Iran’s Men Don Dresses to Support Viral Campaign
Iranian men are taking cross-dressing selfies for an online movement protesting a sexist punishment for criminals in Kurdistan. Our own Solmaz Sharif covers a powerful (and fun) digital protest that has sprung up in response to a judge's offensive decision, a violent police crackdown, and an underlying gender bias.
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Kuwaiti Blogger Arrested
Kuwaiti blogger and publisher Zayed Al Zaid, of the online news organization Alaan, was sentenced to one month in jail for an article he wrote a year ago entitled “Corrupted Speaking about Corruption.”
Saudi Online Activists Document Shiite Repression
Saudi Arabian forces raided the town of Al Awamyia, located in the region’s Eastern province, which is inhabited by a majority of Shia citizens. Saudi troops opened fire, raided houses and damaged property. The raid is the most recent display of brutal persecution against the Shia minority in Saudi Arabia, who mainly live in neighborhoods like Qatif, Hofuf and Awamyia.
500 Day House Arrest for Iran’s Green Movement Leaders
The next Iranian presidential election is just months away, and the results of the last election are still bitterly disputed. Mass protests took place across Iran, following the 2009 election, where millions gathered in a contentious uproar over a perceived fraudulent electoral process. The demonstrations were sparked by the Green Movement candidate, Mir Hossein Mousavi’s call for a fair and transparent voting process. The protests were met with strong resistance by government officials, and there were many reported deaths.
First Step for Civil Marriage in Lebanon
Recently, Lebanon has experienced something of a symbolic coup when it comes to civil marriage. The Ministry of Justice approved the country’s first civil marriage for couple Kholoud Sukkarieh and Nidal Darwish, issuing them a “family record" which is considered to be an official document that proves they’re married.
North Korea: A Voice from an Unheard People
Join Movements.org and Liberty in North Korea (LINK) for an Ask-Me-Anything on Reddit with a recent North Korean defector on Tuesday, 2/19 at 7pm EST. Get past the bombs and talking heads and get a glimpse of life in the world's most closed-off society through the eyes of someone who has lived it.
Saudi Activist, Not Guilty, But Still Behind Bars
Saudi Arabian blogger, activist, and creator of the website for social and political debate “Saudi Arabian Liberals,” Raif Badawi is still languishing behind bars despite being found “not guilty” of apostasy.
Movements Monday: Emin Milli Free, Burmese Journalists Hacked, Vietnamese Blogger in Mental Hospital
In this week's roundup of trending news at the nexus of human rights and digital activism: Azerbaijani activist Emin Milli is released from jail, Journalists in Burma are the victims of state-sponsored hacking,
Photo: Hossam el-Hamalawy
#EgyptNow Twitter Chat Summary
Two years after #Jan25 and the subsequent #DayofRage on January 28 2011, Movements.org hosted the next in its series of MovementsMonday live Twitter chats-- this time with Egyptian activists fighting to preserve the gains of the #Jan25 uprising. Photo: Hossam el-Hamalawy
Jingsheng on Internet Freedom and the Future of China
Famed Chinese Dissident Wei Jingsheng recently spoke about human rights, China and the power of the internet to transform society.
Thumbnail cover photo Copyright (c) 2013. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Co
Movements Monday: Azerbaijan Cracks Down on Demonstrators, Egyptian Protestors Killed
While protests in Egypt turned violent after police crackdown, activists in Azerbaijan rallied to support demonstrators who were hauled away by security forces. Thumbnail photo by: RFERL.org.
Bitter Protests in Bahrain
Throngs of anti-government protesters and riot police were locked in a bitter skirmish, Friday, in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, after authorities denied a request for an opposition rally. Friday’s protests was the most recent flare-up in a two-year long conflict between the Sunni-led government and the country’s majority Shiites that are seeking more of a political voice.
