Stories about Free Expression 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.
Draft Media Law Could Bring Censorship to East Timor
Local media groups are rejecting a draft media law in East Timor that contains provisions that threaten free expression and media workers' rights.
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.
Walkie-Talkie App Zello Blocked in Venezuela
Authorities were monitoring protester communications over the mobile push-to-talk app Zello. Now, they're blocking it.
Venezuela: The Internet Goes Dark in Táchira
"In Táchira we're without Internet, water, light, food, gasoline..." Live tweeting from what many are calling the "militarized" state of Táchira, where the currently raging protests began.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Cyber Libel Law
The Philippine Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of an online libel policy, disappointing and angering media freedom advocates
Venezuela: Police Seize Protester Mobile Phones
Protesters believe police are reviewing their personal information, erasing pictures and video of the protests, and sending prank messages to their families and friends.
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.
Algerian Cartoonist Faces 18 Months in Jail for Mocking President
Djamel Ghanem faces prison for an unpublished cartoon in which he used an image of baby diapers to mock Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
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.
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."
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."
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.
Indonesia: Twitter Defamation Case Casts Shadow on Media Landscape
Media freedom advocates call for a revision of Indonesia's 'draconian' Internet law after a local Twitter celebrity was found guilty of defaming a politician.
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.
