CPJ’s latest monthly census reveals that as of April 1, about 35 journalists were imprisoned as a result of the Iranian government’s post-election media crackdown. Although 18 more journalists were temporarily released for the Iranian New Year they are expected to be returned to prison soon. Iran currently has the most incarcerated journalists in the world. To sign a petition to help release the journalists in Iran, click here.
On 5 April, Wikileaks, the website that publishes sensitive leaked material, released a video showing a 2007 US military airstrike that killed about a dozen Iraqis in eastern Baghdad. Among the dead were a 22-year-old Reuters photographer, Namir Noor-Eldeen, and his driver, Saeed Chmagh, 40. The Pentagon had previously blocked an attempt by Reuters to obtain the video through a freedom of information request. Wikileaks director Julian Assange said his organisation had to break through military encryption to view the footage.
Kosuke Tsuneoka, a freelance Japanese journalist who has been missing since March 31, has been found imprisoned in the province of Baghlan, according to a local Afghan reporter on Sunday. The Afghan authorities say that they were not aware of Tsuneoka’s presence in the country until his disappearance received publicity, it has been suggested he did not have the right visa/accreditation.
April 17 2010, 2pm – 4pm
Project Phakama, a young people’s theatre company, leads a session of participatory drama and discussion to explore different positions on self-censorship, freedom of expression and causing offence.
Phakama’s young people and tutors work together in the UK and around the world to create trailblazing, risk-taking theatrical events in any location with any young person who wants to take part. Phakama’s process, based on the ‘give and gain’ principle, establishes creative equality among everyone and puts the imaginative engagement of different cultures at the core of all activities.
In association with the performance of ‘Behud’ at Soho Theatre, this enjoyable and revealing session will provide a forum for a wider investigation into the themes of the play.