Stories about Protest from January, 2018
‘Buy a New SIM Card’ and Await Further Interrogation: Russia's Security Services Detain and Question a Reporter
Russia's FSB security services searched journalist Pavel Nikulin's apartment and seized laptops, documents and copies of his independent magazine.
The ‘Girls of Revolution Street’ Protest Iran's Compulsory Hijab Laws
"With religion and hijab there should be no force."
Meet ‘Uyatman’, the Kazakh Superhero out to Stop Women Behaving Indecently
"Uyat in Kazakhstan...can be creative and destructive. In the first instance, it is to educate children. In the latter, it is about harassment and aggression."
Rejected by Australia and Condemned to Detention in Indonesia, Refugees Protest Life in Limbo
"Australian NGOs have denounced this 'Indonesian Solution', arguing that their government is paying Jakarta “hundreds of millions of dollars to detain and warehouse asylum seekers."
#MeToo Has Hit China's Universities, Despite Efforts of Internet Censors
After months of censorship, a student's viral account of sexual misconduct by a renowned university professor has forced the discussion into the open.
#JusticeForAsifa: A Young Girl's Murder Shocks Jammu And Kashmir Residents — But Not the National Media
Nationally, reactions to the incident have been sporadic, with many Indians refraining from commenting or staging protests against the heinous crime.
Protests Underscore the Potential Power of Iran's Access to Information Law
This is an opportune time to fully enforce efforts towards transparency after Iran's December-January protests. The first step must be a full implementation of Iran’s Access to Information law.
Filipino Bloggers Rally to Defend Rappler News Site
"We stand against moves to silence and scare journalists, bloggers and media practitioners just because the President and his ardent supporters dislike their news and views."
Macedonia Has Its Own #MeToo Movement — #ISpeakUpNow — and It Is Gaining Momentum
Despite the backlash from trolls, the #ISpeakUpNow movement has mostly drawn support and applause for the survivors of sexual abuse who refuse to stay silent any longer.
To Achieve Freedom for Iran and the Arab Nations, the Region Must Unite
"United, we can rebuild the region and save all our peoples before the Iranian regime drags us all over the precipice into a chasm of sectarian bloodletting and chaos."
UNESCO World Heritage Site at Risk: Bulgarian Government Allows Construction in Pirin, Citizens Protest
Protesters want the controversial decision withdrawn and credible guarantees given that park preservation and the rule of law will be protected -- including the resignation of Environmental Minister Neno Dimov.
Leaked Documents Show That Ethiopia’s Ruling Elites Are Hiring Social Media Trolls (And Watching Porn)
The leaks include a list of individuals who appear to have been paid to promote the ruling coalition on social media.
Two Leading Figures of the Arts in Iran. Two Very Different Reactions to the Protests.
A notable writer, known for fighting against censorship, condemns the burning of the flag during protests. A notable filmmaker, however, shows support.
Pakistanis Demand #JusticeForZainab, 7-Year-Old Raped and Murdered in Kasur
"12 young girls, have been raped and murdered in the last one year...Failure of Pakistan’s 'Criminal Justice System' lies at the root of this public anger."
After Facing Harassment from Authorities, Pakistani Journalist Narrowly Escapes Abduction
Taha Siddiqui is the bureau chief for WION news. He also is an avid social media user and critic of the military.
The Draft Budget That Inflamed Protests in Iran
"You’ve turned as all into beggars. Please tell Mr. Khamenei, tell the president, tell everyone, tell them we are desperate. We don’t need this revolution. We hate the clerics."
Corruption and Poverty Lead to Rage and Despair in Iran
"The members of parliament need to know that they are accountable to the people, that they represent the people, and that the eyes of the people are upon them."
Trinidadian Man Transforms Pothole Into a Hot Tub in Humorously Effective Protest
"So that's how to get things done in this country…you have to get on social media..."
Netizen Report: Iranian Authorities Are Blocking International Web Traffic and Messaging Platforms
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Iranian Technicians Have Been Ordered to Disrupt International Web Traffic Amid Protests
“We have been ordered to interrupt international traffic,” a source at an Iranian internet exchange point said.
Growing Popular Opposition Continues to Put Pressure on Ethiopia’s Ruling Party
"2017 was the year of the Oromo People's Democratic Organisation...The OPDO was able to shake the puppet label and actually prove to be quite vocal in #Ethiopia's political arena."