Stories about Censorship from May, 2017
Facebook ‘Mistakenly’ Censored Tiananmen Massacre Tribute
Facebook said the image “belittles, threatens or attacks a particular person, legal entity, nationality or group.” Following an uproar among Hong Kongers, the company apologised and approved the image.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Rebukes Student for Exalting Free Speech in Graduation Remarks
Foreign ministry officials are using Yang's speech to prove a recycled conspiracy about overseas Chinese students being contaminated by Western ideology.
Kazakhstan Is Preparing to Effectively Ban Political Opposition
The banning of independent candidates at presidential elections is yet another blow to hopes of a democratic future.
Egypt Ups Systematic Efforts to Silence Independent Media
In an environment of persistent conflict, free and independent media that cover events in the public interest — not in the interests of politicians — is more important than ever.
Is the Belt and Road Project the Answer to China's Economic Woes? Some Aren't So Sure.
"...the risk for bad debt is huge. While other countries can easily back down from the initiative, as the leader of the initiative, China will be the last to quit."
Lebanese Activists Disturb Talk by Politicians and Call for Better Political Representation
"We wanted to tell them: You Stink, your expiry date has passed...you stole people's rights by not allowing them to vote."
Panic Over Russian Online Suicide Game Sparks ‘Whale Hunt’ in China
Pro-government groups are waging a campaign against the game, and internet censors have predictably gone into overdrive.
Azerbaijan Blocks Independent Media (And Actually Admits it)
"This was one thing we had left and they have taken it too. May God punish them. All they think about is how to shut people up."
President Maduro Threatened This Venezuelan Journalist on Twitter, Then His Passport Was Suddenly Declared “Invalid”
César Miguel Rondón was detained at the airport, and his whole family's passports were declared invalid.
Iran Elections 2017: Hassan Rouhani Ran on Openness. But What Did He Actually Achieve?
Hassan Rouhani has been both the candidate and President of "hope and moderation" for Iranians. Article 19's report assesses how this has had an affect on freedoms online.
The Russian State Media: Champion of Internet Freedom. (From Now On.)
With millions of Ukrainians now at risk of losing their beloved online services, Russia's state media did what it often does in unexpected geopolitical situations: it suddenly changed sides.
Activists Say Azerbaijan’s Media Is Spreading Fear and Hate of Queer People
"Sometimes journalists forget their power, and mislead people with their unprofessional manners."
Bangladesh: Where Heavy Metal Dies at the Doorstep
Heavy metal fans in Bangladesh were heartbroken after Brazilian death metal bands Krisiun and NervoChaos were forbidden from performing at their sold-out concert in the capital Dhaka.
Everybody Is Hailing Billboard-Topping Musician Teddy Afro, Except Ethiopian State Media
State broadcaster EBC failed to air an eagerly awaited interview with a beloved artist known for his political independence.
Thailand Threatens to Take Facebook to Court Over Anti-Monarchy Posts
Tha Thailand government has given Facebook until Tuesday, May 16, 2017, to remove the 131 remaining 'anti-monarchy' posts.
Netizen Report: Draft Laws in Egypt Could Lock Down Social Media
As Egypt's parliament pushes to further restrict expression, Turkey blocks Wikipedia, Russia blocks WeChat, and the UK can't seem to stop snooping.
Singer Teddy Afro's New Album Holds Fast to His Vision of a Diverse, Yet United Ethiopia
Known as the Bob Marley of Ethiopia, some claim that Teddy Afro’s songs represent a defeated ideology -- but his albums are generating record sales.
WeChat? Not in Russia You Don't.
Last week, Russia’s federal censor blocked WeChat, China’s largest mobile messaging app. According to Russia’s media censor, Roskomnadzor, WeChat failed to register with the federal government.
Draft Law Would Require Egyptian Social Media Users to Register With Government
Users who do not register could face up to six months in jail and a fine.
Omani Authorities Block Access to Online Magazine Mowatin
The independent magazine was blocked by Oman authorities on World Press Freedom Day, hours after resuming publication.
Wanna Share News on Social Media? With China's New Rules, You'll Need a Permit For That.
"It is like asking us to uninstall all the communication tools or else whenever you speak, you could violate the law."