28 Sep 2010 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
Iranian authorities have revoked the filming permit of an internationally acclaimed director over his support for dissident filmmakers. Asghar Ferhadi, who won the award for best director at the Berlin festival in 2009, called for change at a recent Iranian awards ceremony. He spoke out in favour of actress Golshifteh Farahani, and directors Jafar Panahi, who spent three months in jail, and Mohsen Makhmalbaf, who supports the opposition Green Movement. Deputy Culture Minister Javad Shamaqdari described Ferhadi’s comments as “inappropriate”. He said that the director was given a week to change his remarks.
21 Sep 2010 | Index Index, minipost
Two independent radio stations were attacked by Islamist militia in Mogadishu on 19 September. Radio Horn Afrik was vandalised and looted by Al-Shabaab, while Global Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) was taken over by Hizbul Islam, who are now using the station to broadcast their own propaganda. Journalists at Horn Afrik were driven from the building by armed men. Cassettes and CDs were then destroyed. According to the transitional government in Mogadishu, five radio stations in the city have now been attacked or forcibly taken over by Islamist rebels.
13 Sep 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News and features
Two documentary-makers were arrested and detained after filming at Donald Trump’s golf resort near Aberdeen. Anthony Baxter and Richard Phinney were investigating complaints about building works on the site when Trump’s organisation accused them of entering offices and filming without permission. The two men were arrested for breach of the peace and held for four hours. Their camera equipment was retained by police for five days. Baxter and Phinney deny the allegations.
This is not the first time critics of the golf course have been given a hostile reception. On 31 August, long-standing opponent of the resort, Councillor Debra Storr, was ousted from the area committee debating Trump’s planning applications. A leading councillor lost his job in 2007 after voting against the original plans.
6 Aug 2010 | Azerbaijan News, Index Index, minipost
The Azerbaijan Press Council have published a blacklist of 77 newspapers. They accuse the newspapers of racketeering and publishing articles affecting people’s honour. The blacklist, which is available online, lists the founder and editor-in-chief of each publication. Last year, a similar list in the Eurasian state blacklisted 95 publications.
