Freedom House

Comedians, satirical writers and ordinary citizens can face legal persecution if they dare to ridicule government corruption or make light of politicians.

As the Iranian authorities command fast-changing technologies to their advantage, Iran’s electronic curtain grows more layered and opaque and the plight of the country’s netizens grows.

A new report by Freedom House includes an assessment of the current state of U.S.-Russia relations, as well as a chronology of developments in Russia starting at the beginning of the Putin era in 2000 and focusing on the suppression of the political opposition, independent media, and civil society.

As Armenia prepares for a presidential election on February 18, the international community should direct its attention to a recent proposal by a presidential advisory body that—if implemented—would drastically increase government control over civil society in the country.

The blocking of the online newspaper El Diario de Cuba signals a troubling trend toward increased internet censorship in Venezuela. Freedom House condemns this censorship and calls on the Venezuelan government to adhere to its international commitments to protect press freedom and access to information, including on the internet.

President Mohammad Morsi declared a state of emergency in three canal cities after protests and clashes led to the death of at least 50 Egyptians.

LGBT rights activists were attacked in Moscow and Voronezh as they peacefully protested against an anti-homosexuality bill to be considered by the Duma. Reports indicate that the police did not intervene as the attacks continued in the center of Voronezh.

There has been a rise in new laws around the world that restrict free speech online. To ensure that Internet regulation is compatible with human rights and democratic principles, lawmakers must follow certain basic guidelines, says Freedom House.