Stories about Human Rights from August, 2024
Azerbaijan clears out critics ahead of COP29
Azerbaijan has had one of the lowest international rankings on citizens’ rights and freedoms. Even so, Azerbaijani President Aliyev has insisted persecutions against civil society are justified.
What online narratives tell us about the aftermath of the election in Venezuela
For Venezuelans, one of the main narratives shows that the current situation exceeds the region's traditional dichotomy of left versus right and evidences a sense of overcoming polarization.
Two Hong Kong journalists found guilty of sedition after a 2-year trial
Two former chief editors of the now-defunct Stand News were found guilty of sedition, marking the first such conviction of journalists since the former British colony returned to China in 1997.
Belarusian stand-up comedian who compared Lukasheka to a sparrow is accused of defamation
The comedian is well-known for his outspoken criticism of the Belarusian regime and its security forces, particularly in the wake of the 2020 opposition protests
How online disinformation fuels religious, ethnic and sociopolitical tensions during Bangladesh’s regime change
The month-long student-led mass movement that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was marred not only with violence, but also a surge in mis- and disinformation.
‘We have nothing except our hearts, and our minds': Vietnamese activist sentenced to five years in prison
“The only thing we did was to act in accordance with our conscience, speak up our thoughts, our desire, our longing.”
In Turkey, a street interview lands a citizen in jail
“Insulting the president,” and “inciting hatred and hostility among the public,” are both common charges leveled against government critics in Turkey.
Pro-democracy activists in Zimbabwe are being prosecuted for ‘public disorder’
The Kofi Annan Foundation has condemned the harassment, intimidation, and persecution of these human rights and democracy defenders, urging authorities to uphold due process of law.
Post-election repression in Venezuela: Authorities target human rights defenders and humanitarian workers
Maduro's government calls for imprisonment of opponents in so-called ‘Operation Tun-Tun.’
Covering Gaza: The deadliest war for journalists
Israel’s ongoing attack has tragically become the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded.
Malaysia’s social media licensing rule: Online protection or censorship?
"Licensing of social media platforms is unnecessary, high-handed and poses a serious danger to our democratic right to criticise or question the Government."
