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Contents – The long reach: How authoritarian countries are silencing critics abroad
Contents
Burkina Faso has chosen the tool of the tyrant
With the world absorbed in too much news some important stories in the world of freedom of expression can be lost. As we mark World Press Freedom Day it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what is really happening around the world, away from the daily news agenda, from the ‘foreign agent’ bill in Georgia, to the restrictions being placed on journalists in Myanmar, Ethiopia, Hong Kong and of course Afghanistan.
It’s one of these unheard stories which I want to focus on this week. In the ongoing global struggle for press freedom, Burkina Faso finds itself embroiled in controversy once again. The recent suspension of foreign media outlets over their coverage of a damning report accusing the country’s army of civilian massacres underscores an appalling trend towards censorship and repression.
The report, released by Human Rights Watch (HRW), alleges that Burkina Faso’s military was responsible for the killing of 223 civilians in retaliation for their support of armed Islamists. This accusation has been vehemently denied by the military government, which seized power in a coup in 2022 with the promise of quelling the Islamist insurgency plaguing the nation.
But instead of choosing light and transparency the government has chosen the tool of the tyrant – censorship.
Foreign media outlets such as the BBC, Voice of America, and Deutsche Welle have been suspended, their websites blocked, and broadcasts halted for daring to report on HRW’s findings. This outrageous approach to silencing truth and dissent stifles the flow of information and undermines the fundamental principles of freedom of expression.
The joint statement from the governments of the United States and United Kingdom unequivocally condemns Burkina Faso’s actions, emphasising the importance of an unfettered press in fostering informed public discourse. As we mark World Press Freedom Day, these acts of censorship serve as a stark reminder of the critical role that media plays in holding power to account and safeguarding democracy.
The suspensions imposed by Burkina Faso’s Superior Council of Communication not only violate the rights of journalists but also deprive the Burkinabe people of access to independent and accurate news. By blocking HRW’s website and restricting media coverage of their report, the government effectively shields itself from scrutiny and accountability.
Such tactics are not unique to Burkina Faso; they are part of a broader global trend towards authoritarianism and censorship. Across the world, journalists face intimidation, harassment, and violence simply for doing their jobs. This week, the BBC World Service has revealed for the first time that 310 of its journalists are living in exile.
The international community must stand in solidarity with journalists and media organisations under attack. Advocating for freedom of expression is not only a matter of principle but also a practical necessity for the functioning of democratic societies. When the voices of the oppressed are silenced, tyranny reigns unchecked.
As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights of journalists everywhere. In the face of adversity, their courage and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for a brighter and more just future.
Index on Censorship appoints Jemimah Steinfeld as its new Chief Executive Officer
Index on Censorship, a leading international organisation promoting freedom of expression, has today announced the appointment of its next Chief Executive Officer. The decision was made by the organisation’s Board of Trustees after a comprehensive search process.
Jemimah Steinfeld will succeed Ruth Anderson, who is leaving Index to focus on her role as a Labour Party shadow minister in the House of Lords.
Jemimah is the current Editor-in-Chief of Index on Censorship magazine. She is a published author and an expert on China. Jemimah has been a core part of the Index team for over seven years.
Sir Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Board stated:
“We are delighted that Jemimah will become our new Chief Executive Officer. Her track record, particularly as Editor-in-Chief of our magazine, and her dedication to defending free expression, have been vital to our growth over the past few years. We are confident that in this new role she will lead our organisation with distinction and further our mission to champion freedom of speech worldwide.
“She inherits an organisation in rude financial and campaigning health. Ruth has been an exceptional CEO, transforming Index on Censorship into the leader in its field, and doing so with vision and integrity. Her dedication to the cause of free speech has been unwavering, and we are deeply grateful for her service.”
