Having the last laugh: Stand-up comedy celebrating dissidence

Index on Censorship is celebrating the launch of its winter magazine issue, entitled Having the last laugh, in which comedians speak about the risks they currently face to tell a joke and why they won’t be silenced. Join us for an evening of serious and seriously good humour to celebrate the launch, featuring some of the UK’s most brilliant comedians who champion free expression through comedy. The show will feature comedians Rosie Holt, Suchandrika Chakrabarti, Sharon Wanjohi, and Salman Malik, and will be hosted by special guest John Sweeney.

“Humour is mankind’s greatest blessing” said Mark Twain, “one of the best ingredients for survival” said Aung San Suu Kyi, jokes are what stopped Gandhi, he quipped, from committing suicide. So join us to celebrate the new magazine and, more importantly, the comedians who keep us laughing.

The ticket price includes 1 free drink* token per guest. Doors open from 7.30pm, with the show commencing at 8pm.

*Drink options: a glass of house wine, beer or soft drink

 
 
 

Scottish Anti-SLAPP Summit

This conference hosted by Index on Censorship, the University of Glasgow and Justice for Journalists Foundation will bring together lawyers, journalists, experts and campaigners to learn more about the SLAPPs landscape in Scotland, identify the gaps in Scots Law and explore what we can do to protect Scotland’s courts from abuse.

It will also feature a keynote presentation from Paul Radu, the co-founder of the Organised Crime & Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which has reported widely on the impact of corruption and abuses of power on democracies across the globe. As a result, they have been threatened numerous times, including in London, where Radu himself had to defend himself against a sitting Azerbaijani MP. He will talk about how this has impacted his team’s work, as well as the innovative ways public watchdogs can protect themselves.

Also joining us will also be a number of people targeted in Scotland, including an anti-fish farm campaigner who has been prevented from scrutinising fish farms off the coast of Scotland by an interdict secured by a multinational company and a former MSP who was sued for writing about the claims made by a conservation project.

We hope you will join this session that looks to ensure Scotland has the protections in place to ensure all public interest speech is protected. Only by moving against SLAPPs can we ensure Scotland values and protects free expression for everyone who speaks out.

Book your free ticket here.

Woman Life Freedom with Malu Halasa & Ramita Navai

Wednesday 4 October, London

Lessons from Iran one year on from Mahsa Amini's death - with Saqi Books and Hatchards Piccadilly

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Join Malu Halasa and Ramita Navai at Hatchards Piccadilly for an event chaired by Index on Censorship editor-in-chief Jemimah Steinfeld to celebrate the launch of “Woman Life Freedom”.

The murder of Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022 by Iran's morality police sent shockwaves throughout the country. Protests led by women spread to ninety cities in all of Iran's provinces. Videos on social media showed women in the streets with their hair uncovered, burning headscarves and even cutting their own long hair. Men soon joined the protests. Schoolgirls defaced portraits of religious leaders. Cries of Zan Zendegi Azadi in Farsi - Woman Life Freedom - echoed in mass demonstrations, which continue today. Woman Life Freedom captures this historic moment in artwork and first-person accounts by courageous women, including those too scared to reveal their true identities because of a repressive and vindictive regime. Featuring art, music and photography from the protests, this moving and inspiring anthology exposes hardship, hope and empowerment in modern-day Iran.

As part of the launch of Woman Life Freedom, this event will discuss the Iran protests over the last year and will ask what has happened. With reports of the morality police back on the streets and protesters locked away, some even executed, what positive change has occurred, if any? The event will also launch Index’s Autumn Magazine, which covers the rise of the religious right, religious blasphemy and its impact on freedom of expression, with a focus on Iran amongst other countries.

All welcome!

Tickets include £5 off the price of Woman Life Freedom purchased this evening and a free copy of Index on Censorship’s magazine. Book your tickets here today.

Those Left Behind: A Night for Afghan Journalists

Journalism under the Taliban is a perilous journey where truth becomes a beacon of defiance, and every word carries the weight of resistance.

Since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, Afghanistan has plunged into an era of darkness and fear, with journalists bearing the brunt of oppression and censorship. In their relentless pursuit of uncovering the truth, these brave journalists face constant threats, intimidation and violence, forcing them into hiding and silencing their voices.

Index on Censorship and AnotherWay Now invite you to join us on 20th July for a powerful evening highlighting the challenges faced by journalists from Afghanistan. Through an impactful testimony screening and a panel discussion, we will provide a platform for the journalists who are still working under Taliban rule to share their stories, their challenges and their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth.

Joining us on the panel will be Zahra Joya, a journalist from Afghanistan and founder of Rukhshana Media, and Emma Graham-Harrison, Senior International Affairs Correspondent for The Guardian & The Observer. The discussion will be chaired by the Bafta-nominated presenter Keme Nzerem.

This event is not only an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the situation in Afghanistan but also a call to action. We firmly believe that by uniting our voices, raising awareness and advocating for press freedom, we can make a difference in the lives of these journalists.

This event is free but booking is essential. Get your ticket here.

Venue: The Chapel, Kings College London

Agenda:

6:30 PM Doors open

7:00 PM Panel discussion

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM Drinks reception

This event is part of a larger initiative to raise funds for a network of Afghan journalists. Not able to make the event but want to support the cause? Click here to donate.

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