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Inside Expression: October 2023

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN A TIME OF WAR

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GAZA STRIP AND ISRAEL: OPEN CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE

Thousands of people have been killed, injured, and displaced since the war
between Israel and Hamas began on 7 October. As the world works to address
the impact of the war and the incomprehensible suffering on both sides,
nearly 200 Israelis continue to be held hostage in Gaza, including children
and elderly.

Since the Israeli Defence Forces responded to the atrocities committed by
Hamas, entire neighbourhoods in one of the most overcrowded places on earth
have been destroyed. The UN continues to sound the alarm that water, food,
fuel, and medical supplies are close to running out in Gaza, and it warns
that people will soon begin to die from severe dehydration. Palestinians in
search of safety have nowhere to go, and after the Israeli army ordered
people to relocate, civilians have reportedly been bombed as they attempted
to flee the north of the Gaza Strip or once they arrived in southern Gaza.

This crisis is essentially a war on civilians. That is why freedom of
expression and access to reliable information must underpin any
humanitarian response to it. For those caught up in the conflict,
information that enables them to access water, food, shelter, and medical
treatment, and to find out the whereabouts of their loved ones, is vital.

ARTICLE 19 joined Oxfam and human rights organisations around the world in
calling for an immediate ceasefire [2] in the Gaza Strip and Israel to
prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and further loss of innocent lives.
Heads of state, the UN Security Council, and actors on the ground must
prioritise the preservation of human life above all else.

Read the open call

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ARTICLE 19 has been advocating for civilian lives to be protected since the
war began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October. As part of this,
together with the MENA Alliance for Digital Rights [4] and dozens of other
civil society organisations, we have condemned Israel’s targeting of the
means of communication and access to information in Gaza. This targeting
[3] has included disabling the telecommunications infrastructure [5], the
internet, and electricity.

Read more

As part of a coalition with Access Now, we are urging European leaders to
follow the rule of law [6] when taking decisions about removing online
content about the Israel-Gaza conflict. After European Commissioner Thierry
Breton wrote to Meta, X, TikTok, and YouTube regarding the spread of
disinformation and illegal content [7] on their platforms, we warned of the
dangers of allowing the Digital Services Act to be exploited in times of
conflict or crisis.

The people of Gaza are already experiencing a near-total telecommunications
blackout [8]: social media platforms are a lifeline for many of them. While
platforms must diligently combat content that risks people’s safety,
unjustifiably restricting access to vital information is equally dangerous.
Labelling legitimate content as ‘fake news’ only serves to silence
historically oppressed groups and embolden their aggressors to commit
further human rights violations.

‘FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION MUST CONTINUE TO APPLY, AND BE PROTECTED, DURING
CONFLICTS. TO THIS END, IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT THAT PLATFORMS DO NOT
SUCCUMB TO POLITICAL PRESSURE AND DISREGARD THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO
INTEGRATE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION CONSIDERATIONS INTO THEIR CONTENT
MODERATION PRACTICES.’

– Mark Dempsey, Senior Advocacy Officer, ARTICLE 19

Read our submission

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ARTICLE 19 AT THE UN: EMOTION RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY, PROPAGANDA DURING
WAR, AND HUMAN RIGHTS CRISES IN MYANMAR AND CAMBODIA

The UN Human Rights Council’s 54th Session [9] in Geneva, which took
place from 11 September to 13 October, included negotiations on the
resolution on the right to privacy in the digital age, with a specific
focus on data protection. This intrusive technology is not only
pseudoscientific and ineffective but also encourages the use of mass
surveillance as an end in itself.

We emphasised that the increasing use of biometric technologies, including
facial recognition, have severe chilling effects on freedom of expression
[10]. We call on governments to prohibit all remote biometric
identification in publicly accessible spaces, as well as any use of
biometric technologies for mass surveillance.

We also called for a ban on emotion recognition technologies [11], which
essentially seek to impose control over people and are likely to affect
minorities already at risk of surveillance and being silenced. Given the
discredited scientific foundations on which it is built, the use of this
intrusive and inaccurate technology encourages the use of mass surveillance
as an end in and of itself.

