Stories about Media & Journalism from March, 2023
Zimbabwe’s information war on digital platforms threatens free expression
"Digital technology has played a huge role in spreading propaganda and disinformation because these offer a huge platform, which appeals to a large number of people."
Could Britain finally be ready to seriously discuss reparative justice with the Caribbean?
The ill effects of of slavery and colonialism still linger in a myriad of ways, including economics, systemic corruption, violence, public health, education, and issues of identity.
Photos stolen, compensation denied: The plight of Rohingya Photographers
The works of Rohingya photographers were used by international non-profits and media houses without consent or paying for them. Global Voices interviewed journalist and filmmaker Shafiur Rahman to learn more.
India's former opposition leader loses parliament seat over conviction in a defamation case
Rahul Gandhi, the former leader of the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) has been stripped of his membership in India's Lower chamber of parliament, over a speech he made in 2019.
How Russia has changed a year after the invasion of Ukraine
Local politics has been put on the back burner, civil society is in shambles and opposition media is trying to reach Russians while in exile
How did Serbia become ‘the biggest victim’ of the war in Ukraine?
Serbian pro-government media promote the narrative that that country has been “pressured,” “blackmailed,” “overkilled,” and targeted in “orchestrated attacks” by "great powers" as part of "special warfare" from the West.
Benin national park becomes insurgent group safe haven
Although once spared, Benin is now bearing the brunt of the Jihadist terrorism infiltrating from the north and using a national park as its base.
Weathering Russian xenophobia in everyday life
In recent months, there has been more talk about "Russophobia" — anti-Russian sentiment. What they face is nothing compared to what national minorities face in Russia.
The devastating effects of climate change and mining on two rivers in Ivory Coast and Mali
The negative effects of climate change and mining activities on the Sassandra and Niger rivers are drastically changing the daily lives of nearby communities
Undertones: Iran's powerful narratives about religion and rebellion
"Religious narratives are exactly why the regime hasn’t been overthrown yet"
Burkina Faso changes tactics in its fight against Jihadist attacks
Burkina Faso seems to be trying out a new strategy of inviting Russia to take France's place as regional peacekeepers and calling on local volunteers to defend the country.
Journalist coverage spurs student dormitory in North Macedonia to build access ramp for people with disabilities
The lack of an access ramp made it impossible for students that use wheelchair to have three meals per day in the cafeteria where all the other students eat.
Online gender-based violence: A tool of digital authoritarianism in India
Women journalists in India have been trolled, received death and rape threats, found themselves objectified on apps, and are allegedly targeted by spyware like Pegasus.
Crimean Tatars are among the most politically persecuted groups in Russia
This oppressive campaign is a part of a broader effort by the authorities to repress the Crimean Tatar community, whom they consider political opponents
For Ukrainians defending their country, words are important
Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine not only by weapons, forced deportations, and “re-education” of children in the occupied territories, but also by words.
In Azerbaijan, journalists unite in saying ‘we do not want licensed media’
The campaign demands that the government repeal the law, alleging it violates Azerbaijan's Constitution, and remove the requirement for registration with the Media Registry.
‘Third World’ and ‘Developing World’ not our chosen identity: Interview with photojournalist Shahidul Alam
"Stereotypes of my people as poor were created blindly by white Western photographers — we can't shift that unless storytellers change their stories." - Shahidul Alam
Against journalists, violence without borders in Kazakhstan
In 2022, dozens of journalists were detained or summoned by the police. And while most of these instances occurred during Qandy Qantar, in some cases they seem specifically targeted.
Women marched in Pakistan despite resistance from authorities and religious groups
Despite encountering some obstacles, women in Pakistan were ultimately able to get permission and come out in large numbers on March 8th for "Aurat March", albeit with certain conditions attached.
Georgians take to the streets as parliament considers new ‘foreign agent’ bill
Hundreds of Georgians took the streets to protest what civil society describe as Georgia's very own "foreign agent" law.
From Turkey, thoughts on the Ukraine war, one year later
"My heart goes to all the brave friends and colleagues who have kept doing their jobs despite the chaos. And heartfelt condolences to all the families of those who are no longer with us."