Stories about Human Rights from February, 2020
Russians rally against torture after verdict against ‘terrorist cell’
Following a verdict against seven antifascist and anarchist activists, Russia's opposition discovers that whatever their political differences, they could all face the threat of torture.
In Lebanon, journalists and activists who cover protests face threats
Media professionals have raised their voices against the use of excessive force against them while they are trying to cover the mass protests.
Is the coronavirus epidemic China's ‘Chernobyl moment'?
"It is a system that turns every natural disaster into an even greater man-made catastrophe."
Czech Parliament elects ombudsman with history of racial discrimination
His appointment speaks of the poor state of human rights in the country.
Broadcasters from Nigeria join global celebration of World Radio Day 2020
Nigerian broadcasters joined radio practitioners around the world to honor the powerful role that radio plays in global development on World Radio Day, February 13, 2020.
What do we know about the ‘Great Firewall of India’?
After a six-month-long internet shutdown, access to only 301 white-listed websites has been granted in Jammu and Kashmir, whereas social media, VPNs and many other sites remain banned.
Jordan's online censorship decisions: Non-transparent and — at times — arbitrary
The Jordanian government should take steps to ensure that its citizens’ right to online freedom of expression and information are protected.
Controversy in Malaysia: Do Facebook posts about the coronavirus amount to ‘circulating rumors’?
"...while I agree some restrictions are necessary in times of crisis, dragging someone under the Penal Code is unjustified. Restrictions need not be through punitive measures in this case."
No justice in Nepal as politician accused of murder gets elected speaker of parliament
A man accused of murder, Agni Sapkota, replaces a rape-accused as house speaker in Nepal, exacerbating the already dire prospects for justice by fostering a culture of impunity.
Tanzania slapped with US travel ban, individual sanctions amid deteriorating human rights situation
Tanzania's inclusion in the US travel ban speaks to intensifying diplomatic strain between the two countries due to Tanzania's rapid decline in human rights.
Coronavirus death of whistleblower Li Wenliang sets Chinese social media on fire
The manipulation around his death became obvious. Li Wenliang became an icon as people have come to see his life and death as a reflection of their own fate.
Nigeria on defensive after US travel ban casts accusations of security noncompliance
The travel ban came as a surprise to Nigeria, which has been a long-time partner with the US in the global fight against terrorism.
What happened during the deadly land dispute clash in Dong Tam, Vietnam?
For years residents resisted relinquishing their land for the construction of a military airport. Tensions peaked this year after two civilians and three officers were killed during a police raid.
Nigeria's digital ID scheme may benefit those ‘with access'— but what about everyone else?
"Without an adequate data privacy or protection law, how can we safeguard against some of the greatest risks that such a system could incur?"
Bengali, Pakistani, and Amazon indigenous women perform ‘The rapist is you’ song
The flashmob by Chilean collective Las Tesis is still making waves around the world.
Newly elected Mozambican MP who lacks upper limbs plans to focus on education
"I believe that by being here in the great chamber I will encourage and inspire many people by the things I will do during my mandate."
Pakistani human rights activist who challenged military is arrested
Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, a young a human rights activist from South Waziristan, Pakistan, has been arrested for alleged conspiracy and sedition.
Pakistani students under lockdown in Wuhan are appealing for assistance
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, nearly 500 Pakistani students studying in China's Hubei province are under lockdown; their government has not yet decided to bring them back home.
To apply for a national ID card in Iran, members of ‘unrecognized’ religious minorities now need to deny their faith
The removal of the "other religions" option from the national ID card application form essentially bars members of certain religious minorities from full citizenship.
