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Geneva: The slow death of freedom of expression
The United Nations Human Rights Council today passed a resolution aimed at restricting criticism of religion, or ‘religious defamation’. Roy W Brown examines why the UN is putting protection of ideas above freedom of expression
Sir Ken Macdonald QC joins Index on Censorship
Sir Ken Macdonald QC, Former Director of Public Prosecutions, has joined the board of Index on Censorship, the leading free expression advocacy group.
China/Tibet: Internet writer detained without charge
The Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Kunchok Tsephel Gopey Tsang, a Tibetan internet writer, who has reportedly been held without charge since 26 February 2009. The WiPC fears that Kunchok Tsephel Gopey Tsang may be held for his online writings, and if so, calls for his immediate and unconditional release in accordance with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the People´s Republic of China is a signatory.
Sudan: Arrest warrant for al-Bashir threatens aid for civilians
The Sudanese government suspended the work of 13 major humanitarian aid agencies in response to an International Criminal Court warrant, issued for the arrest of President al-Bashir on 4 March. Not only does this create an imminent crisis for refugees, but it also provides ammunition for court critics.
Afghanistan: Kambakhsh sentence cannot stand
We must do everything in our power to secure the release of the young Afghan journalist, says Padraig Reidy, news editor of Index on Censorship.
Geneva: ARTICLE 19 Campaigns for a “No” Vote on Religious Defamation
ARTICLE 19 is urging UN Human Rights Council members to vote against a
resolution on “defamation of religions” at its regular session in Geneva this
month.
Modern Liberty: Free speech must be for all
The United Nations’ retreat from defending free expression is at odds with the concept of universal rights, says Index on Censorship editor Jo Glanville.
Burma: Small Concession Masks Significant Obstruction
Whilst welcome news, the Burmese regime’s release of prisoners and their promises of more to come, masks the forcible way in which they obstructed any development of a human rights agreement at the recent ASEAN Summit.
UK: Government erodes the right to freedom of information
The events of recent weeks highlight the implications of government decisions on our right to information. February heralded the enforcement of new legislation, an important House of Lords judgement and an unprecedented home secretary decision, all of which sought to curtail this right.