In this report, PEN America will provide an in-depth analysis of the countries that detain and imprison the largest numbers of writers and intellectuals and explore the impact of the pandemic on the freedom to write; the role of these individuals in protest movements; and the continued threats to writers and intellectuals working in languages subject to political repression.
Egypt: Court punishes activists for challenging al-Sisi
Prison sentences aim at deterring peaceful dissent.
Senegalese authorities suspend Walf TV . . . again!
As Senegal’s media landscape deteriorates, Walf TV faces the threat of a permanent withdrawal of its licence.
Russia: Approximately 20 journalists arrested for covering Ukraine war protest
The detained journalists were covering a protest near the Kremlin by women demanding that their husbands be brought home from the front in Ukraine.
Gaza supporters subject to arrests, phone searches, and network interference in Jordan and Palestine
Palestinian solidarity protests marred by obstacles hindering effective organization and communication.
Egypt: Alarming new law expands military power amid fears of popular unrest
The law further transforms the military into a police force to suppress potential public discontent.
Senegal: Pre-election crackdown
The crackdown on the opposition, media, and civil society intensifies ahead of Senegal’s polling day.
Journalist union leader arrested in Guinea
Military authorities urged to end the wave of repression against the media in the country.
Looking ahead: Democratic deficits make for a bumpy road to Senegal’s elections
IFEX Africa Editor Reyhana Masters underscores how civic space and key free expression rights have been undermined in the West African country, and implications for its upcoming election – and beyond.
Looking ahead: Argentina at a crossroads, media and women’s rights at risk
IFEX Americas Regional Editor Laura Vidal looks into what lies ahead for Argentina following the election of Javier Milei.
Looking ahead: A wartime election and a serious stress test
IFEX Europe and Central Asia Regional Editor Cathal Sheerin takes a deep dive into what’s coming up in Russia and Belarus.
Venezuela: Civic space at risk of disappearing
Since its presentation before parliament, the debate on the “Law on Control, Regulation, Performance and Financing of Non-Governmental and Related Organisations” has been stigmatising in nature, depicting civil society organisations as “enemies of the country.”
Pakistan: Political parties urged to include digital rights issues in their election agenda
Digital Rights Foundation urged political parties to include six digital rights concerns in their election manifestos.
AFJC releases 2023 annual report on media freedom in Afghanistan
The annual report documents at least 168 instances of violations of journalists’ rights in 2023.
Germany’s authoritarian turn on pro-Palestine activism
“German authorities are using increasingly illiberal measures to curtail pro-Palestine activism. Under the guise of combatting Israel-related antisemitism, civic space for freedom of expression and assembly is shrinking.”