Stories about Freedom of Speech from April, 2017
The Lonely Death of One of Ethiopia's Most Public Men
In Assefa’s death, one may find the sadness of exile, something which is both deeply personal and political.
Kashmiri Man Who Was Tied to an Indian Military Jeep as a Human Shield Says He Now Lives in Fear
"...I am afraid of going to a hospital. I’m afraid they will find me and kill me…I haven’t stepped outside my house in the last eight days."
High-Profile Chinese Blogger Arrested for Online Comments, After Years of Police Harassment
Under China's "stability control" measures, it is increasingly common for netizens who are critical of the government to be summoned or detained by police.
Indian Government Bans 22 Social Media Platforms in Kashmir including Facebook, WhatsApp
"By presenting the other side to the Kashmir storyline, the locals once again were able to own....the highly complex and conflicted Kashmir narrative."
Netizen Report: Censorship Spikes in India, Subsides in Cameroon
The Internet is back on in English-speaking Cameroon, while social media has been shut down in Kashmir. Journalists in Maldives mourn the stabbing death of a blogger.
Jailed Emirati Academic Endures Hunger Strike to Protest Ten-Year Jail Sentence
"I have no choice but to go on hunger strike to restore my stolen freedom".
Three Ways the Russian Government Is Trying to Control the Internet
“The Internet was created as a special project by the CIA,” Vladimir Putin announced three years ago. Since then, Russian authorities’ faith in the Internet has declined even further.
Taiwan Tops Asia While Hong Kong Falls Four Places in Freedom of Press Index
"A majority [of media workers in Hong Kong] have expressed an increasing pressure which results in deliberate self-censorship."
How the Symbols of Indonesia’s Hardline Muslim Groups Reached the Pages of Marvel Comics
"This artwork will be removed from subsequent printings, digital versions, and trade paperbacks and disciplinary action is being taken," according to a statement released by Marvel Comics.
Maldives Blogger and Activist Yameen Rasheed Stabbed to Death
“So-called 'Paradise on Earth' has no public safety for it's citizens. Tomorrow, it could be me, you, or any of us," wrote a Facebook user.
A São Paulo City Councilor Surprised Schools With an Inspection for ‘Leftist Indoctrination’
Fernando Holiday was inspired by the Escola Sem Partido (School Without Party) campaign, which divides opinion in Brazil.
The Day Russia Outlawed Jehovah's Witnesses
It’s strange to see this in writing, let alone know that it’s true, but here it is: Russia has formally banned Jehovah's Witnesses.
Netizen Report: Mexican Journalists Were Threatened Online, Then Killed
Kashmiris see more cuts to basic communications services, a Japanese artist gets fined for her 3D vagina art, and Thailand tells Facebookers to "unfollow" state critics.
Critics Say Albanian Parliament Is Trying to Amnesty Crooked Politicians, Under Pretext of Judicial Reform
Following protests, Albania's president has rejected legislation that could have spared the hides of many corrupt politicians. But it could still become law, regardless.
Surveillance, Privacy and the Right to Know: A Delicate Imbalance in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has strong legal protections against telephone surveillance, but scant protections for Internet-based communication.
Thailand Tells Internet Users to Unfollow Junta Critics on Social Media — Or Face Consequences
"This is a ridiculous and oppressive order but I don't want any innocent people being targeted just because they follow my journalism," wrote former Reuters journalist Andrew MacGregor Marshall.
Russian Math Instructor Faces Criminal Charges for Online Posts He Says He Didn't Write
The arrest of a Moscow math instructor has raised questions about the safety of using internet anonymizers in Russia.
Pick Your Poison? Russian Orthodoxy or Banishment From Social Media
Critics of Vitaly Milonov, perhaps the most reactionary social conservative in the Russian parliament, have vowed to get him banned from Vkontakte, where his “online status” features an “illegal expression.”
Ugandan Academic and Sanitary Pad Campaign Leader Faces Criminal Charges For ‘Computer Misuse’
Nyanzi's story has become a rallying opportunity for Ugandans who oppose the Musveni government.
Voting Is Underway in Turkey's Referendum. What Is at Stake?
The rules of the game may be on the brink of changing in Turkey, in a way that could disproportionately favour the strongest player.
Can Russia Protect Its Journalists From the ‘Homegrown ISIS’ in Chechnya?
Alexey Venediktov, one of Russia's most prominent journalists, says the Russian government appears to have allowed a “homegrown ISIS” to emerge under its nose in Chechnya.