Stories about Freedom of Speech from September, 2018
Free speech advocates say Bangladesh's new Digital Security Act is ‘ripe for abuse’
"Journalism is surely not for increasing conflict, or for tarnishing the image of the country," said PM Hasina, in response to critics.
Fifty years after the Mexican Movement of 1968, students continue their march against violence and impunity
"We are the grandchildren of '68".
Chat bot lets Russians detained at protests request legal assistance
A Russian NGO tracking police brutality developed a chatbot on the popular Telegram messenger that allows people detained at rallies report their arrests and request legal assistance.
A new indie film festival features the struggles and triumphs of indigenous Papua, Indonesia
The film festival "highlights the issues of the indigenous people of Papua through documentary films as well as to build public awareness of the important issues impacting them.”
Venezuelans say they are unable to access key Google services
Reports of new Internet blocks sound alarms and point to a possible escalation in communication and information control.
Netizen Report: Authorities shut down mobile internet in Ethiopia’s capital, as ethnic and political conflict persist
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Three days behind bars for the ‘crime’ of journalism: Diary of a Nigerian journalist
Investigative journalist Samuel Ogundipe spent three days in detention on spurious charges and was denied access to his lawyer. Now free on bail, he is telling his story.
Protestors artfully demand the release of Shahidul Alam, Bangladesh's prisoner of conscience
"When a regime is governed by nothing but fear, it is often a sign that the regime might have lost its plot."
Netizen Report: Internet taxes are sweeping sub-Saharan Africa — and silencing citizens
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Under Austria's right-wing government, ‘ethical’ principles for journalists could hijack media rights
If the current draft is adopted as it stands, it will provide for an extra layer of strict control that aims to silence the critique and dissent.
Google caves in to Russian demands, censors videos promoting a protest rally
This latest scandal is unfolding as Google is in the middle of an existential crisis, with its employees revolting against what they see as embracing censorship by their company.
As China faces record-breaking flood levels, authorities arrest two women for spreading ‘rumors’ of health risks
"If they could react to the floods as effectively [as they do to the 'rumors'], that would be great."
South Asian governments keep ordering internet shutdowns — and leaving users in the dark
“Operators owe complete transparency to their users, as consumers who are paying them money and also in the interest of accountability.”
After Facebook ban, Myanmar military accounts are moving to Russian social media site VKontakte
"...they are now spreading their hate freely on the site without any moderation."
Netizen Report: What role does Facebook play in Libya’s civil war?
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
A lethal combination: How MENA governments use cybercrime laws and spyware to target activists
Gulf governments continue to deploy cybercrime laws as an arbitrary legal cover to target target human rights defenders.
Two women who dared to oppose Rwandan President Paul Kagame
"By extending his 23 years in power, Kagame is denying Rwandans an opportunity to experience the first-ever peaceful transition of power in their country."
Kashmiri journalist arrested after reporting on slain rebel, Burhan Wani
“By reporting on militant activity, Sultan is performing an important public service, not committing a crime.”
Australia denies Chelsea Manning entry while New Zealand gives visa thumbs up
"Hatemongers and racists like Lauren Southern and Milo [Yiannopoulos] are apparently fine, but a hero like Chelsea Manning is considered a threat."