Stories about Freedom of Speech from March, 2017
Chinese Scientists Speak Out Against the Great Firewall (Again)
'...it takes at least 10-20 second to access a page. Sometimes it takes more than half an hour to access some university websites…'
In China's Shadow: Will Taiwanese Universities Sell Out Academic Freedom?
A combination of political and economic pressures at local universities are laying the ground for an unsettling compromise.
South Africans Want Their Government's Hands Off Social Media
South Africa's Minister of State Security announced that his government is contemplating regulating social media to counter false narratives and the spread of fake news.
Jaysh Al-Islam Is Leading Peace Talks in Geneva, While Clamping Down on Speech in Syria's Eastern Ghouta
The group controlling the region has shut down a magazine and five well-known civil society organisations, according to activists.
Russian Socialists Celebrate International Women's Day With Guerilla Ads on the Subway
A group of socialist activists in St. Petersburg is using guerilla advertising to show the city a different way to acknowledge International Women's Day.
France Sees Sharp Rise in Blocked and De-Listed Websites
Authorities have blocked or de-listed more than 2,700 websites in the fight against child pornography and terrorism, but with little oversight.
India Bans Two Movies For ‘Being Too Lady-Oriented’ and ‘Glorifying Homosexuality’
"According to the Cinematography Act, a film can only be banned if it compromises on national security. What security is a romantic film on a gay couple compromising?"
Vybz Kartel Supporters Threaten Former Jamaican Culture Minister Over Remarks About Dancehall's Violent Lyrics
"I pray that Jamaicans who value common decency will push back against this new normal and defend Jamaica’s true culture. If we lose this battle, we will have lost Jamaica."
Netizen Report: Social Media Users Arrested for Political Speech in Myanmar, Palestine, Turkey
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Red Paint, Stalking and Cyberattacks: Pro-Beijing Newspaper Condemns Escalated Violence
These threats have led to speculation that Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing camp is fragmented and that Chinese President Xi Jinping is prepared to eradicate a powerful sector within the Communist Party.
Tunisian Government Pledges to Loosen Restriction on Civil Servants Speaking to Media
The government suspended guidelines that forbid civil servants from speaking to the press without permission from their superiors.