In repeated violations of basic civil liberties by the regime, opposition leaders were imprisoned; journalists often arrested, and deported by an unofficial militia composed of police and military; and independent media offices were looted and burned.

Cuban journalist arrested for his investigative reporting, The Guardian, 26.

Detainees are tortured, demonstrations suppressed and journalists arrested.

Three Iranian journalists arrested in fresh crackdown 4.

Startling journalists, the police interrupted a news conference at the official Government House and arrested three leaders of the left-wing Worker's Party.

At its annual dinner last week, the group honored Mr. Boucar and four other journalists, from Indonesia, Peru, Belarus and Eritrea, who have been persecuted, arrested, tried and otherwise hindered by governments that have little history of - or tolerance for - a free press.

Human rights have deteriorated, opposition is not tolerated, eleven former leaders of the government party have been arrested, the press is suppressed and journalists arrested.

The independent press has been suppressed and many journalists, politicians and political opponents, including former government ministers, have been arrested, accused of treason against the national assembly. There is an increase in repressive measures being taken to control the citizens, especially students, two of whom died while imprisoned in the desert.

Why were journalists on a legitimate news-gathering assignment arrested, imprisoned for five days, manhandled and threatened?