The idea that the government should have a role in assessing content before it is broadcast should set alarm bells ringing, writes Jodie Ginsberg
Pre-vetting broadcast content? That’s what dictatorships do, not democracies
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CATEGORY: Europe and Central Asia
Padraig Reidy: James Rhodes and the visceral need to be heard
I was reminded of poet Carolyn Forché and her concept of witness when I read the reactions to the court decision that would finally allow pianist James Rhodes to publish his memoir, Instrumental
Padraig Reidy: Why did the government panic over a few letters on farming?
With the publication of Prince Charles’ “black spider” letters, ministers fear they will lose control of the freedom of information process
Azerbaijani journalist appeals to Christiane Amanpour to help jailed colleagues
Former Index award winner Idrak Abbasov urges Christiane Amanpour, the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety, to call for the release of Azerbaijan’s jailed journalists and human rights defenders
New extremism laws would stifle free speech
The UK Home Secretary’s preview of a proposed new counter-extremism bill raises the stakes for freedom of expression in the United Kingdom. Index on Censorship is disturbed by the potential impact on free speech embedded in the proposals.
Azerbaijan: Appeal from jailed journalist Khadija Ismayilova postponed indefinitely
Ismayilova, one of Azerbaijan’s most celebrated investigative journalists, today had her appeal over a criminal libel conviction postponed indefinitely
Joint letter to Lord Sebastian Coe about Azerbaijan and the European Games
Index on Censorship and a number of other organisations have signed a joint letter to Lord Sebastian Coe of the British Olympic Association, to highlight violations against freedom of expression and threats to human rights defenders in Azerbaijan ahead of the European Games
Rebecca Vincent: Britain’s next prime minister must use European Games to stand up for human rights in Azerbaijan
In helping to whitewash Azerbaijan’s ever-worsening image, the UK would only end up tarnishing its own, writes Rebecca Vincent.
Padraig Reidy: Ten years after the Danish Mohammed cartoons, we’re still having the same argument
Is there hope for resolution any time soon? I fear not.
Media freedom in Europe needs action more than words
Freedom of expression is an assumed right in the European Union. But that assumption is little more than an idea anchored in our mental routine.
Dunja Mijatović: The good fight must continue | Mass surveillance: Journalists confront the moment of hesitation | The women challenging Bosnia’s divided media | World Press Freedom Day: Call to protect freedom of expression