Redwan Ahmed is a freelance journalist and fixer/local producer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He reports on human rights, the readymade garments industry, and climate change issues. He also covers any breaking news.

Building a Resilient Digital Democracy: FOTN-Inspired Recommendations for Bangladesh

28 Oct 2024  |  www.linkedin.com  |  English  |  Elections

The Freedom on the Net report by Freedom House highlights a decline in internet freedom in Bangladesh, particularly during political events, with the Awami League government using internet blackouts to suppress opposition. The report notes a global trend of decreasing digital freedoms, with 27 out of 72 countries experiencing significant declines. Recommendations for Bangladesh include establishing an independent platform for reporting misinformation, implementing regulatory oversight similar to the EU's Digital Services Act, creating a national counter-disinformation program, and regulating generative AI to prevent disinformation. These measures aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity.

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Freedom House Awami League Bangladesh Nationalist Party European Union Bangladesh Election Commission

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Kiyya Baloch is a freelance journalist from Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province. He contributed to the Guardian, the Economist, Al Jazeera, the Diplomat Magazine and Daily Times. Baloch has more than six years’ experience working with various national and international media outlets ...

At least 26 governments accused of harassing and threatening exiles in America and Europe, Freedom House report reveals

14 Dec 2023  |  PEN Norway  |  English  |  Human Rights

A Freedom House report reveals that at least 26 governments, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, and Russia, are targeting exiled journalists with transnational repression. The report documents 112 incidents of such repression from 2014 to 2023, including assaults, detentions, and digital harassment. Exiled journalists face significant threats to their safety and work, with their sources also at risk. The report calls for legal, financial, and operational support from host governments and civil society to protect these journalists. PEN Norway joins Freedom House in urging European and American governments to support exiled journalists through public advocacy and special visa provisions.

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Freedom House PEN Norway Metropolitan Police

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Mahmut Bozarslan is a journalist based in Diyarbakır, Turkey.

I worked particularly in East and Southeast of Turkey but especially in Norhern Iraq . During this time, I followed almost all terrorist incidents in the region and I made very successful stories. Because of my Kurdish language skill ...

Nine journalists and writers detained in Diyarbakır released

29 Nov 2024  |  d33vxfhewnqf4z.cloudfront.net  |  Turkish  |  Legal Proceedings

Nine journalists and writers detained in Diyarbakır as part of a terrorism investigation were released by a court. The investigation, initiated by the Eskişehir Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, involved allegations of activities on behalf of the PKK/KCK terrorist organization. The journalists were accused of contributing to the Yeni Özgür Politika newspaper, known for its proximity to Kurdish politics. The detentions drew criticism from international and national press organizations, which called for an end to the systematic harassment of journalists in Turkey. The operation, which spanned 30 provinces, resulted in the detention of 231 individuals, with charges related to terrorism activities.

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Freedom House PKK/KCK Yeni Özgür Politika Mezopotamya Kadın Gazeteciler Derneği Güneydoğu Gazeteciler Cemiyeti Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği Dicle Fırat Gazeteciler Derneği DİSK Basın-İş Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası Uluslararası Basın Enstitüsü ARTICLE 19 Avrupa Basın ve Medya Özgürlüğü Merkezi Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi

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Piero Cingari is an accomplished financial writer and analyst with a rich background in covering financial and economic themes. He holds master's in economics from the University of Bologna. He began as a bond/FX strategist at AcomeA SGR, later covering currencies and commodities at Capital.com. ...

House Speaker Johnson Holds Firm On Spending Deal, Faces Rising Tensions In GOP Ranks

24 Jan 2024  |  Benzinga  |  English  |  Fiscal Policy

House Speaker Mike Johnson is upholding a contentious $1.66 trillion spending agreement with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, despite rising tensions within the GOP. Ultra-conservatives, particularly the House Freedom Caucus, are dissatisfied with the spending cap, questioning Johnson's leadership. Johnson's commitment to the bipartisan deal underscores his stance on compromise, but it places him at risk of opposition from within his party. The Senate is working on a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown by January 20, while ongoing negotiations reflect deep divisions within the GOP.

