Stories about Freedom of Speech from August, 2024
Azerbaijan clears out critics ahead of COP29
Azerbaijan has had one of the lowest international rankings on citizens’ rights and freedoms. Even so, Azerbaijani President Aliyev has insisted persecutions against civil society are justified.
Two Hong Kong journalists found guilty of sedition after a 2-year trial
Two former chief editors of the now-defunct Stand News were found guilty of sedition, marking the first such conviction of journalists since the former British colony returned to China in 1997.
From Myanmar to Thailand: Displaced journalists tell their stories
"I still have concerns that police will raid our office and arrest us because we have no permit to operate a news agency."
Citizens place blame on India as flash floods ravage Bangladesh
Bangladesh is grappling with one of its worst floods in recent times, caused by heavy rainfall and influx of water from India's Tripura state rivers.
What are the controversies over Hong Kong’s latest cybersecurity bill?
“The proposals give authorities overly broad powers that could threaten the integrity of service providers and rock confidence in the city’s digital economy.”
Belarusian stand-up comedian who compared Lukashenka to a sparrow is accused of defamation
The comedian is well-known for his outspoken criticism of the Belarusian regime and its security forces, particularly in the wake of the 2020 opposition protests
How online disinformation fuels religious, ethnic and sociopolitical tensions during Bangladesh’s regime change
The month-long student-led mass movement that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was marred not only with violence, but also a surge in mis- and disinformation.
Starlink in Sudan: A lifeline or war facilitator?
Sudan's conflict has crippled telecommunication as both sides leverage and disrupt internet services to gain control.
‘We have nothing except our hearts, and our minds': Vietnamese activist sentenced to five years in prison
“The only thing we did was to act in accordance with our conscience, speak up our thoughts, our desire, our longing.”
Venezuelans use AI avatars and Instagram Live to fight back Maduro's repression
After Venezuela's contested presidential elections of July 28, President Maduro has increased repression and surveillance of dissidents. Venezuelans look for ways to break through the censorship.
Website blocking in India: One arrow for all
A report last updated in March 2024 by a digital rights organization observed that 55,607 websites were blocked between 2015 and 2023.
In Turkey, a street interview lands a citizen in jail
“Insulting the president,” and “inciting hatred and hostility among the public,” are both common charges leveled against government critics in Turkey.
New laws, old shadows: India's criminal legislation overhaul
In August 2023, the Indian government aimed to modernize and Indianize India’s legal frameworks by moving beyond the colonial legacy and overhauling the country’s criminal laws.
Solar power plant in rural Pakistan acquires land without consent
As the government prioritizes green energy over livelihoods, residents of Pakistan's Thal region in the Punjab province confront a heartbreaking loss of their ancestral lands.
Internet shutdowns in Sudan allow the bypass of regulations
Sudan’s internet shutdowns bypass legal frameworks, raising concerns about human rights and highlighting the growing influence of decentralized technologies like Starlink.
Pro-democracy activists in Zimbabwe are being prosecuted for ‘public disorder’
The Kofi Annan Foundation has condemned the harassment, intimidation, and persecution of these human rights and democracy defenders, urging authorities to uphold due process of law.
Covering Gaza: The deadliest war for journalists
Israel’s ongoing attack has tragically become the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded.
Malaysia’s social media licensing rule: Online protection or censorship?
"Licensing of social media platforms is unnecessary, high-handed and poses a serious danger to our democratic right to criticise or question the Government."
Senegalese parliamentarian Guy Marius Sagna defends the people in ECOWAS parliament
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is facing a legitimacy crisis, as the sharp remarks of Guy Marius Sagna, a Senegalese parliamentarian in this regional organization’s parliament highlight.
Sri Lanka elections: Will the real Wickremesinghe, Premadasa and Dissanayake please stand up?
Over 4,000 tweets associated with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, and Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna party leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake were analyzed to uncover their artificially constructed identities.
Resistance art as a weapon in Bangladesh's ongoing student movement
One remarkable aspect of the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh is the use of cartoons and comics shared on social media, as well as graffiti and posters on the streets.
