Stories about Freedom of Speech from July, 2019
Disappointment with the West is crucial for growth of pro-Russian narratives in the Balkans, says researcher
"Although all countries in the region have been targets of pro-Russia disinformation efforts recently, there has been no recognition of this trend as a security issue at the political level"
Threatened with demolition, Albania's National Theatre continues to resist despite a police raid
In Tirana, an ongoing protest against the planned demolition of the National Theatre reveals deep social and political divisions that polarize the Albanian society.
Lack of diverse media ownership leads to censorship in Pakistan says new report
In Pakistan, a small number of companies dominate the country's media landscape in terms of both ownership and audience share.
Thai folk singer and activist Tom Dundee released after five years in prison for insulting monarchy
"Democracy must be created from the people, mustn’t it? Democracy cannot come from only one person."
Netizen Report: In Nigeria and Russia, laws against online ‘insult’ put internet activists on thin ice
Activists in Nigeria and Russia face charges for "online insult", a Twitter campaign targets "anti-Pakistan" journalists abnd Mauritania’s internet is back on, for now.
How Nigeria uses the law to repress free speech: The case of journalist Jones Abiri
Draconian legislation often used to arbitrarily detain journalists and dissenting voices exemplifies the precarious state of press freedom and free speech in Nigeria.
Cambodian activists arrested for commemorating the anniversary of political analyst Kem Ley's death
"The accusation that a peaceful gathering merits a prison sentence is a serious and systematic threat to the little remaining space left for freedom of expression in the country."
Kremlin's new law against ‘online disrespect’ proves hard to implement
The law allows courts to fine or jail people found guilty of making “insulting statements” towards the authorities online.
The fight against disinformation in Bulgaria is almost nonexistent, says journalist Ivan Georgiev
"Bulgaria is a border state between the West and the East and it is seen as a weak spot on the European map by the Russian propaganda."
Chinese-Australian writer Yang Hengjun still detained by Beijing after six months
There have been concerns that he has not received adequate support from the Australian government.
Nigerian students face cybercrime charges for criticising their university online
A former staff member described Madonna University as a ''death trap''.
China’s censored histories: The struggle to carry memories of the Tiananmen Massacre into the future
Chinese internet users circumvent censorship on 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre with artworks, music and memes.
Post-election crackdown in Mauritania: Internet shutdown lifted, journalist remains in detention
Despite ending a 10-day internet shutdown, the government continues to restrict press freedom and freedom of expression as part of its post-election crackdown.
Netizen Report: Preventing bias or protecting extremism? Debunking the new US Senate proposal for Silicon Valley
Cuba bans citizens from using foreign web hosts, Iran's internet falters and The Guardian shows that even tourists are subject to targeted surveillance in western China.
Is Cuba trying to outlaw independent media? A new decree will prohibit foreign web hosting
“The law leaves independent media without ‘legal’ hosting options,” said local journalist and Global Voices author Elaine Diaz.
French expat forced to apologize for making a music video which mocks the Thai junta
"…criticizing a government and a regime does not equate to hating a country. I love Thailand, I just don't love dictators and military coups."
Interview with former Pakistani president taken off air, journalists and activists decry censorship
A recorded interview of former president Asif Ali Zardari was taken off air shortly after its broadcast began on Geo News television in another incident of censorship in the country.
New documentary series highlights the struggles of women activists in Vietnam
“In a dictatorship, no one has freedom, but especially for women, their lack of freedom is multiplied many times compared to men. ”
