When Salman Rushdie was attacked at a literary festival on 12 August, it sent shockwaves around the world.

Rushdie’s writing has been seen as controversial by a minority of hardline religious leaders who say his work criticises their beliefs. But when opinions, words, or writing are deemed to be controversial, targeting a fellow human being with violence is neither necessary nor proportionate, and therefore, never an acceptable response. It pays to remember that individuals in positions of power typically use such tactics to prevent and punish the expression of minority views, and for their own political advantage.

If we are to find a way to respect the legal right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of religion, while also respecting religious beliefs, we must encourage dialogue. We must be able to talk to each other and find common ground, and we must keep voicing opinions.

Increasing use of CCTV in Myanmar suggests the military junta is using surveillance to target anyone who opposes it – and with very little transparency. Private companies sell this equipment to authoritarian dictatorships, presenting them as opportunities to create what they describe as ‘smart city’ infrastructures. But claims that these innovations will improve people’s lives must be set against the realities of their use as a means of entrenching power.  

Throughout history, protest has proven time and again to be an instrumental force for change. From the Protestant reformation to Gandhi’s salt march and from women demanding their right to vote to the demonstrations that finally stopped the Iraq war, protests have allowed us to make the world a better place. 

As The Global Expression Report 2022 (GxR22) shows, last year, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrations increased by 9% globally as compared to 2020. Protests in 2021 took place most often in India, the United States, France, Italy, and Pakistan, all countries where leadership is failing to listen. And people are marching together for all the things that matter to them – better wages, cleaner water, or even to resist democratic overthrows. 

Worryingly, our findings also show that rather than listening or engaging with what people need, repressive governments are responding to protests with more brutality. In at least 12 countries in 2021, live ammunition was fired at demonstrators. Police are increasingly using tear gas, rubber bullets, kettling and other violent practices as blunt tools to intimidate people who protest. Worst of all, those who injure marchers are being granted impunity. 

In response, ARTICLE 19 will be launching a global campaign.The #FreeToProtest campaign will challenge the stigma around protest and call on authorities to uphold international human rights standards to #MakeProtestSafe for all.

Two years on from the rigged election and nationwide protests, ARTICLE 19 stands with the courageous people of Belarus, who have been resilient and persistent in their fight for democracy and freedom. The intensifying crackdown on civil society has only been exacerbated by the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine.

Today there are over 1250 political prisoners in Belarus. More than 30,000 people have been arrested and persecuted, or physically assaulted by the police. According to the Belarusian Association of Journalists, at least 27 media workers are behind bars after having been sentenced or who still face sham trials.

Among those jailed on ludicrous charges are journalist Katsiaryna Andreyeva, who was given an additional eight years of imprisonment in July, and our former colleague Andrei Aliaksandrau has been detained since January 2021 for allegedly paying fines  for people apprehended during one of the protests in Minsk. He faces charges of ‘treason to the state’, which could put him in prison for up to 15 years.

• There have been calls for more transparency regarding the transition from military to civilian rule Guinea. But instead of listening to these pleas, authorities have lashed out against protesters and journalists – resulting in at least 4 deaths.
  
  

• Media freedom and diversity under threat in Europe
  
  In Poland, state oil co PKN Orlen has been allowed to acquire regional paper Polska Press – a blatant rejection of the media pluralism government officials have said they would honour.

  Plus: Serbia's media authority has blatantly defied international freedom of expression standards in its recent decision to grant TV licences to pro-government outlets only. 
  

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Protest in Thailand, UK and Mexico. Plus: More from Tightening the Net, ARTICLE 19's groundbreaking work on digital freedom in Iran