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Extension of right to information law to Malakand sought
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65 RTI activists murdered since 2005 - here's a tribute to India's fallen heroes
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India A
newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the
field of Right
to Information from Around
the World Issue No: 143 E - Alert Issue Date: 20-06-2017 India Info panel upholds right to inspect court registers The Hindu The petitioner was asked to submit an
application under the Right to Information Act to the Registrar-General of the
Madras High Court and obtain ... Canada No hiding abortion numbers: Ontario ruling forces gov't
to allow access to statistics Lifesite The January 2012 law brought in by
then-Premier Dalton McGuinty amended Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to ... UK Terrorist 'fighting deportation after 9-year prison
sentence given € 250000 in legal aid' According to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Daily Mail,
the criminal has so far won more than € 210,000 in legal aid for his
defence ... Pakistan People need to know if their rights and liberties are at
risk, says SHC The News International The Sindh High Court (SHC) has
observed that the right to information and the right to freedom of speech are guaranteed under
the constitution and ... India Maharashtra has no information on CM's attendance in
office: RTI Times of India MUMBAI: How many days was chief
minister Devendra Fadnavis in office? No one knows. A Right to Information (RTI) query
filed by Jeetendra ... India Why RTI Act not implemented by BCCI? CIC asks PMO The Tribune The Central Information Commission
(CIC) has asked the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Law Ministry to explain
why the Right to Information law ... UK Inside Housing: trade magazine that warned of high-rise
fire risks The Guardian In 2015 it used a freedom of information request to reveal that just 18
council-owned tower blocks out of 2,925 had sprinklers
fitted. After a fire in ... USA CNN files lawsuit seeking Comey's Trump memos CNN
International That constitutes a violation of the
federal Freedom of Information Act, the lawsuit alleges. CNN asked
the court to require the agency release the ... India RTI activist Nikhil Dey sentenced to 4 months in jail in
20-year-old case Sify News The case refers to a row in May 1998,
when Dey, a Right To Information activist, had gone to a village near
Jaipur to investigate reports of corruption in ... Canada Canada: Snitches Don't Get Stitches: IPC Upholds Municipal Decision To Withhold Complainant ... Mondaq News Alerts (registration) The requestor submitted a request to
City of Toronto under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for
records generated ... Bangladesh Learning from the US's experience The Daily Star ... between the socio-economic and
political conditions of Bangladesh and the US and the extent of their Right to Information
(RTI) experiences. USA Think FOIA Is a Paper Tiger? The New York Times Gives It
Some Bite New York Times Time has not been kind to the Freedom of Information Act. It was enacted more than 50
years ago to give citizens the right to obtain documents from ... Bangladesh BREAKING THE CULTURE OF 'SECRECY': Judiciary stands for right to information The Daily Star As the Court also opined, a negative
opinion of the political parties in providing information would undoubtedly
violate citizen's right to information ... India (Village and Block): A Comparative study of Bihar and
Rajasthan Central Information Commission I was interested in exploring whether
the right to information has made Blocks and Villages more
transparent and accountable institutions at the ... Ireland Tusla 'worst offender' for refusing Freedom of Information requests Irish Independent "The real sense we have is this
is a resource issue; I mention Tusla particularly, because they outsourced [Freedom of Information work] to the HSE ... India Frontline Comparison of RTI data show that the
Narendra Modi government has not been as good for right to information as its predecessor, the
Manmohan ... UK Thousands of children's operations
cancelled each year, NHS figures show The Guardian The real number of cancellations is
likely to be much higher as the figures obtained by Labour under freedom of information laws cover barely half of ... India Modi Urged to Ensure Speedy Appointment of Central
Information Commissioners The
Wire With many posts vacant for months,
case pendency is on the rise. The National Campaign for Peoples' Right to Information has urged the prime ... India No Information For RTI Query On Taj Mahal, Archaeological
Survey Officials To Lose Salary | Agra ... NYOOOZ ... the records were not provided to a
Right To Information or RTI applicant.In response to a separate RTI response, the Archaeological
Survey of India ... Transparency and Right to Information Program A
newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the
field of Right
to Information from Around
the World Issue No: 142 E - Alert Issue Date: 02-06-2017 Pakistan 'Enforce
Right to Information Act' The News International Coalition on Right to Information, a consortium of 52 civil society
groups has demanded the Punjab Pakistan The Nation It was presented in the Senate this
week and has since then been termed redundant by various activists. Ireland State faces �60m bill for public
services cards by end of year Irish Times Records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the Government is
examining other opportunities for the use of the card, including the ... Pakistan Right of Access to
Information Bill 'restrictive, ineffective' The Nation However, citizens are unable to
exercise this right in the absence of an effective federal right to information law. The CRTI presented its charter
of ... Pakistan Punjab govt failed to
appoint information commissioners: Expert The Nation He said the Punjab government had made
a legislation on the Right to Information law and made a commission to protect
the citizens' right to ... India BMC has spent ₹540 crore, but is yet to get land for 166 projects in Mumbai Hindustan Times Information accessed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that the
collectors' offices -city and suburban - are yet
to clear land ... Pakistan Reply sought in
appointments case The News International ... of the chief information
commissioner had been lying vacant for two months in violation of Punjab
Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013. Pakistan A law that will ensure
secrecy instead of transparency The News International ISLAMABAD: The newly-drafted Right to Information Bill tabled in the Senate defeats the
purpose of its formation, thus, it turns out to be a
great ... Brazil Knight Center for Journalism in the
Americas (blog) ... Brazil are not punished, according to a recent report from Article 19 Brazil, an
NGO that defends freedom of expression and the right to information. India RTI: Lawyer seeks info on
judge's IQ Times of India Ahmedabad: In a weird request under the Right to Information Act (RTI), a lawyer has asked for
details about the intelligence quotient (IQ) of a sitting ... India RTI activist alleges
bungling in BRTS NYOOOZ Amritsar, May 23 A Right to Information (RTI) activist and a social worker,
Suresh Kumar Sharma, alleged embezzlement of funds by officials of
the ... Pakistan Both the PML-N and PPP had committed in the Charter of Democracy that an effective right to information law would be enacted and the Freedom
of ... India Information Commission
Backs Centre, Says Details of Naga Accord to Be Kept Secret in Public ... The
Wire ... emerged about the contents of the
accord even a month later, Nayak filed an RTI application with the PMO under
the Right to Information Act, 2005. Malta Planning Authority keeps
chairman's new salary under wraps MaltaToday ... executive chairman's new salary,
instead forwarding this newspaper to make a Freedom of Information request - a lengthier approach to
obtaining ... UK Surrey Police catches 58
drivers using phones behind the wheel in month after tougher ... Get Surrey Just 58 drivers were caught using
their mobile phones in Surrey in March, a Freedom of Information request has revealed. This figure is
dwarfed by the ... Pakistan Senate body approves Right To Information bill The News International ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing
Committee on Information and Broadcasting accorded approval to the Right to Information Bill 2017 Monday and ... UK At least one deer is
killed every week on Surrey roads Get Surrey Thirty five deer died on four Surrey
roads alone in 2016-17, according to data from a Freedom of Information request. Surrey's deadliest road is
the M3 ... Pakistan RTI bill approved by
Senate committee without taking suggestion from civil society: CPDI The Nation ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee on
Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage has approved right to information bill tabled by government ... India Haryana Assembly Corrects
Speaker's Educational Qualification After RTI Highlights Discrepancy The
Wire Through an application filed under the
Right to Information Act 2005, advocate Hemant Kumar had sought information
from the state public information ... Sri Lanka Appoint Information
Officers as required by RTI Act: Commission The Sunday Times Sri Lanka The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has called on
Public Authorities (PA) who have yet to comply, to abide by the mandatory
statutory duty, ... Sri Lanka Odisha activist in Limca
Book of Records for receiving highest RTI replies Odisha Sun Times Akhand had filed a petition under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI) with the Department
of Posts, Govt of India on Jan 22, 2016 asking whether ... India 4000 investors conned of
440 acres Pune
Mirror Given the magnitude of the scam, right to information (RTI) activist Vijay Kumbhar filed an
application against the company. According to his blog, the ... Transparency and Right to Information Program A
newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the
field of Right
to Information from Around
the World Issue No: 141 E - Alert Issue Date: 17-05-2017 Bangladesh Journalists face restrictive access to government
buildings Dhaka
Tribune "Every citizen has a right to information from the Authority and the Authority
shall on demand from a citizen be bound to provide information," the Right ... Bangladesh Complaints at info commission on the rise Dhaka
Tribune Ever since the Right to Information (RTI) Act was enacted, the
Information Commission has been seeing a significant rise of complaints by
those who ... Pakistan Zardari wants draft RTI law presented
in parliament The Express Tribune ISLAMABAD: PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged the government to
bring the draft Right to Information [RTI] law - agreed upon by all ... Pakistan PHC makes judges' salaries
public The News International The applicant, Zahid Abdullah, a
resident of Islamabad, filed an RTI request under the provision of KP Right to Information Act 2013 for making the ... Pakistan Call for effective implementation of right to information law The News International Veteran journalist and human rights
activist Zubeida Mustafa said the Right to Information Act serves as a means of check and
balance to keep the ... India Filing an FIR is no answer for a missing file; PIO should
reconstruct the file, rules CIC Moneylife Neither lodging a first information
report (FIR) with the police nor denying information to a citizen under Right to Information Act (RTI) under the pretext ... India Word power: An RTI query to BBMP hits the language
barrier Bangalore
Mirror Of all the excuses available to not
provide information against an RTI (Right to Information) query, a public information officer
at the Bruhat Bengaluru ... Bangladesh The Daily Star There is a new breed of fans in South
Asia: fans of the Right to Information (RTI) laws in our region. These are passionate, almost
fanatical, RTI ... Pakistan Marriyum Aurangzeb presents 'Right to Information Bill, 2017' before
Senate ARY NEWS ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for
Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday laid before India How RTI changed the face of Investigative Journalism in
India forever The
Siasat Daily Shyamlal Yadav not only masters to use the Indian Right to Information law as powerful tool for his
journalistic work, even more importantly, in his role ... Pakistan PTI seeks information about corruption allegations on Fawad Hassan Pakistan Today Therefore, she said that right to information law demands that the "unedited"
version of this report must be made public. Andleeb requested that she ... India Central Government Owes Rs 451.75 Crore to Air India For VVIP Flights Outlook India ... vice president and the prime minister, as well as special
missions, according to the latest data provided
under the Right To Information Act. India RTI rejection rate in most public sector banks increased
in 2015-16 Hindustan Times An analysis by a Delhi-based advocacy
group of over 80,000 applications filed under the Right To Information Act with 24 major public
sector ... Sri Lanka ETCA will destroy Sri Lanka's IT sector- Lasantha Wickramasinghe Lankaweb ... measures to legalize its lack of transparency
by excluding the Right to Know about international trade agreements by its Right to Information
Bill. USA Number of FOIA Requests Reaches
Record High Secrecy News (blog) Federal government agencies received
more Freedom of Information Act requests last year than ever
before, the Justice Department reported last ... Pakistan IHC seeks details of civil servants working in IFIs The Nation He adopted that this is his right to
know under the Right to Information Law. The petitioner who is Pakistani and Belgium
national stated that on ... Pakistan PTI seeks info on 'misuse of PM Office by Maryam Nawaz' The Nation ... is addressed to the principal secretary of the Prime
Minister's Secretariat seeking information under the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002. Scotland The Scottish Sun But when Police Scotland were asked to
reveal the detailed terms of the order under Freedom of Information rules, they
refused and declined to ... USA GOP Chairman Tells Agencies What to Release in FOIA
Requests New York Times "All such documents and
communications constitute congressional records not 'agency records' for
purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, and ... Transparency and Right to Information Program Right
to Information from Around
the World Issue No: 140 E - Alert Issue Date: 02-05-2017 India Govt plans to change RTI
norms will make information expensive, appeals difficult Hindustan Times The government wants to make
getting information difficult as the draft rules empower public authorities
more than citizens right to information (RTI) ... India Pol parties under RTI:
CIC puts matter in abeyance India Today The file notings
have now been disclosed by the Central Information Commission under the Right
to Information (RTI) Act to activist R K Jain, who had ... India RTI pleas on pension
issues should be decided in 48 hrs: CIC Business Standard ... to pension of a person
pertains to his/her life and liberty which is mandated to be replied to
within 48 hours as Pakistan Pakistan Observer Right to Information Commission (RTIC) Friday served notice on an officer of local
administration for not sharing information and directed him to
submit ... India Criminal case against
wife for lying of being jobless to get alimony Pune Mirror Therefore, the husband decided
to get evidence under the Right to Information (RTI) Act about her
position Bahamas Activists Fear Foi Act Will Not Be Enacted As Election Looms Bahamas Tribune #AS the general election looms,
activists fear that the government's Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) 2017 is heading for the same fate of its ... Pakistan Right to information: Multan chief
engineer fined two salaries The Express Tribune LAHORE: The Punjab Information
Commission has imposed a fine of two salaries on an executive engineer of the
machinery division of Multan for not ... Pakistan Vasai doctor booked for
extorting money from builder Times of India MUMBAI: A week after an
absconding Vasai-based government doctor and Right
To Information (RTI) activist was booked for extorting money from a ... India No change in fee
structure, word limit for RTI queries: Centre refutes 'misleading' reports Hindustan Times The Centre on Wednesday dubbed
as �misleading� media reports on the Right to Information (RTI)
Act Sri Lanka 110 Acts in conflict
with RTI: DG Information Daily Mirror A total of 110 Acts had been
found to be contradicting with the Right to Information Act
when the RTI was implemented, Government Information ... UK Parking fine appeal
success varies between council areas BBC News Figures obtained through the Freedom
of Information Act show about a third of driver challenges were accepted.
