International Crisis

Martial law in Thailand targets media

The military in Thailand has issued orders limiting the content of news media outlets, closed down 14 television stations and an unspecified number of “unlicensed” community radio stations, and requested internet service providers to suspend people’s access to services that can “incite violence.” This was after imposing martial law on 20 May 2014, which was announced to be a coup two days later.

Analysts had expected the imposition of martial law in Thailand, after seven months of a political standoff between pro and anti-government factions that during which, 28 people died, hundreds were injured, an election was declared a failure, and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was ousted from office for alleged abuse of power.

At the end of the first day of martial law, a military junta, the Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC), released 12 orders, five of which limit media freedom in the country.

In a statement, the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) expressed its concern over the fact that “The clampdown on media has used force to silence channels of information and public opinion out of fear. It also seriously threatens the right of citizens to freedom of opinion and expression and access to information necessary to exercise political participation in these critical times.” CMFR is a signatory to the statement. (SEAPA)

Justice for slain photojournalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) are urging the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and all international groups based in the country to ensure that there will be justice for the killing of French freelance photojournalist Camille Lepage.

According to news reports, Lepage was just 26 when she was caught up in a fighting and killed near the border of CAR and Cameroon. In 13 May 2014, the French president’s office announced her death after finding her body in a vehicle stopped by French soldiers in CAR.

“She was probably ambushed,” a Reuters report quoted French President Francois Hollande as having told reporters.

Lepage had been covering conflicts in CAR and South Sudan, and was published by major news organizations. She had also worked for non-governmental organizations including Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders.

The IFJ and EFJ also called for CAR authorities to increase protection for journalists, but also reminded journalists covering conflicts to remain vigilant for their safety at all times. (IFEX/IFJ)

Five convicted for the murder of Russian journalist

A  jury in Moscow, Russia, has convicted five men for the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya. A mastermind was not named in the verdict. Three of the convicted had been acquitted in an earlier trial. But this was overturned by the Supreme Court, which ordered a new trial.

Politkovskaya was a known critic of the Russian government and reported human rights abuses during the Second Chechen War. She was shot dead in her home on 7 October 2006.

“We commend today’s verdict in this high-profile case, which took almost eight years,” said Joel Simon, Executive Director of New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). “We urge Russian authorities to continue pursuing justice. Anyone who played a role in the murder of Anna Politkovskaya must be held to account.” (CPJ)