Is Ukraine rescinding the Inter Channel broadcasting license? On the 28th of May the Ukrainian Broadcasting Council had to take a decision. Inter is accused of "destructive behavior" by prominent members of Parliament and of not being patriotic enough. The station is also accused of taking a pro-Russian stance. But the Ukraine's government broadcasting licensing authority has … Continue reading Will Inter TV go off the air?
Month: May 2015
Updated list of political prisoners in Azerbaijan
A new list of political prisoners in Azerbaijan has just been published. The list now comprises of 80 names, as compared to the 98 which were included in the list published in August last year. Although this means that there have been some very welcome releases, the Government of Azerbaijan continues its policy of imprisoning … Continue reading Updated list of political prisoners in Azerbaijan
Azeri President should release seven jailed journalists
In a letter sent today, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) call on Azerbaijan President, Ilham Aliyev, to release all seven journalists who are currently behind bars. Download the full letter. In recent years Azerbaijan has developed a reputation as one of the world’s worst jailers of journalists. … Continue reading Azeri President should release seven jailed journalists
Moroccan authorities persecute journalist Ali Lmrabet
Reporters Without Borders is appalled by the way the Moroccan authorities continue to persecute Ali Lmrabet, a satirical newspaper editor who wants to resume publishing newspapers in Morocco now that his ten-year ban on working as journalist has expired. Ali Lmrabet, who has dual French and Moroccan nationality, is being denied the residence certificate he … Continue reading Moroccan authorities persecute journalist Ali Lmrabet
Europe discusses migrant crisis: face-saving, not life-saving solutions
(26-4-2015) European leaders agreed late on Thursday night on joint measures aimed at tackling the ever-rising number of migrant deaths in the Mediterranean, a crisis dubbed a “tragedy” by the European Union (EU). At the end of a drawn-out crisis summit, the second they had held in a week, EU heads promised to mobilise all … Continue reading Europe discusses migrant crisis: face-saving, not life-saving solutions
Yemeni media freedom and human rights at risk
In May 2013 I took part in the celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Sana’a. More interesting than the speeches and panel discussions was the enthusiasm of participating Yemeni journalists. Yemen was witnessing a revolution. Though there were plenty political and social obstacles, practical difficulties and a lot of violence, many young journalists I … Continue reading Yemeni media freedom and human rights at risk
Towards freedom in the Arab world, ten years on
The need for a special rapporteur The Arab Human Development Report 2004 was published with as subtitle Towards Freedom in the Arab World. The report, published by UNDP, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social development and the Arab Gulf Programme for UN Development Organizations, concluded that freedoms, particularly those of opinion, expression and creativity, … Continue reading Towards freedom in the Arab world, ten years on
Focus on Media Freedom 