The figures cover initial challenges to ... USA Documents show NYPD
infiltrated Black Lives Matter despite no knowledge of criminal activity AOL The information was made public
thanks to a freedom of information lawsuit filed by a New York law
firm. The documents shed light on how the NYPD ... Canada Overhaul of Canada's
Access to Information Act taking too long, critic says He pointed to a global right-to-information
rating chart, compiled by his organization, which gives Canada a ranking of 49
out of 111 countries. India Killing RTI: Bad idea
to let an inquiry lapse if applicant dies Financial Express Given how the Right to
Information (RTI) Act has become a powerful tool in the hands of citizens
to ensure accountability from public authorities, it is ... Ireland Justice officials
tried to keep Data Protection Commissioner's files secret Irish Times As a "partially included" body
under the Freedom of Information Act the office is exempt from
disclosing its records other than those to do with general ... Pakistan Court seeks copy of
notification banning protests on The Mall The Nation The LHC sought more arguments
on a petition challenging the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information
Act (PTRIA). Justice Atir Mehmood
of the ... India Right to information can't be curtailed,
says Supreme Court Deccan Chronicle New Delhi: The Supreme Court on
Thursday made it clear that it can't curtail the right to seek information,
knowledge and wisdom as long as the ... UK Heathrow third
runway: Councils spent �350000 on legal action BBC News Four councils under Heathrow
Airport's flight path spent �350,000 on legal fees challenging the planned
third runway, the BBC has learnt. Hillingdon ... Sri Lanka New anti-terrorism
law undermines RTI The Sunday Times Sri Lanka Questions now arise on the
position of the CTA against the Right to Information Act, also enacted
by this Government, which denotes that public ... India The right to reject,
deny, obfuscate The Hindu A month had passed since Prime
Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation announcement, but Venkatesh
Nayak, a Right to Information (RTI) ... India RTI activists may
come under increased threat with new rules The Indian Express The Centre is planning to
impose new rules related to the Right to Information Act that will
mean potential for threats and attacks to RTI activists. India Give info on sexual
harassment cases to victims within 48 hrs: CIC The Tribune Information on sexual
harassment cases should be provided to victims within 48 hours under the Right
to Information Act as it pertains to their life and ... India When CIC disposed
1282 appeals of an RTI applicant in a single order Moneylife ... the Central Information
Commission (CIC) had dismissed a record 1,282 second appeals filed by an
applicant under the Right to Information (RTI) ... Sri Lanka * Salawa
explosion victims to take legal action to obtain compensation Colombo Page The victims of the blast have
decided to submit an application to obtain information under the Right to
Information Act on how the government has ... Bangladesh Designated officials
can now receive RTI training online Dhaka Tribune The online training for the Right
to Information Act (RTI) 2009 will be available on the Information
Commission's website, Shafiul informed
reporters ... Sri Lanka RTI application by
TISL reveals EPF investment details Colombo Gazette Transparency International Sri
Lanka (TISL) has successfully utilised the Right
to Information (RTI) Act to request and receive information
relating to ... Canada Some Canadian bank
record information being sent directly to IRS According to information
obtained by CBC News under a U.S. Freedom of Information Act
request, 31,574 such reports have been sent directly to ... India Non-Traceability Of
The File Cannot Be A Defence To Deny Information CIC Read Order Live Law ... their
destruction would be seen as a destruction of evidence and will invite
sanctions under the Public Records Act and the Right to Information
Act. Pakistan Punjab DG
anti-corruption ordered to provide info about corruption The News International However, the DG anti-corruption
did not take an action on an application, filed by Sarmad
Ali Advocate under the Right to Information Act 2013. Ireland New data shows just
2076 homes built last year Irish Times ... State last year was just
2,076, a fraction of the Government's 15,000 estimate,
according to new figures obtained under the Freedom of Information. Sri Lanka RTI: President gives
people access to Cabinet decisions The Sunday Times Sri Lanka ... has informed all Ministers
that all Cabinet decisions and Memoranda not falling within excepted
categories under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ... UK Elderly people hit by
council delays in free personal care BBC News Age Scotland's research,
compiled using freedom of information requests, found significant
variations across councils in the time taken to carry out ... India 500 plus RTI queries:
Man loses right to seek info Deccan Herald A Punjab resident running riot
with rampant applications under the Right to Information Act
(RTI) has become a pain in the neck for the state authorities ... UK More NHS mental
health patients treated privately BBC News By George Greenwood BBC Freedom
of Information researcher ... Freedom of information
requests were sent to all 81 NHS mental health authorities ... Australia Western Sydney's
peak-hour train services could be cut, while North Shore may benefit ABC Online Direct train services from Penrith could be cut back as the city's $20-billion Metro
project wavers on its promise of a faster, better rail system for all. USA Trump seeks shift in
visa allotments key to tech outsourcing Information Management Outsourcing companies now get
far more visas than traditional technology companies, according to data
collected through Freedom of Information Act ... India Soft drink to oil,
state food monitors find 9 products of top firms 'substandard' The Indian Express According to information
accessed by The Indian Express under the Right to Information
(RTI) Act, these products include Pepsico's Mirinda, ... India SHRC orders Rs 15 lakh compensation for RTI activist's family Daily News & Analysis Shetty, who had exposed several land-related scams through Right
To Information Act, was brutally murdered at Talegaon
Dabhade in Pune
district ... Pakistan PML-N to win 2018
elections with performance: Marriyum Pakistan Today The minister said the
government was working to finalise Right to
Information Bill to facilitate the journalists in order to perform their
duties in a proper ... Pakistan Federal and
Balochistan RTI laws most ineffective: CPDI report The Nation Federal and Balochistan RTI
laws most ineffective: CPDI report ... Centre for Peace and
Development Initiatives, (CPDI) urges federal government
to ... Pakistan PTI demands PTV
chairperson's resignation over 'serious violations' The Express Tribune �Being the citizen of Pakistan
and a taxpayer, under the Article 19-A of the Constitution of Pakistan and Freedom
of Information Ordinance 2002, I, ... Transparency and Right to Information Program A
newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the
field of Right
to Information from Around
the World Issue No: 139 E - Alert Issue Date: 31-03-2017 Pakistan The News International A Right to Information
Bill has been doing the rounds of parliament for nearly five years and even
passed the Senate in 2013 before it was allowed to ... India 9.76 lakh applications filed for RTI in 2015-16 Indiainfoline In year 2015-16, people of
India filed 9.76 lakh applications under the Right
to Information Act. The applications see an increase of 20% as
against the ... India Narendra Modi's
social media presence free of cost, says PMO to Manish Sisodia's
RTI The revelation was made in
response to a Right To Information (RTI) plea filed by Delhi's deputy
chief minister, Manish Sisodia demanding to
know ... Bangladesh Gonojagoron Moncho
uses Right to Information Act on Tonu murder
case Dhaka Tribune Comilla branch of Gonojagoron Moncho has demanded to know the current state of Tonu murder investigation under the Right to
Information Act and ... Pakistan Punjab Information
Commission verdict The News International ISLAMABAD: With the enforcement
of Right to Information (RTI) law in Punjab, citizens aware of their
rights are not only filing requests to the ... India Can't apply RTI Act
to unaided institutions: State info panel Times of India ... from
the government do not fall within the ambit of the Right to Information
(RTI) Act, 2005, the state information commission's Pune
bench has ruled. Pakistan Information
commission asks LHC registrar to reveal CJ's salary, perks ... had
not provided him the piece of information within the time period prescribed
in the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. Malta Shareholders' right
to information Times of Malta The First Hall Civil Court,
presided over by Mr Justice Joseph Zammit McKeon on February 28, 2017, in the case 'Dr
Suzanne Wolfe Martin as ... Pakistan Hefty pay cheque: Punjab's top judge gets Rs1.05m per month The Express Tribune Under Section 7 of the Punjab
Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, the CJ has nominated
Deputy Registrar (Procurement) Shahbaz ... USA Court rules
government employees can't hide public records in private accounts LA Daily News In its unanimous decision, the
court made an analogy to the treatment of public records under the federal Freedom
of Information Act. �In construing ... India Munna bhai
MBBS style: RTI exposes over 50 applicants sent imposters to write Haryana
clerk exam India Today The recruitment examination
comprised a written test and one in computer skills. Gurugram-based
Right to Information activist Harinder Dhingra, who ... India RTI Act: 50% rise in
penalties imposed on central public information officers Times of India The Right to Information
Act, 2005 provides for imposition of penalty by CIC against central public information
officers (CPIO), in pursuance of section ... India Prescription for
doctors who duck responsibility Mumbai Mirror When, under the right to
Information Act, I asked for a copy of the report on the action taken, Sion Hospital's assistant dean, who was also the facility's ... Pakistan Right to information: LHC told to
disclose staff salaries on website The Express Tribune LAHORE: In a rare move, the
Punjab Information Commission has asked the Lahore High Court (LHC) to make
public the records of salaries, ... Pakistan Punjab govt urged to appoint information commissioners� The News International The Punjab Transparency and Right
to Information Act 2013 which scores 139 out of 140 points on CPDI score
Sheet of Right to Information Laws of ... Pakistan WILL the newly enacted Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act
2016 be a harbinger of transparency in Sindh? The
answer to this question ... Sri Lanka Caution not to strike
premature body blows on RTI Daily Mirror Sri Lankan activists who rushed
precipitously to file Right to Information (RTI) requests for the
Assets Declarations of the President and the Prime ... UK Activists Stop
Deportation of Asylum Seekers in London teleSUR English ... planes
with no witnesses." A Freedom of Information request found that
1,877 people were deported on such charters in 2015, reported the Mirror. India RTI applications can
be filed orally: Govt Business Standard The applications under Right
to Information (RTI) Act can be filed orally, Minister of State for
Personnel Jitendra Singh said today. Section 6 (1)
of the ... India Research scholars
allege₹45-lakh swindle in MKU The Hindu ... University Grants
Commission for scholarship to MKU through Right to Information
Act. �I am yet to receive around ₹ 2.3 lakh of scholarship
money. Transparency and Right to Information Program A
newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the
field of Right
to Information from Around
the World Issue No: 138 E - Alert Issue Date: 17-03-2017 Pakistan 'Bulletproof vehicles
only for vulnerable officials' The News International The Punjab Home Department has
refused to disclose information under Right to Information Act
regarding use of bulletproof vehicles by government ... India Activist Moves SC
Against Delhi HC Judgment Excluding AG's Office From RTI [Read Petition] Live Law Justice Vibhu Bakhru allowed
the appeal and held that the office of the Attorney General of India is a
public authority under the Right to Information Act ... India Modi's passport
application cannot be disclosed: Chief Information Commissioner RK Mathur The New Indian Express ... had earlier refused to
share the documents, saying it is "personal information" which
cannot be provided under the Right to Information (RTI) Sri Lanka RTI Commission seeks
Rs. 76 m to carry out its work efficiently The Sunday Times Sri Lanka Sri Lanka's Right to
Information (RTI) Commission says it has urged the Finance Ministry's
Budget Director to ensure that Rs. 76 million allocated for it ... India Plea to reserve MBBS
seats for govt. school students The Hindu He claimed that information
obtained under the Right to Information Act, 2005 revealed that out of
the 35,357 MBBS seats filled between the academic ... Bangladesh JS standing committee
meetings should be open to public The Daily Star ... be open to public and the
wealth accounts of the public representatives should be published to make the
right to information (RTI) more effective. Pakistan 'Whistleblower'
clause dropped from Right to Information Bill PressReader Pakistan's Senate committee on
the Right to Information (RTI) Bill 2016 yesterday unanimously decided
to drop the clause for �whistle-blowers� from ... Pakistan Interpol help sought
to curb blasphemy online ... Pakistan's embassy in
Washington has been tasked with contacting Facebook to seek the requisite
information under US Right to Information laws. USA Obama Administration
Spent Record Millions in 2016 Fighting Freedom of Information Act
Requests The Root In its final year, the Obama
administration spent a record $36.2 million on legal costs defending its
refusal to turn over federal records requested under ... Pakistan After Punjab and KP,
Sindh passes right to information bill The News International Following the lead of the
Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, the provincial legislature of Sindh
unanimously passed the Sindh ... India Narendra Modi degree:
Delhi University college says no data of students passing out in 1978 The New Indian Express ... and Section Officer
(Information) of the University, who are the deemed PIOs under section 5(4)
and 5(5) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. Pakistan THE government continues to
drag its feet over the issue of enacting a right to information
law and putting in place institutional mechanisms so that ... Pakistan THE active history of right
to information laws in Pakistan starts from 2002, when we became the
first country in South Asia to pass an ordinance in this ... Pakistan Senator Babar tables
report and draft of RTI bill Daily Times ISLAMABAD: Special Committee of
Senate on Right to Information (RTI) Chairman Senator Farhatullah
Babar on Thursday tabled report and draft of ... Transparency and Right to Information Program
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 199
E - Alert
Issue Date: 28-02-2020
Only 12 RTI applications filed in merged districts in one and half years
MENAFN
Like other laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Right to Information (RTI) Law was also extended to merged tribal districts after Fata-KP merger under the 25th constitutional amendment...
Transparency of information is vital to a country’s progress
Live Mint
The widespread availability of the internet at the turn of the century followed by ubiquitous access to social media and the advent of a mobile internet...
State of Freedom of Information in Vic report published
The Mandarin
The report provides an overview of the administration of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act) by Victorian government agencies over the past five years...
Nampula authorities promise access to information
All Africa
The authorities in the northern Mozambican province of Nampula have guaranteed that local sources of information are open and willing to cooperate with the press...
UNESCO launches 2020 survey on public access to information
UNESCO
Using SDG Indicator 16.10.2, the survey will track progress on the adoption and implementation of constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information around the world...
EC declines MP’s request for information sharing
Ghana Web
The Electoral Commission has declined a request by Ashaiman MP Ernest Norgbe to share information on how it selected its consultants...
Experts on legal analysis on freedom of expression laws gathered in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sarajevo Times
Expert legal analysis on freedom of expression laws in BiH and their compatibility with European standards of protection of human rights...
New vexatious rules worry freedom of information advocates that feds can abuse the system
National Post
Any loophole put in the law is there for the government to hide something that people have the right to know...
Freedom of Information legislation, Fit for purpose?
EurekAlert
New research has identified a clear accountability gap in the current Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation when it comes to outsourced public services...
FBI and Department of Justice reject Freedom of Information Act document request
World Socialist Web Site
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has rejected a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by David North, national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party (US...
Can information commissions make a difference?
The Express Tribune
Governments in Pakistan have traditionally been reluctant to the point of resentment when it comes to sharing information...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 198
E - Alert
Issue Date: 13-02-2020
Regulatory trends: what is new in freedom of information?
MONDAQ
The Report noted that since 2015 and the extension of FOI to a number of new public bodies, there has been a 32% increase in the total requests made to public bodies...
Pakistan’s faux democracy unable to respect the right to information
Global Village Space
In Pakistan, the RTI has been bestowed a constitutional status of a fundamental right in the 18th constitutional amendment...
Access to information enables open local government
Nepal24Hours
An informed citizenry can only provide civic oversight on the decisions and functions of the government and public authorities...
Access to information and privilege: the saga continues
JDSUPRA
The Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench has provided some much needed guidance on solicitor-client privilege...
Implement access to information law
Amnesty International
In Afghanistan, 30 different media organizations have called on the government to effectively implement the Afghan Access to Information Law, including providing information on key human rights issues...
Panama takes a turn towards transparency, but will it go far enough?
Transparency International
The country that became almost synonymous with the creation of offshore companies for disguising corrupt and illicit activity...
Now, you need to prove you're an Indian before you seek information via RTI
Business Insider India
It is shocking how the university has twisted the RTI law as per its whims and fancy. It does not have any authority to do so...
SC notice to government on Jairam Ramesh's plea against chan
Times of India
A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and KM Joseph issued notice to the Centre and asked it to file response within four weeks on the petition filed...
Are Ghanaians ready to take advantage of the new right to information law?
All Africa
After more than 20 years of considerable legislative maneuvering and exhaustive political scrutiny, Ghana's right to information (RTI) law has come into effect...
What to know about Freedom of Information Act
Osun Defender
There is no gainsaying that information contributes largely to the success of any active society...
Strategy to implement RTI law discussed
The News International
Punjab Information Commission held a two-day National Forum of Information Commissioners of Pakistan here...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 197
E - Alert
Issue Date: 28-01-2020
PIC warns of contempt as Senate declines info about its staff
The News
Going by Right of Access to Information Act 2017, the Senate Secretariat is legally obliged to proactively share this information relating staff through its website...
Does the public have a right to see how courts are run? A battle over secret records is brewing in Richmond
Daily Press
Legislators from both parties, upset by the Virginia Supreme Court’s declaration last year that the state Freedom of Information Act doesn’t apply...
Supreme Court FOI ruling will alter public's relationship with State
The Journal
Nine months after the demise of Irish transparency was first heralded, we are still waiting for the lights to go out...
Samangan provincial authorities and media forge ties to improve access to information
Relief Web
More than 30 journalists and government officials, including the provincial deputy governor, participated in a one-day workshop organized...
Summerside working on access to information bylaw
Journal Pioneer
The regulations are very broad. Access to information can include records, any information electronic, handwritten and can be subject to an access to information request...
Freedom of information law not fit for purpose
Holyrood
Scotland’s freedom of information law is not fit for purpose and MSPs must back "radical reforms" to create a strong culture of transparency and accountability...
Media practitioners sensitised on the RTI Law
Ghana Web
Exempt information is one that bothers on national security, international relations, law enforcement and public safety, parliamentary privilege, fair trial and contempt of court amongst other...
No record available: PMO on RTI seeking details of PM Modi's media interaction
India Today
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has no record of the press conferences and media interviews given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his more than five-year long tenure...
The Nigerian Voice
The Nigerian Voice
The suit was filed on behalf of Ms Ovuorie by Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Agu David Nwaze, a member of the Freedom of Information Legal Response Network...
RTI for post codes of northern prison sites denied
The Examiner
The location of other potential sites for the proposed northern prison has still not been revealed, despite right to information requests...
Freedom of Information is broken
Open Democracy
The government routinely ignores and undermines the law governing our access to information...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 196
E - Alert
Issue Date: 15-01-2019
RTI Behind Changing Behavior of Democracy in India
Public Technology.net
Daren Fitzhenry has been Scotland’s Information Commissioner for a little over two years, a time during which freedom of information (FoI) has been an unusually hot topic...
RTI commission's annual budget held up at Finance Ministry for the last six months
Business Recorder
Zahid Abdullah is no stranger to Right to Information. As a civil society activist, he is a renowned RTI advocate and a champion of human rights...
Locus And RTI: to be, or not to be?
Live Law
Recently Chief Justice S. A. Bobde had criticised how the concept of locus standi being conspicuous only by its absence in the RTI law and how the Act...
Freedom of Information champion
Manila Standard
With at least 99-percent outstanding performance rating in compliance and response in the electronic freedom of information portal...
Why policymakers must act to preserve information freedom at home and abroad
Washington Post
Topping the very short list of issues that many Democrats and Republicans can agree upon...
Access to Information: A story of resistance from Tunisia
Transparency International
After the Tunisian Revolution in 2010, the government became much more amenable to the ideas of openness and transparency...
Voluntary disclosure will reduce RTI pleas
Times of India
A special workshop for disseminating information about the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 was organised...
Ghana: Implementation of RTI must take off smoothly
All Africa
Ghana has become one of the world's 125th countries across the world with Right to Information (RTI) law...
