Index on Censorship
@indexoncensorship.org
📤 5126
📥 2983
📝 1790
A voice for the persecuted.
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/
pinned post!
Today is Anti-SLAPP Day of Action. SLAPPs can target journalists, whistleblowers, campaigners and anyone speaking out in the public interest. The government must act. Contact your MP and call for action to stamp out
#SLAPPs
⬇️
antislapp.uk/solutions/ta...
#StopSLAPPs
4 days ago
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#India
: The detention of a comedian in Andhra Pradesh for jokes about Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan is deeply concerning. Jokes are not a crime. He must be released ⬇️
www.newslaundry.com/2026/04/17/a...
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Another comedian detained in Andhra over jokes on Pawan Kalyan
A day after arresting Hyderabad-based comedian Anudeep Kakitala, the Andhra police have detained Rafiq amid outrage.
https://www.newslaundry.com/2026/04/17/another-comedian-detained-in-andhra-over-jokes-on-pawan-kalyan
2 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
FREE ACCESS: For a limited time, get free access to our latest magazine issue. Explore the legacy of Viktor Orbán’s illiberal democracy and its impact on Hungary and the rest of Europe. Read now ⬇️
journals.sagepub.com/toc/IOC/curr...
3 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Alice McCool
2 days ago
Thanks for having me
@indexoncensorship.org
and Pushkin House! It was really great to debrief with my v knowledgeable fellow panelists and audience following the Hungarian election result ✊👀
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This week, we came together to launch our latest magazine & discuss the future of Europe following the Hungarian election. Huge thanks to everyone who join us. Special thanks to our speakers Victor Sebestyen, Colin Crouch, Alice McCool and
@sallygimson.bsky.social
, & to Pushkin House for having us.
2 days ago
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FREE ACCESS: For a limited time, get free access to our latest magazine issue. Explore the legacy of Viktor Orbán’s illiberal democracy and its impact on Hungary and the rest of Europe. Read now ⬇️
journals.sagepub.com/toc/IOC/curr...
3 days ago
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Cultural institutions have a responsibility in “defending their independence and safeguarding intellectual freedom and free expression.” - Index in Artnet News responding to reports that the V&A altered exhibition catalogues at the request of Chinese printers:
news.artnet.com/art-world/va...
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Is Chinese Censorship Reaching Inside Britain’s Museums? | Artnet News
The V&A edited exhibition catalogues at the request of Chinese censors, raising concerns about foreign influence in U.K. museums.
https://news.artnet.com/art-world/va-catalogue-chinese-censorship-2765447
3 days ago
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#Kazakhstan
: We are deeply concerned by a new wave of legislative amendments that will impact free expression in the country’s creative industries. Including forbidding “content contrary to accepted societal norms, morals and ethics." ⬇️
advox.globalvoices.org/2026/03/14/k...
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Kazakhstan officials extend control over the arts
“If the authorities crack down harshly, then Kazakhstani artists will have no choice but to move abroad in search of creative competition.”
https://advox.globalvoices.org/2026/03/14/kazakhstan-officials-extend-control-over-the-arts/
3 days ago
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#UK
: The law is being weaponised to silence survivors of sexual violence through abusive lawsuits (SLAPPs). Without an anti-SLAPP law, survivors will continue to be silenced. Nina Cresswell faced a defamation case after speaking out. Read her story ⬇️
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/04/a-ne...
4 days ago
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"SLAPPs work by weaponising the legal process to exert as much pressure as possible."
@jessicanimhainin.bsky.social
and
@skcoughtrie.bsky.social
in
@politicshome.bsky.social
on why urgent reform is needed to tackle abusive lawsuits ⬇️
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
4 days ago
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Poet Mohamed Tadjadit has become the voice of
#Algeria’s
discontented youth - and the state has punished him for it. Currently behind bars, read some of his poetry rooted in social reality. Thanks to
@thenewarab.bsky.social
for republishing our article:
www.newarab.com/opinion/poem...
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Poems in the darkness
Poet Mohamed Tadjadit has become the voice of Algeria’s discontented youth. Mark Stimpson introduces three of his poems.
https://www.newarab.com/opinion/poems-darkness
4 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Jemimah Steinfeld
4 days ago
V&A landed in this compromised place because the Chinese printers were more competitively priced than U.K./Europeans counterparts. Can people stop trading our rights to help their financial margins? Please?
