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Dear John,
In April 2023, Sri Lankan stand-up comedian Jayani Nathasha Edirisooriya gave a satirical performance about Buddhist literature. Following the performance, she was charged with “defaming Buddhism,” under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Act and spent over a month in prison.
Sri Lanka, which was rated Partly Free in Freedom in the World 2024, has experienced improvements in its political rights and civil liberties since 2015. However, Edirisooriya’s case is a chilling reminder of the threats to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka.
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Egyptian Government Must Stop Targeting Human Rights Lawyers
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Freedom House joined a letter demanding the Egyptian government halt the ongoing targeting of human rights lawyers and the use of politically-motivated prosecution to suppress civil society and civic space.
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How LGBT+ Advocates Fight for Everyone
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In recognition of Pride Month, Freedom House spoke with the staff of two rights groups to learn about their contributions to the global fight for democracy, the progress LGBT+ advocates have achieved, and the risks LGBT+ people continue to face.
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The 2025 Mark Palmer Prize: Call for Nominations
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Freedom House is seeking nominations for the 2025 Mark Palmer Prize, which recognizes exceptional achievements to protect and advance democracy by diplomats and officials serving in intergovernmental institutions. The prize is made possible through the generosity of the Mark and Sushma Palmer Legacy Fund, in loving memory of former Freedom House trustee Ambassador Mark Palmer.
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Fake Kidnapping Schemes Target Students
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Chinese students studying overseas are falling victim to virtual kidnapping scams. While the threats are fake, their paranoia, stoked by the global campaign of transnational repression perpetrated by the People’s Republic of China, is real.
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Freedom House in the News
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Defend Democracy,
Champion Freedom.
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