Stories about Freedom of Speech
The role of youth in championing digital literacy education in Timor-Leste
"Digital rights education is essential in Timor-Leste to empower individuals to protect their privacy, promote freedom of expression, and foster digital inclusion."
Anger and grief as Russians in Armenia and Georgia mourn Navalny’s death
At the time of writing this story, at least 387 people have been detained at events across 39 Russian cities since Navalny's death, according to the Russian human rights group OVD-Info.
Turkey's search for gold has a massive humanitarian and environmental impact
There is increasing concern among environmental experts that the land in the area was exposed to cyanide and sulfuric acid used at the mine for the extraction.
Azerbaijan's measure to silence critics: The case of Gubad Ibadoglu
Ibadoglu started a foundation to sponsor Azerbaijani students wanting to study abroad. It was funded by donations and money that was confiscated from Azerbaijani elites in corruption and money laundering cases.
‘Dirty Vote’ documentary on alleged election fraud goes viral in Indonesia
The documentary suggested Indonesia's current president, Joko Widodo (nicknamed "Jokowi") used his position to support the candidacy of his defense minister, Prabowo Subianto, who has sparked countless human rights concerns.
‘I don’t feel safe': Reactions to Germany’s suppression of pro-Palestine solidarity
Germany's crackdown on Arabs and Muslims post-October 7 echoes past patterns of discrimination, leading to a profound sense of isolation and betrayal among them in the country.
‘My message in case I am killed: Do not give up': Alexey Navalny predicted his own demise
"Navalny’s death was a murder — a planned murder, a murder methodically carried out, a murder of which the Russian state is guilty."
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently
A statement urging an end to internet shutdowns in Sudan. These shutdowns violate international law, exacerbating humanitarian crises, hindering emergency assistance, and impeding communication with loved ones.
Yang Hengjun's death sentence jolts improving relations between Australia and China
"Something worth noting (and may not be readily apparent): Yang Hengjun is an Australian citizen. But to the Chinese government, he's Chinese."
Pakistan’s general elections: AI, internet shutdowns and disillusionment
On top of disruptions to the internet, Pakistani political parties have also been using emerging technologies, particularly generative AI and deep fake videos, to influence voter narratives and perceptions.
Palestinian writer Randa Jarrar dragged out of PEN America event for protesting
Palestinian American author Randa Jarrar was forcibly removed for disrupting ceasefire opponent Mayim Bialik by reading the names of Palestinian writers killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
Presidential election in Azerbaijan show old habits die hard
This election was business as usual in Azerbaijan with manipulation and violations, including carousel voting, ballot stuffing, and aggressive behavior toward independent observers and journalists throughout the day.
The Baku Connection: Journalists across the world unite to support Azerbaijan's Abzas Media
Some 40 journalists from 15 media outlets have joined the project since its launch as Abzas Media team who started the investigations, await trial in Baku.
Hundreds of thousands supported anti-war candidate in Russia but he was banned from elections
Boris Nadezhdin and Yekaterina Duntsova happened to be the main figures of the Russian elections in March 2024, although neither of them are going to be on the ballot
Azerbaijan: Competition-free vote to settle Aliyev’s grip on power
"Each round of flawed elections was a lost opportunity for Azerbaijan to step away from post-Soviet autocracy towards democracy."
Pakistan’s political landscape: What to expect from the 2024 elections
On February 8, 2024, over 128 million Pakistani voters are scheduled to vote in a crucial election that has been marred by political repression and judicial harassment against the main opposition.
The Suriname book prohibition in a global context of free expression
Suriname's book ban on corruption exposure is more than a local issue; it's a global wake-up call for the defence of free speech and press freedom against authoritarianism.
Portraits of exile: Musical resistance to oppression from Iranian singer Faravaz
Faravaz defied borders and societal norms, moving from early recognition in Iran to facing backlash, exile, and activism in Germany. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of Iranian women against oppression.
The battle of Bashkir people: Why the largest protests in wartime Russia happened in Bashkortostan
"Russia is stepping on ethnic rakes. The Bashkirs have their own land. At the heart of everything that happened is a word that is now distorted — patriotism."
In Moldova, asylum was denied to five representatives of the LGBTQ+ community from Russia
In all five responses published this week, Moldovan imigration agency claims that 'some individuals have certain obligations to protect their country, and their avoidance of military service in Russia does not pose a risk of persecution.'
In Kazakhstan, ‘Bloody January’ is still a taboo topic
"The authorities do not need to dwell on this topic, because why would they? They killed people, tortured them — why [would they revisit this]?"