Journalists' group to lead online protest vs Net censorship

By Erwin Oliva
INQ7.net
Last updated 10:03pm (Mla time) 11/01/2006

THE journalists’ organization Reporters Sans Frontieres (Reporters Without Borders) which is based in France is inviting people to join its 24-hour online protest against Internet censorship.

The online protest will begin on November 7 at 11 a.m. (Paris time) to November 8, 11 a.m., the organization of journalists announced on its website.

"No one should ever be prevented from posting news online or writing a blog, but they are in the 13 countries singled out by Reporters Without Borders for a 24-hour online protest against Internet censorship," the group said.

The group revealed that 61 people worldwide are currently in prison for posting alleged subversive content on a blog or website.

It said people should connect to the Reporters Without Borders website (www.rsf.org) during the 24-hour window period to join the online protest.

"Each click will help to change the Internet Black Holes map and help to combat censorship. As many people as possible must participate so that this operation can be a success and have an impact on those governments that try to seal off what is meant to be a space where people can express themselves freely," it said.

The Reporters Without Borders bureaus will also join in condemning Internet censorship and "ethical misconduct of the Internet giants when operating in one of these countries."

The group will also publish the list of the 13 Internet enemies on November 7.

Reporters Without Borders is compiling a list of 13 countries whose governments they label "Internet enemies." These governments censor and block online content that criticizes them, it said.

"The defense of online free expression and the fate of bloggers in repressive countries concern everyone," it added.