Stories about Media & Journalism from February, 2016
Macedonian Court Rejects Appeal by Activist Sentenced for Defaming Pro-Government TV Host
Five years after the case first began, Macedonia's judiciary has finally rejected an appeal by an activist convicted defaming a pro-government television show host.
Belgrade Mayor Stands By Police Chief Who Interfered in Journalists’ Work
Belgrade Mayor Siniša Mali has refused to comply with the request of Serbia's Ombudsman to fire the chief of the Communal Police, who interfered with the work of journalists.
Hokkaido's Popular Poplar Cut Down Because of Misbehaving Tourists
The tree had increasingly become a tourist attraction in recent years, with people traveling to visit the tree to snap its picture.
Pressure Like Nowhere Else in the World: Journalism in Afghanistan
"Freedom means having voice. @TOLOnews & @TOLO_TV gave us a voice and a #FreedomOfExpression. We stand with MOBY & condemn the attack."
Fearing Foreign Influence, Iran's Hardliners Bash the BBC Ahead of Legislative Elections
"Those that claim that foreign media is supporting the reformists are charlatans."
UN Human Rights Official Pulls No Punches in Assessment of Hungary
After a nine-day visit, UN Special Rapporteur Michel Forst highlighted the disheartening conditions human rights activists face in Hungary.
Egyptian Writer Ahmed Naji Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for His ‘Sexually Explicit’ Novel
Egyptian novelist Ahmed Naji has been sentenced to two years in prison for publishing a chapter of his "sexually explicit" novel in a magazine.
Iberian Media Collectives Will Gather in Portugal to Debate Alternative News
Alternative media from Portugal and Spain will share their experiences because "it is urgent that we find other ways to communicate and to make and transmit information."
Unexpected Border Closure Leaves Thousands of Afghan Refugees Stranded in Greece
In Idomeni, a small village next to the Greek-Macedonian border, the only hope seems to be a passport.
Facts Be Damned. China's President Demands Media Outlets Parrot the Party Line
"When all the media are working for something other than the people's interest, people are left behind and forgotten."
Journalist Hit With Defamation Suit From Timor Leste's Prime Minister Over Corruption Reporting
It's the second time the journalist has faced legal action accusing defamation. This time, it's over his reporting on alleged irregularities in a computer equipment project in the Finance Ministry.
Anabel Flores Becomes Yet Another Journalist From Mexico’s Veracruz to Be Killed
The murder of Anabel Flores adds to the distressing statistics which prove that Mexico is the most dangerous country in Latin America to practice journalism.
An Alleged Male Prostitution Ring Ignites Debate About Privacy and Journalism Ethics in Colombia
"By publishing the video of the ex-deputy minister, you have made yourself I would argue an example of what future journalists should NOT do."
Iranian Newspapers Document Abuse and Mistreatment of Afghan School Children
“There’s no official directive condoning physical violence against Afghan students. The problem is society’s views.”
Eurasia’s Leaders Urged to Close Their “Cyber-Borders”
The obscure Organisation of Eurasian Cyber-Security says an open internet can spur 'colour revolutions' of the sort already witnessed in the ex-Soviet region.
Fascinating 16mm Films of Japan, Hong Kong and Asia From the Last Century
Michael Rogge has uploaded a collection of videos documenting life in Japan and other parts of Asia at the dawn of the continent's economic transformation.
Protests at Indian Universities Add Fuel to Public Outrage Over Sedition Laws
The arrest of student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges has posed a rare legitimacy test for Prime Minister Nahendra Modi and his "intolerant" ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Brazilian Activist Flooded With Death Threats After Newspaper Runs Phony Interview
The well-known Brazilian journalist, teacher, and human rights activist Leonardo Sakamoto says he started receiving death threats after a small newspaper published a fake interview with him earlier this month.
Blogging Is Making a Comeback in Russia, Thanks to the Man Who Helped Kill It
A funny thing is happening in the chaos of today’s Russian Internet use: people are starting to feel overwhelmed on social media.
China's Media Wants You to Love the State as Much as You Love Your Family
"...you can't cut your connection with your father for the emperor's sake. The expression of 'showing filial piety to the state' is absolutely ridiculous."
Venezuela's President Finally Discovers Facebook, a Decade After the Social Network's Arrival
"I refuse to be a hypocrite or a brown-noser, you know that the country is in a bad way, due to your and your cabinet's ineptitude."