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House Freedom Caucus GOP Senate

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Devianti Faridz is a Freelance Broadcast Journalist in Jakarta.

She had worked as a News Correspondent at a Singapore based regional broadcaster, Channel NewsAsia.

Prior to that, she served as Producer for several English news programs, as well as a Bahasa Indonesia tourism program on Metro ...

China Expands Media Influence in Indonesia

06 Feb 2024  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Beijing is actively working to share its narrative with Indonesian audiences through all-expenses paid trips for journalists, content-sharing agreements with major media outlets like Metro TV, The Jakarta Post, and Indonesia's news agency Antara. These methods, which have been used for years, are detailed in a Freedom House report. While some Indonesian outlets avoid negative criticism towards China, others maintain editorial independence. The economic decline in the media industry has made Indonesian media more open to foreign investments, including from China. Despite this, laws in Indonesia limit foreign ownership and criminalize intervention in editorial decisions, helping to safeguard press freedom.

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Freedom House Metro TV The Jakarta Post Antara China Media Group China Daily Xinhua CGTN Center of Economic and Law Studies Information Services Department of China Press Companies Union Association for Indonesian Media Cyber (AMSI)

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Lauren Gambino is a politics correspondent for The Guardian based in Washington D.C., where she has worked since 2017. She was previously based in New York for The Guardian, where she covered the 2016 presidential election. 

Prior to joining The Guardian, Lauren worked in Salem, Oregon, as a ...

Will US spending deal be enough to avert government shutdown?

09 Jan 2024  |  www.aol.com  |  English  |  US Politics

Congressional leaders have reached a tentative agreement on spending levels to fund the US government in 2024, aiming to prevent a shutdown. The deal, negotiated by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, sets a $1.59 trillion budget, with $886 billion for military and $704 billion for non-defense spending. While President Joe Biden and Democratic leaders view the agreement positively, some conservatives, including the House Freedom Caucus, criticize it and demand stricter border security measures. The deal faces challenges as lawmakers work to draft appropriations bills before funding expires in January and February.

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House Freedom Caucus US Congress Democratic Party Republican Party

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Rob Garver is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

US Again Faces Possibility of Government Shutdown Over Spending

31 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  US Politics

Leaders of the House and Senate have reached a broad agreement on spending levels for 2024, but significant work remains to avoid a government shutdown. The $1.66 trillion budget deal, negotiated by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, includes $886 billion in military spending and $773 billion in non-military spending. The deal faces opposition from the hard-right Freedom Caucus, which demands deeper spending cuts. The House's narrow Republican majority complicates the passage of the spending bill, potentially requiring Democratic support. Experts question whether Congress can finalize the budget without resorting to a continuing resolution.

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Freedom Caucus House of Representatives Senate Brookings Institution Bipartisan Policy Center

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Peter Guest is a writer, editor, producer and photographer, based in Southeast Asia. His work has appeared in Nikkei Asian Review, the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Financial Times, Wired, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal and others. He has reported from more than 40 countries across five continents,...

Silence in the UK on Transnational Repression of Sikhs Raises Concerns

19 Dec 2023  |  Coda Story  |  English  |  International relations

The article discusses the issue of transnational repression, particularly the harassment and threats faced by British Sikh journalist Jasveer Singh and other prominent Sikhs in the UK from supporters of India's Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian government. It highlights the global authoritarian shift making it easier for regimes to target dissidents abroad, with technology playing a significant role. The UK's vulnerability post-Brexit and its silence on the matter contrast with the vocal stance of Canada and the US. The article also touches on the mysterious death of Sikh activist Avtar Singh Khanda in the UK and the assassination of Sikh separatists in Pakistan and Canada, which are alleged to be state-sponsored. It further explores the broader context of transnational repression against various diaspora communities, including Uyghurs, Iranians, and Hong Kong democracy advocates, by their home governments. The article suggests that the UK's economic and diplomatic interests may be influencing its response to such human rights issues.

