In this report, PEN America will provide an in-depth analysis of the countries that detain and imprison the largest numbers of writers and intellectuals and explore the impact of the pandemic on the freedom to write; the role of these individuals in protest movements; and the continued threats to writers and intellectuals working in languages subject to political repression.
Kyrgyz President should reject ‘foreign agents’ law
“President Japarov must show that his stated commitment to free speech is more than empty words by vetoing the bill and withdrawing his support for any form of foreign agent law” – CPJ
UK government should end its crackdown on right to protest
Rights groups call on UK government to reverse its crackdown on the right to protest and stop conflating protests with extremism.
Vietnam: New wave of arrests of critics
Human Rights Watch said that the Vietnamese government should end its crackdown against bloggers, rights campaigners, and activists.
Russia’s presidential election to take place amid state capture of civic space
“ARTICLE 19 urges the international community to respond strongly to the gross violations of the right to freedom of expression, the right to protest, and the right to vote in Russia, as well as to the extension of the presidential election to the Russia-occupied territories of Ukraine.”
Nepal: Freedom Forum alarmed over shrinking civic space
Freedom Forum said the government should immediately lift the barriers on public spaces and guarantee citizen rights.
A journalist forced into hiding, the passing of a stalwart media advocate, and a show of unity by trade unions
January and February 2024 in Africa: A free expression round-up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Reyhana Masters, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
ECOWAS court orders police to compensate student
Mohamed Morlu has been awarded $25,000 as compensation for injuries he sustained during a police crackdown on demonstrating students in March 2017.
Dangers of Hong Kong’s new legislation, Indian protests blocked, and Pakistan’s post-election uncertainties
February 2024 in Asia-Pacific: A free expression round up produced by IFEX’s regional editor Mong Palatino, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
Chinese director Chen Pinlin arrested over White Paper protest documentary
The documentary “Not the Foreign Force” was posted on the first anniversary of the White Paper Movement on YouTube and X (Twitter) in late November 2023.
Rights groups’ letter to F1 CEO ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix: 20 years of sportswashing
F1 must not continue to be a conduit to sportswash human rights violations in Bahrain.
As India prepares for elections, government silences critics on X with Executive Order
Ahead of elections, India has issued new demands to X (Twitter) to remove accounts and posts critical of the government.
7amleh releases report on the impact of AI technologies on Palestinian lives and narratives
An overview of the threats and dangers posed by AI tech on Palestinians and advocates.
Digital surveillance and the specter of AI in Mexico
Mexico was the first recorded government client and most prolific user of the Pegasus spyware, but ambitions in the use of AI have outpaced the development of legislative tools and standards.
Guinean media threaten to go on nationwide strike
The media sector in Guinea are demanding the unconditional release of journalist Sékou Jamal Pendessa.