Stories about Freedom of Speech from April, 2016
In China, Alleged Assault Footage Helps Muffle Panama Talk
Three members of China's all-powerful politburo standing committee had relatives implicated in the Panama Papers, but national media has been silent on the leak.
Thai Army's ‘Attitude Adjustment’ Camp Helps Critics to Be Healthy and Obedient
Instead of receiving certificates, graduates of 'attitude-adjustment' sessions will sign MOUs stating they will cease all activities against the government.
Secular Activist Targeted and Killed in Bangladesh
The 28-year-old law student was murdered by three assailants in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 7, 2016. The young man was most likely targeted for his critiques of religious conservatism.
Russian Censors Have New Advice for Media Outlets On How to Cover Suicide
Roscomnadzor's advice to Russian media outlets reporting on instances of suicide is based on recommendations from the WHO, but needs "more work" to be in line with the Russian legislation.
In Kenya, Banned Music Video Celebrating Same-Sex Love Stays on YouTube
The Kenya Film Classification Board has banned the video arguing that "it does not adhere to the morals of the country."
Maldives Media Crackdown Triggers Forced Newspaper Closure, Journalist Arrests
Riot police used brute force and pepper spray and strip-searched both male and female journalists, who hailed from several local media organizations.
Iran's Headscarf Laws Collide With the Women of Air France
Air France's women have demanded the right to work the Paris-Tehran route, if headscarves are required, and the Facebook community “My Stealthy Freedom” is supporting their protest with a new online campaign.
In Bosnia, Defiance as Homophobia and Student Politics Collide
In most Balkan countries, homophobia is used as a political tool by right-wing populists to "divide and conquer". This often goes together with impunity for homophobic hate crimes.
‘Free West Papua’ Campaign Turns to Social Media for Global Support
The campaign encourages netizens to express support to the independence struggle of West Papua by posting photos on social media using the hashtag #LetWestPapuaVote.
Macedonia's Academy of Arts and Sciences Pulls Its Public Debt Clock Following Political Pressure
The issue of public debt in Macedonia, one of Europe's poorest countries, is a touchy one.
Zambian Deputy Minister Attacks Bank Employee Over Facebook Comment
The Deputy Minister’s visit reportedly was marked with obnoxious name calling, threats and shouts that shocked clients and security personnel at the bank.
When a Mother's Love Conflicts With Loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party
"...nowadays, so many people see 'patriotism' as a business and as a path to get a promotion. They talk about ideology but think about business."
Posting Photos of Red Bowls on Facebook Is Now Deemed Seditious by the Thai Junta
"The Thai junta’s fears of a red plastic bowl show its intolerance of dissent has reached the point of absolute absurdity."
Film Says Students Across Central and Eastern Europe Should Cooperate on Fighting Corruption
A recently published documentary shows how youth organizations from various countries can cooperate to put an end to the shady dealings that too often occur within educational institutions.
#IamSyrian, a Campaign to Make Every Syrian Proud
Moustafa Jacob, a Syrian artist, used the Oscars to kick off his campaign #IamSyrian. Little did he know that this initiative would snowball to showcase international solidarity with Syrians.
No, Bangladesh's High Court Didn't Uphold Islam as State Religion
"Unfortunately, for both sides, this was kind of a draw. The battle did not even take place. The match was cancelled."
Let's Not Forget Nuno Dala, the Imprisoned Angolan Activist Now 3 Weeks Into a Hunger Strike
Nuno Dala, who's been on hunger strike for 22 days, is one of 17 activists, sentenced to prison for plotting a rebellion. A diabetic, Dala's health is in jeopardy.