Index on Censorship
@indexoncensorship.org
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A voice for the persecuted.
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/
#UK
: Window Wonderland 2025, a London exhibition at the Bomb Factory Art Foundation, has been forced to close after a series of escalating vandal attacks.
#art
should open up dialogue not be silenced by those determined to shut conversations down.
1 day ago
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Recent speaker cancellations of a Palestinian author in Australia and a Jewish MP in the UK shows that the space for having uncomfortable conversations is shrinking. Our editor Sally Gimson writes on how this ultimately shuts down debate:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/a-ta...
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A tale of two cities in the deplatforming of Jewish and Palestinian speakers - Index on Censorship
Literary festivals and schools should be safe spaces to talk about uncomfortable ideas
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/a-tale-of-two-cities-in-the-deplatforming-of-jewish-and-palestinian-speakers/
1 day ago
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#FreeViasna
1 day ago
đ˘ Viasna human rights defender Uladzimir Labkovich spoke to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty about the situation of political prisoners in
#Belarus
He emphasized the urgent need for continued attention and solidarity with
#politicalprisoners
.
#FreeThemAll
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"Injustice was the first language I learned." The world must not look away from what is happening to the
#Uyghurs
. Rahima Mahmut reflects on the freedom fighters, writers, poets & musicians who inspire her & who continue to hope in the darkest of times âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/rahi...
1 day ago
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Early results in
#Ugandaâs
election suggest President Yoweri Museveni is set to extend his decades-long rule. The vote has been marred by repression and intimidation including reports of opposition supporters being killed and a nationwide internet blackout.
1 day ago
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Today marks 12 years since the arrest
#Uyghur
intellectual
#IlhamTohti
. His detention revealed the CCPâs extensive legal & political frameworks used to repress the freedoms of its
#Uyghur
population. We reported on it shortly after his arrest âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2014/02/chin...
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China: Suppression of religious freedoms in Xinjiang continues - Index on Censorship
The Chinese Communist Party continues to develop expansive legal and political frameworks that repress the cultural and religious freedoms of its Uyghur population in Xinjiang province. Ahmed W Khan r...
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2014/02/china-suppression-religious-freedoms-xinjiang-continue/
3 days ago
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Cancelling writer Randa Abdel Fattah from a literary festival in
#Australia
& MP Damien Egan from a school visit in the
#UK
over debates on Israel & Palestine shrinks the very spaces where difficult conversations should take place. Our editor responds:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/a-ta...
3 days ago
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Banning the under-16s from many social media spaces may look like the answer, but it curtails free expression and threatens privacy. There must be a better way. As the debate grows in the
#UK
, read Index's warning in response to Australia's ban:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/aust...
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Australia's disproportionate response to online harms - Index on Censorship
Social media bans for under-16s may look like the answer, but they curtail free expression and threaten privacy
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/australias-disproportionate-response-to-online-harms/
3 days ago
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Why is the publishing industry becoming more risk-averse?
@jemimahsteinfeld.bsky.social
considers the line between censorship & business in publishing and how fear of offence is outweighing the willingness to publish boundary-pushing books
www.thebookseller.com/comment/we-d...
@thebookseller.com
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We deserve the full story
Why is the publishing industry no longer prepared to take risks?
https://www.thebookseller.com/comment/we-deserve-the-full-story
3 days ago
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#Iran
: We are relieved to hear that
#ErfanSoltani
will not be executed today. However, reports say his death sentence has only been postponed. International scrutiny remains vital as Iranian authorities continue to target protesters and restrict internet access.
3 days ago
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#Iran
: âWriting on walls is the only thing in my power.â Under cover of darkness, an Iranian woman known as Sara is keeping the words of protest alive on Tehranâs streets. Read about the secret graffiti grandma of Tehran âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/the-...
