CATEGORY: Europe and Central Asia
Man jailed for “despicable” comments about missing April Jones
A man who admitted to posting "despicable" comments about missing five-year-old April Jones on his Facebook page has been jailed for 12 weeks. Matthew Woods appeared at Chorley Magistrates' Court today, where he pleaded guilty to "sending by means...
National Poetry day | Poems by Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Zarganar
In its 40-year history, Index has showcased some of the world’s most remarkable poets. To mark National Poetry Day, we republish two poets jailed after speaking out
Activist charged as Council of Europe urged to pressure Azerbaijan on political prisoners
Azerbaijaini political activist and blogger Zaur Gurbanli was detained by police on 29 September. Gurblani was part of the Sing For Democracy campaign, which drew attention to Azerbaijan's human rights record during this year's Eurovision Song...
Legendary radio service kicked off airwaves
Last week was a painful one for free speech in Russia. Tens of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Moscow bureau journalists were fired within two days. First an entire internet department, then radio hosts, reporters and producers --- around 90 per...
Iconic Radio Free Europe Moscow bureau shot by both sides
The last week was a painful one for free speech in Russia. Tens of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Moscow bureau journalists were fired within two days. First an entire internet department, then radio hosts, reporters and producers — around 90 per...
Belarus’s illusion of democracy
Polling day procedure may have been in place, but censorship ruined any chance of a free parliamentary election in Europe’s last dictatorship, says Andrei Aliaksandrau
Prosecutor to launch consultation on social media guidelines
The Director of Public Prosecutions has announced a consultation to establish clear guidelines on prosecutions involving social media . In a statement on The Crown Prosecution Service website announcing that footballer Daniel Thomas ---...
The truth about Azerbaijan
The gas-rich country presents itself as open and modern, but Azerbaijan is not safe for activists and journalists fighting for free speech, says Natasha Schmidt
Europe’s Belarus failure
The EU might be able to help Belarus democratise, but it can’t solve its problems for them. Andrei Yahorau and Alena Zuikova examine a nuanced relationship