Aung San Suu Kyi was born in Rangoon, and is a pro-democracy activist and leader for the National League for Democracy in Burma. Suu Kyi is a noted prisoner of conscience and advocate of nonviolent resistance. In addition, she is also a Nobel Peace Laureate.
Civil society organization activists raised issued including the concern for Suu Kyi at the ASEAN conference on Saturday. Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein did not respond to the Burmese issues, however, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minsiter of Thailand, agrees on the need to start a discussion on Burma but ruled out intereference on internal affairs in the country.
"He [Abhisit] recognized the need to engage in dialogue, however he said that it is important to preserve the principle of state, sovereignty and non-interference," Wathshlah, an activist said.
ASEAN ratified a charter which pledged to protect human rights and promote democracy last December. However, the charter maintains ASEAN's traditional non-intereference within member states and continues to uphold those guidelines.
Personally, I think it's time ASEAN congregates again to revise those rules. It seems contradictory to promote democracy and human rights however neglect external factors having any control or influence on those standards. The accountability factor is lacking and therefore the system is flawed.
By: Kay Makishi
BURMA
Saturday, February 28, 2009
New Russian leader attempts to gain confidence in republic territories
Russia’s new president, Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, has been working hard to make sure Russians do not criticize or need security against the government. Although he has made some effort, including ordering barriers to be removed from government offices, Yevkurov has another challenge. The challenge he faces is bringing Ingushetia, a small republic that neighbors Chechnya, under control.
Yevkurov has to watch for Ingushetia, since there is still a war between the Ingush militants and the federal forces that have trouble controlling them. His main worry is that Ingushetia will turn into Chechnya, causing problems on Russia’s southern border. President Dmitri A. Medvedev chose Yevkurov to win over the trust and popularity of the Ingush as a result of his removal of the republic’s unpopular leader.
Some interesting information about Ingushetia is that in order to enter, pedestrians must register at an officer, as if people were entering a different country. The republic is home to less than a million people, where unemployment is at 47.4 percent, making it the highest in any Russian republic. With this issue, hopefully President Medvedev and Yevkurov will be able to restore trust in the government for the people of Ingushetia and all the republics that are in Russia.
By Rachel Rovner (Russia)
Yevkurov has to watch for Ingushetia, since there is still a war between the Ingush militants and the federal forces that have trouble controlling them. His main worry is that Ingushetia will turn into Chechnya, causing problems on Russia’s southern border. President Dmitri A. Medvedev chose Yevkurov to win over the trust and popularity of the Ingush as a result of his removal of the republic’s unpopular leader.
Some interesting information about Ingushetia is that in order to enter, pedestrians must register at an officer, as if people were entering a different country. The republic is home to less than a million people, where unemployment is at 47.4 percent, making it the highest in any Russian republic. With this issue, hopefully President Medvedev and Yevkurov will be able to restore trust in the government for the people of Ingushetia and all the republics that are in Russia.
By Rachel Rovner (Russia)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Russia Reopens Case of Murdered Journalist- Anna Politkovskaya
After a Moscow jury acquitted all three suspects in the murder of investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, the presiding judge ordered the case to be reopened Friday.
After the judge offered investigators material evidence, the case of murdered journalist Politjovskaya, was reopened.
The jury ruled unanimously to acquit the three suspects in the murder of Politjovskaya, however prosecutors said they plan to appeal the decision, with hope of bringing justice to this case.
Anna Politkovskaya was a critic in Kermlim policy in Chechnya, and her killing represented the small amount of freedom allowed for dissenters in Russian Society.
Investigators and colleagues concluded that someone had ordered her death to silence her-her investigations were threatening the financial interests of figures within Russia.
Russia’s prosecutor general personally took charge of the case.
However, her murder was different from many other journalist in Russia. The longevity of her trial alone is a huge step, according to many of her colleagues and friends. Many murders are covered up and forgotten about, this one has esculated to an ongoing investigation of 2 years.
Although they believe the trial is going in right direction, it is still far from over and many colleagues of Politjovskaya are still unsatisfied with the current outcome. An appeal process for the 3 suspects acquitted is just not enough. Many believe the person who ordered the death of her, still has yet to be found. The men in holding are only accomplices.
This has been a murder that has sent shock waves around the world, considering that Politjovskaya was an extremely recognized controversial journalist. Hopefully a two-year-investigation, will end in justice.
Rachel Baldino
Team: Russia
After the judge offered investigators material evidence, the case of murdered journalist Politjovskaya, was reopened.
The jury ruled unanimously to acquit the three suspects in the murder of Politjovskaya, however prosecutors said they plan to appeal the decision, with hope of bringing justice to this case.
Anna Politkovskaya was a critic in Kermlim policy in Chechnya, and her killing represented the small amount of freedom allowed for dissenters in Russian Society.
Investigators and colleagues concluded that someone had ordered her death to silence her-her investigations were threatening the financial interests of figures within Russia.
Russia’s prosecutor general personally took charge of the case.
However, her murder was different from many other journalist in Russia. The longevity of her trial alone is a huge step, according to many of her colleagues and friends. Many murders are covered up and forgotten about, this one has esculated to an ongoing investigation of 2 years.
Although they believe the trial is going in right direction, it is still far from over and many colleagues of Politjovskaya are still unsatisfied with the current outcome. An appeal process for the 3 suspects acquitted is just not enough. Many believe the person who ordered the death of her, still has yet to be found. The men in holding are only accomplices.
This has been a murder that has sent shock waves around the world, considering that Politjovskaya was an extremely recognized controversial journalist. Hopefully a two-year-investigation, will end in justice.
Rachel Baldino
Team: Russia
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Croatia: Blocked from NATO and EU
There is concern that politics in Slovenia might prevent China from formally joining NATO in early April. Nato Secretary General Jaapde Hoop Scheffer said. "... we might not see a situation at the summit in Strasbourg and Kehl that we can greet Albania and Croatia in the NATO family."
The article further explains that although Slovenian lawmakers approved Croatia's entry to NATO, two nationalist groups in Slovenia petitioned for a referendum on Croatia's NATO membership, do to territorial disputes. For this act to be successful the two groups need 40,000 votes and have 5 weeks to acquire these. The NATO summit however was barely six weeks away when the petition was filed, making Croatia's acceptance a possible delay regardless if the referendum is successful or not.
According to Bloomberg Press, Slovenia's government has also stalled Croatia from joining the EU, and aims to do the same with NATO. The admission of Croatia into both the EU and NATO are strongly encouraged, as stated on Freedom House. Croatia has worked to facilitate the return of refugees, repair war-damaged houses, and improve minority rights in order to meet the conditions for European Union accession (found on Freedom House).
Lindsey Nass (Croatia)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Former Mexican journalists offering asylum
As you can tell by now, Mexico is not a welcoming country for journalists. As Ashley mentioned in the last blog post, Jean Paul Ibarra Ramírez was fatally shot just last week. The number of murdered journalists in Mexico just keeps on climbing. I read a very interesting article, Two Mexican Journalists Look To Help Those Across The Border, which stated that two former Mexican journalists whose lives were threatened in Mexico want to offer asylum to current journalists. Emilio Gutierrez Soto, who asked the U.S. for asylum last year has plans to partner with another journalist and create an organization titled, PEMEXX (Periodistsas Mexicanos en Exilio). It will be really interesting to see how the organization fairs in the upcoming months/years and if it is able to give refuge to threatened journalists, like Lydia Cacho.
--Urja (Mexico)
--Urja (Mexico)
BURMA: Mizzima’s Correspondent Released
Burma’s government has strict rules about censorship. In the past, Burma has been notorious for arresting and punishing journalists. Many journalists have been punished and sent to prison for any given amount of years. Mizzima journalist, Nem Davies writes about a Mizzima journalist who was just released from prison after a year and four month sentence in Kolkata city. The journalist’s name was Kyaw Moe and was charged under the Foreigners Act and was deported to Bangladesh. He was under an alias name and was arrested while at a training session in India. He was charged with illegally crossing the border and was originally sentenced to 250 days in jail. The Solidarity Committee for Burma’s Freedom Fighters, which is an organization that helps oppressed journalists, decided to work with Moe’s case and help him appeal his sentence. Unfortunately, his bail was turned down and had to remain in prison. If sent to Burma, there would be threats of severe punishment. Fortunately, the West Bengal government decided not to send him back to Burma. He was separated from his family for a year and is very happy to be back.
This proves the censorship in Burma is taken very seriously and punishment can be very severe. Activists and journalists are in danger every day of getting in trouble and rights like freedom of speech and other stop that the United States and other countries take for granted doesn’t exist.
-Sarah Greenert
This proves the censorship in Burma is taken very seriously and punishment can be very severe. Activists and journalists are in danger every day of getting in trouble and rights like freedom of speech and other stop that the United States and other countries take for granted doesn’t exist.
-Sarah Greenert
Sunday, February 22, 2009
'Wonderful Town' wins five awards
'Wonderful Town' wins five Thai Film awards. Indie film "Wonderful Town" snatched five Subhanahongsa awards last night - for best picture, best director, best screenplay and best art direction. The movie is set in a small town in the south of Thailand, "Wonderful Town" tells a halting love story about Ton, an architect who arrives from Bangkok to supervise the post-tsunami reconstruction of a beach resort, and Na, a beautiful woman who works at her father's hotel. "Wonderful Town" is also the first Thai film to win a film-making award from Pusan.
By Zach Dobbin (Thailand)
By Zach Dobbin (Thailand)
Release of Thousands Begins in Burma
On Saturday, February 21, 2009 it was reported by my fellow teammate Sarah Popovich that over 6,000 prisoners were to be released. Just a few hours ago, the Washington Post as well as the Deutsche Welle have reported that the Burmese government has began to release the 6,300 prisoners. Of those prisoners being released less than 20 were political prisoners. "Zaw Myint Maung, who was elected to parliament in the annulled 1990 elections and was given a 20-year sentence in 1991", was on of the political prisoners released. Also a number of monks who had been imprisoned since 2003, for refusing to except funds from Gen. Khin Nyunt, Burma's prime minister at the time who was later fired and arrested in 2004.
