Stories about Digital Activism from January, 2018
Spanish Activist Helena Maleno's Trial in Morocco Is ‘a Way to Intimidate’ Human Rights Defenders, Her Supporters Say
Helena Maleno is accused of participating in a human trafficking network for her work assisting migrants who run into trouble during the dangerous Mediterranean Sea crossing to Europe.
Myanmar Digital Activists Come Together to Protect People's Rights Online at #DigitalRightsMM
Myanmar's mobile penetration rate has soared from 2.5 percent to more than 90 percent, bringing a wave of developments and difficulties in the digital rights realm.
Meet ‘Uyatman’, the Kazakh Superhero out to Stop Women Behaving Indecently
"Uyat in Kazakhstan...can be creative and destructive. In the first instance, it is to educate children. In the latter, it is about harassment and aggression."
Since 2016, Myanmar Courts Have Convicted 100% of People Charged Under Telecom Law 66 (d)
"Every court has given a prison sentence and none has given a fine."
Netizen Report: Can Brazil’s Government Use Google to Manipulate Public Opinion?
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
#MeToo Has Hit China's Universities, Despite Efforts of Internet Censors
After months of censorship, a student's viral account of sexual misconduct by a renowned university professor has forced the discussion into the open.
Protests Underscore the Potential Power of Iran's Access to Information Law
This is an opportune time to fully enforce efforts towards transparency after Iran's December-January protests. The first step must be a full implementation of Iran’s Access to Information law.
Jurassic Post: Afghan Minister's Gaffe Raises Meritocracy Concerns
“I regret that the National Unity Government talks about good governance while appointing a minister who lacks primary literacy.”
Filipino Bloggers Rally to Defend Rappler News Site
"We stand against moves to silence and scare journalists, bloggers and media practitioners just because the President and his ardent supporters dislike their news and views."
Macedonia Has Its Own #MeToo Movement — #ISpeakUpNow — and It Is Gaining Momentum
Despite the backlash from trolls, the #ISpeakUpNow movement has mostly drawn support and applause for the survivors of sexual abuse who refuse to stay silent any longer.
UNESCO World Heritage Site at Risk: Bulgarian Government Allows Construction in Pirin, Citizens Protest
Protesters want the controversial decision withdrawn and credible guarantees given that park preservation and the rule of law will be protected -- including the resignation of Environmental Minister Neno Dimov.
Leaked Documents Show That Ethiopia’s Ruling Elites Are Hiring Social Media Trolls (And Watching Porn)
The leaks include a list of individuals who appear to have been paid to promote the ruling coalition on social media.
Does Free Speech Mean Free to Preach Hate? An American Fundamentalist Pastor Tests Jamaica’s Limits
"Allowing this American pastor into Jamaica, and giving him platforms at schools to spread his lies would threaten the fundamental rights of Jamaican women, children, and LGBT people."
Netizen Report: Fearful of ‘Fake News’, Lawmakers in France and Brazil Want to Limit Free Speech Before Elections
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
‘If I Don't Oppose Dictatorship, Am I Still a Man?': Chinese Activist Gets Eight Years in Prison
Wu Gan, better known by his nickname “Super Vulgar Butcher”, has been active in Chinese human rights circles since 2008.
The Untimely Death of an Exiled Ethiopian Journalist
"His reward for having conscience in a country that criminalises it was torture & death in exile."
Corruption and Poverty Lead to Rage and Despair in Iran
"The members of parliament need to know that they are accountable to the people, that they represent the people, and that the eyes of the people are upon them."
In Sri Lanka, Families of the Disappeared Treasure the Everyday Items Left Behind (Part Two)
"It’s the lack of progress on the part of the government which led to series of protests highlighting the plight of families of the disappeared, political prisoners...and land occupation."
What Happens at Maekelawi? Tales of Torture from an Ethiopian Detention Center Slated for Closure
"It turns out that the anguish of Ethiopian prisoners, something that appeared to be so distant in memory, is not that far off after all."
Netizen Report: Iranian Authorities Are Blocking International Web Traffic and Messaging Platforms
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Iranian Technicians Have Been Ordered to Disrupt International Web Traffic Amid Protests
“We have been ordered to interrupt international traffic,” a source at an Iranian internet exchange point said.
