Stories about Activism from February, 2014
Photos: A Message to the World from #AB14
Photographer and human rights advocate Amer Sweidan took a series of portraits at last month's Arab Bloggers Meeting. In this brief essay, he describes the collaborative process of the project.
#AB14: If I speak out, will I be punished for it?
Focusing on policies for the digital realm seems strange in a region where dissent and even fact-based reporting, whether they happen online or offline, so often have profound real-life consequences.
Arab Bloggers: A Blessed Generation?
"It’s no surprise that three years after the start of the Arab revolutions, the situation of online freedom of expression in the region seems almost as bleak as it did before 2011." Hisham Almiraat reflects on #AB14.
Xu Zhiyong and the Long Road for China's Human Rights Activists
Oiwan Lam argues that the conviction of human rights activist Xu Zhiyong, a pioneer of civic organizing online, is emblematic of the new era of government repression towards Chinese activists.
Collecting Data About Possible Web Censorship in Venezuela
Global Voices authors are crowdsourcing information about web blocking Venezuela -- and they need your help!
Sudan: Blogger Remains in Detention for Criticizing Presidents
Tajeldin Arja was arrested at a press conference last December, after he criticized the Sudanese and Chadian Presidents for their actions surrounding the conflict in Darfur.
Venezuela: Twitter Photos Blocked as Protests Continue
As protests escalate, Internet users throughout Venezuela are reporting trouble accessing websites and multimedia content on Twitter. Most problems appear to be occuring on CANTV, the state-owned ISP.
Venezuela: Protests Leave Three Dead as Threats to Media Escalate
Venezuelan citizens took to the streets to demand the release of student protester arrested in previous demonstrations concerning public safety and food shortages. Media organizations covering the protests are facing censorship and legal threats.
Web We Want Contest: Cartoonists Fight Back!
The Web We Want initiative challenged artists everywhere to produce cartoons on the topic of NSA surveillance, in support of #TheDayWeFightBack -- here are the winners!
Venezuela: Authorities Threaten to Fine Media Outlets for Protest Coverage
Protests in Venezuela have intensified after several students were detained on dubious charges. Venezuela's telecom commission is warning media that protest coverage could stand in violation of national law.
February 11: Activists Say No to “Cyber Martial Law”, Digital Surveillance in Philippines
On Feburary 11, Filipino activists and netizen groups renewed their opposition to the anti-cybercrime law which they described as a "dangerous measure that would legitimize cyber martial law in the country."
Brazilian Activists Fight Back Against Mass Surveillance
As the world comes together to take a stand against mass surveillance on February 11, 2014, Brazilian citizens, organizations and collectives are bringing momentum to #TheDayWeFightBack campaign.
Privacy vs. Free Speech? Questioning the Conflict
"In the Arab world...we are still struggling to have our voices heard. I cannot accept the idea that the fight has now moved to the area of surveillance and away from free speech."
The Day We Fight Back, à la Française
After Edward Snowden's leaks became public, France's practices of Internet surveillance soon appeared in plain sight. This Tuesday, French citizens will join the global effort to stop mass government surveillance.
February 11: The Internet Says No to Mass Surveillance
On February 11, people all over the world will come together to take a stand against mass surveillance. Anyone, anywhere can participate -- whether you're taking to the streets, or to the Web.
Some Kazakh Bloggers Dine With Mayor, Some Get Jail Terms
Three Kazakh bloggers have been sentenced to 10 days in jail for protesting outside a restaurant where a mayor was meeting with other local bloggers.
Four Months in Jail and Counting for Algerian Blogger Who Criticized President
Algerian blogger Abdelghani Aloui has been in prison since September 2013. His charge? Posting on Facebook photos and caricatures deemed offensive to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Viral Video of Deputy PM Triggers Cyber Assault in Serbia
Websites were blocked, servers attacked, and Twitter accounts hijacked in Serbia last weekend after a video mocking the Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic went viral.
