Pipe bomb planted outside home of Northern Ireland photographer

A pipe bomb was defused early this morning after it was planted outside of the home of Northern Ireland press photographer Mark Pearce. While no one has taken responsibility for the attack, Pearce believes he was targeted for his work, but does not remember a recent photograph that could have angered of one of the country’s banned paramilitary groups. Northern Ireland has recently seen a rise in tensions after Belfast officials last week decided to fly the Union flag on certain days, rather than displaying it year round, sparking protests from  loyalists.

Charlie Hebdo sued by Muslim organisations

French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo is being sued by two Muslim organisations for cartoons it published of the Muslim prophet Muhammad in September. The organisations, Algerian Democratic Rally for Peace and Progress and the United Arab Organisation, are demanding EUR 782,500, accusing the publication of inciting violence and racially-motivated hatred against Muslims. The controversial cartoons were published on the heels of the Innocence of Muslims film which also depicted the prophet, sparking protests from Muslims around the world.

Europe has a duty to speak out on Vaxevanis

Index on Censorship and other freedom of expression groups urge the European Union to defend free speech

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Internet freedom? Not in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s government locks up its online critics on trumped-up charges. It’s an odd choice to host a giant international forum on internet freedom and Rebecca Vincent asks international visitors to look below the country’s modern veneer

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Greece: Europe must defend free speech

The European Union has a duty to speak out against increasing censorship, writes Rohan Jayasekera

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INDEX Q&A: Talking to Europe’s most wired politician

In a world where digital policy is written by politicians who barely know how to send an email, Marietje Schaake is a breath of fresh air. Marta Cooper meets the pioneering Dutch MEP

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Greece: Another journalist arrested as crackdown continues

Greek journalist Spiros Karatzaferis was arrested today (31 October) for after threatening to publish damaging allegations about the country’s struggling economy. Karatzaferis said he had obtained information from hacking collective Anonymous, allegedly containing classified documents and email exchanges relating to Greece’s financial bailout from international funders. According to the Greek Reporer, Karatzaferis said authorities had used an old warrant relating to a libel case to arrest him. His arrest comes just days after that of investigative journalist Kostas Vaxevanis for exposing alleged tax cheats, signalling a worrying attack on free speech in the country. This post was edited for clarity at 16:52 GMT on 31/10/12

Polish rocker faces religious offence charge

Polish heavy metal singer  Adam Darski, AKA Nergal, could face two years in prison for tearing a bible on stage. Nergal, singer with Behemoth, performed the stunt in 2007, before descrbing the Catholic church as “”the most murderous cult on the planet”. A court found has found that the act could be in violation of polish law as it “offended religious feelings”. Prosecutors may now pursue a criminal case. In 2009, Polish pop singer Doda was fined after she said the Bible “was written by someone drunk on wine and smoking some herbs”.

READ: FIVE BIZARRE BLASPHEMY CASES