Washington DC, November 6, 2014. Social justice activists affiliated with Creative Resistance, freepress, DemandProgress, Fight For The Future and other groups rallied in front of the White House this evening in support of net neutrality and against the latest plans by the FCC to sneak in* 'pay for play' fast lanes for content providers and consumers, stranding those who can't pay in slow lanes. Over four million people have spoken out against this odious proposal. Even our Disappointer In Chief Barack Obama has gone on the record in favor of continued net neutrality. The style of the action this evening was inspired by a recent rally in Budapest Hungary, where thousands gathered with shimmering digital devices held aloft in protest of proposed additional charges for data access.The powers that be in Hungary backed down.

*FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, a former telecom lobbyist, has refused to allow open public hearings on the proposed changes. The details of the latest FCC so-called Net Neutrality plan were leaked, not released.

Washington DC, November 6, 2014. Social justice activists affiliated with Creative Resistance, freepress, DemandProgress, Fight For The Future and other groups rallied in front of the White House this evening in support of net neutrality and against the latest plans by the FCC to sneak in* 'pay for play' fast lanes for content providers and consumers, stranding those who can't pay in slow lanes. Over four million people have spoken out against this odious proposal. Even our Disappointer In Chief Barack Obama has gone on the record in favor of continued net neutrality. The style of the action this evening was inspired by a recent rally in Budapest Hungary, where thousands gathered with shimmering digital devices held aloft in protest of proposed additional charges for data access.The powers that be in Hungary backed down.

*FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, a former telecom lobbyist, has refused to allow open public hearings on the proposed changes. The details of the latest FCC so-called Net Neutrality plan were leaked, not released.

Washington DC, November 6, 2014. Social justice activists affiliated with Creative Resistance, freepress, DemandProgress, Fight For The Future and other groups rallied in front of the White House this evening in support of net neutrality and against the latest plans by the FCC to sneak in* 'pay for play' fast lanes for content providers and consumers, stranding those who can't pay in slow lanes. Over four million people have spoken out against this odious proposal. Even our Disappointer In Chief Barack Obama has gone on the record in favor of continued net neutrality. The style of the action this evening was inspired by a recent rally in Budapest Hungary, where thousands gathered with shimmering digital devices held aloft in protest of proposed additional charges for data access.The powers that be in Hungary backed down.

*FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, a former telecom lobbyist, has refused to allow open public hearings on the proposed changes. The details of the latest FCC so-called Net Neutrality plan were leaked, not released.

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

March 10-11, 2012 | SXSW Austin, Texas

This official Congressman Darrell Issa photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of Congressman Darrell Issa, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the U.S. House of Representatives, or any Member of Congress.

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE ACTIONS

ACTIONS ROLL ACROSS THE NATION DEFENDING INTERNET FREEDOM BEFORE HISTORIC FCC VOTE & IN OPPOSITION TO CONGRESSIONAL FAST-TRACKING OF LARGEST U.S. TRADE DEAL EVER

On February 26th the FCC made their historic vote on Net Neutrality. Simultaneously, when Congress reconvenes after the congressional recess, they are preparing to bring Fast Track of the Trans-Pacific Partnership up for a vote. The Rolling Rebellion for Real Democracy is confronting these two current issues of people power vs. corporate power that will have a major impact on people's lives.

Firstly, the issue of Net Neutrality. A people-powered movement has convinced the FCC to reclassify the Internet to ensure equal access for all without discrimination. Kevin Zeese of Popular Resistance notes that “Net Neutrality is essential for the exercise of Freedom of Speech in the 21st Century. Now the telecom companies are trying to convince their puppets in Congress to undermine the FCC's decision and once again, the people are fighting back.”

Secondly, TPP and Fast Track. For three years a movement opposed to secretly negotiated corporate trade agreements has stopped Congress from giving President Obama Fast Track trade authority. Fast Track would allow him to sign these secret agreements and then push them through Congress without hearings or amendments, with only brief debate on and an up-or-down vote. These trade agreements are structured solely in the interest of corporate gain. The TPP and Fast Track are bringing together odd bedfellows like in Spokane, WA where Tea Party members and Occupiers are coming together in opposition.

Eleanor Goldfield a musician with Rooftop Revolutionaries and activist with the Rolling Rebellion says passage of the TPP and Fast Track would “turn corporate personhood into corporate nationhood by creating international court systems and trade tribunals that allow corporations to challenge laws enacted by countries in the interest of public health, safety and justice.”

With this sovereignty, corporations would hold sway over nearly every facet of our lives, from food to Internet access. As Julian Assange wrote, “If you read, write, publish, think, listen, dance, sing or invent; if you farm or consume food; if you’re ill now or might one day be ill, the TPP has you in its crosshairs.”

