Stories about Human Rights from May, 2017
Netizen Report: Draft Laws in Egypt Could Lock Down Social Media
As Egypt's parliament pushes to further restrict expression, Turkey blocks Wikipedia, Russia blocks WeChat, and the UK can't seem to stop snooping.
Seven Years After Execution, Kurdish Teacher Farzad Kamangar's Legacy of Hope Remains
"I know that one day, this harsh and uneven road will be paved for teachers and the suffering you endured will be a badge of honour..."
Tunisian Media Activist Interrogated Over Sources of Leaked Documents
Sami Ben Gharbia is a significant figure in independent media and digital human rights activism in Tunisia and the Arab region.
Nigerians Celebrate the Release of 82 Chibok Girls from Boko Haram's Captivity
The girls were set free following negotiations between the government and Boko Haram militants.
The Objectification of Women in the Sri Lankan Press
The representation of women in Sri Lankan media over the years has breached many ethical standards, resulting in the reinforcement of negative stereotypes.
Draft Law Would Require Egyptian Social Media Users to Register With Government
Users who do not register could face up to six months in jail and a fine.
Omani Authorities Block Access to Online Magazine Mowatin
The independent magazine was blocked by Oman authorities on World Press Freedom Day, hours after resuming publication.
Young Girl Quits Malaysian Chess Tournament After Organizers Call Her Knee-Length Skirt ‘Seductive’
"The police should not only be looking into the claims of the breach of dress code but the fact that a child was possibly sexualised by an adult.”
Venezuela's Protests Arrive in Lebanon
"What nerve. Tarek WIlliam Saab, who should ensure the Human Rights of Venezuelans and doesn't do it, goes and talks about Human Rights in #Lebanon."
Is India's Aadhaar System an Instrument For Surveillance?
"Repeat after me: Aadhaar is surveillance technology masquerading as secure authentication technology."
Netizen Report: Vietnam Says Facebook Will Cooperate With Censorship Requests on Offensive and ‘Fake’ Content
Vietnam makes a deal with Facebook, beef controversy leads to online harassment in India and French authorities push to globalize ‘right to be forgotten’.
Iranian News Agency Publishes ‘Fabricated’ Story Accusing UN Special Rapporteur of Misdeeds With Saudi Arabia
It's not the first time Iranian officials have tried to discredit the office of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Iran.
Salt Water Challenge, Skipping Meals and #DignityStrike: Palestinians Show Solidarity With Prisoners’ Hunger Strike
Prisoners are demanding an end to solitary confinement, arrest and detention without trial known as administrative arrest, and medical negligence, as well as the improvement of conditions within the prison.
‘We Are Not Slaves, We Want Our Rights': Lebanon's Migrant Domestic Workers March on Labour Day
Hundreds of migrant domestic workers and Lebanese activists took to the streets on Labour Day to protest against Lebanon's notorious Kafala system and for justice.
For Opponents, WHO Director General Nominee Tedros Adhanom Represents Ethiopia's Repressive Government
Ethiopians who feel marginalized by their country's government are campaigning hard against him online.
Brazilian Activist in Induced Coma After Police Beating at Nationwide Protests
A Brazilian student is hospitalized in intensive care, after a police officer clubbed him in the head at a demonstration last Friday, when millions joined nationwide strikes against austerity reforms.
Russian Psychological Center Insults and Then Outs Gay Man Who Called Its Support Line
Be careful when calling the hotline at “FROG,” a psychological help center; you might need more support after the call than you did before you picked up the phone.
Protests Still Spreading in Venezuela, Despite Political Repression
Protests are spreading across Venezuela, and the number of deaths is only rising, as the crisis between the government and the opposition boils over.
Indians Are Speaking Up About Depression to Do Away With the Social Stigma Surrounding It
"In my heart, I believe that the time is now right for the world to deal with depression a kinder way."
Students and Staff Condemn Talk by Israel's UK Ambassador at SOAS, University of London
London's SOAS University saw hundreds protest Israeli ambassador's visit to campus, denouncing it as "an official exercise in state propaganda."
Life as a Vod, Russia’s Disappearing Ethnic Group
Made up of just a few dozen people, the world’s largest community of Vods lives outside St. Petersburg. Victoria Vziatysheva recently spoke to some of the Vods’ last living descendants.