Why Russian protests against invasion of Ukraine are so vital

As Russia invaded Ukraine, a modest solo demonstration took place in the centre of Moscow. Sofya Rusova, co-chair of Russia’s trade union for journalists, stood holding a hand-printed sign reading “War with Ukraine is Russia’s disgrace”. The protest followed an open letter from Russian scientists and science journalists opposing the war. Martin Bright writes here about how these protests have echoes from 1968 Czechoslovakia and why they are so important.

Statement of support for Ukraine

Ukrainians hold a protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images

More than 50 human rights and press freedom organisations have joined with Index on Censorship and Justice for Journalists Foundation to condemn the actions against journalists in Ukraine and Russia. Read the statement here.

Putin's invasion of Ukraine will give other tyrants free rein

"Vladimir Putin has brought war and death to mainland Europe and the world is more unstable than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis. That is our shared reality in 2022. This is the consequence of allowing a dictator to operate unchecked as readers of our work at Index know only too well." Read the weekly blog post from our CEO Ruth Smeeth on the dangers of doing nothing.

Photo: Don Fontijn/Unsplash

New report shines light on Chinese “long arm” repression of Uyghurs

A landmark new report has been published by Index on Censorship highlighting the shocking extent of Chinese attempts to repress Uyghurs living in countries across Europe – including the UK. The report, compiled over months of detailed research and gathering of personal testimony, shows how the “long arm” of the Chinese Communist Party is silencing ethnic Uyghurs.

Download the report China's Long Arm: How Uyghurs are being silenced in Europe here.