Freedom House

A new Freedom House report on transnational repression demonstrates how dozens of governments around the world systemically employ violence against exiles and diasporas, reaching beyond national borders to silence dissent.

Freedom House said the unprecedented crackdown reveals the intention of the Chinese Communist Party to suppress any effort by Hong Kongers to salvage democratic representation.

Three youth activists were handed prison sentences for their involvement in a protest held in front of police headquarters last year, while the owner of a pro-democracy newspaper will be held in custody on fraud charges until at least next April.

One year after an International Mission to Mexico, the government has failed to fulfil its commitments, and the freedom of expression situation in the country is worsening.

Freedom House compiles information on how China’s National Security Law is undermining academic freedom in Hong Kong.

“The coronavirus pandemic is accelerating a dramatic decline in global internet freedom. For the 10th consecutive year, users have experienced an overall deterioration in their rights, and the phenomenon is contributing to a broader crisis for democracy worldwide.”

Since the coronavirus outbreak began, the condition of democracy and human rights has grown worse in 80 countries. The problem is particularly acute in struggling democracies and highly repressive states – countries which generally already had weak safeguards against abuse of power.

The Chinese government imposed sanctions on 11 Americans, which included legislators and leaders of IFEX members Human Rights Watch and Freedom House for their advocacy on Hong Kong’s democratic rights.