Stories about Censorship from May, 2024
The latest defamation bill further tightens restrictions on free speech in Pakistan
The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Defamation Bill 2024, which aims at curbing the spread of fake news across print, electronic, and social media platforms against government officials and institutions.
Ban on children’s book ‘Same-sex Parents’ backfires down under
One online petition to reverse the ban had over 40,000 signatures, with another exceeding 10,000 signatures before the Cumberland Council overturned its ban in a decisive vote of 12 to 2.
In Russia, a journalist is detained for ‘apology’ for the Taliban
Nadezhda Kevorkova’s pro-Palestinian information and human rights activities could also have been the reason for her arrest.
Taiwan International Documentary Festival honors Myanmar filmmakers
Taipei hosted in May the 14th edition of the Taiwan Independent Documentary Festival showcasing over 200 movies with a focus on Myanmar, Ukraine, and Taiwan’s own history of documentary filmmaking.
Cairo fears a ‘boomerang effect’ of pro-Palestine protests
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi oppresses pro-Palestine protests due to his fears that speaking out about the Palestinian issue during protests might motivate the public to rally against him.
Thai youth activist charged with royal defamation dies in custody
"This is a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are harshly denying pro-democracy activists their freedom in an apparent bid to silence the peaceful expression of dissent."
Turkey joins the ranks of countries considering a foreign agent law
Turkey, is muling to adopt its own version of the foreign agent law, which has been proposed within the scope of the 9th Judicial Package.
Georgia's ruling party adopts controversial foreign agent bill despite widespread protests
As protests raged in the capital and elsewhere across the country, the ruling Georgian Dream members continued pushing the foreign agent law.
Online resistance against Nicaragua‘s ‘Peace Law’
Nicaraguan activity on social media is a beacon of resistance against the government's attempts to erase the past.
Government bid to ban ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ protest song approved by appeals court
The judges said that internet platforms are ready to accede to the government’s request if there is a court order.
Don't give me no jazz: what is happening with jazz festivals in Russia
Some projects ceased to exist after the start of the Russian war with Ukraine, while others continue to be held, albeit often dependent on local authorities and state grants
Hong Kong ranks low on global press freedom index as watchdog cites ‘unprecedented’ setbacks
Hong Kong placed 135 out of 180 countries and territories in the Reporters Without Borders' 2024 press freedom ranking. While the city's ranking is +5, its score actually has fallen -1.8 points.
With eyes on Gaza, violations against West Bank journalists multiply
Highlighting the myriad challenges confronting Palestinian journalists under Israeli occupation, now ranking sixth globally for jailed journalists, alongside Iran. These challenges encompass violence, movement restrictions, and psychological strain.
A look at South Africa’s media landscape ahead of the upcoming elections
"The country’s constitution recognises 12 languages but the most spoken languages include Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English. Media publications and broadcasts in South Africa are mostly in English and Afrikaans."
Azerbaijan, COP29 host, shows disregard for climate action and human rights
In Berlin, president Aliyev touched on recent investigations and arrests leveled against a series of independent and opposition media adding, "these investigations were lawful. Any given country must defend its laws.
