats and abuses against group of prominent Kenyan journalists who work for well-known Kenyan media houses.
Source: EAJA 31 January 2008 for more info go to Kenya
SEEMO strongly condemns the attack against Goran Gavrilov
The Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), a network of editors, media executives and leading journalists from South East Europe and an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), strongly condemns the attempted murder of Goran Gavrilov, General Manager of the Stip-based Channel 77, a private radio station network with national coverage in Macedonia.
Source: SEEMO 30 January 2008 For more info go to SOUTH EAST EUROPE
GOOD NEWS
The Sudanese Journalists union (S.J.U) started on 19th Jan 2008 the implementation of the (housing project) to 600 journalists of the members of the union.
This is the first phase of a plan to provide houses for 1500 journalists.
Some 100 journalists signed their contracts for a new house.
The unit contains one bedroom and a kitchen. It costs about 13 .000 USD. USD 3000 are paid in advance and the rest in equal installments on a period of ten years.
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) highlights the right to housing of journalists and believes that such a right should be included in the future Convention for the Protection of Journalists.
SOURCE Sudanese Journalists Union (S.J.U). For more details go to Sudan.
Shock at violence against journalists, ICPJ reacts to Somalia situation
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists is shocked at the spiral of violence against journalists in Sri-Lanka and Somalia over the past week.
Today the National Union of Somali Journalist (NUSOJ) announced the death of journalist Hassan Kafi Hared in Kismayu town of Lower Jubba region.
Hassan Kafi Hared, 36, died around 13:05 hrs after remote-controlled mine exploded inside a road in Siyad Village of Northern part of Kismayu.
Source: NUSJ 28 January 2008
For more info go to Somalia
Another journalist attacked-Somalia
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) today condemned Puntland Ministry's attack on journalist Abdihakim Yusuf Moalim of Somali Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), aprivately owned Radio Station in Bossaso town of Bari Region.
Source: National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSJ).
For details go to Somalia.
28 January 2008
ICPJ condemns and appalled at the knife attack against Sri-Lankan journalist Lal Hemantha Mawalage
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) joins hands with the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA), the Federation of Media Employees Trade Union (FMETU), the Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum (SLMMF), the Sri Lanka Tamil Journalists Alliance (SLTJA) and the Free Media Movement (FMM) in condemning strongly and expressing its shock at the injuring by knife the Sri-Lankan journalist Lal Hemantha Mawalage on Friday night at Athurigiriya, a suburb of Colombo.
FOR MORE INFO GO TO SRILANKA
SOURCE: Five Sri-Lankan media organizations
26 January 2008
Mazhar Abbas, Secretary General, PFUJ to the ICPJ:
"We welcome resumption of GEO, but it was only allowed after it agreed to suspend two of its popular talk shows Capital Talk and Mehry Mutabek, hosted by senior journalist Hamid Mir and top anchor Dr Shahid Masood. The battle is half won and the struggle must go on," PFUJ said.
PFUJ welcome the meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Brussels.
"Had the President met the IFJ Mission during its visit to Pakistan in February and again in November, last year the media situation could have been different. With the visit of IFJ next month we hope that the long standing issues confronting media in Pakistan could be addressed," says Secretary General, PFUJ Mazhar Abbas to the ICPJ.
22 January 2008
ICPJ welcomes developments in Brussels between IFJ and President Musharraf
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) welcomed the meeting in Brussels between the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in which they discussed the situation of media in the country where journalists and media organizations continue to protest over draconian laws, backdoor coercive tactics, and use of security threats to intimidate media.
According to the IFJ President Musharraf strongly denied that media were under pressure, pointing to examples of robust criticism of the authorities, but he agreed to meet with White and the IFJ, which is planning a new visit to Pakistan to discuss these issues further.
Source: IFJ - 21 January 2008
ICPJ welcomes resumption of GEO broadcast
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) welcomed today with other global media associations the resumption of broadcasts of Geo News on the order of the President, after a forced closure of 78 days.
