Stories about Freedom of Speech from July, 2023
Why is Kyiv giving Taiwan the cold shoulder? Interview with Ukrainian MP Mykola Knyazhytskyy
While Taipei continues to support Ukraine by sending humanitarian aid, including to refugees across Europe, official Kyiv sides with Beijing and fails to acknowledge Taiwan's overall support.
Hong Kong court rejects government application for ban on pro-democracy protest song
A Hong Kong judge believes that perfectly innocent people might refrain from engaging in lawful acts involving the song for fear of trespassing the injunction.
Can Taiwan become a hub for journalists fleeing mounting authoritarianism in Asia?
Taiwan is rated as one of the freest societies in Asia, but are the Taiwanese authorities ready to turn the island into a welcoming and safe haven for journalists fleeing authoritarianism in their home countries in Asia?
Commentators discourage extending national security crackdowns to ‘soft resistance’ in Hong Kong
The government is considering clamping down on “soft resistance” when drafting the local version of National Security Law (HK-NSL).
Can Algerian human rights defenders be safe in Tunisia?
Tunisia's strong reliance on Algeria places it in a vulnerable position, as Algiers expects reciprocal compliance with its demands, including in the extradition of Algerian human rights defenders in Tunisia.
Barbie in the Balkans: From disinformation to Yugonostalgia
The news about the ban of Barbie movie in Vietnam was used as inspiration for disinformation in the Balkans, with false claims about censorship in Serbia.
‘Welcome to Sex': Australian sex-ed book tops bestseller list, despite campaign to block sales
"If you are not providing your young teen with sex education then you’re relying on what they learn from porn or from chatting with other students."
Permission to restore century-old houseboats in Kashmir's Dal Lake is a welcome move for tourism
The recent government decision to withdraw a five decade old ban on repairs, comprehensive facelifts and restorations of interiors of all the century-old houseboats in Kashmir was welcomed by all.
The Great Leap Backwards of media in China
To understand the nuances of censorship, state violence, resilience and journalistic courage in China, Global Voices interviewed Cédric Alviani, head of the Taiwan-based office of RSF for East and Southeast Asia.
Kamnotra emerges as the latest platform in a ‘news-starved’ Cambodia
A new website was launched by the Cambodian Center for Independent Media (CCIM) amid the forced closure of independent media outlets and the dismantling of civic spaces in Cambodia.
Turkey has a long road ahead with renewed EU bid
Pundits say, there is a long road ahead. Reforming the rule of law, adhering to democratic principles, ensuring equal rights are just some of the pressing requirements.
In Turkey, conservatives go after a queer volleyball star
Divisions between between Turkey's conservatives and secularists are worsening. The latest showdown occurred after conservatives attacked a queer volleyball player after her team brought home a gold medal.
In Kazakhstan, the truth about the 2022 deadly protests is still suppressed
For a year and a half, the authorities have not released a complete list of the victims, along with the circumstances of their death.
Turkmenistan unveils its first ‘smart’ city, named after the former president
Arkadag’s future remains unclear given the government’s authoritarian and bizarre rules for its potential residents.
And then there were none — how political parties are disappearing in Azerbaijan
Opposition political parties have long struggled in Azerbaijan, faced with arrests, detentions, financial hurdles, or persecution of their members.
The Belarus regime’s crackdown on civil society continues
The number of political prisoners in Belarus continues to rise; by the end of June, there were 1,496 individuals languishing behind bars on politically-motivated charges.
Prolonged detention of activist draws anger in Angola
Among the grounds for suspending the sentence of Tanaice Neutro was his ill health and the fact that he was a first-time offender — but this court ruling was never enforced.
A forensic investigation finds a site that doxxes Hong Kong activists and journalists is likely backed by Beijing
Toronto-based Citizen Lab finds circumstantial evidence that suggests the campaign operators held links to mainland China.
‘People in Belarus live in constant terror, fearing a system that can arbitrarily target anyone’
"Our human rights work in Belarus involves direct action. We engage in activities such as collecting resources, learning to purchase necessary items and communicating with the families of political prisoners."
In Togo, a journalist honoured for his fight against corruption must from now on live in exile
In Togo, the journalist Ferdinand Ayité's determination and resilience net him an international prize, but Togolese journalists are still powerless in the face of exile.
‘Please hate the terrorist state’: Trans people and allies speak up against a transphobic law in Russia
A group of anonymous activists who call themselves The Ural Queer Republic, from the Russian city of Ekaterinburg, announced an action and launched Twitter and Telegram channels before the approval of the law.
