Authoritarians have instead taken advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to pursuing the suppression of freedoms outside the scope of public health.
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.
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
A coalition has warned weakening encryption could impact election security
A coalition for secure elections sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr Wednesday over his comments calling for “backdoor” through encryption.
Media Restrictions on Impeachment Trial Further Limits Transparency
Common Cause President Karen H. Flynn has issued a statement condemning media restrictions in impeachment trial as blatant attempt to limit transparency.
South Africa to Strip Refugees’ Status for Any Political Act
A deeply ironic new law now allows South Africa to strip refugees of asylum status if they engage in any political activity related to their home countries.
The FCC should not have allowed the eminent shrinking of the Dayton Daily News: Dayton Mayor
Reliance on the Dayton Daily News for information for people in Dayton, Ohio, may suffer setback due to the recent acquisition of owner, Cox Media.
How news coverage gets geo-fragmented
National news outlets provide different push notifications at different times to local and national audiences.
China’s annus horribilis: Authoritarian turn ‘challenges the world’
DW reported detention and disappearance of dozen or more lawyers and activists in final days of 2019 as part of Chinese government’s end of year crack-down.