The release comes shortly after the visit of two United Nations officials, Tomás Ojea Quintana, a special rapporteur on human rights and Ibrahim Gambari, secretary-general's special advisor on Burma. This was 'Quintana's second visit to Burma in six months, and he gave a bleak assessment of the situation',"The human rights situation in Myanmar is still challenging," he said after his visit, referring to the country by the name its military rulers prefer. "It's difficult to affirm that the human rights situation has improved." Gambari reported after meeting with political prisoner and National League for Democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyiz. "I told the government that now is the time to demonstrate Myanmar's commitment to addressing concretely the issues of concern to the international community - particularly the release of political prisoners and the resumption of dialogue between the government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi."
There seems to be some progress being made with the release of these prisoners. Burma is schedule to hold elections next year, and that is where true progress shall be made.
Bayyina Black, Burma Group
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0,,12215_cid_4047767,00.html
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-02-20-voa51.cfm
The release comes shortly after the visit of two United Nations officials, Tomás Ojea Quintana, a special rapporteur on human rights and Ibrahim Gambari, secretary-general's special advisor on Burma. This was 'Quintana's second visit to Burma in six months, and he gave a bleak assessment of the situation',"The human rights situation in Myanmar is still challenging," he said after his visit, referring to the country by the name its military rulers prefer. "It's difficult to affirm that the human rights situation has improved." Gambari reported after meeting with political prisoner and National League for Democracy leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyiz. "I told the government that now is the time to demonstrate Myanmar's commitment to addressing concretely the issues of concern to the international community - particularly the release of political prisoners and the resumption of dialogue between the government and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi."
There seems to be some progress being made with the release of these prisoners. Burma is schedule to hold elections next year, and that is where true progress shall be made.
Bayyina Black, Burma Group
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/function/0,,12215_cid_4047767,00.html
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-02-20-voa51.cfm
Thailand Grants Royal Pardon to Australian Journalist
The BBC reported after being sentenced to three years in jail, Australian journalist, Harry Nicolaides had no idea he would be returning home to Australia in less that two months.
Mr. Nicolaides, a 41-year-old journalist was jailed in Thailand for insulting its monarch in a book he wrote. The charges came from an unknown book written by Mr. Nicolaides in 2005. Reportedly only 50 copies of the book were ever printed and of those 50 only seven were ever sold. However, the Bangkok court felt Mr. Nicolaides book caused dishonor to the Thai royal family.
After the Thai government sentenced Mr. Nicolaides to three years in prison the Australian government worked with the Thai government to sway Thailand’s royal family for his release. Thankfully he returned home yesterday, after being pardoned by the king and set free.
By Lisa Schaffer (Thailand)
Mr. Nicolaides, a 41-year-old journalist was jailed in Thailand for insulting its monarch in a book he wrote. The charges came from an unknown book written by Mr. Nicolaides in 2005. Reportedly only 50 copies of the book were ever printed and of those 50 only seven were ever sold. However, the Bangkok court felt Mr. Nicolaides book caused dishonor to the Thai royal family.
After the Thai government sentenced Mr. Nicolaides to three years in prison the Australian government worked with the Thai government to sway Thailand’s royal family for his release. Thankfully he returned home yesterday, after being pardoned by the king and set free.
By Lisa Schaffer (Thailand)
What are the primary censoring agencies in China?
Several government bodies are involved in reviewing and enforcing laws related to information flowing within, into, and from China, but the two primary censoring agencies are the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP) and the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT). GAPP licenses publishers, screens written publications (including those on the Internet), and has the power to ban materials and shut down outlets. SARFT has similar authority over radio, television, film, and Internet broadcasts.But the most powerful monitoring body is the Communist Party’s Central Propaganda Department (CPD), which coordinates with GAPP and SARFT to make sure content promotes and remains consistent with party doctrine.
China’s media system is considered by press freedom organizations to be a propaganda tool. The article showed China’s news system as Propaganda Machine. The CPD gives media outlets directives restricting coverage of politically sensitive topics—such as protests, environmental disasters, Tibet, and Taiwan—which could be considered dangerous to state security and party control. The CPD guidelines are given to heads of media outlets, who in turn kill controversial stories and decide how delicate topics will be covered. Journalists who do not follow the rules face reprisals in the workplace.
Min-Suk Kim
Country: China
China’s media system is considered by press freedom organizations to be a propaganda tool. The article showed China’s news system as Propaganda Machine. The CPD gives media outlets directives restricting coverage of politically sensitive topics—such as protests, environmental disasters, Tibet, and Taiwan—which could be considered dangerous to state security and party control. The CPD guidelines are given to heads of media outlets, who in turn kill controversial stories and decide how delicate topics will be covered. Journalists who do not follow the rules face reprisals in the workplace.
Min-Suk Kim
Country: China
Macau and Hong Kong Journalists Snubbed
Amnesty International reported earlier this month tighter restrictions on journalists from Macau and Hong Kong. The new rules announced on February 6 introduce a structural obstacle requiring that Hong Kong and Macao journalists to obtain prior approval from the authorities before each and every trip to the mainland. Journalists will now have to notify the authorities before traveling and obtain a press card from the All-China Journalists Association (the official union) before working on the mainland. Further, it is required that they show the card before interviewing Chinese citizens.
The current media regulation for Hong Kong and Macao journalists is the tighter than that of foreign and Taiwanese journalists. Prior to the Olympic Games, more lenient press arrangements were introduced which are still in effect for foreign and Taiwanese Journalists.
According to the government news agency Xinhua, the new regulations state that: “Journalists from Hong Kong and Macau must abide by national laws and journalism ethics and should carry out coverage objectively and fairly.
Macau (pop. 526,000) and Hong Kong (pop. 7 million) are both Special Administration Regions (SAR) of China. Both countries are to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in defense and foreign affairs, under the SAR's constitution and the Basic Law.
It is absurd that Honk Kong and Macau journalists are more restricted than foreign journalists. This regulation comes at a time of many notable anniversaries in China which will undoubetedly draw much media attention. Two-thousand nine marks the 50th anniversary of the 1959 uprising in Tibet, the 30th anniversary of the "Democracy Wall" movement, and the 20th anniversary of the crackdown on the 1989 pro-democracy Tiananmen protests.
A Hong Kong journalist who often visits the mainland told Reporters Without Borders: “The impact on our work depends on the way the local authorities apply it. I fear that, as regards sensitive stories, this will prevent us from doing our reporting properly. There could be a restrictive attitude during this coming year, which is a sensitive one.”
-Rachel Clement, CHINA
The current media regulation for Hong Kong and Macao journalists is the tighter than that of foreign and Taiwanese journalists. Prior to the Olympic Games, more lenient press arrangements were introduced which are still in effect for foreign and Taiwanese Journalists.
According to the government news agency Xinhua, the new regulations state that: “Journalists from Hong Kong and Macau must abide by national laws and journalism ethics and should carry out coverage objectively and fairly.
Macau (pop. 526,000) and Hong Kong (pop. 7 million) are both Special Administration Regions (SAR) of China. Both countries are to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in defense and foreign affairs, under the SAR's constitution and the Basic Law.
It is absurd that Honk Kong and Macau journalists are more restricted than foreign journalists. This regulation comes at a time of many notable anniversaries in China which will undoubetedly draw much media attention. Two-thousand nine marks the 50th anniversary of the 1959 uprising in Tibet, the 30th anniversary of the "Democracy Wall" movement, and the 20th anniversary of the crackdown on the 1989 pro-democracy Tiananmen protests.
A Hong Kong journalist who often visits the mainland told Reporters Without Borders: “The impact on our work depends on the way the local authorities apply it. I fear that, as regards sensitive stories, this will prevent us from doing our reporting properly. There could be a restrictive attitude during this coming year, which is a sensitive one.”
-Rachel Clement, CHINA
Iran: Journalist prevented from leaving Iran
Freelance journalist, Abdolreza Tajik, was banned by the Iranian government from leaving the country Tuesday.
Tajik, who is also a free speech activist, was about to board a flight to Spain at Tehran’s Imam Khomeiny airport when his passport was seized by security agents who informed him that he had been summoned to appear before a revolutionary tribunal, according to reports by Reporters Without Borders.
Tajik had planned to travel to Seville to attend a two-day seminar on “Iran and 30 years or revolution” that had been organized by the Three Cultures Foundation.
Tajik, a member of Iran’s Human Rights Defenders Centre, was a journalist for three suspended Iranian publications: Bahar (suspended in 2001), Hambastegi (suspended in 2003) and Shargh (suspended in 2008).
By Eka Obaigbena
Country: Iran
Tajik, who is also a free speech activist, was about to board a flight to Spain at Tehran’s Imam Khomeiny airport when his passport was seized by security agents who informed him that he had been summoned to appear before a revolutionary tribunal, according to reports by Reporters Without Borders.
Tajik had planned to travel to Seville to attend a two-day seminar on “Iran and 30 years or revolution” that had been organized by the Three Cultures Foundation.
Tajik, a member of Iran’s Human Rights Defenders Centre, was a journalist for three suspended Iranian publications: Bahar (suspended in 2001), Hambastegi (suspended in 2003) and Shargh (suspended in 2008).
By Eka Obaigbena
Country: Iran
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Burma: Campaign to Free Political Prisoners
Beginning on February 14, 2009, members of the National League for Democracy (NLD) started collecting signatures for a public awareness campaign to free Aung San Suu Kyi. Suu Kyi is a political prisoner who has been detained in prison or under house arrest for 13 of the past 18 years. She won the 1990 election of Prime Minister, but was denied the position because the military power nullified the election.
