Many Iranians now use online tools such as VPNs to bypass government restrictions and have access to the web
International Democracy articles
Here you can find all our articles on international democracy (as in outside the United States). The progress of world democracy, pro-democracy protest movements, and the struggle of political dissidents will be covered here. There will be no question over whether democracy is for everyone! You should also check out our main section on World Democracy with links to our broader website.
Vietnam Seeks to Stifle Dissent with Rules On Internet Services
Vietnam is adding pressure on foreign internet firms to keep data on local users and be more accessible to the country’s authorities as the country tightens control over online dissent. A bill that the Southeast Asian country’s Ministry of Public Security offered to legislators this month would require foreign internet services to open representative offices […]
Equatorial Guinea activist dies in prison after ‘torture’: opposition
An opposition activist died in prison after being tortured in Equatorial Guinea, the country’s main opposition party said Monday, accusing the government of “cruel and inhumane” treatment of its detainees. Santiago Ebee Ela, 41, died at the central police station in capital Malabo on Saturday night as a result of “cruel torture”, Citizens for Innovation […]
Bahrain high court upholds jail term for activist Rajab
Bahrain’s court of cassation on Monday confirmed a two-year jail sentence against prominent activist Nabeel Rajab, convicted for press statements critical of his government, a judicial source said. In July, the high-profile activist was found guilty of “disseminating rumours and false information” and sentenced to two years in prison over television interviews critical of the […]
Weak Legislature is Crippling Nigerian Democracy
So fundamental is the diminished role of the legislature that it constitutes the make or break factor
Iraq Sets Critical May Elections as PM Leads New Party
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Sunday he would stand for re-election in May at the head of a new coalition, buoyed by victory over the Islamic State group. Abadi’s newly created “Victory Alliance” will face the “State of Law” bloc of Nuri al-Maliki, his predecessor, key rival and Shiite Dawa party co-member who now […]
Tanzania leader rules out extending presidential terms
Tanzanian President John Magufuli will not seek to extend presidential terms in the East African country, his party said. Some members of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have been calling on Magufuli, 58, to extend presidential terms from the constitutionally mandated five years to seven years. “President Magufuli has appealed to Tanzanians to ignore […]
Tunisia Plans Social Reforms After Wave of Anti-Austerity Protests
Tunisia’s government has announced a new package of social reforms worth nearly $70 million. The North African country has been rocked by protests ahead of the seventh anniversary of the Arab Spring uprising. The Tunisian government on Saturday announced a social reforms package aimed at improving care for the needy and increasing access to health […]
Vote Putin, Win an iPhone: Bizarre Russian Voter Turnout Schemes
The Kremlin is worried as it tries to balance between keeping tight control over campaigning and avoiding voter apathy
Wife of Saudi blogger Badawi told he could be pardoned
The wife of jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi is allowing herself to dream: might the modernising new crown prince in her ultra-conservative homeland be about to free her husband? Ensaf Haidar, mother to the couple’s three children and wife of 16 years, recently heard from a delegation of European parliamentarians who visited Riyadh in late […]