Roberto Abraham Scaruffi

PRESS RELEASE Vietnam: Jailing of thirteen pro-democracy activists is an abuse of fundamental rights ARTICLE 19 condemns the jailing of thirteen pro-democracy activists in Vietnam and calls on the authorities to release them immediately. The men and women were convicted of "carrying out activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration" under Article 79 of the penal code. The criminal activities the group are said to have engaged in include writing commentary that is critical of the Government and distributing this on the internet, and both participating in and encouraging peaceful protest. ARTICLE 19 believes that these activities should not be considered to be criminal. The Vietnamese authorities have failed to recognise basic human rights and these convictions fail to meet international standards freedom of expression. Read more > STATEMENT United States of America: Supreme Court must protect confidentiality of researchers’ sources ARTICLE 19 calls on the US Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional right to protect sources. This right is particularly important for journalists and researchers working internationally, including those working in conflict and post-conflict societies. Read more > STATEMENT Civil Society statement on the International Telecommunications Regulations The undersigned members of civil society are disappointed that the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) could not come to consensus in revising the International Telecommunications Regulations (ITRs).  We understand, however, the serious concerns that a number of governments have expressed with regard to the potential impact of the new regulations. Read more > PRESS RELEASE Burundi: Journalist’s sentence must be quashed not simply reduced ARTICLE 19 is disappointed that the sentence of journalist Hassan Ruvakuki has been reduced rather than quashed by an appeal court in Burundi and urges that the legal battle must continue to clear his name Read more > AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK Media Awards 2013 – Call for Entries Entry is now open for the Amnesty International Media Awards 2013. We invite entries from exceptional human rights journalists, film makers and photographers whose work has been broadcast or published in the UK between March 1 2012 and February 28 2013. Closing date for entries is March 1 2013. There is a reduced entry fee for those received before midnight on February 1. Read more>  Find us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  Follow our RSS feed  Forward to a friend