Irangabiye released, protests expose fissures and spark new tactics and an online war exposes misogyny and xenophobia
August 2024 in Africa: A free expression and civic space round-up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Reyhana Masters, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
Vietnamese activist sentenced to five years in prison for ‘anti-state propaganda’
Anh Chi is known for producing videos decrying abuse of power by authorities.
Hosting of UN climate summits by authoritarian countries raises alarms over human rights
Rights groups urge the UN to ensure that future climate summits are held in countries that respect human rights and allow for peaceful assembly and free speech.
Croatia: Climate journalist from Faktograf attacked twice
Journalist Melita Vrsaljko was filming an illegal dumpsite in Nadin, central Croatia, when she was first attacked; the following day, she was assaulted at her home. Her attackers are the sister and father of a powerful local politician.
High-profile convictions and protesters under pressure
July 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.
The crackdown on environmental activists in Europe
As climate change activists engage in peaceful protest across Europe, some states have reacted with heavy-handed policing, and by effectively criminalising such activism, imposing restrictions on protests, and conducting smear campaigns.
Liberia’s leading environmental news platform under cyber-attack
The digital attacks on the “Daylight” news website can be traced back to the company exposed in the outlet’s investigative stories.
Cambodia: Conviction of Mother Nature environmental activists a “mockery of justice”
“Silencing environmental defenders and characterising their peaceful advocacy as a threat to the state is a mockery of justice.”
IPI calls on states to protect environmental and climate journalism
“We call on states around the world to ensure that climate and environmental journalists can do their work independently, freely, and safely. This includes ensuring environmental journalists are granted access to information and access to protected areas.” – IPI
Panorama of Africa’s media freedom landscape obscured by growing repression
May 2024 in Africa: A free expression and civic space round-up produced by IFEX’s Regional Editor Reyhana Masters, based on IFEX member reports and news from the region.
Pakistan’s impunity, India’s AI, PNG’s ‘media control policy’, and a landmark ruling against red-tagging in the Philippines
May 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.
The role of Pacific media in addressing the climate crisis
Pacific journalists are crucial in raising awareness about the crisis and holding developed nations accountable.
Environmental defenders face new wave of repression
“As the climate crisis worsens, the civic space for climate protests is shrinking. Instead of focusing on meeting their commitments to reduce climate change, governments are threatening environmental protectors” – HRW
New report on safety crisis facing environmental journalists
“Journalists who cover climate and environmental stories are targeted by powerful private and state actors who are willing to go to great lengths to protect their lucrative interests linked to environmentally harmful activities” – IPI
Open letter to the Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Cybercrime
Given the broad-based and fundamental concerns from stakeholders, signatory organizations urge governments to consider withholding support for the UN Cybercrime treaty in its current incarnation.
Indonesian court acquits two activists over charges of defaming government minister
Activists Fatia Maulidiyanti and Haris Azhar had posted a video in 2021 discussing the role of officials in destructive mining.