Stories about Freedom of Speech from August, 2015
Journalists Reporting in Mali Receive Death Threats From ‘Guardians of Jihad’
A militant group threatens to kill journalists working for foreign media who report on Mali.
This Ukrainian Artist Is Drawing Comics About His Imprisonment By Pro-Russian Militants in Donetsk
A Ukrainian guerrilla artist whose street art got him kidnapped and tortured by pro-Russian militants is working on a comic book to raise awareness of prisoners in occupied eastern Ukraine.
India Has a Less-Than-Rosy Track Record on Media Freedom
The government recently threatened to pull the licenses of three news channels over criticism of the execution of Yakub Menon, convicted of the 1993 Mumbai bombings.
Is Telegram's Compliance with Iran Compromising the Digital Security of Its Users?
Telegram has been complying with the Iranian government to block features, a cause for privacy concerns on a platform that boasts secure communication.
You Can Also Demand Justice for the Journalists Killed in Mexico
Writers around the world ask President Peña Nieto of Mexico to probe journalist murders. (Here's their letter) https://t.co/qAkZI5K2MR — Susana Hayward (@mediasayer) August 16, 2015 More than 500 journalists, writers, artists...
Australian National TV Airs Lewd Twitter Handle About Prime Minister
The handle, "AbbottLovesAnal," was broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Q&A program.
Think You're So Clever, Wikipedia? Russian Censors Are Blocking You Anyway
Though Wikipedia has tried to circumvent Russian censors' demands to remove content, the Kremlin seems intent on blocking the website at all costs.
Did Wikipedia Just Outsmart Russia's Internet Blacklist?
Wikipedia is trying something new in the fight against Russian censorship, and it might actually work.
Malaysia Considers Forcing News Websites to Register with Government, As Political Scandal Unfolds
"It is highly unlikely that this move is intended to achieve anything other than the shutting down of criticism."
Despite President Rouhani's Promises, Films Continue to Be Banned in Iran
Rouhani's remarks during his election campaign increased hopes that banned films would make their way to the cinemas. That hasn't been the case.
Russia Blocks Euronews ISIS Video Over ‘Extremist’ User Comment
Russian censors have blocked another YouTube video, although it did not violate any Russian laws. Instead, an offending user comment under the video caused Roscomnadzor to ban the page wholesale.
Students Push for Alcohol Prohibition in Southern India Street Protests
"The protests against the prohibition of alcohol are a great move. If Tamil Nadu government bans the sale of alcohol, it will be greatly appreciated by the general population."
Tianjin Lives Up to Its ‘City Without News’ Nickname After Deadly Blasts
Netizens were shocked that local media aired Korean dramas and cartoons in the immediate wake of the disaster, then followed up with coverage dripping with praise for local authorities.
Human Rights Protections Weaken as Tunisia Fights Terror
Despite the PM's reassurance that "people can talk or write whatever they like," authorities have been cracking down on speech.
Ethiopia's Zone9 Bloggers Head Back to Court After 15 Months Behind Bars
The Zone9ers' trial has been postponed 33 times, for reasons ranging from the banal to the bizarre. They may finally learn their fate this Wednesday, at their next court date.
Should Conspiracy Theories Enjoy Free Speech Protections?
To what extent, should conspiracy theories enjoy free speech protections? Three members of the Global Voices community share their thoughts.
Bangladesh Police Chief Tells Bloggers, ‘Don't Cross the Line’
"Those who illogically write against religion in blogs are also extremists," said a high police official.
Jason Rezaian’s Lawyer Prevented from Responding to Iranian Prosecutor’s Accusations
The court’s decision on the charges against Rezaian, which include “espionage” and “cooperation with enemy states,” is expected in a week.
HRW Research Finds Media Freedom in Western Balkans Under Serious Threat
After almost a year of research in the region and in-depth interviews with over 80 journalists, editors, and independent media owners, Human Rights Watch released a report in July 2015...
Protests as Malaysia Suspends Two Newspapers Following a Corruption Expose
"We must never forget abuses of power today. You can suspend The Edge but you can't suspend truth!"
Serbian Intelligence Agency Caught Inquiring to Purchase Surveillance Software
Serbian NGO SHARE Defense reported in July 2015 that leaked emails and files belonging to Milan-based software company Hacking Team (HT) published on Wikileaks reveal that at least one Serbian...
