Persecution of the Gafatar religious movement in Indonesia has been rife. Sadly, journalists are contributing to this through their reporting of a story.
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.
Podcast: How Conspiracies Are Damaging Democracy
Democracy scholars Russell Muirhead and Nancy Rosenblum call it “conspiracy without the theory” and unpack the concept in their book A Lot of People Are Saying: The New Conspiracism and the Assault on Democracy.
Media Public Confidence and Democratic Governance in Africa
Erosion in public confidence in the media could embolden African leaders with autocratic tendencies, says Jeff Conroy-Krutz.
Silent Invasion: China’s influence chills free speech
Confrontation between Chinese students in Australian and New Zealand Universities over Hong Kong has a negative impact on free speech for these US allies.
Podcast: Defending the First Amendment and the Fourth Estate
The First Amendment and a strong Fourth Estate are essential to a healthy democracy. David McCraw, deputy general counsel of the New York Times, joins us to discuss how he helps journalists do their work,
Ukrainian Court Penalizes News Outlet for Calling Far-Right Group ‘Neo-Nazi’
A court in Kyiv ruled in favor of a Ukrainian far-right nationalist group, C14, in its defamation suit against the internet TV station Hromadske.
Mashrou’ Leila is Lebanon’s Latest Free Speech Victim
The world famous Lebanese band, Mashrou’ Leila, has become the latest victim of Lebanon’s criminal defamation and insult laws.
Cambodia Press Freedom: Bogus Espionage Charges Meant to Silence Two Journalists
Cambodia’s democracy continues to nosedive as authorities levy politically motivated bogus espionage charges against two journalists meant to silence them.
Journalists Attacked By Counterprotesters In Hong Kong
A group of masked individuals beat journalists, demonstrators, and passersby with sticks and metal rods at Hong Kong’s Yuen Long metro station.
Tanzania Confirms Mysterious Death Of Journalist Azory Gwanda
Committee to Protect Journalists callson the Tanzanian government to provide a detailed public account of the fate of freelance journalist Azory Gwanda.