The campaign, which is mainly being implemented by the youthful members of the NLD, faces problems with gaining the support of the common Burmese people. Because the current Burmese junta strictly enforce laws that prohibit free speech, many people may hesitate to give their support to this campaign. One of the barriers to this goal is the public's perception of the repercussions if they show support.
"The people are interested in this campaign, But, some people did not dare to give their signatures out of fear and they were also unaware that they could participate in such campaigns at their own free will as their right," said Daw Khin Nyunt Mu, a member of the NLD organizing committee (quote from Mizzima - a Burmese media source).
On Friday, February 20, Burma's military rulers announced that they would begin the release over 6000 prisoners. They did not specify, however, if this number would include the estimated 2000 prisoners who were detained for political reasons. Although this may be a step in the right direction, according to the Mizzima, no prisoners had been released as of Saturday.
- Sarah Popovich (Burma)
The campaign, which is mainly being implemented by the youthful members of the NLD, faces problems with gaining the support of the common Burmese people. Because the current Burmese junta strictly enforce laws that prohibit free speech, many people may hesitate to give their support to this campaign. One of the barriers to this goal is the public's perception of the repercussions if they show support.
"The people are interested in this campaign, But, some people did not dare to give their signatures out of fear and they were also unaware that they could participate in such campaigns at their own free will as their right," said Daw Khin Nyunt Mu, a member of the NLD organizing committee (quote from Mizzima - a Burmese media source).
On Friday, February 20, Burma's military rulers announced that they would begin the release over 6000 prisoners. They did not specify, however, if this number would include the estimated 2000 prisoners who were detained for political reasons. Although this may be a step in the right direction, according to the Mizzima, no prisoners had been released as of Saturday.
- Sarah Popovich (Burma)
Another Russian Journalist's Murder goes Unavenged
According to the Wall Street Journal Europe, yet another Russian journalist has been murdered without the killer being brought to justice.
Prosecutors say Anna Politkovskaya was followed on her way home and shot to death in an elevator by Rustam Makhmudov. Makhmudov then fled the country, and is rumored to be hiding in Europe.
The men who helped Makhmudov were put on trial in Moscow, but were acquited of all wrong doing. One of the men on trial was an ex-police officer with ties to the Kremlin. Prosecutors say that the Federal Security Service were of little to no help in the investigation, and may have tipped several of the co-conspirators off on how to leave the country without detection before the start of the trial.
This may be the death nail of journalism's coffin in Russia. The court system is defunct, the criminals are the pawns of the ruling party, and police turn a blind eye to the deaths of journalists.
Maybe it is time to start over. Maybe this morally bankrupt government should see what happens when it continues to keep it's citizens ignorant and hungry. Let's hope Putin wises up before he has to find out first hand what a Molotov Cocktail can do.
Prosecutors say Anna Politkovskaya was followed on her way home and shot to death in an elevator by Rustam Makhmudov. Makhmudov then fled the country, and is rumored to be hiding in Europe.
The men who helped Makhmudov were put on trial in Moscow, but were acquited of all wrong doing. One of the men on trial was an ex-police officer with ties to the Kremlin. Prosecutors say that the Federal Security Service were of little to no help in the investigation, and may have tipped several of the co-conspirators off on how to leave the country without detection before the start of the trial.
This may be the death nail of journalism's coffin in Russia. The court system is defunct, the criminals are the pawns of the ruling party, and police turn a blind eye to the deaths of journalists.
Maybe it is time to start over. Maybe this morally bankrupt government should see what happens when it continues to keep it's citizens ignorant and hungry. Let's hope Putin wises up before he has to find out first hand what a Molotov Cocktail can do.
Croatia: Balkans row blocks EU enlargement
According to this article from the United Kingdom Telegraph, Slovenia has blocked the EU from reaching agreements with Croatia in areas of key policy reform. These issues must be handled before 2011 in order for Croatia to be fully recognized in the EU. The source of this veto stems from a long-standing border dispute that emerged after the break up of Yugoslavia. Slovenia has vowed to block the next 11 negotation hurdles, which could ultimately freeze Croatia's progress in becoming the 28th member state of the EU.
This is a very important issue for Croatia's media progress. They are considered "free" according to Freedom House, and the progress in transition toward democracy has been cited as one of the main reasons. The progress Croatia has made in terms of joining the EU has been an important aspect of that. Reporters Without Borders cited similar progress but noted that 2008 showed some decline from previous years, largely due to some political tension during a parliamentary election. In the wake of this setback, blockage from the EU would not be good for the progress that Croatia has shown, and it is important that it can overcome these negotiation hurdles before 2011 in order to maintain the characteristics of a free media country. Hopefully, this will be resolved and the democratic transition process can continue with the aid of the European Union.
- Matt Orminski (Croatia)
This is a very important issue for Croatia's media progress. They are considered "free" according to Freedom House, and the progress in transition toward democracy has been cited as one of the main reasons. The progress Croatia has made in terms of joining the EU has been an important aspect of that. Reporters Without Borders cited similar progress but noted that 2008 showed some decline from previous years, largely due to some political tension during a parliamentary election. In the wake of this setback, blockage from the EU would not be good for the progress that Croatia has shown, and it is important that it can overcome these negotiation hurdles before 2011 in order to maintain the characteristics of a free media country. Hopefully, this will be resolved and the democratic transition process can continue with the aid of the European Union.
- Matt Orminski (Croatia)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mexico: Another Photographer Dead, Reporter Injured
As the previous posts from my group suggest, violence against the press in Mexico is an ongoing problem. Yet, another incident has taken place last Friday that has left a crime photographer dead and a reporter injured.
According to an article by the Committee to Protect Journalists a gunman killed a photographer and injured a reporter in the southern city of Iguala, Guerrero state. The two reporters, Jean Paul Ibarra Ramírez, 33, from the newspaper El Correo and Yenny Yuliana Marchán Arroyo, 22, from the daily newspaper Diario 21, were each shot three times. The two reporters were on their way to cover a car accident around 10 p.m.
The police described the weapon used in the shooting to be a .45 caliber pistol, which is a firearm authorized for exclusive use by the Mexican army. Its use makes the shooting a federal crime and could bring in the federal government's special prosecutor for crimes against journalists.
Although many of the journalist related shootings in Mexico have some relationship to drugs and drug trafficking, neither of these reporters seemed to have a link. Ibarra was said to have stayed clear of stories about drug trafficking or police corruption to avoid danger. Marchán, a recent graduate writes a public opinion feature four days a week and covers the crime beat for the Diario 21.
CPJ is launching a thorough investigation today. One they hope will not be "twisted" by incompetent police and detectives. There has been additional skeptism regarding the Mexican government and President Felipe Calderón involving corruption.
Until the government wises up and takes a firm stance against the existing corruption, I don't see the safety of the Mexican journalists increasing.
-Ashley Mickelwaite
Mexico
According to an article by the Committee to Protect Journalists a gunman killed a photographer and injured a reporter in the southern city of Iguala, Guerrero state. The two reporters, Jean Paul Ibarra Ramírez, 33, from the newspaper El Correo and Yenny Yuliana Marchán Arroyo, 22, from the daily newspaper Diario 21, were each shot three times. The two reporters were on their way to cover a car accident around 10 p.m.
The police described the weapon used in the shooting to be a .45 caliber pistol, which is a firearm authorized for exclusive use by the Mexican army. Its use makes the shooting a federal crime and could bring in the federal government's special prosecutor for crimes against journalists.
Although many of the journalist related shootings in Mexico have some relationship to drugs and drug trafficking, neither of these reporters seemed to have a link. Ibarra was said to have stayed clear of stories about drug trafficking or police corruption to avoid danger. Marchán, a recent graduate writes a public opinion feature four days a week and covers the crime beat for the Diario 21.
CPJ is launching a thorough investigation today. One they hope will not be "twisted" by incompetent police and detectives. There has been additional skeptism regarding the Mexican government and President Felipe Calderón involving corruption.
Until the government wises up and takes a firm stance against the existing corruption, I don't see the safety of the Mexican journalists increasing.
-Ashley Mickelwaite
Mexico
Opposition leader resigns strengthing Berlusconi's power
Silvio Berlusconi has gained an even stronger hand in Italy this week, following the resignation of the leader of opposition party. Walter Veltroni stepped down as leader of the Democratic party after he was defeated in local election for a government position. The victory was unexpected for Berlusconi, who hand picked the candidate that defeated Veltroni. Berlusconi defeated Veltroni in last years national election to win back his Prime Minister seat.
With no apparent leader of the opposition party, Berlusconi is unopposed. Local political analysts believe his reign will only get stronger with no one in his way to stop him. Berlusconi holds so much political power and holds large stakes in media corporations, giving him unparalleled control.
It may be a long time before there will be anyone to rise up and overthrow the power of Berlusconi.
Andrew Johnson
Italy
With no apparent leader of the opposition party, Berlusconi is unopposed. Local political analysts believe his reign will only get stronger with no one in his way to stop him. Berlusconi holds so much political power and holds large stakes in media corporations, giving him unparalleled control.
It may be a long time before there will be anyone to rise up and overthrow the power of Berlusconi.
Andrew Johnson
Italy
Italy: Berlusconi bribe case
David Mills, a British corporate lawyer has been found guilty of accepting bribes from Prime Minister Berlusconi in return for giving false evidence in two court cases in 1997 and 1998.
The article on BBC.com states that Mills, an expert witness in tax affairs, accepted $600,000 (U.S. dollars) to not mention Berlusconi's offshore companies in the court case so that Berlusconi could avoid paying tax. This was believed to have helped clear Berlusconi in the case.
Mills has been sentenced to four years and six months of prison, but has said he will appeal the sentencing. He will most likely avoid going to prison because an appeal could take up to 3 years, forcing the prosecution to run into problems with Italy's statute of limitations.
