Stories from September, 2022
Filipino writers and academics push back against book censorship
"We believe the accusers have not read our books in entirety. We believe it is a form of terrorism to dictate what can be written and how to write it."
Papua New Guinea’s new media rules could undermine the work of journalists
"We ask the simple question, what have we got to hide from public scrutiny?"
Brazil’s courts debate use of billboards in political campaigns
Despite being prohibited by law, billboards supporting or criticizing candidates have spread across different states during Brazil's electoral period.
Unfreedom Monitor report: Morocco
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Morocco is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
A Georgian neo-Nazi group finds a home on YouTube
A prominent Georgian neo-Nazi group, Georgian National Unity, has reemerged online months after their self-described "commander," Giga Chelidze was released from prison.
Nepal's Citizenship Bill attracts renewed controversy
The President of Nepal is widely facing criticism for refusing to endorse the amendment of Citizenship Bill 2006 which was passed by the house of representatives of Nepal on July 22, 2022.
Iran's most recent protests are unprecedented — here is why
The protests we are seeing right now are unprecedented; they could be a sign of things to come for Iran and its people.
Croatia’s push for controversial electoral reform undermines democratic development of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Croat extremists also scored what at first appeared to be another diplomatic victory in early August, as the Israeli embassy in Tirana, Albania (which is also responsible for BiH) came out in favor of “electoral reforms.”
Turkish citizens feel the squeeze of increased EU visa rejections
Veteran journalist Ruşen Çakır, joined a long list of Turkish nationals who have had their Schengen visa applications denied in recent months.
‘Where’s the President?’ trends as super typhoon batters the Philippines
"How tone deaf and insensitive can you be to post a vlog about your New York trip while Filipinos brace for the impact of super typhoon."
The Nicaraguan government looks to imprison Catholic priests and stain their image
After the shutdown of hundreds of social organizations and the arrest of political activists, the Nicaraguan clergy was one of the few remaining critical voices in the country.
Hong Kong attempts to reconnect with the world by relaxing COVID-19 travel restrictions
Starting September 26, 2022, incoming travelers will no longer be required to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine. Instead, they will have to undergo 3-day medical surveillance, a week of COVID testing, and more.
My journey to learning Ukrainian and the online language tools that took me there
"For me, languages are an important way of making sense of the world and creating connections."
The Greek spyware scandal: When technology outpaces governance
This ongoing scandal in Greece highlights an issue that all countries are grappling with: the regulatory mechanisms meant to safeguard civilians’ digital rights have not kept up with the times.
Far from home, alone: Cambodian students share life in Thailand during the pandemic lockdown
"We didn't have relatives here, and we were anxious about what to do if we became infected. We have been far away from home."
Hong Kong press freedom index sinks to new low as media outlets disappear
The closure of Apple Daily, Stand News and Citizen News in 2021 has resulted in a plunge of the city's news freedom index.
Cosplay: the pop-culture phenomenon comes back to Kathmandu
On September 17, 2022, thousands of people attended Otaku Jatra Fall 2022, a Nepali anime and cosplay festival held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
‘We are poorer without her’: Trinbagonian human rights advocate Hazel Brown dies
‘Hazel Brown [was] a catalyst for change, and her work to our country, especially towards the upliftment of our women and girls was unprecedented. A national hero in every right.
Protests erupt in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini
Protests erupted in Iran over the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini, a 22-year-old woman, following her detention by the country's morality police for allegedly breaking hijab rules.
The wolf is being targeted and killed in North Macedonia
North Macedonia is among the last countries in Europe where the wolf is considered a pest and is freely killed, although it's categorized as "near threatened" (NT).
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Egypt
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Egypt is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
