STATEMENT
Saudi Arabia and Malaysia violate rights of Saudi tweeter
ARTICLE 19 strongly condemns the actions of Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in the case of Hamza Kashgari, the Saudi journalist. On 12 February 2012, he was deported from Malaysia to Saudi Arabia to face charges of apostasy for a series of tweets about the prophet Mohammed. We call on the Saudi authorities to immediately release Kashgari and drop any charges of apostasy or blasphemy against him.
Kashgari’s detention and prosecution for apostasy or blasphemy by the Saudi authorities contravenes international law on the right to freedom of expression. His deportation by Malaysia and the injunction of the Malaysian High Court issued on the day of extradition are also in violation of international law on “non-refoulement”. Read more >STATEMENT
Syrian Authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Mazen Darwish and other detained activists
The undersigned Organisations call on the Syrian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mazen Darwish, a prominent Syrian human rights defender and Director of the Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom of Expression (SCM) – an organization that enjoys UN ECOSOC consultative status -, as well as seven of his colleagues and a visitor, who were arrested on 16 February 2012 during a raid on their Damascus offices.
Read more >LEGAL ANALYSIS
Kenya: Publication of Electoral Opinion Polls Bill
Regulation of opinion polls and election projection is very important from a freedom of expression perspective to the democratic processes. Opinion polls can exercise particular influence on the outcome of elections and can also be quite distorting. This is particularly true of polls and projections commissioned or conducted by a biased source. Polls and projections may have an effect on the vote itself, rather than simply reflect public sentiment. For these reasons, broadcast coverage of opinion polls and projections warrants special attention to ensure balance, fairness and objectivity so that the public are able to accurately assess and understand the poll’s significance.
Read more >UPDATE
A piece of truth: Marie Colvin and Remy Ochlik
Their killings yesterday sickened us all within and outside the Media and press freedom community: Two fantastic professionals, the best foreign correspondent, a young super talented photographer – murdered as they were doing their job. Reporting to us, speaking for those who could not. Bearing witness.
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