In the months of February and March, people are protesting at the grassroots level, combining their efforts into a national movement for equal access Internet and against secret trade deals. Years of organizing have brought these issues to a head. Now, activists have been mobilizing and coordinating high-visibility actions in cities from coast to coast.

In Washington and Oregon a “Fair Trade or BusTour” complete with hand-painted murals and packed with constituents payed visits to undecided members of congress. In San Diego, CA community-members took to highway overpasses to deliver to their representatives their message emblazoned on LED light panels. Across the U.S. activists are using guerrilla light projection to illuminate monuments and building facades with slogans like “Don't Let Comcast Choke Your Freedom,” “No Slow Lanes, Open & Equal Internet For All,” and “TPP Dismantles Democracy - www.stopfasttrack.com.” Multiple actions were organized at telecom companies like Comcast, AT&T, and Time Warner Cable who are second only to defense industries in the amount that they spend lobbying and buying favors from representatives who are supposed to serve "We The People." On February 25th in Washington, D.C. a new documentary “Killswitch: The Battle to Control the Internet” was screened before members of congress and activists from across the country. Then, activists unveiled a larger than life killswitch to dramatize the stakes of the historic FCC vote.

The FCC's announcement to vote in favor of Net Neutrality is a complete paradigm shift from less than a year ago; a true show of the effectiveness of focused, dedicated grassroots action.

If we continue to fight and win these battles, they will stand as tremendous victories of people power over corporate power. The people will have stopped some of the most powerful corporate lobbies in the United States including the telecoms and hundreds of transnational corporations.

Using high visibility, creative actions, the Rolling Rebellion has and will continue this fight. For more information, please visit www.rollingrebellion.org.

Popular Resistance, Backbone Campaign, www.occupy.com, and more teamed up to launch the rolling rebellion and reignite the fight for a real democracy.

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

Washington DC, November 6, 2014. Social justice activists affiliated with Creative Resistance, freepress, DemandProgress, Fight For The Future and other groups rallied in front of the White House this evening in support of net neutrality and against the latest plans by the FCC to sneak in* 'pay for play' fast lanes for content providers and consumers, stranding those who can't pay in slow lanes. Over four million people have spoken out against this odious proposal. Even our Disappointer In Chief Barack Obama has gone on the record in favor of continued net neutrality. The style of the action this evening was inspired by a recent rally in Budapest Hungary, where thousands gathered with shimmering digital devices held aloft in protest of proposed additional charges for data access.The powers that be in Hungary backed down.

*FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, a former telecom lobbyist, has refused to allow open public hearings on the proposed changes. The details of the latest FCC so-called Net Neutrality plan were leaked, not released.

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

Hundreds of Internet cats rallied outside the FCC in support of Chairman Tom Wheeler’s hints that the agency will pass strong Net Neutrality rules.

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights. The Fellows are in Geneva June 19-22 during the 20th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. This year’s Internet Freedom Fellows, all human rights activists and active practitioners of digital media, are from Syria, India, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Venezuela and Azerbaijan. In Geneva they will participate in a global conversation, webcast from the United Nations, on “Global Networks, Individual Freedoms” Wednesday, June 20 at 1000 EDT (14:00 UTC).

The 2012 Fellows are:

Dlshad Othman (Syria): Mr. Othman is a Syrian activist and IT engineer who provides Syrians with digital security resources and assistance so that they can utilize online communications and advocacy freely and securely in spite of increased online government repression in the form of censorship, sophisticated cyber attacks, and intense surveillance.

Pranesh Prakash (India): Mr. Prakash is a program manager at the Centre for Internet and Society in Bangalore. He works primarily in areas where technology and public policy intersect, engaging in research and policy advocacy on issues relating to online freedom of expression, access to knowledge, intellectual property rights reform, and Internet governance.

Koundjoro Gabriel Kambou (Burkina Faso): Mr. Kambou is a journalist-reporter at Lefaso.net and an animator of blogs. He campaigns for and promotes human rights and the values of democracy and freedom of the press. He publishes videos and articles to sensitize people to and educate them on human rights issues.

Sopheap Chak (Cambodia): Ms. Chak is the Program Director of the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR) and is one of Cambodia’s leading human rights bloggers. She mobilizes young activists around the country in civic engagement through the Cambodian Youth Network for Change. She is a contributing author for Global Voice Online, UPI Asia Online, and Furutre Challenges.

Andres Azpurua (Venezuela): Mr. Azpurua is committed to generating digital tools that empower Venezuelans to better exercise their human rights. He has contributed o the creation of a digital platform that promotes and defends voters’ rights. He is also the founder of a digital initiative that seeks to build a volunteer base from civil society to promote the right of association in Venezuela.

