India, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand - restrictive law
Friday 12.7.2019 Thailand - Latest Developments -
Civil society concerned about physical attacks and ongoing prosecution of Thai activists
In the last few months, there have been physical attacks against activists and human rights defenders or activists who have disappeared or placed under surveillance. Further, land rights activists from Sai Thong National Park have been prosecuted and jailed while pro-democracy student activists are facing sedition charges. Read more
Monday 13.5.2019 India - Latest Developments -
Arbitrary arrests, judicial harassment and attacks on activists and critics in India persist
Over the last few months, there has been the continued use of restrictive laws such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Sedition Act to harass, criminalise and detain activists and silence dissent. Cases have also been documented of attacks and ill-treatment of activists by the police, attacks on journalists and at least one case of an activist that has gone missing. Read more
Thursday 9.5.2019 Singapore - Latest Developments -
Singapore parliament passes ‘Online Falsehoods Bill’ despite civil society concerns
The ‘Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill’ to combat fake news was submitted to parliament in April 2019 and has been tabled for a second reading in May despite concerns it could stifle freedom of expression. Activist Jolovan Wham was sentenced to a fine or days in prison, in February 2019 for organising an ‘illegal assembly’ and for contempt of court in April 2019. Singapore has remained ranked at a dismal 151st spot out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2019 World Press Freedom Index released in April 2019 Read more
Thursday 21.3.2019 Thailand - Latest Developments -
Media censored, activists silenced and opposition weakened ahead of Thai elections
Ahead of the 24 March elections there have been continued reports of media outlets and journalists being censored, activists being silenced and criminalised and opposition politicians being targeted . Further, restrictive laws and decrees issued by the military junta have yet to be lifted. Read more
Monday 4.2.2019 Singapore - Latest Developments -
Increasing use of judicial system in Singapore to silence critics
In January 2019, Jolovan Wham, a human rights defender was found guilty by the Singapore District Court for organising an ‘illegal assembly without a police permit’ in violation of the Public Order Act, and for refusing to sign a police statement Read more
Wednesday 21.11.2018 Singapore - Latest Developments -
Singapore cracks down on critical news websites to silence dissent
In November 2018, Singapore blocked a critical news website and is investigating another on charges of defamation. Read more
Tuesday 13.11.2018 Thailand - Latest Developments -
Civil society calls for all restrictions to be lifted ahead of elections as persecution continues
As Thailand inches closer to holding long-delayed elections, peaceful protesters , government critics and opposition politicians continue to face investigations and charges Read more
Monday 24.9.2018 Singapore - Latest Developments -
Fake news law proposal, another tool to crackdown on critics
In September 2018, a parliamentary Select Committee on” deliberate online falsehoods” made 22 recommendations to halt the viral spread of fake news including the adoption of laws Read more
Friday 7.9.2018 Thailand - Latest Developments -
Critics of military junta continue to be criminalised
The military junta continues to use sedition and other laws restricting expression and assembly against its critics. The courts have thrown out cases of criminal defamation filed by businesses. In the Deep South activists continue to be detained under martial law. Read more
Thursday 26.7.2018 Singapore - Latest Developments -
Singapore Public Order Act used to restrict or criminalise expression and peaceful assembly
Civil society groups believe the Public Order and Safety (Special Powers) Act 2018 passed by the Parliament in March 2018 poses an additional threat to fundamental freedoms in Singapore. Read more
