http://www.movements.org/ en Copyright 2013 2013-05-06T20:34:54+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/irans-men-don-dresses-to-support-viral-campaign/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/irans-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.    2013-05-06T19:34:54+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/the-three-political-prisoners-saudis-are-talking-about-right-now/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/the-three-political-prisoners-saudis-are-talking-about-right-now/ Saudis are constantly in danger of facing retribution for speaking their minds, whether it’s on social media or on a street corner. But that isn’t stopping many of them from taking to Twitter with renewed calls for the release of three political prisoners. New hashtags making the rounds are: #اطلقوا_تركي_الحمد# ,اطلقوا_حمزة_كاشغري# ,اطلقوا _رائف_بدوي translated as “Release Turki Al Hamad”, “Release Hamza Kashgari”, and “Release Raef Al Badawi”.  Who are these guys? Gulf 2013-04-25T13:01:39+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/turkish-pianist-on-trial-for-tweet/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/turkish-pianist-on-trial-for-tweet/ Internationally acclaimed Turkish pianist Fazil Say has been convicted and sentenced to a suspended 10-month jail term for insulting Islamic religious values in comments posted on Twitter. Arrests, Censorship, Freedom of Expression, Social Media 2013-04-16T14:49:51+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/crackdown-on-long-hair-in-gaza-is-latest-limit-on-free-expression/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/crackdown-on-long-hair-in-gaza-is-latest-limit-on-free-expression/ In Gaza, how you wear your hair has become the government's business. Freedom of Expression, Human Rights, Middle East and North Africa 2013-04-12T13:47:43+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/when-eggheads-attack/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/when-eggheads-attack/ A new twitter hashtag in Egypt is the latest salvo in the PR battle for your hearts and minds: #tweet_like_an_egg Middle East and North Africa, Social Media, Twitter Activism 2013-04-11T20:28:18+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/straight-outta-tunis-with-an-attitude/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/straight-outta-tunis-with-an-attitude/ Rappers, artists, and dissidents are under attack across North Africa for speaking out against their new governments. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Arrests, Censorship, Freedom of Expression, Music 2013-04-09T13:09:26+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/profile-the-naughty-dr.-bassem-youssef/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/profile-the-naughty-dr.-bassem-youssef/ Fugitive? Revolutionary hero? Liar, liar, pants-on-fire? Who exactly is Dr. Bassem Youssef? Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting the "Jon Stewart of the Arab World." He did not disappoint. Case Study, Censorship, Freedom of Expression, Middle East and North Africa 2013-03-30T18:43:11+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/beaten-and-ignored-bahrain-protestors-continue-their-struggle/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/beaten-and-ignored-bahrain-protestors-continue-their-struggle/ Ignored by local media, arrested and beaten by police, hundreds of protestors in Bahrain stood their ground Friday in support of imprisoned activist Nabeel Rajab. Bahrain, Human Rights, Protest 2013-03-30T16:30:17+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/ghost-tweets-push-bloggers-sentence-to-five-years/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/ghost-tweets-push-bloggers-sentence-to-five-years/ Though he was cutoff from technology while in police detention, Bader Al Rashidi's Twitter account continued to rant against Kuwait's Emir for months. Then his sentence for attempting to overthrow the regime got bumped up to five years and hard labor. Arrests, Blogging, Freedom of Expression, Middle East and North Africa 2013-03-22T19:51:28+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/irans-repression-of-bahai-manges-to-get-worse/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/irans-repression-of-bahai-manges-to-get-worse/ By all accounts, Iran is the worst place in the world to be of the Baha'i faith. Yet somehow, it's getting worse. Iran, Religious Freedom 2013-03-20T13:48:38+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/yoani-sees-the-worldand-joins-us-for-a-chat-on-16-march-tomorrow/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/yoani-sees-the-worldand-joins-us-for-a-chat-on-16-march-tomorrow/ 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. Activist Chat, Blogging, Cuba, Latin America 2013-03-15T15:08:12+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/the-iranian-struggle-for-internet-freedom/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/the-iranian-struggle-for-internet-freedom/ 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. 2013-02-28T19:14:07+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-passport-edition/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-passport-edition/ 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. Blogging, Case Study, China, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, Movements Monday 2013-02-25T16:05:37+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/kuwaiti-blogger-arrested/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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.” 2013-02-22T20:49:43+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/saudi-online-activists-document-shiite-repression/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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. 2013-02-22T19:52:35+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/500-day-house-arrest-for-irans-green-movement-leaders/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/500-day-house-arrest-for-irans-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. 