Stories about Digital Activism from February, 2015
In Putin's Russia, a Retweet Can Lead to a Jail Term
Even a retweet of an image or a republished post may cost Russian citizens unfettered access to the Internet—and often, their freedom.
RuNet Watchdog ‘Baffled’ by Twitter's Refusal to Block Kremlin's Opponents
Alexandr Zharov, head of Roscomnadzor, told journalists that Twitter "has consistently refused to adhere to the demands of Russian legislation, including those aimed at combatting extremism."
Spain's Alternative Political Parties Are Fluent in Internet
New political parties planning to run in Spain's next elections are taking full advantage of digital tools to reach voters. Headliner Podemos got its start thanks to a crowdfunding campaign.
Explore Bangladesh From Your Computer, Thanks to Google Street View
Bangladesh's Google Street View launched February 5. One Facebook user posted his amusement at seeing his lungi, a sarong-type cloth, appear in the image (it was hanging from his balcony).
Bombshell Election Rigging Allegations Make #EkitiGate a Trending Topic in Nigeria
#EkitiGate is the name given to a scandal involving audio recordings purported to show how some politicians and soldiers rigged the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Ukraine Arrests Journalist on Treason Charges for Calls to Boycott Mobilization
Ukrainian journalist Ruslan Kotsaba called for boycotting the latest wave of military mobilization in Ukraine—and now faces treason charges. Is he really a traitor? Internet opinion is divided.
#FreeSavchenko: Ukranian Pilot's Hunger Strike in Russian Prison Hits Ninth Week
International campaigns for the release of Nadiya Savchenko continue. Russian authorities don't seem to have plans to release her. Neither does Savchenko have plans to end her hunger strike.
Roll Call to Never Forget the Missing Ayotzinapa Students
Since the disappearance of the 43 students from Ayotzinapa, a group of citizens has decided to prevent the case from being forgotten by conducting a roll call of the students' names every day at 11pm Mexico time.
‘We Need to Be Careful Even of What We Think': Self-Censorship in Venezuela
"Since the start of the protests, I had been mapping online censorship and helping people use encrypted communication tools. When the police came, I got up, scared to the bone."
Macedonians Plan to Use Freedom of Information Act to Fight New Freelance Law
Some part-time and freelance workers were blocked from getting paid in January under the new tax and fee regulations. Protesters want to expose the government's bureaucratic inefficiency.
Serbia's Prime Minister Drags Investigative Journalists Through the Mud Over Corruption Article
After an in-depth investigative piece about a murky public procurement was published, Serbian PM Vučić and pro-government media have launched a negative campaign against an investigative journalist network in Serbia.
Filipinos Ask ‘Where Is the President?’ After He Skips Arrival Honors for Slain Police
Forty-four policemen died in a special operation to capture the alleged mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings. President Aquino attended a car event instead of the arrival honors.
Who Do We Lose With Internet Censorship and Control?
"Through Internet censorship and control we lose an ability to be our own secret human – the one we are when nobody is around."
Mumbai Newspaper Editor Fired, Arrested for Republishing Charlie Hebdo Cartoon
Shirin Dalvi is accused of hurting religious sentiments. She says printing the cartoon was an honest mistake, but that no one is listening to her side of the story.
The Macedonian Government Clamps Down on Filming Protests With Drones
Drone-made videos and photos were instrumental in demonstrating the size of a recent massive student protest, which has been called the largest student protest in Macedonia since independence.
In Defiance of Ebola Rumors, Support for The National Team at 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Spreads to Guinean Social Networks
The current trend in social media in Guinea is posting a selfie on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the team's merchandise (shirt, wristband, cap, etc.)
Global Voices’ Joey Ayoub: ‘Providing the Context Is Key in Trying to Convey Empathy’ With Gaza
"It takes so much more effort to understand the injustice when context is not easily accessible. And it takes even more effort to try to fight this system from within"
