Since the entering into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009, which made the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights legally binding, the EU has gained an important tool to deal with breaches of fundamental rights.
Human Right’s lawyer, Keir Starmer, who has just completed a five year stint as Director of Public Prosecutions for the Crown Prosecution Service, has been active in drawing up guidelines for sensitive areas of criminal law. Julia Farrington writes
The coverage of Ukrainian protests in the Russian media suggests a centralised anti-EU message and has provoked outrage in Kiev. Alastair Sloan reports
The sacking of a renowned journalist has sent shockwaves through the grieving country’s media. Christi Van Der Westhuizen reports
Time to Step Up: The EU and freedom of expression, looks at freedom of expression both within the European Union’s 28 member states and how this union defends freedom of expression in the wider world.
Japan’s new secrecy law is yet another disturbing symptom of the country’s rising militarism, broadening the government’s power to classify state secrets amidst increased belligerence in the region. Saul Takahashi reports for Open Democracy
A radio prank that lead to tragic consequences may end up expanding Australia’s broadcast authority’s powers. Helen Clark reports
Canadian journalists will face fines for commenting on the striking action of trade unionists under new legislation passed in Alberta.
Editorials and articles labelling democracy activists “anarchists and “thugs” signal that most Egyptian media has reverted to its old pre-revolution ways, siding with the military-backed government against the opposition activists. Shahira Amin reports
New legislation imposes fines on journalists in the Canadian province of Alberta who show their support to striking union members