Leveson Inquiry: The story so far
Marta Cooper looks at what we’ve learned from the UK’s investigation into the press
(more…)
Iran: Jailed blogger’s wife and daughter reportedly kidnapped
Iranian blogger Mehdi Khazali’s wife and daughter have allegedly been kidnapped by security forces and moved to an unknown location, it was reported yesterday. Khazali, a staunch critic of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iran’s state policies, was sentenced to 13 years and 10 months in prison and 10 years in exile on 7 February for “insulting the supreme leader”. The blogger has been on hunger strike for 38 days.
Afghanistan: Cameraman attacked with acid in Kabul
Parviz Safi, a cameramen for state-owned English-language TV station Press TV, was attacked with acid by three unidentified men on 6 February in the Afghan capital, Kabul. The journalist suffered second-degree burns to his face, but the substance missed his eyes and his life is not in danger. On 18 January last year, Razaq Mamoon, who worked for several media organisations and presented a programme on independent TV station Tolo TV, was also sprayed with acid. He was seriously injured and is still receiving medical treatment abroad.
Malaysia: Hamza Kashgari deported unlawfully, lawyers claim
Lawyers representing Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari have said there are no immigration records of his deportation from Malaysia last Sunday, suggesting the columnist may have been sent back to his native country in violation of international laws and that the Malaysian government may have acted in contempt of court. 23-year-old Kashgari fled Saudi Arabia after tweeting a mock conversation between himself and the prophet Mohammed that sparked thousands of responses, including death threats. He was arrested and detained upon his arrival in Malaysia on 9 February. Kashgari may be accused of apostasy, which is a capital offence in Saudi Arabia.