freedom of speech News

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.

Phnom Penh - What has been regarded largely as a political trial in Cambodia against a radio-journalist, Mam Sonando, appears -- after a week of testimony -- to be an almost total win for the defendant.

Glassboro - The New Jersey Supreme Court is expected to hear the case of a New Jersey man, sued for defamation following remarks made at a public hearing.

A new law to tackle people who publish offensive messages online would have a ‘chilling effect’ on free speech, the Joint Committee on Human Rights has warned the British Government.

Under the banner ‘We fight censorship’ journalists’ campaigning organisation Reporters sans Frontières last week launched a website which will carry content that has been censored, banned or which has given rise to reprisals against its author.