Articles by Social Media Exchange (SMEX)

Is Dawit Isaak alive?
That’s the question 33 NGOs are asking Eritrea this World Press Freedom Day, after the Cano prize-winning journalist remains unheard from since 2005.

UAE: Free prominent rights defender Ahmed Mansoor held on speech-related charges
91 NGOs call on UAE to immediately and unconditionally release award-winning human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor

Thou shall not… use mobile data?
The 160,000 residents of the Lebanese town of Arsal have been denied access to 3G and 4G mobile networks for over two years. The reason? Nebulous “security reasons” cited by the state.

Kazakhstan must treat editor Zhanbolat Mamay fairly
Members of IFEX wrote an open letter on behalf of Kazakh Editor Zhanbolat Mamay, calling for a fair and impartial handling of charges against him and full investigation into his mistreatment in prison and threats made to his family.

At UNHRC, rights groups highlight deterioration of media freedom in Turkey
Over 70 rights and expression organisations worldwide entreated the UN Human Rights Council’s 34th session to call on Turkey to take immediate steps to address the ongoing free expression crisis in the country.

Lebanese journalism student detained for six days over Facebook status
Bassel al-Amin, a Lebanese journalism student in his early 20s, was released on bail on 12 December 2016 after being detained by authorities for six days over a Facebook status.

Lebanese journalism student detained for six days over Facebook status
Bassel al-Amin, a Lebanese journalism student in his early 20s, was released on bail on 12 December 2016 after being detained by authorities for six days over a Facebook status.

Bahrain must cease judicial harassment of Faisal Hayyat and other Bahraini journalists
48 human rights organizations have signed a letter asking King Hamad to cease its judicial harassment of human rights defenders and its violation of their right to freedom of expression.