Stories about Syria
Break the Silence: Campaign for Jailed Human Rights Activists
On Human Rights Day, we remind the world of our many friends who have broken the silence of oppression by expressing their thoughts, asking questions, and thinking critically.
Digital Citizen 2.0
In this edition of Digital Citizen, a review of human rights and technology news in the Arab World, we look at threats to bloggers and online activists across the region.
Digital Citizen 1.9
Digital Citizen is a monthly review of news, policy, and research on human rights and technology in the Arab World.
ISIS Beheads Kidnapped Photojournalist James Foley in Horrific Video Message
A video allegedly showing the beheading of American photojournalist James Wright Foley, missing in Syria for 636 days, by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), was released today.
On May 22, Say Happy Birthday To Bassel
On May 22, Bassel Safadi will celebrate his 33rd birthday -- his third in a prison cell in Damascus. We do not want him to spend his birthday alone. We want him to hear our voices loud and clear and know that we are still supporting his case.
Digital Citizen 1.6
Digital Citizen brings you the latest human rights and technology news from the Arab World. This edition looks at Internet blackouts in Syria and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, new cyber laws in Mauritania and Morocco, and more.
#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.
AB14: “We Must Stop Thinking That Technology Will Solve All of Our Problems”
The Arab Bloggers Meeting focused on working against censorship and surveillance, and the preservation of common bonds in a milieu that feels more and more fragmented each day.
Coursera Blocked in Syria — by US Sanctions [UPDATE]
The US federal government that has forced Coursera and other Massive Online Open Course providers to block access for users in sanctioned countries such as Syria and Iran.
Arab Bloggers Demand Release of Rights Activists in Syria
A statement released at the 4th Arab Bloggers Meeting participants, supporting the release of Razan Zaitouneh, a human rights lawyer and the co-founder of Syria's Violations Documentation Center.
WikiLeaks Supporters Shocked by Visit With Syria's Assad
The view from down under: A late December meeting between Australia's Wikileaks Party and Bashar al-Assad has raised critical questions about the WikiLeaks Party and platform.
Syrian Cartoonist Akram Raslan Reportedly Killed by Regime
Uncertainty continues over the fate of Syrian cartoonist Akram Raslan, winner of the Award for Courage in Editorial Cartooning for 2013, arrested in October 2012 by the Assad regime.
Non-Violent Activist Razan Zaitouneh Kidnapped in Syria
Four activists, among them internationally acclaimed non-violent activist Razan Zaitouneh, were kidnapped by unidentified masked gunmen, sparking a call for their immediate release.
Syrian Activists: Crimes Against Media Workers Must Stop
Media organizations in Syria speak out against the increasing harassment of journalists by jihadist groups in the country.
The End of Silence in Syria: Interview with Syria Untold
Leila Nachawati talks with Advox about Syria Untold, a new project that is bringing together artists, activists, and journalists engaged in creative, non-violent resistance to the Assad regime.
14-year-old Citizen Journalist Killed Covering Clashes in Syria
Omar Qatifaan, a 14-year-old media activist, was killed while covering clashes between pro- and anti-government forces in the southern Daraa al-Ballad area of Syria near the border with Jordan.
SecDev Foundation to Monitor Syria’s Digital Security
SecDev Foundation is launching the Syria Digital Security Monitor, a site that maps and visualizes reports of disruption to critical infrastructure in Syria including internet, telecommunication, electricity and water, and reports on cyber threats.
#FreeBassel: One Year Later, Syrian Netizen Remains in Prison
One year ago today, Syrian web developer and open technology advocate Bassel Khartabil was arrested and incarcerated in Damascus, where he has remained ever since. Known among open technology advocates as Bassel Safadi, the 31-year-old served as the Creative Commons lead for Syria. Global Voices Advocacy urges readers to support the campaign for his release by visiting the #freebassel website, tweeting about Bassel's case, or attending an event in his honor.
Video Advocacy Races Forward: 2012’s Dangers & 2013’s Solutions
Video is increasingly at the nexus of opportunity and danger for human rights activists. Video helps activists to document, confront, circumvent, and lobby against oppressive authorities—but it also allows those authorities to stalk them. Here's what we think will happen in 2013.
#FastforBassel: Campaign Launched for Syrian Netizen Facing Military Trial
Bassel Khartabil, also known as Bassel Safadi, is on military trial in Syria, where he is denied a lawyer. The open source software engineer and Creative Commons volunteer has been in jail since March. Supporters around the world have just launched a #FastforBassel campaign on Twitter to raise awareness about his case.
