Sixty-five signatories from human rights organisations, as well as musicians, lawyers and academics, call on the Metropolitan police to stop using repressive injunctions against musicians as a means to reduce gang violence. Read the full letter.
Universities are allowing free speech to be curtailed on campuses in favour of “rule of the mob”, the former equalities chief has warned, as he says vice-Chancellors must stop behaving like “frightened children” and take a stand. Read the full...
Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of Index on Censorship, points to the long history of the authorities targeting music by people “far removed from those in power … The law already prevents individuals from directly inciting violence, but such wide-ranging bans...
The European Commission-funded Mapping Media Freedom organisation has identified worrying trends threatening press freedom in European Union member countries, accession applicants and neighbouring countries since 2014. Read the full article.
Index on Censorship joined a letter signed by seven other NGOs expressing concern over the UK’s Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Bill, which goes to the final stages of parliamentary debate on 30 January. The bill has worrying implications for press freedom and human rights, including putting journalists’ data at risk.
The Index on Censorship annually honors outspoken artists and activists who have made a significant contribution to fighting censorship through arts, campaigning, digital activism, and journalism. Read the full article.
Joy Hyvarinen at Index on Censorship said the bill remained “fatally flawed”. “Even after the small improvements that passed today, I remain very concerned that large parts of this legislation are going to reshape the law on freedom of expression...
While Index on Censorship welcomes dropping of new charges against Mehman Huseynov, the organisation calls on Azerbaijan to release the human rights defender and journalist from prison
Turkish journalism platform P24 has been shortlisted by U.S.-based free speech advocate Index on Censorship for its 2019 Freedom of Expression Awards Fellowships. Read the full article.
Afghanistan’s ArtLords, a group of Afghan activists and artists in Kabul, has been nominated for 2019 Freedom of Expression Awards. Read the full article.
Index Awards 2017: Celebrating defenders of free expression
Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. We publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech. We believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution – no matter what their views.
Index’s aim is to raise awareness about threats to free expression and the value of free speech as the first step to tackling censorship.
Index relies entirely on the support of donors and readers to do our work.
We work in four ways:
Index on Censorship publishes an award-winning quarterly magazine that has featured some of the world’s best-known writers. We publish original creative writing and articles about free expression from across the globe.
Our website offers additional information to help people understand the current threats to free expression globally. And we reach a wider audience through social media.
Each year, Index on Censorship identifies some of the greatest threats to free speech around the world and develops advocacy campaigns to push for change in legislation or public attitudes. We choose topics where our work can make a significant impact – and deliberately choose areas where others might not be focused. You can see our current areas of focus on our Campaigns and Projects work.
We use a mixture of research, reporting, direct advocacy and media campaigning to achieve our goals.
Index on Censorship believes that free expression encourages more open and tolerant societies. We actively promote debate with an exciting series of events each year to help people better understand the value of free speech. This includes performances, exhibitions, talks and concerts. We are also regularly quoted in international media on free expression issues. Read more about our current events programme here.
Index on Censorship directly supports groups and individuals facing censorship through our Freedom of Expression Awards Fellowship. The fellowship offers a year-long programme of tailored support to a small group of fellows selected for their outstanding work in the fields of journalism, arts, campaigning and digital advocacy. Read more about this innovative work here.