India’s Right to Information Act, provides a lesson on government transparency and what the rest of the world can learn from it.
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.
Cameroon Suspends Journalists and Media Outlets
Cameroon has suspended 16 journalists and seven news outlets for periods ranging from one month to six months for what it calls media offenses.
Kazakhstani Activists and Journalists Harassed on Independence Day
Kazakhstani cracks down on human rights activists and journalists to prevent dissent on independence day by illegally searching and threatening activists.
Sudan Must Stop Trying To Censor Newspapers and Websites
Committee to Protect Journalists called on Sudanese authorities to stop trying to stifle news coverage of this week’s widespread anti-government protests.
Indian Journalist Jailed after Facebook Post Critical of PM
Indian journalist jailed for a year after he criticized PM Narendra Modi on Facebook, in latest example of what critics claim is clampdown on free speech.
2018 Violence Against Journalists at Unprecedented Levels
Murder of Jamal Khashoggi adds up to at at least 63 professional journalists around world, hitting unprecedented levels, a 15 percent increase on last year.
Activists Welcome Reports of an End to Google’s China Project
Responding to media reports that Google will shut down Dragonfly, its censored search app for China, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Kumi Naidoo
Report Says Afghanistan and Syria Deadliest for Journalists in 2018
At least 63 journalists around the world were killed doing their jobs in 2018, with Afghanistan being the deadliest place for journalists worldwide.
Opposition MPs in Hungary Ejected From State Broadcaster
Security forces physically ejected Hungarian opposition lawmakers from the headquarters of the Hungarian state broadcaster MTVA in Budapest.
Venezuela’s Biggest Daily is Latest Casualty of Newsprint Restrictions
Venezuela’s biggest independent daily, El Nacional, printed its last edition on December 14, its editor and owner Miguel Henrique Otero announced.