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Innocent people can have their lives ruined by legal bullying (SLAPPs). The government has a duty to protect them. As a first step, we need a clear commitment to stamp out SLAPPs in the King’s Speech. Hear from those targeted & take action⬇️
antislapp.uk/2026/04/15/h...
#StopSLAPPs
4 days ago
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#UK
: Reports that the V&A altered exhibition catalogues following pressure from a China-based printer are deeply concerning. This is exactly the kind of censorship we warned about in our Banned by Beijing campaign. Learn more ⬇️
www.indexoncensorship.org/banned-by-be...
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Banned By Beijing - Index on Censorship
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/banned-by-beijing/
4 days ago
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Speaking out should not cost you your home, health or future. Yet without protection against legal bullies, too often it can. Join our day of action - write to your local MP today and tell them to
#stopSLAPPs
⬇️
antislapp.uk/solutions/ta...
4 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Joshi Herrmann
4 days ago
Today, media outlets across the country are joining a Day of Action to call for the UK Government to include anti-SLAPP protections in the forthcoming King’s Speech. Thanks to
@indexoncensorship.org
for coordinating this campaign.
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Today is Anti-SLAPP Day of Action. SLAPPs can target journalists, whistleblowers, campaigners and anyone speaking out in the public interest. The government must act. Contact your MP and call for action to stamp out
#SLAPPs
⬇️
antislapp.uk/solutions/ta...
#StopSLAPPs
4 days ago
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Stay informed on free expression worldwide. Each week, we spotlight the most important (and overlooked) stories on free expression globally. Subscribe ⬇️
www.indexoncensorship.org/subscribe-to...
5 days ago
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#Kuwait
: Reports that US-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin has been detained are deeply concerning. Arrested over social media posts on the
#Iran
war, his case points to a broader crackdown on speech across the Gulf. He must be released:
www.newarab.com/news/kuwait-...
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Kuwait detains journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin over social posts
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin’s detention in Kuwait raises concerns over a widening crackdown on press freedom during the Iran war.
https://www.newarab.com/news/kuwait-detains-journalist-ahmed-shihab-eldin-over-social-posts
5 days ago
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#Iran
: A new report by Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty reveals an unprecedented escalation in executions in 2025. At least 1,639 people were killed last year:
www.ecpm.org/en/2026/04/1...
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Iran : At least 1,639 executions in 2025, a deadly record
The 18th Annual Report on the Death Penalty in Iran, published jointly by Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and ECPM (Together against the death penalty), reveals an unprecedented escalation in the use of th...
https://www.ecpm.org/en/2026/04/13/iran_report_2025/
5 days ago
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#Bangladesh
: Two newspaper offices burned down last year marking a troubling escalation for press freedom in the country. A month later,
@saliltripathi.bsky.social
visited the ruins and reflects on the symbolism of the attack in our latest issue. Subscribe ⬇️
shop.exacteditions.com/index-on-cen...
5 days ago
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Thanks
@reutersinstitute.bsky.social
for featuring our event among those not to miss at the upcoming International Journalism Festival in Perugia. On Thurs, our CEO Jemimah Steinfeld will moderate a discussion on journalism in repressive regimes ⬇️
reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/news/interna...
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International Journalism Festival 2026: the events you shouldn’t miss in Perugia
From 16 to 18 April, journalists worldwide will gather again for the International Journalism Festival (IJF) in Perugia. Several voices from the Reuters Institute will speak at the festival. Here are ...
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/news/international-journalism-festival-2026-events-you-shouldnt-miss-perugia
6 days ago
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#Hungary
:
#ViktorOrbán’s
16-year rule is over. After years of promoting an “illiberal democracy,” what comes next? In our latest magazine,
@viktoriaserdult.bsky.social
considers the steps
#PéterMagyar
must take to restore the country. Subscribe now:
shop.exacteditions.com/index-on-cen...
6 days ago
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UK: More than 500 protesters were arrested over the weekend for allegedly supporting the banned
#PalestineAction
group. Our response in the thread ⬇️ 1/4
6 days ago
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We are deeply concerned by the continued wave of arrests in
#Iran
. Dozens have reportedly been detained for “disturbing public opinion in cyberspace”. Authorities continue to deny citizens access to the internet. We call for an immediate end to this crackdown.
iranwire.com/en/news/1511...
