Stories about Freedom of Speech from June, 2022
Understanding the damaging effects of Russian propaganda against NATO and Kosovo
"Particularly harmful and dangerous is the spread of this misinformation in countries where there is not much knowledge about the case of Kosovo."
Malaysian lawyers behind ‘walk for judicial independence’ facing police probe
"The actions of the police have set a bad example for the citizenry, as it conveys the message that citizens are not free to exercise their constitutional rights ..."
Istanbul police violently break up PRIDE March and arrest over 300 people
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Istanbul LGBT+ Pride Week. While local authorities banned all PRIDE events, protestors still took to the streets, marched, and chanted slogans.
Decoding Chinese online lexicon: How Jade came to represent the Chinese President Xi Jinping
Overseas Chinese dissidents have successfully reinterpreted the term “Fei Cui” (jade) to mean “negating Xi” and “Xi dies.”
Four years on: Saudi's movie market is of humble local productions, massive sales and censorships
Four years after Saudi overturned a four-decade ban on cinemas as part of "a reform package", many ask how tolerant officials really are to diversity amidst tight censorships.
Understanding India’s Central Media Accreditation Guidelines 2022
A new guideline for media accreditation has drawn a negative response from the Indian press community, activists, and concerned citizens as it provides sweeping power to the authorities.
An ice cream treat exposes the paradoxical nature of June 4th censorship in China
The censorship of Li Jiaqi has indicated a paradox: If one wants to stay away from politically sensitive topics, he has to learn all the forbidden topics.
Timor-Leste journalists challenge restrictions and assert their right to question China’s foreign minister
"The youngest independent nation and the most fledgling press in the Asia-Pacific, has finally shown how it’s done. Tackle the Chinese media gatekeepers and creeping authoritarianism. . . "
Woman journalists are the most common target of anti-press attacks in North Macedonia, journalist association warns
Three verbal attacks on women journalists in 2021 come from politicians, which indicates that holders of public office are easily encouraged to make threats against women journalists in North Macedonia.
Cameroonian activists win 2022 RFK Human Rights Awards
The two activists from Cameroon’s Anglophone and Francophone regions were honored for their long-standing work in defending the civic space and democracy, across Cameroon and Central Africa.
Baku residents brace for higher costs, annoyances, and logistical issues ahead of Formula 1 race
As Baku is once again hosting the Formula 1 race between June 10–12, residents are in disagreement about whether the race is worth the cost, annoyances, and logistical issues.
With spokesperson's suspension, BJP supporters in India are losing faith in the party
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India removed two of its spokespeople under pressure over their alleged remarks on Prophet Muhammad, which have made headlines in India and abroad.
Azerbaijan rocked by a new wave of politically motivated arrests
Civil society and rights advocates and state critics have for years faced targeted harassment, intimidation, and arrests. The most recent wave of crackdowns attests to the standing tradition.
Tiananmen Massacre vigils are banned in Hong Kong, though memorials persist across the world
Hongkongers were warned not to test the law and the authorities’ determination in enforcing the law.
New laws undermine freedom of expression and press in Mozambique
Whoever discloses by any means classified information under this Law shall be punished with imprisonment from 12 to 16 years.
Sri Lanka: ‘We want the power of equality, justice and love — not love for power’
Women's groups from the north and east of Sri Lanka marched into the GotaGoGama protest site in Galle Face, Colombo, to express their concerns about the current crisis.
Trace Turkey's path to normalizing the practice of blocking news websites
The sweeping legislative amendments to national laws as well as exhaustive institutional oversight by government institutions have created an environment of unlimited digital censorship in Turkey.
Journalists in Turkey could face three years in prison for disseminating ‘false information’ online
A statement issued by seven international and local media freedom and journalism organizations said the new draft bill "will boost systematic censorship and self-censorship in Turkey instead of fighting disinformation."
Chinese nationalists scapegoat feminists and LGBTQ+ people for the declining birth rate
"This government is so consistent in treating women's body as a tool for its economic development goals, and in violating women's reproductive choice and bodily autonomy."
