Freedom of expression is generally protected in France, although is limited by strict defamation and privacy laws. Several laws have passed since 1972 that have further restricted this fundamental right.
CATEGORY: Europe and Central Asia
Investigators identify mastermind behind editor’s killing
For the time being the identity of the man who allegedly ordered Nikolai Potapov's killing is being kept secret by the investigators. The editor's...
Bulgaria: A muted reaction to mass surveillance
While the revelations around mass surveillance by the US and some European governments were reported by Bulgaria’s media, the country’s focus in recent months has been the fallout from the country’s elections. Georgi Kantchev reports
Italy’s free expression hamstrung by lack of media plurality
The situation for freedom of expression in Italy is curtailed by a lack of media plurality, restrictive media legislation and a digital sphere restricted by a strict privacy law.
Two people sentenced for online insults in Belarus
A theatre playwright and a former worker from the Minsk Automobile Plant were found guilty of using offensive language online in Belarus. Andrei Aliaksandrau writes
Edward Snowden helps France rediscover its own whistleblowers
So far, France has spectacularly failed to protect its whistleblowers. But new proposals may offer some protection. Valeria Costa-Kostritsky writes
Political turmoil distracts Czechs from mass surveillance
In a country in the midst of political turmoil, the news of mass surveillance generated little interest from Czechs. Lucie Kavanova writes
The Military and democracy – Turkey and Egypt both getting it wrong
While Turkey this week jailed its former Chief of Staff, General Ilker Basbug, in Egypt, General Sisi’s popularity is still riding high following the army’s ousting of President Morsi. Kirsty Hughes writes
Bringing global human rights into the surveillance debate
Surveillance strikes at the heart of global digital communications and severely threatens human rights in the digital age. Leslie Harris, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy & Technology writes
Welcome to my world: An open letter to Edward Snowden
Roman Dobrokhotov has some words of wisdom for Russia’s newest resident, Edward Snowden. Translated by John Crowfoot.