Syria after Assad, growing consensus on Gaza genocide, and repression intensifies across MENA
December 2024 in MENA: A free expression and civic space round-up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Naseem Tarawnah, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
Meta’s new content moderation policies prioritise politics over human rights
“The timing of this announcement, just days before the inauguration of President-elect Trump, raises red flags. It suggests an effort to appease a political faction that has in the past accused Meta of suppressing conservative viewpoints” – ARTICLE 19
Cartoonists mark the 10th anniversary of the attack on “Charlie Hebdo” magazine
“Protecting cartoonists is about more than ensuring their safety – it’s about preserving the diversity of view and freedom of expression that underpins democratic societies” – Cartoonists Rights
Venezuela: Forced disappearance of human rights defender Carlos Correa
The undersigned regional networks and other civil society organisations defending freedom of expression in Latin America and the Caribbean denounce the disappearance of Carlos Correa, Executive Director of Espacio Público, and demand his immediate release and safe return.
Censorship was the most prevalent threat to media during November 2024
State actors – particularly the police and security forces – were responsible for just over two thirds of documented violations on the African continent.
2024: A year of suppressed critical voices in Malawi
As Malawi heads towards elections later this year, stakeholders are urged to uphold media freedom and freedom of expression, to ensure a safe environment for both journalists and citizens.
As 2024 ends: Violence in Haiti, new freedom of expression frontlines in Venezuela, the US, and Cuba
December 2024 in the Americas: A free expression and civic space round-up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Laura Vidal, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
Repression and resistance in Belarus: A monthly chronology
A monthly chronology of repression and resistance in Belarus, based on the work of IFEX members and other international and domestic actors.
Asia-Pacific: Impunity, TV closures, and “entrenching state control over the internet”
December 2024 in Asia-Pacific: A free expression and civic space round-up produced by IFEX’s regional editor Mong Palatino, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region
A dark year for media in Belarus, and SLAPP cases increase in Europe
December 2024 in Europe and Central Asia: A free expression round-up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Cathal Sheerin, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
Kurdish news outlets’ ‘X’ accounts blocked in Turkey
The ‘X’ and YouTube accounts of the ‘Mezopotamya Agency’ have been blocked. Other prominent Kurdish outlets also blocked on ‘X’ in Turkey include ‘Jin News’ and ‘Yeni Yaşam’.
Myanmar junta enacts cybersecurity law, imposing penalties for unauthorised VPN use
Critics argue that the law is another measure to suppress freedom of expression and internet access.
CPJ urges Palestinian Authority to lift ban on “Al Jazeera’s” operations in West Bank
The ban comes after the PA criticized Al Jazeera’s coverage of a standoff in the Jenin refugee camp.
Syria: Preserve evidence of mass atrocities
Transitional authorities must protect evidence crucial for uncovering the fate of the disappeared and securing future justice.
Blogger Salman Al-Khalidi extradited from Iraq to Kuwait
The extradition raises serious human rights concerns and threats to his safety amid allegations of political persecution.
Escalating repression against media freedom in Afghanistan amid Taliban’s tightening grip
The Afghanistan Journalists Center has documented 181 incidents of press freedom violations, which included the closure of 18 media outlets and the arrest of 50 journalists.