Scholar Sohini Chatterjee says disinformation is not solely a foreign challenge as “democratically-elected leaders are increasingly fuelling [its spread]”.
Journalism and Free Speech articles on Democracy Chronicles
A basic necessity in a democratic society, is journalism and free speech play a central role in creating a system of checks and balance, and in distributing power equally between governments, businesses, individuals, and other social entities. Access to verifiable information gathered by independent media sources, which adhere to journalistic standards, can also be of service to ordinary citizens, by empowering them with the tools they need in order to participate in the political process. Also see our articles on Civil Rights.
Twitter adds Fact-Check tag on Trump’s tweet, he threatens to regulate social media dictator style
Twitter added a fact-check tag/link on Trump’s tweet on mail-in voting. Feeling offended, the President threatened to regulate social media.
Internet Throttling: A Hidden Threat
There is now more to internet shutdown as governments around the world grow more savvy in stifling info flow. They now ask ISPs to slow down connectivity.
Bangladesh: Mass Arrests Over Cartoons, Posts
Some critics of government’s response to COVID-19 in Bangladesh are facing the law over charges of spreading rumours and misinformation on facebook.
Ai Fen: The Whistleblowing Doctor Missing in China
It is time that the world unite and hold China responsible for the abysmal human rights record it enforces in the second biggest global economy.
Mozambique: Journalist Feared ‘Disappeared’
Ibrahimo Abu Mbaruco is a Mozambican journalist missing since April 7, 2020. HRW urges government to investigate his disappearance, security forces’ role.
Why democracies handle crises better than authoritarians
Authoritarians have instead taken advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to pursuing the suppression of freedoms outside the scope of public health.
Iran, China and Venezuela called out on human rights abuses
State Department’s 2019 Country Human Rights Report shows deterioration in respect for human rights globally but, Iran, China and Venezuela in particular.
Zimbabwe: missing pro-democracy campaigner’s wife appeals for president’s help
Itai Dzamara is a Zimbabwean pro-democracy campaigner who got missing five years ago. His wife, Sheffra Dzamara, has appealed for Mnangagwa’s help.
Tanzanian Journalist Critical of President Magufuli Freed From Prison
Journalist Erick Kabendera, who was jailed last year after he criticized President Magufuli. A judge has ordered his release