13 Oct 2010 | Index Index, minipost
Unconfirmed reports suggest the ruling military junta in Burma plans to release of thousands of prisoners early to allow them to vote in November’s elections. The total number of detainees set for release is reportedly 11,000. It is not yet clear whether any of Burma’s 2,200 political prisoners will be freed. Detained pro-democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has been banned from running in the elections — the first in the country for 20 years — and there are fears that the voting process will be heavily controlled by the government. Under the new constitution some 25% of seats are guaranteed for the military.
6 Oct 2010 | Index Index, Middle East and North Africa, minipost
A newspaper editor known for his satirical columns attacking the government has been fired. Ibrahim Eissa, editor-in-chief of the daily al Dustur, said he had not been told why he was dismissed, but believed it was in connection with an article written by prominent opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei. When publishers told Eissa not to publish the article, he objected and was sacked just hours later. Reporters for al Dustur have gone on strike to protest the dismissal. Eissa’s sacking follows the recent cancellation of the talk show he hosted on private satellite television.
17 Aug 2010 | Index Index, minipost
Brazil has banned broadcasters from showing programmes that poke fun at the country’s presidential candidates. Ridiculing the candidates could result in a fine or even licence suspension. Brazilian producers and comedians intend to fight the ban, with one comparing it to a Monty Python sketch. It is not the first time that politics and comedy have collided in Latin America. In July, a Nicaraguan comic revealed he was offered money not to ridicule presidential candidate Daniel Ortega in his performances.
16 Jul 2010 | Index Index, minipost
A fourth newspaper has been forced to close in Kuala Lumpur following the government’s crackdown on publishing licenses. The suspension of Hakhah’s printing office follows the closure of the newspapers Suara Keadilan, Kabar Era Pakatan and Rocket on 30 June. Suara Keadilan, a leading critical voice in Malaysia, is reported to have been shut down for “publishing false news that could incite public unrest”. Local activists claim that Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government is attempting to silence critical publications ahead of national elections. Media regulators state they are applying broadcasting law uniformly.
