ARTICLE 19

The denial of rights and the failure to conduct proper investigations into violence against LGBT persons lead to a chilling effect on their exercise of freedom of expression, says ARTICLE 19.

ARTICLE 19’s analysis of the decree calls for an improved framework that would fully incorporate relevant international standards on freedom of expression and guarantee respect for freedom of expression and media freedom during the election process.

Ahead of the first ever democratic elections in the country, IFEX-TMG members encourage a swift, fair and transparent broadcast licencing process.

“As a regional body with an increasing role in international politics, ASEAN must recognise and fulfill the right of its people to access information and enable greater participation in the making of decisions that will affect them,” said ARTICLE 19.

Forty-two IFEX members and 15 partners appealed for global attention to stop detention, torture and threats to journalists and free expression activists, including to IFEX member Bahrain Centre for Human Rights.

The draft Code’s most serious weakness is the failure of the authors to recognise that the participation of voters and candidates in election campaigns is an expression of their right to freedom of expression, ARTICLE 19 said.

The Draft Law’s provisions are counterproductive to its apparent objectives of protecting journalists, says ARTICLE 19.

Freedom of expression organisations express deep concern over the continued imprisonment of journalist Eynulla Fatullayev.