Human rights organizations condemn Singapore’s new Online Criminal Harms Act as a threat to freedom of expression

FORUM-ASIA and CIVICUS express deep concern over Singapore’s new Online Criminal Harms Act, warning it could stifle freedom of expression and violate international human rights laws. The organizations urge the Singaporean government to withdraw the act, fearing further erosion of civic freedoms.

Asia Centre report highlights proliferation of unchecked hate sites in Singapore

“Political Hate Sites in Singapore: Flourishing Without Repercussions” by Asia Centre reveals the challenges of public accountability and free speech. The report criticizes the Singapore government’s handling of online hate content and calls for stricter monitoring and transparent handling by tech companies.

FORUM-ASIA applauds the decision to acquit Thai pro-democracy activists of 2020 protest charges

FORUM-ASIA welcomes the acquittal of five Thai pro-democracy activists charged for obstructing a 2020 royal motorcade, citing it as a victory for human rights.

Lawyer slams Malaysian Immigration Department’s excessive bureaucracy, Chinese student endures month-long detention

A lawyer has denounced the excessive bureaucratic hurdles within the Malaysian immigration department, resulting in the unjust month-long detention of Huang Yi, a Chinese student pursuing a master’s degree in Malaysia. Despite paying RM 6,000 (approximately 1,283 USD) for a special visa, Huang was apprehended at KLIA airport due to counterfeit passport stamps. This distressing experience drove him to embark on a hunger strike as a form of protest.

Singapore sees sharp rise in suicides in 2022, especially among youth and elderly

Singapore witnessed a sharp rise in suicides in 2022, particularly among the youth and elderly. The number of suicide deaths reached the highest recorded since the turn of the century, with 476 reported cases, marking a 25.9% increase from the previous year.

Hong Kong unlicensed pro-democracy radio station goes off-air

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy radio station, Citizens’ Radio, ceased broadcasting after 18 years, due to a “dangerous” political climate and financial difficulties. The station’s closure marks another blow to free speech and civil disobedience in the city.

Human rights NGOs condemn Vietnam’s detention of environmental activists, calling for an end to arbitrary arrests

Ten regional and international NGOs have condemned Vietnam’s pattern of arresting environmental activists, calling for an end to arbitrary arrests and urging the Vietnamese government to uphold its human rights obligations.

27 civil society groups demands justice for wrongfully convicted migrant worker in Malaysia

27 groups urge Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to rectify the ‘gross miscarriage of justice’ involving Indonesian migrant worker Sabri Umar, wrongfully convicted and punished for being illegally in Malaysia.

Civil society groups slam Thailand’s unilateral moves in Myanmar crisis

Civil society organisations condemn Thailand’s ‘Track 1.5’ dialogue initiative on the Myanmar crisis, alleging it undermines ASEAN unity and fails to include key stakeholders from Myanmar.

UN Special Rapporteur urges Indonesia and ASEAN to address Myanmar crisis

UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews urged Indonesia and ASEAN to address the escalating human rights crisis in Myanmar, emphasizing Indonesia’s potential pivotal role given its current chairmanship in ASEAN.