Sharp rise in number of people facing a crisis in freedom of speech, while authors particularly alarmed by deterioration in India under Narendra Modi
Source: Guardian | by Kaamil Ahmed
Half the world’s population cannot freely speak their mind according to a new report on freedom of expression.
In its annual report, the advocate group Article 19 found the number of people facing a “crisis” in freedom of speech and information was the highest this century after a sharp rise from 34% in 2022 to 53% in 2023.
“At no point in the last 20 years have so many people been denied the benefits of open societies, like the ability to voice opinions, access a free media or participate in free and open elections,” said Article 19’s executive director Quinn McKew.
The report’s authors were particularly alarmed by deterioration in India during the past 10 years under the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, changing its classification from “restricted” to “crisis”.
Ethiopia was also re-classified as in “crisis” while eight other countries also saw a deterioration in freedoms last year, including Burkina Faso, Senegal and Mongolia.
“Violations of freedoms happen every day and around the world, as leaders degrade our freedoms one by one. Many do so through subtle policy changes presented in the name of ‘public safety’, ‘morality’ or ‘national security’ – tightening the net until there is no room left to breathe,” said McKew.
Originally published in the UK Guardian, click here to read the full article.
Read the full report on declining democratic values, “The State of Freedom of Expression Around the World”, here: The Global Expression Report 2024.