After winning the general elections in 2015, the National League for Democracy (NLD) became the first democratically elected, civilian-led government in Myanmar since 1962, which kindled hope that the country would see a significant shift in freedom of expression. Almost…
Blog Archives
Southeast Asia Dispatches: Freedom of Expression in Myanmar
Tagged with: Burma, Freedom of expression, human rights, Myanmar, New Naratif, Southeast Asia Dispatches
Posted in Radio
Posted in Radio
Once a Safe Haven, Bangkok Now a “Hunting Ground” for Dissidents
Joseph steps off the subway train onto Bangkok’s Chatuchak metro station platform. As the 29-year-old Laotian refugee exits to the street above he notices two men trailing behind him. Both men are carrying large suitcases that seem light to the…
Myanmar’s ‘Peacock Generation’ silenced as political prisoners being politicized
Three Burmese men wearing traditional blue longyis shackled at the waist and feet carefully step down, one after the other, from a police truck in Ayeyarwady Region – 84 kms from the commercial capital, Yangon. Armed officers lead Zayar Lwin,…
Tagged with: Free Speech, Freedom of expression, human rights, Myanmar, press freedom, Rohingya, The Peacock Generation
Posted in Print
Posted in Print
In Laos, price of free speech a heavy one
BANGKOK [OP-ED] – The imprisonment of Houayheuang “Muay” Xayabouly, a young, female Lao environmentalist turned internet activist who simply asked for help for flood victims, should be a matter of deep concern to the international community. On Sept 5, 2018,…
Tagged with: #FreeMuay, Digital Rights, Free Speech, Huayheuang Xayabouly, human rights, Laos, Muay, social media, Thailand, United Nations
Posted in Print
Posted in Print
No Progress or Answers on Enforced Disappearances in Thailand
BANGKOK, Thailand – Porlachi “Billy” Rakchongcharoen went missing in 2014. At the time, the land rights activist had been assisting Karen villagers with a lawsuit against the authorities in Phetchaburi province, 190km southwest of Bangkok, who had evicted and burnt…
Tagged with: Angkhana Neelapaijit, Enforced disappearance, human rights, Laws, Magsaysay Award, Thailand
Posted in Print
Posted in Print
After the Easter massacre, Sri Lanka nun heals religious tension
Sister Christine supports survivors in need and Muslims facing backlash following ISIL-claimed attack that killed 253. NEGOMBO, Sri Lanka – Katuwapitiya, a grief-stricken Sri Lankan village of 600 families, is in the coastal city of Negombo, about 30 kilometres north…
Tagged with: Catholic Church, Colombo, human rights, Katuwapitiya St. Sebastian's Church, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Posted in Print
Posted in Print
Is Sri Lanka using the Easter attacks to limit digital freedom?
Sri Lanka has drafted a new cybersecurity bill but experts warn country could be using political turmoil to pass laws. COLOMBO — Hours after the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, rumours started to circulate online that Colombo’s water supply…
Tagged with: Cybersecurity law, digital freedom, hate speech, human rights, Sri Lanka
Posted in Print
Posted in Print
Rohingya Refugee Voices Amplify Across Southeast Asia
BANGKOK — The 2017 Rohingya humanitarian crisis caused by Myanmar is not only affecting Bangladesh, which has taken in 740,000 refugees, but it’s also causing strife in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Despite Myanmar’s alleged attempts at repatriation, Rohingya have stayed put…
Tagged with: Bangladesh, human rights, human trafficking, Malaysia, Myanmar, Refugees, Rohingya, Ziaur Rahman
Posted in Print
Posted in Print
Thailand’s parliament meets, but military retains upper-hand
Elections took place on March 24 under a complicated new system that empowered small parties – and the military. Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s newly-elected parliament sits for the first time on Friday, as pro-military and pro-democracy parties manoeuvre for power…
Thailand’s Urban Refugees, Migrant Workers and Stateless People
BANGKOK – The stench inside Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Centre is indescribable. The guards give detainees bright orange t-shirts – with a phone number printed on the front – to wear when they enter the IDC reception area. About a…
 | Zafar Ahmad Abdul Gh… on Malaysia: Rohingya must be con… |
Adam Bemma 