Jemimah Steinfeld, the next CEO of Index commented:
“It is a huge privilege to be appointed CEO of Index on Censorship, to lead an organisation that was created over 50 years ago in response to calls for help from Soviet dissidents. The role of Index has always been essential and no more so today as people’s basic rights to free expression are being attacked from all angles around the world. I’m looking forward to continuing our work exposing censorship as and when it occurs, to building up our network of remarkable dissidents and to making the case for free expression.”
Reflecting on her tenure, Ruth Anderson remarked:
“It has been an honour to lead Index on Censorship during such a critical period for press freedom and free expression. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together over the last four years and have every confidence in the organisation’s continued success under Jemimah’s leadership.
Jemimah’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Index on Censorship as the organisation continues its vital work in safeguarding freedom of expression around the world.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For media inquiries, please contact Ben Goldsborough at [email protected].
About Index on Censorship:
Index on Censorship is a renowned international organisation dedicated to promoting and defending the fundamental right to freedom of expression. Established in 1972, Index on Censorship works tirelessly to support journalists, writers, artists, and activists who are facing censorship and persecution for their work. Through advocacy, campaigns, and publications, the organisation strives to shine a spotlight on censorship issues globally, challenging restrictions on free speech and advocating for the rights of individuals to express themselves without fear of reprisal. Index on Censorship is widely respected for its commitment to upholding the principles of free expression and is a leading voice in the fight against censorship in all its forms.
About Jemimah Steinfeld:
Jemimah will become CEO on 24 May having served four years as Editor-in-Chief of Index on Censorship.
Jemimah Steinfeld’s career journey began in Shanghai before she pursued an MA in Chinese studies at SOAS and settled in Beijing, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges of censorship. Transitioning from her experiences, she found herself drawn to the rich historical narratives of China and secured a position at the History Channel, aligning with her undergraduate studies in history. Her exploration of Chinese society culminated in a book examining the one-child generation, leading to a notable book tour in China and positive reviews from outlets like The Financial Times.
As a writer, Steinfeld’s work has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and CNN. She has also been a vocal advocate for Hong Kong’s freedoms, speaking in the UK Parliament and participating in global panels and events, including the esteemed Hay Festival.
The long reach: How authoritarian governments silence critics abroad
Join Index on Censorship at the University of Exeter for an evening discussing the growing – and worrying – trend of transnational repression. Transnational repression takes many forms: from UK residents being poisoned by Russian agents, to a Saudi dissident being murdered in Turkey, to a Polish art gallery being subject to attempted acts of censorship by Chinese diplomats, to UK-based BBC Persian journalists being threatened and harassed by Iranian authorities. Expert panellists John Heathershaw (International Relations at the University of Exeter), Simon Cheng (a Hong Kong exiled pro-democracy activist and a founder of the UK-wide Hong Kong diasporic non-profit organisation, Hongkongers in Britain) and Belarusian poet and activist Hanna Komar will explore about the extent and impact of states silencing their critics abroad and the fundamental right to free expression.
This event celebrates the launch of Index’s latest magazine. Free copies available.
Book your free place hereSpeakers
Hanna Komar is a Belarusian poet, translator, writer. Her poetic work lays bare the experience of being a girl, then a young woman, growing up in a strongly patriarchal authoritarian country. Her latest poems talk about the nationwide political resistance in Belarus of 2020. She’s published five poetry collections, is a member of PEN Belarus and an honorary member of English PEN. Website: hannakomar.com
Simon Cheng is a British Hong Kong exiled pro-democracy activist, and a founder of the UK-wide diaspora group, Hongkongers in Britain. He was detained in China in 2019 and later fled to the UK, where he was granted asylum in 2020. On 30 July last year, the Hong Kong police announced that they had issued arrest warrants to six exiled activists including Cheng for breaching the draconian national security law. Then in December, the Hong Kong government issued an arrest warrant against Cheng and put a bounty of HK$1 million on his capture.
John Heathershaw is a professor at Exeter University whose research addresses conflict, security and development in global politics, especially in post-Soviet Central Asia.
Jemimah Steinfeld is Index on Censorship’s editor-in-chief.