The British Government has zero
moral authority

Photo: Andy Aitchison, andyaitchison.uk

Freelance photographer Andy Aitchison was arrested at his home last Thursday after covering a demonstration at a former military barracks in Kent earlier the same day. The barracks is being used to house asylum seekers in allegedly substandard conditions. Our CEO Ruth Smeeth says that the UK has lost the moral high ground when lecturing others on freedom of the press. Read the Index statement on the case. 

Sunday 7 February is 
International Day of Solidarity with Belarus

Photo: Protests in Belarus in 2020, photo: Max Katz

Index on Censorship has joined with 16 other organisations to call for each and every journalist and media worker held in Belarus to be immediately and unconditionally released. We condemn the blatant violations to their human rights and once again remind the Belarusian authorities of their obligations under international law. Read our statement.

How farmers' protests in India are being used to silence the media

India is currently witnessing one of its longest and largest ever expressions of dissent. Farmers – protesting three laws passed in September by the central government – have been camping at the borders of the national capital since 26 November last year, challenging the powers in New Delhi.

The protests would seem, on the surface, to show that India is functioning as a democracy with the freedom of individuals to protest. It is therefore ironic that at least seven journalists have been booked for reporting on the events that have transpired during the clashes between police and authorities.