Speakers stress importance of RTI law
The Express Tribune
Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Law, Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Barrister Murtaza Wahab...
Metropolitan Police reject freedom of information request over racism reports from football fans
Football.London
Metropolitan Police have rejected a freedom of information request relating to how many incidents of racist abuse in the capital’s football stadiums...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 195
E - Alert
Issue Date: 27-12-2019
Access to Information bill falls short
Cambodia Daily
While the Cambodian government’s efforts to facilitate access to information held by public authorities are positive, the Draft Law has numerous shortcomings...
Body set up to address media problems
Dawn
Speaking to the media outside the Parliament House, the special assistant said an information commission had already been established and the government...
Law needs RTI-defenders
The Daily Star
Unless citizens appreciate the dangers confronting their RTI regimes seriously, the law is likely to end up as a paper tiger...
RTI ‘designates’ (PIOs) in J&K UT clueless about road-ahead
State Times
This became evident when the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Jammu found himself in quandary whether to entertain applications under the Act or not...
Govt believes in free flow of information
Radio Pakistan
Government is providing financial assistance to the deceased journalists’ families in education and healthcare...
Palace urges Congress to pass FOI bill
Asian Journal
Freedom of Information must be implemented across the bureaucracy: the executive, legislature, judiciary, including the local government units...
Abuse of RTI has led to paralysis and fear among officials
The Hindu
Time has come to lay down guidelines on the use of the RTI. Guidelines should be put in place to check the locus of the RTI applicant...
Access to information fuels democracy
SC Times
If there is no difference between fact and fiction there can be no democracy. But 2+2 does equal 4 and we know it, so why behave like monkeys on a rope...
Information in the public interest
Jamaica Observer
The fact is that the squabbles over getting information released under the ATI Act are often related to juicy or potentially controversial information...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 194
E - Alert
Issue Date: 18-12-2019
RTI Behind Changing Behavior of Democracy in India
Nepal24hours.com
Since a burgeoning number of RTI applications have been registered in India in a year to demand information of public interest, the ecosystem of access...
Government agencies increasingly limit public access to officials and information
The Texas Monitor
Texas Education Agency Deputy Commissioner A.J. Crabill says he is hamstrung by an agency policy that prohibits him from talking to the news media...
NSW info commissioner reminds councils their private pecuniary interests must be made public
The Mandarin
Disclosing such interests is key to upholding openness, transparency and accountability in local government, according to Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd...
You don't get your own truth, PM
Jamaica Observer
Jamaica has been blessed with a democratic system of governance of which we can be truly proud...
FOI Initiative is back
Business World
Enshrined in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (Article III, Sec. 7) is the right of the people to access information on matters of public concern...
Chief of Defence Staff to come under RTI Act: MoS Defence
ANI News
Chief of Defence Staff would come in the ambit of ‘Right to Information Act’, in accordance with the provisions of RTI Act, 2005...
RTI law not for only Journalists, every Ghanaian is a beneficiary
News Ghana
The Right to Information (RTI) law was not the preserve of only journalists, but meant for every Ghanaian to have the right to access information...
Still too hard to access environmental information in the EU
EEB.org
The new report – ‘For Your Information’ – shows that it remains difficult to obtain information on environmental matters, and details some notable examples...
Federal information commission set to launch website
Dawn
Federal Information Commission has decided to launch its official website next week to help the people get the desired information from government departments...
Pakistan- Waziristan is leading in use of RTI law in tribal districts
MENAFN
Speakers at a day-long seminar on Thursday said that in the tribal belt, people of Waziristan are leading in the use of Right to information law...
From Ukraine to the U.S. Government, public integrity journalists fight for open records
Center for Public Integrity
Public Integrity national security editor Jeff Smith requested these documents under the Freedom of Information Act...
Weaknesses in town council's handling of Freedom of Information request
South Wales Argus
The town council was incorrect to refuse an FOI request to see a report produced at a full council meeting in May, according to an ICO report...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 193
E - Alert
Issue Date: 29-11-2019
Your right to know, Informative forum on open government
The Daily Gazette
The forum, held Oct. 16, addressed a number of related topics, first focusing on the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)...
Strengthening RTI in Sri Lanka
Daily FT
In Sri Lanka, the right to seek and receive information is a constitutional right guaranteed under Article 14A of Sri Lanka’s Constitution...
I'm not convinced Freedom of Information Act will make a difference
BVI News
Opposition member Julian Fraser has said he believes implementing a Freedom of Information Act will not make a difference in relation to having access to information...
Bringing CJI under RTI, a welcome move
The Hindustan Business Line
After a decade, the Supreme Court has accepted the Delhi High Court ruling that the office of the Chief Justice of India...
RTI law: Bridging the gap between promise and practice
The Daily Star
The ostensive purpose of the law is to establish the right of citizens to access information about the functioning of their governments...
Freedom of Information Must Continue To Be Safeguarded
Law.com
A Freedom of Information Commission Public Information Officer explains transparency laws to private citizens and public officials alike...
Cabinet Approves Freedom of Information Bill, Removes All Gender Discriminatory Laws
The Voice Gambia
The Minister of Justice, Honourable Abubakarr Tambadou, who presented the Bills before Cabinet colleagues, stated that the momentous decision...
Local action for global goals: Measuring progress on access to information in Pakistan
Mirage News
A delegation from Pakistan visited UNESCO on 14 November to share how the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province has generated evidence and data...
UNESCO launches three reports on journalists’ safety, access to information, and election coverage
Inter Press Service
Access to Information: A New Promise for Sustainable Development explores recent legislative developments and their effect in the field, as well as evolving international standards and practices...
Algeria: there is no political reform without freedom of expression and media
Open Democracy
The wheels of the regime’s constitutional reform engine had been set into motion...
MFWA Train Journalists on RTI Implementation
Modern Ghana
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) Thursday organised has trained journalists in Accra with in-depth knowledge ahead of the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2020...
Freedom of information reform
Holyrood
A Scottish Government consultation on the need to extend the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) to cover a wider range of bodies involved in providing services...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 192
E - Alert
Issue Date: 11-11-2019
Modi govt sees RTI an obstacle to majotarian agenda: Sonia Gandhi
The Asian Age
Right to Information (RTI) as "an obstacle to enforcing their majoritarian agenda" and that the amendments to the Act enacted by it will ensure that...
Researcher threatened over access to information wins full costs
Ottawa Citizen
Ken Rubin has won the full amount of his legal costs after a company tried to sue him for filing a freedom of information request...
Our Right to Information Is Inseparable From Our Right to Expression
The Irrawaddy
Ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on Nov. 2, it’s important to recognize the essential link between the right to freedom of expression and the right to information...
Using the right to information for investigative journalism in Bangladesh
Transparency International
One of his sources had told him about a counterfeiting scheme which had been making fake stamps for validating legal documents...
Access to Information Bill will punish those publishing false information
Lusaka Times
Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya has said that the Access to Information Bill once enacted will stiffen punishment for people who publish false information...
Washington State Supreme Court rules that access to public records is not a vested right
Jurist
The Evergreen Freedom Foundation submitted a request for access to the records of individuals providing childcare for low-income families in early November, 2016...
Officers not to blame for FOI failure
Times and Star UK
But councillor David Moore stressed that the failure was not the fault of hard-working officers but had more to do with the volume of requests...
Access to information regulations validated in Sierra Leone
Politico SL
Addressing a meeting of representatives of ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organizations, media, academics and the private sector operatives...
Your right to know, The battle to access your own personal information
The Age
Journalists chasing stories, politicians trying to dig up dirt on their rivals or community groups fighting developments make up a tiny percentage of applicants...
Oxford man uses Freedom of Information bid to challenge city council bus gate plan
Oxford Mail UK
Under the Freedom of Information Act, residents have a right to request any recorded information held by a public authority, such as a government department or local counci006Cx...
Paris Peace Forum, KP govt RTI delegation leaves for France
The News International
A delegation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is leaving for France today (Sunday) to present the first-ever Right to Information (RTI) Assessment Methodology Project...
GDPR versus PSD II - right of access to information versus charges for information
Lexology
In a recent decision,(1) the Federal Administrative Court confirmed that a credit institution had violated its obligations under Article 15 of the EU Data Protection Regulation...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 191
E - Alert
Issue Date: 17-10-2019
Pakistan
LAW, THE RIGHT TO KNOW
Dawn
I often avail data from government departments about the minorities’ quota in the hiring of staff...
Call to enhance journalists ‘capacity for better use of RTI laws
The News
Waleed Iqbal said Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan ensured freedom of speech and expression with a very few restrictions...
The growing maturity of RTI use in Bangladesh
The Daily Star
Unlike earlier years, the discussions and exchanges this year were more upbeat and hopeful about the future of the law in the country...
It's the citizens who must protect their right to know
Jamaica Observer
The reaction of the public was understandably swift and poignantly repulsive of what was clearly the Government's retreat to a lack of transparency in governance...
Supreme Court gives 4 weeks more to Centre, states to file replies on the plea
Times of India
The top court, while giving four more weeks for filing response, made it clear that no further adjournment would be given in the matter...
Record number of Freedom of Information requests made
BBC
The Scottish Information Commissioner reported a rise of 8% in the year 2018-19 compared to the previous year...
Do RTI Commissioners have the Right to Information?
The Wire
Governments have shown their dislike towards the institution by posting the most hostile bureaucrats as commissioners...
Lebanese Transparency Association demands the government adopt rigorous anti-corruption reforms
Transparency International
No Corruption (LTA), calls upon the Lebanese government to seriously address the demands of the Lebanese people, expressed in the demonstrations...
Your Right To Know is a cornerstone of democracy
The Australia
The multiple veils of secrecy imposed by the federal government, and the states, have drawn media organisations together...
Department of Justice Issues New Guidance on Exemption 4 to the Freedom of Information Act
JD Supra
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally requires federal agencies to disclose information requested by the public unless...
Does your local government honor FOIL requests?
WBFO
The Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government recently sent FOIL requests to 16 local governments in Erie and Niagara Counties...
RI Commission says public sector needs to be more committed to releasing information
Daily FT
While there is success stories that Sri Lanka has experienced during a short period of two years since the implementation of the RTI Act...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 190
E - Alert
Issue Date: 01-10-2019
Pakistan
PTI fails to comply with Right to Information Act
Geo News
None of the 33 federal ministries have uploaded even 50 per cent of information required to put on the website...
Government to appoint Information Commissioner
My Joy Online
In line with the requirements of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, government shall soon appoint a Commissioner of Information...
Australian and NZ info commissioners highlight importance of public information
The Mandarin
The public’s right to know would set the expectation for government accountability, prompt better decision-making and strengthen citizen engagement...
Open Talks showcase access to information as driver for sustainable development
Mirage News
UNESCO showcased forward-looking initiatives that are improving people’s access to information globally and leaving no one behind during a series of Open Talks...
Don’t underestimates value of right to know
Government News
Citizens highly value the right to find out government information, and government departments and agencies should make better use of technology...
Community Attitudes towards freedom of information survey
Scoop
New Zealand is rated by Transparency International as one of the most transparent countries in the world...
Russian internet regulator blocks independent Fergana news website
Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP)
Russia’s state internet regulator Roskomnadzor ordered internet service providers to block the site without warning...
UK to Release ’Pay to Slay’ Audits After Freedom of Information Request
The Algemeiner
The branch of the British government responsible for administering overseas aid will disclose audit reports regarding aid money...
Resolution to amend ATI Act pulled from Senate
The Gleaner
The Government fulfilled its promise today to withdraw the resolution that would increase from 20 to 70 years...
Freedom of information in Oklahoma like cardboard in our pizza
The Edmond Sun
Thanks to the federal Freedom of Information Act, which has made it possible for anyone to peek behind the curtain and expose governmental misdeeds...
UK rights group reveals secret government Prevent database
ALJazeera
The database, which belongs to Prevent, part of the United Kingdom's counter-extremism strategy, was uncovered by rights group Liberty through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests...
No content regulation on online streaming platforms, RTI reveals
India Today
India Today TV filed an RTI (Right to Information) application with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) because the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 189
E - Alert
Issue Date: 16-09-2019
Bangladesh
RTI, How do we compare with the rest of the world?
The Daily Star
With some 130 countries around the world having adopted Right to Information (RTI) laws, we now know a great deal about how citizens use this law...
Rajasthan reboots RTI Act: Jan Soochna Portal to provide govt information at the click of a button
Indian Express
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched a “Jan Soochna Portal” aimed at easing the access to information for the beneficiaries of welfare schemes...
Access to Information Bill signed off
New Era
Nawatiseb made the remarks when the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information Commissioner...
Richland County School District One violated FOIA law at board meeting
WIS News
A lawsuit filed earlier this month in Richland County alleges Richland County School District One violated the Freedom of Information Act ...
Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019, All you need to know
India Today
The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, on July 19, 2019...
Politicians, rights groups reject idea of ‘media courts’
Dawn
Politicians, media bodies and rights groups rejected the federal government’s announcement of setting up of special tribunals...
Stakeholders Review Draft Freedom of Information Bill
All Africa
The event gathered about two dozen experts from government, civil society, media and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Right...
The right to access information highlighted by IFAP at its meeting in Malaysia
UNESCO.org
Hosted by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia, with the support of UNESCO, the meeting was opened by the IFAP Chair...
P&D Board Launches New Website
Urdupoint
The Planning and Development Board has launched its new website in order to keep the citizens updated with the latest news and information...
First-ever NFIC set up in Pakistan
The Nation
The forum consists of all in-service information commissioners from federal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh...
SA ombudsman wants bureaucrats to let FOI officers do their job
The Mandarin
The involvement of department chief executives and ministers in the Freedom of Information process, and has called for an Information Commissioner to be installed...
Access to Information Law Stalled
Human Rights Watch
Lebanese authorities have largely failed to comply with the country’s Right to Access to Information Law, and the government has not established the body...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 187
E - Alert
Issue Date: 19-08-2019
India
Country facing grave challenges as key institutions no longer free
National Herald India
It has never faced such challenges since independence. We paid a heavy price to get independence from the British Raj...
We found out how many times the Mueller report has been downloaded
Politico
According to data obtained by POLITICO under the Freedom of Information Act, the special counsel’s final report was downloaded nearly 800 million times...
Press freedom in Australia needs much more than piecemeal protection
The Interpreter
Alone among the Five Eyes, Australia has no explicit protection of journalists in the exercise of search warrants ...
Group of renowned Latin American journalists launch center for transnational investigative journalism
Knight Center
We are going to lead collaborative transnational projects of investigative journalism, and we want to find the most qualified people to work on these things...
Special educational needs crisis deepens as councils bust their budgets
The Guardian
Figures sourced under the Freedom of Information Act from 118 of the 151 local authorities in England show that councils are expecting to overspend...
Effective measures taken to revamp Information Ministry departments
Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
The government achieved establishment of Commission on Right of Access to Information, rationalization of advertisement rates of electronic media...
UK government under fire over £10m Brexit campaign
The Drum
Critics have lashed out at the scale of government spending on a public information campaign designed to help people...
SL has not made greater progress towards good governance & transparency
Adaderana.ik
The country has made progress in the areas of peace and reconciliation, he said citing the constitutional changes that were made to establish the Right to Information a fundamental right of the citizens as an example in this regard...
Nagaland recorded highest numbers of RTI applications
The Morung Express
Among the small states category, Nagaland recorded the highest number of RTI applications received from 2006-07 to 2016-17 at 24, 896...
Bureaucrats trying to fail RTI law
The News International
These colonial mindset bureaucrats are creating hurdles in free access to information and are still unwilling to share information in the best interest of the department...
MRA Commends NIPC for ‘Initial Steps’ to Comply with FOI Proactive Disclosure Obligation
The Nigerian Voice
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today commended the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) for its initial efforts at complying with its proactive disclosure obligations under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act...
No RTI lessons for financial regulators
Money Control
It is highly unfortunate that those sections of the RTI Act have been amended which ideally should have been applied to other...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 188
E - Alert
Issue Date: 02-09-2019
India
Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, states over online Right to Information portal
The Hans India
Describing the RTI Act as a powerful tool, advocate Abraham said the true objective of the legislation can be achieved only by timely response to citizens' request...
Freedom of Information request for contract rejected
The Independent
A Freedom of Information request asking for the full copy of the contract between the Ryan Air group and the Maltese government...
Sri Lankan RTI achieves mid-range score, proactive disclosure still lagging
Daily FT
The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is calling for renewed commitment from the State and citizenry to ensure the transformative impact of the Right to Information (RTI) Act...
