WHAT WE DO

ABOUT

Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for, reports on and defends free expression worldwide. We publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech.

We believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution – no matter what their views.

Index’s aim is to raise awareness about threats to free expression and the value of free speech as the first step to tackling censorship.

Index relies entirely on the support of donors and readers to do its work.

We work in four ways:

INFORMING

Index on Censorship publishes an award-winning quarterly magazine that has featured some of the world’s best-known writers. We publish original creative writing and articles about free expression from across the globe.

Our website offers additional information to help people understand the current threats to free expression globally. And we reach a wider audience through social media.

INFLUENCING

Each year, Index on Censorship identifies some of the greatest threats to free speech around the world and develops advocacy campaigns to push for change in legislation or public attitudes. We choose topics where our work can make a significant impact – and deliberately choose areas where others might not be focused. You can see our current areas of focus on our Campaigns and Projects work.

We use a mixture of research, reporting, direct advocacy and media campaigning to achieve our goals.

DEBATING

Index on Censorship believes that free expression encourages more open and tolerant societies. We actively promote debate with an exciting series of events each year to help people better understand the value of free speech. This includes performances, exhibitions, talks and concerts. We are also regularly quoted in international media on free expression issues. Read more about our current events programme here.

SUPPORTING

Index on Censorship directly supports groups and individuals facing censorship through our Freedom of Expression Awards Fellowship. The fellowship offers a year-long programme of tailored support to a small group of fellows selected for their outstanding work in the fields of journalism, arts, campaigning and digital advocacy. Read more about this innovative work here.

STATEMENTS:

Media regulator fails to properly protect freedom of expression in online safety draft guidance

Index on Censorship criticises Ofcom’s inadequate ‘passing references’ to users’ privacy rights and warns of legal battles if draft guidance on encryption is not updated

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Human rights organisations condemn criminal complaint lodged against award-winning journalist Mohammed Zubair

Index on Censorship and other organisations highlight the continued use of sedition to target independent reporting and public interest speech

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Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi released from prison

Joint statement by the International Counsel Team at Doughty Street Chambers, Index on Censorship and Human Rights Foundation

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Ukraine: Index and partners mourn death and demand justice for Victoria Roshchyna

Organisations welcome the opening of an investigation into the death of the Ukrainian journalist who died in unclear circumstances while in Russian detention

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Georgia: Press freedom and the safety of journalists in peril

Findings of a recent press freedom mission to Georgia by the Council of Europe’s Safety of Journalists Platform, of which Index is a member

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Russia: Index welcomes release of Vladimir Kara-Murza and Evan Gershkovich from jail

The vocal critic of Vladimir Putin and the Wall Street Journal reporter are among a number of people released as part of a prisoner exchange

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Iranian cartoonist Atena Farghadani sentenced to six years in prison

Facing “harshest punishment” for her activism,
Atena Farghadani must be released immediately

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Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who faces the death penalty

Sting, Margaret Atwood, Elif Shafak and Coldplay join more than 100 artists, musicians, writers and leading cultural figures to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi

Musician faces death sentence after three years of judicial harassment, including arrest, imprisonment and torture

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Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, who faces the death penalty

Statement: Iranian dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death

Index on Censorship has issued a joint statement with ARC and PEN America condemning a decision by an Iranian revolutionary court

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Joint letter to mark 1000 days of hunger strike by Dr Abduljalil Al-Singace

Index has joined with more than 25 other human rights organisations to call for the release of the Bahraini human rights activist

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Index reiterates our urgent call for Assange to be freed

The final stage of Assange's UK appeal begins today. The international community must unite in their support to free him

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The international community must resist Hong Kong’s attempts to threaten human rights across the globe using the National Security Law

Eight pro-democracy activists living in exile in the UK, USA and Australia, including Nathan Law (pictured), are the subject of arrest warrants and rewards for information leading to their capture

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