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Freedom House Sikh Federation U.K. Defending Democracy Task Force Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats West Midlands Police Centre for Information Resilience Indian High Commission

Una Hajdari is an independent reporter largely focused on Central and Eastern Europe with experience in covering news on economic and political developments, as well as the far-right, nationalism and identity politics.

Serbian President Vučić faces strong opposition challenge in snap election

17 Dec 2023  |  POLITICO  |  English  |  Press Freedom

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić faces a strong challenge from a united opposition in the upcoming snap general election. The opposition coalition, Serbia Against Violence, has gained momentum following public outrage over mass shootings and concerns about declining democratic standards. While Vučić's coalition leads with 49% support, the opposition is polling at 40% and may win the mayoral seat in Belgrade. The opposition criticizes Vučić's continual electioneering and accuses his administration of fostering a culture of violence. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has called for a fair election in Serbia. Despite the opposition's rise, Vučić is still seen as the key figure in handling Serbia's international issues, especially relations with Kosovo. Serbia's EU aspirations are also a focal point, with Vučić's party committed to EU membership despite public skepticism and the slow pace of integration.

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Freedom House CRTA European Policy Center Reporters without Borders

I am a Canadian journalist and analyst focused on the Caucasus, Russia, Ukraine and Syria. From 2014 to 2017, I served as Senior Intelligence Analyst at The SecDev Group. I write extensively on conflict, politics and international relations and have reported on the ground during the 2020 Armenia-...

COP29 is exposing Ilham Aliyev’s Azerbaijan as the warmongering autocratic petrostate that it is

15 Oct 2023  |  The Globe and Mail  |  English  |  War in Nagorno-Karabakh

The COP29 climate summit has highlighted Azerbaijan's autocratic and aggressive nature under President Ilham Aliyev. The summit, marred by Aliyev's confrontational stance and continued fossil fuel deals, has drawn global attention to Azerbaijan's dictatorship, reliance on oil and gas, and military aggressions, particularly against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The article criticizes Aliyev's regime for its environmental destruction, ethnic cleansing, and suppression of opposition, likening it to other notorious authoritarian regimes.

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Freedom House Republic of Azerbaijan European Commission Gazprom

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Valerie Hopkins is currently the South-East Europe Correspondent for the Financial Times, where she covers the region out of Budapest. She has more than ten years of experience working in South-Eastern Europe. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian The Atlantic, The Washington ...

Biden Says ‘Putin Is Responsible’ After Report of Navalny’s Death

16 Feb 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  US-Russia Relations

Russian authorities report the death of opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny in prison, prompting President Biden to blame President Vladimir V. Putin's government. Biden praised Navalny's activism and criticized former President Trump for his comments on Russia. Navalny's death leaves Russia without its most prominent opposition voice amid Putin's near-total power and ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The article highlights global reactions, including skepticism about Russian authorities' statements and calls for justice from Navalny's supporters and family.

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People’s Freedom Party White House Federal Penitentiary Service Tass Munich Security Conference Memorial Wall Street Journal Fox News Foundation for Fighting Corruption

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Joyce Huang is a journalist based in Taipei, Taiwan. She currently works as a free-lancer, covering news about Taiwan and China. Throughout her journalistic career in the past two decades, she has had experience working for or contributing to both Taiwanese and foreign news outlets. Those include ...

China's Residential Property Sector Filled With Livid Buyers of Unfinished Units

14 Dec 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Social Unrest

A growing number of Chinese homebuyers are facing financial distress and social unrest due to unfinished pre-sold properties left by bankrupt developers. The crisis threatens China's economic growth and stability, with experts predicting a long-term economic slowdown. Protests have been widespread, with police repression reported. Analysts suggest different solutions, including government intervention and asset liquidation, but opinions vary on the best approach. The situation poses a significant challenge to China's leadership, particularly Xi Jinping, as it undermines public confidence in the government's economic management.

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Freedom House China Dissent Monitor Bureau of Justice

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A freelance political journalist, columnist, commentator and editor...

David Hutt is a political journalist based between the Czech Republic and Britain. He focuses on European foreign policy, Central European politics, and relations between Europe and Asia. He is also an expert on Southeast ...

