ARTICLE 19

The continuous evolution and complexity of Iran’s internet censorship system is crippling not only civil society, but regular citizens who are unaware of the moving redlines and restrictions.

On 14 May 2015, Evany José Metzker was in the state of Minas Gerais, working on a series of investigative articles about child prostitution, when he disappeared. Four days later, Metzker was found beheaded.

Charged under the Sedition Act in Malaysia, internationally known political cartoonist Zunar could face 43 years in jail for a tweet.

A defamation reform bill pending before the Lithuanian Parliament would constitute a welcome step in the right direction, but should be further amended to meet international standards, the International Press Institute (IPI) and Article 19 said, following a joint two-day mission to Lithuania.

The current state of internet restriction in Iran is very complex. It contains multiple layers of political, religious and moral constraints that have developed and evolved into an unusual status.

According to ARTICLE 19’s report, there were a significant number of attacks on Bangladesh journalists and an alarming increase in violations perpetrated by state actors. However, there was not a single conviction for violence against journalists in 2014.

The Arab-populated southern region of Iran has been the scene of several protests and consequential arrests over the past months.

The murder of journalist Armando Saldaña Morales, is yet another example of the inability of the Mexican government to guarantee the safe practice of journalism in the country.