I am a writer, activist, researcher, and blogger. I serve as Director of International Freedom of Expression at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and write for several platforms, including Al Jazeera English and The Guardian.
Latest posts by Jillian C. York
Syria: Virtual Sit-In Garners Global Support
As the uprising in Syria enters its eighth month, activists are getting creative to ensure global attention toward the situation does not cease. An initiative by the Sham News Network asks individuals to submit videos to YouTube expressing their solidarity with the Syrian people.
Tunisia: Arab Bloggers Discuss the Situation in Syria
At the Third Arab Bloggers Meeting in Tunis this week, Syria has been on the minds and lips of many participants. Speakers from Syria are quoted in this piece highlighting several sessions focused on the country.
World: Mourning the Execution of Troy Davis
The state of Georgia has executed Troy Davis, despite a brief reprieve. Twitter users from around the globe are expressing their feelings about Davis's case, as well as about the state of capital punishment in the United States.
World: Twitter Rallies for #TroyDavis
With the execution of Troy Davis looming, Twitter users from around the world rally for clemency. Davis was granted a temporary reprieve, but the cries continue. Jillian C. York reports.
Egypt: The Verb “To Mubarak”
After a San Francisco transportation provider shuts down mobile networks in anticipation of a protest, Egyptians rallied online in support, noting the similarities between events in Cairo and the Bay Area.
Syria: Can Tweets Prevent a Massacre?
Following the worst day of violence Syria has seen since protests broke out across the country in February, Syrian opposition and their supporters around the world have begun an attempt to raise global awareness of events in the country, utilizing a hashtag, #RamadanMassacre, that was started on Sunday to keep track of reports from the city of Hama.
Syria: Tanks Enter Hama on Eve of Ramadan
On the eve of Ramadan, Syrian troops have entered the city of Hama, reportedly killing as many as 45 people by 11:00 am on Sunday, July 31.
Hijablogging: “Hijab Undecided”
The topics discussed and debated in the "hijablogosphere" are always wide-ranging, but a succession of recent blog posts delve into one particularly tricky topic: what happens when a woman decides to take off her hijab.
Syria: True Identity of Arrested Blogger Questioned
Since reports emerged that a Syrian blogger named Amina Arraf, known as “Gay Girl in Damascus” had been seized by authorities on Monday, 6 June 2011, serious doubts have surfaced that the blogger may not be who she claims.
Syria: ‘Gay Girl in Damascus’ Seized
Amina Arraf has seen a quick rise to fame. Blogging pseudonymously, as Amina Abdullah, she writes about politics, the recent uprising, and being a lesbian in Syria. A dual citizen of the United States and Syria, her powerful words have shown the reality on the ground in Syria over the past few weeks. Today, on Amina's own blog, it was reported that she had been kidnapped by authorities.
Syria: Opposition Drafts Declaration in Antalya
Just a day after President Bashar Assad announced a general amnesty for political prisoners, a varied group of Syrian opposition members are meeting in Antalya, Turkey, to create a declaration outlining their plans for a democratic transition in Syria.
Global: Bloggers Take Issue with Anti-Niqaab Punditry
On April 16, 2011, France's ban on the niqaab and burqa went into effect, re-stirring emotions on the subject and sparking protests in the European country and beyond. In cyberspace, bloggers are taking issue with popular pundits on the subject, focusing particular attention on Egyptian journalist Mona Eltahawy's pro-niqaab ban stance.
Syria: Emergency Law Lifted as Protests Continue
There were mixed feelings in Syria today as President Bashar Al-Assad announced an end to the emergency law that has been in place in the country since 1963. The country has seen weeks of protests, many of which have been met with deadly force from security officials.
Syria: Bread and Propaganda
As protests in Syria continue into their third week, the Assad government is making concessions in hopes of appeasing protesters. The government is asserting power via propaganda, some of which is finding its way to the most unlikely of places...
Bahrain: Blogger “Emoodz” Detained
On March 30, 2011, Bahraini blogger Mohamed El-Maskati, better known in the blogosphere as "Emoodz" was arrested. According to Reporters Without Borders, El-Maskati's arrest came after threats from a member of the royal family occurred on Twitter.
Syria: Two Returned Home Safely, Khaled El Ghayesh Still Missing
Last week, Egyptian-American Muhammad Radwan (known as @battutta on Twitter) was arrested in Syria and accused of spying, as well as of receiving requests from abroad for photos and videos about Syria. Yesterday, Radwan announced on Twitter that he'd made it home safely.
Bahrain: Prominent Blogger Mahmood Al-Yousif Arrested
Shortly after 3am local time, prominent Bahraini blogger Mahmood al-Yousif was arrested in his home. Before leaving with police officers, the blogger tweeted, "The police are here for me." His arrest was confirmed by both his brother and son.
USA: Al Jazeera's Future
Sana of Arab-American blog KABOBfest remarks on a new academic paper that looks at Qatari channel Al Jazeera's future in the United States.
Egypt: Demo to Free Mohamed Radwan
Egyptian blogger The Traveler Within writes about a demonstration in support of journalist Mohamed Radwan, arrested by Syrian security forces.
Morocco: Atlas Mountaineering
The View from Fez shares tips on mountaineering in the High Atlas.
An Interview with Andy Carvin
With 40,000 Twitter followers and a dedicated stream of local sources, Andy Carvin has become a first stop on Twitter for news throughout the Middle East and North Africa. In this interview with Carvin--an early Global Voices contributor and current NPR strategist--we find out how he uses Twitter to spread the news.
