As India’s election approaches, politicians have been taking to social media to connect with voters, Mahima Kaul reports
India: Social media finally has its campaign in the sun
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CATEGORY: Asia and Pacific
In Pakistan discussing religion is a punishable offense for Ahmadis
The arrest of an Ahmadi doctor highlights the religious apartheid practised in Pakistan. Zofeen Ebrahim reports.
China marks Mandela’s death with no mention of “freedom” or “democracy”
Chinese coverage of Nelson Mandela’s death has reflected the government’s new-found sympathy for Maoism, its rejection of democracy and its long-standing sensitivities over Tibet and Taiwan. Alastair Sloan reports
India: “Even the Supreme Court thinks my ‘lifestyle’ is illegal”
By reinstating a law banning gay sex, the Indian state is entering citizens’ bedrooms and infringing on their integrity and bodily autonomy, writes Sayan Bhattacharya
Vietnamese bloggers launch online network to push for human rights
The Network of Vietnamese Bloggers has called on the government of Vietnam to uphold its commitment to human rights in wake of the country’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council
Japan’s designated secrets bill – the sound of the jackboots
Japan’s new secrecy law is yet another disturbing symptom of the country’s rising militarism, broadening the government’s power to classify state secrets amidst increased belligerence in the region. Saul Takahashi reports for Open Democracy
Radio prank expands Australia’s broadcasting authority remit
A radio prank that lead to tragic consequences may end up expanding Australia’s broadcast authority’s powers. Helen Clark reports
Pakistan continues silencing dissent through selective web blocks
Pakistan is notorious for blocking websites. It has banned more than 4,000 websites for what it considers objectionable material. The latest was IMDb, Zofeen Ebrahim reports.
Journalists caught in Bangladesh crossfire
Despite a thriving media sector, Bangladesh has seen a surge in violence against journalists. Samira Shackle reports
We must demand an end to the culture of impunity
On the eve of the International Day To End Impunity, we look back at the journalists intimidated, attacked and killed in 2013