Stories about Freedom of Speech from January, 2018
‘If I Don't Oppose Dictatorship, Am I Still a Man?': Chinese Activist Gets Eight Years in Prison

Wu Gan, better known by his nickname “Super Vulgar Butcher”, has been active in Chinese human rights circles since 2008.
Despite Threats of Censorship, Documentary Filmmakers Show Human Rights Violations in Western Sahara

The film gives audiences a close look at Western Sahara under Moroccan occupation.
Singapore Authorities Ban Documentary on Palestinian Teen Activists for ‘Skewed Narrative’
"...did you even consider that this documentary...exists to provide a balance, a corrective to the kinds of propaganda that Israel state television and the US-centric media produce..."
The Draft Budget That Inflamed Protests in Iran
"You’ve turned as all into beggars. Please tell Mr. Khamenei, tell the president, tell everyone, tell them we are desperate. We don’t need this revolution. We hate the clerics."
The Untimely Death of an Exiled Ethiopian Journalist

"His reward for having conscience in a country that criminalises it was torture & death in exile."
Corruption and Poverty Lead to Rage and Despair in Iran
"The members of parliament need to know that they are accountable to the people, that they represent the people, and that the eyes of the people are upon them."
Under Pressure From Cyberspace Administration, China's Top News App Will Hire 2,000 More Content Reviewers

Last week, the country’s top internet regulator accused the news app of spreading pornographic content.
What Happens at Maekelawi? Tales of Torture from an Ethiopian Detention Center Slated for Closure

"It turns out that the anguish of Ethiopian prisoners, something that appeared to be so distant in memory, is not that far off after all."
Netizen Report: Iranian Authorities Are Blocking International Web Traffic and Messaging Platforms

Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Iranian Technicians Have Been Ordered to Disrupt International Web Traffic Amid Protests

“We have been ordered to interrupt international traffic,” a source at an Iranian internet exchange point said.
‘Offensive’ Soca Song Gets Boost After Ban From Carnival Contests in Trinidad & Tobago
"There is much that we have to talk about in Trinidad and Tobago as regards race, sex, class and even State-sponsored censorship..."
Caught in Conflict, Internet Users in Yemen Face Blocking, Shutdowns and Slow Speed

Authorities in Yemen have a long history of imposing restrictions on freedom of expression and the right to access information.
The People of Iran Are Raising Their Voices: Scenes from the Protests

Defiance, civil disobedience, chanting and non-violence: scenes from the past few days in Iran, where citizens have taken to the streets to protest against the government.
Will We Ever See the End of Information Control in Azerbaijan?

Legal reforms restricting online speech seem to threaten everyone but the ruling elite of Azerbaijan.
Israeli Activist Chooses Jail Over Military Service to Protest the Occupation
"We live in a fascist and racist state, full of incitement. Although we are a little group, we are strong."