Posted on 05/02/2003 6:42:11 PM PDT by nwrep
ABC News and Peter Jennings' favorite country, Cuba, was named by the CPJ as one of the world's worst countries to be a journalist.
The Committee to Protect Journalists named Iraq (news - web sites), where nine journalists died in the first three weeks of the U.S.-led invasion, the "worst place in the world" to be a journalist.
Afghanistan (news - web sites) was fourth on the list released Friday by the U.S.-based media watchdog, which said its list of "10 worst places to be a journalist" reflected the physical danger, government harassment, jailings and intimidation faced by journalists.
Also named were Cuba, Vietnam, Chechnya (news - web sites), the West Bank and Gaza, Eritrea, Togo, Colombia and Belarus. The list was put out in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, which is being marked Saturday.
"Many journalists who report from these places have made the ultimate sacrifice; others are in jail serving long sentences," Committee to Protect Journalists acting director Joel Simon said in a statement from New York.
In Afghanistan, the committee said, the government of President Hamid Karzai has not done enough to stop attacks on the press outside the capital.
"Despite new freedoms enjoyed by the media after the ouster of the repressive Taliban regime, journalists say it is impossible to write and speak freely because of threats, physical intimidation, and assault," the committee said, adding such abuses were often committed by politicians and military officials.
In Iraq, the committee said, the war "exacted a heavy toll," with nine journalists killed. Two journalists remain missing, the committee said, and four others died from accidents or illness.
Second on the list was Cuba, where Fidel Castro (news - web sites)'s government launched a crackdown on dissidents and the media in March, arresting 75 people, including 28 journalists. Those arrested, characterized as mercenaries and traitors by the island's communist-run government, received prison terms of up to 28 years.
The journalists, who work outside the state-run media, generally dictate reports by telephone to Miami-based media or other organizations for posting on Web sites.
Authorities also have cracked down on the independent media in Vietnam, No. 3 on the list. Eight journalists were recently jailed or put under house arrest. One was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
"Those who publish news or opinions that contradict the Communist Party line are harassed, placed under heavy surveillance, or jailed," the committee said.
Journalists in Chechnya (No. 5), where 18 reporters have died in the last decade, face other hardships. Those working officially are often confined to Russian press centers. Those working clandestinely face detention or attacks by Russian forces.
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Was it, when Saddam was buffaloing CNN?
In Iraq, the committee said, the war "exacted a heavy toll," with nine journalists killed. Two journalists remain missing, the committee said, and four others died from accidents or illness.Oops . . .
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