Stories from 23 May 2013
14-year-old Citizen Journalist Killed Covering Clashes in Syria
Omar Qatifaan, a 14-year-old media activist, was killed while covering clashes between pro- and anti-government forces in the southern Daraa al-Ballad area of Syria near the border with Jordan.
Advocates Challenge Use of FinFisher Surveillance Software in Pakistan
The Pakistani human rights organisation Bytes for All is challenging the use of invasive surveillance software by the government of Pakistan. FinFisher, produced by Gamma International, a UK-based company named by Reporters Without Borders as one of five "corporate enemies of the internet" and "digital era mercenaries," is notorious for its advanced spying and surveillance capabilities which are used to target human rights movements all over the world.
Thailand Threatens to Censor Online Critics of Prime Minister
In the wake of the Thai government's lawsuit against cartoonist Chai Rachawat, the country's Minister of Information and Communications Technology has warned that websites containing defamatory remarks against the Prime Minister will be immediately shut down.
