Free expression in the news - Index on Censorship

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Free expression in the news

CANADA Canada: Land of the Free Canada is far from American stereotypes of socialism, centralization and obeisance, at least in relative terms. By almost any measure, Canada is a freer country than the U.S.A. (Daily Caller) RUSSIA Russian Police Arrest 60 Pride Protesters As Putin Signs Anti-Gay Censorship Bill Into Law On Saturday, police in […]

By Index on Censorship

02 Jul 13

In the News

CANADA
Canada: Land of the Free
Canada is far from American stereotypes of socialism, centralization and obeisance, at least in relative terms. By almost any measure, Canada is a freer country than the U.S.A.
(Daily Caller)

RUSSIA
Russian Police Arrest 60 Pride Protesters As Putin Signs Anti-Gay Censorship Bill Into Law
On Saturday, police in St. Petersburg, Russia arrested all 60 participants in a gay pride parade. Many of them were badly beaten by anti-gay counter-protesters, who threw eggs, smoke flares, and stones. Among those arrest were five same-sex couples who applied for marriage licenses on Friday in a historic legal move.
(Think Progress)

Russian NGOs Used as ‘Front for Illicit Activity’ – Official
A Russian justice ministry official on Monday claimed that controversial spot checks on NGOs are needed as many operate as a “front” for illicit activity.
(Ria Novosti)

Snowden drops Russia asylum request, in transit area: Kremlin
Former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden has withdrawn a request for political asylum in Russia after President Vladimir Putin said he should stop “harming our American partners”, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
(Reuters)

TUNISIA
Free speech under threat in Tunisia
As Tunisian lawmakers resume debating the draft constitution on Monday (July 1st), legal and media experts are criticising the document for failing to protect freedom of expression and access to information.
(The Daily Beast)

TURKEY
Turkey’s Violent Homophobia
For a brief moment, Istanbul’s Taksim Square was transformed yesterday. The riot police, clouds of tear gas, and barricade-building protesters that characterized the past month’s unprecedented unrest were gone. Instead, a mass of rainbow flags, garish makeup, and neon clothing and face paint gleamed in the afternoon sunshine ahead of the city’s 10th LGBT pride march.
(Magharebia)

UNITED KINGDOM
Libel letter disowned by Nazeing Parish Council
A HOAX letter opposing a planning application by travellers has been distributed in Nazeing claiming to be from the parish council.
(Hertfordshire Mercury)

UNITED STATES
Edward Snowden’s statement released through WikiLeaks
The NSA whistleblower, currently in Moscow, has released a statement through the freedom of information group WikiLeaks
(The Guardian)

Planned Parenthood Sues Kan. Over Free Speech Violation
In June, two different lawsuits were filed in Kansas over a new state abortion law. But the lawsuit that Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri filed on June 20 isn’t about the freedom to perform abortions. It’s about freedom of speech.
(KCUR)

Pro-Life Group Charged $650 for ‘Free Speech’ on University Campus
A pro-life student group filed a federal lawsuit Friday against the University at Buffalo for charging the group unconstitutional fees in order to exercise its freedom of speech.
(Charisma News)

Fox’s Starnes fears Facebook censorship
Fox News Radio personality Todd Starnes and the hosts of “Fox & Friends” think Facebook may be censoring conservatives after a weekend incident involving Starnes’s page.
(Politico)

Atheists File Lawsuit Following Alleged ‘Censorship’ of Material Attacking Christianity
An atheist activist group is suing one of the country’s largest public school districts after officials allowed some materials to be distributed, but prohibited items of a more controversial and explicit nature.
(Christian News Network)