Stories about Freedom of Speech from February, 2013
Bangladesh: All Roads Lead To Shahbagh
The protests at Shahbagh intersection in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka continue for the fourth day. Protesters demand capital punishment for Jamaat-Islami leader Abdul Quader Mollah and other war criminals on trial.
Critic Rises within Communist Party of China
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has urged the Communist Party of China (CPC) to be more tolerant of criticism and receptive to the views of non-communists. His comment has drawn a lot of interests on Weibo and Twitter, some responded with hope, others reacted with skepticism. CHINA DIGITAL TIMES has more...
Mexico's Social Media Love Revolution
By knowing the negative image Mexico has in international media, some people from the international community living in Mexico got tired of seeing how the positive side of the country gets lost and created the hashtag #ForTheLoveOfMexico.
Her Zimbabwe: A Platform for Women to Share Views
Her Zimbabwe is an online platform for women to share their views, discuss issues and carry out open debate about the things that affect them.
Italy: Gay Couples Are Allowed to Raise Children, according to Supreme Court
A recent decision by Italy's Supreme Court has heated up the debate both online and offline. Judges seem inclined to reduce discrimination against LGBT couples, thus embracing the recommendations by the European Court of Human Rights.
RuNet Freedom: a Pirate's Revenge
Amid brazen attempts to censor the RuNet, one group is fighting back. On February 4, the Pirate Party of Russia has announced a new specialized internet hosting service, called the PirateHost, created in retaliation to attacks on Russian internet freedoms.
One Joke Too Many? Bhutanomics Satire Blog is Suddenly Blocked
Rousing suspicions that Bhutan's government does not appreciate the humor of political satire blog Bhutanomics, the website was blocked on January 12, 2013 from a major internet service provider with no explanation or warning.
Somyot Case Ignites Lese Majeste Debate in Thailand
Activist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk was found guilty by the Bangkok Criminal Court of violating the Lese Majeste (anti-royal insult) law. As editor of the Voice of Taksin magazine, Somyot was slapped with a 10-year jail sentence for publishing articles that ‘insulted’ the monarchy. Somyot's case ignited debate on whether it's time for Thailand to reform the controversial law
Human Rights Group Maps Russian Internet Censorship
On February 1, the Russian human rights group Agora released a report [ru] on RuNet censorship in 2012, titled “Russia As a Global Threat to a Free Internet,” documenting various limitations on Internet usage in Russia, including violence, administrative pressure, and other forms of intimidation and punishment used against netizens by...
Chobi Mela VII: Photographs Connecting People of The World
The 7th Chobi Mela (Photo Fair), a biennial festival of photography, is taking place in Bangladesh capital Dhaka. This international event is perhaps the world’s most demographically inclusive photo festival which creates a visual dialog connecting people of the world.
Japan's Press Freedom Ranking Drops
Japan has dropped from the 22nd spot to 53rd, recording the biggest drop of any Asian country, on the 2013 Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders. The report highlights lack of transparency and access to information on subjects related to Fukushima: …The continued existence of the discriminatory system of “kisha clubs”, exclusive press clubs...
Egypt: Morsi's State
Egyptian writer and journalist, Wael Eskandar, comments on the current Egyptian events.
Brunei has Freest Press in Southeast Asia?
According to the press freedom index for 2013 released by Reporters Without Borders, Brunei ranked highest in Southeast Asia (122). It was followed by Thailand (135), Indonesia (139), and Cambodia (143). Some journalists in the region were surprised with the results, in particular, the high ranking given to Brunei.
Taiwan: Who Misled Noam Chomsky?
Noam Chomsky's support for an anti-media monopoly campaign in Taiwan has recently been spun into a story of the intentional distortion of Chomsky's position by activists because the placard has a Chinese slogan that criticizes China's manipulation of Taiwanese media.
Russia's Internet Censorship “Experiment”
A Russian federal region is about to embark on an "experimental" project aimed at censoring the internet. A joint effort by the Kostroma regional government and an NGO called the League of Safe Internet, it is similar in spirit to Russia's new internet blacklist.
News from the Iranian Journalists in Prison
Mezrab continues to report about the detained journalists in Iran. The post includes a very personal story about a an Iranian woman who shares her prison experience.
Portugal: Authorities Bring Charges Against Women Activists
Following a series of demonstrations against austerity in Portugal, the country's national police force and the prosecutor general's office have faced heavy criticism for their decision to bring legal action against several protesters and activists. Among them, three women activists face justice: Myriam Zaluar, Mariana Avelãs and Paula Montez.
South Korea's Spy Agency Takes Criticism to Heart .. and Court
South Korea's most powerful intelligence agency is suing forensic psychologist Pyo Chang-won for defamation. Pyo accused them of serving the political powerhouse for their gains and called them "incompetent" and "declawed".
