Stories about Human Rights from March, 2014
“Click Rights” Campaign for Digital Rights in Middle East and North Africa
The IGMENA campaign “Click Rights” aims to bring more awareness of digital rights to citizens, so they in turn can pressure governments and the private sector to uphold them.
Advocates Hail Brazil's “Bill of Rights for the Internet”
Though privacy concerns remain, the approval of the Marco Civil "is important not only for the country, but also for the world," says Joana Varon, an original author of the law.
Brazilian Congress Approves Pioneer Bill of Rights for Internet Users
Brazil's Chamber of Deputies passed the Marco Civil da Internet, the now-famous "Bill of Rights" for the Internet, on the evening of March 25. Advocates worldwide are celebrating.
How Russians Are Outsmarting Internet Censorship
RuNet activists have created a sophisticated system of censorship evasion and counter-attack, which can potentially make life hard for both censors and pro-Kremlin websites.
Egyptian Blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah Released on Bail
Celebrations continue as prominent Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah is released from jail. In his first tweet after his release, the activist vows to "continue" the struggle.
Erdogan Vows to ‘Wipe Out’ Twitter in Turkey
Turkey blocked Twitter last week – along with Google's public DNS service, used to circumvent the block. Nevertheless, Tweets out of Turkey appear to be on the rise.
As Elections Approach, Denial Runs Deep for Erdogan
Turkey's Prime Minister is calling for democratic elections in a democratic state. Meanwhile, media outlets are under attack, Twitter is blocked, and protester oppression is at an all-time high.
Algerian Opposition TV Network Shut Down Ahead of Presidential Elections
Amidst escalating protests, independent television network Al-Atlas TV was shut down by Algerian authorities, who raided the network's offices and seized computers and recording equipment.
Venezuela's New Security Agency: Watching the Web With No Judicial Oversight
CESSPA, the new security agency in Venezuela, may bring yet another layer of state control over the flow of information online.
1000 Days in Jail for Ethiopian Journalist Reeyot Alemu
On March 16, 2014, jailed Ethiopian journalist Reeyot Alemu spent her 1000th day in prison. Twitter users lent their support using the hashtag #ReeyotAlemu.
#FreeBassel: Behind the Screens of the Syrian Resistance
March 15 marks the second anniversary of the imprisonment of Syrian web developer and activist Bassel Khartabil. Monique Doppert reflects on her friendship with Bassel and forthcoming book on his story.
GV Face: Happy 25th Birthday, Web!
What's the difference between the Internet and the Web? Why is an open web so important? An all-star panel of techies and rights defenders talk it out on GV Face.
Russia Blocks Four Opposition Media Portals
"I don't even know if anyone is reading this anymore." - Putative opposition leader Alexey Navalny on his blog which was blocked today by order of Russia's Attorney General.
Zambia: President’s Son Warns Journalist, “We Will Kill You”
Beaten and threatened by Kazim Sata, independent journalist Thomas Zgambo will soon stand trial in a case linking him to the Zambian Watchdog, an investigative news website.
TunnelBear VPN Service Blocked in Venezuela?
On Sunday, March 10, Venezuelan users reported that the VPN service TunnelBear was being blocked. Many reported that its website was inaccessible as well.
Video Exposes Police Abuse in Venezuela (or is it Colombia?)
One video's journey across Latin American digital activist circles underscores the challenges of monitoring and verifying evidence of human rights violations.
#KholoBC Viral Music Video Fights Pakistan's YouTube Ban
#KholoBC, a rap video denouncing Internet censorship in Pakistan, has gone viral on Pakistani social media.
Ukrainian Journalists Take Regime's Corruption Public With YanukovychLeaks
A team of Kyiv-based journalists discovered a plethora of damaged legal, financial and other documents on former President Yanukovych's property, salvaged them and are releasing them on a new website.
