IFEX Newsletter

China’s censors aim to contain dissent during harsh COVID-19 lockdowns

Chinese authorities censored criticisms during the extended COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai but netizens found creative ways to express their real sentiments.

Africa | Attacks

West Africa: Disruption of media through physical attacks

Over the course of the last 5 months eight media houses in four countries have been attacked, in instances where 13 journalists and media workers have been assaulted and equipment destroyed.

Nicaragua | Free Expression & the Law

Nicaragua: The 46/2 Collective welcomes experts who will investigate serious human rights violations

On May 24, the United Nations Human Rights Council elected those who will make up the “Group of Experts on Human Rights” which will investigate and promote accountability for the serious human rights violations committed since 2018.

Colombia | Free Expression & the Law

How the Colombian press can be strengthened by Inter-American Court reparation measures

On October 18th, 2021, the Inter-American Court released a historic judgment on the analysis of sexual violence as a way to silence female journalists. The court found the Colombian State responsible for not guaranteeing the rights of journalist Jineth Bedoya Lima. In 2000, Jineth was a victim of kidnapping, torture and sexual abuse.

Algeria | Attacks

Algeria: Authorities must end their assault on civic space and fundamental freedoms

Rights groups launch an online campaign to draw attention to how authorities have increasingly attempted to stifle dissenting voices and independent civil society.

Russia | Access to Information

What Russia’s goal of an isolated internet means for press freedom

“Journalists in Russia are going to have a far harder time to do reporting and get that reporting out to other citizens… on the external side, it’s harder for journalists globally to get information into Russia on things that are going on, not just in Russia, but around the world”.

International | Access to Information

Platform liability trends around the world: From safe harbours to increased responsibility

“Faced with expansive and vague moderation obligations, little time for analysis, and major legal consequences if they guess wrong, companies inevitably over-censor. Stricter regulation of and moderation by platforms also results in self-censorship”.

Leslie de Freitas

Reyhana Masters (Africa), Laura Vidal (Americas), Mong Palatino (Asia & Pacific), Cathal Sheerin (Europe & Central Asia), Naseem Tarawnah (MENA)

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