Is internet freedom slipping away in Southeast Asia?

10 Oct 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  English  |  Censorship

Internet freedom in Southeast Asia is declining, with Myanmar and Vietnam ranking among the worst globally. The region's governments prioritize control over online spaces, often pressuring service providers to censor content. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have introduced or are planning legislation to further restrict online speech. Civil society organizations oppose these measures, arguing they curb freedoms under the guise of security. The article highlights the tension between liberty and security, with many Southeast Asians valuing social harmony over free speech.

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Freedom House Committee to Protect Journalists Amnesty International Pew Research Centre

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Davide Lerner is a freelance journalist based in Ankara, Turkey. He graduated from the London School of Economics and the London School of Oriental and African Studies. He has previously worked for Agence France Presse and Associated Press, as well as done live radio and TV. He freelances widely in ...

Israel-USA, just one spyware to end the Trump-Netanyahu era

31 Oct 2023  |  www.editorialedomani.it  |  Italian  |  Middle East Politics

The US Department of Commerce has blacklisted the Israeli company NSO Group for malicious cyber activities, impacting US-Israel relations. NSO's Pegasus spyware has been used by various regimes to target officials, journalists, and activists, leading to international scrutiny. The Biden administration's decision marks a shift from the Trump era's close ties with Israel, emphasizing concerns over cybersecurity and human rights. The article also discusses the broader geopolitical implications, including tensions over Israeli settlements, the Iran nuclear deal, and the normalization of relations between Israel and several Middle Eastern countries.

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Freedom House US Department of Commerce Israeli Security Agencies Trump Administration Biden Administration

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Daniel Lippman is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Chamber stocks up on GOP aides

03 Sept 2024  |  www.politico.com  |  English  |  Republican Party

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is strengthening its lobbying team by hiring former GOP aides, including those who worked with Rodney Davis and Kevin McCarthy. This move aims to improve relations with congressional Republicans amid ongoing tax negotiations. Meanwhile, the AI lobbying software LobbyMatic, linked to far-right figures Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, has been gaining attention, with clients like Toyota and Lantheus. The article also highlights various lobbying and political appointments, including Democratic aides joining K Street and crypto executives supporting Kamala Harris's campaign. Additionally, Viktor Orbán's influence efforts in the U.S. and Europe are noted, alongside new lobbying registrations and terminations.

