Stories about Freedom of Speech from June, 2016
A Toxic Mix of Violent Activism and Police Repression Wreaks Havoc in Mexico's Oaxaca
In a complex and confusing confrontation, teachers disturb the peace in Oaxaca and the government reacts violently.
Belarusians Get Naked and Get to Work. (President's Orders.)
Belarusian Internet users have been taking off their clothes in the workplace, after President Lukashenka's video address went viral.
Macedonian Youth Speak Out About Freedom of Expression Through Mini-Videos
"The important thing for the youth to understand is that you do not let them mute you, no matter what."
Tanzanian Prosecuted for ‘Insulting’ the President on WhatsApp
Mulokozi is the latest victim of Tanzania's relatively new Cybercrime Law, which attempts to address issues such as child pornography, cyberbullying, online impersonation, and the publication of false information.
Netizen Report: Russian Authorities Step Up Information Controls in the Name of National Security
A Global Voices author is assaulted in Indonesia, Tanzania continues to prosecute social media users under the Cybercrime Act, and Singapore pulls plug on Internet access for public employees.
Russian Activists and Industry Speak Out Against New Draconian ‘Anti-Terrorist’ Laws
The new comprehensive amendments threaten Russian Internet users' privacy and anonymity by cracking down on encryption and beefing up surveillance measures.
‘Well Done Baku'?: Azerbaijan's F1 Forray Leaves Inequality Firmly in the Driving Seat
"While taxpayers ultimately foot the bill for this, two privileged citizens have been massively enriched by the games: the president’s daughters."
India's LGBTQ Community Accuses Prime Minister of Hypocrisy Over His ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ for Orlando
"Your 110 character tweet was missing five important characters. Five characters that would reveal a truth that your government is refusing to acknowledge-LGBTQ’!"
National Bank of Kenya Takes Blogger to Court for “Defamatory” Blog Posts
The bank took Cyprian Nyakundi to court following a series of critical stories. Nyakundi calls himself a "Kenyan-based blogger who has an interest in politics, governance, corporate-fraud and human-interest stories."
Protests Around the World Demand Justice for Angolan Activists, Imprisoned One Year Ago
"Because we need everyone who wants to help build a better Angola to be free to do it, because demonstrations are not war..."
Russia Mulls A ‘National Big Data Operator’ to Control Internet User Data
Russian officials are considering the creation of a "national big data operator" that would control how Russian Internet users' data is being used, stored and protected.
Russian State Censor Can Now Un-Delegate Website Domain Names Extrajudicially
The Russian state Internet regulator, Roscomnadzor, has been grated the power to un-delegate domain names for websites found to host child pornography without a court order.
Hong Kong Bookseller Says He Was Forced to Confess on TV During Eight-Month Detention in China
"This is not just my personal matter or Causeway Bay Books, this is about the human rights of Hong Kong people."
World Refugee Day: Fear of Arrest Drives Journalists Into Exile
"I was paralyzed by the idea of exile. This is the first time I had decided to flee the country without knowing exactly when I would return."
Blood on Campus: How the Killing of a Student Sparked Nationwide Protests in Sudan
Sudan has a long tradition of student protest, but the government appears bent on suppressing the latest wave, triggered by the killing of a student from the contested Nuba region.
Indian Court Condemns Film Board for ‘Censoring’ Movie on Drug Abuse
With numerous instances of censorship and bans targeting ‘freedom of expression’, Indian filmmakers are up in arms in an attempt to see this Bollywood film released soon without major cuts.
Tanzanian Man Could Face Three Years’ Jailtime for “Insulting” the President on Facebook
The case falls against a backdrop of Tanzania's Cybercrime Law, passed in 2015, which critics say gives too much power -- without meaningful oversight -- to police.
Hungarian Think Tank Finds Suspicious Device in Office, Raising Fears of State Surveillance
Ekint had searched their office after the head of the prime minister's office claimed Hungarian-American businessman George Soros is manipulating the country's politics through organizations funded by him.
No Country for Gags? Politicians Go After Indian Comedian Over Snapchat Video
Indian right-wing political parties armed with police complaints have threatened comedian Tanmay Bhat for posting a parody video on two prominent Indian celebrities.
In Venezuela, Electrical Shortages Limit Basic Communication — and Free Expression
The internet access speed in Venezuela has been called "the slowest line in Latin America."
Russian Blogger Arrested After Helping US Journalists Report on Olympic Real Estate in Sochi
A Russian blogger has been arrested after working with an HBO film crew to report on the real estate situation in the wake of the Sochi Olympics.
