Stories about Free Expression from December, 2021
Azerbaijan's controversial media law has grave consequences for media freedom and independence
Hailed by its proponents as the reform bill, its impact on the media freedom and independence in Azerbaijan is going to be extensive, critics of the law say.
Indigenous community radio operators win court case against the Guatemalan State
The ruling ‘will be a turning point for community radios in Guatemala’, according to one of the petitioning radio stations.
Russian censors block website of legal aid non-profit OVD-Info
"We see this as a continuation of the state's attack on civil society. It is no surprise that the attack is now focused on OVD-Info."
In Nigeria, the government weaponises the law against online expression
The Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 (NCA) has been employed by the government in justifying various violations of online freedom of expression in Africa's most populous nation.
Tunisia: New prosecutions resurrect shadow of dictatorship
The use of military law by Kais Said's government to prosecute journalists and restrict freedom of expression foreshadows a return to the nightmare governments of before the Arab Spring.
2021 in retrospective: Authoritarian practices threatened journalists and restricted media freedom in South Asia
In this retrospective, we will review issues of online and press freedom, censorship, the safety of journalists and digital rights in South Asia that we covered during the year.
How did Vietnam do on human rights in 2021?
"As 2021 draws to a close, we ask that the international human rights community remain vigilant and continue working with their respective governments to demand that Vietnam respect its international obligations."
Mozambican government reacts to conflict by imposing its own digital narratives
An on-going armed conflict is depriving Mozambicans of their right to access reliable information as the government spares no efforts to impose its own narratives
International media watchdog digs into the ‘great leap backwards’ of journalism in China
Reporters Without Borders' report presents an extensive account of how China has repressed freedom of expression and the right to information in recent years.
Russia blocks access to Tor browser website
The push for greater online censorship is part of the country's "sovereign internet" strategy which seeks to cement centralised state control over internet infrastructure and online spaces.
Taiwan’s Golden Horse Film Awards highlights Hong Kong's censored productions
Beijing's boycott of the Golden Horse Film Awards has generated a space for Hong Kong's independent, less-commercial productions in the international film market.
Georgian Communications Commission levies fines on TV channels for ‘political’ content
The Georgian National Communications Commission has fined several TV stations for airing "political" content outside of an electoral campaign period. Some have criticised the fines as disproportionate towards opposition-leaning channels.