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House Budget Committee House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee House Appropriations Committee House Energy and Commerce Committee House Administration Committee U.S. Chamber of Commerce Federal Street Strategies BlackRock Democratic National Convention Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld Defense Department Pentagon Securities and Exchange Commission Wall Street Journal Conservative Partnership Institute Heritage Foundation MCC Brussels NATO Consumer Brands Association Invariant Pallas Advisors Dropbox DoorDash AT&T Socure Center for Renewing America Heritage Foundation Democratic Majority for Israel NFL United Nations Information Center Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Internet Society NTIA’S First Responder Network Authority Benenson Strategy Group Ipsos Public Affairs GoFundMe Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP WilmerHale DOJ Conference of State Bank Supervisors American Bankers Association PenFed Credit Union Block Inc. Truist CFPB Capital One Equifax General Services Administration BlueGreen Alliance Americans for a Clean Energy Grid American Clean Power Association Nuclear Regulatory Commission McGuireWoods Squire Patton Boggs California Privacy Protection Agency Household and Commercial Products Association America First Policy Institute French Ministry of Foreign Affairs French Embassy American Immigration Council Center for Law and Social Policy Executive Platforms Board.org Council on Foreign Relations Progressive Policy Institute POLITICO Alliance for Justice Obama Foundation State Voices Falling Leaves LLC Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Voters of Tomorrow PAC Grassroots Democrats HQ NRSC California Democratic Party Democratic State Committee (Delaware) Washington State Democratic Central Committee New York State Democratic Committee North Carolina Democratic Party - Federal Coyote PAC American Pharmacies, Inc. American Resolve PAC Inc. Americans for Peace Super PAC APP Big Family PAC Asian Americans for Progressive America Black2Red Black Girl Pac Black Leadership Federal PAC Blue Vision Brothas, Inc. California Republican County Chairmens Association Dallas Democrats Democrats Vote Digital Identity Rights PAC Draft James Comer for Governor Emerging Prosperity PAC Flip Texas Blue Fed FTW PAC Freedom Democrats Georgia Life Alliance PAC GOD SUPER PAC GOPAC Foundation IOWA VALUES PAC Maga Meme PAC MAHA PAC Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) PAC MI 4th Congressional District Democrats Michigan to Win Midland Financial Co. Political Action Committee Montana Voters PAC Moving Montana Forward National Democrats Nigerian Americans for Harris Walz Nigerians For Harris Walz NY Common Ground Our Blue Nation Planned Parenthood Votes North Carolina Political Action Committee for Foundational Black And Original Americans Protecting Ohio’s Future PAC Proven Leadership PAC Red State PAC San Juan Democratic Election PAC Save Social Security and Medicare Now Sticker Pac Turn Mississippi Blue Unconditional Security PAC United Food And Commercial Workers Union Local 400 PAC Unity For A Better Future WE DECIDE Win Tennessee PAC Win USA Pac LLC Density, Inc. Novelis Inc. Council For Affordable And Rural Housing Enstructure LLC Perdue Farms Inc. Kreindler & Kreindler LLP Marshall Of Cambridge Manitoba Hydro Dimare Fresh, LLC Vetcomm Liquid Cooling Coalition Immad Collaborative Physician Partners, LLC Uc Health, LLC And Its Affiliates Council Of Producers And Distributors Of Agrotechnology Bayh-Dole Coaliton City Of Granite Falls Saic Gatx Corporation Hillsborough County Public Schools Polk City Fl Lifelink Foundation Inc. Hitachi Energy USa Inc Charles Warren Sens Living Fresno Inc Tai Ginsberg & Associates, LLC At-Sea Processors Association Pyro Spectaculars, Inc. Qpo Energy, LLC Happiest Baby, Inc. Sixth Street Partners, LLC End Chronic Disease Niron Magnetics Penske Truck Leasing Company, L.P. Talen Energy Pinterest, Inc. Grimco, Inc. City And Borough Of Wrangell Alaska Communities For Responsible And Efficient Waterways (Crew) City Of Downey, Ca Element US Nts Moas Suffolk-Northeast Construction USac National Wic Association Paulson & Co. Inc. Rebellion Defense, Inc. Professional Beauty Association U.S. Pioneer Inc. Muwekma Ohlone Tribe Equinor Asa Kosmos Energy LLC Shell Oil Company The Aes Corporation Vulcan Materials Company Compass Working Capital Richland School District Californians For School Facilities Clovis Unified School District National Forest Counties & Schools Coalition Rebuild America’S Schools Coalition Mighty Earth The Center On Budget And Policy Priorities Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation Polly Klaas Foundation Ws2 Ranch, LLC Better Solutions For Healthcare Anti-Corruption Foundation Inc. Atlas Space Operations

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I am the Guardian's West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar. Previously I was The Times's correspondent in South Africa and Mexico. I can make audio and video for broadcast or the web to a very high standard. I also shoot my own photographs. I have an extensive knowledge of the region and good ...

After Biden’s Withdrawal, Other Aged Leaders Get Some Serious Side-Eye

30 Jul 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Global Politics

President Biden's decision to withdraw from the re-election campaign has sparked discussions about aging leaders worldwide, particularly in Africa. In Cameroon, many hope President Paul Biya, the world's oldest leader at 91, will follow Biden's example, though skepticism remains. The article highlights the prevalence of aged leaders in Africa, where the median age is significantly lower. It contrasts Biden's principled political leadership with the reluctance of African leaders to step down. The piece also discusses the cultural reverence for elders in Africa and the emergence of younger leaders, often through force, with Senegal's Bassirou Diomaye Faye being a notable exception for winning an election.

