With eyes on US college campuses, students stress: Gaza is why we're here'
Growing protests on US campuses demand an end to Israel's bombardment of Gaza, leading to debates on freedom of speech and Palestinian solidarity activism. [ more ]
Court in Iran Sentences Prominent Rapper to Death, His Lawyer Says
A dissident rapper, Toomaj Salehi, has been sentenced to death in Iran for releasing music supporting antigovernment demonstrations, prompting global condemnation. [ more ]
The Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act banning TikTok is deemed unconstitutional due to singling out a specific platform for a permanent nationwide ban. [ more ]
How Is This Antisemitism Hearing Different From Ones on College Campuses?
K-12 leaders face similar challenges as college presidents regarding antisemitism and anti-Israel activism, differing in how pro-Palestinian speech is handled due to stricter standards in public schools. [ more ]
I'm Not Happy With The Choice': Bill Barr Explains Why He's Regretfully Supporting Trump Over Biden
Barr supports Trump over Biden, sees Biden's administration as a greater threat to democracy due to squelching opposition and freedom of speech. [ more ]
Destroying Property Is Not a Peaceful Protest': Biden Denounces Violence and Intimidation by Campus Protesters
Biden emphasizes the importance of peaceful protest over violence and disruption in response to campus protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict. [ more ]
Russian man sentenced to five years labor for criticizing war in Ukraine
Russian government intensifies crackdown on dissent by sentencing man to labor for antiwar comment to RFE/RL, highlighting chilling effect on international media. [ more ]
An LGBTQ+ student was suspended for rapping an anti-gay slur. He's suing the school.
A 17-year-old LGBTQ+ student in Upstate New York is suing his school district for suspending him over using anti-gay slurs in a rap song he created to reclaim the words. [ more ]
The U.S. Supreme Court decision allows a Louisiana police officer to sue a Black Lives Matter activist, setting a risky precedent for public demonstrations. [ more ]
Russia adds writer Boris Akunin to terrorist list over criticism of war
Russian novelist Boris Akunin has been placed on Russia's register of extremists and terrorists for his criticism of Moscow's war in Ukraine.
Akunin's name was listed on the terrorist and extremists list by Russia's financial watchdog and a criminal investigation has been opened against him for allegedly justifying terrorism and spreading fake information on the Russian army. [ more ]
Florida Bill Could Lead to a $35,000 Fine for Accusing Someone of Racism
Florida State Sen. Jason Brodeur (R) introduced a bill that would revoke certain privileges from journalists, including the right to keep sources anonymous.
The bill would make accusing someone of racism, sexism, homophobia, or transphobia defamatory, even if based on scientific or religious beliefs. [ more ]
Shocking' scale of UK government's secret files on critics revealed
Fifteen government departments have been monitoring social media activity of potential critics and compiling secret files.
Guidelines issued in each department advise officials to check experts' social media accounts and conduct Google searches on individuals who have criticized the government.
This practice is widespread across government and likely targets large numbers of individuals. [ more ]
In Another Apparent Snub Of Moscow, Armenian PM Won't Attend CSTO Summit In Minsk
A resident of Krasnoyarsk, Russia has been sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison for criticizing Stalin and the invasion of Ukraine
Russia has outlawed criticism of the invasion and the Russian armed forces, leading to the detention and imprisonment of citizens who voice opposing views [ more ]
No Country Should be Making Speech Rules for the World
No single country should have the power to restrict speech online globally, as it sets a dangerous precedent for online expression and users' rights. [ more ]
Are we repeating the mistakes of the 1960s? (opinion)
Universities' historical response to protests led to over-policing and arrests, potentially curtailing freedom of speech and critical thinking. [ more ]
Iranian filmmaker flees to Europe after prison sentence ahead of his Cannes premiere
Award-winning Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof fled to Europe ahead of Cannes Film Festival premiere amid an eight-year prison sentence for making films and signing statements. [ more ]
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Teen girls who held silent protest against trans athlete 'barred from future events'
Five girls plan to sue a board of education after being barred from a shot-put competition due to a silent protest against a transgender athlete's participation. [ more ]
Here's What Is Happening on Some Other Campuses Across the Country
Students at multiple colleges and universities across the United States are continuing protests and demonstrations related to Palestinian solidarity and free speech.
The protests have primarily taken place in the Northeast but have also been observed in other parts of the country. [ more ]
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Ai Weiwei criticises 'fragile' state of Western democracy following Sky News interview
Ai Weiwei criticizes censorship in the West, stating that it exists in universities, media, and politics.
Ai Weiwei believes that censorship in the West is more subtle, operating within the framework of so-called democratic politics and freedom of speech. [ more ]
Watch live: David Cameron speaks during foreign policy debate in House of Lords
Children are dying of starvation in northern Gaza due to severe malnutrition and shortages of essential supplies. Lord Cameron is urging Hong Kong to reconsider their national security law proposal that threatens freedom of speech and the press. [ more ]
X's Lawsuit Against Anti-Hate Research Group Is Dismissed
The court ruled in favor of the nonprofit organization in a lawsuit by X, stating that the research work criticizing the social media company was protected under the law.
The ruling is a setback for Mr. Musk's legal tactics against critics of his social media platform, reinforcing the rights of organizations to conduct research and hold social media companies accountable. [ more ]
Journalists say tech giants aid suppression DW 01/20/2024
Google, Meta, and other tech giants are complying with restrictions imposed by the Belarusian government, making it difficult for users to access independent media content.
Exiled journalists and opposition leaders argue that technology companies have enormous power and should be on the side of promoting democratic values. [ more ]
Russian American journalist Masha Gessen put on Kremlin's wanted list
Russian journalist Masha Gessen has been put on a wanted list by Russian police and is facing charges of spreading false information about the Russian army.
The crackdown on dissent in Russia has intensified since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with numerous prosecutions and detentions of individuals speaking out against the war. [ more ]