Free speech News

A Department of Justice memo instructs local police, under a program named "communities against terrorism," to consider anyone who harbors "conspiracy theories" about 9/11 to be a potential terrorist.

Banjul - Critics are claiming an amendment to a Gambian Internet law will stifle free expression in the tiny West African dictatorship.

Ottawa - On September 18th, the Ottawa Transit Commission will meet to decide whether or not an anti-war, pro-civil liberties group, currently running ads on 300 buses in Ottawa, will be allowed to continue to air their message.

About 2 years ago, Wisconsin elected a new governor. Governor Walker took office in January of 2011. A month later he introduced a new budget that would change certain rules and could cause many people to lose their jobs.

UPDATE: Stewart Rhodes, President of Oathkeepers, has issued a statement criticizing the government response to Kokesh, which also criticizes Mr. Kokesh.

Istanbul - In November 2012 the deteriorating conditions for reporting news led to a delegation of writers meeting in Istanbul. Now, as widely reported, the media's coverage of so far peaceful protests is now at a crisis.

Lisbon - Portugal's Attorney General has opened an investigation after celebrated author, Miguel Sousa Tavares, called Portugal’s head of state, President Silva, a clown in an interview. The author’s remarks could see him facing a three year jail term.

Strasbourg - In a judgement issued yesterday the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has over-ruled an earlier decision of a French court which resulted in a man who had mocked former French President Nicolas Sarkozy being given a suspended fine of €30.

A new law in North Carolina aimed at protecting teachers from cyberbullying prohibits the creation of fake Internet accounts under teacher's names by students and criminalizes posting unedited pictures or accurate statements which lead to harassment.

Eugene - Two Arizona lawmakers have introduced two different proposed laws that might come to a vote this year. Both laws would require students in public and charter schools to stand, face an American flag and recite a standard pledge of allegiance every day.