The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) said that GEO’s resumption marks the successful culmination of only one phase of the struggle for freedom of the print and electronic media in Pakistan. The Union added that cable operators impose censorship of media content, including limits on live coverage of political events and talk shows, which is stifling coverage of the country’s election campaign in advance of next month’s vote.
“We believe that only a free media and independent judiciary can ensure free, fair and transparent elections,” said the Union. The IFJ Report, following a mission to the country in November, is calling for the lifting of new rules that regulate media and the imposition of a code of conduct on journalists.
Source: IFJ 21 January 2008
Joint Statement
MAJOR RADIO STATIONS CONCERNED ABOUT THE CHALLENGES
In response to growing challenges in reaching their audiences around the world, the five most influential international broadcasters have joined together for the first time to condemn what they describe as the “grave and rising threats to the right to gather information and communicate it across national borders.”
A joint statement expressing concern over global media freedom was issued November 30, 2007, by the United Kingdom’s BBC World Service, Germany’s Deutsche Welle (DW), Radio France Internationale (RFI), Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) and the Voice of America (VOA).
By Stephen Kaufman
USINFO Staff Writer
18-January 2008
For more info go to radio journalists
Live coverage banned from Kenya, EAJA and ICPJ condemn the suspension
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) join hands with the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) today to condemn the suspension of all live Broadcast Coverage by Kenyan Government as riots and violence flared up in many parts of the country.
According to the Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ), an EAJA Affiliate, the Ministry of Information yesterday banned Live Coverage of All Broadcast Media Houses except the State-run Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), which is allowed to cover current events.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information Dr Bitange Ndemo said to the media "I order the immediate suspension of all live broadcast until further notice". Ndemo, who was directed by Minister for Internal Security, added that he took this action "in the interest of public safety and tranquillity".
"This order from the Kenyan Government is a direct suppression of Kenya's Independent Journalism and we condemn it in the strongest terms" said Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary General of the Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA).
For more info go to KENYA
4 January 2008
Iraq: 54 journalists killed, 31 behind bars, 10 kidnapped
According to Iraqi figures released by the Iraqi Society to Protect Journalists in its 2007 report, 54 Iraqi journalists were killed in 2007, 31 others are sill behind bars, 10 kidnapped, out of which 6 were released, the remaining four are unaccounted four.
The report says that most of the killings took place in Baghdad, followed by Ninoy.
The released report adds that 10 media installations were stormed in 2007, one of the ten stormed three times by US forces.
2 January, 2008
KENYA
Arbour: Government must ensure that journalists can work freely in Kenya
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said that the Kenyan Government ensure that journalists be permitted to freely carry out their work. Mrs. Arbour’s statement was released for the second time following the post election violence that left hundreds dead in the wake up of a disputed vote.
The statement was first released on 31 December 2007.
2 January 2008
Pakistan
Six journalists were killed, three of them while performing their professional duties, 73 were injured, mostly by the police in the worst year for the journalists in a decade while media remained under government pressure through laws and threat, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), said in a report released at the end of the year. For more info go to Pakistan
SUDAN:
SUJ calls upon the government of South Sudan to start an investigation in the detention of four journalists
ICPJ supports the call
President of the Union of Sudanese Journalists Mohyeldin Titawi condemned the detention and imprisonment of four journalists who are union members by the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) in Rank area, upper Nile, while covering the celebrations of the Eid Al Adha, Christmas and Independence in Southern Sudan.
The four journalists are employees of the Sudanese press agency, National Sudanese TV and Radio broadcast.
Union President Mohyeldin Titawi called upon the government of South Sudan to promptly investigate in this incidence and to compensate the journalists for being detained and terrorized.
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) stands firmly behind the four Sudanese journalists and calls for their immediate release.
