Stories about Freedom of Speech from November, 2021
With Ukraine's Kyiv Post shut down, journalists launch new independent media outlet
Ukraine's top English-language newspaper that has operated for over 25 years, suddenly stopped operations on November 8, 2021.
In Azerbaijan, bullying in schools is still a problem
Ali Malikov, a high school senior, is boycotting his school after lack of action by the school administration and the Ministry of Education to address bullying and harassment.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan tighten the screws on media freedom
The Uzbek government banned entry to a foreign journalist, while in Kazakhstan journalists and activists were targeted by state security services.
An interview with media scholar Rose Luqiu about WeChat and techno-nationalism
"A major factor is censorship or 'coerced loyalty.' As other communication tools like Facebook and Twitter are unavailable in China. WeChat has a very special [monopoly] status in China."
Cambodian rapper vows to continue writing critical songs after a year in jail for incitement
"I will not stop writing and singing my songs about my country. I will continue to educate the people through my songs and keep the patriotic spirit going."
France complicit in heinous crimes committed by Egyptian state, website reveals
'Strikes often destroyed several vehicles, and the number of victims could be as many as several hundred. According to UNGA resolution 56/83, France's complicity in these illegal executions could be established.'
Press freedom and the Indian judiciary
In India, journalists are being unfairly charged with defamation, sedition, and publishing fake news. Despite the constitutional guarantee of press freedom, threats to the press are rampant in the country.
Myanmar rappers express rage and resistance against the military regime
"Myanmar hip hop will never be silenced. We come together, not because we are the same but because we are united as one."
Undertones: Nicaragua's “sham” elections have cold shower effect on media
Journalists practice self-censorship, with propaganda channels dominating attention.
The ignored, unwanted, and unforgiven
On November 8, the Victory Day celebration, new annual holiday that commemorates Azerbaijan’s victory in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, a crowd in downtown Baku was filmed cheering as they burned Armenian flags.
Chinese tennis star reappears after #WhereisPengShuai campaign sparked global outcry
Tennis star Peng Shuai has reappeared on a number of video clips released by Chinese state owned media outlets and the latest, a video call with the International Olympic Committee.
Ukraine marks anniversary of Euromaidan protest on Day of Dignity and Freedom
Global Voices covered the Revolution of Dignity extensively in 2013 and 2014, featuring the multitude of citizen voices as captured by our volunteer authors.
Legislating repression: Libya’s new cybercrime law
"The timing of promulgation, with presidential elections just around the corner, has left many people wondering about the purpose behind such a move."
Empty Chair Day highlights plight of imprisoned Ukrainian journalists
This year's campaign focuses on Vladyslav Yesypenko, an independent journalist illegally imprisoned for reporting on the realities of life in Russia-occupied Crimea.
Democratization in South Korea and the legacy of the Gwangju Uprising
"Youth participation and engagement in politics are promising. ... I see that the South Korean political system is gradually developing and the general public are embracing institutionalized democratic practices."
More voices call for the release of Zhang Zhan, a citizen journalist who could die in a mainland Chinese prison
For months, international human rights groups have been urging China to release the jailed citizen journalist Zhang Zhan. The US government recently joined the cause as Zhang’s health is deteriorating.
In Turkey, 30 people face investigation over social media posts that ‘insulted the president’
When the hashtag #ölmüş (is said to be dead) started trending on November 3, it took only a few hours for the General Directorate of Security to take action.
Belarus authorities block access to more independent media added to extremist list
The websites of Deutsche Welle, Current Time and the employees and readers of BelsatTV and NEXTA are the latest targets in Belarus' ongoing crackdown on independent media and free expression.
How Burhan's coup could halt Sudan's return to the international community
A telecommunications blackout couldn’t stop more than four million citizens around Sudan from taking to the streets to demand a civilian government
The Zhang Gaoli sexual assault scandal: Political power struggle or #Metoo?
"It reveals the real life of Chinese top leaders and lets people have a glimpse of their hypocrisy, corrupted lifestyles, excessive power abuse and fear underneath their moralistic masks."
Turkey: new report highlights the extent of censorship online
A new report explains how a series of amendments made to Turkish law No. 5651 will have a "burning and destructive effect" on freedom of expression in Turkey.
