Stories about Free Expression
A Hong Kong Facebook group on shop closure strives to survive allegations of inciting discontent
Several pro-establishment commentators and outlets claimed that the page had been hijacked by the “yellow clan” (pro-democracy) and a newspaper columnist warned that it might “incite” discontent against the government
What lies behind the ‘golden opportunities’ of Malaysian Star media group's new tie with its mainland Chinese partner
The China's State Council is the sole shareholder Contemporary World Publishing Co., Ltd, the company behind Star Media Group's latest media partner, Contemporary World Magazine.
Reporters Without Borders representative denied entry to Hong Kong
RSF's representative was detained, searched and questioned for six hours at the airport on April 10, 2024 before she was deported.
Authorities severely restrict public freedoms in Jordan
Anger and frustration among the Jordanian public over the government's perceived inaction in supporting Palestinians and condemning Israeli actions, as well as its response to the ongoing massive protests.
Philippine media groups condemn China’s claim of ‘manipulated’ coverage of maritime tension
"The journalists who join these missions risk their lives in the face of unwanted aggression to bring the unvarnished truth to light."
In Brazil, since Bolsonaro, attacks on journalists fell while lawsuits against them increased
The data revealed that aggressions of various types against media professionals decreased to 181 last year, while, on the other hand, lawsuits targeting journalists increased by 92.31 percent last year
From discredit to censorship: When power attacks the Latin American press
With their campaigns against independent media, the governments of several Latin American countries are beginning to threaten press freedom.
Hong Kong passes controversial new security law broadly defining treason and insurrection
The city had devoted 30 days to the public consultation of the draft law during the Lunar New Year, and lawmakers had spent 12 days debating it in the LegCo.
Deepfakes and the risks from the growing use of video fraud
" ... [T]he truth is on the edge of "death" because, with the increase of deepfakes in circulation, it will be more and more difficult to understand what the truth is."
US-funded news outlet Radio Free Asia to withdraw from Hong Kong
US funded-news outlet Radio Free Asia (RFA), which had been accused of being “anti-China” by Beijing-backed newspapers, is set to withdraw from Hong Kong.
Independent media wage losing battle against censorship in Azerbaijan
Since 2017, independent and opposition online news outlets have faced censorship via blocking on spurious grounds.
A decade of digital repression and resistance in Southeast Asia
Global Voices Southeast Asia editor Mong Palatino highlights the major trends, challenges, and prospects of upholding freedom of expression in the region
Silenced voices: The X and VPN ban after Pakistan’s elections
During the political uncertainty following the elections, the voices of Pakistani citizens have been stifled through Twitter and VPN bans.
New domestic security law may affect regular news reporting, says Hong Kong press group
The Journalist Association recommended the authorities to narrow the definition of offences by proving the intention of the offenders to undermine national security and that their acts cause actual damages.
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently
A statement urging an end to internet shutdowns in Sudan. These shutdowns violate international law, exacerbating humanitarian crises, hindering emergency assistance, and impeding communication with loved ones.
The Baku Connection: Journalists across the world unite to support Azerbaijan's Abzas Media
Some 40 journalists from 15 media outlets have joined the project since its launch as Abzas Media team who started the investigations, await trial in Baku.
The Suriname book prohibition in a global context of free expression
Suriname's book ban on corruption exposure is more than a local issue; it's a global wake-up call for the defence of free speech and press freedom against authoritarianism.
Hong Kong’s homegrown security law seeks to define ‘state secrets’ along China’s legislative line
The definition of state secrets covers secrets in major policy decisions, military, foreign affairs, economic and social development, technological and scientific development, national security operations, HK and China relation.
Why did Taiwan impose a five-year visa ban on an influential mainland Chinese dissent journalist?
Wang Zhian, a Tokyo-based mainland Chinese journalist, mocked the Taiwanese election campaigns on a comedy talk show, sparking online backlash. He was then banned from entering Taiwan for five years.
Indonesian candidates urged to address human rights concerns
"Indonesia continues to fail to guarantee people’s rights to express their opinions peacefully amidst a shrinking civic space."