SOURCE: SJU, 27 December 2007
PEC and the ICPJ rejoice at the release of French journalist on Christmas eve
GENEVA, December 26 (ICPJ-PEC) -- The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) and the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) rejoice at the announcement made by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) of the release on Christmas eve of French journalist Gwen Le Gouil who was kidnapped on 16 December, by gunmen in Port town of Bossasso, the capital of Bari region in North-Eastern area of Somalia.
The kidnappers handed over the journalist Monday evening to 2 traditional elders Abdulkadir Ahmed Ibrahim and Mohammed Said Shabel who belong to same clan of the kidnappers, who later surrendered him to Puntland Ministers Ahmed Said Ow-Nur and Abdisamad Yusuf Abwan.
The PEC and the ICPJ express their sincere hope that peace would return to Somalia and that all regions would be safe for media coverage SOURCE PEC ICPJ statement
FRENCH JOURNALIST KIDNAPPED IN SOMALIA The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is strongly condemning the kidnapping of French journalist Gwen Le Gouil on Sunday, 16 December, by unknown gunmen in Port town of Bossasso, the capital of Bari region in north-eastern area of Somalia.
SOURCE: NUSOJ 17 DEC 2007 for more details go to Somalia
Special Humanitarian Envoy Abdulaziz bin Mohamed Arrukban:
The international umbrella must provide protection for journalists
covering disasters and conflicts
Special Humanitarian Envoy Abdulaziz bin Mohamed Arrukban:
Asked if Journalists in their dangerous task in conflict zones deserve special protection, Special Humanitarian Envoy Abdulaziz bin Mohamed Arrukban said “yes” they do deserve such protection.
He stressed that media work is humanitarian in essence, and they are important for humanitarian coverage, media is the eye and window to the outside world, it is the journalist that transmits the image from the disaster region or conflict zone to the world, the true image.
Arrukban noted that media work assists humanitarian work, and therefore special protection is welcome for the media.
He added that “we should speak out loudly and call on behalf of the international umbrella to provide this protection for journalists”.
SOURCE:
KUNA interview, 13 December 2007
ICPJ condemns military attack against building in Southern Gaza
The International Covenant for the protection of Journalists (ICPJ) condemns the military attack against a building in Southern Gaza
where journalists took refuge
Calls upon the IFJ, AFJ, PSJ and the Israeli Journalists Association to embark on an immediate investigation - 12 December 2007 For details go to Palestine
GHANIM ALNAJJAR
Threats to journalists and media outlets,
a serious violation of the Universal Declaration
GENEVA, December 10 (KUNA) -- The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Ghanim Alnajjar said Monday that he is very concerned about recent reports that "Somaliland" authorities have ordered twenty-four journalists to leave "Somaliland" within the next few days.
The Independent Expert added that threats to journalists and media outlets constitute serious violations of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Details in SOMALIA
KOFI ANNAN:
A specialized convention for the protection of journalists
can be taken up with member states
Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan explained his position on a specialized convention for the protection of journalists in conflict zones in a news conference organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association in Switzerland known by the acronym (APES).
Annan said it will take time but one can look at it.
He then added that the Security Council has passed in the past resolutions for the protection of groups that are targeted and that are at risk.
“Given that journalists are being attacked and being killed, this issue is something one can take up with the member states,” stressed Annan.
SOURCE: APES press conference 6 December 2007
FRANCOPHONIE SUPPORTS ENHANCED PROTECTION FOR JOURNALISTS
PASSES RESOLUTION CALLING UPON STATES TO ENSURE INDEPENDENCE OF JOURNALISTS
FRENCH TEXT FOLLOWS:
- Réaffirme que le respect des droits fondamentaux de l'homme et du citoyen
et en particulier la liberté d'expression sont étroitement liées à l'existence
d'entreprises de presse pérennes et de journalistes travaillant en toute
indépendance.
- Demande en conséquence aux États d'assurer aux entreprises de presse et
aux journalistes des cadres statutaires et un environnement démocratique,
juridique, économique, fiscal et technique favorable et adapté aux nouvelles
évolutions du marché et du droit international relatif aux médias et en particulier aux reseaux internet.
