Stories about Human Rights from January, 2017
Netizen Report: Bahrain Orders News Outlet to Stop ‘Using Electronic Media Tools’
Israeli lawmakers give nod to ‘Facebook Bill’, Oman suspends free speech cases against Facebookers, and Kenyans fear an election day Internet shutdown.
China's Top Judge Warns Against the ‘Threat’ of Judicial Independence
"The speech should be the best migration service advertisement of the year."
What Eyewitnesses Say Happened When Israeli Police Tried to Demolish Umm el-Hiran, a Bedouin Arab Village
Eyewitnesses explain what happened in Umm el-Hiran on the morning of January 18, 2017 as Israeli authorities prepared to destroy a Bedouin village
Bahrain Intensifies Media Crackdown Ahead of Protest Anniversary
On 16 January, the government banned the online edition of the country’s only independent newspaper al-Wasat, from "using electronic media tools".
Oscar López Rivera, Puerto Rico's Longest-Serving Political Prisoner, Has Sentence Commuted by President Obama
His release will not be immediate, however.
A Nepali Transgender Model Is Set to Break Boundaries on the Catwalk at Lakme Fashion Week
"The path surely must not have been easy but I'm sure that this path will lead you to a bright and beautiful future that you truly deserve."
#SaveArash: Jailed Iranian Activist Arash Sadeghi is Fighting for Human Rights — And His Life
Arash Sadeghi was on hunger strike from 23 October 2016 until January 3, 2017. He remains alive and conscious, according to close contacts of his family.
In Israeli Soldier's Manslaughter Conviction, Palestinians See Injustice
"I think it's a false conviction. The Israeli legal system is supporting the occupation. As Palestinians, we are not only suffering from one soldier."
A Year of Living Strategically
2017 promises to be a vital year for Global Voices. Some further thoughts on our strategy planning process.
The Best of Latin American Info-Activism in 2016 (Part II)
The organization SocialTIC reviews 2016's most inspirational info-activist projects in Latin America.
Old Misogynist Hatreds Fuel a New Year’s Massacre in Brazil
It's a disturbing notion, but much about the man who massacred 11 people on Jan. 1 is hardly unusual, when it comes to gender-based violence
Trinidad & Tobago Moves to End Child Marriage, Despite Religious Opposition
"This is not a matter of cultural relativism. It is a matter of cruel criminal behaviour."
Digital Activists Are Disappearing in Pakistan
At least six bloggers and digital activists have disappeared thus far in 2017. Despite being a serious human rights issue, the number of people missing in Pakistan is unknown.
Kenyans Fear a Possible Internet Shutdown During 2017 Presidential Election
Kenya would be not the first country in Africa to shut down its Internet during elections -- Uganda and The Gambia have already gone this far.
‘Most Efficient Trial in History’ Fines Serbian Magazine for Defamation of Interior Minister
"How can a journalist be 'unauthorised' to do their job: gathering information and suggesting conclusions based on the gathered evidence?"
A Conference in Copenhagen Seeks to Build Bridges in Areas of Conflict
A recent conference in Copenhagen brought together a wide cross section of people interested in creating peace in the midst of conflict.
Singapore's Prime Minister Leads Netizens in Expressing Gratitude for Foreign Workers
Local observers argue that real policies to protect migrant workers' rights are still absent in the wealthy Asian city state, however.
Is the World Ignoring Possible Genocide in Southern Kaduna in Nigeria?
"The level of barbarity was such that pregnant women got their wombs blown out and massacred before their children. And these innocent children were not spared either..."
Death, Beatings Highlight the Horrors of Australia's Manus Island Refugee Detention Centre
"The refugees were so scared and distressed and they said the police did not give them any food or medical treatment. "
After 71 Days on Hunger Strike, Arash Sadeghi Sees Iranian Authorities Release His Wife on Bail
Iraee was charged after Iran's Revolutionary Guards raided her home, looking for evidence against her civil rights activist husband, Arash Sadeghi.
Crowds Assault Women During New Year's ‘Night of Shame’ in Bangalore
"The Bangalore NYE event is shocking. Such disrespect and insecurity is being created for women"