Stories about East Asia
The role of youth in championing digital literacy education in Timor-Leste
"Digital rights education is essential in Timor-Leste to empower individuals to protect their privacy, promote freedom of expression, and foster digital inclusion."
Yang Hengjun's death sentence jolts improving relations between Australia and China
"Something worth noting (and may not be readily apparent): Yang Hengjun is an Australian citizen. But to the Chinese government, he's Chinese."
Hong Kong’s homegrown security law seeks to define ‘state secrets’ along China’s legislative line
The definition of state secrets covers secrets in major policy decisions, military, foreign affairs, economic and social development, technological and scientific development, national security operations, HK and China relation.
Hong Kong kickstarts local national security law legislation with explaining and rebuttal teams
Chief Executive John Lee: Hostile forces would engage in propaganda work, especially online, to smear and distort the legislation.
Why did Taiwan impose a five-year visa ban on an influential mainland Chinese dissent journalist?
Wang Zhian, a Tokyo-based mainland Chinese journalist, mocked the Taiwanese election campaigns on a comedy talk show, sparking online backlash. He was then banned from entering Taiwan for five years.
From silence to symbols: How Thais are employing language in new ways towards freedom of expression
"Thai netizens have turned to unique linguistic alternatives to continue freely expressing themselves online."
Indonesian candidates urged to address human rights concerns
"Indonesia continues to fail to guarantee people’s rights to express their opinions peacefully amidst a shrinking civic space."
Indonesian court acquits two activists over charges of defaming government minister
"The government must also end reprisals against human rights defenders and allow human rights defenders and civil society organisations to operate freely and safely."
Man jailed for three months for wearing ‘seditious’ shirt with protest slogan at Hong Kong airport
A Hong Kong man was arrested near a boarding gate at the HK International Airport last November after he was seen wearing a t-shirt with a protest slogan printed on it.
After a year in power, Malaysia’s Madani government falters on reform agenda
"The current government still attempts to restrict alternate views and the independence of media through the use of law and arbitrary practices."
Hong Kong embraces televised confessions of political prisoners
"It is the same kind of propaganda: the court’s ruling is justified and reasonable, and look, he himself confessed it. How would the National Security Judge wrong a good person?
Hong Kong: Subscribers of overseas activists’ blogs and channels face legal threat
Government adviser Ronny Tong said those who subscribe to content created by "wanted individuals" could be considered culpable under the National Security Law.
How Indonesia’s ‘illiberal cyberlaw’ undermines free speech and human rights
"We regret that the Indonesian Parliament has passed the amendment to the ITE Law, which contains problematic articles that undermine freedom of expression and freedom of the press."
From Hun Sen to Hun Manet: The worrying state of free speech in Cambodia
"Targeting journalists — particularly those who are reporting on human rights topics — undermines freedoms of expression and the press, which threatens the public’s access to information."
Within the law’s shadow: The stealth erosion of the media environment in South Korea
With national elections on the horizon, the government’s tightening grip on public dissent and media oversight will be a critical test of the country’s commitment to democratic principles and civil liberties.
Filipino radio host killed during live broadcast
"This barbaric act reflects the broader peril of democratic discourse in the Philippines. It is a manifestation of an alarming, ongoing trend that casts a dark shadow over independent media.""This barbaric act reflects the broader peril of democratic discourse in the Philippines. It is a manifestation of an alarming, ongoing trend that casts a dark shadow over independent media."
Google denies Hong Kong police request to remove ‘seditious’ film about media tycoon Jimmy Lai from YouTube
This is the second time Google denied taking down political content. Its earlier refusal to alter protest song, 'Glory to Hong Kong,' has ended up in an injunction trial.
New policy requires Chinese influencers to display their personal information on Weibo
Popular mainland Chinese Weibo users must display their real identities, including names, gender, IP locations, and professional and educational background, on their account page starting at the end of October.
Malaysian editor of banned book faces police probe for sedition
"Kean Wong’s arrest demonstrates the State’s concerted effort to suppress the public’s ability to both inform and to speak out without fear of censorship."
‘I can see the entirety of the sky now’: Australian journalist Cheng Lei is now free
"Tight hugs, teary screams, holding my kids in the spring sunshine. Trees shimmy from the breeze. I can see the entirety of the sky now! Thank you Aussies."