2013-02-21T17:05:23+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/first-step-for-civil-marriage-in-lebanon/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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. 2013-02-20T21:05:05+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/north-korea-a-voice-from-an-unheard-people/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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. Activist Chat, North Korea, Social Media 2013-02-16T16:46:05+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/saudi-activist-not-guilty-but-still-behind-bars/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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. 2013-02-15T17:54:11+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-emin-milli-free-burmese-journalists-newest-hack-victims/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-emin-milli-free-burmese-journalists-newest-hack-victims/ 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,  Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Movements Monday 2013-02-11T21:24:05+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/egyptnow-twitter-chat-summary/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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 Activist Chat, Middle East and North Africa 2013-02-08T13:34:45+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/jingsheng-on-internet-freedom-and-the-future-of-china/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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. China 2013-02-04T17:00:08+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-update-azerbaijan-cracks-down-on-demonstrators-egyptian-pr/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-update-azerbaijan-cracks-down-on-demonstrators-egyptian-pr/ 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. Movements Monday 2013-01-28T21:21:05+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/bitter-protests-in-bahrain/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/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. 2013-01-28T18:19:26+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/protests-and-clashes-mark-jan25-second-anniversary/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/protests-and-clashes-mark-jan25-second-anniversary/ On the second anniversary of #Jan25 protests erupting in Egypt, protestors once again assembled in Tahrir Square and around the country to demand rights in the face of ongoing repression... this time, from the democratically elected regime. Photo by: Kamal Sedra 2013-01-25T23:36:59+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-the-legacy-of-dr.-martin-luther-king-jr/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-the-legacy-of-dr.-martin-luther-king-jr/ One the day when the U.S. celebrates a national holiday reserved for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Movements.org takes a moment honor the legacy of a man who inspired his generation and countless others to non-violent revolution against the tyranny of an unjust status-quo. Case Studies, Movements Monday, Civil Resistance Tactics 2013-01-21T16:31:14+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/summary-lessons-on-saudirights-with-young-activists-from-the-kingdom/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/summary-lessons-on-saudirights-with-young-activists-from-the-kingdom/ As part of the ongoing Movements Monday series focusing on digital human rights activism around the world, this past week Movements.org joined a panel of young Saudi activists to discuss the building momentum for human rights reform in Saudi Arabia. The January 14 TwitterChat took place two years to the day after Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was forced to flee his country by popular uprisings and was granted safe stay in one of the world's most repressive nations. Activist Chat, Middle East and North Africa 2013-01-18T16:20:53+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/iranian-rights-lawyer-nasrin-sotoudeh-granted-3-day-furlough-from-prison/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/iranian-rights-lawyer-nasrin-sotoudeh-granted-3-day-furlough-from-prison/ Imprisoned Iranian lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh, who herself frequently represented imprisoned Iranian opposition activists and politicians, was granted a furlough for three days after spending the past 867 days in prison. Alert 2013-01-18T15:57:34+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/five-year-sentence-for-egyptian-lawyer-and-activist-arrested-during-pilgrim/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/five-year-sentence-for-egyptian-lawyer-and-activist-arrested-during-pilgrim/ Egyptian lawyer and human rights advocate, Ahmad Al-Jizawi, was sentenced to five years in prison and 300 lashes by the Jeddah General Court in Saudi Arabia. Jizawi has made himself a thorn in the side of Egyptian and Saudi authorities by speaking out against arbitrary detentions, but this time he was charged with attempting to smuggle over 21,000 of the anti-anxiety pill Xanax into the country, pills that are deemed to be narcotics by the Saudi authorities. 2013-01-17T14:51:13+00:00 http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-preview-twitter-chat-with-saudi-activists/ http://www.movements.org/blog/entry/movements-monday-preview-twitter-chat-with-saudi-activists/ In Saudi Arabia— one of the world’s most repressive countries—a human rights movement is building momentum. At 12 noon EST this Monday, January 14 we will host the next in our series of Movements Monday features: this time a live Twitter chat with young Saudi cyber activists who will share their perspective on the human rights situation in the Kingdom of Repression and explain where their cyber movement is headed.  Arrests, Human Rights, Middle East and North Africa, Youth 2013-01-11T19:54:28+00:00