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The secret graffiti grandma of Tehran - Index on Censorship
As the Iranian government cracks down violently on protest, we go on the trail of a spray-painting grandmother who secretly keeps the words of the protests alive
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/the-secret-graffiti-grandma-of-tehran/
4 days ago
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#Uganda
: On the eve of elections, NGOs have been banned and internet access cut. President Yoweri Museveni (in power since the 1980s) appears determined to prevent a genuinely democratic vote. 1/2
4 days ago
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As the Iranian government cracks down violently on protest, journalist
@fatemehjamalpour.bsky.social
goes on the trail of a spray-painting grandmother who secretly keeps the words of the protests alive âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/the-...
#Iran
4 days ago
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#Iran
: 26-year-old protester
#ErfanSoltani
reportedly faces execution tomorrow, without formal charges or a lawyer. The authorities in
#Iran
continue to brutally crackdown on protestors. We must all raise our voice for Soltani and call for the sentence to be overturned.
4 days ago
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#Europe
: The Far Right is on the rise... you have been warned. Index's
@martinbright.bsky.social
attended a far right conference in Brussels to find out more about their claim to be the defenders of free speech:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/the-...
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The Far Right is on the rise in 2026...you have been warned - Index on Censorship
A conference in Brussels brought together a movement of âpatriotsâ deeply hostile to the European Union and liberal values of free expression
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/the-far-right-is-on-the-rise-in-2026-you-have-been-warned/
4 days ago
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#UK
: The
#BBC
is moving to dismiss a ÂŁ3bn defamation lawsuit brought by
#Trump
over edits to his 6 Jan 2021 speech. The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition explains how this is yet another way the Trump administration is weaponising the law to silence scrutinyâŹď¸
antislapp.uk/2025/12/09/t...
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By threatening to sue the BBC, President Trumpâs use of legal threats to stifle protected speech has gone global - UK Anti-Slapp Coalition
The UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition condemns the legal threat brought against the BBC by Donald Trump and calls for everyone who values an independent press to support the public service broadcaster.
https://antislapp.uk/2025/12/09/trump-threat-bbc-panorama/
5 days ago
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#USA
: âThe right to read and the right to free speech are inseparable.â Thatâs why the Vonnegut Estate, leading authors & students are taking
#Utah
to court over book bans they say violate the First Amendment - the latest fight for the freedom to readâŹď¸
global.penguinrandomhouse.com/announcement...
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Vonnegut Estate, Authors, and Student Plaintiffs Take Utah to Court Over the Freedom to Read
Vonnegut Estate, Authors, and Student Plaintiffs Take Utah to Court Over the Freedom to Read #TeamPRH
https://global.penguinrandomhouse.com/announcements/vonnegut-estate-authors-and-student-plaintiffs-take-utah-to-court-over-the-freedom-to-read/
5 days ago
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ICYMI: She's been labelled the "butcher of Tanzania" and now Samia Suluhu Hassan has been crowned our latest Tyrant of the Year. Read more about why she's received this unenviable award.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/tanz...
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Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan named Tyrant of the Year - Index on Censorship
A Tanzanian poet reflects on her country's president winning our annual poll of despots against fierce competition
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/tanzanias-samia-suluhu-hassan-named-tyrant-of-the-year/
6 days ago
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#Israel
: âIâve never boycotted Israel, yet Israel has decided to boycott me,â said a French academic who's been denied entry to the country for his âanti-Zionistâ speech. Another example of the troubling trend to police speech by deciding who's allowed in and who isn't.
add a skeleton here at some point
6 days ago
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#Belarus
: Five years ago today, Andrei Aliaksandrau - our colleague, our friend - was arrested in Belarus. He's spent five years in prison simply for protesting Lukashenkaâs fraudulent election. Andrei is just one of many jailed for demanding freedom. Raise your voice today for all of them 1/2
6 days ago
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#China
: The CCP's âwar against the soulâ is intensifying. At least six people have been arrested this month amid a growing crackdown on unofficial Christian churches - another step in the CCPâs drive for total ideological control. Read the background âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/ther...
