Civic Space Developments
Wednesday 22.2.2017 Croatia - Latest Developments -
Croatian journalists continue to face threats and vilification
As we previously reported in the CIVICUS Monitor, the end of 2016 was characterised by a worsening environment for independent journalism. This trend shows no sign of reversing at the start of 2017. Read more

Wednesday 22.2.2017 Lebanon - Latest Developments -
Lebanese Authorities pass access to information legislation
On 19th January, Lebanese Parliament finally approved a Right to Access to Information bill, eight years after the first draft was initially submitted. Read more

Wednesday 22.2.2017 Kazakhstan - Latest Developments -
SPECIAL SERIES ON THREATS TO CIVIC SPACE IN KAZAKHSTAN - PART 3: PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
In our final post of the series, we focus on the freedom of peaceful assembly and discuss the latest legal and practical developments related to the regulation of the right to protest in Kazakhstan. Read more

Wednesday 22.2.2017 Dominican Republic - Latest Developments -
Two radio reporters murdered live on air
Two radio reporters were murdered while they were broadcasting live on 14th February. Read more

Wednesday 22.2.2017 Belarus - Latest Developments -
Proposed funding cut to Belsat TV threatens free expression in Belarus
An announcement by the Polish government that it may reduce funding to Belsat TV has raised concerns that access to information and free expression in Belarus will be weakened. Read more

Tuesday 21.2.2017 Costa Rica - Latest Developments -
As internet access increases, civil society calls for a new media law
Costa Rican civil society organisations say freedom of expression is still challenged by an outdated media law allowing five private conglomerates to control all radio frequencies and TV outlets. Read more

Tuesday 21.2.2017 Mongolia - Latest Developments -
Mongolian herders clash with security forces over land dispute
On 17th October, nearly 200 local Mongolian herders from Sandag Gachaa took part in three-day protests to halt a proposed pig farm project. Read more

Monday 20.2.2017 Tunisia - Latest Developments -
Tunisian authorities backslide on access to information commitments
Restrictions on media freedom and the right to access to information have resurfaced in Tunisia at the start of 2017. On 15th January, a government circular instructed civil servants not to release any information without prior authorisation from their superiors. Read more

Friday 17.2.2017 Saudi Arabia - Latest Developments -
Human rights defenders jailed and banned from travelling
Writer Nadhir Al-Majid was sentenced to seven years in prison, followed by seven years of a travel ban in addition to a fine, for charges including failing to obey the ruler. Read more

Friday 17.2.2017 Kenya - Latest Developments -
Continued crackdown against critical CSOs in Kenya
As we previously reported in the CIVICUS Monitor, conditions for civil society's independent operation have been increasingly restricted. In this update, we evidence the continuation of Kenyan authorities' crackdown on critical civic groups as the country moves closer to the August 2017 elections. Read more