Emin Milli (Azerbaijan): Mr. Milli is a writer and a dissident who has actively used online networking tools to spread information about human rights violations in Azerbaijan. He was imprisoned for 16 months for his critical views about the government of Azerbaijan. He was conditionally released in 2010 and is currently writing his dissertation in London on “New Media and Arab Revolutions”.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

Peter Barron, Google's Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Northern Europe speaking at the panel discussion: Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age.

In his presentation, Peter Barron made the following points:

"I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that we are standing at a critical crossroads in ensuring human rights and civil liberties for people around the world. And the Internet is at the centre of this discussion.

On the one hand, every day we see evidence of the Internet’s promise as a way to give voice to those who once were silenced. We’re seeing it in the Middle East today. Millions the world over are taking advantage of the Internet’s ability to leap borders and allow for unprecedented debate - on blogs, social networks and online video platforms. There are more than 5 billion mobile subscribers in the world today, and the mobile phone is on course to become the primary way of accessing the internet

On the other hand, those who want to monopolize the power to speak are increasingly concerned by the implications of this technology. The number of governments that censor the Internet in one way or another has grown to about 40, up from about 4 in 2002. More and more governments are building firewalls and cracking down on dissent in order to prevent free expression both online and offline.

The bad news is that this trend is likely to continue. Left to their own devices, governments will continue to construct new obstacles. But the good news is that all of us – individuals, groups, companies and governments – can work together to uphold and advance the fundamental human right to free expression. Our real challenge is to summon the political will to act.

Three years ago, Google joined negotiations with Microsoft, Yahoo, human rights groups and others in Europe and the United States to see if we could arrive at a code of conduct for how information technology companies could best operate to promote freedom of expression and protect the privacy of their users. The result is the Global Network Initiative.

This Initiative is by no means a silver bullet, but it is real progress. Members commit to standards in training and guidelines for handling cases where governments demand information about users. The GNI has also reinforced company practices of conducting human rights assessments prior to launching new products or opening new markets. But the greatest potential for the GNI is as a forum for common action -- the realization that companies and NGOs acting together can have a far more powerful impact when we act in concert rather than alone.

Our goal now must be to gather companies and groups from around the world to join the GNI to give it a truly global character that will further enhance its power.

Let me also make a special plea for European and democratically elected governments the world over to rise to this occasion. We need your help and the help of those you represent.

As a global community, it's our responsibility to ensure that an open, transparent and free Internet is respected and consciously preserved. "

About the event:

On Friday, March 4 the US Mission sponsored “Internet Freedom: Promoting Human Rights in the Digital Age,” a panel discussion at the United Nations during the the 16th Session of the Human Rights Council. Participants included Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights, and Labor, Richard Allan, Facebook's Director of Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Peter Barron, Google’s Director of External Relations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Brett Solomon, Executive Director of Access. The Panel was moderated by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council.

US Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva, Washington, and Silicon Valley to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.The 2013 Internet Freedom Fellows are: Grigory Okhotin, independent journalist and co-founder of the grassroots police monitoring organization OVD-info; Mac-Jordan Degadjor, Ghanaian social blogger, writer, IT professional and digital activist; Michael Anti, (Jing Zhao 赵静), Chinese journalist and political blogger; Edetaen Ojo, executive director of Media Rights Agenda, Usamah Mohamed, citizen journalist from Sudan; Bronwen Robertson, Program Director and editor for Small Media in London.

U.S. Mission Photo by Eric Bridiers

Internet Freedom Forum at the U.S. Mission: The Internet Freedom Fellows program brings human rights activists from across the globe to Geneva and Washington, D.C. to meet with fellow activists, U.S. and international government leaders, and members of civil society and the private sector engaged in technology and human rights. A key goal of the program is to share experiences and lessons learned on the importance of a free Internet to the promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.

This year's Internet Freedom Fellows arrived in Geneva September 14, 2014. The were welcomed by Ambassador Keith Harper, U.S. representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council and addressed a special forum on the Internet and Freedom of Expression at the U.S. Mission on September 15, 2014.

The 2014 fellows are:

Antonio Enrique Gonzalez Rodilez Fernandez (Cuba)

Bektour Iskender (Kyrgyzstan)

Cheikh Séne (Senegal)

Ezgi Tuzun (Turkey)

Delta Lau Milayo Ndou (Zimbabwe)

For more about the program, please see: www.internetfreedomfellows.net/

U.S. Mission Photo / Eric Bridiers

The United States Mission and the Institute for Media and Global Governance (IMGG) nominated seven "Internet Freedom Fellows" writers, bloggers and journalists from around the world who are using social media, mobile communications and digital networks to promote human rights. The Fellows will spend two days in Geneva June 9-10, 2011 for discussions with diplomats, ngos and international organizations.

U.S. Mission Photo: Eric Bridiers