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There's only room for one god in China - Index on Censorship
Churchgoers in China outnumber members of the Communist Party and Xi Jinping is now cracking down hard
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/10/there-is-only-room-for-one-god-in-china/
6 days ago
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#Iran
: Internet blackout makes it hard to grasp what's fully happening but we've seen images of bodies of protesters piling up on streets. Some say 1000s have been killed. Iran's attorney general has also said any protester will be considered an âenemy of Godâ - an offence punishable with death 1/2
7 days ago
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You voted. The verdict is in. The 2025 Tyrant of the Year competition has a clear winner - Tanzaniaâs Samia Suluhu Hassan. Poet Neema Komba reflects on what this dubious crown means for her country.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/tanz...
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Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Hassan named Tyrant of the Year - Index on Censorship
A Tanzanian poet reflects on her country's president winning our annual poll of despots against fierce competition
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/tanzanias-samia-suluhu-hassan-named-tyrant-of-the-year/
8 days ago
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Just a few days left to apply for this role at Index. Come join us and work at an organisation fighting for that most sacred right - free expression
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/inde...
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Index on Censorship seeks new Development Officer - Index on Censorship
Index is on the hunt for a new development officer
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/index-on-censorship-seeks-new-development-officer/
8 days ago
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Europe's Far Right talk a lot about free speech but what do they really mean?
@martinbright.bsky.social
attended a conference in Brussels to find out more
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/the-...
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The Far Right is on the rise in 2026...you have been warned - Index on Censorship
A conference in Brussels brought together a movement of âpatriotsâ deeply hostile to the European Union and liberal values of free expression
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/the-far-right-is-on-the-rise-in-2026-you-have-been-warned/
9 days ago
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#Venezuela
: We welcome news that political prisoners are being released from the notorious El Helicoide prison. Read our piece here to understand just what these people have gone through. All because they dared to speak out against the regime.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/05/vene...
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Venezuela's prison problem - Index on Censorship
From inhumane conditions to unjust detentions, Index explores the plight of political prisoners in the Latin American country
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/05/venezuelas-prison-problem-political-prisoners/
9 days ago
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#Iran
: Almost two weeks into protests, authorities are intensifying censorship. The latest move is to cut internet access throughout the country (as reported by
@netblocks.org
). Shutting down the internet wonât erase the truth. Free access is a right, not a privilege.
9 days ago
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More journalists are being murdered today than ever before. A new monument in the UK will honour those who have lost their lives gathering the news & remind us why media freedom matters. We spoke to some of the people behind it.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/on-t...
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On the Record: A monument to fallen journalists - Index on Censorship
Index talks to the people behind a new monument honouring UK-based newsgatherers who lost their lives whilst reporting around the globe
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/on-the-record-a-monument-to-fallen-journalists/
9 days ago
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â° Last chance â° If youâre Gen Z (born 1997â2012), today is your final chance to take part in our survey on free speech and social media. đ Takes 2 minutes đ Completely anonymous đ Shapes real research âDeadline Friday 9 January 2026:
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Gen Z attitudes: An Index on Censorship survey - Index on Censorship
Take part in our survey of the views of people born between 1997 and 2012 on freedom of expression both on and offline
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/gen-z-attitudes-an-index-on-censorship-survey/
10 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Freedom of the Press Foundation
10 days ago
The House Oversight Committee just approved an outrageous subpoena of journalist Seth Harp for reporting on Venezuela. His "crime," apparently? Posting already public information from a government website to X. Read our full statement:
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#Iran
: Authorities are responding to protests with escalating force. New footage shows security forces - openly firing on protesters - using equipment linked to hazardous materials And yet people continue to risk everything to speak out - a display of extraordinary courage.
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#China
: Donât be too gloomy - or else. Cindy Yu reports on the influencers being punished for their pessimism.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/chin...
