Freedom at Issue RSS Feed

In Turkish Courts, Freedom of Expression Is Still Worth Fighting For

moesner — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 16:30:48 +0000

Demonstrators hold copies of the Cumhuriyet daily outside an Istanbul court where a dozen of the newspaper's employees stand trial on charges of aiding terror groups. (Photo credit: AP via Shutterstock)

In Turkish Courts, Freedom of Expression Is Still Worth Fighting For

Nate Schenkkan

January 16, 2020

Positive rulings are not always enforced, but they help preserve crucial legal standards regarding fundamental rights.

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Can Indian Democracy Survive Modi’s Hindu Nationalist Agenda?

roylance — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 16:34:35 +0000

Flags of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Hindu nationalist movement Shiv Sena on display at an election rally in Mumbai (Photo credit: Al Jazeera English)

Can Indian Democracy Survive Modi’s Hindu Nationalist Agenda?

Arch Puddington

January 8, 2020

Only sustained pushback from the opposition and civil society can halt the government’s anti-Muslim actions, says political scientist Sumit Ganguly.

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Internet Freedom in Asia Hits Unprecedented Low

moesner — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 17:31:06 +0000

Freedom on the Net 2019 finds dwindling internet freedom in many Asian countries.

Internet Freedom in Asia Hits Unprecedented Low

Allie Funk

December 2, 2019

The year 2019 was the worst for internet freedom in Asia in nearly a decade, and a worrisome omen for 2020.

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The True Depth of Iran’s Online Repression

moesner — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:54:07 +0000

November 2019 protests in Iran prior to nationwide internet shutdown via Wikimedia Commons

The True Depth of Iran’s Online Repression

December 2, 2019

A nationwide shutdown has been lifted, but other restrictions on internet activity seem likely to intensify.

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To Protect Religious Freedom in Egypt, Ease Authoritarian Restrictions

drumm — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 16:53:50 +0000

Candlelit vigil for victims of 2011 Maspero protests via flickr

To Protect Religious Freedom in Egypt, Ease Authoritarian Restrictions

November 21, 2019

Egypt's current legal system punishes independent advocacy and perpetuates chronic abuses.

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State-Led Content Manipulation Drove the Backlash against the NBA in China

moesner — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 17:20:34 +0000

NBA advertisment in China via Flickr

State-Led Content Manipulation Drove the Backlash against the NBA in China

Sarah Cook

November 13, 2019

Revelations about state censorship and online troll networks undercut the authenticity of the Chinese response.

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Thirty Years: The Changing State of Freedom in Central Europe

drumm — Thu, 07 Nov 2019 18:49:41 +0000

Brandenburg Gate December 1989 via Wikimeda Commons

Thirty Years: The Changing State of Freedom in Central Europe

Arch Puddington

November 7, 2019

Thirty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, extracts from decades of Freedom in the World reports paint a picture of a region in flux and prone to democratic backsliding.

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Bridging the Gap between South Africa’s Lofty Ideals and Violent Reality

drumm — Thu, 10 Oct 2019 19:11:08 +0000

Cape Town anti-femicide demonstration via Wikimedia Commons.

Bridging the Gap between South Africa’s Lofty Ideals and Violent Reality

Paul Graham

October 10, 2019

Despite an exemplary constitution, societal violence against women and foreigners persists.

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China Central Television: A Long-standing Weapon in Beijing’s Arsenal of Repression

drumm — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 19:20:15 +0000

Hong Kong protests - Tsuen Wan March via Wikimedia Commons.

China Central Television: A Long-standing Weapon in Beijing’s Arsenal of Repression

Sarah Cook

September 25, 2019

Part of the station’s mission is to attack designated enemies of the Communist Party.

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Would a Nuclear Accord Change Much Inside North Korea?

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 14:21:12 +0000

Kim Jong-un arrives for a working lunch in Pyongyang with US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, October 2018. Image credit: US Department of State via Flickr

Would a Nuclear Accord Change Much Inside North Korea?

August 15, 2019

North Korea scholar David Hawk answers questions about the implications of a nuclear accord for human rights conditions in the country.

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