Berlusconi will also avoid prison time as his administration passed an immunity to prosecution law (a "get-out-of-jail-free card") last year. He cannot be prosecuted while in office, but the charges are suspended and there is a possibilty of prosecuting him once his term is over. There is also a movement to get rid of the new immunity laws which could lead to problems for Berlusconi.
-Jessica Perry
country: Italy
The article on BBC.com states that Mills, an expert witness in tax affairs, accepted $600,000 (U.S. dollars) to not mention Berlusconi's offshore companies in the court case so that Berlusconi could avoid paying tax. This was believed to have helped clear Berlusconi in the case.
Mills has been sentenced to four years and six months of prison, but has said he will appeal the sentencing. He will most likely avoid going to prison because an appeal could take up to 3 years, forcing the prosecution to run into problems with Italy's statute of limitations.
Berlusconi will also avoid prison time as his administration passed an immunity to prosecution law (a "get-out-of-jail-free card") last year. He cannot be prosecuted while in office, but the charges are suspended and there is a possibilty of prosecuting him once his term is over. There is also a movement to get rid of the new immunity laws which could lead to problems for Berlusconi.
-Jessica Perry
country: Italy
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Russia’s Deep Pockets Becoming Only Ankle-Deep
A devastating financial crisis is taking its toll on Russia’s wealthy population. The rich has seen drastic cuts in net value, especially billionaires whose assets have been cut in half in most cases.
Oleg Deripaska, an automotive and aluminum tycoon, was the richest man in Russia until the recent financial crisis. After the Russian stock market collapsed, Deripaska became in debt of over $20 billion.
Other tycoons were hit hard as well. Vladimir Potanin in the metals and media industry lost a fortune. Mikhail Fridman in the banking, oil and retail industries also felt the wrath of the financial crisis.
According to Finans Magazine, the business magazine or Russia, Russia’s richest man is Mikhail Prokhorov, with a fortune of $14.1 billion. was formerly a major shareholder of Norilsk Nickel, Russia’s biggest mining company, but he sold his 25% stake in Norilsk last April, after disagreements with his long-time partner Potanin, bagging $8 billion in cash. So, he was sitting on a pile of cash for a rainy day that came with the financial crisis.
However, with great fortune in Russia comes the emergence of corruption, greed and embezzlement. After Finans published its story on the effect of the financial crisis on Russia’s richest, Russian prosecutors announced that they plan to bring new charges of theft and embezzlement against Khodorkovsky, the former owner of the oil company Yukos.
Khodorkovsky could now face time behind bars. This makes even those who lost fortunes because of the financial crisis feel lucky. Better to be poor and honest than free and behind bars.
Julianne Kriner
Team Russia
Oleg Deripaska, an automotive and aluminum tycoon, was the richest man in Russia until the recent financial crisis. After the Russian stock market collapsed, Deripaska became in debt of over $20 billion.
Other tycoons were hit hard as well. Vladimir Potanin in the metals and media industry lost a fortune. Mikhail Fridman in the banking, oil and retail industries also felt the wrath of the financial crisis.
According to Finans Magazine, the business magazine or Russia, Russia’s richest man is Mikhail Prokhorov, with a fortune of $14.1 billion. was formerly a major shareholder of Norilsk Nickel, Russia’s biggest mining company, but he sold his 25% stake in Norilsk last April, after disagreements with his long-time partner Potanin, bagging $8 billion in cash. So, he was sitting on a pile of cash for a rainy day that came with the financial crisis.
However, with great fortune in Russia comes the emergence of corruption, greed and embezzlement. After Finans published its story on the effect of the financial crisis on Russia’s richest, Russian prosecutors announced that they plan to bring new charges of theft and embezzlement against Khodorkovsky, the former owner of the oil company Yukos.
Khodorkovsky could now face time behind bars. This makes even those who lost fortunes because of the financial crisis feel lucky. Better to be poor and honest than free and behind bars.
Julianne Kriner
Team Russia
Troubled Thailand
Abhisit Vejjajiva is the newest man to take on the job of leading Thailand. In fact, he is the fourth leader in just 12 months. He has come into power when Thailand is taking a downward spiral right into a recession. Vejjajiva adamantly admits his government is stable but just two years ago, corruption and conflicts of interest threatened the government and the economic stability.
Thailand's financial crisis begins with a loss of $8 billion in "tourism and trade revenue, and inflicted incalculable damage on Thailand's reputation." Thailand has a $3.35 billion stimulus package which has been criticized by businesses however, the World Bank argues that the package will go far enough for now, but more action might be needed in the future.
"Abhisit also pledges to defuse the gathering insurgency in Thailand's mostly Muslim south along the Malaysian border, where more than 3,000 people have died in a five-year separatist conflict." Abhisist insists that his government is different and that he refuses to leave this issue with police and it will become a priority of his new government.
Ashley Hartz
Thailand
Thailand's financial crisis begins with a loss of $8 billion in "tourism and trade revenue, and inflicted incalculable damage on Thailand's reputation." Thailand has a $3.35 billion stimulus package which has been criticized by businesses however, the World Bank argues that the package will go far enough for now, but more action might be needed in the future.
"Abhisit also pledges to defuse the gathering insurgency in Thailand's mostly Muslim south along the Malaysian border, where more than 3,000 people have died in a five-year separatist conflict." Abhisist insists that his government is different and that he refuses to leave this issue with police and it will become a priority of his new government.
Ashley Hartz
Thailand
Monday, February 16, 2009
Croatia- Car bomb kills owner and executive of weekly Nacional
Ivo Pukanic, owner and former editor of the weekly Nacional, and marketing executive Niko Franjic were killed a few months ago in a car bomb explosion.
This was shock to many; however, it is a time of high violence in Croatia right now. There is still an investigation going on to establish exactly who did this, and why they did it. There is a lot of organized crime in the Balkans and it seems to only be getting worst. Many journalists are being murdered by taking too much interest in their activities.
An article and instance like this shocks me greatly. This goes hand in hand with the press freedom issues we have been discussing in class, however, this is an extreme measure. I couldn't imagine the outrage that would occur if situations like this happened recently in America. Croatia is ranked a partly free nation, but this just proves how dangerous it is to be a journalist. When it's your life on the line that you have to consider when thinking about whether to publish a story or not, things get serious. Hopefully, all the issues with Croatia and the European Union can get sorted out, and there can start being more peace for the country.
Vikash Kothari
Croatia
This was shock to many; however, it is a time of high violence in Croatia right now. There is still an investigation going on to establish exactly who did this, and why they did it. There is a lot of organized crime in the Balkans and it seems to only be getting worst. Many journalists are being murdered by taking too much interest in their activities.
An article and instance like this shocks me greatly. This goes hand in hand with the press freedom issues we have been discussing in class, however, this is an extreme measure. I couldn't imagine the outrage that would occur if situations like this happened recently in America. Croatia is ranked a partly free nation, but this just proves how dangerous it is to be a journalist. When it's your life on the line that you have to consider when thinking about whether to publish a story or not, things get serious. Hopefully, all the issues with Croatia and the European Union can get sorted out, and there can start being more peace for the country.
Vikash Kothari
Croatia
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Italy: Prime Minister Berlusconi plans to restrict phone wiretaps
Skype has become the new form of communication for drug traffickers, organized crime, and prostitution rings. In the BBC news there was a report that investigators overheard suspects telling each other to switch over to Skype for further details of the plan.
It is difficult for investigators to get a hold of criminals these days because the police usually relied on wiretapping of home and mobile phones to catch their criminals. Police say they are not able to get any help from Skype because Skype is unwilling to reveal its encryption code with the police.
Phone wiretapping is necessary in order to catch criminals, but Prime Minister Berlusconi has come forth with a bill to restrict phone wire tapping to only serious crimes. The bill will not allow wiretap as evidence until the final verdict has been determined. Journalists are protesting this new bill because crime reporting comes from resources of wiretapping.
-Sun Kim (Italy)
Iran: Lawsuit against Iranian government by photographers son
Stephan Hachemi of Quebec, Canada lost his mother Zahra Kazemi, a photographer who had dual citizenship in both
Stephan has tried to have his mother’s body exhumed and brought back to
Craig Walker
Country: Iran
China: We Didn't Start The Fire
Chinese media censorship activities aren't just limited to overseas occurrences and domestic human rights brutalities. Media censorship in China also extends to trying to spare government agencies from embarrassment.
A week ago, the unfinished Beijing Television Cultural Center was set ablaze by a firework display gone wrong. The blaze ended up claiming the life of a firefighter, but if you lived in mainland China, you wouldn't know much about it.
After the fire, a memo went out to news outlets and blogs ordering them to cease reporting on the fire. Part of the memo can be seen here (scroll down a little).
Why would the Chinese government want to to censor news like this? For one, the tower is owned by CCTV, the government-run national broadcaster. Secondly, the public consensus in China on buildings like the TCC is that they are ugly and a waste of money. The main CCTV headquarters (which you can see here) has been aptly nicknamed by most Chinese people as "The Big Underpants" for its unique yet puzzling design.
The Seattle Times has the best explanation on why the event was censored, suggesting that the initial response to the fire from Chinese citizens, which ranged from amusement to more amusement, was deemed to be inappropriate in the case of a building which is supposed to be a symbol of China's growing media prowess.
-Steve Kwan
A week ago, the unfinished Beijing Television Cultural Center was set ablaze by a firework display gone wrong. The blaze ended up claiming the life of a firefighter, but if you lived in mainland China, you wouldn't know much about it.
After the fire, a memo went out to news outlets and blogs ordering them to cease reporting on the fire. Part of the memo can be seen here (scroll down a little).
Why would the Chinese government want to to censor news like this? For one, the tower is owned by CCTV, the government-run national broadcaster. Secondly, the public consensus in China on buildings like the TCC is that they are ugly and a waste of money. The main CCTV headquarters (which you can see here) has been aptly nicknamed by most Chinese people as "The Big Underpants" for its unique yet puzzling design.
