Stories about Media & Journalism from September, 2018
Free speech advocates say Bangladesh's new Digital Security Act is ‘ripe for abuse’

"Journalism is surely not for increasing conflict, or for tarnishing the image of the country," said PM Hasina, in response to critics.
A new indie film festival features the struggles and triumphs of indigenous Papua, Indonesia

The film festival "highlights the issues of the indigenous people of Papua through documentary films as well as to build public awareness of the important issues impacting them.”
A sea-change in Maldives politics as opposition presidential candidate declares a win
As of 2 a.m. in the Maldives (GMT+5) Solih "said he had won by a 16 percent margin over incumbent Abdulla Yameen" and urged for a peaceful transition.
Amidst typhoon rescue efforts in Japan, a Taiwanese diplomat dies. Did misinformation play a role?
Some hearsay even claimed that Taiwanese had to proclaim themselves as Chinese in order to get on the buses. The news had enraged [Taiwanese] netizens.
Venezuelans say they are unable to access key Google services

Reports of new Internet blocks sound alarms and point to a possible escalation in communication and information control.
Netizen Report: Authorities shut down mobile internet in Ethiopia’s capital, as ethnic and political conflict persist

The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Arrested for fact-checking: Kazakh court fines Ukrainian journalist after police break up media workshop

The incident highlights authorities' aversion to discussions of Ukraine in Kazakhstan and a long-running battle with a local newspaper.
Three days behind bars for the ‘crime’ of journalism: Diary of a Nigerian journalist

Investigative journalist Samuel Ogundipe spent three days in detention on spurious charges and was denied access to his lawyer. Now free on bail, he is telling his story.
Protestors artfully demand the release of Shahidul Alam, Bangladesh's prisoner of conscience

"When a regime is governed by nothing but fear, it is often a sign that the regime might have lost its plot."
Netizen Report: Internet taxes are sweeping sub-Saharan Africa — and silencing citizens

The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Under Austria's right-wing government, ‘ethical’ principles for journalists could hijack media rights

If the current draft is adopted as it stands, it will provide for an extra layer of strict control that aims to silence the critique and dissent.
Strongest typhoon to hit Japan in 25 years largely forgotten following massive earthquake
The media has struggled to cover the dizzying succession of disasters, leaving people feeling that some are eclipsing others in the public consciousness.
After Facebook ban, Myanmar military accounts are moving to Russian social media site VKontakte

"...they are now spreading their hate freely on the site without any moderation."
A lethal combination: How MENA governments use cybercrime laws and spyware to target activists

Gulf governments continue to deploy cybercrime laws as an arbitrary legal cover to target target human rights defenders.
Kashmiri journalist arrested after reporting on slain rebel, Burhan Wani

“By reporting on militant activity, Sultan is performing an important public service, not committing a crime.”
Myanmar sentences Reuters journalists to 7 years in prison

The case has attracted outrage both internationally and inside Myanmar, with local activists and civil society organizations bravely speaking out against their arrest.