Stories about Human Rights
Yang Hengjun's death sentence jolts improving relations between Australia and China
"Something worth noting (and may not be readily apparent): Yang Hengjun is an Australian citizen. But to the Chinese government, he's Chinese."
Pakistan’s general elections: AI, internet shutdowns and disillusionment
On top of disruptions to the internet, Pakistani political parties have also been using emerging technologies, particularly generative AI and deep fake videos, to influence voter narratives and perceptions.
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.
From silence to symbols: How Thais are employing language in new ways towards freedom of expression
"Thai netizens have turned to unique linguistic alternatives to continue freely expressing themselves online."
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."
Indonesian court acquits two activists over charges of defaming government minister
"The government must also end reprisals against human rights defenders and allow human rights defenders and civil society organisations to operate freely and safely."
Man jailed for three months for wearing ‘seditious’ shirt with protest slogan at Hong Kong airport
A Hong Kong man was arrested near a boarding gate at the HK International Airport last November after he was seen wearing a t-shirt with a protest slogan printed on it.
Three Maldivian deputy ministers disciplined over social media comments about India's PM
The relationship between India and the Maldives further deteriorated after some Ministers criticized Indian PM Narendra Modi online. Amidst call to #BoycottMaldives, three Maldivian Deputy Ministers were suspended.
In the shadows of self-censorship: The impact of the Cyber Security Act on Bangladesh’s LGBTQ+ movement
Several sections of the newly enacted Cyber Security Act (CSA) restrict the advocacy and movement for LGBTQ+ rights, criminalising published contents highlighting injustices faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Bangladesh.
Mozambique: Digital landscape and internet disruption in the context of elections
This is a new situation and could be indicative of a violation of the right to information enshrined in Mozambican law.
Turkey bans access to 16 VPN providers
Pundits say, the goal of the recent ban is to prevent access to already blocked news websites in the country that were only accessible with VPN services.
Hong Kong embraces televised confessions of political prisoners
"It is the same kind of propaganda: the court’s ruling is justified and reasonable, and look, he himself confessed it. How would the National Security Judge wrong a good person?
Hong Kong: Subscribers of overseas activists’ blogs and channels face legal threat
Government adviser Ronny Tong said those who subscribe to content created by "wanted individuals" could be considered culpable under the National Security Law.
How Indonesia’s ‘illiberal cyberlaw’ undermines free speech and human rights
"We regret that the Indonesian Parliament has passed the amendment to the ITE Law, which contains problematic articles that undermine freedom of expression and freedom of the press."
In Azerbaijan, five journalists arrested in ten days
The authorities failed to produce any evidence on the charges leveled against four Abzas Media journalists and in the case of arrested Kanal 13 journalist Aziz Orujov.
Two Togolese journalists arrested for defamation of government minister
The arrest and imprisonment of two Togolese journalists in mid-November this year highlights the precariousness of journalists’ rights in this West African country.
Nepal's TikTok ban is the first step towards more government control on social media
On November 13, 2023, the Nepali government imposed a blanket ban on Chinese social media platform TikTok, alleging that the platform was fostering social discord among Nepalis.
Numerous journalists connected to Azerbaijani news site arrested
At least three Azerbaijani journalists were arrested on November 20 from Abzas media in connection with corruption reporting. International press groups are calling for their release.
Digital apartheid and the use of social media algorithms in humanitarian crises
Big tech platforms extensively censor Palestinian voices, shadowbanning them and their supporters, violating their rights to free speech, assembly, information access, political participation, and protection from discrimination.