Asia & Pacific

Asia & Pacific
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Asia & Pacific

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Throttling telecom: Shutdowns, surveillance, and biometrics in India

SFLC.in warns that the Telecommunications Act of 2023 will broaden governmental powers in the interception and suspension of telecommunication services.

Nepal: Freedom Forum report on challenges facing the media

A total 52 incidents of press freedom violations were recorded in 2023.

AFJC releases 2023 annual report on media freedom in Afghanistan

The annual report documents at least 168 instances of violations of journalists’ rights in 2023.

Thailand: Lawmaker sentenced for ‘insulting monarchy’

Human Rights Watch said authorities should quash the sentence and cease prosecuting other cases under the lese majeste law.

Pakistan Press Foundation condemns the disruption in access to social media

The disruption coincided with the virtual rally organized by a major political party.

Taiwan’s general elections: RSF urges candidates to strengthen the country’s media sector against disinformation

One month ahead of the general elections, RSF calls on all candidates and political parties to endorse and promote a political agenda in support of independent journalism.

Afghanistan: “Radio Nasim” manager sentenced to one year in prison

According to some sources, Sultan Ali Jawadi was found guilty of “propaganda against the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” and “espionage for foreign countries.”

CPJ urges South Korea to stop intimidation of Newstapa after raid on editor’s home

“The latest raid underscores the deteriorating press freedom in South Korea,” said Beh Lih Yi, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator.

Hong Kong: Stop legal threats and ensure safety of missing journalist

“Chinese authorities must immediately disclose journalist Minnie Chan’s whereabouts and ensure her wellbeing,” said Michael Caster, ARTICLE 19’s Asia Digital Programme Manager.

GIC expresses concern over legal proceedings against journalist N. Unurtsetseg

The journalist had posted an article on her personal account on Facebook saying that it was inhumane to continue a court hearing in which an elderly person was participating for many hours.

Global Coalition urges Indonesia to uphold freedom of expression in ITE law reform

The Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE Law), known for stifling freedom of expression and suppressing human rights defenders, requires immediate attention and rectification.

Joint statement: Civil society organizations renew calls to end impunity for crimes against journalists in Maldives

The signatories expressed concern that the criminal court recently dropped charges against the accused in the murders of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and blogger Yameen Rasheed.

A massive data breach, a TikTok ban, a mass crackdown, and ‘overpolicing free speech’

November 2023 in Asia-Pacific: A free expression round up produced by IFEX’s regional editor Mong Palatino, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.

Malaysia: A review of the government’s commitments on freedom of expression

The Centre for Independent Journalism reviews the MADANI government’s performance in regard to freedom of expression and offers its recommendations for reforms.

Myanmar military junta takes control of broadcast authority to strengthen its grip over media

The amended text now provides for junta cadres to be automatically appointed to the council board.

Afghanistan: AFJC report highlights growing threats to media freedom

The Afghanistan Journalists Center documented a total of 75 incidents violating media freedom from March to November this year.