Stories about Free Expression
Ex-editor of Hong Kong’s Stand News Chung Pui-kuen jailed for 21 months for sedition in landmark case
Kwok Wai-kin, the designated judge for national security trials said the defendants were not conducting genuine media work, but participating in the so-called resistance then.
Ecuador: Two journalists who revealed corruption and drug trafficking forced into exile
Journalists of the digital media platform La Posta accuse the National Police and the Attorney General's Office of planning to "assassinate" them while they receive criticism concerning their journalistic ethics.
Hong Kong Article 23: Three jailed over a seditious T-shirt, bus graffiti, social media posts in six months
At least 14 people have been arrested on suspicion of violating Article 23 since the law was enacted on 23 of March, 2024.
Samoan journalists balk at planned restrictions during Commonwealth meeting
"Stifling the media is never a good thing and trying to control them is even worse."
Hong Kong journalists are under systematic and organized attacks
Threatening messages were sent to family members, landlords, employers and associated organisations of 15 journalists, hateful contents were posted on Facebook targeting 36 journalists.
What you need to know about the X (formerly Twitter) situation in Brazil
Elon Musk challenged justice Alexandre de Moraes withdrawing X's legal representation in Brazil to avoid complying with legal orders. Now, Brazilians are finding a new heaven on BlueSky.
Azerbaijan clears out critics ahead of COP29
Azerbaijan has had one of the lowest international rankings on citizens’ rights and freedoms. Even so, Azerbaijani President Aliyev has insisted persecutions against civil society are justified.
Two Hong Kong journalists found guilty of sedition after a 2-year trial
Two former chief editors of the now-defunct Stand News were found guilty of sedition, marking the first such conviction of journalists since the former British colony returned to China in 1997.
Tech giants criticized for silencing Pro-Palestinian narratives
Social media platforms are accused of suppressing Palestinian voices, raising concerns about the impact on democratic debate and freedom of expression globally.
What are the controversies over Hong Kong’s latest cybersecurity bill?
“The proposals give authorities overly broad powers that could threaten the integrity of service providers and rock confidence in the city’s digital economy.”
Belarusian stand-up comedian who compared Lukasheka to a sparrow is accused of defamation
The comedian is well-known for his outspoken criticism of the Belarusian regime and its security forces, particularly in the wake of the 2020 opposition protests
Starlink in Sudan: A lifeline or war facilitator?
Sudan's conflict has crippled telecommunication as both sides leverage and disrupt internet services to gain control.
Venezuelans use AI avatars and Instagram Live to fight back Maduro's repression
After Venezuela's contested presidential elections of July 28, President Maduro has increased repression and surveillance of dissidents. Venezuelans look for ways to break through the censorship.
Website blocking in India: One arrow for all
A report last updated in March 2024 by a digital rights organization observed that 55,607 websites were blocked between 2015 and 2023.
In Turkey, a street interview lands a citizen in jail
“Insulting the president,” and “inciting hatred and hostility among the public,” are both common charges leveled against government critics in Turkey.
Internet shutdowns in Sudan allow the bypass of regulations
Sudan’s internet shutdowns bypass legal frameworks, raising concerns about human rights and highlighting the growing influence of decentralized technologies like Starlink.
Pro-democracy activists in Zimbabwe are being prosecuted for ‘public disorder’
The Kofi Annan Foundation has condemned the harassment, intimidation, and persecution of these human rights and democracy defenders, urging authorities to uphold due process of law.
Post-election repression in Venezuela: Authorities target human rights defenders and humanitarian workers
Maduro's government calls for imprisonment of opponents in so-called ‘Operation Tun-Tun.’
Covering Gaza: The deadliest war for journalists
Israel’s ongoing attack has tragically become the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded.
Malaysia’s social media licensing rule: Online protection or censorship?
"Licensing of social media platforms is unnecessary, high-handed and poses a serious danger to our democratic right to criticise or question the Government."
