Stories about Law from August, 2022
Towards digital authoritarianism in Nepal: Surveillance, data collection, and online repression
Nepal government’s COVID-19 response opened the door to various threats to human and digital rights. Nepal must decide on its own path if it envisions a democratic digital ecosystem.
In Turkey, the arrest of a popular singer prompts debate on the justice system and more
Gülşen's arrest prompted her fans and rights activists to accuse the state of a disproportionate justice system, as well as steering the country in a more conservative direction.
Unable to emigrate and not welcome at home: The Azerbaijani political refugees in limbo
For many Azerbaijanis fleeing the country, among them regular migrants as well as political activists, Germany has become a popular destination. But it has not been a smooth ride.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Russia
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Russia is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
A mother confesses to killing her child in Trinidad & Tobago, prompting discussion on violence, depression, poverty and mental health
"There is a lot of speculation [with] blame on state agencies [but] no one, unless familiar with the situation should be making any judgement."
Chinese police detains a woman wearing Japanese Kimono, sparking outrage on social media
A police officer from Suzhou city in Jiangsu province, China, arrested a woman for wearing a traditional Japanese Kimono while taking photos on Huaihai street, a Japanese cuisine district.
The ‘war on drugs’ probe faces a setback as the Philippines refuses to rejoin the ICC
"Marcos' premise is incorrect - there is no genuine investigation in the Philippines into the government policy or pattern of activities that has led to crimes against humanity."
We must question colonialism in legal discourse, says Colombian lawyer
"I believe that we need a legal system that takes into account the land that we share with multiple beings (...) and that includes in the legal analysis the knowledge of the ancestral peoples."
Unfreedom Monitor Report: India
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in India is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
In Brazil and India we are seeing an increase in tensions between platforms and states
Research from the Unfreedom Monitor uncovers a pattern in the way that social media and tech platforms engage with states that practise digital authoritarianism.
Marcos-Duterte critic arrested for cyber libel in the Philippines
"What a wonderful display of unity in defense of our common values! With solidarity like this, how can we possibly lose?"
Missing, presumed dead: A sensational murder case in Jamaica highlights the plight of many vulnerable Caribbean women
The high-profile case of Jamaican social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson is just one of many tragic stories of femicide across the region.
Georgia's ruling party is committed to silencing independent media
The ruling Georgian Dream party said the ad was negatively representing the party, affecting its electoral future.
Disruptive technologies, demagogic governance: Data (un)democracy in India during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic not only resulted in a great loss of life in India, but also provided an impetus for authoritarian control.
Georgia and Russia spar with online bullying, historical grievances, and visa regulations
Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the ruling Georgian Dream has been cautious, as if walking on a mine field while anti-Russia sentiments among public are growing.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Turkey
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Turkey is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
In Turkey, religious values are used to censor online content
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office claims the music streaming platform approved playlists that were "insulting religious values and state officials."
Bangladesh government instructs TV channels not to use the word ‘Indigenous’ when referring to ethnic tribes
On July 19, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notice to 35 TV channels asking the media and civil society not to use the word ‘Adivasi’ (indigenous people).
Under BTK's eye: investigation reveals Turkey's information and communication authority has been collecting private user data for over a year
The private user data collected by Turkey's Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has been described by main opposition party as the biggest tapping scandal in the Republic's history.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Sudan
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Sudan is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Azerbaijan court overlooks a hate crime against LGBTQ+ activist
The sentence omitted any mention of a hate crime and overlooked the perpetrator's targetted cruelty, including abusing the body after committing the crime, beheading Hafizil, and committing genital mutilation.
