Freedom Alert

American arrested in Thailand, accused of criticizing monarchy

Apr 30 2011 - 7:00pm

On May 26, Thai authorities arrested Lerpong Wichaikhammat in his home, after accusing him of criticizing the country’s monarchy. He was denied bail, charged with “inciting public unrest” and violating Thailand’s “Computer Crimes Act.”

Issues:

Civil Society, Freedom of Association, Freedom of Expression, Internet Freedom, Media Freedom, Rule of Law

Regions:

Asia-Pacific

Freedom Alert

Venezuelan Journalist Wilfred Ojeda Murdered

Apr 30 2011 - 7:00pm

The body of journalist Wilfred Ojeda was found by police dumped in waste on May 17, 2011. He was beaten, tortured and shot to death. Ojeda was a columnist for the El Clarin newspaper in La Victoria, and an activist for the Democratic Action political party that opposed President Chavez.

Issues:

Human Rights, Media Freedom, Rule of Law

Regions:

Americas

Freedom Alert

Moroccan journalist to face trial after criticizing counter-terrorism laws

Apr 30 2011 - 7:00pm

Journalist Rachid Nini, editor of Morocco’s El-Massa daily newspaper, will go on trial Tuesday, May 17, after being detained on April 28. Nini published several articles that were critical of Moroccan security forces’ counter-terrorism practices and shed light on government corruption.

Issues:

Civil Society, Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Media Freedom

Regions:

Middle East and North Africa, Middle East and North Africa

Freedom Alert

African Human Rights Commission Adopts Journalist Protections Resolution

Apr 30 2011 - 7:00pm

The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) adopted a resolution on May 12 expanding protections for journalists and urging countries to investigate crimes against journalists. The “Resolution on the Safety of Journalists and Media Practitioners in Africa” was adopted in a session held in Gambia and calls on the 53 states that are part of the African charter—including Uganda, Zimbabwe and Somalia—to take necessary measures to ensure freedom of expression and access to information.

Issues:

Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom, Rule of Law

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert

NUSOJ Somalia Office Robbed

Apr 30 2011 - 7:00pm

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) office in Mogadishu, Somalia was robbed last week when four men and two accomplices claimed they were National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) staff to gain entry.

Issues:

Freedom of Expression, Media Freedom

Regions:

Sub-Saharan Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa

Freedom Alert