The law of libel, privacy and national “insult” laws vary across the European Union. In a number of member states, criminal sanctions are still in place and public interest defences are inadequate, curtailing freedom of expression.
CATEGORY: Politics and Society
Five activists punished by their governments for speaking out
Activists are continually harassed and punished for standing up and speaking out about social and political issues they feel are unjust in their...
Greece: Freedom of expression takes a beating
As Greece prepares to take on the presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, the country continues to grapple with the free expression fallout from its financial crisis. Christos Syllas reports
Five reasons why journalism isn’t all glitz and glam
Journalists are known for uncovering the truth. What is less known is how these journalists gather these facts, often risking their jobs, and sometimes their lives, to discover information others are attempting to keep hidden from the world.
The European Union’s commitments to freedom of expression
Since the entering into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009, which made the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding, the EU has gained an important tool to deal with breaches of fundamental rights.
Keir Starmer advocates for cultural guidelines for police
Human Right’s lawyer, Keir Starmer, who has just completed a five year stint as Director of Public Prosecutions for the Crown Prosecution Service, has been active in drawing up guidelines for sensitive areas of criminal law. Julia Farrington writes
Russian media toes the anti-EU line on Ukraine
The coverage of Ukrainian protests in the Russian media suggests a centralised anti-EU message and has provoked outrage in Kiev. Alastair Sloan reports
South Africa: Cape Times in crisis as editor fired after corruption story
The sacking of a renowned journalist has sent shockwaves through the grieving country’s media. Christi Van Der Westhuizen reports
Time to step up: The EU and freedom of expression
Time to Step Up: The EU and freedom of expression, looks at freedom of expression both within the European Union’s 28 member states and how this union defends freedom of expression in the wider world.
Japan’s designated secrets bill – the sound of the jackboots
Japan’s new secrecy law is yet another disturbing symptom of the country’s rising militarism, broadening the government’s power to classify state secrets amidst increased belligerence in the region. Saul Takahashi reports for Open Democracy
Radio prank expands Australia’s broadcasting authority remit
A radio prank that lead to tragic consequences may end up expanding Australia’s broadcast authority’s powers. Helen Clark reports
Canada: Legislation limits free speech for journalists
Canadian journalists will face fines for commenting on the striking action of trade unionists under new legislation passed in Alberta.