restrictive law
Tuesday 1.8.2017 Kazakhstan - Latest Developments -
Litany of abuses continues, even under Expo-2017 spotlight
The Kazakh authorities continue to restrict civic freedoms and stifle dissent, despite being in the international spotlight during Expo-2017. Read more
Monday 31.7.2017 Ukraine - Latest Developments -
Civil society speaks out against new draft bills targeting NGOs
On 10 July 2017, two new draft bills, No. 6674 and No. 6675, were introduced in parliament and which would replace the disclosure requirements for anti-corruption NGOs with new reporting requirements. Under the new draft bills, all NGOs would be obliged to follow more extensive reporting requirements, including providing detailed information on donors, expenses and employee salaries to the State Fiscal Service. Read more
Friday 28.7.2017 Panama - Latest Developments -
Protesters taking to the streets face excessive force from police
Different protests took place in Panama and security forces used excessive force. Read more
Monday 24.7.2017 Russia - Latest Developments -
New Russian laws to further limit internet use and curtail freedom of expression
In June, the Russian parliament voted on two laws that will regulate the internet, and further curtail freedom of expression on social media. Read more
Thursday 20.7.2017 Norway - Latest Developments -
Proposed ban on face veils undermines Norway's free speech ranking
Despite its position on top of the 2017 World Press Freedom Index, Norway's lawmakers are moving ahead to ban wearing of full-face veils in schools. Read more
Tuesday 18.7.2017 Tanzania - Latest Developments -
Tanzanian authorities threaten HRDs, LGBTI activists and journalists
In a recent development, two human rights defenders, Bibiana Mushi and Nicodemus Ngelela, were arrested on 12th July 2017. Both activists were released on bail and now await their trial set for 10th August on charges of Disobedience of Statutory Duty under Section 123 of the Tanzanian Penal Code, which can carry a sentence of two years if found guilty. Mushi and Ngelela were leading a capacity building workshop for local government officials serving in regions with a prevalence of extractive industries when they were unexpectedly arrested. Read more
Wednesday 12.7.2017 Moldova - Latest Developments -
Civil society vilified for opposing electoral changes in Moldova
Members of various civil society organisations have faced intimidation for expressing their view on the electoral changes. Read more
Friday 7.7.2017 Japan - Latest Developments -
New law sparks fears of downward spiral in civic freedoms
On 15th June 2017, the Japanese government passed the widely condemned "Act on Punishment of Organised Crime and Control of Crime Proceeds", also known as the “Anti-Conspiracy” bill. The law's passage sparked citizen protests and comes after a sustained fightback from civil society. Read more
Monday 3.7.2017 Kyrgyzstan - Latest Developments -
Kyrgyz president slams HRDs' efforts
The situation for freedom of speech and civil society remains concerning in Kyrgyzstan, ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 15th October 2017. Read more
Wednesday 28.6.2017 Mongolia - Latest Developments -
Mongolian media goes dark to protest restrictive law
Mongolia's media undertook an innovative protest to demonstrate their opposition to a proposed increase in penalties for libel. Read more
