Stories about Freedom of Speech from February, 2023
Beyond Jordan’s TikTok Ban
Jordan's recent ban of TikTok has sparked concerns over freedom of expression and access to information. Concerns raised as part of a broader trend of governments restricting social media platforms.
Undertones: Zimbabwe's cyberpunk cities fueled by China
Zimbabwe is set to become Africa’s first country with a “smart” capital city built from scratch. But many are wary of Zimbabwe becoming a surveillance state.
Silent no more: Criticism of the state's inadequate earthquake response reaches football stadiums in Turkey
The club organized the protest to commemorate all the children who died in the earthquake, with plans to donate the toys to displaced families who survived the disaster.
Georgia debates a foreign agent law, which critics say sets a dangerous precedent
The bill was tabled by a group of parliament members, formally from the ruling Georgian Dream who quit the party ranks last year and formed their own political party called People's Power.
Members of the Russian diaspora join global protests marking the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine
As the world marks the first anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, exiled Russians opposing Putin organize and join public demonstrations around the world, including in Berlin and Prague.
Papua New Guinea’s proposed policy could lead to government control of the press
"(The government) can run media organisations to bring its own message out, but it should never exert control over the entire industry."
‘You'd better not wake up!': How Twitter users remember the day of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Global Voices translated some of the responses about the memories of the day of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 24th 2022
Belarusian Westernizers: Their debacle and perpetual bewilderment
Grigory Ioffe writes about the growing rupture between the new Belarusian diaspora and those who remain in the country, as well as the hopeless plight of Belarusian political prisoners.
In Turkey telecommunications watchdog blocks access to popular website Ekşi Sözlük
On February 7, another popular social media platform, Twitter was briefly blocked by the authorities on similar grounds.
Those who are in these coffins will no longer hear Putin's chatter about ‘everything is going according to plan’
Global Voices gathered some of the social media commentary in Russian with reactions to Putin's speech.
Interview with Romanian anti-disinformation activist reveals disinformation campaigns often target refugees from Ukraine
The position of Romania regarding the war in Ukraine remains in line with the EU and NATO, despite pro-Russian destabilizing efforts. However, at general level, disinformation had become part of political discourse.
India's war against a BBC documentary on Modi
The recent raid on the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai shows a pattern of using state agencies to target think tanks, NGOs, and media outlets that criticize the government.
Malian government expels UN Representatives in targeted move
Malian authorities expel UN representatives, underlining their refusal to accept any national and international criticism of their human rights record
Togolese citizens take their activism online to inspire action and responses
Youths in Togo are using online activism to ensure their voices are heard not only by the people, but also the government.
Cambodia’s prime minister revokes license of independent news outlet Voice of Democracy
"We believe that the closure of VOD would represent a grave step backwards for both press freedoms and the rule of law in Cambodia."
Undertones in Turkey: Earthquakes fan the flames of election season
Erdoğan’s leadership may be on the line, with compounding accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and the slow and inadequate response to the earthquake.
Lawsuit against Meta in Kenya paves the way for African countries to sue tech companies
The ruling that the Facebook parent firm Meta can be sued in Kenya could open the floodgates not just for Meta but for other technology companies, including OpenAI.
In Turkey, the state resorts to censorship majeure
Rocked by a devastating earthquake, citizens in Turkey now have to also deal with censorship measures imposed by the state amid an outcry of public criticism.
Myanmar media two years after the 2021 coup: ‘Resistance, resilience, restoration’
"The international community must renew its commitment to Myanmar and protect and defend the courageous journalists who are risking their lives to report on the regime’s ongoing human rights abuses.”
Uganda's army court defies ruling to stop trying civilians
Bobi Young's trial in the court-martial comes after the constitutional court in December 2022 ruled that it is illegal for the court-martial to try civilians.
Every Friday, Russia labels new citizens and organizations as ‘Foreign Agents’
Labeling people and organizations as 'foreign agents' resembles Stalin's repressive regime. It is now being used to push dissenting voices out of the country.
