Stories about Censorship from July, 2020
The day Liberia shut down freedom of expression amid a mass protest
Last year, the Liberian government disrupted social media access to prevent live protest coverage and the mobilization of protesters, shutting down freedom of expression and the right to access information.
Secret trials threaten open justice in Australia
"The cases… highlight the need for strong action to ensure that any such trials are held in open court and subject to public scrutiny."
Satirical comedy skit lands four Ugandan comedians in jail
The arrest of four comedians in Ugandan for a satirical comedy skit that went viral comes at a time when the government has passed regulations controlling the creative arts industry.
Journalist's abduction raises concerns about media freedom in Pakistan
On July 21, renowned Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted in Islamabad. Though he was released about 12 hours after, fingers are being pointed at state security agencies.
Zimbabwe governance crisis: Arrests over COVID-19 corruption and planned protests
The arrest of two prominent figures in Zimbabwe signal new levels of crisis in governance as the nation heads toward unprecedented economic decline and social unrest amid COVID-19 corruption.
Solo protest in the Netherlands for the Uyghur cause: One man takes on the Chinese state
In the Netherlands, the solo protest of an Uyghur exile puts a spotlight on China's actions against Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang.
In Turkey, 2.5m students sit university entry exam despite COVID-19 outbreak
This year's exam was embroiled in controversy -- and not just because of the pandemic.
Freedom of expression in Kazakhstan still a distant prospect, says prosecuted activist
Aynur Ilyashev was prosecuted in connection with his criticism of Kazakhstan's ruling party. The country may have a new president, but thirst for real change is growing, says the activist.
Cambodia continues to block memorial activities honoring murdered political analyst Kem Ley
Four years on, the government is still ignoring calls to set up an independent commission to investigate the murder.
Sudan uprising: Sweeping reforms usher in justice and freedom
These laws show the identity of a new Sudan that recognizes rights, diversity, freedom of belief and expression.
Al Jazeera, Malaysiakini, and Code Blue news websites probed for critical reporting in Malaysia
"The government...should be working to earn the confidence and trust of voters, particularly given how it came to power this March."
Russian journalist avoids jail term for ‘justifying terrorism’ – and fears a new assault on press freedoms
While her conviction remains in force, Svetlana Prokopyeva has avoided a prison sentence. The verdict was a silver lining in a new wave of arrests and criminal cases against journalists.
Tech giants halt data requests as Hong Kong national security law casts long shadow
Local demand for circumvention tools is surging amid fears that a China-style "Great Firewall" is in the offing.
The Uyghur Meshrep: A traditional community gathering censored in China
While Uyghurs have for centuries celebrated male bonding and cultural transmission in a ritual of music and conversations, China is now banning the original concept of the tradition.
India bans TikTok, 58 other apps amid rising anti-China sentiment, border clashes
The border clashes and the stand-off between India and China reached naught after India decided to ban video-creation platform TikTok and 58 other apps due to “security issues”.
Uyghur emojis help spread message of cultural resistance over social media
Emojis representing Uyghur characters and culture are now available on the encrypted messenger platform Telegram in an effort by the Uyghur diaspora in Russian-speaking countries to raise visibility.
