Russia's war on Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has changed the geopolitical landscape, with wide-ranging ramifications for all of us. It has also made clear just how vital our rights are: to free speech, to access and share information, to protest. At a time of war, the value of these rights comes into sharp focus, and the reasons for protecting them are all too obvious.

ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with all refugees who have been displaced from their homes in Ukraine, and our thoughts are with those suffering under the continued bombardment from Russian forces. We stand too with those highlighting the authoritarian onslaught against freedom of speech and opinion in the media, especially in Russia.

‘Now that potential targets who have been identified carry their correspondence, photo albums, and social contacts around in the form of smartphones and tablets, police can quickly gather materials and then use it to intimidate the accused and to begin to build their case.’ — Afsaneh Rigot from the Digital Crime Scenes report

Across Europe, powerful, wealthy individuals are exploiting the justice system, using Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) to harass or silence journalists.

Following on from ARTICLE 19’s in-depth reports and campaigning against SLAPPs, on 16 March, we invited Věra Jourová, Vice President and Commissioner for Values and Transparency for the European Commission, and other experts to discuss the growth of this disturbing trend. 

Read ARTICLE 19’s reports on Serbia, Poland, and Spain.

• Russia is a large-scale producer of misinformation and propaganda, but its people should not be cut off from the Internet. Courtney Radsch explains why.
  
  

• In Bangladesh, ARTICLE 19 and 14 other organisations demand a fair trial for journalist Rozina Islam, who was jailed on Official Secrets charges. Though she was released on bail, the charges against her remain. 
  
  

• Violence against journalists and human rights defenders has been on the rise in the last decade. ARTICLE 19’s Head of Protection SIlvia Chocarro took part in a discussion initiated by Columbia University’s Global Freedom of Expression initiative, which brings together lawyers, journalists, and activists to learn more about regional jurisprudence, international human rights standards, and best practices.
  
  

• ARTICLE 19 talked to LA Times columnist Jean Guerrero about the murders of Mexican journalists and the failings of the country’s protection scheme.

• ARTICLE 19 welcomes the release of Iranian-British hostages Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori. But we know all too well that the situation for human rights in Iran continues to deteriorate. Parliament is preparing to usher in an Internet Bill that will further isolate the country and keep people from accessing and sharing independent information. Prominent activist Hossein Ronaghi, who has championed digital rights in the country for more than a decade, was arrested just days after criticising the plans. Although he was released a few days later, he has been charged with crimes against national security, and there are mounting fears for a renewed offensive against Iranian civil society.|
  
  

• ARTICLE 19 and IFEX are proud to announce the launch of AdvoSheets, comprehensive but easy-to-use advocacy tools for media freedom and safety of journalists advocates. The first, focusing on the protection of women journalists, was published on International Women’s Day in English, French and Spanish.
  
  

• As Alternative DigitTalk TV is raided in Uganda, is a new crackdown on the media underway?  

You can now help to protect freedom of expression by giving to ARTICLE 19!

Working in human rights is a challenging but rewarding career choice. With ARTICLE 19 you will find an international community of activists, legal specialists, and experts working together to protect basic freedoms. 

ARTICLE 19’s flagship report on protest, focusing on Brazil, Tunisia, Kenya, Poland, Mexico, and Thailand.