In the age of social media, the European Union needs to defend free expression. But it often falls far short, says Padraig Reidy
Do western democracies protect free speech?
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CATEGORY: United Kingdom
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
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
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 ---...
Leveson must protect press freedom
Lord Justice Leveson is weeks away from issuing recommendations for a new system of press regulation. With the future of British papers in the judge’s hands, Index’s Marta Cooper looks at the challenges ahead
Exclusive extracts from our magazine
The Lawyer | Mark Lewis | Do we need a free press?
The Blogger | Guido Fawkes | Where will this all end?
The Journalist | Trevor Kavanagh | The Leveson effect
The Editor | Alan Rusbridger | Striking a balance
Hacked Off | Martin Moore | The danger of power
The Leveson effect
What should the Inquiry do? As little as possible, suggests Trevor Kavanagh. The press does not need licences like dogs and gun owners Lord Justice Leveson is said by those who know him to regret taking on David Cameron's ill-conceived inquiry into...
The Leveson Inquiry: The danger of power
With power comes responsibility, warns Martin Moore of the Hacked Off campaign There is no shortage of quotes or aphorisms about the corrupting nature of too much power. From Thomas Bailey’s warning that "The possession of unlimited power will...