We made a number of statements during the session, including on freedom of
expression and propaganda for war [12]. Highlighting the current brutal war
Russia is waging against Ukraine, we see how propaganda helps facilitate
the gravest violations of international law: incitement to commit genocide,
war crimes, and crimes against humanity globally. In addition, major
digital platforms are still generally ill-equipped to address expressions
that may constitute propaganda for war.

Finally, we spoke up about the worsening human rights crises in Myanmar
[13] (where we called for the release of photojournalist SAI ZAW and other
prisoners), Russia [14] (where we called for the release of US journalist
EVAN GERSHKOVTICH), and Vietnam [15] (where we called for an end to the
crackdown on digital rights), and we followed country-specific resolutions
that renewed mandates on Cambodia and Russia.

Find out more

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_TECHTONIC_: COULD YOU LIVE WITHOUT YOUR PHONE?

Techtonic [16] host CHRIS STOKEL-WALKER speaks to activist and writer MONG
PALATINO, once a Filipino congressman, about a new law that will force
people in the Philippines to hand over their names and government IDs to
register their SIM cards to access the internet. The move, he says, is an
attempt to monitor dissent more closely, and a cynical tactic to
intimidate.

Mong tells Chris what it means to sign over your digital life to the
authorities.

LISTEN NOW TO THE PREVIOUS EPISODE [17]: ‘WHO CONTROLS BIG TECH?’

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Google Podcast

‘MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WILL FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO ACCESS THEIR PHONES
– USE IT FOR COMMUNICATION, USE IT FOR E-COMMERCE, USE IT TO ACCESS
GOVERNMENT SERVICES. SO FOR MANY HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES, THE MANDATORY SIM
CARD REGISTRATION ACT IS A MASS DISENFRANCHISEMENT LAW.’ 

– Mong Palatino, Filipino activist and writer

SUBSCRIBE TO _TECHTONIC_ [18] WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS TO HEAR NEW
EPISODES, RELEASED FORTNIGHTLY ON MONDAYS.

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POLAND VOTES FOR HOPE, CHANGE, AND GREATER FREEDOMS

On 15 October, Poland [19] witnessed a historic turnout in pivotal
elections, ousting the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) and paving the way for
a major political shift in the country.

Opposition parties committed to re-establishing the rule of law and
upholding democratic values and principles. Given that PiS won the most
votes (but not enough to secure full leadership), there’s still plenty of
work to do: forming a new government and implementing change will take
time.

One of the key priorities will be restoring balance to the country’s
media landscape, which has been badly affected by PiS’s aggressive
tactics to control the political and cultural narrative. PiS allies in
charge of the National Broadcasting Council have abused licensing powers
[20] and imposed steep fines [21] on outlets critical of the government.
State-owned oil company PKN Orlen acquired the largest publisher of
regional newspapers, Polska Press, with disastrous consequences for media
pluralism and independence. As elections loomed, PiS used state resources
for propaganda purposes, pushing its campaign and sowing division.

The work of civil society activists ahead of the elections was impressive.
Galvanised by their desire for change and concerns about low turnout, they
mobilised online and offline to bring people to the ballot box, with a
particular focus on women and young voters. AND THEIR EFFORTS CLEARLY
WORKED: THERE WAS A RECORD TURNOUT OF MORE THAN 74%.

Poland may have a long road back to a more open society where democracy,
fairness, and freedom of the press can thrive, but it’s obvious that the
country’s activists can rise to the challenge.

Find out more

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SUBSCRIBE [22] TO ARTICLE 19'S MONTHLY INSIDE EXPRESSION UPDATE. 

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News and campaigns

* MALAYSIA: ARTICLE 19 and dozens of partner organisations have spoken out
in solidarity with and support for the editor of a banned book calling for
reform in Malaysia, which authorities say put public order, security, and
national interest at risk. KEAN WONG [24] has faced arrest and intimidation
for his tireless refusal to be censored. ARTICLE 19 is calling for the
repeal of the Sedition Act, which dates back to 1948, and other media laws
that stifle free expression.