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Freedom House Pew Research Center International Media Support

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William Melhado is a journalist based in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Ken Paxton announces investigation of media group following Elon Musk’s lawsuit

21 Nov 2023  |  Raw Story - Celebrating 19 Years of Independent Journalism  |  English  |  Donald Trump

The article discusses the political dynamics and controversies surrounding the Republican primary race in Virginia's 5th District, highlighting the involvement of key figures such as Donald Trump, Bob Good, and Marjorie Taylor Greene. It details the close race between Good and his opponent McGuire, Trump's opposition to Good, and the broader implications for the Republican Party. The text also touches on Trump's post-presidency behavior and the political commentary surrounding it.

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House Select Committee on Jan. 6 House Freedom Caucus Trump Campaign CNN MSNBC

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Alyssa Moxley is a writer and audio producer based in Athens, Greece. She is available for investigative reports, detailed cultural analysis, and interviews for print and radio. She is also available for audio recording (for radio or video) needs with high quality equipment. She has expertise in ...

Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker

27 Mar 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  House Speaker

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges from within his party, particularly from far-right members like Marjorie Taylor Greene, due to his reliance on Democratic votes to pass government funding bills. Despite opposition, Johnson has managed to keep the government funded and is now considering pushing through aid for Ukraine, a move that could garner Democratic support to save his speakership. The article explores the dynamics within the House of Representatives, the potential coalition between Democrats and moderate Republicans, and the broader implications for US politics.

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Freedom Caucus House of Representatives Democratic Party Republican Party NATO

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I am a Romanian journalist based in Chisinau, Moldova, since 2015. My area of expertise is politics and investigations. However, I wrote features, analysis, interviews and news in English for several foreign media outlets from Europe and Caucasus. I covered also economics and social topics.

Journalists’ Access to Public Information Declining in Moldova – Freedom House

04 Dec 2023  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Transparency

Moldova has seen a significant decline in the processing of public information requests, as reported by Freedom House in their 2023 report. Public institutions' transparency scores dropped from 45% in 2022 to 38% in 2023. Investigative journalists face increased challenges, including higher fees and restricted access to essential registers. A new law on access to public information, set to take effect in January 2024, aims to shorten the period for processing requests. Moldova is rated as 'Partly Free' in Freedom House's 2023 study on political rights and civil liberties.

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Freedom House Transparency International Moldova Independent Press Association Parliament in Moldova

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A two-time award-winning broadcast journalist with 12 years of experience in television, radio and online news in South Africa, reporting from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, I hold a BTech Degree (Cum Laude) in Journalism from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and have reported for ...

Voting continues in London until 9pm on Sunday

19 May 2024  |  EWN  |  English  |  South African Elections

Voting for South African citizens abroad continues in London, with a significant turnout at South Africa House in Trafalgar Square. The deputy high commissioner, Dineo Matlhako, highlights the extensive staff deployment to facilitate the voting process for 24,000 registered voters. Hayley Reichart from the Ground Work Collective emphasizes the importance of overseas votes in driving change in South Africa. The event sees participation from supporters of various South African political parties, including the EFF, ANC, and DA.

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Economic Freedom Fighters South Africa House African National Congress Democratic Alliance Ground Work Collective

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Maire Rowland is a journalist based between Tirana, Albania and Ireland. I have extensive expertise in press freedom and human rights reporting. Published in The Coalition For Women In Journalism, The Sunday Times, Equal Times, Irish Examiner. Freelance member of NUJ UK and Ireland

Kamala Harris vs. Trump: The Future of Press Freedom and Women Journalists Hangs in the Balance

05 Dec 2024  |  Coalition For Women in Journalism  |  English  |  Women Journalists

The article examines the implications of the 2024 U.S. presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on press freedom, particularly for women and LGBTQI+ journalists. It highlights Harris's commitment to press protections and transparency, contrasting it with Trump's history of hostility towards the media and the potential threat posed by Project 2025. The report underscores the surge in press freedom violations during Trump's presidency and the ongoing challenges under the Biden administration. It calls for the passage of the PRESS Act to protect journalists' communications and emphasizes the need for continued advocacy to safeguard press freedoms.