The Seattle Times has the best explanation on why the event was censored, suggesting that the initial response to the fire from Chinese citizens, which ranged from amusement to more amusement, was deemed to be inappropriate in the case of a building which is supposed to be a symbol of China's growing media prowess.
-Steve Kwan
Italy: Prime Minister Berlusconi Attempts to "Regulate Internet"
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wants to push for an agreement to regulate the internet through the G8.
The G8 is actually the Group of Eight, which is a forum for governments of eight nations from the north hemisphere, including Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S.A. The group discusses issues of mutual or global concern, and it is through this that Berlusconi hopes to use his country's position in the G8 to push for international coercion on internet regulation.
The main issue at hand is that this is an inherent conflict of interest because Silvio Berlusconi is not only Italy's senior G8 leader, the Prime Minister and Italy's richest man, but also the main controller of Italy's media, owning (both directly and indirectly) 90% of Italian media.
According to La Stampa, attempts at internet regulation will be protested by bloggers who will display anti-Berlusconi banners on their blogs and websites. Berlusconi's attempts to get other countries to follow in internet regulation are a direct violation of the protection of freedom of speech, as well as various other press freedom indices.
- Jamie Bezozo
Country: Italy
The G8 is actually the Group of Eight, which is a forum for governments of eight nations from the north hemisphere, including Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S.A. The group discusses issues of mutual or global concern, and it is through this that Berlusconi hopes to use his country's position in the G8 to push for international coercion on internet regulation.
The main issue at hand is that this is an inherent conflict of interest because Silvio Berlusconi is not only Italy's senior G8 leader, the Prime Minister and Italy's richest man, but also the main controller of Italy's media, owning (both directly and indirectly) 90% of Italian media.
According to La Stampa, attempts at internet regulation will be protested by bloggers who will display anti-Berlusconi banners on their blogs and websites. Berlusconi's attempts to get other countries to follow in internet regulation are a direct violation of the protection of freedom of speech, as well as various other press freedom indices.
- Jamie Bezozo
Country: Italy
Russia: the Financial Crisis and Migrant Workers
There appears to be a juxtaposition between the image Russia wishes to project on a global scale and the realities that exist within the country. Most recently Russia has tried to present a more positive image of itself in the press, openly showing its support of the new Obama administration, even expressing its willingness to holding negotiations on nuclear disarmament with the US. On Feb. 11 the country added to the positive press by announcing its opposition to add issues such as climate change to the agenda for the April summit, arguing its wish to focus on a more pressing matter, the financial crisis. Russia’s G8 and G20 deputy Sherpa Andrei Bokarev stated the need for all countries to work together to make “decisions leading to concrete results” to truly solve all facets of the economic crisis.
Yet, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Watch, the crisis is taking a serious toll on an already underprivileged group in Russia, migrant workers, specifically in the field of construction. According to the report, based upon 146 interviews with current or former workers, employers are not providing contracts, continuing to deny wages, trafficking migrants into forced labor and threatening violence. Perhaps most discerning in the report, however is that there is also an official police presence, which does not work to protect these workers but instead works for the employers to enforce these unfair working conditions and further abuse the workers. "Without urgent action by the Russian government, migrant construction workers will be doubly vulnerable to abuse, both by employers and by others looking to scapegoat migrants for the country's economic problems," Jane Buchanan, the report's author said.
By: Jennifer Lynch (Russia)
Yet, according to a new report released by the Human Rights Watch, the crisis is taking a serious toll on an already underprivileged group in Russia, migrant workers, specifically in the field of construction. According to the report, based upon 146 interviews with current or former workers, employers are not providing contracts, continuing to deny wages, trafficking migrants into forced labor and threatening violence. Perhaps most discerning in the report, however is that there is also an official police presence, which does not work to protect these workers but instead works for the employers to enforce these unfair working conditions and further abuse the workers. "Without urgent action by the Russian government, migrant construction workers will be doubly vulnerable to abuse, both by employers and by others looking to scapegoat migrants for the country's economic problems," Jane Buchanan, the report's author said.
By: Jennifer Lynch (Russia)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
China decision to create a blacklist of reporters
It seems the pre-Olympic promise that China made to guarantee total press freedom, has fade even further by the recent decision by the Chinese government to create "a list of reporters who break reporting rules and prevent them from continuing to report or edit news." This announce of this list was reported on the website of the official China Press and Publishing Journal.
The article reported that the General Administration of Press and Publication (the agency that control China's media), will "establish a database of media professionals with a bad record." The new rules currently only apply to Chinese reporters. The foreign press is under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bob Dietz, CPJ'sAsia program coordinator express his concern as so: "We are alarmed by any government that attempts to decide who is a 'good' journalist and who is a 'bad' journalist." And Dietz added that "Media in post-Olympics China China
-Van Hoang (China)
The article reported that the General Administration of Press and Publication (the agency that control China's media), will "establish a database of media professionals with a bad record." The new rules currently only apply to Chinese reporters. The foreign press is under the supervision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bob Dietz, CPJ's
-Van Hoang (China)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Pheu Thai Party Sets Date for Censure Debate
On Tuesday, The Pheu Thai Party reached a decision to file a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and seven cabinet members. The tentative date for the censure debate set to be March 11. Although the date has been set, the main opposition party has not disclosed any of the details of the censure debate.
Opposition leader Plodprasop Suraswadi is anxious for the censure debate to occur and claimed that his party will go ahead with the debate even if his party neglects to name a new opposition leader. A new leader is not necessary for the debate to take place.
Suraswadi claims that his party plans to name Abhisit’s successor in the event that the government collapses. A likely candidate to replace Abhist is Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung.
By Marti Alhante (Thailand)
Opposition leader Plodprasop Suraswadi is anxious for the censure debate to occur and claimed that his party will go ahead with the debate even if his party neglects to name a new opposition leader. A new leader is not necessary for the debate to take place.
Suraswadi claims that his party plans to name Abhisit’s successor in the event that the government collapses. A likely candidate to replace Abhist is Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung.
By Marti Alhante (Thailand)
Mexico: Drug Traffickers Fire Grenade at Televisa Studio
The increasing drug trade in Mexico has led to an increase in journalist killings as journalists go behind the scenes to investigate and report on drug trafficking. Keirin’s article about Armando Rodríguez (killed after examining Mexican drug cartels) emphasizes this point.
A group of men opened fire and launched a grenade into Televisa studios, Mexico’s top television network. According to a Newswatch article, the gunmen left a note that said, “Stop reporting on us.” Clearly, the act was meant as a threat to journalists to keep out of the drug traffickers’ business, but I think the government must intervene and protect journalists from such violence.
Carlos Lauría, a senior program coordinator for CPJ, said “Drug traffickers are clearly using the media to spread a message of fear and terror and make clear to everyone that there will be consequences to reporting on their activities. The government cannot allow criminals to intimidate the media into silence.”
So what should Mexico’s government do? They must complete their pending law to make violence against the press a federal crime, as mentioned in Urja’s article on Calderon’s efforts.
CPJ research shows that Mexico is “one of the most dangerous places for journalists in Latin America.” I agree with Lauría and think that Mexico’s government needs to start cleaning up the drug trafficking if it wants to step away from this title and into a more journalist-friendly, “media free” environment.
-- Amy Eichenlaub (Mexico)
A group of men opened fire and launched a grenade into Televisa studios, Mexico’s top television network. According to a Newswatch article, the gunmen left a note that said, “Stop reporting on us.” Clearly, the act was meant as a threat to journalists to keep out of the drug traffickers’ business, but I think the government must intervene and protect journalists from such violence.
Carlos Lauría, a senior program coordinator for CPJ, said “Drug traffickers are clearly using the media to spread a message of fear and terror and make clear to everyone that there will be consequences to reporting on their activities. The government cannot allow criminals to intimidate the media into silence.”
So what should Mexico’s government do? They must complete their pending law to make violence against the press a federal crime, as mentioned in Urja’s article on Calderon’s efforts.
CPJ research shows that Mexico is “one of the most dangerous places for journalists in Latin America.” I agree with Lauría and think that Mexico’s government needs to start cleaning up the drug trafficking if it wants to step away from this title and into a more journalist-friendly, “media free” environment.
-- Amy Eichenlaub (Mexico)
No Sanctuary: Trafficking of Burmese people at the ThaiMalay Border
Last week Thailand made headlines when photographs were discovered of its navy boats filled with hundreds of Rohingya people from Burma out to sea leaving them to wash ashore or perish. This type of treatment is not new in the late 1970s, the Malaysian navy towed boatloads of Vietnamese refugees out to sea, telling them to head to Indonesia. Today Malaysia is putting Burmese refuges in danger by dumping them at the Thai border in the hands of human traffickers.
The Burmese refugees with enough money can pay the smugglers to return them to Malaysia, but not many Burmese can afford this. A man from Burma described how he was deported to the border with 50 others and only 10 could pay their way out. Others were sent to work or shot if they tried to escape.
These types of reports have been circulating for years, but the Malaysian government denies any claims of human trafficking. However, now the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee is examining this issue more closely because so many people have provided detailed testimonies about what is happening at the Thailand border.
Last week, Thai Prime Minster Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed that Thailand would uphold the law and increase efforts to reduce human trafficking. Both Thailand and Malaysia recently adopted new laws to counter human trafficking, but it remains to be seen if these laws will actually be enforced.
It is clear that Burmese refugees need protection and assistance and instead of offering that countries like Thailand and Malaysia are only adding to the abuse. Many Burmese are looking for a better life, and instead are running into more trouble. Issues such as this shed a negative light on Thailand and Malaysia’s governments especially because they have ignored the problem for so long. It has also believed that government officials could be involved with gangs that carry out human trafficking. If this is true it makes the laws less powerful, and lowers the probability that they will be enforced.