*

ITALY: Writer and journalist Roberto Saviano [25] was convicted on 13
October following Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni bringing a criminal
defamation case against him for criticising her anti-immigration stance. It
was a resounding blow for freedom of expression, including the right to
express opinions about political officials. Saviano’s lawyer says they
will appeal, and ARTICLE 19 and partners will continue to monitor legal
proceedings and stand in solidarity with the author of _Gomorrah_ – and
one of Italy’s bravest voices.

*

IRAN: On 6 October, ARTICLE 19 celebrated the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize being
awarded to Iranian journalist and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi
[26] – a ringing endorsement and signal of hope for human rights work in
Iran and around the globe. Tragically, not long after the announcement, it
emerged that Amita Geravand – a young woman who, like Mahsa Amini last
year, was arrested by the morality police – is now unconscious and
unresponsive in prison. The work of Mohammadi and other committed human
rights defenders, who shine a light on these devastating assaults on
people’s freedoms and lives, has never been more vital. ARTICLE 19
continues to highlight this work and to call on the international community
to do everything it can to support them.

Read more

CONVERSATIONS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

* We’re still waiting for justice, ARTICLE 19 Europe and partner
organisations tell _The Shift [27] _on the 6th anniversary of the
assassination of Maltese journalist DAPHNE CARUANA GALIZIA.

* Impunity continues for crimes committed during the Mexican ‘Dirty
War’, LEOPOLDO MALDONADO (head of ARTICLE 19’s Mexico and Central
America office) explains to _Sinembargo [28]. _

* BARBORA BUKOVSKÁ (Senior Director for Law and Policy, ARTICLE 19) spoke
to _Wired_ [29] about why the UN’s decision for Saudi Arabia and Russia
to host the Internet Governance Forum makes a mockery of the annual
meeting.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: TURKEY LITIGATION SUPPORT PROJECT 

COMMITTED TO ENSURING PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO ACCESS JUSTICE, THE TURKEY HUMAN
RIGHTS LITIGATION SUPPORT PROJECT [30] PROVIDES LEGAL EXPERTISE AND LEADS
ADVOCACY TO ADDRESS THE HUMAN RIGHTS CRISIS IN TURKEY.

Supporting lawyers, human rights defenders, and civil society
organisations, they bring cases before national authorities and
international bodies, including the European Court of Human Rights and UN
monitoring mechanisms, and work to develop an effective, independent, and
impartial judicial system through which human rights and fundamental
freedoms are protected.

ARTICLE 19 regularly works with the team of academics, human rights
lawyers, and researchers, including in calling for the release of rights
defender and businessman Osman Kavala [31] and four co-defendants linked to
the 2013 Istanbul Gezi Park protests.

Find out more

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JOIN THE MOVEMENT FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION

You can advance freedom of expression around the world by supporting
ARTICLE 19!

Invest in freedom of expression today

BOOKMARK

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_IF WE BURN: THE MASS PROTEST DECADE AND THE MISSING REVOLUTION_

By VINCENT BEVINS

‘About as good as journalism gets … it would be criminally negligent
not to read it if you’d like to change the world.’ – Rob Delaney,
Waterstones/Hachette

ORDER_ IF WE BURN_

ARTICLE 19 opportunities

Working in human rights is a challenging but rewarding career choice. With
ARTICLE 19 you will find an international community of activists, legal
specialists, and experts working together to protect basic freedoms.

Work with us

MUST-LISTEN PODCAST:

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HOW A CONTESTED HISTORY FEEDS THE ISRAEL–PALESTINE CONFLICT: A
GUARDIAN PODCAST

NOSHEEN IQBAL and CHRIS MCGREAl delve into the disputed past of the
Israel–Palestine conflict, shedding light on its complex history and
__ongoing challenges.

LISTEN NOW

Coming soon from ARTICLE 19...

PROTECTING JOURNALISTS IN A TIME OF IMPUNITY

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