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From Natanz to Tehran: Wave of Arrests Continues Across Iran
In an ongoing, widespread wave of arrests across Iran, state media reported on April 12 the detention of dozens of individuals in variou ...
https://iranwire.com/en/news/151140-from-natanz-to-tehran-wave-of-arrests-continues-across-iran/
6 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Good Law Project
6 days ago
After Viktor Orbán’s loss in the weekend’s Hungarian elections, what does this moment signal for democracy, free expression and the future of Europe? Tomorrow’s
@indexoncensorship.org
panel features our very own Alice McCool:
https://bit.ly/4tGXekv
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What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
Talk: What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
https://www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/events/5008
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#Hungary
: After 16 years in power,
#ViktorOrbán
has been defeated. What does this mean for Hungary? And the future of illiberal democracy in Europe? Join us tomorrow at Pushkin House for a post-election debrief. Register ⬇️
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
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What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
Talk: What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
https://www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/events/5008
6 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Jemimah Steinfeld
7 days ago
To the Hungarians I’ve met over the years during my time
@indexoncensorship.org
- who never gave up the fight for civil liberties despite Orbán’s attacks - here’s to a better tomorrow starting today
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#Hungary
: Polls are open, already with a record turnout. The result could shape not just Hungary, but Europe’s political future. What happens next for Orbán’s illiberal democracy? Join us this Tuesday at Pushkin House for a post-election debrief ⬇️
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
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What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
Talk: What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
https://www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/events/5008
7 days ago
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#Serbia
: Tomorrow marks 27 years since the assassination of publisher and editor Slavko Ćuruvija. His killing remains one of the most emblematic cases of impunity for the murder of a journalist in the Balkans. Decades on, justice is still unmet ⬇️
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/04/serb...
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9 days ago
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"Gone are the days when the country could be considered a safe haven for journalists from neighbouring countries." Our CEO
@jemimahsteinfeld.bsky.social
reflects on
#Georgia’s
slide into autocracy following the hasty deportation of Afgan Sadigov ⬇️
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/04/gone...
9 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
IFEX
9 days ago
#Serbia
🇷🇸 A two-day mission led by a coalition of media freedom organisations assessed that the past year had seen a continued deterioration, leaving the country in a prolonged and worsening press freedom crisis.
@indexoncensorship.org
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Serbian authorities must stop the spiral of violence against journalists - IFEX
A two-day mission assessed that the past year had seen a continued deterioration, leaving the country in a prolonged and worsening press freedom crisis.
https://buff.ly/sfS0MaB
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#Hungary
: With a pivotal general election approaching this Sunday, historian Victor Sebestyen examines Hungarian nationalism under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Explore more in Index on Censorship’s latest magazine⬇️
shop.exacteditions.com/index-on-cen...
9 days ago
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#Israel
carried out deadly strikes in Gaza & Lebanon on Wednesday, killing journalists Mohammed Samir Washah, Ghada Dayekh & Suzan Khalil in a sharp escalation of attacks on the press. For over 2 years, there has been no accountability. Without it, the killings will continue. 1/2
9 days ago
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📅 EVENT: WHAT NEXT FOR EUROPE? Join us & Pushkin House on Tue 14 April for a timely panel on Hungary, Russia & the rise of illiberal democracies, following Hungary’s general election. With Victor Sebestyen, Alice McCool, Colin Crouch & Sally Gimson. Register:
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
10 days ago
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#US
: In an unprecedented move, Pope Leo has cancelled a US trip after threats linked to his criticism of
#Trump
. The alleged warning from a senior Pentagon official underscores growing tensions between the US government and Catholic Church⬇️
newrepublic.com/post/208820/...
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Pentagon Threatened the Pope After He Criticized Trump
It was so bad that Pope Leo changed his plans to travel to the U.S.
https://newrepublic.com/post/208820/pentagon-threatened-pope-criticized-donald-trump
10 days ago
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#Egypt
: HRD & poet
#AhmedDouma
has been detained for 4 days pending investigation. His arrest follows an opinion piece on the use of imprisonment to silence critical voices across the Middle East. He must be released immediately and all charges dropped ⬇️
www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/huma...
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Human rights defender and poet Ahmed Douma detained for four days pending investigation
On 6 April 2026, the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) ordered the detention of human rights defender Ahmed Douma for four days pending investigations. Ahmed Douma had complied with a summons for questioning on a case involving charges of “publishing false news and statements, both domestically and abroad, deemed capable of disturbing public order, and spreading unrest.”
https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/human-rights-defender-and-poet-ahmed-douma-detained-four-days-pending-investigation
10 days ago
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Last year,
@martinbright.bsky.social
attended Battle for the Soul of Europe, organised by Orbán-funded MCC Brussels. The event brought together far-right figures from across Europe, highlighting growing networks opposed to the EU & free expression. Read more ⬇️
shop.exacteditions.com/index-on-cen...
