Category Archives: Freedom of Speech

BEIRUT

Journalists covering an international investigation into the assassination of Lebanons ex-prime minister, Rafik Hariri, will find themselves testifying this week, prompting a debate over the Special Tribunal for Lebanons reach and the limits of free speech.

For the past six years, the court has sought to find and prosecute the culprits behind the Hariri assassination. Hariri was one of a number of high-profile critics of the Syrian regime to be assassinated at the time. He and 21 others were killed by a huge car bomb in 2005 on a Beirut street.

On Thursday, the tribunal begins a trial for journalists and news outlets it claims have undermined its investigation by revealing details about witnesses in the case.

Freedom of speech

Among the accused set to stand trial is well-known journalist Karma al-Khayat and her employer Al Jadeed TV. Al-Khayat is accused of contempt of court alongside Hezbollah-leaning newspaper Al-Akhbar and the papers co-founder, Ibrahim Al-Amin.

Al-Khayat, like Al-Amin, has pleaded not guilty and denies the broadcasts undermined the efforts of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.

We believe this is a trial about freedom of speech, she told VOA. "By putting us on trial, they are trying to shut us up and teach a lesson to all other media in Lebanon.

Divisive role

Based in The Hague and established by the United Nations Security Council at the request of the Lebanese government, the tribunal is trying in absentia five members of Hezbollah for complicity in the assassination. Hezbollah has refused to acknowledge the tribunal or hand over its members to the court, which it claims is politically driven.

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International Tribunal for Lebanon to Try Journalists for Leaks

AMSA: Freedom of Speech - Where Should The Boundaries Lie? Birmingham University
16/02/15 The recent heinous Charlie Hebdo massacre has triggered a whirlwind of discussion regarding the role and nature of free speech within our society. As the debate continues, this joint...

By: AMSAonline1

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AMSA: Freedom of Speech - Where Should The Boundaries Lie? Birmingham University - Video

By Bart Katureebe

It is an honour and privilege to officiate at the second edition of the Uganda National Journalism A ward ceremony. This award is aimed at improving the quality of journalism in Uganda by inspiring and recognizing excellence in reporting on public affairs.

Journalists in any democratic society play a critical role in holding, receiving and imparting all forms of opinions, ideas and information. Therefore, the importance of recognizing and inspiring those gallant men and women, who devote their time, energy and effort to excel in this profession, cannot be overemphasized. It is because of this critical role played by the press and the media that any democratic society must uphold freedom of speech and expression.

Indeed, a democracy cannot exist without freedom to express new ideas and to put forward opinions about the functioning of public institutions. The concept of free and uninhibited speech permeates all truly democratic societies and institutions.

Uganda, like any other democratic society, is committed to uphold, protect and promote the right to freedom of speech and expression. It is for that reason that the right is entrenched in the most binding instrument on the land, the Constitution. The Constitution guarantees to every Ugandan the right of freedom to hold opinions, receive and impart ideas and inform without interference. This commitment is not only found in the Constitution but also in other legislation.

The Uganda Constitution provides in Article 29(1) (a) that: "Every person shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, which include freedom of the press and other media." Article 41 (1) states that: "Every citizen has a right of access to information in the possession of the state or any other organ or agency of the state ex- cept where the release of the information is likely to prejudice the security or sovereignty of the state or interfere with the right to privacy of any other person."

Article 20(1) of the same Constitution acknowledges that: "Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual are inherent and not granted by the state ."

In addition, Article 20(2) enjoins all organs and agencies of government and all persons to respect, uphold and promote the rights and freedoms of the individuals and groups enshrined in the Constitution.

It is, however, worth noting that the right to freedom of speech and expression is not absolute. They may be restricted. However, any such restriction or limitation must be within strictly and narrowly defined parameters.

Article 43 of the Constitution provides general limitations on fundamental and other human rights and freedoms, which include freedom of speech and expression. It states that:

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Uganda: Judiciary Will Jealously Guard Freedom of Speech

William Mary Presents: Freedom of Speech Panel

By: College of William Mary

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William & Mary Presents: Freedom of Speech Panel - Video

Eddie Griffin - Freedom Of Speech, Comedians Funny 2015
Eddie Griffin -, Freedom Of Speech, Comedians Funny 2015, Eddie Griffin stand up comedy, Eddie Griffin stand up comedy 2015, Eddie Griffin stand up comedy 2014, Eddie Griffin stand up comedians,.

