Stories about Censorship from October, 2015
Netizens Think the Controversial Confucius Peace Prize Is Suspiciously Convenient for Chinese Authorities
The Chinese government isn't associated with the prize, which was awarded this year to Zimbabwe's President Mugabe. But that hasn't stopped censorship of critical comments or the communist party's cheerleading.
Iranian Student Held Without Charge, Pressured to Make False Confession
"Judicial officials...should not arrest youths and pass heavy judgments against them every time they criticize. My son should be sitting in class and studying right now.”
Netizen Report: US Tech Companies Grapple with EU Data Rules in a Post-Snowden World
Ukraine rolls out Russian-style Internet blacklist, Cuba releases artist-blogger "El Sexto" after 10 months in prison, and Bahrain jails Zainab Al-Khawaja for insulting the king.
Russian Lawmakers Reportedly Consider Adding ISIS to List of ‘Undesirable’ NGOs
Senators are reportedly preparing new additions to their NGO “stop-list,” seeking a ban on several new groups, including the already-outlawed extremist group ISIS.
Fans Step Up After Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei Hits Brick Wall With Lego
"No Lego on my Christmas-Burthday shopping list @LEGO_Group. Not supporting Ai Wei Wei @aiww is very disappointing"
‘Our Detention Tells a Broader Story About Our Country': Reflections From Ethiopia's Zone9 Bloggers
"To our incarcerators who gave us those ordeals, even if you are not asking us for forgiveness, here we are."
The Dark Historical Context Surrounding Chinese President Xi's Arts Speech
"Wang Shiwei told the truth and got himself killed. Then telling lies becomes a trend. Today, lie have replaced everything else."
Ukraine's New Banned Websites Registry: Security Measure or Censorship Tool?
Ukraine's new cyberpolice say they want to protect Ukrainians online, but a banned websites registry is causing Internet users to worry about adverse effects on free expression.
Netizen Report: Uganda Vows to Step Up Online Censorship
Free speech is under fire in East Africa: Two Facebook users have been charged under Tanzania's new cybercrime law, while new social media regs are on the horizon in Uganda.
Two Tanzanians Accused of Posting ‘False Information’ Face Charges Under New Cybercrime Law
According to the state, both men have violated Section 16 of Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits "publication of false information." Little more is currently known about their cases.
Iranians React to the New Iranian-American Twitter Chairman
Twitter announces it's new executive chairman to be an Iranian-American. We take a look at what Iranian news and social media have been saying in reaction.
This is How Ecuador Takes Action on the Cotopaxi Volcano Emergency
Ecuador President Correa has declared a state of emergency after an active volcano erupted south of Quito. This allows the state to use relief funds, but also permits media censorship.
Netizen Report: #TakeBacktheTech Campaign Stands Up to Online Misogyny (and Misinformation)
Trolls attack open Internet advocates, Egypt books a Facebook user for putting Mickey Mouse ears on President Sisi, and a Myanmar activist goes to trial for mocking the military wardrobe.
Myanmar Activist Faces 5 Years in Jail for Facebook Post Mocking Army Uniform
The Facebook post compared the color of the army's new uniform to a traditional dress worn by opposition leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
Egyptian Facebook User Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Putting Mickey Mouse Ears on Sisi
Egyptian Facebook user Amr Nohan has been sentenced to three years in prison by a military court for adding Mickey Mouse ears to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's image.
At Least 86 Killed in Explosions at Ankara Peace Rally
The October 10 attack was the biggest in Turkey's history, carried out as the country prepares for a November 1 election that appears increasingly unfeasible.
Belarus Catches Up to Russia With Its Own Pro-government ‘Troll Factory’
Leaked emails published on ElectBy suggest pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union directs its local chapters to leave negative comments on articles about recent opposition rallies.
Angolan Activist's Health in Danger After Nearly Three Weeks of Hunger Strike in Prison
Luaty Beirao, reportedly in critical condition, was arrested in June with 14 others on accusations of plotting a coup. He and the others maintain they were merely discussing peaceful protest.
Rethinking Criticisms Levelled at Iran's Supreme Council of Cyberspace
In a follow up to the ICHRI piece, Small Media reacts to that report, with their own observations on the recent changes to Iran's Internet policy.
Stopped and Frisked by Facebook: ‘Real Name’ Policy Puts Speech Before Privacy
Facebook has a long way to go before they can fully appreciate the responsibility they carry when they decide to dictate what and who is "real" in the world.
Netizen Report: Is Egypt Blocking Voice Calls on WhatsApp and Skype?
Lebanon arrests two over Facebook posts, Venezuela blocks Bitcoin sites in crusade against foreign currency, and the EU takes 'Safe Harbor' away from US tech companies.