By Sara Lucid (Burma Group)
The Burmese refugees with enough money can pay the smugglers to return them to Malaysia, but not many Burmese can afford this. A man from Burma described how he was deported to the border with 50 others and only 10 could pay their way out. Others were sent to work or shot if they tried to escape.
These types of reports have been circulating for years, but the Malaysian government denies any claims of human trafficking. However, now the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee is examining this issue more closely because so many people have provided detailed testimonies about what is happening at the Thailand border.
Last week, Thai Prime Minster Abhisit Vejjajiva vowed that Thailand would uphold the law and increase efforts to reduce human trafficking. Both Thailand and Malaysia recently adopted new laws to counter human trafficking, but it remains to be seen if these laws will actually be enforced.
It is clear that Burmese refugees need protection and assistance and instead of offering that countries like Thailand and Malaysia are only adding to the abuse. Many Burmese are looking for a better life, and instead are running into more trouble. Issues such as this shed a negative light on Thailand and Malaysia’s governments especially because they have ignored the problem for so long. It has also believed that government officials could be involved with gangs that carry out human trafficking. If this is true it makes the laws less powerful, and lowers the probability that they will be enforced.
By Sara Lucid (Burma Group)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
United States, Russia to talk nuclear disarmament (again)
News sources around the world this week reported on Russia’s apparent desire to negotiate further nuclear disarmament with the United States. Last Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, “We are ready to go further along the path of cuts and limits, naturally taking account of Russia's national security interests.”
This decision was spurred by the expiration of a standing agreement called the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START, which will expire in December. The two countries have slowly been reducing their number of nuclear warheads by similar increments over the last decade.
Obviously both countries do not want to compromise their national security, so they have striven to keep their amount of nuclear arms equal, though it is thought that Russia currently possesses less.
Russian leaders have expressed their appreciation of the Obama administration, because Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has already expressed that the renegotiation of START would be a priority. The Bush administration apparently avoided the issue for the past few years because Russia wants the agreement they decide on to be legally binding.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Journalist fatally shot outside home in Ciudad Juárez
As both Liz and Urja have pointed out in our first two blog posts, the slaying of journalists has become a popular and unprecedented trend in Mexico over the past couple of years. Even with organizations such as Freedom House lending aid and encouraging Mexican officials to put an end to these atrocities, journalists are still living under the threat of being killed as a result of their profession. I believe it’s important to not only bring these killings to the attention of the world, but to also make them more tangible by sharing stories of individual reporters and their tragic stories.
Armando Rodríguez, a veteran police reported that had been investigating drug cartels in the city of Ciudad Juárez, was shot to death in November of 2008 while he was in his car outside of his own home. According to El Diario, the newspaper he had worked for, the gunmen had been waiting for him as he was preparing to bring his daughters to school. Rodríguez’s killing was the fifth against Mexican journalists in 2008.
According to the Dallas Morning News, after this event, the Committee to Protect Journalists in New York issued a statement urging Mexico to end the attacks and slayings of their journalists. “’The unprecedented wave of violence against the Mexican press must be halted immediately,’ said Carlos Lauría, the committee’s senior program coordination for the Americas.”
I completely agree with Lauría and the rest of the advocates for ending crimes against journalists in Mexico and around the world. It is completely ridiculous that governments and crime groups, which are sometimes unfortunately one in the same, are pinpointing these people to suppress the freedom of speech and press in their countries.
by Keirin Ahmad
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thailand Continues Censorship Crackdown
Thailand is in the news again after a famed professor reportedly violated Thailand’s increasingly harsh censorship laws.
Ji Ungpakorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, is facing 15 years in prison after supposedly insulting the Thai monarchy.
Ungpakorn wrote the book "A Coup for the Rich" in 2006 criticizing the country’s military coup. According to Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, any insult or defamation to the Thai monarchy is punished by a mandatory 3 to 15 year prison sentence.
The Thai government has recently come under increased scrutiny for their censorship and punishment of media that criticizes the Thai government.
Ungapakorn feels that he will not receive a fair trial and has fled to England to avoid persecution.
-Jillian Knowles (Thailand)
Ji Ungpakorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, is facing 15 years in prison after supposedly insulting the Thai monarchy.
Ungpakorn wrote the book "A Coup for the Rich" in 2006 criticizing the country’s military coup. According to Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, any insult or defamation to the Thai monarchy is punished by a mandatory 3 to 15 year prison sentence.
The Thai government has recently come under increased scrutiny for their censorship and punishment of media that criticizes the Thai government.
Ungapakorn feels that he will not receive a fair trial and has fled to England to avoid persecution.
-Jillian Knowles (Thailand)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Censorship explicitly prohibited?: Croatia
According to the report on Croatia by the Committee on Free Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE) of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), “the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia guarantees to all citizens freedom of expression.” Censorship, it states, is “explicitly prohibited.” (See Croatian Constitution, Provision 38.) However, is this actually practiced?
In addition to the arrest of a man who created a Facebook group criticizing the prime minister, attacks on journalists, both violent and non-violent, have plagued Croatia in recent months. The International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) lists several fatal attacks on and death threats directed towards journalists. For example, in October, one of Croatia’s top investigative journalists, Ivo Pukanic, and the marketing director of the leading investigative news paper were killed when a bomb exploded under Pukanic’s car.
These incidents are usually not the work of the government, but what about the government has fostered such behaviors? Are the people responsible being adequately punished? Or are the actions of the government (see Facebook arrest) consequently encouraging terrorist attacks?
IFEX believes that Croatia, motivated by their desire to join the European Union, has made improvements in human rights, but clearly has a long way to go. It will be fascinating to monitor Croatia’s progress (or not).
-- Ellen Leto
In addition to the arrest of a man who created a Facebook group criticizing the prime minister, attacks on journalists, both violent and non-violent, have plagued Croatia in recent months. The International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX) lists several fatal attacks on and death threats directed towards journalists. For example, in October, one of Croatia’s top investigative journalists, Ivo Pukanic, and the marketing director of the leading investigative news paper were killed when a bomb exploded under Pukanic’s car.
These incidents are usually not the work of the government, but what about the government has fostered such behaviors? Are the people responsible being adequately punished? Or are the actions of the government (see Facebook arrest) consequently encouraging terrorist attacks?
IFEX believes that Croatia, motivated by their desire to join the European Union, has made improvements in human rights, but clearly has a long way to go. It will be fascinating to monitor Croatia’s progress (or not).
-- Ellen Leto
Italy's PM seeks law to keep comatose woman alive
This current event article occurring in Italy addresses the law of Euthanasia as well as the power of the government and Berlusconi's rule. Eluana Englaro, 38, is an Italian citizen who has remained in a comatose state for the past 17 years after a car crash. The issue at hand is that her father reports that she had wished to never live artificially. He has been fighting a high court battle for the past ten years to allow her to die and cease the feeding tube. However, Prime Minister Silvo Berlusconi is fighting to change the high court law and continue her artificial feeding. Berlusconi has the support of the Vatican in viewing discontinue feeding as a form of euthanasia which is illegal in Italy.
The controversy and relevance of this article to the study of how Italy as a nation is influenced by various governmental forms is quite interesting. Italy's president Giorgio Napolitano is getting vetoed by the dictation of Berlusconi. Berlusconi claims that she technically "could have a baby" so she is to continue living against her parents and her known wishes. This is a direct example of the power that Berlusconi not only holds over the government, but the power he has over the citizens of Italy. Putting his veto of this long-running law has been put on the fast track. His influence is not only viewed as superior but when he wants something to get done, it gets done fast.
In America we all have our own opinion on the subject of euthanasia, and though my opinion may side with Berlusconi or the Englaro family, the fact is that my opinion simply causes discussion. While this article demonstrates that Berlusconi's opinion causes immediate action to his satisfaction. He literally has the power to choose life or death.
Becca Hallac
Italy Group
The controversy and relevance of this article to the study of how Italy as a nation is influenced by various governmental forms is quite interesting. Italy's president Giorgio Napolitano is getting vetoed by the dictation of Berlusconi. Berlusconi claims that she technically "could have a baby" so she is to continue living against her parents and her known wishes. This is a direct example of the power that Berlusconi not only holds over the government, but the power he has over the citizens of Italy. Putting his veto of this long-running law has been put on the fast track. His influence is not only viewed as superior but when he wants something to get done, it gets done fast.
In America we all have our own opinion on the subject of euthanasia, and though my opinion may side with Berlusconi or the Englaro family, the fact is that my opinion simply causes discussion. While this article demonstrates that Berlusconi's opinion causes immediate action to his satisfaction. He literally has the power to choose life or death.
Becca Hallac
Italy Group
Censorship in China: Protests? In China? Eh Oh.
The bloggers of China have sent a very clear message to the world: in China, nobody has the right to censor David's nuts.
After several images of famous renaissance art was removed from Douban.com (some sort of Chinese IMDB knockoff) because the administrators feared that such images would be considered to be pornography.
Chinese webcitizens were outraged, so outraged that to protest this, bloggers started posting pictures of renaissance art with modern clothing on them.
After the firestorm, Douban.com eventually relented and reposted the content. And as overbearing as the websites actions may seem, this was not without merit: according to the AFP, government censors have shut down 1,635 websites and 200 blogs over a month-long period for content that "harms public morality."
Even in the face of this daring act of slapstick protest, Chinese dissidents shouldn't be getting too optimistic. With a UN review of China's human rights record due very soon, the AP has described China's on dissent to be "...firm as ever."
-Steve Kwan
After several images of famous renaissance art was removed from Douban.com (some sort of Chinese IMDB knockoff) because the administrators feared that such images would be considered to be pornography.
Chinese webcitizens were outraged, so outraged that to protest this, bloggers started posting pictures of renaissance art with modern clothing on them.
After the firestorm, Douban.com eventually relented and reposted the content. And as overbearing as the websites actions may seem, this was not without merit: according to the AFP, government censors have shut down 1,635 websites and 200 blogs over a month-long period for content that "harms public morality."
