Index on Censorship

Articles by Index on Censorship

A publicity shot from Lucien Bourjeily’s latest play, Would It Pass Or Not?, Facebook / Lucien Bourjeily

Playwright pursued by Lebanese authorities for his play on censorship

A Lebanese playwright has exposed the farcical sensitivity of the country’s Censorship Bureau in his latest play “Would It Pass Or Not?”.

A visitor takes a picture of the artwork entitled "Travesty" depicting Valdimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev at an exhibition in St. Petersburg, 15 August 2013., REUTERS/Stringer

Seven politicians who take themselves way too seriously

After news agency AFP attempted to retract an unflattering photo of French President Francois Hollande, Index on Censorship looks at politicians who have tried to censor images that make them look a bit silly.

Link to: From Assange to Murdoch: Australia’s free speech landscape

From Assange to Murdoch: Australia’s free speech landscape

As Australians go to the polls, how does their country shape up on free expression, asks Index on Censorship.

Britain's former Health Secretary, and current Leader of the House, Andrew Lansley waits to cross the road after attending a cabinet meeting in Westminster, 17 May 2011. Lansley is a sponsor of what some refer to as "the gagging bill.", REUTERS/Andrew Winning

“Gagging bill” threatens U.K. charities

The controversial Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill passed its second reading on 3 September 2013. The legislation includes a proposal to cap the spending of charities in election years.

The al-Intibaha newspaper is seen on display with other newspaper titles at a newsstand in Khartoum, 10 November 2012., REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah

Sudanese columnists banned from writing after criticising Muslim Brotherhood

Journalists Salah Awooda, Zuhair Elsrag and Rishan Oshi were banned from writing for between five to fifteen days during August after criticising Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood.

Link to: Freedom of expression hobbled by self-censorship in Mexico

Freedom of expression hobbled by self-censorship in Mexico

Mexico has faced increasing challenges from organised crime gangs that were targeted during the Calderon government; this has had serious impact on press freedom in the Mexican provinces, where most media recoiled from reporting on organised crime-related violence.

Link to: During former politician’s show trial, China begins online crackdown

During former politician’s show trial, China begins online crackdown

Bo Xilai, the ousted former Chinese politician, continues to capture headlines even as authorities begin a highly concerted campaign to stifle online expression.

Link to: Rolling back free expression in Russia

Rolling back free expression in Russia

The situation for freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association in Russia has deteriorated since the re-election of Vladimir Putin in March 2012. The main issues of concern are repression against Russian NGOs, strict anti-blasphemy laws, increasing limits on digital freedom, and the banning of “homosexual propaganda”.