Stories about Freedom of Speech from February, 2024
An overview of the media landscape in Tanzania
Reporters Without Borders notes that many media outlets are either owned by politicians or influenced by them, compromising editorial independence and leading to biased coverage.
‘Am Abgrund’: The story of Azerbaijan's influence in Europe
The movie, which exposes corruption both within Azerbaijan and in numerous European countries, comes at a time of deteriorating ties between Azerbaijan and the West.
Senegal: The seeds of an institutional coup
By unilaterally and without any legal basis ending the electoral process three weeks early, Macky Sall has plunged Senegal into an unprecedented institutional crisis
Hong Kong: Annual prophesy says ‘all efforts will be in vain’ this year of the Dragon
Some prophecy interpreters refrained from presenting their readings to the public out of fear that negative comments on Hong Kong may cause trouble.
Why journalists are worried about the five new offences proposed in Hong Kong’s domestic national security law
Foreign public broadcasters and media organizations that receive direct or indirect governmental funding, their employees and other collaborating third parties, may be classified as "external forces."
The untold stories of transgender people in Bangladesh as they navigate misconceptions
“How would you feel If you were wrapped in an air-tight box? I have been feeling suffocated the exact way throughout my life ..."
Silenced voices: The X and VPN ban after Pakistan’s elections
During the political uncertainty following the elections, the voices of Pakistani citizens have been stifled through Twitter and VPN bans.
A veteran Hong Kong journalist’s choice to coexist with censorship
"My only belief is that it is better to have one more voice than one less and that having one more reporter is better than one less."
New domestic security law may affect regular news reporting, says Hong Kong press group
The Journalist Association recommended the authorities to narrow the definition of offences by proving the intention of the offenders to undermine national security and that their acts cause actual damages.
President Javier Milei's parcel of laws to deregulate Argentina approved by the Argentine Congress
After more than 30 hours of debate, the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina approved The Omnibus Law, with 144 votes in favor and 109 against.
The role of youth in championing digital literacy education in Timor-Leste
"Digital rights education is essential in Timor-Leste to empower individuals to protect their privacy, promote freedom of expression, and foster digital inclusion."
Anger and grief as Russians in Armenia and Georgia mourn Navalny’s death
At the time of writing this story, at least 387 people have been detained at events across 39 Russian cities since Navalny's death, according to the Russian human rights group OVD-Info.
Turkey's search for gold has a massive humanitarian and environmental impact
There is increasing concern among environmental experts that the land in the area was exposed to cyanide and sulfuric acid used at the mine for the extraction.
Azerbaijan's measure to silence critics: The case of Gubad Ibadoglu
Ibadoglu started a foundation to sponsor Azerbaijani students wanting to study abroad. It was funded by donations and money that was confiscated from Azerbaijani elites in corruption and money laundering cases.
‘Dirty Vote’ documentary on alleged election fraud goes viral in Indonesia
The documentary suggested Indonesia's current president, Joko Widodo (nicknamed "Jokowi") used his position to support the candidacy of his defense minister, Prabowo Subianto, who has sparked countless human rights concerns.
‘I don’t feel safe': Reactions to Germany’s suppression of pro-Palestine solidarity
Germany's crackdown on Arabs and Muslims post-October 7 echoes past patterns of discrimination, leading to a profound sense of isolation and betrayal among them in the country.
‘My message in case I am killed: Do not give up': Alexey Navalny predicted his own demise
"Navalny’s death was a murder — a planned murder, a murder methodically carried out, a murder of which the Russian state is guilty."
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently
A statement urging an end to internet shutdowns in Sudan. These shutdowns violate international law, exacerbating humanitarian crises, hindering emergency assistance, and impeding communication with loved ones.
Yang Hengjun's death sentence jolts improving relations between Australia and China
"Something worth noting (and may not be readily apparent): Yang Hengjun is an Australian citizen. But to the Chinese government, he's Chinese."
Pakistan’s general elections: AI, internet shutdowns and disillusionment
On top of disruptions to the internet, Pakistani political parties have also been using emerging technologies, particularly generative AI and deep fake videos, to influence voter narratives and perceptions.
Palestinian writer Randa Jarrar dragged out of PEN America event for protesting
Palestinian American author Randa Jarrar was forcibly removed for disrupting ceasefire opponent Mayim Bialik by reading the names of Palestinian writers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
