Tommy Walker

Myanmar's Irrawaddy Vows to Keep Reporting Despite Junta Ban

Official ban is viewed as latest in series of efforts by the country's military government to clamp down on independent journalism

For Local Reporters in Philippines, Radio Offers Opportunity and Risk 

Political ties to radio stations and reporters buying their own airtime can increase risk of being a target, media analysts say 

Thai Student Publisher Rejects China Businessman’s Request to Shut Down

Hong Kong Student Activists Sentenced to Jail, Detention

Four activists calling for Hong Kong independence were sentenced under the national security law

PayPal Terminates Hong Kong Account of Pro-Democracy Group

The League of Social Democrats, a Hong Kong activist group that depends on donations, said the termination of PayPal’s services came unexpectedly

In Hong Kong, ‘No Way Journalists Can Work Freely’

As radio host imprisoned, Hong Kong’s media say reporting brings increased political risk

CNN Crew Leaves Thailand Following Controversy Over Coverage of Day Care Center Attack

Authorities cleared the two journalists of misconduct following outrage over their coverage of the aftermath of a massacre in Nong Bua Lam Phu province

In Thailand, New Media Balance Journalism With Activism

Citizen journalists find new platforms to allow opposition voices a space

Mass Shooting in Northern Thailand Leaves Dozens Dead, Including Children

Ex-Thai police officer kills at least 38 before turning gun on himself, his family

Hundreds in Bangkok Protest Court Ruling Allowing Thai PM to Stay in Office

Activist group Thalufah stages rally beside Bangkok’s Victory Monument, a regular demonstration venue in recent years that has seen protesters and police clash violently

From Poland, Belarusian News Outlet Informs Audiences Back Home

Two years into the repression of Belarusian media, independent broadcaster Belsat TV combats disinformation and propaganda, even as its own journalists are jailed. For VOA, Tommy Walker has the story from Warsaw, Poland.

Hong Kong Journalist Charged With Obstructing Police, Awaits Bail Decision

Ronson Chan is chairman of the Hong Kong Journalists Association

5 in Hong Kong Sentenced to Prison Over Sheep Book 

One of the defendants spoke in court Saturday quoting U.S. Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. stating, “a riot is the language of the unheard,” and that she didn’t regret her contribution to the children’s books.

Head of Hong Kong Journalists Association Arrested, Released on Bail

Ronson Chan was arrested Wednesday for allegedly obstructing police; he is due to report to a police station September 21

Hong Kong Court Convicts 5 Over ‘Seditious Sheep’ Books 

Judge rules books were published with seditious intent; rights group, activists criticize ruling

Taiwan Shoots Down Unidentified Drone by China Coastline

Analysts play down incident that happened after Taiwan fired warning shots toward a Chinese drone on Tuesday 

Taiwan Pilots, Cabin Crews Bemoan Stringent COVID Restrictions 

Although many places have moved on, adapting to life with COVID-19, Taiwan has kept some pandemic measures in place 

Hong Kong National Security Trial to Proceed Without Jury

Facing trial under the national security law, dozens of pro-democracy activists have been in detention for 18 months

Hong Kong Sees Record Population Drop; Political Changes, Pandemic Blamed

More than 113,000 residents left the city in the past year, a record 1.6% decline and the biggest ever drop since record keeping began more than 60 years ago

Ukraine Refugees Help Ease Britain’s Labor Shortage

The war has given Ukrainians fleeing the conflict a chance to obtain work permits in Britain