Following the death of a writer in a high-security prison on February 25, protesters took to the streets of Bangladesh’s capital.
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.
Belarus Journalist Katsiaryna Barysevich Sentenced To 6 Months In Jail
Belarusian journalist Katsiaryna Barysevich has been jailed to six months and a fine over her coverage of protests in the country
India Fake News Problem Fueled By Digital Illiteracy
For more than 90% of India’s population, digital literacy is almost non-existent. This situation is fuelling the fake news problem in India.
Worrying Rise in Online Violent Threats Against Women Journalists
Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations but for female journalists the odds are much worse.
Bangladesh Protests Erupt Over Satirical Writer’s Death In Prison
Protests erupted in Bangladesh over the death of Mushtaq Ahmed, a crocodile farmer and satirical writer, detained in May 2020.
Iraq Imprisoning Freelance Journalists For Protest Reporting
Three Iraqi journalists were jailed as reprisal for their social media coverage of the wave of protests in the Kurdistan Region.
China Must End Reprisal Against Li Qiaochu for Exposing Torture
Chinese Human Rights Defenders has called on the Chinese government to immediately end its detention of human rights defender Li Qiaochu.
Famous Egyptian Political Cartoonist Still Missing, Assumed Detained
Egyptian cartoonist and animator Ashraf Hamdi was arrested January 25 for republishing a January 2011 tribute and is still missing.
Malaysian Federal Court Decision a Setback to Media Freedom
A Malaysian court convicted news outlet Malaysiakini on contempt of court charges in a decision that marks a setback to media freedom.
Saudi Women’s Rights Defenders Should Be Immediately Released
Although Loujain al-Hathloul has been released several other women’s rights defenders remain arbitrarily detained by the Saudi government.