SOURCE : RÉSOLUTIONS, L'Union internationale de la presse francophone (UPF), réunie en assises du 2 au 7 décembre à Abidjan et à Yamoussoukro (Côte d'Ivoire),
DRAFT CONVENTION LAUNCHED BY THE PEC BOARD
The Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), a Geneva based non-governmental organization (NGO) established in June 2004, and a member of the International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) established in Geneva in September 2007, launched a global consultation on a wide ranging draft convention which was sent to UN member states on 6 December 2007.
The PEC, inspired by the common goal of the ICPJ to develop a new convention, worked as a board to develop the current draft.
In due course reactions on the draft will be posted both on the PEC and the ICPJ websites.
For details go to Draft Convention
Chairman of the Red Cross/Red Crescent’s Movement Standing Commission supports a specialized convention to protect journalists
Chairman of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Standing Commission Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid said Friday that he supports the creation of a specialized convention to protect journalists in conflict zones.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid, who was re-elected for this prestigious post for a second 4-year term, stressed that journalists are integral partners in the movement's work to reach out to the public.
Asked whether they deserved a special status like the medical workers, Chairman of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Standing Commission Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid said "yes", but the details of such a development should be left to the legal experts.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid noted that without media coverage funding would be difficult for the national societies and global organizations.
Standing Commission Chairman expressed hope that one day there will be in place a special convention and that he believes in the media and that they help a lot the movement in its humanitarian work.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid confirmed his belief in access for everybody including the journalists, "we cannot have a rule for one group and exclude the others", and that without media role is very much appreciated and it is very much needed to stop the suffering and unthinkable doings carried out in some places.
"I would support any move towards any convention that improve our work and that would give us the support to carry our work in a very efficient manner," said Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid.
He announced that the Jordanian Red Crescent which he presides join other national societies and governments who have pledge to commit themselves within the framework of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions to protect journalists.
In a related development, President of the 30th Red Cross/Red Crescent Conference which concluded its work today Mandisa Kalako-Williams disclosed that 7 governments and 10 national societies have joined that pledge.
The seven governments are the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, Denmark and Australia.
The 10 national societies are Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France Poland, Syria, Tanzania and the United Kingdom.
Chairman of the Standing Committee told KUNA that the Jordanian Red Crescent Society could be considered on board for the protection of media.
Source: interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) Friday 30 November 2007
ICPJ welcomes statements by Bellinger on protection of journalists in conflict zones
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) welcomed today the statements made by the legal Adviser to the State Department, Head of the U.S. Delegation to the Red Cross/ Red Crescent 30th Conference John B. Bellinger III.
Bellinger said that the United States fully supports the protection of journalists in conflict zones.
Concerning the Iraqi Associated Press (AP) photographer in detention in Iraq, Bellinger said that the intention is there to refer this case to the Iraqi criminal court on charges of his participation in staging attacks.
“Whether the Iraqi court decides to prosecute him or not will be a decision for the Iraqis,” he said.
SOURCE: GENEVA press conference
International Conference Center (CICG), 27 November, 2007 For more details go to Draft Convention
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
“If a consensus develops around the development of additional international legislation, we stand ready to accompany such a process”
Excerpts from Interview with
Antonella Notari,
head of poject for the ICRC on the issue of the safety of journalists
and on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in war reporting.
ICRC website:
What does the ICRC think about the proposal of an international treaty for the protection of journalists in armed conflicts (and beyond)?
Notari:
We are of the opinion that it is most urgent and important to ensure that the existing legal protection for journalists is divulgated and vigorously enforced by States.
If a consensus develops around the development of additional international legislation, we stand ready to accompany such a process as per our possibilities and mandate.
Any measures that serve to reinforce existing rules are welcome.
