Stories about Citizen Media from February, 2021
Bloggers, journalists and creatives in the crosshairs of the Belarusian state
As the space for free expression in Belarus narrows, many journalists and artists who covered the protests are awaiting trial.
Trinidad & Tobago's problem with gender-based violence
Since the murder of Andrea Bharatt, parliament has passed the Evidence Bill and approved the use of pepper spray for self-defence, but are these measures really addressing the core issue?
Mozambique’s President pardons young men who insulted him in viral video
One of the men was even arrested, and the case was widely discussed on social media.
Updating Uyghur: The power of online discussions for language preservation
Though spoken by over 10 million people, the Uyghur language is struggling to adapt to modern life and overcome heavy censorship and language elimination in China
Facebook draws furious response for blocking news stories in Australia
"You know Facebook... Our little thumb has the ultimate power... It’s pretty easy to just #DeleteFacebook."
Algerian activist Rachid Nekkaz's failing health raises calls for his release
Two years after Algeria's Hirak Movement, calls are being made to free from prison a man who is associated with it, and who has been in jail without trial since 2019.
Barbadian pop superstar Rihanna gets flak for wearing pendant of Hindu god in lingerie post
While some social media users felt the photo was disrespectful and tone deaf, others thought the controversy was much ado about nothing.
In unrecognized Transnistria, a retiree faces criminal charges for ‘anti-Russian’ rhetoric
A 70-year-old Transnistria citizen faces a five-year prison term for critical statements about Russian peacekeeping forces in the breakaway Moldova region.
How a social media group is helping to improve railway service in Bangladesh
Some 'fans' are using a Facebook Group to share information, respond to queries, and give suggestions for how to improve the service of the Bangladesh Railway.
Arrest of Indian climate activist Disha Ravi over protest ‘toolkit’ draws backlash
'Editing a Google Doc in support of farmers is an act of sedition in this country now,' a writer said.
President Jovenel Moïse always seems to land on his feet, but what about Haiti?
While political opponents and protesters pressure Jovenel Moïse to vacate office, who holds the key to solve Haiti's uninterrupted crisis?
Freedom of expression in a downward spiral in Southern Africa, says new study
Outdated laws, exorbitant fees, and stifling of dissent have ramped up violations to the right of free expression in Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Turkey reins in social media—one platform at a time
The new social media law sets up a series of restrictions that will have a lasting impact on digital rights and freedom of expression in Turkey.
Three climbers go missing during winter attempt to scale K2 summit in Pakistan
Though chances of their survival are slim, the families of three missing mountaineers have been hoping for a miracle.
WATCH: A conversation with Jillian C. York on her upcoming book “Silicon Values”
Missed the live-stream of the Global Voices Insights conversation with writer and activist Jillian C. York? Here's a replay.
Lost and found: The struggle to preserve Nepal's linguistic heritage
Parents insist on proficiency in Nepali or English in school to ensure good job prospects for their children; at least 24 indigenous languages in Nepal have become ‘endangered.’
Alexey Navalny's views on migrants run counter to his pro-democracy discourse
Alexey Navalny has emerged as a rallying figure for liberal Russians and a symbol of Russian opposition, but his image among Central Asians – including Russia's migrant workers – is more contentious.
China blocks Clubhouse after netizens discuss Xinjiang and Tiananmen
For a brief moment in time, Clubhouse cracked the Great Firewall.
Indian farmers’ protests: Twitter withholds, then restores, prominent accounts by government order
Twitter restored the accounts after concluding they were "speech and newsworthy," a decision the Indian government decried: "Twitter cannot assume the role of a court and justify non-compliance."
El Salvador project illustrates the ‘invisible’ African roots of common Latin American words
To celebrate 'Salvadoran Afro-Descendant Month,' we illustrated some of the many words of African origin in the Spanish of El Salvador.
Public pressure helps halt the felling of hundred-year-old rubber trees in Guyana
'Development with consideration for heritage is still development.'