Iran – Judiciary urged to quash execution orders against five activists

“What we are witnessing today in Khuzestan province is state-sanctioned killing that . . . is aimed at silencing voices that are critical of the government’s policies in the region,” Human Rights Watch said.

via IFEX

At least four journalists attacked in Maldives protests

New York, July 12, 2012–Authorities in the Maldives must
ensure journalists are able to cover ongoing political demonstrations in the
country without fear of being attacked, the Committee to Protect Journalists
said today.

from Committee to Protect Journalists http://cpj.org/2012/07/at-least-four-journalists-attacked-in-maldives-pro.php

Philippines – Supreme Court upholds indictment of Zaldy Ampatuan

The former governor is one of the accused persons in the Ampatuan multiple murder case.

via IFEX

News coverage of economic sanctions barred by Iran

New
York, July 12, 2012–Iranian authorities have issued new censorship guidelines
barring domestic news outlets from reporting on the impact of Western economic
sanctions, local and international news outlets reported Wednesday. And, with
at least three imprisonments reported, the government is continuing its
years-long anti-press campaign.

from Committee to Protect Journalists http://cpj.org/2012/07/news-coverage-of-economic-sanctions-barred-by-iran.php

Egypt – Activists given prison sentences following Suez protests

Mohamed Gharib was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment while seven other activists were given six months each.

via IFEX