US Ambassador Warren Stephens warned the UK could face tariffs if Prime Minister Andy Burnham raises taxes on American tech giants, also criticizing the government's social media ban for under 16s.
A Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking the restoration of Diljit Dosanjh's film 'Satluj' on ZEE5. The film was removed within two days of its release, prompting questions about freedom of speech and transparency from authorities, who cited "security concerns" and IT rules.
Turkey has intensified its crackdown on public life, arresting over 200 people in Ankara, jailing comedian Deniz Göktaş, and blocking an LGBTQ+ cruise ship, all in the lead-up to the NATO summit. Human Rights Watch criticizes the actions as evidence of intolerance towards freedom of speech and assembly.
US official Sarah B Rogers criticized the UK's justice system at a London conference, claiming "thousands of speech arrests" and echoing far-right memes. The UK government and MPs rejected her characterization, calling it an attempt to undermine democracy.
China's popular Tianya internet forum has returned, with authorities praising its revival as an evolution for the new era. While acknowledging its past as a gathering place for intellectuals and deep discussions, officials also cautioned that freedom of speech must be balanced with responsibility.
Prominent activists criticize the UK government for banning US political commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, citing concerns over freedom of speech and the Home Office's rationale for canceling their travel authorisations.
Prominent activists criticize the UK government for banning US commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, citing concerns over freedom of speech and the government's definition of 'public good'.
UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Angel Moratinos stated that the 2012 Rabat Plan of Action to combat hatred needs a new impetus. He emphasized the importance of balancing freedom of expression with freedom of religion or belief, suggesting a "Rabat Plan of Action 2" to achieve better results.
UK political leaders are debating the "globalise the intifada" chant used at pro-Palestine protests. Green Party leader Zack Polanski opposes outlawing the phrase, warning it would overly restrict freedom of speech, though he said he would not encourage people to use it. Labour leader Keir Starmer has called for tougher action against marchers using the chant following a stabbing attack on Jewish people in Golders Green last week. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said any ban would await an ongoing review of protest laws, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for all pro-Gaza marches to be stopped.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said he would discourage pro-Palestine protesters from using the chant "globalise the intifada" but warned against specifically outlawing the phrase or banning a planned protest in London on 16 May. His comments come after Labour leader Keir Starmer called for tougher action against marchers using the chant following last week's stabbing attack on two Jewish people in Golders Green. The Metropolitan Police already have a policy of arresting people who chant the phrase, while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said any further action would await an ongoing review of protest laws by former DPP Ken Macdonald.
The Office for Students (OfS) suffered a major embarrassment when the high court rejected its £500,000 fine against the University of Sussex related to Kathleen Stock's departure. Mrs Justice Lieven found bias and predetermination in the OfS's handling of the case. The regulator, under former chief executive Susan Lapworth, faces criticism for failing to act on for-profit colleges and the University of Greater Manchester despite media exposure of problems.
A record fine had been issued by the Office for Students over the university's trans and non-binary inclusion policy.
The Court of Appeal is hearing a challenge to the UK's ban on Palestine Action, the first direct action protest group to be proscribed. Lawyers argue the ban breaches human rights, creates a 'culture of fear' among pro-Palestinian campaigners, and violates the Home Secretary's own policy. Over 3,000 people have been arrested since the ban for displaying solidarity placards. The five-judge panel is expected to deliver judgment at a later date.