SOURCE: Interview 22 November, 2007 on the ICRC website
Pakistani journalists reject mini-Martial Law
Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), has rejected the promulgation of "mini-Martial Law," in the country in the cover of emergency, strongly condemned late night police raids on private TV news channels.
PFUJ has called an emergency meeting on Tuesday November 6, 2006 at 4 p.m. in which President and General Secretaries of the affiliated Unions will attend while the Ujs have already held their meetings in different parts of the country.
The meeting will consider joint action along with other media bodies and may also give call for "Global Action Day," during which media bodies around the world will protest against media curbs in Pakistan.
Mazhar Abbas,
Secretary General, PFUJ
4 November 2007
For more info go to Pakistan
ICPJ supports Global Action Day
Proclaims solidarity with Pakistani journalists
and media outlets under attack
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) supports the call for a “GLOBAL ACTION DAY” and joins hands with the Pakistani journalists.
The ICPJ condemns the crackdown against Pakistani journalists, the many arrests that have taken place on Sunday 4 November 2007. The Geneva based non-governmental organization (NGO) believes that this is a serious development that warrants the attention of all media associations around the world, national, regional and international. It also warrants the attention of the Human Rights Council and the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression.
The new unfolding serious developments in Pakistan, more than ever, deserve the serious consideration of all actors and individual members in the media community to act in favor of a new International Convention to Protect media.
SOMALIA
Bashir Nor Gedi, Acting Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of Shabelle Media Network assasinated 19 October 2007 at his home by unknown gunmen
The ICPJ condemns the attack and stands firmly in solidarity with the NUSOJ and the Somali journlaists, while paying condolences to the family of Gedi, the 8th in a row to be killed in Somalia.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is deeply shocked by the Assassination of Media Executive of Prominent and Popular Radio station in Mogadishu.
Bashir Nor Gedi, Acting Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of Shabelle Media Network was this evening, 19 October 2007, assassinated at his home in Wardhigley district of Hamarjadid neighborhood by unknown gunmen, according to his wife and his relatives.
The leadership of Shabelle Media Network confirmed the assassination of Bashir Nor Gedi. The Chairperson of Shabelle Media network Abdimalik Yusuf condemned this hardhearted killing. After Shabelle Radio broadcasted the assassination of its boss, the Radio stopped airing its normal programs and started airing verses of Holy Quran for grief of the death, according to Shabelle management.For more info go to "SOMALIA"
United States
The United States condemned the murder of Bashir Nur Gedi, acting
Chairman of Shabelle Media Network on Friday, October 19 in Mogadishu.
We offer our sympathy and condolences to Gedi's family and colleagues.
For more info go to "UNDER ATTACK"
PAKISTAN
On Thursday 18 October two Pakistani journalists were killed, Salman Fraooq reporter and Mohammed Shahzad cameraman working with CNBC international while covering the motorcade destination of former Pakiatani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, when a suicide attack struck and killed more than 160 people, some 500 wounded.
IRAQ
Four Iraqi Journalists slain 15 October 2007
1-Saleh Mohammed of the Washington Post, who was gunned down by unidentified gunmen in the Sayedia district.
2-Jassim Mohamed Nofal
3-Khaled Mohamed Nofal
4-Ziad Tareq
The three worked for the Iraq Al Watan newspaper and were gunned down in Northern Iraq by a military group in a public street leading to the city of Kirkuk.
The Syndicate noted with grief that since March 2003 more than 248 Iraqi journalists were killed. For more info go to Iraqi journalists.
 GOOD NEWS Mohamed Yousef announces the abolishen of the prison penalty in the UAE
GENEVA, SEPTEMBER 26 (ICPJ) – In an unprecedented move in favor of the media profession and Journalists, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashed Al Maktoum abolished the prison penalty against journalists.
The International Covenant for the Protection of Journalists (ICPJ) believes that this is a historic move to consolidate freedom of opinion and expression.
For more info go to UAE Journalists.
 UAE Editors sign code of honor
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