A Belarusian artist dies in prison.

A British school teacher is in hiding.

A singer in Iran is lashed 74 times.

If the world feels like a scary place right now, it’s because it is.

The assault on free expression isn’t subtle – it’s brazen, global and growing.

From the USA to China and Russia to Iran, democracy isn’t dying in darkness – it is being picked apart in broad daylight. Across the world powerful forces are twisting speech to serve their agendas and crushing dissent in the process.

But we have good news. Here at Index, our pages proudly hold space for the stories – and storytellers – that would be otherwise silenced. Through our award-winning journalism, impactful campaigns and dynamic events, your support helps us to expose abuses, amplify silenced voices and defend freedom of expression worldwide.

Make a donation to us today to help us help these people get their voices heard – artists, activists, singers and peaceful protesters.