IPPro Magazine
Global Voices
The Sudanese Access to Information Act is the first of its kind in Sudan, although Article 39 (1) of the 2005 Sudan Interim Constitution...
Costs notified to access govt information under RTI law
Dawn
According to the notification, federal public bodies are to provide free of cost the first 10 pages of information requested under the Act...
MRA Inducts Customs into ‘Enhanced FOI Hall of Shame accuses it of Confirming Reports of Pervasive Corruption in the Agency
The Nigerian Voice
It is the second public institution to be inducted into the revamped FOI Hall of Shame after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)...
Does RTI law applies on courts?
The News International
A citizen wrote to the Supreme Court of Pakistan demanding information under Right of Access to Information Act 2017 commonly referred as Right to Information (RTI) law...
Michigan ranks dead last for transparency
Detroit Free Press
The Michigan Legislature has tried for years to extend transparency to the state House of Representatives...
The Michigan Legislature has tried for years to extend transparency to the state House of Representatives
Rappler
Transparency and Freedom of Information (FOI) have figured largely among Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto’s policies early on...
House requests investigation of Interior political appointees' review of public records
The Hill
The internal policy, unearthed in a recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) release, allows Interior deputy solicitor Daniel Jorjani...
INEC pledges Commitment to FOI Law, unveils revised Communication Policy
Vanguard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled its revised Communication Policy...
Group Sues NY Campaign Finance Commission Over Freedom of Information Law Compliance
Law.com
A lawsuit filed Monday against a special commission created by the state Legislature in New York to develop a comprehensive public campaign finance system claimed...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 186
E - Alert
Issue Date: 01-08-2019
India
Five Times Right To Information Act Helped Unearth Major Scams
The Logical Indian
The Rajya Sabha on July 25 passed the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019. This bill seeks...
Community social audit report: 43 water supply schemes dysfunctional in Karak
The News International
The social audit reports on two southern districts Lakki Marwat and Karak were unveiled in a seminar organized by...
My freedom of information law saga continues
Post Star
The new owners of a large portion of the former General Electric Co. dewatering site in Fort Edward held their first public meeting ...
Freedoms of information and the press could outweigh infringement
IPPro Magazine
The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has ruled freedom of information and the press cannot justify the infringement...
Coalition on the RTI, Ghana, honours stakeholders
Business Ghana
The Coalition on the Right to Information, Ghana (RTI Coalition), has presented citations of honour to former Steering Committee members...
Scottish Government departments failing on freedom of information
The Ferret
The efforts of departments in the Scottish Government to improve their freedom of information performance...
Govt officials’ restrictive mindset hindering people’s right to information: experts
The Daily Star
While the Right to Information (RTI) Act is a powerful tool for people’s empowerment, some inherent flaws and restrictive mindset of a section of public servants stand as barriers...
Russian journalist Mikhail Romanov found guilty of ‘abuse of freedom of information’ and ‘false’ news
Committee to Protect Journalists
It was the first time the authorities have charged a journalist under the provision in the administrative code that pertains to “false” information...
Neville Gafa contract disclosure through Freedom of Information Act request refused
Independent.mt
The request was originally made on 2 July, following over seven months of unanswered questions and stonewalling by the government...
FBR directed to provide information under Right of Access to Information Act 2017
The News International
The FBR was requested to provide certified information under Right of Access to Information Act 2017 about total vacancies in the revenue board...
Madhya Pradesh: Officials face Rs 2.5 lakh fine for not giving information under RTI
India Today
Narendra Kumar Pandey, Public Information Officer of the civic body, did not give information in the stipulated 30 days or took any other decision on the applications...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 185
E - Alert
Issue Date: 23-07-2019
I'm against Right to Information Law - Kennedy Agyapong
Ghana Web
Anti-corruption campaigner and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin...
Up to 37000 freedom of information requests made in 2018
Irish Times
Nearly 37,000 freedom of information requests were made to public bodies last year, an 8.5 per cent increase on the previous year...
RIC commissioner appointed
Dawn
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on appointed journalist Riaz Khan Daudzai as commissioner of Right to ...
Access to Information
Australian Office of Financial Management
We make a range of information available for public access on our website. You can formally request access to information...
Hunterston dredging plan uncovered by freedom of information request
Largs and Millport
PLANS to dredge a huge area of the seabed at Hunterston as part of an oil rig decommissioning yard project has been ...
A healthy right-to-information regime is in everyone's best interest
Daily Star
School supplies siphoned off by a contractor. Ghost workers created to claim benefits...
Defence Ministry spent ₹7.85 crore on legal fee
The Hindu
While the debate continues over taxing disability pension for military personnel and assurances by Defence Minister...
Enlighten Kenyans on their right to access information
Business Daily
Article 35 of the Kenyan Constitution reaffirms the right of the public to access information from government and private entities...
EPA's Rule Changes Would Undermine Freedom of Information Act
The Media Institute
Participated in a letter (with the Reporters Committee and other news media organizations) sent to the Environmental Protection Agency...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 184
E - Alert
Issue Date: 01-07-2019
The government is attempting to limit access to information
The Kathmandu Post
At a time when the government is facing widespread criticisms for attempting to curtail freedom of expression and the free press, and generally attempting to push through regulations and...
CCB Denies Freedom of Information On Asset Declarations By Presidents, Others On Ground Of
Modern Ghana (press release) (blog)
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has denied a Freedom of Information request demanding specific details of asset declarations submitted to it by successive presidents and state...
Paris Peace Forum chooses KP to asses RTI implementation
The News International
The Paris Peace Forum has chosen Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s project, from among the provinces and the country, to assess the implementation and evolution of the Right to Information Act ...
CHR says access to information a basic right; reminds congress of role in approval of franchise
Manila Bulletin
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has asserted that public’s access to timely and relevant information is a basic right that empowers the people to make sound decisions...
CSO Coalition on Freedom of Information meets Justice Minister
Freedom Newspaper
The Gambian Civil Society Coalition on Freedom of Information on Monday June 24, handed over a draft Freedom of Information Bill 2019 to the Honourable Attorney General ...
Tip: Freedom of Information requests 101
Journalism.co.uk
Everybody has access to this public data, but knowing how to ask is a different story - here is how to find the statistics you need for your next article...
RTI reply on Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa's dissent note could endanger life: ECI
India Today
The RTI filed by India Today Group was on Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa's dissent over the ECI clean chits to four speeches of PM Modi and one of Amit Shah...
Ministry cuts off internet access in Rakhine, Chin
Eleven Myanmar
Due to a threat to the peace, stability, security and rule of law, the ministry has cut off internet access in Rakhine and Chin States, said Soe Thein, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications on June 22...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 183
E - Alert
Issue Date: 18-06-2019
KP academics being ignored
The Express Tribune
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information (KP RTI) Act of 2013 was passed with the objective to ensure the citizens had access...
Lib Dems challenge Scottish Goverment over FOI legislation
The Scotsman
A submission has been made to the Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee which is currently examining the Freedom of Information...
Department told to release details of jet use by Higgins, McAleese
Irish Times
Information about the use of the government jet by President Michael D. Higgins and his predecessor Mary McAleese should be released...
Implement RTI Act in letter and spirit: RTI Movement to interim J&K Bank chairman
Kashmir Reader
The Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information Movement (RTIM) appealed to interim chairman of J&K Bank, R K Chibber to implement Right to Information...
Agenda for next government: Protecting right to information
India Today
The significance of access to information about the government's functioning can't be over-emphasized...
Our right to easy access to information
The Daily Star
Information is prerequisite for humans to perform several activities. It is recognised that knowing and circulating information is very vital for ensuring transparency...
RAIC boss shares Sierra Leone's PDI experience at OGP global summit
The Patriotic Vanguard
The Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw has said that one of the biggest challenges...
Freedom of Information: Our Battle for Democracy
Manila Bulletin
There was an old saying, information is power. Anyone who has it rules over everyone. One becomes invincible if he/she...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 182
E - Alert
Issue Date: 16-05-2019
Namibian media not free enough – editors
Namibian
Editors and experts in the media sector yesterday said despite Namibia's good rankings on media freedom, more needs to be done...
Two workshops on RTI held
The Daily Star
Two workshops on right to information (RTI) were held at deputy commissioner’s office in Sylhet yesterday...
Data shows departments miserly in revealing info under RTI Act
Greater Kashmir
With 224 appeals and 29 complaints a year, the Right to Information Act in Kashmir is not getting the priority it merits in the government departments...
As RTI commission is dysfunctional, complainants move court
The News International
In February this year, Aftab Alam, dispatched Right to Information requests to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and three of its subordinate departments...
FOI brings transparency and honesty
Law Society of Scotland
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 has led to a major improvement in government transparency and has set strong standards...
RTI application fees and charges
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
You will need to pay an application fee of $49.70 when you apply for information under the Right to Information Act 2009...
RTI activism in Sri Lanka and India: Can India continue to be an example in future?
The Daily Mirror
The decomposed body of a 32-year old RTI activist who went missing in January was found in Pune, a city in the Indian State of Maharashtra early February...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 181
E - Alert
Issue Date: 02-05-2019
California is fighting over the future of freedom of information laws
Fast Company
Many people argue that public records laws are essential to democracy. Others say they’re being used by corporate interests to stifle important research...
Is Government Committed to Transparency?
Namibian
President Hage Geingob really wants a government as transparent as a glass that is not tinted. On a personal level, Geingob loves a debate...
Ja ranked highest in the C'bean on respect for freedom of information
Jamaica Observer
The Paris-based Reporters without Borders (RFS) named Jamaica as the highest Caribbean country that most respect freedom of information...
How the freedom of information system often results in secrecy instead of transparency
Toronto Star
The freedom of information (FOI) system is meant to benefit all of us, the public. It’s supposed to be there so we can know what data our government...
AI journalism promises a revolution in freedom of information, and a free flow of information
Gulf Today
How does Artificial Intelligence Journalism assure freedom of information? One of the key pillars on...
Provision in RTI Act allowing transfer of application to 'appropriate' department gives authorities
First Stop
One of the foundations of accountability for our democracy is the Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005. It can be hailed as a revolutionary...
Germany: Personal Data: Comprehensive Right To Information Of The Employee
Mondaq News Alerts
The Regional Labor Court (LAG) of Baden-Württemberg, in its ruling of December 20, 2018 granted an employee...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 180
E - Alert
Issue Date: 16-04-2019
After suit accused USC of violating open records law, the university agrees to change
Greenville News
The University of South Carolina has agreed to fix how it responds to public records requests, court documents show...
Pakistan
Dawn News
The members of civil society and local journalists demanded the provincial government to direct the administration of Malakand division to provide information...
'ECN only scratching surface on voter education'
Namibian
Media ombudsman John Nakuta criticized the Electoral Commission of Namibia for only doing the “bare minimum” when it comes to voter education...
Delhi HC seeks reply from Centre, COAS over plea seeking de-classfying Sambha spy scandal documents
Business Standard
The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) over a petition seeking to de-classify all official documents relating...
Sri Lanka’s Northern Province journalists win awards for using RTI for reporting
Daily FT
The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) over a petition seeking to de-classify all official documents relating...
Use of RTI in Bangladesh
The Daily Star
International observers who follow global trends on the progress of transparency and accountability instruments, such as Right to Information (RTI) or Freedom of Information (FOI), which have...
'Seduction of secrecy': Will anyone fix Alberta's freedom of information system?
Edmonton Journal
David Khan, leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, had heard the stories about the issue — how paramedics in some cases were waiting more than an hour to hand a patient...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 179
E - Alert
Issue Date: 01-04-2019
Make Freedom of Information Act a priority, think tank tells govt
Free Malaysia Today
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) today presented several suggestions on combatting corruption, one of which is FOI...
City to educate public on Promotion of Access to Information Act
Independent Online
The City of Cape Town will be hosting an information sharing event to raise awareness of the Promotion of Access to Information Act...
El Othmani: Morocco’s New Law on Access to Information Will Succeed
Morocco World News
The Moroccan Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani has promised to ensure equal access to information...
Reconsider the decision to mine in Atiwa Forest – CSOs to government
Ghana Business News
According to the CSOs it poses a threat to the Atiwa Forest and, therefore, is not in the national interest...
Delta Assembly passes Freedom of Information Bill
Daily Sun
FOI Act will soon be domesticated in Delta State, following the passage of the state Freedom of Information Bill during plenary...
Secret loan terms fan 'debt trap' fears
Philippine Star
President Duterte should order full disclosure to allay fears that the huge Chinese loans he had contracted to finance...
State budget measure would limit access to mugshots, but not arrest reports
Buffalo News
State lawmakers have revised plans to limit public disclosure of arrest booking information, following an outcry from freedom of information advocates...
CPDI stressed effective legislation on RTI law in Balochistan
The Balochistan Point
CPDI has urged the Balochistan government to make amendments in RTI act, 2005 in the light of international best practices...
Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde claims credit for EMRs at station, RTI says otherwise
DNA India
A 10-year-old HC order to set up EMRs across railway stations has started a war of credit in Thane region...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 178
E - Alert
Issue Date: 18-03-2019
Ireland
Families of murder victims have a legal right to information about the case
The Journal
The Victims of Crime Bill 2015 legally obliges and the Director of Public Prosecutions to keep victims informed...
Israel
‘DON’T VOTE FOR PARTIES THAT DO NOT OPERATE TRANSPARENTLY’
The Jerusalem Post
Election season is upon us. This is a time when the public focuses on the candidates, the campaigns and the new...
Pakistan
Access to information body unable to appoint staff, carry out functions
Dawn
The Commission on Access to Information remains non-functional four months after it was notified in the absence of funding...
Scotland
Holyrood asks how well freedom of information law is working
Scottish Legal News
A Holyrood committee is seeking views on the operation of Scotland’s freedom of information legislation...
USA
Sunshine Week spotlights freedom of information
The Times Telegram
March 10 through March 16 is Sunshine Week, an annual initiative organized by the American Society of News Editors to promote dialogue about...
France
Government transparency vital for Lamar County residents
Paris News
Of all the things we think of as our fundamental American rights — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — as well as things like freedom of speech...
Sri Lanka
RTI Unearths 230 Complaints against Quack ‘Islamic’ Judges
Colombo Telegraph
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has released data under the Right to Information Act indicating that an enormous number of 230 complaints have been filed...
India
How the RBI Dodged RTI Appeals for Minutes of Meeting on Demonetisation
The Wire
After two years of stubborn refusal to part with any details regarding the minutes of its board meeting on demonetisation, the RBI has demonstrated its sheer disdain for the RTI Act...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 177
E - Alert
Issue Date: 28-02-2019
Pakistan
Sindh Information Commission starts working next month
The News International
The Sindh Information Commission will finally start functioning under the Sindh Transparency and...
Morocco
UNESCO Agree to Cooperate on Right to Access to Information
Morocco World News
Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization...
Colombia
More than half of Colombia's media reliant on state propaganda funds
Colombia Reports
Colombia’s media is overly reliant on shady contracts to publish or create government propaganda...
Ghana
Latest amendment to RTI Bill problematic – Coalition
Charleston Post Courier
The Coalition on the Right to Information (RTI) Ghana, the Media Coalition on RTI and Occupy Ghana; collectively known...
Sri Lanka
Right to Information
Groundviews
In 2017, Groundviews filed a series of RTI requests to ascertain more about Sri Lanka’s early warning system...
Kenya
Access to public information an uphill struggle in Kenya despite law
Business Daily
A recent legal tussle between lawyer Apollo Mboya and utility firm, Kenya Power over inaccurate customer billing perhaps underlined the deep...
India
Apex court opposes amendment to RTI
The Hans India
RTI Act is the best enactment, but it is not giving best results in securing the access to public records...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 176
E - Alert
Issue Date: 04-02-2019
Pakistan
Dir officers asked to resolve people's issues
Dawn
The Lower Dir deputy commissioner on Tuesday directed all officers in the district to resolve public grievances...
Brazil
Brazil changes freedom of information act
ZDNe
Brazil's freedom of information law has seen significant changes with a new decree signed by interim president...
India
Why no experts on RTI panels, asks Supreme Court
The Hindu
The Supreme Court asked why Right to Information bodies, especially the apex forum of Central Information Commission...
Pakistan
RTI’s complaints commission itself in complainant mode
The News
It has neither been allocated the staff required to start work nor given the proper office whereas the information commissioners...
UK
Devon and Cornwall Police under investigation over Freedom of Information requests
Devon Live
Devon and Cornwall Police is under investigation after failing to deal with more than 100 FOI requests...
Pakistan
Info Commission in vain as govt delays service rules
Pakistan Today
PIC to suffer from shortage of staff till govt approves proposed service rules...
