Stories about Freedom of Speech from November, 2013
VIDEOS: Ukraine's Police Brutally Beat #Euromaidan Protesters to “Clear” Square
In citizen photos and videos, police are seen beating protesters with batons, chasing unarmed protesters, and even kicking protesters that fall trying to escape.
Impunity: The Biggest Threat to Freedom of Expression in Latin America
In the last 20 years, 670 journalists have been killed in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to delegates from the IFEX-ACL alliance, which recently presented their Annual Report on Impunity 2013: “Faces and Traces of Freedom of Expression in Latin America and the Caribbean.” The crimes — most of which remain unsolved —...
Spanish Police Attempt Dead-of-Night Shutdown of Valencia Public Broadcaster
The Valencian government, belonging to the conservative People's Party, has sent the police at 3 a.m. to shut down the regional public broadcaster Ràdio Televisió Valenciana (RTVV) [ca]. Since the government announced the decision to shut the broadcaster down on November 5, the journalists have been running both the radio...
Egyptian Activist Alaa Abd El Fattah Arrested — Again
Prominent Egyptian blogger and activist Alaa Abd El Fattah was arrested in Cairo late Thursday night. Supporters suspect the arrest took place under Egypt's new anti-protest law.
Brazilian Athletes Go on Offensive for a ‘Better Football’
For the first time, a group of professional Brazilian football players are challenging the Brazilian Federation of Football (CBF) on players' rights without intermediaries.
South Korea Retaliates Against Outspoken Catholic Priest with ‘Pro-North’ Accusations
A Catholic priest vocal in his criticism against South Korea's president over her government's electioneering scandal has been branded a 'pro-North Korea sympathizer' and is under investigation.
Egyptian Activists Arrested Under New Anti-Protest Law
Eighty-nine activists who are part of the No Military Trial campaign have been arrested by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior following new anti-protest law issued by interim president Adly Mansour.
Chinese Local Media Silent on Deadly Qingdao Explosion
"Censorship will always exist, but the media's real strength of character can always find a way to show its courage and conscience."
Indonesia-Australia Diplomatic Tension Escalates Over Wiretapping
A diplomatic row erupted between Australia and Indonesia after a document leaked by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed that Australia has been conducting spying operations against some Indonesian leaders
Brazilian Activists Meet in Free Media Week in Rio de Janeiro
A series of debates and workshops dedicated to the democratization of the media, digital radio, cryptography and surveillance, among other digital activism issues, starts tomorrow, November 26, in Rio de Janeiro. The Semana de Mídias Livres (Free Media Week) [pt] gathers three events in one until November 30: the second international conference Spectrum,...
Story of a Democratic Blackout: Valencia's Public Television Shuts Down (Part 2)
In this second and final part of a series, we discuss the reactions and consequences on the shutdown of public television in Valencia, Spain.
Iran: Jailed Blogger Needs Urgent Medical Care
Jailed blogger,Hossein Ronaghi Maleki needs urgent medical care.He was sentenced to 15 years of prison. Laleh tweeted Jailed activist Hossein Ronaghi in very poor health w/ swollen kidneys-(one non-functioning), bladder & prostate disease #Iran #Iranelection — Lalehلاله (@Lalehsr) November 25, 2013
Is South Korea Encouraging Portal Sites to Self-Censor?
The South Korean government has announced plans to allow large portal sites to censor or delete user comments that are deemed libelous or slanderous.
VIDEO: Fighting Pakistan's YouTube Ban, One Hug at a Time
A YouTube mascot roams Karachi in protest of Pakistan's ban of the video-sharing website in a recently released clip. "If you want me back, hug me," the mascot says.
Protesters, Journalists Speak Out Against Japan's National Secrecy Bill
The controversial bill seeks to impose tougher penalties for leaking Japan's national secrets, but critics fear it could curtail freedom of the press and the right to information.
Story of a Democratic Blackout: Valencia's Public Television Shuts Down (Part 1)
The announcement by the Valencian government on the afternoon of November 5 fell like a bucket of cold water among television and public radio workers in Valencia, Spain.
Iran:Eight Netizens got Arrested
Iranian authorities announced that eight netizens including one woman were arrested in Rafsanjan,in Kerman Province, on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities and values”.
Egyptian Satirist Bassem Youssef Terminates his TV Contract
Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef has decided to terminate his contract with the program's host channel, CBC. The saga continues after the popular show was taken off air.
Egypt: Mohamed Mahmoud Won't Be Forgotten
Back in November 2011, violent clashes erupted in Mohamed Mahmoud Street, in Cairo. Protests erupt two years later in remembrance
Waiting for Freedom of the Press in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has been rated as having the least media freedom in the EU. During a time of political turmoil in the country, Bulgarians are turning to new media tools.
Polish Right-Wing Nationalists Hijack Country's Independence Day
Poland's National Independence Day, traditionally celebrated on November 11, ended in violence this year during a march organized by a nationalist movement. Police detained around a dozen individuals.
