Stories about Law
Illegal wildlife poisoning depletes Balkan biodiversity, yet only 1% of cases reach court
A recent study shows that the illegal use of poisoning to target "undesirable" animals continues to go unnoticed and unpunished in the Balkans, even though it depletes biodiversity and threatens public health.
Activists rally for marriage equality in Thailand
A petition was launched proposing amendments to the Civil and Commercial Code to allow marriage registration between two people of any gender.
In Georgia, veteran journalist sentenced to 3.5 years in jail
Gvaramia was first charged in 2020 with abuse of power, embezzling property at Rustavi 2, commercial bribery, and forging documents. He was found not guilty on the last three counts.
India pushes for storage of private data using technology built for anonymity
As VPNs and blockchain-based services are often designed to assure user anonymity and privacy, this direction might force many service providers to shut down operations in India.
In Azerbaijan's capital, calls for an end to impunity against activists
A group of civil society activists held a rally in Baku, demanding an end to impunity against government critics, political activists, and journalists.
Pakistan drops 12 points on World Press Freedom Index 2022
A report by Pakistani rights organization Freedom Network reveals that journalists in Pakistan were subjected to violence, legal cases, abductions, detentions and threats last year, mostly from the state actors.
Thugs attacked peaceful protesters, Sri Lanka in turmoil
After 30 days of peaceful protests, the Rajapaksa regime unleashed its thugs on the anti-government protesters in Colombo. The resignation of the Prime Minister followed and violence broke out amid curfew.
Angola: Activism in danger in a election year
The demonstrators were arrested without the right to a defence as stipulated by law. The 22 activists were then taken to court days later, where they were summarily tried.
Nothing new in the ‘New Kazakhstan’ as attacks on social media freedom continue
As the world marks World Free Press Day, the government of Kazakhstan enacts a law restricting social media freedom in a country where media are under control of state authorities.
In Azerbaijan, the state of media freedom is dismal, experts say
When at least four journalists remain behind bars, independent and opposition websites are blocked, and censorship prevails in Azerbaijan, there is little cause for celebration on this day.
Hong Kong’s press freedom plunged from satisfactory to a ‘difficult situation’ in a matter of years
Hong Kong’s ranking was dragged down by the enactment of the National Security Law and the prosecutions of journalists.
Could the proposed return of British Virgin Islands to temporary UK rule be a case of pot, meet kettle?
In a recently concluded Commission of Inquiry into disgraced BVI premier Andrew Fahie's administration, it was recommended that the overseas territory revert to temporary British rule: netizens respond.
Disappearing playgrounds in Dhaka: Where will the children play?
A recent protest to save an open space used as a playground for children in a Dhaka neighbourhood reminds us that playgrounds are vanishing in megacities like Dhaka.
Malaysian writer faces blasphemy probe for Facebook post
"Uthaya Sankar SB’s arrest for his social media post highlights the limits of free expression in Malaysia on issues such as religion."
Regional social media users cringe after the British Virgin Islands’ premier is arrested on drug charges
'Why has there been no statement from the ruling party regarding the removal or suspension of Andrew Fahie's title of premier?'
In Turkey a journalist is arrested for covering an alleged hacking of a government database
The arrest comes after Haskoloğlu reported on an alleged hacking of a government database.
Weaponising the law: Zimbabwe’s new frontier in digital rights repression
2022 will provide ample opportunity to monitor the government response to electoral challenges, and whether includes the use of internet shutdowns and laws to clampdown on activists, opposition leaders and independent media.
Decoding the role of mainstream and social media in the recent anti-Muslim violence in India
“Hindus are under threat,” “Muslims should be treated as second class citizens,” and “Secularism marginalizes India's Hindus” were the top narrative frames present in media items in the CMO research.
The life sentence handed to Turkish philanthropist Osman Kavala is a dark day for the civil society in Turkey
Turkey's renowned philanthropist Osman Kavala was sentenced to life in prison after having spent four and a half years behind bars for baseless crimes.
Hong Kong’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club cancels Human Rights Awards for fear of legal risks
Launched in 1995, the Awards is one of the most important platforms to celebrate and honour human rights journalism from around Asia.
Rising anti-Muslim sentiment across India instigated by ultra-right Hindu groups
Communal clashes between right-wing Hindu supremacist groups and the minority Muslim community have been reported across India on two recent Hindu festivals within a span of a week.
