Fazil Say, a Turkish pianist and composer, was put on trial in Istanbul today (18 October) for insulting Islam in Twitter posts. The musician is charged with inciting hatred and public enmity, and with insulting "religious values". He could face 18...
CATEGORY: Europe and Central Asia
Lance Armstrong and cycling’s libel shame
Index Interview: The salami slicing of free speech
In the first of a new interview series, Conservative MP Dominic Raab talks to Mike Harris about civil liberties, free speech and how he “wouldn’t lose any sleep” if the UK’s draft communications data bill were canned
Do western democracies protect free speech?
In the age of social media, the European Union needs to defend free expression. But it often falls far short, says Padraig Reidy
Belgrade Gay Pride ban a blow to Serbia’s EU hopes
The third ever Belgrade Pride parade took place last Saturday behind closed doors in the city's Media Centre, due to a last minute ban imposed by authorities. The move attracted widespread international criticism as a violation Serbian citizens'...
Manchester man given eight months jail for cop-killer T-shirt
A man has been sentenced to a total of eight months in prison by a Manchester court for wearing a T-shirt daubed with offensive comments referring the murders of PC Fiona Bone and PC Nicola Hughes. Barry Thew, of Radcliffe, Greater Manchester...
Five ludicrous libel cases
Index has today called for the British government to deliver on its promise of real libel reform. Daisy Williams lists five cases that demonstrate how libel law can stifle debate, curtail critcism and even endanger lives
Libel reform: politicians must deliver on promises
The UK government’s Defamation Bill goes to the House of Lords for its second reading debate today. Michael Harris explains why it’s vital that the government acts to protect free speech
International NGOs to UK government: Protect us, strengthen libel law reforms
60 international NGOs to UK government: Protect us, strengthen libel law reforms
Last chance to demand Libel Reform. England’s libel laws are unjust, against the public interest and internationally criticised. Join 60,000 others calling for change. Sign here
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...