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Eddie Griffin - Freedom Of Speech, Comedians Funny 2015 - Video

COP KILLER 2015
Speaking and throwing bombs at pigs lyrically !! listen and don #39;t take it the wrong way it #39;s all on wax. It #39;s better than actually going out committing a crime. Freedom of speech!

By: Rizzail C

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COP KILLER 2015 - Video

Eddie Griffin - Freedom Of Speech, Comedy Funny 2015
Eddie Griffin -, Freedom Of Speech, Comedy Funny 2015, Eddie Griffin stand up comedy, Eddie Griffin stand up comedy 2015, Eddie Griffin stand up comedy 2014, Eddie Griffin stand up comedians,...

By: Pethor 12

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Eddie Griffin - Freedom Of Speech, Comedy Funny 2015 - Video

Proposed election laws drafted in Cambodias National Assembly limit freedom of speech, assembly and a host of other rights, a statement released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) yesterday says.

The release criticises the Cambodian Peoples Party and Cambodia National Rescue Party for drafting legislation that includes such elements as a ban on insults to political parties by NGOs, and a shortening of campaign and rally periods.

Its hardly surprising that the CPP proposed these provisions, but the CNRP shares the blame for agreeing to criminalize and censor speech and limit the publics right to hold campaign rallies, HRW Asia director Brad Adams is quoted as saying.

HRW also took issue with the fact that the proposed laws were drafted between the CPP and CNRP without any consultation or the participation of civil society. But CPP officials have repeatedly rebuffed criticisms from other civil society groups making similar complaints, saying that NGOs hold no place in the government.

CNRP MP Eng Chhay Eang, who helped draft the prospective laws, yesterday called them imperfect, but defended them as an improvement.

In this proposed law, at least we have new [National Election Committee] members; before, NEC members were from only one party, Chhay Eang said yesterday. We have a new voter registration system, for which all voters need IDs.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CHHAY CHANNYDA

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HRW slams draft election laws

With internet freedom on the brink of facing extinction, the social media is abuzz with trending hashtags like #NetNeutrality and #SaveTheInternet.

In the present scenario, at the time when Internet has become an integral and incredible part of one's life, the Inetrnet Service Providers are trying to control the online traffic.

As many netizens continue to wonder what exactly net neutrality is, here is a complete guide on what all you should know about Net Neutrality in India.

What is Net Neutrality?

Network neutrality is the idea that your cellular, cable, or phone internet connection should provide access to all websites and online traffic in 'neutral' and 'equal' manner, without giving priority to any other site.

In simple terms, Net Neutrality is the Internet's guiding principle that "preserves our right to communicate freely online".

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is mulling to form proper guidelines regarding net neutrality. Till now, India has no laws governing net neutrality.

Even though the internet had been neutral and unregulatedsince 1998, in 2006, TRAI had invited opinions regarding the regulation of net neutrality from various telecom industry bodies and stakeholders.

Why is free and open internet important?

Free and open Internet stimulates ISP competition, helps prevent unfair pricing practices, promotes innovation, promotes the spread of ideas, drives entrepreneurship and most importantly protects freedom of speech.

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Know what is Net Neutrality and Save The Internet: Explained

Prime Minister Najib Razak had promised a new era of greater civil liberties. Photo: Bloomberg

Bangkok: Malaysia's government has revived a law that allows indefinite detention without charge that critics say could usher in a new wave of repression in the south-east Asian nation.

Parliament's passing of a highly contentious Prevention of Terrorism Act comes amid a crackdown on freedom of speech and civil rights where dozens of people have been arrested under a draconian Sedition Act and face up to five years jail.

The government argues the power to detain terrorism suspects without trial, court challenges or legal representation is necessary to combat the rising threat of extremists drawn to groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

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Police claim that 17 militants arrested this week across Malaysia were plotting to attack army camps and police stations. None of them have been named.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that dozens of people from Muslim-majority Malaysia have volunteered for IS jihad.

"This is a real threat and prevention measures are needed," said Home Minister Zahid Hamidi.

But opposition MPs, human rights and civil society groups have attacked the new anti-terror law, which they say is a revival of a colonial-era Internal Security Act that was used to silence the government's opponents before it was repealed in 2012, as Malaysia Prime Minister NajibRazakpledged a new era of greater civil liberties.

Analysts say the Prime Minister's hard line is in response to criticisms of him by conservative figures in his ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), including former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who has called on him to resign.

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Malaysia resurrects indefinite detention, passes anti-terror act