Pakistan has increased the maximum sentence for anyone accused with and convicted guilty of defamation online to five years in prison.
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.
Russian Journalist Flees Following Threats By Chechen Leader
Hetq reports that a Russian investigative journalist has fled the country after Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov threatened him.
How Bots And Fake Accounts Push China’s Vision of Olympics
China is hosting the Winter Olympics. Online, the country’s propagandists have promoted a vision of the Games free of hostility or controversy.
Serious Threat To Freedom Of Association In Tunisia
A new draft law in Tunisia suggests that authorities desire to equip themselves with legal tools to foreseeably muzzle civil society.
Iran Tightens Grip On Internet Freedom
Iran’s parliament has passed new law imposing further limitations on internet users. The move has been slammed by civil rights activists.
PODCAST: Moving Beyond News Deserts And Misinformation
Our guest this week says news deserts, misinformation, and information silos are all downstream from a much more fundamental disconnect.
Texas Law Censoring Election Officials on Mail Voting Blocked
Texas’s S.B. 1 makes it a crime for election officials and workers to encourage vote by mail. This provision has been struck down.
Major Victory For Media Freedom In Tanzania
The lifting of ban on four newspapers…barred from publishing since 2016 and 2017 for exposing alleged corruption…is a positive step.
Eileen Gu Defends China’s Internet Freedom, And Is Censored
Since she announced she would compete in the Olympics on the Chinese team, controversy has surrounded Eileen Gu, a U.S.-born skier.
Turkish President Sues Recently Arrested Journalist
President Erdoğan filed a complaint on Tuesday, February 8, when Kabaş was in custody awaiting trial on the criminal insult accusation.