Lecture Notes: Transnational Repression and Viral Video Impact

Introduction

• Presentation setup by host Emily.
• Video published on Dropsite News, achieved viral status in Pakistan.
• Dropsite News banned in Pakistan, alongside Twitter, due to video impact.

Key Video Theme

• Video illustrates transnational repression: a government repressing individuals beyond its borders.
  • Example: Chinese dissidents threatened in Poland.
  • Other cases: Turkey with Jamal Khashoggi, India allegedly involved in killings in Canada and California.

Case Study: Pakistani-Australian Incident

• Background: Pakistani-Australian citizen advocates for democracy in Pakistan.
  • Initiatives: Petition for U.S. resolution on Pakistani elections, EU trade deal petition concerning human rights.
• Incident: His brother in Pakistan abducted by state forces.
  • Recorded phone conversation published.
• Phone Conversation Highlights:
  • Kidnapped brother coerces Australian man to stop political activism.
  • Threats of further familial abductions used as leverage.
  • Negotiations over stopping tweets and social media activity.

Video Elements

• Animated depiction of phone conversation by Yousha Golly.
• Raw audio presented as shocking, captures the "banality of evil."
• Highlights how technology enables new transparency in human rights abuses.

Discussion

• Emily's Reaction:
  • The combination of raw audio and animation is powerful.
  • The viral video exemplifies the unexpected reach and influence of journalism in current times.
• Journalistic Impact:
  • Dropsite News' significant influence on Pakistani politics.
  • Unanticipated direction for journalism, indicating a shift in media's power globally.

Conclusion

• Dropsite News continues to challenge political norms with impactful journalism.
• Call to action for supporting Dropsite News.
  • Visit DropsiteNews.com for more content and support.

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