Stories about Freedom of Speech from July, 2017
Tajik Parliament Plans to Monitor Citizens Who Visit ‘Undesirable’ Websites
The legislation also represents a shift in strategy for the Tajik government, which has historically opted to censor controversial websites and services.
Apple Removes Apps Offering Virtual Private Networks from Its China Store
"It represents the most drastic measure the Chinese government has taken to block the use of VPNs to date, and we are troubled to see Apple aiding China’s censorship efforts."
Brunei Government Employee Complaining About Halal Certification Charged with Sedition Over Facebook Post
"Anyways that guy that's being charged with speaking out against the govt is a reminder that we don't have freedom of speech," wrote a Twitter user.
The Rise and Fall of a ‘Patriotic Investment Charity’ in China
Despite the government crackdown, many Shanxinhui’s members insist that Shanxinhui is a legitimate patriotic business.
Philippines: On Facebook's Free Version, Fake News is Even Harder to Spot
Free Basics' limitations leave poorer users at a loss, giving them less access to useful information -- and little capacity to determine whether news is reliable or not.
Netizen Report: New Research Tests Facebook’s Digital ‘On Ramp’ for Developing Countries
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Vietnamese Activist Trần Thị Nga Sentenced to 9 Years for ‘Propaganda’
The 40-year-old Trần Thị Nga, also known by her pen name “Thúy Nga,” is a prominent advocate for migrants and land rights.
The Case of Fabiola Antiqueo and Police Violence in Chile
"The current system and the impunity that it protects, is one of the most visible legacies of the dictatorship in Chile"
Puerto Rican Newspaper Cans Popular Comic Strip, Raising Concerns Over Censorship
Pepito is known for its sharp critique of the government and of elected officials in both the governments of Puerto Rico and of the United States.
Bahraini Rights Activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh Charged Under Terrorism Law
Bahraini authorities have constantly harassed Al-Saegh because of her rights activism.
Georgian Women March Against Misogyny and Racism
“I’m not too hopeful that the change will come soon, but we will do our part to push for it.”
Arrest Over a Facebook Rant Brings Trinidad & Tobago's Cybercrime Legislation Into Sharp Focus
"Overbroad content offences are always illegitimate, but are particularly dangerous online, where many people are still in the process of discovering their voice."
Russia's Parliament Went on a Censorship Binge Today
The Kremlin is cracking down on online anonymity. Again.
Lebanese Government Bans All Protests Right Before a Syrian Refugee Solidarity Sit-In
Activists called for a protest after four Syrian refugees died while in the custody of the Lebanese army.
Thai Academics to Be Summoned by Military for Raising ‘Anti-Junta Placards’ at an International Conference
The Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights reminded authorities that the country's constitution does not forbid people from holding up placards.
Netizen Report: Authorities in China and Indonesia Threaten Whatsapp, Telegram Over Political Content
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
How the Assault on Independent Media in Bahrain Silenced a Trusted Regional Watchdog
"Freedom of expression is under sustained attack here. With the shuttering of Al Wasat, there is no real journalism left.”
Ethiopia's Music of Resistance Stays Strong, Despite Repression
Amid wide-scale protests and a violent government crackdown, Afan Oromo musicians have begun to rise as a visible — and audible — driving inspiration for the opposition movement.
One Year Later: Why the Purges in Turkey Were Always in the Pipeline
"What has happened in Turkey is a tragedy, made even worse by the fact that the loudest voices in the chorus said the wrong things at the wrong time."
Bangladesh's ICT Act Paved the Way for Hundreds of Lawsuits Over Online Speech
There are currently 319 cases being heard in the courts under Bangladesh's notoriously broad ICT Act. Many of them involve lawsuits against journalists.
