Philippine journalists demand for repeal of libel law following multiple lawsuits from president’s husband

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) is petitioning Congress to repeal the law on libel, calling it “an outdated law that has been used not so much to protect the innocent as to shield the guilty.”

Singapore bans circulation of FEER

The Singapore Government has revoked the sale and distribution approval for the “Far Eastern Economic Review” (FEER) after the monthly magazine failed to comply with two requirements under the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, reports the local “Channel News Asia” on its website.

Indonesia’s defamation law challenged

An Indonesia political activist who was arrested for defaming President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is asking the country’s Constitutional Court to review the article on defamation in the Criminal Code.

Thai media want clear free expression guarantee in interim charter

The Thai media will call on the Council for Democratic Reform (previously called Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy) to guarrantee free expression and and press freedom under Thailand’s interim Constitution.

Thai journalists and Press Council demand media protection in interim Constitution

A group of Thai media organisations has issued an open letter to the military rulers demanding protection for the media in the interim Constitution that will take effect on 3 October 2006.

AJI: Stop military intervention against press freedom in Thailand

The development after a military coup on 19 September 2006 in Thailand is apparently getting worse. A series of policies issued by the military administration, which calls itself the Council for Democratic Reform under Constitutional Monarchy (CDRM), has clearly threatened civilian freedoms and fundamental rights in a democratic community. The military junta has arbitrarily revoked the basic rights enjoyed by the Thai people prior to the coup, banning differences in opinions, arresting protesters, closing down hundreds of community radio staions and limiting radio relays.

Bloggers give alternative source of information in military-ruled Thailand

With the traditional print and broadcast media largely under control of the ruling military, bloggers in Thailand have been quick to respond to the need for the Internet to fill in information gaps about the coup by providing alternative reports and personal opinions. The INQ.net reports of a blog by Rebecca McKinnon, co-founder of Global Voices, on such efforts.

Local government units in Thailand banned from political activities, other expressions tolerated

The ruling military in Thailand has banned political activities of Tambon (a local government unit) and provincial administrative organisations following reports that some had tried to organise rallies against the military in the northern and northeast regions.

Singapore detains and deports journalist, prevents him from covering trial

A foreign reporter who has been following a trial in Singapore was detained while attempting to re-enter the country on 24 September 2006, reports “The Epoch Times”.

AJI regrets Press Law not used in Teguh Santosa’s case

The following is a 20 September 2006 statement from AJI, a SEAPA member based in Indonesia:

On 20 September, the South Jakarta District Court made a preliminary decision against the executive editor of “Rakyat Merdeka Online”, Teguh Santosa. In their ruling, the judicial panel agreed to the defence made earlier by Teguh’s attorneys, the Advocacy Team to Defend Journalists, that the the legal basis used in the indictment was inaccurate, and dismissed the prosecutors’ indictment.