Journalists in Gambia launched a self-regulatory body they hope will offer legitimacy, and far more freedom, to media emerging from a dictatorship.
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.
Court Upholds 10-Year Jail Sentence for Emirati Activist
A high court in the UAE upheld a 10-year prison sentence of Emirati rights activist Ahmed Mansoor for criticizing the government in social media posts.
Vietnam Says New Law Will Censor Internet But Not Close Websites
Vietnam is looking to the law as way to control public criticism of government activity, activist bloggers believe. Bloggers have been arrested.
Court Upholds Unjust 10-Year Sentence for Egyptian Journalist
Egyptian court upholds 10-year sentence of renowned researcher and journalist Ismail Alexandrani was upheld by a military court on December 24, 2018.
Why Albania Should Drop New Online Media Laws
Four media organizations ask Albanian government to drop two draft laws on state regulation and compulsory registration of online media to fight fake news.
Liberian Journalists Alarmed over Government ‘Hostilities’
Journalists in Liberia sounded alarm on press freedom after two ministers mounted attack on a paper that ran an article about alleged top-level corruption.
Algeria Sentences Journalist to Year in Jail Over Demonstration
Adlene Mellah, who heads the news websites Algerie Direct and Dzair Presse, was arrested on December 9 for for taking part in an illegal protest.
Clash with Police after Tunisian Journalist Sets Himself Ablaze
A Tunisian journalist has set himself on fire, in a protest over harsh living conditions that prompted overnight clashes with police in the country’s west.
Zambia Journalist Jailed for 18 Months for Contempt of Court
Zambia’s Supreme Court yesterday sentenced Derrick Sinjela, editor-in-chief of privately owned Rainbow Newspaper, 18 months in prison for contempt of court.
UAE Must Release Imprisoned Jordanian Journalist
United Arab Emirates should immediately release Tayseer al-Najjar, a Jordanian journalist who, on December 13, 2018, completed a three-year prison sentence.