The Blog

Cuba is a tough place to get to know, at least if you want independent perspectives. Activists have their movement and speech restricted, media is tightly controlled, and the internet is not widely accessible.  That makes an opportunity to speak with one of the foremost voices for free expression, democracy, and rule of law so valuable.  So join us on Reddit for the latest in our series of activist chats as we talk with Yoani Sanchez, the blogger and well-known activist.

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The Green Movement uprising began in June 2009, and over 50 journalists fled Iran soon after, fearing a new wave of arrests. Many other Iranian citizens also left Iran in pursuit of a better life, and safety and security. The introduction of social media helped Iran become an all-inclusive “cyber-country,” giving Iranians throughout the world to opportunity to partake in our history.

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This week, #MovementsMonday takes a look at travel bans, and how authoritarian regimes are using them to scare, silence, and supress dissidents around the world. Photo: Generación Y Blog.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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, 

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