The intention of the research in this section is to examine the global effort to silence bloggers. We assess where bloggers are targeted by authorities, for what reasons, and using what
mechanisms of silencing (e.g., arrest). As part of the collection of information from Web sites,
news articles, and blogs, a number of assumptions have emerged that inform our analysis.
28
First, the actions of states create fundamental challenges to a thorough and quantifiable examination into the issue of silencing bloggers. This is largely due to states’ unwillingness
to publicize the actions taken against bloggers.
29 Second, because bloggers at risk tend to
be located in nondemocratic regimes, accused bloggers are often burdened by limited or no
access to legitimate justice systems. Those detained may be held without charge for an indefinite period of time, without knowledge of the charges against them or access to legal representation. When faced with a trial, it is often illegitimate. Third, repressive regimes, such as
China and Iran, are the primary perpetrators of blogger targeting. Bloggers in these two states
are the least likely to be informed of the charges against them, and the most likely to face
lengthy detention, although other countries are following suit.
The targeting of bloggers by authorities has increased on an annual basis over the past five
years. We examined many cases of blogger arrests dating back to 1995, although as blogging is a new and growing medium we assume that few cases would have arisen before
2002. The first case of a blogger facing charges by a state was an Egyptian blogger in
2003.
30 The blogger was charged with violating Egypt’s religious laws. He was sentenced
for an undisclosed prison term and remains incarcerated. Since that time, the number of
bloggers arrested has increased on a yearly basis, with a large jump in the rate of arrests
beginning toward the end of 2004 (see figure 6.1).
The cause for the increase in arrests of bloggers is likely due to blogging being an increasingly popular medium, particularly for dissidents and activists. As the rate of blogging has
increased, so has the threat by blogs to state authorities. Most nondemocratic regimes place
stringent controls on media and freedom of expression, including the Internet. Over the past
three years, bloggers and the practice of blogging have created an alternative, independent
source of news and media. Quite apart from the content of what is published by bloggers
(which itself can be threatening), the very independence of blogging undermines state control
over media. Hence it is not surprising to find an increasing amount of attention paid to bloggers and blogging by nondemocratic and repressive regimes.
While one might assume that states target bloggers for challenging the legitimacy and authority of the state itself, we found that there are a number of key declared causes for the
arrest and detention of bloggers. The most common declared cause of blogger arrests is
‘‘antistate activity.’’ This tends to include bloggers who challenge or insult the leadership of
the state or incite antigovernment activity, such as protests or violence. Inciting racial hatred
and espionage are the second and third highest stated causes of blogger arrests. (See figure
6.2.)
The limitation of this analysis is the reliance on information provided by state authorities
themselves on the cause of a blogger’s arrest. In numerous cases, those closely linked to
Global Civil Society and the Securitization of the Internet
137
mechanisms of silencing (e.g., arrest). As part of the collection of information from Web sites,
news articles, and blogs, a number of assumptions have emerged that inform our analysis.
28
First, the actions of states create fundamental challenges to a thorough and quantifiable examination into the issue of silencing bloggers. This is largely due to states’ unwillingness
to publicize the actions taken against bloggers.
29 Second, because bloggers at risk tend to
be located in nondemocratic regimes, accused bloggers are often burdened by limited or no
access to legitimate justice systems. Those detained may be held without charge for an indefinite period of time, without knowledge of the charges against them or access to legal representation. When faced with a trial, it is often illegitimate. Third, repressive regimes, such as
China and Iran, are the primary perpetrators of blogger targeting. Bloggers in these two states
are the least likely to be informed of the charges against them, and the most likely to face
lengthy detention, although other countries are following suit.
The targeting of bloggers by authorities has increased on an annual basis over the past five
years. We examined many cases of blogger arrests dating back to 1995, although as blogging is a new and growing medium we assume that few cases would have arisen before
2002. The first case of a blogger facing charges by a state was an Egyptian blogger in
2003.
30 The blogger was charged with violating Egypt’s religious laws. He was sentenced
for an undisclosed prison term and remains incarcerated. Since that time, the number of
bloggers arrested has increased on a yearly basis, with a large jump in the rate of arrests
beginning toward the end of 2004 (see figure 6.1).
The cause for the increase in arrests of bloggers is likely due to blogging being an increasingly popular medium, particularly for dissidents and activists. As the rate of blogging has
increased, so has the threat by blogs to state authorities. Most nondemocratic regimes place
stringent controls on media and freedom of expression, including the Internet. Over the past
three years, bloggers and the practice of blogging have created an alternative, independent
source of news and media. Quite apart from the content of what is published by bloggers
(which itself can be threatening), the very independence of blogging undermines state control
over media. Hence it is not surprising to find an increasing amount of attention paid to bloggers and blogging by nondemocratic and repressive regimes.
While one might assume that states target bloggers for challenging the legitimacy and authority of the state itself, we found that there are a number of key declared causes for the
arrest and detention of bloggers. The most common declared cause of blogger arrests is
‘‘antistate activity.’’ This tends to include bloggers who challenge or insult the leadership of
the state or incite antigovernment activity, such as protests or violence. Inciting racial hatred
and espionage are the second and third highest stated causes of blogger arrests. (See figure
6.2.)
The limitation of this analysis is the reliance on information provided by state authorities
themselves on the cause of a blogger’s arrest. In numerous cases, those closely linked to
Global Civil Society and the Securitization of the Internet
137