freedom of speech News

A very real fear of censorship has now taken hold in Russia after the federal media watchdog ordered the closing of several major opposition-leaning news sites, as well as the internet sites of prominent Kremlin foes Alexei Navalny and Garry Kasparov.

Outgoing National Security Agency boss, Keith Alexander, advocated making it a crime to report on government leaks this week, and said that legislation to accomplish this was coming in weeks.

Lansing - The proposed law grants businesses the ability to gain an injunction against anyone picketing their premises and imposes massive fines on protesters.

The Federal Communications Commission has backed down in its attempt at surveying radio and television stations over their newsroom's editorial practices. Called the Critical Information Needs (CIN) study, a pilot test was to have started this spring.

San Diego - Jeff Olson was acquitted on Monday of vandalism charges for writing anti-bank slogans on sidewalks with water-salable chalk. Bank of America had pressed charges relating to Olson's personal protest outside of three BoA locations.

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.

Washington - At a time where many feel some freedoms are being eroded in American society, First Amendment rights are still valued. This is evident in Washington, D.C., as at any given time, numerous people can be observed expressing themselves on a variety of issues.

Kuwait - The cabinet of Kuwait has approved a new media law that severely restricts freedom of the press and free speech; including bloggers and people using FaceBook, Twitter or other social media.

The case against Bassem Youssef, a political satirist from Egypt known as the country's Jon Stewart, has been thrown out by an administrative court.

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.