The experiences of both secular and religious Dutch Muslims will now be shown to the public and discussed through a new public broadcasting project in the Netherlands called Zenit.

The project will broadcast soap opera and comedy series as well as programs that appeal to “secular as well as religious Muslims.” According to Radi Suudi, one of the project’s initiators, Islamic beliefs will not be discussed.

For more information, go to http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/new-dutch-public-broadcaster-for-muslim….

https://www.ijnet.org/ijnet/training_opportunities/public_broadcasting_for_muslims_planned_in_the_ne

STATEMENT

Of the National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan and the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan regarding persecution of the journalist Tursunali Aliev for his criticism of the authorities.

The National Association of Independent Mass Media of Tajikistan and the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan express their concern about persecution of Tursunali Aliev for his criticism of the authorities. The two organizations are concerned about the fact that journalists become subject to persecution for their professional activities when they try to protect interests of citizens, the society and the State.

On 9 August 2008 the Sughd province prosecutor’s office filed a case against Tursunali Aliev on Article 135, Part 3 (libel) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. The grounds for initiation of the criminal case was an article titled “Shame on chairman”, published on 12 September 2007 by the “Tong” weekly. Tursunali Aliev has been working in the media for more than forty years; he is a member of the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan.

In his feuilleton the author discloses facts of wrongful activities of the authorities in Jabborrassoulov district of Sughd province. After the publication, Ayub Ochilov, chairman of the district was dismissed from his post. The prosecutor’s office initiated a criminal case against the chairman’s deputy, N. Rakhmatov.

Along with that, a year ago, after the publication, the law enforcement agencies undertook attempts to bring Aliev to responsibility, although the journalists was trying to reveal the truth and was protecting the interests of the State and the society. The prosecutor’s office did not initiate the case against the author in view of the absence of corpus delicti.

regardless of this fact, a year later, the Sughd province prosecutor’s office got back to this issue saying that the previous decision was “ungrounded”, and initiated a new case against the journalist.

Legal experts interpret the actions of the Sughd province legal enforcement agencies as deliberate persecution of Mr. Aliev. These actions serve to the interests of certain high-ranked officials and are seen as intimidation of journalists.

The National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT) and the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan require an objective approach to the investigation of the criminal case in order to avoid personal and corporative ambitions and to ensure the supremacy of the rule of law.

Akbarali Sattorov,
Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan

Nuriddin Karshiboyev,
Chairman of NANSMIT

NANSMIT

On 28 August, Rano Karimova, former broadcasting coordinator at a private Asia TV channel in the city of Khujand, Sughd province applied to the city court with a plaint note against the managers of the TV station asking to reinstate her in her former position.

Karimova states that she was dismissed because of a personal conflict with a secretary, and in that situation, Azam Akbarov, director of the company took side of her adversary.

NANSMIT Monitoring Service

A six-week course for international journalists on «Internet for Journalists» will be held in Hilversum, the Netherlands, from May 11 to June 19, 2009. Deadline to apply: October 1.

The course, aimed at journalists from developing countries, aims to strengthen the ability of journalists and of the organizations they work for to use the Internet for the purposes of research, publication and distribution. By the end of the six week course, being offered by Radio Netherlands Training Center (RNTC), participating journalists should be able to work as Internet journalists/producers.

Applicants must have a secondary education, professional education or training in media, a minimum of three to four years experience, computer skills and a good command of English. Applicants from eligible countries can apply for a fellowship, whereby travel, accommodation and the course fee are paid for by the Dutch government.

For more information, go to http://www.rnw.nl/rntc/courses/IfJ2009.php or contact RNTC at info@rntc.nl.
Print

https://www.ijnet.org/ijnet/training_opportunities/netherlands_course_will_focus_on_internet_for_int

On 9 August 2008, the Sughd province prosecutor’s office filed a criminal case against Tursunali Aliev, a local journalist who is accused of libel and defamation (Article 135 of Tajikistan’s Criminal Code). The motive for filing the case was an feuilleton titled “Shame on chairman…” written by Aliev and published on 12 September in the “Tong” newspaper.

The publication revealed facts of illegal privatization of public property in the district. After the publication, chairman of the Jabbarrasoul district in Sughd province Ayub Ochilov was removed from office. The province prosecutor’s office filed a case against the chairman’s deputy, Mr. Rakhmatov; although, later, the investigation was terminated.

Attempts to bring Aliev to criminal responsibility were made almost a year ago, shortly after the publication of his article. But the prosecutor’s office found no components of crime in his professional activities.

Now, the Sughd province prosecutor’s office has returned to this issue and filed a new case against Aliev.

NANSMIT Monitoring Service

“Legal aspects of journalism” is the title of the workshop held from 22 to 24 August in the city of Penjikent, Sughd province.

The seminar was organized by the NGO “Women of the East” under financial support from the Norwegian Helsinki Human Rights Committee.

During the two-day training course, the Penjikent journalists learned about changes and amendments to the Law “On printing and other mass media”, and with other legal bases of journalism, such as access to information, collection of data, limitations in access to publically important information, etc.

