Suriname journalist detained, investigated on defamation charges after reporting on police
Police arrested journalist Mones Nazarali, who was taken before a public prosecutor and charged with several crimes, including defamation, slander, disturbing the public order, and insulting the police, which all carry prison sentences under the criminal code, according to the same sources.
Suriname defamation law requires serious reform
The Surinamese Criminal Code recognises several offences under the umbrella of defamation, including spoken defamation, libel and slander. While all of these have problematic aspects, there is particular concern over the offence of insult , because it is vulnerable to abuse.
Former minister in Suriname seeks damages from magazine publisher
Reporters Without Borders voices its support for the investigative monthly Parbode, whose publisher, Jaap Hoogendam, is being sued by former public works minister Ramon Abrahams over a report about his alleged corrupt practices before he was fired without explanation. Parbode received a letter from Abrahams’ lawyer on 26 August 2013 announcing that the former minister […]
Suriname to work on repealing criminal libel and insult laws
In meetings with an International Press Institute delegation, Surinamese government officials expressed support for the revision of the country’s defamation laws so long as the changes were accompanied by sustainable journalist training and a reliable avenue for citizens to voice complaints against the media.
Human Rights Watch calls on national assembly to revoke amnesty legislation
The National Assembly of Suriname amended an existing amnesty law to give immunity to those who were on trial for the alleged abduction and murder of 15 prominent political opponents, including journalists, lawyers, and a trade union leader, in December 1982.
Parliament urged to reject amnesty that would include murders of five journalists
“The traumas of the past are perpetuated by impunity, which by definition runs counter to the rule of law and the expression of fundamental human rights,” said RSF.
Desi Bouterse’s installation as president must not mean impunity for past murders of journalists, RSF says
Sentenced to 11 years in prison in absentia in the Netherlands in 1999 on a charge of drug trafficking, Bouterse could still get a 20-year jail sentence in Surinam if convicted of the Fort Zeelandia massacre.
Journalist threatened after reporting on cocaine missing from police vault
Ivan Cairo received a threatening phone call after his newspaper published several articles on the disappearance of more than 90 kg of cocaine from a police department vault.
Freedom of the Press 2007: Surinam
Freedom of the Press 2007: Surinam
TV programme withdrawn at vice-president’s behest; RSF condemns act of “censorship”
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has condemned a decision by the state-owned Surinam Television Foundation (STVS) to cancel its “Surinam Today” discussion programme on 10 May 2007 under direct pressure from Vice-President Ram Sardjoe. The offending programme was about China-Taiwan relations. “This was an act of censorship,” the press freedom organisation said. “The strategic interests […]
Dutch journalist Armand Snijders abducted
(JSS/IFEX) – On 23 June 1998, Dutch correspondent in Suriname Armand Snijders was abducted by two men and forcefully pulled into a car in Paramaribo City. While putting a pistol to his head, the two men accused Snijders of being a liar and a spy for the Netherlands. Ten minutes later, Snijders was kicked out […]
Photographer Edward Troon abducted
(JSS/IFEX) – On 8 December 1997, a photographer from Suriname, Edward Troon, was abducted by four men who pulled him into a car and blindfolded him. A few hours later, he was released when they told him that this was “the reward for 8 December 1982.” Troon was reportedly mistreated during his abduction. On 8 […]