Ghana
RTI And Two Other Bills To Be Prioritized As Parliament Resumes Sitting
Modern Ghana
Before going for that festive break, the speaker of Parliament Professor assured that the RTI bill will...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 175
E - Alert
Issue Date: 21-01-2019
Afghanistan
Access to information to help curb corruption: Danish
Pajhwok Afghan News
Vice-president Sarwar Danish on Sunday introduced new members to the Oversight Commission on Access to Information...
USA
New Interior FOIA rule could make it harder to get public documents
The Hill
Interior Department rule could make it harder for news organizations and nonprofits to get public information from the government...
Pakistan
WSSP launches website to bolster digital presence
The News International
The Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) has launched own website to bolster digital presence...
Scotland
MSPs to review Scotland's Freedom of Information laws
Holyrood
The Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee has agreed to examine the FOI Act 2002...
Australia
Complaints about under resourced FOI system spike by 72% in a single year
The Guardian
Complaints about Australia’s FOI system spiked by 72% in a single year, heaping further pressure on regulator...
France
Texans deserve access to info
Paris News
Police Department officer’s pursuit of a driver who sped off after the officer signaled him to stop ended when the driver crashed into some trees...
Canada
With election ahead, we need to make public records truly public
The Conversation
Citizens require access to public records in order to become properly informed about the activities of their government...
India
PM Modi fails to use MPLAD funds on villages adopted by him
National Herald
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced early last year with much fanfare that he had adopted a fourth village in his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency for...
UK
EU adviser sides with Google on 'right to be forgotten' dispute
The Telegraph
An advisor to the European Court of Justice has sided with Google in a dispute over the “right to be forgotten” rule....
Bangladesh
Use of RTI in Bangladesh
The Dailystar
One way of observing the progress of the law in any country is to assess existing trends and the nature of its use...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 173
E - Alert
Issue Date: 17-12-2019
Plea for PSL expenditure disposed of
The News International
The Lahore High Court on Friday disposed of a petition seeking details of expenditures incurred on Pakistan Super League (PSL)…
HRC Sends Expanded FOIA Request to ICE & CBP for Records of Treatment of Trans Detainees
Human Rights Campaign (blog)
HRC sent expanded Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)…
RTI Commission orders release of Ranil Wickremesinghe's asset declaration, law does not include President's
Colombo Page
Right to Information Commission has directed the Presidential Secretariat to disclose the declaration of assets and liabilities of Ranil Wickremesinghe…
Right to know: Now just drop into a govt. office to access information
The Hindu
Citizens seeking data from the government under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, can now simply land up at the concerned…
I will suspend my suspension of demo - Baako readies for RTI fight
Ghana Web
The law-making body of Ghana is yet to see what pressure is, if they fail to pass the Right to Information bill before they rise as promised…
The News International
A study recently released by a civil society organization revealed that majority of the federal ministries and institutions have failed to proactively disclose information…
Heiko Maas: 'Freedom of expression is essential to democracy'
D.W
The right to freedom of expression and information is essential for a free and democratic state….
KP CM announces to increase job quota for special persons to 4 per cent
The News International
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan Monday announced to increase job quota for special persons from 2 per cent to 4 per cent besides …
FLASHBACK: RTI bill will be passed in 100 days - Bawumia
Pulse.com.gh
It's 600 days of the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Right to Information Bill (RTI) has not been passed…
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 174
E - Alert
Issue Date: 02-01-2019
Ghana
ADI Demands Halt And Reflection Over RTI Bill
Ghana Web
The plans by parliament to pass the Right To Information (RTI) bill is likely to...
Lokpal Selection Committee Did Not Meet Even Once In Nearly 4 Years
NewsClic
The BJP government is blatantly attacking the institutions of accountability and transparency...
Measures Being Undertaken To Improve Access To Information
Jamaica Observer
The Access to Information (ATI) Unit will be undertaking some critical initiatives aimed at improving service delivery...
Pakistan Improves Position In Global RTI Rating
The Nation
Pakistan improves its position in international Right To Information rating from 91 to 33...
Secret Documents Reveal Toxic Threat beneath Sydney Airport
The Sydney Morning Herald
A pool of poisonous water underneath Sydney Airport contains some of the highest levels of toxic firefighting chemicals...
Imo to Adopt Freedom Of Information Act- Irona
The Nigerian Voice
Former member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party...
Law Ensures Citizens' Right to Information Access
Veitnam +
The Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) co-held a seminar in Hanoi on December 2...
Progress and Regress of RTI in Bangladesh
The Daily Star
As the Right to Information (RTI) regime nears completion of its first decade of existence, we asked a few scholars, advocates and users of...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 172
E - Alert
Issue Date: 04-12-2018
RTI coalition member released after arrest in Parliament
Ghana Web
A leading member of the Right to Information coalition, Elvis Darko has been released after over an hour of being held by police for displaying a placard close to Parliament during the reading of the 2019 budget...
Trump Jr's Business Trip to India Cost US Taxpayers Nearly $100000: Report
News18
Washington: A business trip by Donald J Trump Jr, the son of the US president...
Story behind the story
The News
As I watched on TV the duel between the US President Donald Trump and CNN journalist...
Most Central Government Department Websites Lack Self Disclosure: Audit
NDTV
Most of the central government department websites lack in self disclosure of public information under a mandatory provision of the Right to Information (RTI) Act...
SAC approves J&K Right to Information (Amendment) Bill-2018
The Kashmir Images Newspaper
The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today approved enactment of the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2018...
Punjab cabinet approves various drafts, laws ahead of govt's 100 days
Dawn
The Punjab cabinet on Friday took up a heavy agenda approving various legislative businesses on the recommendations of the cabinet’s standing committee on legislation...
PPP, PML- N govts covered up funds misuse: Fawad Chaudhry
Express Tribune
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Monday there was corruption of billions of rupees...
Call to ensure right to information
Dawn
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Chaudhry said that if departments failed to provide information sought from them under the law, citizens can approach the commission...
Role of media, civil society highlighted for good governance
Dawn
Good governance, transparency and pro-public administration in the government departments can be achieved only through the proactive role of media and civil society...
Russia to raise issue of journalists' access to info at OSCE ministerial meeting — Lavrov
TASS
At the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Russia will suggest confirming the right...
RTI is used maximum by government employees as they know governance better than the common man
MoneyLife
Earlier this month, Prof Dr M Sridhar Acharayalu retired as Central Information Commissioner. Prof Acharayalu made waves by issuing a show-cause notice...
People still unaware of right to info
The Himalayan Times
Information Commissioner and Spokesperson for National Information Commission Yesodha Devi Timsina today said many people in the country were still not aware of their right to information....
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 171
E - Alert
Issue Date: 30-11-2018
Armenia drops one notch in Press Freedom Index 2018
Arka News Agency
Armenia has dropped one position in the Press Freedom Index 2018 compiled annually by the reporters...
Ghanaian Parliament and Right To Information Bill
Modern Ghana
All persons shall have the right to information, subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic...
Information Commission itself flouting provisions of RTI Act
Daily Excelsior
State Information Commission, a transparency watchdog, has failed to provide requisite information...
International Declaration on Information and Democracy
Rappler
Seventy years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in Paris, the "International Declaration on Information and Democracy,”...
Rs 5L reward for info on RTI man's murder
Mumbai Mirror
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information about the February 24, 2012 murder of a Right to Information (RTI)...
RBI refuses to state how much destruction of banned notes cost: RTI
Moneycontrol.com
The RBI has declined to reveal the cost incurred on shredding banned currency notes worth Rs 15,31,073 crore...
Federal Information Commission notified
Daily Times
Federal government has finally notified the Federal Information Commission to ensure access to information by the public at large...
Call to ensure right to information
Rappler
In a historic step in the context of the Paris Peace Forum today, 12 countries launched a political process...
RTI Bill will be passed before close of 2018
Ghana Web
Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike has given the strongest indication yet that parliament will pass the RTI Bill by close of 2018...
In Cooperation with the European Union, MADA launches the “Right of Access to Information
Palestine News Network
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms “MADA” has launched a media campaign...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 170
E - Alert
Issue Date: 01-11-2018
PIC fails to update list of govt depts.' information officers
Pakistan Today
By the end of this calendar year, we can expect to see members of the Queensland Parliament debating the introduction of the Mineral and Energy Resources...
Finance ministry admits breach of right to information law
Maldives Independent (press release)
The finance ministry has admitted to breaking the law over a right to information request filed by the Maldives Independent about a US$40 million loan……
Himachal RTI Activist's Murder – a Landmark Case in the Fight for Social Equality?
The Wire
It has been a little more than a month since the small hill state of Himachal Pradesh was stunned by the brutal murder of Right to Information activist…
Sindh govt. fails to implement Right to Information law
Pakistan Today
There has been no progress in the implementation of “The Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2017” even though a year has passed…
"Right to Know" act goes in to effect in NYC
PIX 11 New York
Under the “Right to Know” act, officers will hand out business cards with information including their name, rank, command and shield number….
Petition seeks details of litigation expense in Dr Aafia case
Dawn
The petition maintained that the preamble of the Right of Access to Information Act clearly stated that the ”government believes in transparency and the…
Mumbai: Over 18400 people died between 2013 -18 in train mishaps
Times Now
Mumbai: A Right to Information plea has found that 18,423 people died and 18,847 people were injured in suburban train-related mishaps between…
Call to ensure right to information
The Nation
LAHORE - Speakers at the Hameed Nizami Press Institute of Pakistan (HNPIP) seminar on ‘Access to Information for Responsible Governance….
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 169
E - Alert
Issue Date: 15-10-2018
Jordan
People's right to know motivates Gov't to improve legislation on access to information
AMMONNEWS
Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson, Jumana Ghneimat, said...
India
Explore use of advanced technology in giving info under RTI: SC
Times of India
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to explore the use of advanced technology for providing information……
UK
Right to Information a Mixed Success in the Asia-Pacific Region
IDN In Depth News
Freedom of information is not only a human right, but also an essential tool to engage and empower citizens…
Pakistan
If PTI believes in democracy, asset declaration of public servants should be public knowledge
The Express Tribune (blog)
If PTI believes in democracy, asset declaration of public servants should be public knowledge…
Gambia
International Right to Information Day September 28, 2018
The Point
The collection of key government facts and data from which conclusion may be drawn is a powerful tool….
New Zealand
NZ customs officers now have the power to demand passwords to digital devices
The Star Online
When you think of countries with aggressive border security, the bucolic land which provided the…
USA
EPA excluded its own top science officials when it rewrote rules on using scientific studies
Washington Post
When former EPA administrator Scott Pruitt launched an effort to limit what kinds of scientific studies could be used to protect public health…….
India
SC makes it mandatory for builders to display sanction plan at project site
The Tribune
Noting that homebuyers have a right to know about details of the project they are investing it….
Bangladesh
President approves Digital Security Act
The Daily Star
President Abdul Hamid yesterday signed the Digital Security Bill into law amid widespread criticism…………..
Nigeria
Media Rights Agenda Inducts Office of National Security Adviser Into 'FOI Hall of Shame'
The Nigerian Voice
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today named the Office of the National Security Adviser…..
India
'Save RTI, Save Democracy': Hundreds Protest Attempts to Dilute the Law
The Wire
New Delhi: On the eve of the 13th anniversary of the passage of the Right to Information Act 2005, a protest and public meeting………
Pakistan
Right to Information Act will be introduced for general public: Information Minister
Radio Pakistan
Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that the country is moving towards right direction……
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 168
E - Alert
Issue Date: 02-10-2018
Right to Information Day: Experts demand more transparency.
The News
Right to Information Day (RTID) is marked annually across the world on September 28. This year’s theme is ‘Trust and Transparency’ that indicates a shift..
LIT makes a mockery of RTI Act, no annual report for past four years
The Tribune
Indifferent attitude of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) towards implementation and monitoring of the Right to Information Act 2005..
People's right to know motivates Gov't to improve legislation on access to information
Ammon
Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson, Jumana Ghneimat, said the government believes in the people's right to know..
Right To Information Comes With Responsibilities
BBC
Media experts, at a panel discussion in Accra, have called on the Government to be proactive and finalise debates and reviews for the passage
Operationalisation of RTI laws still a far cry
The News
The Coalition on Right to Information conferred RTI Champions Awards 2018 on Riaz Khan Daudzai and Zohaib Hassan in the Journalist and Citizen and Best Performing PIO…
Canada slips to 55th place in global freedom-of-information law rankings
CTV News
Canada has slipped six places to 55th spot on an annual list of global freedom-of-information rankings, and is now tied with Bulgaria and Uruguay.
Govt fails to provide people's access to information: study
Express Tribune
The government has failed in dispensing citizens with their right to access of information which is leading..
Right to Know Day: information commissioner addresses federal FOI officers
The Mandarin
Access to information through the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) supports transparent and accountable government…
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 167
E - Alert
Issue Date: 19-09-2018
A 65 LS member, 29 RS members yet to declare assets, reveals RTI
India TV
Out of the MPs belonging to the lower house, 61 have not furnished their details since 2014, while four recently came to the house through by-elections..
Over Rs1 billion spent on KP Ehtesab commission in four years
DAWN
Details obtained under the KP Right to Information Act, 2013 show that provincial finance department released Rs1.056 billion to KPEC till May 2018..
Home Office takes years to answer information requests
BBC
There have been 192 freedom of information cases which the Home Office has taken longer than a year to answer in the past three years
Of political parties, general elections and RTI in Bangladesh
Daily Star
RTI law allows citizens to seek information from government and public bodies on matters relating to their functions…
US rejects request for information on Idaho wolf attacks
IDAHO STATE JOURNAL
Investigations into livestock deaths in Idaho blamed on wolves don't have to be made public, the U.S. government says..
India
An RTI salute to Kuldip Nayar
National Herald
His contribution to the RTI movement is perhaps the lesser known of his many contributions as a journalist....
Government to appoint an information commission soon: Barrister Wahab Murtaza
Daily Times
Government of Sindh was soon going to form an Information Commission in order to ensure that every citizen had the right to information.
RTI law allows citizens to seek information from government and public bodies on matters relating to their functions.
Daily Mirror
This is not what we assumed. These private institutions had not even appointed an RTI officer…
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 166
E - Alert
Issue Date: 28-08-2018
RTI Footprints in South Asia: Tapping its potential for public causes
Newspaper
Majority of around 115 countries worldwide which have adopted the law so far have done so in little..
Parliament pledges promises to Pakistan
The News
The oath-taking ceremony administered by the outgoing Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also marked the start of the parliamentary process..
Govt to formulate Freedom of Information Act: Liew
The Sun Daily
The government will formulate the Freedom of Information Act so as to be in line with the promise made..
Access To Information Vs Official Secrets
The Cleaner
The public's right to access information concerning the activities of the government and its agents is an indelible feature of a vibrant democracy…..
India
CIC divided over bringing political parties under RTI
The Economic Times
The issue of bringing political parties under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act is threatening to spiral..
Freedom of Information Commission
New Cannanite
The town of New Canaan violated state sunshine laws by failing to notice or open to the public..
Varsity’s RTI cell seeks attestation of docus for query, student cries foul
The Times of India
The issue came into focus when a student applied to the university under Right to Information Act 2005 with self attested documents, but was told….
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 165
E - Alert
Issue Date: 16-08-2018
Pakistan
Quick, transparent reforms for tribal districts
Express Tribune
K-P Chief Information Commissioner Hanif Orakzai shared his plan to extend the provincial right to information (RTI) law to the Malakand division
Bermuda
47% Of 136 PATI Requests Granted Last Year
Bernews
This is according to the Information Commissioner’s Office Annual Report 2017 on the operation of the Public Access to Information [PATI], which has been tabled in both Houses of Parliament and is now available to the public..
Ghana
THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION BILL: HISTORY MUST NOT REPEAT ITSELF- Coalition on RTI
GBC
The Coalition on the Right to Information, Ghana wishes to express their disappointment at the slow pace at which Parliament has handled the consideration stage of the Bill so far and hopes..
India "
65% of Delhi government schools are headless
The Times of India
Asked about the huge number of vacant principal posts AAP leader said that the recruitment was a matter of services…..
Pakistan
Govt depts disregard eRTI system
DAWN
The electronic application system introduced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission in Peshawar has failed to deliver the goods due to the lack of interest..
India
Changes in RTI Act's privacy clause will allow corrupt babus to escape public scrutiny: IC
Business Standards
We need to emphasize that any proposal to amend provisions of the RTI Act shall not be taken up without wide ranging consultation..
Nepal
Law ministry sends back draft bills to ministries
The Himalayan
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has sent back draft bills related to Fundamental Right and Duties of the constitution to the ministries concerned..
