Joint Statements

Joint Statement on the European Commission’s 2024 Rule of Law Report

At a time when the rule of law is increasingly being called into question across Europe, it is more necessary than ever for the rule of law report to be critical, specific and linked to enforcement tools.

MFC member states urged to take meaningful action for journalist safety in Gaza

IFEX joins rights groups calling on the Media Freedom Coalition to protect Gaza’s journalists, ensure access to information, and investigate killings.

Malaysia: Groups express solidarity with journalist Clare Rewcastle-Brown

18 organisations and 44 journalists signed a statement condemning the “egregious act of judicial overreach” by authorities.

Hong Kong: Joint statement opposing Article 23

The law opens the door to further arbitrary arrests and detentions while escalating censorship, creating a global chilling effect.

Serbia: Increase in threats and attacks on journalists in Novi Sad

The escalation of threats and violence suffered by journalists in Novi Sad has reached an unprecedented level in the past fortnight, with no fewer than seven journalists being targeted.

Call for withdrawal of Slovakia’s repressive broadcast law

Journalists and media freedom groups call for the urgent withdrawal of a proposed legislation allowing political control over public-service media in Slovakia.

Pakistan: Stakeholders express concern over X disruption; call on telecom regulator for transparency

A statement signed by nearly 30 civil society groups highlights the adverse impact of growing digital censorship in the country.

UK government should end its crackdown on right to protest

Rights groups call on UK government to reverse its crackdown on the right to protest and stop conflating protests with extremism.

New report raises concerns about use of spyware, SLAPPs and journalists in exile

The Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Platform report reviews threats to media freedom across the region in 2023.

Turkey: Big tech platforms should protect online expression ahead of municipal elections

“As important country-wide local elections loom, the Turkish authorities are once again intensifying efforts to control social media platforms through use of the restrictive internet law, demanding the blocking of content critical of the government.”

Rights groups’ letter to F1 CEO ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix: 20 years of sportswashing

F1 must not continue to be a conduit to sportswash human rights violations in Bahrain.

Egypt: Rights group and its director threatened and smeared

18 civil society organizations denounce reprisals against Sinai Foundation following reports on Gaza border activity.

PEN reiterates call to free Julian Assange

PEN International, English PEN and PEN Norway once again urge the UK authorities to stop the extradition of Assange and call on the US authorities to drop the charges against him and withdraw their extradition request.

Biden administration must accelerate efforts to free Vladimir Kara-Murza

In 2023, Kara-Murza was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Russia on bogus charges for his criticism of Putin’s repressive government and the Kremlin’s ongoing war against Ukraine.

New surge of DDoS attacks threatens media freedom in Europe

The recent surge in DDoS attacks on media outlets in Hungary, Bosnia, Malta, and Ukraine disrupts the free flow of information and obstructs the public’s access to independent journalism.

Thirteen years after Mubarak ouster: Egypt grapples with unprecedented repression and economic instability

After a decade of al-Sisi’s brutal authoritarian rule protesters’ calls for “bread, freedom, and social justice” are further away than ever before.