One of the most topical issues discussed at the seminar was the theme of rights and duties of journalists. It became obvious that not all of the local media professionals are familiar with their rights, which, in turn, leads to self-censorship among journalists.

Participants acknowledged that self-censorship is becoming a common feature of Tajik journalists, who “adjust” their materials to what is considered to be acceptable among the authorities. Thus, they do not dare to tread on forbidden ground, avoiding serious political, social and economic issues.

NANSMIT Monitoring Service

Due to popular demand, the International Center for Journalists will run the online course «An Introduction to Investigative Reporting» for the second time this year. Arabic-speaking journalists are invited to apply.

The deadline for new applications is September 5. Individuals who applied, but were not selected, for the first round of training do not need to reapply as their applications will automatically be considered for the new course.

Led by several ICFJ instructors, the course will take place between September 26 and October 31.

Topics to be covered during the course include: how investigative reporting differs from other types of reporting; how to find story ideas; how to develop sources; the importance of public records for an investigative report and how best to use them; effective Internet research; what is computer-assisted reporting (CAR); how to conduct effective interviews; using undercover reporting; organizing and writing an investigative report; ethical considerations when working on an investigative report.

The course is open to computer-literate Arabic-speaking journalists with at least one year of professional experience. Participants must be willing to spend time reading materials, researching assignments and interacting online with instructors and fellow participants.

Please follow the instructions below to submit your application:

1. Visit https://e-learn.icfj.org/?lang=ar_utf8

2. Click on the application link.

3. Click «Create new account.»

4. Complete the registration form.

5. Check your email and confirm your account by clicking on the link.

6. Login at http://e-learn.icfj.org/?lang=ar_utf8 and complete the course application form.

About ICFJ’s Online Courses

ICFJ is reaching journalists in the Middle East and Iran with instructor-led courses on key topics such as crisis reporting and business coverage. ICFJ also offers a library of online training tools on topics such as citizen reporting and personal finance coverage.

https://www.ijnet.org/ijnet/training_materials/icfj_to_offer_online_course_on_investigative_journali

Washington, D.C. — The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) announces the launch of a new version of its online portal IJNet.org on August 27. The site connects an unparalleled global network of journalists and media development organizations through cutting-edge social networking tools, discussion spaces, forums and news stories on worldwide journalism activities.

The revamped IJNet site offers thousands of international journalists in its online community the latest networking tools in Arabic, English, Persian, Portuguese and Spanish. Individual journalists and organizations are able to create advanced profiles, where they can highlight their work, post news and invite others to join their network. They can also search for each other by e-mail address, IJNet screen name, location, organization, area of expertise, language and any other information the user provides. Users with profiles can join discussions, post to IJNet Answers, and take advantage of a variety other interactive features.

The site also offers new tools for media development organizations and professionals. The Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) section brings the latest industry news to its 400 member organizations, the media assistance community, development professionals and funders worldwide. Its interactive platform allows users to share information and programs in an effort to promote efficiency and cooperation.

«This new platform enables journalists and media trainers to collaborate in exciting, new ways,» said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. «For the first time, they will be able to link directly to one another, sharing resources and spurring collaboration.»

Launched in 1998, IJNet is the leading resource for the latest media news alerts, training opportunities and discussion for journalists worldwide. Its weekly e-mail bulletin has grown tenfold since its inception, reaching more than 18,000 subscribers from more than 100 countries. The Web site receives nearly 20,000 unique visitors each month.

IJNet is sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Open Society Institute, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Eurasia Foundation, the New Eurasia Foundation and friends of ICFJ.

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), a non-profit, professional organization, promotes quality journalism worldwide in the belief that independent, vigorous media are crucial in improving the human condition. Aiming to raise the standards of journalism, ICFJ offers hands-on training workshops, seminars, fellowships and international exchanges to journalists and media managers around the globe. For more information, visit www.icfj.org

http://by102w.bay102.mail.live.com/mail/mail.aspx?rru=inbox&wa=wsignin1.0

Working journalists from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin American and the Middle East are encouraged to apply for fellowships to report on the U.N. Climate Change Summit, in Poznan, Poland from December 1 to 12.

The fellowships, provided by Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP), include editorial support, daily briefings on the negotiations, a field trip and help in securing interviews.

Applicants can work in electronic, print, radio or television media and have experience in reporting on development or environmental issues

For more information, email CCMP@panos.org.uk or Mike Shanahan at mike.shanahan@iied.org.

https://www.ijnet.org/ijnet/training_opportunities/fellowships_available_for_journalists_to_attend_c

Residents of the most densely populated Bokhtar district in Khatlon province do not have access to local news and information
800 subscribers of the district “Bokhtar” weekly cannot timely receive the newspaper. By some reasons, the local authorities cannot appoint the editor to their own printing outlet. Since March 2007, the “Bokhtar” weekly has not had the editor, whereas its only writing author, Mukimjon Mukhtorov, has been in the hospital for two months.

Upon the initiative of the newspaper’s accountant, Sanobar Khudoidodova, six issues of “Bokhtar” have been released in 2008; each of them dedicated to certain political and historic events. However, the staff cannot receive their salaries for several months. The district finance department does not provide the money in view of the absence of editor’s signature.

NANSMIT Monitoring Service