The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects the right to protest but state legislatures are increasingly eroding this right.
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.
Study: How Online Propagandists Targeted The 2020 Election
There was a vast disinformation campaign in the last election aiming to influence the result mostly in favour of the incumbent President.
China steps up online controls with new rule for bloggers
China is ever creative when it comes to repression. Chinese online influencers now need government approved credentials to post.
Afghanistan: 65 media workers, rights defenders killed since 2018
In Afghanistan, at least 65 workers, rights defenders have been killed since 2018. It is a trend that creates fear in the population.
Belarus: Police raid homes of journalists, activists
Police in Belarus have ramped up raids on the homes and offices of pro-democracy activists, journalists, union members, to silence dissent.
China Urged to Release 7 Journalists Who Reported on COVID-19
Reporters without Borders called on Chinese authorities to release seven journalists arrested for reporting on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan a year ago.
UAE jails Jordanian for 10 years for criticising Jordan’s gov’t
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged in the UAE to immediately release Ahmed Etoum jailed for criticising the government of Jordan.
How a Joke Ended Up Before Canada’s Top Court
A decade ago, as part of his stand-up act, a Canadian comedian began telling a joke about a disabled young singer.
Are Douglass Mackey’s Memes Illegal?
In 2016 Douglass Mackey allegedly conspired to distribute a meme aimed at deceiving pro-Hillary voters. But were his actions illegal?
Uzbekistan: Blogger Held on Dubious Extortion Charge
Otabek Sattoriy an outspoken blogger in Uzbekistan faces 10 years in prison in a dubious extortion case brought by authorities.