[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Update: Update: On 3 June 2019, the criminal investigation into Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey was dropped....
CATEGORY: About Index
Raids on two Northern Irish journalists’ homes had ‘inappropriate’ warrants, court says (The Guardian, 29/5/2019)
The two reporters, Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey, had been investigating the 1994 Loughinisland massacre
The rights of Brian (Tortoise Media, 28/5/2019)
“Well, what Jesus blatantly fails to appreciate is that it’s the meek who are the problem.” So says John Cleese as Reg, leader of the People’s Front of Judea, as he and his hapless fellow rebels walk away baffled from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount
The charges against Julian Assange are a threat to press freedom
Throughout history, governments have used security legislation to stop journalists publishing information that is in the public interest, and they continue to do so today.
Raid on journalists’ homes and offices ‘should be ruled unlawful’ (Irish News, 23 May 2019)
A RAID on the homes and office of investigative journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney should be ruled unlawful, two leading campaign groups have said. Index on Censorship and English PEN have intervened in the journalists’ case to make a submission to the High Court in Northern Ireland.
Defending essential freedoms (InPublishing, 23 May 2019)
One of the pillars of a free society is the right to be able to say things other people disagree with. Yet, as Jodie Ginsberg tells Ray Snoddy, that...
Free expression organisations intervene in case of Northern Ireland investigative journalists
A raid on the homes and office of two Northern Irish investigative journalists should be ruled unlawful, freedom of expression groups Index on Censorship and English PEN have said in a submission to the High Court in Northern Ireland.
Index launches new advisory service for arts organisations
Arts Censorship Support Service will provide assistance to colleagues in the cultural sector facing issues of censorship.
Proposed definition of Islamophobia could deter people from criticising the religion of Islam
Index is concerned that the definition of Islamophobia as currently proposed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims could effectively deter people from criticising the religion of Islam.
British nationals to be banned from parts of Syria under new law (The Guardian, 20 May 2019)
British nationals are to be banned from entering or remaining in parts of conflict-stricken Syria in the first use of a controversial new power. The...
European Commission must mitigate concerns on automated upload filters
We consider that, in order to mitigate these concerns, it is of utmost importance that the European Commission and Member States engage in a constructive transposition and implementation to ensure that the fears around automated upload filters are not realized.
Solidarity with Academics for Peace imprisoned in Turkey
We declare our solidarity with Academics for Peace, and with all progressives under threat in Turkey.
Index Awards 2017: Celebrating defenders of free expression
Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. We publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech. We believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution – no matter what their views.
Index’s aim is to raise awareness about threats to free expression and the value of free speech as the first step to tackling censorship.
Index relies entirely on the support of donors and readers to do our work.
We work in four ways:
Informing
Index on Censorship publishes an award-winning quarterly magazine that has featured some of the world’s best-known writers. We publish original creative writing and articles about free expression from across the globe.
Our website offers additional information to help people understand the current threats to free expression globally. And we reach a wider audience through social media.
Influencing
Each year, Index on Censorship identifies some of the greatest threats to free speech around the world and develops advocacy campaigns to push for change in legislation or public attitudes. We choose topics where our work can make a significant impact – and deliberately choose areas where others might not be focused. You can see our current areas of focus on our Campaigns and Projects work.
We use a mixture of research, reporting, direct advocacy and media campaigning to achieve our goals.
Debating
Index on Censorship believes that free expression encourages more open and tolerant societies. We actively promote debate with an exciting series of events each year to help people better understand the value of free speech. This includes performances, exhibitions, talks and concerts. We are also regularly quoted in international media on free expression issues. Read more about our current events programme here.
Supporting
Index on Censorship directly supports groups and individuals facing censorship through our Freedom of Expression Awards Fellowship. The fellowship offers a year-long programme of tailored support to a small group of fellows selected for their outstanding work in the fields of journalism, arts, campaigning and digital advocacy. Read more about this innovative work here.