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White House Freedom of the Press Foundation Women Press Freedom Coalition For Women in Journalism Republican Party

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Liam Scott is an independent journalist based in Washington, D.C. He focuses on human rights and mass atrocities, China, press freedom, and disinformation.

Beyond Azerbaijan’s Borders, Journalists Are Wary of Retaliation

12 Jan 2024  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Azerbaijani Politics

Freelance writer Alexander Thatcher experienced a break-in at his Tbilisi apartment, which he suspects is linked to his work on Azerbaijani politics. Despite valuable items being left untouched, the apartment was thoroughly searched. This incident coincides with a wave of media arrests in Azerbaijan, which press freedom groups claim are politically motivated. Azerbaijani journalist Elmaddin Shamilzade also faced harassment in Tbilisi, raising concerns about Azerbaijan's crackdown on dissent extending beyond its borders. Both journalists have reported their incidents to the local police, but investigations are slow. The Committee to Protect Journalists and Freedom House have documented Azerbaijan's history of targeting journalists, even outside its borders. The situation is particularly concerning ahead of Azerbaijan's presidential elections, with fears of continued repression against independent media and journalists.

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Freedom House VOA Committee to Protect Journalists New York University Abu Dhabi

Jeff Stein has covered the spy agencies, military affairs and foreign policy in Washington for nearly 40 years. From 2013 to 2019, he was Newsweek's national security correspondent and SpyTalk columnist. His SpyTalk column originated in 2005 at Congressional Quarterly, where in 2003 he was the ...

The far right toppled McCarthy over spending. What has it gotten them?

21 Nov 2023  |  www.spokesman.com  |  English  |  US Congress

House conservatives, particularly from the far-right Freedom Caucus, have aggressively pushed for steep federal spending cuts but have seen little change in the federal budget. Despite causing significant turmoil, including the ousting of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the government continues to spend at previous levels. New Speaker Mike Johnson faces similar challenges in unifying the GOP and passing spending cuts. The article highlights the ongoing struggle within the Republican Party to achieve fiscal goals amid internal conflicts and bipartisan opposition.

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Freedom Caucus House of Representatives Democratic Party Republican Party Senate Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Manhattan Institute Americans for Tax Reform

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Award-winning journalist covering politics, business and economics in the Gulf and Southeast Asia including OPEC and the impact of the global financial crisis. Former correspondent Philippines for the FT, Former co-presenter 'Business Breakfast' and 'Business Tonight', Dubai-Eye 103.8FM, Former ...

China, Russia and Cambodia top list of regimes targeting critics in exile

16 Feb 2024  |  ca.news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  International Relations

Freedom House reported that 25 governments, notably Russia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Turkmenistan, and China, were the main perpetrators of transnational repression in 2023, using tactics like surveillance, assault, and intimidation against exiles. The Russian government was responsible for at least 18 incidents, targeting anti-war activists and defectors. The Cambodian government was involved in at least 15 incidents, including assaults on activists in Thailand. Iran has targeted individuals outside its borders, including threats against London-based Farsi-language news channel staff. Indian government agents were accused of assassinations and planned attacks on Sikh activists in Canada and the US. Over the past decade, 44 countries have engaged in such repression, with China responsible for a quarter of all documented incidents.

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Freedom House BBC

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Brussels editor at MLex. Available as a broadcast guest.

2024: The Year Of Elections

22 Mar 2024  |  www.mondaq.com  |  English  |  Democracy

In 2024, there will be 83 national elections in 78 countries, a phenomenon not to be repeated until 2048. Projections suggest over 4 billion votes could be cast, influenced by global inflation and economic voting trends. The year may be challenging for incumbents, with potential turmoil in 'anocracies' and 'partly free' countries as classified by Freedom House. Elections in countries like Belarus, Chad, Iran, and Venezuela may lack fairness, while 'partly free' countries like Bangladesh and Tunisia could see unrest if governments win through questionable means. Populism's resurgence in Western democracies post-Brexit and Trump's election adds to the unpredictability of political events in 2024.

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Freedom House Central Intelligence Agency

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