Stories about Digital Activism from May, 2017
Online Trolls Attack Critics of India's Aadhaar State ID System
Critics of the Aadhaar biometric ID system are being criticized by state agencies and trolled by anonymous handles on Twitter.
Police Threaten Maldivian Bloggers Abroad With Arrest Over Twitter
Four independent Maldivian bloggers and activists living overseas have been issued arrest warrants by police over the past week. Apparently, they were targeted because they promote secularism or secularists.
Plagiarism Scandal Involving the Minister of Science and Education Still Stirs Croatia
A group of academics, supported by over 11 thousand signatories of an online petition, keep demanding the removal of plagiarists from high-ranking public office in Croatia.
Egypt Ups Systematic Efforts to Silence Independent Media
In an environment of persistent conflict, free and independent media that cover events in the public interest — not in the interests of politicians — is more important than ever.
Ethiopian Protester Sentenced to Six Years Behind Bars for Facebook Posts
The 30-year-old activist has been an outspoken opponent of government’s violent response to the popular protest movement. And he is not alone.
In India, Medical Treatment and Justice Remain Elusive for One Survivor of Domestic Violence
“Her in-laws demanded 50,000 rupees. I couldn’t afford it. So her husband attacked her,” Rajvati's father said. Rajvati herself cannot speak because her larynx was left severed.
Kaqchikel and Other Guatemalan Languages Gain Momentum Online Thanks to Digital Activism
The Digital Activism Meeting for Indigenous Languages took place in Guatemala and brought together important initiatives for the visibility and strengthening of Mayan languages through technology.
The Election of Dr. Tedros as WHO Director-General Isn't Exactly Uniting Ethiopians
"You won a free election, congratulations. Now, why don't you try that here in #Ethiopia?!"
Mumbai Technologists Are Using TV Spectrum to Bring More Internet Access to India
Poor Internet infrastructure leaves the vast majority of Indians limited to mobile Internet only, making it difficult to engage deeply with Internet technology.
‘Cyber Warrior’ Group Threatens to Extort Indian Women on Facebook
Threats of character assassination and extortion can carry severe real-life consequences, especially for women.
Netizen Report: Chelsea Manning and the Power of Transparency
This week, Chelsea Manning was finally released from prison, Ukraine censored Russian web platforms and Thailand threatened legal action against Facebook.
Cybercrime Charges Against Jamaica's Tambourine Army Founder Dropped
Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions has dropped all three charges against activist La Toya Nugent, under the country's Cybercrimes Act.
Iran Elections 2017: Hassan Rouhani Ran on Openness. But What Did He Actually Achieve?
Hassan Rouhani has been both the candidate and President of "hope and moderation" for Iranians. Article 19's report assesses how this has had an affect on freedoms online.
As WHO Director-General Election Nears, Ethiopia’s Candidate Is Accused of Cholera Cover-Ups
"Finally! The @NYTimes calls out @WHO DG candidate @DrTedros for covering up cholera epidemic using the euphemism of Acute Water Diarrhea."
A Global Call for Justice Unites Artists in Guatemala
It's been two months since 41 girls burned to death in a fire at a state-run home for children. But Guatemalan authorities have been slow to act.
Bangladesh's LGBT Community Launches a Blog Commemorating Slain Activists
"How can I live in this country, where if I were to be killed people would rejoice over a cup of tea that there is one less LGBT person?"
Diversity, Interrupted: Anti-Gay Crusades Mar Ukraine’s Tolerant Facade
As this year’s Eurovision Song Contest enters its final weekend, a half-painted rainbow arch meant to symbolize the event’s slogan, “Celebrate Diversity,” hovers ominously over the center of Kyiv.
Netizen Report: Draft Laws in Egypt Could Lock Down Social Media
As Egypt's parliament pushes to further restrict expression, Turkey blocks Wikipedia, Russia blocks WeChat, and the UK can't seem to stop snooping.
Pakistanis Are Outraged Over a Washing Machine Ad That Makes Light of Domestic Violence
"Disgusting ad....giving concept that a man should be proud among his friends on beating his wife"
A Femicide in Mexico Prompts Women to Imagine ‘If They Killed Me’
"If they kill me, they will slander and criminalize me. It will be for something that I did or did not do, it does not matter."
Tunisian Media Activist Interrogated Over Sources of Leaked Documents
Sami Ben Gharbia is a significant figure in independent media and digital human rights activism in Tunisia and the Arab region.
