Danish police make arrests in cartoonist murder plot
Danish police today arrested three people allegedly plotting to murder cartoonist Kurt Westergaard.
Gabon: journalist intimidated
Repé Kabamba, a Congolese freelance journalist, was arrested last Thursday, 7 February, by members of Gabon government security organisation B2. He had been his way to interview the head of the Office of Ports and Harbours (OPRAG), in Libreville, about allegations of embezzlement. The B2 unit is run by the brother of the OPRAG director, Jean-Pierre Oyiba. Kabamba was released the next day, after having his house searched without a warrant and his residence permit, press card, diplomas and mobile phones confiscated.
China releases newspaper director
On 8 February Yu Huafeng, former head of Guangzhou-based newspaper Nanfang Dushi Bao, was released after four years in jail. Convicted in May 2004 on charges of corruption, he was released following pressure and campaigns led by both international organisations and those based within China. In 2005 by more than 2,300 Chinese journalists signed a petition for his release.
Kenyan government lifts ban, maintains pressure
The Kenyan government has lifted its month-long ban on live broadcasting one day prior to the hearing of a lawsuit that challenged its legal basis. The ban had been imposed to curb live political reporting after the hotly contested election of President Mwai Kibaki prompted violent riots and demonstrations that took over one thousand lives.