Ugandan journalists decry stifling of press freedoms

Journalists demonstrate in favor of free press in Uganda

In this story: Ugandan journalists decry stifling of press freedoms Alliance acts as EU stepping-stone for Slovenia Mao makes money for Chinese collectors Submarine search raises artifacts, controversy in Spain Musicians, artists honored at Kuwaiti festival About CNN World Report RELATED STORIES, SITES

Television viewers and newspaper readers may not realize it, but bringing news to the public sometimes involves risking jail sentences, injury, or even death on the part of the messenger. Reporting the news is becoming increasingly hazardous in many parts of the world, according to new information released by the World Association of Newspapers. Africa ranks as one of the more dangerous places to practice journalism, with estimates of at least 23 reporters imprisoned across the continent so far this year.

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Uganda is one country where local journalists say free reporting is being restricted by the government. As Uganda's WBS Television told viewers, several Ugandan journalists are currently charged with the publication of so-called "false and malicious" news stories. WBS TV was there when a group of some 100 journalists took to the streets of Kampala to voice their displeasure at what they consider repression of a free press.

The journalists' demonstration march led them to the Ugandan parliament building, where they called for representatives to repeal laws on sedition and criminal libel. Reporters say the government misuses the laws to stifle dissenting views. "We are demonstrating against laws which we think are draconian," said one of the protesting journalists. "We're saying enough is enough ... We're tired of silence; we're going to speak out."

Membership in the European Union may be a step closer for several Eastern European countries. EU leaders are scheduled to meet with officials from Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia, among other countries, in Helsinki, Finland, to discuss future entry into the European Union.

This majestic castle in Prague, Czech Republic, is the site for discussions between Central European leaders

A number of non-EU countries in Central Europe have been preparing for membership with help from another alliance: The Central European Initiative. The CEI was founded in 1989 by Austria, Hungary, Italy and Yugoslavia, and has since expanded to include 16 nations. The alliance's aims are several, but primary among them is to help former East-bloc nations upgrade development in a number of areas to Western European levels.

The leaders of the Central European member countries recently met in Prague, Czech Republic, and TV Slovenia was there as the group marked 10 years of existence. Slovenia has been a CEI member since 1992. It played an important role in the so- called "Stability Pact" in the Balkans region. Now Slovenia hopes to move closer toward a united Europe with the help of the CEI.

"Slovenia finds CEI membership as a step towards becoming a part of the European Union," said TV Slovenia's Sergeja Hadner.

China has changed immensely since Mao Tse-tung founded the People's Republic in 1949. The Communist Party chairman would probably be surprised by today's China, with its greater openness and move toward a market economy. Perhaps the biggest surprise would be how Chairman Mao's own likeness is bringing profits to individual collectors.

Hu Jizhi proudly displays his Mao badge collection

China's Wuhan Cable TV showed CNN World Report viewers how the collecting of Mao badges is becoming increasingly popular in China. The Chinese government distributed the badges, in a variety of shapes and designs, as a tribute to Mao. Viewers were introduced to Hu Jizhi, who has been building his collection of Mao badges for decades and now boasts more than 10,000.

Enterprising individuals are starting to capitalize on the popularity of Mao badge collecting, and exchange markets are doing brisk business in Mao items. But Hu says his passion for the hobby stems from a deeper appreciation of what the badges stand for. "I worship Chairman Mao very much. Badges of him are valuable cultural treasures of our country. They make a record of the chairman from a different time-period. I love them," he said.

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TV Galicia reports on the divers and their valuable finds Windows Media 28K 80K

Ships were the most common mode of overseas travel before the 20th century, and historians are finding a rich trove of information by examining vessels that were shipwrecked. As Spain's TV Galicia told CNN World Report viewers, those shipwrecks may be difficult to reach, especially if they lie in deeper waters. But as some deep-sea detectives have been claiming success in finding sunken ships off the coast of Galicia in northwestern Spain, controversy has risen from the depths of the ocean.

The sixth annual Qurain cultural festival drew talented people from all around the Arab world, in addition to some visiting artists from the United States. CNN World Report contributor Kuwait TV sampled the musical and arts offerings at the festival, including bands from Syria and Yemen.

Musicians delight visitors to the sixth annual Qurain cultural festival in Kuwait

Musical numbers weren't the only highlights: Writers and poets from the Arab literary landscape were honored with awards and commendations. Paintings from U.S. artists were also displayed.

"The Qurain festival is held every year in Kuwait and attracts different cultural and artistic figures from all over the world," said Kuwait TV reporter Najwa Assran.