Even in the face of this daring act of slapstick protest, Chinese dissidents shouldn't be getting too optimistic. With a UN review of China's human rights record due very soon, the AP has described China's on dissent to be "...firm as ever."
-Steve Kwan
Angelina Jolie asks Thai government to aid refugees
Angelina Jolie makes headlines again but this time in Thailand. Yet again she is asking for help to those less fortunate and innocent. Jolie has spent several years as a goodwill ambassador for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and Wednesday brought international attention to the refugee problem.
Her request was to permit greater freedom for thousands of refugees stuck in camps after fleeing neighboring Myanmar. There are approximately 110,000 refugees in nine camps. The U.N. estimated that about 5,000 have fled for northern Thailand already.
While visiting the camps Jolie and husband, Brad Pitt, sat down and talked with refugees. One woman told of how she had been born in the camp and was currently raising her children in one and neither of them have been outside the camps.
Jolie is hoping to work with the government to speed up the process of admissions so therefore they do not need to go back to Burma.
--by Mary Baumer (Thailand)
Her request was to permit greater freedom for thousands of refugees stuck in camps after fleeing neighboring Myanmar. There are approximately 110,000 refugees in nine camps. The U.N. estimated that about 5,000 have fled for northern Thailand already.
While visiting the camps Jolie and husband, Brad Pitt, sat down and talked with refugees. One woman told of how she had been born in the camp and was currently raising her children in one and neither of them have been outside the camps.
Jolie is hoping to work with the government to speed up the process of admissions so therefore they do not need to go back to Burma.
--by Mary Baumer (Thailand)
Mexico: Calderon’s Efforts to Protect Free Speech, Journalists
As Urja pointed out, Mexico is one of the deadliest and most dangerous media systems for journalists. The statistics are staggering: According to the CPJ, 27 journalists have been killed in Mexico in the past 15 years. Journalists reporting on crime stories, drug cartels, trafficking, and organized crime are targeted so frequently that reporting on such topics has suffered and decreased.
Mexican president Felipe Calderon is addressing the dangers journalists face and may soon pass legislation that would provide a much stronger legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of journalist attacks. In 2008, Calderon endorsed and presented to Congress legislation that would make crimes “committed against freedom of expression” a federal offense. If the bill is passed, the federalization of these crimes could potentially make Mexico a safer place for journalists.
So much of the dangers journalists face in Mexico is exacerbated by the culture of fear, retribution, and corruption that runs rampant not just in organized crime circles, but in local government as well. Numerous suspicious journalist deaths in Mexico remain unsolved; in several instances this is more a product of poor police work, intimidation, and lack of resources at the local and state level than it is lack of evidence. Federalizing these crimes is a major step towards guaranteeing that justice – a thorough investigation, a fair trial, and supervision by federal officials – is served. With harsher penalties and a standardized system, the hope is that crimes against free speech, and journalists, will decrease.
-- Liz Hobson
Mexican president Felipe Calderon is addressing the dangers journalists face and may soon pass legislation that would provide a much stronger legal framework for the investigation and prosecution of journalist attacks. In 2008, Calderon endorsed and presented to Congress legislation that would make crimes “committed against freedom of expression” a federal offense. If the bill is passed, the federalization of these crimes could potentially make Mexico a safer place for journalists.
So much of the dangers journalists face in Mexico is exacerbated by the culture of fear, retribution, and corruption that runs rampant not just in organized crime circles, but in local government as well. Numerous suspicious journalist deaths in Mexico remain unsolved; in several instances this is more a product of poor police work, intimidation, and lack of resources at the local and state level than it is lack of evidence. Federalizing these crimes is a major step towards guaranteeing that justice – a thorough investigation, a fair trial, and supervision by federal officials – is served. With harsher penalties and a standardized system, the hope is that crimes against free speech, and journalists, will decrease.
-- Liz Hobson
Burma: Ethnic Minority Abuses
Burma is in the news again, and just like before, it's not for a good reason. The Islamic ethnic minority group known as the Rohingya have been enduring human rights violations. The Rohingya lived in the region for over 1,000 years, but they are denied citizenship because they are not one of the countries 135 accepted ethnic groups. When they go to escape the harsh conditions in Burma, the group is beaten and abused even on the way out.
Rohingya travel on boats from Burma, up the coast to Malaysia. These boats fit hundreds of them,, but they've stopped reaching their destinations. Recently there has been an issue with Thai military pulling over the Rohingya refugees, abusing them, then towing them far from shore and leaving them out there in a boat, presumably with no method of direction because many of the people do not make it back. The Rohingya want to go to Malaysia for the job opportunities, which are better than Burma's for them, and many are being abused on the way there. The United States has recently called for the abuses of the Rohingyan people to stop, and says the situation is a matter of "concern".
--By Alexander Hammer
Rohingya travel on boats from Burma, up the coast to Malaysia. These boats fit hundreds of them,, but they've stopped reaching their destinations. Recently there has been an issue with Thai military pulling over the Rohingya refugees, abusing them, then towing them far from shore and leaving them out there in a boat, presumably with no method of direction because many of the people do not make it back. The Rohingya want to go to Malaysia for the job opportunities, which are better than Burma's for them, and many are being abused on the way there. The United States has recently called for the abuses of the Rohingyan people to stop, and says the situation is a matter of "concern".
--By Alexander Hammer
Italy: Berlusconi approves stimulus package for car sales
According to the article, the Italian government Friday approved a stimulus worth more than 2 billion euros (2.5 billion) to help Italian citizens purchase durable goods and other necessities, but the main emphasis is on buying new cars and trucks.
The car industry has registered a large drop in sales compared to last year; with Italy's largest private employer and car factory Fiat placing workers on forced leave and reduced pay.
Berlusconi approved the stimulus package, saying it was designed to provide consumers an incentive of 1,500 euros (1,930) enabling them to exchange older car models for new ones. The consumers car must be at least 10 years old. Italy is the latest nation, following behind Germany, Britain and France, to help slumping car sales in the market according to The Annotico Report.
The car industry in Italy accounts for 11.4 pecent of the country's gross domestic product, employing over 1 million workers. Berlusconi hopes the stimulus package will help the government rebound.
The car industry has registered a large drop in sales compared to last year; with Italy's largest private employer and car factory Fiat placing workers on forced leave and reduced pay.
Berlusconi approved the stimulus package, saying it was designed to provide consumers an incentive of 1,500 euros (1,930) enabling them to exchange older car models for new ones. The consumers car must be at least 10 years old. Italy is the latest nation, following behind Germany, Britain and France, to help slumping car sales in the market according to The Annotico Report.
The car industry in Italy accounts for 11.4 pecent of the country's gross domestic product, employing over 1 million workers. Berlusconi hopes the stimulus package will help the government rebound.
Iran: Newspaper Suspended over Political Cartoon
On February 4, the Iranian ministry of culture and Islamic Guidance ruled to suspend the Iranian newspaper Hamat, over a controversial political cartoon. The cartoon was accused of "insulting high-placed regime officials" according to CNW Telbec.
The newspaper published the cartoon, depicting a spoof poster of a movie titled "Slaying of Ahmadinejad", referring to the imminent June election, and the possibility that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be defeated. The poster showed the photo of the film’s mock "director", former Iranian President, and the photos of it’s three "stars", former President Mohammad Khatami, former Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Tehran’s current mayor, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Each of these men is a potential challenger to Ahmadinejad in the election.
Reporters Without Borders has condemned the suspension, stating that "There would be something comic about this suspension if it did not constitute a heavy-handed warning to all Iranian media that do not limit themselves to reproducing propaganda."
The newspaper published the cartoon, depicting a spoof poster of a movie titled "Slaying of Ahmadinejad", referring to the imminent June election, and the possibility that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will be defeated. The poster showed the photo of the film’s mock "director", former Iranian President, and the photos of it’s three "stars", former President Mohammad Khatami, former Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Tehran’s current mayor, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Each of these men is a potential challenger to Ahmadinejad in the election.
Reporters Without Borders has condemned the suspension, stating that "There would be something comic about this suspension if it did not constitute a heavy-handed warning to all Iranian media that do not limit themselves to reproducing propaganda."
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Russia: Another Vicious Beating on Journalist
According to an article on Reporters Without Borders, another journalist following the near fatal beating of journalist Mikhail Beketov and the murders of lawyer Stanislas Markelov and journalist Anastasia Baburova, was attacked for being critical of the local authorities in his town.
Yuri Grachev, editor-in-chief of a local Russian newspaper, was badly beaten on February 3rd near his house in Solnechnogorsk, a town north-west of Moscow.
On another report by the Index on Censoship, Grachev, a 72-year-old retired colonel and local deputy, was publisher, editor and most likely the main if not the only journalist for the newspaper Solnechnogorskiy Forum. The paper has no website and is not even listed among local newspapers on the town’s main web resources, so in other circumstances this attack could have gone unnoticed.
Grachv's newspaper is the only opposition publication in Solnechnogorsky, and colleagues say the paper was critical of the authorities, and exposed corruption. The attack is all more worrying since the city is in the middle of an election campaign. Residents are due to elect a mayor and local councilors. The forthcoming edition of the paper on February 10 was due to cover the election.
Various observers agree that the attack was aimed at putting Grachev out of action at least until March 1st — election day for many Russian regions. It is hard to predict how those attacks against journalists will affect the electoral choices of local communities.
- By Jessica Smith (Russia)
Yuri Grachev, editor-in-chief of a local Russian newspaper, was badly beaten on February 3rd near his house in Solnechnogorsk, a town north-west of Moscow.
On another report by the Index on Censoship, Grachev, a 72-year-old retired colonel and local deputy, was publisher, editor and most likely the main if not the only journalist for the newspaper Solnechnogorskiy Forum. The paper has no website and is not even listed among local newspapers on the town’s main web resources, so in other circumstances this attack could have gone unnoticed.
