Stories about Free Expression from December, 2013
A Different Kind of Free Speech
There are currently 142 people in prison or detention for "politically motivated reasons" in Azerbaijan. Activist and blogger Arzu Geybullayeva reflects on the country's approach to human rights and Internet governance in 2013.
Facing New Licensing Rules, Leading Political News Site Closes in Singapore
The Breakfast Network socio-political news site ceased operations in Singapore after rejecting new state licensing requirements. The issue has revived debate on Singapore's so-called "light touch" Internet regulation.
Zambia: Register Your SIM Card, or Lose Your Service
Zambians are being forced to register their mobile phone SIM cards with their real name and other identifying information. What will this mean for user privacy?
Dozens Detained on Human Rights Day in Cuba
Bloggers, punk rockers, intellectuals, dissidents, and a pair of Argentine tourists were all detained in Cuba last week, just in time for international Human Rights Day.
In Tibet and Uyghur Regions, Internet Blackouts Are the Norm
In Uyghur and Tibetan minority regions of western China, authorities routinely shut down the Internet in response to protests and rioting.
Nigeria: Gagging Critics or Fighting Cyber Crime?
Nigerian lawmakers are considering multiple bills of law that aim to target online fraud and financial crime, but could undercut key civil liberties along the way.
Spain: Public Safety Bill or Threat to Civil Rights?
A new "anti-protest" bill in Spain could prohibit calling for protests via the Internet, circulating riot images during demonstrations, and "violence against street furniture."
Controversy Smolders Over Japan's State Secrecy Bill
An unusually diverse range of groups are making urgent last-minute appeals against Japan's State Secrecy Protection Bill. Meanwhile, a ruling party leader compared protesters to "terrorists".
UN Experts Condemn Detention of Vietnamese Blogger Le Quoc Quan
Le Quoc Quan was arrested in December 2012 on trumped-up charges of tax evasion -- but experts suspect that the "real purpose" of his detention and prosecution was to silence Quan, who is an active human rights advocate.
Syrian Activists: Crimes Against Media Workers Must Stop
Media organizations in Syria speak out against the increasing harassment of journalists by jihadist groups in the country.
Lifting the Lid on China's Censorship
Recent studies on Internet censorship in China focus primarily on "opinion leaders" -- individuals with high influence on social media platforms -- but fail to include community-based journalism efforts.
