Stories about Censorship from February, 2024
An overview of the media landscape in Tanzania
Reporters Without Borders notes that many media outlets are either owned by politicians or influenced by them, compromising editorial independence and leading to biased coverage.
‘Am Abgrund’: The story of Azerbaijan's influence in Europe
The movie, which exposes corruption both within Azerbaijan and in numerous European countries, comes at a time of deteriorating ties between Azerbaijan and the West.
Why journalists are worried about the five new offences proposed in Hong Kong’s domestic national security law
Foreign public broadcasters and media organizations that receive direct or indirect governmental funding, their employees and other collaborating third parties, may be classified as "external forces."
Silenced voices: The X and VPN ban after Pakistan’s elections
During the political uncertainty following the elections, the voices of Pakistani citizens have been stifled through Twitter and VPN bans.
A veteran Hong Kong journalist’s choice to coexist with censorship
"My only belief is that it is better to have one more voice than one less and that having one more reporter is better than one less."
New domestic security law may affect regular news reporting, says Hong Kong press group
The Journalist Association recommended the authorities to narrow the definition of offences by proving the intention of the offenders to undermine national security and that their acts cause actual damages.
‘Dirty Vote’ documentary on alleged election fraud goes viral in Indonesia
The documentary suggested Indonesia's current president, Joko Widodo (nicknamed "Jokowi") used his position to support the candidacy of his defense minister, Prabowo Subianto, who has sparked countless human rights concerns.
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently
A statement urging an end to internet shutdowns in Sudan. These shutdowns violate international law, exacerbating humanitarian crises, hindering emergency assistance, and impeding communication with loved ones.
Palestinian writer Randa Jarrar dragged out of PEN America event for protesting
Palestinian American author Randa Jarrar was forcibly removed for disrupting ceasefire opponent Mayim Bialik by reading the names of Palestinian writers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Presidential election in Azerbaijan show old habits die hard
This election was business as usual in Azerbaijan with manipulation and violations, including carousel voting, ballot stuffing, and aggressive behavior toward independent observers and journalists throughout the day.
The Baku Connection: Journalists across the world unite to support Azerbaijan's Abzas Media
Some 40 journalists from 15 media outlets have joined the project since its launch as Abzas Media team who started the investigations, await trial in Baku.
Hundreds of thousands supported anti-war candidate in Russia but he was banned from elections
Boris Nadezhdin and Yekaterina Duntsova happened to be the main figures of the Russian elections in March 2024, although neither of them are going to be on the ballot
Azerbaijan: Competition-free vote to settle Aliyev’s grip on power
"Each round of flawed elections was a lost opportunity for Azerbaijan to step away from post-Soviet autocracy towards democracy."
A platform tries to map the reduction of artistic freedom in Brazil
The idea arose following the boycott and closure of the Queermuseu exhibition in 2017 in Porto Alegrel. On social networks, conservative groups protested against the exhibition.
The Suriname book prohibition in a global context of free expression
Suriname's book ban on corruption exposure is more than a local issue; it's a global wake-up call for the defence of free speech and press freedom against authoritarianism.
Portraits of exile: Musical resistance to oppression from Iranian singer Faravaz
Faravaz defied borders and societal norms, moving from early recognition in Iran to facing backlash, exile, and activism in Germany. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of Iranian women against oppression.
In Kazakhstan, ‘Bloody January’ is still a taboo topic
"The authorities do not need to dwell on this topic, because why would they? They killed people, tortured them — why [would they revisit this]?"