Thousands in mainland China flocked to an app, engaging in discussions with users from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Uyghur diaspora.
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.
China: End Escalating Persecution of Free Expression, Release Geng Xiaonan
Under Xi Jinping China stepped up repression of dissent. The latest victim is independent publisher, entrepreneur Geng Xiaonan.
Twitter Promises It Won’t Block India Journalists and Activists
The latest news on this front comes from a really interesting article by BuzzFeed News Reporter Pranav Dixit. Take a look at this excerpt: Twitter has told India’s government that it won’t restrict accounts belonging to journalists, activists, and politicians in India, despite receiving an order from the country’s federal government. It is, however, blocking […]
Belarus Journalists to Face Trial Over Protest Reporting
Authorities should immediately drop the absurd criminal charges against journalists Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Darya Chultsova.
Bangladesh Charges 3 Journalists Under New Digital Security Act
Years in prison for the charges of publishing false or offensive information and transmitting defamatory information.
Hungary’s opposition Klubradio to be taken off the air
Hungarian independent broadcasting media critical of Victor Orban to go extinct as Klubradio taken off air by regulators.
Russia Authorities Target Journalists in Protest Crackdown
A court sentenced Sergei Smirnov, editor-in-chief of “Mediazona” news, to 25 days in detention for violation of public assembly rules.
Russia: Social Media Pressured to Censor Posts
Russia under Putin continues to chart an authoritarian path. In a new twist, authorities are pressuring social media to censor posts.
Pakistan: Human rights activist Muhammad Ismail detained and ill-treated
The latest in Pakistan’s declining human rights record is the detention of Mohammed Ismail, a human rights defender and CIVICUS partner.
Election Tech Company Sues Fox News, Giuliani and Others For $2.7 Billion
Smartmatic filed a $2.7billion lawsuit against Fox News, Giuliani, others for peddling falsehoods about its voting machines in the last election.