Stories about Human Rights from May, 2016
Ghanaians Oppose Shutdown of Social Media Platforms During Elections
"This kind of thinking is unacceptable."
The Iranian State Versus Kim Kardashian
The story is so absurd that it seems funny, at first glance. But the Iranian state's problems with Kim Kardashian are no laughing matter.
Netizen Report: Two of Egypt’s Leading Human Rights Defenders Face Legal Challenge
Social media is back on in Uganda, but off in Iraq; a new tool helps Russians make friends (and target victims); and @Verdade reveals that Mozambique is conducting mass surveillance.
The Government of Mozambique is “Spying on its Citizens”, According to @Verdade
The order to intercept information was secured by military command between 2012-2014, and installed by the Chinese ZTE Corporation. Listening in on citizens is said to have begun in 2013.
Kenyan Blogger and Photographer Goes Missing
Before disappearing, he wrote on Facebook about how his arrest and 'terrorism suspect' label have destroyed his career and livelihood.
Ethiopian Blogger and Activist Sentenced to Five Years and Four Months
Ethiopia's state prosecutor conflated digital security training with terrorism. A local judge agreed.
Bulgarian ‘Green’ Activist Faces Lawsuit Over Facebook Post
Bulgarian eco-activist Borislav Sandov was sentenced for "insulting" the director of a mining company through a Facebook status. Court of appeals will hear his case at the end of May.
Ukrainian Activists Leak Personal Information of Thousands of War Reporters in the Donbas
The international journalist community reacted with consternation and anger to a leaked database of reporters accredited with the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" published by Ukrainian activists.
#LeyTelecom: Mexican Supreme Court Ratifies Geolocation and Retention of Metadata
Mexico's Supreme Court has ratified the indiscriminate retention of metadata, allowing authorities to use real-time geolocation of mobile devices. But the battle in defense of privacy is far from over.
In Bangladesh, Extremists Use Social and Mainstream Media Data to Target Victims
A series of killings have alarmed critics and intellectuals about the power that main stream and social media sites possess.
Iranian Blogger Hossein Ronaghi-Maleki Freed on Bail
"With every departure there is a return. Even when weak and ill we must stand and smile. We must go on..." writes Hossein Ronaghi-Maleki.
Netizen Report: LGBT News Site Editor is Latest Victim of Attacks on Bangladeshi Intellectuals
The assault on free thinking continues in Bangladesh, Mexico's Supreme Court upholds the "Stalker Law", and WhatsApp faces another shutdown in Brazil.
‘I Was Forced to Drink My Own Urine’: ‘Freedom’ For Netizens After 647 Days Locked Up, But Not For All
Ethiopia's Federal High Court acquits two men who spent more than 600 days incarcerated on terrorism charges that critics allege were politically motivated. A third man was not so lucky.
It’s Open Season on Online Hate Speech in Myanmar
Activists have launched a page on Facebook dedicated to addressing the rising number of hate-speech cases in Myanmar. Meet the “No-Hate Speech Project.”