India
India Takes First Step Towards Data Protection
Light Reading
Broadly, the bill incorporates many accepted principles to guarantee privacy for citizens. It indicates that a notification must be sent to individuals before data can be..
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 164
E - Alert
Issue Date: 18-07-2018
India
RTI activist, friend shot dead in Bihar
Indileak
A Right to Information (RTI) activist and his friend were shot dead on Sunday by unidentified assailants in Bihar’s Jamu district, police said.
Pakistan
CPJ calls on Pakistan's PM to protect press freedom ahead of elections
CJP
Journalist Gul Bukhari was abducted, Asad Kharal was attacked, a break-in robbery took place at..
Nevis
Freedom of Information Bill Passes In Nevis
Winfm
The Nevis Freedom of Information Bill, 2018, which was presented by Hon. Eric Evelyn, Minister of Information and Information Services, was passed unanimously..
UK
How Well Do Local Officials Respond To FOI Requests?
The Economic Times
Overall, local agencies did a good job at providing public records. But there is some bad news.
Ghana
Yendi: Forum On The Right To Information Bill Held
Modern Ghana
The effort was to create the needed awareness to ensure that effort being made to pass the bill was expedited.
Pakistan
Mechanism devised to assess RTI execution in Pakistan
The News
The first ever methodology has been developed to assess and evaluate the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law in the country..
India
RTI applicant declared ‘ineligible’, threatened with criminal action
DNA
The letter dated June 4, 2018, which came to light recently informs Irfan Janwekar, the RTI applicant, that he has been declared apatra
Georgia
Three priorities at the open government partnership summit
Transparency International
Politicians understand the meaning of corruption, but do they understand the meaning of commitment? We have to work together to go beyond words..
Bangladesh
Gov't wants to restrict right to information beyond EU rules
The Daily Star
Nine years ago this month, the RTI Act 2009 of Bangladesh was born. It came at a time when the entire nation
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 163
E - Alert
Issue Date: 29-06-2018
Right to information from the State key in the war on graft
Daily Nation
The order makes it possible for citizens to access information on tenders, who was awarded the tenders, identity..
Scottish Government takes longer to reply to Freedom of Information requests from journalists
Press Gazette
The Commissioner found: “It is an important principle of FOI law that, in most cases, it should not matter who asks for information..
Free press key to democracy
New Era
Freedom of expression is important for democracy, because it enables the public to participate in making decisions based on the free flow of information
Malawi: MHRC Gives Govt Up to July to Operationalise Access to Information Law
Nayasa Times
The ATI law compliments a right that is guaranteed to Malawians under the constitution so it is a very critical piece of legislation..
DoPT Refuses To Disclose Details on RTI Amendments...
Live Law
In response to an RTI application, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has confirmed that amendments to the Right to Information Act, 2005...
We need to have the RTI Bill Passed – CHRAJ Director
Politics
The passage of the bill into law he said will be a means to strengthen the country’s fight against corruption..
Civil justice: Pakistan listed at 107 among 113 countries
The News International
The factor measuring civil justice assesses whether ordinary people can resolve their grievances peacefully and effectively..
Malaysia remains committed to fair trade: Guan Eng
The Strait News
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said it was only through the aforementioned values that the government can ensure a stable environment for trade and e-commerce to thrive..
Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Develops Over 180 Official Websites
Urdu Point
Total number of hits on School department is 400,151,495, Punjab Portal has 385,526,577, Punjab Examination Commission has 377,935,674…
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 162
E - Alert
Issue Date: 14-06-2018
Malik Azam to be first Chief Information Commissioner
The Nation
Office of the Commission will be established in Islamabad and it will start working after issuing of formal notification. Through Right to Information Commission..
India's government has decided against amending the Right To Information Act
Business Insider India
The central government has reportedly suspended plans to amend the act, after its proposed changes were met with a heavy backlash
SAM: THE GOVERNMENT DOESN’T TAKE THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT SERIOUSLY
Dublin Inquirer
The department’s responses to that request over the months that followed led me to suspect that the government does not take that law seriously..
“RTI is a non-violent way of change”
Daily Mirror
Without information we humans, the most advanced species on Earth, would be handicapped. Information is everywhere…
Right of access to information is prerogative of everybody: Ali Zafar
Business Recorder
Right of access to information was the prerogative of every citizen and the government was bound to provide information in all matters of public importance…
Deliberately wrong RTI replies attract penalty, disciplinary action: Former CIC
Indian Express
Any Information Officer who willfully provides wrong or misleading information under the Right to Information (RTI)..
Ineffective RTI Law of Balochistan
Balochistan Voices
As per a Centre for Peace and Development Initiative (CPDI) survey the most robust RTI regime existed in Punjab, followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan..
RTI Action Campaign kicks against portions of Bill
Ghana News Agency
“That is why any good RTI law emphasises the principle of maximum and proactive disclosure. However, it is recognised that in certain circumstances..
Call for effective implementation of law on right to information
Dawn
The civil society activists on Thursday called for the effective implementation of the law on right to information to achieve..
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 161
E - Alert
Issue Date: 31-05-2018
Marriyum urges media outlets for self-accountability
The News
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has urged media outlets to do self-introspection and accountability..
Whistleblowers act needed to protect RTI users: Activist Aruna Roy
Indian Express
RTI has brought in an architecture where "we are enabled to change from a culture of secrecy to one of transparency"..
Texans' right to information is being infringed; be outraged at government, demand change
Caller Times
This isn't just a right of news media to information for news stories. It's is a right of any Texan to find out how tax money is being spent..
Bills, Bills, Bills!
Ghana Web
The Right to Information Bill has had a journey of stops and starts and in-betweens. Right now? The Bill is on a tour of some regional capitals..
Ngeria : Kano, Adamawa To Adopt Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011.
Africa Prime News
Kano state government is in the process of adopting the Freedom of Information Act, with a view to empowering the citizens to participate actively in governance
Rti enquiry filed over construction of Indira Awas Yojna
The Pioneer
World Press Freedom Day is being observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere today amid a growing animosity towards journalists across the globe.
Right To Information Activists Urge CM To Strengthen Punjab Information Commission
Urdu Point
RTI activists welcome the CM Punjab's action to appoint Saeed Akhtar Ansari and Mehboob Qadir Shah as information commissioners at Punjab
Place Proposed Amendments To RTI Act In Public Domain For Scrutiny: National Campaign For Peoples’ Right To Information To PM Modi...
Live Law
“Undermines people’s democratic right to know and participate in the legislative process and prevents public scrutiny of the provisions of a proposed bill”....
Federal Information Commission likely to be notified today
The News
Government has missed a six-month deadline to set up the commission, still the appointment is termed a landmark development..
Buhari administration, like Jonathan’s, condoning impunity in implementation of FOI Act
Premium Times
The scale of non-compliance with the provisions of the FOI Act by public institutions under the authority and direct control of the federal government is mind-boggling”..
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 160
E - Alert
Issue Date: 15-05-2018
PIC conducts awareness session for journalists regarding RTI
Daily Times
unjab Information Commission (PIC) held an awareness session with journalists in collaboration with the district information office..
On Right To Information Act, A Word Of Caution From Aruna Roy
NDTV
Ms Roy asserted that the RTI Act should not be politically associated to a party. It is a law that "should not be tagged"..
At 51, FOIA may be more relevant than ever
The Baltimore Sun
The use of FOIA has dramatically increased in the first year of the Trump administration. Requests for government records, including letters, speeches, notes about meetings, appointment calendars, memoranda and emails rose to a record-setting 823,000 in Fiscal Year 2017..
Over 200 RTI applications to be filed for transparency, democracy
The Economic Times
To improve democracy and raise the transparency level, over 200 hundred applicants will be filing at least one RTI applications..
RTI Act Bringing Transparency To Projects
Daily Times
In case, any department was not cooperating, people could contact the Punjab Information Commission, said Executive Director Ahmed Naeem Malik..
Press Freedom Day: Attacks against journos made with impunity
M&P
World Press Freedom Day is being observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere today amid a growing animosity towards journalists across the globe.
Access to information performing well: N.L. justice minister
The Western Star
There was turnover in staff in the main Access to Information and Privacy Protection (ATIPP) office last year and turnover in some access..
Successes and failures of PTI in governing KP
The News
Its obligatory for the provinces to approve laws and set up organisations to ensure a) Right to Public Services, b) Right to Information
Right to Information Audit: A new practice in Nepal
The Himalayan
Right to Information is fundamental right granted to the citizens by law and constitution. Centre for Law and Democracy, Canada has..
Civil society calls for meeting fourth deadline on open government
The Western Star
Civil society organisations have jointly urged government to hasten the process of formulating National Action Plan (NAP) for Open Government Partnership (OGP)..
Gov't wants to restrict right to information beyond EU rules
Prague Daily Monitor
The Czech government has proposed a significant restriction on the free access to information under the pretext of the General Data Protection
State of right to information in Pakistan
Express Tribune
Right to access information held by public bodies is a key to building a strong state-citizen bond. When violated, it implies there is something which the public bodies
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 159
E - Alert
Issue Date: 30-04-2018
Commonwealth: Where being a journalist can kill you
The Statesman
Commonwealth countries like India have pioneered some of the world’s most liberal Right to Information laws, and all member states are publicly committed to democratic…
Strengthening freedom of information laws is good idea
The Post Star
One of the best ways to prevent corruption in government operations is to increase transparency, and two bills now before the state Legislature..
Allow public access to info on China investments, Nurul Izzah urges govt
The Sun Daily
This would enable the people to have knowledge and understand the payment methods and return on investments (ROI) which the nation is undertaking and benefiting..
Only 4% of the govt departments proactively disclosing information under RTI: Survey
The Economic Times
An audit was undertaken on the basis of a proforma prepared by former information commissioners M M Ansari and A N Tiwari.
Protecting the right to information
Daily Times
The purpose of the introduction of the right to information laws in Pakistan is to make the general public aware of public spending..
Palaszczuk denies vegetation right to information applications
Queensland Country Life
Queenslanders have a right to know what advice ministers received, who they were meeting with and why they failed..
Seminar speakers call for reforms in judicial system
The News
About 16.6 that stressed the need for effective, accountable and transparent institution, the speakers said the KP Assembly..
"Violating the right to information of millions of people
Crime Russia
All the affected users and entrepreneurs have the right to stand for their rights and make such claims. It is their constitutional right..
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 158
E - Alert
Issue Date: 16-04-2018
Sridevi Received A State Funeral Because Of Maharashtra CM: RTI Activist Anil Galgali
Mumbai Live
As per RTI, on February 25, 2018 the CM office gave a verbal order regarding the state funeral which was then conveyed to the Mumbai Suburban collector….
Geo Blackout
Daily Times
We feel obligated to raise our voice against reports that cable operators in several areas of the country have taken Geo News..
Development and deception
Daily Times
Empowerment, has come to assimilate power with individual and economic decision-making, de-politicize collective power, and is used to legitimise existing top-down development policies and programs.
If public servants have nothing to hide, why the secrecy over gifts?
The Canberra Times
A transparent public service would publish its gift registers as a matter of course....
A transparent public service would publish its gift registers as a matter of course.
Deccan Herald
Both cases relate to matters of serious public interest. In the first case, a petitioner approached the PMO two weeks after the demonetisation announcement for ..
Strength of Punjab Information Commission Lies With the Appointment of Commissioners
Business Recorder
In case of non provision of requested information, it said, the applicant can lodge complaint in the Punjab Information Commission, where commission is bound to resolve the complaint within 30 to 60 days…
Transparency in Government Group to meet April 11 in Fort Smith
Times Record
The Transparency in Government Group of Western Arkansas will meet 5:30 p.m. April 11 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Rogers Ave..
Your Right to Know: Policies put public health at risk
Winston Watch
If passed, it would give effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by public institutions and private entities which perform public functions with public funds…
“RTI improves governance, limits corruption”
The News on Sunday
A key challenge in Sindh and Punjab, as well as federally, is the failure of the authorities to appoint the members of the oversight bodies
Parliament calls for memorandum on right to information bill
gbcghana
The Right to Information Bill was referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, during the first meeting of the Second .…
Call to fill vacant posts of information commissioners
The Nation
These posts were created to provide information to people, but they have been vacant since March 2017. In the absence of information commissioners there are many hurdles in the way of enforcement of the right-to-information law..
Govt departments violate rules on proactive disclosure
DAWN
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has miserably failed to force the government departments to comply with the relevant law’s provisions on proactive disclosure…
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 157
E - Alert
Issue Date: 30-03-2018
Unsanctioned guards being withdrawn from VIPs, police chief tells court
The News
“As per the information received from the provincial Police Department through the Right to Information Act, 2013 5,500 policemen are deployed for security of the VIPs instead of protecting the public.
During Sunshine Week, senators cite issues with FOIA request backlog
Federal News Radio
In order to improve the FOIA backlog at large agencies like DHS and the departments of State needs to take the lead on this effort..
Ghana
Coalition to demonstrate over delayed passage of RTI Bill
GBC
The Right to Information Coalition is not happy with the repeated broken promises regarding the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill.
Mystery of Lal Bahadur Shastri's death deepens further with RTI reply
Times Now
After 52 years of the death of former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Right To Information (RTI) reply addressing the cause of death..
Knowledge is deadly for Indian activists seeking to expose corruption
N World
India's RTI Act, passed by parliament in 2005, allows citizens to access information about public projects, funding and governance in a bid to improve transparency and accountability…
Law firm at centre of Panama Papers leak to close down
The Irish Times
The firm said it had previously had a presence in more than 40 countries, with “more than 600 collaborators around the world..
Sunshine Week celebrates your right to access public records and information
The Hicksburg Post
As journalists, it is our responsibility to shine a light into the darkness of government and make certain the public continues to have access to government..
KP Law Dept opposes PTI MPA’s bill to change RTI Act
The News
The Law Department has voiced reservations over the bill seeking amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013 aimed at..
India's Right to Information in a mess
The Milli Gazette
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 156
E - Alert
Issue Date: 14-03-2018
Civil society reacts to PTI Government’s move to amend KP RTI law
The News
CRTI strongly opposes the amendments proposed in KP RTI Act 2013.
Disclose bills of Air India charter plane for PM's travel abroad: CIC to MEA
Kashmir Monitor
CIC R K Mathur rejected the contention of the ministry that details of the amount, reference numbers, dates of bills raised by Indian Air Force and Air India..
Adilur wins Franco-German human rights prize
Prothom Alo
Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman Khan has been awarded Franco-German Human Rights Prize-2017 for his contribution to defending and promoting human rights in Bangladesh.
Access to information sheds needed light on government secrets
Missourian
Sunshine Week this year is March 11-17. The “sunshine” refers to access to government information. Journalists value access, but it’s a right that belongs to everyone
Amendments in proposed RTI Act 2013 of KPK opposed
Business Recorder
KP RTI Act is one of the effective and well implemented laws in Pakistan but the PTI led provincial government is bringing back old colonial mindset again..
‘Demand more’ from government, outgoing information watchdog tells Canadians in parting note
I Politics
In a parting message posted on her blog Wednesday, Suzanne Legault encouraged Canadians to “demand more” from their government.
Delhi University Tells High Court That It Cannot Disclose Exam Records Of 1978, The Year When PM Modi Graduated
Outlook India
Delhi High Court that the varsity's BA exam records of all its students of 1978-- the year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had graduated-- is held in a fiduciary capacity and cannot be disclosed..
Politics faces a shake-up if we get access to who funds parties
The Citizen
If people know who funds political parties, they will fully understand the agenda of political parties. They will then be able to gain context through which to understand the policy position
J&K: RTI reveals 27 Rohingya families staying illegaly, own sim cards
The Asian Age
It has been revealed that 27 Rohingya Muslim families, who are illegal immigrants, living in Jammu own SIM cards, activist Rohit Choudhary said..
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
from
Around the World
Issue No: 155
E - Alert
Issue Date: 19-02-2018
Encounters: a new way of policing?
Express Tribune
The level of access to information can be gauged from the fact that an application filed under Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 (RTI Act) is still pending before the PIC since 2016...
Access to right information important
The Fiji Times Online
By having access to the right and correct information you can be able to make decisions for yourselves...
Right to Information Commission notes concerns despite positives
MENAFN
Right to Information Commission has recorded a noteworthy increase in the numbers of appeals being filed before the Commission with information being released...
Using RTI benefits community
The Hans India
Even today, not many people know about their rights. If any private hospital is set up in rural areas, they must adopt two villages and provide them all kind of health-related services...
