Stories

Stories

of AFNL targets. Repression, resilience and resistance

These are stories of repression, resilience, and resistance from those targeted by anti-fake news lawfare. By sharing these stories, we aim to highlight the political and human costs of AFNL and how the targets have responded. To view stories from each focus country, click on the map.

Bangladesh

Didarul Alam Bhuiyan, who as a part of a political think-tank, highlighted instances of government corruption and inefficiency and disseminated a report critical of government response during COVID-19, was arrested under the Digital Security Act 2018 and imprisoned for five months before he secured bail. He continues with his socio-political advocacy efforts undeterred

Didarul Bhuiyan.JPG

Bangladesh

Prominent photojournalist and social activist, Shahidul Alam was charged under the now repealed Section 57 of the Information and Communication Act but continues to face legal harassment. He continues with his activism and advocacy efforts.

India

Andrew Sam Raja

Andrew Sam Raja Pandian, Founder of a hyperlocal digital news publication, arrested for critical reportage of Tamil Nadu state government in India during COVID-19 in 2020. The Madras High Court quashes all charges and he continues with his critical reportage after having experienced the ordeal of being jailed

India

Journalist Om Sharma's Facebook Live Post highlighted distress faced by migrants during COVID-19 who had not been provided with food rations by local administration. This post was dubbed as fake news and he was arrested. He carried on a lone fight against the charges and till date, continues with ground reportage.

Indonesia

Muhammad Asrul published articles on Farid Kasim Judas, the son of the mayor of Palopo (South Sulawesi) and was later arrested. To many Indonesian civil society activists this was a prototypical case of arbitrary arrest and detention, of the misuse of vague laws on defamation and false information, and of a violation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Indonesia

This is a case involving two prominent civil society activists. It exemplifies the misuse of laws restricting freedom of expression by very powerful politicians, but also the resistance by civil society groups and the possibility to fend of criminalization with legal means. Eventually, the case was also linked to a remarkable decision by the Constitutional Court in March 2024.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anti-Fake News Lawfare (AFNL) from April 2018 was clearly an instrument to stifle government critics, especially in relation to the 1MDB corruption scandal involving then-PM Najib.

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Philippines

Father Flaviano "Flavie" Villanueva, a vocal critic of Duterte's war on drugs, faced sedition charges tied to an alleged plot to discredit the government. Despite death threats and legal battles, he remained committed to aiding families affected by extrajudicial killings, viewing the accusations as validation of his advocacy against corruption and abuse of power.

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Philippines

Walden Bello, an academic and former vice-presidential candidate, faces cyber libel charges after posting about a controversial drug raid involving an associate of Sara Duterte. His case, seen as politically motivated, has drawn international attention and significant support, highlighting the weaponisation of cyber libel laws in the Philippines. Bello remains determined to challenge the law and fight for its decriminalization.

Thailand

Nice and Joy (alias)

Two protesters, Nice and Joy, faced legal battles after posting videos of alleged police aggression during a protest, with one case dismissed but the other still unresolved. Despite the personal and financial toll of standing up for political views, they remain committed to online activism, albeit more cautiously.

Thailand

Environmental advocate Krisssakorn's symbolic protest against a disruptive dam led to a five-year legal battle, revealing how laws meant to curb online misinformation can be misused to silence dissent.

Anti-fakenews lawfare (AFNL)

is undermining civil society rights and journalism.

Let's explore patterns of AFNL and first-hand experiences of its targets in South and Southeast Asia.

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