internet restriction
Monday 17.10.2016 Ethiopia - Latest Developments -
Ethiopia declares state of emergency as crackdown intensifies
In early October the government decreed a six-month state of emergency.
As tensions escalated, the government became increasingly sensitive to criticism. Two bloggers were arrested and internet access was blocked. Several activists were also arrested for their work monitoring and documenting the crackdown on protestors.
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Tuesday 4.10.2016 Turkey - Latest Developments -
LGBTI activist murdered as crackdown intensifies in Turkey
The brutal rape and murder of iconic LGBTI activist, Hande Kader on 8th August prompted a mass mobilisation in Istanbul. Hundreds took to the streets to protest peacefully against the treatment of LGBTI people in Turkey. Read more
Wednesday 28.9.2016 Bangladesh - Latest Developments -
Authorities tighten surveillance of CSOs in the wake of terror attacks
Freedom of expression and media freedom are under major threat in Bangladesh. According to rights group Ain o Salish Kendra 74 journalists were allegedly subjected to torture in Bangladesh in the first six months of 2016. Read more
Friday 29.7.2016 Bahrain - Latest Developments -
Suppression of civil society continues in Bahrain
A court ordered the dissolution of the opposition political society, Al-Wefaq as many human rights defenders and journalists were arrested and banned for travelling, especially those attending human rights events. Read more
Thursday 28.7.2016 Russia - Latest Developments -
Russia's new anti-terror laws threaten free expression, privacy
New laws requiring mobile and internet providers to store users' information for up to three years threaten to undermine free expression and the right to privacy even further in Russia. Read more
Thursday 21.7.2016 Sudan - Latest Developments -
Crackdown on Media continues and 100 protestors detained in Sudan
On 20th June, the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) confiscated the daily newspaper Akhir Lahza, allegedly due to publishing a report that addressed organisational changes within the ruling National Congress Party (NCP). In a separate incident, sit-ins were organised on the first week of July in eastern Sudan's city of El Gedaref calling for improvements to the provision of services following floods during the rainy season. Security forces detained more than a hundred residents. Read more
Wednesday 20.7.2016 Kazakhstan - Latest Developments -
Pre-emptive arrests curtail peaceful assembly in Kazakhstan
Anti-government protests inspired by the bill on 21st May were refused permission by the authorities. In the preceding days, organisers took to social media to coordinate support but were blighted by a spate of pre-emptive arrests by the state. Read more
Thursday 7.7.2016 Ghana - Latest Developments -
Concern over calls to shut social media during elections
Comments by the head of the police in Ghana that social media could be shut down during November 2016 elections caused concern among civil society. Read more
Friday 1.7.2016 Palestine - Latest Developments -
Council of Ministers preparing new law on associations
The Palestinian Council of Ministers is preparing a new law on associations through a commission which does not include civil society representation. Read more
Tuesday 28.6.2016 Ecuador - Latest Developments -
Correa vilifies nongovermental organisations
Ecuador's President Correa alleges that there is an invasion of NGOs supported by other governments, which are a threat to democracy because they set a political agenda without democratic legitimacy or responsibility.
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