Stories about Freedom of Speech from October, 2016
Iran Is Poised to Limit Press Freedom Even More Than It Already Does
The government of President Rouhani is preparing two bills that media experts and journalists say could further erode press freedom and freedom of expression in Iran.
Hello Vodafone: What Does It Mean When a Global Telco Giant Enters Iran?
Vodafone's partnership with an Iranian telco is a welcome improvement to the local telecommunications market. But the potential for complicity between Vodafone and Iran's surveillance infrastructure is hard to ignore.
Morocco Unblocks VoIP Applications Ahead of UN Climate Conference
"To avoid being seen as a police state during the #COP22, Morocco temporarily unblocks VoIP services," tweeted one user.
Who Has the Right to Tell a Country’s Story?
"It is not possible to tell the truth about Cuba from only one viewpoint, or from unanimous viewpoints that are the equivalent of one."
Netizen Report: As Protests Rage in Ethiopia, Zone9 Bloggers Return to Court
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
A Portuguese Woman's 20-Year Legal Battle Over a Scholarship Ends in Her Imprisonment for Defamation
"It is unfortunate that the law is not applied to all people in the same way..."
Peace Activist Khurram Parvez's Illegal Detention in Kashmir Valley May Be Proof He's “Doing Something Right”
After his arrest on September 15, Parvez was charged under the Public Safety Act and sent to a prison facility nearly 300 kilometers from his family and legal counsel.
Chinese Netizens See Human Rights Violations in Child Protection Bill
The new regulations attempt to protect children by requiring hardware companies to install surveillance software on their devices, and by promoting treatments for "Internet addiction."
Journalists Call on Timor-Leste PM to Drop Defamation Complaint Against Reporters
Around the world, reporters are trying to get the prime minister of Timor-Leste to abandon a criminal complaint against two journalists who say he was involved in government corruption.
WhatsApp and Viber Blocked on Election Day in Montenegro
Parliamentary elections in Montenegro had been marred with allegations of irregularities, reported via social networks, and a temporary ban on use of Viber, WhatsApp and similar messaging apps.
Only ‘Foreign Agents’ Share Stories About Happy Times in the U.S., Says Russian Court
The American Alumni Club joins a list of 146 organizations that have been designated as "foreign agents" by the Russian Ministry of Justice. The club's crime? Reposts on social media.
Netizen Report: Brazilians Find the Limits of Free Speech on Facebook
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Cuban Journalist Elaine Diaz and Colleagues Arrested For Reporting on Hurricane Matthew “Without a Permit”
Diaz confirmed late in the evening on October 12 that she and colleagues were released from police custody and returning to Havana.
Following a Big Scoop, Prominent Journalist Cyril Almeida Is Barred From Leaving Pakistan
"Am concerned, possibly convinced, more than 24hrs after the travel ban was imposed that govt is planning to take further, uglier actions."
Blinded, Married, and Turned Loose in the Ring: Three Stories of Girls in Modern-Day India
Global Voices reviews a few stories covered by the Video Volunteers community's citizen journalists, showing how girls in India face and cope with various gender-related challenges.
Ethiopian Authorities Shut Down Mobile Internet and Major Social Media Sites
Those close to the situation fear this may be the beginning of a dangerous new phase after 12 months of protests.
Indonesia Drafts New Ban on Cyberbullying, But Activists Say They're the Target
"The cyber law is used as an effective tool to spread fear against voices who want to unmask injustices in this country."
WhatsApp Reportedly Blocked in Yemen, Mobile Operator Cites ‘Technical Issues’
Censorship of online content has surged in Yemen since the beginning of the conflict opposing Houthi rebels and forces loyal to president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.
Tunisian Teen Risks Suspension for Denouncing Poor School Conditions on Facebook
The school administration has accused Hamza Batti of engaging in a "smear campaign" against it.
A Long List of Criminal Allegations Is Catching Up to Mexican Governor Javier Duarte
The circle is tightening around the Mexican governor accused of corruption and attacks against journalists. What happens in the legal system, however, is anybody's guess.
As Violence Escalates in Ethiopia, Zone9 and Other Prominent Bloggers Face New Legal Threats
Seyoum Teshome, a prominent member of the embattled community of Ethiopian online writers was arrested last Friday. Meanwhile, the Zone9 bloggers are scheduled to return to court on October 21.
