Stories about Freedom of Speech from May, 2022
Spreading misinformation about Kosovo was once again used as part of election strategy in Serbia
Since its declaration of independence in 2008, an unacceptable practice had been established in Kosovo that every Serbian election was held in Kosovo, as well. That changed this year.
The Chinese foreign minister's visit to the Solomon Islands has been shrouded in secrecy and press restrictions
"Giving credentials to selected journalists is a sign of favouritism. Journalists should be allowed to do their job without fear or favour."
Concerts are becoming a political battleground in Turkey
A series of concert bans are drawing backlash in Turkey with criticisms mounting against the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party for imposing conservative restrictions on citizens and the arts.
Activists rally for marriage equality in Thailand
A petition was launched proposing amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code to allow marriage registration between two people of any gender.
In Georgia, veteran journalist sentenced to 3.5 years in jail
Gvaramia was first charged in 2020 with abuse of power, embezzling property at Rustavi 2, commercial bribery, and forging documents. He was found not guilty on the last three counts.
Covering the economic crisis in Sri Lanka: The cost of pursuing journalism
Journalists and media houses in Sri Lanka are facing many challenges covering the ongoing economic crisis and growing public protests; some newspapers have suspended publication and many journalists were injured.
Five independent journalists who have impacted Cuba
In a country with limited press freedom and restricted access to independent media, these five journalists have impacted Cuban media with their distinct and independent perspectives.
The most desperate response to the COVID-19 lockdown in China: ‘We are the last generation.’
Some interpreted the “we are the last generation declaration” as the most desperate resistance against tyranny.
Listen to the 10 allegedly censored singers and bands in Hong Kong
The 10 allegedly censored artists and music groups are Anthony Wong, Tat Ming Pairs, Denise Ho, Rubberband, C Allstar, Dear Jane, Charmaine Fong, Serrini Leung, Kay Tse and Alfred Hui.
India pushes for storage of private data using technology built for anonymity
As VPNs and blockchain-based services are often designed to assure user anonymity and privacy, this direction might force many service providers to shut down operations in India.
In Azerbaijan's capital, calls for an end to impunity against activists
A group of civil society activists held a rally in Baku, demanding an end to impunity against government critics, political activists, and journalists.
Podcast: The state of press freedom
This week, we head to China, India, Colombia, Indonesia and Serbia to hear from journalists and researchers about what challenges the media faces in those countries.
For Russians living abroad and denouncing Ukraine's invasion, a new flag symbolizes opposition to Putin
Russians living abroad and opposing Putin's policies and the invasion of Ukraine are coming together under a redesigned Russian flag that embodies the refusal of imperialism and violence.
Not Yet Uhuru: Surveillance, censorship and data practices in the new Tanzania
Internet censorship in Tanzania has taken on a rather oppressive turn in the last five years, with media suppression taking the lead.
Prominent Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh shot dead by Israeli bullet to the head
Despite wearing a press jacket and standing where she is visible to Israeli soldiers firing away, Shireen was killed by a bullet to her ear, right below her helmet.
Pakistan drops 12 points on World Press Freedom Index 2022
A report by Pakistani rights organization Freedom Network reveals that journalists in Pakistan were subjected to violence, legal cases, abductions, detentions and threats last year, mostly from the state actors.
Thugs attacked peaceful protesters, Sri Lanka in turmoil
After 30 days of peaceful protests, the Rajapaksa regime unleashed its thugs on the anti-government protesters in Colombo. The resignation of the Prime Minister followed and violence broke out amid curfew.
In Turkey, a comedy show lands in hot water over a political sketch
The Guldur Guldur Show, a popular comedy show in Turkey, had its sketch removed by a television channel over a satirical bit about Minister of Finance and Treasury Nureddin Nebati.
Does Indonesia have a healthy free press? Not according to West Papua
This World Press Freedom Day, we review the human rights violations, free speech barriers, and media abuses in Papua, which has been annexed by Indonesia for almost 60 years.
Sri Lankan state of emergency condemned locally and internationally
In the span of five weeks, the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared another state of emergency amid ongoing anti-government protests highlighting the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
Nothing new in the ‘New Kazakhstan’ as attacks on social media freedom continue
As the world marks World Free Press Day, the government of Kazakhstan enacts a law restricting social media freedom in a country where media are under control of state authorities.