Stories about Freedom of Speech from July, 2016
Irom Sharmila’s Long Protest Is Over, but Military Impunity in Northeast India Continues
"The national media [...] used to show her fast, year after year. They made the story about the fast, never why she was fasting."
South Sudanese Journalists Face Increasing Threats as Political Violence Peaks
Journalists have long struggled to survive in Sudan and South Sudan, but the impact of the conflict that erupted in 2013 has made working in media even more dangerous.
Critics of ‘Military Impunity’ Take On Indian-Administered Kashmir
In recent weeks, there have been protests in Delhi and Calcutta, where demonstrators called for the revocation of two controversial laws, and the immediate demilitarisation of the Kashmir region.
Political Conflict Triggers Turmoil in South Sudan, Leaving Hundreds Dead
An altercation involving President Salva Kiir and the Vice President Riek Machar, who have long been political rivals, swiftly unraveled into an armed conflict that lasted for several days.
So Long, Phone Companies. Mexico’s Indigenous Groups Are Getting Their Own Telecoms.
For the first time in history, the Mixe, Mixteco, and Zapoteco populations will get licenses to operate a telecommunications network for indigenous communities to access cellular and Internet services.
Maldives Opposition Holds Rally Despite Resistance From Government
"Under the plan for reform, Yameen is making criticism a crime..."
Netizen Report: What do Zimbabwe, Kashmir, and Turkey Have in Common? Internet Censorship.
In this edition, we report on #ShutdownZim protests that sparked Zimbabwe to block WhatsApp, the full-on Internet shutdown in Kashmir and ongoing social media censorship in Brazil, Ethiopia and Turkey.
Turkey Adds Wikileaks to a Long List of Blocked Websites
Blocking information is second nature to Turkey's government. But Turkish netizens are still questioning the value of the leak itself.
As Constitutional Referendum Nears, Thailand Intensifies Censorship
"If Thailand's military junta wants its referendum to be seen as credible, it must stop harassing journalists covering the campaign and let information flow freely to the public."
Chinese Reformist Magazine Shuts Down to Resist Authorities’ Hostile Takeover
"The crackdown on Yanhuang Chunqiu and today's takeover indicates that Xi's government wants to educate its officials into 'fools' like the rest of the society."
Myanmar's Online Community Anticipates Fall of Radical Buddhist Group with Funny Memes
"So you are saying that Buddhism, which has been a religion for 2,500 years will be destroyed if Ma-Ba-Tha does not save it and Myanmar will become a Muslim country?”
Women Struggle Against Violence in Kyrgyz Society, But How Many Men Will Help Them?
Awareness of sexual violence and sexism is growing in Kyrgyzstan, but not quickly enough.
The Fascinating World of Cold War-Era Hungarian Cartoons
Learn about some of the animated cartoons to come out of Hungary, from the darkly satirical "Gustav" to the family-friendly "Hungarian Folk Tales."
Ethiopia Locks Down Digital Communications in Wake of #OromoProtests
#OromoProtests content on social media has triggered many attempts by the government to limit digital traffic and block telecom services in Oromia.
Welcome to Mozambique, Where the Government Will Soon Have 450 New Security Cameras Aimed at You
According to one of Mozambique's most trusted newspapers, Canal de Moçambique, the government has begun installing 450 security cameras in the cities of Maputo and Matola.
Can Fact-Checking Save Democracy—and Journalism as We Know It?
In the age of copy-paste disinformation, the need for formal fact-checking is more critical than ever.
#ShutDownZim: Will Social Media Protests Drive Zimbabwe to Build a ‘Great Firewall'?
This is the first time Zimbabwe has staged a "shutdown" over government dysfunction by organizing on social media. But protests could trigger new forms of censorship.
Dozens Killed After Indian Forces Crackdown on Protests in Kashmir
"The mighty Indian state might have killed him but they haven't won. A 21 year old in his death has shaken you."
Angola's 15+2 Activists Released From Prison as They Await Appeal
The 17 activists were originally detained in June 2015, accused of organizing a rebellion. They say they were only discussing peaceful methods of protest.
Why Did Facebook Remove a Post Criticizing Singapore Police?
After police searched political activist and civil rights lawyer Teo Soh Lung's home and computer without a warrant, she posted about it on Facebook. Then her post was taken down.
Tax Evasion or Political Journalism? Private Newspaper’s Battle With Zambian Government Continues
Unpaid taxes, arrests, alleged police brutality and upcoming elections have convoluted public perspective on whether Zambia's main independent newspaper should be allowed to remain operational.