International civil society organisations pen open letter on Digital Security Act
Dhaka Tribune
In the letter, the organizations expressed concern that the Bangladesh Digital Security Act2018 fails to protect the right to freely express opinions on policies and the actions of decision makers...
KP tourism body exploits economization, saving policy of govt
The News
Under the Law of Access to Information 2013, according to the details provided by TCKP, Tourism secretary Muhammad Tariq Khan paid visit to England, Spain...
After Two Decades, Will Ghana Finally Pass a Right to Information Law?
Global Voices
If passed, it would give effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by public institutions and private entities which perform public functions with public funds…
Central Information Commission asks EC to launch special drive for 2,000 pending RTIs
Hindustan Times
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Election Commission (EC) to launch a special drive to dispose of around 2,000 Right to Information (RTI) queries and first appeals awaiting a response for a long time…
Use of RTI to hold authorities accountable growing
Colombo Gazette
RTI has played a life-changing role in the lives of citizens while promoting democratic governance, acting as a tool to combat corruption and restoring sovereignty in the people of Sri Lanka…
Govt departments violate rules on proactive disclosure
DAWN
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has miserably failed to force the government departments to comply with the relevant law’s provisions on proactive disclosure…
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 154
E - Alert
Issue Date: 17-01-2018
Gandhi's 'khorak' a 100 years ago
The Kashmir Monitor
The PIL (public interest litigation) and RTI (right to information) methods, combining with electoral turnarounds, can well make 2018 lead to 2019...
Access to Information Act: The Home Stretch Till the Passing of the Bill
Morocco World News
The draft was on the agenda of the 2nd Chamber for its final adoption on January 2, however, the bill was voted...
Will We Ever See the End of Information Control in Azarbaijan
The Global Voices
The ban covers a class of content known as "prohibited information," which was established by a May 2017 court...
No need of Aadhaar for RTI
The Hans India
The applicant who filed this complaint also filed first appeal, asking for information without insisting on the proofs first Appellate Authority Akhilesh Kumar...
What is a Freedom of Information (FoI) request?
ITPRO
The right to access public information is one of the most powerful tools individuals have to scrutinise the actions of UK government bodies and public officials...
KP govt designates public information officers at village, neighbourhood councils
MENAFN
Public information officers have been nominated at the village and neighbourhood councils in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure access of people to information about the working of local bodies system...
Government will pass the Right to Information Bill soon - Minister
Ghanaweb
The law would ensure that the media have easy access to information from public institutions that would enable them to hold duty bearers accountable...
Zimbabwe Activists Seek Truth About 1980s Massacres
VOA
Activists in southern Zimbabwe are taking legal action to demand the truth about a series of massacres in the 1980s that...
AJK journalists must work towards promotion of Kashmir cause: Midhat Shahzad
Express Tribune
Right to Information law would also be implemented in AJK as it has been enforced in the other provinces of the country...
Freedom of Information And The Control Over Hearts And Minds in Iran
Huffpost
It's 2018 and the information battle to control the hearts and minds of citizens continues from Russia to China and from Ethiopia to Iran...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 153
E - Alert
Issue Date: 22-12-2017
Know Your Rights - Traffic Police cannot take out keys from vehicle while checking
Nation
In the information provided by the police department, it has been clearly stated that taking out the key of any two or four-wheeler is wrong. No policeman, irrespective of any rank, has the power to do this...
Over 400 Freedom of Information requests in 3 years
Times of Malta
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act (Cap. 496), which came into force in September 2012, establishes the right to the public to information held by public authorities in order to promote added transparency and accountability in government...
Liberals want to be global leader on open government, but face complaints at home
CBC News
For instance, Scott Brison, president of the federal Treasury Board, recently flew to Argentina, where he addressed a summit of the Open Government Partnership, a coalition of more than 80 governments pledged to the cause of political openness and transparency...
CIC brings down pendency of cases in 2017
Times of India
During the year 2016-17, the CIC had registered 23,811 cases and disposed of 32,344 cases, as compared to registration of 25,960 cases and disposal of 28,188 cases in the year 2015-16...
Freedom of information: Australians are losing the battle against government secrecy
The Canberra Times
Government policy on freedom of information remains in limbo. In 2014-15, thanks to resistance from the Senate...
RTI reveals several Gurugram police stations don't have ladies toilets
Outlook
A reply to Right to Information (RTI) application filed by social activist Harinder Dhingra has revealed that out of the 35 police stations in Haryana's Gurugram, six police stations do not have ladies washrooms...
Right to information
The News
Article 19 urges that the fundamental right of human being is to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media...
Sri Lankan govt body rejects Right to Information request on blocking of news website
Tamil Guardian
The regulatory commission responded this week with a denial of the request, saying the questions could not be answered for national security reasons...
Speakers call for extending RTI law to Fata for good governance
Dawn
The seminar on the significance of RTI law was organised by a non-government organisation in collaboration with the Bajaur Press Club here...
Access to information makes democracy more participative: Vice President
Zee News
Access to credible information makes a democracy more "progressive, participatory and meaningful"...
LHC rejects Punjab govt's appeal, orders release of Model Town inquiry report
ARY News
The counsel maintained that the government was itself accused in the Model Town incident and thus it did not make the report public...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 152
E - Alert
Issue Date: 27-11-2017
From right to information to right to data
The daily star
OGD and Right to Information (RTI) are two sides of the same coin. In fact, the foundation of OGD lies in peoples' right to information...
Journalism Made Possible Because of the Freedom of Information Act
PROPUBLICA
If you're unfamiliar, the Freedom of Information Act is a law that allows anyone - yes, including you - to request records and documents from the government...
RTI reveals failed student with 2 marks actually scored 79
The news Scroll
Dhananjay Kumar, a student from Bihar's Rohtas district, was declared failed in the Class 10 final examination conducted by the BSEB with just two marks in Hindi...
Whistleblower Sues Interior Department For Information On Staff Shuffle
Huffpost
A scientist-turned-whistleblower who resigned from the Interior Department in October citing agency chief Ryan Zinke's "poor leadership"...
Graveyard of Journalism
The Newsline Magazine
Pakistan ranks fifth on the list of deadliest countries in the world for journalists; 60 have been murdered in Pakistan since 1992 - alarmingly high...
Delhi pollution: Facing ire over unused Rs 787 cr green cess, Kejriwal's AAP blames Modi govt
Times Now
In a shocking disclosure, a Right to Information (RTI) query on Wednesday revealed that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has failed to specify its utilisation of the Rs 787 crore green cess collected during 2017...
More Nations Adopt Freedom of Information Laws
The Market Mogul
There are now some 112 countries that have promulgated some type of freedom of information legislation in order to enable citizens to access government data...
LHC to resume hearing on Punjab govt's plea on 21st
Daily Times
He said that the Model Town massacre was recognised as 'state terrorism' and witnessed by the entire country where unarmed men and women were killed and tortured...
Access to information: Denying the people
Newsday Zimbabwe
The right to access of information is canvassed in sections 61 and 62 of the Constitution. So somebody somewhere intentionally violated our rights and freedoms by denying us that piece of news...
KP govt fails to provide relief despite allocating Rs67bn for health
Pakistan Today
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) declared an emergency in the health sector and had allocated a huge development budget of Rs67 billion for health sector from 2013-2018...
Breaking: RTI Act Won't Prevail Over Supreme Court Rules: Delhi HC
Live Law
Holding that there is no inconsistency in the Supreme Court Rules (SCR) and the Right to Information Act, the Delhi High Court...
Paradise Papers leaks take aim at Indonesian paper firm APRIL
ECO-Business
The global Paradise Papers leak has accused Indonesian pulp and paper giant APRIL of unethically exploiting tax loopholes
Punjab govt asked to file reply in Model town incident by Nov 24
Express Tribune
Full bench headed by Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh on Wednesday sought reply from the Punjab government by November 24 over a vacant post of the information commissioner...
A Right to Information Act could have saved KABA
GhanaWeb
KABA died a brave man, never afraid to ask the critical questions. In the absence of a Right to Information Act, he risked his health, combing through stress, deploying difficult tactics to have access to information, to enrich his program...
APNS, CPNE, PFUJ, RIUJ express concern over closure of TV channels
The News
The APNS office bearers have stated that any curb on the freedom of press has always been counterproductive in any democratic dispensation...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 151
E - Alert
Issue Date: 21-11-2017
224 nursing homes, illegal clinics being run in Gurgaon: RTI
India
Gurgaon, Nov 3 (PTI) A total of 224 nursing homes and illegal clinics are being run under the district's community health centre (CHC) in the millennium city, an RTI query has revealed.
Officials warned to produce public records
Athens Daily Review
The complaint alleges that the city is refusing to provide responses to an open records request," the letter shows. "This is troubling as it is not the first such complaint
Right to Information, sham or reality?
Daily Times
It is a recognised concept across the world that the right to information empowers citizens...
CIA Releases Osama Bin Laden Files, Including a Viral Video TBT
Inverse Culture
The CIA says it released the additional files Wednesday "in the interest of transparency and to enhance public understanding of al-Qa'ida."
Route For Planned Bullet Train Loss-Making, 40% Seats Empty, Reveals RTI
NDTV
32 Mail and Express trains between Mumbai to Ahmedabad have been incurring a loss of 14 crore and 31 trains from Mumbai to Ahmedabad have made losses of 15 crore.
J&K Hydel Projects: Rejection of Right to Information Request Fans Old Flames
Iran Front Page
The recent rejection of a right to information (RTI) request over details of the delayed handing over of several central hydel projects to the (J&K)...
LHC seeks Model Town report
The Nation
The Lahore High Court has sought a copy of Justice Najfi's report on Model Town massacre in 2014 for its perusal...
Victoria Police rejects FOI requests for information about car crash involving Premier's wife
Herald Sun
PREMIER Daniel Andrews has denied he interfered to stop the release of documents detailing an investigation into a collision involving his wife after a freedom of information request was deemed to not be in the public interest...
Speakers call for extending RTI law to Fata for good governance
Dawn
The seminar on the significance of RTI law was organised by a non-government organisation in collaboration with the Bajaur Press Club here...
Paradise Papers: Firms ‘terrified' by data leak
Jersey Evening Post
It is claimed that more than six million documents belonging to offshore law firm Appleby, which has a large presence in Jersey..
Gov't committed to strengthen right to information Says Communication Minister
The Point
The Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure has reiterated The Gambia government's commitment to strengthening and protecting the rights of access to information.
The right to know
Dhaka Tribune
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, Hossein Entezami, says the government is determined to implement the law of Freedom of Information (FOI) passed about 6 years ago...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 150
E - Alert
Issue Date: 31-10-2017
'N' lawyers body head appointed information commission chief
Dawn
The Punjab government on appointed PML-N Lawyers Forum Pakistan President Naseer Ahmad Bhutta as Punjab Information Commission's chief commissioner...
Provide Information Under RTI or Face Action
Greater Kashmir
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Khurshid Ganie Saturday asked the public information officers (PIOs) and first appellant authorities (FAAs) designated by different departments under right to information act (RTI), to provide information to applicants under rules or face penalty clause...
Use RTI to ensure transparency, says president
The Himalayan
Inaugurating a programme organised by National Information Commission here today to mark International Day for Universal Access to Information; President Bhandari said transparency and good governance made democracy stronger...
Supreme Court asks EC to look into plea to bring parties under RTI law
Financial Express
The Supreme Court today asked the Election Commission (EC) to examine a representation for bringing political parties under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to make them accountable and to curb the use of black money in elections...
UN & Other Organisations "Failing" on Freedom of Information
SCOOP World
The UN and many international organizations lack the kind of freedom of information policies that are increasingly the norm among governments...
RTI Applicant Asked to Pay GST for Info
DNA
A Pune-resident, who filed an RTI application with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) recently, was told this by the Public Information Officer (PIO)...
Victoria Police rejects FOI requests for information about car crash involving Premier's wife
Herald Sun
PREMIER Daniel Andrews has denied he interfered to stop the release of documents detailing an investigation into a collision involving his wife after a freedom of information request was deemed to not be in the public interest...
Bihar among top 5 states in country to receive most complaints under RTI
NYOOOZ
If data on the number of second appeals and complaints filed at information commissions is anything to go by, Bihar is among the top three states where response to information...
US Sanctions N. Korean Officials for Human Rights Abuses
Delhi Times
The United States blacklisted seven North Korean officials and three government entities on Thursday, saying they engaged in human rights abuses that are “among the worst in the world...
'Iran Resolved to Provide People with Free Access to Information
Iran Front Page
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, Hossein Entezami, says the government is determined to implement the law of Freedom of Information (FOI) passed about 6 years ago...
Pledge To Protect Whistleblowers
Tribune 242
THE MINNIS administration is seeking to immediately implement protections for whistleblowers in the Freedom of Information Act, despite not having a date as to when the entire legislation will be revised and fully enacted, according to Attorney General Carl Bethel...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 149
E - Alert
Issue Date: 19-10-2017
Freedom of Information: Georgia laws demand transparency
The Valdosta Daily Times
It is a bit burdensome for the government to comply with those requests and the posting requirements and all of that, but I do think it's worth it; we need to know what...
New Brunswick gets 'B' for openness in national access-to-information audit
CBC News
A group of media watchdogs has given the New Brunswick government a "B" grade for openness, based on a national audit of access to information systems...
KARACHI PTI leader seeks Sindh to release three key investigation reports
ARY News
(PTI) Karachi President Ali Zaidi has submitted a request to Chief Secretary Sindh in writing over the release of probing reports in cases concerning Baldia Factory fire...
Six years after passage, Nigerians make 'little use' of FOI Act - Report
Premium Times
Despite these provisions and its attendant guidelines, Nigerian ministries, departments and agencies have received very few requests for information from the public...
Right to Information: Around 2.44 crore applications filed between 2005-2016, reveals report
First Post
Around 2.44 crore applications under the Right to Information (RTIs) Act have been filed with various central and state government departments by citizens, NGO...
Is Trump a Moron? Watchdogs File Freedom of Information Requests to Find Out
The Newsweek
On Thursday the campaign group Free Speech For People filed the first of a series of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking details about whether senior officials...
Controversial bill sails thru NA
The Nation
The statement of objects and reasons of the bill says the bill is intended to promote a two-way flow of information - from the government to the people and vice versa - for strengthening...
65 RTI activists murdered since 2005 — here's a tribute to India's fallen heroes
Your Story
With more than 65 people killed and close to 400 harassed or intimidated, violence against RTI activists is a menace that continues...
Free flow of information not ensured in RAI Bill: CPDI
Business Recorder
"The RAI Bill 2017 is neither effective like the provincial right to information (RTI) laws nor in line with the globally accepted principles of RTI legislation. The two houses passed it...
75,493 infant deaths in India from April to July, 5,547 of them from Maharashtra
The Indian Express
Madhya Pradesh, with 9,269 children aged till 5, recorded the highest deaths followed by Uttar Pradesh with 8,440 deaths...
Parliament Urged to Pass Right to Information Bill
Ghana News Agency
RTI Bill, if passed in Parliament would empower Ghanaians to demand for accountability and transparency, and promote access to information that could help curb corrupt practices...
President urged to send RAI Bill 2017 back to Parliament
The News
We request you to use your powers under Article 74 of the Constitution and advise Parliament to review this bill in light of suggestions from civil society and RTI experts...
Manodhairya scheme: '1308 survivors have not received compensation
The Indian Express
Rape, acid attack survivors who were sanctioned compensation under the state-run scheme from October 2013 to January 2017 were not paid: RTI...
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 148
E - Alert
Issue Date: 03-10-2017
International Right to Know Day - Pakistan's RTI legislation is a zero-sum game
Dunya
Many people know that right to information was granted in 2002 when, during the Musharraf regime, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance 2002 was introduced...
Beresford and Reynolds: Respect Canadians' right to know about the Canada Infrastructure Bank
Ottawa Citizen
Right to Know Week is a perfect time for Canadian citizens to look at the federal government's new Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)...
Access to Information: women transforming their communities
Ifex 25
With more than 100 workshops carried out so far, and more than 27 communities reached, the campaign aims to bring knowledge of these tools to residents...
My RTI reveals Ram Rahim was a bigger VIP for Modi sarkar than Sri Sri and
DailyO
On April 19, after banning the use of lal batti (red beacon light) by VVIPs on their vehicles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thundered on Twitter that every Indian is a VIP...
Govt fails to get right to info bill passed from NA
The Nation
The government and opposition engaged in a heated discussion on the 'controversial' bill for an hour. The opposition after failing to incorporate their proposed amendments in the bill took benefit...
UN must do more to protect journalists around the world
The Hill
When you imagine the most dangerous jobs in the world, soldiers, police officers, firefighters...
