Stories about Advocacy from February, 2022
How fascination with Russia’s power is created in the media and on social networks in North Macedonia
In North Macedonia, Russia’s military power is talked about in a way and in a quantity that cannot be found about any other country.
Azerbaijani journalist and queer activist murdered
Hafizli's sparked a public outcry on social media platforms, with many activists criticizing Azerbaijan's history of inaction when addressing hate crimes, specifically those targeting marginalized groups in the country.
What does Russia's new “hostage-taking” law mean for social media companies?
The new law imposes new obligations on popular foreign websites and social media platforms with over half a million daily Russian users, asking them to register legal entities in Russia.
Jordan's personal data protection draft bill: is it enough?
Experts say the draft bill, which still awaits parliamentary discussions, has points of strength like securing citizens’ consent before using their data, but the measures for its application raise concern.
Malaysian artist Fahmi Reza faces police probe and two charges for satirical posters
"Gov leaders must learn to take public criticism and dissent in stride and stop going after critics like #FahmiReza for poking fun at them."
Website of NGO Hong Kong Watch partially blocked amid rising fears of internet censorship
The website of NGO Hong Kong Watch appears to have been partially blocked in Hong Kong amid fears of rising internet censorship in the city.
Pacific media groups rally behind suspended Papua New Guinea journalist
Sincha Dimara was suspended for reporting on court proceedings against Australian hotelier Jamie Pang. MLN has faced criticism before for suspending and silencing journalists.
Court in Russia-occupied Crimea sentences freelance journalist to six years in prison
Vladyslav Yesypenko was detained in Crimea in March 2021 on suspicion of collecting information for Ukrainian intelligence, charges the journalist has denied. While in detention, has reportedly endured torture.
In Tajikistan's mountainous region of GBAO, the power struggle with the capital extends to internet shutdowns
A long-standing conflict between the Pamiri population and the central government of Tajikistan has suffocated both opposition and local politics. leading to further isolation of the region with internet shutdowns.
Myanmar activists oppose sale of Telenor telecom to military-linked firm
"They have not consulted with the people risking their lives to resist the military junta, whose lives are in Telenor's hands."
Will Taiwanese academics be targeted by the Hong Kong National Security Law?
Wu was targeted for publishing the article “For an Unfinished Revolution” which discussed activists' work during the 2019 anti-extradition movement in Hong Kong.
Does the state's failure to act enable online sexual violence in North Macedonia?
The absence of a separate crime in the Criminal Code is just an excuse for the authorities not to act effectively in cases of online sexual harassment, activists say.
Private abuse in Telegram’s ‘Public Rooms': Can North Macedonia fight online sexual harassment?
In February 2021, hundreds of feminists and other supporters took to the streets of Skopje in protest of the Macedonian institutions’ inaction and impunity for the perpetrators of online sexual violence.
From Kosovo 1999 to Russia 2021: The ‘cheapfake’ photo trend fuelling dangerous propaganda
"It is important to raise awareness of the widespread use of cheapfake images and to acknowledge that some governments use the practice to influence people's opinions."
Concerted attacks against Bangladeshi activists on Facebook
In a recent collaborative attack by unknown perpetrators, the Facebook profiles of several celebrities, journalists, media personalities and activists from Bangladesh were mysteriously turned into tribute profiles.
Vietnam's human rights situation off to an ominous start in 2022
Eight people were arrested for "anti-State propaganda" in the first two weeks of 2022 alone, with a few multi-year sentences tacked on for good measure.
In an election year, press freedom declines in Angola
The media have been hit hard by the government corruption. Numerous television channels have recently come under state supervision after facing suspension for criticizing the government.