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China is punishing online influencers for spreading doom and gloom - Index on Censorship
The Cyberspace Administration of China has launched another one of its regular Clear and Bright campaigns
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/china-is-punishing-online-influencers-for-spreading-doom-and-gloom/
11 days ago
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After a long campaign,
@zeldaperkins.bsky.social
recently won a major victory against the misuse of NDAs in the UK. âYou cannot use the law to hide harm,â she told Index.
www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/end-...
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End for the NDAs which protected Harvey Weinstein - Index on Censorship
New employment rules spell victory for Zelda Perkins, former assistant to the disgraced film producer and who was awarded a CBE at New Year
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2026/01/end-for-the-ndas-which-protected-harvey-weinstein/
11 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
Jemimah Steinfeld
11 days ago
The right to protest has been suspended, journalists have been arrested, people are being pulled over by armed militia who are checking their phones - the aftermath of the USA's actions in Venezuela is grim. Made all the worse by how low the bar was already.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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Fear grips Caracas as a new wave of repression is unleashed in Venezuela
Venezuelaâs government launched a far-reaching crackdown after Maduroâs ouster, detaining journalists and civilians and sending armed gangs to the streets.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/06/venezulea-maduro-rodriguez-government-repression/
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#UK
: Last month the government announced plans to cancel the afternoon lobby briefing. But many say it's an essential space for journalists to dig deeper. We therefore have concerns, as we told the
@telegraph.co.uk
www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...
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Access Restricted
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/12/26/censorship-watchdog-criticises-starmer-cuts-press-briefings/
11 days ago
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Dozens of students have been injured as Israeli forces raided Birzeit University following a solidarity event and a screening of the film Hind Rajab. Described as an âunprecedentedâ assault, it's a flagrant attack on academic freedom. The details are here 1/2:
www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/...
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Israeli school assault wounds dozens of Palestinians in West Bank raid
Casualties taken to Istishari Arab Hospital in Ramallah following an Israeli army attack on Birzeit University.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/6/israeli-forces-injure-11-palestinian-in-university-raid-in-ramallah
11 days ago
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If youâre Gen Z, help us understand how social media really affects free expression today. đ 2 minutes đ Anonymous đ Deadline: 9 January 2026 đ Take the survey and share with friends:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/gen-...
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Gen Z attitudes: An Index on Censorship survey - Index on Censorship
Take part in our survey of the views of people born between 1997 and 2012 on freedom of expression both on and offline
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/gen-z-attitudes-an-index-on-censorship-survey/
12 days ago
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#Venezuela
: Two months ago, we honoured Carlos Correa for fearless journalism under extreme conditions. Today, as repression against the media is being intensified in the country, his work is just as difficult - and just as essential. More:
www.indexoncensorship.org/awards-2025-...
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Awards 2025 journalism winner Carlos Correa - Index on Censorship
Venezuelan journalist Carlos Correa has been named winner of Index on Censorshipâs 2025 Freedom of Expression Award for Journalism
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/awards-2025-journalism-winner-carlos-correa/
12 days ago
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"DĂźndarâs new book describes in vivid detail the kind of mafia state Turkey has become â itâs more Godfather than Le CarrĂŠ". We speak to the prominent journalist
@candundar.bsky.social
about Turkey, life in Germany and the new "American exiles".
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/can-...
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Can DĂźndar: The Turkish journalist who met his killer - Index on Censorship
An interview with the exiled former editor of Cumhuriyet who was contacted by the hitman who was supposed to silence him forever
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/can-dundar-the-turkish-journalist-who-met-his-killer/
13 days ago
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Just six days left to apply for the role of development officer at Index. Apply now to join our team. More info:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/inde...
