Analysis: Türkiye’s Upholding of Life Sentence and Jail Sentences Draws Criticism The Controversial Decision In a recent decision, Türkiye’s highest court upheld a life sentence against Osman Kavala and 18-year jail sentences against Çiğdem Mater, Can Atalay, Mine Özerden, and Tayfun Kahraman. Amnesty International’s Campaigns Director for Europe, Ruth Tanner, […]
Tag: freedomofspeech
Cambodia’s Alarming Escalation of Violence against Dissidents and Their Families
Cambodia: Dissident, Wife Brutally Assaulted Incident Tests New Government’s Willingness to Address Impunity On September 12, 2023, a dissident and his wife were viciously attacked by men wielding metal batons in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Ny Nak, an agriculture entrepreneur known for his criticism of the previous government, remains hospitalized with […]
The Silent Cost of Speaking Out: The Persecution of a Chinese Activist
Zhang Zhan: A Victim of Oppression and Persecution in China The Story of Zhang Zhan In a somber tale that highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights in China, Zhang Zhan, a Shanghai-based activist and former lawyer, finds herself paying a terrible price for her public health advocacy. Zhang, who […]
Tajikistan’s Growing Repression: Calls for Release of Detained Political Activist
Tajikistan: Free Political Activist and Drop Charges against Nizomiddin Nasriddinov The Plight of Nizomiddin Nasriddinov Political activist Nizomiddin Nasriddinov finds himself at the center of a troubling case that exposes the authoritarian nature of the Tajikistan government and its disregard for human rights. Nasriddinov, a vocal advocate for democratic reforms […]
Lebanon’s Freedom of Speech at Stake: Comedian Arrested for Critical Jokes
Escalating Attacks on Free Expression: Lebanon‘s Crackdown on Critical Speech A New Level of Repression In a new and concerning escalation in Lebanon‘s crackdown on public criticism, authorities have arrested and investigated prominent comedian Nour Hajjar solely in retaliation for his jokes. This recent incident represents yet another attack on […]
Silencing the Truth: Kyrgyzstan’s Assault on Press Freedom
Kyrgyzstan: Effort to Shut Down Independent News Outlet Lawsuit Seeks To Punish ‘Sharp Criticism of Government’ The Kyrgyz authorities have filed a lawsuit to close down the Kloop Media Public Foundation, a nonprofit organization that runs an independent online news outlet in Kyrgyzstan. This move is part of an alarming […]
Is Saudi Arabia’s Use of the Death Penalty for Tweets a Justifiable Response to Cyber Dissent?
Saudi Arabia: Man Sentenced to Death for Tweets – Peaceful Criticism on Social Media Brings Death Penalty Introduction A Saudi court has sentenced a retired Saudi teacher, Muhammad al-Ghamdi, to death based solely on his peaceful expression online, through tweets, retweets, and YouTube activity, according to Human Rights Watch. This […]
“Calling for Change: Reforming Lebanon’s Insult and Defamation Laws”
Amnesty International Launches Campaign Calling for Repeal of Lebanon‘s Insult and Defamation Laws Background In the midst of a potential constitutional crisis in Lebanon, Amnesty International has launched its #MyOpinionIsNotaCrime campaign. The organization is calling on the Lebanese Parliament to abolish all laws that criminalize insult and defamation. This move […]
Cuba’s Continuing Injustice: Demanding the Release of Wrongfully Convicted Prisoners of Conscience
The Continued Arbitrary Detention of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez Amnesty International Calls for Immediate and Unconditional Release Amnesty International issued a statement today, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez. The two artists have been […]
Saudi Arabia Under Pressure to Respect Civil Society Vision
Human Rights Defenders in Saudi Arabia Call for Reform Civil Society’s Right to Voice Their Vision for Reform Saudi Arabian human rights defenders, activists, and dissidents have come together to create a roadmap titled “A People’s Vision for Reform in Saudi Arabia.” This vision outlines a future for the country […]