How does lobbying in the UK affect international free speech? Index on Censorship’s Head of Advocacy
Michael Harris explains
CATEGORY: Campaigns
Words and deeds
In 2005 Flemming Rose commissioned the cartoons of the prophet Mohammed that sparked protests and riots across the world. In an exclusive book extract, Rose explains why bans on hate speech are based on a false understanding of its role in the Holocaust
China coup rumours trigger web crackdown
It has emerged that the Chinese government has closed 16 websites and detained six people for “fabricating or disseminating online rumours” in recent weeks. On 19 March, rumours began spreading on Chinese microblogs that claimed "military vehicles"...
China: Ai Weiwei ordered to switch off studio webcams
Authorities have objected to surveillance cameras Chinese artitst Ai Wei Wei installed into his home to provide a live feed online. The artist created a website with four cameras showing his studio, over his bed, his desk and in the courtyard of...
Northern Ireland Police threaten academic freedom
As a crucial legal battle comes to a head, Anthony McIntyre explores the contempt for academic research and protection of confidential sources behind the courtroom drama
Saudi Arabia: Website managers held without charge
Three Saudi web managers from news websites which cover political unrest are being held in prison without charge. Habib Ali al-Maatiq and Hussein Malik al-Salam from Al-Fajr Cultural Network and Jalal Mohamed al-Jamal from news website Al-Awamia...
Tunisia: The fight for an uncensored web is far from over
Yesterday was Tunisia's first National Day for Internet Freedom, the day also commemorates the death of cyber dissident Zouhaier Yahyaoui, who died seven years ago at the age of 37. Via his website TUNeZINE, Zouhair criticised the corrupt and...
Iran: Leader orders creation of internet oversight agency in bid to control web
Iran's Supreme leader has ordered the creation of an "internet oversight agency" to control the web. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the creation of the "Supreme Council of Cyberspace" which aims to prevent harm to Iranians who go online. Dangers...
More to be done on Defamation Bill
The Libel Reform Campaign welcomes the Government’s commitment to a Defamation Bill but current proposals do not yet address the extensive problems of libel bullying and the chill on public debate
Kyrgyzstan: News website blocked
Access to the website of independent news agency Ferghana was blocked this week by telecommunications company Kyrgyztelecom in response to a formal request from the Kyrgyz state communications agency. In a resolution made public on 16 June last...
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