Grachv's newspaper is the only opposition publication in Solnechnogorsky, and colleagues say the paper was critical of the authorities, and exposed corruption. The attack is all more worrying since the city is in the middle of an election campaign. Residents are due to elect a mayor and local councilors. The forthcoming edition of the paper on February 10 was due to cover the election.
Various observers agree that the attack was aimed at putting Grachev out of action at least until March 1st — election day for many Russian regions. It is hard to predict how those attacks against journalists will affect the electoral choices of local communities.
- By Jessica Smith (Russia)
BURMA: 2010 Elections Maybe Delayed
In efforts to stay in power longer, the 2010 Burmese Election may be delayed.
The Burmese government uses several deceptive tactics in order to divert focus away from the election. According to Mizzima, one main strategy currently in the development process, is instigating riots between Bamar and Kular, a local Indian community. The government continues to blame other political parties for delaying their elections due to disruptive bombings in Rangoon. However, others attribute responsibility to the government based on the lack of ability in capturing any suspects for some time now.
Disputes within the country are occurring as well between the main opposition party, National League of Democracy (NLD) and the current Burmese military dictatorship army. In another article, the junta speak of a possible split in the NLD causing formation of a separate political party. The army is hoping for the split with possibility of weakening any opposing parties.
By: Kay Makishi (BURMA)
The Burmese government uses several deceptive tactics in order to divert focus away from the election. According to Mizzima, one main strategy currently in the development process, is instigating riots between Bamar and Kular, a local Indian community. The government continues to blame other political parties for delaying their elections due to disruptive bombings in Rangoon. However, others attribute responsibility to the government based on the lack of ability in capturing any suspects for some time now.
Disputes within the country are occurring as well between the main opposition party, National League of Democracy (NLD) and the current Burmese military dictatorship army. In another article, the junta speak of a possible split in the NLD causing formation of a separate political party. The army is hoping for the split with possibility of weakening any opposing parties.
By: Kay Makishi (BURMA)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Croatia: Freedom of Expression through Facebook
As a response to the Facebook group " I bet I can find 5,000 people who don't like Sanader," and the repercussions that resulted, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, in an article from SETimes.com stated, "No one in Croatia can be detained or arrested because of a different opinion or because of a protest against my or any other political view. My main task as prime minister is to defend that right." Sander ordered the interior the interior ministry to decide if police abused their powers by arresting individuals who criticized the government over the Internet.
Regardless of the prime ministers statement above, additional Facebook groups have formed against Ivo Sanader. One Facebook group is searching for 10,000 critics of the prime minister. The group has exceeded 10,000 and at last count was 13,600 members. The goal is to reach 15,000. Another group named "Enter my apartment Gestapo gang, Croatia is not a police state" is up to 5,100 memembers (found on Federal Computer Week).
-Lindsey Nass (Croatia)
King of Thailand becomes “Tech Savy”
In an effort to keep Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej on good terms with Thai citizens, the King launched a website, protecttheking.net on February 5, 2009, which urges people to inform him through the site about anyone who is criticizing the monarchy
According to the BBC article on the front page of protectheking.net it describes the purpose of the site as a means for Thai people to show their loyalty to the king by protecting him from what it calls misunderstandings about him.
With Thai internet users being urged to show their loyalty to the king, Reporters Without Borders said in the article New government plans to step up online censorship., “By trying to protect the king’s image, the government is actually doing it harm.”
In addition to creating a website an internet security centre to co-ordinate with protecttheking.net was established, and launched the same day, to block any websites deemed offensive to the monarchy.
Although the blocking of many websites is nothing new for the citizens of Thailand the work of banning sites has accelerated with the new centre. In a recent article by the BBC, the first day of launching the website and security centre, the site managed to block 4,818 websites in its first 24 hours of operation. These bans that are being put on the internet have created a great concern among many, which include Thai citizens, government officials and reporters.
By Lisa Schaffer (Thailand)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Censorship in China: How China (this part of title censored)
As much as the Chinese government would like to keep the clamps on internet freedom in China, the fact is that China is now the world's largest internet user, with over 300 millon citizens using the internet.
China may be proud of the fact that so many of it's citizens are web-savvy, but the ruling Chinese Communist Party still does its best to keep a mindful eye over what content the Chinese people can expose themselves to. The censorship of Barack Obama's reference to Communism during his inauguration is a fine example of the paradoxical Communist-Capitalism game China likes to play.
Yesterday, the New York Times published this article about the recent January web censorships of shows and forums which the government deemed unacceptable. The article is a good introduction of how China's web censorship works. As mentioned in the article, China's internet blockade, while by no means impenetrable, is still one of the most advanced in the world.
With important milestone anniversaries of controversial events coming up in 2009 (i.e. 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square "incident"), a Chinese official summed up the CCP's stance toward web censorship this year by saying, “You have to check the channels one by one, the programs one by one, the pages one by one. You must not miss any step. You must not leave any unchecked corners.”
"ROFL down the stairs," added the official. Just kidding. But as China continues to expand it's position as web consumer and world power, the situation with their internet censorship laws will be an interesting one to monitor.
We haven't forgotten about those who prefer old-fashioned censorship; there's plenty of that to go around as well.
-Steve Kwan
China may be proud of the fact that so many of it's citizens are web-savvy, but the ruling Chinese Communist Party still does its best to keep a mindful eye over what content the Chinese people can expose themselves to. The censorship of Barack Obama's reference to Communism during his inauguration is a fine example of the paradoxical Communist-Capitalism game China likes to play.
Yesterday, the New York Times published this article about the recent January web censorships of shows and forums which the government deemed unacceptable. The article is a good introduction of how China's web censorship works. As mentioned in the article, China's internet blockade, while by no means impenetrable, is still one of the most advanced in the world.
With important milestone anniversaries of controversial events coming up in 2009 (i.e. 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square "incident"), a Chinese official summed up the CCP's stance toward web censorship this year by saying, “You have to check the channels one by one, the programs one by one, the pages one by one. You must not miss any step. You must not leave any unchecked corners.”
"ROFL down the stairs," added the official. Just kidding. But as China continues to expand it's position as web consumer and world power, the situation with their internet censorship laws will be an interesting one to monitor.
We haven't forgotten about those who prefer old-fashioned censorship; there's plenty of that to go around as well.
-Steve Kwan
Mexico-disappearing journalists only 2nd to Russia
Mexico-disappearing journalists only 2nd to Russia
In a period of three short years, at least seven Mexican reporters have disappeared—only second to Russia. Many of the journalists were reporting about links between public authority and drug traffickers. According to an article titled, “The Disappeared in Mexico” by the Committee to Protect Journalists, many of the reporters vanished while going to meet a source.
Because of the link between police and drug traffickers, some surmise that the crimes were intentionally unsolved. I would agree with that, how could the police department do a thorough investigation into a case that has labeled the police as the ‘bad guys’? The article also stated, “Rep. Gerardo Priego Tapia, who heads a congressional committee on violence against the press and who supports federalization of such crimes said, "The worst scenario for journalists is when organized crime and the government become partners. And in many parts of this country, they are completely intertwined."”
The murders and mysterious disappearances have led many newspapers to seriously question their journalistic values. In a Washington Post article, Manual Roig-Franzia wrote that a newspaper in Sorona was temporarily shut down in 2007 and editors at the two largest papers have encouraged their reporters to stay away from crime related stories. Although I understand why newspapers are trepid about covering such stories, it also, in my opinion, will lead to more journalists disappearing and the issue staying completely out of the press. If the media is afraid to cover certain hot topics, then what’s to stop them from being the public Watch Dog?
The most shocking aspect of the Washington Post article is that crime reporters are not the only targets. “While crime reporters are common targets, sportswriters have been kidnapped by drug cartel hit men upset over coverage of their favorite soccer teams,” Roig-Franzia wrote. If such asinine crimes are allowed to go on by the police, then something is very wrong with the authoritative system in Mexico. People cannot go around killing journalists just because they don’t like how the article was written!
Mexico’s President Calderon has promised to take steps to solve the problem and help make Mexico safer for journalists, which currently it is the second most dangerous country for journalists behind Iraq. It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds over the next few months.
By: Urja Dave
In a period of three short years, at least seven Mexican reporters have disappeared—only second to Russia. Many of the journalists were reporting about links between public authority and drug traffickers. According to an article titled, “The Disappeared in Mexico” by the Committee to Protect Journalists, many of the reporters vanished while going to meet a source.
Because of the link between police and drug traffickers, some surmise that the crimes were intentionally unsolved. I would agree with that, how could the police department do a thorough investigation into a case that has labeled the police as the ‘bad guys’? The article also stated, “Rep. Gerardo Priego Tapia, who heads a congressional committee on violence against the press and who supports federalization of such crimes said, "The worst scenario for journalists is when organized crime and the government become partners. And in many parts of this country, they are completely intertwined."”
The murders and mysterious disappearances have led many newspapers to seriously question their journalistic values. In a Washington Post article, Manual Roig-Franzia wrote that a newspaper in Sorona was temporarily shut down in 2007 and editors at the two largest papers have encouraged their reporters to stay away from crime related stories. Although I understand why newspapers are trepid about covering such stories, it also, in my opinion, will lead to more journalists disappearing and the issue staying completely out of the press. If the media is afraid to cover certain hot topics, then what’s to stop them from being the public Watch Dog?
The most shocking aspect of the Washington Post article is that crime reporters are not the only targets. “While crime reporters are common targets, sportswriters have been kidnapped by drug cartel hit men upset over coverage of their favorite soccer teams,” Roig-Franzia wrote. If such asinine crimes are allowed to go on by the police, then something is very wrong with the authoritative system in Mexico. People cannot go around killing journalists just because they don’t like how the article was written!
Mexico’s President Calderon has promised to take steps to solve the problem and help make Mexico safer for journalists, which currently it is the second most dangerous country for journalists behind Iraq. It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds over the next few months.
By: Urja Dave
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