Stories about Media & Journalism from February, 2015
Two Latin Americans Nominated for Index Freedom of Expression Awards
The communication platform, Courage for Tamaulipas, and Ecuadorian sketch artist, Xavier “Bonil” Bonilla, were the only Latin Americans nominated at the Index Freedom of Expression Awards, which recognizes organizations and individuals in the fight against censorship. The awards were created by Index on Censorship, an international organization dedicated to defending...
Russia Says You Can't Mention Ukrainian Nationalists, Unless You Say They're Bad
One permitted way to mention such organizations it to do so "in a negative light, ascribing them characteristics like 'radical,' 'extremist,' or 'nationalist.'"
The Honest, Controversial Profile of a Cuban Nurse Who Died Abroad
The article about Reynaldo Villafranca, who died of malaria, offered a human take on Cuban medical internationalism beyond the official narrative of heroism. Such honesty didn't sit well with everyone.
In Putin's Russia, a Retweet Can Lead to a Jail Term
Even a retweet of an image or a republished post may cost Russian citizens unfettered access to the Internet—and often, their freedom.
One Simple Infographic to Understand Political Repression in Thailand
Prachatai's infographic lists some of the ordinary activities the authorities have suppressed over the past nine months. The junta's paranoia runs deep.
Latest ISIS Propaganda Video Features Some Curious Reporting by British Hostage John Cantlie
Cantlie takes viewers outdoors, where he points to drones hovering above, saying the "mujahideen really don't care how many eyes in the sky are looking down on them."
Misbehaviour Trumps Murder in Trinidad & Tobago Headlines
While Trinidad and Tobago is in the midst of political woes and police try to determine the identity of the country's latest murder victim, at least one blogger thinks that mainstream media is doing its level best to ignore these pressing issues and capitalise on the pre-Carnival frenzy. (Trinidad and...
Bahrain Shuts Down Al Arab TV, Saying it Does Not Have “Necessary Permits” to Operate
Bahrain today officially announced the suspension of Al Arab satellite channel, which went off air hours it was launched, nine days ago. Netizens lament free speech in the country.
Ukraine Arrests Journalist on Treason Charges for Calls to Boycott Mobilization
Ukrainian journalist Ruslan Kotsaba called for boycotting the latest wave of military mobilization in Ukraine—and now faces treason charges. Is he really a traitor? Internet opinion is divided.
‘Hate Is Not What Humans Should Do': Slain Journalist Kenji Goto's Words Live On Online
The Japanese journalist, who was executed by ISIS in January, logged his heart-wrenching and thought-provoking observations about conflict in the Middle East and Africa on his website and Twitter account.
Malaysian Fan Girls Threatened With Jail Time Over Public Hugs From K-Pop Stars
One Malaysian TV channel posted a YouTube video of a fan meeting with band B1A4 under a title that accused the musicians of having "molested Muslim girls".
What Does It Mean to Be a Japanese Citizen After the ISIS Executions?
"I would urge him to commit harakiri," Dewi Sukarno writes. "If I were his mother, I definitely would do so — I would want my son to be a hero."
Don't Let ISIS Crisis Hobble Free Expression in Japan: Petition
More than a 1,000 people have signed the online declaration. During the recent hostage crisis, some people in Japan called for "self-restraint" in light of criticism of the government.
Serbia's Prime Minister Drags Investigative Journalists Through the Mud Over Corruption Article
After an in-depth investigative piece about a murky public procurement was published, Serbian PM Vučić and pro-government media have launched a negative campaign against an investigative journalist network in Serbia.
Barack Obama and Russia's Puppet Assassin
The children in Altai are in for some curious February entertainment, as a the organizers of a local festival ponder executing or burning in effigy a Barack Obama doll.
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Pass-the-Buck’ Politics
Her attorney general faces obstruction-of-justice charges, but the prime minister has laid the blame for her government's woes elsewhere.
Mumbai Newspaper Editor Fired, Arrested for Republishing Charlie Hebdo Cartoon
Shirin Dalvi is accused of hurting religious sentiments. She says printing the cartoon was an honest mistake, but that no one is listening to her side of the story.
The Collapse of Media Freedom in Bulgaria
Bulgaria has slid in international press freedom rankings, and corruption and lack of transparency plague the country's media sector.
The Macedonian Government Clamps Down on Filming Protests With Drones
Drone-made videos and photos were instrumental in demonstrating the size of a recent massive student protest, which has been called the largest student protest in Macedonia since independence.
The World Mourns Brave Japanese Journalist Kenji Goto, Beheaded by ISIS
The world refuses to remember Kenji Goto for what ISIS had done to him. Instead, many celebrate him for his bravery and compassion for those in conflict zones.
Questions About Australian Media Freedom After Egypt Releases Peter Greste
Max Chalmers, from Australian independent online media site New Matilda, welcomes the release of Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste after 400 days in Egyptian prison. He also calls for “the speedy release of Greste’s colleagues who remain behind Egyptian bars”. However, he questions Prime Minister Tony Abbott's support for media...
