Stories about Advox from August, 2023
Elections and Power Dynamics in Zimbabwe
Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected as president in an election that has been called "blatant and massive fraud" by the opposition.
A Mauritanian high school student faces the death penalty over blasphemy
The gravity of the situation cannot be underestimated, as she now faces the possibility of severe punishment, including the death penalty, under Article 306 of the Mauritanian Penal Code.
Navigating the boundaries of free speech: Nigeria’s Twitter ban
While governments have a legitimate interest in addressing the spread of misinformation and promoting online safety, there may be more effective solutions than outright bans on social media platforms.
If adopted, Tajikistan’s draft law on bloggers will do more harm than good
In the last few years, the country has recorded significant backsliding with regards to freedom of expression as well as overall political freedoms.
Writer suffers threats and intimidation in Mozambique after book publication
The author revealed that he was being threatened anonymously by people who thought that a book with such a title should not be released.
Morocco's Amazigh pursue civic presence through linguistic rights
Respecting the linguistic rights of the Amazigh people promotes social integration and allows speakers to freely express their culture and identity, which results in increased civic engagement.
Cambodia: Problematic laws and restrictions on information are threatening digital rights
As internet use and digital technologies flourished in Cambodia, more people are relying on social media to access news and information and to exercise their rights to free expression.
Only Sharia-following women can engage in Kuwaiti politics
Kuwaiti activists and citizens are expressing discontent over the endorsement of a new law that seemingly aims to use religion to sideline women from politics.
Concerns in Guyana about threats against women activists
Women have been on the receiving end of death threats and other forms of intimidation for speaking out against mining, fossil fuel extraction and sexual violence.
Museveni challenges World Bank's decision on loan suspension over anti-LGBTQ+ law in Uganda
"Uganda's defiance in the face of international pressure over this law reveals the complexities of balancing national sovereignty with global human rights standards."
Ahead of election, Pakistan introduces new laws to stifle dissent
On August 9, 2023, the Pakistan National Assembly was dissolved to pave way for the upcoming election and dozens of bills were hurriedly passed that limit civil liberties and stifle dissent.
‘I haven't seen a tree in three years’: An Australian journalist’s prison letter from China
"I miss the sun. In my cell, sunlight shines through the window but I can stand in it for only 10 hours a year. ... Most of all, I miss my children."
Jordan's fight for online freedom of expression
Jordan's endorsement of the controversial "Cybercrime Law" fuels concerns about online freedom and data privacy. It also echoes a larger conflict between security and rights.
A new platform monitoring press freedom in Southeast Asia
Seven Southeast Asian media organizations have launched pfmsea.org, a joint platform to monitor press freedom across the region.
Serbian ruling party troll farm leak revealed identities of over 14,500 ‘bots’
Vidaković stated that he paid EUR 15,000 (approximately USD 16,540) for the list, with money collected from the Serbian diaspora.
Ethnic clashes bring Indian state Manipur to the brink of civil war
More than 180 people have died, and 400 others have been injured in the conflict between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki tribe in the Indian state of Manipur.
What is ‘soft resistance’? Hong Kong officials vow to take a hard line against it, but provide no definition
Hong Kong officials have vowed to take a hard line against “soft resistance” but failed to define the term. HKFP tracks the term's usage and quotes views from legal scholars.
Hong Kong’s homegrown security law, Article 23, is back in the spotlight
An attempt to pass the city’s own security law collapsed in 2003 under the weight of mass protests. This time, public opposition is likely to be muted.
Unfreedom Monitor: Civic Media Observatory findings report
The Unfreedom Monitor is a project to analyse, document, and report on the growing phenomenon of the use of digital communications technology to advance authoritarian practices.
How the onstage stunt of British band The 1975 caused more harm than good in Malaysia
Matty Healy, the vocalist of the British band, The 1975, opened their performance in Malaysia by ranting against the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws in a profanity-laden speech and kissing his bandmate onstage.
Why West Africa civil society organizations are urging ECOWAS to prioritize disability inclusion
Disability inclusion in Africa is not only a matter of social justice; it is imperative for sustainable development and growth.
