India: SFLC.in filed Supreme Court petition challenging rule 16 of the internet blocking rules 2009
The petitioner argued that the order does not allow for any hearing or provision of reasons to be recorded in writing before blocking internet content.
Report reveals increasing threats to journalism and democracy in Turkey and the Western Balkans
New research by SEENPM and partners documents a rise in attacks on journalists, and a decline in public trust in the media due to political influence over editorial policies.
Kazakhstan: Adil Soz raises alarm over increasing attacks on journalists
On 30 January, journalist Aisha Kutubaeva was physically attacked during a trial by the wife of the former Head of the Department of Culture, Bolat Mazhagulov. Mazhagulov is standing trial for embezzlement.
Russian propagandists pose as RSF to spread disinformation
“RSF has identified six online videos posted in just over six months that have stolen its identity and graphic charter — and almost all of these videos are about the war in Ukraine.”
Supreme Court upholds sentences of those convicted in UAE84 case, including GCHR’s Board member Ahmed Mansoor
GCHR denounces the ruling as a tactic to imprison critics indefinitely, calling for the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained and urgent reforms to ensure fair trial standards.
Abusive conspiracy trial opens in Tunis
Tunisian authorities are prosecuting 40 political opponents and activists on unfounded conspiracy charges, with key defendants denied fair trial rights and held in abusive pretrial detention.
Bahrain must immediately free detained human rights defender Ali AlHajee
IFEX joins human rights organisations calling for the immediate release of the detained Bahraini human rights defender and former political prisoner.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Serb-majority entity adopts “foreign agent” law
Press freedom groups condemn Republika Srpska’s adoption of the legislation, which they say will be used to target government critics.
Nepalese government called on to revise punitive new Media Council and Social Media bills
Signatories urge the government of Nepal and Parliament to refrain from developing and implementing legislation that empowers government with overreaching powers, including through overbroad and vague provisions that could be misused and abused to target activists, journalists, critics and other perceived opponents.
HRNJ-Uganda condemns escalating violence against journalists
IFEX member HRNJ-Uganda’s recent reporting on a violent attack on a journalist by Uganda’s security agency warns of an escalating media crackdown.
“Media21” outlet shuttered, 4 journalists arrested in Iraq
CPJ urges authorities to release journalist Bashdar Bazyani and allow “Media21” to resume operations, calling the arrests and shutdown a direct attack on press freedom.
Algeria: Joint open letter to member and observer states of the UN Human Rights Council
Rights groups warn that Algeria’s repression of civic space, marked by a brutal crackdown on free expression, is steadily eroding human rights and they call on UNHRC members to act.
Detention of human rights activist and former political prisoner Ali Al-Hajee
“The continued targeting of human rights defenders in Bahrain through arbitrary summonses and prolonged detentions is a clear attempt to silence dissent” – Bahrain Center for Human Rights
Syria’s National Dialogue: A first step, but uncertainty clouds the way forward
A safe civic space, where independent civil society can operate freely, is crucial for Syria’s transition, and its protection must be a priority in the next phase of reforms.
Burundian journalist Sandra Muhoza’s appeal hearing postponed
Journalist Sandra Muhoza’s lawyer is advocating for her provisional release following her unjust conviction and detenttion since 2024.
Ethiopian lawmakers urged to reject proposed media law amendments
Proposed new amendments to Ethiopia’s media law are set to dilute the power of the Ethiopia Media Authority and pose a significant threat to independent journalism.