Every day, journalists around the world face the threat of intimidation, censorship, imprisonment and violence, including torture, for their efforts to report on human rights violations. Join Amnesty International and other human rights organizations in marking World Press Freedom Day by taking action and supporting journalists at risk for defending human rights.
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Amnesty International Canada’s fifteenth annual Media Awards were presented in December 2009. These awards are for outstanding reporting about human rights issues in the Canadian media. > Story and photos
RELEASED: IRAN –Behrang Tonekaboni Behrang Tonekaboni of Farhang va Ahang, a monthly music journal, was arrested at the journal's offices in January 2010. His arrest was likely connected to the ongoing protests against the government in Iran. Amnesty issued an urgent action following Tonekaboni's arrest. He was released on bail on March 3, 2010.
RELEASED: NIGERIA –Christina Anyanwu Nigerian editor, Christina Anyanwu was sentenced to 15 years in prison but released after three years. She was adopted as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International.
"I knew that I was not alone. Maybe you just sent one card - but all these cards are like little drops of water that combine to create an avalanche of pressure."
Iranian journalist arrested in crackdown on opposition
Emadeddin Baghi is a prominent human rights activist and journalist in Iran. In December 2009, armed officials forced their way into his home. Refusing to show identification, they arrested the Iranian journalist and severely beat his
brother-in-law, who was also present.
Amnesty International is deeply concerned
for his well-being and safety.
Cuba -- 20 year sentence for journalist Journalist Pablo Pacheco Avila was arrested in March 2003 during a severe crackdown on the dissident movement in Cuba, and sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment. Amnesty believes that he was arrested purely for his legitimate journalistic activities and peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.
Iran -- Imprisoned in crackdown dissent Hengameh Shahida, a journalist and women's rights campaigner imprisoned in the wake of last year's disputed presidential election. She was sentenced to 6 years for "gathering and colluding with intent to harm state security" and "propaganda against the system". > read more
Mexico -- Crime reporters missing A male correspondent for newspaper Cambio de Michoacán, in Michoacán state, western Mexico, has been missing since 6 April. A female reporter for the same newspaper has been missing since November. Both were abducted after reporting on local crime and corruption. It is feared that, like two journalists from Michoacán who went missing a few years ago, their whereabouts may never be known. > take action
Yemen -- Repression of independent media
Anissa 'Uthman, a journalist working for al-Wassat, a weekly newspaper, has received a three month prison sentence after she was convicted of defaming President ‘Ali ‘Abdullah Saleh because of articles she wrote criticizing the arrest and imprisonment of human rights activists. > read more
Zimbabwe -- Grant Radio Dialogue a broadcasting licence! Radio Dialogue is a non-profit community radio station which aims to engage its listeners in discussions of current political, social, and economic issues affecting Zimbabweans. Despite numerous meetings with relevant government officials, Radio Dialogue has not been able to acquire a licence. > take action
Amnesty International Canada’s fifteenth annual Media Awards were presented in December 2009. These awards are for outstanding reporting about human rights issues in the Canadian media. 
RELEASED: IRAN –Behrang Tonekaboni
RELEASED: NIGERIA –Christina Anyanwu
Emadeddin Baghi is a prominent human rights activist and journalist in Iran. In December 2009, armed officials forced their way into his home. Refusing to show identification, they arrested the Iranian journalist and severely beat his
brother-in-law, who was also present. 
Cuba -- 20 year sentence for journalist
Iran -- Imprisoned in crackdown dissent
Mexico -- Crime reporters missing
Zimbabwe -- Grant Radio Dialogue a broadcasting licence!