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Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2007

Questionnaire for compiling a 2007 world press freedom index



The period runs from 1 September 2006 to 1 September 2007
PHYSICAL ATTACKS, IMPRISONMENT AND DIRECT THREATS

During this time, how many journalists and media assistants:

1. Were murdered?

2. Were murdered, with the state involved?

3. Were arrested or sent to prison (for however long)?

4. Are currently in jail and serving a heavy sentence (more than a year) for a media-related offence?

5. Were physically attacked or injured?

6. Were personally threatened?

Were any journalists (yes/no):

7. Illegally imprisoned (no arrest warrant, in violation of maximum period of detention, without trial or court appearance)?

8. Tortured or ill-treated?

9. Kidnapped or did any disappear?

10. Forced to leave the country because of pressure?

Over the period, was/were there (yes/no):

11. Armed militias or secret organisations targeting journalists (terrorist action, bomb attack, murders, kidnapping, direct threat etc)?

12. Journalists who had to be accompanied by bodyguards or use security measures (bullet-proof jackets, armoured vehicles etc) while doing their work?


CliK:
http://www.rsf.org

Myanmar demonstrators defiant in face of escalating repression


The situation in Myanmar (formerly Burma) continues to worsen with reports emerging of escalating attempts by the authorities to repress ongoing demonstrations. Media reports include the use of tear gas against demonstrators and dozens, if not hundreds, of arrests and beatings.

Reports are also emerging of growing defiance in the face of the authorities as tens of thousands of Buddhist monks and pro-democracy activists continue to take to the streets.

The mass demonstrations are the biggest the country has seen since 1998 when thousands were killed as security forces used deadly force against massive pro-democracy demonstrations. Amnesty International is deeply concerned at the growing possibility of violence and bloodshed in the country.

Amnesty International has called on the international community to act urgently and for the UN Security Council to visit the country immediately. In a letter to the President of the Security Council, Amnesty International also called on them to consider the possibility of imposing an arms embargo on Myanmar.

Amnesty International members around the world have begun a series of demonstrations outside Burmese embassies and high profile public locations calling for the Myanmar authorities not to respond with violence and to respecting the human right to peaceful protest. A demonstration was held in Washington last night (Tuesday). This will be followed by events today and later this week in Belgium, Philippines and Spain. Further events will be announced shortly.


Read more:
Myanmar: UN Security Council must deploy urgent mission (Press Release, 25 September 2007)
Myanmar’s Political Prisoners: A Growing Legacy of Injustice (Report, 16 June 2005)