Stories about Freedom of Speech from April, 2024
38 years after Chernobyl disaster, 12% of Belarus's territory is still contaminated
The state media reports on the success of Belarusian state-sponsored Chernobyl program that deals with economic, social and environmental consequences of the disaster, but many are skeptical about it
EU Parliament condemns the reintroduction of Georgia's foreign agent bill
The EU resolution is a clear warning to the ruling Georgian Dream: Lest the government drop the bill from the parliamentary discussion, the country's EU accession negotiations will stall.
Imran Khan's conflict with the military establishment in Pakistan, and his political future
Former Pakistan Prime Minister and jailed politician Imran Khan's recent tweet has stirred significant controversy on social media, sparking debates and speculation about his and his party's political future.
On X, Elon Musk pushes a campaign against a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice
Since criticizing De Moraes on X, Musk turned the decisions taken by the Brazilian Supreme Court against disinformation into a global debate pushed by influencers and bolsonarista politicians online
Turning point? The ethnicization of social issues and what Indigenous communities think about it in Russia
Research by Vlada Baranova claims that the war in Ukraine has led to the ethnicization of conflicts and confrontation between the federal authorities, perceived as “Russian,” and the Indigenous population.
A Hong Kong Facebook group on shop closure strives to survive allegations of inciting discontent
Several pro-establishment commentators and outlets claimed that the page had been hijacked by the “yellow clan” (pro-democracy) and a newspaper columnist warned that it might “incite” discontent against the government
Mali: Political parties call for presidential elections to end military transition
A military government has led Mali since the coup d’état on March 24, 2021 and refuses to hold fresh elections. It has also announced measures to restrict the press.
Georgia draws criticism and protests as government debates the foreign agent bill
After three days of large-scale protests, domestic and international criticism the draft bill nevertheless passed the first reading at the parliament.
‘I dreamed I was executed by a firing squad in Iran’
Actress Maryam Palizban's journey into exile, as she navigated life between Germany and Iran, constantly concerned about being photographed without a hijab, until she embraced the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement.
Inside Germany's Orwellian crackdown on Palestine Congress
The inside story of how Germany deployed hundreds of police and 'cancelled' a Berlin conference with speakers like Ghassan Abu Sitta and Yanis Varoufakis for speaking out for Gaza.
AfrikElles: Togolese media outlet putting African women at the center of its editorial line
AfrikElles is one of Togo’s few French-language media outlets that report on the everyday lives of women by putting them at the center of its editorial line.
What lies behind the ‘golden opportunities’ of Malaysian Star media group's new tie with its mainland Chinese partner
The China's State Council is the sole shareholder Contemporary World Publishing Co., Ltd, the company behind Star Media Group's latest media partner, Contemporary World Magazine.
How are India’s new-age influencers shaping the electoral game?
Ahead of the Indian general elections, political parties are leveraging the power of the internet and social media to to maximise their outreach and engagement in the election process.
Reporters Without Borders representative denied entry to Hong Kong
RSF's representative was detained, searched and questioned for six hours at the airport on April 10, 2024 before she was deported.
Authorities severely restrict public freedoms in Jordan
Anger and frustration among the Jordanian public over the government's perceived inaction in supporting Palestinians and condemning Israeli actions, as well as its response to the ongoing massive protests.
Deep historical links complicate Taiwan's relationship with Myanmar
To unpack a complex relationship between Myanmar and Taiwan, Global Voices interviewed Taiwan-based Will Yang, a seasoned Taiwanese journalist preparing a documentary movie on the two countries.
No respite for Georgia's civil society
Last year, when the ruling party announced its decision to adopt the bill it was met with large public outcry as well as international criticism.
In Brazil, since Bolsonaro, attacks on journalists fell while lawsuits against them increased
The data revealed that aggressions of various types against media professionals decreased to 181 last year, while, on the other hand, lawsuits targeting journalists increased by 92.31 percent last year
The slow but steady erosion of India’s civil society
While India has a rich, vibrant, and ideologically diverse political and civil society landscape, the state's systemic crackdown on dissenters and NGOs is becoming increasingly concerning.