Asia & Pacific

Asia & Pacific
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Asia & Pacific

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Pakistan: Federal and provincial governments withhold ads to “Dawn” newspaper

Pakistan Press Foundation said authorities wanted to send a message that “fearless and unbiased reporting” will lead to financial ruin for critical media outlets.

India: SFLC.in filed Supreme Court petition challenging rule 16 of the internet blocking rules 2009

The petitioner argued that the order does not allow for any hearing or provision of reasons to be recorded in writing before blocking internet content.

Nepalese government called on to revise punitive new Media Council and Social Media bills

Signatories urge the government of Nepal and Parliament to refrain from developing and implementing legislation that empowers government with overreaching powers, including through overbroad and vague provisions that could be misused and abused to target activists, journalists, critics and other perceived opponents.

‘Cybersecurity with Chinese Characteristics’: Digital governance in the Indo-Pacific

A new report by ARTICLE 19 looks into the promotion of China’s cybersecurity norms in Indonesia, Pakistan, and Vietnam; and offers Taiwan’s rights-based approach as a model.

“Arezo TV” in Kabul receives permission to operate and reopens after 86-day closure

The Afghanistan Journalists Center expresses deep concern about the increasing restrictions imposed on media operations across the country.

Joint statement on emerging digital laws in Bangladesh

Civil society groups urged the interim Bangladesh government to reconsider some provisions in the proposed Cyber Protection Ordinance and the Personal Data Protection Ordinance.

Pakistan: Study sheds light on repressive digital expression legislation

Digital Rights Foundation’s latest report reviews the recent laws and measures passed by the Pakistani government and their detrimental impact on freedom of expression.

Chinese authorities shutter schools in Eastern Tibet

Several schools promoting Tibetan language and culture were forcibly closed by authorities in eastern Tibet.

Civil society in support of the passing of the Malaysian Media Council bill

Civil society groups reiterated their objection to having government representatives in the board of the proposed Malaysian Media Council.

Vietnamese journalist Truong Huy San indicted for “abusing democratic freedoms”

The journalist is known for his independent reporting on Vietnam’s Communist Party-dominated politics.

India: SFLC.in releases Internet Shutdown Report 2023-2024

The report probes the far-reaching impact of internet shutdowns on fundamental rights, education, freedom of speech, and the economy.

Bangladesh: IPA reaction to attack on publisher and author at Amar Ekushey book fair

The International Publishers Association said that book fairs should be a place of intellectual curiosity and the opportunity to exchange ideas.

Pakistan: Cybercrime law changes challenged in high court

The petition argues that the amendments enable the government to exercise increased formulated controls over civil liberties and propagate censorship.

Australia: Political interference in artistic expression must stop

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance condemns political and industrial interference with rightful free speech and expression.

Afghanistan: AFJC reports alarming decline in radio freedom on World Radio Day

Over the past year, at least 7 radio stations have been shut down because of the restrictive orders imposed by the Taliban.

Philippines: Photojournalist Deo Montesclaros faces terrorism financing complaint

Deo Montesclaros is the second journalist in the Philippines to be implicated under the country’s anti-terrorism laws.