11 days ago
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#Georgia
: We, with
@mediafreedomeu.bsky.social
partners, condemn the arrest and deportation of journalist Afgan Sadygov to
#Azerbaijan
. This is a clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and raises serious concerns for his safety ⬇️
ipi.media/georgia-afga...
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Georgia: Afgan Sadygov’s deportation represents a stark example of transnational repression, demands urgent international response – ipi.media
Sadygov’s deportation, which follows years of relentless legal harassment, is a stark example of transnational repression against journalists.
https://ipi.media/georgia-afgan-sadygovs-deportation-demands-urgent-international-response/
11 days ago
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Event: Join Index CEO
@jemimahsteinfeld.bsky.social
at the Cambridge Disinformation Summit this Friday, discussing censorship and freedom of expression with Emma Briant, Nora Benavidez & Jameel Jaffer. Learn more ⬇️
www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/events/cambr...
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Cambridge Disinformation Summit (2026)
Connect with Cambridge Judge! Explore our full calendar of upcoming events, learn about our programmes and connect with world-class speakers.
https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/events/cambridge-disinformation-summit-2026/
11 days ago
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"A free media is not a luxury but the lifeblood of any democracy." In
@thetimes.com
, Index CEO
@jemimahsteinfeld.bsky.social
warns of an alarming escalation in threats to media freedom around the world.
11 days ago
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In
#Hungary
, children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes are sealed in plastic. It’s not just writers being targeted, artists are censored too. Index's
@katiedd.bsky.social
writes in our latest magazine issue. Read it now⬇️
shop.exacteditions.com/index-on-cen...
11 days ago
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#USA
: We welcome news that journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released. Abducted in Baghdad last week by Kataib Hezbollah, she is believed to have been freed in a prison swap in
#Iraq
.
11 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Alice McCool
12 days ago
I’m speaking at this event next Tues following my investigation into a far-right, anti-gender network in the UK funded by Viktor
#Orbán
. This may sound niche but
#Hungary
matters. JD
#Vance
is there rn trying to save Orbán whose 16yr rule might come to an end on Sunday… Get your tickets here 👇👀
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#Georgia
: In case you missed it - it happened at lightning speed and that's part of the problem -journalist Afgan Sadigov was just arrested and deported to Azerbaijan. No due process occurred and he's now in a country where his dangers have multiplied. 1/2
12 days ago
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#USA
: Trump has escalated his attacks on the press, threatening to jail a journalist who reported on the downing of a US jet in
#Iran
in order to reveal their source. This is the latest move in a wider campaign against the media. Journalists and their sources must be protected.
12 days ago
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The relationship between the
#USA
and
#Europe
has perhaps never been as fractured as it is today. Read Evan Sandsmark's article featured in our latest magazine on Trump's indifference to Europe ⬇️
shop.exacteditions.com/index-on-cen...
12 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Peter Geoghegan
13 days ago
From Roger Scruton cafes to paying Matt Goodwin $10k a month, Viktor Orban has built a network of populist right think tanks, journalists and activists Today Democracy for Sale delves into Orban’s allies on the British right Well worth a read
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/orbans-brits
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What happens to Britain's radical right if Orbán loses?
Inside the money, power and patronage connecting Hungary and the British right
https://democracyforsale.substack.com/p/orbans-brits
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#Iran
: This weekend, the country’s internet blackout became the longest nationwide shutdown on record. The blackout is a clear attempt by authorities to tighten their grip on the population. As the war deepens, access must be restored immediately.
12 days ago
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#Hungary
: Polls open on Sunday for what is expected to be a decisive general election for the country & Europe. JD Vance is already heading there to show support for PM Viktor Orbán. Join us on Tuesday for a post-election debrief at Pushkin House:
www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/eve...
:
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What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
Talk: What Next for Europe? Hungary, Russia and the New Era of Illiberal Democracies
https://www.pushkinhouse.org/whats-on/events/5008
12 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Erin Ekins (she/her)
15 days ago
Thank you BBC Essex for giving me space to talk about finding out that my book had been banned at a school in Manchester, and
@indexoncensorship.org
for blowing the whistle. As someone who grew up during Section 28, I'll never stop fighting for autistic teenagers' right to access books like mine.
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