Index on Censorship weekly news round-up
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Saturday, 13 May 2023
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The IDF has apologised for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh, one year on. Photo: Al Jazeera Media Network
There is a common phrase in Judaism - two Jews, three opinions. That is certainly true of my family. Our sabbath dinners are lively affairs, and no more so than when Israel-Palestine comes up. We rarely agree. That is, until recently. The new Israeli coalition is the most right-wing government in the country's history and my family are all deeply concerned. As, indeed, are we at Index.
Israelis are protesting, big time, despite some setbacks (including reports ([link removed]) of Israeli police using mounted officers, stun grenades and water cannon to disperse demonstrators). Today, demonstrations will take place for the 19th week in a row and are planned under the label "24 Hours From Dictatorship ([link removed]) ".
The protests - which were sparked by the government's plans to effectively neuter the judiciary - are occurring against a backdrop of rising violence. Between 1 January and 25 April, 16 Israelis have been killed by Palestinians and at least 96 Palestinians have been killed by Israelis, mainly by Israeli security forces. All of which brings me on to this week's grim anniversary - the first year since the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh ([link removed]) . Shireen was killed by a bullet to the back of the head while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank. Just as I started writing today's newsletter, news broke that the IDF has apologised ([link removed]) for the first time for her death.
But more is needed than just an apology. According to a new report by the CPJ, at least 20 journalists (mostly Palestinian) have been killed by Israeli military fire since 2001 and no one has ever been charged or held accountable.
This matters for Shireen, it matters for the other slain journalists and it matters for everyone who lives in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Protest, an independent judiciary, media freedom - these are the lifelines of democracy and essential pillars of free expression. These rights are easily lost and incredibly hard to regain. And so we must all be vigilant as these attacks escalate.
Jemimah Steinfeld
Editor-in-chief
** Coronation crackdown: It couldn’t happen here…could it?
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[link removed] are still reeling from the events of last weekend when a series of protesters were arrested in London. The protesters, from the anti-monarchy group Republic, had liaised with the police in advance and been given the green light for their demonstration. Despite this they were arrested as soon as they turned up, with no reason given. They spent the day in jail. Critics of the protests say it is a storm in a very fancy teacup. Artists, writers and activists in Belarus, Hong Kong and Hungary say the signs are ominous ([link removed]) .
** All eyes on Turkey
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[link removed] goes to the polls on Sunday in the most fiercely contested elections in years. Courtesy of PEN Norway, we read a series of lengthy interviews from members of the main political parties, who were questioned on just how dire the democratic landscape is in their country and how it got there. They're painful messages ([link removed]) with a dash of hope: if Erdogan is voted out, Turkey will hopefully revive its free speech landscape.
** Event | Stopping SLAPPs: UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition’s Website Launch
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As Co-Chair of the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition, on 24 May at 1300 we are bringing together Mark Stephens, Howard Kennedy; Jessica Ní Mhainín, Index on Censorship; Tasmin Allen, Bindmans, and Annelie Östlund, Swedish investigative journalist, to launch the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition's website. This resource will serve as a repository for everything related to SLAPPs, including the model UK anti-SLAPP law, case studies of SLAPPs, a resource library, and practical advice for those targeted with SLAPPs. The online event will highlight the importance of support and solidarity when facing legal harassment and the necessary steps we need to take to stamp out SLAPPs. Sign up here ([link removed]) .
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** From the archive
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** Stamping on the moderates
Xiao Shu
December 2013
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As human rights defender Guo Feixiong is sentenced to a further eight years in jail for calling for democratic reform, we look back to 2013 when Xiao Shu wrote ([link removed]) about the activist's support for China’s New Citizens’ Movement.
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