Stories about Media & Journalism from January, 2017
Algerian Blogger Merzoug Touati Could Face 25 Years in Jail for Interviewing an Israeli Official on YouTube
The interview focuses on Algerian government accusations that foreign powers stoked protests against austerity measures in the country. Blogger Merzoug Touati is charged with "exchanging intelligence with a foreign power."
Tabloid Tells Abusers How to Exploit Russia's Decriminalization of Domestic Violence
The pro-Kremlin tabloid “Life” shared a bizarre video, titled “He Beats You Because He Loves You,” reviewing the “top five ways to commit domestic violence” and get away with it.
Journalists of Closed Hungarian Newspaper Népszabadság Score ‘Symbolic Posthumous Victory’ in Court
A Hungarian court has ruled that last October's sudden closure of the country's leading opposition daily, Népszabadság, was illegal.
Puerto Rico Celebrates Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera's Release
San Juan major Carmen Yulín announced that the city will be preparing a special event for his arrival in May.
Hardliners Pressuring Iran's President Rouhani to Ban Popular Telegram App, This Time for 2017 Election
“This (the internet) isn’t freedom. It’s the worst kind of bondage. Polluted anti-religious networks are functioning in this country because the organizations in charge are not doing their jobs.”
Inspired by Trump's Counsellor, Trinidad & Tobago Social Media Users Start Whipping Out ‘Alternative Facts’
"Ringling Brothers closed down in anticipation of the competition from the American government. #alternativefacts"
Conspiracy Theories in Brazil Spread After Plane Crash Kills Supreme Court Justice Working Explosive Case
Despite a lack of evidence suggesting any foul play, many Brazilians — particularly people on the political fringes — have promoted elaborate and largely unsubstantiated theories about Zavacksi's untimely death.
India's Education Minister Says Cow Is the Only Animal to Inhale and Exhale Oxygen
"When will this nonsense end? Or will it end at all? Each claim appears more ludicrous than the previous one."
How the US Marines Spread Fake News About an Afghan ‘Terrorist’ In Okinawa
A long-term Afghan resident of Japan was accused of being a terrorist by an American military unit stationed in Okinawa Prefecture. It has since been debunked as "fake news".
Diplomacy via Twitter? Indian Minister Threatens Amazon Over Indian Flag Doormat
"This case illustrates the perils of playing to the social media gallery in diplomacy."
The Bosnian Politician Caught Lying About an Invitation to Trump's Inauguration
“Unless the departing administration denies me a visa, I’ll be at the inauguration,” have turned out to be famous last words for the president of Republika Srpska.
Bahrain Intensifies Media Crackdown Ahead of Protest Anniversary
On 16 January, the government banned the online edition of the country’s only independent newspaper al-Wasat, from "using electronic media tools".
Oscar López Rivera, Puerto Rico's Longest-Serving Political Prisoner, Has Sentence Commuted by President Obama
His release will not be immediate, however.
A Nepali Transgender Model Is Set to Break Boundaries on the Catwalk at Lakme Fashion Week
"The path surely must not have been easy but I'm sure that this path will lead you to a bright and beautiful future that you truly deserve."
Dissent and Solidarity: When Iran Mourns One of the Fathers of Its Revolution
Massive crowds gathered in Tehran on January 10 for the funeral of Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who led a paradoxical career as a revolutionary and figure of moderation.
Website That Published ‘Yanukovych Blog’ Says It Was Fake
Little more than two weeks after first appearing on the news website Korrespondent, a blog purportedly written by former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has been deleted by the publication's editors.
A Year of Living Strategically
2017 promises to be a vital year for Global Voices. Some further thoughts on our strategy planning process.
Ukraine Bans Russia’s One Independent TV Station
The Ukrainian government has voted to remove Russian independent TV station Dozhd from its list of approved foreign broadcasters, giving providers one month to remove the station from their networks.
For Telegram Users, Iran's Registration Requirement Boosts State Snooping Powers
Telegram is Iran’s most popular messaging application and host to some 170,000 Iranian-owned channels. The new policy will require owners of popular channels to register with the government.
‘Most Efficient Trial in History’ Fines Serbian Magazine for Defamation of Interior Minister
"How can a journalist be 'unauthorised' to do their job: gathering information and suggesting conclusions based on the gathered evidence?"
Will 2017 Be a Better Year for Turkey's Media?
Turkey's government continues to conflate journalism it doesn't like with terrorism and other crimes against the state.
