Stories about Human Rights from January, 2016
29 January 2016
Egyptians Call for the Release of Political Prisoners on the Fifth Anniversary of the Jan25 Revolution
Some 41,000 political prisoners remain in jail in Egypt on the fifth anniversary of the Egyptian revolution. Mira G looks at how they are being remembered.
Facebook Finally Suspends ‘Pegida Macedonia’ Anti-Muslim Page
Despite numerous user report of Islamophobic hate speech, Facebook stated several times that the page did not violate its Community Standards.
28 January 2016
‘Don't You Touch My Sister': Guinean Citizens Rally Against Rape
Guinean citizens took to the streets and online forums to raise awareness of sexual violence in Guinea.
27 January 2016
Netizen Report: Change is on the Horizon for Iran. But Let’s Not Forget Human Rights.
Protesters in Poland say no to unchecked surveillance, Kuwait tightens laws on critical speech, and an exiled Bangladeshi blogger tells his story.
Did a Text Message Lead to the Arrest of This Recently Released Iranian-American Prisoner?
Another prisoner released in the swaps, Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari, appears to have been arrested to due to mass surveillance by Iranian authorities. His SMS messages were surveilled.
26 January 2016
[TIMELINE] Morocco: Political Repression in the Era of Social Media
Since the mid-2000s, investigative journalists and citizens engaged in political activism online have become regular targets of the Moroccan government. Learn more with this timeline.
Mexico’s Supreme Court Hands Indigenous Peoples Landmark Victory in Media Representation
The highest court in Mexico declares Article 230 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law to be unconstitutional for discriminating against indigenous languages.
How Netizens Are Pushing Back Against ISIS’ Social Media ‘Propaganda Machine’
Alongside the efforts of big companies and governments, many independent groups and individuals are making their own efforts to combat ISIS' activities online.
Activist-Blogger Hossein Ronaghi Maleki Returns To Jail
While much hope and happiness came with the lifting of nuclear sanctions and the release of Iranian-American prisoners in Iran, a blogger and activist returned to jail.
Childrearing Traditions and Weak Policing Are Failing Armenia’s Abused Children
Domestic violence against children continues to be overlooked and underreported in Armenia. One group of activists is doing what it can to raise awareness.
Why I Went Into Exile: A Bangladeshi Blogger Tells His Story
"...[the assailants] want our keyboards, pens to stop...Now its the time to write even more...Otherwise the darkness will win, religious fundamentalism and extremism will win."
25 January 2016
#Justice4Morocco: 7 Defenders of Free Expression Face Trial
Since the mid-2000s, the regime of King Mohammed VI has systematically targeted and persecuted Moroccan citizens working to hold their government accountable to its people.
17 Children Killed by Authorities in Ethiopia Land Protests
Most children killed were between the ages of 12 and 17 years old. Citizen media reports also show that many more school children have been injured in the protest movement.
Meet the Thai Facebook User Sentenced to 60 Years in Prison for Insulting the Monarchy
"It made me question why Thailand is still so poor, and why the poor in Thailand are so repressed.”
‘Homophobes Are People Too’ Campaign Challenges Macedonia's Hostility Toward LGBT People
The human rights reality for LGBT people in Macedonia is poor, with systemic impunity for hate crimes against sexual and gender minorities in the country.
Checkmate: Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Declares War on Chess
Checkmate. After Saudi Arabia's grand mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh declared playing chess is forbidden in Islam, netizens turn to Twitter to vent off
24 January 2016
Five Years On: Time to Remember Those Who Gave All for the Egyptian Revolution
It was the beginning of the end to a 30-year rule of a tyrant regime. Five years later, here's a rundown of what's happening in Egypt today.
Three Foreign Lawyers Have Returned Home Safely, But What’s Life Like for Local Attorneys in Tajikistan?
What's the difference between a Tajik and a non-Tajik lawyer? In Tajikistan, detained foreign attorneys have a better chance of remaining unharmed and securing a quick release.
Social Media Slams India's Judgmental Journalist
"I wasn’t abused, I wasn’t beaten, I wasn’t molested, I wasn’t raped.” Actor Sunny Leone has moved beyond her porn star past -- why can't the journalist who interviewed her?
22 January 2016
Russian LGBT Activist Fined for ‘Propaganda of Homosexuality’ Online
LGBT activist Sergey Alekseenko was accused of "gay propaganda" after posting a quote from a state regulator's report describing another LGBT community on social media.
