Stories about Censorship from April, 2016
South Sudan Is a Dangerous Place to Work as a Journalist
"South Sudan: 7 journalists killed in 2015. No killers brought to justice. No explanation from government."
Imprisoned Iranian Cartoonist Hadi Heidari Goes Free
"By the grace of God, I was released from Evin Prison tonight after serving time. Thank you all for the kindness," Hadi Heidari wrote on Instagram.
Russian Prosecutor General Accuses ‘Right Sector’ of Using Social Media to Overthrow the Kremlin
The Russian Prosecutor General claims that Ukrainian nationalist group "Right Sector" used the Russian social network VKontakte to organize "mass riots and unsanctioned public events."
Iranian Cartoonist Atena Farghadani's Prison Sentence Reduced From 12 Years to 18 Months
"To my cartooning colleagues around the world: let's keep watching and speaking out for Atena Farghadani."
Azerbaijan's Hunger Games: Independent Media on the Brink
"We declare yet again, by opening this absurd criminal investigation the government of Azerbaijan is creating barriers to freedom of speech, and journalism activity."
The Week That Was at Global Voices Podcast: Priorities, Anyone?
This week we take you to China, Mexico, Jamaica, Macedonia and Uganda, where we speak to Prudence Nyamishana who tells us why Ugandans are peeved at their government's priorities.
Iranian Journalist Omid Memarian: ‘Turning Explosive Anger Into Something Constructive Is an Art’
"In Iran, you don’t need to go after the authorities to get into trouble. By merely following the common sense line and raising simple questions you could be targeted."
Maybe You Shouldn't Be Laughing at the Viral Video of a Chinese Toddler Defending His Grandma
"If your family is humiliated and bullied, wouldn't you stand up to help them? I don't understanding what you are laughing at."
Tanzania's Cybercrime Act Makes It Dangerous to “Insult” the President on Facebook
Tanzanian netizen Isaac Habakuk Emily is accused of posting a controversial Facebook message "insulting" the president of Tanzania.
LGBT Activists Arrested at Bengali New Year March, Later Released
Police held five persons for reportedly suspicious behaviour, alleging that they were trying to initiate a "gay rally".
A Breakdown of the Current Version of Brazil's Cybercrimes Bill
Following criticism, the Commission made some changes to the most controversial elements of the legislation. But a battle still lies ahead.
Under Brazil's Cybercrime Bill, Social Media Sites Could Become ‘Permanent Agents of Vigilance’
"If somebody insults a politicians on a social media platform, the platform will be obligated to remove the content in a maximum of 48 hours."
Iranian Blogger Struggles for Health and Freedom After 18 Days on Hunger Strike
Anti-censorship activist and blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki has been on hunger strike since March 26, and his health is deteriorating rapidly.
The Naked Truth About Censorship In Uzbekistan
"All that is left is for her to act in a porn movie and disgrace her nation in front of the world. This girl is a shame to the nation."
Russian Censors Have New Advice for Media Outlets On How to Cover Suicide
Roscomnadzor's advice to Russian media outlets reporting on instances of suicide is based on recommendations from the WHO, but needs "more work" to be in line with the Russian legislation.
In Kenya, Banned Music Video Celebrating Same-Sex Love Stays on YouTube
The Kenya Film Classification Board has banned the video arguing that "it does not adhere to the morals of the country."
Wanna Reach the Chinese Internet Market? Time to Register Your Domain in China.
New rules will require leading foreign companies including Microsoft and Apple to register their sites' domain names with local DNS providers in order to remain accessible in China.
Chinese Censors Erase #PanamaPapers Evidence From Web
The leaked files reveal offshore companies linked to China's top leader, who has vowed to fight "armies of corruption". But most mainland Chinese haven't even heard about them.
Macedonia's Academy of Arts and Sciences Pulls Its Public Debt Clock Following Political Pressure
The issue of public debt in Macedonia, one of Europe's poorest countries, is a touchy one.
Zambian Deputy Minister Attacks Bank Employee Over Facebook Comment
The Deputy Minister’s visit reportedly was marked with obnoxious name calling, threats and shouts that shocked clients and security personnel at the bank.
Posting Photos of Red Bowls on Facebook Is Now Deemed Seditious by the Thai Junta
"The Thai junta’s fears of a red plastic bowl show its intolerance of dissent has reached the point of absolute absurdity."