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Index on Censorship seeks new Development Officer - Index on Censorship
Index is on the hunt for a new development officer
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/index-on-censorship-seeks-new-development-officer/
13 days ago
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#USA
: In case you missed it - UK comedian Dom Joly has been denied entry to the USA for criticising Trump. âI know a lot of people itâs happened to,â he says - and we do too. Refusing visas over speech is a growing pattern, and itâs authoritarian.
www.chortle.co.uk/news/2025/12...
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Dom Joly: I was denied entry to the US : News 2025 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide
Dom Joly: I was denied entry to the US - Social media posts landed comic in trouble
https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2025/12/30/59716/dom_joly%3A_i_was_denied_entry_to_the_us
13 days ago
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#Iran
: We've seen disturbing videos of forces entering hospitals to attack protesters. To now be silencing free speech through fear and violence in places of healing is an extreme escalation. It must be condemned loudly and immediately.
13 days ago
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Today is the FINAL day to cast your vote for 2025 Tyrant of the Year. After a year of brutal crackdowns on free speech, let's hold these rulers accountable! Cast your vote & share:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyra...
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Who is 2025's Tyrant of the Year? - Index on Censorship
Choose from our shortlist of 10 authoritarian leaders and vote on who you think has done most to crack down on freedom of expression this year
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyrant-of-the-year-2025/
14 days ago
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1 week to go! Index is conducting a short survey exploring Gen Z attitudes to free speech and social media. If you were born between 1997 and 2012, weâd value your insight! đ Survey closes Friday 9 January 2026:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/gen-...
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Gen Z attitudes: An Index on Censorship survey - Index on Censorship
Take part in our survey of the views of people born between 1997 and 2012 on freedom of expression both on and offline
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/gen-z-attitudes-an-index-on-censorship-survey/
16 days ago
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A new year invites reflection (and accountability). 2025 was a grim one for free speech, marked by censorship, cruelty and repression. Help us name the worst offender. Vote for Tyrant of the Year 2025 âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyra...
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Who is 2025's Tyrant of the Year? - Index on Censorship
Choose from our shortlist of 10 authoritarian leaders and vote on who you think has done most to crack down on freedom of expression this year
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyrant-of-the-year-2025/
17 days ago
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Curtains closing on another brutal year for free speech. Jails are full, voices are silenced and tyrants are competing hard for the title. Who deserves the shame of Tyrant of the Year 2025? Vote now âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyra...
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Who is 2025's Tyrant of the Year? - Index on Censorship
Choose from our shortlist of 10 authoritarian leaders and vote on who you think has done most to crack down on freedom of expression this year
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyrant-of-the-year-2025/
18 days ago
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China is punishing online influencers for spreading doom and gloom. The Cyberspace Administration of China has launched another one of its regular Clear and Bright campaigns, cracking down on content which exaggerates negative sentiments. Learn more:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/chin...
18 days ago
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reposted by
Index on Censorship
IFEX
19 days ago
#Afghanistan
đŚđŤ
@indexoncensorship.org
shares a letter from an Afghan woman: âI can be a voice for girls who are no longer allowed to shout. I try as much as possible to find time to speak the truth because ultimately silence only intensifies the pain.â
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A heart full of hope: behind the doors closed to women in Afghanistan - Index on Censorship
In the latest of our Letters from Afghan Women, a young woman opens up about keeping hope alive despite threats to her life
https://buff.ly/xEjua6E
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A French cabaret is facing closer due to Instagram bans. The platformâs shift towards community moderation has paved the way for "co-ordinated mob-like behaviour," where moderation tools are weaponised against underrepresented members of society. Learn more:
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/fren...
20 days ago
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Crackdowns, censorship, cruelty. The contenders have been busy, but only one can win. Vote now for Tyrant of the Year 2025 âŹď¸
www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyra...
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Who is 2025's Tyrant of the Year? - Index on Censorship
Choose from our shortlist of 10 authoritarian leaders and vote on who you think has done most to crack down on freedom of expression this year
https://www.indexoncensorship.org/2025/12/tyrant-of-the-year-2025/
22 days ago
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