Inside Iran’s Jails:
Canadian Journalist Describes Ordeal
Ottawa – March 1, 2010 — Canadian-Iranian journalist and documentary film maker Maziar Bahari will describe the state of press freedom under the Ayatollahs from his personal experience, at the 12th annual Canadian World Press Freedom Awards luncheon in Ottawa, May 3, World Press Freedom Day.
Mr. Bahari, a reporter for Newsweek, was imprisoned and harshly interrogated for four months following his arrest while covering the Iranian elections in 2009. He was released on bail in October. (See http://freemaziarbahari.org/) Mr. Bahari has written for the New York Times, New Statesman and the Guardian and is an acclaimed documentary film maker.
At its luncheon May 3, hosted by broadcaster Don Newman, the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom (CCWPF) will present the 12th annual Press Freedom Award to a Canadian journalist who has suffered in the cause of press freedom or freedom of expression. The 10th annual International Editorial Cartoon Competition will also reward international cartoonists for submissions on the theme, “The ‘right’ not to be offended is not a right: How can we encourage vigorous debate while being respectful of religious sensibilities ?”
Nominations for the awards will be accepted to March 31.
The Press Freedom Award includes a cash prize of $2,000 and a certificate of honour from the CCWPF and the Canadian Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The International Editorial Cartoon Competition comprises awards of $1,500, $750 and $500.
This year’s Awards come as violence against journalists reaches new heights. At least 101 journalists and media workers were killed in 2009, including Canadian Michelle Lang who died in Afghanistan on December 30, 2009, a significant increase from the 87 journalists killed in 2008.
Detail on how to nominate a Canadian journalist or submit cartoons may be found on the CCWPF’s website, at www.http://ccwpf-cclpm.ca. (Nomination Form)
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Supreme Court Expands Freedom of Expression
A December 22 decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, involving suits against the Toronto Star and the Ottawa Citizen, gives journalists, and all communicators, a new defence against defamation. Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) calls it a victory for “responsible communications in the public interest.” (…more).
Top court expands freedoms for media (Toronto Star)
News media given wider protection (Ottawa Citizen / Canwest)
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CCWPF Concerned about Harassment
of American Journalist Amy Goodman
On Nov. 26, Goodman was stopped by Canadian Border Services while traveling to Vancouver. She was interrogated about the nature of her speech and repeatedly asked whether she intended to criticize the 2010 Winter Olympics. She was required to hand over her notes and had her computer searched.
(read corresponce from CCWPF to the Public Safety Minister)
and Amy Goodman’s account of the incident.
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Slain Sri Lankan journalist honoured with UN press freedom award
(April 6, 2009) Sri Lankan journalist and editor Lasantha Wickrematunge, who was assassinated on 8 January this year, has been named as the laureate of the 2009 World Press Freedom Prize by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
See UNESCO story
(Vigil for Wickrematunge) +++
Spencer Moore 1924 – 2008
The Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom Laments Passing of Spencer Moore
Ottawa, May 1, 2008 – It is with regret and sadness that we have learned today of the passing of Spencer Moore, broadcaster, past President of the National Press Club, and lifelong champion of world press freedom. Spencer will be greatly missed by his colleagues on the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom, of which he was founding President. The Committee will be among the legacies of this wonderful man, whose tireless enthusiasm and commitment to work toward a better world has been an inspiration to us all.
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2008 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize
awarded to Mexican reporter Lydia Cacho Ribeiro
The Director-General of UNESCO, Koïchiro Matsuura, today designated Lydia Cacho Ribeiro, a freelance reporter based in Cancun, Mexico, as the laureate of the 2008 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, on the basis of the recommendation of the international jury of the Prize.
Joe Thloloe, President of the jury of 14 professional journalists and editors from all over the world, and Press Ombudsman of the Press Council of South Africa, explained the choice of this year’s laureate:
“Members of the jury were impressed by the courage of Lydia Cacho Ribeiro as she continues to expose political corruption, organized crime and domestic violence in the face of death threats, an attempt on her life and legal battles. For me, a journalist who knows the antagonistic environment in which he or she operates and continues to do the right thing by keeping readers, listeners or viewers informed about their society deserves recognition for their contribution to freedom of expression around the world. Lydia Cacho is such a laureate.”
