· September, 2010

Stories about Freedom of Speech from September, 2010

Russia: Landscape and Trends of Online Transparency Initiatives

RuNet Echo

Alexey Sidorenko analyzes the five main groups of the Russian transparency projects: official and semi-official transparency websites; chaotic transparency communities; online representation of civil activism NGOs; next-generation transparency and civil rights activism social networks; and Ushahidi-based projects.

30 September 2010

Russia: “Web of Justice”

RuNet Echo

The Russian Internet is presented, especially in some Western media, as being one of the few democratic forums in the country. However, these reports should be taken with a grain of salt, as it is still unclear just how much of Internet freedom the government is willing to tolerate.

29 September 2010

Trinidad & Tobago: MATT's Role

“I know in a democracy it is only right for everyone to have their say. Even in criticising you, MATT. But when the criticism becomes mere target practice, it’s time...

28 September 2010

Iran: The Art and Design of the ‘Green Movement’

“Where is my Vote” is an exhibition of 150 political posters for the Green Movement in Iran that was on display at the School of Visual Arts in New York by graphic artists from around the world in support of the protests in Iran that followed the 2009 presidential election.

28 September 2010

China: Uncensored District Government Website

ESWN translated a news story on a grassroots government website in Xindu district of Chengdu city. The district government website does not censor away abusive comments, on the other hand,...

28 September 2010

Guyana: Leadership Style

“Envisage a country vibrant in idea exchanges and energetic businesses unafraid of political repercussions”: The Guyana Groove says that her homeland “could be a fully vibrant and thriving nation, but...

27 September 2010

China: Tibetan writer awaiting trial

An update in the case of imprisoned writer Tagyal and the latest hit single from hip-hop group Green Dragon are among the stories in Dechen Pamba's roundup of the Tibetan...

27 September 2010

Saudi Arabia: Licence to Blog!

Saudi Arabia first announced plans to have all web publishers and online media, including blogs and forums, to be registered with the government. The following day, it backed down following a storm of protests, saying that only electronic newspapers were expected to register. Saudi netizens have their say.

26 September 2010

Nobel Peace Prize should go to Liu Xiaobo

Xu Youyu, philosopher and professor with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, wrote an open letter (English translation here) to call for international support for this year's Nobel Peace Prize...

25 September 2010

Anti-censorship webmaster arrested in Thailand

The webmaster of an independent online journal in Thailand was arrested at Bangkok airport today on charges of insulting the monarchy. Local mainstream media has been quiet about the issue but twitterers are providing information and other updates which help sustain the campaign to demand the freedom of the arrested activist

24 September 2010