Stories about Media & Journalism from May, 2017
Police Threaten Maldivian Bloggers Abroad With Arrest Over Twitter
Four independent Maldivian bloggers and activists living overseas have been issued arrest warrants by police over the past week. Apparently, they were targeted because they promote secularism or secularists.
When Journalists Are Attacked, Macedonian Authorities Are Dangerously Slow to Act
Some media workers who were targeted during mob violence at Macedonia's parliament in April haven't filed reports with police because they don't believe anything will come of them.
Egypt Ups Systematic Efforts to Silence Independent Media
In an environment of persistent conflict, free and independent media that cover events in the public interest — not in the interests of politicians — is more important than ever.
An Interview With Anna Veduta, Russian Activist, Expert, and Feminist
RuNet Echo speaks to Anna Veduta about her work for Russia’s anti-corruption crusader, her relocation to the United States, and her experience as a regional expert and feminist.
After Reelection, Iran's President Rouhani Abandons Promise to Free Green Movement Leaders
President Hassan Rouhani refused to commit to ending the more than six-year extrajudicial house arrests of three opposition leaders—a pledge he made during his first presidential campaign.
Iraqi Parliament Slammed for Bill Restricting Free Speech, Right to Protest
Instead of working to ensure stronger protections for freedoms, the Iraqi parliament is rather seeking to pass a repressive law.
When a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Wrong Words
The story of how a photo of a horrific accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo seven years ago took on a life of its own. WARNING: Contains violent images.
Trinidad & Tobago Ministers Rack Up Big Bills—and Social Media Outrage
Trinidad and Tobago netizens are tired of public officials wantonly spending taxpayers' money, especially in a sluggish economy.
Flooding Washes Up Jamaica’s Poor Planning and Environmental Practices
Changing weather patterns, poor planning and development, inadequate drainage, and careless waste disposal converge to create disaster zones in Jamaica after just three days of heavy rains.
Malaysian Editors Face Cybercrime Charges for Posting a Video that Criticized Attorney General
In the video, which was taken during a press briefing, a former member of the ruling party called for the resignation of the attorney general.
‘No to Silence': Javier Valdez's Murder Highlights Persistent Perils for Mexican Journalists
Seven journalists have been murdered in Mexico this year. Since 2012, less than one percent of attacks on journalists have resulted in a criminal conviction.
Azerbaijan Blocks Independent Media (And Actually Admits it)
"This was one thing we had left and they have taken it too. May God punish them. All they think about is how to shut people up."
President Maduro Threatened This Venezuelan Journalist on Twitter, Then His Passport Was Suddenly Declared “Invalid”
César Miguel Rondón was detained at the airport, and his whole family's passports were declared invalid.
Iran Elections 2017: Hassan Rouhani Ran on Openness. But What Did He Actually Achieve?
Hassan Rouhani has been both the candidate and President of "hope and moderation" for Iranians. Article 19's report assesses how this has had an affect on freedoms online.
Among First Nations Youth, Hip-Hop Is a Tool for Self-Expression and Cultural Preservation
"This is the day you’ll hear our scream / cause we lost our way in life as youth / but I believe that one day we will rise."
The Russian State Media: Champion of Internet Freedom. (From Now On.)
With millions of Ukrainians now at risk of losing their beloved online services, Russia's state media did what it often does in unexpected geopolitical situations: it suddenly changed sides.
Ukraine Sanctions VKontakte, Other Russian Social Media Websites
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed an order instructing the country's Internet providers to block several major Russian social media websites.
Activists Say Azerbaijan’s Media Is Spreading Fear and Hate of Queer People
"Sometimes journalists forget their power, and mislead people with their unprofessional manners."
New Documentary Throws Shade on Police Investigation Into Dissident Journalist's Murder in Kyiv
A new investigative report challenges the role of Ukraine's authorities in a stalled murder case surrounding a dissident journalist assassinated in Kyiv last summer.
Bangladesh's LGBT Community Launches a Blog Commemorating Slain Activists
"How can I live in this country, where if I were to be killed people would rejoice over a cup of tea that there is one less LGBT person?"
Thailand Threatens to Take Facebook to Court Over Anti-Monarchy Posts
Tha Thailand government has given Facebook until Tuesday, May 16, 2017, to remove the 131 remaining 'anti-monarchy' posts.
