Stories about Censorship from October, 2023
Decoding Chinese views on Palestine-Israel: Interview with independent journalist Vivian Wu
Global Voices interviewed US-based Chinese journalist Vivian Wu to explore how Israel's war on Gaza conflict is perceived in the Sinophone world.
Interview with Israeli-American journalist Joel Schalit: ‘Israel's government wants to put a formal end to democracy’
Global Voices interviewed Joël Schalit, co-founder of The Battleground, about Israel's war on Gaza. Schalit is an Israeli–American journalist who covers European and Middle Eastern politics, including for Israeli media.
Google denies Hong Kong police request to remove ‘seditious’ film about media tycoon Jimmy Lai from YouTube
This is the second time Google denied taking down political content. Its earlier refusal to alter protest song, 'Glory to Hong Kong,' has ended up in an injunction trial.
Vanishing memory: Commemorative plaques to victims of Soviet era disappear in Russia amid war and new repressions
Plaques commemorating victims of Stalin’s repressions are being taken down in Russian cities. News about vanishing plaques comes amid almost weekly arrests of activists for anti-regime or anti-war stances.
Civil society organizations call on tech companies to respect Palestinian digital rights in times of crisis
Tech companies must acknowledge their vital role and responsibility and adhere to business and human rights principles, along with international human rights laws, in upholding and protecting freedom of expression
Malaysian editor of banned book faces police probe for sedition
"Kean Wong’s arrest demonstrates the State’s concerted effort to suppress the public’s ability to both inform and to speak out without fear of censorship."
Is there a double standard in how foreign-funded Persian media covers the opposition?
Four experts explain why there is a double standard in how the foreign-funded big Persian media are covering the Iranian opposition, neither criticizing them nor demanding transparency.
A look into Uganda's digital services tax
Opposition members of Parliament expressed fears that the digital services tax could restrict access to social media and suppress freedom of speech, especially given the government’s unfriendly perception of digital activism.
Confessions from a Chinese censorship worker
A Chinese censorship worker discusses her workday, colleagues, and hatred for the Chinese censorship system.
Despite change in government, another Thai activist is jailed for royal defamation
"Thailand appears to be on a path toward regression, undoing the progress hoped for by millions."
Finding the space to speak: Journalism professor Francis Lee on Hong Kong’s changing media landscape
"What we can see is an ongoing negotiation through which journalists try to reconcile the pressure to self-censor with their sense of professionalism."
Discrimination against Nubians in pop culture and media
Nubians grapple with the harmful impact of stereotyping in media, causing feelings of invisibility, exclusion, and self-censorship. This in turn marginalize them and obscure their cultural contributions and expression.
Legendary singer Sherali Jo’rayev encapsulated Uzbekistan’s traditional music and poetry
His legacy endures, a reminder of the enduring spirit of artistic expression and the importance of protecting the freedom to create and perform.
In Turkey, another festival is cancelled as censorship runs rampant
In recent years, countless cultural events and concerts have been canceled in Turkey due to the ruling government's censorship and increasingly conservative views.