Friday, 20 May 2022

Belarus: the free press continues despite attacks

The chair of the Belarusian Association of Journalists, Andrei Bastunets, says reporting is harder than ever because of government crackdowns and war in neighbouring Ukraine. Read our interview here. Photo: A Matskevich

Shortlist for 2022 Freedom of Expression Awards announced

Index on Censorship has announced the nominees for the Freedom of Expression Awards, celebrating those courageous artists, journalists and campaigners who risk arrest, assault and imprisonment through their championing of freedom of expression.

Awards will be presented in three categories: the arts, campaigning, and journalism, as well as a Trustees Award. This year’s panel of judges consists of multi-award-winning artist Alison Jackson, artist and writer Coco Fusco, journalist Ben Preston, and Chair of the Index Board of Trustees Sir Trevor Phillips

Find out more here.

The UK government needs to work out just what "free speech" means

Last week, the Prince of Wales delivered the roadmap for what his mother's Government planned for the next session. What was clear was that freedom of expression and free speech are high on the agenda. However, Ministers and departments do not seem to be clear exactly what they want.

Read our CEO Ruth Smeeth's weekly blog post here.

UK launch of report on the safety of journalists

This week saw the UK launch of the Council of Europe Safety of Journalists Platform’s 2022 Annual Report.

Speaking at the event were Fabian Hamilton MP, shadow minister for Peace and Disarmament, Sarah Clarke, head of Europe and Central Asia, Article 19, William Horsley, vice president, Association of European Journalists and Jessica Ní Mhainín, policy & campaigns manager, Index on Censorship. The event was moderated by Susan Coughtrie, project director at the Foreign Policy Centre.

You can read the report here.

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Index on Censorship defends people's freedom to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution. We publish censored writers and artists, monitor and campaign against censorship, and encourage debate.

We rely on donations from readers and supporters. By donating to Index you help us to protect freedom of expression and to support those who are denied that right.