LHC reserves decision on plea to make Justice Najafi's report public
Dailytimes
Qaiser Iqbal and 19 others family members of the 2014 Model Town incident's victims had filed this petition. Counsel for the petitioners Barrister Syed Ali Zafar submitted that 14 persons...
Panama Papers: ED May Summon Bachans
The Economic Times...
The Enforcement Directorate has received replies from actor Amitabh Bachchan and his family members to notices issued to them...
The Right to Information Around the World
Article 19
Info graphics show you where right to know laws are in place, where governments are making commitments to transparency bodies, and where there's still room...
All you need to know about filing an RTI
Your Story
In India, the Right to Information (RTI) Act was passed in 2005, making it mandatory for the government to respond to a citizen's request for information in the public domain...
Right to Information
Pakistan Today
It was on 28 September 2002 that organisations promoting freedom of information (FOI) all over the globe joined heads in Bulgaria and founded FOI...
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law...
Your Story
With more than 65 people killed and close to 400 harassed or intimidated, violence against RTI activists is a menace that continues...
Getting The Gift of Education Through RTI
Huffpost
Knowledge is powerful. So it follows that having access to knowledge is empowering for many. Naresh from Agra is a living example of that...
Murder will out: Judge orders Sharif govt to make Model Town tragedy probe public
Pakistan Today
The Lahore High Court's (LHC) decision Thursday, ordering the Punjab government to release the Model Town tragedy report, has added to the Sharifs' woes as the ruling family...
A long way to go
Daily Mirror
On the other hand some leaders are more futuristic. Yet, another set of political leaders focus on 'the now' and neither focus on the future nor glorify the past...
RTI: No information about Koul Commission Report, says MHA
Kashmir Age
The Ministry for Home Affairs Government of India in response to an application filed under Right to Information Act by Kashmiri...
KP govt asked to make RTI act functional
Pakistan Today
The right to access information held by public bodies, known as the right to information (RTI), is an internationally recognised human right...
Q&A with Panama Papers investigation coordinator
Merquette Wire
The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the world's fourth largest offshore...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 147
E - Alert
Issue Date: 14-09-2017
NA Spearker Ayaz Sadiq fined for over speeding on motorway
Daily Pakistan
Motorway police on Sunday slapped National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq with a fine due to exceeding speed limit on M2 motorway, local media reported...
Oxygen Theory of Information
The Hans India
Explaining the role of information in a democratic and developing society, a renowned communication expert and former Director General...
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law...
The right to know
The News
Recently, the Senate passed the Right of Access to Information Bill and now the same is waiting for the approval of the National Assembly...
Sri Lanka's New Right-to-Information Law Could Save Lives
Open Society Foundation
Introduction of a simple procedural law in August last year is changing the face of Sri Lankan democracy. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has enabled journalists and citizens to access official correspondence and records that would once have been kept shrouded in secrecy...
Corrupt may get leeway by citing privacy concerns: Arun Jaitley
Indian Express
A week after the Supreme Court ruled that privacy is a fundamental right; Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that privacy “comes in the way of accountability...
FBI Says No Public Interest In Hillary Clinton Email Files: Time To Prove Them Wrong!
Conservative
The FBI recently turned down a lawyer's request for the release of FBI files on Hillary Clinton, faulting the...
UK Data Protection Laws to be Overhauled
BBC
"The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world," said Mr Hancock in a statement...
Transparency in government leads to real news
The Post and Courrier
Whether depending on our government for storm recovery, good schools, police protection or other important services, openness and access to information...
RTI roadblocks
The Dawn
THE Right of Access to Information Bill, 2017, approved by the Senate, is most likely to be passed by the National Assembly...
Centre declines sharing details of CBI chief appointment, cites confidentiality clause under RTI Act
The First Post
Replying to an RTI appeal, it said the appointment of CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma was done through the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is exempted from the ambit of the transparency law...
50 per cent of human rights complaints from J&K: RTI
The Indian Express
A total of 186 complaints were received between 2012 and January 2016 from seven states, said the Ministry of Home Affairs while replying to an Right to Information application...
Seeking Personal Information Of Bank Employees Is Exempted Under RTI: Supreme Court
The Outlook
The court made the observation while allowing an appeal filed by Canara Bank challenging an order of the Kerala HC directing it to provide about transfers...
Are you ready for the amended Freedom of Information Act?
Lexology
While some changes formalise current informal practices, the, along with the new regulator and timeframes, will require agencies to ensure their internal processes...
RTI and emancipation of information - I
Daily Times
The right to information (RTI) is one of the basic drivers of participatory democracy. Yet given that information is power there are those who are averse...
Malaysia's democratic foundations key to its progress
New Straits Times
Malaysia is able to celebrate 60 years of independence today, proving that the country is moving in the right direction...
One PML-N achievement that everyone must appreciate
Daily Times
Although, the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002 has been in the use, the Right for Access to Information Bill (2017) comprehensively covers the Article 19-A...
Analysis | The Right to Information
Macau Daily
Where there is lack of institutions for managing information and the political will to make information available...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 146
E - Alert
Issue Date: 31-08-2017
Here's how the fundamental right to privacy will affect the Right to Information Act
International Business Times
Experts have said that there will be a conflict between the RTI Act and the right to privacy now as the Supreme Court has upheld it as a fundamental right. Read on to know...
Filer taxpayers up by 58pc
Pakistan Observer
The number of return filer taxpayers in the country has increased by 58 percent during the fiscal year 2016 compared to FY2013 and by 13.23 percent against FY2015...
Making the Right to Information (RTI) work in Defence
Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis
Central Information Commission (CIC) advised the Ministry of Defence to ensure probity and accountability in defence procurements...
Egypt's court media ban limits public access to trials
Al-Monitor
A legal researcher at the American University in Cairo's law and society unit, told Al-Monitor, "Judges are strongly sensitive about broadcasting hearings, especially in cases related to terrorism...
UK Data Protection Laws to be Overhauled
BBC
The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world," said Mr. Hancock in a statement...
Brennan Center and Protect Democracy File Suit to Make "Voter Fraud” Commission Records Public
Newspark Forest
This is a problem in South Carolina that needs to be fixed by our Legislature ... or through people suing public bodies to make sure they turn these over,” said Smith, who also works with the Press Association...
Pakistan
Senate passes 'Right of Access to Information Bill'; NA adopts 'Election Bill 2017'
ARY News
The bill moved by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb provides for the right to information...
Herald asks Army to reveal investigation findings withheld from public
The Herald
The Army's investigation was released Friday, in response to a 2016 Freedom of Information Act request by the Herald...
Creating transparency
Express Tribune
Transparency does not happen at the flick of a switch and the passing of this bill is not going to immediately...
So Far, Narendra Modi Has Brought Back 24 Indian Antiquities from Foreign Countries
TOPYPAS
Replying to a Right to Information appeal of a journalist, the Archaeological Survey of India has revealed that out of these 24 ancient items, 16 have been brought...
Douglas County launches Transparency Portal to increase government accountability
NNBW
Douglas County's new Transparency Portal empowers government officials and staff to conduct better analysis and performance measurement by improving access to key...
Indian citizenship regained: The 22-year ordeal of Luingam Luithui for justice
Catch News
The Delhi High Court has finally restored the Indian citizenship of both Luithui and his wife, declaring that they had never ceased to be Indian citizens...
Freedom of Speech is Under Assault in the USA
The Live News Trading
To stand up for free speech i.e. the First Amendment is a noble thing. The left has conflated this with hate speech i.e. "Free Speech enables "hate speech”...
Did Modi Mislead Parliament on the Number of Fake Ration Cards that Aadhaar Had Exposed?
The Wire
Nikhil Dey of MKSS said that in Rajasthan 10 lakh people had been removed from the pension list through Aadhaar linkage. "While 50 lakh people were getting pension earlier, it has come down to 40 lakh now. As a consequence, many elderly have died or are living in abject poverty...
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law...
Victory for Scottish information campaigner in battle with Supreme Court
The National
We must realise that government and public sector bodies have to be seen to be open and transparent by nurturing access to information in order to improve public confidence and trust...
USS McCain crash is 4th Navy accident in Pacific this year
Washington Post
The commander of U.S. naval operations has ordered a comprehensive review to get to root causes after the collision this week between a Navy destroyer and an oil tanker near Singapore...
Protecting the whistleblower
The News
The bill aims to provide protection to whistleblowers that make public any corruption, criminal activity or wrongdoing...
A long way to go
Daily Mirror
On the other hand some leaders are more futuristic. Yet, another set of political leaders focus on 'the now' and neither focus on the future nor glorify the past...
Three states join Nigeria's participation in Open Government Partnership
Premium Times
Three state governments have formally joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to implement transparency reforms in Nigeria. The states are Kaduna, Anambra and Kano...
LHC seeks govt response on Model Town incident report by Sept 12
Pakistan Today
The petition has been filed by the families of victims killed in Model Town massacre which killed 14 people and injured 100 others during police action...
Getting NASA to Comply With Simple FOIA Requests Is a Nightmare
Motherboard
Trying to effectively use the Freedom of Information Act can be hell. Maybe a police department will demand a ridiculous and seemingly arbitrary fee to collect records...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 145
E - Alert
Issue Date: 22-08-2017
Did You Know Someone Asked India's Nuke Code as an RTI Reply, Here's What Some Others Did
India Times
Indians file nearly 60 lakh RTIs a year and this number is highest of such information request in the world with most requests are filled in Delhi…
KP RTI Law Promoting Transparency
The News
PIO was the lynchpin in the implementation of the RTI law, therefore it was essential for PIO to be fully….
Plea to stop hounding of RTI activists
The Hindu
The forum opposed the probes launched against RTI activist and government officer Kashinath Shetye for filing…
Thai reporter probing corruption faces trespass charge
National Post
Thailand’s main professional association of journalists on Friday protested the arrest on a trespassing charge of a reporter who was looking into the assets…
UK Data Protection Laws to be Overhauled
BBC
"The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world," said Mr Hancock in a statement…..
Officials' use of private email creating 'shadow government' in South Carolina
The Post and Courrier
This is a problem in South Carolina that needs to be fixed by our Legislature … or through people suing public bodies to make sure they turn these over,” said Smith, who also works with the Press Association….
Ishaq Dar launches Tax Directory of 1.21 million taxpayers
The DND
The 17,000 page document was formally launched by Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar during a function at FBR house in Islamabad…
Why the Government Is Still Stuck in Its Culture of Secrecy
The Wire
Despite legislations and promises to the contrary, the government is not doing everything it can to be more open and accessible…
Accomack ruling: Judges exempt from Freedom of Information Act
Delmarva Now
Virginia law says access must be provided “to public records in the custody of a public body or its officers and employees….
RTI is my new amulet: Ghulam Mohiudin Sheikh, faith healer cum RTI activist
The Indian Express
"This area has witnessed more development since people started filing RTI applications..
How much is too much to charge for public records requests?
Chicago Tribune
The proposed ordinance would have brought the city in line with the maximum fees allowed under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), City Attorney Bob Long said during a Monday committee meeting….
Did Modi Mislead Parliament on the Number of Fake Ration Cards that Aadhaar Had Exposed?
The Wire
Nikhil Dey of MKSS said that in Rajasthan 10 lakh people had been removed from the pension list through Aadhaar linkage. “While 50 lakh people were getting pension earlier, it has come down to 40 lakh now. As a consequence, many elderly have died or are living in abject poverty…
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law….
Secrecy in gov’t leads to poor governance: Info Minister
The Point
We must realise that government and public sector bodies have to be seen to be open and transparent by nurturing access to information in order to improve public confidence and trust..
CIA's 60 year war with the Government Accountability Office: the '80s Part 1
Muckrock
The Agency was happy to accept the DIA’s request to coordinate lists of the types of intelligence records which the President should then certify as exempt…
Senators call for across the board accountability of corrupt
Business Recorder
The Senate debated a motion under Rule 218 jointly moved by lawmakers of various parties regarding measures to combat corruption with focus on off-shore companies, across the board accountability and a new accountability mechanism…
Government Asked To Clarify Whether Taj Mahal Is Mausoleum Or Temple
NDTV
The question, forwarded as an alternative narrative of history by some claiming to be historians and the subject of various court cases, reached the CIC through a Right to Information…
Sri Lanka's New Right-to-Information Law Could Save Lives
Open Society Foundation
Introduction of a simple procedural law in August last year is changing the face of Sri Lankan democracy. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has enabled journalists and citizens to access official correspondence and records that would once have been kept shrouded in secrecy…
How Wheeling says a resident cost taxpayers $144,000
The Dailyherald
Did Wheeling really spend more than $144,000 to supply a resident with documents she'd requested under the Freedom of Information Act? Or is the village using big cost estimates to deter her requests?...
How public institutions deny Nigerians right to information
Daily Trust
The legal right to information helps the public hold authorities accountable for their actions and allows public debate to be better informed and more productive. It infuses an inclusive governance and democratic culture…
Figures reveal Scottish Government more likely to reject journalists' FoI requests
Press Gazette
Freedom of Information (FoI) requests from journalists to the Scottish Government is being refused….
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of
Right to Information
fromAround the World
Issue No: 144
E - Alert
Issue Date: 01-08-2017
Sasikala was allowed 23 visits, instead of 8, during four months in prison: RTI
Hindustan Times
A Right to Information (RTI) response has revealed that she was allowed a whopping 23 visits from February 16 – the date of her incarceration – to June 16...
Canada: Supreme Court fails to protect freedom of expression beyond its borders
Article19
ARTICLE 19 intervened in this case with Human Rights Watch, Open Net Korea, the Software Freedom Law Centre and the Centre for Technology and Society, arguing that global orders of this kind had a chilling effect on freedom of expression
Protecting Journalists
The Nation
The Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage met on Thursday to gauge the progress made on the intended bill...
Right to information is indeed potent; Modi's PMO handled one million rti pleas since 2014
The Indian Saga
On the applications for obtaining information which pertain to Multiple Public Authorities) shall not be transferred to such Public Authorities but rejected...
No Information for RTI Query on Taj Mahal, Archaeological Survey Officials To Lose Salary
Nyoooz
Not providing information about illegal constructions in the prohibited area around Taj Mahal proved costly for two officials of the Archaeological Survey of India...
The Future of FOIA
FCW News
Technology has helped the government become more efficient and transparent in many areas. That hasn’t been the case in UK
Editorial: Foundation of our freedom
Daily Press
President Trump's ascent to the White House came at a time when the public's right to know was already under attack...
Collector admits to electronic voting machine malfunction in RTI reply
Mumbai Mirror
"Every time the voter pressed a symbol of Coconut, allotted to a candidate, the LED lamp of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Lotus used to flash...
The Drone Program in Pakistan Is One of the Government’s Worst-Kept Secrets
ACLU
In August 2016, the government blacked out a court ruling against government secrecy (yes, really) hiding from the public its reasons for why the ruling should remain secret...
Eight years old - How is the Right to Information Act faring?
The Daily Star
539 complaints were lodged with the Information Commission by disgruntled information seekers. Of these, 364 were accepted for hearing.
At 50, US Information Law Key to Open Up Government
Voice of America
This month marks 50 years since the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) went into effect...
Hazlehead Crematorium report 'must be published'
BBC
An internal report into "abhorrent practices" at Hazlehead Crematorium in Aberdeen must be published, Scotland's Information Commissioner has ruled...
What does privacy mean in India?
Money Control
As the Supreme Court of the country debates on the landmark judgement of whether to make privacy a Fundamental Right, here’s a look at how the privacy stands in India at the present
Mark Bailey stood down over email scandal after CCC finds 'reasonable suspicion of corrupt conduct'
ABC
The Crime and Corruption Commission's findings put further pressure on the minority Palaszczuk Government in the lead-up to the next state election...
'Right to be forgotten' case in France referred to top European Union court
Reporters Committee for Freedom of Press
The case centered on a question of whether citizens of France, can demand that search engine results be removed from the Internet globally...
Call For Action On The Passage Of The RTI Bill
Peacefm Online
The importance of the RTI Legislation to the development and advancement of Democracy, Good Governance, Probity and Accountability...
ACLU requests records on Iowa share of voter info to Trump voter fraud commission
KCRG
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Iowa has sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate requesting specifics of President Trump's "voter fraud...
LG Members demands greater access to Information
The Tribune
RTI application for information regarding utilization of district government funds allocated to the local bodies in last two years...
PM Modi flew non-official trips to rallies in IAF planes at rates fixed in 1999
Hindustan Times
The trips were largely for electioneering, and India’s election code makes it must for ministers — including the PM...
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987, 2304989
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program
Transparency and Right to Information Program